Famous from the slopes of mountain elgon that arise in a series of massive basalt cliffs both north and west with often kilometers beautified by the rapid flowing rivers that plunge the rapid flowing rivers as spectacular waterfalls. sipi falls is divided into 3 major waterfalls on kapchorwa road, the lowest of these falls beautifies the 100m cascading on the incredible cliff.
The second known as simba plunges 69 m over the entrance to the cave. visitors can easily stand in the cave and enjoy a view of the back of the falls, standing in the splashing water and having yourself is much more acceptable when the waters are not that much stronger. the third waterfall also known as the ngasire gushes over an 87m high ridge.
Activities In Sipi Falls
Abseiling
This thrilling tow hour activity is carried out beside the lowest of the sipi falls. This is where you drop 100m overlooking the ridge as you descend next to the pool, it’s more teasing for someone who has never had such an experience, its one of a kind as you fight your fears, scream louder, and call your friends as the instructor tells how to hold the rope and proceed with adventure. Celebrate as you take a dip in the pool before the ascent back to the top of the hill, it’s worth trying as you will always have the best story to tell once you think about Uganda.
Nature walks
Community walks are organized by the local guides, for a few hours up to a full day around the viewpoints In Kapchorwa, a 20-minute sunrise and sunset trek depending on where you had your overnight. Have a relaxed morning or evening as you take a glass of wine or have breakfast as the sun comes over the mountains.
Rock climbing
Rock climbing has 14 climbs requiring various levels of rock scaling techniques. All equipment is found with the sipi falls tourist guides association. 35m is the toughest climb while the easiest is 15m. Both of these climbs command a picturesque view of the main falls.
Mountain biking
This activity runs from the Sipi trading center to Chema hill In Kapchorwa Town, taking 1.5-2 hours. This provides various views not leaving behind the beautiful falls, having a chance to interact with the community and enjoy to the fullest in this peaceful environment.
Sport fishing
This is done above the highest of the three waterfalls, it provides exciting challenges to the anglers who take pride in battling with the rainbow trout because of its beautiful coloration and fighting ability.
Fishing is restricted to designated areas, you are not supposed to book in advance but rather done during the day. All sport fishers should bring their equipment and secure a permit from the responsible offices around Sipi town. Have yourself a chance to catch the 3 kgs fish which is the biggest around the area.
Getting there
There are several routes connecting to this beautiful destination, less than an hour from Mbale the nearest big town, and closer to the Pian Upe game reserve connecting to Moroto.
One can as well drive straight from Kampala via Jinja, Mbale for about 6-7 hours by road, the area is closer to the Kenyan border meaning using the Busia border can also be easier for those coming or going to Kenya.
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The Royal mile
A dream yard for any birders and nature enthusiasts, Budongo forest is one of the natural forests with majestic mahogany and ironwood trees that have been in existence for centuries in Uganda. The forest owns an exceptionally large Mahogany tree which is more than 80 meters tall and 20 meters in circumference and is home to endangered chimpanzee species.
The forest is home to over 360 birds, birding is one of the visitor’s activities in Budongo. The forest claims both migratory and none migratory birds of East Africa making Budongo a birding paradise. Other activities like guided community walks, hiking, and camping among others make Budongo a top destination for tourists.
Pian Upe wildlife reserve
This is the second largest conservation area after Murchison falls national park, the reserve was previously declared a debasien animal sanctuary in 1958 before establishing as a wildlife reserve in 1964.
Located north of Mount Elgon eastern Uganda connected to the Bokora-matheniko game reserve land tenure government features is this beautiful reserve.
With over 242 bird species recorded pian up is a highly recommended birding destination for any birder. The wildlife reserve is home to the endangered fox’s weaver and the Karamoja Apalis only found in the far east of the country. There are also better spots of the secretary birds, Common Ostriches, the uncommon Yellow-billed Shrike, the Rock Partridges, Bruce’s Green pigeon, Straw-tailed Whydah the Peregrine falcon is the fastest bird on the planet, the Red-fronted Barbet and many others.
Despite being a great birding spot, It’s rich in wildlife and it’s among the most entertaining areas any visitor would go to while in Uganda. Leopards, cheetahs roaming the yards, mountain reedbucks, Roan antelopes, oribis, Jackson’s, Hartebeests, wildcats, servals, civets, elands, the giraffes, crested porcupines and With its thrilling numbers of carnivores and ungulates, this park is a key target for most travelers. Easy to connect while coming from sipi falls or Kidepo valley national park, and more activities like hiking and trekking, bike tours and game drives, and more so cultural tours visiting the Karimojongs and the neighborhood are conducted.
Lutembe bay
Remarkably known for being home to the 7 threatened bird species globally like the shoebill, African Skimmer, Papyrus Gonolek, Great Snipe, Madagascar Squacco heron, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, and much more.
Lutembe is Ramsar site located just northwards at the mouth of Africa’s largest inland water body, Lake Victoria. It’s well decorated by papyrus reeds and harboring about 52% of the White-winged Terns, it’s home to both residents and migrants. Birding occurs at all times of the year however, the months of September-October and February-to-march are key for the migrants. Have a great day as you enjoy both water and on land bird species such as the Knob-billed Duck, Caspian Terns, Herons, Gulls, Bee-eaters, and much more.
Semliki national park and Toro Semliki wildlife reserve
Blessed with over 441 bird species, all birders who make it to Semuliki will be astonished by some of Africa’s best forest birding. Sempaya and Ntandi provide excellent viewing of the birds the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, and Yellow-throated Nicator. Kirumia River is another interesting birding spot and it’s great news that the shoebill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert and forest walks are good for tracking water birds. Toro semliki wildlife reserve is also a great visitor spot for nature walks and game drives for lengthy game viewing and reaching the community just at the margins of Rwenzori ranges
Mgahinga national park
The most birding spot is the gorge trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo that in most cases requires 3-5 hours. This area can easily provide spectacular sightings of the Dusky-turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Kivu-ground Thrush, Rwenzori Batis, and many others. Other birding areas are the bamboo belt at about 2500m above sea level and the tall montane forest at 2660m. The Rwenzori Turaco is mostly sighted at around 2700m and on ground level; Doherty’s Bush-shrike Red-faced Woodland Warbler is a vocal yet inconspicuous inhabitant of the tangled vegetation at the forest edge.
Lake Mburo national park
The best birding spots in Lake Mburo national park are the swampy valleys of Warukiri; the road between the camp of Rwonyo Jetty and the viewing platform which overlooks the salt lick. Species found at these locations include, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Grey Crowned Crane, Common Scimitarbill, White-winged Warbler, Red-faced Barbet Long-tailed Cisticola, and lake Mburo being the only place to spot African Finfoot, having a special arrangement for keen birders they can walk to Rubanga forest, the birding tours can be enjoyed in the safari vehicle, by boat, nature walks and even while cycling
Kidepo valley national park
Bordering South Sudan and Kenya Kidepo valley national park is a tremendous Birding Safaris Area that would recommend in Uganda with close to 475 bird species making it the second only in Uganda to Queen Elizabeth national park. Key specials are the Karamoja Apalis and the Fox’s Weaver in the park’s game reserves, not forgetting other large numbers as you move around. it’s a point to note that of the 56 birds of prey recorded, 14 are found in Kidepo Park, Verreaux’s Eagle, and pygmy Falcon which are known endemic to the Karamoja region. There has however been no comprehensive survey of the birds In Kidepo and visitors stand a good chance of adding to the current list. Birding can be done around Apoka rest camp, Narus, and Namamukweny valleys, and having a chance to spot the Clapperton’s Francolin only found in the park, like any other activity in the park birding is most rewarding during early and late hours of the day.
Kibale forest national park
Lush tropical rainforest with fascinating diversity, a great birding spot harboring a large concentration of 13 primate species. Over 375 bird species are recorded in Kibale National Park with one of Uganda’s most sought-after birds, the olive long-tailed cuckoo, African and Green-breasted pitta, Nahan’s Francolin, Black Bee-eater, White thighed hornbill, and many others. Birding in Kibale national park happens all year round, and like all other park activities, all tourists shall be accompanied by one of the expert guides, its easily accessed from the main capital Kampala, by road or by air and between areas like Queen Elizabeth national park and semliki national park.
Bwindi impenetrable National park
A world heritage site, massively known for harboring the endangered mountain gorillas but also rich in green nature that attracts researchers from different corners. With at least 23 of the 24 Albertine rift endemics and over 351 bird species, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a favorite spot for birders, with its sheer diversity. Birding trips are led by one of the expert guides along the trails through this ancient forest. Tourists may be lucky to spot some of the park’s other wildlife and this is what makes Bwindi and Uganda’s birding safaris even more interesting.
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As the tagline reads “the pearl of Africa”, Uganda is genuinely rich in archaeological areas, located in eastern Uganda 10 km away from the main town of Kumi district is this ancient and historical area. The area shelters 6 rocks and 3 are the major rocks, these are said to have been painted in the stone age era summarizing it over the centuries. Tentatively recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1997, Nyero rock paintings become Uganda’s oldest rock art on the granite rock outcrop on Moru Ikara.
There are different shapes that portray different means such as animals, canoes, consecrate circles, and many others. These rocks and paintings are traditionally accredited acting as shrines, the local people believe that they can always communicate with their descendants and get help on the bad days.
The speculations say, that the ancient Pygmoids/Batwa once lived here, this draws attention closer to the communities and the government of Uganda to leave these rocks intangible for the history ad well-being of the communities and having the valuation status of the semi-gods.
Getting there
10 km away from kumi town, and always open during the day, this is a major highlight for researchers and historians. The eastern circuit is the major deal to combine this famous Nyero rock painting.
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MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
The bulkiest member of the primate family, the subspecies of the eastern gorilla stands up to 1.8 meters high and weighs up to 210 kg. This high-altitude creature is an Albertine rift endemic found only in two localities, that’s Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and the Virunga Mountains shared by the democratic republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. There are about 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world, and half of them inhabit the Bwindi forest.
Like the name, these gorillas live in high altitudes between 8000-13000 feet, mountain gorillas are primarily vegetarians, feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits, and over 140 different plant species. Out of 100%, 2% of its diet is insects and other invertebrates with an estimated life expectancy of 35-50 years.
Reproduction
Mountain gorillas give birth in a range of 9 months like humans; it takes 6-8 years for a female gorilla to become sexually active. The female stays loyal to the male until he dies or until he loses his throne. Unlike their powerful parents, newborns are always tinny weighing 1-2 kg, and always supported by the mother’s fur for warmth.
These infants are entertaining between 2-3 years, where they spend most of their time swinging on branches, chasing one another, and copying a lot from the adults.
It takes the whole family to look after the young ones, however, the father and others are more protective. Juveniles spend most of their time playing and looking after the young ones this gives room to the mother to feed enough and relax a little bit.
It’s unusual to encounter a mountain gorilla giving birth all new babies have been reported while hours old, they are prone to death due to bad weather and falling off the bedding and branches.
Social behaviour and Alpha male
In the gorilla world dominance and territories mark the limits, it takes courage and strength to challenge the alpha, this is a battle of the titans, injuries, noise, death, stealing females from either group, and being kicked out of the family are major expectations. The winner of the battle takes over the troop, any new alpha male will kill all the infants to draw the mother’s focus on getting to oestrus faster. It’s no doubt that these animals sleep in cold environments, they possess long hair that helps keep them warm, and despite their size, they can climb up to the canopies for feeding, unlike the chimpanzees that sleep up the trees. Mountain gorillas are however mostly seen on the ground feeding, mating, drinking water, and playing, it’s always a harem of about 30 individuals.
It’s the alpha male that determines where to feed from, and where to sleep in a radius of about 1-16 square miles. Mountain gorillas are friendly animals once they get used to humans, it’s only those that are fully habituated that are accessible for normal tracking.
What to carry while trekking to and tracking mountain gorillas
These are thick forests, there’s a need for good jungle shoes, long pants and shirts, rain jackets, insect repellants, gloves, and much more.
Based on the ultimate experience, you are required to carry with you enough drinking water and a snack; this gives you a chance to be ready for any time that will come out of the jungle.
For photographers, 2 sets of camera batteries, enough SD cards, and good rain gear for your gadgets.
When to visit
Mountain gorillas are accessed at any month of the year and are only tracked once in a day, this is done early morning, by 8 am till you are out of the forest. People travel for different targets, and photographers will get to know the picture they want and this determines their travel.
In Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, the months of March-May, September, and November are rainy and this might make the whole experience unpleasant for most travelers. However, June -August is dry, and good for anyone who doesn’t want the wet season.
Dos and don’ts while with the mountain gorillas
Feeding wildlife is punishable, and an 8-10 meter distance must be maintained while with gorillas, however, these animals can tend to be provocative, they don’t know the distance, and sometimes they come closer or even pass by. You must listen to your ranger guide if you can make a few steps back or behind or stand still not running and avoiding straight eye contact.
A face is a must-have, this is a measure to avoid any transmissions between 2 parties, and without one you are not eligible for the activity.
Single file -straight is required while trekking and while with the apes, getting closer to each other is key to avoid stressing these animals.
No flashlight and shutter noise is required while viewing the apes, you must keep your voice at a low tone, and keep your gadgets intact to avoid any grabbing.
Eating, smoking, drinking water, and littering are highly condemned while viewing the mountain gorillas, you must turn off the gorillas and cover your nose with your elbow and cough, for eating and drinking u must go at an average distance.
999 helicopter and gorilla tracking price
Gorilla tracking in Uganda costs 700$ for normal tracking -1500$ for the habituation experience, while in Rwanda its starts from 1500$ and above, with Congo having a minimum fee of 400$. All these destinations are rich in these apes however Congo is not much recommended due to the political instabilities.
The 999 helicopter is a stretcher that is designed to give help to those who are unable to make it to the gorillas, both the disabled and the tired ones, this comes at a negotiable minimum fee, size, and distance determine the money you will pay the porters who will gently take to the gorillas and bring back to the starting point.
This initiative was amended to enable all people to access the jungle and feel the cool breath as they view these great apes.
Why the lion tracking program?
The lions and other carnivores are some of the sought-after attractions in Uganda and Africa at large. Uganda is blessed by mountain gorillas, and beautiful sceneries the large carnivores summarise one’s desire for the pearl of Africa. Uganda gets a chance to host 5 large carnivores such as leopards, lions, hyenas, African wild dogs which are very rare, and cheetahs the Savannah conquerors. For the love of nature and conservation, the Ugandan government and other private bodies introduced the lion tracking program to benefit both the nature lovers and favour the communities.
The lion tracking program was applauded by the due to the massive decline of the felines due to community invasions, the Uganda wildlife authority had to pattern with the wildlife conservation society in monitoring and safeguarding these creatures. This has also impacted a lot on community sensitization as they are the immediate threats to these animals.
The communities have done horrible acts most times like poisoning these animals as they don’t know boundaries and putting down animal domestic animals would cause much havoc, poaching is also a big threat to these animals. With the main goal of population increase and community outreach, the Uganda wildlife authority has worked hand in hand with all willing conservation funders to safeguard these carnivores.
Where and how it’s done
Lion tracking is greatly practiced in Queen Elizabeth national west of Uganda, the second largest after Murchison falls national park. With pure ecosystem balance, Queen Elizabeth is an ideal area to visit, famous for its biggest and longest natural channel in the world-kazinga channel and decorated by crater lakes and forests like maramagambo and the world’s well-known tree-climbing lions in the southern sector.
Lion tracking draws you closer to these felines and not only lions but leopards and other animals like buffaloes, elephants, and many others. You are helped by the carnivore expert who uses his or her GPS machines to follow and reach these animals, lions are collared for easy follow-up and rescue in case of any, this also helps the conservationists to know how far the carnivores have gone towards the communities.
What time is best for the tracking?
It’s conducted twice a day both early morning and after lunch hours, drive off the beats and enjoy the wilderness as you search and get closer’s, get the necessary information from the carnivore expert, and have time for questions and taking photos as much as you can. As you are in the wild, enjoy the best times of the wild, this activity takes 3-4 hours, and later check out for other activities or drive back to the lodge.
Signing up for the Activity
Uganda Wildlife Authority is the overall controller of our national parks, so to get up-close encounters, one must reserve via them. The lion tracking program costs 100$ for FR and a community fee of 30$. residents pay shs,100000.
It’s an experience like no other lets us reserve this for you for the magical touch.
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Rwanda’s largest lake and Africa’s sixth largest, is part of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Kivu is beautified by the surrounding mountains and the deep emerald green waters, providing a very calm area to relax.
THINGS TO DO
Cycling
This gives you a chance to explore the countryside on a bike to have the most authentic and incredible activities along the way. A 227 km Congo-Nile trail is arguably the best running parallel to the Eastern shore of Lake Kivu. The journey takes roughly 5 days; however, it is also possible to participate in single stages. Rubavu is the starting point ending in Rusizi.
Kayaking
Wonderfully immerse yourself across the coastline of Lake Kivu by paddling, and gently enjoy the mountainous backdrop and water tranquility. Free from hippos, crocodiles make it safe with a clear, pristine irregular shoreline archipelago.
Agro-tourism
Experience and learn the art of picking tea leaves, take a cup of coffee just on the shores of Lake Kivu. Meet the local farmers who participate in gardening in haggling the rippling hills at the nyungwe forest’s western fringes. This is Rwanda’s most stunning stretch of Rwanda’s tea.
Iconic resort towns
Rusizi– is about an hour’s drive from nyungwe forest national park making it the closest town.
Rubavu– an hour’s drive from volcanoes national park, this large town is at the north edge of Lake Kivu. The waterfront is lined with trendy bars and hotels for sundowner cocktails on the lake shores.
Karongi/kibuye– Enjoy the fishermen singing both at dawn and dusk, halfway along the lake is the popular beach resort beautified by the green hills and vegetation . Cruise on the lake, have a chance for sunset and sunrise photography.
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East African birding
The eastern sub-region of Africa is a wonderful harbor for flora and fauna, traverse northern Kenya and move around all the areas, enjoy the Albertine rift endemics of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda, and the endless plains of the Swahili land Tanzania is another great discovery. Both of the countries have resident bird species and European migrants that travel in September – April
Birding around the east of Africa brings you closer to some of its endemics such as; Von Der Decken’s Hornbill, Eastern yellow-billed Hornbill, red and yellow Barbets, Red-winged lark, Collared lark, Foxy Lark, Somali ostrich, the African White-winged Dove, Black-faced sandgrouse, Somali Courser, Sombre Night jar, Black-billed Barbet, Short-tailed Lark, d’Arnaud’s Barbet and many others.
Birding in Uganda
Chanced to inhabit both savannah and forest birds, Uganda is a landlocked country bordering Kenya, Rwanda, Congo, and Tanzania. Its a phenomenon avian destination recording over 1090 bird species with thought after 24 Albertine rift endemics such as; Blue-headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Grauer’s Hornbill, Rwenzori Batis, Strange Weaver, Rwenzori Apalis, Red-throated Alethe, Handsome Francolin, Archer’s Robin-chat, yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Neuman’s Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco and much more. The country is quite rewarding in most of its regions, east, west, south, and north.
Traverse eastern Uganda in areas like Mount Elgon national park, pian up game reserve, Kidepo valley national park for the savannah specials, Murchison Falls the heart of the world powerful waterfalls in the world, has the best of the royal mile in Budongo Forest such as the shinning blue kingfisher, African pygmy kingfisher, Nahan’s Francolin, and many others. Move further to Kibale forest national park for birds like the Green-breasted Pitta, and primates get closer to the Congo margins as you explore Semliki national park the home of secrets known as the birder’s haven, its well-known for the Congo serpent Eagle, Spot-breasted Ibis, Hartlaub’s Duck, Chestnut flanked Goshawk, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, Red-rumped Tinkerbird and much more, the country is much better to be fancy due to its green nature, hills and mountains, great apes like the gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks which are homes of the Albertine rift endemics. It’s ever entering either on land or on water, swamps, marshes, forest, open savannah and woodland, mountains, and dry lands; it’s the pearl of Africa.
Birding in Tanzania
It’s the Swahili land, the land of endless plains, remarkable for its wildebeest migration, Zanzibar Island, and some famous parks in East Africa like Serengeti and Tarangire. Tanzania records over 1100 bird species of these 200 are regular migrants, 43 species are nearly endemic, 800 species are residents, and 22 are endemic species. Birding in this country is usually hindered and favored by the weather patterns; rainy seasons of March-May might be tricky for most birding lovers, due to fewer eves seen and more open activities during the dry days of months like June-late September. List your bird species such as; pygmy falcon, superb starling, Tawny Eagle, Barn Owl, Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Violet-tipped Courser, Red-fronted Parrot, Fischer’s Lovebird, Purple-crested Turaco, White-bellied Go-away bird, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Narina and Bar-tailed Trogons, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Great-spotted Cuckoo and many others. Visit areas like Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Tarangire, Manyara, and Ngorongoro conservation areas for an extensive birding experience.
What to carry while birding
Like any other bird lover, for proper documentation and critical observation, their instruments are required.
Binoculars, potable speaker, pointer, nature blending clothings, good shoes, backpack for keeping equipment safe, enough sd cards, water bottle, smartphones, birding Apps like e-bird.
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Initially known as Masaai Game Reserve, Amboseli National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Kenya. The premium park is situated in the southeastern part of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Amboseli is famously known for its high concentration of herds of elephants and therefore known as the home of African elephants.
The vast park covers about 392 square kilometers and was gazetted as a national reserve in 1974 while the basic aim of its establishment was to protect the exceptional ecosystem dominated by that particular area.
It is also one of the most popular iconic safari destinations on the African continent where one encounters African elephants in a big population. Amboseli is also the second most popular national park in Kenya after Masaai Mara National Reserve and one of the most visited destinations.
The park got its name “Amboseli” from the local people of Masaai which means “salty dust” since its red soil tends to turn muddy in the wet season of the year and dustier during the dry season. Amboseli is currently managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1991. Amboseli National Park is highly dominated by savanna grassland and dry conditions.
WHAT TO DO WHILE AT AMBOSELI
Game viewing The wildlife experience at Amboseli National Park is worth every penny and time spent on it and the safari game drives take you into the deeper wilderness of the park. Aside from herds of African elephants sheltered in the park, other mammal species find a home in the park and these may include buffaloes, hyenas, antelopes, baboons, wildebeests, zebras, bushbucks, giraffes, lions, leopards, to mention but a few.
Birding activities
The magnificent park is also a birder’s paradise and over 500 bird species are recorded in Amboseli. Some of the bird species sheltered within the park may include Flamingos, ostriches, secretary birds, weavers, African jacana, Kori bastard, Hornbill, and sacred ibis, to mention but a few. The wet season remains the perfect kind of timing for all birding activities in the park since it’s during this particular period that birds tend to do more of the nesting.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris in Amboseli is such a great of having a full ultimate wildlife experience of the vast park. The process involves walking on foot in the middle of the park in the company of a professional tour guide and park rangers for safety.
Visitors shall encounter animal species like buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and lions closely. Amboseli lies on the foot of Mountain Kilimanjaro and therefore visitors shall be able to have a rare chance of sighting the great Mount Kilimanjaro situated in Tanzania. Walking safaris in Amboseli are done in sessions such as morning and afternoon sessions depending on the visitors’ choice.
Cultural tours
Maasai cultural tours are some of the breathtaking activities that visitors can engage in while at Amboseli. The border of the park is dominated by Masaai communities who bear a great tradition and cultural experience. Masaai is the most popular tribe in Africa and while at Amboseli visitors can get an opportunity to encounter this prominent tribe and learn about their lifestyle and traditional history. Visitors can also engage in their traditional dances and try out the local foods of the Masaai people.
WHAT TO SEE?
There’s a lot to see while visiting Amboseli National Park from its key attraction of Lake Amboseli which acts drinking water source for the wildlife in the park to pyramid-shaped hills that lie in the center of the park. The pyramids offer clear views of the park and the highest mountain on the African continent “Mount Kilimanjaro”.
There are also about 80 different mammal species alongside over 500 bird species.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Amboseli National Park is open for tourism throughout the whole year. However, the best time to visit the park is the dry period of the year. The destination tends to get muddy during the wet season hence making certain tourism activities hiking, game driving and walking safaris more stressful. The dry season of June to October and January to February is the right timing for to visit Amboseli National Park.
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The national park gets its name from the protected mountain Aberdares, wildlife in Aberdare national park is well seen singling to lick the salt and to quench thirst from the water holes from the pristine natural forest habitats, this is eased due to the well-designed tree hotels in the park that give you a tremendous animal viewing.
The Aberdare national park is home to all the Big 5 however not the typical destination you would over prefer for these animals. Elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, large spotted genets, giant forest hogs, and some monkey species are easily seen. The lions, leopards, and black rhinos are rarely seen, the park is also a good spot for the elusive Bongo antelope which is rarely seen due to fewer numbers and shyness.
Wildlife viewing is key in June-September and January to February since they are drier. These are great days for animal viewing due to the massive gathering of water, it creates a bigger chance for spotting some rare species, as well. Months of late March, April, May, and October, receive heavy rains and may hinder your experience. To the birders, the park is a paradise with over 290 bird species recorded. Have a great chance to spot the often hotel visitor the Hartlaub’s Turaco and many others such as;
Aberdare Cisticola
Abyssinian Crimsonwing
African goshawk
African green pigeon
African paradise flycatcher
African yellow warbler
Augur Buzzard
Ayres’s hawk-eagle
Bar-tailed Trogon
Bronzy Sunbird
Cinnamon-chested bee-eater
Crowned eagle
Doherty’s bush-shrike
Golden-winged sunbird
Hunter’s Cisticola
Jackson’s Francolin (NE)
Montagu’s harrier
Montane white-eye
Moorland chat
Moorland Francolin
Mountain buzzard
Moustached green Tinkerbird
Narina Trogon
Olive ibis
Rufous-chested sparrowhawk
Scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird
Sharpe’s longclaw (NE)
Silvery-cheeked hornbill
Tacazze sunbird
Tambourine dove
White-headed wood-hoopoe
Best Time for Bird Watching
Best time to visit
For the hikers dry months of June-September and Jan-Feb are key as heavy rains might be a hindrance to the experience. However, the park is yearly open for any travelers.
Getting there;
160km/100 mi from Nairobi city with daily scheduled local flights to Nanyuki airstrip and Jomo Kenyatta being the main national airport.
Located on the shores of Lake Kivu, bordering Rwanda to the southwest, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west an area of 1,019 square kilometers.. The Nyungwe Forest was declared a national park by the Republic of Rwanda in 2004 and is home to about 13 primate and among these are about 500 chimpanzees living in small families/communities in Nyungwe National Park thorough habituated and monitored by the park rangers. It is also home to 322 species of bird species and various about 1,068 plant species boosting up the forest’s biodiversity. A suspension bridge 160m long and 70m high, as well as a canopy walk. It’s also a great spot for bird-watching and photographers.
Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park
There are important reasons why people choose to explore this great park. The Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is home to many primates, including chimps, as well as numerous birds, butterflies, and other animals. The forest encompasses an area of 1019 square kilometers and is home to various tourist attractions and activities such as chimp tracking, canopy walks, hiking, and nature walks. The Nyungwe Forest is the largest tropical African mountain rainforest in East or Central Africa, getting about 2000 mm of rain each year and containing 75% of Rwanda’s total water. Both the Congo and the Nile receive water from the Nyungwe Forest. The Nyungwe Forest National Park is approaching the Nyungwe Forest, going here on winding routes through extensive tea farms.
This is a wonderful forest with limitless Kamiranzovu wetland, Nyungwe forest canopy walks found exclusively in this forest in the East African region, bird watching activities, and this large forest with primates. Its vastness grows as you get closer. This is an advantage of tracking and observing. Take a stroll amid the flowers, which include the orchids seen here, as well as the variety of butterflies that they attract. Nyungwe Forest is not a densely forested park, but it is a huge forest, and activities in this forest should be well planned so that your Rwanda safari time is not lost on driving. The forest is home to approximately 300 bird species, numerous butterflies and orchids, and 96 mammal species, including 13 primates and the rare golden monkey, Angola colobus. And 63 bats and rodent species. The park also has a plethora of natural wonders and safari activities that should not be overlooked when visiting Rwanda, and these include;
Chimpanzee trekking activity
25% of all African primate species are believed to be found in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The chimp population here is only the second largest after Uganda’s Kibale National Park. There are various trails to hike to observe chimps, but even with a guide, you may have to venture off the established path and into the jungle. The satisfying sights after the hike frequently include acrobatic chimps dangling from branches, mother chimps hugging chimp babies, and other sites that are not only astonishing but also warm your heart. This fascinating chimp trekking trip begins at 5:00 AM, so get up early! Each trekking party is limited to a maximum of eight people. Nyungwe Forest is a rainforest with slippery ground, so bring strong walking shoes, a rain poncho if there is a chance of heavy rain, a warm shirt with long sleeves for colder weather, and long pants to protect from long creeping vegetation. Bring your binoculars and get a closer look at chimps when you spot them high in the trees; this happens off the usual path.
Hiking in the Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe Forest National Park is ideal for those who enjoy trekking and hiking. The park has 13 separate hiking paths that range in length from 1 to 8 hours and allow visitors to see a vast variety of plants, trees, birds, primates, and butterflies. The Igishgishigi trail is the shortest and includes a canopy walk. Another adrenaline-pumping adventure. Meanwhile, the Bigugu Trail, which may take up to eight hours to hike, is the longest in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Each route provides a unique and diversified wildlife experience, displaying the species most commonly observed on that track. It takes several days to complete all 13 paths, but it’s worthwhile to make the effort. It takes many days to traverse all 13 trails, so visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park, especially for the walking safari, is worthwhile.
Bird watching in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest Park is home to over 310 species of birds, 27 of which are endemic to the forests of the Albertine Rift. Such as, the Great Reed Warbler, endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley, is found in mountain swamps such as Kamiranzovu in Nyungwe. You can also find Rwenzori Turaco, White-bellied Robin, Blue-headed Sunbirds, Purple-breasted Sunbird and many others. There’s a lot to venture from orchids to primates, while birding in the Nyungwe forest. It has amazing and breathtaking views and offers beautiful views of virunga and Congo. Nyungwe is pure nature. It is a beautiful, lush green, often seen early in the morning and late in the evening when the fog is cold. In addition to all the animals, birds, and trees, one of the exciting attractions is the canopy walk, which is 50 meters high and 200 meters long. This is an exhilarating experience for many, and this canopy walk is the only one in East Africa.
Monkey tracking in Nyungwe
There are about 13 species of primates found in Nyungwe Forest Park, including unconfirmed reported sightings of golden monkeys. Besides chimpanzee treks, Nyungwe also offers treks to see Owl-faced monkeys, gray-cheeked mangabeys, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, and many other primates. These monkeys are also found in up to 300 colobus monkeys. If you follow one of a group of primates in the forest, you may also see other monkeys along the walking trails. This includes L’Hoest Monkey, Mona Monkey, and Blue Monkey. The forest is also a primate’s country, and you can trek among chimpanzees, gray-cheeked monkeys, and colobus monkeys in the ancient forest.
Nyungwe Night Walking Safaris
This recently launched nature stroll journey revels in a guided nighttime strolling safari inside Nyungwe National Park, and it’s now provided to visitors on a daily basis starting from 5:30 in the nighttime and lasting approximately 3 hours in the dense tract forests of Nyungwe National Park, unearthing all its hidden treasures via nighttime.
Nyungwe National Park is a magnificently beautiful and largest remaining tract of one of Africa’s oldest and most dense tropical and montane rainforests, rich in biodiversity and home to a variety of primate species, the most important of which are chimpanzees. Tourist attractions in Nyungwe National Park include mammal species, over 310 recorded bird species, an outstanding variety of plant species, and populations endemic to the Albertine region, some of which are not visible during the day but are enticing within the visitor sports in Nyungwe National Park completed during the day.
The introduction of night nature walk safaris within Nyungwe National Park now provides travelers with incredible opportunities to experience the splendor of nature, the sounds and breathtaking scents of the rain forests at night, and learn about several of Nyungwe’s inhabitants, particularly the nocturnal flora and fauna species such as bush babies, tree hyrax, and flying squirrel, amongst others.
Visit the mist-protected Nyungwe Forest National Park for thrilling adventures that include not only the most popular Night Nature Walk Safari but also the most popular Chimpanzee hiking experiences, one of the most exciting sports to come across with the chimps in a completely close variety for an entire hour.
combining Activities
Participate in various sports, such as canopy strolling on an extended suspended steel bridge on the pinnacle of the tree canopies to see the stunning views of the entire Nyungwe Forest, and visit the intriguing tropical waterfalls. See the most sumptuous and breathtaking Izumo waterfalls; observe large groups of black and white Colobus monkeys on an incredible Colobus Monkey hiking adventure; as well as excellent fowl watching. Nature hikes on both short and long nature trails through dense forests, as well as tea plantation trips to Gisakura tea plantation, which sits on the margins of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
You may combine these spectacular adventures with other exciting tourist activities in Volcanoes National Park by visiting Nyungwe National Park. For example, consider the popular and beautiful gorilla trekking trip, on which you may encounter tranquil mountain gorillas in their native habitat from just meters away. You may interact with the entire gorilla group. Golden Monkey Trekking to observe the timid, flashy, and lively golden monkeys generally spotted in bamboo forests, as well as other activities in Volcanoes National Park, such as Mount Karisimbi climbing safari.
If you want to spend more days on a Rwanda safari, add on an exciting wildlife-watching safari in Akagera National Park while embarking on a day or nighttime game drive in Akagera National Park, You can also join a boat trip on Lake Ihema. You can also take part in a unique white rhino chase, which usually takes place in the beautiful Kirara Plain, and spot a rarely seen white rhino, which will be your top 5 big mammals highlight in Akagera National Park.
The best time to track Nyungwe chimpanzees
The best time to trek with chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park depends on the personal preferences of the visitor. Chimpanzee trekking is the most pronounced activity in Nyungwe National Park. However, chimpanzee trekking is open throughout the year and as keen observers; June to September is the best time to spot the famous creatures, it’s dry and less hindered by heavy rains having it in mind that it’s also a high season in Rwanda so most travelers combine with volcano national for mountain gorilla trekking. March, April, May, October and November are a low-season months with too much rains that hinder most of activities in the country. Note, photographers and birders might want to travel in the low seasons as it’s the best time for outstanding wildlife and nature photography, waiting for that clear sky and that right moment for the wonderful shot.
Getting ready
Chimpanzee trekking nyungwe is an early activity waking up at around 5:00 AM is highly recommended or as advised by the driver guide depending on where you spent a night. Travelers wishing to go for chimpanzee trekking should have a trusted tour operator like Numinous African safaris to advise them on the best times for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and to help book trekking permits earlier. It also helps you plan other logistics, such as transportation and accommodation in or around the park, to suit your trek timing. Let us know your requirements and we will help you with everything from designing your itinerary to booking admission tickets, accommodation, and transportation during your stay.
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