Kyambura gorge is the only place within Queen Elizabeth national park where tourists can encounter habituated chimpanzees while in Uganda. The gorge is a tropical forest found on the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth national park. The gorge which is 100m deep, 11km long and about 1km wide, home to different bird species, primates, and mammals.
Kyambura River is the main water channel in this valley and most of the park animals drink water from this stream whose sources are from the rocks surrounding the gorge. Kyambura River flows and pours its water into the Kazinga channel which is the largest water body in Queen Elizabeth national park. chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge draws it to be known as the valley of apes and this is because it’s home to a small population of chimpanzees and other primates.
chimpanzee Trekking
Kyambura gorge is home to a small population of chimpanzees which are habituated for tourists to spend some time with them. Chimpanzees are somehow related to human beings with about 97% human DNA and it’s for this reason that travelers love to spend time around them and closely watch their behaviors.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge of Queen Elizabeth national park is done twice a day in the morning and afternoon, all sessions start with a briefing at the visitors center which is near the gorge. Here trekkers are taught about the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking and then armed ranger guides can lead them into the jungle. A maximum of 8 people trek chimpanzees in Kyambura gorger per session.
The trekkers are given walking sticks to help them go through the steep slopes and vegetation in the park. The armed ranger guides lead the trekkers down Kyambura gore up to the river down the valley. The search for these chimpanzees doesn’t take so long because the area is small. The moment the chimpanzees are, tourists can be around them for 1 hour.
During the time given to be around chimpanzees, one can learn about their habits, take photos, record videos, and watch the chimpanzees do daily activities which may be mating, nesting, feeding, breastfeeding, hunting, and resting among others. Apart from seeing chimpanzees, tourists to Kyambura gorge can see different mammals, primates, and birds that live in this area.
For any travelers to trek chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge, they must have chimpanzee trekking permits and these are sold to people above the age of 15 years. The chimpanzee trekking permits are bought from Uganda Wildlife Authority and travelers should try to book these permits in advance especially if they are visiting the region in the dry season.
What to pack?
Being a mini-tropical rainforest, travelers are asked to pack good waterproof hiking shoes, long cotton stocks, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, a sweater, long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved shirts, a light backpack, a hat, a pair of binoculars, a camera, sanitizer, insect repellents, sunscreen, drinking water bottle and energy giving snacks.
Where to stay?
Tourists that are looking for where to stay around Kyambura should know that there is a variety of lodges in Queen Elizabeth national park. The lodges range from budget to mid-range to luxury options and they include Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Kingfisher resort, Katara Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Pumba Safari Cottages, and Jacana Safari Lodge among others.
How to get to Kyambura gorge?
Kyambura gore is located in Queen Elizabeth national park and can be accessed from Kampala via Mubende Fort Portal or Kampala via Masaka Mbarara Kasese road to Queen Elizabeth national park where you connect to Kyambura gorge. Luxury travelers can fly to Mweya airstrip from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport using Bar Aviation Uganda or Aerolink Uganda.
Lion
The lion being Africa’s largest carnivore is impressive to observe while on a safari. It’s among the top wish lists and each sighting is definitely considered a prerequisite.
Lions are the most sociable of the large cats living in loosely structured pride of typically 15-30 individuals. These usually consist of related females and their cubs, which are often born and communally raised.
Primarily nocturnal hunters, their favorite prey are buffalo, medium jobs, and other antelopes. Working as a team lions can put down a mature giraffe and sometimes lack of enough food force them to attack elephants.
As the tagline reads “the king of the jungle”, this is because of its ability to kill and having a distinctive mane that makes look larger and intimidating to other lions.
New mothers are forced to live in dens with their cubs for the first few weeks and shift to new places to avoid predator attacks due to the accumulation of scents.
Quick facts about Lions
IUCN status: Vulnerable
Scientific name: Panthera Leo
Adult weight: 125-225kg
Habitat: Savannah and woodland
Where to see lions in Africa
Masai Mara national reserve-100%, Serengeti national park-100%, Ruaha national park-100%, Queen Elizabeth national park-55% with an exceptional lion tracking experiential program Murchison falls national park-50%, Kidepo valley national park- 35%, Likipia-100%
Top Tips for viewing lions
Lions are well visible in the open grassland in areas like Serengeti and Maasai Mara. They can as well be notified by roars and tracking their footprints.
Lions spend almost the whole day snoozing but become more active when the temperatures cool down. Waking up early in the morning for a game drive creates higher chances but also a night game drive is an exceptional experience for our travelers. Areas like Serengeti and Mara create lifetime scenes during the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara and Grumeti Rivers as these felines follow the large herds hunting them down.
Holiday ideas to see lions
We bring you closer to the lion viewing based on experience and advice given by our experts
OUR SAFARIS
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Leopards
African leopards are most common of the large felines, living often closer to humans but are seen because of their secretive, solitary nature. Having a chance to view this creature is considered the best luck of the safari.
Scientific name: Panthera Pardus
Adult weight: 30-100kg
IUCN status: Vulnerable
Habitat: Savannah, forests, and mountains
Quick facts about the leopard
African Leopards are known to be excellent stalkers getting 5m closer to the intended prey before pouncing. They can keep their kill in trees to keep it from being poached by other predators like hyenas and lions.
Leopards hunt using power and stealth and can easily be distinguished from cheetahs by their rosette-shaped spots, more powerful build, and preferred habitats such as rocks or woodlands. Leopards are not easy to spot because of high camouflage, but when given a keen observation by our experts then your day can be enlightened.
Where to see leopards in Africa
Leopards are widespread everywhere in most countries but are very hard to spot. Murchison falls national park In Uganda has more chances-80% and also parks like queen Elizabeth national park, Kidepo valley national park, Masai mara has 75%, Serengeti has 75%, Samburu has 45%, South African parks 75%.
Top tips for viewing leopards
Like any other feline, the leopard is typically nocturnal but usually visits similar areas for some time. It can be seen during the day in the trees or anywhere by chance. Night drives create high chances and waking up early is also a key factor. Leopards are gentle animals and prefer living a solitary life at a certain age, they can be seen as a family while mating or when still young and groomed by the mother and this brings more hope in seeing these creatures.
Holiday ideas to see leopards
Its an adventure like no other, basing on our experience we bring you to see these mighty creatures
OUR SAFARIS
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De Brazza’s monkeys in Africa
The De Brazza’s monkey is an Old World monkey that is endemic to the riverine and swamp forests of central Africa, the largest in the guenon family, and easily differentiated from the other monkeys by its white whitish beard and orange diadem.
Mass: 3.8 kg (Male), 3.4 kg (Female)
Length: 93 cm (Female), 85 cm (Male)
Conservation status: Least Concern
Gestation period: 172 days
Quick facts about De brazza’s Monkey
Known to be social animals living in troops of 5-10 individuals, although troops of 35 individuals were recorded. The De Brazza’s is highly terrestrial and don’t prefer mixing up with other monkeys, regarded to be shyer when approached. De Brazza’s monkeys are good swimmers and unlike other monkeys, they use all their legs while moving around.
These monkeys are territorial and always fighting for dominancy, they are 99% vegetarian fruits being their delicacy, however, they also feed one termite, mushrooms, leaves, and ants.
Where to see the De Brazza’s monkeys
These are widespread but they can easily be seen in western Uganda –Semuliki national park, DRC, Kenya, and Rwanda
These are fewer migrants but can easily move around for food and insects, waking up so early ready with your camera is the crucial agenda to spot these unique monkeys.
They prefer canopies but sometimes go on the ground, meaning they are great chances of seeing them
Holiday ideas to see the De Brazza’s monkeys
Its indeed the primate look out, but our experts shall get more closer to these shyer species .
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Meet Rwanda’s newborn gorillas at one of the world’s most prestigious wildlife festivals. Kwita izina continues the centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming children in front of family and friends. Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in 2005. It has evolved into a global celebration of nature. By naming them, we give these magnificent animals the respect they deserve.
why Kwita Izina
The ceremony is an opportunity to thank the surrounding community, research partners, veterinarians, and dedicated conservationists, rangers, and trackers. About 374 mountain gorillas have been named in the last 18 years to commemorate the country’s dedication to sustainable and responsible tourism. The Kwita izina (Gorilla naming) ritual continues for centuries as an old Rwandan tradition of naming children in front of family and friends as a sign of respect. The Park rangers and researchers named gorilla babies in the Rwandan mountains thirty years before the first formal gorilla naming ceremony, and they observed each gorilla in its family and habitat.
Kwita Izina positive effect
Kwita Izina is now part of an ambitious effort to safeguard Rwanda’s natural heritage and boost tourism’s role in the country’s transformation. Rwandans from all walks of life now recognize the gorilla’s intrinsic importance and contribution to the country’s economic prosperity as a result of the naming ceremony. Rwandans were trained as gorilla keepers and this has helped it to emerge as the continent’s leading conservation and sustainable tourist destination. For example, the 2010 census counted 480 mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massive, but the 2016 census counted 604 in the same area. These initiatives have helped to increase the global population of mountain gorillas to 1,063 in the whole world which is no longer categorized as endangered. It’s a country’s major income earner and a key aspect to the communities; this is an event that brings all categories of to witness and the chosen ones to name the baby gorillas. A juvenile mountain gorilla named Kwita izina was honored at the foot of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. You can also make an early inquiry about the event through numinous African safaris to reserve and purchase a ticket for the next gorilla naming event.
What is a Tanzania safari? A Tanzania safari provides you an opportunity to experience rare wonders of nature like the … Read More
/ MUKOOVA JUMA
Safari Activities in and Around Lake Naivasha
Boat Safaris on Lake Naivasha
A boat safari on the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha is one of the most iconic experiences for visitors. Guests can expect to encounter over 1,500 hippos, spot basking monitor lizards, and marvel at the lake’s prolific birdlife. From majestic African fish eagles swooping down to catch fish to colorful species like kingfishers, cormorants, pelicans, and weaver birds, the lake is a birdwatcher’s paradise and a photographer’s dream.
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Located on the eastern side of Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island is a private wildlife sanctuary offering walking safaris—a unique opportunity to stroll among herbivores like zebras, giraffes, impalas, and wildebeest. With no predators on the island, guests can safely enjoy up-close wildlife viewing. It’s also a hotspot for birdwatching, particularly for ospreys, herons, and egrets.
Crater Lake (Lake Sonachi)
Just west of Lake Naivasha lies Crater Lake, a hidden gem nestled inside a volcanic crater. The lake’s emerald green color and acacia-fringed rim make it a scenic masterpiece. The area is managed as a private sanctuary and is ideal for walking safaris, where visitors may spot colobus monkeys, giraffes, gazelles, and antelopes. Hiking to the crater takes about 1.5 hours and offers panoramic views of the Rift Valley floor.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Situated just south of Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes—towering cliffs, geothermal vents, and deep gorges. The park allows cycling safaris and rock climbing, making it one of the few parks in Kenya where guests can walk or bike in close proximity to wildlife. Expect sightings of zebras, elands, buffaloes, hartebeests, and various raptors.
Lake Oloiden
Located adjacent to Lake Naivasha, Lake Oloiden is a smaller but equally spectacular saline lake, known for its flocks of greater and lesser flamingos, as well as other freshwater birds such as herons, storks, and African fish eagles. The lake is peaceful and perfect for birdwatching, sunset boat rides, and camping. It shares much of its ecosystem with Lake Naivasha, making it a natural extension of any Naivasha safari.
Hippo Point
Set on a narrow isthmus between Lake Naivasha and Lake Oloiden, Hippo Point is a luxurious private conservancy ideal for guests seeking exclusivity and privacy. The conservancy features a stunning eight-story tower that provides panoramic views and a luxurious base for wildlife encounters. Visitors often see hippos, zebras, and giraffes roaming freely across the grounds. It’s a favorite for romantic escapes and family getaways.
Kigio Wildlife Conservancy
Located between Nakuru and Naivasha, Kigio Conservancy is a community-owned sanctuary that supports sustainable tourism. Entry fees contribute directly to local community development and conservation efforts. The sanctuary is home to various species including elands, leopards, and antelopes, and offers walking and vehicle-based safaris.
Safari Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Game Drives
The northern sector of the park offers expansive savannah plains and is the best area for traditional game drives. Guided game drives along routes such as the Victoria Track, Pakuba Track, and Albert Track offer excellent opportunities to spot a wide variety of wildlife.
Expect to encounter:
Towering Rothschild’s giraffes
Herds of elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes
Predators such as lions and, occasionally, leopards
Smaller species like reedbucks, oribis, and warthogs
Morning and evening drives are especially rewarding, offering golden light for photography and increased chances of seeing predators.
Boat Cruises on the Nile
A launch cruise along the Nile provides a different yet equally captivating wildlife experience. The upstream boat cruise from Paraa to the base of the falls is the most popular, lasting about 2–3 hours.
Highlights include:
Close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants
Vibrant birdlife along the riverbanks
A dramatic view of Murchison Falls from below
For birders and Shoebill seekers, a downstream boat trip to the Nile Delta in the early morning is recommended. Evening sundowner cruises offer a peaceful atmosphere and magnificent sunset views reflected on the Nile.
Hike to the Top of the Falls
The Top of the Falls hike is a must-do for adventure seekers. This guided walk takes you through scenic woodland trails, ending with panoramic views of the Nile surging through a narrow gorge.
Engage all your senses:
See the crashing waves of whitewater
Hear the thunderous roar of the falls
Feel the ground tremble beneath your feet
Taste the cool mist on your face
This hike is both thrilling and meditative—a perfect complement to game drives.
Birdwatching
Birders will find Murchison Falls to be a paradise, offering sightings of:
The elusive Shoebill stork (best seen from January to March)
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
Secretary Bird (often seen in dry months)
Various bee-eaters, kingfishers, weavers, and seasonal migrants
Birding is excellent both on game drives and during boat trips or forest walks.
Nature Walks & Forest Hikes
Explore the park on foot with guided nature walks in areas like:
Kaniyo Pabidi Forest and Rabongo Forest – ideal for spotting primates and birds
Nile Delta Walks – a 3–4 hour walk offering chances of Shoebill sightings
Short treks near lodges and river junctions on both banks
These walks typically last 2–3 hours and are a peaceful way to experience the park’s biodiversity.
Cultural Encounters
The nearby Mubako Village offers authentic cultural experiences. Guests can interact with local communities, explore traditional homesteads, and enjoy captivating evening performances of music, dance, and storytelling around the campfire—offered by cultural groups near several lodges.
Bush Camping and Night Safaris
For a deeper connection with the wild, bush camping is available in designated areas. Campers can experience:
The sounds of wildlife under starlit skies
Night game drives to spot nocturnal creatures like leopards, genets, and hyenas
Campfire storytelling under the African night
Safari Activities in Lake Mburo National Park
1. Nature Walks
Lake Mburo is one of the few national parks in Uganda where guided nature walks are permitted inside the park boundaries. These walks offer an immersive experience, bringing guests face-to-face with nature in its purest form. Typically conducted in the early morning or late afternoon, walks are led by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
There are two main areas for walking safaris: the Rwonyo area, well-known for salt licks where animals gather to feed on mineral-rich rocks, and the western sector, which features a blend of open plains and woodland. Guests may encounter hippos returning to water, hyenas heading back to their dens, and an impressive range of birds and smaller mammals. The walks also serve as an educational opportunity, as guides explain the botanical and ecological significance of trees, shrubs, and animal behaviors.
2. Day Game Drives
Daytime game drives offer an exciting way to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. Most of the game tracks lie in the eastern sector, where you can traverse acacia woodlands, rocky outcrops, seasonally flooded valleys, and open grasslands. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for spotting wildlife such as leopards, giraffes, zebras, and rare oribis. The relatively open vegetation provides excellent visibility for wildlife photography.
3. Night Game Drives
Few parks in Uganda offer night game drives, and Lake Mburo is among the privileged few. These guided excursions, usually starting between 6:30 and 7:00 PM, last around 2 to 4 hours and are conducted with high-powered spotlights to reveal the park’s elusive nocturnal creatures. Visitors often encounter bush babies, genets, porcupines, spotted hyenas, and if lucky, the leopard on the prowl.
4. Boat Cruises on Lake Mburo
A highlight of any visit, the tranquil two-hour boat cruises on Lake Mburo offer a different safari perspective. The eastern shores of the lake are teeming with wildlife, from hippos and crocodiles to buffaloes grazing along the banks. The lake is also a haven for bird lovers, hosting species such as the African fish eagle, Malachite kingfisher, Pied kingfisher, and the rare shoebill stork. Cruises operate on a scheduled basis, often depending on visitor demand.
5. Birdwatching Safaris
Lake Mburo National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 315 bird species. It’s arguably the best location in Uganda for viewing acacia-associated bird species. Top birding hotspots include the swampy valleys of Warukiri, the Rwonyo jetty, and the salt lick viewing platform. Notable species include:
African Finfoot (rare and localized)
Rufous-bellied Heron
White-winged Warbler
Red-faced Barbet (found only here in Uganda)
Bateleur
Grey Crowned Crane
Birding can be enjoyed by foot, on boat cruises, or even during game drives and cycling safaris.
6. Horseback Safaris
Offered exclusively by Mihingo Lodge, horseback safaris in Lake Mburo provide a thrilling and non-motorized wildlife viewing experience. These rides, which can last up to four hours, take visitors through zebra herds, past elands, warthogs, and other grazers, all without the noise of an engine. Riders often ascend to hilltop viewpoints where bush breakfasts or sunset drinks can be arranged.
7. Cycling Safaris
Guided cycling safaris are a unique and active way to explore the park. Led by armed ranger guides, these rides—lasting 1 to 2 hours—wind through flat valleys and gentle hills, offering excellent chances to spot game at close range. The cool hours of morning and evening are most ideal for visibility and comfort.
8. Sport Fishing
For anglers, Lake Mburo offers regulated sport fishing, primarily at Mazinga fishing spot. The lake harbors around six fish species, with tilapia being the most commonly caught. Visitors must obtain a fishing permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and bring their own equipment. Fishing in the serene waters offers a relaxing break from the more intense game viewing activities.
Top Safari Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Trekking – A Life-Changing Wildlife Encounter
Bwindi is most celebrated for offering the best mountain gorilla trekking experience in the world. Every morning at 8:00 AM, trekkers are briefed and divided into small groups (maximum of 8 per gorilla family), each led by expert rangers and trackers. The trek can last from 1 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.
As you venture deep into the jungle, you’ll encounter other wonders of the forest—colorful birds, chattering monkeys, exotic butterflies, and medicinal plants—before finally standing face-to-face with a gentle family of gorillas. You will spend a magical 60 minutes observing the silverback, mothers, and playful juveniles in their natural habitat—an awe-inspiring and emotional experience that remains etched in memory forever.
Gorilla Habituation – More Time with the Great Apes
For travelers seeking a more immersive experience, gorilla habituation allows you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. Unlike regular treks, this activity involves joining researchers and rangers in the process of accustoming gorillas to human presence—a crucial step for conservation and safe tourism.
Only four tourists per day are allowed to join this intimate and insightful journey, offering a deeper understanding of gorilla behavior, family dynamics, and conservation efforts in action.
Forest and Nature Walks – Discover the Secrets of the Jungle
Beyond gorillas, Bwindi’s ancient forest offers guided nature walks through a variety of trails that unveil waterfalls, scenic views, and a chorus of jungle sounds. These walks, led by armed rangers for safety, provide an opportunity to spot primates, rare birds, colorful butterflies, and unique vegetation.
Whether you’re wandering beneath towering mahoganies or following a bubbling stream, the tranquility of the forest and the abundance of life offer a healing and meditative escape into raw nature.
Bird Watching – A Paradise for Birders
With over 350 species, including African green broadbill, Shelley’s crimsonwing, and handsome francolin, Bwindi is one of Africa’s top birding destinations, particularly for those seeking Albertine Rift endemics. Birding tours are expertly guided along established forest trails, ensuring rewarding sightings throughout the day.
The forest’s layered canopy and varying altitudes make it a birder’s paradise, offering a rich experience that may even include encounters with primates and other forest wildlife.
Cultural Visits – Connect with the Batwa & Bakiga People
Cultural experiences around Bwindi bring you closer to the Batwa pygmies, the original forest dwellers, and the Bakiga, known for their energetic dances and farming traditions. Community visits include:
Traditional dance performances and storytelling
Village walks and homestead visits
Iron smelting and craft demonstrations
Visits to local schools and herbal medicine gardens
