Where is Rubondo national park located? Situated on an island in the southwest corner of the world’s second-largest lake, Lake Rubondo Island National Park is one of the only two national parks situated on an… RUBONDO NATIONAL PARK.
Gerenuks in Africa are notably tall, slender antelopes that resemble gazelles, and appear by its long, slender neck and limbs. The gerenuk is a specialist in browsing and often stands on its behind legs to reach further for the soft leaves.
Scientific name: Litocranius walleri
Habitat: Flat, dry thorn bush
Adult weight: 28–52kg
IUCN status: Near Threatened.
Gerenuk is diurnal, highly social creatures forming small single-sex herds of 2-6 individuals. Females sometimes contain juveniles in their herds as males prefer living a solitary life. They are so peaceful animals and rarely fight, gerenuks are sedentary meaning there are no travel intentions and this helps them to preserve foraging energy.
The gerenuk males defend their territories by scent marking with their special secretions from the preorbital glands. As they age, the gerenuk is less mobile, and eating from closer rangers is always the best choice. With about 25-44 cm of horn length,3-6km2 of home range, and 2m of feeding height these are ideal to spot.
These are animals that can be identified at a distance due to their height and rotations, scanning around thickets and not getting too closer are the best way to spot these giraffe antelopes.
Gerenuks are so wise and use several vocalizations, such as a whistle when annoyed, a buzzing sound when alarmed, an extremely loud bleat when in danger, and a soft bleat when females communicate with their young ones
Highly adaptable and loves bushes and thickets avoids dense bushes and avoids too open areas.
It’s widespread in the horn of Africa and pushes to Kenya and some parts of Tanzania.
The desert specials can be seen in the drier countries of the northeast of Kenya-Samburu national reserve, parts of Tanzania, and other Laikipia golden locations. It’s our sincere, mandate to bring out the best in these desert dwellers.
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What is a Kenya tourist visa? A Kenya tourist visa allows visitors and tourists to stay and handle their activities in Kenya for a given period of time. It can be a long or short… KENYA TOURIST VISA : All you need to know
What is a Tanzania safari? A Tanzania safari provides you an opportunity to experience rare wonders of nature like the wildebeest migration, the big five, eye-catching sceneries, and rich cultural diversity. The wildebeest migration on… TANZANIA SAFARI
The “pearl of Africa” is one of the leading tourism destinations for the full ultimate cultural experience on the African continent and the whole world at large. From a wide range of tribes scattered in different parts of the country to several and many different languages spoken across Uganda.
Each tribe carries its different background, cultural norms and traditional beliefs. While on Uganda safari tours, cultural encounters are some of the most breathtaking tourism activities in the country.
One of the most noticeable and common languages while visiting Uganda, especially in the capital city of Kampala and the Central part of the country, is the Luganda language. Most of the Baganda people live on the shores of Lake Victoria in the central part of the country.
Luganda is the official language of the Baganda people and the Baganda tribe is the most prominent and popular tribe in the country. To date, a big part of Baganda still hail their King and believe in traditional beliefs. The history of the Buganda kingdom is such an interesting and captivating one and the King of Buganda is commonly known by the local people of Buganda as “Kabaka”.
Several cultural sites for Buganda can be sighted especially in Kampala including the Kasubi tombs at the King’s palace that has long been acting as the burial grounds for all the former Kings of Buganda. Kasubi tombs are highly respected by the Baganda people and internationally recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage as one of the world’s cultural heritage generally built in African architecture.
Just like the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania, the Karamojong have a lot in common as far as cultural values are concerned. The Karamojong are situated in the Northern part of Uganda and span districts of Arua, Gulu, Soroti, Kitgum and more in the Northern region. They are popularly known for their nomadic pastoral way of living while moving for longer distances from one place to another with their cattle in search of greener pastures and drinking water.
The Karamojong largely feed on flesh meat, blood, and milk from their cattle. The popular Uganda’s isolated national park known as Kidepo National Park is also situated in the Karamojong region. Travelers and tourists are always seen engaging in several cultural activities with the northern people including grazing, traditional dances, local arts and crafts, cow milking and other thrilling cultural activities.
While visiting the western part of Uganda, a large number of the Batooro can be encountered in Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, Bundibugyo and other small areas. Their language is somehow similar to that of Banyankole but the Batooro are characterized by their calm nature.
Fort Portal is an interesting cultural and historical town that is a must-visit while on Uganda cultural safari tours. The Banyoro people are the closest relatives of the Batooro and cover districts of Kibale, Kakumiro, Kagadi, Kikuube, Masindi and Hoima District.
Banyankore is yet another popular and prominent tribe situated in the western part of Uganda. The history of these people is quite fascinating and involves captivating stories of their Kings. Unlike the Buganda Kingdom which is still active, to date the Kingdom of Banyankore is no more and less recognized regardless of their big number.
The two tribes are situated in the Eastern part of Uganda and are closely related. The Bagishu are famously known for their circumcision ceremonies where the boys are circumcised as a sign of manhood once they reach a certain adulthood age. Another interesting ceremony with the Eastern people is the Akadodi dance, especially in Circumcision ceremonies.
For a fulfilled Kenya safari experience, Masai cultural tours are one of the most thrilling tourism activities on the Kenyan land. Just like the Karamojong in Uganda, Masai people in both Tanzania and Kenya have almost similar cultural values from the way of dressing to feeding habits.
The Masai people occupy most of the areas of the northern part of Kenya and the tribe is one of the oldest in both Tanzania and Kenya. Masai tribe is one of the most recognized in Africa and dominates the endless plains around Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.
Another popular spot to catch the Masai experience is Ngong Hills in Kenya. While on Masai cultural tours in Tanzania and Kenya, visitors can engage in several tourism cultural activities including, traditional dances, and local foods for example sword roasted camel and ostrich while learning about their history background and way of living.
Visitors can also grab some locally made materials including art pieces, jewelry for memories back at home and a way of promoting community efforts. Another key feature in the Masai land is their grass-thatched houses painted with cow dung known as “Manyata”. Other known tribes in Kenya and Tanzania include Luos, and Kikuyu, to mention but a few.
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Where is Nyerere national park located? Initially known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park carries pride as the largest national park and Game Reserve in Tanzania situated in the southeastern part of the country.… NYERERE NATIONAL PARK.
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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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