Year: 2022

Cultural and community encounter with the Batwa people of western Uganda. – Cultural tourism – Gorilla trekking – Community tourism

Batwa Cultural encounters. The Batwa are an indigenous group of people that initially inhabited the tropical rain forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga National parks in southwestern Uganda. They are believed to be hunters and gatherers as their culture since they are people of the forest.

The two national parks inhabit that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park were gazetted in 1991 as National parks to protect and conserve the endangered mountain gorillas. After gazetting the two as national parks, the Batwa people were evicted from the premises of the parks without being compensated and were left landless which led to their death hence reducing their numbers. Later they were allocated land and with the help of various organizations, they were settled in with the construction of hospitals and schools that in the end improved their standards of living.

Since hunting is no longer the major source of income, The Batwa now work on farms and gardens to get foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, beans, and fruits among others. They also act as local tour guides and potters for the tourists who come for the cultural experiences of the Batwa in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Batwa trail in Mgahinga National Park.

The Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga National Park.

Batwa Cultural encounters trail was established in 2001 as a way of remembering and promoting the ancient Batwa culture which is considered to be a tourist activity today. Batwa trail is a walk through the thick forests of Mgahinga National Park guided by the Batwa people and sharing about their previous lifestyle while in the forests. Batwa trail is only found in Mgahinga National Park done alongside gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking.

The cultural trail starts with a prayer normally led by the Batwa elders to the ancestors of the forest for guidance and protection as they pass through the forest. The trail goes up to the bottom of mount Gahinga, mount Muhavura and mount Sabinyo of the Virunga ranges where their ancestral cave known as Ngarama cave is found, the offices where the Batwa elders would plan for their people. The Batwa women during the trial sing some sorrowful songs about their ancient culture which would live all people in miserable states. During the times of the trail, the visitors or tourists participate in different activities like hunting, gathering, harvesting honey, handicraft making, making fire, and making medicine from herbs among others.

If you are a cultural enthusiast and you are interested in the most thrilling African cultural experiences then Uganda’s Batwa cultural trail is worth exploring while you are on safari in Uganda. A Batwa cultural walk means a great opportunity for you to discover the rich history and culture of the Batwa pygmies who lived in the forest for the past years as hunters and fruit gatherers. Ideally, the forest was undoubtedly their treasure but due to the need to conserve the area, they were displaced and today they are the marginalized group around Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Why a Batwa cultural Trail?

Batwa Cultural encounters walk to the Batwa community while on an Uganda cultural safari means an incredible chance for you to indulge yourself in thrilling cultural dances, and music performances and also learn more about their lifestyles, and traditions, and most importantly, have an amazing time as they demonstrate their hunting and gathering techniques. They depended on the forest for many things including food, medicine, and shelter. While here, you will also be led through the sacred Ngarama cave which previously served as refuge to their king and it is here that you will find women singing sorrowfully but at end of it all, get you the best of thrilling experience. Most importantly, there are guides to take you through both long and short trails to experience more about the life of this incredible group of people. They will interpret for you different herbs that are of medicinal importance and several things that won’t leave you bored.

The Batwa cultural trail was established mainly to help educate their children and also as one way to share their heritage and traditions with world travelers. They have lived out of their original home the ‘forest’ from 1992 up to date. Despite this, they have never forgotten their ancient ways of doing things. Today, the United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda (UOBDU) has come up to promote the Batwa rights and also help provide them with land, education, and health care. Batwa Cultural encounters

In conclusion, a Batwa cultural trail is a must for any traveler while on a mountain gorilla trekking safari through Uganda’s Bwindi national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.

For any inquiries about cultural trails in Uganda, feel free to contact us at info@katlandafricagorillasafaris.com

Safari Lodging in Uganda – Accommodation Options While on a Safari Through Uganda.

Safari Lodging in Uganda national parks or any place in nearby towns is not just an option for travelers visiting parks, game reserves, or forest reserves in Uganda, but an experience itself. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip or an unforgettable weekend getaway, you’ll find what you’re after in Uganda’s national parks.

If a night spent in a camping tent is not your style, you have the option of luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodation in and around national parks, in cities, in small towns, and villages around tourist attractions. Economically the further you stay from the park; the less expensive accommodation will be but a truly rewarding east African safari comes with the convenience that comes with staying near the attractions. Take into account how much mileage you will be driving to and from the park as well as through the park. Add this up to determine where the best place to stay for your budget.

Lodging Nearby to National Parks

Planning a safari to any of the Uganda Parks is exciting and the trip itself is one of the most memorable adventures you can take while in Africa. One big thing you can do to avoid issues during your road trip is to make your hotel reservations in advance. Towns nearby the parks usually fill up fast, so you don’t want to be stuck driving around looking for an available hotel or lodge. Another thing to keep in mind is that there are usually a limited number of towns near the parks. If you haven’t reserved your hotel or lodge in advance, you might find yourself driving to the next town which could easily be many miles away. Don’t do this to yourself, plan, make your reservations early, and enjoy your road trip to the National Parks stress-free!

Safari Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

BUHOMA LODGE

10 chalets with private verandahs invite a breathtaking view over Bwindi. The cottages offer comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, flushing toilets, and hot showers (some have a bathtub too). The lodge has been carefully designed with a sustainable approach in mind, focusing on the use of natural as well as local products to respond to a responsible tourism policy. An elevated lounge, dining, and bar area overlook the stunning forest scenery. Activities easily accessible include gorilla tracking, forest walks, birding, and cultural interactions.

CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE

Built of local volcanic stone, each of the 7 cottages has a large sitting room with a fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets. There are soaring ceilings, massive exposed wooden beams, big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes, and mountains; and a gentle, warm welcome, quiet dedication from the personal butlers, and smiles on the faces of all the staff. It is a short walk from the lodge to the Nkuringo trailhead or a transfer to the Rushaga base to track the gorillas. Clouds, with the ultimate goal of protecting the natural habitat of the mountain gorilla, directly benefit the community of Nkuringo in a multitude of ways as they have a significant stake in the lodge and its income. It was built in conjunction with AWF, USAID, IGCP, and NCCDF and offers many community-based activities. It is the ultimate accommodation in either Northern or Southern Bwindi.

MAHOGANY SPRINGS LODGE

Mahogany Springs Lodge rooms are all spacious and include an en suite bathroom with an open shower as well as a private terrace. A dressing table and desk add more comfort to the already exquisitely designed suites. If you are seeking more luxurious accommodation, the presidential suite will cater to these needs by offering an additional bedroom and bathroom, an expansive living room, and a terrace overlooking the Munyanga river and the ancient forest. Gorilla tracking stands at the top of the activities list when visiting this good-value lodge. Additional activities include watching some of the rarest East African bird species, forest walks, and visits to the local Batwa tribe.

SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP

8 stylish and spacious tents are on offer at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. They feature queen-sized beds as well as a large bathtub facing the jungle, perfect for recharging your batteries after a day filled with exciting and adventurous walks around the forest. Observing some of the rarest forest animals from your bathtub, or the private viewing desk while being served by a personal attendant will create an unforgettable experience. The camp’s main area consists of a welcoming lounge and bar area, comfortable dining facilities as well as a mini spa where you can enjoy numerous treatments. The bar and dining cottage is situated on a raised platform, overlooking the rainforest. Aside from gorilla tracking, cultural interactions through the community walk or the Batwa tribe visits will enhance your understanding of the traditions and cultures of the old inhabitants of the park. A highly recommended lodge.

CHAMELEON HILL LODGE

This exclusive, colorful, and vibrant lodge enjoys spectacular views across Lake Mutanda with the Virunga Volcanoes as a magnificent backdrop. Each chalet flaunts its own identity and color scheme along with high-quality, handmade furnishings that boast a unique Euro-African style. The lodge offers a special blend of comfort and relaxation, where attention to detail and personalized service are paramount. As well as being the perfect base to visit the mountain gorillas, one can also enjoy a trip on the hand-built boat available for excursions. The kitchen is famous for its mouth-watering food. Specialties include bread, slowly baked in our wood-fired oven, homemade muesli with hand-picked ingredients, and the freshest fruits and vegetables from our very own organic garden.

Gorilla valley lodges

Located on the border of the impenetrable forest and set on a steep slope the lodge has a truly unique setting. Imagine waking up with the sounds of the forest, having your cup of coffee or tea on your private terrace, experiencing the forest coming alive and the mist mysteriously giving way to a lush jungle.

Gorilla Valley Lodge a ‘medium range hotel’, consists of 12 rooms, with spacious private bathrooms, Toilets, Dining/Waiting area beautifully situated in a lowland evergreen forest allowing breathtaking views of the African Eden, rich with wildlife and at a close distance the majestic Virunga Volcanoes. Every room has been lovingly furnished with twin beds and decorated in a modern retro style.

Gorilla Valley Lodge is a slice of wilderness paradise far from the madding crowd; a place of renewal and reconnection with the natural world. And trust, one could never get closer to Bwindi!!!! The gentle Giants are at home at GVL, Sometimes the gorilla’s come out of the forest to spend some time feeding and playing in our gardens. From the veranda of the rooms, you can almost touch this national park and home of our mountain Gorillas.

KIBALE FOREST N.P – FORT PORTAL & THE SEMLIKI VALLEY

KYANINGA LODGE

The 8 cottages at Kyaninga Lodge are built on platforms and set apart to ensure peace and intimacy. There are large beds with soft duvets and cushions in the spacious bungalows, as well as freestanding baths and large showers in the en suite bathrooms. In the main area, a cozy fireplace, two intimate galleries and an outdoor platform with comfortable loungers are available. If the numerous outdoor decks are not enough, the view from the pool overlooking the valley is pretty spectacular. Tennis and cricket fanatics will also love this lodge with its grass tennis court and cricket field surrounded by a British-inspired landscape. With Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park just a few hours away, you will be able to track down some of Uganda’s most impressive wildlife. Kyaninga is one of our favorites in the area.

NDALI LODGE

Ndali can host 16 guests in their 8 luxurious chalets – each one has an en suite bathroom with a bathtub and shower and an intimate verandah from where you can enjoy beautiful sundowners with the Rwenzori Mountains in the background. A special feature of this accommodation is that it is ‘missing’ electricity or generators and runs fully on solar energy. At night the open dining room is filled with candles creating a romantic and private feeling. The nearby crater lake can be used for relaxing afternoon swims or sunbathing which allows you to forget entirely about the stresses of the real world. With Kibale Forest National Park only 45 minutes away and Queen Elizabeth National Park also in close range, Ndali lodge represents a great stopover for people visiting these areas.

PRIMATE LODGE Kibale Forest N.P – Fort Portal

Primate Lodge offers several variations of accommodation including 8 safari tents which gives camping a whole different meaning with their queen-sized beds and en suite bathrooms, 7 intimate forest cottages with private verandahs, and a sky tree house. The sky tree house particularly is often visited by forest elephants and will make you think of the adventures we all dreamed about as children. Would you like to simply relax in comfortable large chairs or pillows while listening to the sound of the forest and watching red-tailed monkeys playing around in the trees? Then the lounge of the Primate Lodge is the perfect place to do so. A mid-range lodge, but good value.

SEMLIKI SAFARI LODGE

Nestled in the mystical Wasa River Valley is the intimate and luxurious Semliki Safari Lodge. The 8 rooms are tented with large four-poster beds, Persian carpets, and en-suite bathrooms. At night you can hear the animals moving around you… particularly the leopard’s harsh sawing as it hunts baboons. There is a great swimming pool area and the fresh food is renowned as some of the best in Uganda. You can go for a boat ride on Lake Albert in search of the endangered Shoebill and enjoy open-vehicle game drives. There are miles of amazing trails cut through the riverine forests that crisscross the savanna – perfect for guided walking. They helped develop the Semliki Chimpanzee Research Project – so have a chat with the chimp researcher and learn about evolution and bipedalism. Staying at Semliki is like stepping back in time. It evokes the spirit of the old explorers, piques curiosity, and inspires discovery.

KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

APOKA SAFARI LODGE

Everything at Apoka is handmade by local craftsmen, everything is large and capacious. 10 expansive rooms with natural canvas walls surround a rocky kopje with endless views. Inside sitting, rooms and private verandas provide plenty of places to relax, read, and sprawl. Big hand-hewn beds with soft duvets are draped with mosquito nets, hand-woven woolen carpets… you may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing. Step outside to a sheltered terrace and slip into your outdoor stone bathtub. The swimming pool – deep and cool – has been carved out of the big rock. This is the kind of pool that makes you want to jump in, splashing and yelling, feeling like a kid again. Do you want to stride out across the savanna and walk with zebras? Spend time in a Karamojong village learning about their traditional way of life. Enjoy a sundowner in the arms of a massive fig tree? Come to Kidepo.

Kidepo savannah lodge

On the edge of one of the most beautiful national parks in Uganda. The latest and most remote property of Nature Lodges, Kidepo Savannah Lodge does justice to this wildlife gem which has received several international awards as one of the greatest Parks in Africa. Being just 500 meters away from Kalokudo gate, the lodge is a stone’s throw from the park. It offers unparalleled vistas of the expansive Narus Valley, Mount Morungole, and the distant mountain ranges which form the border with Southern Sudan. The lodge is inspired by the savannah surroundings, the grasslands, and rocky outcrops, and … the Karamojong, the tribe with their typical manyattas and colorful blankets. The lodge had to blend in rather than stick out, so we opted for a choice between the more luxurious self-contained safari tents and comfortable lazy camping tents.

Lake Mburo

MIHINGO LODGE

The luxury safari tents covered by a thatched roof and built on a wooden deck featuring en suite bathrooms make Mihingo Lodge a very special retreat. The 10 tented rooms are situated in diverse environments and are placed in different corners of the property which ensures tranquility and privacy. The infinity pool is a special feature of this lodge as it seems to disappear into the countryside below, adding a special feeling to your swimming experience. Late afternoons can be spent watching a variety of wildlife coming together at the nearby water hole while the sun disappears in the vast landscapes of the Lake Mburo National Park. Spotting zebras, buffalos, hippos, or leopards during an exciting game drive, horse-back safari, or boat tour are only a few of the activities offered by the environmentally friendly Mihingo Lodge and Mburo National Park.

Kigambira safari lodge

A fusion of rustic African & luxury

Kigambira Safari Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge built in the Southern part of Lake Mburo National Park; Uganda’s smallest park. Nestled between Lake Kigambira and the Rubanga Forest, the location provides the ideal base for the adventurous traveler with a range of activities from game drives & boat trips on Lake Mburo, to exhilarating hikes through the low canopied forest or the looping trail around Lake Kigambira.

Mburo safari eco-lodge

Mburo Safari Lodge is a luxury and eco-friendly lodge in Lake Mburo National Park. Relax in one of our luxurious cottages, all raised on a wooden platform and covered by a grass-thatched roof, perfectly blending with the natural environment, stylishly and thoughtfully designed for your absolute comfort, convenience, and pleasure. All cottages have a private balcony with a great view and chances to see the wildlife of Lake Mburo. The luxury cottages are spacious, very comfortable, and equipped with a clean private bathroom with a hot shower and flushing toilet. Comfortable king-sized beds with mosquito nets will make sure you have a perfect night.

Safari Lodges in MURCHISON FALLS  National Park

BAKERS LODGE

The newest lodge in this park is our personal favorite: Bakers Lodge, with 10 safari tents. Each of the individual cottages is raised from the ground on supporting pillars and has its deck overlooking the river. Privacy is guaranteed but with a beautiful view. The main area offers a lounge, restaurant, and bar with a 180-degree river view. Enjoy their great menu that changes daily or have a sundowner drink on the deck while enjoying the sounds of nature. It’s a carefully constructed lodge, with attention-to-detail, and excellent service levels. The ideal base to explore Murchison Falls National Park.

PAARA SAFARI LODGE

Paraa Safari Lodge is the largest within Murchison Falls National Park. It is well located for the game and has 54 rooms, all of which have en suite bathrooms and mosquito nets. For those looking for more luxury, there are suites available and a luxury private cottage as well as safari tents built with great views over the Nile. Staying at Paraa will remind you of the Africa of old. A classic safari experience with a modern touch. The lodge has a large swimming pool looking out over the Nile with a bar right in the water. The meals at the lodge are generally served as a buffet. Even though the lodge is large it certainly is a little piece of heaven in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park and provides a good standard of service.

Lodges in queen Elizabeth national park.

ISHASHA WILDERNESS CAMP

You will be staying in one of 10 large tented rooms with en suite bathroom surrounded by forest and in close range to the river, complete with hot water bush shower. The main building allows you to have your dinner either under a cool thatched roof or on the shaded area by the river. The evenings can be spent around the fireplace where you can exchange your exciting and adventurous stories about the happenings of the day or simply enjoy a relaxing sundowner. There is an eco-friendly approach to everything which is the reason why the solar-powered outlets are limited to the central lodge area. But don’t worry about having to sacrifice anything… most requirements are catered for here. The Ishasha Community Uplift Group provides you with fulfilling community visits that will broaden your knowledge of the local inhabitants. We highly recommend the Camp as the best in the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth.

KATARA LODGE

The 8 cottages at Katara Lodge have been built with the help of the community. Local products have been used to build the large cottages from where Queen Elizabeth National Park can be viewed. The 8 cottages’ movable beds allow for romantic and peaceful nights under the stars on the veranda. In addition, the large refreshing rain shower allows you to recharge your energy after a long day in the wilderness. An additional bedroom and sitting area are included in the slightly larger family cottage. The swing couch and hammocks make it an ideal place for the entire family to hang out and discuss the happenings of the day. Next to the pool, you are welcome to pick a book from the lodge library which you can enjoy reading in one of the sitting areas or the comfortable hammocks.

KYAMBURA GORGE LODGE

The 8 bands are situated on a hilltop creating a fabulous view surrounding this small but luxurious lodge. The bandas include an en suite bathroom and large beds. They reflect the local architectural style by making use of brick/timber walls in combination with iron sheets or thatch roofs. The lodge is built out of an old coffee store, and one can call a stay at this lodge a journey back in time. Although the original structure has been mostly retained after the restoration, one will not have to sacrifice anything, as luxurious features have been added which will make your stay a unique experience. Would you like to do more than simply track chimps, leopards, lions, hippos, etc.? You will be able to discover the hidden wetlands, visit the busy beehives, kick around a ball with the locals at Omumashaka playground or simply seek total relaxation through the different massages available at the lodge.

MWEYA SAFARI LODGE

 Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mweya Safari Lodge is a large lodge offering standard rooms, deluxe rooms, suites, and a variety of cottages, all of which have en suite bathrooms and a balcony. The cottages will cater to the needs of most looking for more spacious and luxurious accommodation. Especially the presidential and queens cottage, which offers more intimacy and exclusivity. You will be able to spot different animals bathing in the Kazinga Channel while enjoying a dip in the large swimming pool overlooking the valley. After a long day out tracking wildlife, the verandah of the safari-themed Tembo Bar is the perfect place to enjoy an ice-cold drink while peering over Lake Edward during the sunset. Spotting hippos on a water safari, watching lions on the hunt, enjoying a romantic bush breakfast, or spotting animals from a hot-air balloon are only a few of the activities available in Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

Important Points About Camping or Lodging

No matter where you plan to stay if it is in a hotel/lodge or a campsite, you should always plan your trip and book as early as possible. Lodges and campsites inside the parks book up very quickly while hotels outside the parks you have a little more time with regarding planning. In busy parks such as Yellowstone, you should consider making your reservations several months in advance.

Keep a watch out for early bird specials! Often the parks and towns nearby will offer specials if you visit early in the year. This is great because it is a less populated time of the year and you can save a few extra pennies.

If you do not book your hotels in advance and decide to say, “wing it”, do some drive-bys of hotels and inquire to them about room availability. If you find that multiple hotels have room availability, you have a chance of getting a discount. Compare the prices, visit some rooms, and request at least 10% off.

If You Will Arrive Late

If you know you will be arriving late at a hotel, call in advance and let them know. This can help avoid any confusion and ensure that they don’t give your room away! This is extremely important if you will be entering areas where choices are slim and the next down is a distance away.

For any inquiries about arranging a road trip through Uganda, feel free to contact us at  info@katlandafricagorillasafaris.com

Chimpanzee Trekking adventures In Uganda. Primates Trekking Safaris through Uganda and Rwanda.

Chimpanzee Trekking adventures In Uganda. Uganda is home to a sizeable population of common chimpanzees with an estimate of about 5,000 individuals according to the IUCN Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan of 2010–2020.

Chimpanzees are great apes that live in tropical forests and woodland savannahs across central and west Africa. The Eastern chimpanzee also known as the common chimpanzee are the only subspecies that are common in Uganda. Other countries where it can be trekked include Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Southern Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

Chimpanzees in Uganda have been well studied, with long-term research conducted over time in Budongo Forest Reserve, Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and recently in Kalinzu Forest Reserve. These studies have focused on the ecology and behavior of chimpanzees in their respective environments.

Kibale National Park alone contains about 25% of Uganda’s chimpanzees thus the name Primates Capital of the World. Other larger populations are in Budongo and Bugoma Forest Reserves with each destination having more than 500 individuals.

Maramagambo forest, Kalinzu and Kasyoha-Kitomi forest reserves have populations of less than 500 individuals in each forest. but Still, these three reserves are interconnected and form a single population, numbering around 900 chimpanzees and more. The common Chimpanzee is a distinctive black-coated ape that’s more closely related to man than any other living creature, sharing 98.7 percent of our genetic blueprint. Science research also strongly suggests we share a common ancestor.

Social behaviors of Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees live in a large, loosely bonded community called a band or troops based around a core of related males with an internal hierarchy topped by an alpha male. Females are generally less strongly bonded to their core group than males, which means emigration between communities is very common. Chimpanzee troops are usually made up of around 15 to 80 members. Chimps sleep, travel, and feed in smaller sub-groups of up to ten individuals within their communities. These sub-groups can be very flexible, with members changing quickly and regularly.

Chimpanzees are experts at grooming and spend a lot of their time running their fingers through each other’s hair to remove dirt, pesky parasites, and dead skin. Grooming is an important activity for social bonding because it keeps them clean and helps them build friendships and strengthen bonds with each other.

 Intelligence

After humans, chimpanzees are the most intelligent of our planet’s primates and they’ve developed remarkable ways of communicating. These clever creatures “talk” to each other using different gestures, facial expressions, and numerous vocalizations, too, such as hoots, grunts, and screams. In language studies in the USA, researchers have taught chimps to communicate in American sign language. They’ve demonstrated their understanding, in some instances, by even creating compound words for new objects such as rock-berry to describe a nut. Primatologists have recorded chimpanzees using modified tools like sticks to ‘fish’ in termite mounds. In other instances, researchers have observed chimps cracking nuts open using a stone and anvil. Chimpanzee Trekking adventures In Uganda.

Feeding and Diet

Chimpanzee Trekking adventures In Uganda. When it comes to food, chimpanzees aren’t exactly fussy! Fruit is at the top of their menu, but they also munch on leaves, flowers, seeds, bird eggs, insects, and even other animals, too, such as monkeys and wild pigs. Some groups of chimps eat up to 200 different kinds of food. In Tanzania’s Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains national parks, Primatologists have recorded chimpanzees regularly hunting red colobus monkeys. Researchers in Kalinzu Forest in Uganda have observed chimps eating blue and red-tailed monkeys, as well as unsuccessful attempts to hunt black-and-white colobus. Chimpanzees are typical animals of the rainforest and woodlands from Guinea to western Uganda. Their behavior has been studied since 1960 by Jane Goodall and others at Gombe Stream and other sites across Africa, including the Budongo and Kibale forests in Uganda.

Reproduction

Females generally give birth to a single chimp or in a few incidences’ twins every five to six years. For the first six months, the baby chimpanzee clings to the fur on its mother’s belly and then later rides around on her back until the age of two. After that, the youngster will spend the next seven to ten years by their mother’s side, learning how to find food, use tools, and build nests to sleep. Like humans, chimpanzee infants rely on their mothers for support, protection, and education. The bond between a mother chimpanzee and her infant is like the one we as humans share with our mothers. Chimpanzee Trekking adventures In Uganda.

Where to see chimpanzees in Uganda

Uganda offers the best chimpanzee tracking opportunities on the continent, with researchers recording over 5000 individuals. Uganda Wildlife Authority has habituated several chimp troops for primate tourism in Kibale Forest National Park, the Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve, and the Budongo and Kanyiyo Pabidi forests, Murchison Falls National Park. Chimpanzee tracking excursions starting from Kanyanchu trailhead in Kibale Forest offer the best opportunities to see chimpanzees in the wild. You can trek chimps in Uganda for a price of a chimp permit costing USD 150 per person or opt for a chimpanzee habituation experience that gives you a whole day with a chimp troop for USD 200 per person.

Katland Safaris offers all-inclusive primate safaris typically starting from Entebbe and heading to Kibale Forest national park or any other opted-for chimpanzee destination.

Later the trip can connect to any other destination say Queen Elizabeth National Park for a savannah game drive and boat safari. If not interested in the savannah big game, one can connect directly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and see the mountain gorillas or head as far as Lake Bunyonyi for creating and rewarding relaxation and community encounters. Chimpanzee Trekking adventures In Uganda.

For any more inquiries about Chimpanzee trekking adventures through Uganda and Rwanda, please contact us at info@katlandafricagorillasafari.com

Explore Pian Upe wildlife Reserve – Wildlife Safaris – Game Viewing Photography and Filming Safaris – Cultural Encounters.

Explore Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. This guide is complete with travel information on what to do, things to see, where to go, maps & guides, where to stay, tips & advice on visiting the beautiful Pian Upe Game Reserve.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is one of Uganda’s best-kept secrets. It is one of those protected areas that has not been fully explored by many. Paying a visit to this part of the pearl is a great opportunity for you to get the best African experiential safari holiday ever.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is located in northeastern Uganda, the Reserve is one of those safari destinations in Uganda that offers authentic African experiences. It is that one protected area that has not been fully explored by many and paying a visit here means a great opportunity for you to get the best African safari holiday. This reserve lies within the Karamoja sub-region of northeastern Uganda and it is regarded as the second-largest conservation area in the country after Murchison Falls National Park. It covers an area of 2788 square kilometers and lies north of Mount Elgon.

What to See in Pian Up Wildlife Reserve.

About 44 mammal species call this reserve a home most of which are within Uganda and limited to this reserve as well as the Karamoja sub-region.

A safari to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve rewards you with astonishing views and encounters with diverse wildlife species like zebras, buffaloes, leopards, lions, giraffes, greater Kudus, Topis, Oribis, Hartebeests, dik-dik, roan antelopes, jackals, aardvark, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, elands, hedgehogs, birds such as Ostriches, Jackson’s hornbills, white-headed buffalo weaver, Hartlaub’s bustard as well as primates like olive baboons, patas monkeys, vervet monkeys, and others.

Tourist activities in Pian Up Wildlife resort.

Game Viewing safaris

Game Viewing is undoubtedly the main reason most holidaymakers visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. This vast savanna reserve is best explored on a game drive using a safari vehicle with an open roof for you to enjoy an excellent view of wildlife including giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, elephants, impalas, zebras, duikers.

Birding safaris

When it comes to the best birding safari destinations, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is never left out. The reserve is an expansive protected area, sheltering over 242 bird species. The reserve is a true birder’s haven, protecting interesting bird species such as the Karamoja Apalis, secretary birds, superb starlings, ostriches, Abyssinian ground hornbill, fox weavers, Jackson’s hornbill, Great Hartlaub’s bustard, and others.

Sight Seeing safaris

Pian Upe hiking adventures provide amazing sightseeing experiences, especially at Napedet Cave. The cave is a famous ancient recreational site for the first occupants of this area. While on guided walks/hiking tours at Napedet Cave, it is possible to see incredible paintings of baboons, giraffes, hartebeest, and roan antelopes.

Mountain Hikes

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is also surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains worth hiking through. You can embark on the less challenging hiking experiences on Mount Napak (2538m), and Mt. Kadam (3063m) or go for Mount Moroto hiking adventures to challenge yourself to an elevation of 3083m.

Cultural/community encounters.

Pian Upe Wildlife safaris also offer a great opportunity for you to learn in-depth about the Karamojong cultures, traditions, and other practices. Your community tour in the Karamojong community also includes entertainment from residents and your interaction with them is amazingly so rewarding.

Explore Pian Upe wildlife Reserve

Accessing /Getting to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is estimated to be 90kms away from Mbale. To get here, you drive along the Mbale-Moroto route and if you are to begin your trip from Kampala, expect to spend at least 8 hours driving. By air, Amudat airstrip is the nearest place to land. This airstrip serves flights setting off from Entebbe Airport (EBB)/Kajjansi airfield.

Best Time to visit Pian Up Wildlife resort.

Safaris to Pian Upe wildlife reserve are perfectly done during the dry months of the year; from January, February to March-these are characterized by clear game views due to less dense vegetation, or from November to December when there is lush vegetation. Heavy rains in Pian Upe begin from April to October and the majority of holidaymakers avoid these months due to the challenges they come with when navigating through the reserve.

Accommodation around Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve Uganda has affordable places for visitors to stay while on a safari through Uganda. These include Karamoja Overland Camp, Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas, or Camping. Other nearby accommodation choices include Lavender Inn, Shalosa Hotel, Mount Moroto Hotel, and Hotel Leslona Limited.

Contact us with any details about booking a safari to Uganda’s second-largest wildlife reserve.  Explore Pian Upe wildlife Reserve

Hiking Sipi Falls in Uganda. Discover the most beautiful waterfall in Eastern Uganda. Book a trip to hike Sipi Falls now.

Hiking Sipi Falls in Uganda. The Sipi Falls are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Uganda. The Sipi Falls consists of 3 waterfalls and are located in the District of Kapchorwa East of Uganda on the boundary of Mount Elgon National Park. Apart from the Sipi Falls, there are over 1000 other less-known waterfalls on the slopes of Mountain Elgon in areas of Bulago, Chebonet, Sisiyi, and Wanale. Unfortunately, some of these waterfalls are found higher up the mountain and unreachable unless one opts for a hike to the Top of Mountain Elgon.

The name Sipi comes from the “Sep”, a plant that thrives around the banks of the river Sipi. The Sep plant has a green and red color and has a striking resemblance to a wild banana. A story is told of how some British travelers found a local lady picking the wild Sep plant near the river Sipi and asked her for the name of the beautiful falls uphill. She assumed they were inquiring about the wild plants and answered, “Sep”. The British travelers heard Sipi and thought it was the name of the waterfalls. From then onward, the waterfalls became known as Sipi.

Getting to Sipi Falls.

The major route used to reach sip is the Kampala – Jinja highway which offers opportunities to see fascinating places like the Mabira forest and the river Nile among others. After Jinja, the journey continues to Iganga town before turning off to join the Tinyiri highway leading to Mbale. Alternatively, one can continue straight up to Tororo town and then to Mbale. The journey from Kampala to Sipi can take between three to four hours of driving by road.

Hiking Sipi Falls in Uganda.

Sipi Falls is one of the top things to do while on a tour through Uganda. Touring Sipi Falls is great for family, partners, or those seeking to have an adventurous and good time away from the stress of urban life. Once in the lodges around Sipi, some of the falls can be seen from afar. However, a hike to the actual falls is different from viewing or taking photos from afar. A guide is required because the trails are not marked and can be confused with routes used by the village residents. The local guides live in the area and using their help will ensure you don’t get lost. The guides can help you with your heavy luggage and passing through the more difficult sections of the hike. They know how to navigate through local property and can help you explain the history of the falls and facts about the different kinds of plants along the way. There are so many guides around the lodges and the starting points all claiming to know the area. Be careful not to be overcharged. To avoid the imposters and fakes, ask for a receipt or get a reliable guide from your lodge. Travelers who book their trip through a tour operator should expect to find everything arranged before their arrival including a guide.

The sipi falls area receives a lot of rain and the trails can be slippery because of the mud. It is advisable to acquire good hiking boots that have a firm grip on the ground. A walking stick should be provided by your chosen guide.

Hiking starting point.

Hiking Sipi Falls in Uganda. There are several starting points and it all depends on which particularly waterfall you intend on hiking. If you are intending on seeing all three, then it is better to start with the top most to save your energies for the main waterfall downside. Choosing to start from the top-most falls involves following the route from Budadiri and then joining the Sasa trail to reach the summit before descending the Sipi trail to the waterfalls. However, most people start with the first and main waterfall and it is what we shall describe for now.

The first and main) Sipi falls drops at about 95m (the highest) and is where most people end their hike. Most of the accommodation facilities are found within the fast fall.  Although this main drop is the most beautiful and attracts most people, hiking to also see the other two higher falls is more adventurous. The upper two provide great better views of Karamoja’s plains, Mount Elgon, and beyond

The second or middle fall is known as the Simba Falls and is about 74m tall. Reaching this second cave involves hiking past the first waterfall and then continuing to a steep trail to an ancient cave. There are bats in the caves and humans are believed to have lived in these caves for hundreds of years. Hikers can stand near the entrance of the cave and watch the water from behind safely.

The third fall involves hiking further up more steep areas before reaching the topmost falls known as Ngasire. The distance between the second and third falls is more challenging to hike although the reward is greater. Nsagire is the tallest Waterfall at about 85 meters and you will begin seeing them at a far distance. The height, force of the flow, and mist covering the place are amazing. The mist is so strong that it reaches most of the forests surrounding the place making them unusually dark green. The sun and mist combine to form mild rainbows which look very spectacular. Hikers will also have opportunities to take great photos of Mount Elgon, Lake Kyoga, and the Karamoja plains. After taking enough photos, the descent back to the starting point of the lodge was pretty simple and less demanding. If there is still time to spare, hikers can stop by a lodge midway for lunch or relaxation.

Other tourist activities around sipi Falls.

The area around the Sipi Falls is a serene place that cannot be enjoyed in one day. Apart from the main activity of hiking to see the three Sipi falls, visitors can choose to take part in other activities within the area such as: –

Visiting Sisiyi falls.

Bugisu Arabica Coffee Tour.

Climbing Mount Elgon.

Abseiling Sipi Falls.

Bird Watching.

Nature and Village walks.

Mountain Biking and jogging.

Cultural Walk and Visits.

Visiting Wildlife Reserves that are to say Pian up and Matheniko Game reserves

Visiting the Nyero Rock Paintings.

Watching Bulls Fight in Bududa.

Climbing Tororo Rock.

Kapkwai Forest Exploration.

When to visit Sipi Falls.

Uganda has a tropical climate with two rainy and wet seasons. Temperatures are relatively steady and warm throughout the year. The Sipi Falls can therefore be visited throughout the year. Visiting the waterfalls during the drier seasons of the year is popular with travelers and tourists who wish to experience the cool weather in the area. The dry season is best for a visit because the trail up to the highest waterfall is not slippery. However, the waterfalls are larger and flow with more intensity during the rainy season. We, therefore, encourage visitors to visit even during the rainy season to experience the full force of the waterfalls.

Accommodation around the Sipi Falls.

There are no shortages of hotels and lodges around the Sipi falls area that offers comfortable living while enjoying the cool and peaceful environment. The accommodation facilities range from the Up Market, moderate to budget options. These hotels include The Crow’s Nest, Sipi River Lodge, Lacam lodge, Noah’s ark hotel,

Contact us with any more inquiries about organizing a trip to Hiking sipi falls.

What to carry for your Gorilla Trekking adventure- Book a Gorilla trekking trip to Uganda and Rwanda 

What to carry for your Gorilla Trekking adventure. Preparing for gorilla trekking is a crucial part of your safari to Uganda and Rwanda. This is so because Gorilla trekking is one of the major and most exciting activities that shouldn’t be missed by any traveler on a safari through Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking activity involves tourists moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat.  In Uganda gorilla trekking is done in two destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park while in Rwanda gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes national park.

What to carry for your Gorilla Trekking adventure

The Gorilla trekking experience.

In all the gorilla trekking destinations, the gorilla trekking adventure starts very early in the morning at the park headquarters with a briefing about the rules and regulations on gorilla trekking. After the briefing is done, tourists are divided into groups of 8 people, and each group is then allocated a gorilla family to trek and this is based on the booked sector for your gorilla trekking. After all, is done, experienced park guides well conversant with gorilla trekking trails are then allocated to your group. Gorilla trekking in both destinations can take any time between 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas were last seen the previous day in search of food. While on the trekking journey in search of the gorillas, you will be able to view different bird species, other primates, and plant and tree species. Once the mountain gorillas are found, you are allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which allows you to learn about their behaviors, and habits, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos, and record videos.

Below is a list of things you must carry for your gorilla trekking safari.

Light waterproof jacket.

Gorilla trekking in all destinations that’s volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable national park, and Mgahinga gorilla national park is done in tropical rainforests which means it can rain any time of the day regardless of the season therefore the light waterproof jacket is very key. It will protect you from rainfall during the trekking adventure.

Hiking boots

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is done in tropical rainforests following trails that are usually steep and muddy. Hiking boots will protect your ankles and also keep your feet dry they will help you walk in the forest for long hours without getting stuck or slipping.

Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts

Long sleeved shirt and trousers will keep you warm especially during morning hours as it’s always cold and also protects you from biting insects, thorny plants, and stinging nettles that can damage your skin during trekking.

A sweater or Jumper

Gorilla destinations that are Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, and Volcanoes national park usually get cold at night while at the lodge and early morning hours during trekking therefore a warm sweater will keep you warm.

Garden gloves

The garden gloves will protect you from germs, stinging nettles, and thorny plants during gorilla trekking in that the gorilla trails are usually wet, muddy, and slippery, especially during the wet season hence you might hold onto plants for support.

A hat

This will help to prevent your hair from getting stuck in tree branches, especially the women’s, and also protect you from the sun and rain.

Sunglasses

These will help to protect you from direct sunshine during trekking in the dry season.

Light waterproof backpack

Carry and keep your gorilla trekking items dry during gorilla trekking such as insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and energy snacks among others.

Insect repellent

To protect you from biting insects during gorilla trekking and also while at the lodge such as mosquitos and tsetse flies.

Other things to pack when going gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda include

Camera and extra batteries to take photos during the one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas. However, when taking photos, the flashlight should be turned off to avoid making the mountain gorillas agitated.

A pair of binoculars

A pair of binoculars will help you to have a clear view of the mountain gorillas at a distance and other wildlife species such as birds, mammals, and butterflies among others which will be encountered during your gorilla trekking activity.

Energy snacks

Energy snacks like packed lunch from the lodge and drinking water will keep you hydrated during trekking because gorilla trekking takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located.

Contact us with any inquiries about gorilla trekking safaris through Uganda and Rwanda.

Top destinations for Gorilla trekking in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Gama parks 

Top destinations for Gorilla Trekking. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Top destinations for Gorilla trekking. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and offers one of the best sceneries in the country. The National Park was declared a UNESCO heritage site and lies along the edge of the Rift valley with immense and dense forests that act as habitats for both the animals and bird species found in the park. The word Bwindi means darkness and this was used by the Batwa people because of the dense forests that covered the area and can still be witnessed within the national park. It is home to about 320 Mountain gorillas, 324 different tree species, over 150 butterflies, and over 345 bird species.

There are two ways you can use to get to Bwindi and this is by either driving or flying to an airstrip near the National Park. The drive from Kampala to Bwindi will take you about 8 hours using the different routes that are from Kampala through the Queen Elizabeth National Park and then to Bwindi. If you prefer flying, you will set off from the kajjansi airfield or Entebbe airport to Kihihi, kayonza, or Kisoro airstrip depending on the gorilla family that you have been assigned to.

The activities that you can carry out while in Bwindi include nature walks and community encounters where you get to meet the Batwa people and their unique culture, gorilla trekking and tracking which is the most participated in an activity in the park, hiking through the forest, primate viewing and many more others.

Bwindi National Park can be toured all through the year but the best time is during the dry season when the trek and hike routes are not muddy and slippery. It is easier to also trek the gorillas during this period as compared to when the rains come in but it is better if you carry a raincoat with you since the weather can change drastically.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Top destinations for Gorilla trekking. Gorilla National Park is the smallest of all of Uganda’s national parks. The Park was created to protect the mountain gorillas that roam freely within the Virunga region. The Park is bordered by the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. It was declared a game sanctuary by the British administration in 1930 and was gazetted as a national park in 1991. The Park has only got one habituated transboundary gorilla group. The visitors can also enjoy the Batwa visit which is a fascinating tour with the Batwa guide to learn the secrets of the forest.

About the Park

Top destinations for Gorilla Trekking. Gorilla National Park is one of the luckiest and smallest parks in Uganda where the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas are found and it happens to be part of the Virunga massif where more than 480 mountain gorillas park is known to be living. The national park has cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. The tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest’s first people. Mgahinga has got the most striking features and its conical, extinct volcanoes that are part of the spectacular Virunga Range which lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. The national park also forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area that includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanic slopes have got many ecosystems and are biologically diverse and their peaks give a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery. Out of the mountain gorilla population that are found in the Virunga Massif, there are about 3 gorilla families that are known to be living in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Contact us with any details about top destinations for the Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Book a gorilla trip to Uganda – Budget Gorilla trekking 

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi; Perhaps your dream has always been to spend time with a group of mountain gorillas while in the wild but the unfortunate bit of it is that you are unsure of which destination to get to. If so, then Bwindi National Park has you covered up.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park lies suitably in southwestern Uganda and remarkably features one of the most pristine montane national parks in Africa. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is found in Southwestern Uganda, on the edge of the Albertine Rift and it’s shared by three different districts which are; Kisoro, Kanungu, and Kabale districts. The distance from Kampala, which takes 10 hours is approximately 534Km from the city. The Park is bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With over 460 gorillas, Bwindi is home to almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. This true African jungle covers 33.000 hectares, with about 400 species of snakes, about 250 species of trees, 27 species of frogs, and over 250 species of butterflies, lizards, chameleons, geckos, chimpanzees, gorillas, and baboons.  It straddles just the Albertine rift valley at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This 331 square kilometers protected area boasts of its expansive tropical rain forest that makes it one of the most significant water catchment areas in the pearl of Africa.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi

A visit to this spectacular wilderness area for a holiday gets you the best of Africa’s most experiential safari.

With the Gorilla Habituation experience, you get the best of ultimate primate adventures. Gorilla groups have been set aside for this specific experience. What is unique about this primate adventure is that it takes you the whole day to search/follow gorillas and it includes 4 hours of the magical encounter. To take part in this most thrilling adventure, you need $1500 for you to secure a permit. Generally, habituation takes a process of making gorillas get used to human presence and lasts for about 2 years before they are officially opened for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla tracking in Uganda is one of the most popular tour activities. More than half of all the mountain gorillas in existence live in Uganda in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Best time to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi.

Trekking gorillas in Bwindi can be done any time of the year but most tourists prefer visiting from June to September and from December to February. Tourists who track mountain gorillas in the low seasons benefit from discounted gorilla tracking permits.

In Uganda, each gorilla permit goes for USD 700. Gorilla permits are a requirement for one to be able to track mountain gorillas and acquiring these permits is best done through your tour operator in Uganda or through Uganda Wildlife Authority.

A maximum of 8 people can trek a particular gorilla group per day. Other tour activities include; bird watching, guided forest walks, and Batwa cultural experience among others.

What to wear when tracking mountain gorillas.

Tourists are advised to come with walking boots good for hiking, extra layers of cloth for when it gets cold, A Rain Coat, and Gloves. Thick trousers and a long-sleeved top are also ideal for tracking.

Where to stay in Bwindi.

State-of-the-art safari lodges have over the years been set up in Bwindi to provide comfortable accommodation to tourists who visit Bwindi for Gorilla tracking. These lodges range from budget to high-end luxury facilities which means the lodges tourists stay at will depend on their ability to afford them or their preference. Safari lodges in Bwindi include; Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Mahogany Springs, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Silverback Lodge among others.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can be accessed either by road from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, or by air from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. Scheduled flights from Entebbe to either Kihihi or Kisoro take about 2 hours to get there whereas traveling by road takes up to 9 hours to reach Bwindi.

Contact us with any details about the Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Finest Safari Lodges to Consider While on a safari through Uganda

All the most opted Accommodation facilities have over the years been set up in strategically prime tourism locations in Uganda’s National Parks. These go for prices ranging from budget, mid-range, and Luxury or high-end safari lodges. The choice to stay at a particular safari lodge often depends on the proximity of the lodge to a visitor’s desired tourist attractions, the budget of the visitor, and the availability of that safari lodge during a particular period opted for by the client. Some of the most ideal safari lodges to consider when visiting Uganda National Parks include the following.

Safari Lodges to Consider in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Trackers Lodge

Trackers Lodge is located about 60 kilometers from Kihihi Airstrip and offers excellent services to guests throughout their stay. The lodge is strategically located to enable guests to track the mountain gorillas in Bwindi easily.

Gorilla Forest Camp

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is located deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which is very popular for gorilla trekking. Staying at Gorilla Forest Camp allows visitors to experience trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi, bird watching, and guided cultural visits among other tour activities.

Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge is top quality and intimate property commanding spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorillas. An elevated central lounge area, complete with bar, dining, and spa facilities, offers a cozy, comfortable environment to discuss the day’s activities around the fireplaces, adding atmosphere and warmth to the cool evening.

Mahogany Springs

Mahogany Springs offers privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting. With some of the most luxurious accommodations in East Africa, the feeling that you will experience when staying here is beyond compare. The Gorillas have been known to visit the lodge and coming face to face with them is an indescribable experience.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Guests at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge stay in their cottages. Built of local volcanic stone, every cottage has a large sitting room with a fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets. Tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi is high on the agenda for many tourists staying at the lodge.

Safari Lodges to Consider While on a safari through Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park

Chobe Safari Lodge

This five-star safari lodge in Murchison Falls National Park is excellent on so many levels. Chobe Safari Lodge offers an opportunity of experiencing Uganda’s rich wildlife, bird species, flora, and fauna. The River Nile makes the whole experience feel just right. The lodge offers panoramic views of the park and is one of Africa’s best destinations for sport fishing.

Bakers Lodge

Bakers Lodge rests amongst large shady trees and has gotten suites on raised decks to take full advantage of cool breezes and spectacular river views beautifully set along the southern bank of the River Nile. With a thatched central lounge, dining and bar area, and a refreshing swimming pool, the eco-friendly lodge gives visitors a true feeling of life in the wild.

Paraa Safari Lodge

The lodge is strategically located in Murchison Falls National Park in the North Western part of Uganda and overlooks the longest river in the World, The River Nile. Paraa Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation, and adventure. Staying at Paraa Safari Lodge allows visitors to visit the mighty Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world where the Nile water is channeled into a narrow gorge six meters wide before plunging 43 meters below.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kyaninga Lodge

Kyaninga Lodge is set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the Rwenzori Mountains beyond. The lodge has got 9 exclusive cottages made from hand-carved logs, superb dining, and so much more. Staying at Kyaninga Lodge allows visitors to undertake many tour activities including tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.

Primates lodge

Ndali Lodge provides a perfect base from which to visit some of the region’s most popular attractions. Kibale Forest National Park, the famous home of the largest concentration of chimpanzees in Africa, as well as a bewildering variety of other primates, birds, and butterflies, can be reached within 45 minutes. Also close by is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project home to various monkeys and other mammals.

Safari Lodges in Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park

Mihingo Safari Lodge

Safari Lodges to Consider in Uganda: Mihingo is a luxurious, family-owned lodge in a magical setting adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. Perched high on a rocky kopje, whose pre-Cambrian granite boulders were formed over 500 million years ago, it has spectacular views over a vast savannah landscape.  Designed to blend in with its fragile surroundings, this environmentally friendly lodge offers comfort, relaxation, and the experience of being at one with nature.

An infinity pool overlooks the valley below where buffalo, eland, impala, warthogs, bushbuck, and zebra can be seen at the waterhole.  On the rocks, you may have the rare chance of seeing the resident family of Klipspringers.  We cannot guarantee that you will see a leopard, but on a night game drive, you do have a good chance. As Rungwe Kingdon (the son of the well-known wildlife author, Jonathan Kingdon, and one of Mihingo’s guests) once told us “I have seen more leopards in Lake Mburo National Park than any other park in East Africa”. To further enhance your experience of wild Africa, Mihingo is the only lodge in Uganda to offer daytime and overnight horse safaris into the national park.

The only regret that many of our guests have is that they wish they had booked to stay longer than only a night or two. We hope this website will help you to see how many wonderful things there are to do when you stay at Mihingo Lodge.

Kigambira safari lodge

Kigambira Safari Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge built in the Southern part of Lake Mburo National Park; Uganda’s smallest park. Nestled between Lake Kigambira and the Rubanga Forest, the location provides the ideal base for the adventurous traveler with a range of activities from game drives & boat trips on Lake Mburo, to exhilarating hikes through the low canopied forest or the looping trail around Lake Kigambira.

Lake Mburo National Park is home to over 350 species of birdlife, including the rare Shoebill, Red-Faced Barbet and African Finfoot among others. With its varied habitat, the park is home to approximately 68 mammal species – Oribi, Impala, Buffalo, Waterbuck, huge herds of Zebra, and even the elusive Leopard and Lion.

Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Mweya Safari Lodge

Mweya Safari Lodge is located on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and is surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains also known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon. The lodge is a perfect place to relax as you reflect on the day’s tour activities which oftentimes include game drives through the park which is filled with so many animal and bird species.

Ishasha Wildness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is located within the Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe river. Ishasha Wilderness Camp offers high-quality accommodation and services in this remote sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for its tree climbing Lions.

Safari Lodges to Consider in Uganda

Contact us with any inquiries on which Safari Lodges to Consider While on a safari through Uganda.

Prince Charles names a baby gorilla in Rwanda – Gorilla naming ceremony – Rwanda Gorilla trekking – Kwita Izina.

Prince Charles names a baby gorilla in Rwanda. “The name I give him is Ubwuzuzanye, which means Harmony since the restoration of harmony between nature, people and planet is the most critical issue facing humanity that we must tackle with extreme urgency.” these where the words of prince Charles while christening a four months baby gorilla now officially known as Ubwuzuzanye.

Prince Charles of Wales, was among the many prominent people from all over the world that were invited to take part in giving baby gorillas names at the annual gorilla naming ceremony known as Kwita Izina. The prince was invited by the Rwandan Development Board (RDB) to christen a four months old male gorilla for the annual Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony.

Prince Charles names a baby gorilla in Rwanda

The male gorilla now official known as Ubwuzuzanye was born on 29^th of April 2022 to his mother Agasolo member of the Muhoza gorilla family. Ubwuzuzanye was one of 20 baby gorillas named in Kwita Izina, hosted in the Kinigi, Musanze District, in the Northern Province of Rwanda. The ceremony has been held in its current incarnation since 2005, derived from the centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming one’s children among family and friends.

Prince Charles names a baby gorilla in Rwanda. In a virtual address, Prince Charles said he was “most touched” to be part of for this historic tradition that’s is aimed at the conservation of the mountain gorillas. The prince, a royal, and dedicated conservationist, said. ” These, and other magnificent creatures and their precious habitats, will be lost forever.” If nothing is done to protect them and their habitats.

Rwanda is embarking on an ambitious project and that’s the expansion of Africa’s oldest national park, Volcanoes National Park which also happens to be the home for mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The gorilla naming ceremony Kwita Izina is once-in-a-generation initiative aimed at expanding the park by approximately 23%. This expansion of the Volcanoes National Park is aimed at ensuring a bright future for the mountain gorillas that call Volcanoes national game park a safe home.

Baby gorillas are named in the Kinyarwanda language, with suggestions based on and inspired by their behaviors in the wild. The ceremony is also used as an opportunity to thank communities that live around Volcanoes National Park, research partners, vets and the dedicated conservationists, rangers and trekkers who protect the gorillas with all their efforts however little it might be. And also, by giving names to these gentle giants, they are given value that they undoubtedly deserve and they are given a personal connection to the general tourism public.

Mountain gorillas are classified by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) as endangered due to habitat destruction and at times poaching, with slightly only over a thousand estimated to live in the wild today. Therefore, the excitement surrounding the birth of each new baby gorilla and giving him all her a special name makes Kwita Izina a special and a must attend event for adventure lovers and conservationist from all over the world.

Prince Charles names a baby gorilla in Rwanda

Feel free to contact us for any inquiries about attending the next gorilla naming ceremony, or gorilla trekking in Rwanda.