Author: Katland Safaris

Rwanda gorilla trekking destinations. Book a Gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda – Volcanoes  National Park 

Rwanda is one of the premium gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. Even though Rwanda’s gorilla permit is the most expensive of all the 3 mountain gorilla trekking destinations (at $1,500), the country still attracts a very high number of gorilla trekkers in the region. This is due to several factors that give Rwanda an advantage over its neighbors as far as gorilla trekking is concerned. These include a good transport network evidenced by the well-tarmacked roads right from the airport to the park.

The short distance between the airport and the park which takes just 3 hours of driving is another favorable factor. High-quality accommodation facilities with good services for all categories of travelers including luxury, midrange, and budget facilities also give Rwanda another competitive advantage, Guaranteed security in and around Volcanoes National Park is another encouraging factor that attracts thousands of travelers to trek gorillas here.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in only one destination and that’s in Volcanoes national game park. The gorilla trekking exercise in Volcanoes National Park is less tenacious compared to other trekking destinations like Bwindi which is very hilly and with dense vegetation.

About Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes national park is a stop center for all Rwanda gorilla safaris in Rwanda. The strategic location of the VNP roughly 2 hours’ drive from Kigali international airport makes it the most accessible gorilla national park in the world. Besides gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a home for golden monkeys, a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects among other creatures which together make a complete Rwanda safari package.

Spanning a 160 sqkm area in the northern part of Rwanda, Volcanoes national park is part of the great Virunga volcano conservation region spanning to cover Virunga National Park Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda. It was initially a small area around Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Visoke volcanoes which was gazetted to protect the Mountain gorillas which were facing the threat of extinction as a result of poaching.

How to get there

Volcanoes National Park is located in a small village called Musanze previously well-known as Ruhengeri, which is very accessible by public transport from Gisenyi or Kigali or the airport. The drive to Volcanoes national park is 2 hrs and hence one can do gorilla tracking on the same day and drive back to Kigali after the trek. You will be required to arrive at the headquarters of ORTPN in Kinigi, at the park entrance, by 7:00 am, therefore, if you hope to trek gorillas for one day, you have to wake up very early for your journey so that you are on time. However, there isn’t any public transport from Musanze to the headquarters of the park at Kinigi.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit

The gorilla permit allows you to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The Rwanda gorilla permit is sold at $1,500 per person and it guarantees a traveler one hour in the presence of gorillas. Majorly gorilla permits are booked through local tour agents who deposit them for booking and finally purchase them on behalf of the traveler as the trekking day approaches. Due to the high demand and the strict gorilla conservation regulations in Rwanda, which limit the number of permits to be issued per day, travelers are recommended to make permit bookings at least six months before their trekking date. There are 10 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park and each family is visited by only 8 trekkers per day. This means that Rwanda issues only 80 gorilla permits per day for gorilla trekking

Accommodation in and around Volcanoes National Park

There are a variety of accommodation facilities within and around Volcanoes National Park ranging from luxury to midrange and budget facilities to cater to all categories of travelers

Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park takes place throughout the year though the dry season is preferably the best time to visit the park.

Contact us for any inquiries about booking a gorilla safari to Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park.

Top Destinations for Game and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda. Wildlife safaris In Uganda – game drives in Uganda

Top Destinations for Game and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda. Uganda offers some of the greatest opportunities for Game and wildlife Safaris in the whole of Africa. Game and wildlife safaris in Uganda and any other destination in Africa are defined by driving through a savannah park in a four-by-four safari vehicle, guided by an expert local guide, viewing wild animals.

A game and wildlife safari takes you deep into the natural wilderness getting you closer to the big and small animals within the protected confines of a particular destination of choice.

The most thrilling Game and wildlife safaris in Uganda occur in four of the ten national parks: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo National Park.

Top Destinations for Game and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda.

Murchison Falls National Game Park

Murchison Falls National Park Is Uganda’s largest savannah park and one of Uganda’s most Visited parks providing excellent guided safari game drives in Uganda.

A game and wildlife to Murchison falls national game park will lead you to four of Africa’s Big Five animals with only rhinos absent but can be accessed a few Kilometers at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Buffalo and elephants are particularly a common sight on game drives through Murchison fall national game park. The park has a rich population of lions that prey on the abundant Uganda kob. You’ll also catch sight of various antelope species like the oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbuck, grey duiker, and bushbuck.

While on a game and wildlife safari through Murchison Falls, You won’t miss sighting the large herds of the localized Rothschild’s giraffes on any safari game drive in the park. Though far from numerous, introverted leopards are most likely to be spotted around Pakuba.

Murchison Falls National Park is a bit isolated from the popular western circuit at least 200 kilometers from Kibale National Park, the nearest park. So, it’s usually the first or last stop on the best of Uganda safari holidays. Nonetheless, the Murchison Falls route, via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, is the only one that will assure you an encounter with Africa’s BIG FIVE game.

We recommend you spend at least two or more nights in Murchison and extend your love for the African savannah to the vast wilderness of Kidepo Valley or to the west to Queen Elizabeth, or Bwindi Impenetrable national game Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

If your dream has always been encountering lions on your safari holiday in Uganda, then wildlife and game safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park must feature on your itinerary. The park protects the highest number of lions in the country. However, finding lions on a safari game drive is always challenging anywhere in the wild and requires a good spotting local guide, luck, and perseverance.

Other animals tourists commonly encounter driving through the Queen Elizabeth savannah plains include enormous herds of elephants and buffalo. You’ll also spot out many interesting antelope species such as Uganda kob, topi, and bushbuck. The giant forest hog is unusually easy to spot.

Top Destinations for Game and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda.

Kidepo Valley National Park

If you’re planning to stay longer in a single savannah park destination in Uganda, Kidepo National Park is your best choice. The park is a predator haven, protecting many predators found nowhere else in Uganda’s parks like the cheetah and black-backed jackal.

Common sightings on a safari game drive in Kidepo include the hunting dog, bat-eared fox, cheetah, striped hyena, caracal, aardwolf, Beisa Oryx, Lesser Kudu plus Grant’s gazelle, elephant, Orbis, Burchell’s zebras, Jackson’s hartebeests, bush pigs, cape buffaloes, bohor reedbuck, warthog, waterbuck, Rothschild giraffes, bush duskier and elands, bushbucks and zebra.

In addition to lions, leopards, and several small cats, a good local safari guide will spot out the side-striped jackal, Kongoni, black-backed jackal, and spotted hyena.

We recommend three or four nights in Kidepo National Park at Apoka Safari Camp, Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp, or Kidepo Safari Lodge to get a Mara-like experience with the ultimate privacy that exceptionally few safari parks can provide.

Top Destinations for Game and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda.

Lake Mburo National Park

If you have very little time yet want to spend some time in the wild, then Lake Mburo national game park is the perfect destination. A safari drive will spot substantial concentrations of impala, zebra, waterbuck, topi, and buffalo.

Because it is in the middle of Kampala the Capital and other destinations like Bwindi, lake Mburo is usually a resting point for long drives to the southwestern Uganda safari circuit, where tourists expect to find more wildlife action drama.

A typical wildlife safari through Lake Mburo will include a night or two in the park and then head deeper into the western safari circuit to track gorillas in Bwindi or explore the Rwenzori Mountains shadowed savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Lake Mburo national game park is recently known for being a perfect digestion for giraffe encounters in the whole Country.

Contact us with any inquiries and questions about conducting a game and wildlife safari in Uganda.

Budget Camping Safaris in Uganda – Uganda camping adventures – Camping in Uganda

Budget Camping Safaris in Uganda: Uganda is one of the most exciting destinations for a truly rewarding African safari. Uganda allows you to choose the kind of adventure you wish to have. whether you are a luxury or budget traveler camping is always the best experience as it gets you close to nature and wilderness.  

Types of Camping Safaris in Uganda

In Uganda, there are three types of camping safaris and these include,

• Self-catered safaris
• scheduled camping safaris
• Luxury camping safaris.

Your Uganda camping safari experience will highly be determined by the type of safari you consider among the above three. Below is a further breakdown of the same.

Self-catered camping safaris.

Self-catered camping safaris are the type of camping safaris where tourists do the entire planning and execute the camping by themselves, this means tourists handle their own accommodations, flights, local transport, meals, and entrance tickets among others.

Almost everything about a self-catered camping safari is taken care of by the tourists themselves. However, it is necessary to delegate a few activities or aspects of the safari such as booking and securing gorilla trekking permits, chimpanzee tracking permits, and boat tickets, which require prior booking.

Scheduled Camping Safaris.

Scheduled camping safaris in Uganda are organized by tour operators together with their agents from different locations, the tour operators target travelers who are willing to visit the same camping destinations at the same time of the year.

Note: There are no entirely camping scheduled safaris, however, there is always a tour operator willing to organize a camping safari on your preferred dates.

With scheduled camping safaris, all you need as a camper is to pay a set fare for your safari, and all the requirements for your camping are covered in your camping package.  In the scheduled safari, items included in the package and items not included are listed.

Luxury Camping in Uganda.

In most of the national parks in Uganda, there are several options for luxury camping, this type of camping is offered through safari ground tents that are well-designed to match the ambiance of a hotel room. Luxury camping is also referred to as glamping.

Planning for a camping safari in Uganda.

As a traveler, planning for your camping safari can be done by a tour operator or yourself. When planning for a budget camping safari in Uganda, here are some of the things to consider.

Choose the type of camping you are interested in and that fits your budget

When planning a Budget camping safari in Uganda, you should identify the type of camping that fits your budget, there are 3 camping options in Uganda including ground camping for budget travelers, rooftop tent camping perfect for midrange travelers, and glamping for luxury and mid-range travelers. Camping in Uganda generally depends on the budget of the client.

Choose the camping season.

The season you choose to go camping in Uganda determines the camping experience. The best time for camping in Uganda is in the dry seasons in the months of December, January, February, July, and August.  However, Uganda’s seasons are very unpredictable, unexpected rain can be experienced even in the dry season.

Budget Camping Safaris in Uganda

Things to do while on a budget Camping safari in Uganda

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is one of the top Uganda safari activities to do in Uganda. The country is home to various other primate species including Golden Monkeys, and olive baboons among others.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda on a budget camping safari in Uganda is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, for you to be allowed to go for the gorilla trek you will need to have a gorilla permit which costs USD700 for the foreign nonresidents, USD600 for the East African Residents and USD70 for the East African Citizens, this allows you to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas. You can as well opt for a 4-hour encounter experience that is Gorilla Habituation which costs USD1500 per person per trek, this allows spending more time with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is done in Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest, and Budongo Forest close to Murchison Falls National Park. The chimpanzee tracking is done in the morning and afternoon and we can book for you the permits and organize this trek for you depending on the itinerary and timing of the activities. For normal chimpanzee tracking, a Chimpanzee permit costs USD200 for foreign nonresidents, USD150 for the residents, and USD30 for the citizens and this gives you one hour encounter with the chimpanzees. You can as well do the chimpanzee habituation experience which gives you a half-day encounter with the chimpanzees; this is only done in Kibale Forest National Park

 Wildlife and Game viewing safaris.

You will be able to do various game drives in the savannah national parks of Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Uganda’s most popular National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park, wildlife to see includes tree climbing lions, Buffaloes, Elephants, warthogs, Giraffes, Zebras, Leopard, among others.

Cultural and community encounters.

Uganda is ranked among countries with the most diverse cultures with more than 50 ethnic tribes and languages, you will be able to enjoy various cultural experiences, and you will be able to visit many communities in various national park part of your itinerary where the local community will share with you the hard experience of living near the park and how they have managed to co-exist peacefully with wildlife you will as well enjoy the cultural encounters and traditional dances.

Mountain Climbing adventures.

Mountain climbing is another amazing adventure activity that you can add to your budget camping safari to Uganda. Uganda is a land of various hills, mountains, and highlands, giving you a great opportunity for hiking activities. Mountains include Elgon, Rwenzori, Moroto, Sabinyo, Muhavura, and Gahinga, which are common for hiking.

Bird-watching safaris.

With over 1000 recorded bird species in Uganda, Uganda is one of the best destinations for birding in Africa; it is home to various migrant birds and Albertine endemics with the Shoebill as one of the must-see bird specie. The major birding areas in Uganda include Bwindi Forest, Mabamba swamp, Bigodi wetland, and Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park among others many birds as well can be spotted during game drives in various national parks.

Boat Safari excursions

With various lakes and rivers in Uganda boat trips and excursions are one of another top Uganda safari activities to do, Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and River Nile Excursions to the top of the falls and the Delta allow you to enjoy wildlife up-close and various water animals in Murchison Falls National Park.

What is the best time to Visit Uganda for a budget camping safari?

The best time for visiting Uganda is during December to February and then June to October which is relatively drier than March to May and November. Uganda is crossed by the equator making her experience a modified equatorial type of climate with two rainy seasons. Because of this, people tend to associate drier seasons as the best time to visit Uganda. This is true because when it is raining, it becomes hard to drive through the park for wildlife viewing because of the heavy rains that make the trails too slippery.

Budget Camping Safaris in Uganda

Contact us with any inquiries and questions on how to organize a budget camping safari in Uganda.

Other must-see big game animals in Uganda. Big Five safaris through Uganda – wildlife Safaris in Uganda.

Other must-see big game animals in Uganda. Since the Africa Big 5 list is no longer determined by the size of the animals and the difficulty of hunting them, we can securely readjust that list to feature more impressive African safari wildlife. Uganda is incredibly blessed with big wild animals that do not feature on the famous Africa Big 5 list. Most notable is the mountain gorilla, arguably the most sought-after animal in Uganda.

Big Five Game Adventures in Uganda. 

Uganda’s Big 5 animals list, the five best to see on Uganda safari

The mountain gorilla is number one on Uganda’s big five lists. This endangered ape lives in only two places in the world and Uganda has the biggest population in two national parks.

Thousands of travelers flock to the impenetrable rainforests of Bwindi National Park to spend that precious moment with this magnificent gentle giant. They’ll tell you that the experience is unmatched in any African safari encounter. So, in our books, the mountain gorilla qualifies for the BIG African wildlife list.

You can see the mountain gorilla on a guided gorilla trekking safari in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park for a fee of a gorilla permit issued by UWA for US$700 per person and spend one hour sitting in their presence.

if you got the heart for it, take a gorilla habituation experience safari and spend more than 4 hours foraging with a family of semi-habituated mountain gorillas for a permit fee of USD$1500 per person.

Rothschild Giraffe in Uganda

The Northern Giraffe should be on the list of African safari “BIG” game animals found in Uganda. Rothschild’s giraffe is rare elsewhere in its former range but very common in the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, and very recently (2019) and newly translocated to Pian Upe Game Reserve.

The world’s tallest animal (up to 5.5m) lives in loosely structured mixed-sex herds, typically numbering between five and 15 animals. As herd members can disperse over an area of up to 1km, they are frequently seen singly or in smaller groups, though large assemblages are typical in Uganda.

Chimpanzees

7 out of 10 tourists visiting Uganda’s rainforest parks will say they have come to see our playful primate cousins. Much work has gone into habituating chimpanzee families for tourism in Kibale Forest, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve, and the Budongo and Kanyiyo Pabidi forests near Murchison Falls National Park.

The chimpanzee’s celebrity status among travelers earns it a great position among the Africa Big Animals to see on safari in Uganda, and even you cannot dispute that. Chimpanzee-tracking excursions happen in Kibale every day, and it’s one of the most extraordinary safari experiences you can have in Uganda.

Hippopotamus.

This large, lumbering aquatic animal occurs naturally on most African lakes and waterways, where it spends most of the day submerged but emerges from the water to graze at night. Hippos are strongly territorial, with herds of ten or more animals being presided over by a dominant male.

In Uganda, the best places to see the hippopotamus are in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo national parks, where they can be seen in huge impressive herds around waterways. On a boat launch safari on the Nile in Murchison Falls, especially at the foot of the thundering falls, you’ll most definitely encounter a school.

Cheetah

Like the leopard, the cheetah is the most diurnal of Africa’s cat species and hunts using speed instead of stealth. Cheetahs use their high speeds to catch their prey but cannot sustain top speeds for much more than a few hundred meters.

Because the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the fastest land mammal found in Uganda and competes with other African Big 5 members for pray, it earns itself a great seat at the African BIG animals’ table located in Uganda without a doubt.

Like leopards, cheetahs are heavily spotted and solitary in their habits, but their greyhound-like build, distinctive black tear marks, and preference for grassland and savanna habitats preclude confusion.

In Uganda, Cheetah occurs almost exclusively in the Karamoja region, in the vicinity of Kidepo National Park, where an estimated 53–310 individuals have been recorded.

Contact us with any details on taking a safari through Uganda to encounter both the Big Five animals and also the must-see animals in Uganda.

Detailed Guide on Planning for a Gorilla trekking safari for the First Time – Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking Destinations – The best time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

In recent years, the number of tourists flocking to Uganda has steadily increased due to several factors with the most prominent one being the population of mountain gorillas that call Uganda home. For those coming to Uganda for gorilla trekking safaris for the first time, you need proven easy steps to planning a successful safari to this gorilla destination.

Gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking is the most popular tourist activity in Uganda and there are only two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda and that’s Bwindi impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park.

Detailed Guide on Planning for a Gorilla trekking safari for the First Time

1. Choose Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking.

With a variety of wildlife reserves and national, towns, cultural villages, and communities to choose from, deciding the nature of safari and the particular destination in Uganda is in most cases a challenging task.  The first step is determining the kind of vacation you want or the specific things you’d like to see and do.

If getting deep into the natural forest trekking the jungles in search of the gentle giants is for you. Then, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest home to the highest population of remaining mountain gorillas is the perfect choice of a destination for your gorilla trekking safari for the first time.

If you want a mix of other primates most preferably Chimpanzees, then the addition of Kibale forest to the list of destinations is highly recommended if your dream is to have a complete wildlife and Gorilla trekking safari, you can add Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth national game parks to the list of destinations to visit.

Decide on When to Go for your gorilla trekking Safari for the First time.

Once your destination has been Chosen, the next step is to agree on when to take the safari.

Best time to visit Uganda for Gorilla trekking safaris for the First time

Uganda has two optimum travel seasons that most travelers consider; the Dry season and Rainy Season. most travelers prefer exploring Uganda during the Dry Season in the months of June to September and December to February. It is the best time for gorilla trekking adventures. During this time, the forest floors are less damp, trails are passable, and your photography equipment will not get drenched in torrential downpours. However, it would be best if you didn’t rule out rain while hiking in Uganda’s rainforests.

Contact a local travel agency and Book Your safari Activities and other logistics like safari Lodging

Next, you need to decide whether you’re going to travel solo or with the help of a tour guide. Also, will you plan the trip yourself or find a tour operator to take care of the local travel logistics? We at all times recommend the use of a local tour operator like Katland Safaris since they understand the destinations better and will best tailor make your safari to your expectations.

An all-inclusive guided safari is a preferred option for most foreign tourists. With it, your tour operator organizes the itinerary details like accommodations, meals, transport, activities, and guides. You pay the tour operator, and they’ll pay the service provider and manage your entire trip, chauffeuring you from one place to another.

Even if you decide to book everything yourself, especially if you are a foreigner, you’ll probably have to arrange transport and permits through a specialized safari company.

Get in touch with your preferred local operator sooner than four to twelve months beforehand. It’s a good idea to book your gorilla permit well in advance because the mountain giants are highly restricted to a few people a day.

Get more information about your Destination.

Researching about Uganda before you get there is a great way to increase your excitement level and improve your local knowledge.

Phrasebooks are a good idea, too, because knowing even a few local language sentences will go a long way toward helping you make friends. Try Swahili or Luganda-English phrases for travelers.

fictional books written by African writers or set in Uganda should be you’re traveling companion to help give you a sense of what to expect before you travel.

Book Your Flights to Uganda for your Gorilla trekking safaris for the First time

Depending on where you’re flying from, flights to Uganda can be expensive, and a limited number of carriers often means that seats fill up quickly. For the best rates, book as far in advance as possible.

If you have air miles, check whether the corresponding airline flies to Entebbe International Airport Uganda’s only international Airport.

Try to communicate your international flights with your local operator when booking, so the ground handler or first-night hotel will be responsible for arranging airport transfers.

Check Your Visa Requirements to Uganda

Several months before your departure date, check with your consulate whether you need a visa. That is determined based on your nationality, not your country of residence. Uganda visa rules change anytime, so checking with an official government source is essential rather than relying on advice from outdated travel websites.

Pack your bag with all Your Travel Equipment and Hit the road for your Gorilla trekking safari for the first time.

The fun part of planning your impending safari trip to Uganda comes from buying and packing all your specialized equipment. Your travel pack list to Uganda must include items from mosquito repellents to a good set of binoculars and a pair of durable hiking shoes.

Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Nights in the southwestern highlands can be freezing even in the dry season. Yet days are unpredictable, with random tropical showers and bursts of hot sunlight.

Think about preserving your memories, whether investing in a quality camera, expanding your smartphone camera space, or buying a scrapbook and a spare set of pens.

Another essential purchase is a first aid kit, complete with any personal medications and all items you’ll need to treat minor pains and injuries.

Hit the road to Uganda and encounter mountain gorillas on your gorilla trekking safari for the first time.

Contact us with any inquiries and questions about organizing a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda for the first time.

Horse Riding Adventures in Jinja – Explore Jinja – Uganda Adventure Travel.

Horse Riding Adventures in Jinja. Horse riding through the rural villages of Jinja gives you a lifetime opportunity to see real Uganda, which includes not only the stunning beauty of the river Nile and rural areas but also the village homes, workplaces, trading centers, and lives of people who live around the area. While riding, you may be lucky and see wildlife (birds and monkeys on our rides) but horse-riding tours are not wildlife safaris, they are a snapshot of real-life Africa including all aspects both positive and negative. All rides finish with a stunning 1km trail along the Nile. On longer rides of 2 hours, you can also experience the views from the hills overlooking the Nile Valley and move through the stunning sugar and tea plantation.

Horse Riding Adventures in Jinja

The Jinja horse riding Adventure is operated by the Nile Horse Back Safaris offering a range of rides catering for first-timers to advanced riders. Most of the rides are private rides with only your group on the tour.

The adventure is open between 10 am and 4 pm every day unless you have pre-booked trips outside these hours. Bookings are offered for our 1hr, 1.5hr sunset, and 2hr rides so horses and guides are available when you arrive.

85kg is the rider weight limit for introductory safaris and an 80kg limit for longer rides. This is implemented for rider safety and also for the welfare of the horses. Every safari is taken care of by multiple guides to accommodate those that may want to try going faster and to also allow others to stay within their comfort zone.

Horse Riding Adventures in Jinja

The Horses.

There is availability of a range of sizes and breeds to suit everyone from beginners to advanced skill levels.  The horses come to northern Kenya when they are aged between 1 year and 3 years. The horses are trained for about a year before the guides begin to ride them and at least a year and a half before clients ride them. They are taken care of by a professional vet from South Africa twice every year and occasionally monitored by a local vet regularly. The horses are kept in immaculate condition and are trained in competition disciplines as well as being safari horses. They are well-behaved, safe, and bomb-proof, making them a pleasure to ride.

What is the cost of a horse-riding safari in Jinja?

The price cost of horse riding depends on how long the traveler would like to enjoy the horse ride since it is charged depending on how many hours the traveler would like to go. For example; For kids horse pony ride in an hour is 120,000/= per kid and for 30 minutes pony ride is 70,000/= per kid.

A one-hour horse ride cost 40 USD per adult, one hour and a half horse riding is 50 USD per adult, two hours horse ride is 60 per adult, three hours of horse riding is 90 USD per adult, for an overnight horse ride is 60 USD per adult.

How to book a horse ride safari in Jinja?

For direct bookings and inquiries, travelers can contact the Nile horseback safaris via email or a phone call to their reservation office in Jinja and they will be in a position to give them immediate feedback and they are ready to serve all time.

However, we normally advise travelers to book their horse ride safari in Jinja with an Uganda safari expert operator who will assist them with arranging accommodation, meals, and transportation, as well as giving them different opinions of how best they can enjoy a horse in Jinja. When you book with Katland Safaris, we will offer an extremely ordinary horse ride adventure experience together with our company safari guide who will accompany you to Jinja for your Horse-Riding adventure.

What to pack for a horse ride in Jinja?

For travelers planning to go for a horse ride safari in Jinja, we advise travelers to carry long-sleeved trousers for both men and women, comfortable sports shoes, a helmet or head hut for protection of the head from direct sun rays and in case of an accident, travelers should not forget a cream repellent to protect their skin shine rays on a horse ride a safari and a camera to capture those great memories.

For more information about arranging a horse-Riding Safari in Jinja, please contact Katland Safaris. We have the experience to customize your horse riding in Jinja with other activities on the source of the Nile such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, and zip lining among others that will offer you incredible adventure experiences in the pearl of Africa.

Tips for a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda and Rwanda – Book a Gorilla Safari to Uganda or Rwanda – Best Time for Gorilla trekking Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda – Gorilla trekking destinations 

Tips for a Gorilla trekking Safari in Uganda and Rwanda. The endangered mountain gorillas are a unique primate species that share 98% DNA with humans, they can be found in the tropical rain forests of Virunga national park in Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mount Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Tips for a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Before going for a gorilla trekking safari, you will need to have some tips on how and when to trek mountain gorillas. Below are some tips on mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo.

Physical Fitness

Expect you might have a long hike. Be in the best physical shape you can be. Mountain gorillas live at the mountain slopes of the Virunga massif and Bwindi Forest in Uganda, if you trekking gorillas on volcanic slopes then you will need to be in good shape and have some level of body fitness.  However, there are also facilities given to help disabled people and the elderly track gorillas at an extra fee.

Duration of the trek

The time taken while trekking gorillas cannot be determined because gorillas move up and down in search of food. sometimes you will be lucky to get them as soon as you start the trek or sometimes you hike for long hours when they have moved far away. A single Trek can take anything between 2-8 hours.

Tips for a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Season

Most of the countries where gorillas are found experience two seasons that are the dry and rainy seasons. The best time to trek gorillas is during the dry season from June to September and December to February during this time the trails are a bit slippery and the terrain is good. Though rains in tropical rainforests are unpredictable be prepared with raincoats just in case it rains while doing the activity.

Health

Tourists trekking gorillas must not have communicable diseases like covid, flu, and TB because gorillas are vulnerable to contracting human diseases. Just in case you would like to sneeze or cough out must move your head away from the gorillas to lower the risk of infecting them.

Photography

When trekking mountain gorillas and during observation time, cameras with flashlights are prohibited so are kindly requested to turn off your flashlight. Mountain gorillas don’t like flashlights like golden monkeys. Gorillas can charge and try to fight you.

Clothing

You will be required to wear appropriate clothing while heading for gorilla trekking. This is mainly because it can get very cold on the mountain slopes or even rain Carry a raincoat, cotton warm clothing, good hiking boots, and a sweater. Visitors are advised to put on long and comfortable trousers and shirts with long sleeves. This is intended to protect your skin from thorns and insects.

Tips for a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Minimum Age for gorilla trekking.

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years of age, age verification will be done during the briefing at the park headquarters before you can trek gorillas.  If you’re moving with kids, some lodges will find maids or activities to engage your kids while you go on for gorilla trekking.

Rubbish and litter

Tourists are required not to litter rubbish within the park. Keep your voices low and the guides will inform you when you can have your cameras ready.

Distance from the gorillas

A distance of 5-7 meters must be kept while with gorillas this will reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Book your gorilla safari in Advance

Gorilla permits can run short during the peak season; it’s advisable to always book your permit in advance to avoid disappointments before arrival.

Eye Contact with the mountain gorillas.

While observing gorillas, do not look straight up to the gorillas’ eyes, allow the gorillas to pass by, and crouch down slowly in case they charge and want to attack, and never run away when the gorillas charge this will increase the risk of attack.

Prices

Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600, in Rwanda, they go for $1500, and in Congo for $400. It’s always advisable to check on the country that suits your budget for gorilla trekking as permit prices differ.

You will be with a group and guide but also, consider hiring a local person as a porter assistant, even if you are very fit. This adds a great cultural dimension to the experience and is not expensive.

If you have the choice, visit the largest group available to you to maximize the photo opportunities and the different behaviors you will see.

Prepare for the possibility of rain at any time of year.

Consider traveling with a companion or friend with whom you will share the lifelong memory of the gorilla encounter.

Listen to the advice of your guide. Trust that he or she wants you to get great photos and have the best possible experience.

Contact us for any more inquiries on tips about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Top Reasons to Visit Uganda Next – Visit Uganda Next – Top Safari Destinations in Africa – Gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda – Wildlife and Game Safaris in Uganda.

Top Reasons to Visit Uganda Next. Uganda is constantly ranked every year by the leading global media house as a perfect destination for truly rewarding Africa Safaris. This is so true because of Uganda’s untethered natural wonders. The people are friendly, the food is warm, and the weather is wonderfully tropical. Uganda is home to the mountain giants in its rainforest jungle. Uganda is a friendly East African nation with rich natural diversity and diverse and beautiful landscapes, and it deserves to make your 2023/24 Adventure travel bucket list.

Uganda’s Vast savannah plains and forests, gorgeous nature and wildlife, exciting towns, welcoming and happy peoples, and nice and exclusive safari lodges and camps await you here in Uganda. A perfect single destination that does not require crossing borders will get you out of your bubble and give you a lifetime opportunity to see the world.

From beautiful natural landscapes, mountain backdrops, and a plethora of wildlife species to myriad cultures and welcome people, Uganda is an excellent choice for a rewarding Africa safari vacation.

Top Reasons to Visit Uganda Next

• The Gorilla Trekking adventures.

Creating an unforgettable experience isn’t challenging when visiting Uganda. One of those memorable experiences in this remote destination’s jungles is tracking the mountain gorillas in the Impenetrable rainforest of Bwindi National Park or from Mgahinga gorilla national game park.

The jungle trek involves hiking through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, rated as the wealthiest biodiversity destination, escorted among untouched wildlife searching for the remaining mountain gorillas. With numbers totaling just above 1000 individuals left worldwide, seeing mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you should experience at least once.

The breathtaking scenery, and landscapes.

When it comes to landscape and scenery, Uganda is that destination that will leave you in awe.

Uganda’s landscape varies, the west and southwest are hilly and give the best scenic views, while other parts of the country are composed of mainly flat and low land. Uganda’s scenery is comprised of green vegetation, beautiful hills, famous mountains like Rwenzori & Elgon, thick ancient tropical rain forests like Bwindi impenetrable & Mabira forests, large water bodies like lake victoria, rivers, crater lakes, and waterfalls.

Unique attractions and experiences

Uganda is not only known for being rich in wildlife, but also for its great history, rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscape, aquatic life, warm people, and a variety of other attractions. Uganda prides itself in having attractions that have been preserved and protected in their most natural state, thus offering authentic experiences to its visitors.

The country has 10 national parks and 2 of these are UNESCO world heritage sites. That’s Bwindi’s impenetrable forest and mountain Rwenzori national park. Each national park offers a unique encounter with the wild, and many tourists come for safaris to enjoy exciting and adventurous activities like mountain gorilla trekking, birding, game drives, boat rides, hiking, mountain climbing, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, to mention but a few.

Favorable Uganda climate – Top Reasons to Visit Uganda Next

Uganda’s climate is largely tropical with two rainy seasons per year, March to May and September to December. The northern region, which forms one-quarter of the country lies outside the tropical belt and hence experiences only one rainy season, March to October making Uganda a perfect destination to Visit at any time of the year.

Big Five and Wildlife Safaris Adventures.

The term “Big Five” refers to animals that are difficult to hunt. The Big Five are considered to be strong and dangerous and thus not easily hunted. While in Uganda, meet Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, African elephants, Lions, leopards, and African Buffaloes in all savannah parks. An encounter with the big fives and other wildlife animals offers you the best and truly rewarding safari encounter in Uganda.

The hospitable and welcoming people

Uganda is recognized for having the most welcoming and hospitable people. When you visit Uganda, you will be amused by how warm and friendly the people are. On arrival and throughout your stay, you will be welcomed with big smiles from the courteous people and waves from the happy little children who will make you feel at home. Ugandans value and respect strangers and demonstrate true concern for visitors. The country is also politically stable giving safety assurance to its visitors.

Amazing food and delicious cuisines – Top Reasons to Visit Uganda Next

Uganda has a variety of foods and delicious cuisines to explore, right from the famous street food, Rolex, muchomo, samosa, roasted maize, and chapatti, to the staple foods specially prepared with local Ugandan recipes, the steamed matooke (plantain) from the central, kalo (millet), esh abwe from the west, marakwang from the north, malewa from the east and so many other foods like posho, Irish, etc. These are usually supplemented with sauces like beans, chicken, pasted fish, beef, etc., all these are prepared with Ugandan recipes with fewer spices and seasoning but are finger-licking good.  Tropical fruits like papaya, pineapples, bananas mangoes, guavas etc, are another discovery. Enjoying Ugandan food is an experience on its own.

Safety – Is it safe to Visit Uganda?

We have heard many travelers wondering whether it is safe to Visit Uganda and if it is even safe for female travelers. Well, Uganda as a country is among the most peaceful nations in Africa on top of having the most accommodative and welcoming people.

Tourists from all over the world are welcome to Uganda and their safety is guaranteed by both the state and locals where most of the tourist’s activities occur. So, one might be wondering whether Uganda is safe for female travelers and solo travelers, the answer is YES, Uganda is safe for female tourists and all other tourists.

In conclusion, Uganda has a diversity of attractions, and the tourism industry of Uganda over the years has evolved and become better than ever before. Many beautifully designed safari packages have been made to ensure the ultimate African experience for tourists who visit the country. Service providers like hotels, lodges, car rentals, tour guides, and tour operators are putting up their best work to deliver the best services to their clients while on trips within the pearl of Africa.

Plan and book your trip to Uganda to experience the most adventurous African safari of your life.

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda. Luxury Lodges in Uganda: The Best Safari Holiday Accommodation

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda. Uganda’s grand natural spaces have compelled generations of safari adventurers to seek them out and the safari accommodation providers have kept pace. Tourists coming to Uganda for safari Holidays have little more to worry about than the ultimate in service, comfort, experience, and indulgence. What we are sure of is that they can’t go wrong with the places our travelers have chosen on this a-list of safari vacation lodges in Uganda.

We put down this a-list of vacation lodges and camps based on how our travelers have rated them since when we opened the business. Ratings include their facilities, location, service, food, amenities, and overall value.

List of Top 6 Safari Lodges in Uganda

Mihingo Lodge

Located right in between Uganda’s capital city Kampala and the primate trekking and wildlife safari destinations of southwestern Uganda, any adventure seeker enjoys a natural frontier feel to this safari vacation lodge, overlooking Lake Mburo National Park’s vast and beautiful savannah plains.

Mihingo Lodge is Perched high on a 500-million-year-old rock, Mihingo Lodge is an enchanting setting of wilderness vacation luxury designed to blend beautifully with its natural surroundings. A tranquil pool overlooks a sweeping wild valley below the water where buffalo, impala, zebra, eland, warthogs, and bushbuck converge for an afternoon quench.

The privately positioned Luxury tents all enjoy ward views from a veranda and spacious bathroom with six units dramatically placed on the summit of the Kopje with others along less giddy contours around the flanks. Attention to detail is evident throughout from the loo handles to the organic thatched dining shelter supported by gnarled olive wood trees.

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda

Kyaninga Lodge

The lodge is perched on the edge of a spectacular crater lake called Kyaninga providing the perfect start for guests to explore the beauty of Fort Portal and the region’s hidden natural amenities when they step out of their cottage. The gardens offer a stunning setting for relaxation, reflection, and space for vacation games. There is even a lawn tennis court for the joyful stretching of holiday muscles. A guided walk around Lake Kyaninga would put you on the path of some exciting wildlife sightings like colobus monkeys and baboons.

A few drive hours from the lodge takes you to other Crater Lakes and notably to the Kibale forest popular for the chimpanzee trekking adventure. Kibale stands out as the best place in Africa to watch our cousin chimpanzee troops in their natural setting and twelve other primate species

Elephant Plains Lodge

Elephant Plains Lodge is one of the newest and most excellent safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth national game park. The Lodge is located on the northeastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s surrounded by vast acres of protected wilderness plains under an endless blanket of stars. The safari lodge is a few minutes’ drive to the start of game drives through one of Uganda’s finest national parks to Kasenyi game tracks, Mweya Peninsula, Lake Kikorongo, and Kazinga Channel.

The safari lodge cottages have large bathtub showers and are spaced out along the hilltop, offering tranquil privacy for quiet outside evenings. Large verandas overlook Lake Kikorongo, where you can watch the sunset on elephants and buffaloes by the watering hole. The main area provides an extensive lounge with comfortable couches and intimate seating areas for you to enjoy a Ugandan gin and tonic and take in the beautiful views under the cooling breeze rolling in off Lake George.  The spacious restaurant has an outside dining deck with 270-degree views serving an international menu inspired by local flavors.

The lodge also has a sizeable eco-friendly swimming pool for guests to cool off at the end of the day and continue to take in the enthralling views offered from everywhere around the lodge.

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda

Apoka Safari Lodge

Apoka Safari Lodge is the finest lodge in kedepo valley national game park commanding views across the Kidepo flatlands to the mountains beyond. This safari lodge has a relaxed classic safari feel, quietly providing a tranquil and private wildlife experience in Uganda’s remotest northeastern Kidepo National Park. The lodge is located 437 km away from the city chaos, into the countryside among the untamed wilderness, an unrivaled base for intrepid adventurers seeking the quintessential African safari experience. 

Sitting right on the edge of a rocky hill are ten beautifully furnished vacation rentals (each rented separately) with exquisite interiors that marry a real sense of interior design with the natural surroundings. The natural shades of rock, wood carvings, and hand-crafted wooden beds draped with soft mosquito nets bring out the idyllic classic romance for a wilderness getaway.

Hand-woven woolen carpets offer an element of added warmth, and secluded sitting rooms and private verandas with views across the Narus Valley invite meditative moments over the golden sunsets. A lovely ensuite bathroom features a large tropical shower and deep outdoor bathtub – the perfect refuge after a successful day of game viewing.

And if the wild uninvited visitors (lions, buffalo, giraffes, or leopards) don’t thrill you, take a dip in the sparkling swimming pool hewn out of the rock, bury yourself in a good book or a fun-filled board game, and let the hours flicker by in the main sitting room.

Suppose you’re looking for a classic intrepid safari experience in unusual spaces of Uganda’s wilderness. In that case, Apoka Safari Lodge is your choice of unique safari vacation rental that provides interweaving traditional spaces and the natural world into a romantic, warm, relaxed, and intimate getaway!

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp delivers on its off-grid promise with a look that is seemingly out of a fantasy novel or fairy tale. Canvas tents with wooden floors and decking for a magical, whimsical feel deliver a pioneering jungle spirit.

With an ideal location close to the starting point for the gorilla trekking adventures in the impenetrable jungles, the eight-tent camp is one of the most remote and atmospheric in Africa – certainly the most idyllic of all safari vacation rentals in Bwindi. It’s not uncommon for the giant of all apes to walk in on your evening siestas around the main areas.

The lodge offers eight canvas tents with wooden floors and decking, fluffy beds, and ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs strategically positioned for the intriguing vises of the steamy forest. An open-air dining cottage overlooking the rainforest, a cozy campfire for communal evenings, a mini span, and a local crafts gift shop are some of the features that will keep you included during your vacation stay.

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda

Nile Safari Lodge

Nestled into the bank of Victoria Nile River between the Albert Delta and Paraa in Murchison Falls National Park, Nile Safari Lodge immerses its occupants in a rural paradise, creating the most tranquil family safari vacation hideaway.

The riparian makes the most of its riverside location with the thunderous Murchison Falls 20 kilometers downstream, providing access to the prime game viewing activities in the park. Its ingenious and environmentally conscious design that blends seamlessly with its surroundings makes the safari lodge Uganda’s most luxurious wilderness vacation rental.

The lodge’s minimally intrusive design is marvelously crafted from local eucalyptus wood and other locally sourced material without compromising comfort or aesthetics. It has eight luxurious bandhas secluded among tall trees and thick shrubs along the Nile banks that can be rented individually. The fine sleeping rooms are fitted with en-suite facilities and outdoor showers to allow guests to bathe in the natural surroundings. Characterized by creative and purposely simple designs, each has its unique style and offers ultimate privacy for a wilderness or romantic getaway. Exquisite wooden décor, luxurious double beds, and a private deck create an oasis of tranquility in the backdrop of the mighty Nile.

If you’re going all out for glamour in Uganda, Nile Safari Lodge is a masterpiece safari vacation rental, an idyllic riverside hideaway that makes you feel, well, majestic.

Contact us with any inquiries on how to book a stay in one of Uganda’s Exclusive safari lodges for your adventure Holiday through Uganda.

Big Game Safari Adventure in Uganda. Big Five Animals in Uganda – Uganda Wildlife Safari.

Your dream to take a safari through Africa becomes a reality when you encounter at least one or two of the big five animals on your big game safari adventure in Uganda.

A sizable number of tourists from all over the world choose to take trips to Africa, particularly to Uganda to encounter the impressive big game Animals these include the African Buffalo, the African Rhinoceros, Lions, Leopard, and the African Elephant.

The term big five animals date way back to the 1800s from trophy hunters who referred to the challenging Animals above as difficult and very dangerous to hunt on foot thus the name big five Animals.

Encountering the Big Fives on the Big Game Safari Adventure in Uganda is now a very popular safari activity across Africa and a very common tourist activity in Uganda. It’s used by many safari companies to sell trips, but also by countries to sell their destinations.

Where to find the Big Five animals on a safari through Uganda.

A game drive through Uganda’s savanna national parks notably Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo will give you a lifetime opportunity to come up close to the African big five adventure. The cape buffalo, African elephants hunting pride of African lions. For the shy leopard, a relaxed and patient early or late evening savanna drive may lead you to its hunting joints.

The Northern White Rhino can only be seen in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center UWEC Zoo.  Tourists have a good chance of seeing members of the Africa Big 5 in any of the four savanna parks.

 1 African Elephant.

The African Elephant is the world’s largest of all African Big Five found in Uganda and perhaps the most enduring symbol of nature’s grace and fragility, is also one of the most intelligent and entertaining to watch on a classic African safari game drive.

If you’re planning your Africa safari in Uganda and want to meet these magnificent giants, you must know that African elephants occur in all national parks except Lake Mburo. They are most likely seen in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo national parks. We recommend you take a boat safari on the Nile in Murchison of Kazinga channel in QENP to see these gentle giants gracefully flocking the water banks in massive herds.

2. Lion

The lion is the most sought-after member of the African Big 5. It’s the largest and most imposing African carnivore, and the most sociable of the large cats, living in loosely structured pride of typically five to 15 members. In Uganda, lions are mainly found in the three largest savanna parks: Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP), Kidepo Valley National Park (KVNP), and Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP).

Big Game Safari Adventure in Uganda. Tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha wilderness sector.

In QENP, the Ishasha lions are known for their unique behavior of climbing trees and have been branded the “Ishasha tree-climbing lions” by tourists who flock to this sector to have sight of this rare behavior.

3. African Buffalo

Africa’s only wild African buffalo is a widespread creature that lives in large herds on the savanna and smaller herds in forested areas. The African buffalo is the most dangerous of all African game species, especially if wounded or solitary. Its reputation has placed it among the African Big 5 animals recognized worldwide.

Buffaloes can be seen in almost all of Uganda’s national parks and large forests. In Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks, you may see hybrids of the savanna buffalo of East Africa and the red buffalo of the West African forest.

4. Leopard.

The leopard is the most elusive and the smallest of Africa’s big five animals. Leopards are sneaky and harder to spot, and naturally shy and exclusively nocturnal, leopards spend the daylight hours hidden from view. The big solitary cats haul large kills, such as zebra or antelope, into a tree to eat alone, in peace.

On a safari through Uganda, leopards can be seen in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National, Lake Mburo National Park, Mt Elgon National Park, and Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

5. Rhinoceros

The rhinoceros, commonly known as rhino, is a large, herbivorous mammal identified by its characteristic horned snouts. The word “rhinoceros” comes from the Greek words “rhino” (nose) and “zeros” (horn).

Rhinoceroses are universally recognized for their massive bodies, stumpy legs, and either one or two dermal horns. In some species, the horns may be short or not obvious. They are renowned for having poor eyesight, but their senses of smell and hearing are well-developed.

The biggest of the five surviving species occurs in Uganda, the Northern white rhino, and can only be seen in the massively protected Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe, commonly referred to as the Zoo.

Please contact us with any details about Big Game Safari Adventure in Uganda