Author: Katland Safaris

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.

Top destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda – Kibale forest – Primates tracking – Ngamba Island 

Top destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda. Uganda is one of the most popular Chimpanzee tracking destination in the whole world. The country boosts of many amazing places where you can go for an amazing chimpanzee tracking adventure. it can be either in the wild or in very special places for those that are being threatened by human existence.

Bellow are Uganda’s top destinations for Chimpanzee tracking.

Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest Reserve Located in western Uganda is remarkably one of the most spectacular forest reserves that any nature lover shouldn’t miss to explore while on a safari to Uganda. Kalinzu forest is one of a few natural forests that still thrive in Uganda and it is set around Bushenyi district just near Queen Elizabeth National Park and Maramagambo forest. It is about 382 kilometers drive from Kampala and it straddles at elevation of 1400 meters. It extends up to 147 square kilometers and its establishment was mainly to offer refuge to its diverse wildlife.

What to see in Kalinzu Forest Reserve?

Kalinzu forest is famous for its Chimpanzee tracking experience that allows trackers to spend at least one hour with primates that are 98.7% related to mankind. Kalinzu is one of the best places for primate watching safaris in Uganda. Out of the 220 chimpanzees in this Forest reserve, 70 of them were habituated by Japanese Researchers to make them used to the presence of humans, hence are open for tracking. Just like chimpanzee tracking in other places, tourists need to carry packed lunch, enough drinking water (of at least 2 liters), wear long sleeved shirts, have to be at least 12 years to be allowed to track these primates, have to wear long trousers, cnfortable hiking boots, light rain jacket and a hat.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Foerst is also termed the Primates Capital of the world and this is due to the fact that its home to the largest number of chimpanzees in the whole world. The forest has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa totaling 13 species including the black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkey and grey-checked manangabey, red tailed monkey, bush babies and pottos. The Park also hosts over 325 species of birds including the yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinkerbird, little greenbul, breasted pitta, the African pitta and the black bee eater. There are numbers of other impressive mammals including forest Elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, duikers and bats. A keen observer may also see a number of reptiles and amphibians as well as colorful variety of butterflies.

The most famous inhabitants of Kibale National Park are the Chimpanzees with over 1,450 individuals are protected within the park.

Budongo central Forest reserve

Top destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda. Budongo Central Forest Reserve is the largest surviving natural forest in Uganda with a total surface area of 825sq.km. It covers the districts of masindi, Hoima and Buliisa . This is a true forest! Very little illegal activity and encroachment has ensured that the forest remains as natural indeed intended it to be. Visitors seeking the serenity and calmness of being next to nature should opt for Budongo! Professionally preserved and managed by the National Forestry Authority, the forest is divided into three zones. Its strict nature reserve is the oldest in the country while its buffer zone allows Eco-Tourism and Research to prosper and its production zone caters for commercial activities.

Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge is one of the most popular tourist activities for tourists to Queen Elizabeth national Park. Tracking permits are a requirement for all trackers before tracking the chimpanzees. All trackers are first briefed about the tracking experience before they embark on tracking chimpanzees in the 16-kilometer long Kyambura gorge.

Ngamba Chimpanzee Island

Top destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda. Ngamba Island is known to own different plants and tree species, wild water and forest bird species, beautiful and unique reptile species such as snakes and lizards. You will have a great opportunity for close viewing of rescued chimpanzees roaming around this Island. We leave to the Island early in the morning by boat not to miss the pre-arranged supplementary feeding times (11.00 am & 3.00 pm each day) that bring the chimpanzees to within meters of the raised walkway designed for easy viewing and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Return to your place of stay in the evening.

Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) 

The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center is a fun and exciting place to see and learn about the animals of Uganda and the ecosystems in which they live. Take some time to learn how they live, eat, play, and walk. Originally founded in the 1950s to accommodate confiscated and injured wildlife and to look after orphan animals confiscated from smugglers, the center has grown considerably in recent years. Many say its destined to become the most important facility to showcase wildlife on the African continent. Created by the government of Uganda with the help of the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York and managed by a Wildlife Trust, it never fails to delight. At UWEC you will come across free ranging Vervet monkeys and a family troop of De Braza monkeys in the jungle of our hillside forest. Over 120 bird species can be watched ranging from the famous African fish eagle, over the Great Blue Turaco to Hammerkops, Giant Kingfisher and even the smallest sun birds.

Top destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda Contact us for any more inquires about Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda .

 What transpired at the Rwanda gorilla naming ceremony – Kwita Izina 2022– Gorill naming, Gorilla trekking – Rwanda

Kwita Izina 2022, is a gorilla naming ceremony held in Rwandan every year, hosted in Musanze District, in the Northern of Rwanda. The ceremony has been held since 2005, derived from the centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming one’s children in the presence of   family and friends.

Prominent individuals invited for Kwita Izina 2022.

For each ceremony held every year, a line of prominent individuals from across the world are given invitations to give names to new born baby gorillas at every year’s Kwita Izina ceremony. For this year, the gorilla naming ceremony took place on 2^nd of September 2022, with Prince Charles, Duke of Wales toping the list of gorilla naming.

Other prominent people on the list included Didier Drogba, former Chelsea striker, Louise Mushikiwabo the Secretary General of Organization Internationale de la Francophonie, Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Kenyan music band Sauti Sol, Gilberto Silva, former Arsenal midfielder, and Salma Rhadia Mukansanga, Rwandan International Football Referee among many other prominent individuals.

The ceremony 

Kwita Izina 2022. Is modelled off an old tradition from many centuries ago in which Rwandans gave  new born children names. The population of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world is only slightly above 1000. The birth of baby gorillas comes with excitement promises a better future for their conservation. In the last 17 years, 354 gorillas have been given names in this gorilla naming ceremony called Kwita Izina.

Kwita Izina 2022. Intends to add  value to these  gorillas by giving them names the public can relate with to further conservation initiatives.

The event is an opportunity to thank the communities around Volcanoes National Park,  and the public for  protecting mountain gorillas. Kwita Izina 2022

Gorilla Conservation.

Despite efforts to protect them, Gorillas remain an endangered species, still hunted down for their meat or just to be turned into trophies. The Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF), estimates that only about 1,000 of these great apes remain in the wild globally.

Kwita Izina 2022. Mountain gorillas are one of two subspecies of the eastern gorilla and one of the world’s largest living primates. Mountain gorillas have muscular arms, broad hands and feet and longer hair with shorter arms than their lowland cousins.

In the whole of Africa, gorillas can be trekked in Uganda, Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. Many conservation efforts have been started in recent years intended at protecting the mountain gorillas and as well increase their number.

Rwanda now plays a pivotal role in creating a safe space for mountain gorillas and that’s the spirit for Kwita Izina.

Contact us with any inquiries about attending the next gorilla naming ceremony or trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Kwita Izina 2022

Pack-list for Gorilla Trekking adventures. Things you must carry for your Gorilla Trekking safari – Uganda – Rwanda Gorilla trekking 

Pack-list for Gorilla Trekking adventures 

Pack-list for Gorilla Trekking adventures. Preparing for gorilla is a very crucial and a very important part of the adventure. This is so because, Gorilla trekking is one of the major and most exciting activities that’s shouldn’t be missed by ay 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.

The Gorilla trekking experience.

In all the gorilla trekking destination, 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, an experienced park guides well conversant with gorilla trekking trails is 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 where 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, plant and tree species. Once the mountain gorillas are found, you are allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos and record videos.

Pack-list for Gorilla Trekking adventures

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 I Uganda is done in tropical rainforests which means it can rain anytime of the day regardless of the season therefore the light waterproof jacket is very. It will protect you from rainfall during trekking adventure.

Hiking boots

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is done in tropical rainforests following trails which 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 is 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 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

To carry and keep your gorilla trekking items dry during gorilla trekking such as insect repellent, camera, binoculars, 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 thins to pack when going for 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 so as to avoid making the mountain gorillas agitated.

A pair of binoculars

A pair of binoculars will help you to have clear view the mountain gorillas at a distance and other wildlife species such as birds, mammals, 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 on how to plan and organize a gorilla trekking safari through Uganda and Rwanda.

The Shoebill Stork Adventure at Mabamba Wetland – Best place to see a shoebill in its natural habitat – Uganda Birding safaris – Shoebill conservation.

Mabamba Shoebill Stork Adventure. The Shoebill stork is one of the most opted for bird for bird lovers seeking to explore Uganda. This incredible bird species can best be sighted in mostly two locations in Uganda, that’s Murchison falls national game park and in the mabamba wetland.

Mabamba wetland.

The Mabamba Bay Wetland found across Lake Victoria in the west of Entebbe town and a few meters fro Entebbe international airport. Mabamba is one of those exceptional places  for bird watching safaris not only for the shoebill stork but for quite a number of other bird species. The wetland is home for around 300 bird species recorded including the Pallid Harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler and the Blue Swallow, Blue Swallow among others.

The wetland is protected under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty signed in 1971 in Iran for the protection of wetlands.

The birding excursion is done on the canoes through small channels of marsh-filled water and lagoons. The birds are best seen during morning hours though they can be spotted at any time throughout the day. Uganda birding safaris are very popular due to the vast numbers of bird species that can be spotted in any single tour. The shoebill can be spotted at any time either at Mabamba Bay Wetland or Murchison Falls National Park.

Other bird species at Mabamba include; Goliath Herons, Spur-winged White-winged Warbler, Gull-billed Terns, Whiskered Terns, Grey-headed Gulls, Papyrus Gonolek, yellow-backed weaver, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, White-winged Black Terns, Pygmy Geese, Malachite kingfisher, Papyrus Canary, Northern Brown-throated weaver, Carruther’s Cisticola, Blue-headed Coucal among many others.

While on a birding tour to Mabamba Bay area, you can also visit the woodland and savanna trail up to the sand mining quarry where other species of birds are likely to be found.

Booking a bird watching safari in Uganda with a reputable tour company is ideal for any birding enthusiasts looking to make the most of their safari in Uganda without any worry along the way. The local communities around Mabamba Bay Wetland have been trained as tour guides and now work to preserve the wetland.

Contact us with any inquiries about planning and organizing a birding to Uganda and mostly to mabamba for the shoebill stork adventure.

Must Do activities After Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Wildlife safaris – Chimpanzee tracking –  Birding safaris – Community encounters – Golden Monkey tracking.

Activities After Gorilla Trekking. Gorilla trekking is the adventure act that involves visitors moving into the tropical rainforest in search of the gorilla families and once found spend one hour with them in their natural environments. Gorilla trekking is one of the most opted for activities, the most adventurous and one that attracts the biggest numbers of visitors to the country. In Uganda Gorilla trekking is done in two national parks that is Bwindi impenetrable national park the most popular gorilla trekking destination in Uganda and home to the highest number of the remaining mountain gorillas and Mgahinga gorilla national park. After your gorilla trekking safari in either Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park, you can connect to other destinations with the most popular ones including Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Kibale forest national park, Lake Mburo national park, Semuliki national park Kidepo valley national park, lake Bunyonyi among others in which destinations you will engage in different interesting activities.

Some of the most exciting activities tourist can enjoy after gorilla trekking in Uganda include the following.

Cultural and community encounters.

After your gorilla trekking adventure, you can engage in a cultural and community encounters where you will be able to interact with various communities. The most popular cultural communities around the gorilla trekking destinations include the Bakiga and Batwa who used to live in Mgahinga and Bwindi Forest before they were gazetted as a national parks. During the cultural tour, you will be able to learn about their cultural lifestyle, ways of living, visit their homesteads, farmlands, learn how beer is made from bananas, taste their local food, enjoy their traditional entertainment among others.

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is done in different destinations. These include Kibale forest national park, Kalinzu forest, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve and Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park. Chimpanzee trekking in all destinations starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow where after you will start trekking in the forest with experienced park guides. During chimpanzee trekking which takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours, you will be able to view other primate species, birds, mammals, plant species among others.  Once the chimpanzees are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their habitat which gives you a chance to learn about their lifestyle, behaviors, watch them feed, breastfeed, hunt, fight, play, rest, take photos and record videos.

Nature walks

Nature walking is another interesting activity in Uganda that you can engage in after your gorilla trekking safari. Nature walks will give you an opportunity to explore the national park on foot with the company of armed park rangers and experienced park guides. During the guided nature walk, you will get up-close and personal with different wildlife species, listen to sweet sounds of bird species singing in trees, view colorful butterflies, take beautiful photos, relax your mind, enjoy the cool breeze among others.

Birding

Birding is one of the activating that you can engage in before or after your gorilla trekking safari. Uganda is a home of over 1,085 recorded bird species including Albertine rift endemic species, forest birds, endemic birds, water birds, savannah birds and migratory ones. This concentration of bird species makes Uganda the best birding destination in the whole of east Africa. In Uganda, Birding can be done in different areas including Queen Elizabeth national park which harbors the highest number of bird species, Murchison falls national park, Kidepo valley national park, Mabamba swamp, Bwindi impenetrable national park, Lake Mburo national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Semuliki national park among others. During birding, you will be accompanied by an experienced bird guide who will help you to spot different bird species including the prehistoric shoebill stork, handsome francolin, swamp flycatcher, African green broadbill, martial eagle among others

Golden monkey trekking

After your gorilla trekking safari, you can engage in an incredible Golden monkey trekking activity where you will move into the forest in search of the unique golden monkeys. Once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Golden monkey trekking is only done in Mgahinga gorilla national park and just like gorilla trekking, it starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Trekking of the golden monkeys takes about 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on their location and during trekking you will enjoy views of different wildlife species. Take photos and record the breathtaking moments.

Wildlife safaris/ game drives.

You can engage in interesting wild game drives and be able to explore the savannah national parks in a comfortable pop-up safari vehicle in company of a professional driver guide. Exciting Game drives in Uganda are carried out in Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park, Kidepo valley national park, and Lake Mburo national park. During the game drives which can either be done early in the morning or in the afternoon, you will be able to spot different animals like buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, giraffes, zebras, oribi, topi, elands, warthogs, giant forest hogs, predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs among others.

Boat rides.

After your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park, you can also engage in a fascinating boat ride done in different areas including Kazinga channel in queen Elizabeth national park, Lake Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi which is the deepest lake in Uganda, source of the Nile, Lake Mburo national park and Murchison falls national park. During the boat cruise, you will enjoy stunning views of the beautiful scenery, view hippos and Nile crocodiles in water, elephants warthogs, buffaloes, waterbucks among others drinking water along the shores, water birds, view fishermen preparing their fishing nets for night fishing among others.

For any more information about what to do after and before the gorilla trekking adventure, do not hesitate to contact us or visit our website for various safari packages.

Ngamba island – Chimpanzee Sanctuary adventure – Chimpazee trekking – Chimpanzee Conservation – Chimpanzee Habituation.

Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary. Ngamba Island is the only place in Uganda that’s a habitant to threatened chimpanzees from across the world. It’s an incredible and magnificent island situated in the district of Mukono in the middle of Uganda’s largest Lake, Victoria. The Lake is shared by the three East African countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Ngamba island was established in 1998 and occupies 100 acres where 98 acres are forested.  It’s a chimpanzee sanctuary which inhabits rescued and orphaned chimpanzees from different parts of the world. Its home to 49 chimpanzees with 22 males, 27 females and all are led by the Alpha male as their top leader.

Getting to Ngamba Island.

The only way to the island is by boat. A boat safari to the island starts with boarding from the shores of Lake Victoria depending on the direction of the country you are in. The most opted for start point is the Uganda Wildlife education center (UWECE) situated on the shores of Lake Victoria just a few meters from the airport and from Entebbe town. On your boat safari to the island, you will get exposed to the amazing sea breeze with a morning mist rising off the placid waters, a view of the distant stunning islands, and fresh greenery surrounding the lake which gives nice pictorial opportunity for nature and photographers. You are at liberty to choose either to use an engine boat or speed boat, depending on the time you would wish to reach the island.

The chimpanzee experience.

A trip at Ngamba island is a life time experience since all questions running through your head about chimps get to be answered. The Island was purposely established to find a sweet and comfortable home to homeless and rescued chimps from smugglers and encroachers as well as poachers. Each of them after being rescued, are taken to the island, each given a home and a suitable name each depending on its back ground and story of rescue. Some are named after the tourists who make contribution to their wellbeing of Chimpanzees like Rupaleria named after Sudhir Rupaleria one of Uganda’s richest business man, and others named according to their merit like Natasha.

Chimpanzees at the island are caged during night and left to roam in the forest during day. The forest is electric fenced to prevent these chimps from escaping from the island to the neighboring villages at times causing a negative impact to the humans but this occasion is rarely seen since the whole sanctuary is sounded with water. Ngamba Island is truly a magical place to visit for a life fulfilling chimpanzee adventure. Excitement will rise in your veins as you watch these creatures welcome you while clapping their small hands and making different sounds.

Chimpanzees are ranked among Uganda’s foremost tourist attraction and one of the world’s remarkable encounters. A trip to this magical place will enable you learn more facts about this primate species such as its life style in the forest, communication skills amongst each other, mating, shelter and the feeding style on fruits, roots and stems. Important to not is that Chimpanzees at Ngamba are feed by the staff with fruits and vegetables. Like pumpkins, jackfruit, watermelon, pine apples among others since they are omnivorous.

With the help of the guide at the sanctuary, you will get adequate information that will enable you collect relevant data. The guide will take you through the back ground of each chimpanzee at the sanctuary, and how it has adopted to the life at the island.

Chimpanzees’ are man’s closest cousin consisting of over 98.5% human genetic code. Chimpanzees are not different from human being since it possesses characters like that of a human. The only difference is that chimpanzees are hairy all over the body and sometimes use its front limbs to move. These chimpanzees are gentile and friendly when they meet tourists.  Those interested in Chimp tracking should not overlook Ngamba Island at the magical world.

Plan an adventurous trip to Ngamba Island where you will invest little and obtain a life time experience. However, their other places where chimp tracking is done and these include Budongo forest in Murchison falls national game park, Kalinzu forest near Queen Elizabeth national game park, Kibale forest national park also termed the primates capital of the world, and in Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park.

Please contact us for a chimpanzee trekking adventure in any part of the country.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Rhino tracking adventure

Tracking Rhinos at the famous Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is the perfect stop over for any tourist while on a safari to the famous Murchison Falls National Park.

Location

The Sanctuary is located in the district of Nakasongola in the direction of the famous Murchison Falls National Park, it’s about 176km north of Uganda’s capital Kampala, and about a two hours’ drive from Entebbe international airport. It is the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be found in their natural habitat. Rhinos had become extinct in Uganda for about two decades due to wars in the 1970s and poachers who killed many of them to sell their supposedly very valuable horn.

In 2005, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was set up by Rhino Fund Uganda together with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to address the plight of the rhinos and ensure their safety, with a goal of eventually releasing them back into the wild. Tracking rhinos takes about one to two hours, depending on the location of the rhinos and is done on foot unlike other typical game drives. There are over 70 park rangers whose job is to ensure the general well-being and safety of the rhinos and assist tourists in spotting the rhinos during tracking. The tracking activity necessitates one to have closed shoes, long pants, water and insect repellent.

There are basic lodging facilities at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for those who might wish to spend a night on their way to or from Murchison Falls National Park.

 The tracking experience.

Tracking rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can very well be added to any Murchison Falls National Park safari due to the proximity of the sanctuary to the national park.

Apart from rhino tracking, the sanctuary has also become increasingly popular with tourists for bird watching, shoebill stork trek, night walk, nature walk, among other tourist activities. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is protected by 24-hour security and a solar-powered electrical fence. Proceeds from food and accommodation are directed towards the breeding programme of the rhinos, with a plan of releasing them into the wild. Visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a wonderful Uganda safari experience and it brings you in a very close and safe distance to these magnificent creatures.

At Katland Safaris, we can put together a custom-tailored itinerary to enable tourists fully explore the 70 square-kilometer sanctuary.

Feel free to contact us with any questions about Rhino tracking in Uganda and a trip to Murchison falls national game park.