Category: Travel Blog

Tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda – primates safaris – Book a trip to Uganda or Rwanda now.

Tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda. Uganda and Rwanda are recently some of the most popular destinations for golden monkey tracking in the world.

In the early years, this pretty monkey was common in Rwanda’s Gishwati Forest Reserve, most of which was chopped down by returned refugees in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. Because of this human factor, a big population of these beautiful primates left further to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southern part of the country.

In Uganda, these beautiful primates are most popular and dominant in Mgahinga gorilla national game park in southeastern Uganda on the border with Rwanda. Surveys conducted estimate that the population of golden monkeys in Mgahinga gorilla national park is between 3,000 to 4,000

Golden monkeys are an endangered species and are endemic to this region. They share these forests as safe homes with other beautiful creatures including, Mountain gorillas, forest elephants, and many other species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

Much as they share a home with mountain gorillas in Mgahinga gorilla National game park, unlike mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are small, and quiet at times, especially in the presence of their main predator the eagles, they do not make nests and leave very little or no evidence of their presence on the floors of the forests they inhabit.

Tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda.

Golden monkey trekking experience.

In Uganda Mgahinga gorilla national park, golden monkeys are getting more used to the presence of human beings in their habitat. Therefore, this allows guests to have an insight and a close encounter with these beautiful primates and observe their daily lives.

The monkeys dictate how the day is going to be, and no day is ever the same in the forest. It’s always hard to tell how the trekking day is going to turn out, and this is what makes golden monkey trekking a worthwhile experience and exciting one. the weather is the biggest challenge when trekking but at times can turn into a blessing in disguise.  When trekking at times in search of the golden monkeys, you will encounter strong winds, extreme coldness, and sometimes heavy rains

Wind makes it conducive to tracking the golden monkeys they tend to stay quiet in the blowing wind to be able to hear and detect. When it rains, golden monkeys take shelter in tree canopies and at times do not move which gives you a very high chance to see them.

However, it’s important to note that, regardless of whether it’s raining or not golden monkey trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda can be done every day all through the year.

Tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda.

The cost of Golden Monkey Tracking Permits

The golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda costs 50 us dollars per person per trek for foreign nonresidents, 40 us dollars per person per trek for foreign residents, and 20,000 Ugandan shillings for East African Residents per person per trek.

The cost of that permit includes entry to the golden monkey destination, fees to the park guide or ranger, and a full hour with the golden monkey after encountering them.

Preparing for golden monkey trekking.

Just like mountain gorilla trekking, the golden monkey tracking experience also starts with tourists’ arrival at Park headquarters as early as 7:30 am. Once the tourists are at the gate, they are briefed by a ranger guide on how the trekking experience will be conducted highlighting the dos and don’ts of golden monkey trekking. After the briefing is done, the trekking then starts with the leadership of the ranger guide into the forest.

Golden monkey trekking is not as tiresome as mountain gorilla trekking because Golden monkeys stay in lower areas than golden monkeys. At most, it can take visitors about three hours to trek and an extra hour to spend with the golden monkeys to observe their behavior and take pictures to share with loved ones back home. Unlike mountain gorilla trekking, with golden monkey trekking, there is no restriction on the number of people permitted to trek with golden monkeys but there is a restriction on age, and only those above 12 are permitted to go for the golden monkey trekking experience.

Tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda.

What to carry during golden monkey trekking.

Like gorilla trekking even golden monkey trekking is dome withy in thick forests, therefore a visitor must be well prepared for this encounter. Some of the things that must be included in your tourist back include comfortable hiking shoes, long tours trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a hut, light walking sticks, skin repellants, a light backpack for lunch, packed lunch, and drinking water.

Contact us with any inquiries about tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda.

Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. All  you need to before encountering the gentle Giants 

Dos and don’t for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.  Encountering mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda is a lifetime opportunity for any traveler worldwide. But because mountain gorillas are an endangered species with only about one thousand reaming in the world, the protection and conservation of these gentle giants is at the forefront of every gorilla trekking adventure.

Gorilla trekking is an expensive but also very exciting adventure that should be enjoyed by any tourist that opts to do it. Katland safaris excel in providing guiding information on gorilla trekking to tourists intending to go on mountain gorilla trekking safaris to both Uganda and Rwanda.

By gorilla trekking dos and don’ts, we mean those particular things you do from the time of planning your gorilla safari to when you encounter these gentle giants.

Before your gorilla trekking safari.

• You must have booked a gorilla trekking permit. This is the official document from the government of either Rwanda or Uganda that allows you access to the gorilla trekking destinations in both countries.
• You must have already arranged for transportation from your hotel of residence or the airport to the gorilla trekking destination.
• We advise you do the booking of your gorilla trekking permits and all other gorilla trekking logistics like transport and accommodation with a local travel agency like Katland safaris as this is easier and swift.

Dos and don’t for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Before gorilla trekking.

• Carry packed lunch or dry foods with drinking water for your gorilla trekking adventure.
• You must be above 15 years of age to do gorilla trekking.
• You must at all times follow the instructions of your guide.
• Only eight people are permitted to trek a particular gorilla family in a day. This is a conservation initiative aimed at reducing the risk of disease contracting and at minimizing behavioral disturbance.
• You must wash your hands before starting your gorilla trekking adventure.
• Your voice must be at its lowest all the time to avoid behavioral disturbance.
• Do not take rubbish into the gorilla jungle especially the kind of rubbish that might harm the environment.
• The trekking will start from where the gorillas were last seen and that’s the trail that you will follow until you meet the mountain gorillas.
• When in an encounter with the mountain gorillas, you follow the instructions from the guide.

Dos and don’t for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

When the mountain gorillas

• Keep a distance of not less than 7 meters away from the mountain gorillas. The further you are, the more relaxed the gorillas will be.
• It’s okay to ask your guide questions, but your voice must be low.
• Stay in a tight group when you have encountered mountain gorillas.
• Do not use the flash when taking pictures as it irritates the gorillas.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when near mountain gorillas. Do not drop any food or drinking material that can be taken by the gorillas. This is intended at reducing the risk of disease contact with the gorillas
• Sometimes gorillas charge. When they do, do not attempt to run as this may increase the risk rather wait for communication from your guide.
• Do not tempt them to touch the mountain gorillas or even directly look into their eyes.
• You are only permitted to spend not more than an hour with the mountain gorillas for regular trekking and not more than four hours for gorilla habituation.

General health rules for gorilla trekking

Mountain gorillas are very suspect able to human diseases. Avoiding this from happening is key to the protection of these gentle giants.

• Keep a distance of not less than 7 meters from the mountain gorillas
• With the recent covid 19 outbreaks, you are advised to carry and put on a mask when in an encounter with mountain gorillas.
• Kindly respect the limitation on the number of people permitted to track mountain gorillas. It’s intended for the conservation of these gentle giants and to limit human disease contact.
• If you feel there is an urge for you to cough, turn your head either down or look the other way around and cough while covering your nose and mouth.
• Do not leave external rubbish in the mountain gorilla jungle.
• If you feel the need to use a toilet, ask your guide, he or she will use his panga to dig a toilet for you 30 meters and above deep.

Dos and don’t for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Things to carry for gorilla trekking.

• Carry packed lunch or dry foods with enough drinking water as the trekking sometimes takes hours.
• Carry comfortable hiking shoes
• Carry light walking sticks
• Put on comfortable clothes, long trousers, and long-sleeved shirts to protect you from tree branches and thorns as you navigate through the thick forest.
• Carry a phone or camera for pictures but make sure you do not use the flashlight when taking pictures.
• Carry rain jackets, body lotions, a hut, and sunglasses as well, you might at times need them.

Feel free to contact us for any more inquiries about the dos and don’ts for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda or a tailor-made gorilla trekking safari.

Gorilla trekking safaris through Uganda and Rwanda – Gorilla Habituation safaris – Family Holiday 

Booking a family gorilla trekking safari. Traveling with family for gorilla trekking is so much fun, but having a detailed itinerary to follow during a family gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda is time-saving and reduces the panic you may go through if you travel with no plan. A range of rare safari packages are available for you and your family like:

3 days Uganda Gorilla trekking Safari

5-day gorilla trekking and chimpanzee safari

7-day gorilla, chimpanzee trekking and wildlife safari

9- days gorilla and wildlife safari.

These give you a better guideline on what you and your family wish to do and on which days of the week. In case you want to have a special moment during gorilla trekking like an engagement, birthday surprise and so much more, you can follow the days provided and with your tour operator make the desired changes to suit your expectations. You need to inform your travel agent before traveling in case you have any special arrangements so that the park authorities are in the know and also make special arrangements for this.

2 day and three-day gorilla trekking safari itineraries are available but these may not be suitable for a family vacation since lots of baggage is involved. At times it’s consuming to get all people traveling in the same place at the same time in the shortest time. These itineraries are a rash program arrangement and may not give you enough time for family boarding.

Booking a family gorilla trekking safari

On transport from your destination to Uganda or Rwanda, Make Early Flight Arrangements Before Gorilla Trekking with your Family. International flights get overbooked during the holiday season. If you hope to travel with family for gorilla trekking in Africa, depending on the number of people traveling, you need to book international flights in advance.

Gorilla trekking permits are not rescheduled when it gets to some days towards your booked date. This may call for a hefty price as per the rules set by authorities.

Even if you are not coming from the same place or country and booked on different flights, you need to be in Uganda or Rwanda at least a day before starting the gorilla trekking safari. This enables you to put all required gorilla trekking gears to travel with to the countryside together.

In case any flights are missed by someone at the party, you need to communicate with us at Katland Safaris so that private arrangements are made for this person to catch up.

Domestic flights to gorilla trekking parks in Uganda also require prior arrangements. In case you choose this arrangement for the family vacation, a reservation is needed. This is because domestic flights get overbooked, especially during peak seasons.

Hire a comfortable vehicle for a gorilla trekking safari with family.

Although gorilla trekking packages we tailor at Katland Safaris include car hire, reserving a comfortable car for family trips is special. Each person needs a window seat or a comfortable position for the entire safari. Most of the vehicles have limits on the number of seats and access to a window. No one wants to be obstructed during the safari. The more family members the more safari vehicles to book.

Booking a family gorilla trekking safari

Advise On Meal Arrangements Before Gorilla Trekking

Traveling with family members with allergies can be challenging in case you don’t advise anyone on their meal plan. Before traveling for gorilla trekking, we recommend our clients give us their meal plan in advance in case some have food allergies. Some travelers want to taste local cuisines which is an additional adventure but do ask for assistance from your guide driver. He knows the best hygienically approved spots where this local food arrangement can be made.

Lots of street food is sold on the way but we do not advise clients to buy this because of food poisoning possibility. Most of the accommodations up country are Full Board facilities but you need to advise on what you prefer to be served at meals. This is in case you are not comfortable with a certain meal arrangement. Lots of organic fruits and vegetables are locally grown and served at these lodges. For vegans, you are fully covered during your stay during gorilla trekking.

Organize Gorilla Trekking Gear in advance

Sharing a list of gorilla trekking gear with each member of the family traveling is helpful. On the ground, there is less time to go shopping for any gear because of the proximity of most shops in Town. Even on departure day to go to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or any other gorilla trekking destination, there is no time to waste shopping. The program is normally tight because of the long hours expected to drive on the road.

Things to do after encountering gorillas with your family.

Chimpanzee trekking

After a successful full-family gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda, you can do chimpanzee trekking. In Uganda Kibale Forest National Park has the largest number of habituated chimpanzees in Africa and in Rwanda chimpanzee trek from Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Game drives After Gorilla Trekking

Although gorilla trekking is a whole day adventure, you can still connect to the game parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park depending on the time of return from Bwindi Forest or Volcanoes national park. Lots of wild animals and scenery are lovely to look at. Some wild animals include tree-climbing lions, leopards, herds of elephants, topis, waterbucks, bushbucks, and huge mountains of the moon (Mountain Rwenzori).

White water rafting on River Nile with family

Relaxing on River Nile after gorilla trekking is refreshing. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience in peddling. Experienced divers and trainers are present to take you through short lessons on how to overcome the tides. Kayaks are also present for anyone not comfortable with rapid tides

Feel free to contact us with any inquiries on booking a family gorilla trekking package Uganda – Rwanda

Book a gorilla permit to Uganda. Gorilla trekking Safaris – Gorilla Habituation.

Book a gorilla permit to Uganda. If you are planning for a gorilla trekking adventure through Uganda, purchasing and acquiring a gorilla permit must be top of the list of the things you must have early enough before the gorilla adventure happens. This is the official government of Uganda document that allows you access to the only two gorilla destinations in the country that’s Bwindi impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga gorilla national game park.

Your one-hour or four hours encounter with the mountain gorilla in either Bwindi or Mgahinga gorilla national park can only be assured after purchasing the gorilla permits. At the gate of any of the two-gorilla destinations, a client is asked to present his or her passport and the gorilla permit before the briefing on how the trekking adventure will go on.

Where to get gorilla permits in Uganda.

Gorilla permits in Uganda for both destinations Bwindi and Mgahinga are only issued by the Uganda wildlife authority (UWA), the government agency in charge of all national parks in the country. A visitor can either contact Uwa by a direct call or simply by sending them a mail requesting for reservation of gorilla permits for a particular date. Upon confirmation of the availability of the gorilla trekking permit, a client will then make payments, and his or her gorilla trekking permit will be issued to him or her.

However, many visitors who have taken this path have ended up frustrated and left with only one easy option and that’s going through on-ground tour operators and agents for the purchase of their gorilla trekking permits a thing that has proven to be so easy and swift.

Book a gorilla permit to Uganda.

Katland safaris have helped many visitors book gorilla permits for both Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national parks and we have extensively written about the entire process of acquiring gorilla permits. We are proud how selves for being among very few tours and travel companies with experience and extensive knowledge of gorilla trekking through Uganda and Rwanda.

We are a tour and travel company based in Uganda’s capital Kampala run and managed by young Ugandans passionate about selling the beautiful country Uganda is to the rest of the world. An email or a direct call to us answers all your gorilla trekking queries in no time. We will design an all-inclusive gorilla safari and sometimes combine it with wildlife to give you a true and rewarding holiday through the most beautiful country on earth Uganda.

Our most popular gorilla trekking safaris include 3 Day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari, 3 days of Uganda gorilla trekking from Rwanda, and 5 days of Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari.

When to book a gorilla permit.

Uganda with its two gorilla destinations Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national park issues not more than one hundred and fifty Gorilla permits per day. Therefore, acquiring a gorilla trekking permit is very competitive and extremely disappointing for last-minute booking visitors. We therefore at times advise our clients to book very early enough and this can be anything between 4 to 6 months. At times we even book permits for our clients a year before their gorilla trekking adventure happens. You can contact us by email for any inquiries on booking your gorilla permit early.

How much is a gorilla permit?

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs 700 dollars for foreign nationals and is only issued to individuals of 15years of age and above. Foreign residents with work permits in Uganda are charged 600dollars and 250,000 Uganda shillings are charged to East African residents

What’s included in your gorilla permit?

Uganda’s gorilla trekking permit includes access to the two-gorilla trekking destinations in the country, that’s either Bwindi Impenetrable national game park or Mgahinga gorilla national game Park. For regular trekking, the permit gives you a full hour with the mount gorillas and this starts to count upon reaching the gorillas. However, for gorilla habituation permits, you are given four full hours to spend with the gentle giants.

The permit gives you access to the gorilla trekking experience on the exact dates that were reserved. Missing the dates means that a particular gorilla permit becomes invalid.

Each gorilla trekking permit comes with a ranger guide who navigates you through the thick forests of either Bwindi or Mgahinga gorilla national game parks.

Upon reaching the mountain gorillas, visitors are permitted to take pictures and videos to share with their loved ones back home.

Book a gorilla trekking safari with Katland safaris.

Cut a great deal of planning time and the frustration that comes with it and book your gorilla trekking safari with us at Katland safaris. We will tailor make you the best safari, and put all the logistics from booking the gorilla permits to transportation, guiding, and accommodation in one place.

Contact us for any more inquiries on booking a gorilla safari to Uganda.

BEST HOTELS IN KAMPALA AND ENTEBBE.

Hotels in Entebbe

SERENA LAKE VICTORIA

Serena Lake Victoria presents a selection of unique accommodations. Choose from standard rooms, executive suites, and presidential suites. Housed in Tuscan-style buildings, which are widely spaced around the terraced rose gardens, the standard room accommodation is elegantly presented in shades of terracotta and cream. Each room features either a queen-sized or 2 twin beds, a dressing table, work station, a seating area, a balcony, and a lavish marble bathroom with a walk-in shower. The suites offer many additional facilities and are great for those looking for the next level. With massive gardens, this hotel is more of a resort than a hotel in terms of its look and feel and its facilities. It’s pretty stylish and has a laid-back, relaxed feel to it.

THE BOMA

The Boma is located 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport. Double rooms, triple rooms, and family rooms are all available. It is a combination of modern comforts and charm of character from the 1940s. All rooms are individually decorated in a mixture of African and European décor and reflect colonial architecture. Facilities available include a bar and restaurant, swimming pool, beach area, and the Internet. The Boma is a long-standing favorite stopover of many visitors to Uganda.

HOTEL NUMBER 5

From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting. For one of the most flavorsome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired with an international wine list and served with pride.  Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this bustling city. Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym.

KARIBU GUEST HOUSE

Just 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport, the Karibu guest house is set in a former presidential residence. Catering to a small number of guests at any one time, the hotel offers a high level of personalized service, quality food, 24-hour reception, a relaxing swimming pool, and comfortable sleep. Whether your visit to Entebbe is for business or pleasure, you’ll feel at home with Karibu Guest House.

ENTEBBE STAY

Enjoy all the glamour of Entebbe in this bespoke apartment nestled into the lush greenery of Lake Victoria on a gated property, providing a cool and airy cocoon for downtime or entertaining. Harmonies of light-toned wood, luminous white, and touches of vibrant color create a soothing atmosphere. the entry-level is dedicated to gathering and socializing featuring a hidden spa, a bar with Mahogany wood finishes, and a fully integrated entertainment system. The open-concept, living/dining area boasts a fully equipped kitchen with Viking appliances and an ample living-room area flowing out to the balcony.

Hotels in Kampala

SERENA hotel KAMPALA

The Serena Kampala hotel offers generously proportioned deluxe rooms, executive suites, business suites, and royal suites, all of which feature a large en suite bathroom, dressing table, work station, seating area and terrace, air-conditioning, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, voicemail and 24-hour room service. It is close to activities such as banks, the national theatre, shopping malls, and a variety of social life, but this is not felt whilst inside the 5-star hotel as it has large gardens and an extensive swimming pool area with a rocky waterfall. There is a mind/body/spirit spa, a running track on the grounds, and a golf course close by. A hair and beauty salon, VIP entrance, helipad, dedicated car park, taxi, limousine service, and business center also add to its facilities. It is a huge hotel but is a safe base to start/end a safari in Uganda.

SHERATON HOTEL KAMPALA

This International brand hotel offers many room types (classic, executive, club, diplomatic suites, suites, and presidential suites). All rooms have an extensive entertainment system, a comfortable bathroom, and all other necessities. Sports enthusiasts can pursue their fitness activities with a personal trainer in the in-house health club or enjoy the day playing a relaxing round of golf on the course nearby. The sauna facilities and the outdoor pool will ensure that you can recharge your batteries after an exhausting day wandering around Kampala. Cold drinks and good dining can be enjoyed in any of the several bars and restaurants serving cocktails, snacks, and meals. The Sheraton suits all types of guests but perhaps is best geared towards conferences and business people.

For any inquiries about booking accommodation in both Entebbe and Kampala, reach out to us at info@katlandafricasafaris.com

Planning for a road trip adventure through Uganda with Katland safaris – all you need to know when planning a road trip through Uganda 

Road trip adventure through Uganda. A road trip through Uganda is one of the most exciting adventures that a traveler wouldn’t miss while on a safari through Uganda. If you are planning one to Uganda for the first time, several things must be put together to make it memorable, super exciting, and adventurous.

When it comes to road trips, Uganda is that one country with several amazing tourist sites for you to explore. Most importantly, you need plenty of time to allow plan appropriately for your holiday. This will allow you put everything together and, in the end, make your holiday successful. Before embarking on a road trip make sure that you have where to spend a night whether in Kampala or at the national park where most of the safaris are conducted.

Where to go while on a road trip through Uganda

Uganda comprises numerous tourist sites which means you have somewhere to visit. There are 10 national parks in different parts of Uganda where safaris are done and they include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park, Mount Rwenzori National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. Many wildlife reserves are equally ideal for safaris and they include among others Matheniko wildlife reserve, Pian Upe wildlife reserve, and Katonga wildlife reserve mention but a few.

Things to see and do on a road trip through Uganda

Uganda is home to intense biodiversity. Home to more than half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas, a thing that her the most perfect destination for gorilla trekking in the whole world. Over 5000 chimpanzees are confined in different parts of Uganda making it an ideal place for chimpanzee tracking. Primate species to look out for in Uganda include golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, L’Hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and many more. There are also many wildlife species including African elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, giraffes, warthogs, and antelopes a mention but a few thus making this beautiful country the best for wildlife viewing. Equally, over 1080 bird species are all confined within this magical African destination including the rare African green-breasted pitta, African green broadbill, shoebill stork, bee-eaters, great blue turaco, and many others. Its huge concentration of bird species makes it an ideal place for bird watching. Others include otters, the Nile crocodiles, hippos, butterflies, and bush pigs a mention but a few.

Important things to take note of before embarking on a road trip through Uganda

When driving on Ugandan roads keep left. If you are looking for a self-guided road trip, you should put this in mind so that you can drive safely through the Pearl of Africa.

If you are a first-time visitor, we recommend you avoid self-driving. Driving is not for the faint-hearted in Uganda most especially in Kampala. Self-drive is recommended for those who have at least been in the country. Always wear your seat belt. This is not only a safety measure but also can be a traffic offense in Uganda

Be mindful of the speed limit and signpost. Recommended speed limits for towns are 50km/hour and the recommended safe speed for highways is 80km/hr.

Be mindful of the seasons.

Be mindful of the season-the dry and wet seasons are two important seasons to put into consideration while planning for a road trip. The dry season starts from June to September and December to February. The dry season is characterized by low rainfall and is perfect for a road trip as the routes remain relatively drier. The wet season begins from March to May and October to November

Other important things to note

Carry A GPS on your trip

Don’t drink and drive

Don’t use a mobile phone while driving and many others

Book accommodation before starting your trip.

Decide the route and have an itinerary with Arranged stop points

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

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

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

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

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

The Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga National Park.

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

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

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

Why a Batwa cultural Trail?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lodging Nearby to National Parks

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

Safari Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

BUHOMA LODGE

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

CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE

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

MAHOGANY SPRINGS LODGE

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

SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP

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

CHAMELEON HILL LODGE

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

Gorilla valley lodges

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

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

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

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

KYANINGA LODGE

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

NDALI LODGE

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

PRIMATE LODGE Kibale Forest N.P – Fort Portal

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

SEMLIKI SAFARI LODGE

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

KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

APOKA SAFARI LODGE

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

Kidepo savannah lodge

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

Lake Mburo

MIHINGO LODGE

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

Kigambira safari lodge

A fusion of rustic African & luxury

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

Mburo safari eco-lodge

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

Safari Lodges in MURCHISON FALLS  National Park

BAKERS LODGE

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

PAARA SAFARI LODGE

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

Lodges in queen Elizabeth national park.

ISHASHA WILDERNESS CAMP

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

KATARA LODGE

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

KYAMBURA GORGE LODGE

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

MWEYA SAFARI LODGE

 Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

Important Points About Camping or Lodging

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

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

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

If You Will Arrive Late

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social behaviors of Chimpanzee

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

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

 Intelligence

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

Feeding and Diet

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

Reproduction

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

Where to see chimpanzees in Uganda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See in Pian Up Wildlife Reserve.

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

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

Tourist activities in Pian Up Wildlife resort.

Game Viewing safaris

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

Birding safaris

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

Sight Seeing safaris

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

Mountain Hikes

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

Cultural/community encounters.

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

Explore Pian Upe wildlife Reserve

Accessing /Getting to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

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

Best Time to visit Pian Up Wildlife resort.

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

Accommodation around Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

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

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