Rwanda and Uganda gorilla tour packages

Mountain gorilla safari trekking is a challenging activity; therefore you must be physically fit. 8 people are permitted per group per day and a total of eighteen (24) people are taken in Bwindi, while six (8) people are allowed for Nkuringo group that can be accessed in Kisoro. So far, we have four groups for viewing. There are three groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, (Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura) and one (Nkuringo) in Kisoro.

Gorilla safari is possible in Rwanda as well. Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in Northern Rwanda is a habitat for about 300 mountain gorillas. There are four habituated gorilla families - Amahoro, "Group 13", Sabinyo and Susa - each of the groups allows up to 8 participants per day. You can tracking Mountain gorillas, climb the Visoke volcano, track the golden monkeys or visit the Karisoke Research Centre, which Dian Fossey the famous grammatologist set up, or visit local villages.

Gorilla Trecking Permits in Uganda
-Non residents pay USD 500.
-East African Residents pay USD 355
It’s advisable to book gorilla permits well in advance prior to your visit.
As your tour agent, ASL shall handle all your bookings for Gorilla permits both for Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Gorilla trekking rules should be adhered to. Read rules
Non Governmental Organizations involved in the conservation ofGorillas include:
The Dianney Fossey Foundation
International Gorilla Conservation Program.
Africa Wildlife Foundation: http://www.awf.org/

Uganda Safari Guidelines

Uganda and Rwanda Safari Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda is generally warm all year around and its position on the Equator explains the seasonal temperature variations. However, you should check out on the seasons if you are planning to visit national parks because some roads become almost impassable during the rain season. Usually the rains come in April, May, October and November. During these months uganda safari camping is not an option and hiking as it is, is an uphill task during the rains.

Paper Work Necessary

You will need a valid passport that is not yet to expire at least for six months of the date on which you intend to leave Uganda. Should your passport be lost or stolen, it will be easier to get a replacement if you have a photocopy of important pages.Namibia safari guide

If you are intending to drive while in Uganda, you will need an international driver’s license together with your original license.Even Most of the will ask for those original forms of identification.

An international health certificate indicating your Yellow fever status and other vaccinations like for Cholera. Uganda tour packages

Carry photo copies of your important documents and if possible leave copies of these documents with close relatives. Carry copies of your emergency numbers incase need arises.Botswana safari

VISAS

All foreign entrants require Visas at the entry points. The good news is that these Visas can be obtained from the Uganda Embassies in your countries of origin or on entry to the country. Visa rulings are prone to any changes so all visitor are required to check with their embassies or high commissions before coming to the country.Rwanda tours

FLYING TO UGANDA

The main entry point for air travelers is Entebbe international Airport. Entebbe is 40km from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. The terminal is operated by most big International Airlines like BA, KLM, SN Brussels, United Arab Emirates, South African Air, Flights to Kenya ,Kenya Airways and many other Airlines. All the above mentioned Airlines have their offices in Kampala and at the airport, just incase you need any information concerning these airlines, they are always to there to help.

Getting to Kampala

A private taxi from the air port to the Uganda’s city centre in Kampala costs around USD30. The other alternative is to get a motor cycle commonly know as Boda Boda and it drops you in Entebbe town where you will have to board a 14 seater taxi that will charge around 2-3 dollar depending on the prevailing rate. A car for hire in Uganda can go between 70 - 100 dollars per day.

EATING AND DRINKING

Meals are served in various restaurants in the towns and some small trading centers here and there in Uganda. The dishes range from local dishes to international cuisines and fast foods. These meals are very affordable with prices ranging from 2$-10$ and above depending on the place you decide to settle for your meal. Seeing gorillas in Africa

Bottled and canned beverages are on sale in shops, restaurants and bars every where, be cautious while taking drinking water because it’s not completely safe, Rwanda gorilla tours I rather you only take bottled mineral water.

Fruits are every where in the markets and are in most cases fresh produces right from the gardens. Vegetables are also in plenty and vegetarian meals can be prepared on order.

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A tour in Uganda Or Rwanda , Done by yourself

Doing a tour by yourself ?

Do it your self Uganda tour

This is perceived by many to be an easy and cheap way to self organize a tour/ rwanda safari.

Organizing a tour requires a lot of paper work which involves tailor making a safari, organizing transport to your destinations, selecting your suitable accommodations, looking for available accommodation and booking/paying for it, booking/paying for permits where applicable, locating your destinations if you have never been to these places.

However, to do this and not be cheated would require you to do serious research on which destinations to visit rwanda gorillas , when to visit them, which accommodation is available, which accommodation is affordable and which accommodation has what you want. Apart from that you will have to run around looking for transport, a map and permits if applicable, during this period you are bound to be conned in term of exchange rates or even hiked prices or fares.

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Book your tour with the right tour operator and will have saved your self going through all that hassle and will only have to enjoy your dream safari without remorse. Such a Tour Operator will carry the burden of getting you Accommodation, Transporting to your Destination, designing your itinerary, providing you with an appropriate guide and make sure your tour is a total success. Mountain gorilla tours

African Safaris in Kenya

What to Expect on a Kenyan Safari

Interested in a good quality value for Money safari to Kenya ? it dose not have to be a in a dirsty ramshackle vehicle ! our modern day safari packages to Kenya are well modified to make sure it is utterly confortable for any tourist coming to the Magical Kenya. Kenya safari places makes sure that we give you the value for money you are paying for.

Going On A Safari – advice

Within this tourist destination are various Kenya national parks to find the African animals you’ve only seen in zoos or books. Nairobi National Park and Ol Donyo Subuk National Park can give you a glimpse of the colorful birds of the area or of the herds of zebras, hippopotamuses, lions, cheetahs, and more roaming animals. You might also want to go to the Giraffe Center or the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to see your favorite animals up close and personal. 14 Falls is a local waterfall, but if you want a wetter water experience, you can go white water rafting in the Tana River.

For the safest means of transport within the city of Nairobi you may use the Taxis , though they are not really that cheap to use . You may simply choose to walk to the place within the city as it is still safe to do so, and the navigation within the city is not really a problem.

What to expect on A Kenya Safari tour

If you are on your way on a Kenya tour, a Professional guide is expected to guide your through the large areas in search of the wild animals in Magical Kenya. In most cases these animals in the national parks are accustomed to human beings as there is a lot of tourist activities going on.Of course the bonus one has it to take pictures that can forever keep your memory alive.

Without a tour operator in Kenya , You are on your own.!!

The specific travel package will often give you an idea of what you might be able to see on your trip, while sometimes your findings are a surprise to you and to your guide. With all of the safaris available, how can you choose the one that best suits your needs? First of all, it will help if you choose an operator that’s well known to your travel agent or to friends and family.

You will have have to look out for a service provider who bears a license or certificate of registration from the local authorities. An operator that can give you a valid safari quote and issues a receipt for services rendered is a point to look out for.

Uganda's Beautiful Scenery should be Experienced

Once you think that the typical Africa countryside can’t offer you rolling bright green hills, snow capped mountains, misty forests and deep crystal clear lakes then you haven't been to Uganda. Though Uganda is a small country, it offers all of this and a lot more white water rafting, gorilla tracking, game viewing and some of the best trekking in Africa. Most outstandingly, the country has friendly and relaxed locals with unique cultural traditions which can’t make you ask for any thing more from an exotic holiday destination. Uganda safari

The country boasts areas of outstanding natural beauty compared to other African countries. That’s why Sir Churchill called Uganda “The Pearl of Africa”. One looking for a good first stop for a couple of days of relaxation, Jinja near Kampala is a quiet town with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and also, the home of Uganda's white water rafting industry. The rafting is awesome and they claim more grade five rapids than the more famous Zambezi rafting. It is a full day's entertainment with the rafting rounded off by an excellent meal near the river. Besides, the source of the Nile is also in Jinja so doesn’t miss out on the visit to the plaque marking the spot where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria on its long, long journey to the sea. 3 days gorilla safari tours

However, Uganda is blessed with lakes, variety of wildlife,Primates,Birds and Mountains like Mount Rwenzori ( The Mountains of the Moon) , Mount Elgon sharing it with Kenya on the Eastern Border, Mount Moroto in the Karamajong Region and Mount Mufumbira where you will find the world famous Mountain Gorilla. To the part of Lakes, Uganda is the source of Lake Victoria that is shared with Kenya and Tanzania. This lake is the third largest lake in the whole world. It’s the source of River Nile which is also the longest River in the world. Apart from Uganda Lakes and Mountains, you will be surrounded by stunning scenery from the moment you arrive in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport to the time you leave.

Still Uganda offers one of the travellers "must do" excursions, which is fabulous for example gorilla tracking trip. There are two options - Mgahinga and Bwindi both in the Southwest and Bwindi, in the impenetrable forest has got the highest population off mountain Gorillas in the world. In terms of security, a huge effort has been made to assure tourists of their safety and armed guards accompany every group.

Though East African game parks are famous, but Uganda’s game parks are more beautiful than those in other East African countries. Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks are the places to go. The campsite at Murchison Falls is just above the falls and is wonderfully located. It is also only accessible by 4WD cars for rent kampala and roads to the park are well constructed and improved. An excellent way to see the wildlife is to take a boat trip. There are huge numbers of birds in Uganda and in both parks there are so many hippos in the water that you feel as if you can step out of the boat and walk to the river bank on their backs, never getting your feet wet. It's wall to wall hippos with a few crocodiles circling nearby.

Another wonderful aspect of Uganda is the approach to community tourism that wherever accommodation you see is a community campsite and they are often conveniently located right outside park gates and all the benefits are at a fraction of the cost. In addition, you also know that you are giving something directly back to the community. It is a great opportunity to meet locals, share a beer and have a chat. When it comes to practical matters like food and drink, there are many options. Kampala is well equipped and the many roadside markets sell the most wonderful range of fruit and vegetables. They also sell interesting things like meat, or chicken, on a stick and plenty of Nile perch. Plantains are a stable food in Uganda anyone at a campsite, hotel, lodge will prepare a meal of matoke (mashed plantains) or anything else, for a very reasonable price. There is also plenty of beer available. Uganda gorilla trip gorillas and Chimps

If you are looking for a break that features contrasts and some of the best scenery the country has to offer then you should consider booking a place to visit Western Uganda. This is the place where you will see all about Uganda top destinations like the mountain gorilla trucking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and many other game parks. On your way to western Uganda, beginning in the south-western city of Masaka Town and winding its way through the Plains Lyantondde to Mbarara, you will see all the sights that make Uganda a world-class tourist destination. rwanda gorilla tour vacations

Once you leave Mbarara area, you will be greeted by a cold landscape of mountains, gushing streams, as well as forests rather than green terraces and sorghum fields of Kabale and Kisoro Districts. This will signal the beginning of your journey into the Pearl of Africa and you can look forward to your next stop in the town of Kabale and Kisoro. 5 day rwanda gorilla safari
Leaving the mountains behind the meandering rural roads. The journey will also bring you to Queen Elizabeth national park where you will meet the tree climbing lions of Ishasha and the pictures of Lake Edward, Lake George and Kazinga Channel. Uganda rwanda safari

Above all, Uganda offers an experience that is as varied and exciting as you want it to be. What you see and experience are only limited by your imagination and sense of adventure so don't let anything put you off discovering a place that truly is the Pearl of Africa and which ever ways you decide to spend your days in Uganda, you are sure to leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. gorilla tours in rwanda

Environmental protection a major goal for Tourism promoters

Overgrazing, deforestation, and primitive agricultural methods are major environmental problems in Uganda which lead to Environment degradation.However,to ensure the rational sustainable utilization ,development and safeguard of Land and water resources and environment, for social and economic welfare and development as well as for regional and international peace. The Promoters of tourism have called for environmental protection as they bid to conserve biodiversity for the growth of the sector. Speaking during the 2nd Big Birding Day celebrations at Katoma Kingdom Resort in Entebbe last week the promoters said the high rate of environmental degradation is likely to affect Uganda’s tourism potential. Yet, although tourism contributes about 8 per cent of Uganda's GDP and is seen as one of the sectors with the most promising growth prospects.” It is time Ugandans embarked on the protection of biodiversity for future generations,” said Mr Stephen Masaba, the business development manager, Uganda Wildlife Authority. uganda gorilla trekking

Several Tourism development plans have been laid by the government to improve the Tourism industry. For example in 2008, the government of Uganda promised to ensure environmental concerns are put at the centre stage of the country’s efforts to promote tourism. The Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Janat Mukwaya said the government will work with all stakeholders in the tourism sector to promote responsible tourism. She was speaking in Kasese, western Uganda during the 2008 World Tourism Day Celebrations. Uganda is celebrating this year’s tourism day in Kasese, the home of the Rwenzori Mountains, one of the world’s top tourist attractions. The mountain, the 2nd tallest in East Africa is uniquely covered with glaciers, despite being along the equator. 3 day gorilla safari

However, this year’s Big Birding Day, also attracted 50 groups covering all sites of Uganda’s national parks and game reserves, and enabled the identification of 655 bird species compared to 450 identified last years.The highest number of bird species was recorded around the Kampala-Entebbe area with 175 bird species followed by Murchison Falls National Park with 162 and Queen Elizabeth National Park 160 bird species.Kidepo National Park recorded 150 bird species, Mabamba Ramsar site 138, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 137 and Mabira Forest Reserve 136 bird species. Tanzania safari packages

More so, Bahai temple-Park, Kibale and Lake Mburo National Parks also recorded a number of bird species. This year’s celebration organized under the theme: “connecting birds to people and nature” aimed to promote awareness of the country’s tourism potential. Besides, the Uganda Wildlife Authority earlier this year called for interested investors to bid for development of high end hotels in the protected areas to end accommodation shortage in national parks. A few days ago the Uganda Tourism Board removed restrictions to constructing more accommodation facilities in the park. According to Masaba, UWA would go into joint ventures with potential investors for the development and operation of accommodation facilities in the selected areas so that tourist arrivals increase per year. By so doing all the tourism stakeholders will work hand in hand to promote the development of the Tourism sector together with environment protection. Safari masai mara tour

Restoration of the Kasubi Tombs

The famous Uganda Cultural site and the main burial ground place for the four previous Kings of Buganda known traditionally as Kabakas, are situated five kilometers away from Kampala city center on Kasubi hill. Historically, Buganda Kabakas have always built their palaces on strategic hills in order to find easy ways to escape during an invasion and to control the major roads to the palace. It’s also a centre for the Royal family and the Kabaka and his representative’s frequently carryout important rituals related to Ganda Culture, masai mara safari. The Kasubi tombs hill is divided into three main areas: the main tomb area located at the western end of the site, an area containing buildings and graveyards located behind the tombs, and a large area on the eastern side of the site used primarily for agricultural purposes.

To experience Buganda cultures in Uganda, there are several sites to look at like Katereke prison where the king imprisoned his brothers in a trench. Naggalabi coronation site, Buddo where the kabakas of Buganda have been crowned for the past 700 years. Wamala Tomb the secret burial place of Kabaka Suuna II (1836-1856) who had 148 wives and 218 Children. Namasole Kanyange Tombs where the mother to Kabaka Suuna II was buried. Ssezibwa Falls is a spiritual place for the kings and Baagalayaze Nnamasole Tombs where the mother of Kabaka Mwanga II was buried.

On 19 March 2010, one of the main culture sites of Buganda (Kasubi tombs) was burnt by fire. Some of the major buildings there were almost completely destroyed by fire, but the cause is still under investigation. Later the outraged Buganda Kingdom has vowed to rebuild the tombs of their kings and President Museveni said the national government of Uganda would assist in the restoration of the site. gorilla safari rwanda

As Buganda kingdom vowed, the restoration of Kasubi Royal Tombs should not be considered as a solely Buganda Kingdom's responsibility, the Trade and Tourism Minister, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire said. "I think time has come to work together to ensure the restoration of the tombs. Such assets are for all of us. It should be a pride for all Ugandans," Maj. Gen. Otafiire said during the launch of the SMS fundraising drive towards the tombs restoration in Kampala yesterday. Pledging total support towards the reconstruction of tombs, Maj. Gen. Otafiire condemned its burning.

Under the new fundraising drive dubbed 'Ssaagala Agalamidde' mass SMS fundraising, any willing contributor will use his/her mobile phone to contribute Shs500 to the kingdom's treasury by typing the world 'Masiro' and send it to number 8885.Many Ugandans are participating in the SMS fundraising to ensure the restoration of the Kasubi tombs” Uganda’s best cultural site”.The Buganda Prime Minister, Eng. John Baptist Walusimbi, said Shs10 billion is required to rebuild the Kasubi Tombs and other 32 tombs across the kingdom.

Above all Uganda’s culture heritage is very strong for example many regions in Uganda have kingdoms including Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro and Toro. Also Uganda has a remarkable hospitable and hails from a diversity of rich cultures and life styles. Each tribe has its own traditional dance like the banyankole perform their Kitaguriro dance, the Bunyoro have their Runyege, Acholi have the Bwila and Otole dances. The Alur people from the West Nile have the Agwal dance, Bagisu have the Imbalu dance during circumcission ceremonies. The country’s culture heritage led to the Kasubi tomb restoration. gorilla tour