PRIME SAFARIS AND TOURS AFRICA

Positioned in the south west of Uganda in the district of Kisoro, the lava dammed Lake Mutanda is an iconic scenic feature that you will never wish to miss while undertaking a safari tour in Uganda . Located at 20km transfer in the north of the town of Kisoro, Lake Mutanda is geographically along 01 14 06S, 29 40 12E coordinates. The lake is an outcome of the immense volcanic forces that characterized the area centuries ago. The formation of Volcanic highlands that form the greater Virunga massif with three of them close to it including Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo resulted into the eruptions that saw liquid lava flow across the adjacent plains blocking the flowing streams leading to formation of Lava dammed lakes including Lake Mutanda which can be encountered while on Uganda safari . It is a great scenic spot with unique pattern that will give you a perfect break on your Uganda gorilla trekking safari in the adjacent impenetrable forest of Bwindi and the volcanic...

The 39th Africa Travel Association Annual World Congress was attended by over 500 delegates from different parts of the world some of which had already undertook safaris in Uganda before the congress while others made safari tours in Uganda after the congress getting or themselves the authentic experience of the range of tourist attractions that thrive in Uganda. The range of attractions and activities included the thrilling primates of Uganda such as the mountain gorillas with their gorilla tracking endeavors, golden monkeys with their golden monkey tracking encounter, chimpanzees with their chimpanzee trekking encounter among other primates that are always encountered by Uganda safari undertakers. Others range from the ancient heritage of Ugandans to sandy beaches in the Lake Victoria islands, the magical snowcapped mountains of the moon – the Rwenzori, ten (10) forest and savannah national Parks with their range of wildlife including the big five forming the ground fo...

Apparently, the tourism sector is the Uganda’s chief foreign exchange earner after taking over from the traditional exports of remittances and coffee indicating that the revenue from the Uganda safari undertakers were over whelming. This unleashed the potential of the tourism sector to turn around the economy of Uganda if given the respective consideration. At the launch of the ten (10) year tourism plan, the Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities an institution that overlooks the process of increasing safari tours to Uganda Hon. Maria Mutagamba revealed that every tourist who transfers through the Entebbe International Airport pays $57 to Civil Aviation Authority and that in 2013, the country got 1.3 million travellers undertaking safaris in Uganda . In turn, she requested that out of $57 paid by each tourist, $2 should be allocated to the Ministry of Tourism to boast its marketing efforts so as to keep at par with the respective competitors. Now, opinion hav...

Uganda has for long been known for her wildlife safaris centered on her numerous counts of wild game including the Big five of land animals such as the lions, elephants, leopard, buffaloes and Rhinos that thrive in her range of national parks and game reserves along with counts of primates among which include the mountain gorillas that are considered to be critically endangered worldwide forming the ground for gorilla trekking safaris , along with chimpanzees, golden moneys among others. The dazzling scenery deeming from the snowcapped mountains of the moon – the Rwenzori, the largest tropical lake in world – Lake Victoria, the world’s longest River in the world – River Nile, the geographical setting of the Albertine rift not forgetting the amazing climate has for long put nature tourism at the helm of Uganda safari products. The range of travellers have undertook safaris to Uganda ranging from the upmarket to back packers, world royals and historic people like the Win...

Human – wildlife conflicts in Uganda has been an issue that has existed around most of protected areas some of which are encountered on Uganda safaris for long. This mostly arises from animals encroaching on peoples’ plantations and predators predating on their domestic animals which at times has forced local communities to reiterate by killing them. This has not only affected people’s livelihood but also threatens the existence of a range of this wildlife that are encountered on safaris in Uganda . With this background, several conservationists and conservation bodies have attempted to harmonize this relationship so as to minimize the scourge of human-wildlife conflict. In this regard, the Chimpanzee Trust reached a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Community Based Tourism Initiative (COBATI) in order to enhance the livelihood of communities that dwell close to wildlife sanctuaries. The memorandum of Understanding was entirely centered on creating harmony amidst w...

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities an institution that overlooks the issues of tourism, wildlife and heritage of Uganda forming a strong ground for Uganda safari tours  – Hon Maria Mutagamba issued a letter on 21st November calling for stepping down of Dr. Andrew Seguya who is the head of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) a public body that is charged with the responsibility of taking care of Uganda’s wildlife that thrive in various national parks, wildlife reserves, zoos and sanctuaries where Uganda safaris are undertaken so as to clear the way for uninterrupted investigations of the missing ivory from the government strong rooms. The letter which was titled the Alleged Ivory Scam was addressed to the Board Chairman of Uganda Wildlife Authority and also copied to the Prime Minister of Uganda, the Commander of UPDF, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, the director of Tourism Business at UWA Raymond Engena and the UWA...

Positioned in the village of Katara, Enganzi Lodge is one of the coziest lodges that a traveler would ever spend an overnight while on safari tour in Uganda . The lodge overlooks the open flats of the western rift valley with clear views of Ruwenzori Mountains in the morning. The accommodation is offered in its five (5) cozy cottages crafted in authentic traditional materials that featuring both single and double accomodation that in all means provide a comfortable overnight stay while on Uganda safari tour . It lies at the boarder of Queen Elizabeth National Park along Mbarara road with spacious environs that equip the guests with enough atmospheres to enjoy their safari holidays in Uganda. The public area features a confortable lounge and restaurant with overlooking views of the Albertine flats and mountains of the moon – the Rwenzori mountains providing a ground for a thrilling breakfast amidst the cool fresh breath from the valley below or a rejuvenating sundowner af...

Situated in close range to the largest fresh water lake in Africa and the second in the world – Lake Victoria, Cassia Lodge is such a thrilling overnight encounter that you will ever have while on Uganda safari . The lodge is positioned on Buziga hill which is one of the Kampala hills along Ggaba road. The Cassia Lodge offers accommodation to travellers on safari in Uganda its range of twenty (20) confortable safari form furnished rooms each featuring a satellite TV, telephone, fridge bar, Lake view balcony, en suite bathroom and 24 hour service and a safe deposit box. The environment of Cassia lodge is very serene and cozy free from Mosquitos and with great scenic views of Lake Victoria thus offering unpaid views to Uganda safari tour undertakers. The lodge features conference facilities, wireless internet, business center, swimming pool and a restaurant with 100 people seat capacity making it ideal for small and moderate events. The bar is positioned adjacent to the r...

The famous Uganda safari wildlife - the lion scientifically referred to as Panthera Leo is counted to be among the big five of the land animals that are always sought for by travellers while on Uganda safari tour . Belonging to Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Felidae, Sub family Pantherinae, Genus Panthera and Species Panthera Leo, lions have been famously branded as the Kings of the jungle and the epitome of all beats. The male lions normally stretch to weigh 250kg making it the second largest thriving cat after the famous tiger. These famous species that prompt travellers to plan some travelers to plan safaris to Uganda apparently dwell in the sub Saharan Africa and parts of Asia with other lion types known to have got extinct from South west Asia and North Africa during the historic era. On global scale, the lions were spread widely only second to humans till the late Pleistocene era (10,000 years ago) before they faced a...

Positioned at the south western tip of Uganda 519km from Kampala and 14km from Kisoro town, Mgahinga National Park is one of the Uganda safari destinations that are famously known for its range and unique tourist attractions and activities. Extending for 33.7km2, Mgahinga National Park saw its first establishment in 1930 as a gorilla game sanctuary and was later upgraded to the national park status in 1991 when other protected areas like Rwenzori and Bwindi that are always sought for while on safari tour in Uganda were being established. Mgahinga National Park contains the peaks of the three volcanic mountains that adjoin the greater Virunga massif comprising of eight volcanoes. These include; Mount Muhabura (4,127m), Mount Gahinga (3,474m) and Mount Sabyinyo (3,674m). These ranges offer a thrilling scenic encounter to travellers on Uganda safari holiday bordering Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Interesting to note about this protected area is that it is anothe...

At Biku hill, 18km drive from the town of Nebbi in the north west of Uganda there dwells a manmade wonder that can only be encountered while on safari tours in Uganda . The world’s smallest church which stands at a width of approximately 2.5m and a height of 8ft is an artificial marvel that crowns the jaw-dropping beauty of Biku hill. This tiny worshipping place has the capacity of accommodating three (3) people including the priest. It dates back to 1996 when a Korean national Pastor Song in conjunction with the currently retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda His Lordship Henry Luke Orombi established this amazing structure that have in turn picked the interest of travellers on Uganda safari holidays . The center is aimed at spiritual healing for persons and church groups where by people who visit the site encounter God in a special way, have vision for their future and become bold soldiers for the gospel. The nine prayer points allow people to pray, praise and ...

Gorillas are great Ape species that thrive in the tropical rainforests of Africa with sects that thrive in low land ecosystems and mountain ecosystems including the Virunga ranges and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda are always conducted. What gorillas eat is a question of interest to various individuals and groups that have a keen desire in gorillas. The gorilla feeds are subject to their habitat and the time of the year. Mountain gorillas heavily feed on green plant parts which are in contrast of the low land gorillas that enjoy plenty of fruit though during dry spells the fruits tend to plummet forcing these species to enjoy the plenty of seeds and tree barks. Low land gorillas adapt to climbing in order to harvest fruits but this hould be noted that they cannot consume plenty of fruit as orangutans and Chimpanzees do as they can be witnessed while on Uganda Chimpanzee trekking safari . Interestingly, the western ...

The Virunga range which derives its name from a local Kinyarwanda word Ibirunga is positioned in the north of Lake Kivu in the east-central Africa stretching for 80km (50 miles) along the Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo boarder and is famously encountered by travellers undertaking safari holidays in Uganda and Rwanda. The Virunga range stretches from east to west direction perpendicular to the rift valley where Lake Kivu and Lake Edward thrive. The Virunga range is a big block that comprises of series of volcanic mountains that number to eight including; the highest Karisimbi (4,507m) shared by Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, followed by Mount Mikeno (4,437m) in Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Muhabura (4,127m) shared by Uganda and Rwanda, Mount Bisoke (3,711m) shared by Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Sabyinyo (3,674m) shared by Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic republic of Congo, Mount Gahinga (3,474m) shared by Uganda and Rwanda...

The Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority - a public body that is charged with the responsibility of taking care of Uganda’s wildlife that thrive in various national parks, wildlife reserves, zoos and sanctuaries where Uganda safaris are undertaken was reported to have been suspended on Thursday following the disappearance of ivory from the government strong rooms according to New Vision paper. Though Andrew Seguya – the Executive Director of UWA denies his suspension from office citing that he is not aware of the suspension move, several agencies and personalities including the Members of Parliament, the minister of Tourism ,Wildlife and Antiquities have supported the move to have him step aside for the investigations to triumph harmoniously. This move follows the suspension of five other Uganda Wildlife Officers at the beginning of this week which included; warden law enforcement - Moses Olinga, head ranger - Moses Sikuku, clerk to the armory - John Lo...

Queen Elizabeth National Park situated in the west of Uganda is apparently considered the mostly visited Uganda safari destination. The Park is rich in a range of wildlife including lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, leopard, among other species that are scattered across its savannah landscapes. Spending an overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park while on your wildlife safari in Uganda would go unchallenged if you opt for Mweya Safari Lodge. Perched on the peninsular of Mweya overlooking the 45m long Kazinga Channel and one of the largest lakes in Uganda Lake Edward, Mweya Safari Lodge is an upmarket/luxury accommodation establishment that will meet every traveller’s expectations. Little would be mentioned if one leaves out swimming at Mweya. Standing as an Olympic size swimming pool of considerable width and length, Mweya swimming pool is one of those ideal water gatherings that will lure your heart to forget about undressing. The pool overlooks the cozy water...

Uganda stands as an impressive destination with a lot of tourist products that go beyond gorilla tracking safaris or wildlife safaris include culture, adventure, religious pilgrimage, meetings ,incentive conferences and events. However, it is unfortunate to acknowledge that this potential has not been fully tapped for tourism development in Uganda that would bring with it jobs, income and resource conservation. The reason behind the low level utilization of Uganda safari products can be attributed to ineffective marketing efforts that the Uganda Tourism Board has been applying for long. These have included targeting the International media which is very expensive and has minimal impact in terms of increasing safaris to Uganda . From this background, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is putting together the efforts of using foreign Public Relations firms to boast up the move of marketing Uganda as a tourist destination. This model will be experimented in Germany, United...

Uganda is by no means an ordinary destination considering its diversity of tourist attractions and activities ranging from gorilla trekking safaris , wildlife safaris, cultural encounters, chimpanzee trekking safaris among other experiences that are carried out in her various protected areas including National Parks, game reserves, forest reserves, zoos and sanctuaries. This rich background in turn pulls good number of tourists to undertake safari holidays in Uganda. However, it should be noted that for tourism to succeed at a given destination there are various elements that must be in place or call them  components of a tour package which include transport, accommodation, attraction and ancillary services. This shows that from the word go the transport component is vital to the tourism industry which gives this argument leverage. The nature of roads connecting to Uganda safari destinations requires overhaul as most of them are loose surface that pose difficulties to...

Uganda is a rich destination that has got an extended historical background that feature it’s natural and human made aspects that would pull travellers to undertake safari tours to Uganda . The features go beyond the commonly mentioned chimpanzees and mountain gorillas that have formed the basis for gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda and Uganda chimpanzee trekking safaris to include the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains, impressive climate, Uganda martyrs, and wild game among others that have rich potential to satisfy the travellers’ interests. The challenge to this experience is poor promotion strategies that leaves most of the travellers to would have picked interest in Uganda safari products unaware of such encounters. The country has ideal climate that would pose a perfect escape for the polar people in times of winter. The promoters of these tourist products have failed to tap the comparative advantage of the local opportunities for example they have maintained foreign...

The International tourism expo the second of its kind came to an end on this weekend after two and a half days exhibition featuring great Uganda safari products at the Uganda National Museum. Arranged by the Uganda Tourism Board, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and a range of safari lodges in Uganda including upcountry hotels, tour operators that package tourist products that pull travelers to plan safari tours to Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority which showcased Uganda’s protected areas including national parks, game and natural reserves such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the haven for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda , Kibale National Park the haven for chimpanzee trekking safaris , Murchison falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park well known for wildlife safaris among other areas. Running under the theme “Celebrating People and Culture” the expo featured cultural dance groups across Uganda which demonstrated various dance styles in differen...

Ruhija is one of the four sectors where gorilla trekking activity is conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is situated in the eastern part of the forest alongside Buhoma in the north, Rushaga in the south and Nkuringo in the east. The area is a home of the three gorilla families that have been habituated by travellers on Uganda gorilla safaris namely; Bitukura, Oruzogo and Kyaguriro. To undertake a gorilla trekking activity in Ruhija requires you to spend an overnight in any of the lodges in the area like; Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Trekkers Tavern among other accommodation establishments so as to catch up with the activity at 8am. However, one cannot skip the coldness of Ruhija. Being a raised terrain inclined towards the highlands of Kigezi marked by dense jungle crowned with impressive mist, Ruhija presents intense cold moments that leave gorilla safari undertakers who are not used to winter conditions in a stat...

Positioned at the boarder of the northern side of Murchison Falls National Park, Heritage safari Lodge is by no means an ordinary accommodation establishment for Uganda safari tour undertakers. The lodge provides easy connection about 15minutes drive to the park through Tangi gate whose environs are bewildered by numerous counts of wild game that is always sought after on Uganda wildlife safaris including giraffes, elephants, Uganda Kobs, buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeest, and waterbucks among other species. Crafted in typical traditional architecture, heritage safari lodge stands to justify the long ignored beauty of the traditional African building materials. It is crafted in pieces of local wood, thatched by local grass materials, light by locally generated solar power whose bulbs inside the rooms are remote controlled while compound lighting bulbs have got a sensitivity element which is a unique thing to encounter while on your safari holiday in Uganda. The public are...

Uganda is gifted to be among the ideal countries in Africa well known for her gorilla trekking safaris , wildlife safaris and chimpanzee trekking safaris . This has made Uganda to join the club of the must to visit places on the African continent. As a result of this background, Uganda is apparently in an enchanting mood with the opportunity of hosting the African Travel Association Congress that is running from 11th – 16th November 2014 at the Common Wealth Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala. This 39th African Travel Association Congress forms the ground for business networking, learning and agenda – shaping platform to accommodate various tourism industry stakeholders of every travel industry event on the African continent. The congress is featuring the contemporary industry themes, craft a line up for educational and professional development opportunities and exhibit the Uganda safari products and services. The ATA congress is a foundation for marketing Africa as a safa...

The Ebola-like hemorrhagic fever, Marburg has of recent raised a lot of fear among Ugandans when it was reported to be in the country. This raised great alarm among Ugandans and Uganda safari undertakers. However, it is now good news to hear that Uganda has been declared Marburg free by the World Health Organization (WHO). This resolution follows a 42 days period of surveillance ever since the health worker died of this dangerous virus. The period included isolating the people that the health worker had contact with. The two cycles of incubation that both counts to 42 days is followed by the WHO and it is from informed judgment that this world health body has congratulated the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of health for containing this dangerous virus that had threatened travellers to undertake safaris to Uganda . Uganda announced the Marburg outbreak after the laboratory tests confirmed a 30-year-old male radiographer, for having lost his dear life resulting f...

Positioned in Nakitoma, Nakasongora district 182km north of Kampala, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a habitat of the only surviving wild species of white rhinos in Uganda which are always encountered on Uganda safari tours . The sanctuary which is currently containing fifteen (15) southern white Rhinos is re-known as a perfect stop for travellers connecting to Murchison falls National Park. Initially, Uganda had rhino species but were poached to extinction during the period of turmoil that characterized Uganda from the independence time in 1962 up to 1986 that saw the rhinos get extinct in 1983. The Rhino Fund Uganda a non-governmental organization that was formed in 1997 to work towards reintroducing rhinos which is endangered globally back to the Uganda safari National Parks through the program of breed and release. In this initiative, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary emerged which is 7000 ha of savannah and indigenous woodland that is owned privately by Captain Joe Roy, who has Ug...

Mo untai n gorilla trekking is one of the lucrative tourist activities in both Uganda and Rwanda as these tourism resources are only found in three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo and because of instabilities, Congo is not well set for this activity. The National Parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga for the sake of Uganda and Volcanoes for the sake of Rwanda form a perfect ground for this activity. It is important to note that a traveller on Uganda gorilla trekking safari or gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda has no opportunity to encounter gorillas if he / she is not equipped with a fully booked gorilla trekking permit. The gorilla permit is a mere document/card that is issued by the respective regulatory bodies giving the travellers full rights to undertake the gorilla tracking experience in any of the respective gorilla parks in these two countries. As a result of increased demand for mountain gorilla tracking , it is very important to reserve ...

Rwanda is one of the destinations in East Africa that is known for gorilla trekking safaris alongside canopy walk in Nyungwe, Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and Rwanda wildlife safaris in Akagera National Parks. Being a lucrative activity, the gorilla trekking have on Volcanoes National Park receives enormous numbers of travellers most of which are gorilla trekkers. The overnight stay of these travellers is something to be thought about and various proprietors have come up with different establishments to enable wellbeing of all classes of Rwanda gorilla safari undertakers. Muhabra Hotel positioned in the district of Musanze along the Gisenyi road offers an ideal budget establishment for travellers undertaking gorilla safaris in Rwanda . Established in 1956, Muhabura was the initial stone constructed building in town featuring Indian shop style whose materials are largely the volcanic big boulders. Initially, it was named Hotel Mimosa and King Rudahigwa used to spend an ...