African Safaris Guide

Blog

  • Travel Tips to Make Your Safari Easier

    The Safari Guide can help you get ready for even the most surprising problems that can happen during any trip. Travel tips can also help save you time and money; here are some to get you going in the right direction.

    If you’re visiting a museum or other tourist attraction, make sure to ask about any special discount rates for which you might be eligible. Look out for any specials for children, groups (if you qualify), students and seniors. Not only tourist attractions offer these but often you will find great deals at hotels and restaurants, too.Make sure your passport is in order and you have the proper papers when traveling abroad. Be aware of any expiration dates so you are not surprised in a foreign country. Keep your important papers in a safe place and even on you to avoid loss.

    Travel Off Season

    Travel off season for even better rates; and try to stay away from traveling during peak hours. Be aware of the prices of flights and times of flights. Save money by flying when its not so busy. Flying on Tuesday can be as much as $100 or more less expensive than flying on Friday. This is due to the fact that many more people travel on the weekends as opposed to the weekdays.

  • 15 Reasons Why Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is a Real Deal

    Uganda is a unique safari destination for gorilla trekking in Africa also referred to as the “Pearl of Africa” as it was called by Winston Churchill a British politician and writer. He named Uganda the pearl of Africa in his book called “My journey to Africa” that he wrote after his trip to Africa.

    Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National park located in the southern part of Uganda with several gorilla groups visited by the tourists for trekking.

    Bwindi Impenetrable forest National part is found in Kanungu district covering an area of 331 square kilometers, it is characterized with a thick tropical rain forest, swamps, falls, shrubs kind of vegetation which shelters the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, birds among others.

    There are over 1000 gorillas in the world and Bwindi impenetrable National park is home to 449 gorillas according to the current 2018 census which is almost half of the world’s population.

    Gorilla trekking in Uganda is also done in Mgahinga National park located in Kisoro district in south western Uganda, bordering Volcanoes National park of Rwanda in the south and Virunga National park of Democratic Republic of Congo in the west. It is the smallest National park in Uganda covering an area of 33 square kilometers, it is characterized with a tropical rain forest, bamboo forest which shelters the mountain gorillas and many other primates like golden monkeys, black and white monkeys, olive baboons among others and bird species.

    Mgahinga National park is part of the 3 Virunga ranges including mount Gahinga, mount Sabinyo and mount Muhabura which are also part of the 8 Virunga conservation areas that cover the 3 National parks of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Uganda is best known for being the major gorilla trekking destination in Africa and the whole world because of the following reasons:

    Affordable gorilla trekking permits

    Uganda has affordable gorilla trekking permit compared to Rwanda, the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is 600 US dollars for foreign nonresidents, 500 US dollars for foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda shillings for East African residents. Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is 1500 US dollars for all citizens which more than half of Uganda’s permit. Instead you can go gorilla habituation for 1500 US dollars where you spend 4 hours in the presence of the mountain gorillas. However Uganda gorilla trekking permit will increase to 700 US dollars for foreign nonresidents starting 1st July this 2020. Though a gorilla trekking permit in Democratic Republic of Congo is the cheapest at 400 US dollars, it is not safe security wise for tourists to visit.

    Uganda’s population of mountain gorillas.

    Uganda shelters the largest number of mountain gorillas more so Bwindi impenetrable National park with over 449 mountain gorillas which is half of the world’s mountain gorillas and others in Mgahinga National park.

    Bwindi impenetrable National park gorillas are found in 4 sectors including Buhoma in the northern part, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors in the southern part with over 18 gorilla families and 1 gorilla family in Mgahinga National park.

    Gorilla trekking in all these sectors offers breath taking experiences from different gorilla families and visitors are allowed to book sectors of their choice depending on availability of the permits. Large population of mountain gorillas in Uganda brings many tourists to Uganda for gorilla trekking.

    Support community enrichment and gorilla conservation.

    The destruction of the habitats of mountain gorillas is so much dangerous because the mountain gorillas will die or migrate to other countries, so the support of visitors when they come for gorilla trekking is much appreciated since the money is used to development the neighboring communities that encroach on the National parks to relocate them. Tourism is the leading source of income in Uganda, so some of the proceeds from the gorilla trekking safaris go the communities to develop infrastructures like schools, roads, clean water and hospitals to help community members. In so helping the communities, it also helps to conserve mountain gorillas for future generations.

    Encounter with other primate species during gorilla trekking.

    Uganda is a well-known destination for primate watching and trekking, so as you go gorilla trekking besides the gorillas visitors also watch other primates like chimpanzees, golden monkeys located in the Virunga massif of Mgahinga National park in Kisoro district that can also be trekked after gorillas. There are other monkey species like black and white, vervet, olive baboons, L’Hoest, blue, grey cheeked mangabey monkeys among others that are encountered during gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National park. Come for gorilla trekking in Uganda and also enjoy other benefits of seeing primates in the same National parks.

    Gorilla trekking in Uganda is very safe

    Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga National parks is guided by the armed ranger guides from Uganda Wildlife Authority because protecting gorilla tourists and providing a safe and secure environment is key while inside and outside the gorilla parks. Therefore the visitors who are set for gorilla trekking are escorted with one guide in front and another behind each with a gun as they head to the forest. They help to protect the visitors from wild animal attacks.

    The rangers in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga National parks have been trained, motivated and equipped to keep gorilla trekking safe and secure for the tourists and that is the reason why Uganda is considered the best tourism destination in Africa.

    The difficult terrain turns to be adventurous

    The challenges that you go through while trekking mountain gorillas is not really a bed of roses and is not done by the faint hearted, it takes physical fitness to move in the hilly areas of Mgahinga National park and penetrating through the thick tropical forest of Bwindi National park, the word impenetrable is derived due to its nature which is accessed through footpaths. However despite the challenges, the reward of finding the endangered mountain gorillas is so breath taking and worth it.

    Rare activity. Gorilla trekking is a rare activity that can be done in only 3 countries in Africa that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda gorilla trekking attracts tourist because they cannot see the mountain gorillas elsewhere in their countries.

    Gorilla trekking certificate. After the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi and Mgahinga National parks, the trekkers return to the headquarters where they are rewarded with gorilla trekking certificates to everyone who participates in the activity.

    Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the most popular tourism activity. Mountain gorillas are the major tourist attractions in Uganda hence making gorilla trekking as the most popular tourism activity that makes Uganda the real deal for gorilla trekking.

    Other opportunities for sightseeing. You only pay for gorilla trekking but the chances of seeing other tourists attractions are 100% for example the thickness of Bwindi impenetrable National park which is not found anywhere and also considered to be best for nature walks as ranked by CNN, the Virunga Massif seen from Mgahinga National park like mount Gahinga, mount Sabinyo and mount Muhabura with beautiful scenic views, Lake Bunyonyi the second deepest lake in Africa known for birding can be seen after gorilla trekking.

    Highest number of habituated mountain gorillas. Bwindi impenetrable National park the most popular destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda has 18 gorilla families habituated for trekking, so there is availability of 144 permits on a daily basis since each group is visited by 8 members. However Mgahinga National park has only Nyakagezi group making it 19 groups in Uganda and availability of 152 permits on a daily compared to Rwanda with only 80 permits every day.

    Cultural and community tours. Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers a visit to the Batwa people also are referred to the pygmies and ancient inhabitants of the forest (people of the forest) who stay in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga National parks in southwestern Uganda. The encounter with these people is so adventurous because they are not found anywhere in the word, learn about their history in the forest and their cultural norms including cultural dances, handcraft making, traditional medicine and so on. The Batwa experience can be done after gorilla trekking or a whole day activity. You can also visit the bakiga and bafumbira people and learn about their cultures and life style.

    Variety of wild life to watch. Besides gorilla trekking, there are rare wild animals that can be seen in tropical rainforest while trekking gorillas like forest buffaloes, forest elephants, chimpanzees and other primate species all on the expense of gorilla trekking. Visitors can also decide to watch wild animals like elephants, leopards, tree climbing lions and many others from Queen Elizabeth National park  only 3-4 hours drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National park.

    Employment opportunity. The tourism sectors has created employment opportunities in Uganda and others countries, so gorilla trekking in Uganda is helps to provide jobs to people like the Uganda Wildlife Authority which employs thousands and thousands of people.

    The hiking experience. While trekking gorillas, enjoy the hiking experience especially Ruhija sector is the place to look at for those clients that would need hiking experiences like climbing the hills, going through the impassable trails which is better to experience it once than hear of it a thousand times.

    Affordable and variety accommodation options. Uganda’s accommodations in gorilla National parks are quite affordable compared to Rwanda’s Bisate lodge, Singita Kwitonda lodge among others. Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga National parks accommodations caters for luxury, deluxe and budget travelers with variety where visitors are able to make choices. The lodges include Buhoma lodge, Chameleon Hill lodge, Clouds mount Gorilla lodge, Gorilla forest camp, Gorilla safari lodge, Mahogany springs camp, Ruhija gorilla safari lodge, Volcanoes safari Bwindi lodge, Bwindi view bandas lodge, Buhoma community lodge, mount Gahinga lodge among others.

    Domestic flights. There are domestic flights from Entebbe airport to the gorilla National parks for example from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip then drive to Bwindi impenetrable National park, then from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip and drive to Mgahinga National park.

    Gorilla trekking is the main famous tourist activity in Uganda which is conducted in Bwindi impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National park in south western Uganda which are observed to be with high number of mountain gorillas, attracting tourists in Uganda compared to other gorilla trekking destinations in Africa thus making it the real deal.

  • Gear for the Bush

    In October 2013, Namibia—one of the few countries with conservation mandated in its constitution—hosted the Adventure Travel World Summit, an opportunity for 650 delegates from 60 countries to meet, network, and, of course, explore southern Africa.

    Here’s the gear that survived the adventure.

    Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Binoculars; $275
    When you want to see a leopard’s whiskers without becoming its next meal, the Bushnell Legends are your secret weapon. Tracking an injured hyena in Namibia, our safari guide could see its wound—a lion bite—from 600 feet away. Late that day, the binocs let us identify 47 bird species in three hours, even when some were circling 1,000 feet above us. The extra-wide field of vision glass maximizes available light and gives you a color-tuned, high-res image whether you’re peering into the forest or the dunes. Bushnell’s permanent water-repellant coating keeps your lenses clear from sweat or precipitation. The company guarantees you’ll love them or they’ll buy them back.

    Keen Clearwater CNX Sandals; $100
    From Namibia’s famed Sossusvlei dunes to the Kalahari, walking in sand is one of the desert’s greatest challenges. It feels better barefoot until the sun is high. Then, you need a shoe that protects your feet from the skin-searing surface but doesn’t overheat on the inside. Keen’s Clearwater CNX is the perfect solution. It has a barefoot feel thanks to multidirectional grooves on the thin but supportive sole, and the webbed upper drains sand as well as it drains water.

    LED Lenser X7R Flashlight; $240
    Stopping under a camelthorn to peer into the one-ton nest of a sociable weaver colony, the 70-to-500 lumen adjustable beam LED Lenser chased away shadows and helped our resident safari photographer capture a great pic. And, at night, its beam pierced the inky darkness, pinpointing a leopard crouching by a waterhole, and illuminating it well enough from 500 feet away for a gallery worthy picture. The X7R uses two LEDs in one beam, and it’s USB rechargeable.

    Mountain Khakis Equatorial Long Sleeve Shirt; $95
    On African safari, the humidity is low, but the sweat volume is high under the hot desert sun. The Equatorial shirt dried in minutes and never soaked through, even on the stillest days. And it’s tough enough to protect you from the claws of camelthorn and other grabby desert bushes. The collar flips up to keep your neck from burning.

    Patagonia Tropical Flats Shorts; $69
    Keep cool and pack light with Patagonia’s Tropical Flats Shorts. Weighing in at a mere 5.4 ounces, these shorts are made from sun protective, quick dry nylon and spandex. For extra venting, the pocket snaps open to catch the breeze. They’re stretchy enough for any activity, from hiking to fishing to kicking back with a cold one and watching wildlife.

    Peak Designs Capture Pro Camera Clip; $80
    Keeping you camera out of the sand is key in the desert. So is being able to switch between camera and bincoulars. Enter Capture Pro Camera Clip. It attaches to your camera and any backpack shoulderstrap or belt and supports even a substantial zoom lens on a full DSLR without bouncing. The quick release lock can take up to 200 pounds of force without accidentally releasing. The transition from ready to action is seamless with a simple slide clip that doubles as a tripod mount.

    Tilley LTM6 Airflo Nylamtium Hat; $79
    A fat rim for sun protection and good venting—those are the basic requirements for a safari hat. Tiley’s hand-sewn Airflow Nylantium gives you that, plus UPF 50 with a dark underbrim for glare protection. And, should a freak storm arise, it’s water repellent.

  • Why is Kruger National Park a Favorite African Safari Destination

    South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the most visited safari destinations on the map of Africa as a whole. With almost 20,000 square kilometres of rugged terrain to explore, it’s easy to see why this land of orange dust-plains peppered with lush green forests and sheer waterfalls, always figures highly on the bucket lists of safari goers.

    Visitors to Kruger will enjoy one of the best protected and well conserved areas of natural beauty on the continent. What’s more Kruger is the only South African safari park to be able to boast all of the so called ‘big five’ iconic safari mammals: The African elephant; the black rhinoceros; the white rhinoceros; the leopard, and the legendary savannah lion. To the mix Kruger also adds the magnificent Cape buffalo, with its curiously-shaped horns and muscular build.

    Here are 5 reasons why you should go on a safari in Kruger National Park of South Africa;

    Great Wildlife

  • Meet the Golden Monkeys in the Virunga Volcanoes

    Golden monkey tracking is another interesting activity sought after in the volcanoes national park in Rwanda after the giant endangered mountain gorillas. The golden monkeys (Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti) are a local subspecies of the extensive Sykes Monkey, sometimes called the “Blue Monkey”. The golden moneys are listed as rare and are also known as endemic and they are only live in the high altitude forest of the Volcanoes National park areas. The golden monkey are fabulous fan to watch when playing on fruitful tress or on bamboo branches and they are known as playful and inquisitive and they spend most of their time jumping on bamboo branches or playing on the forest floor towards the base of the volcanoes . They are tracked every day by researchers and tourists since they overcome their initial shyness thanks to the work done by rangers who have habituated this primate specie to human standards.

    In Rwanda (volcanoes national park) there only two habituated golden monkey groups and one group comprises around 80-100 members and its base home is at the foot of Mt. Sabyinyo and the other group is normally found at the base of Kalisimbi Mountain.

    Like mountain gorillas, golden monkey tracking commence in the morning after reporting at the park headquarters at Kinigi at 07:00am to receive a sort briefing about the do’s and don’ts while with these species. After you follow the ranger guide at the base of Mt Sabyinyo and begin the activity possibly one of the most interesting activities at the park. The number of visitors allowed to track is not limited you also allowed one hour with the monkeys. Golden monkey permits cost USD 100 per person per tracking. Permits are issued at the Rwanda Tourism Offices (ORTPN) in Kigali or Ruhengeri (near volcanoes national park) they can either be arranged in advance or booked at the park headquarters in the morning before tracking. In case you need to hire porters they are readily available at the entry point of the park at fee of USD 10. In the process of tracking other primate species can see like the baboons, black and white colobus moneys, and many species of birds. Tracking these monkeys can go from 1-6 hours in the jungle searching them so some level of fitness is neede; however ounce they are met its worth the money paid for this activity. Flash cameras are not allowed to be used when taking photos as this can scare away these monkeys,

    Golden Monkeys are very active creatures, who love to jump from tree to another in a very speedy way which is truly amusing, which is a little difficult to photograph! We advise you to set your camera to a fast shutter-speed to allow for low light in the dense scrub and to improve your chances of taking the golden monkeys on film! Indeed tracking golden monkey in the volcanoes national park is the only way to spend an extra day in this delightful park which is a great experience. For more information about how to book your golden money permit or if you want to add golden monkey tracking on your safari contact us we are always at your disposal.

  • How to Book a Gorilla Safari

    To many prospective tourists, booking a safari in Africa is quite hard. When it reaches to the point of booking a tour and wiring money to a foreign tour operator, it seems hard to get that trust. However after booking and enjoying a safari in Africa,  I can advise on how to book a safari.

    After I inquired about the safari the tour operator sent mi details of what the Uganda gorilla safari package will cover and this included;

    • Gorilla Permit.
    • Cultural entertainment
    • Park Ranger Fees
    • Relevant Government Taxes.
    • Full Board Accommodation (2 nights) and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary.
    • Full time English speaking Driver/Guide
    • Ground Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle
    • Airport transfer, as long as your flight is on the same day on which the safari ends.

    Safari Exclusions:                                                                                                                                  

    • Airfares  
    • Visa Fees    
    • Personal Insurance
    • Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.

    Extra Services:

    Airport transfers Entebbe-Kampala (USD 40$), Kampala-Entebbe- (USD 30$)

    Booking accommodation for you (Night before safari starts and night after safari in case your flight is on the next day). We recommend the following accommodations:

    I’m so very excited that I can’t wait to travel to Uganda for my 3 days gorilla package.

  • Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

    Mountain gorilla trekking is remarkably one most thrilling adventures travelers on an African safari. If you are looking to visiting any of these two countries, this is a must-do safari experience.

    Regardless of this fact, what leaves majority asking themselves; Rwanda and Uganda which is the best country to visit for gorilla trekking? Is trekking mountain gorillas cheaper in Uganda or Rwanda? Generally, both Rwanda and Uganda offer unique gorilla trekking experiences to visitors on safaris which makes these two countries some of the best outstanding destinations.

    This guide is designed to help you understand and choose which destination is best to visit. We have compiled a number of factors to justify why you should consider a particular country for gorilla watching;

    Where to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda

    For new visitors Rwanda gorilla safaris are done in only Volcanoes National Park. This park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. It is located within a distance of about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali, the major gateway to Rwanda.

    In Uganda, gorilla treks are conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are found in Southwestern Uganda, approximately 9-10 hours’ drive from Kampala and 3-4 hours’ drive from Kigali capital city.

    Number of Mountain Gorillas

    Over half of all the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas are concentrated in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This makes Uganda the pearl of Africa an exceptional gorilla safari destination that is worth exploring. Rwanda shares the remaining population of mountain gorillas with the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park.

    Number of habituated gorilla families

    In Uganda, gorilla safaris are conducted in anyone of the 18 habituated gorilla groups set for tourism purposes in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla treks are only possible in anyone of the 4 major trekking areas; Ruhija region in the East, Nkuringo in the South, Rushaga in the South and Buhoma region in the North. Interestingly, each of these gorilla trekking regions feature habituated families and only one is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

    Gorilla families to visit while in Uganda include Mubare, Mukiza, Kutu, Bikingi, Christmas, Hirwa which migrated from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Nkuringo, Busingye, Kyaguriro, Bushaho, Bitukura, Katwe, Mucunguzi, Mishaya, Oruzogo, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bweza, Rwingi, Bweza and Nyakagezi.

    In Rwanda, the available habituated gorilla families for visitors on Rwanda gorilla trekking safari to explore include Umubano, Karisimbi, Hirwa, Susa A, Susa B (Karisimbi), Agashya (Group 13), Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Kwitonda, Bwenge and Ugenda gorilla group.

    Gorilla trekking permit prices

    Uganda has positioned herself as affordable gorilla safari destination with permits costing $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and the East African citizens need UGX 250,000 (about US$70). However, these prices are effective up to 30th June 2020 and from 1st July, 2020-2022, you will need $700 to book Uganda gorilla permit as foreign non-residents and $600 for foreign residents. Secure you permit through our reservation team or directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

    Rwanda on the other has positioned herself as a high-end destination with gorilla permits obtainable at $1500 for all visitors. Contact our reservation team for any need to reserve Rwanda gorilla permit or do so directly with Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

    Other experiences

    In both Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla safaris aren’t only about viewing the endangered mountain gorillas but for you to also explore and experience a lot more. A packaged safari also lets you to trek golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda and Volcanoes National Park. Other highlights of the trip include chimpanzee tracking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve; in Rwanda in Nyungwe Forest National Park or Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

    Gorilla watching experience in Uganda involves you striking your imaginations with the rare tree climbing lions at Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park which you won’t experience in Rwanda.

    Where to stay

    What makes a gorilla safari trip memorable is availability of accommodation alternatives. Uganda is known for its numerous gorilla lodges and they include Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, (Luxury); Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Silverback Lodge Bwindi, Gorilla Mist Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Engagi Lodge Bwindi, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp (Mid-range); Broadbill Forest Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Bwindi View Bandas (Budget). Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has accommodation alternatives like Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury), Traveler’s Rest Hotel Kisoro, Mucha Hotel Kisoro (Mid-range), Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp (Budget).

    Volcanoes National Park has fewer lodges, ranging from budget to luxury and they include Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury); Hotel Muhabura, Kinigi Guesthouse, Villa Gorilla (Budget); Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel, Best View Hotel, La Palme Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range).

    How to Get There

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two parks where gorilla trekking safaris are conducted. These parks are situated in Southwestern Uganda.

    To get to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Park is possible by road or by air. By road your journey may depend on the route you take and preferably a 4×4 drive safari car is the best to use for you to navigate through the remote route to these parks. Traveling to Bwindi and Mgahinga may cover 9-10 hours when driving from Kampala and from Kigali through Katuna or Chanika border about 3-4 hours. Or take flight services starting from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip where you can easily drive to the park of your choice.

    Volcanoes National Park is only 2-3 hours from Kigali capital city. This park is set in the Northern Province of Rwanda and its close proximity to Kigali capital city makes it the most accessible gorilla destination in Africa.

  • Top 5 National Parks for Wildlife Safaris in Africa

    It is not easy to enumerate all safari parks on the African continent. However if yo are looking for the best safari parks to enjoy game viewing, there are plenty of places that can be visited on the African continent. From national parks to wildlife sanctuaries, conservation areas and the likes it is not easy to come up with a complete list of places to enjoy a safari in Africa. So we have decided to focus our discussion on the top five African Safari parks destination. Let’s begin;

    South Luangwa National Park of Zambia

    Fairly unexplored, South Luangwa is a treasure that only needs to be discovered at its own time. The birthplace of walking safari and the haven of elusive leopards, this is the best place to seek isolation, away from the crowd that characterize other national parks.

    Selinda Reserve of Botswana

    A very highly rated safari park in all Africa, most seasoned travelers recommend a visit or two to this park to experience what truly is an African safari. Packed with dense population of wildlife, birds and plant species, this truly is a haven that is enjoyed both by the wild and the tamed. Naturalists’ most enjoy it here due to the diversity of species found in single locations.

    Kruger National Park of South Africa

    For the sheer enjoyment of seeing endless arrays of animal species, plants and birds, Kruger would be the best bet if you would like to see diversity. Since it scales more than the size of Wales, it is not unlikely that it harbors the largest concentration of species that is unequalled anywhere else. The rich tapestry of ecosystems is such that it would be hard to imagine how all things coexist in competition to live in a space so large.

    This safari park was the pioneer of its kind since it has already existed since 1889, the year when the first realization of endangerment of animals is conceived. Primarily intended to protect wildlife in advance, Kruger now stands as the largest single place harboring excellent game reserves.

    Masai Mara of Kenya

    Being the most excellent wildlife safari park in the whole region, Masai Mara is duly recognized for supporting large herds of cat species. It is home to endless plains that are populated with grassland, thus ideal for game-viewing. See leopards, cheetahs and lions in action as they mercilessly follow after their kill during the exchange of life and death in the plains of Masai Mara.

    Serengeti National Park of Tanzania

    Oh the sound of the name alone brings memories of might and migration. This is one of the most famous national safari parks in all Africa as it is the site for the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and antelopes. The birth and death place of most calves, this truly is a place to behold if you want to experience authentic deal.

  • How to Choose the Best African Safari

    Choosing the best African safari from the multitude of amazing sounding trips isn’t an easy thing to do. Africa is a large continent and the possibilities to explore it are endless. This magical continent features a strong hold of safari possibilities on the planet, ranging from the endless savanna grasslands to extensive deserts and zigzag deltas and so, choosing the best safari for you is something very tricky.

    However, there is a safari in Africa for everyone regardless of your wallet size or schedule. Whether you are interested in mountain gorilla trekking expeditions in Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or game viewing in the pristine wilderness areas of South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Africa has you covered. An African safari is by far a lifetime experience and that is why it is essential for you to get it right and return home when filled with lots of memories. When choosing the best African safari, it is important to put into consideration your personal type and destination preferences.

    Decide what you need to see on African safari

    In order for you to choose the best African safari, first you need know what you would like to see. This will help you know when you should travel and the destination you plan to visit. If your interest is to see mountain gorillas then gorilla trekking safari should be your bucket-list adventure. It should be noted that some wildlife prefer specific habitat and it is where they can be sighted depending on the destination you choose to visit. Mountain gorillas for instance thrive only in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. In Uganda, they live in only Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; in Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park in the DR Congo.

    For starters, Africa is known for its big five game (Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinos, Lions and Leopards). They are the iconic mammals and they can be spotted in Southern and East Africa. The popular places to catch a glimpse at these magnificent mammal species include the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa. In case you need to see the black rhinos then Etosha National Park of Namibia should be a must-visit destination. Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana are exceptionally popular for their huge concentration of elephants. To witness the great wildebeest migration, Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park are the two magical destinations to consider a must-visit on African safari.

    Means of transport

    Most safaris in Africa are best conducted in a comfortable 4×4 drive safari vehicles. But for those of you who wish to get out of the usual experiences then camping, nature walks/walking safaris are exceptional options to explore and experience what Africa has to offer the world.

    You can also enjoy a self drive safari in East Africa and drive your own adventure through the famous national parks of Masai Mara, Serengeti, Tarangire, Amboseli etc. All you need is a good 4×4 car rental for your safari.

    South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is famous for its walking safari experience in the Southern Africa. For adrenaline adventures, the source of the Nile at Jinja should be a must-visit. A visit to Africa has now become easier than ever before-we have wide range of rental cars which accommodate traveler’s interest whether you are interested in a car hire with roof top tents or for large groups.

    Decide on your preferred level of independence

    As well, you need to know if you prefer traveling in a group, part of a private guided tour or as an individual. Each of these has their benefits and setbacks that is why it is essential that you choose the best that suits your personality. Group safaris covers a planned itinerary with set activities designed for each day of your trip. Given the nature of this trip, higher chances are that you will come across strangers and you may make new friends or find yourself out of place. The advantage with it is that you have opportunity to share the cost with possibility to enjoy discounts. Private guided tours are a better alternative for those of you who would like to leave the task of arranging bookings to an agency while also benefiting from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide in the bush. It offers travelers freedom to tailor their travel plans to suit within their travel interests and no need to worry about group dynamics. The disadvantage with private guided tours is that they are costly. Alternatively, you can opt for self-drive safaris that provide you absolute independence on your road trip.

    Choose the right season

    Choosing the right time to visit Africa for a holiday can save some money on your trip. In case you are interested in bird watching then December-March is preferably the best time to visit Africa. Birding is one astonishing experience offered to visitors on African safari. Africa hosts diversity of bird species including flamingos, shoe bill storks, great blue turacos, bee-eaters, king fishers, fish eagles to mention but a few.

  • Save on Uganda Car Rental: Here is How to Do it

    Can I save on my next car rental? The answer is yes. Most safaris conducted in either Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)  and Tanzania can guarantee you assurance to save money. You have to be careful about your booking option, make comparison before you reserve, bargain before you make the final payment, ask for car rental discounts and also take cars which fuel are saving. After you have done this peaceful,  you will be in position to save money on your tour or safari in East Africa. The money saved can be used to buy some the best souvenirs within the country which can be taken back to your country of origin.

    Booking in advance will make you have good time of talking and negotiating on the price between the car owner and you who is renting the car. This means that after serious negotiation, you will get a discount from the owners. Make consultations before you book the car from the car rental company. You may be caught un aware about the car rental prices. Gather information first before you finally make payments. Go online and search to get a good deal on Uganda Car rental for you. In such cases, you will avoid being over charged thus saving money on your safari or trip.

    Comparisons should be made before you finally rent a car for yourself. Visit the various car rental companies before you finally pay for the best car which will suit you travel needs and guarantee you savings in the long run. You are advised to test the car and find out whether it is a perfect condition. In case you take the car when it is not in good condition, you will have to pay for the damages and this means that you will not save any money for yourself. Looking for car rental discounts is considered as the best option you can save money. Different car rental companies do put special offers online on their websites thus, it is up to  choose the best option  after selecting from  the net. Also consider the option of booking for example, when you book online, you will save money than when you visit the offices. With online booking, what you need to do is accessing internet and regardless of where you are be it in your bedroom or sitting room, you can book the car.

    Look for ways of saving money during your safari. Try to look for all the possibilities of how this can be done before you finally make payments to the car rental company. However what you should put in mind is that there no credits offered by companies renting out cars

    Some companies have looked at which type of travel you are undertaking as the means of pricing. Be straight and clear about the type of travel you are undertaking this be it business, leisure or a holiday, and then you first need to decide on which type of car you are going to use during your holiday, business or adventure travel in the country. After you have identified the car properly, then it will be easy for you to negotiate the price.

    Though it is a culture to tip in Uganda, in case you feel that you do not have enough funds, then you should not committee yourself on tipping. You can opt to give some other time you come in back as this will never be a crime to you. However to people who help you to carry luggage, you should be in position to pay them since they would have finished offering you a service.