Guided Uganda: Rent a Car with a Driver
This trends for travelers who wish to handle their travel itinerary and decide to rent a car with a driver to cruise like a boss. Maybe this may not be the case to reflect just want to fix in the budget, and whatever case it may be. The matter of renting a car hyper on the trends of traveling, globally travelers have preferred to enjoy privacy as they explore various parts of the world. Though the privacy still it’s possible to rent a car with a driver in Uganda.
Nothing can stop anyone from enjoying what they want most when they travel to any part of the world. Uganda has countless number indigenous car rental agencies operating legally and are reliable to provide any kind of vehicle needed and recommending a wonderful experienced driver for hire. It doesn’t matter which kind of trip is it safari trip, business trip, or charity trip just name the kind of the vehicle you would prefer to rent. Variety of fleets available for selection which range from 4×4 station wagons, saloon cars, minibuses and coaster, vans and 4×4 Land Cruiser.
What is the cost to rent a car with a driver?
There is no fixed price one for one to procure a Uganda car rental with a driver, firstly the cost of the vehicle depends on which kind of vehicle is to be taken. Making a random inquiry from various car rental agencies you find out that there is no fixed cost for any vehicle, with a rough estimate from the cheapest fleet the rates can range from US $45 to the luxury which can go up to US $250. And to have a car with a driver have to consider adding an extra dollars of about US $40 per day.
Why should rent a car with a driver?
Very convenient
This reduces time wastage and makes traveling easier as the case of car rental delivery is resolved. When rent a car with a driver, the driver can deliver a vehicle to any part of the country and you are not burdened with returning the vehicle. Car rental drivers are always knowledgeable about all parts of the country and can advise accordingly. This reduces on the deferments which may occur if you take a car for self-drive. When for to rent a car with a driver then have to cruise like a boss relaxed at your back seat. This is a recommendable idea especially when you taking a longer journey, it lessens fears of time faults, in case of any mechanical challenge can easily be fixed.
Relatively cheaper
In comparison to using a tour operator deciding to go rent a car with a driver is relatively cheaper. On your car rental bill just need to add an extra charge of US $ 50 for the driver in most of the time rewards a faultless cruise. It saves you from wasting time with GPS, Google map and tourist guide maps which can be time consuming.
Some of the vehicles for hire can be given out without the company driver. This mainly seen with safari hard top land cruiser. If opting to rent a 4×4 land cruiser, Benz cross country, range rovers are only available with their driver. This makes it necessary and the only one to have them is renting a car with driver.
When don’t have necessary documents needed for one to drive, this takes you to have a hire a car with a driver. Firstly car rental agencies can’t let you go with their vehicles when you don’t have a valid driving license.
Read MoreUltimate Guide to Driving in Uganda
Driving in Uganda is interesting but a bit more challenging than other East Africa and Southern Africa countries. If you are looking to a self driven tour through Uganda, you need to be cautious in planning your next adventure! By East African standards, Uganda major roads are generally in good condition. Surfaced roads radiate out from Kampala, running east to bigger towns like Jinja, Busia, Mbarara Tororo, Mbale and Soroti, south to Entebbe, southwest to Masaka, northwest.
Be in the Know
- Despite the above, Uganda’s unsurfaced roads tend to be very variable from one season to the other with conditions likely to be most hard during the rain. You definitely need to be a defensive driver in circumstances when buses and minibus-taxis are around as their drivers are crazy. You will be overtaken by big buses carrying over 70 passengers travelling at excessive speeds.
- Keep an eye in the rear-view driving mirror and if necessary pull off the road in advance to let the closing loony pass. You have to know that most roads encounter a lot of traffic jam especially in the rash hours like morning and evening hours so balance your driving time to do away with this.
- You must have the following documents when driving in Uganda. This will make you have a soft and smooth drive while on the Ugandan roads. The vehicle registration book (a photocopy is acceptable, ensure it’s a recent one with the most recent vehicle license entry recorded at the back page), A minimum statutory Third Party Insurance Coverage Certificate, sticker and a driving license.
- For foreigners intending to travel to East Africa, your own domestic license is acceptable for up to three months. After three months of your stay in Uganda, you should get Ugandan license. The speed of 80k/h in the open road would be comfortable without being over cautious, and it’s not a bad idea to slow down and cover the brake in the face of oncoming traffic.
- In town especially Kampala, you are just centimeters from other vehicles, traffic laws exist. Please be aware that on busy streets, people and Boda Boda come from any direction of the road. These can pose a big challenge to new drivers on the road. Therefore keep enough distance.
- Driving is on the left hand side in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania while in Rwanda and Burundi, we drive on the right had side. If you are to pass a slower moving car, indicate to the right and the car in front will typically move in when possible.
- A GPS is very important. You can come with one from your home country, loaded with East Africa maps, or you can obtain one with your Uganda car rental. Most car rental agencies hire a GPS at US$3/day. A GPS will help you with road directions and speed limits. Road Maps are very important so make sure you get updated travel road maps. These are sometimes offered with the car, or you can buy from shopping malls and Bookshops. Always double check your route before you begin your journey and get a general picture of the route especially in south western part of the country.
- Because most Ugandan roads are hilly, climbing lanes are often available and there are many large trucks and Lorries moving slowly. Use climbing lanes to pass trucks and slow-moving cars when going uphill. Likewise, If your car moves slowly than the traffic, move into the left lane to let traffic overtake. Once you pass another driver on highways, a flash of the hazard lights suffices as a thank you. Ugandan drivers are very friendly and you will usually be greeted by a friendly flash of their headlights. It’s a friendly sign so don’t be afraid when it first happens.
What to Avoid
The number one rule is to avoid driving at night whenever possible. In Uganda, there are no street lights on highways and sometime visibility is poor with only head lamps. More so, some Uganda roads, including major highways have no fluorescent line markings, thus making driving after dark very difficult because it is difficult to see the road. Some places are not safe at night, with highway robbers and outside Kampala, there are lots of people walking and running on hard shoulders after dark.
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Top 7 Cultural & Social Events of 2020 in Uganda
Do you love music, folk traditions, contemporary cinema and much more? Uganda is one of the liveliest countries in Africa. The local people are welcoming, happy and joyful people. Ugandan people like music more than another thing and that’s why many artists from Jamaica, Nigeria and even international icons like Akon, R. Kelly, UB40, Jude Boucher have held performances in the country. There are lots of events held annually in Uganda here is a great selection of programmes that will characterize the year of 2016! We have collected 10 of the most exciting ones, among them the most popular local festivals that you should not miss in Uganda.
Uganda Martyrs’ Day
Held every 3rd June, this is the biggest day in Uganda attracting faithful Christians from all over the world. This is the day to remember the 22 Ugandan Catholic Martyrs and 23 Anglican martyrs who were killed between 1884 – 1886 by the late Ssekabaka Mwanga. The Catholic martyrs were canonised by by Pope Paul VI on 18 October 1964.
Their feast day is 3rd June on the International Catholic Saints Calendar and the faithfuls in Uganda gather at the Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine and Nakiyanja Church to remember these courageous martyrs who did not denounce their faith.
The event attracts faithfuls from the rest of Africa most especially Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania who celebrate together with the Ugandans the feast day of these martyrs.
Kampala City Carnival
Held for the past three years, this annual event has been held along the Kampala – Jinja Road. It is fast becoming the most popular cultural event in Uganda. Celebrated every first Sunday of October, this event is part of the Independence Celebrations for Uganda. Hundreds of people flock the streets and enjoy this carnival organized by the Kampala City Council Authority. Kampala city festival is a signature brand that draws multitudes to Kampala every first Sunday of October to celebrate culture, unity and provides immense networking opportunities for business.
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12 Benefits of Booking a Fully Inclusive Uganda Safari
Planning a trip and implementing it may sound easy but it isn’t really as simple as it sounds. During the planning stage of a holiday in Uganda, one has to consider a lot of things and put in a lot of effort to make sure all goes well after booking a fully inclusive safari.
1. Savings on cost
This is probably the biggest advantage with an all-inclusive package for a holiday in Uganda. If you go ahead and individually book your air tickets, hotel accommodation and transport, you might end up spending much more than needed. Adding the individual costs may result in a much higher total cost compared to choosing Uganda all inclusive packages.
2. No stress whatsoever
By opting for Uganda’s holidays all inclusive packages, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Whether it is the reservation of flight tickets, checking availability for hotels, making hotel reservations, allocating vehicles for transportation, and other such services will all be handled by your travel agent. All you have to do is select your preferred package and inform the tour operator about your dates of travel and number of passengers travelling. The rest will be taken care of by them.
3. Uganda round tour
When you are visiting a new country, regardless of how much research you have done, there could be a few important tourist spots that you don’t know about. Or you may know about these spots but may wonder if you will have enough time to cover everything while on your tour. All inclusive packages in uganda are designed in such a manner that all the most popular tourist attractions are covered in order to ensure customers get the most value for the money invested in these tour packages.
4. Avail maximum services
All-inclusive packages usually allow travellers to avail maximum services from hotels and tour companies. From the time you are picked up at the airport, taken on tour, and dropped back to the airport, you may not have to spend any money apart from your tour package cost unless you want to tip workers or want to do any personal shopping. Even at hotels, you do not have to pay separately for your meals or for using the swimming pool and gym. These extra services are all part of your Uganda all inclusive packages.
5. Guaranteed safety while on tour
We will advise travellers in case there is a safety risk of visiting a particular tourist attraction in Uganda to try booking all inclusive packages. Our drivers are well informed on the safest routes to take to get customers from one place to another. If you decide to do all the planning for your trip, you will not know about the safety situation in a new country. Hence by trusting tour operators in this field, you are guaranteed a safe holiday.
6. Travel Agents Are Pushy – Any good travel agency knows it’s not about making the sale; it’s about creating happy clients. Happy clients become fans of your company, come back to you every year and recommend your company to others. We rejoice when we can save our clients money with a great deal. We make our recommendations based on the specific needs and requests of our clients. We don’t base our recommendations on industry sales incentives or bonus gifts. If we know of a better room or experience that will enhance our client’s family vacation, we’ll suggest it but that’s all. No pushing involved, we just do right by our families.
7. Travel Agents Match Online Prices – We do our best to find you the best deals available. If we cannot beat it, we’ll tell you why it’s probably a scam and not a deal. You benefit by getting the best price and our great service.
8. Travel Agent Will Help You Save – Travel agents are privy to special flight prices, special hotel and cruise cabin rates that consumers will never find online themselves. This feature alone will save you money. You must be a licensed travel agency or belong to a specific insider group. Beyond pricing, travel agents can often get special amenities like ship board credits or insider tours that can enhance your family’s vacation.
9. Travel Agents Save You Time – Busy parents recognize how valuable their time is to them. Parents can easily spend HOURS researching family vacation options online. With the amount of conflicting information available online, it’s easy to quickly get overwhelmed and confused. Many times, the questions perplexing many parents we agents can often answer right off the top of our heads thanks to our years of experience. If you have detailed questions or need to plan a complicated itinerary, we do all the work for you. We can make the international phone calls to get your questions answered. We know who and how to reach out to in order to get the job done, saving you hours of frustration.
10. Travel Agents have contacts
Having these face to face meetings and knowing the right contacts truly benefits the vacation experience for our clients. We know exactly who to speak to in order to make special requests for our families. This could mean things like adjoining rooms, welcome bottles of campaign or advanced restaurant reservations and in case you need help, they know who to contact.
11. Travel Agents have specialized expertise – Firsthand experience and expertise are what will change a typical vacation into a real memorable experience. Not every Travel Agent can humanly know every destination in the world. As travel agents we too have favourite spots and types of family vacations that we’re passionate about selling.
12. Travel Agents Have Priceless Advice – Visiting the National parks, resorts and places we recommend means we have firsthand experience to pass along to our guests. We can help you choose the best rooms, eat at the best restaurants and find the best places to shop, all while saving you money. No two kids clubs are ever the same. Often you can’t tell from the website or brochure photos. Our agents are available to you to help answer all of your questions directly from how to get your first passports to what you need to pack for your holiday.
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Things to Avoid on Self Drive in Uganda
Self drive tours have become more popular in Uganda than ever before due to an ever increasing tourism sector. Hiring a car for self drive with Self Drive Uganda offers tourists the most flexible and pocket friendly travel safaris at your convenience. For the last period that we have been in business, visitors who have used car rental service in Uganda enjoy the best travel experiences on the remotest destinations of Uganda. When it comes to customer care, we are ever on top and we always put our clients first.
Below are some of the tips on what things you need to avoid while on self drive tour in Uganda;
Avoid too much driving
Most often, travelers plan to drive for long distant routes within a day. Long distant journeys can be hectic and demand you to have stopovers so that you refresh after a long hour drive. Though other travelers are physically well to drive for long hours, you need to understand your strength rather than following bandwagons and you end up with given the most boring trip. Stopovers are
necessary for self drive as it allows you to chill and relax.
Avoid being over excited/adventurous
Whereas Uganda’s roads are a bit tarmac, you need to know most remote destinations still have gravel back roads. Gravel roads differ from being pretty good but still more tiring to drive than tarmac roads. In case you do not have enough driving experience on gravel roads, then do not be over ambitious. However, we provide exceptional message to enable you travel on bumpy roads of Uganda.
In case of break down in remotest areas, chances are you will not receive assistance very fast. The car that gets broken down may require to be replaced from the nearest depot and this can take some hours. Feel free to drive another vehicle that will be brought for you to drive. It is also advisable that you have some food or water just in case you become stranded for some time in the scorching sunshine.
Avoid choosing an unsuitable rental car simply because of its cheap price
We have a variety of cars that you can choose to drive for your safari other than landing into a wrong choice. You can choose Toyota Corona which is good for tarmac and better for simple
safaris. For self drive trip holiday in Uganda, tourists can rent a 4 by 4 safari vehicle for instance a Toyota Rav4, Toyota Land Cruiser and Safari Land Cruiser that will help you navigate through the steep terrains. For wet season, you will need a 4 by 4 for extra peace of mind.
Not having a clear sense of where you are traveling
For visitors who are planning for more adventurous self drive safaris in Uganda, you need to be well prepared. You GPS coverage on your car rental may not help you in some remotest places or it may just assume. This requires you to have a good road atlas or direction and this doesn’t necessarily mean the company atlas and understand where you are heading to. Avoid replying on messages using GPS in Uganda because it can get flawed but alternatively, you can ask from the local residents more about the route that you are taking and approximate distance.
Avoid driving during dark hour
Usually, self drive tours in Uganda are organized in such away that you reach in the destination in the afternoon to have your night. Driving during the dark is risky for you in case of thieves and even when you get lost at night which may prolong your hours of driving. It is difficult to detect road signs during the dark and even hotels or lodges. Travelers are advised to communicate to hotel or lodge where they are supposed to spend a night on the time you are to reach.
travelers who wish to par take self drive safaris in Uganda should plan appropriately and most importantly, contact us for further explanation and assistance.
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How to Travel to Uganda on Low Budget
For many tourists from the world over, whenever they think of going on an African Safari, one of the major factors considered is the high cost associated with such a safari with much cost going on the flights and ground logistics.
Africa has great potential for tourism but Uganda in particular is the greatest tourist destination in Africa since it combines all that other African countries have to offer on top of those attractions that can only be found in Uganda or neighboring countries.
Uganda is very rich in cultural tourism which includes the Kasubi tombs, visit to the traditional kingdoms, the diverse cultural set ups with over 17 tribes which all have different behavioral set ups, religious sites including Bahai temple, the only temple in Africa for Bahai faith, Namugongo Matrys shrine which is a religious site where the Uganda matters were burnt by the Kabaka due to their reception of Christianity, and other cultural set ups.
Uganda is a greatest destination for mountaineering with Mt.Rwenzori, a UNESCO world heritage site that has Africa’s 3rd highest peak. This is the only point in Uganda that has glacier at the top. There is also Mt.Elgon which has the world’s largest volcanic base. In addition, there is Mt.Muhabura and Mt.Sabinyo which are located in Virunga Mountain Ranges that extends to Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo.
Uganda has also many wildlife national parks where one will see the African Big Five that can be seen elsewhere in Africa. There is Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls national park which is the most powerful falls in Africa.
Uganda has a destination has the most primate parks which includes Kibale Forest National park which has the highest concentration of chimpanzees and other 12 primate species. There is also Bwindi impenetrable national park which is a home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas with the other half living in Virunga Mountain ranges which is divided between Mgahinga national park in Uganda, Volcanoes National park in Rwanda and Virunga national Park in Democratic republic of Congo.
If you need to have a budget safari in Uganda, there are several tips on how to reduce the cost.
First and foremost, you contact a locally based tour company. The advantage with local tour company is that they get services at local discount rate and procure services directly without urgency commission compared to booking through foreign based tour agencies who will add their own margin on top of the margin added by the ground handlers.
Also, you need to book the trip in advance so that you get services at the low cost before the prices are hiked due to high demand due to competition. The high seasons June, July, August, September, December, January and February always require early booking.
Take use of promos. Have you ever heard that there are promos for some safaris in Uganda? Even the Uganda Wildlife Authority always puts gorilla permits on promos for the past three years. You can book a gorilla safari in Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga National Park and save off USD150 dollars per gorilla permit if you take use of these deals available for April, May and November!
You also need to look at group travels. Most of the tour operators offer tailor made private safaris. It is always better to travel as a group of more than one person which helps in sharing some of the constant costs like transport, guides’ allowances, and accommodation sharing. This helps brings the cost per person down.
The local tour operator will also help in advising on how based to reduce the cost by selecting the affordable accommodations yet with better services. Also, will also advise on the best vehicles to use at a cheaper cost yet very comfortable. Minibuses are always cheaper yet comfortable compared to land Cruisers which are expensive yet less comfortable than the minibuses.
You can always consider the low season period for travel. During low season, there is discount on permits and accommodations and yet you will be able to see all that you would see during the high season.
If you intend to visit other East African Countries Rwanda or Kenya, you need to apply for East African Tourist Visa which costs the same amount as the Ugandan single visa and yet you will be able to enter all the three countries with same Visa.
It is always better to change the money into local currency while in the country to pay for some local services like in restaurants, tipping, and transport. The money should be exchanged from the Forex bureaus at a negotiated rate than exchanging from the main baking halls which always have a poor exchange rate.
You always ask your tour operator for tips on where to secure cheaper items. In Ugandan markets, prices are negotiable and it is always important to negotiate for the lower rates possible.
With the above tips, I hope you can be able to plan the trip accordingly and enjoy the best of Africa by travelling to Uganda.
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Uganda Safari: See all the Animals with No Crowds
While it lacks the recognition name like its neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda is one of the best places to enjoy an ecotour. This relatively small country lies astride the Equator and it is one of the few places on earth where travelers can visit the endangered mountain gorillas.
Uganda has a network of ten national parks that protect amazing wildlife. Though its parks are overshadowed by the neighboring Serengeti and Kruger Park, Uganda’s national parks having all the animals, minus the crowds is one of the greatest pullers of visitors to this lovely country. On your holiday through Uganda, you will enjoy game viewing in non crowded parks and experience the best out of your lifetime trip.
Visit the Mountain Gorillas
Uganda’s national parks protects a wide range of flora and fauna. However the most popular attraction to the country are the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Mountain gorillas are the largest primates and they are found only in Uganda plus the neighboring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest hosts nearly half of the remaining world population of the endangered gorillas. Many travelers go for a Uganda gorilla safari to this park located in south western Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s largest parks where you can follow up your morning game drive with a cruise on the Nile to the base of the falls – the perfect way to view elephants, buffalo, crocodiles and loads of hippos while you relax with a beer on the boat. Murchison Falls is one of the top visited national parks in Uganda. Many travellers taking a Uganda gorilla safari visit this park and the park’s diversity is very rewarding; from the Scenic Murchison Falls formed by the Mighty River Nile to amazing habitats that include savanna grasslands, wetlands, tropical rain forests.
After the Murchison Falls tour, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a better chance of spotting the elusive leopard or otherwise the only tree-climbing lions in the whole of East Africa.
Few tourists make it as far north as Kidepo Valley since it’s a long drive, but those who do are rewarded with not only the best selection of animals, but some of the most spectacular scenery in Uganda. And if you’re hoping to have a date with the big five Big Five, add Ziwa Sanctuary to the list of places you will have to visit, as this will provide an opportunity to get up close to the white rhino, which are tracked on foot.
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Planning a Honeymoon Holiday in Uganda
It’s only Uganda in Africa with the most charming culture, entertainment and Natural beauty which make it the only perfect destination for foreign honey moon holiday. Apart from the amazing islands, Uganda has a wide range of beautiful attractions including wildlife parks, lakes & rivers, mountains, stunning landscape and the most well facilitated luxury lodges just in line with the honeymoon rations. Are you planning to wed soon and Africa is your honey moon choice destination?
The Gifted land of nature “Uganda” has enough attractions to put together and make your stay very exceptional and memorable following its best cool weather in every corner of the country. Besides all the Islands and beaches are open year round with a lot of relaxing activities and water sports. Bunyonyi is one of the most desired a place you shouldn’t miss out on your honeymoon holiday in Africa. Also visiting some of the beautiful parks –Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls, Bwindi etc are one of the most recommended honeymoon destinations in the pearl of Africa since all tour activities are full of fun and relaxation. Other fun things to do include gorilla tracking, boat rides at the first-rate Kazinga channel and game viewing keep travelers busy and happy in the wild as they explore the country’s beauty.
Make your honeymoon an event of a life time with a visit to Uganda’s top leisurely destination Ssese Island found in a 2 hour distance from Entebbe international airport, Murchison falls, Kibale forest, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo & lake Bunyonyi. The island is accessed by a ferry which leaves Entebbe daily at 3.00pm arriving at the island at around 5.00pm but you have to be at the ferry stage or start point by 2.00pm-Nakiwogo Entebbe.
Spend two days around the island playing in sand and enjoying all the available water activities before traveling to Bwindi forest the land of Uganda’s prime attraction the Mountain Gorillas. Enjoy private walks around the lake, boat ride, sun bathing, have a fish meal together at pineapple bay a lodge which attends to detail. Swimming is a must either at the pool or lake followed the delicious meals meals served at the lodge in time. The lake side gardens offer the best relaxing environment to couples as they look at the island lake waters and beautiful landscape. The lodge rooms facing parade the island beauty to couples something you will also like through your stay at the island. No need to strain yourself walking distances in search of a perfect relaxing environment since your overnight lodge has it all.
In addition the stunning road drive journey to Uganda beautiful National park-Bwindi forest takes you to the Uganda Equator, opens a wide door for cultural displays and also a road side few minutes of wildlife viewing at Lake Mburo National park. Lunch pops in at a right time when you ready to break off for a journey chat with your spouse or driver and Igongo cultural Museum is a place to be in Mbarara. This quiet wildlife paradise has some of the most beautiful world class animals and the ever green forested landscape which extends to both Congo and Rwanda Boarder.
Staying in one of the most beautiful luxury lodges, Gorilla lodges-Mahogany springs, Gorilla forest camp, and Buhoma lodge sited just at the park entrance has always been the best option for couples to the park giving them ample time to wake up and prepare for the day’s main activity Gorilla tracking. The most exciting moment comes next morning which starts with a briefing from the park rangers and indeed it’s a moment to do and listen to what you truly waited for awhile, how to behave with Gorillas, what to do when you see them, how to marvel through the Jungle forest, who to go with, how long the trek takes, what you shouldn’t miss out during the trek etc. Next will be time for you to hit the jungle forest to search for the unique world class primates which are always found depending on their previous day movements, where they had their dinner & overnight. After the Gorilla encounter and photography couples prefer relaxing at the lodge and memorize the forest Magical beauty which they witnessed during the trek than taking on another afternoon forest walk.
Bunyonyi Island has always been the next couple choice after Bwindi forest sited in a one hour road distance and known for its unique environmental setting in the cool towns of Kabale. The island is another leisure top honeymoon spot in Uganda which give couples superb moments to cherish for a life time as they enjoy attractive views of different Islands, cool weather and relaxing environment. The sunrise in the morning can make every tree, grass, water look dazzling and amazing, changing the weather from cool to warm and breakfast in gardens becomes very tasty under the right setting. The Boat ride to visit different islands and short hikes keep couples busy and happy all day as the explore the island and nearby communities. Get a chance to visit the people of the forest the ‘Batwa’ during your stay and discover how true Africans still live in the ancient. Their grass thatched houses welcome you but the time spent with them is worthy looking at their way of life, culture and different family members.
Above all it’s more fun to combine island beach setting with Wildlife and water adventure activities in either Queen Elizabeth or Murchison falls National Park. You can choose to visit both or one and end your Africa honeymoon holiday in a romantic wildlife setting. People say both parks have similar activities but the experience isn’t the same. If time permits would recommend travellers to check out both parks and tell the difference .Morning & Evening game drives, Afternoon boat cruise, Chimpanzee tracking are the main park activities but a visit to the top of the falls and a forest walk excursion at Rhino sanctuary can only be experienced while in Murchison falls while viewing trees up close in trees is only possible at ishasha sector the reason to visit both parks. Spare some time and also enjoy some Uganda cultural treasures at Kampala National theatre, Ndere cultural centre, Kasubi Tombs, Sezibwa falls, Namugongo shrines and the Kabaka’s lake.
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Weekend Escape to Murchison Falls National Park
I recently spent a weekend in Murchison Falls National Park which is known as Uganda’s most diverse game park for luxury and budget safaris. Having been on a 4 day gorilla and wildlife safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, I had more 3 days free in Uganda and decided to enjoy the many tourist activities in Murchison Falls, Birding, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, hiking, launch cruise, sports and cultural encounters. Like other wildlife parks, Murchison falls is a home to the big 5 and other attractive animals that make your day wonderful all through.
Accommodations
Paraa Safari Lodge is wonderful places to stay if you visit Murchison falls on luxury safari arrangement. Besides the lodge restaurants over look the Nile River and the pool, the food is just what you need, ambience cool and much more. You will love everything about Paraa safari lodge but the wide range of delicious dishes, deserts served is something you can never forget. The great pool cools you off on a hot day making you stay fabulous. Other luxury lodges to check out are Chobe safari lodge, Nile safari camp etc.
For travelers taking budget safaris in Murchison Falls National Park, Red chill Campsite, Murchison River Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge are the best option well known for every budget. All are close to the south bank of the river but red chili and Murchison River are more convenient. Red chilly is mainly for budge travelers but Murchison River lodge caters for both budget and mid-range travelers. They have a swimming pool and other great facilities that make you stay very comfortable feeling like another home in the wilderness.
What I love in Murchison Falls
Among the many tour activities that we enjoyed during our Uganda safari in Murchison falls, the afternoon launch cruise and a hike to the top of the falls is one thing you will enjoy and love for life. You may have seen different kinds of wildlife during the morning and evening game drive but those spotted during the boat ride look very attractive and charming giving you nice photo captions and videos to cherish for life. Looking at the fight of the water and rocks is another amazing moment that makes Murchison falls very unique and outstanding. The fresh winds make you get immersed in nature and birders get a chance to spot popular bird species like the Shoebill stock and others. On your way back the Rhino Sanctuary is another interesting sanctuary that every Murchison falls visitor should check out.
Getting Around the Park
Murchison falls is a shining example of great wildlife parks in Uganda and you will definitely be impressed by every you see and experience. However, being a home to several wild animals, birds and primates, it’s better to use a private safari vehicle to explore the park because most park habitats are wild. If you on a very tight budget, would recommend you to join budget group tours to the park that run often by different tour companies hence cutting costs. You may decide to re discover the park primates in Budongo Eco Forest another interesting tour adventure for primate lovers.
Read MoreCosts and Benefits of Gorilla Tourism in Uganda
The advent discovery of mountain gorillas in 1902 was followed by studious primatologist research studies of the primates by Sigourney weaver and Dian Fossey which allowed the later to quickly discern mountain gorillas from other subspecies of gorillas inhabiting central African rainforests and Fossey became the icon pioneer of gorilla conservation.
Mountain gorillas faced myriad threats such as poaching, habitat loss, human disease transmission and civil wars which led to decline in their numbers to less than 500 and this was one of the compelling reasons for their strong conservation across Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. Consequently gorilla population is on the rise as estimates stands at 880 individuals.
However, the international gorilla conservation group called upon the 3 countries if they were to ensure the future of gorillas as a prime tourism economic resource, they must engage in joint trans-boundary management of gorillas and their habitats with regard to human disease threats, costs and benefits of allowing tourists to see gorillas and security issues in the region.
Today there are 880 mountain gorillas in the whole world; half of these live in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest park which mark the southern limit of the Albertine rift valley in southwestern Uganda.
Bwindi impenetrable forest national park covers an area of 331 sq km and is regarded as the most biologically diverse forest in the region with rare afromontane vegetation and high endemism of species was listed among the top 20 critical areas of important global biodiversity by the convention on biological diversity (CBD). The park has 120 species of mammals, 357 birds including 23 Albertine rift endemics, 200 butterflies and over 400 plant species
Because Uganda has half of the world’s last population of mountain gorillas, it makes it the most highly visited park regardless of travel time and distance in comparison to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The number of tourists have increased since 1994 from 1,300 to 20,000 tourists currently.
Tourists who come to see gorillas in Bwindi Forest Park make their way to visit other tourist destinations like Queen Elizabeth national park where the rare tree-climbing lions are seen in Ishasha sector or primates in Kibale national park.
Tourists who come for gorilla tracking in Uganda pay US$700 each for a gorilla tracking permit. There are 14 groups of habituated gorillas. Every group of 8 tourists is allowed to see a group of gorillas for only ONE hour per day.
This implies that gorilla tourism is a big contributor to Uganda’s economy. In addition tourists also visit communities as well as stay in accommodations which add up another chunk of revenues through the demand of other local products and services.
Gorilla trekking officially started in 1994 in Uganda’s Bwindi national park with the view that gorilla tourism, if managed effectively would bring countless benefits such as employment and income opportunities and foreign exchange to communities around and Uganda at large.
Gorilla trekking is based on ecotourism which is a strategy to influence sustainable community development and conservation. Bwindi forest as an ecotourism destination for foreigners must at all costs alleviate poverty of locals rather than external funding and dependency on international conservation aid.
However, to achieve that it would involve many tradeoffs between environment and the livelihoods of people living near Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks are surrounded by heavy human population meaning that gorilla tourism must fund conservation of gorillas; develop communities with alternative sources of income so that competition over the Bwindi forests is reduced.
With the new conservation policies restricting locals from accessing resources at the expense of gorillas, the park faced upsurge opposition from communities resulting into human wildlife conflicts.
This promoted Uganda Wildlife Authority to recognize the failing conservation polices in protecting gorillas and other wildlife, Uganda wildlife Authority along with other conservation organizations established initiates to make locals own the park through revenue sharing schemes where 20 % of the gorilla permits fees go to communities.
The revenues have improved lives of people though projects like building health care centers, schools, clean water and sustainable agriculture education.
In addition local communities around Bwindi have been encouraged to tap the market for tourists through selling crafts, food stuffs, honey including other tourist related services like transport and accommodation which has partly increased benefits of gorilla conservation and tourism.
While the parks remain completely out of bounds for local communities, on the other hand locals have been employed as guides, porters, community conservation leaders and rangers. Employment benefits coupled with community based projects are a means to change the negative attitude of people have towards gorillas. Hence people can co-exist with gorillas.
Gorilla tourism as an integrated part of ecotourism linking conservation of mountain gorillas and livelihoods of local people generate foreign exchange and increase earnings of local communities.
Mean while putting the benefits of gorilla tourism to local communities aside, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is highly marketed for mountain gorillas as well as an important area of biodiversity which has attracted thousands of foreign tourists to spend a fortune and see gorillas.
Although tourist numbers have increased with revenues as mentioned above, tourist visits to habituated gorilla families are associated with negative impacts such risk of disease transmission because gorilla are susceptible human respiratory and infectious diseases like colds, diarrhea because gorillas share 95% of their genes with humans.
Gorilla trekking is highly restricted and tourists are encouraged to be environmentally responsible by not exploiting local cultures. While gorillas are increasingly being accustomed to people, it has also increased gorilla escapes to raid people’s crops and farms yet leading loss of food crops. This means that much more needs to be done to compensate local farmers rather than general benefits of gorilla tourism.
Ecotourism in Bwindi must therefore control the rate of creating trails in the forest for tourists to access gorillas and minimize gorilla interaction with tourists as well as regulate pressure exerted by foreign NGO’s on locals through foreign aid and donations.
The economic benefits of gorilla tourism and protected area management must regulate practices that are not compatible with the natural and traditional state of Bwindi forest. For instance modern building, use of chemicals for farming including the actions of non-governmental organizations that do not give back to the communities.
Uganda wildlife authority is diversifying local tourist products besides gorillas such as guided tours, hiking, festivals, Batwa cultural trails, community walks, biking and quality souvenirs which all add to the experience of gorilla trekking. UWA is also building capacity to meet demands of visitors through working together with tour operators in marketing and selling local tourist products and services.
Gorilla trekking permits cost a fee of $ 600 per person, the activity is done all year round but the dry season between July to September and December to February is preferred because of trekking conditions get quite easier while the wet season for the months of April, May and November has its benefits of discounted permits sales at $ 450 per person.
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