Uganda Safaris, Wildlife tours and Gorilla Trekking Tours

Important information about gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

Before you set off plans for your gorilla trekking safari, you ought to know some important information about this thrilling activity. There are lots of questions asked about mountain gorilla tracking and below are some of them.

What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is an activity that involves long walks though muddy trails in search for gorillas. When you meet these primates, you are allowed to spend an hour around them for the normal gorilla trekking experience or four hours for a gorilla habituation experience. After spending time around these endangered great ape species, you will then return to your starting point, receive your respective gorilla tracking certificates then return to your lodge to relax and proceed with other tour and travel activities within or beyond the region.

Your chances of seeing a gorilla of seeing a gorilla are 99%. The 1% is due to uncertainties that may arise during your trek. These include sickness, last minute injuries or any other situations.

Where to see gorillas in Africa

Gorillas have species. The best specie to track is Mountain Gorillas. These can only be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. Mountain gorillas are greatly endangered due to a number of reasons like habitat loss, poaching and many more reasons. Uganda gorilla trekking experiences are so far the best, followed by Rwanda and lastly Congo. Uganda offers both luxury and budget gorilla trekking because of the permit prices. Rwanda is a luxury gorilla trekking destination. Congo is an awesome destination to track mountain gorillas from however, you have to contact us or liaise with the respective security agencies in your country to find out about the current situation of security in the country.

So if you are comparing Uganda gorilla trekking to Rwanda gorilla trekking or Congo gorilla trekking, give Uganda your first priority, Rwanda your second and only first if you can afford the permits because of its convenience and proximity and Congo your last.

Best time to see gorillas

Trekking gorillas involves hiking through muddy paths hence, the weather has to be dry for your trek to go on smoothly. Trekking in Rain or rather through muddy paths can be quite challenging but still doable. The best months for gorilla trekking are June through out to September and December to February. These months have little or no rainfall. The weather is usually dry and favors gorilla trekking. Do not rule out other months. Africa is an all year round destination and can be visited at any time. Some clients finish their gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo during the months with rainfall without seeing a single drop of rainfall. What if it rains? Chances are high the sun will come out, dry the soaked up soil and life moves on. You are only advised to travel in some months to reduce chances of trekking in the rain but not to completely discourage you from travelling in those particular months.

Minimum age limit for mountain gorilla trekking

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo is 15 years. Children of this age are considered to be strong enough to hike through the trails and adhere to various rules and regulations in place. For parents with children between the ages of 13 to 14.4 years old, you are required to write a letter to Uganda Wildlife Authority requesting them to allow your child to track. There is no guarantee that your request will be accepted but in some scenarios they under some conditions. Gorillas are very aggressive apes that should not be offended. Some acts like looking straight into their eyes mean you are requesting to challenge them and can break out a fight. Your child should be old enough to understand this and live to it whilst in the forest.

Gorilla permits

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 each all year round. It costs $1500 each in Rwanda and $400 each in Congo respectively.

How many people per group

A maximum of eight people are allowed to trek particular mountain gorilla families. Uganda apparently has close to 20 mountain gorilla families distributed in various sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rwanda has close to 15 whereas Congo has close to 10. In Rwanda, you have a chance of booking an entire gorilla family of your own for a whopping $15000. This will let you trek the family alone or with your partners. So if you wish to propose or organize a small event around the gorillas, you should consider this.

Can I choose a particular gorilla family to track?

Mountain Gorilla families are assigned randomly to clients during their gorilla trekking meeting whilst considering various factors that age, physique and more. The elderly, disabled or tourists that fall under the special needs category are assigned easier groups to track and vice versa. If you have more than one gorilla safari encounter in the same sector, you ought to communicate to the rangers / warden in advance so that they assign you to a different gorilla family.

How far in advance should I book my gorilla tour?

Gorilla tours have to be booked in advance. Booking your safari 4 or 6 months before is recommended especially for the most competitive months or if trekking in Buhoma – the best and most competitive sector of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla habituation trips have to be booked at least 6 months in advance. This will enable your tours and travel operator to plan everything smoothly.

Total cost of gorilla trekking

To get the total cost of gorilla trekking, add the amount of permits you are going to pay, price of accommodation, transportation (4x4 safari vehicle, guide and fuel), lunches along the way, border fees and professional fees charged by the gorilla trekking company to organize your trip. The company, accommodation, vehicle you choose will determine the price range of your trip. Choosing a small company will excellent reviews, moderate or basic accommodation and a 4x4 safari van will save you lots of money. Luxury experiences feature high-end lodges, 4x4 safari land cruisers, scheduled or chartered flights and more. Booking a cheap permit in Uganda will also help you save money.

Gorilla habituation experiences

Gorilla habituation slights contradicts the normal gorilla tracking experience. It involves some bit of research and lasts for about 4 hours unlike the normal 1 hour experience. Also, a maximum of 4 people are allowed to track a particular and there only two groups available for tracking apparently. This experience only takes place in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There is no gorilla habituation in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda or Virunga National Park Congo.

Kigali or Entebbe? Where to arrive from

If you are tracking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Virunga National Park in Congo, arrive through Kigali, Rwanda. For clients trekking gorillas in Bwindi, arriving through Kigali will keep you on road for only 4 hours compared to the normal 8 – 10 hours from Kampala. This is slightly expensive and calls for you to have an East African Tourist Visa. We arrange budget gorilla trekking tours in Uganda from Kigali, Rwanda.

Choosing your gorilla safari lodge

When your tour operator selects gorilla safari lodges for you, endeavor to check out reviews or photos for these lodges online. If the reviews are good and photos are good, you can stick to it. However, should you see any negative reviews, bad photos or stuff you do not like, you have the privilege to contact us and request us to choose better lodges for you. Gorilla safari lodge vary basing on prices. The luxury lodges offer top notch experiences, moderate lodges offers comfortable experiences whereas budget lodges offer slightly comfortable experiences.

How long does gorilla trekking take?

Mountain gorilla trekking takes about 2 to 8 hours depending on how slow your group moves or how long you take to locate the gorillas. This time includes a full hour encounter with the gorillas in their natural habitats. The gorilla habituation experience lasts for about 4 hours hence, if you need to stay longer around gorillas, you should consider choosing this experience as you book your gorilla tours.

Gorilla trekking for the disabled

Habari Uganda Tours has organized quite a number of gorilla tours for disabled clients. These clients have to pay for the services of a Sedan seat stretcher, which costs about $400 each. Rangers will carry you up in this seater as you go to the gorilla habitats. This way, even disabled clients can take part in mountain gorilla trekking.

In case of any more gorilla information, feel free to contact us and we shall gladly avail it to you. Please note that you can combine your gorilla tours with Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, Congo safaris and Zanzibar Beach Holidays. We do work out such combos and you can contact us for it.

Uganda the pearl of Africa is one magical place on earth you ought to visit once in your life time on an amazing Uganda Safaris Tour. Uganda is located in the East-Central region of Africa bordering Kenya in the east, Tanzania in the south, Rwanda in the south west, south Sudan in the north and democratic republic of Congo to the west. Uganda is a politically stable country located in great lakes region. The Pear of Africa is very accessible either by road or by air using Entebbe international airport which is the main gateway and extremely secure giving tourists guarantee for the safety of their lives and enjoying their trips. Uganda lieing along the Eastern rift valley is immensely a suitable destination for safari tours due to its conducive warm tropical climate which consists of temperatures ranging from 25°C-29°C and annual rainfall ranging between 1,000mm and 1,500mm. Uganda is relatively warm apart from the mountainous areas which are cooler.

Uganda is a charming destination gifted with numerous attractive wonders both natural and artificial for example Africa's largest lake by area and the world's largest tropical Lake, Lake Victoria, the source of the longest river in the world River Nile which is at Lake Victoria. In Uganada you will find the second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi comprised of 29 islands, the strongest falls Murchison falls, the snowcapped Mountain Rwenzori comprising of six peaks at different altitudes with margherita as the highest at 5109 meters and also a vast amount flora and fauna. Uganda has various manmade wonders which are of interest to tourists for example the unique Ugandan culture of various tribes like Bagishu who carry out circumcision festivals, architectural impressive structures like Kasubi tombs, Namugongo martyrs shrine, Bahia temple and ancient sites like Nyero rock painting, Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru, Walumbe Tanda Pits among others.

Uganda Safaris are expeditions into the wilderness purposely to see wild animals in their natural habitats with a help of a professional well informed tour guides. Safaris in Uganda involve a number of activities for example game viewing, birding, hiking, gorilla trekking and many more. So as to conserve the flora and fauna, Uganda under the department of the Uganda Wildlife Authority gazetted national parks as protected areas for animals and vegetation and this is where safaris in Uganda take place. National parks in Uganda are fascinating and calm places offering flora, fauna, beautiful scenery and more as a way of full filling a tourist’s desires. Below we highlight some of the National Parks in Uganda and what you expect to see when you visit these places.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth national park named after the queen Elizabeth II of England is prominent tourist destination in Uganda located in the western region, the park established in 1952 covering an area of 1,978 stretching in four districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri with kasese town on the northeastern edge of the park. Queen Elizabeth national Park extended from Lake George in the north, Lake Edward in the south west with the Kazinga channel connecting the two lakes, the park is famous for harboring tree climbing, volcanic features including volcanic cones and deep craters and wildlife. Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth national park include 95 types of mammals including African buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippopotamus, waterbuck, Uganda knob, Oribi, Nile crocodile, African bush elephant, African leopard, lion, and chimpanzee and over 500 bird species for example African finfoot, African hobby, African skimmer, Ayres’s hawk eagle, Black bee-eater, black-rumped buttonquail, broad-billed roller and many more. Points of interests in Queen Elizabeth national park include:

• Mweya Peninsula: Mweya peninsula is a jewel of Queen Elizabeth national park excellent for sightseeing, from this point you get great view of Katwe bay, Lake Edward and the neighboring volcanic hills.
• Kazinga Channel: Kazinga channel is a 40 meter channel joining Lake George to Lake Edward, while at this channel you get perfect view of numerous wildlife including birds floating on the waters, mammals like buffalos, hippopotamus and crocodiles. You can also enjoy boat cruise on the channel.
• The Equator and the Queen’s Pavilion: The equator is one monumental unforgettable place worth visiting, it offers perfect spot for pictures and there is craft shops selling souvenirs. The queen’s pavilion is at the northern entrance to the crater drive, the pavilion consisting of coffee shop and internet facilities was constructed to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth of England in 1954.
• Ishasha sector: The ishasha is an area of approximately 100 kilometers found south of mweya, the area is covered by savannah woodland harboring climbing lions.
• Kyambura gorge: Kyambura gorge is a home to chimpanzee and other primates like black Columbus, white Columbus monkeys, red tailed monkey and olive baboons.
• Maramagambo forest: Maramagambo forest has beautiful scenery with cool breeze provided by thick trees and vegetation cover, the forest is perfect destination in Queen Elizabeth national park for bird watching, the forest also has a bat cave which is a home to many bats and pythons.
• Lake Katwe: Lake Katwe is a salt lake where salt is mined using local methods, the lake is surrounded by rocky hills at the entrance leading to the lake.

Safari activities offered in Queen Elizabeth national park

Bird watching: Queen Elizabeth national park is a haven for birds, a best spot bird watching. The park is a home to numerous bird species approximately 600 which is a delight to bird lovers and perfect for taking pictures, bird species include Sedge warbles, Papyrus canary, the martial eagle, Pink backed Pelican, Yellow throated Cuckoo, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl and flamingo in Katwe and bunyampaba salt lakes. These birds are spotted in grasslands, forest, wetlands and some floating on waters of Lake Edward, George and the channel. Bird watching is best done in late June and July which have experience less rain.
Game drives: Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are of the major highlights of the park, game drives involving the use of 4X4 vehicles are guided trips into the wilderness. They are such a thrill as you get to enjoy nature, land scape and wildlife including Uganda knobs, Warthogs, leopards, the giant forest hog, elephants, hyena at the comfort of your car seat. Games drives are best done in the morning times when the animals are just still in groups grazing, the most thrilling game drives are done in ishasha sector on adventure for climbing lions.
Launch cruise: Boat trip on kazinga channel is one amazing activity to engage in, on a launch cruise you get to enjoy fresh air and warm sun, various sights and sounds, numerous aquatic animals like Nile crocodiles and herds of buffalo grazing.
Chimpanzee tracking: Chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth nature is another fascinating activity to participate in, the park is a home to approximately 19 habituated chimpanzees which are used to humans. Chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth national park takes place in kyambura gorge, this magical place is also a home to white Columbus monkey, black Columbus monkey, red tailed monkey and olive baboon. You can enjoy all this on a Uganda Wildlife and Chimpanzee Safari.
Nature walks: Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth national park are such a dreamy experience as it takes you through Maramagambo forest, the savannah vegetation of the park while enjoying the scenic view of kazinga channel, volcanic hills and animals like elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and elephants as they graze.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls national park the largest wildlife park in Uganda is a perfect destination for adventurous tourists most especially water lovers. Murchison Falls National Park covers an area of 3840 sq.km and is part of Murchison Falls Conservative Area which consists of Bugungu Wildlife Reserve, Karuma Wildlife Reserve, and Murchison falls national park itself. Murchison falls national park spreads from the shores of Lake Albert around Victoria Nile to Karuma falls in districts of Amuru, Nwoya, Buliisa, Kiryandongo, and Masindi. The main attraction in this park is the magnificent Murchison falls also known as Kabalega Falls which forms a permanent trademark rainbow, the falls make a thunderous roar as it squeezes through the rocks. Murchison falls national park is a home to over 76 mammal spices including the big five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos), Oribis, Uganda kob, hartebeests and approximately 450 bird species including Gray crowned crane(Uganda’s National bird), Giant Kingfisher, Giant Heron, Shoebill stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills.

Point of interest in Murchison falls national park are 

• Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forest. Rabongo and kaniyo pabidi forest in Murchison falls national park are home to many tree species like mahogany, iron wood, primates like chimpanzees black, white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and baboons, birds such as yellow-footed flycatcher, the Ituri batis and white thighed hornbill, the forest are good destination for primate tracking, bird watching and nature walks which are hobbies to many tourists. Kaniyo pabidi forest extends over approximately 8 kilometers within the middle of Kichumbanyobo gate. The forest is covered by huge mahogany trees and iron wood trees and within this forest, chimpanzees may be tracked from kaniyo pabidi tourism site which is managed by the Jane Goodall Institute. Rabongo forest is part of the pristine natural forest standing as an island of trees covered by tropical river forest trees including giant mahogany trees tall as 600 metres high. In this forest, you get to enjoy tracking of primates including chimpanzee, black, white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and baboons. You can also enjoy nocturnal animals like he Pottos and galago species, animals like buffalo and many birds.
• Bugungu wildlife reserve. Bugungu wildlife reserve is a tinny unique destination of 501 square kilometers protecting savannah grassland, seasonal wetlands and a number of wildlife including hippopotamus, Uganda knobs, leopards, lions, herds of buffaloes, warthogs, reedbucks, birds including white-browed Sparrow Weaver, Black-bellied Bustards, the Black-billed barbets, the Eastern grey Plantain-eater and primates including Olive baboons, the Vervet monkeys, the L’hoests monkeys, the Patas monkeys and black and white Colobus monkeys, dik-dik, Bushbucks, Reedbucks and Topis.
• Murchison Falls. Murchison falls also known as kabalega falls are magnificent falls in Murchison falls national park. The waterfall is formed between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert as the Nile foes through the rocks 7 meters, tumbling 43 meters before flowing westward into Lake Albert. The falls offer a magnificent view and cool breeze as water flows from the top of the rocks offering fun activities like sport fishing and a great view of nature.
• Buligi game reserve. Buligi game reserve found in Murchison Falls National Park is an ecosystem covered by the savannah grassland, savannah woodland, riverine vegetation, forests, the reserve is endowed with variety of wildlife for example hippos, elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes, hippos, bushbucks, waterbucks making it suitable for game drives. You can also spot numerous birds like white thigh kingfisher, flycatcher, the African fish eagle.

Activities offered in Murchison Falls National Park 

Game drives. There is nothing more fulfilling than game drives in Murchison falls National Park, early game drives in the park take place in Buligi, Albert and Queen’s track. It is very rewarding as you get to spot various wildlife animals like big herds of buffaloes, elephants, game drives are also good for bird watching where birds like the majestic grey-crowned crane, eye-fluttering Abyssinian ground hornbill, saddle-billed stork are spotted and the scenic nature. Game drive in Murchison falls national park is an activity of 1 hour and best done in hours between 0700hr and 1600hr. These will spice up you Murchison falls Safaris.

The top of the falls trail. The magnificent top of the falls trail, the hike takes you around the top of the falls and right to the water’s edge. On this trail, you can use a boat to get to the top of the falls getting close to the narrow gorge where the river explodes into falls. Hiking on top of the falls is guided by a professional guide to what is termed as devil’s cauldron. 

Launch Cruise on the Nile. Launch cruise in Murchison falls national park is one of the most loved activities in the park, the launch cruise starts from paraa through a stretch of 17 kilometers on river Nile. The cruise starts at 7 am on the river Nile while enjoying the view of animals like Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, birds like herons, cormorants, ducks, bee-eaters, fish eagles, king-fishers ad the beautiful view of the surrounding.

Nature Walks. Nature walks in Murchison falls national park are very interesting taking place in rabongo forest, top of falls and kaniyo pabidi forest. On nature walks, you enjoy watching numerous birds and animals.  

Chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzee trekking in Murchison falls national park takes place in rabongo, kaniyo pabidi and budogo forests which harbor approximately 600 individuals. On the trekking other primates like Olive baboons, the Vervet monkeys, the L’hoests monkeys, the Patas monkeys, and black and white Colobus monkeys can be spotted.

Sportfishing. Sports fishing in Murchison falls national park is carried out the waters below and above the waterfalls which harbor, these waters harbor Nile Perch and tiger-fish which usually caught for fun.

Bird watching. Murchison falls national park is home to numerous birds, for example, Goliath Heron, Grey-crowned Crane, Saddle-billed Stork, and long-toed Plover whilst African Skimmer and African Fish Eagle patrol which are found in different locations like on the waters of river Nile in forests of rabongo, kaniyo pabidi and budogo.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is an area of 260 square kilometers found in western Uganda in the Kiruhura district. The park is the smallest wildlife national park in Uganda situated in Mbarara district which is 240 kilometers from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. Lake Mburo is a distinctive destination with numerous beautiful panoramic views made up of 14 lakes with 5 of them lieing within the park offering horseback riding as a way of touring around the park. A variety of wildlife can be found in Lake Mburo national park and since the park has no elephants, savannah vegetation turned into woodland vegetation with rocky ridges, forested gorges, patches of papyrus swamps and narrow bands of lush riparian woodland. Lake Mburo is home to a number of animals such as zebra, hippopotamus, impala, warthog, common eland, African buffalo, jackal, African leopard and approximately 260 bird species including African Wattled Lapwing, bare-faced go-away-bird black-bellied bustard, greater painted-snipe, saddle-billed stork. 

Points of interest in Lake Mburo national park include:

Rubanga Forest. Rubanga forest is found west side of Lake Mburo and is made up of tropical high forest trees with a closed canopy, regardless of its small size the forest is a potential birding site as it is a home to numerous bird species such as Narina Trogon, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Double-toothed Barbet, bare-faced go-away bird, blue-breasted kingfisher, blue-headed coucal, brown-chested lapwing, Carruthers' Cisticola, greater painted-snipe. Rubaga forest is also a perfect place for nature walks. 

Lake Mburo. Apart from the animals Lake Mburo is a major attraction in the park together with other small lakes, the offers beauty scenic view and adding more to its beauty its harbors many swamp vegetation, birds such as Malachite Kingfishers, Pied Kingfishers, African Fish Eagles, Rufous Long-tailed Starlings, Blue-headed Weavers, Green-necked Doves, Hammerkops and it is surrounded by many animals who come to drink water. The lake is also home to crocodiles and hippopotamus.

Rwonyo Rest Camp: Rwonyo rest camp is very vital in the park as it is where most of the tourism activities in the park for example nature walks, quad biking, and game drives. The camp also has a craft shop selling souvenirs, books and handcraft made items.

Igongo cultural center: Igongo cultural center is a museum in Mbarara showing the culture and customs of Banyakitara people that is Banyankole, Bakiga, Batooro, and Banyoro. This historical site is located 4 kilometers from Sanga gate which is the main entrance of Lake Mburo national park

The equator: While heading to Lake Mburo national park, you can decide to make a stopover the equator monument structure at Kayabwe where you  get to take many pictures 

Activities in Lake Mburo national park

Game drives. Game drives in Lake Mburo national park are such memorable activity to engage in, games drives take tourists through the beautiful landscape filled with swamps in the valleys, shores of lakes and rolling hills which spotting various animals like Zebra, Buffalo, Impala, Warthog and Waterbuck, giraffes and numerous birds. Night game drives are also offered in Lake Mburo national park where you get to see nocturnal animals like bushbabies and potto.

Birding .lake Mburo is a bird haven harboring numerous bird species as they are seen in swamps, lakes, savannah vegetation, and valley, birds spotted include Zebra, Buffalo, Impala, Warthog and Waterbuck, giraffes and many more.

Horse riding. Touring on horse’s back is one thing you cannot ever miss on a safari in Uganda. Horseback riding in Lake Mburo national park is operated by Mihingo lodge and a trip takes 2-5 hours guided by a professional guide as you ride through rolling stones while enjoying sights of animals like giraffes, leopards, impalas. On horseback riding, you get a chance of getting close to the animals.

Fishing games. Fishing games in Lake Mburo national park takes place in the lakes within the park where various fish species are caught most especially tilapia.

Hiking and nature walks. Hiking and nature walks in Lake Mburo national park are amazing as you come in contact with the serenade nature of the park through salt licks, rubanga forest, 9 lakes while enjoying colorful birds and animals.

Boat cruise. Boat cruise in Lake Mburo national park happens on the 9 lakes in the parks, on boat cruise you get to spot birds as they swim on the waters and some lying on water vegetation. The most interesting part of the water cruise is watching the sun as it set while reflecting in the water as the skies are filled with various colors blends of orange, blue, yellow.

Bicycle safaris. Fun in Lake Mburo national park is limitless as you tour the park on a bike, the thrill is so hard to contain as you get to every sight of the park in a safe way with no engine noise or fuel fumes.

Cultural encounter. Culture encounters are breathtaking as it allows you to experience the culture and customs of the indigenous people living around the park, culture tours take place in Igogno cultural center, Ankole cultural community and Nshara community tourism group were different traditional activities like cattle watering, traditional dances and craft shops.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga national park is famous for mountain gorilla trekking is an area of 33.7 square kilometers deriving its name from gahinga a local word meaning piles of Rock. Mgahinga national park is a former home for the Batwa pygmy people who were forcefully evicted as it was declared a national park primarily to protect the highly endangered mountain gorillas. The park is found Kisoro southwestern Uganda falls under the Virunga conservation area including Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes national park of Rwanda. The park covers three of the northern slopes of the Virunga volcanoes that is the Nshara community, tourism group. Mgahinga national park is a home to mountain gorilla and primates like golden monkeys.

Points of interest in mgahinga national park:

• Mount sabinyo: Mount sabinyo is one of the three Virunga volcanoes found in mgahinga national park standing at the altitude of 3,669m, it is a suitable location for hiking through the steep ridges on the slopes of the volcano which derives its name from Iryinyo meaning a tooth.
• Mount gahinga. Mount gahinga deriving its name from a local word meaning piles if stone stands at the height of 3474 above the sea level, the volcano is covered by bamboo forests which are used by golden monkeys as their home. The volcano also has a swamp filled crater on it.
• Mount muhavura. Mount muhavura is the heights peak in mgahinga national park and the third heights among 8 volcanoes making the Virunga volcanoes standing at the height of 4,127 meters above the sea level. On this volcano, you get a clear view of the surrounding Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward, Bwindi impenetrable national park and peaks of Mount Rwenzori.
• Galama cave. Galama cave is an ancient site in mgahinga national park just 3 kilometers from Ntebeko, the cave was used as a shelter for the pygmy forest people. 
• The Batwa trail. The Batwa trail in mgahinga national park depicts what the life of the ancient Batwa people was like before they got evicted from the forest.

Activities offered in Mgahinga National Park 

Mountain gorilla trekking. Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the amazing activities in mgahinga national park which harbors only one habituated gorilla family of Nyakagezi which has 9 members. This gorilla family is comfortable being around human beings and tracking in this group requires a tourist to be in possession of a gorilla trekking permit which costs US$ 700 and purchased at the offices of Uganda Wildlife Authority. The best time for trekking is during the dry months of June, July, August, and September.

Nature walks. Nature walks in mgahinga national park is one breathtaking retreat in the wildness of nature, nature walks take place in through the forests and the Batwa trail. The trail begins from ntebeko through bamboo forests where you get to see animals like elephants, birds, and golden monkeys.

Birding. Mgahinga national park is a birding site with numerous bird species approximately 110 as they are spotted nesting and playing in the forest trees.

Other activities include Hiking and golden monkey tracking

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park an area of 795 kilometers square kilometers is a unique destination located in southwest Uganda. It is located in the rift valley and one of the remaining locations in Africa where both montane and low land forests can be found. The park consists of various vegetation cover at different altitudes between 1100 meters – 1600 meters that have dry tropical forests, savanna vegetation and woodlands along the rift valley floor, grassland and swamp vegetation which dominates most of the park. Kibale National Park is a home to various species of wildlife such as 13 primates including chimpanzees, rare l’hoests monkey, red colobus monkey, black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, grey checked mangabey and bush baby, buffalo, leopard, bush pig , butterflies and numerous bird species of approximately 370 species together with Albertine endemic species. Kibale national park is adjacent to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and forms a wildlife immigration corridor with ishasha southern sector of Queen Elizabeth national park. Kibale national park also lies in the tranquil Ndali kasenda crater area which has quite a number of amazing eye-catching crater lakes.

Activities in Kibale National Park 

Primate tracking. Primate tracking in kibale national park takes involves tracking down various primates including chimpanzees, the rare l’hoests monkey, red colobus monkey, black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, grey checked mangabey and bush baby. Most of these primates are habituated making them used to human presence. In this case, Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale is the most done and also tourists get a chance to do Chimpanzee habituation.

Hiking/ nature walks. Nature walks and hiking in kibale national park are amazing as they take you through the cool environment of the park while watching various primates as they as plat on the trees of the forest.

Nocturnal forest walk. Nocturnal forest walks in kibale national park are forest walks that take place at night after dinner time for 120 minutes were you get to spot animals like bush babies and Pottos.

Other activities include cultural community tours, Visiting Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a tour of the Kibale Crater Lakes and tour of the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru.

Rwenzori Mountain National Park

Rwenzori mountain national park is a wonder of its own lieing on the slopes of mountain Rwenzori known as “mountains of the moon”. The park is located in the south western region of Uganda on the edges of the Western arm of rift valley covering an area of 996 Square Kilometers. While in Rwenzori National Park you get to enjoy beautiful sights of the snowcapped top of the mountains made up of various peaks including Margherita the highest peak on mountain Rwenzori. 

Activities in Mount Rwenzori National Park

Hiking. Hiking in mountain Rwenzori national park takes place on the beautiful terraced slopes leading to the six peaks of mount Stanley, mount speak, mount baker, Mount Emin, mount Gessi and mount Luigi Di Savoia. Hiking follows different trails of central circuit route and Kilembe route leading to various locations.

Birding. Mountain Rwenzori is home to various bird spices including African Long-eared Owl, Western Green Tinkerbird, Olive Woodpecker, Grey-chested Illadopsis, Grey-winged Robin, Evergreen Forest and Bamboo Warblers, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike which are of interest to bird lovers.

Sightseeing.  Mountain Rwenzori National Park is made up of beautiful terrains, evergreen vegetation, forests, and magnificent peaks. 

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki national park is an area of 220 square kilometers stretching on the semuliki valley on the western side of the great Rwenzori Mountains located in Bundibugyo district in the western region of Uganda, Ituri forest of the Congo Basin extends into the park. The park is home to Batwa pygmy people who originated for the Ituri forest, Batuku cattle keepers, Bakonjo cultivators and bwamba farmers. The main attractions in Semuliki National Park are the hot springs, semuliki wildlife, and lamia the park borders. Semuliki national park is home to approximately 400 bird species including rare Forest Ground Thrush, Sassi’s Olive Greenbul, 60 mammal species including forest buffalos, leopards, hippos, Mona monkeys, water chevrotains, bush babies, civets, elephants and pygmy flying squirrel, primates and 300 butterfly species. 

Activities done in Semuliki National Park

Game drives. Game drives in Semuliki national park take place in the semuliki valley which is home to numerous mammals including lions, leopards, forest, buffaloes, pygmy antelopes, flying squirrels and many more. Both day and night game drives are offered in semuliki national park.

Birding. Semuliki National Park hosts over 440 bird species which are of interest to bird lovers including Albertine western rift valley endemic species, birds which can be spotted include Nkulengu Rail, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Piping Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, African Piculet,

Chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzee trekking in semuliki national park takes you through the forest in the park but chances of seeing the chimpanzees are slim as the park hosts a less number of chimpanzees. 

Hiking. Hiking in semuliki national park are headed by a professional tour guide were you get to enjoy spotting animals like hippos, crocodiles, birds, monkeys

Bambuti pygmies’. Touring the Bambuti pygmies takes the tourist through the daily life of these people who are closely related to the Basu pygmies of the Democratic Republic of Congo. On this tour, you get to see how they make fire locally, how they build their huts using local materials.

Sempaya hot springs trail. Sempaya hot springs are one of the prominent attractions in the semuliki national park, the park has hot springs both male called Bitende and female called Nyasimbi. Nyasimbi hot spring is a boiling geyser spurting bubbling hot water 2 meters into the air and at this hot springs are used to boil eggs.

Kidepo National Park

Kidepo National Park is one of the most scenic national parks in Uganda located in the North West region of Uganda, this park is made up of rugged terrain filled with tiny hills, inselbergs, rocky outcrops, valleys, and the huge Morungule Mountains. Kidepo valley national park is a home of Ik fruit gathers, the nomadic pastoralist Karamojong, Jie, Tepeth, Kadama, Dodoth, Pokot, Labwor, Mening, Nyangi. Kidepo valley national park is full of attractions which include kidepo valley, Matheniko Game Reserve, mountain Morungule, Lomej hills, and Namamukweny valley.

Activities offered in Kidepo Valley National Park 

Game drives. Game drives in kidepo national park take place in the kidepo and Narus valley and on this great expedition you get to see a number of wildlife including herds of buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes and elephants and on the same game drive you get to see ostriches and the hot springs. This will be an amazing experience when you decide to book a wildlife safari to Kidepo.

Nature walks. Nature walks in Kidepo National Park are rewarding as you walk through the clearer savannah vegetation were you get a greater view of animals like herds of buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, and elephants as they graze.

Bird watching. Kidepo valley national park is home to numerous bird species approximately 470 in number which are spotted either on nature walks or on game drives, birds spotted include herds of buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, and elephants.

Hiking. Hiking in kidepo valley national park takes place on mount Morungule standing at a height of 2750 meters above the sea level were encounter various mountain vegetation.

Another safari activity is Community visit where you get to meet the IK People and the Karamajong Cultures which are quite fascinating to explore.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a prominent ecological system filled with thick rainforest montane and low land forests. It is located in the southwest region of Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO natural world heritage site covering an area of 321 km² at an altitude range from 1,190m -2607m. Bwindi impenetrable national park is home to various wildlife species especially the famous mountain gorillas in Uganda. The park hosts approximately 400 mountain gorilla individuals, over 120 mammals such as elephants, 350 bird species such as Dusky Crimson Wing, White-tailed Blue Monarch and 400 species of plants.

Main highlights in Bwindi impenetrable national park include: 

Bwindi impenetrable is a home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world of approximately 400 individuals. Mountain gorilla in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda are found in different gorilla trekking sectors in groups or families. These mountain gorillas are habituated and used for people’s presence. Gorilla sectors in the park include 

• Buhoma sector with 3 mountain gorilla groups such as mubare group of five members, Habinyanja of 17 members and Rushegura of 16 members.  
• Ruhija sector with 3 gorilla families such as Oruzogo with 17 members, Bitukura group of 13 members and Kyaguliro with 20 members.
• Rushaga region with 5 mountain gorilla families such as Nshongi with 7 members, Mishaya group with 12 members, kahungye group with 17 members, Busingye group with 9 members and Bweza family with 23 gorilla families.
• Nkurigo sector with only one gorilla family called Nkuringo with only 12 members.  

Thick rain forest, montane, and low land forests. Bwindi impenetrable national park is covered with thick forest cover, these forests are home to mountain gorillas, primates and numerous birds. Nature walks and hiking takes place. 

Bwindi impenetrable national park lies on three Virunga volcanoes i.e. mount muhavura at an elevation of 4127 meters, mount sabinyo of 3645 meters and mount gahinga of 3477 meters. These volcanoes harbor beautiful vegetation offer an amazing hiking experience.   

Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Hiking: Hiking in Bwindi impenetrable national park takes place on the 3 Virunga volcanoes i.e. sabinyo, muhavura, and gahinga, hiking on these volcanoes is a very memorable experience as it takes you through different trails filled with any attractions. Hiking trails in Bwindi impenetrable national park include the Munyanga River trail, the trail features as one of the most remarkable hiking trails in Bwindi and it is ideal for short hikes, the Rusizi River trail, Rushura trail, Muzabajiro trail, bamboo trail, the Kashasha River trail, waterfall Trails, and river Ivi trail.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park takes the tourist through the habituated gorilla families which are found in different sectors. Gorilla trekking is not an easy task it requires a tourist to be physically fit and very energetic as involves tracking down mountain gorillas in their nature habitant in the sector of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. To participate in the trekking you need to have a valid gorilla trekking permit which costs US $700 for one hour with the gorillas.

Bird watching: Bwindi impenetrable national park is filled with large forest cover which is home to many bird spices, which can be spotted while on trekking and nature walks in the forest. For example birds such as collared pratincole, palm-nut vulture, Pel's fishing-owl, shoebill and swamp flycatcher.

Batwa trail: Batwa trail in Bwindi impenetrable national park takes the tourist through the ancient life of the Batwa pygmy. Bata pygmy forest-gatherers are the first habitants of the forests before they were forcefully evicted while gazetting national parks. On Batwa trail tours in Uganda, you get to witness the ancient way of constructing houses using local materials, how to make fire, collecting herbs and many more.

Nature walks: Nature walks in Bwindi impenetrable national park takes the tourist through the forest following different trails. While on these nature walk tours in Uganda and Bwindi in  Particular, you get to enjoy the beautiful nature in the forest with fresh air, birds of different species and rivers.

Cultural Tours in Uganda

• Cultural Tours in Uganda takes the tourist through the traditional culture of the local tribes, norms and their practices. These Cultural tours in Uganda also involve visiting the culturally important sites to the people of Uganda. Cultural tours take place in:


• Kasubi Tombs: Kasubi tombs is a burial site for the deceased king of the Buganda kingdom the largest and most famous kingdom in Uganda. The Kasubi tombs of Uganda locally known as Amasiro are located in central Uganda on Kasubi hills. These tombs are architecturally unique with an impressive structure made out of local materials including wooden poles, reed wattle and thatched with grass, because of their manifestation of the genius of Baganda people, the tombs were declared UNESCO heritage site in 2000. Kasubi tombs located 5 kilometers North West of Kampala city the capital city of Uganda contains the remains for four Baganda kings (kabakas) that is Muteesa I, Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II, and Sir Edward muteesa II. When you visit these tombs you get to witness much cultural practice from making of bark clothes, local way of building and many more.


• Karambi Tombs: Karambi tombs are burial sites for kings of Tooro and one of the most treasured and highly respected structures in the Tooro kingdom. These tombs contain graves of royal members such as prince, princes and most notably 3 late kings of Toro locally referred to as Abakama that is Omukama Kyebambe, Omukama Rukidi III and Omukama Kaboyo II. Visiting this gets you to know more about the Tooro group of people in a deeper depth as you royal regalia which are kept in tombs for example drums, spears, lion hides and many more.t Karambi tombs are located 6 kilometers southwest of fort portal via kasese fort portal road.


• Mparo Tombs: Mparo tombs located in Mparo district approximately 4 kilometers via Hoima- Masindi road are one of the most historical sites in Uganda. These tombs reflect the culture, decency, and calmness. They are burial and resting site for the great Omukama Kabalega, Sir Tito Wiinyi father of the current Omukama of Bunyoro and many royals. In the outside compound of the tombs, there is a white 12 steps monument symbolizing the first-day Sir Emin Pasha and Omukama Kabalega met and the days it took him to convince him to accept British administration which he turned down.


•  Nkokonjeru Tombs: Nkokonjeru tombs are burial sites and most significant structures for the Ankole tribes as they are resting place for kings (Bagabe), the tombs are located in Kakiika division in Mbarara district. To be different from other royal burial sites these are made of the modern structured house. They host graves for the deceased kings of Ankole kingdom such as Omugabe Edward Solomon Kahaya II who in 1944, and another, Omugabe Sir Charles Godfrey Rutahaba Gasyonga II who died in 1982. The tombs also have 8 groups of royal members outside the tombs.


• Wamala Tombs: Wamala tombs located in Nabweru sub country wakiso district are the burial sites for Kabaka Ssuna II the 29th kabaka of Buganda kingdom. The tombs were beautifully made using local materials using grass giving a spectacular view, the tombs lie on a hill and from this point, one can see Kagoma hill.


• Ndere Cultural Centre: Ndere Cultural Centre a home of cultures hosts Ndere Troupe and headquarters of Uganda Development Theatre Association, while at Ndere Cultural Center a tourist is guaranteed to experience various cultures of many Uganda tribes through songs, dancing and reciting local poems. Ndere cultural center is found in Ntinda a town within Kampala district the capital city of Uganda approximately 2 kilometers from the Ntinda trading center.


• Sezibwa Falls: Sezibwa falls are one of the significant spiritual and cultural sites for the Baganda located in Mukono district 35 kilometers East of Kampala. The significant Sezibwa Falls of Uganda are 7 meters high and flow from the wetlands of Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga. Many locals visit the falls to offer prayers to the gods seeking for blessing, wealth, success and many needs. The beautiful scenery at the falls is so undeniable, around the falls many birds of different types can be seen.


• Nakayima Tree: Nakayima tree is a mysterious ancient tree regarded as a witch tree. It is found in Mubende 4 kilometers from Mubende town on a flat tabletop. The tree consists of a shrine where people visit to pay homage to Bachwezi matriarch Nakayima. The bachwezi dynasty the demigods is said to have supernatural powers and people visiting this place make wishes of their needs in this place by giving a coffee bean and small money into nooks of tree roots.


• Naggalabi – Buddo Coronation Site: Naggalabi – Buddo Coronation Site is a coronation site for the kings of Buganda, the site is located on Buddo hill just a 30 minutes’ drive from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. This hill is a cultural important hill to Baganda people as it is where Kintu the first kabaka of Buganda kingdom killed his brother Bemba declaring himself as king in the 13 century.


• Bigo bya Mugenyi: Bigo bya Mugenyi mostly referred to as fort of a stranger is a historical site situated in Mawogola County approximately 60 kilometers from Sembabule. The place is said to have been used as a home for the demigods bachwezi. It’s believed that due earthquake forces the place came into existence, other people link it to the powers possessed by the demigods.


• Kanyange Tombs of Nnamasole Baagalayaze: Nnamasole Baagalayaze is a cultural site in Uganda which is important to the Baganda people. It is a burial site containing the remains of Nnamasole Kanyange the mother of Kabaka Ssuna. The tombs are located in Kagoma in Kyandodo County which is 13 kilometers from Kampala city the capital city of Uganda


• Igongo Cultural Center: Igongo Cultural Center is an important cultural center established purposely for promoting culture. The center located a few miles north of Mbarara via Masaka-Mbarara road consists of the Erijukiro museum which shows cases of the culture of the Ankole people. The museum contains historical artifacts in form of clay materials showcasing the traditional home of the local people with real milk gourds, calabashes, hides and skins, and a fireplace together with grinding stones, millet, flour, and farming tools.