Although gorilla trekking tops the list of safari activities in Uganda, the country as a destination in Africa is endowed by nature from the source of River Nile to the huge population of game to the people and much more.
Customizing the right Uganda safari itinerary through a credible tours company like Arch safaris and Tours saves your money and time while on Uganda safari.
Other things you can do on Uganda safari other than gorilla trekking include gorilla habituation experience with four hours of mountain gorilla viewership, chimpanzee safaris in Uganda, game safaris and others.
Uganda is a country strategically located amongst all East African countries and although it is land locked, you can engage in several inland water activities like white water rafting, Launch trips, Kayaking and others.
Birding in Uganda is a sure deal because the country hosts more that 1000 bird species a position compared with ho other in Africa. This is all awed to the various vegetation zones that favor the survival of these species although world over vegetation has been and is still being altered.
Note that most of the Uganda Safari destinations are distributed within different areas of the country and so when planning consider transfer time from one destination to another.
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Gorilla habituation Experience
While on gorilla habituation experience, four hours are allowed in the company of these primates but the gorilla family is semi-habituated. For those wishing to have extra time observing the mountain gorillas, this may be the right opportunity.
You must book a gorilla habituation permit first but only maximum 4 gorilla permits are open to public booking to minimize on the effects of mass tourism. At the moment, only four gorilla families are open for this adventure all in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Chimpanzee Safaris In Uganda
Watching the chimpanzees do there day today lives is exciting and if you wish to see the organic life of these primates in the jungle, then book chimpanzee trekking or chimpanzee habituation experience.
Some of the famous chimpanzee safari destinations in Uganda include Kibale National Park, Kyambura gorge, Kaniyo Pabidi, Kalinzu forest, Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary and others.
To participate in any chimpanzee safari in Uganda, you need a chimpanzee permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority or from an associate. Two chimpanzee safari sessions happen that is morning and afternoon so you can engage in any to be in just few meters from these endangered primates.
Game Safari In Uganda
Uganda has four known game parks that is Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. One must pay park entrance fees to gain access to driving through the tracks in these game parks.
While on game drive during Uganda Safari, you may spot animals like giraffes, waterbucks, oribi, herds of elephants, cheetahs, lions, hyenas, cape buffaloes, leopards, bushbucks, zebras and others.
Game safaris are best done early morning or late afternoon to get the best experience on Uganda safari. Although all these animals are not all found in one park, in case you wish to see a particular animal state this in advance so that the right choice of destination is made.
Water activities on Uganda safari
In Murchison Falls National Park the Launch trip to Murchison Falls is the highlight of all activities in this park. when you look at the banks of River Nile, you may have chance to spot several animals like elephants, waterbucks, giraffes, cape buffaloes that move down for a bath and quench thirst. The powerful Murchison Falls comes into view its thundering sounds are soothing.
From the pier on Mweya Peninsular, chance of spotting a variety of animals that grace these shores is unbelievable. The North plains of Kazinga channel is the prime game viewing area of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
While on the Launch Trip on Kazinga channel, you may spot animals like lions, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, Uganda Kobs and several others that move down to take a bath and quench thirst. An array of birds including foreign migrants is pulled by the magnetic attractions of this shoreline all year.
The heavy rides on River Nile are exciting to sail through and following the different levels, you can beat through these tides. No experience is required to engage in white water rafting on River Nile because on ground are experienced instructors to take you through all necessary procedures.
You can do white water rafting on Murchison falls National Park or Itanda falls .
Uganda is the source of River Nile in Jinja so you have to sail using a boat to get to the actual point where River Nile separates from Lake Victoria water. The drama at this point is mesmerizing as calm Lake Victoria water is separated from the rough river Nile water.
One need a fishing permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority to participate in sports fishing during Uganda safari. Carry own fishing equipment, a boat, boat captain for the time you hope to be on River Nile.
Some of the fish species you mat catch during sports fishing on Uganda safari Include tilapia, Nile Perch, lungfish, Cat fish and others.
Uganda is a birding haven in Africa with more than 1000 bird species living in this country. You need a well planned Uganda birding itinerary and ample time to have the best experience. Some of the famous Uganda birding destinations include Mabamba Swamp, Mabira forest, Mpanga forest, Bwindi forest, Mgahinga forest, Musambwa Island and others.
Having a professional and experienced birding guide gives you the chance to enjoy more and collect a long list of bird during Uganda safari.
Uganda Cultural Experience
Uganda is a multicultural country with so much to see for ethnologists. A visit to some of the famous cultural sites like Kasubi tombs, Kabaka’s manmade lake, Mengo Palace, Karambi Tombs, Tooro Kingdom so much more.
Most of the tribes in Uganda have varying norms which you can only get to know when you visit right from child upbringing to the traditional cuisines, the unique languages and much more.
Religious Centers in Uganda
Uganda is one of the famous religious destinations in Africa because of the Uganda martyrs. The presence of the Uganda martyrs’ shrine in Namugongo attracts many pilgrims from world over especially during the 3rd June of every year.
Other religious points in Uganda include Bahai temple in Kikaya the only one of its kind in Africa, Gaddafi mosque, Rubaga cathedral and others.
When Is The Best Time To Book A Uganda Safari?
To book a Uganda safari all year the country is open but the dry season is most preferred. During the dry season the tracks are drier and animals are more exciting to spot. This weather favors most activities on during Uganda safari.
For game drives in Uganda National Parks, tracks are quicker to navigate while on Uganda safari. The chimpanzees feed closer to the ground and can get be spotted any time during the search.
Note that demand for Uganda Safaris gets high during this season so whatever you need to book do it in advance as to prevent last minute panic. Book most of the logistics to support your Uganda Safari in advance
The wet season is the low tourism season in Uganda so less people book safaris. This opens more chances to getting discounts for those with a limited budget. Even those wishing to get no disturbance while on safari may use the opportunity of the low season to book Uganda safari.
The cost of Uganda safari varies with activities you hope to engage in. For the cost of gorilla and chimpanzee safaris in Uganda, the price of the permits determine a lot. At the moment, the cost of gorilla habituation experience permit is $1500 for international nonresidents, chimpanzee trekking permit costs $200 and chimpanzee habituation permit costs $300 per person.
To determine other Uganda Safari costs, some of the factors considered include safari activities to engage in, number of people travelling, number of days, safari package you choose, accommodation and others.
How Safe Are Uganda Safaris?
Uganda is a safe safari destinations as ranger guides are on ground to help provide security within the parks . For Uganda safari activities that require briefing it is a must for all participants no matter the budget you are travelling and experience.
All tourist are advised not to walk into the jungle without an escorting ranger guide in case you need to have one.
On ground are other security agencies to keep law and order in and around the safari destinations. Never get out of your lodge especially in the night for those in game parks because you are not sure of what you may encounter.
What are the guidelines To follow on Uganda safaris
No feeding animals while on Uganda safari because they are wild animals that must search for the own food.
Dumping garbage while in the parks is forbidden because this alters the nature of the forest where these animals live.
Stay quite while in the national park so as not to scare the wild animals. Even donot hoot while on safari in the national Parks.
Donot take any walk in the park without an escorting ranger guide because you may encounter animals that may hurt you.
Respect each other while on Uganda Safari as some activities require sharing.
Donot mimic or provoke the wild animals because you may not know what you are communicating.
Keep a distance permitted between you and the animals especially the primates to prevent spreading any communicable infections. Driving off track is forbidden as you may hurt some smaller animals that may not be quick to spot but you can ask for permission from Uganda wildlife Authority if need arises.
Donot touch the wild animals no matter how harmless they are during Uganda safari because they are still wild animals.
What to Pack For Uganda Safari
Safari boots to protect your feet while walking in the jungle during Uganda safari
A camera to capture photos of the incredible moments in the wilderness.
Sun screen to protect your body from ultra violet rays and it must match your skin
Safari hat with a foldable brim to keep away buzzing insects moving in the jungle.
Garden gloves to protect your palms from getting hurt in case you touch rough surfaces
Light clothes in case the weather in the Uganda safari parks is hot. The color of the clothes must not be blue, white or black as they attract tsetse flies.
Warmers for the early morning and late afternoons
Insect repellent to keep away biting insect like tsetse flies
Light backpack to carry with your belongings.
Some treats to munch on as breakfast is taken too early to last the entire time in the jungle
Flip flops to change into after the long day in the jungle.
Toiletries in case your lodge doesn’t provide
Shoe bag in case your foot wear gets wet and you need to pack them.
Water bottle to carry in drinking water
Some hard cash to use for on ground purchases
First aid kit in case of any emergency
A pair of binoculars to capture a better view of far ranging features
Extra full charged batteries in case one runs law yet you still have a lot to capture.
Travel adapter and charger in case your garget run low
A torch in case lights run low in the night because most facilities up country use solar as there main power source.
A raincoat or poncho in case the Uganda safari activity requires walking in the jungle. During the rainy seasons, you may need to wet the raincoat so as not to get cold.