About the Founder

Sabiiti’s roots can be traced from the Basiita clan of Karagwe.

Sabiiti is son of Mbiire and a grandson of Kabooko of the Basiita clan from the Banyambo tribe of Karangwe in Northern Tanzania. Though Sabiiti was born from the Abiiru sect of Ankole Kingdom and grew up from Tooro Kingdom, his grandparents long lived in Karagwe Kingdom.

The Karagwe kingdom was part of the many Great Lakes Kingdoms, in East Africa. Like many other Great Lakes kingdoms, the Karagwe people, known as Abanyambo, claim inheritance from the ancient Kitara empire, ruled by a dynasty known as the Bachwezi.

The first indigenous leader of Karagwe kingdom before the coming of Ruhinda’s generation was Nono Marinja (Nono ya Marinja). This indigenous leader was from one of Nyambo clans “Abasiita“. His clan was therefore the luring clan before Hamtik’s arrival in the interlacustrine region.

There are many sub-groups in Karagwe, but the main tribe is Nyambo, who call themselves Abanyambo. They can also be referred to as Wanyambo and they speak Kinyambo.

Abanyambo are a Tanzanian branch of Banyankole-Banyoro-Batoro of Uganda. Banyambo tribe of the Basiita clan traces its roots in Bunyoro. As a tradition, many of the princes in Karangwe have to seek blessings from Bunyoro grandfathers before enthronement in Tanzania. And in return many times, Bunyoro leads the enthronement rituals in Bweranyange, the seat of Karagwe kingdom.

Kings from Karagwe and Bunyoro kingdoms emphasised unity and close working relations between the two institutions to harness their culture and resist all forms of neo-colonialism.

Kinyambo language is similar to Runyoro and when people from both sides introduce themselves by name and clan you see a lot of oneness. Clan mates from both sides hug and laugh with joy whenever they meet.

Amazing ancestry of “Abiiru” of Ankole revealed.

The “Abiiru” in Ankole are actually descended from “Hebrew”; and an analysis of their current fortunes explain why only the strong Abiiru Christians are successful on this world. It is their destiny; if the Abiiru (Hebrews) honor God, He rewards them.

Hebrew is a member of an ancient people living in what is now Israel and Palestine and, according to biblical tradition, descended from the patriarch Jacob, son of Isac, grandson of Abraham. After the Exodus (c. 1300 BC) they established the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and their scriptures and traditions form the basis of the Jewish religion. Abram was called “the Hebrew” in Genesis 14:13, the first time that the word is used in the Bible.

Following the advent of colonization and balkanization with Ankole, the indigenous people were referred to as Abiiru! That was the surprising turn of events; the presumably harmless Bahima who came to Ankole from Mpororo Kingdom had brought up reference to these indigenous people as Abiiru. So where did the term come from?

What the royals of Ankole did not realize was that these presumably harmless Bahima have a long heritage themselves. These Hamites of ankole also trace their ancestry to the Luo, and all of these together from Cush son of Ham, son of Noah from present day northeastern Sudan, where they had an extensive kingdom. And their affinity for power dates back to those days when Cush ruled over Egypt. This detail of migrations and empires is well recorded in African history and in the bible (Genesis; 10 all).

Now, it transpires that during the time when the Hebrew were slaves in Egypt, the reigning monarch was Cushitic (read “Luo” History); According to Egyptian archeological findings (reference to Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia 1999), the Hebrew people were a group of tribes of Semitic stock that, according to Egyptian tradition, migrated from Mesopotamia to Palestine during the 2nd millennium BC. Some scholars, however, trace their origin to the Wilderness (that is, the Sinai) rather than to Mesopotamia.

These two views may both be true because according to the bible (Genesis 11; 31 – 32) Abraham the founding father of the Hebrews came from Mesopotamia.

And then for the second view, the biblical story of the exodus is quite well known to everyone; the Hebrews moved to Egypt, where they were enslaved. When released from bondage in Egypt under the lawgiver Moses, they journeyed through the Wilderness and thereafter, under Joshua, conquered and settled in Palestine. It is during this exodus time that there were offshoots of the main group that either did not leave with Moses, or deserted the main group somewhere in the Sinai desert. This group went south eventually settling in the hinterland of what is referred to in the bible as Ethiopia but we know as Africa.

So it is quite established that the term Hebrew is applied in the Bible to Abraham (see Genesis 14:13). What most people don’t know is that the term “Abiru” / “habiru” is actually the same as “Hebrew”. The Encyclopedia states – and this is most amazing part – that;-

The Hebrews are the people called Habiru or Hapiru in the tablets found at Tall al ‘Amârinah, Egypt; written about 1400BC, these were found in 1887. This assumption coincides with biblical tradition; the Amarna correspondence, however, makes no reference to the origin or ethnic character of the Habiru. In Genesis 40:15, Joseph explains to the Egyptians that he had been kidnapped from “the land of the Hebrews”; in Exodus 2:6, the daughter of Pharaoh recognizes Moses as “one of the Hebrews’ children.” The implication of these sources is that in early times the Israelites were known to foreigners as Hebrews. In later times the Israelites applied the name to themselves, as in Jonah 1:9.

So you now know how the Bahima knew that these Abiru are supposed to be their slaves – because that is what they were in Egypt. The Bahima knew that these Habiru were their slaves in Egypt, and believed they still had to be overlords over them. Wrong. Because subsequent to the Egyptian episode of their lives, God had broken that bondage of slavery, provided that the Hebrews / Habiru stick to a certain formula – observe the Ten Commandments, and the most important ones being the 1st two commandments. Once these are fulfilled, then no one could be allowed to lord it over the Hebrews / Abiru.

Effectively and to cut a long story short, the Abiiru of Ankole, who are descended from the Hebrews, could only be successful if they – like the Jewish brothers – recognize their relationship with God the almighty as per the commandments delivered to Moses. I.e. if they recognize the sovereignty of God the almighty who delivered them out of bondage, and if they bow to no other gods; if they do this, God blesses them. If they don’t, then tribulations and damnation as promised in the commandments.

Fast forward; when Moses delivered the Hebrews he told them to serve no other God. So, the Abiiru shall not be put under any other God. (Exodus 20: 1 – 17, and Deut 5: 1- 21).

So if only most of these facts had come out earlier, then the fortunes of Uganda would be very different from what it is today. But it is never too late for anything; as you can see, the facts about the ancestry of Abiiru are just beginning to fizzle out of the archives of history, explaining why the Abiru people have given birth to some of the most industrious people in the world. It is really a blessing to be one of the Abiru / Habiru / Hebrew; the people can really work.

Sabiiti’s clan, the Basiita clan in Uganda, is found in Kigezi (especially Rukungiri), Ankore, Tooro, Bunyoro, in Tanzania (Karagwe, Buhaya, Bujinja, etc.) and in Rwanda.  In Bukonjo, the Basiita are called Baswaaga. In Buganda, they are called Ab’ ente, with the same totem ─ the striped cow.  In Sironko, there is a whole parish, known as Busiita.  The Basiita clan, of course, also is found in the DRC, the Bunia area.

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Its International Volunteers Day

International Volunteer Day (IVD) December 5, 2016 As an appreciation for voluntary engagement the United Nations have proclaimed 05 December, 2015 as the International Volunteer Day since 1986; In…

Source: Its International Volunteers Day

Best days of the year ti visit Uganda with Africa Travels at Uganda Vision Resource Centre

Your Best Days to visit Uganda

1. NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS 1^ST JANUARY

The celebration of the new-year on January 1st is one of the most celebrated festivals in Uganda. The

The first time the new year was celebrated on January 1st was in Rome in 153 B.C. (In fact, the month of January did not even exist until around 700 B.C., when the second king of Rome, Numa Pontilius, added the months of January and February.) The new year was moved from March to January because that was the beginning of the civil year, the month that the two newly elected Roman consuls—the highest officials in the Roman republic—began their one-year tenure. But this new-year date was not always strictly and widely observed, and the new-year was still sometimes celebrated on March 1.

In 46 B.C. Julius Caesar introduced a new, solar-based calendar that was a vast improvement on the ancient Roman calendar, which was a lunar system that had become wildly inaccurate over the years. The Julian calendar decreed that the new-year would occur with January 1, and within the Roman world, January 1 became the consistently observed start of the new-year.

In Uganda, on 1^st January masses gather in worship places others spend overnight prayers and later in the day celebrations are held in various places like hotels, bars, and homes. People remain awake until midnight at the intersection of the ending year and the new-year, and the new-year is welcomed with shouting, dancing and fireworks in towns and major centres.

One week before the new-year festival there is another similar festival of Charismas when Christians are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

This is the best time ever for you to be in Uganda at the climax of the annual festivals that occur. If this is your interest we can help to make a best schedule for you.

2. WORLD RADIO DAY 13^TH FEBRUARY

Radio has the ability to raise awareness to the greatest number of people in the quickest possible time.  On its own, social media plays an important part, but when it is linked to the institution of a reliable radio service, its impact can be far more effective. Here are some key messages to explore on or around World Radio Day:

1. Radio can assist in the quick mobilisation of people to ensure a strong and coordinated global response to an emergency.
2. The messages heard on radio can turn people from passive listener to active citizen, especially in times of emergency and disaster.  Radio interactivity is a power feature.
3. Radio is an important partner for government and non-government organisations to help ensure a coordinated response.
4. Radio is a vital local resource in disaster and emergency, usually highly efficient due to their knowledge of local resources, infrastructures and actors. However, community radio stations can also be vulnerable – their reporters and technical staff can be affected by the situation. Ongoing support for local community radio stations and ensuring they have a sustainable future, is important.

Radio is powerful before, during and after times of emergency and disaster.  Radio empowers listeners and allows humanitarian workers and rescuers to protect people.

1. Radio is an extremely efficient way in which to assist communities to prepare for disasters and reduce the risk of death and injury.
2. Radio can act as an early warning system to reduce disaster risk.
3. Radio helps disseminate messages to affected communities and contributes to the impact humanitarian organizations can have on the ground.
4. Radio is technically resistant. In times of crisis, radio is always on: Radio is able to broadcast and to be received, even when electricity fails. This makes radio a unique medium in order to maintain the link between rescuers and survivors.

Activities for our guests this year include visiting and talks on local radio stations, visits and interactions with community radio listeners clubs, training of journalists and radio presenters, donations of radio sets to rural households.

3. WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 3^RD MARCH

World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people. At the same time, the Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, which has wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.

Wildlife has an intrinsic value and contributes to the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic aspects of sustainable development and human well-being. For these reasons, all member States, the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, non-governmental organizations and individuals, are invited to observe and to get involved in this global celebration of wildlife. Local communities can play a positive role in helping to curb illegal wildlife trade.

Uganda keeps over 50% of the world’s most treasured wildlife; 3^rd March is therefore an important day in Uganda. Activities around this day include campaigns for wildlife conservation, tree planting, discounted tours to National parks, Nature walks and community visits around the major National Parks. At the climax, you join the National celebrations at a place selected by the government of Uganda.

4. WORLD WATER DAY 22^ND MARCH

Water is the essential building block of life. World Water Day is marked on 22 March every year. It’s a day to celebrate water. It’s a day to make a difference for the members of the global population who suffer from water related issues. It’s a day to prepare for how we manage water in the future. In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly designated 22 March as the first World Water Day. World Water Day is celebrated around the world every year, shining the spotlight on a different issue.

Join the movement this year in Uganda. Activities include visiting various water bodies in Uganda such as lakes and rivers, tour of Lake Bunyonyi the 3^rd deepest lake in Africa with its 26 islands, boat riding, swimming, cleaning and repairing of water sources in rural communities, installing rain water harvesting facilities, and teaching communities on proper usage of water.

At the end of the week’s activities we join the rest of the country for National celebrations at a place reserved by Uganda’s government.

5. WORLD MALARIA DAY 25^TH APRIL

April 25, 2016, marks World Malaria Day – a day to celebrate the gains made in the fight against malaria. Each year, this day highlights global efforts to control malaria and mobilizes action to combat the disease.

Uganda ranks sixth among African countries with high malaria-related mortality rates, and has one of the highest reported malaria transmission rates in the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that globally malaria is a major cause of ill health and deaths, with approximately 16 million cases and over 10,500 deaths reported in 2015.

Malaria is a very ancient and deadly but preventable and curable disease that has remained the leading cause of ill health and death among children under five and a big cause of health problem among pregnant mothers. It results in loss of productivity and children staying out of school.

Activities around this day include community mobilization meetings, visits to the health centres, counselling to the patients, home cleaning to remove breeding grounds for mosquitoes and distribution of mosquito nets to families.

The climax of the long week activities is at the National celebrations where we join the rest of the country at a place set by the government of Uganda.

6. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES 15^TH MAY

The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 with resolution A/RES/47/237 and reflects the importance the international community attaches to families. The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

The International Day of Families has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days. In many countries, that day provides an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families.

The central goal focuses on ending poverty, promoting shared economic prosperity, social development and people’s well-being while protecting the environment. Families remain at the centre of social life ensuring the well-being of their members, educating and socializing children and youth and caring for young and old.

A Glimpse of most families in Western Uganda

• Most families depend on subsistence farming. But with primitive tools and the lack of irrigation, fertilizers and modern farming techniques, their results vary.
• Some families also raise a few cattle to supplement their meager income.
• Low income levels mean that families usually can’t afford to educate their children, especially because school fees are high in this region.
• Children who start school in grade one typically don’t make it past the sixth grade.
• Parents often encourage girls to drop out of school and get married in their early teens to collect money from the groom’s family for the traditional “bride price.”
• Sexual promiscuity among teens is a rampant problem, with 57 percent of Ugandan girls having their first sexual encounter before the age of 18.
• As a result, there is a high incidence of HIV infection and babies being raised by poor, single teen mothers.

Activities include workshops and conferences, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and cultural programmes highlighting relevant themes. Voluntary activities include donation of houses to families, beddings and clothes to vulnerable families, income projects like poultry, goats, piggery, bee keeping, and other agricultural projects.

7. World Environment Day 5^th June 2016

Every 5th of June is a day used by the United Nations to stimulate worldwide awareness of environmental issues and encourages political action.

World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Over the years it has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries. It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponential positive impact on the planet.

WED is the opportunity for everyone to realize the responsibility to care for the Earth and to become agents of change.

Join Uganda Vision Resource Centre in a one week series of activities to mark the World Environment Day 2016. Activities include planting trees on schools and churches targeting to plant one million trees this season, teaching school children on the importance of environmental protection and painting schools with a green environment paints.

Volunteers from abroad arrive on May 30^th and join the field of respective activities on 31^st May.

On the final day of these activities June 5^th, we shall join the rest of the country to the national celebrations at a place which will be assigned by the government of Uganda.

On June 6^th we shall have an evaluation meeting before volunteers travel back to Entebbe to catch up with their flight.

Booking deadline: 20^th May 2016 and all bookings are made by email to volunteers@uvrcug.org

8. International African Child Day 16^th June 2016

Day of the African Child this year is on June 16 – when events will be held on the continent and around the world. On 16 June 1976 In Soweto, South Africa, thousands of black schoolchildren took to the streets to protest about the inferior quality of their education and to demand their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of them were shot down; and in the two weeks of protest that followed, more than a hundred people were killed and more than a thousand injured.

To honour their courage and in memory of those killed, in 1991 the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) established the Day of the African Child. The Day also draws attention to the lives of African children today.

Still we use this Day to find out more about the lives of children living in Africa today. This day is commemorated annually in Africa; it is a day to show care and support for children’s rights. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children.

This year Uganda Vision Resource Centre has planned a one week activities for friends of children volunteers in Western Uganda. These activities will include working with Children in the refugee settlement, visiting children in health facilities, visiting children in homes affected by HIV/AIDS, teaching children in schools, supporting children in babies’ homes.

Volunteers from abroad will arrive on 10^th June and will be posted to their places of work on 11^th June.

On the final day of these activities June 16^th, we shall join the rest of the country to the national celebrations at a place which will be assigned by the government of Uganda.

On June 17^th we shall have an evaluation meeting before volunteers travel back to Entebbe to catch up with their flight.

Booking deadline: 1^st June 2016 and all bookings are made by email to volunteers@uvrcug.org

9. International Day of Friendship: 30^th July 2016

The International Day of Friendship is a United Nations (UN) day that promotes the role that friendship plays in promoting peace in many cultures. To mark the International Day of Friendship, the UN encourages governments, organizations, and community groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that promote solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.

In 2011, the UN proclaimed the International Day of Friendship with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, and cultures can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. The UN wanted for the day to involve young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.

Uganda Vision Resource Centre has planned a week of activities involving volunteers (individuals and organizations) from abroad who want to make friendship with Ugandan individuals, families, organisations, schools, health facilities and churches.

Tell us your likes and hobbies; we shall identify a host family for you which will remain your Ugandan family for a life time. You are free to tell us the activities you want to do, but we can as well help you to identify activities.

V0lunteers from Abroad will arrive on 24^th July and will be posted to their host communities on 25^th July. On the final day of these activities July 30^th, we shall join the rest of the country to the national celebrations at a place which will be assigned by the government of Uganda.

On August 1st we shall have an evaluation meeting before volunteers travel back to Entebbe to catch up with their flight.

Booking deadline: 14^th July 2016 and all bookings are made by email to volunteers@uvrcug.org

10. International Youth Day 12^th August 2016

International Youth Day will be taking place on 12 August 2016, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.

12 August was first designated International Youth Day by the UN General Assembly in 1999, and serves as an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, and an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world’s youth.

It is a priority that can’t be postponed for the reason that youth is not only the future, but first and foremost the present of the country. Channeling young peoples’ commitment, knowledge and power into working and, in general, engaging can bring forward community development, energize institutions, create business opportunities and dissolve adamant mentalities.

The engagement and participation of youth is essential to achieve sustainable human development. Yet often the opportunities for youth to engage politically, economically and socially are low or non-existent.

This year Uganda Vision Resource Centre has planned a week of activities involving volunteers from abroad for youths in Western Uganda. Activities include Youths seminars in schools, youth’s camps in communities and support visits to youth’s projects and enterprises.

Volunteers from abroad will arrive on 6^th August and activities will begin on 7^th August. On the final day of these activities August 12^th, we shall join the rest of the country to the national celebrations at a place which will be assigned by the government of Uganda.

On August 13^th we shall have an evaluation meeting before volunteers travel back to Entebbe to catch up with their flight.

Booking deadline: 25^th July 2016 and all bookings are made by email to volunteers@uvrcug.org

11. World Tourism Day; 27 September is World Tourism Day!

Every time we travel, for whatever reason, we are part of a global movement; a movement that has the power to drive inclusive development, create jobs and build the sustainable societies we want for our future; a movement that builds mutual understanding and can help us safeguard our shared natural and cultural heritage.

The date for World Tourism Day is appropriate because it comes at the end of the high tourist season in the northern hemisphere and the start of the tourist season in the southern hemisphere, when tourism is of topical interest to many people worldwide, particularly travelers and those working in the tourism sector.

This year on 27 September, we want to talk Tourism in schools and communities of Western Uganda. Join and help us raise awareness of the important impact tourism has on our country and communities and its potential as a force for good, creating a better world for all.

As part of the festivities, a week- long exhibition of arts and tourism in Western Uganda communities will be held and the climax will be at the National celebrations of world tourism day.

It focuses on the ability of tourism to empower people and equip them with the necessary skills to change their local communities.

Uganda Vision Resource Centre will implemented a number of programs and activities to educate the community on the development of tourism as well as transforming citizen’s acceptance for tourism into lobbying for further demand on the growth of national tourism.

Don’t miss entry into Uganda’s best nature destinations on discount

In a way of promoting Tourism in the country, Uganda Wild Life Authority puts different offers to the guests on such a day. Some activities include free entries, discounts or special offers for the general public and guests to any site of tourism interest. Government and community leaders, as tourism business representatives, may make public announcements or offer special tours or fares to promote both their region and World Tourism Day on or around September 27.

The activities will include attending to cultural entertainments in schools and communities, visiting cultural landmarks, archaeological sites, historical sites, traditional souks, museums, and other attractions and National parks.

Chose any of the Tourists destinations listed below that you would love to Visit, then we shall post you in a community near to that destination. To know the details about the various tour destinations follow this link; https://v2040rc.wordpress.com/ugandas-national-parks/ and open the Uganda’s National Parks Page.

• Kibale National Park (the primate capital of the world)
• Semuliki National Park (the true birds’ haven)
• Rwenzori Mountains (the mystical challenge)
• Queen Elizabeth National Park (a medley of wonders)
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (the ultimate gorilla experience)
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (where gold meets silver)
• Lake Mburo National Park (the whispers of the wild).
• Lake Bunyonyi (the deepest lake in Africa)
• The hot springs, several lakes, rivers and crater lakes

Guests will arrive on 19^th September 2016 and will be posted to their host communities on 20^th September.

On 27^th September, guests will join the rest of the Country for National celebrations at a placed arranged by the government of Uganda.

On 28^th September, we shall have an evaluation meeting and later guests travel back to Entebe airport for the flight.

Booking deadline: 10^th September 2016 and all bookings are made by email to volunteers@uvrcug.org

12. International Day of the Girl Child 11^th October

Girls are our future. This year, for the International Day of the Girl Child, on 11 October, we join global efforts to ensure a world free of discrimination for young women and girls.

As a particularly vulnerable demographic, adolescent girls face social, economic and political barriers. While they hold the potential to become leaders and effect change, their empowerment can be hindered by factors such as unwanted pregnancy, forced early marriage, gender-based violence and limited access to higher education and reproductive health services;

Despite remarkable gains in the last decade, millions of girls are still being denied their right to education: 31 million girls of primary school age are out of school. Of these 17 million are expected never to enter school. There are 4 million fewer boys than girls out of school. Three countries have over a million girls not in school: In Nigeria there are almost five and a half million, Pakistan, over three million, and in Ethiopia, over one million girls out of school.

There are also 34 million female adolescents out of school, missing out on the chance to learn vital skills for work and life. Unless we make quality education for all a priority, these girls will not acquire the skills they need to transition to young adulthood, secure stable employment, understand and exercise their rights as citizens, and continue learning throughout life.

Finally, girls who do not complete an education are more likely to join the ranks of the illiterate women that represent two-thirds of the 774 million illiterate people in the world. With girls constituting the majority of out of school children, gender equality and girls’ education remain a central concern.

This year Uganda Vision Resource Centre has planned a one week series of activities leading to the commemoration of the international girl child day. Activities will include Girls Empowerment seminars in schools, churches and communities, supply of sanitary materials for girls in schools, engaging local leaders and parents to challenge child marriages, supporting community projects for teen mothers, identifying and following up girls who dropped from school and getting them back to school.

Our success will be largely measured on how many girls we get back to school and how many teen mothers we support to have a daily income this year.

Volunteers will arrive on 5^th October 2016 and will be posted to their host communities on 6^th October.

On the final day of these activities October 11^th, we shall join the rest of the country to the national celebrations at a place which will be assigned by the government of Uganda.

On October 12^th we shall have an evaluation meeting before volunteers travel back to Entebbe to catch up with their flight

13. World Food Day; 16^th October- a day of action against hunger:

World Food Day is a day of action against hunger. On October 16, people around the world come together to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger in our lifetime. Because when it comes to hunger, the only acceptable number in the world is zero. World Food Day has since then been observed in almost every country by millions of people.

Here in Uganda, grassroots events and public awareness campaigns engage diverse audiences in action against hunger.  From hunger walks and World Food Day dinners to meal packaging events and food drives, there are many ways for people to be a part of solutions to hunger.

This is because the right to food is a basic human right.   In a world of plenty, 805 million people, one in nine worldwide, live with chronic hunger. The costs of hunger and malnutrition fall heavily on the most vulnerable.

• 60% of the hungry in the world are women.
• Almost 5 million children under the age of 5 die of malnutrition-related causes every year.
• 4 in 10 children in poor countries are malnourished damaging their bodies and brains

Every human being has a fundamental right to be free from hunger and the right to adequate food. The right to adequate food is realized when every man, woman and child has the physical and economic access at all times to adequate food or means for its procurement.

Uganda Vision Resource Centre has planned week-long activities to commemorate this important day in Western Uganda with involvement of volunteers in community food programs. Activities will include serving meals to children in schools, health centres, churches and refugee settlements, planting food crops like fruits, vegetables and bananas in schools and homes.

Volunteers from abroad will arrive on 8^th October and will be posted to their host communities on 9^th October. On the final day of these activities October 16^th, we shall join the rest of the country to the national celebrations at a place which will be assigned by the government of Uganda.

On October 17^th we shall have an evaluation meeting before volunteers travel back to Entebbe to catch up with their flight

14. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 25 November

A staggering one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime—a pandemic of global proportions. Unlike an illness, however, perpetrators and even entire societies choose to commit violence—and can choose to stop. Violence is not inevitable. It can be prevented. But it’s not as straightforward as eradicating a virus. There is no vaccine, medication or cure. And there is no one single reason for why it happens.

As such, prevention strategies should be holistic, with multiple interventions undertaken in parallel in order to have long-lasting and permanent effects. Many sectors, actors and stakeholders need to be engaged. More evidence is emerging on what interventions work to prevent violence—from community mobilization to change social norms, to comprehensive school interventions targeting staff and pupils, to economic empowerment and income supplements coupled with gender equality training.

This year Uganda Vision Resource Centre has planned empowerment activities targeting women in their social groups, schools and families. Activities including women training on risk reduction and safety nets, training school children as agents of change, visiting victims of violence in hospitals will be carried out involving volunteers from abroad. Come and be part of a global movement to make the world a safe place for all.

Volunteers will arrive on 18^th November and will be posted to their host communities on 19^th November.

On November 25^th we conclude our activities by joining the National celebrations at a place that will be determined by Uganda government.

On November 26^th we have an evaluation meeting and volunteers travel to Entebbe Airport to catch up with their flight.

15. International Volunteer Day (IVD) December 5, 2016

As an appreciation for voluntary engagement the United Nations have proclaimed 05 December, 2015 as the International Volunteer Day since 1986; International Volunteer Day (IVD) is a chance for volunteer-involving organizations and individual volunteers to promote their contributions to development at local, national and international levels.

We come together to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism, it is about making a difference in other people’s lives. In particular, the potential of young people in Uganda and elsewhere, their energy, ideals and creativity to find their place in society and make it a better place, let them become naturally agents of change. Being, both a challenge and a big opportunity for the country to absorb such a potential to the most benefit to society, it requires targeted and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders.

On this year’s International Volunteer Day, we not only celebrate volunteerism in all its facets, but also pay special tribute to volunteers working to implement the new global goals.

Join Uganda Vision Resource  Centre in recognizing the individuals who are engaged in volunteering their time, energies, and skills to change the world for a better future.

Uganda Vision Resource Centre will join the rest of the world on December 5th to celebrate the International Volunteer Day with a month-long series of activities in Western Uganda aimed at raising awareness of volunteerism and its contribution to peace and sustainable human development in the Country.

The activities, which will take place in Western Uganda during the month starting on 5^th November, ending on 5^th December include tree planting with schools and churches, Teaching in schools, Health services in clinics, feeding children in the refugee settlement, Visits to Child headed families, Visits to families of Persons living with HIV/AIDS, Cleaning cities, and working in prisons

Volunteers from abroad will arrive on 29^th November and will be posted to their host communities on 30^th November.

On December 5^th we conclude our activities by joining the National celebrations at a place that will be determined by Uganda government.

On December 6^th we have an evaluation meeting and volunteers travel to Entebbe Airport to catch up with their flight.

Note: In all the above programs, your volunteer trip can be supplemented with visits to any the Uganda’s best Nature destinations selected from the list below. This will mean an extra cost on your budget.

• Kibale National Park (the primate capital of the world)
• Semuliki National Park (the true birds’ haven)
• Rwenzori Mountains (the mystical challenge)
• Queen Elizabeth National Park (a medley of wonders)
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (the ultimate gorilla experience)
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (where gold meets silver)
• Lake Mburo National Park (the whispers of the wild).
• Lake Bunyonyi (the deepest lake in Africa)
• The hot springs, several lakes, rivers and crater lakes

For booking and inquiries, contact us by sending an email to volunteers@uvrcug.org. Visit us on our official website http://www.uvrcug.org.

Travel Abroad, Travel Africa, Travel Uganda, Volunteer Abroad, Volunteer in Africa, Volunteer in Uganda with Uganda Vision Resource Centre

Source: Best days of the year ti visit Uganda with Africa Travels at Uganda Vision Resource Centre

Uganda’s Best Nature Destinations with Africa Travels at Uganda Vision Resource Centre

A BRIEF ABOUT THE WESTERN UGANDA’S NATIONAL PARKS

1. BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK a home to the rare endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, is strategically located at the edge of the western rift valley (Albertine rift valley), in South Western Uganda. It is shared amongst Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kabale Districts.

Bwindi impenetrable rainforest –is among those few in Africa that has flourished throughout the last Ice Age covering around 331 square kilometers with an Altitude Range that goes from 1160 meters in Ishasha gorge up to 2607 meters at Rwamanyonyi Peak. Having an annual average temperature Range of 7-20 degrees Celsius with its coldest period being June and July and experiencing its heaviest rains during March-April and September – November, Other months are usually dry.

The gigantic rain forest homes to over a half of the world’s mountain gorillas thus it is the major Uganda Gorilla safari destination to visit the endangered mountain gorillas. A deeper look into the inviting beautiful brown eyes of these gentle shy mountain gorillas on Uganda is unarguably the most exciting memorable Uganda wildlife tour encounter that Uganda and Africa at large have to offer coupled with Bwindi’s broad biodiversity that gives support to the Eco-Tourism industry as well.

With an altitude range of 1,160 to 2,607m, the national park boasts of 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, with the black-and-white Colobus, which is prominent for its beautiful flowing white tail to show which makes it a flourishing Uganda wildlife safari destination as well.

Bwindi with its 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemics present, the forest ranks as one of the best birding tour/ birding safari destination in Uganda;

In Summary; Annual Precipitation: 1130 mm – 2390 mm, Coldest months/ period: June-July

Major tribes; the Bakiga; the Bafumbira with a few marginalized Batwa form the densest settlements in Uganda to the tune of 233 people/ square kilometers;

Special Species Diversity of Attractions;

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park habitates over 400 endangered gorillas which is about half the total population of mountain gorillas the world has, it has over 30 elephants and 120 species of mammals which include 7 diurnal primates. with 360 species of birds and 200 butterfly species, the Afro-montane rain forest has a dense under store of ferns, vines, and shrubs, and over 324 tree species recorded there, of which 10 don’t appear elsewhere in Uganda making Bwindi a must trek to any enthusiastic tourist or traveler.

Adventure Activities;

Gorilla safaris; Having 400 Mountain Gorillas, gorilla trekking tours & safaris form the major tourist activity/attraction in Bwindi. On daily basis two gorilla groups are usually available for tourists to visit. The Mubare group comprising of 16 gorillas with1 Silver back, this group was officially opened for tourism in 1993.The other group being the Habinyanja group which comprises of 23 gorillas with 2 silver backs and was readily opened in July 1998. The last and third group of gorillas comprising of 17 gorillas with 2 silver back, is yet to be open for tourism.

Note that;

• All gorilla tracking permits are sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at the Headquarters in Kampala with only 8 gorilla permits per day being sold for each of the 2 Gorilla groups. Advance booking- at least 3 months in advance is recommended to prevent missing out.
• The Gorilla tracking activity starts at 8:30 am local time and lasts the whole day.
• Gorillas are supposed to be met for only an hour once they have been tracked.
• The Gorilla Tracking activity in Bwindi is tedious in this regard tourists are therefore urged to be physically fit and carry jungle boots and rain jackets along with them because the forest is always wet.

The Bird watching safaris; As noted earlier, Bwindi is the best birding safari tour destination it’s a sanctuary to over 348 bird species that are impossible or hard to see in any many other part East African regions.

Among others, special on its list are; the honey guide, the Wing, White-tailed Blue Monarch Short-tailed Warbler, kivi ground thrush, Wilcock’s, Rusty-faced woodland Gruel’s Rush Warbler, Yellow-eyed black Fly-catcher, Warbler, Bar-tailed Trogon and Dusky Crimson An enthusiastic bird watcher can be able to identify as many as 100 species daily.

The Nature Walks; Visitors with two or more days in Bwindi impenetrable national park, can ably engage in a hiking tour along the four outland hiking trails that are famously done in the park. On all these trails, you will ably experience and get a educated about the various bird species, the primates, butterflies, the trees as well as the other members of this Eco system. It’s advisable that you arrange for a guide’s services and company from the reception for your safety and to attain an excellent understanding of the park’s entire Eco system.

The river Munyanga walk; A short walk for visitors with little time to spare along the forest edge offers tourist a memorable sight of birds as well as primates. This famous waterfall walk gives an attractive feature of the forest with a colorful array of butterflies, a natural fusion of tree ferns, epithetic ferns, orchids and colorful which is typical of Bwindi impenetrable forest. The walk leads to 3 attractive crystal clear waterfalls which is a typical ingredient of a tropical rain forest.

The Rushurra walk, gives an extensive view across the western rift valley floor, and to its west, the Congo Parc Nationale Des Virungas providing a wonderful view, and is also visible to both Lake Edward and Rwenzori Mountain as well. The Muzabajirro walk provides an unforgettable view of Bwindi Forest, the Western Rift Valley and the Virungas. Various pre-historic tree ferns can be witnessed as you make your way to the top, which is a great place for a picnic or lunch.

The ivy river walk: Mostly recommended for bird viewing for bird watchers, is the longest in the park and will take you a full day. Buhoma village walk, offers tourists eye catching views like those of a typical Ugandan rural homestead setting in this region, a visit to the local traditional healers, the banana beer brewing demonstration site, captivating traditional cultural performance in the evenings which are usually performed by Women groups provide the opportunity to experience the traditional dressing fashions as well. This walk that takes over three hours, is an activity that is managed by the local community thus money received is invested back into the community to improve on their general welfare usually. Visitors may as well walk to the Bamboo zone which is a unique area in Bwindi impenetrable national park.

The Bamboo trail walk; This leads to one of the areas of high diversity in the park that offers 14 vegetation types . At the pick of this walk, you will be presented with unforgettable views some of which include the L. Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.

2. MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK only 33 sq km of size, is located in the far southwestern corner of Uganda bordering Rwanda and Congo,14 km from kisoro town in Bufumbira County about 540 km from Kampala-the capital. Mgahinga National Park was gazetted in 1991.

This Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes namely; the 3,474 m high Mt. Gahinga, Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m). The park is bordered to the south by the Republic of Rwanda and to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Each of these surrounding countries protects its own share of the Virungas. The three parks together form the ‘Virunga Conservation Area’ ( VCA) totaling to 434-sq. km of which Mgahinga is 33.7 sq. km, just 8% of the VCA.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experiences two wet rainy seasons; February – May and
September- December of each year. The maximum amount of rainfall it receives in a year is 250mm-October and Minimum is 10mm -July.

Despite being the smallest in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of Uganda`s prime tour-safari destination very important to the country for it is one of the only two parks in Uganda that are habitat for about half the world`s endangered Mountain gorillas hence a Uganda Gorilla safaris destination as well as a great African Wildlife safari spot due to a large variety of wildlife such as buffaloes, elephants, bush bucks, the threatened golden monkeys just to mention but a few.

This park consists of the partly forested slopes of three extinct volcanoes. These huge cones of the virunga volcanoes dominate the landscape when viewed from a distance and front you as you approach the premises. When you get to the park, a 15 minutes’ walk up the viewpoint from Ntebeko Gate can get one a great overview of the area. Mgahinga Park is of a great biological importance because it’s one of those mountains that provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals that moved up or down the slopes as climate became warmer or cooler throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages. The Virungas are home to a large variety of wildlife, including about half the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas.

The park experiences a cool climate that supports the growth of Afro-montane vegetation and the abundant type of Vegetation is the bamboo, a delicacy to the Mountain gorilla. The Lobelia, Haege-nia spp are among the other types of vegetation is park.

The major ethnic groups of people in Kisoro District are the Bafumbira who occupy most of Kisoro area and are majorly cultivators/farmers. The Batwa (Pygmies) who once lived in caves and fed on wildlife form the minority group in the area;

WHAT TO DO HERE:

Gorilla Tracking; The most thrilling tourist activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is that of Gorilla Tracking safaris-tours. The Nyakagezi is the habituated gorilla in this park and it which consists of 9 members; 2 silver backs, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.

Gorilla tracking is a vigorous activity that can take a full day. During this tour, you are led by a guide through the gorilla’s empire/tracks as he/she explains all about gorillas such as their ecology, movements and general behavior.

Please note: success of seeing gorillas is NOT guaranteed despite the high chance of seeing them. Since they are wild animals living in the jangle, they don’t have a fixed routine; therefore finding them requires luck and the experienced of your guides. These guides know gorillas intimately since they habituate them, they will hence take you to the area where they saw them last. They may also be able to suggest how long the hike might take at the journey start.

Please note that you are free to ask guides to slow down if they are going too fast or if you want to have a rest, look at birds /flowers, and your guide shall wait for u.

HIKING:–Volcano Climbing

Mt. Sabyinyo; (366m)

As locally known literally meaning ‘Old man’s teeth’ has an eroded Mt. Sabyinyo’s crown. This volcano offers 3 challenging peaks to expert climbers. Climbing up this mountain takes 0ne up a ridge along the eastern side of the climb to the first peak. If you want to continue, the climb to the peak 2 involves walking along a ridge with breath-taking drops into Rwanda and Uganda`s gorges, a life time memorable dual hiking safari experience one can only achieve here in the world!.

Finally, the hike up to the steep peak 3 steep that has several ladders and mush scrambling, here you are guaranteed to get your hands dirty en-route to this peak. Once on top, you will be in three countries; Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda at the same time!!, yet an exclusive experience to only this destination. This hike takes about eight hours to cover the 14km stretch round trip.

Mt. Gahinga; (3474m) This Mt`s name (Gahinga) literally means a pile of small stones according to the native people. On your way to Mgahinga National park, these small piles of stones are visible in the garden fields.

Mount Gahinga is reasonably bigger than the average ‘gahinga’ but her proximity to Mount Muhavura makes her look small. This trek that takes you about six hours round trip, goes through a good sample of a pure Bamboo forest. Mt. Gahinga had a Crater Lake on top some time past, but this has changed into a Lush swamp. This 8km Distance swamp is one of Gahinga`s attractions.

Mt. Muhavura; (4127m) (as called by natives literally meaning ‘The Guide’)

This mountain is seen from all over Kisoro and it acts as a guide. This typical cone-shaped Mountain provides some of the best views in the country. Much of the climb traverses a rocky surface covered by short grasses and small shrubs. Once hikers reach the top, they get rewarded with the view of the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward in queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi and the Rwenzori Mountain peaks. This 12km hike takes approximately 8 hours all rounds. Hikers are advised to camp at the Muhavura base camp the night before, the site has no facilities so one needs a tent, personal water, food and sleeping equipments.

CAVE EXPLORATION

Garama cave; This cave is 342m in length and 14m deep, long ago, in this cave lived the crafty Batwa people who were warriors as they pursued their neighbors but now inhabited only by bats, From the park head-quarters to the cave entrance, is 3 km long and it takes about 4 hours. Your guide will narrate to you how the Batwa lived and made their attacks out of the cave.

Viewing Platform; This point is about 800 meters from the Park gate. Once one gets to the top, you will be rewarded with a good view of the Park and the surrounding environment. The activity is free and doesn`t require a guide. Information about this spot can be gotten from the displaying panels at the hill point.

Border Trail; – Visa Not Required. This 5 hours hike covers 10km a distance. It takes you first toward Sabinyo and climbs up the base of Sabinyo for a while through fine Montane forest before turning toward the Congo. Along the trail you will get a great view of Mt. Sabinyo’s gorge and peaks. When you get to the Congo you get back along the international border. The route back to the Park Head Quarters is a great section for birding with a wide range of bird species. There are 2 rest huts along the way that are good places for taking a break. Common on the same route are the golden monkeys and elephants.

Birding;
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a prime birding safari-tour spot in Uganda blessed with 79 unique bird species that have been recorded within the park, these include several species endemic to the East Congo Montane region.

Over 295 species have been recorded in the Virunga Conservation Area as a whole and are endemic to the Albertine Rift Afro-montane region representing 59% of the region`s total of known endemic species.

Please contact the Park Management for a guide who will take around and tell you all about these birds. Ensure you carry binoculars for the best view!!!

Free Birding; Now available on request is free birding along the edge of the park. The guides are always happy to take you out from 5-6 pm (in the evening) if you book by 10:00 a.m. the morning of the day you wish to go for this activity. You have a choice to go for a long walk or simply relax in the campground. If one takes the long buffalo wall toward the Congo you get to a wetland area where you have a splendid view of a wide range of birds such as Fire Finch, Stonechat, Grey Capped Warbler, Ibis, Whydah, Speckled Mouse bird, Waxbills, and Yellow-Vented Bulbul. Do it at your own pace-relaxed and your guide can show you the best spots are.

GETTING THERE;

By road: From Kampala; It’s an 8 hours drive via Kabale to Kisoro town using 4wd cars as recommended. For those without private transport, one can take the daily bus transport services that set off at 0700 hours. From Kisoro town, you hike or take a special hire vehicle to the park gate.

By Air: One can fly to Kisoro; Flight arrangements can be made with Eagle Air. This company has flights on Mondays and Fridays from Entebbe to Kisoro.

3. KIBALE NATIONAL PARK-the major Chimpanzee trekking safari tours destination in Uganda, is located in Kabarole district of western Uganda near Fort Portal and measures 776 sq km in size. It is elevate between 1110 meters to 1590 meters and has a national park since 1993.

It is the most accessible of Uganda’s major rainforests and home to 13 primate species, remarkable of which are the very localized red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey. 77% of Kibale National Park is covered by a medium altitude, moist evergreen forest in the north, and a medium altitude moist semi-deciduous forest at lower altitudes in the south. The remaining 23% of the park is composed of savanna grassland, swamps and some plantations with exotic coniferous trees.

The Batooro and Bakiga are the main native traditional tribes lived in this area to date. These tribes utilize the forest for food, fuel, building materials and medicines.

Tourist Activities

Chimpanzee tracking: The major tourist attraction in Kibale is the opportunity to track habituated chimps. These delightful apes, more closely related to humans than any other living creature, are mesmerizing to watch as they freely squabble and enjoy their play in fruiting trees with in the forest.

Kibale has a highly successful customary Chimpanzee-tracking program. More primates may be found on these guided walks that include Olive baboons, the grey-cheeked Mangabeys, the blue L’Hoest’s gentle, Guereza colobus, and Red-tailed monkeys usually found in open areas close to the forest. You may also find Elephants, Hogs and Bufalloes along the way. Bush buck, Harvey’s and Peter’s duick-ers are yet other inhabitants of this forest.

Night guided walks are also worth an adventure.Here you are fronted with special animals such as the Lord derby’s anomalure, Potto, Thomas’s Galagos, Spectacled Demidoff’s, Common Genet and African Civet.

Other interesting mammals from the list of over 60 species include Banded and Marsh Mongooses, Ichneumon, , Swamp Otter, Alexander’s Cusimanse, Ratel (Honey Badger) and African Palm Civet. Although Golden cat, Serval, Lion, Leopard, Warthog, Giant Hog and Hippopotamus are recorded from the park, they are unlikely to be encountered in the Kanyanchu area. Sitatungas are known from Bigodi swamp but are infrequently seen. The spectacular and beautiful Rhinoceros Viper is fairly common here but is, unfortunately, less often found alive than as a road-kill.

With over 60 species, other interesting mammals include the Alexander’s Cusimanse, Banded and Marsh Mongooses, Swamp Otter, Ichneumon, Ratel /Honey Badger and African Palm Civet. On a lucky day, one can see the Lion, Leopard, Golden Cat, Warthog, Serval, Hippopotamus Giant Hog and the rare Sitatungas commonly found in Bigodi.

Kibale National Park offers affordable 3 hour chimp tracking limited to a group of 6 people that leave for their tracking at 8:00 am and 3:00pm daily. The popular night walks depart from Kanyan-chu visitor Centre at 7:30 pm but carrying a personal touch and advance bookings are highly recommended.

Bird watching: Kibale`s network of shady forest trails provides much delight to botanists and butterfly lovers. With 335 species recorded including the endemic Prirogrine’s ground thrush, birders are greatly impressed. Her bird species include; the Grey-winged Robin, White-naped Pigeon, Red-winged Francolin Green-brested Pitta, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling Red-chested Flufftail, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher , African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, White-bellied Crested Flycather, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Masked and Black-capped Apalises Chestnut-winged Starling, Grey-headed Olive-back ,Orange-tufted and Tiny Sunbirds, Uganda Woodland Warbler and Chestnut-winged Starling.

When To Trek Chimpanzees In Kibale Uganda March – May, September – November

4. SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK is impeccable a Uganda safari spot located in the extreme west of Uganda in Bundibugyo district along geo-graphical coordinates 0o 44′- 00 53′ N – 290 57-30o 11’E. It is an eastern extension of the vast Ituri forest, and forms part of the forest continuum during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene period. It forms one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa particularly birds.

It lies within the western arm of the East African Rift Valley along the Uganda/ Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border. Semuliki National Park is bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains to the southeast , to the west is the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the north are the Semuliki flats and Lake Albert further on.what an interesting view all round!!!

This 220 sq km Semuliki National Park, one of the newest national parks in Uganda was gazetted in October 1993. Her land form includes a flat land form with a gently undulating park that ranges between 670 -760 meters above sea level. Many areas in this park flood up during the rainy season because all streams and rivers from the surrounding area drain through the park, coupled with the poor topography and drainage.

The average annual rainfall in Semuliki is 1,250mm with March-May and September-December as the pick season. Her temperatures range from 18oc to 30oc but these have relatively small daily variations.

What to do:

Species Diversity

Semuliki National Park is a lowland tropical rain forest hence moist and semi-deciduous. The park has 336 tree species recorded, 24 of which are restricted to only Semuliki, to the eastern part of the range, only shared by one or two neighboring forests some of which are Nesogordonia kabingaensis, ejacis guineesis and Isolana congolana. Some tree species such as lovoa surymertonii and cordia millenii are considered to be endangered in Semuliki National Park.

Compared to other exceptional diversity for small mammals, birds and butterflies, among the fauna recorded in Semuliki include 435 bird species which is about 34% of Uganda’s total. Some of these cannot be found anywhere in East Africa and are the continent’s most spectacular and sought after birds; the horn bills and lyre tailed honey guide just to mention but a few.

Semuliki National Park is unique Uganda wildlife safari destination because it has 63 mammal species, 9 of which are diurnal forest primates such as chimpanzees, olive baboon , blue monkey, and vervet monkeys, while the nocturnal primates include galagos plus pottos . To add to her mammals species, Semuliki National Park has forest beecroft’s flying squirrel, buffaloes, little collared fruit bat, blue duiker, pigmy squirrel plus the water chevrotaain.

About 374 species of butterflies and months have been identified in semuliki 46 of which are forest swallowtails and charaxes and at least 81 species of large moth, 12 of which are classified as restricted.

The forest’s location, but also to the varied habitats, forest swamp, grassland and an extensive system of hot springs, warm swamp and Savannah woodland accounts to her wide range of species.

Local People

Four ethnic groups live around Semuliki National Park. The Bamba and Bakonjo are found in the valley and mountain slopes respectively, and are majorly agriculturalists depending on cash crops such as rice and potatoes coffee, cocoa and food crops mainly bananas.

The Batuku people occupy the rift valley floor, north of the park and are pastoralists who depend entirely on cattle products which they trade in with their neighbors, both Ugandans and natives of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Batwa /pigmies who are gatherers and hunters form part of the Ituri ethnic group, who have since time immemorial depended on Semuliki forest for survival. However their lifestyle is now changing due to daily interaction with other neighboring local communities and the impact of tourism.

Tourist Activities

The Semuliki National Park jungle life is a breathtaking one especially for birding tour, primate, butterfly and plant lovers. Her nature walk stretches you up to the meandering river Semuliki, the only one of its kind in East Africa.

On this tour, a list of potential forest animals one may see include; leopards, buffaloes and elephants, sitatungas, various primates, crocodiles, and a variety of water and forest birds.

Sport fishing;

Interested visitors should carry their fishing gadgets for sport fishing along the river. The Semuliki National Park safari has splendid and breathtaking views that have life time memories to offer. Come and experience the thrilling winding Bundibugyo road through the Rwenzori escarpments. Along the way in the mountains, you will enjoy scenic views of the meandering Semuliki River, fuming hot springs and the buttress tropical tree rain forest that stretches to Ituri forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Situated in a tract of hot mineral encrusted swamp land are two hot springs, Here you will see a two meter jet of hot water about 30oc and a 12m diameter pool of oozing boiling water about 106oc. To the surprise of many, you can boil food in the natural boiler (the boiling pool) within 10 minutes and eat it especially eggs. Why not have this trip and have this fascinating experiment a practical trial? You had better; you will live to remember it!!!

A trip to the nearby protected areas like Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kibale National Park and Toro-Semliki wildlife Reserve can be arranged for a guest.

5. RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK: A Uganda Safari that features the Rwenzori mountain climbing adventure provides a memorable and rewarding experience but in order to have a smooth flow it should be well planned and every tour must be well prepared. The central hike circuit can take about six nights/seven days and then reaches an altitude of 14,000ft (4,267m) above the sea level.

Conditions on this mountain are quite challenging even to an experienced hiker as mountain Rwenzori is well known for its steep, unengineered, and slippery trails with frequent rainfall and cold temperatures, fog, muddy, steep terrain with a high altitude.

Despite this it’s worth a try due to the exciting experience you will attain. Its dry period includes July-August, December-February and so its relatively dry for inexperienced hikers.

At all seasons its recommended that one should have a rain gear, a good sleeping bag, a warm hat, pairs of gloves, heavy socks, gum boots, gaiters and a walking stick for easy balance and support are plus a basic first aid kit.

Porters stay around the mountain thus help visitors carry their heavy equipments and food, leaving one with a small pack, rain gear, warm clothes, camera, water and any other light luggage for an enjoyable experience.

One can purchase their own food and Rwenzori mountaineering service can provide cooking utensils and cooks to help in preparing it.

Central Circuit Trial

Day 1: Ensure that you arrive at the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (R.M.S) & Rwenzori Mountains National Park offices located at Nyakalengija during morning hours in order to have enough time to hire hiking equipment and get booked for services of porters guides.

Hiking activities are set off from 5,400ft/1,646m at the park headquarters going past typical the Bakonzo “mud and wattle” homesteads. Gradually continue walking through the huge elephant grass upwards and via garden plots which takes about 40minutes to arrive at the boundary of the park.

This trail follows river Mubuku crossing through recent landslide areas that involve climbing over rocks and a bluff, before reaching river Mahoma within 2hrs 30min time. After crossing this river embark on a steep climb through the open bracken fern slopes & Podorcarpus Forest at 8,700ft (2652m) up to the Nyabitaba hut.

Climbing from Nyakalengija area to Nyabitaba takes an average hiker about 5-7 hours and the total elevation attained is 4,000ft (1,200m). Slow or armature hikers could take a much longer time, it is therefore advisable to set off from the park headquarters as early as possible to avoid trailing in darkness.

During this trip, you might hear chimpanzees sounds and might get a glimpse of the black and white colobus, blue monkeys plus the beautifully Rwenzori Turaco bird.

Day 2: For half a kilometer the trail starts at Nyabitaba Hut-West wards then drops steeply heading to the Kurt Shaffer Bridge. It cross below rivers Bujuku & Mubuku respectively and after turning on the right of the bridge, starts climbing up the central circuit anti-clockwise since the opposite direction is more demanding and risky.

The muddy slippery trail goes consistently up through a bamboo forest after the Kurt Shaffer Bridge,. After 1:30hrs, you will get to the most challenging and dangerous footing of the whole circuit according to many hikers. Since it has slippery boulder hopping;

You will reach out to the Nyamuleju hut with its accompanying rock shelter after 5hrs of walking from Nyabitaba and this may be a great stop over for yo night. This is the start of the giant groundsel zone and Lobelia, a unique vegetation type found no elsewhere in the world, except at Rwenzori.

You will have a 1hour walk through a challenging bog to John Matte hut (11,200ft/3,414m). It is full of unique plants and the slow pace at which one walks is a delightful chance to examine and photograph the unique environment. Reaching john matte takes 7 hours. To some hikers this is the most tiring and longest day of the entire circuit so an early start is recommended.

Getting on top of this altitude-Kurt Shafer Bridge means one is about 3,000ft (915m). Hikers who feel have reached their height limits at this point should consider stopping here.

Day 3: You will leave John matte to cross the Bujuku River to enter the lower Bigo bog, and you shall experience jumping from tussock to tussock on a grassy bog. This trail is not only muddy but follows the left (southern) edge of lower Bibo bog until it finally reaches the round metal “uni-port” the bigo hut and its rock hard shelter.

There is a steep section past the hut that leads to the upper Bigo bog, in the last half of which, a boardwalk has been constructed. Someone may think it is an ugly intrusion, but it makes walking easier and prevents hikers from further damaging this bog. At the upper end of this bog is a beautiful narrow stream that can make a lovely stop over for your lunch.

6. LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

With a size of 260 sq km, Lake Mburo National Park is situated near Mbarara district and forms Uganda wildlife tours and Safaris destination best for tourists to amazing wild game walks amidst chanting and grazing wild animal and this can be done here in the whole Uganda .

It Lies in the one part of Uganda that is covered in extensive acacia woodland and unlike any reserve in Uganda, L. Mburo National Park is home to remarkably different fauna. It is Uganda`s prime tour and safari destination for one to see the gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topis, impala, and buffaloes. Its unique acacia-associated bird species population includes the rare Shoebill stork.it’s sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and beautiful lake shores has are harbors forest galleries, rich acacia tree valleys, seasonal and permanent swamps a combination of which supports a great attraction of different wildlife species.

One can have a great Uganda National Park safari or tour here because there five lakes within Mburo, it is home to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of water birds, and its fringing swamps are a hide out for secretive papyrus animal species such as the sitatunga antelope plus red/black and yellow papyrus gonolek. In spite of it being the smallest of Uganda’s Savannah national parks. Its mosaic habitat: dry hillside, rocky outcrops, bushes, thickets, open and wooded Savannah’s, forests, Mburo gives a lasting impression/adventure to all tourists that visit it.

It is about 3.5 hours drive from Kampala. The park is accessed from the Masaka-Mbarara road; turn left to Nshara gate (13 kms past Lyantonde) which brings you through Sanga gate. Both junctions have clearly marked signposts, it is about 13kms from Sanga trading center to Sanga gate and 8kms from the main road to Nshara gate. It’s an ideal Uganda safari destination for short tours and excursions. It is about 20 minutes drive from either gate to Rwonyo park headquarters.

TOURIST ACTIVITIES:

Game Viewing: Lake Mburo national Park is famous Uganda tour destination for it is richne in biodiversity and has about 68 different species of mammals. The common ones being the herbivores; Zebra, Impala, Buffalo, Topi, and Eland never the less, the rare slightly of Roan antelonkspe and leopard, Hyenas and jackals as predictors;

Birding: L. Mburo National Park is a magnificent birding safari destination on top of her large animals; she has a variety of colorful birds. For many bird lovers, birds are the most interesting creatures to watch in Mburo. This park is home for more than 315 different species of birds including; the rare shoebill stork, African fin foot, saddle billed stork, brown chested wattled plover papyrus yellow warbler, Olea species and Boscia, abyssinian ground hornbill and white winged warbler, curruther’s cisticola, tabora cisticola, great snipe and other Acacia bird species.

As common species become familiar, one will begin to notice smaller, less spectacular birds. Real experts seem to get most excited by the ‘Little Brown jobs’ which are the hardest to identify. Although many birds are wild spread, some are fussier in their choice of habitat. Most of the park’s 310 recorded species are ‘generalist’ and can be viewed almost everywhere in the park. But there are notably 5 species of bird found only in the forest, and 60 specialist water birds. Others have preference for short or tall grasslands hence found mainly in woodlands.

Lake Mburo National Park has the following bird categories; Open water birds, Lakeshore and papy-rus swamp birds, Seasonal swamp birds, Woodland birds, Grassland birds and Forest birds. Her birds of the Open Water in this Park include; Pink-backed pelican, Darter, White pelican, Yellow-billed duck, Long-tailed cormorant, White winged black tern and Greater cormorant

Boat cruise: Lake mburo National Park is blessed with a diversity of animal and plant species that can only be clearly viewed if you take a boat cruise. To mention but a few, are crocodiles, hippopotamuses and birds like Pelicans, Black crake, Heron, cormorant, fish eagle, one may also sight the rare shoebill stork and all these are worth furnish one`s Uganda safari with pride. For any tourist, the presence of Lake Mburo within the park is a blessing with a lot to offer. The duration of each boat cruise is negotiable but it usually takes 2hrs and arrangements for extra time can be made with management at an extra fee.

Guide nature walks: The nature trail offers the visitor a chance to admire unique nature insights. In company of an armed guide, visitors have the opportunity to walk in the circuit at their personal choice pace. Comprehensive information about this trail is fully given to you in form of a brochure in both English and Runyankole at the trek/walk start.

Salt Lick: A walk to the nearby salt is the pick of the Mburo Uganda tour. Standing at the strategically located wooden hide (Observation point) offers visitors a chance to see at least 4 different species of animals at any one time as they lick the salty soil. Most interesting at this point is that the animals are viewed without their conscience hence they are not destructed from the salt lick. Visitors may also walk to a desired area but- under watch of an armed guide.

Rubanga Forest: With over 40 species of birds recorded in Rubanga, One can also explore this forest by making arrangements with the park management to have a ranger accompany you. Rubanga Forest is very small but a true forest with a closed canopy in place. The forest has unique trees common among them, are the Markhamia platycalyx (grey-brown truck) with irregular flaky patches, divided leaves, yellow flowers stripped and spotted with red; brunches of extremely long (up to 1.3 m pod like fruits). Palms, figs, sapium (a tall tree whose leaves turn red before falling) as well as the flame tree Erythrina abyssinica located towards the edge of the swamp.

Conservation Education Center: The park has a conservation education center, just about 1(one) Kilometer from Sanga gate and its open to interested tourists. With a descent accommodation and a 40 people occupancy hall, this center caters for individual visitors, school groups, for tourism, seminars and workshops.

Fishing: With about 6 species of fish, the common one being Tilapia (oreochromis leucostictuss) Lake Mburo is a dream spot for tourist interested in fishing;

Visitors planning to have sport fishing safaris on this lake should have their own fishing equipments and fish at only the designated point at Mazinga. At the campsite a restaurant is available to ensure maximum relaxation for visitors while at the lake enjoying their fishing.

Interpretation Center: Literature about the Park history, biodiversity and other resources including the scenic beauty is always available at the interpretation Center (The interpretation center is located at Rwonyo hill), which also serves as a starting point for nature walks.

7. QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK: Located in the southwest of Uganda near Kasese, covering 1978 sq km. Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is Uganda`s most popular and accessible savanna reserve and Uganda safari destination. It was declared as a bios-sphere reserve purposely to harmonizing human activities with the conservation and protection of wild life , wet lands and natural resources in 1979.

QENP is bounded by the Ishasha River and Lake Edward to the west along DR Congo boarder, by Kasese and Rwenzori foothills to the north, to the east by lake George, kyambura/chambura gorge and kalinzu forest reserve, and by the Kigezi Wildlife Reserve to the south.

Much as QENP is primarily known for open savanna,in some areas studded with a dense cover of acacia and euphoria trees but it also embraces large area of thick swamps around Lake George,the extensive Maramaganbo Forest in the southeast, and the forested Kyambura Gorge along the border with the Kyambura Game Reserve .

Endowed with at least ten crater lakes within the park, including the highly accessible cluster right north of the main road to Mweya safari lodge, as well as the whole Ugandan shore of lake Edward,the western and northern shores of lake George, plus the connecting Kazinga channel QENP has a lot to offer to any tourist and a one of Uganda`s Eco tourism destinations. What a life time memorable site it is!.

Having been protected as the lake George and lake Edward game reserve since the late 1920s, the present day QENP was gazette as Kazinga National Park in 1952, purposely to protect landscapes of prolific wildlife typical of the Rift Valley flow from lake Edward to the Rwenzori mountains. In 1954 it was renamed QENP in memory of the Queen of England’s visit to this place.

With a total of 95 mammal species recorded here and the highest for any Ugandan national park, it makes this park a remarkable Uganda wildlife safari spot. These include ten primate species, including chimpanzee, black -and- white colobus and olive baboon, the vervet blue, red-tailed and L’Hoest’s monkeys, and around 20 predators are native to this park, the side-striped jackal among, the spoted hyena, lion and leopard, the beautiful Uganda kob, bushbuck, topi and Defassa water bucks- all antelope species. In her papyrus swamps around lake George duels the elusive semi-aquartic sitatunga antelope and four duikers species are resident in Maramagambo Forest. Buffaloes are common sight and are usually redish in colour due to interbreeding with the Congolese forest redder forest buffalo.

Today, QENP boasts with around 2500 species of Elephants and with at least 200 readily observed Lions. This park is home to 610 species a remarkable aspect for a reserve of her size basing on continental standards which explains why it is Uganda`s leading wildlife tours-safari destination. In addition to her 54 raptors, this park has virtually every water bird species found in Uganda, as well as a variety of woodland and forest birds, the later largely confined to maramagambo forest.

Birding safaris-tours are common here because QENP has a variety of bird species that majorly include; Open-billed Stork, African Jacana, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, African Skimmer, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Grey-capped Warbler, African beautiful Black-headed Gonolek, Swamp Fly-catcher, Pin-tailed Whyda Martial Eagle, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Common Squaco Heron, Shoebill Stork, African Fish Eagle, African White-tailed Lark, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Collard Pranticles, Gabon and Slender-tailed Mourning Dove, The Nightjars, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Black Bee-eater, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Great white and Pink-backed Pelicans,Papyrus Canary, White-winged Terns.

The ethnic groups virtually attached to this area are; Banyankole, Bakiga, and Bakonjyo. These carry out a variety of traditional and contemporary economic activities-notably salt mining, crop and animal farming, and have a greatly reach diversity of dressing codes as well as languages, an interesting discovery to interested tourist.

With such a fusion of attractions I can strongly assert that QENP is a wonder tourist destination that has a lot to stain a life time memory of a great Africa tour-safari in to the minds of any great traveler/tourist.

TOURISTS ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Game Drives: An experience of this game drive in Q.E.N.P will automatically get you an exciting Uganda adventure to tell the rest of your life there is to live!.This involves driving through the park so as to view animals. It is best done in the early morning and late afternoon hours when the weather is calm. QENP has well-maintained tracks, giving visitors quick access to the park’s wildlife and other attractions.

These tracks cut through the mating grounds of the great Uganda Kob as the outstanding gigantic forest hog is seen moving around the park bush. You will enjoy a memorable sight of Elephants as they make their way down to the waters during hot days, hungry lions looking for their prey while bush backs and buffaloes can be found on the channel track and juxtaposed circumference.

The out unique panorama along the crater track leads you to volcanic craters at the foothills of the misty mountains of the moon, outstanding of all, the great overlooking Mt.Rwenzori shall be seen.

The Launch Cruise: This is a boat trip along the hippopotamus crowded banks of Kazinga channel and it gives you a unique unbeaten wild life experience. Crocodile are a common sight and occasionally a common leopard can be seen. Many buffaloes rest in the waters while big herds of elephants enjoy them-selves drinking and playing along the channel banks. You will See Hippos as surrounded by vast numbers of migrants and resident birds, this boat cruise puts one, right in the heart of amazing nature.

Nature Walks: In Maramagambo Forest; these are short to long guided nature walks offered at the great Q.E.NP. This will expose you diversity the wild; the pythons in the ostracism of the bat caves floor with their prey-the bats. This bat’s cave is near the attractive blue lake and hunter’ cave; Other trails lead you to the heart of the surrounding craters and habitats to many forest birds as well as some primates like the Chimpanzee.

A Nature Walk to The Kyambura Wild Life Reserve: It is found in the eastern part of the protected area and supports similar mammals to the rest of the park. It harbors three saline crater lakes, which attract a large number of flamingoes- not found anywhere else hence a great birding safari destination in Uganda. This steep Kyambura gorge, formed by the turbulent waters of the roaring Kyambura River, provides a luxuriant Riverine forest, habitant to Lions, chimpanzees.

Black -and – white colobus monkeys, olive baboons and other primates as well as plenty of forest birds, snakes and many others; A visit to the gorge presents a great opportunity to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

The Ishasha Visit: This trail to southern part of the park will let you See the tree climbing lions a on the large fig tree,see the Topi, the Uganda Kob and Buffaloes graze in the acacia studded savannah.

A visit to The Traditional Salt: You will see how the salt ore looks like since the 14 century, here; salt has been mined by traditional methods to date. You will also understand how the salt mines have been sub divided and distributed to the various tribes in Uganda. As explained by your guide, you will lean the interesting cultural strings attached to the salt mines.

Travel Abroad, Travel Africa, Travel Uganda, Volunteer Abroad, Volunteer in Africa, Volunteer in Uganda with Uganda Vision Resource Centre

Source: Uganda’s Best Nature Destinations with Africa Travels at Uganda Vision Resource Centre

We host Abroad Volunteers

The Volunteer process

Embarking on a journey to offering yourself to serve free of charge can be quite a daunting experience. However, with the right mindset, tools and preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience with many lessons along the way. That’s why UVRC has developed a comprehensive volunteer program so that volunteers have a safe, enjoyable, productive time that is helpful to the communities and rewarding to the volunteers.

We invite you to join us in changing people’s lives in this country. We are excited to see what people from abroad can do to stand up against social forces and injustices among the Ugandan communities, offer their skills, resources and valuable time to create lasting change in a poor community!

This volunteer program enshrines UVRC’s vision which encourages creativity and empowers all working teams to function synergistically, and enables them to be flexible in their work, create space for learning and reflection and be responsible to the changing realities of the poor and the poverty context in which we work.

This plan puts in place a handy guideline on how volunteers must be sensitively responsible to the vision, principles, values and the work culture of Uganda Vision Resource Centre whose mission is to work with partners, the poor women, men, boys and girls, the local civil society and other development players in the quest to attain Physical and social well being of all people.

Our volunteers’ destinations are the community based institutions, groups and families that most need volunteers. This is where Volunteers from abroad can offer their support and help and at the same time where they can learn various lessons. Therefore, our Volunteers program is symbiotic in nature designed to benefit both the guests and their hosts.

Our Volunteer Destinations

• Schools (Kindergartens, Primary Schools and Secondary Schools
• Universities and other Tertiary Institutions
• Religious institutions (Churches and Mosques)
• Children’s day care centres
• Health Institutions such as hospitals and clinics
• Refugee settlements and Displaced person’s camps
• Community Based Organizations and groups
• Media and Broadcasting institutions
• Business Centres and Markets
• Agricultural and agro-processing centres
• Environment and Nature conservations centres
• Herbal Medicinal Processing centres
• Cultural and entertainment centres

Our Volunteers programme allows you to discover Western Uganda first-hand, since you will be living with a Ugandan host while serving as the family’s and community’s teacher and learner at the same time.

Volunteering in Western Uganda is a fantastic opportunity for students, high school graduates as well as professionals to reach for a world beyond their horizon. You will experience Uganda first hand and share the experiences life has taught you, while immersing into one of the world’s oldest and richest cultures. It is an adventure, a challenge, an investment in your future. Western Uganda Communities are focused on the future and you can be a part of it.

Working as a volunteer in Western Uganda will give you a wonderful new perspective of this incredible part of the country. You will be living with Ugandan hosts, an opportunity to learn while serving. You will make an important contribution, whatever your skills, by improving standards of living, offering skills and giving them the confidence that comes from being able to communicate with an international native.

You will leave a mark and a name in Uganda if you can reach out to the people in schools or in community and provide your practical skills for their future carriers.

Working with especially Women and Youths, you can teach them handcraft, computer, carpentry, cooking, tailoring, fabrication, metal works, mechanics and driving or gardening. These are the skills that Ugandan youths and women need most today.

In Uganda most business entrepreneurs look for great numbers of extra staff, and a lot of them are happy to accept volunteers from abroad. Work placement can range from hotels and catering, agro-processing, to business management. There are also positions available in childcare, conservation work, schools and health facility centres. Accommodation and food are always arranged by the institutions.

With her impressive castles, long-established pubs, great shopping, stunning landscape, extreme fashions and trendsetting music and theatre, Western Uganda is a great destination for young travelers. Nothing beats living and working in Western Uganda for an extended period of time to really get to know the country side from the inside. The region is small in size but nonetheless offers a wide selection of places in which to live and work.

By participating in this programme you will gain work experience and enjoy Uganda in an inviting environment that makes your stay during your period useful and unforgettable

Source: We host Abroad Volunteers

FRIENDS OF CHILDREN at Africa Travels with Uganda Vision Resource Centre

Become a friend of learning; help make Ugandan children more creative for life.

Every child has creative ability just waiting to be tapped. Majority Uganda children have untapped potential within themselves. Such children end up in unguided carriers which become unproductive for them in life. However, with the right educational play materials such as toys can bring it out.

Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, early school age and older school age children all delight in opportunities for creative expression through colors, shapes and sounds.

At Uganda Vision Resource Centre, we support school children with each educational toy, every creative plaything, each piece of furniture and every toy musical instrument based on its potential for developing vital creative resources in the child.

Aims: To make our learners happy at school; if learners are happy in their environment, their minds will be at peace and hence open to learning and receptive to new ideas.

To provide an all-round education; the whole child is considered to be important i.e. the physical, mental, emotional and moral aspect is emphasized.  All this provides a strong foundation that will later help our children become eager students, self-confident and able to interact favorably with each other and with adults, both at school and in other communities.

Development of skills, qualities of character, knowledge and physical well being; To provide learning opportunities where the child can be creative and use one’s initiative. To foster an inquiring attitude among children; to develop capacities for thought and judgment;

We try to make all work done in a school be done in an atmosphere of play and fun.  Learning becomes an enjoyable event and hence our children are introduced to the world of learning in the most enjoyable ways.

Educational toys to consider at this level include puppets, dollhouses, costumes and other pretend items, toy pianos and musical instruments; more comprehensive building block and construction sets offering more complex structure opportunities, and as always, lots of writing and art supplies, so that expressing feelings creatively is as simple as picking up a pencil.

Gross-Motor Play: Large blocks, Transportation toys, Climbing equipment, Tricycles, wagons, Big Wheels, and so forth

Woodworking equipment and materials (child-size hammers, workbench, vise, screwdrivers, scrap lumber, etc.)

Fine-Motor Play: Clay, Puzzles, Art supplies (finger and water paints, brushes, markers, crayons, scissors, etc.), Beads for stringing, Construction materials (small blocks, Legos, Lincoln Logs, etc.)

Language and Literacy: Books, writing materials (notepads, individual chalkboard, pens, pencils, old typewriters, sand trays, etc.), thematic props (teddy bears for “Goldilocks,” puppets, etc.)

Cognitive Play: Materials for water play (buckets, squirt guns, sieves, etc.), Simple board games, Simple card games. Materials for science experiments (balance scales, eye droppers, animal cages, aquariums, terrariums, etc.)

Socio dramatic Play: Dolls and stuffed animals, Props for dramatic play (hats, neckties, child stethoscope, eyeglasses with lenses, etc.), Miniature life figures. Housekeeping equipment and props (child-size broom, dishware, table and chairs, etc.)

Physical Play Materials: Footballs, netballs, volleyballs and nets, Jumping ropes and play shoes.

CALL TO ACTION

If you are interested in becoming our friend of learning and you can mobilize some materials for children or you want to become our registered fundraiser contact us by writing to us on email volunteers@uvrcug.org or programs@uvrcug.org. We shall discuss on how we can work together.

Travel Abroad, Travel Africa, Travel Uganda, Volunteer Abroad, Volunteer in Africa, Volunteer in Uganda with Uganda Vision Resource Centre

Source: FRIENDS OF CHILDREN at Africa Travels with Uganda Vision Resource Centre

Your Travel Planner at Africa Travels with Uganda Vision Resource Centre

OUR GUIDE TO WESTERN UGANDA’S NATURAL HERITAGE

Our adventure program is unique from other adventure programs in Uganda in a sense that it is the only tour program that will balance your exploration between wildlife and human life. Whereas other adventure tours in Uganda will only take you to nature destinations and keep you in hotels, ours will offer you some days in various nature destinations but also give you a chance to stay with local people in a host family, get into community tourism and even time to do voluntary work in the community.

Our guests have infinite opportunities for personal exploration and social work in Western Uganda. Uganda Vision Resource Centre makes sure its guests are taken to places where they can really make a difference in the lives of people, and still enjoy some of the Nature attractions.

Western Uganda is an exclusive safari destination from other African countries because of its large forested area with Afro-montane forest, Lowland rain forest and their openness gives you a stunning sight of the forest creatures like gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, butterflies and birds.

If you go through the region’s National parks and game reserves, you are likely to encounter safari favorites like Lions, Gorillas, leopard, buffalo, elephant, giraffe and other several varieties of animals not found anywhere in Africa.

Western Uganda is naturally gifted with water bodies like Lake Albert, Edward, George and several crater lakes. The existence of such water bodies facilitates a moderately wet climate, with the countryside greener and fertile compared to the semi-desert northern side of the country. Around these water bodies are diverse bird species not easily found anywhere in Africa especially the rare shoebill and the papyrus gonolek.

Follow your instinct: In all our adventure programs, you have the choice on what you want. The choice of accommodation (between a host family and a hotel) is yours. Also you have the choice to participate in community tourism or volunteer work or none. Tell us your need, we shall plan your adventure the best it can be.

To organise for your adventure safari Contact us by sending an email to volunteers@uvrcug.org. Visit our official website http://www.uvrcug.org

FOUR DAYS GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI

This 3 Days Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda gives you an opportunity of tracking Gorillas in Uganda Africa-a short time.

Having 326 Gorillas, gorilla searching trips form the major tourist activity/attraction in Bwindi. On a daily basis more than 10 guerilla groups are usually available for tourists to trek. The Mubare group comprising of 16 gorillas with1 Silver back, this group was officially opened for tourism in 1993.The other group being the Habinyanja group which comprises of 23 gorillas with 2 silver backs and was readily opened in July 1998. The last and third group of gorillas -Rushegura comprising of 17 gorillas with 2 silver back all in the Buhoma sector;

Note that;

• All gorilla tracking safari permits are sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at the Headquarters in Kampala with only 8 gorilla permits per day being sold for each of the 2 Gorilla groups. Advance booking- at least 3 months in advance is recommended to prevent missing out.

·         The Uganda Gorilla tracking activity starts at 8:30 am local time and lasts the whole day.

·         After the search for Gorillas, you are supposed to watch them for only an hour once they have been tracked.

·         The Gorilla Tracking trek in Bwindi is tedious in this regard tourists are therefore urged to be physically fit and carry jungle boots and rain jackets along with them because the forest is always wet

Tour Itinerary

Day 1:  Kampala to Bwindi Gorilla Forest

Have breakfast from your Kampala hotel, embark on your Uganda gorilla safari, and traverse to Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla Forest Park / Mgahinga national park depending on which gorilla group you are tracking. You will make a stopover at the Equator where you will have photo shoots and marvelous experiments plus a visit to the many craft centers.

Spend your night in a host family where you can learn some African culture and experience into the life of Ugandan people.

Day 2: Trek Gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park

After your breakfast, a game ranger will brief you at 8:00 am then lead you, through the gorilla paths in the thick Bwindi Impenetrable rain forests searching for the giant mountain Gorillas.  Once tracked, you shall be given an hour to View and interact with these beautiful primates plus taking photographs. Get back to your host family or lodge for a late lunch but later take a community walk to visit the native Batwa community and have a cultural entertainment. You will have your second night with a host family.

Day 3: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Bakiga and Batwa cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project. You will have your third night at a host family.

Day 4: Leave Bwindi National Park for Kampala: Have breakfast early morning, after get briefed by your guide before driving back to Kampala. You will have lunch en route at Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara plus a visit to a cultural museum. You may stop at Mpabire and have a talk with the local drum makers who will demonstrate how these drums are crafted but also have a drumming session using the very drums.

Arrive in Kampala late evening which marks the end of this Uganda gorilla safari trip. Your overnight shall be at the Lodge-Lweza for your quick and jam free air port transfer at your chosen time. Or you may personally choose your accommodation if you desire.

FOUR DAY QUEEN ELIZABETH WILDLIFE SAFARI

This is a 3 Days tour. This tour will offer you the opportunity to see the rare mountain gorillas which can only be seen in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as at least three of the big five that can easily be seen in each of Uganda’s national parks. This 3 day wildlife safari is one of our tours that we arrange for all guests who visit us.

Detailed Queen Elizabeth Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park: After an early morning breakfast, your tour guide will pick you from the hotel or point of meeting if you are in Kampala and drive to Queen Elizabeth National park, located in Western Uganda. Make a stopover at the Equator for a photo shoot and experiments and even check out the craft centers. Proceed to Queen Elizabeth and on arrival you will do an afternoon game drive before retiring to the host family in Kasese or lodge for dinner and overnight. Dinner & Overnight at host family or hotel;

Day 2: launch cruise and game drive: You will go for an early morning game drive, return to the lodge for late breakfast and lunch. In the afternoon you will go for a launch cruise where you will spot various water animals such as Hippos, Crocodiles, Elephants, Buffalos, Monitor Lizards and so many birds. Return to the host family or lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Bakonjo cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 4: Kampala: An early breakfast before driving back to Kampala. You will have lunch en route at Igogo Cultural Center and have a chance to have some cultural entertainment as well as see the cultural museum. You will make your last stop over at Mpambire royal drum makers for a demonstration of how these drums are made but also have a mini entertainment using the very drums. Dinner and overnight at your preferred hotel or lodge in Kampala;

FOUR DAYS CHIMPANZEE TRACKING TOUR KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

Detailed safari itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Kibale National Park: Take breakfast early in the morning start your Uganda chimpanzee trekking drive to Kibale National park. You will make a stopover at the Equator for Experiments, photo shoots and a visit to the craft centers. Proceed with your drive to Kibale and on arrival you may visit the Crater Lakes Region. Dinner and overnight at hotel or get to a host family where you will learn more about people and culture;

Day 2: chimp trekking Tour:

After breakfast you will go for the famous Uganda`s chimp trekking, during the trekking you will spot other primates like the white colobus monkeys, animals like the forest Elephants just to mention but a few. Return to the lodge for lunch, in the afternoon you will visit Bigodi wetland which is well known for various bird species. Return to the host family or lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Batooro, Bakiga and Banyankole mixed cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre, refugee settlement, prison or an environmental conservation project.

Day 4: Back to Kampala: You will have an early breakfast before driving back to Kampala but will make a stopover at Igogo Cultural Center for cultural performances and a visit to the cultural museum. Proceed to Kampala but make your last stopover at Mpambire Royal Drum makers for a demonstration of how the drums are made and climax with a mini musical performance to show you how the drums are played.

You will have lunch en route. Dinner and overnight at your preferred hotel / Lodge and that makes the end of this Uganda safari.

FIVE DAY UGANDA MOUNTAIN GORILLA TOUR:

This 4 day Gorilla trekking safari tour in Uganda  is one of the many Uganda Gorilla safari trips in Uganda organized by Uganda Vision Resource Centre to search for gorillas. It is one of the short gorilla tours in Uganda that takes you to the best place to see mountain gorillas in Africa in the shortest time possible. This short gorilla tours is arranged to offer you the opportunity to see the rare mountain gorillas only viewed in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo all on the African continent. You will not only trek gorillas in Uganda but also see her amazing wild game as well, for example three of the big five that can easily be seen in each of Uganda’s national parks.

This 4 days Uganda Gorilla trek will leave you wanting to see not only more of mountain gorillas in Uganda as well as wildlife but also her beautiful hospitable and loving people, so please book with us and get a life time Africa gorilla safari memory.

Detailed 4 days gorilla safari itinerary:

DAY 1: Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari. Your Uganda gorilla trek safari starts early in the morning after breakfast. Drive from Kampala towards the west and have a stop at the Equator for handicrafts and photos plus demonstrations. After this continue with your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park fronted by the magnificent Rwenzori Mountain range for much of your journey.

Once in Queen Elizabeth National Park a game drive in the park is highly rewarding for you will view a range of wild animals including Leopards, the gigantic Elephants, Hogs, Lions, Buffaloes, Duikers, Hyenas, and many antelope species. After lunch, you will have an evening 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga channel into Lake Edward. This cruise offers you an opportunity to see at close range the highest concentration of water submerged Hippos, surrounded by over 550 species of migrant and resident birds plus crocodiles drinking and resting at water edges. The cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing.

You will then Have dinner and spend your overnight at a host family or Mweya Safari Lodge / Budget Institute of ecology. (BLD) or any other lodge of your choice;

Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi.

The day start with having breakfast, then embark on an early morning game drive along Kasenyi track and Queen’s mile in the park. You will expect to see cape Buffaloes, Elephants, Topi, Kobs, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Hyena, Leopards, as well as the lions and lots of Birds. After the game drive, embark on the trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Maramagambo and Ishasha. Along the road via Ishasha you will have an opportunity to see the tree climbing lions, more antelopes, the waterbucks, Kobs, elephants, and buffaloes.

You will arrive and rest at a host family or the exquisite Gorilla forest Camp where you will dine and spend the overnight.

Day 3: Bwindi Gorilla safari.

After an early morning breakfast you will be briefed by your tour guide and after start your gorilla trekking journey in Uganda, you will enter into the amazing rainforest (gorilla sanctuary) as it offers an exciting, heavily forested and dense landscape interacted by plenty of animal trails that provide access for tourists tracking these resident animals.  Mammals here include majorly the endangered mountain gorillas, elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, the rare golden monkey, black-fronted Duikers, bushbucks, leopards to mention but a few.

The charming mountain gorillas form the highlight of the park, the time and terrain/track taken while looking for these beautiful primates varies according to their movements. Once tracked, observing, spending time with and photographing these gentle, peaceful and shy gorillas in Uganda is a unique, breathtaking, inspiring, and thrilling life time memorable adventure that leaves you desiring to have it again but takes one hour. As one client lamented, ‘‘I will forever want to track and keep with these lovely animals and if acceptable, I would stay with them every day!!”.

Your overnight shall be at a host family or Buhoma homestead/Buhoma community Camp unless you have a personal choice

Day 3: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Bakiga and Batwa cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe. After your breakfast embark on the transfer to Kampala via Mbarara in Igongo Cultural Center for lunch (Traditional dishes) but also you will visit the cultural museum here and embark on your drive to Kampala. On arrival in Kampala by 5.00 pm local time you immediately embark on a mini famous Kampala tour which makes the end of your gorilla safari holiday in Uganda.

You will spend your overnight at The Lodge-Lweza for easy transfer to the Air Port.

SIX DAY MOUNTAIN GORILLA TRACKING TOUR

Gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi and Mgahinga parks, Bwindi having about 650 mountain gorillas out of the remaining 720 worldwide preserved gorillas. The Nshongi gorilla family the newest group is believed to be the largest and the most unique in Uganda, with 34 individuals led by three silverbacks.

The Nkuringo and Mubaare are among the 6 habituated gorilla families in Uganda.

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1; Kampala to Mgahinga Gorilla National Forest; After your brake fast at 6:00am the journey to Bwindi-south western Uganda starts, on Masaka Mbarara road via the fascinating Kigezi highlands and arrive in Kisoro late the evening. You will Dine and spend the night with a host family or at Travelers Rest Hotel in Kisoro, Buhoma lodge / Gorilla Resort camp / Lake Kitandara Camp/ Engagi Lodge/ Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 2; Track Mountain Gorilla in the Mgahinga National Forest Have breakfast then go to the park offices to get briefed and at 9:00 am embark on the Uganda gorilla trek along the tracks within the impenetrable forest in search for these great mountain gorillas .The gorilla trekking might take you 2-9 hrs to find the giant Gorillas depending on their movement. The trek/quest for these great apes is tiresome but very well rewarded by meeting, spending time with and photographing these great gorillas as you look straight into their inviting brown expressive eyes, this is a life time thrill of a wild life adventure only Africa can offer you.

You will Dine and spend your second night at another host family or at Travelers Rest Hotel – Kisoro, Buhoma lodge / Gorilla Resort camp / Lake Kitandara a Camp/ Engagi Lodge/ Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 3: Mgahinga – Lake Mburo National Park Early in the morning after breakfast transfer to Lake Mburo NP via Queen Elizabeth NP having your lunch en route in Mbarara town. Proceed to Lake Mburo national park for an evening boat cruise on arrival or a game drive if preferred. Whichever you choose, be assured of seeing a variety of game and birds the difference is that one is on water well as the other is on land. You will have your dinner and overnight at a host family or at Mantana Luxury tented Camp or Mihingo Lodge, Lake View Hotel, Basic Rwonyo bandas.

Day 4: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Bafumbira cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 5: Lake Mburo national park – Kampala After your early morning breakfast, you will undertake a nature walk-the most interesting nature walks in the country that will expose you to various species of primates, birds, antelope, buffaloes and many wild plant species. After this, proceed to Kampala but stop-over in Lyantonde for your lunch or at the Equator where you can buy African crafts and take photographs. You will arrive late evening in Kampala, dine and spend your overnight at Speke Hotel, The Lodge or similar other hotels.

Day 6: Kampala tour: After breakfast at around 9.00 am, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you embark on the famous Kampala tour. You will penetrate the busy capital city and tour all the gothic era cathedrals, mosques, the Bahai temple, Namugongo shrine-where the famous Uganda Martyrs were murdered, visit the famous Owino market down town, Kabaka`s palace and lake, Kasubi tombs, Uganda parliament etc. Return to your hotel/Lodge or if you wish transfer to the airport for you flight back home.

SIX DAY AFRICA GORILLA TOUR

Our 5 day Africa Gorilla tracking tour in Uganda is done in Bwindi and Mgahinga parks where Mountain Gorillas are found in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla Park of Uganda has about 650 mountain gorillas out of the remaining 720 word wide preserved gorillas and is the main Uganda Mountain Gorillas safari destination but also in east and central Africa.

This 5 days Gorilla trekking tour safari in Uganda does not only front you to endangered Mountain gorillas Uganda has to offer but also  exposes you to Uganda best Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth, one of Uganda`s  best national park that forms a Uganda safari highlights.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1; Kampala to Bwindi Gorilla National Forest: After your brake fast at 6:00am the journey to Bwindi-south western Uganda starts, on Masaka Mbarara road via the fascinating Kigezi highlands and arrive in Kisoro late the evening. You will Dine and spend the night in a host family or at Travelers Rest Hotel in Kisoro, Buhoma lodge, Gorilla Resort camp, Lake Kitandara  Camp, Engagi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 2; Track Mountain Gorilla in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest Have breakfast then go to the park offices to get briefed and at 9:00 am embark on the Uganda gorilla trek along the tracks within the impenetrable forest in search for these great mountain gorillas .The gorilla trekking might take you 2-9 hrs to find the giant Gorillas depending on their movement. The trek/quest for these great apes is tiresome but very well rewarded by meeting, spending time with and photographing these great gorillas as you look straight into their inviting brown expressive eyes, this is a life time thrill of a wild life adventure only Africa can offer you.

You will Dine and spend your second night in a host family or at Travelers Rest Hotel – Kisoro, Buhoma lodge, Gorilla Resort camp, Lake Kitandara Camp,Engagi Lodge or Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 3; Queen Elizabeth NP Tour & the Kazinga Channel Biodiversity You will have breakfast after which you shall embark on the transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP. You will access this park via the Ishasha sector and will enjoy a game drive en route on which you see the famous Uganda Kobs, tree climbing Lions plus monkeys among others. Drive to Mweya Safari Lodge / Hill Camp in the evening, to dine and spend the overnight.

Day 4; Prime Wildlife tour-Queen Elizabeth National Park Early morning you will be pleased by a wide game drive, through the most prime wildlife full tracks that include the Kasenyi Track, as you return to your lodge for breakfast. After break you shall precede to Kyambura Gorge for tracking chimpanzees, go for lunch after which you will have a launch cruise along Kazinga Channel to fascinate your evening given her biodiversity that makes it the highlight for any Uganda safari visitor to Queen Elizabeth National Park since time memorial. Travel to Fort Portal and have your overnight with a host family of Batooro people.

Day 5: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Batooro cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health centre, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 6; Drive back to Kampala and have your overnight at The Lodge-Lweza or any other lorge of your choice

SEVEN DAY UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI, GORILLA TREKKING TOUR UGANDA,

Our 6 Days Uganda Gorilla safari takes you to Uganda`s population of mountain gorillas in Bwindi but also exposes you to Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. It has been confirmed that Mountain gorillas in Uganda have increased to a minimum of 400 in Bwindi according to results from the mountain gorilla census that was carried out by Uganda Wildlife Authority together with the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP), Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) in DRC and RDB from Rwanda.

Scientifically referred to as Gorilla beringei, Uganda`s mountain gorillas live in families headed by a Silverback as the dominant male. However, mountain gorilla families sometimes split up to form new groups especially when there is more than one silverback in a family.

Currently there are 36 gorilla families in Bwindi and 16 solitary males of which 10 are habituated for tourism and research.

Following the two censuses carried out in the Virunga Massif and in Bwindi in 2011, it has been confirmed that the world’s population of mountain gorillas now stands at a total of 880 after census results showed in 2010 that there were 480 mountain gorillas in the Virunga massif which comprises Rwanda`s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda`s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park , and DRC`s Virunga National Park ,plus the 400 that has been confirmed present  in Uganda`s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This means that Uganda is host to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas trekking safari or tour destination.

Major highlights:

• Gorilla Trekking
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park
•  Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park
• Community Tourism or Volunteer work

Day 1: Entebbe – Kampala: As you arrive at Entebbe International Airport you meet our tour agent who will take you to your Hotel but depending on your time of arrival you may have the famous Kampala tour. On the check list are: Buganda Kingdom palace, the Bahai temple, Namugongo Uganda matrs shrine, Kasubi tombs and Uganda museum. Overnight at the Lweza Lodge or any Kampala hotel of your choice

Day 2:  Transfer to Bwindi National Park:  After your early morning breakfast, start your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha arriving in the evening at Buhoma. You will Dine and have the night in a host family or at Buhoma community Rest Camp/ Gorilla Forest Camp /Buhoma Lodge.

 Day 3: Tracking the Gorillas: After a heavy breakfast and carry packed lunch have a briefing at the headquarter after which embark on tracking gorillas in the forest at 8:00 am. The time you spend in the forest tracking is unpredictable but ranges between 2 – 9 hours depending on the movement of these mountain gorillas. Your Dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Gorilla Forest Camp / Buhoma Lodge / Buhoma community bandas

Day 4: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project around Kitagata Hot Springs in Bushenyi: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Banyankole cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project. Spend your night at a host family or lodge in Kitagata.

Day 5:  Queen Elizabeth national park safari Just after your breakfast transfer to Ishasha Game Reserve to view tree-climbing lions after which you go to Queen Elizabeth national park for your lunch at the lodge as you prepare for Kazinga Channel for the afternoon game drive. Your dinner and overnight in a host family or at Mweya Safari Lodge / Hippo Hill Camp

Day 6: Game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park At 6.00am have breakfast and right after enjoy a game drive to the northern sector of the park through the Kasenyi track in search for buffaloes, lions, Uganda cobs plus many bird species. After proceed to Fort Portal for a night in a host family or at Mountains of the Moon Hotel as you prepare for a chimp trek in Kibale Forest national park the following morning.

DAY 7: Chimpanzee trekking: Early in the morning go to Kibale forest headquarters for the 4 hours chimp trek starting at 8.00 am.  After this trek, have lunch then transfer to Kampala where you will arrive in the evening.

TEN DAYS RWENZORI MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TRIP, RWENZORI MOUNTAIN HIKING SAFARI

The 10 Days Rwenzori Mountain Climbing Trip in Uganda is a full package mountaineering adventure tour, hiking to all the thrilling peaks of the Rwenzoris.

The Rwenzori Mountains, previously called the Rwenzori Range and sometimes the Mountains of the Moon, is a mountain range of central Africa, often referred to as Mt. Rwenzori, located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with heights of up to 5,109m (16,761 ft) at 0°23′09″N 29°52′18″E Coordinates: 0°23′09″N 29°52′18″E. The highest Rwenzori are permanently snow-capped, and they, along with Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya are the only such in Equatorial Africa.

The tour will take you to explore the Rwenzori Mountains and it will take 9 days to hike up to the top of the mountains.

Day 1: Depart from Kampala to Kasese: After breakfast Transfer from Kampala to Kasese Town. All the food needed shall be bought up in the mountainous but you will have to register with RMS offices on arrival. You will dine and have your overnight at Hotel Magherita or Rwenzori Base Mountain Camp (BB)

Day 2: Hike from Nyakengija (5400ft /1646 m) to Nyabitaba Hut (8700ft /2652m) After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Ibanda,  and the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) at Nyakalengija to get the necessary equipment for hiking with guides and porters. Right after, the 5-7 hours hiking starts from this point up to Nyabitaba Hut for an overnight.

Day 3: Nyabitaba- John Matte hut (11200ft/3414 m) This day’s hiking may take 7 hours, you will take on the trail from Nyabitaba hut to Kurt Shaffer Bridge through Bujuku and Mubuku rivers a steep and slippery point, Continue up to John Matte hut where you will spend your overnight. Slow hikers may consider going back from this point.

Day 4: John Matte- Bujuku Hut (13000 ft 3962 m) This hike may take 3-5 hours, From John Matte cross River Bujuku then enter the Bigo bog, cross the drier ground up to Lake Bujuku overlooking Mt. Baker and Speke heading north. Follow the trail until you reach Bujuku Hut.

Day 5: Bujuku Hut – Elena Hut (14,700 ft /4430 m) From Bujuku Hut, hike to Scott Elliot up to Elena Hut-the last point for the central circuit yet the starting point to climb Margherita Peak (16763 ft /5109m) or Mt Stanley.  Follow the central circuit through the alpine zone of sparse low vegetation to crater lakes and descend to Lake Kitandara hut where you will have your overnight. Please note that you need 2 extra days to climb to the peaks  

Descend from Lake Kitandara hut leaving Megharita peak northwards overlooking Democrat Republic of Congo westwards as you enjoy beautiful/scenic views of Congo and her famous tropical forests. Go down up to Guy Yeoman Hut (10700ft/3261 m).

Day 7: Nyabitaba Hut- Nyakalengija Descend to Nyabitaba Hut accros the deep mud and the crossing river. This hike usually takes 5 hours but may take you another 2-3 hours should you decide to descend up to Nyakalengija. Please note that this journey is long and may be difficult therefore you have to be healthy and physically fit.

Day 8: Descend to Kasese Town:  Descend from Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija (the park headquarters) and you transfer back to Kasese town for relaxation at Margherita Hotel where you shall dine and have your overnight.

Day 9: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Bakonjo cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 10: Drive back to Kampala:  After an early morning breakfast drive to Kampala (The lodge-Lweza) or Entebbe air port depending on your flight details.

THIRTEEN DAYS UGANDA BIRDING SAFARI, BIRDING TOURS IN UGANDA

With our guests from abroad, we emphasize quality bird watching safaris/trips in Uganda. Uganda Vision Resource Centre is an indigenous Ugandan nonprofit making company and so, our birding safaris and tours project is dedicated to offering our esteemed customers the ultimate birding experience ever.

Detailed birding safari itinerary:

Day 1 Arrival: On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you shall meet our company representative who will warmly welcome and transfer you to your Hotel. But depending on your time of arrival you may go birding in either the botanical gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education center. Any of these places is a good representative of Uganda`s bird species hence they can inaugurate one to the different bird species in the country. Overnight at Sheraton Hotel/ Hotel Africana/ Imperial Botanical Beach/any other hotel you may desire.

Day 2 Transfer to Semuriki National Park: After an early breakfast embark on your transfer to Semuliki National park taking the road through fort portal Bundibugyo to reach the park. This route has beautiful mountains of the moon sceneries plus plantations. After arrival but with enough rest you shall go for a late afternoon birding at the entrance of the park. That passes through beautiful Borassus savannah and extensive grass lands that harbor bird species such as the African grey horn bill, common scimitar bill, helmeted guinea fowl, crested francolin etc. Overnight at Semuliki Safari Lodge

Day 3 Whole day birding- Semuliki National Park: After an early morning breakfast, but with packed lunch embark on a full day birding on the Kirumira trail or forest. This early morning birding offers you species like Night jars, African scopes Owl, and Pearl spotted Owlet just to mention but a few.

Being a home to some of the Congo bird species, this birding safari will also reward you with birds like, red breasted sparrow hawk, African piculet, African pied horn bills, Zenkel, Red billed, piping, dwarf and Pygmy kingfishers, Nkurengu rail, honey guide red rumped tinkerbird, Rufous sided broad bill, Black chested cuckoo, Green tailed bristle bill, White bellied, white thighed, black and white casqued, forest scrub robin, fire crested alethe, red bellied and blue billed malimbe, black wattled, swamp palm bulbul, black bill and white crested horn bill, Leaf love etc. You will dine and have your overnight in a host family or at Semuliki safari lodge.

Day 4 Whole day birding Semuliki National Park: Just after breakfast again with packed lunch to embark on another birding trip on either the main road Sempaya trail or the Kirumira trail, depending on the previous’ day`s  results. The choice remains in interest of the group.

Day 5 Birding –Sebitoli: After taking a cup of tea early in the morning transfer to Kibale National park- Sebitoli birding site, recommended as the best birding site in Uganda. As you reach in the afternoon have lunch and embark on your birding fascination. Look out for special species like, Toro olive and Cameroon sombre green buls, African black duck, Joyful, cabanis, Brown-capped Weaver, Brown and scaly breasted illadopsis, Velvet-mantled Drongo, Pink-footed Puff Back,  Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Green-throated Sunbird, Green-breasted Pita, African pita, -headed Sunbird just to mention but a few. Your dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Ndali Lodge/ Kanyanchu tourist center.

Day 6 Whole day birding in Kibale: Early in the morning after breakfast go for a guided birding trip in the Kanyanchu area where you will watch out for birds like; grey parrots, the African go-shwak, masked apalis, the majestic crowned eagle etc. You will have picnic lunch in the forest and the afternoon then head to the Bigodi wetland sanctuary through the Magombe swamp to see birds such as papyrus canary, papyrus Gonolek, brown headed Tchagra and mosque swallow. Your dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Ndali lodge / Chimp Nest Lodge

Day 7 Birding-Bwindi: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but watch out for birds and game en route to reach in the afternoon. Have your birding trip in Buhoma area in the afternoon. Your dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Gorilla forest camp/ Buhoma community Rest Camp

Day 8: Whole day birding –Bwindi: Very early in the morning after breakfast, move into the forest on the water fall trail for birding. Look out for birds such as Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater,  Kivu ground thrush, Mountain Buzzard, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Sooty Boubou, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Hill-Babbler, Ayre’s Hawk-eagle, Black-and-white Shriker-flycatche white bellied Robin-chat and slender billed starling Dusky Tit, Ashy Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Rwenzori Batis,  Dusky-blue Flycatcher,  Doherty’s Bush-shrike. Bird along the main track- in the afternoon as you descend to the camp, then move along the long trail to Bwindi for more birding adventures. Your dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Gorilla forest Camp/ Buhoma community Rest Camp

Day 9: Whole day Gorilla Tracking Bwindi – Buhoma: Early in the morning after breakfast go for birding on the long trail to Mubwindi as well as the short trail in the afternoon. Watch out for bir Oriole, Dwarf Honey guide, Oriole Finch and Bar tailed trogon, Carruthers’ Cisticola Red chested Fluff tail, Waller’s starling, Blacke –billed turacos, the Montanebarbets, and the Cabanis’s Green bull. As you do your bird search you an opportunity to search for gorillas too. You will have dinner and overnight in a host family or at Gorilla forest Camp/ Buhoma community Rest Camp

Day 10: Birding on the Neck continuing to Ruhiija. Early morning after breakfast go birding in the ruhiija area and look out for birds like the Grey-throated Barbet, Red-tailed and Shelley’s Greenbul, Common Buzzard, Red-throated Alethe, African Shrike-flycatcher Ayres’s Hawk-eagle,  Black Bee-eater and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater to mention but a few. Your dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Gorilla forest Camp/ Buhoma community Rest Camp

Day 11 Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park: After your early morning breakfast, drive towards Lake Mburo National Park along the road towards Kabale. You will bird along the entrance road to Rwonyo in the late afternoon to watch out for acacia associated bird species like Rupell’s long-tailed starling, mosque swallow and black bellied bustard. You will spend the night and dine in a host family or at Mantana Tented camp

Day 3: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project in Mbarara around Lake Mburo: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Long honed Ankole cattle keepers cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 13 Lake Mburo to Kampala: Transfer back to Kampala drive along the lake side track and Kigambira loop, Watch out for birds like Batelour, Green-capped Eremomela, Austral migrant, black cuckoo-shrike Tawny, African Hawk, and so many other species en route. You will arrive in the evening to spend the night dine at Hotel Africana / Sheraton Hotel, The Lodge-Lweza.

To organise for your adventure safari Contact us by sending an email to volunteers@uvrcug.org. Visit our official website http://www.uvrcug.org

Travel Abroad, Travel Africa, Travel Uganda, Volunteer Abroad, Volunteer in Africa, Volunteer in Uganda with Uganda Vision Resource Centre

Africa Travels with Uganda Vision Resource Centre

OUR GUIDE TO WESTERN UGANDA’S NATURAL HERITAGE

Our adventure program is unique from other adventure programs in Uganda in a sense that it is the only tour program that will balance your exploration between wildlife and human life. Whereas other adventure tours in Uganda will only take you to nature destinations and keep you in hotels, ours will offer you some days in various nature destinations but also give you a chance to stay with local people in a host family, get into community tourism and even time to do voluntary work in the community.

Our guests have infinite opportunities for personal exploration and social work in Western Uganda. Uganda Vision Resource Centre makes sure its guests are taken to places where they can really make a difference in the lives of people, and still enjoy some of the Nature attractions.

Western Uganda is an exclusive safari destination from other…

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OUR GUIDE TO WESTERN UGANDA’S NATURAL HERITAGE

Our adventure program is unique from other adventure programs in Uganda in a sense that it is the only tour program that will balance your exploration between wildlife and human life. Whereas other adventure tours in Uganda will only take you to nature destinations and keep you in hotels, ours will offer you some days in various nature destinations but also give you a chance to stay with local people in a host family, get into community tourism and even time to do voluntary work in the community.

Our guests have infinite opportunities for personal exploration and social work in Western Uganda. Uganda Vision Resource Centre makes sure its guests are taken to places where they can really make a difference in the lives of people, and still enjoy some of the Nature attractions.

Western Uganda is an exclusive safari destination from other African countries because of its large forested area with Afro-montane forest, Lowland rain forest and their openness gives you a stunning sight of the forest creatures like gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, butterflies and birds.

If you go through the region’s National parks and game reserves, you are likely to encounter safari favorites like Lions, Gorillas, leopard, buffalo, elephant, giraffe and other several varieties of animals not found anywhere in Africa.

Western Uganda is naturally gifted with water bodies like Lake Albert, Edward, George and several crater lakes. The existence of such water bodies facilitates a moderately wet climate, with the countryside greener and fertile compared to the semi-desert northern side of the country. Around these water bodies are diverse bird species not easily found anywhere in Africa especially the rare shoebill and the papyrus gonolek.

Follow your instinct: In all our adventure programs, you have the choice on what you want. The choice of accommodation (between a host family and a hotel) is yours. Also you have the choice to participate in community tourism or volunteer work or none. Tell us your need, we shall plan your adventure the best it can be.

To organise for your adventure safari Contact us by sending an email to volunteers@uvrcug.org. Visit our official website www.uvrcug.org

FOUR DAYS GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI

This 3 Days Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda gives you an opportunity of tracking Gorillas in Uganda Africa-a short time.

Having 326 Gorillas, gorilla searching trips form the major tourist activity/attraction in Bwindi. On a daily basis more than 10 guerilla groups are usually available for tourists to trek. The Mubare group comprising of 16 gorillas with1 Silver back, this group was officially opened for tourism in 1993.The other group being the Habinyanja group which comprises of 23 gorillas with 2 silver backs and was readily opened in July 1998. The last and third group of gorillas -Rushegura comprising of 17 gorillas with 2 silver back all in the Buhoma sector;

Note that;

• All gorilla tracking safari permits are sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at the Headquarters in Kampala with only 8 gorilla permits per day being sold for each of the 2 Gorilla groups. Advance booking- at least 3 months in advance is recommended to prevent missing out.

·         The Uganda Gorilla tracking activity starts at 8:30 am local time and lasts the whole day.

·         After the search for Gorillas, you are supposed to watch them for only an hour once they have been tracked.

·         The Gorilla Tracking trek in Bwindi is tedious in this regard tourists are therefore urged to be physically fit and carry jungle boots and rain jackets along with them because the forest is always wet

Tour Itinerary

Day 1:  Kampala to Bwindi Gorilla Forest

Have breakfast from your Kampala hotel, embark on your Uganda gorilla safari, and traverse to Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla Forest Park / Mgahinga national park depending on which gorilla group you are tracking. You will make a stopover at the Equator where you will have photo shoots and marvelous experiments plus a visit to the many craft centers.

Spend your night in a host family where you can learn some African culture and experience into the life of Ugandan people.

Day 2: Trek Gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park

After your breakfast, a game ranger will brief you at 8:00 am then lead you, through the gorilla paths in the thick Bwindi Impenetrable rain forests searching for the giant mountain Gorillas.  Once tracked, you shall be given an hour to View and interact with these beautiful primates plus taking photographs. Get back to your host family or lodge for a late lunch but later take a community walk to visit the native Batwa community and have a cultural entertainment. You will have your second night with a host family.

Day 3: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Bakiga and Batwa cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project. You will have your third night at a host family.

Day 4: Leave Bwindi National Park for Kampala: Have breakfast early morning, after get briefed by your guide before driving back to Kampala. You will have lunch en route at Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara plus a visit to a cultural museum. You may stop at Mpabire and have a talk with the local drum makers who will demonstrate how these drums are crafted but also have a drumming session using the very drums.

Arrive in Kampala late evening which marks the end of this Uganda gorilla safari trip. Your overnight shall be at the Lodge-Lweza for your quick and jam free air port transfer at your chosen time. Or you may personally choose your accommodation if you desire.

FOUR DAY QUEEN ELIZABETH WILDLIFE SAFARI

This is a 3 Days tour. This tour will offer you the opportunity to see the rare mountain gorillas which can only be seen in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as at least three of the big five that can easily be seen in each of Uganda’s national parks. This 3 day wildlife safari is one of our tours that we arrange for all guests who visit us.

Detailed Queen Elizabeth Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park: After an early morning breakfast, your tour guide will pick you from the hotel or point of meeting if you are in Kampala and drive to Queen Elizabeth National park, located in Western Uganda. Make a stopover at the Equator for a photo shoot and experiments and even check out the craft centers. Proceed to Queen Elizabeth and on arrival you will do an afternoon game drive before retiring to the host family in Kasese or lodge for dinner and overnight. Dinner & Overnight at host family or hotel;

Day 2: launch cruise and game drive: You will go for an early morning game drive, return to the lodge for late breakfast and lunch. In the afternoon you will go for a launch cruise where you will spot various water animals such as Hippos, Crocodiles, Elephants, Buffalos, Monitor Lizards and so many birds. Return to the host family or lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Bakonjo cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 4: Kampala: An early breakfast before driving back to Kampala. You will have lunch en route at Igogo Cultural Center and have a chance to have some cultural entertainment as well as see the cultural museum. You will make your last stop over at Mpambire royal drum makers for a demonstration of how these drums are made but also have a mini entertainment using the very drums. Dinner and overnight at your preferred hotel or lodge in Kampala;

FOUR DAYS CHIMPANZEE TRACKING TOUR KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

Detailed safari itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Kibale National Park: Take breakfast early in the morning start your Uganda chimpanzee trekking drive to Kibale National park. You will make a stopover at the Equator for Experiments, photo shoots and a visit to the craft centers. Proceed with your drive to Kibale and on arrival you may visit the Crater Lakes Region. Dinner and overnight at hotel or get to a host family where you will learn more about people and culture;

Day 2: chimp trekking Tour:

After breakfast you will go for the famous Uganda`s chimp trekking, during the trekking you will spot other primates like the white colobus monkeys, animals like the forest Elephants just to mention but a few. Return to the lodge for lunch, in the afternoon you will visit Bigodi wetland which is well known for various bird species. Return to the host family or lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Batooro, Bakiga and Banyankole mixed cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre, refugee settlement, prison or an environmental conservation project.

Day 4: Back to Kampala: You will have an early breakfast before driving back to Kampala but will make a stopover at Igogo Cultural Center for cultural performances and a visit to the cultural museum. Proceed to Kampala but make your last stopover at Mpambire Royal Drum makers for a demonstration of how the drums are made and climax with a mini musical performance to show you how the drums are played.

You will have lunch en route. Dinner and overnight at your preferred hotel / Lodge and that makes the end of this Uganda safari.

FIVE DAY UGANDA MOUNTAIN GORILLA TOUR:

This 4 day Gorilla trekking safari tour in Uganda  is one of the many Uganda Gorilla safari trips in Uganda organized by Uganda Vision Resource Centre to search for gorillas. It is one of the short gorilla tours in Uganda that takes you to the best place to see mountain gorillas in Africa in the shortest time possible. This short gorilla tours is arranged to offer you the opportunity to see the rare mountain gorillas only viewed in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo all on the African continent. You will not only trek gorillas in Uganda but also see her amazing wild game as well, for example three of the big five that can easily be seen in each of Uganda’s national parks.

This 4 days Uganda Gorilla trek will leave you wanting to see not only more of mountain gorillas in Uganda as well as wildlife but also her beautiful hospitable and loving people, so please book with us and get a life time Africa gorilla safari memory.

Detailed 4 days gorilla safari itinerary:

DAY 1: Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari. Your Uganda gorilla trek safari starts early in the morning after breakfast. Drive from Kampala towards the west and have a stop at the Equator for handicrafts and photos plus demonstrations. After this continue with your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park fronted by the magnificent Rwenzori Mountain range for much of your journey.

Once in Queen Elizabeth National Park a game drive in the park is highly rewarding for you will view a range of wild animals including Leopards, the gigantic Elephants, Hogs, Lions, Buffaloes, Duikers, Hyenas, and many antelope species. After lunch, you will have an evening 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga channel into Lake Edward. This cruise offers you an opportunity to see at close range the highest concentration of water submerged Hippos, surrounded by over 550 species of migrant and resident birds plus crocodiles drinking and resting at water edges. The cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing.

You will then Have dinner and spend your overnight at a host family or Mweya Safari Lodge / Budget Institute of ecology. (BLD) or any other lodge of your choice;

Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi.

The day start with having breakfast, then embark on an early morning game drive along Kasenyi track and Queen’s mile in the park. You will expect to see cape Buffaloes, Elephants, Topi, Kobs, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Hyena, Leopards, as well as the lions and lots of Birds. After the game drive, embark on the trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Maramagambo and Ishasha. Along the road via Ishasha you will have an opportunity to see the tree climbing lions, more antelopes, the waterbucks, Kobs, elephants, and buffaloes.

You will arrive and rest at a host family or the exquisite Gorilla forest Camp where you will dine and spend the overnight.

Day 3: Bwindi Gorilla safari.

After an early morning breakfast you will be briefed by your tour guide and after start your gorilla trekking journey in Uganda, you will enter into the amazing rainforest (gorilla sanctuary) as it offers an exciting, heavily forested and dense landscape interacted by plenty of animal trails that provide access for tourists tracking these resident animals.  Mammals here include majorly the endangered mountain gorillas, elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, the rare golden monkey, black-fronted Duikers, bushbucks, leopards to mention but a few.

The charming mountain gorillas form the highlight of the park, the time and terrain/track taken while looking for these beautiful primates varies according to their movements. Once tracked, observing, spending time with and photographing these gentle, peaceful and shy gorillas in Uganda is a unique, breathtaking, inspiring, and thrilling life time memorable adventure that leaves you desiring to have it again but takes one hour. As one client lamented, ‘‘I will forever want to track and keep with these lovely animals and if acceptable, I would stay with them every day!!”.

Your overnight shall be at a host family or Buhoma homestead/Buhoma community Camp unless you have a personal choice

Day 3: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Bakiga and Batwa cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe. After your breakfast embark on the transfer to Kampala via Mbarara in Igongo Cultural Center for lunch (Traditional dishes) but also you will visit the cultural museum here and embark on your drive to Kampala. On arrival in Kampala by 5.00 pm local time you immediately embark on a mini famous Kampala tour which makes the end of your gorilla safari holiday in Uganda.

You will spend your overnight at The Lodge-Lweza for easy transfer to the Air Port.

SIX DAY MOUNTAIN GORILLA TRACKING TOUR

Gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi and Mgahinga parks, Bwindi having about 650 mountain gorillas out of the remaining 720 worldwide preserved gorillas. The Nshongi gorilla family the newest group is believed to be the largest and the most unique in Uganda, with 34 individuals led by three silverbacks.

The Nkuringo and Mubaare are among the 6 habituated gorilla families in Uganda.

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1; Kampala to Mgahinga Gorilla National Forest; After your brake fast at 6:00am the journey to Bwindi-south western Uganda starts, on Masaka Mbarara road via the fascinating Kigezi highlands and arrive in Kisoro late the evening. You will Dine and spend the night with a host family or at Travelers Rest Hotel in Kisoro, Buhoma lodge / Gorilla Resort camp / Lake Kitandara Camp/ Engagi Lodge/ Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 2; Track Mountain Gorilla in the Mgahinga National Forest Have breakfast then go to the park offices to get briefed and at 9:00 am embark on the Uganda gorilla trek along the tracks within the impenetrable forest in search for these great mountain gorillas .The gorilla trekking might take you 2-9 hrs to find the giant Gorillas depending on their movement. The trek/quest for these great apes is tiresome but very well rewarded by meeting, spending time with and photographing these great gorillas as you look straight into their inviting brown expressive eyes, this is a life time thrill of a wild life adventure only Africa can offer you.

You will Dine and spend your second night at another host family or at Travelers Rest Hotel – Kisoro, Buhoma lodge / Gorilla Resort camp / Lake Kitandara a Camp/ Engagi Lodge/ Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 3: Mgahinga – Lake Mburo National Park Early in the morning after breakfast transfer to Lake Mburo NP via Queen Elizabeth NP having your lunch en route in Mbarara town. Proceed to Lake Mburo national park for an evening boat cruise on arrival or a game drive if preferred. Whichever you choose, be assured of seeing a variety of game and birds the difference is that one is on water well as the other is on land. You will have your dinner and overnight at a host family or at Mantana Luxury tented Camp or Mihingo Lodge, Lake View Hotel, Basic Rwonyo bandas.

Day 4: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Bafumbira cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 5: Lake Mburo national park – Kampala After your early morning breakfast, you will undertake a nature walk-the most interesting nature walks in the country that will expose you to various species of primates, birds, antelope, buffaloes and many wild plant species. After this, proceed to Kampala but stop-over in Lyantonde for your lunch or at the Equator where you can buy African crafts and take photographs. You will arrive late evening in Kampala, dine and spend your overnight at Speke Hotel, The Lodge or similar other hotels.

Day 6: Kampala tour: After breakfast at around 9.00 am, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you embark on the famous Kampala tour. You will penetrate the busy capital city and tour all the gothic era cathedrals, mosques, the Bahai temple, Namugongo shrine-where the famous Uganda Martyrs were murdered, visit the famous Owino market down town, Kabaka`s palace and lake, Kasubi tombs, Uganda parliament etc. Return to your hotel/Lodge or if you wish transfer to the airport for you flight back home.

SIX DAY AFRICA GORILLA TOUR

Our 5 day Africa Gorilla tracking tour in Uganda is done in Bwindi and Mgahinga parks where Mountain Gorillas are found in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla Park of Uganda has about 650 mountain gorillas out of the remaining 720 word wide preserved gorillas and is the main Uganda Mountain Gorillas safari destination but also in east and central Africa.

This 5 days Gorilla trekking tour safari in Uganda does not only front you to endangered Mountain gorillas Uganda has to offer but also  exposes you to Uganda best Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth, one of Uganda`s  best national park that forms a Uganda safari highlights.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1; Kampala to Bwindi Gorilla National Forest: After your brake fast at 6:00am the journey to Bwindi-south western Uganda starts, on Masaka Mbarara road via the fascinating Kigezi highlands and arrive in Kisoro late the evening. You will Dine and spend the night in a host family or at Travelers Rest Hotel in Kisoro, Buhoma lodge, Gorilla Resort camp, Lake Kitandara  Camp, Engagi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 2; Track Mountain Gorilla in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest Have breakfast then go to the park offices to get briefed and at 9:00 am embark on the Uganda gorilla trek along the tracks within the impenetrable forest in search for these great mountain gorillas .The gorilla trekking might take you 2-9 hrs to find the giant Gorillas depending on their movement. The trek/quest for these great apes is tiresome but very well rewarded by meeting, spending time with and photographing these great gorillas as you look straight into their inviting brown expressive eyes, this is a life time thrill of a wild life adventure only Africa can offer you.

You will Dine and spend your second night in a host family or at Travelers Rest Hotel – Kisoro, Buhoma lodge, Gorilla Resort camp, Lake Kitandara Camp,Engagi Lodge or Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 3; Queen Elizabeth NP Tour & the Kazinga Channel Biodiversity You will have breakfast after which you shall embark on the transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP. You will access this park via the Ishasha sector and will enjoy a game drive en route on which you see the famous Uganda Kobs, tree climbing Lions plus monkeys among others. Drive to Mweya Safari Lodge / Hill Camp in the evening, to dine and spend the overnight.

Day 4; Prime Wildlife tour-Queen Elizabeth National Park Early morning you will be pleased by a wide game drive, through the most prime wildlife full tracks that include the Kasenyi Track, as you return to your lodge for breakfast. After break you shall precede to Kyambura Gorge for tracking chimpanzees, go for lunch after which you will have a launch cruise along Kazinga Channel to fascinate your evening given her biodiversity that makes it the highlight for any Uganda safari visitor to Queen Elizabeth National Park since time memorial. Travel to Fort Portal and have your overnight with a host family of Batooro people.

Day 5: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Batooro cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health centre, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 6; Drive back to Kampala and have your overnight at The Lodge-Lweza or any other lorge of your choice

SEVEN DAY UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI, GORILLA TREKKING TOUR UGANDA,

Our 6 Days Uganda Gorilla safari takes you to Uganda`s population of mountain gorillas in Bwindi but also exposes you to Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. It has been confirmed that Mountain gorillas in Uganda have increased to a minimum of 400 in Bwindi according to results from the mountain gorilla census that was carried out by Uganda Wildlife Authority together with the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP), Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) in DRC and RDB from Rwanda.

Scientifically referred to as Gorilla beringei, Uganda`s mountain gorillas live in families headed by a Silverback as the dominant male. However, mountain gorilla families sometimes split up to form new groups especially when there is more than one silverback in a family.

Currently there are 36 gorilla families in Bwindi and 16 solitary males of which 10 are habituated for tourism and research.

Following the two censuses carried out in the Virunga Massif and in Bwindi in 2011, it has been confirmed that the world’s population of mountain gorillas now stands at a total of 880 after census results showed in 2010 that there were 480 mountain gorillas in the Virunga massif which comprises Rwanda`s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda`s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park , and DRC`s Virunga National Park ,plus the 400 that has been confirmed present  in Uganda`s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This means that Uganda is host to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas trekking safari or tour destination.

Major highlights:

• Gorilla Trekking
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park
•  Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park
• Community Tourism or Volunteer work

Day 1: Entebbe – Kampala: As you arrive at Entebbe International Airport you meet our tour agent who will take you to your Hotel but depending on your time of arrival you may have the famous Kampala tour. On the check list are: Buganda Kingdom palace, the Bahai temple, Namugongo Uganda matrs shrine, Kasubi tombs and Uganda museum. Overnight at the Lweza Lodge or any Kampala hotel of your choice

Day 2:  Transfer to Bwindi National Park:  After your early morning breakfast, start your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha arriving in the evening at Buhoma. You will Dine and have the night in a host family or at Buhoma community Rest Camp/ Gorilla Forest Camp /Buhoma Lodge.

 Day 3: Tracking the Gorillas: After a heavy breakfast and carry packed lunch have a briefing at the headquarter after which embark on tracking gorillas in the forest at 8:00 am. The time you spend in the forest tracking is unpredictable but ranges between 2 – 9 hours depending on the movement of these mountain gorillas. Your Dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Gorilla Forest Camp / Buhoma Lodge / Buhoma community bandas

Day 4: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project around Kitagata Hot Springs in Bushenyi: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Banyankole cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project. Spend your night at a host family or lodge in Kitagata.

Day 5:  Queen Elizabeth national park safari Just after your breakfast transfer to Ishasha Game Reserve to view tree-climbing lions after which you go to Queen Elizabeth national park for your lunch at the lodge as you prepare for Kazinga Channel for the afternoon game drive. Your dinner and overnight in a host family or at Mweya Safari Lodge / Hippo Hill Camp

Day 6: Game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park At 6.00am have breakfast and right after enjoy a game drive to the northern sector of the park through the Kasenyi track in search for buffaloes, lions, Uganda cobs plus many bird species. After proceed to Fort Portal for a night in a host family or at Mountains of the Moon Hotel as you prepare for a chimp trek in Kibale Forest national park the following morning.

DAY 7: Chimpanzee trekking: Early in the morning go to Kibale forest headquarters for the 4 hours chimp trek starting at 8.00 am.  After this trek, have lunch then transfer to Kampala where you will arrive in the evening.

TEN DAYS RWENZORI MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TRIP, RWENZORI MOUNTAIN HIKING SAFARI

The 10 Days Rwenzori Mountain Climbing Trip in Uganda is a full package mountaineering adventure tour, hiking to all the thrilling peaks of the Rwenzoris.

The Rwenzori Mountains, previously called the Rwenzori Range and sometimes the Mountains of the Moon, is a mountain range of central Africa, often referred to as Mt. Rwenzori, located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with heights of up to 5,109m (16,761 ft) at 0°23′09″N 29°52′18″E Coordinates: 0°23′09″N 29°52′18″E. The highest Rwenzori are permanently snow-capped, and they, along with Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya are the only such in Equatorial Africa.

The tour will take you to explore the Rwenzori Mountains and it will take 9 days to hike up to the top of the mountains.

Day 1: Depart from Kampala to Kasese: After breakfast Transfer from Kampala to Kasese Town. All the food needed shall be bought up in the mountainous but you will have to register with RMS offices on arrival. You will dine and have your overnight at Hotel Magherita or Rwenzori Base Mountain Camp (BB)

Day 2: Hike from Nyakengija (5400ft /1646 m) to Nyabitaba Hut (8700ft /2652m) After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Ibanda,  and the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) at Nyakalengija to get the necessary equipment for hiking with guides and porters. Right after, the 5-7 hours hiking starts from this point up to Nyabitaba Hut for an overnight.

Day 3: Nyabitaba- John Matte hut (11200ft/3414 m) This day’s hiking may take 7 hours, you will take on the trail from Nyabitaba hut to Kurt Shaffer Bridge through Bujuku and Mubuku rivers a steep and slippery point, Continue up to John Matte hut where you will spend your overnight. Slow hikers may consider going back from this point.

Day 4: John Matte- Bujuku Hut (13000 ft 3962 m) This hike may take 3-5 hours, From John Matte cross River Bujuku then enter the Bigo bog, cross the drier ground up to Lake Bujuku overlooking Mt. Baker and Speke heading north. Follow the trail until you reach Bujuku Hut.

Day 5: Bujuku Hut – Elena Hut (14,700 ft /4430 m) From Bujuku Hut, hike to Scott Elliot up to Elena Hut-the last point for the central circuit yet the starting point to climb Margherita Peak (16763 ft /5109m) or Mt Stanley.  Follow the central circuit through the alpine zone of sparse low vegetation to crater lakes and descend to Lake Kitandara hut where you will have your overnight. Please note that you need 2 extra days to climb to the peaks  

Descend from Lake Kitandara hut leaving Megharita peak northwards overlooking Democrat Republic of Congo westwards as you enjoy beautiful/scenic views of Congo and her famous tropical forests. Go down up to Guy Yeoman Hut (10700ft/3261 m).

Day 7: Nyabitaba Hut- Nyakalengija Descend to Nyabitaba Hut accros the deep mud and the crossing river. This hike usually takes 5 hours but may take you another 2-3 hours should you decide to descend up to Nyakalengija. Please note that this journey is long and may be difficult therefore you have to be healthy and physically fit.

Day 8: Descend to Kasese Town:  Descend from Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija (the park headquarters) and you transfer back to Kasese town for relaxation at Margherita Hotel where you shall dine and have your overnight.

Day 9: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Bakonjo cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 10: Drive back to Kampala:  After an early morning breakfast drive to Kampala (The lodge-Lweza) or Entebbe air port depending on your flight details.

THIRTEEN DAYS UGANDA BIRDING SAFARI, BIRDING TOURS IN UGANDA

With our guests from abroad, we emphasize quality bird watching safaris/trips in Uganda. Uganda Vision Resource Centre is an indigenous Ugandan nonprofit making company and so, our birding safaris and tours project is dedicated to offering our esteemed customers the ultimate birding experience ever.

Detailed birding safari itinerary:

Day 1 Arrival: On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you shall meet our company representative who will warmly welcome and transfer you to your Hotel. But depending on your time of arrival you may go birding in either the botanical gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education center. Any of these places is a good representative of Uganda`s bird species hence they can inaugurate one to the different bird species in the country. Overnight at Sheraton Hotel/ Hotel Africana/ Imperial Botanical Beach/any other hotel you may desire.

Day 2 Transfer to Semuriki National Park: After an early breakfast embark on your transfer to Semuliki National park taking the road through fort portal Bundibugyo to reach the park. This route has beautiful mountains of the moon sceneries plus plantations. After arrival but with enough rest you shall go for a late afternoon birding at the entrance of the park. That passes through beautiful Borassus savannah and extensive grass lands that harbor bird species such as the African grey horn bill, common scimitar bill, helmeted guinea fowl, crested francolin etc. Overnight at Semuliki Safari Lodge

Day 3 Whole day birding- Semuliki National Park: After an early morning breakfast, but with packed lunch embark on a full day birding on the Kirumira trail or forest. This early morning birding offers you species like Night jars, African scopes Owl, and Pearl spotted Owlet just to mention but a few.

Being a home to some of the Congo bird species, this birding safari will also reward you with birds like, red breasted sparrow hawk, African piculet, African pied horn bills, Zenkel, Red billed, piping, dwarf and Pygmy kingfishers, Nkurengu rail, honey guide red rumped tinkerbird, Rufous sided broad bill, Black chested cuckoo, Green tailed bristle bill, White bellied, white thighed, black and white casqued, forest scrub robin, fire crested alethe, red bellied and blue billed malimbe, black wattled, swamp palm bulbul, black bill and white crested horn bill, Leaf love etc. You will dine and have your overnight in a host family or at Semuliki safari lodge.

Day 4 Whole day birding Semuliki National Park: Just after breakfast again with packed lunch to embark on another birding trip on either the main road Sempaya trail or the Kirumira trail, depending on the previous’ day`s  results. The choice remains in interest of the group.

Day 5 Birding –Sebitoli: After taking a cup of tea early in the morning transfer to Kibale National park- Sebitoli birding site, recommended as the best birding site in Uganda. As you reach in the afternoon have lunch and embark on your birding fascination. Look out for special species like, Toro olive and Cameroon sombre green buls, African black duck, Joyful, cabanis, Brown-capped Weaver, Brown and scaly breasted illadopsis, Velvet-mantled Drongo, Pink-footed Puff Back,  Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Green-throated Sunbird, Green-breasted Pita, African pita, -headed Sunbird just to mention but a few. Your dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Ndali Lodge/ Kanyanchu tourist center.

Day 6 Whole day birding in Kibale: Early in the morning after breakfast go for a guided birding trip in the Kanyanchu area where you will watch out for birds like; grey parrots, the African go-shwak, masked apalis, the majestic crowned eagle etc. You will have picnic lunch in the forest and the afternoon then head to the Bigodi wetland sanctuary through the Magombe swamp to see birds such as papyrus canary, papyrus Gonolek, brown headed Tchagra and mosque swallow. Your dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Ndali lodge / Chimp Nest Lodge

Day 7 Birding-Bwindi: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but watch out for birds and game en route to reach in the afternoon. Have your birding trip in Buhoma area in the afternoon. Your dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Gorilla forest camp/ Buhoma community Rest Camp

Day 8: Whole day birding –Bwindi: Very early in the morning after breakfast, move into the forest on the water fall trail for birding. Look out for birds such as Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater,  Kivu ground thrush, Mountain Buzzard, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Sooty Boubou, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Hill-Babbler, Ayre’s Hawk-eagle, Black-and-white Shriker-flycatche white bellied Robin-chat and slender billed starling Dusky Tit, Ashy Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Rwenzori Batis,  Dusky-blue Flycatcher,  Doherty’s Bush-shrike. Bird along the main track- in the afternoon as you descend to the camp, then move along the long trail to Bwindi for more birding adventures. Your dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Gorilla forest Camp/ Buhoma community Rest Camp

Day 9: Whole day Gorilla Tracking Bwindi – Buhoma: Early in the morning after breakfast go for birding on the long trail to Mubwindi as well as the short trail in the afternoon. Watch out for bir Oriole, Dwarf Honey guide, Oriole Finch and Bar tailed trogon, Carruthers’ Cisticola Red chested Fluff tail, Waller’s starling, Blacke –billed turacos, the Montanebarbets, and the Cabanis’s Green bull. As you do your bird search you an opportunity to search for gorillas too. You will have dinner and overnight in a host family or at Gorilla forest Camp/ Buhoma community Rest Camp

Day 10: Birding on the Neck continuing to Ruhiija. Early morning after breakfast go birding in the ruhiija area and look out for birds like the Grey-throated Barbet, Red-tailed and Shelley’s Greenbul, Common Buzzard, Red-throated Alethe, African Shrike-flycatcher Ayres’s Hawk-eagle,  Black Bee-eater and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater to mention but a few. Your dinner and overnight shall be in a host family or at Gorilla forest Camp/ Buhoma community Rest Camp

Day 11 Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park: After your early morning breakfast, drive towards Lake Mburo National Park along the road towards Kabale. You will bird along the entrance road to Rwonyo in the late afternoon to watch out for acacia associated bird species like Rupell’s long-tailed starling, mosque swallow and black bellied bustard. You will spend the night and dine in a host family or at Mantana Tented camp

Day 3: Spend the day in Community Tourism or volunteer on a community Project in Mbarara around Lake Mburo: You may take on community tourism and explore into the native Long honed Ankole cattle keepers cultural lives, or offer to volunteer at a health unit, school, church, children’s project, media centre or an environmental conservation project.

Day 13 Lake Mburo to Kampala: Transfer back to Kampala drive along the lake side track and Kigambira loop, Watch out for birds like Batelour, Green-capped Eremomela, Austral migrant, black cuckoo-shrike Tawny, African Hawk, and so many other species en route. You will arrive in the evening to spend the night dine at Hotel Africana / Sheraton Hotel, The Lodge-Lweza.

To organise for your adventure safari Contact us by sending an email to volunteers@uvrcug.org. Visit our official website www.uvrcug.org

Source: Your Travel Planner

Uganda’s Best Nature Destinations with Africa Travels at Uganda Vision Resource Centre

A BRIEF ABOUT THE WESTERN UGANDA’S NATIONAL PARKS

1. BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK a home to the rare endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, is strategically located at the edge of the western rift valley (Albertine rift valley), in South Western Uganda. It is shared amongst Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kabale Districts.

Bwindi impenetrable rainforest –is among those few in Africa that has flourished throughout the last Ice Age covering around 331 square kilometers with an Altitude Range that goes from 1160 meters in Ishasha gorge up to 2607 meters at Rwamanyonyi Peak. Having an annual average temperature Range of 7-20 degrees Celsius with its coldest period being June and July and experiencing its heaviest rains during March-April and September – November, Other months are usually dry.

The gigantic rain forest homes to over a half of the world’s mountain gorillas thus it is the major Uganda Gorilla safari destination to visit the endangered mountain gorillas. A deeper look into the inviting beautiful brown eyes of these gentle shy mountain gorillas on Uganda is unarguably the most exciting memorable Uganda wildlife tour encounter that Uganda and Africa at large have to offer coupled with Bwindi’s broad biodiversity that gives support to the Eco-Tourism industry as well.

With an altitude range of 1,160 to 2,607m, the national park boasts of 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, with the black-and-white Colobus, which is prominent for its beautiful flowing white tail to show which makes it a flourishing Uganda wildlife safari destination as well.

Bwindi with its 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemics present, the forest ranks as one of the best birding tour/ birding safari destination in Uganda;

In Summary; Annual Precipitation: 1130 mm – 2390 mm, Coldest months/ period: June-July

Major tribes; the Bakiga; the Bafumbira with a few marginalized Batwa form the densest settlements in Uganda to the tune of 233 people/ square kilometers;

Special Species Diversity of Attractions;

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park habitates over 400 endangered gorillas which is about half the total population of mountain gorillas the world has, it has over 30 elephants and 120 species of mammals which include 7 diurnal primates. with 360 species of birds and 200 butterfly species, the Afro-montane rain forest has a dense under store of ferns, vines, and shrubs, and over 324 tree species recorded there, of which 10 don’t appear elsewhere in Uganda making Bwindi a must trek to any enthusiastic tourist or traveler.

Adventure Activities;

Gorilla safaris; Having 400 Mountain Gorillas, gorilla trekking tours & safaris form the major tourist activity/attraction in Bwindi. On daily basis two gorilla groups are usually available for tourists to visit. The Mubare group comprising of 16 gorillas with1 Silver back, this group was officially opened for tourism in 1993.The other group being the Habinyanja group which comprises of 23 gorillas with 2 silver backs and was readily opened in July 1998. The last and third group of gorillas comprising of 17 gorillas with 2 silver back, is yet to be open for tourism.

Note that;

• All gorilla tracking permits are sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at the Headquarters in Kampala with only 8 gorilla permits per day being sold for each of the 2 Gorilla groups. Advance booking- at least 3 months in advance is recommended to prevent missing out.
• The Gorilla tracking activity starts at 8:30 am local time and lasts the whole day.
• Gorillas are supposed to be met for only an hour once they have been tracked.
• The Gorilla Tracking activity in Bwindi is tedious in this regard tourists are therefore urged to be physically fit and carry jungle boots and rain jackets along with them because the forest is always wet.

The Bird watching safaris; As noted earlier, Bwindi is the best birding safari tour destination it’s a sanctuary to over 348 bird species that are impossible or hard to see in any many other part East African regions.

Among others, special on its list are; the honey guide, the Wing, White-tailed Blue Monarch Short-tailed Warbler, kivi ground thrush, Wilcock’s, Rusty-faced woodland Gruel’s Rush Warbler, Yellow-eyed black Fly-catcher, Warbler, Bar-tailed Trogon and Dusky Crimson An enthusiastic bird watcher can be able to identify as many as 100 species daily.

The Nature Walks; Visitors with two or more days in Bwindi impenetrable national park, can ably engage in a hiking tour along the four outland hiking trails that are famously done in the park. On all these trails, you will ably experience and get a educated about the various bird species, the primates, butterflies, the trees as well as the other members of this Eco system. It’s advisable that you arrange for a guide’s services and company from the reception for your safety and to attain an excellent understanding of the park’s entire Eco system.

The river Munyanga walk; A short walk for visitors with little time to spare along the forest edge offers tourist a memorable sight of birds as well as primates. This famous waterfall walk gives an attractive feature of the forest with a colorful array of butterflies, a natural fusion of tree ferns, epithetic ferns, orchids and colorful which is typical of Bwindi impenetrable forest. The walk leads to 3 attractive crystal clear waterfalls which is a typical ingredient of a tropical rain forest.

The Rushurra walk, gives an extensive view across the western rift valley floor, and to its west, the Congo Parc Nationale Des Virungas providing a wonderful view, and is also visible to both Lake Edward and Rwenzori Mountain as well. The Muzabajirro walk provides an unforgettable view of Bwindi Forest, the Western Rift Valley and the Virungas. Various pre-historic tree ferns can be witnessed as you make your way to the top, which is a great place for a picnic or lunch.

The ivy river walk: Mostly recommended for bird viewing for bird watchers, is the longest in the park and will take you a full day. Buhoma village walk, offers tourists eye catching views like those of a typical Ugandan rural homestead setting in this region, a visit to the local traditional healers, the banana beer brewing demonstration site, captivating traditional cultural performance in the evenings which are usually performed by Women groups provide the opportunity to experience the traditional dressing fashions as well. This walk that takes over three hours, is an activity that is managed by the local community thus money received is invested back into the community to improve on their general welfare usually. Visitors may as well walk to the Bamboo zone which is a unique area in Bwindi impenetrable national park.

The Bamboo trail walk; This leads to one of the areas of high diversity in the park that offers 14 vegetation types . At the pick of this walk, you will be presented with unforgettable views some of which include the L. Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.

2. MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK only 33 sq km of size, is located in the far southwestern corner of Uganda bordering Rwanda and Congo,14 km from kisoro town in Bufumbira County about 540 km from Kampala-the capital. Mgahinga National Park was gazetted in 1991.

This Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes namely; the 3,474 m high Mt. Gahinga, Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m). The park is bordered to the south by the Republic of Rwanda and to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Each of these surrounding countries protects its own share of the Virungas. The three parks together form the ‘Virunga Conservation Area’ ( VCA) totaling to 434-sq. km of which Mgahinga is 33.7 sq. km, just 8% of the VCA.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experiences two wet rainy seasons; February – May and
September- December of each year. The maximum amount of rainfall it receives in a year is 250mm-October and Minimum is 10mm -July.

Despite being the smallest in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of Uganda`s prime tour-safari destination very important to the country for it is one of the only two parks in Uganda that are habitat for about half the world`s endangered Mountain gorillas hence a Uganda Gorilla safaris destination as well as a great African Wildlife safari spot due to a large variety of wildlife such as buffaloes, elephants, bush bucks, the threatened golden monkeys just to mention but a few.

This park consists of the partly forested slopes of three extinct volcanoes. These huge cones of the virunga volcanoes dominate the landscape when viewed from a distance and front you as you approach the premises. When you get to the park, a 15 minutes’ walk up the viewpoint from Ntebeko Gate can get one a great overview of the area. Mgahinga Park is of a great biological importance because it’s one of those mountains that provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals that moved up or down the slopes as climate became warmer or cooler throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages. The Virungas are home to a large variety of wildlife, including about half the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas.

The park experiences a cool climate that supports the growth of Afro-montane vegetation and the abundant type of Vegetation is the bamboo, a delicacy to the Mountain gorilla. The Lobelia, Haege-nia spp are among the other types of vegetation is park.

The major ethnic groups of people in Kisoro District are the Bafumbira who occupy most of Kisoro area and are majorly cultivators/farmers. The Batwa (Pygmies) who once lived in caves and fed on wildlife form the minority group in the area;

WHAT TO DO HERE:

Gorilla Tracking; The most thrilling tourist activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is that of Gorilla Tracking safaris-tours. The Nyakagezi is the habituated gorilla in this park and it which consists of 9 members; 2 silver backs, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.

Gorilla tracking is a vigorous activity that can take a full day. During this tour, you are led by a guide through the gorilla’s empire/tracks as he/she explains all about gorillas such as their ecology, movements and general behavior.

Please note: success of seeing gorillas is NOT guaranteed despite the high chance of seeing them. Since they are wild animals living in the jangle, they don’t have a fixed routine; therefore finding them requires luck and the experienced of your guides. These guides know gorillas intimately since they habituate them, they will hence take you to the area where they saw them last. They may also be able to suggest how long the hike might take at the journey start.

Please note that you are free to ask guides to slow down if they are going too fast or if you want to have a rest, look at birds /flowers, and your guide shall wait for u.

HIKING:–Volcano Climbing

Mt. Sabyinyo; (366m)

As locally known literally meaning ‘Old man’s teeth’ has an eroded Mt. Sabyinyo’s crown. This volcano offers 3 challenging peaks to expert climbers. Climbing up this mountain takes 0ne up a ridge along the eastern side of the climb to the first peak. If you want to continue, the climb to the peak 2 involves walking along a ridge with breath-taking drops into Rwanda and Uganda`s gorges, a life time memorable dual hiking safari experience one can only achieve here in the world!.

Finally, the hike up to the steep peak 3 steep that has several ladders and mush scrambling, here you are guaranteed to get your hands dirty en-route to this peak. Once on top, you will be in three countries; Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda at the same time!!, yet an exclusive experience to only this destination. This hike takes about eight hours to cover the 14km stretch round trip.

Mt. Gahinga; (3474m) This Mt`s name (Gahinga) literally means a pile of small stones according to the native people. On your way to Mgahinga National park, these small piles of stones are visible in the garden fields.

Mount Gahinga is reasonably bigger than the average ‘gahinga’ but her proximity to Mount Muhavura makes her look small. This trek that takes you about six hours round trip, goes through a good sample of a pure Bamboo forest. Mt. Gahinga had a Crater Lake on top some time past, but this has changed into a Lush swamp. This 8km Distance swamp is one of Gahinga`s attractions.

Mt. Muhavura; (4127m) (as called by natives literally meaning ‘The Guide’)

This mountain is seen from all over Kisoro and it acts as a guide. This typical cone-shaped Mountain provides some of the best views in the country. Much of the climb traverses a rocky surface covered by short grasses and small shrubs. Once hikers reach the top, they get rewarded with the view of the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward in queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi and the Rwenzori Mountain peaks. This 12km hike takes approximately 8 hours all rounds. Hikers are advised to camp at the Muhavura base camp the night before, the site has no facilities so one needs a tent, personal water, food and sleeping equipments.

CAVE EXPLORATION

Garama cave; This cave is 342m in length and 14m deep, long ago, in this cave lived the crafty Batwa people who were warriors as they pursued their neighbors but now inhabited only by bats, From the park head-quarters to the cave entrance, is 3 km long and it takes about 4 hours. Your guide will narrate to you how the Batwa lived and made their attacks out of the cave.

Viewing Platform; This point is about 800 meters from the Park gate. Once one gets to the top, you will be rewarded with a good view of the Park and the surrounding environment. The activity is free and doesn`t require a guide. Information about this spot can be gotten from the displaying panels at the hill point.

Border Trail; – Visa Not Required. This 5 hours hike covers 10km a distance. It takes you first toward Sabinyo and climbs up the base of Sabinyo for a while through fine Montane forest before turning toward the Congo. Along the trail you will get a great view of Mt. Sabinyo’s gorge and peaks. When you get to the Congo you get back along the international border. The route back to the Park Head Quarters is a great section for birding with a wide range of bird species. There are 2 rest huts along the way that are good places for taking a break. Common on the same route are the golden monkeys and elephants.

Birding;
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a prime birding safari-tour spot in Uganda blessed with 79 unique bird species that have been recorded within the park, these include several species endemic to the East Congo Montane region.

Over 295 species have been recorded in the Virunga Conservation Area as a whole and are endemic to the Albertine Rift Afro-montane region representing 59% of the region`s total of known endemic species.

Please contact the Park Management for a guide who will take around and tell you all about these birds. Ensure you carry binoculars for the best view!!!

Free Birding; Now available on request is free birding along the edge of the park. The guides are always happy to take you out from 5-6 pm (in the evening) if you book by 10:00 a.m. the morning of the day you wish to go for this activity. You have a choice to go for a long walk or simply relax in the campground. If one takes the long buffalo wall toward the Congo you get to a wetland area where you have a splendid view of a wide range of birds such as Fire Finch, Stonechat, Grey Capped Warbler, Ibis, Whydah, Speckled Mouse bird, Waxbills, and Yellow-Vented Bulbul. Do it at your own pace-relaxed and your guide can show you the best spots are.

GETTING THERE;

By road: From Kampala; It’s an 8 hours drive via Kabale to Kisoro town using 4wd cars as recommended. For those without private transport, one can take the daily bus transport services that set off at 0700 hours. From Kisoro town, you hike or take a special hire vehicle to the park gate.

By Air: One can fly to Kisoro; Flight arrangements can be made with Eagle Air. This company has flights on Mondays and Fridays from Entebbe to Kisoro.

3. KIBALE NATIONAL PARK-the major Chimpanzee trekking safari tours destination in Uganda, is located in Kabarole district of western Uganda near Fort Portal and measures 776 sq km in size. It is elevate between 1110 meters to 1590 meters and has a national park since 1993.

It is the most accessible of Uganda’s major rainforests and home to 13 primate species, remarkable of which are the very localized red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey. 77% of Kibale National Park is covered by a medium altitude, moist evergreen forest in the north, and a medium altitude moist semi-deciduous forest at lower altitudes in the south. The remaining 23% of the park is composed of savanna grassland, swamps and some plantations with exotic coniferous trees.

The Batooro and Bakiga are the main native traditional tribes lived in this area to date. These tribes utilize the forest for food, fuel, building materials and medicines.

Tourist Activities

Chimpanzee tracking: The major tourist attraction in Kibale is the opportunity to track habituated chimps. These delightful apes, more closely related to humans than any other living creature, are mesmerizing to watch as they freely squabble and enjoy their play in fruiting trees with in the forest.

Kibale has a highly successful customary Chimpanzee-tracking program. More primates may be found on these guided walks that include Olive baboons, the grey-cheeked Mangabeys, the blue L’Hoest’s gentle, Guereza colobus, and Red-tailed monkeys usually found in open areas close to the forest. You may also find Elephants, Hogs and Bufalloes along the way. Bush buck, Harvey’s and Peter’s duick-ers are yet other inhabitants of this forest.

Night guided walks are also worth an adventure.Here you are fronted with special animals such as the Lord derby’s anomalure, Potto, Thomas’s Galagos, Spectacled Demidoff’s, Common Genet and African Civet.

Other interesting mammals from the list of over 60 species include Banded and Marsh Mongooses, Ichneumon, , Swamp Otter, Alexander’s Cusimanse, Ratel (Honey Badger) and African Palm Civet. Although Golden cat, Serval, Lion, Leopard, Warthog, Giant Hog and Hippopotamus are recorded from the park, they are unlikely to be encountered in the Kanyanchu area. Sitatungas are known from Bigodi swamp but are infrequently seen. The spectacular and beautiful Rhinoceros Viper is fairly common here but is, unfortunately, less often found alive than as a road-kill.

With over 60 species, other interesting mammals include the Alexander’s Cusimanse, Banded and Marsh Mongooses, Swamp Otter, Ichneumon, Ratel /Honey Badger and African Palm Civet. On a lucky day, one can see the Lion, Leopard, Golden Cat, Warthog, Serval, Hippopotamus Giant Hog and the rare Sitatungas commonly found in Bigodi.

Kibale National Park offers affordable 3 hour chimp tracking limited to a group of 6 people that leave for their tracking at 8:00 am and 3:00pm daily. The popular night walks depart from Kanyan-chu visitor Centre at 7:30 pm but carrying a personal touch and advance bookings are highly recommended.

Bird watching: Kibale`s network of shady forest trails provides much delight to botanists and butterfly lovers. With 335 species recorded including the endemic Prirogrine’s ground thrush, birders are greatly impressed. Her bird species include; the Grey-winged Robin, White-naped Pigeon, Red-winged Francolin Green-brested Pitta, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling Red-chested Flufftail, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher , African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, White-bellied Crested Flycather, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Masked and Black-capped Apalises Chestnut-winged Starling, Grey-headed Olive-back ,Orange-tufted and Tiny Sunbirds, Uganda Woodland Warbler and Chestnut-winged Starling.

When To Trek Chimpanzees In Kibale Uganda March – May, September – November

4. SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK is impeccable a Uganda safari spot located in the extreme west of Uganda in Bundibugyo district along geo-graphical coordinates 0o 44′- 00 53′ N – 290 57-30o 11’E. It is an eastern extension of the vast Ituri forest, and forms part of the forest continuum during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene period. It forms one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa particularly birds.

It lies within the western arm of the East African Rift Valley along the Uganda/ Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border. Semuliki National Park is bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains to the southeast , to the west is the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the north are the Semuliki flats and Lake Albert further on.what an interesting view all round!!!

This 220 sq km Semuliki National Park, one of the newest national parks in Uganda was gazetted in October 1993. Her land form includes a flat land form with a gently undulating park that ranges between 670 -760 meters above sea level. Many areas in this park flood up during the rainy season because all streams and rivers from the surrounding area drain through the park, coupled with the poor topography and drainage.

The average annual rainfall in Semuliki is 1,250mm with March-May and September-December as the pick season. Her temperatures range from 18oc to 30oc but these have relatively small daily variations.

What to do:

Species Diversity

Semuliki National Park is a lowland tropical rain forest hence moist and semi-deciduous. The park has 336 tree species recorded, 24 of which are restricted to only Semuliki, to the eastern part of the range, only shared by one or two neighboring forests some of which are Nesogordonia kabingaensis, ejacis guineesis and Isolana congolana. Some tree species such as lovoa surymertonii and cordia millenii are considered to be endangered in Semuliki National Park.

Compared to other exceptional diversity for small mammals, birds and butterflies, among the fauna recorded in Semuliki include 435 bird species which is about 34% of Uganda’s total. Some of these cannot be found anywhere in East Africa and are the continent’s most spectacular and sought after birds; the horn bills and lyre tailed honey guide just to mention but a few.

Semuliki National Park is unique Uganda wildlife safari destination because it has 63 mammal species, 9 of which are diurnal forest primates such as chimpanzees, olive baboon , blue monkey, and vervet monkeys, while the nocturnal primates include galagos plus pottos . To add to her mammals species, Semuliki National Park has forest beecroft’s flying squirrel, buffaloes, little collared fruit bat, blue duiker, pigmy squirrel plus the water chevrotaain.

About 374 species of butterflies and months have been identified in semuliki 46 of which are forest swallowtails and charaxes and at least 81 species of large moth, 12 of which are classified as restricted.

The forest’s location, but also to the varied habitats, forest swamp, grassland and an extensive system of hot springs, warm swamp and Savannah woodland accounts to her wide range of species.

Local People

Four ethnic groups live around Semuliki National Park. The Bamba and Bakonjo are found in the valley and mountain slopes respectively, and are majorly agriculturalists depending on cash crops such as rice and potatoes coffee, cocoa and food crops mainly bananas.

The Batuku people occupy the rift valley floor, north of the park and are pastoralists who depend entirely on cattle products which they trade in with their neighbors, both Ugandans and natives of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Batwa /pigmies who are gatherers and hunters form part of the Ituri ethnic group, who have since time immemorial depended on Semuliki forest for survival. However their lifestyle is now changing due to daily interaction with other neighboring local communities and the impact of tourism.

Tourist Activities

The Semuliki National Park jungle life is a breathtaking one especially for birding tour, primate, butterfly and plant lovers. Her nature walk stretches you up to the meandering river Semuliki, the only one of its kind in East Africa.

On this tour, a list of potential forest animals one may see include; leopards, buffaloes and elephants, sitatungas, various primates, crocodiles, and a variety of water and forest birds.

Sport fishing;

Interested visitors should carry their fishing gadgets for sport fishing along the river. The Semuliki National Park safari has splendid and breathtaking views that have life time memories to offer. Come and experience the thrilling winding Bundibugyo road through the Rwenzori escarpments. Along the way in the mountains, you will enjoy scenic views of the meandering Semuliki River, fuming hot springs and the buttress tropical tree rain forest that stretches to Ituri forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Situated in a tract of hot mineral encrusted swamp land are two hot springs, Here you will see a two meter jet of hot water about 30oc and a 12m diameter pool of oozing boiling water about 106oc. To the surprise of many, you can boil food in the natural boiler (the boiling pool) within 10 minutes and eat it especially eggs. Why not have this trip and have this fascinating experiment a practical trial? You had better; you will live to remember it!!!

A trip to the nearby protected areas like Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kibale National Park and Toro-Semliki wildlife Reserve can be arranged for a guest.

5. RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK: A Uganda Safari that features the Rwenzori mountain climbing adventure provides a memorable and rewarding experience but in order to have a smooth flow it should be well planned and every tour must be well prepared. The central hike circuit can take about six nights/seven days and then reaches an altitude of 14,000ft (4,267m) above the sea level.

Conditions on this mountain are quite challenging even to an experienced hiker as mountain Rwenzori is well known for its steep, unengineered, and slippery trails with frequent rainfall and cold temperatures, fog, muddy, steep terrain with a high altitude.

Despite this it’s worth a try due to the exciting experience you will attain. Its dry period includes July-August, December-February and so its relatively dry for inexperienced hikers.

At all seasons its recommended that one should have a rain gear, a good sleeping bag, a warm hat, pairs of gloves, heavy socks, gum boots, gaiters and a walking stick for easy balance and support are plus a basic first aid kit.

Porters stay around the mountain thus help visitors carry their heavy equipments and food, leaving one with a small pack, rain gear, warm clothes, camera, water and any other light luggage for an enjoyable experience.

One can purchase their own food and Rwenzori mountaineering service can provide cooking utensils and cooks to help in preparing it.

Central Circuit Trial

Day 1: Ensure that you arrive at the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (R.M.S) & Rwenzori Mountains National Park offices located at Nyakalengija during morning hours in order to have enough time to hire hiking equipment and get booked for services of porters guides.

Hiking activities are set off from 5,400ft/1,646m at the park headquarters going past typical the Bakonzo “mud and wattle” homesteads. Gradually continue walking through the huge elephant grass upwards and via garden plots which takes about 40minutes to arrive at the boundary of the park.

This trail follows river Mubuku crossing through recent landslide areas that involve climbing over rocks and a bluff, before reaching river Mahoma within 2hrs 30min time. After crossing this river embark on a steep climb through the open bracken fern slopes & Podorcarpus Forest at 8,700ft (2652m) up to the Nyabitaba hut.

Climbing from Nyakalengija area to Nyabitaba takes an average hiker about 5-7 hours and the total elevation attained is 4,000ft (1,200m). Slow or armature hikers could take a much longer time, it is therefore advisable to set off from the park headquarters as early as possible to avoid trailing in darkness.

During this trip, you might hear chimpanzees sounds and might get a glimpse of the black and white colobus, blue monkeys plus the beautifully Rwenzori Turaco bird.

Day 2: For half a kilometer the trail starts at Nyabitaba Hut-West wards then drops steeply heading to the Kurt Shaffer Bridge. It cross below rivers Bujuku & Mubuku respectively and after turning on the right of the bridge, starts climbing up the central circuit anti-clockwise since the opposite direction is more demanding and risky.

The muddy slippery trail goes consistently up through a bamboo forest after the Kurt Shaffer Bridge,. After 1:30hrs, you will get to the most challenging and dangerous footing of the whole circuit according to many hikers. Since it has slippery boulder hopping;

You will reach out to the Nyamuleju hut with its accompanying rock shelter after 5hrs of walking from Nyabitaba and this may be a great stop over for yo night. This is the start of the giant groundsel zone and Lobelia, a unique vegetation type found no elsewhere in the world, except at Rwenzori.

You will have a 1hour walk through a challenging bog to John Matte hut (11,200ft/3,414m). It is full of unique plants and the slow pace at which one walks is a delightful chance to examine and photograph the unique environment. Reaching john matte takes 7 hours. To some hikers this is the most tiring and longest day of the entire circuit so an early start is recommended.

Getting on top of this altitude-Kurt Shafer Bridge means one is about 3,000ft (915m). Hikers who feel have reached their height limits at this point should consider stopping here.

Day 3: You will leave John matte to cross the Bujuku River to enter the lower Bigo bog, and you shall experience jumping from tussock to tussock on a grassy bog. This trail is not only muddy but follows the left (southern) edge of lower Bibo bog until it finally reaches the round metal “uni-port” the bigo hut and its rock hard shelter.

There is a steep section past the hut that leads to the upper Bigo bog, in the last half of which, a boardwalk has been constructed. Someone may think it is an ugly intrusion, but it makes walking easier and prevents hikers from further damaging this bog. At the upper end of this bog is a beautiful narrow stream that can make a lovely stop over for your lunch.

6. LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

With a size of 260 sq km, Lake Mburo National Park is situated near Mbarara district and forms Uganda wildlife tours and Safaris destination best for tourists to amazing wild game walks amidst chanting and grazing wild animal and this can be done here in the whole Uganda .

It Lies in the one part of Uganda that is covered in extensive acacia woodland and unlike any reserve in Uganda, L. Mburo National Park is home to remarkably different fauna. It is Uganda`s prime tour and safari destination for one to see the gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topis, impala, and buffaloes. Its unique acacia-associated bird species population includes the rare Shoebill stork.it’s sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and beautiful lake shores has are harbors forest galleries, rich acacia tree valleys, seasonal and permanent swamps a combination of which supports a great attraction of different wildlife species.

One can have a great Uganda National Park safari or tour here because there five lakes within Mburo, it is home to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of water birds, and its fringing swamps are a hide out for secretive papyrus animal species such as the sitatunga antelope plus red/black and yellow papyrus gonolek. In spite of it being the smallest of Uganda’s Savannah national parks. Its mosaic habitat: dry hillside, rocky outcrops, bushes, thickets, open and wooded Savannah’s, forests, Mburo gives a lasting impression/adventure to all tourists that visit it.

It is about 3.5 hours drive from Kampala. The park is accessed from the Masaka-Mbarara road; turn left to Nshara gate (13 kms past Lyantonde) which brings you through Sanga gate. Both junctions have clearly marked signposts, it is about 13kms from Sanga trading center to Sanga gate and 8kms from the main road to Nshara gate. It’s an ideal Uganda safari destination for short tours and excursions. It is about 20 minutes drive from either gate to Rwonyo park headquarters.

TOURIST ACTIVITIES:

Game Viewing: Lake Mburo national Park is famous Uganda tour destination for it is richne in biodiversity and has about 68 different species of mammals. The common ones being the herbivores; Zebra, Impala, Buffalo, Topi, and Eland never the less, the rare slightly of Roan antelonkspe and leopard, Hyenas and jackals as predictors;

Birding: L. Mburo National Park is a magnificent birding safari destination on top of her large animals; she has a variety of colorful birds. For many bird lovers, birds are the most interesting creatures to watch in Mburo. This park is home for more than 315 different species of birds including; the rare shoebill stork, African fin foot, saddle billed stork, brown chested wattled plover papyrus yellow warbler, Olea species and Boscia, abyssinian ground hornbill and white winged warbler, curruther’s cisticola, tabora cisticola, great snipe and other Acacia bird species.

As common species become familiar, one will begin to notice smaller, less spectacular birds. Real experts seem to get most excited by the ‘Little Brown jobs’ which are the hardest to identify. Although many birds are wild spread, some are fussier in their choice of habitat. Most of the park’s 310 recorded species are ‘generalist’ and can be viewed almost everywhere in the park. But there are notably 5 species of bird found only in the forest, and 60 specialist water birds. Others have preference for short or tall grasslands hence found mainly in woodlands.

Lake Mburo National Park has the following bird categories; Open water birds, Lakeshore and papy-rus swamp birds, Seasonal swamp birds, Woodland birds, Grassland birds and Forest birds. Her birds of the Open Water in this Park include; Pink-backed pelican, Darter, White pelican, Yellow-billed duck, Long-tailed cormorant, White winged black tern and Greater cormorant

Boat cruise: Lake mburo National Park is blessed with a diversity of animal and plant species that can only be clearly viewed if you take a boat cruise. To mention but a few, are crocodiles, hippopotamuses and birds like Pelicans, Black crake, Heron, cormorant, fish eagle, one may also sight the rare shoebill stork and all these are worth furnish one`s Uganda safari with pride. For any tourist, the presence of Lake Mburo within the park is a blessing with a lot to offer. The duration of each boat cruise is negotiable but it usually takes 2hrs and arrangements for extra time can be made with management at an extra fee.

Guide nature walks: The nature trail offers the visitor a chance to admire unique nature insights. In company of an armed guide, visitors have the opportunity to walk in the circuit at their personal choice pace. Comprehensive information about this trail is fully given to you in form of a brochure in both English and Runyankole at the trek/walk start.

Salt Lick: A walk to the nearby salt is the pick of the Mburo Uganda tour. Standing at the strategically located wooden hide (Observation point) offers visitors a chance to see at least 4 different species of animals at any one time as they lick the salty soil. Most interesting at this point is that the animals are viewed without their conscience hence they are not destructed from the salt lick. Visitors may also walk to a desired area but- under watch of an armed guide.

Rubanga Forest: With over 40 species of birds recorded in Rubanga, One can also explore this forest by making arrangements with the park management to have a ranger accompany you. Rubanga Forest is very small but a true forest with a closed canopy in place. The forest has unique trees common among them, are the Markhamia platycalyx (grey-brown truck) with irregular flaky patches, divided leaves, yellow flowers stripped and spotted with red; brunches of extremely long (up to 1.3 m pod like fruits). Palms, figs, sapium (a tall tree whose leaves turn red before falling) as well as the flame tree Erythrina abyssinica located towards the edge of the swamp.

Conservation Education Center: The park has a conservation education center, just about 1(one) Kilometer from Sanga gate and its open to interested tourists. With a descent accommodation and a 40 people occupancy hall, this center caters for individual visitors, school groups, for tourism, seminars and workshops.

Fishing: With about 6 species of fish, the common one being Tilapia (oreochromis leucostictuss) Lake Mburo is a dream spot for tourist interested in fishing;

Visitors planning to have sport fishing safaris on this lake should have their own fishing equipments and fish at only the designated point at Mazinga. At the campsite a restaurant is available to ensure maximum relaxation for visitors while at the lake enjoying their fishing.

Interpretation Center: Literature about the Park history, biodiversity and other resources including the scenic beauty is always available at the interpretation Center (The interpretation center is located at Rwonyo hill), which also serves as a starting point for nature walks.

7. QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK: Located in the southwest of Uganda near Kasese, covering 1978 sq km. Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is Uganda`s most popular and accessible savanna reserve and Uganda safari destination. It was declared as a bios-sphere reserve purposely to harmonizing human activities with the conservation and protection of wild life , wet lands and natural resources in 1979.

QENP is bounded by the Ishasha River and Lake Edward to the west along DR Congo boarder, by Kasese and Rwenzori foothills to the north, to the east by lake George, kyambura/chambura gorge and kalinzu forest reserve, and by the Kigezi Wildlife Reserve to the south.

Much as QENP is primarily known for open savanna,in some areas studded with a dense cover of acacia and euphoria trees but it also embraces large area of thick swamps around Lake George,the extensive Maramaganbo Forest in the southeast, and the forested Kyambura Gorge along the border with the Kyambura Game Reserve .

Endowed with at least ten crater lakes within the park, including the highly accessible cluster right north of the main road to Mweya safari lodge, as well as the whole Ugandan shore of lake Edward,the western and northern shores of lake George, plus the connecting Kazinga channel QENP has a lot to offer to any tourist and a one of Uganda`s Eco tourism destinations. What a life time memorable site it is!.

Having been protected as the lake George and lake Edward game reserve since the late 1920s, the present day QENP was gazette as Kazinga National Park in 1952, purposely to protect landscapes of prolific wildlife typical of the Rift Valley flow from lake Edward to the Rwenzori mountains. In 1954 it was renamed QENP in memory of the Queen of England’s visit to this place.

With a total of 95 mammal species recorded here and the highest for any Ugandan national park, it makes this park a remarkable Uganda wildlife safari spot. These include ten primate species, including chimpanzee, black -and- white colobus and olive baboon, the vervet blue, red-tailed and L’Hoest’s monkeys, and around 20 predators are native to this park, the side-striped jackal among, the spoted hyena, lion and leopard, the beautiful Uganda kob, bushbuck, topi and Defassa water bucks- all antelope species. In her papyrus swamps around lake George duels the elusive semi-aquartic sitatunga antelope and four duikers species are resident in Maramagambo Forest. Buffaloes are common sight and are usually redish in colour due to interbreeding with the Congolese forest redder forest buffalo.

Today, QENP boasts with around 2500 species of Elephants and with at least 200 readily observed Lions. This park is home to 610 species a remarkable aspect for a reserve of her size basing on continental standards which explains why it is Uganda`s leading wildlife tours-safari destination. In addition to her 54 raptors, this park has virtually every water bird species found in Uganda, as well as a variety of woodland and forest birds, the later largely confined to maramagambo forest.

Birding safaris-tours are common here because QENP has a variety of bird species that majorly include; Open-billed Stork, African Jacana, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, African Skimmer, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Grey-capped Warbler, African beautiful Black-headed Gonolek, Swamp Fly-catcher, Pin-tailed Whyda Martial Eagle, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Common Squaco Heron, Shoebill Stork, African Fish Eagle, African White-tailed Lark, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Collard Pranticles, Gabon and Slender-tailed Mourning Dove, The Nightjars, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Black Bee-eater, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Great white and Pink-backed Pelicans,Papyrus Canary, White-winged Terns.

The ethnic groups virtually attached to this area are; Banyankole, Bakiga, and Bakonjyo. These carry out a variety of traditional and contemporary economic activities-notably salt mining, crop and animal farming, and have a greatly reach diversity of dressing codes as well as languages, an interesting discovery to interested tourist.

With such a fusion of attractions I can strongly assert that QENP is a wonder tourist destination that has a lot to stain a life time memory of a great Africa tour-safari in to the minds of any great traveler/tourist.

TOURISTS ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Game Drives: An experience of this game drive in Q.E.N.P will automatically get you an exciting Uganda adventure to tell the rest of your life there is to live!.This involves driving through the park so as to view animals. It is best done in the early morning and late afternoon hours when the weather is calm. QENP has well-maintained tracks, giving visitors quick access to the park’s wildlife and other attractions.

These tracks cut through the mating grounds of the great Uganda Kob as the outstanding gigantic forest hog is seen moving around the park bush. You will enjoy a memorable sight of Elephants as they make their way down to the waters during hot days, hungry lions looking for their prey while bush backs and buffaloes can be found on the channel track and juxtaposed circumference.

The out unique panorama along the crater track leads you to volcanic craters at the foothills of the misty mountains of the moon, outstanding of all, the great overlooking Mt.Rwenzori shall be seen.

The Launch Cruise: This is a boat trip along the hippopotamus crowded banks of Kazinga channel and it gives you a unique unbeaten wild life experience. Crocodile are a common sight and occasionally a common leopard can be seen. Many buffaloes rest in the waters while big herds of elephants enjoy them-selves drinking and playing along the channel banks. You will See Hippos as surrounded by vast numbers of migrants and resident birds, this boat cruise puts one, right in the heart of amazing nature.

Nature Walks: In Maramagambo Forest; these are short to long guided nature walks offered at the great Q.E.NP. This will expose you diversity the wild; the pythons in the ostracism of the bat caves floor with their prey-the bats. This bat’s cave is near the attractive blue lake and hunter’ cave; Other trails lead you to the heart of the surrounding craters and habitats to many forest birds as well as some primates like the Chimpanzee.

A Nature Walk to The Kyambura Wild Life Reserve: It is found in the eastern part of the protected area and supports similar mammals to the rest of the park. It harbors three saline crater lakes, which attract a large number of flamingoes- not found anywhere else hence a great birding safari destination in Uganda. This steep Kyambura gorge, formed by the turbulent waters of the roaring Kyambura River, provides a luxuriant Riverine forest, habitant to Lions, chimpanzees.

Black -and – white colobus monkeys, olive baboons and other primates as well as plenty of forest birds, snakes and many others; A visit to the gorge presents a great opportunity to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

The Ishasha Visit: This trail to southern part of the park will let you See the tree climbing lions a on the large fig tree,see the Topi, the Uganda Kob and Buffaloes graze in the acacia studded savannah.

A visit to The Traditional Salt: You will see how the salt ore looks like since the 14 century, here; salt has been mined by traditional methods to date. You will also understand how the salt mines have been sub divided and distributed to the various tribes in Uganda. As explained by your guide, you will lean the interesting cultural strings attached to the salt mines.

Travel Abroad, Travel Africa, Travel Uganda, Volunteer Abroad, Volunteer in Africa, Volunteer in Uganda with Uganda Vision Resource Centre

Nature Photography Tour with Africa Travels at Uganda Vision Resource Centre

This tour covers south western Uganda scenic areas including the UNESCO’s world heritage site, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; Queen Elizabeth national park, Mgahinga Mountain National Park, Kisoro and Kabale Villages and other natural areas. It also includes the Fort Portal Crater Zone; Bunyaruguru Crater Zone. Activities here will include Game Drives, Launch Cruise, Hill Climbing, Waterfall and nature walks, Crater Lake and cave exploration, Gorilla tracking, and village walks. This safari is available all year round.

Guests pay a fee that covers the costs of their stay such as accommodation, transport, guides and meals as well as a donation that assists to finance some projects. In return our guests get to see our beautiful country, experience African culture, learn some new skills and make a difference to those hosting them. As well as making many new friends, the memories made are sure to last a lifetime.

Kabale & Kisoro areas

The extreme south-western corner of Uganda is unsurpassed in terms of biodiversity and scenic beauty. Highland Tropical Rainforests and wetlands meet cloud and mountainous landscapes; and flanking to this astounding array of natural habitats lies the artistic farmlands and villages of the local inhabitants providing very good photographic opportunities.

Nature hikes and excursions in Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mgahinga mountains, offer great opportunities to learn about the complex symbiotic relationships in a prime rainforests and observe a wide variety of plants and wildlife.

Interacting with the marginalized tribal group, Batwa – pygmies who are traditionally hunter gatherers, as they tell stories of their past, is a memorable experience! The area is a peaceful, relaxed setting nestled among fertile rolling hills, where we freely chat with artists, wood sculptors, weavers and farmers especially at Buhoma.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bunyaruguru and Fort Portal crater zone

Queen Elizabeth National park is one of the most interestingly beautiful destinations in the whole world! Rolling hills and valleys caress the savannah plains, speckled with acacia woodland before soaring inland to explosion craters, some with pure water lakes. The Launch Cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, the Crater Lake drive and a nature walk to the Kyambura gorge and the blue lake, are the most thrilling experiences in this park. Our Kazinga channel launch cruise is the most luxurious in the western Uganda, plying these waters with comfort, elegance and attentive service, affording superb wildlife viewing from your observation deck, is far much re-assuring!

In the vicinity are free-standing snow-capped Rwenzori mountain ranges; quaint Bunyaruguru green farms and villages, whose charming residents are descendants of Buganda immigrants. The area is carved out of dense, tropical rainforests and hilly landscapes of the fertile volcanic soils dotted with numerous cup-shaped, serpentine-shaped crater lakes, glazed in different colours including blue, green, black and transparent. These dazzling Bunyaruguru craters embrace tracts of massive volcanic upheavals with inferred Holocene eruptions that occurred about 5000 years ago.

The fort portal area craters and hills are a continuum of the Bunyaruguru crater field extension. Crater-Lake-Exploration: Bunyaruguru-Craters

 The Batwa Pygmies:

Only leaving a nomadic life in the forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of Congo in 1992, the Batwa Pygmies now reside in Uganda near the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To preserve their culture and heritage within their community and educate visitors about their history and livelihood, The Batwa Experience provides a peek into the life of the pygmies. After a long uphill hike, the Batwa people will welcome you to their small village with lively dancing and songs. The proceeds of this experience go back to the Batwa people for their education, healthcare, and development projects.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable

The cornerstone of Uganda’s tourist industry resides with the 400 mountain gorillas that call the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park their natural home. With an estimated 786 mountain gorillas remaining in the world, Uganda currently has 53% of the global population. The gorillas, of course, have no passports and cross freely between Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.

Threatened by poaching, recent preservation efforts and tourism have enabled the mountain gorilla population to begin growing again. The steep price of a tracking permit goes back to preservation efforts and into the local communities for development projects. Witnessing the beautiful creature in their environment is unforgettable. The animals treat their own illnesses and even add sweet and salty flavors to their food using various roots and plants. They move together as a family and make a new nest each night.

Across the equator line

Water really does drain in opposite directions on either side of the equator. On every major road in Uganda, a line marks the earth’s midsection. Heading south out of Kampala, we found an equator crossing where a man used three funnels to demonstrate how water drains in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. As for the funnel set up directly on the equator — it goes straight down with no spin at all!

Shoebill at Uganda Wild-life Centre;

Saying farewell to Uganda, our group visited the Uganda Wildlife Centre where distressed animals are taken for rehabilitation and care. I never expected to bow to a bird, but with the very large (and in charge) shoebill, a bow is protocol. The bird first dips its head toward a person and waits for the move to be reciprocated — a sign that this enormous, winged creature shows respect and should be respected.

Rhinos at Uganda Wild-life Centre;

Endangered and protected, white rhinoceroses are being bred in captivity in order to help their population. Poachers have significantly stolen from their herds for the love of their horns. The Uganda Wildlife Centre cares for two “just friend” rhinos. With a thick iron gate between us, on a back-of-house tour I felt privileged to pet these leathery animals and marvel at their distinct and large features.

Katwe Salt Mines;

Inside Queen Elizabeth National Park resides an entire community of laborers who only have one initiative: to mine salt. The government allocates the Katwe Salt Lake to the economic benefit of the Katwe town’s people. Since salt is the only commodity allowed to be developed within the park, all other goods, including food, are brought in and traded for salt.

Bicycle transport:

Bicycles carry every kind of item in Uganda. Many people, particularly in small rural communities, are limited in transportation resources. I saw bikes moving everything from pineapples to a stack of mattresses! On market days men carry farm produce, like matooke (a variety of banana), to town by bicycle, where their produce can be bought by distributors and exporters.

Tea fields in Western Uganda;

If Uganda had a single color, it would be green. Cloaked in tropical foliage, the landscape sits at an average of 1200m (4000 ft) above sea level, keeping the country cooler than I expected on the equator. This environment enables tea farmers to produce vibrant green crops on the hills. Uganda’s southern landscape radiates the color green in beautiful and evenly manicured tea fields.

Rubona Basket Weavers Association

The women in the Rubona Basket Weavers Association use natural dyes made from scratch at their workshop in Rubona to color raffia used in the beautiful baskets they create. The Association employs 200 female workers who create baskets in a variety of colors and designs. Eco-friendly production makes these baskets marketable around the world with profits from each basket going back to the women who made it. With economic growth that may hit a 6% increase in gross domestic product in 2015, Uganda has an impressive number of entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses that provide employment and revenue for their towns and businesses.

Cape Buffalo;

Queen Elizabeth National Park hosts a number of volcanic craters within its boundaries. Mineral-laden lakes fill many of the craters and cape buffalo enjoy their cool waters. While the lakes contain too much alkalinity and salinity to drink, the buffalo appear to enjoy cleaning up in these volcanic bathtubs.

Elephant experience;

In Western Uganda you will meet hundreds of elephants — some close by and others grazing in the distance. Each magnificent sighting reignited my childlike imagination. Each day, the enormous animals can walk more than 80 km (50 miles) to graze on up to 300 kg (660 lbs) of grasses and trees, and drink an impressive 200 liters (53 gallons) of water.

Hippopotamus;

Waking up on safari, I quickly discovered that many hippopotamuses roam through the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Staying near lakes and rivers to protect their sensitive skin against sunshine during the day, hippos even give birth in the water. At night, the massive herbivores heave their bodies onto the land in search of grasses to eat.

The earliest man: Stone-Age Man

The earliest man in Uganda lived around 60,000-50,000 B.C. This was the early Stone Age man known as Homo erectus. Traces of Homo erectus in Uganda were found at a place called Nsongezi in Ankole region. He had the knowledge of making and using stone tools, especially the hand axe.

Between 50,000 and 150,000 B.C, there emerged the middle Stone – Age man. During this period, man invented fire and more stone tools and began to become widely distributed. In Uganda, sites of the Middle Stone – Age man can be traced at Nsongezi and Sango Bay.

The development of the present man is said to have taken place during the period 10,000 to 1,500 B.C. This falls within the Late Stone – Age period which is said to have lasted between some five hundred to six hundred years but traces of which still exist in most African societies. Between A.D. 500 and 1,500, other people began to migrate to Uganda from different parts of Africa. The earliest surviving inhabitants the Bantu found in Uganda are the pygmaean, Batwa and the Bambuti mostly found in Western Uganda.

Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Caves

These caves are located 10km from Fort Portal Town, the “Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru” is a limestone site with an amazing legendary story behind their existence.

The myth surrounding the caves are that they were named after Nyinamwiru a daughter of Bukuku one of the ancient rulers of the Batembuzi Dynasty of the current Toro and Bunyoro Kingdoms. She was a proud attractive girl who refused to marry the man her father chose for her.

As a result she was punished by cutting off her breasts which later are assumed to have grown into these scenic rocks with a dripping white liquid assumed to be milk

The steaming sound of waterfalls welcomes you at the entrance. The huge falls dictate the moisture content of the atmosphere surrounding the caves. At the entrance to the caves, the snake size slippery path guides you through as you penetrate into a cool green world of moss and fern covered by trees and rocks

Sempaya Hot springs

The Sempaya hot springs are the most outstanding and well known feature in the Semiliki National Park. The springs are located within the verdant swampy area adjacent to the south eastern edge of this forest.

The wonderful boiling water at the Hot springs within the National Park emits a noticeable cloud of – steam which can be seen from a distance as far as 2 kilometers. According to UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority), the waters of Sempaya water spring reach to a maximum temperature of 100 degrees centigrade. This is very exceptional since most hot springs reach a maximum temperature about 50 degrees centigrade. A number of Tourists have been spotted boiling eggs, green bananas as well as cassava in these 2 geothermal springs.

The hot springs are found in the Semliki river valley below the escarpment on the way to Bundibugyo town. They are located in two areas where one is referred to as the “male” and the other as the “female”.

Don’t Miss Curative Kitagata Hot springs on your Uganda Safari

They are situated in Bushenyi district about 350 kms west of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda near to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Hot springs, Ekitagata, where the township and the administrative area derive their name from, provide one of the nice attractions to any visitor to Kitagata in Bushenyi district. Two big springs lie adjacent to each other 1 kilometer from the Kitagata trading centre and have water to temperatures as hot as 80 degrees centigrade.

The hot springs also have historical importance as one was used by the King of Ankole and hence referred to locally as ‘Ekyomugabe’ (the Kings Spring) while the other adjacent one is more known for its medicinal value and referred to as Mulago in reference to Uganda’s national referral hospital.

Many visitors travel to Kitagata to treat themselves to the hot baths or just to catch a glimpse of people bathing in these natural hot Spas. Kitagata hot springs are also well known for their curative waters. Patients from as far as 100 kms flock the springs to soak themselves in the spring waters to heal them; Some other patients drink the sulphur rich waters of the hot springs for cure from rheumatism and arthritis.

Kitagata is a vernacular for warmth, but because of the popularity of the place, the village and sub-country are also called Kitagata.

The springs are a must visit to anyone visiting Bushenyi and are on the route that easily connects to Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Mburo National Parks in Western Uganda.

Margherita Peak at 5,109 metres up Mt. Rwenzori   

If you are fit and feel you can climb Rwenzori Mountain offers the best adventure safari in Africa.

Margherita Peak is at 5,109 metres above sea level on Mt Stanley in the Rwenzori Mountains and is Africa’s third highest mountain, however the real beauty is in the climb up the Kilembe route, the forests and valleys, the flora is diverse from giant heather trees and valleys of ferns. Climbing Margherita Peak is now technical due to the ever increasing number of crevasses. However scaling the actual peak is more of a hard scramble than a climb and when it snows it is difficult however the rewards and exhilaration of reaching the top is enormous as you look across Albert Peak to the DRC (Congo) then east across the spectra of the Rwenzori Mountains. This is a journey of 120km going through 5 different vegetation zones.

We have found that many people do this trek in eight days as they are able to skip camps on the way down, however you need to be fit.

 Lake Bunyonyi (“Place of many little birds”)

It lies in south western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale close to the border with Rwanda. Located at 1,962 m (6,437 ft) above sea level, it is about 25 km (15.5 mi) long and 7 km (1.35 mi) wide. The depth of the lake is rumored to vary between 44 m (144 ft) and 900 m (2,952 ft), which if true would make the lake the second deepest in Africa. It is one of the few lakes in the region that is rumored to be free of bilharzia and safe for swimming, however, this claim is not verifiable and patrons of the lake have tested positive as recently as 2012. The lake appears on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note under the title “Lake Bunyonyi and terraces”.

Towns on its shores include Kyevu and Muko, while its 29 islands include Punishment Island and Bushara Island. It is a popular location for watersports and is known for the surrounding terraced hillsides. It is popular with both foreign and domestic tourists and there is a wide variety of tourist accommodation.

Geography of Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a body of water seven kilometres (4.3 miles) west from Kabale Town, southwestern Uganda. It is 25 km (15.5 mi) long and 7 km (4.3 mi) wide, covering an area of 61 square kilometres (23½ sq. miles). The lake’s altitude is 1,950m (6,437 ft), and it is surrounded by hills that are 2,200 to 2,478m (7,218 to 8,130 ft) high and intensely cultivated.

Its 29 islands are concentrated in the central part. These islands have few settlements, they are mostly used for tourist facilities and for a secondary and a primary school.

The data on the lake’s maximum depth varies, from 44m to 900m (144 to 2,952 ft) in parts. If the latter is true, Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa. The temperature on the surface rises to 25 degrees Celsius (77 °F). In the beginning of the 20th century, fish were introduced to the lake and in the 1930s fishing became profitable. Unfortunately in the 1960s the fish died massively as a result of a violent shallow mixing, likely caused by wind. Subsistence fishing prevailed in the lake, people mostly caught clarias species – the lake’s depth and stratification makes it difficult for the breeding of the common Ugandan species Nile Perch and Tilapia. Nevertheless, 300,000 Nile Tilapias and Clarias fish were released in the lake at the end of 2002. Also present in the lake are Mud fish, Cray fish and Mirrowcarp – and plenty of their predators, otters.

Main islands on Lake Bunyoni

Akampene = Punishment Island

The Bakiga used to leave unmarried pregnant girls on this small island with a lone tree – to die of hunger or while trying to swim to the mainland (swimming skills were rare). This was to educate the rest, to show them not to do the same. A man without cows to pay the bridewealth could go to the island and pick up a girl. The practice got abandoned in the first half of the 20th century. Although this practice has been abandoned, it is still possible to find women who were picked up from punishment island today.

Bushara Island

This island is the home of Lake Bunyonyi Development Company, an organisation with strong links to Church of Uganda, the main church of the lake area. They use tourism to generate funds for several development projects around Bunyonyi. The island has many luxury tents, chalets, and also campsites for tourists to stay on. It is also possible to rent out canoes and sailboats with a view to paddling to one of the other islands.

The striking feature of the island is its forest, a demonstration of the most appealing attribute of the eucalyptus tree: an exceptionally fast growth rate. The hills around Bunyonyi used to feature many forests but overpopulation led to them being cut down to create land for agriculture needs. Eucalypti have been imported to improve the situation. But eucalyptus plants may also have a negative effect: they can soak everything useful in the soil, leaving it more or less barren.

Kyahugye Island

Kyahugye Island is approximately 30ha (74 acres) in size and also the nearest to the mainland – a mere 5-minute boat ride away. It is surrounded by a 1-2m (3-6.5 ft) wide strip of reeds interspersed with papyrus. The Island has many tree species including Eucalyptus sp., Pinus sp., Alnus sp., and Cuprssus sp., these forming a wide perimeter around it. The vegetation on the Island falls into four categories namely bush, open fallows, tree plantations and natural vegetation. The hilltop is flat and has been developed for tourists.

There are chalets and campsites for accommodation, and a well stocked bar and restaurant. From the top of the Island, there are spectacular views of the surrounding terraced hillsides, the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi, and the neighboring Islands. On a clear day, Mt. Muhabura can be seen in the distance. Tourist activities like Nature walks, Birding walks, Dugout Canoe Treks, Community visits, Mountain Climbing, etc. can be organized.It is the only Island with wild animals which include the Impalas, Zebra, Water bucks, the Kobs and the only Debrasa Monkey. It also housed Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort.

Bwama and Njuyeera (Sharp’s Island)

In 1921, an English missionary called Dr Leonard Sharp came to this part of Uganda and in 1931 established a leprosy treatment centre on the then uninhabited Bwama island. A church, patient quarters (model villages) and a medical facility were built, while Sharp settled on Njuyeera Island (probably meaning ‘white cottage’, after the similarity of the doctor’s small white house to Sharp’s father’s house in Shanklin, now The White House Hotel). The rationale of the leprosy colony was that of ‘voluntary segregation’, where the provision of a happy community to live in would attract leprosy sufferers, so removing them from the communities where they might infect others.

The buildings of the hospital are now used by a boarding secondary school which attracts students from the entire region. There is also a primary school but no village on the island.

Bucuranuka = Upside Down

The legend says that this island killed many people. About twenty were once brewing local sorghum beer there. An old woman was passing by and she said: “Can you give me some local beer?” They wrongly thought that she was a beggar they knew. They refused her: “Get lost, beggar! Get lost!!!” The old woman asked: “So you will not even give me a sip? Can I at least get somebody to take me to the mainland?” They answered: “Yes, because we are fed up with you!” They chose a young guy to take her over. When they reached the shore and the guy was just beginning to return, the island turned upside down. All died, only a chicken flew away and survived

Travel Abroad, Travel Africa, Travel Uganda, Volunteer Abroad, Volunteer in Africa, Volunteer in Uganda with Uganda Vision Resource Centre