Archive for year: 2021

How to get trekking permit to Congo

How to get trekking permit to Congo: If you are thinking about gorilla trekking, its better you first think about the trekking permits. The fact is, you cannot do gorilla trekking, not only in Congo but also in Uganda and Rwanda. In fact, gorilla trekking is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can ever have in Congo. This country is basically a home for two species of gorillas, the lowland eastern and the mountain gorillas. Virunga National Park is a major home for the endangered sought after mountain gorillas.

The park has over eight habituated families of mountain gorillas which are available for trekking and visiting. Many visitors visit Congo for gorilla trekking in two major destinations; Kahuzi beiga national park and Virunga national park. Kahuzi beiga national park is basically a home for the commonly known eastern lowland gorillas. These are different from the endangered sought after mountain gorillas which are located in Virunga national park.

What are gorilla trekking permits?

The gorilla trekking permits are legal documents issued by government nature conservation bodies. Generally, this allows a visitor to engage in the gorilla activities in different gorilla safaris destinations in Africa. The permit in Congo will allow you to enjoy the exhilarating mountain gorillas in Virung and the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi beiga national park. Note that, the gorilla permit can be a gorilla trekking permit or a gorilla habituation permit. The gorilla habituation permits differ from the gorilla trekking permits in terms of cost and duration of validity within the wilderness.

Eastern lowland gorilla permits in Kahuzi beiga national park

The gorilla trekking permits for Kahuzi  beiga are issued by the government body of the democratic republic of Congo. It is also known as the ICCN which is “institut Congolais pour la conservation de la nature”. Kahuzi beiga national park is famously known for having about 6 families of lowland gorillas. And these are open for visiting by the travelers to the democratic republic of Congo. The permits for the eastern lowland gorillas in kahuzi beiga national park are charged usd400 per person. Each person, along with his or her permit is allowed to have a one hour interaction with the eastern lowland gorillas. The one hour interaction with these gorillas is worthy since it allows you to learn about these species. These include; feeding patterns, socialization, copulation, not to mention but a few. 

Mountain gorilla trekking permits in Virunga national park in Congo

Virunga national park is one of the famous places in Africa where mountain gorillas can be trekked. The park is also the only place in the democratic republic of Congo where you can find the mountain gorillas. Just like the other parks, gorilla trekking here is only possible if you possess a genuine gorilla trekking permit. There are a lot of local tour operators that can help you book your permit in Virunga national park. Besides, Virunga foundation together with the government of Congo offer discounted gorilla trekking permits. However, this is only for the trekkers to Virunga national park in Congo. Just like Kahuzi beiga national park, your gorilla trekking permit costs usd450 in Virunga national park.

What you have to know about gorilla trekking permits in Congo

Here, permits are highly competitive probably this is because they are the cheapest among all the gorilla trekking destinations. The gorilla trekking permits to Virunga national park are offered on the first come first serve basis. This is greatly attributed to the competitiveness of these cheap trekking permits. There is no much promise that you can find the permits available for you on a day you require to book for your trekking safari. For this reason, it is better you book your Virunga national park mountain gorilla trekking permit just in time.

It is best for you to book for your mountain gorilla trekking permit about 3-4 months before the actual trekking day. This is especially in the peak seasons whereby trekking permits might be hard to acquire. Note that, the peak season is experienced from late December, through January to February, and from June through July to August. However, no cancellation policy is attached to the gorilla trekking permit in Virunga national park. Additionally, no money is refunded for any case of cancelling your gorilla trekking permit to Virunga national park. 

Steps for booking a gorilla trekking permit in Congo

1. You have to contact a tour operator since it is always good if you use the local tour operators. In fact, they have the most updated information about the release of the mountain gorilla trekking permits.
   
2. Secondly, the tour operator will let you know about the feedback, such as the free days you can trek or else confirm choice. After giving you the feedback, you can also confirm with the tour operator and he books the permit tentatively.
3. Afterwards, the tour operator can send you the bank details on which you can complete your payment. Its good to take caution on this, there are many frauds that can make use of your information to drain your bank account.
4. The payment will be mature within 3-4 days after submitting in. Make sure that the payment you sent includes the cost of the permit and the bank charges as well. Therefore, your tour operator can help you with the summation.
5. After the payment, you are required to send your passport details. It is the passport details that are used by the ICCN to make for you the gorilla trekking permit. 

How travel and Uganda safaris will be after the corona virus pandemic

How travel and Uganda safaris will be after the corona virus pandemic : Travel and Uganda safaris have been ranked on the world tourism map as some of the most interesting safari vacations in Africa and, perhaps the entire world at large. Fact still stands, that a lot of travelers for the recent period of time, have booked and enjoyed a lot of Uganda safaris and holidays, of which mountain gorilla trekking has and is still the most booked safari package in Uganda. other travelers have booked the wildlife safaris to different national parks with in the pearl of Africa; Uganda over 10 major national parks and 12 game reserves, sanctuaries and other wildlife centers scattered all through the different parts of Uganda. Other leisure travelers have booked and enjoyed the city tours to the tourist towns of the pearl of Africa, such as Jinja for the adrenaline safari tours and excursions such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, kayaking among others, Entebbe town for cycling and boat cruises, and Kampala for the city life and night city life in Uganda among others. Truth is, Uganda is ranked among the best safari destinations in Africa, with a lot of items you can include on your travel bucket list in order to have the best time in the pearl of Africa.

For the corona virus pandemic, Uganda is one of the countries that stayed safe from the slaying virus, for some time. However, just as soon as the people had found out the safe haven in Uganda, the pearl of Africa, also got hit by the corona virus and a few cases have been surfacing on the corona virus update websites about Uganda, and currently, the number, though still lower, it is rising. This is where the concern arises from about the future of travel and safaris during the corona virus pandemic era, which is not even known, when it is going to stop. As for travelling for now,  seems very much impossible as most of the countries have closed down all  activities on the major entry points like airports, board check points, ports among others, so is Uganda. Even though it came in later, Uganda also locked down all the entry points to the country in order to curb the increasing number of firmed positive cases of the corona virus in the country, which is now clicking to 44 sick cases.

As for all the safaris that were booked during this time, where cancelled and or postponed to the future date with in the projected three months’ time, until the corona virus pandemic passes away. For the travelers that where in Uganda when the outbreak happened, are just still in their hotel rooms resting, as no movements are allowed in Uganda. First it started with the public transport, but now, no vehicle is allowed to transport travelers in Uganda. This is all done to engulf the corona virus from spreading to the other parts of the country like the rural areas among others.

However, I can still say that hope can be felt as earlier this week, the infectious COVID 19 disease seemed to be slowing down and a hope of a cure being seen , basing on the current circulating medical information. Despite, the virus has showed great impact on the tourism of Uganda and the entire world as all the major tourist origin countries, closed down any kind of transport,  alarmed woe to the travel and leisure sector of the country, so is the economy at large, since tourism has been the biggest foreign, exchange earner over a time.

As a number of trips have been cancelled, not only for Uganda, but the entire world’s tourism industry, also the travelers show signs of fear and are scared to travel for these months and others project the situation to be at least okay by next year. For the reason, tourism might really be down for the rest of this year and sometime next year.  However, Forbes magazine has put light on the projection of travel after the corona virus pandemic situation, which is not known, as below;

• International travel might be really for the adventurous ones, however, people will love to stay within their countries, closer to the safety homes and families. However, the Uganda safaris will all be as good as ever and if at all this gets done, just carry on your travel to the pearl of Africa.
• An imaginary projection shows that, the people will prefer the road trips to flights and cruises to different countries in the world for tourism safaris.
• Also the travelers might not want to stay in the destinations for more time, meaning the travel or safari durations might really become short, and for Africa, might lose a lot of travelers from Europe and other parts of the country.
• However, most of the traveler destinations are believed to bounce back with strong strategies to recover from the corona virus period, according to Forbes magazine’s interview with Wayne smith the chairman of the department of hospitality and tourism management at the college of Charleston.

Despite, with strong belief, this is going to come to an end, and Uganda will be open for more safari travelers, with very interesting packages as part of the recovery strategy of the tour companies in the country. Therefore, if you have ever wished to travel to Uganda, you can just take some time, for now, and look into the different safari websites of Uganda tour operators, read some information about the Uganda tourism industry, so that, by the time this ends, you will be ready to make your dream come true, travelling to the pearl of Africa. But for now, you can stay home and be safe during this trying time of corona virus. Otherwise, we are looking forward to receiving you again after all this is over, until we meet.

Attractions in Murchison falls national park Uganda

Attractions in Murchison falls national park Uganda : Generally, the park is an attraction of its own even before discovering what it entails. The park is unique because it is the only place whose main water body is the river Nile, the longest river in the Africa. Additionally,  Murchison falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda extending over a wide area of about 3840sq.km. This park spans in Masindi district, kiryandongo and nwoya district in the north western region of Uganda.

The Murchison water falls

The main attraction is the falls also called kabalega falls basing on the history it carries. This was a result from the famous king of bunyoro kingdom called kabalega. In 1860s, the first European to see the falls was Sir Samuel baker and his wife Florence baker. Later, he named it after a geologist called Roderick Murchison from England of the geographical society. Eventually, the whole national park was named after the falls in 1954 when it was officially established.

Here, the water runs so fast from the Nile River and reaching this point, it tries to squeeze through the small gorge. The gorge is just 7 meters with hard rocks bordering its sides making it a must visit for tourists. The pressure, at which the water penetrates through the gorge, creates a rumbling sound and trembles the ground due to the force it uses. You can enjoy the top of the falls hike where you can take a number of beautiful million dollars worthy photography of the falls. When you reach at top of the falls, its water droplets will splash on you giving you that cool feel. The unfading rainbow at the falls will also leave you amazed with great memories as you take photos and videos here.

The Rothschild’s endangered giraffes

You might have seen the giraffes somewhere else in Africa, but certainly you have not been to this park to see the Rothschild’s giraffes.  Giraffes are generally peaceful wild animals with all looks and behaviors so royal. Fortunate enough, you might wake up and set your eyes on a beautiful giraffe stretching its neck in the window of your room, what an experience. And during the game drive, they all parade in the trees with their necks stretched like models on the walk way. You will also love every sight and photo of the Rothschild’s giraffes in Murchison falls national park.

The game

Murchison falls national park has a number of wild animals species, about 75 mammal species. These will basically round off your game drive in Uganda as you enjoy animals in their natural habitat. During the game dive, you will enjoy the sightings of buffaloes, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, etc. You will also love spotting the water bucks, warthogs, Uganda kobs, etc even before leaving your lodge. At chobe safari lodge you will enjoy seeing hippos while they mourn in water all day long plus a number of crocodiles along the river bank. The game in Murchison falls national park is supplemented with the white rhinos at Ziwa rhino sanctuary. The sanctuary is in Masindi and harbors one of the big five of Africa which is the rhino.

Bird life

Generally, this park has got over 450 bird species categorized into the water birds and the open land birds. Among the water birds is the sought after shoebill stork. The shoebill stork is majorly spotted in the swamps along the Victoria Nile during the boat cruise towards the Albert delta. Birds here include; the grey crowned crane, pied kingfisher, yellow feet fly catcher, marabou stork. Sand pipers, African jacana, Denham’s bastards, blue headed coucol, black headed gonolek, eastern grey plantain eater, etc.

Kaniyo pabidi forest

The forest is a Jane goodall research station for the primates as well as holds a number of primate species. However, the most famous is the habituated chimpanzees. Kiniyo pabidi forest is 8km from kichumbanyobo gate and its well linked with chimpanzee trekking trails.  During the low season you can do a full day chimpanzee habituation which starts exactly 6am in the morning. This is in order to catch up with the chimps as they get down from their nests in the trees. You can as well spend the whole day learning the chimpanzee behaviors.

In conclusion, there are alot more that you will enjoy when you visit Murchison falls national park. In fact, Murchison falls National Park is just what you need for your African wild safari. Can you imagine you start spotting animals just at the entrance even before you reach your actual destination! Therefore, visit this park since it is open all year long and ready to receive your family, friends and any time you are most welcome.

Lion Tracking Experience | Uganda Parks

Lion Tracking Experience | Uganda Parks :  this basically involves one taking a close look at lions and learning their behavior. Here, lions with radio callers are tracked by a researcher assigned by the Uganda carnivore project-under the research department of Uganda Wildlife authority. They use the radiation trackers to monitor the movement of the lions with the radio callers. This activity involves learning much more about the habits of the king of the wild in natural plains of Kasenyi. In Uganda is is done within the national park and it is one of the most interesting experimental tourism activities.

Charges for this experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The coast of a lion permit authorized by Uganda Wildlife Authority is US$100 for international tourists and UGX 100,000 for the East African Community.  On this amount US$10, is paid to the Uganda carnivores’ project which is responsible for the conservation of the lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is also inclusive of the park entrance fee to Queen Elizabeth National Park. However, limited numbers of participants are allowed to a natural habitat. This means if you are to join the team, you have to book in advance in order to spare a place. Generally, this activity lasts for 2-3 days and only twice a day; in the morning 8am and late afternoon.

Why is a limited number of participants needed in the lion tracking experience?

This is not like any other game viewing activity but it’s a research. So for the research to go on right or for research purposes a limited number of participants are permitted to engage. Another reason is to avoid stressing the animals whereby lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park are not familiar to humans. As a result, the big number can stress them and this is truly dangerous for the sustainability of the eco system. Also a limited number helps to heighten your experience during the lion tracking activity. If you are few for the activity, you can all get a chance to capture clear pictures. 

How is lion tracking activity carried out?

Being time conscious is basically an awesome start on the lion tracking activity. In fact, this activity technically should start in the morning at around 8am. The tracking of lions is done by researchers using radio callers and radiation locators to find where they are hiding. The lions move in the groups of 3-25 individuals and these groups are called Prides. However, the number of lions increases during the tracking activity.

Therefore, it’s ideal to keep or note down the number seen first to avoid confusion. It is also good to take note of the different signs that help locate the lions. For example, the nocturnal vocalizations as well as the hyenas as they laugh and any other unusual distressing call for prey. You should also take note of the bent grass in the plains since it might help you know the direction where the lion has moved. There is 95% chance that if you do all this, you can see lions in savannah plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Do lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park behave different from any other lions in the World?

Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park are tree climbing lions. Therefore the lions in Ishasha are spotted lazily hanging up in the candelabra tree branches and sycamore trees. These lions are territorial, meaning, they make territories and they have to respect this rule. Otherwise, the worst can happen between two males of different prides. This is the reason why they are called the king of the jungle since two kings cannot rule one kingdom.

Uganda’s commonest historical sites

Uganda’s commonest historical sites : Uganda is now becoming a thriving nation which can showcase its rich history and natural beauty. Apart from national parks, Lakes and waterfalls, Uganda has got a lot of tourist attractions. Below are some of the historical sites which you cannot miss out while visiting Uganda. These sites have got memorial contents, looks and geographical locations which you will enjoy while on your trip.

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

Namugongo is found in Kyaliwajjala ward in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District. It is approximately 16 kilometers north-east of Uganda’s capital Kampala. The beautiful shrine’s exterior is basically made of 22 copper pillars over 100 feet long. In fact, the shrine was built to honor 32 young men who were pages of King Mwanga II of Buganda. On June 3^rd 1886 the men were burnt to death as a result of refusing to renounce Christianity. Annually on 3 June, Christians from Uganda and other parts of the world congregate here to commemorate the lives and religious beliefs of the Uganda Martyrs.

The Kasubi Tombs

The tombs in Kampala is a site of the burial grounds for four kings of Buganda and other members of the Baganda royal family. Built in 1881 on the Kasubi hill in Kampala, was later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. As a result, the site remains an important spiritual and political site for the Ganda people. It is as well an important spiritual and political site for the Baganda nation. Additionally, the tombs are a symbol of a spiritual, political and social state of its people. Despite the unfortunate incident, the site still gets regular visits while the main palace is being rebuilt and structured. Most of the site is open agricultural land that is farmed using traditional techniques. One corner contains a royal palace built in 1882 by Muteesa 1 and the new palace became a royal burial ground on his death in 1884.

Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru

This is a historical cultural site with remarkable history located in western Uganda in Fort Portal town. It is located near Nyakasura school a few kilometers out of Fort portal town. The name historically means breast of Nyinamwiru, a home to a very rich cultural history attached to these rocks. Generally, the Batoro have a strong belief attached to these caves with an interesting myth told through the generations about them. Actually, the caves were named after King Bukuku’s daughter named Nyinamwiru. King Bukuku was one of the ancient kings of the Batembuzi Dynasty that ruled that time. However, they were believed to be demi-gods by their subjects, often disappearing to the underground at given times.

Surely, the princess was a beautiful young lady who had a strong personality. She refused to marry the man her father the “king” had chosen for her. This greatly infuriated the king and his subjects who could not understand how anyone could disobey the king. The king then ordered that her breasts be cut off because of her disobedience. This would then ensure that she never gets married to whoever she would choose and never be able to nurse children. It is strongly believed that the scenic rocks in this location are her breasts oozing milk since that day. While here, one can take hike to Nyakasura hill which gives views of three different crater lakes. Also visit the marking of a large foot in the area believed to belong to one of the last Batembuzi dynasty people who were giants like humans.

Nyero Rock Paintings

It is situated high on top of the hill and has a good view of the surrounding countryside. The Nyero rock paintings are located in Eastern Uganda in Kumi district. The paintings are in fact among the most important rocks of Uganda. There are traces of red pigment forming two finger-painted outlines of small oval shapes. Additionally, it has got a slanting L-shape as well as an outlined cross with a small circle below. The painted surface is exfoliating and is open to the rain and morning sun. A little trek and a bit of climbing are involved, but is all worth it to see rock art dated back before 1250 AD. 

Source of the Nile- Speke Monument

Here, the British Explorer John Hannington Speke was the first European to reach Lake Victoria and discovered the Source of the Nile. Today, the Source of the Nile at Jinja is a prime tourist destination in Uganda. You can as well stand where he stood, take pictures with the monument. You can also go for boat rides across the River Nile and into Lake Victoria. Besides, you will come across monkeys, monitor lizards, birds species, pythons, etc. The site also allows for camping, nature walks, parties and occasions with a truly spectacular nature setting. Stop by one of the nearest restaurants around for a meal when you are hungry. Otherwise, anyone looking for 1 day tour in the Ugandan Countryside here is a great chance for you!

Baháʼí Temple

A Baháʼí House of Worship is the designation of a place of worship or temple of the Baháʼí faith. The teachings of the religion envisage houses of worship being surrounded by a number of dependencies. These are dedicated to social, humanitarian, educational and scientific pursuits. The Baháʼí faith began to take root in Uganda in 11951. Today, the Temple in Kampala is the only temple that remains in Africa for the Baháʼí faith. Since its completion in 1961, it has received hundreds of visitors from across the world. In addition, the beautiful grounds attract places for birding. Visit the Baháʼí Temple in Uganda for a truly memorable excursion.

Sempaya Hot Springs

The springs is the most activity within Semuliki National Park and a must-do for all tourists visiting this park. Actually, there are two hot springs; male also called Bitente and female called Nyasimbi. Bitente measures about 12 meters in diameter while Nyasimbi is a boiling geyser that ejects out hot water and steam about 2m into the air. Attracting hundreds of tourists each year, these hot springs have a geyser that shoots up from a hole at hot temperatures. In fact, the water is so hot that you can boil an egg and eat it in 10 minutes.  If you love a good nature tour, the park does not only offer hot springs but also hosts primate. These include; grey-checked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, elephants, chimpanzees, Debrazzas monkeys, pygmy antelopes, etc. In other wards, its a great pleasure to visit these hot springs when you come to Uganda.

Walumbe Tanda Pits

In tradition with Gandan culture, Walumbe a brother of the bride, claimed one of Kintu’s children as his own. Kintu refused Walumbe’s claims and continues to do so throughout the years. Frustrated, Walumbe then begins to kill a single child every day after conversing with Ggulu. Later, Kaikuzi is sent to aid Kintu in sending Walumbe back to heaven. After refusing to accompany Kaikuzi back to heaven, Walumbe retreats by hiding in craters in the ground that he creates by stomping his foot. This is said to have created the 240 Walumbe Tanda Pits and two shrines with one entrance having spears, shields, calabashes and fireplaces.

In fact, these named after different gods that are still in Uganda today. Kaikuzi soon tires of pursuing Walumbe and asks all of mankind to be silent for two days to lure Walumbe out. When Walumbe finally emerges, Kintu’s children cry out at the sight of him and he again retreats into the earth. Upon Kintu’s dismissal, Kaikuzi then returns to Ggulu and explains the situation. Upon hearing this, Ggulu allows Walumbe to remain on earth. Walumbe is therefore blamed as the reason for death on Earth. Though every descendant of Kintu is eventually claimed by Walumbe, Kintu continues to fight Walumbe constantly. This is done by having more descendants than Walumbe can steal.

In conclusion, when coming for your next trip in Uganda, the above are worth including on your bucket list. Entrance fee is friendly and educative tour guides are available to help direct you to these charming places.