Road Transport:
Lake Mburo National Park is found in Mbarara district, 3.5 hours drive from Kampala on Mbarara Kampala highway. Turn left at 13 km (Akageti) past Lyantonde, which then brings you to Sanga gate. Both junctions have clearly labeled signposts. It is 13 km from Sanga trading center of Sanga gate, 5 km from the main road to Nshara gate and about 20 minutes drive from Rwonyo Park Head Quarters.
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Monday, March 30, 2009
Where to stay and eat in Lake Mburo National park
Lake Mburo National Park has 4 tents at Rwonyo park headquarters.
There are also 3 public campsites, all strategically located to facilitate and enhance scenic viewing and easy access to water. Lake Mburo dining shelter provides meals on order.
Meals:
Neither the Rest Camp nor hostel stock food, visitors are therefore advised to carry sufficient food and drinks for the duration of their stay in the park. The Rest Camp staff can arrange for the cooking. However other supplementary diet such as chicken and goat meat can be arranged from the nearby community for visitors who intend to stay longer.
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There are also 3 public campsites, all strategically located to facilitate and enhance scenic viewing and easy access to water. Lake Mburo dining shelter provides meals on order.
Meals:
Neither the Rest Camp nor hostel stock food, visitors are therefore advised to carry sufficient food and drinks for the duration of their stay in the park. The Rest Camp staff can arrange for the cooking. However other supplementary diet such as chicken and goat meat can be arranged from the nearby community for visitors who intend to stay longer.
www.kbtoursafarisandcarrentalltd.com
Lake Mburo national park
SIZE:260 sq km
LOCATION:In the south, near Mbarara
Lying in the one part of Uganda covered in extensive acacia woodland, Mburo has markedly different fauna to other reserves.
Lake Mburo is the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope, as well as zebra, topi, impala, and several acacia-associated birds.
The five lakes within the park attract hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while fringing swamps hide secretive papyrus specialists such as the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek.
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LOCATION:In the south, near Mbarara
Lying in the one part of Uganda covered in extensive acacia woodland, Mburo has markedly different fauna to other reserves.
Lake Mburo is the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope, as well as zebra, topi, impala, and several acacia-associated birds.
The five lakes within the park attract hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while fringing swamps hide secretive papyrus specialists such as the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek.
www.kbtoursafarisandcarrentalltd.com
What to do in Kidepo national park
Game Viewing
The park harbours a great diversity of animal species than other parks. Of the 80 species of mammals listed in 1971, 28 were not known to occur in any other Ugandan park. Carnivore species unique to Kidepo and Karamoja region include the bat-eared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, cheetah and hunting dog. Less common ungulates include the greater and lesser kudu, Chandlers Mountain reedbuck, klipspringer, dikdik and bright gazelle; beisa oryx and roan antelope have been severely depleted by poachers in the recent years. Among other large ungulates are elephant, burchell's zebra, bush pig, warthog, rothschild giraffe, cape buffalo, eland, bush buck, bush duskier, defassa water buck, bohor reed buck, jackson's hartbeest and oribi. Five species of primate are found in the park of which the Kavirondo bush baby is endemic. Carnivores present include lion, leopard, several small cats, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal. The easiest to see being the jackals.
There are high chances of viewing tree climbing lions that always sits on sauces trees along Narus valley or on rock just as you enter the Apoka Park Headquarter. Other wildlife include elephants, leopard, bush duiker, jackal, bush buck, bush pig, kavirondo bush baby, buffalo and much more that are some times seen right from the veranda of Apoka Rest Camp.
The park boasts an extensive avifauna. 465 species have been recorded (three new species were added to the list in 1995). Of particular interest, the ostrich and the Kori bustard are principally associated with arid regions.
The park is outstanding for its birds of prey. Of 58 species recorded 14 are believed to be endemic to Kidepo and the Karamoja region. These include Verreaux's eagle, Egyptian vulture and pygmy falcon. Also of note are four species of hornbills. The redbilled, the yellow-billed and Jackson's hornbill are peculiar to Kidepo, while the giant Abyssinaia ground hornbill is quite common. There is however no comprehensive survey in Kidepo and keen visitors stand a good chance of adding to the current list.
Hiking and Scenery viewing
Hiking can be carried out on Lamoj Mountains just a few kilometers from the Park Headquarters. Visitors can also go to view the splendid Kidepo River Valley dominated by Borassus palm forest; its wide flat bed is dry for most of the year. From Kidepo Valley, you may also visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs, which are located only 11 km from Kidepo river valley.
The mountain and Savannah landscape of the park is spectacular. The Narus valley is situated in the South West of the park; the rugged Napore-Nyagia mountain range forms its western boundary. Separating it from the Kidepo Valley in the northeast, are the Natira and Lokayot Hills. To the north in the Sudan are the Lotukei mountains and the Morungole range marks the southern boundary of the park.
Picnic
To add flavor to your visit to Kidepo River, take time and visit the picnic site located on the sand and you won't also miss the sound of palm leaves in constant motion in the wind.
Cultural Performance
The local community has a group of cultural entertainers who on request are always available to perform. The performers have a large menu for you, traditional dances such as the Emuya of the Naporre and Nyangia, ethnic groups and Larakaraka and Apiti dances of the Acholi are waiting for you. The money that this group earns is used for uplifting their welfare.
Nature Walk
If you are interested in increasing your knowledge on African culture, visits to the Karimajong manyattas (homesteads) and probably kraals to see traditional costume, stools, spears headdress, knives, bows and arrows and jewelry can be arranged. Some of the above mentioned items can be purchased from the park tourist office. It's advisable that you make arrangements for the nature walk two days in advance. This booking can be done from the park headquarters in Apoka or from Uganda Wildlife Authority Headquarters in Kampala.
Visitors who choose to follow the Soroti-Moroto road will be enthralled by the view of the steep volcano of Alekilek about midway Moroti and Soroti. And for those who take the Lira-Kotido road will enjoy the scenery of the Labwor hills and in particular the massive and bare Alerek (Kidi Rwot) rock about 55 km to Kotido.
www.kbtoursafarisandcarrentalltd.com
The park harbours a great diversity of animal species than other parks. Of the 80 species of mammals listed in 1971, 28 were not known to occur in any other Ugandan park. Carnivore species unique to Kidepo and Karamoja region include the bat-eared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, cheetah and hunting dog. Less common ungulates include the greater and lesser kudu, Chandlers Mountain reedbuck, klipspringer, dikdik and bright gazelle; beisa oryx and roan antelope have been severely depleted by poachers in the recent years. Among other large ungulates are elephant, burchell's zebra, bush pig, warthog, rothschild giraffe, cape buffalo, eland, bush buck, bush duskier, defassa water buck, bohor reed buck, jackson's hartbeest and oribi. Five species of primate are found in the park of which the Kavirondo bush baby is endemic. Carnivores present include lion, leopard, several small cats, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal. The easiest to see being the jackals.
There are high chances of viewing tree climbing lions that always sits on sauces trees along Narus valley or on rock just as you enter the Apoka Park Headquarter. Other wildlife include elephants, leopard, bush duiker, jackal, bush buck, bush pig, kavirondo bush baby, buffalo and much more that are some times seen right from the veranda of Apoka Rest Camp.
The park boasts an extensive avifauna. 465 species have been recorded (three new species were added to the list in 1995). Of particular interest, the ostrich and the Kori bustard are principally associated with arid regions.
The park is outstanding for its birds of prey. Of 58 species recorded 14 are believed to be endemic to Kidepo and the Karamoja region. These include Verreaux's eagle, Egyptian vulture and pygmy falcon. Also of note are four species of hornbills. The redbilled, the yellow-billed and Jackson's hornbill are peculiar to Kidepo, while the giant Abyssinaia ground hornbill is quite common. There is however no comprehensive survey in Kidepo and keen visitors stand a good chance of adding to the current list.
Hiking and Scenery viewing
Hiking can be carried out on Lamoj Mountains just a few kilometers from the Park Headquarters. Visitors can also go to view the splendid Kidepo River Valley dominated by Borassus palm forest; its wide flat bed is dry for most of the year. From Kidepo Valley, you may also visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs, which are located only 11 km from Kidepo river valley.
The mountain and Savannah landscape of the park is spectacular. The Narus valley is situated in the South West of the park; the rugged Napore-Nyagia mountain range forms its western boundary. Separating it from the Kidepo Valley in the northeast, are the Natira and Lokayot Hills. To the north in the Sudan are the Lotukei mountains and the Morungole range marks the southern boundary of the park.
Picnic
To add flavor to your visit to Kidepo River, take time and visit the picnic site located on the sand and you won't also miss the sound of palm leaves in constant motion in the wind.
Cultural Performance
The local community has a group of cultural entertainers who on request are always available to perform. The performers have a large menu for you, traditional dances such as the Emuya of the Naporre and Nyangia, ethnic groups and Larakaraka and Apiti dances of the Acholi are waiting for you. The money that this group earns is used for uplifting their welfare.
Nature Walk
If you are interested in increasing your knowledge on African culture, visits to the Karimajong manyattas (homesteads) and probably kraals to see traditional costume, stools, spears headdress, knives, bows and arrows and jewelry can be arranged. Some of the above mentioned items can be purchased from the park tourist office. It's advisable that you make arrangements for the nature walk two days in advance. This booking can be done from the park headquarters in Apoka or from Uganda Wildlife Authority Headquarters in Kampala.
Visitors who choose to follow the Soroti-Moroto road will be enthralled by the view of the steep volcano of Alekilek about midway Moroti and Soroti. And for those who take the Lira-Kotido road will enjoy the scenery of the Labwor hills and in particular the massive and bare Alerek (Kidi Rwot) rock about 55 km to Kotido.
www.kbtoursafarisandcarrentalltd.com
How to reach Kidepo Natioanl park
Road Transport:
Kampala-Lira-Kotido-Kidepo-705 km
Kampala-Mbale-Soroti-Moroto-Kidepo-792 km
Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Kotido-Kideop-740 km
Kampala-Soroti -Kotido via Amuria 656 km
Driving is more rewarding as vast parts of Karamoja are scenic and total wilderness. However road conditions are some times difficult and 4-wheel drive vehicles (4WD) are recommended. Visitors should note that the road mainly in use from Kotido to Kaabong passes via Kanawauat.
Visitors intending to travel by road are advised to contact UWA headquarters to seek advice about conditions and safety on the roads.
Air Transport:
Chartered aircraft are available from Entebbe International Airport to the Park Headquarters. The Civil Aviation Authority manages an airstrip at Lomej about 3 km south of the Park Headquarters.
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Kampala-Lira-Kotido-Kidepo-705 km
Kampala-Mbale-Soroti-Moroto-Kidepo-792 km
Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Kotido-Kideop-740 km
Kampala-Soroti -Kotido via Amuria 656 km
Driving is more rewarding as vast parts of Karamoja are scenic and total wilderness. However road conditions are some times difficult and 4-wheel drive vehicles (4WD) are recommended. Visitors should note that the road mainly in use from Kotido to Kaabong passes via Kanawauat.
Visitors intending to travel by road are advised to contact UWA headquarters to seek advice about conditions and safety on the roads.
Air Transport:
Chartered aircraft are available from Entebbe International Airport to the Park Headquarters. The Civil Aviation Authority manages an airstrip at Lomej about 3 km south of the Park Headquarters.
www.kbtoursafarisandcarrentalltd.com
Where to stay Kidepo National Park
At the Park itself, there are 16 self-contained chalets at Apoka Rest Camp. There is also a hostel comprising of 14 bandas each with two beds; these bandas are not self contained. Both Apoka Lodge and the Bandas are managed by the park. Make your reservations through Uganda Wildlife Authority Headquarters in Kampala.
For visitors who like camping, the park has two 'Do it yourself' campsites. You must bring your tent and other camping equipment.
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For visitors who like camping, the park has two 'Do it yourself' campsites. You must bring your tent and other camping equipment.
www.kbtoursafarisandcarrentalltd.com
Kidepo valley national park
SIZE:1,442 sq km
LOCATION:On the Sudanese border in the northeast
The Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda's most spectacular parks. It is 1,442 square kilometres and harbours scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa. 'It could not be any better' is a common comment on the scenery by visitors who often promise and do come back to Kidepo. Tucked into the corner of Uganda's border with Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking Savannah landscapes, which end in rugged horizon. A huge latitudinal range and correspondingly wide climatic conditions have evolved an extremely diverse flora. As a result the variety of animal species in the park is equally abundant including many which are found no where else in Uganda.
The vegetation can best be described as open tree Savannah which varies much in structure and composition. Mountain forest dominates some of the high places, while areas along the Lorupei River support dense Acacia geradi forest. The flora and fauna of the park are more typical of Kenya than the rest of Uganda. The landscape throughout the park is studded with small hills, rocky outcrops and inselbergs from which one can obtain stunning views in all directions.
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LOCATION:On the Sudanese border in the northeast
The Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda's most spectacular parks. It is 1,442 square kilometres and harbours scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa. 'It could not be any better' is a common comment on the scenery by visitors who often promise and do come back to Kidepo. Tucked into the corner of Uganda's border with Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking Savannah landscapes, which end in rugged horizon. A huge latitudinal range and correspondingly wide climatic conditions have evolved an extremely diverse flora. As a result the variety of animal species in the park is equally abundant including many which are found no where else in Uganda.
The vegetation can best be described as open tree Savannah which varies much in structure and composition. Mountain forest dominates some of the high places, while areas along the Lorupei River support dense Acacia geradi forest. The flora and fauna of the park are more typical of Kenya than the rest of Uganda. The landscape throughout the park is studded with small hills, rocky outcrops and inselbergs from which one can obtain stunning views in all directions.
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WHERE TO STAY IN KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Primate Lodge (former Kanyanchu rest Camp), with a luxury tented camp and up market lodge nearby. Budget lodges at Bigodi, the crater lakes, and Fort Portal.
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Kibale forest national park
SIZE:776 sq km
LOCATION:In the west, near Fort Portal
Getting there:
Fort Portal lies 320km from Kampala along a mostly surfaced direct road, or an hour's drive from Kasese (near QENP). Kanyanchu Visitors Centre, 35km from Fort Portal, is reached via a dirt road and is accessible on public transport..
WHAT TO DO:
Chimpanzee tracking and other guided forest walks, even night walks. Birders shouldn't miss Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a superb community development fringing the park. A field of beautiful crater lakes lies between Fort Portal and Kibale Forest.
WHEN TO VISIT:
Any time of year
LOCATION:In the west, near Fort Portal
Getting there:
Fort Portal lies 320km from Kampala along a mostly surfaced direct road, or an hour's drive from Kasese (near QENP). Kanyanchu Visitors Centre, 35km from Fort Portal, is reached via a dirt road and is accessible on public transport..
WHAT TO DO:
Chimpanzee tracking and other guided forest walks, even night walks. Birders shouldn't miss Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a superb community development fringing the park. A field of beautiful crater lakes lies between Fort Portal and Kibale Forest.
WHEN TO VISIT:
Any time of year
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Uganda national parks
UGANDA’S NATIONAL PARKS
Bwindi impenetrable national park
Size:331 sq km
Location:Southwest. The closes large town is Kabale.
Getting There:
Bwindi can be reached both by road and by air. By road;
QENP in the north –Kihihi-Buhoma (2-3 hours),
Kampala-Kabale-Kanungu-Buhoma
Kampala-Ntungamo-Rukungiri –Kihihi-Buhoma
*4x4 recommended during the rains
By air, the tourists can fly from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip
When to visit:
Any time, though conditions are more challenging during the rainy season. So the rain coats and gumboots are advised.
Accommodation:
There is a wide range of accommodation for both up market and budget visitors including Gorilla forest camp, Mantana tented camp, Volcanoes Bwindi camp, Gorilla Homestead, Buhoma homestead, Lake Kitandara camp and Gorilla resort for up market while Buhoma community campground and Bwindi view canteen and available for budget travelers.
What to do:
Gorilla tracking is the main activity in the park; permits must pre-booked at the UWA office in Kampala. Other guided forest walks are available: one popular trail leads to a pretty waterfall, others focus on birding and monkey-viewing.
Apart from these Great apes, Bwindi boast a large number of other primates (10 species) including chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, red tailed and blue monkeys, black and white colubus monkey, baboon, 310 species of Butterflies, 88 moths, 51 reptile species and 200 tree species. Other attractions are the Batwa communities that live around the park.
Tracking can take three to eight hours before you visits the gorillas, you should note the following:
ü Your group should be no more than 6 people and they have to be over 15 years of age.
ü Visitors are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day.
ü Always wash your hands before going out for gorillas.
ü If you have cold or any other infections, do not visit the gorillas.
When in the park;
ü Never walk alone and always take a guide.
ü In case of emergency, dig a hole and burry it to protect others’ health.
ü Do not pick or remove any plant or other wildlife.
ü Do not litter in the park.
ü If you are to sneeze, or cough cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
ü Keep a distance away from the gorillas.
ü No smoking.
ü No eating or drinking.
When you encounter the gorillas always remember to be submissive
o Do not look at them straight in the face rather give a sideways glance.
o Do not stand over them-crouch instead, stay in a tight group
o Speak in whispers
o Do not use flash photography
GORILLA TRACKING REQUIREMENTS
Please bring the following for tracking gorillas.
o Hiking boots- ankle level boots are ok but make sure it is something handy.
o Gloves
o A warm cardigan
o Thick trousers and a long sleeved top are ideal for tracking.
o Rain Coat
o Video- filming is allowed in the parks though not outside the park
o Water proof container for their cameras
o A pair of binoculars if you are a keen bird watcher.
o If you prefer wearing a hat, a baseball cap is recommended.
for more information contact elly_kbtours@yahoo.com
www.kbtoursafarisandcarrentalltd.com
Bwindi impenetrable national park
Size:331 sq km
Location:Southwest. The closes large town is Kabale.
Getting There:
Bwindi can be reached both by road and by air. By road;
QENP in the north –Kihihi-Buhoma (2-3 hours),
Kampala-Kabale-Kanungu-Buhoma
Kampala-Ntungamo-Rukungiri –Kihihi-Buhoma
*4x4 recommended during the rains
By air, the tourists can fly from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip
When to visit:
Any time, though conditions are more challenging during the rainy season. So the rain coats and gumboots are advised.
Accommodation:
There is a wide range of accommodation for both up market and budget visitors including Gorilla forest camp, Mantana tented camp, Volcanoes Bwindi camp, Gorilla Homestead, Buhoma homestead, Lake Kitandara camp and Gorilla resort for up market while Buhoma community campground and Bwindi view canteen and available for budget travelers.
What to do:
Gorilla tracking is the main activity in the park; permits must pre-booked at the UWA office in Kampala. Other guided forest walks are available: one popular trail leads to a pretty waterfall, others focus on birding and monkey-viewing.
Apart from these Great apes, Bwindi boast a large number of other primates (10 species) including chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, red tailed and blue monkeys, black and white colubus monkey, baboon, 310 species of Butterflies, 88 moths, 51 reptile species and 200 tree species. Other attractions are the Batwa communities that live around the park.
Tracking can take three to eight hours before you visits the gorillas, you should note the following:
ü Your group should be no more than 6 people and they have to be over 15 years of age.
ü Visitors are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day.
ü Always wash your hands before going out for gorillas.
ü If you have cold or any other infections, do not visit the gorillas.
When in the park;
ü Never walk alone and always take a guide.
ü In case of emergency, dig a hole and burry it to protect others’ health.
ü Do not pick or remove any plant or other wildlife.
ü Do not litter in the park.
ü If you are to sneeze, or cough cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
ü Keep a distance away from the gorillas.
ü No smoking.
ü No eating or drinking.
When you encounter the gorillas always remember to be submissive
o Do not look at them straight in the face rather give a sideways glance.
o Do not stand over them-crouch instead, stay in a tight group
o Speak in whispers
o Do not use flash photography
GORILLA TRACKING REQUIREMENTS
Please bring the following for tracking gorillas.
o Hiking boots- ankle level boots are ok but make sure it is something handy.
o Gloves
o A warm cardigan
o Thick trousers and a long sleeved top are ideal for tracking.
o Rain Coat
o Video- filming is allowed in the parks though not outside the park
o Water proof container for their cameras
o A pair of binoculars if you are a keen bird watcher.
o If you prefer wearing a hat, a baseball cap is recommended.
for more information contact elly_kbtours@yahoo.com
www.kbtoursafarisandcarrentalltd.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Bwindi impenetrable national park
Bwindi impenetrable national park
(Home of the Mountain gorillas)
Size:331 sq km
Location:Southwest. The closes large town is Kabale.
Getting There:
Bwindi can be reached both by road and by air. By road;
QENP in the north –Kihihi-Buhoma (2-3 hours),
Kampala-Kabale-Kanungu-Buhoma
Kampala-Ntungamo-Rukungiri –Kihihi-Buhoma
*4x4 recommended during the rains
By air, the tourists can fly from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip
When to visit:
Any time, though conditions are more challenging during the rainy season. So the rain coats and gumboots are advised.
Accommodation:
There is a wide range of accommodation for both up market and budget visitors including Gorilla forest camp, Mantana tented camp, Volcanoes Bwindi camp, Gorilla Homestead, Buhoma homestead, Lake Kitandara camp and Gorilla resort for up market while Buhoma community campground and Bwindi view canteen and available for budget travelers.
What to do:
Gorilla tracking is the main activity in the park; permits must pre-booked at the UWA office in Kampala. Other guided forest walks are available: one popular trail leads to a pretty waterfall, others focus on birding and monkey-viewing.
Apart from these Great apes, Bwindi boast a large number of other primates (10 species) including chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, red tailed and blue monkeys, black and white colubus monkey, baboon, 310 species of Butterflies, 88 moths, 51 reptile species and 200 tree species. Other attractions are the Batwa communities that live around the park.
Tracking can take three to eight hours before you visits the gorillas, you should note the following:
ü Your group should be no more than 6 people and they have to be over 15 years of age.
ü Visitors are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day.
ü Always wash your hands before going out for gorillas.
ü If you have cold or any other infections, do not visit the gorillas.
When in the park;
ü Never walk alone and always take a guide.
ü In case of emergency, dig a hole and burry it to protect others’ health.
ü Do not pick or remove any plant or other wildlife.
ü Do not litter in the park.
ü If you are to sneeze, or cough cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
ü Keep a distance away from the gorillas.
ü No smoking.
ü No eating or drinking.
When you encounter the gorillas always remember to be submissive
o Do not look at them straight in the face rather give a sideways glance.
o Do not stand over them-crouch instead, stay in a tight group
o Speak in whispers
o Do not use flash photography
GORILLA TRACKING REQUIREMENTS
Please bring the following for tracking gorillas.
o Hiking boots- ankle level boots are ok but make sure it is something handy.
o Gloves
o A warm cardigan
o Thick trousers and a long sleeved top are ideal for tracking.
o Rain Coat
o Video- filming is allowed in the parks though not outside the park
o Water proof container for their cameras
o A pair of binoculars if you are a keen bird watcher.
o If you prefer wearing a hat, a baseball cap is recommended.
for more information contact elly_kbtours@yahoo.com
www.kbtoursafarisandcarrentalltd.com
(Home of the Mountain gorillas)
Size:331 sq km
Location:Southwest. The closes large town is Kabale.
Getting There:
Bwindi can be reached both by road and by air. By road;
QENP in the north –Kihihi-Buhoma (2-3 hours),
Kampala-Kabale-Kanungu-Buhoma
Kampala-Ntungamo-Rukungiri –Kihihi-Buhoma
*4x4 recommended during the rains
By air, the tourists can fly from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip
When to visit:
Any time, though conditions are more challenging during the rainy season. So the rain coats and gumboots are advised.
Accommodation:
There is a wide range of accommodation for both up market and budget visitors including Gorilla forest camp, Mantana tented camp, Volcanoes Bwindi camp, Gorilla Homestead, Buhoma homestead, Lake Kitandara camp and Gorilla resort for up market while Buhoma community campground and Bwindi view canteen and available for budget travelers.
What to do:
Gorilla tracking is the main activity in the park; permits must pre-booked at the UWA office in Kampala. Other guided forest walks are available: one popular trail leads to a pretty waterfall, others focus on birding and monkey-viewing.
Apart from these Great apes, Bwindi boast a large number of other primates (10 species) including chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, red tailed and blue monkeys, black and white colubus monkey, baboon, 310 species of Butterflies, 88 moths, 51 reptile species and 200 tree species. Other attractions are the Batwa communities that live around the park.
Tracking can take three to eight hours before you visits the gorillas, you should note the following:
ü Your group should be no more than 6 people and they have to be over 15 years of age.
ü Visitors are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day.
ü Always wash your hands before going out for gorillas.
ü If you have cold or any other infections, do not visit the gorillas.
When in the park;
ü Never walk alone and always take a guide.
ü In case of emergency, dig a hole and burry it to protect others’ health.
ü Do not pick or remove any plant or other wildlife.
ü Do not litter in the park.
ü If you are to sneeze, or cough cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
ü Keep a distance away from the gorillas.
ü No smoking.
ü No eating or drinking.
When you encounter the gorillas always remember to be submissive
o Do not look at them straight in the face rather give a sideways glance.
o Do not stand over them-crouch instead, stay in a tight group
o Speak in whispers
o Do not use flash photography
GORILLA TRACKING REQUIREMENTS
Please bring the following for tracking gorillas.
o Hiking boots- ankle level boots are ok but make sure it is something handy.
o Gloves
o A warm cardigan
o Thick trousers and a long sleeved top are ideal for tracking.
o Rain Coat
o Video- filming is allowed in the parks though not outside the park
o Water proof container for their cameras
o A pair of binoculars if you are a keen bird watcher.
o If you prefer wearing a hat, a baseball cap is recommended.
for more information contact elly_kbtours@yahoo.com
www.kbtoursafarisandcarrentalltd.com
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