Author: Amakula African Safaris

Is Uganda Safe to Visit?: It is common to be cautious when organizing a safari in a foreign country. Uganda, known as the pearl of Africa, is a must-see destination on the continent with an abundance of attractions, including the longest river in the world, Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world, and the most endangered primate species in the world—mountain gorillas—to name just a few. Many visitors have inquired about a few of the following topics, and Amakula African Safaris is ready to help you with suitable responses to get you out of sticky situations. Is Uganda Safe to Visit How Safe Is Uganda for Travel? In general, traveling to and from the country is safe. It is regarded as a politically stable nation with well-functioning internal security agencies and safely guarded borders within East Africa. However, like in any other nation, opportunistic crimes like credit card fraud, home robbery, and petty theft happen. When you exercise prudence and abide by local laws when on safari in the nation, you can prevent COVID-19 and modern-day crime dangers. Will my camera be snatched in the streets of Kampala? Am I safe in a car, or should I be worried about carjackers? Are the food and water safe for consumption?  All of these are common inquiries we have before visiting other countries. It is normal for a guest to feel uneasy when visiting a foreign location. Every year, thousands of tourists securely visit the country, a well-liked holiday and adventure destination, particularly to observe the enigmatic primates in its old rainforest jungle. Approximately 15,000 British citizens travel to Uganda annually, according to UK international travel advice. The majority of visits go smoothly. Furthermore, the country is war-free; that is, it has not been since the 1980s. However, you

Main Reasons Why People Travel: One of the finest ways to have fun is to travel, but traveling is about more than just seeing new sights and snapping photos; it allows you to experience new things and pick up new viewpoints while seeing a wide variety of locations. Thus, investing in oneself for one's own happiness and tranquility through travel is among the best things anyone can do for themselves. Traveling can introduce people to a variety of experiences, such as experiencing different cultures, delicious food, and stunning scenery. Furthermore, the main reasons why people travel for thrills while on Uganda Safaris Tours are listed below; Main Reasons Why People Travel It helps you get out of your comfort Zone Traveling to new places pushes you to learn more about the globe while also assisting you in stepping outside of your comfort zone and experiencing new things. We tend to forget that social media merely provides virtual access to the outside world and enhances your comfort level in your immediate surroundings, which prevents you from making many connections with the outside world, even though we are so comfortable using it at home. Furthermore, a common misconception is that we learn best when we are at ease, but this is untrue because travel fosters social interaction, gives you the opportunity to experience various cultures, and teaches you about local customs and social mores. One can become more independent, self-assured, and capable of making decisions for themselves through travel. It helps you to gain new cultural experience When people travel, they have the opportunity to engage with locals and gain a deeper understanding of their culture and way of life. Some of the things tourists can learn about include the history of the area, the fundamentals of speaking the language, how locals

The Gorilla Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: This national park is located within Kanungu district in the Southwestern region of Uganda occupying an area of about 321 sq. kilometers. Because it is home to about 400 endangered species of mountain gorillas and roughly 19 habituated gorilla groups that are constantly open for trekking in the different sectors, this national park is well known. Aside from being home to mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Gorilla Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park It is also home to over 348 different bird species, including the African emerald cuckoo, Shelley's crimsons, dusky twin spot, mountain oriole, regal sunbird, black-billed turaco, yellow-ramped tinker bird, giant kingfisher, handsome spur fowl, red-headed bluebill, African green pigeon, African green pigeon, and many more. Around 120 mammal species, including buffaloes, golden cats, bush pigs, elephants, duikers, giant forest hogs, black-fronted duikers, civet, yellow-backed duikers, clawless otter, numerous bats, side-striped jackals, rodents, golden cats, and primate species, including white and black colobus monkeys, can be seen by visitors exploring this national park. There are also 220 species of butterflies and 100 species of ferns. More about Gorilla Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, not only can you go gorilla trekking while touring the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, but you can also take part in a variety of other activities where you can learn new things and make amazing memories, such as hiking, bird watching, guided nature walks, community visits, and cultural encounters. Furthermore, there are roughly four distinct gorilla sectors in this national park, and what makes them special is that each of these sectors has a distinct gorilla group or family. As such, these sectors comprise; Rushaga Sector: The Rushaga area is designated as

Mountain Climbing and Volcano Hikes in Uganda: The most memorable hiking experiences in Uganda may be had in the national parks of the Rwenzori Mountains, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Mount Elgon. Uganda is a place of hills, valleys, scenic plains, and Volcano Mountains. Mountain climbing is a test of character and fortitude, and it culminates in an accomplishment that makes you prouder than you were before the journey. Mountain Climbing and Volcano Hikes in Uganda Mountain climbing/hiking safaris include more than just a rocky hike; they also include a beautiful trek through the dense forests that abound on the flanks of the volcanoes, a glimpse of the gorillas that roam the bamboo of the Virunga massif, and the unusual birds that have turned these highlands into a birder's heaven. Travelers who are feeling adventurous can head to the east of Uganda and explore mountains like Mount Moroto and Mount Elgon, which has the largest caldera in the world and is 4,321 meters high. Hike Mount Rwenzori, Mount Mgahinga (3,474 meters), Mount Muhavura (4,127 meters), and Mount Sabinyo (3,645 meters) in the western portion of Uganda. Hike Mount Morungole in the Kidepo national park areas. With the best mountain trekking memories to last a lifetime, Uganda offers the most rewarding mountain climbing opportunities. The most memorable trekking encounters in Uganda consist of; Mount Elgon climbing Travelers should choose Mount Elgon over other tough hikes on other East African volcanoes since it is the most intriguing alternative. Because fewer tourists climb it, it is also less crowded and easily accessible all year long. It offers many of the same features as higher elevations, but with a cooler environment. There is not necessarily a need for specialized gear or technical expertise to hike or climb to mount Elgon's summits.  Mount Rwenzori ranges

Kasese district, which is in western Uganda and shares borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is well-known for having a variety of minerals, including copper, which draw a lot of tourists. The fact that cobalt mining is one of the most popular activities done and that foreigners frequently come for it has further contributed to the growth of the tourism sector and the economy. Tourists should be aware that the Kasese district is one of the most well-known places where people travel for a wide range of purposes, including business and while others primarily come to tour around due to the fact that there are several tourist attractions which lead many people to carry on an interest of visiting, some of which include the following below; Queen Elizabeth National park This national park, which is listed as the most visited game park relative to the others since it is well known for its tree-climbing lions, is said to be the second largest national park in Uganda. A variety of mammal species, including leopards, buffalo, African elephants, giraffes, lions, antelopes, hippos, reptiles, and several bird species, among others, call it home. Savannah grasslands, marshes, savannah woods, and beautiful water bodies surround this national park and serve as excellent natural habitats for a variety of wildlife species. You will have the chance to participate in a variety of interesting activities while exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, including chimpanzee trekking, lion tracking, bird viewing, game drives, hot air balloon safaris, cultural encounters, community visits, and many others. Rwenzori Mountains National park One of the attractions in Kasese is the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, which was first included in the gazette as a game reserve in 1991 and later recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1994. The Rwenzori Mountains,

Kayaking on Lake Kivu: Undoubtedly, one of the most thrilling activities in Rwanda is kayaking on Lake Kivu. With single or double-seater kayaks, it gives visitors the chance to paddle at their own pace while discovering the shores' hidden beauty and taking in views of the picturesque hillside backdrop, surrounding sceneries, and calmness of its deep emerald waters, which have a total surface area of about 270,000 hectares. Kayaking on Lake Kivu With a local guide, you may spend the day kayaking on Lake Kivu and taking in the splendor of both Rwanda's and Africa's largest lake. You can start from Gisenyi, Kibuye, or any of the resorts (such Cleo Kivu Hotel), and then paddle along the banks while passing the little Islands and watching birds dart in and out of the forest while fishermen prepare their nets during the day for casting by dusk. Your guide will share interesting local legends and stories with you as you gently paddle across Lake Kivu, taking in the lakeside scenery along the way. You can also take in the luxurious resorts that line the hills near Gisenyi or Kibuye, depending on where your kayaking adventure began, and admire them as you paddle. Kayaking at Lake Kivu is suitable for all skill levels and is a great way to explore the unspoiled beauty of Rwanda's largest lake, which is also shared with the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the beginning of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, a safety briefing and training are often offered for all visitors. Lake Kivu, an African Great Lake and unquestionable treasure trove, is hidden away in the western part of Rwanda and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and deep, emerald-green waters that provide shelter to many species of cichlids, including redbreast tilapia, Lake Tanganyika sardines, long fin tilapia,

The uncommon golden monkeys are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Compared to other monkey species, the golden monkeys have a greater body structure. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to these adorable primates. When visiting this small national park to see primates, it is possible to combine gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking. Given that they are such social monkeys, they keep you moving while you are in the bush. You may also find a few of this monkey species in the Virunga region. Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park What does Golden Monkey Trekking mean? Trekking through the bush with habituated golden monkey families is known as golden monkey trekking. They are one of the monkey species that must be protected because they are in danger of going extinct. Only the unique brown golden hair of golden monkeys is brown and golden. What is the best time for Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? Trekking with golden monkeys is possible throughout the year, although the dry months are more thrilling because visibility is best, especially for photography. June through September and December are the most fun months for trekking with golden monkeys. The dry months have less humidity and more manageable hills, but Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is usually cold. What is the cost of Golden Monkey permits in Mgahinga? The Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for selling licenses for golden monkeys. You must reserve a permit ahead of time to guarantee that a ranger will be assigned to you. In Uganda, each person going for Golden Monkey Trekking will have to pay $50. How long does it take to see Golden Monkey in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? Finding the golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park could take up to two hours. Several factors affect the

Why You Should Tick Great Migration Off Your Bucket List In 2024: Forget HD documentaries, as we have already made more memories for our safaris. You must experience it for yourself, and Amakula African Safaris has every motive to offer you the best wildlife event of the year. Following the finest seasonal grazing in the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania nd Maasai Mara National Reserve of Kenya, this constant flow of animals between Tanzania and Kenya reaches the crocodile-infested banks of the Mara River in mid- to late July. During the largest animal migration in the world, many exhausted wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, impalas, and elands must contend with this aquatic obstacle, which is a life-or-death lottery. Greener fields and huge cats are waiting for those who succeed. Wildebeests In Motion The vast migration of blue wildebeests, often referred to as white-bearded wildebeests, spans 1,200 kilometers of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. From the parched, exhausted grasses of the Serengeti National Park to the lush plains of the Maasai Mara, 1.5 million hoofed animals move in a rumbling mass. From mid- to late July, the first herds cross the perilous waters of the Mara River. The animals have returned to the southern Serengeti National Park by January, when they give birth to roughly 500,000 calves from March until dry grasses force them to leave once more in May. A team from the University of Glasgow has worked with a study team in Tanzania to develop a system that lets you follow the intriguing journey of various creatures in the park in real time, whether you are considering traveling there or just want to watch it from afar. Crocodiles The Nile crocodiles in the Mara River are motionless as they await the arrival of their victim, which heightens the fear when they

BIRDING IN RWANDA Because of the enormous range of bird habitats, Rwanda stands out as a fantastic birding destination. These include hills, rivers, lakes, meadows, enormous swamps, mountains, montane forests, and plains. Of course, there are also mountains. Rwanda has good road systems and clean, safe cities. Compared to Kenya or Tanzania, Rwanda is smaller, making it simpler to travel around the entire nation quickly. There are only about 44 indigenous bird species in Rwanda, all of which are restricted to the Albertine Rift. While birders can observe birds in Rwanda throughout the year, some months offer ideal conditions. Remember that Rwanda experiences two significant wet and dry seasons. In Rwanda, December and January are regarded as the best months for birding. These months, which are part of the dry season, are notable because migrating birds from all over the world travel during them to avoid the bitter winters in Europe and the Arctic. Important Birding Areas in Rwanda Four of Rwanda's national parks, including Nyungwe, Akagera, Gishwati-Mukura, and the Volcanoes National Park, are home to seven significant birding regions. Let us go over these birding locations in detail: - Kigali City: If you don't have enough time to travel outside of Kigali or visit the major national parks, birding in Kigali is a good option. The possibilities for birdwatching in Kigali will amaze you. A better option could be to explore Lake Nyarutarama, which borders Kigali's main golf course, rather than start birding in Kigali from the hotel gardens. This lake includes lovely paths and pathways that are great for observing flying geese, white-faced whistling ducks, black headed herons, and grey-capped warblers. As one leaves the city center, the Rwandan government just constructed a sizable park that is quickly gaining popularity with birders. Additionally, you can see tiny egrets,

  Birding is one of the safaris that any tourist should embark on in Uganda. The high density of bird species per square kilometer within the country is attributed to two things: Location within the equator, the Tropics and the Albertine Rift Valley: Uganda is not an exception to the equatorial regions' abundance of freshwater lakes, rivers, huge swamps, and rain forests. Numerous bird species have homes and breeding grounds because to these natural features. Diversity of Habitats: Uganda provides a diverse range of habitats for various bird species, many of which are native to the country, including large lakes and rivers, rain forests, the huge East African rift valley, mountains, and semi-arid areas in the northern half of the country. These habitats provide as locations for local and migratory birds to breed, feed, and assemble. Top bird species in Uganda: The most sought after bird species in Uganda are the Shoebill stork, African Green Broadbill, Black Bee-eater, Brown chested pullover, Brown-chested Lapwing, Green-breasted Pitta, Jahan’s Francolin, Jameson’s Antpecker, Karamoja Apalis, Purcell’s illadopsis, Puvel’s Illadopsis, Nahans francolin, Red fronted anti pecker and the Rwenzori Turaco. Other species that can be spotted during bird watching safaris include the African Harrier hawk, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Crowned hornbill, Giant kingfisher, Goliath Heron, Green pigeon, Martial Eagle, Mountain greenbul, the Secretary Bird, Shelley’s crimson wing, Short-tailed warbler, The African Darter, The grey crested crane, Western green tinker bird and Yellow-billed Stork among many others. Important Birding Areas in Uganda Awe-inspiring national parks and reserves are the greatest places to see birds in Uganda. Bird sanctuaries that maintain a significant level of species density are found in these national parks and reserves. Due to Uganda's astounding diversity of flora and fauna, observing birds while keeping an eye out for other wildlife species is more rewarding. Budongo