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What are the Holiday Rules for Travel

Travel advice

admin

August 20, 2021

It is your responsibility to check the entry rules for your holiday or travel destination, which can change at short notice. Some countries only allow fully vaccinated visitors, or insist on a quarantine period and a PCR test.

A lot of countries are on the red list, including India, Pakistan, Turkey, Brazil and South Africa. If you have been in one in the last 10 days, you can only enter the a certain destination only if you are a national, or resident.

Returning from a red-list country – regardless of your vaccination status – you must:

PCR test for all persons above 5 years

All persons returning from or arriving from any country to any other now, for travel or holiday related issue. You must take an arrival PCR test before you enter regardless of your vaccination status.

In countries like Uganda you need to do the test at a cost of $65 if the one you have is after 72 hours from the last one ypu took.

In case you are found positive you will be subjected to quarantine in government hospitals or hotels until the 14 days are done.

Vaccine for covid-19/ Covid passport

Even if you will be subjected to a mandatory PCR test on arrival this does not mean that your covid-19 passport is not valid, actually in countries like the UK it is a must have on arrival. Vaccine and move along with your covid passport for some ci=countries it may be a must.

Online visa

As we go into the new trends of travel. Visa in most countries are applied online. Uganda being one of these other countries that have joined the trend to reduce the spread of covid -19.

Complete the passenger locator form online ( mostly UK, USA, South Africa)

You can use this service to:

fill in and submit a passenger locator form before you leave for any country for travel holiday
set up an account to save your details if you travel frequently
sign in to your account to edit and submit an unfinished form

You’ll need:

your passport details or the travel document you’ll use when you arrive at the holiday border
your travel details, including times and dates
the address where you will stay (if applicable)
booking reference numbers for any COVID-19 tests you must take after arriving in the UK
the invoice number for your quarantine hotel booking if you need one

A Mask as a must & Social distance

Borders open to vaccinated travellers

Tourism visa holders who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be able to enter the country without the need to quarantine.

Travellers will need to provide evidence of a full course of one of the four vaccines currently recognized: two doses of Oxford/Astra Zeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna, or a single dose of the vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson.

Travellers who have completed two doses of the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines will be accepted if they have received an additional dose of one of the four vaccines approved in Saudi.

The Caribbean

Upon arrival, everyone will be subject to another PCR test. While waiting for the results, everyone will undergo mandatory quarantine for clearance. The Port Health Officer may request a continuance of quarantine for 9 to 16 days.

Most of the caribean countries like Tininad and Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines,St kitts&Nevis. Turks and Caicos,St Lucia,Jamaica,Grenada, acuba,Dominican republic, Dominic, British Virgin IslandsBermuda,Cyman Islands.

They are so many but all with strict rules they are operating.

North America

Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine. Most North America countries have closed their land borders and entry is through air as a way to reduce the spread of the virus.

The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveler’s scheduled departure

Canada, most foreign nationals are not entering apart from Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or their immediate families, temporary foreign workers, and some international students.

Mexico: The US and Mexico entered a joint initiative 21 March 2020 restricting non-essential travel along the US-Mexico land border to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Non-essential travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature.

United States: British nationals can’t enter the USA if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil, China, South Africa or India within the previous 14 days.

Central America

August, international flights have resumed. Travelers must obtain a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test result issued within 72 hours of arriving and fills out a form online before departure. If you bring a negative PCR or rapid test, no quarantine is required.

Belize,Costa Rica,.El Salvador,Guatemala,Honduras,Nicaragua and Panama Foreign travelers, residents must obtain a negative PCR COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of boarding their entry. Passengers who do not have a negative test result must undergo a rapid test at their own cost.

Europe

From 1 June 2021, some European countries are introducing an EU Digital COVID Certificate which will provide digital proof that a traveler has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, has received a negative COVID-19 test or recovered from COVID-19.

Albania,Austria,Belgium.Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria,Croatia,Cyprus,Czech Republic,Denmark,Estonia,France,Finland,Germany,Georgia,Gibraltar,Greece,GreenlandHungary.Iceland: From 20 July 2021, travelers who have had a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine.

United Kingdom: From 2 August 2021, travelers who have been fully vaccinated in many European countries or the USA don’t need to quarantine on arrival in England or take a day 8 test.

Africa

For all nationals you will need a –VE PCR TEST 72 hours before departure, and will be required to self-isolate at home/one location for 14 days. If you do not have a negative COVID-19 test, you will be quarantined in a government facility at your own cost for 14 days.

Algeria, Angola, Benin, Eritrea, The Gambia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Zimbabwe: All international flights are suspended, and land borders are closed.

Botswana, Cameroon,Char,DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Somaliland, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Mauritius: A negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued no more than 72 hours before departure.

Asia

On arrival, all foreign nationals need to produce a medical certificate issued within 72 hours of travel indicating the passenger is COVID-19 negative. Passengers are required to complete a 14 day period of quarantine at a government facility, or government-approved hotel. You may be tested for COVID-19 during this time. In all circumstances, people staying in a government-approved hotel, government facility or hospital will need to cover the costs of those stays.

Azerbaija, Bangladesh , Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Vietnam , Mongolia ,Laos, closed to international flights and most foreign travellers

Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Iran,: From 1 July 2021, if you are fully vaccinated and traveling for business, medical, academic or humanitarian purposes,

Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Maldives, Nepal , Japan, China, Hong Kong partially open though will a lot of restrictions. Please do contact your travel advisory center for more information

Middle East

All citizens, returning residents, transit passengers and tourists traveling to the UAE must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken a maximum of 96 hours before departure. Check specifics with your airline

Bahrain, Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman(British Nationals has an issue here),Qatar, United Arab Emirates: . Foreign visitors to Dubai must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate and international health insurance.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey: From 4 July 2021, entry to Saudi Arabia from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam is suspended.

Oceania

French Polynesia, New Zealand, Palau: Anyone traveling from COVID-19 affected areas must obtain a negative COVID-19 test

Papua New Guinea (need travel approval) Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Fiji, and Australia: closed to all foreign nationals.

Explore the Amorgos Island

Destinations
Places

admin

August 18, 2021

Amorgos is one of the most visited islands in the Cyclades of Greece. This island has a size of about 120 km2 and inhabited by around 1800 people can be found at the east of the Cyclades, next to Dodecanese. Anciently called Minoa, the origins of this city and its population can be found strongly attached to the Cretans who are believed to be the first inhabitants in this island.

The island of Amorgos counts with a very rich and interesting past, and therefore all those who enjoy historic spots would be able to have a great time while visiting it. Many centuries ago, Amorgos was used by the Ionians in order to go from their islands to mainland Greece. Many constructions and elements from such époque can be still observed nowadays since was important in shaping the island’s culture and traditions.

Three of the main and most antique cities in Amorgos can also be still visited nowadays. These three cities are Militos, Efessos, and Alikarnasos and also are strongly attached to the époque in which the Ionians used to go through this island in order to reach mainland Greece in such a way that each one of them can tell a bit of the history of those days. These three cities count with the peculiarity of being autonomous although they share a same currency and have many other aspects in common as well.

The city of Arkesini, one of the main spots in Amorgos, contains several appealing and unique characteristics. One of these interesting characteristics tourists could find in Arkesini is the antique walls that surround it and which were part of many important historical events.

It is also interesting to know that the island of Amorgos has received many different names throughout its history, and still, nowadays, it receives a variety of denominations. Among the names tourists could find Amorgos is called nowadays, there is the name of Pagali, Psichia, Patagy, Yperia, and Karkisia. This way, tourists should not be surprised or confused when they hear, read or see any of those names in reference to the town of Amorgos.

Best Places to Visit in Florida

Destinations

admin

August 18, 2021

Planning to travel to Florida? Wondering about the best places to visit in Florida? Here are some of the must visit destinations that you should not miss.

Seaworld Orlando

In Orlando there are many different attractions to choose from and one of the more popular ones is SeaWorld. It has a mix of them park type rides as well as animal and fish shows and so is appealing to many people.

If you are visiting when it is hot, then it can be a good idea to go to the Shamu stadium because the first twenty rows are known as the soak zone and you will get splashed with cooling water as the killer whales perform for the crowd. For fun with dolphins, the Dolphin Cove will give you the opportunity to feed them as well as watch them, if you would rather not get that close. It can be good ideas to take a waterproof camera with you though as there are so many ‘wet’ events and you want to be able to capture them all on film. You certainly do not want to risk ruining your camera.

If you want a quiet retreat for a while, away form the noisy rides then there is an area near the Clydesdale Hamlet which has a beer school where you can sample some brews. This is especially good if you have left your children behind on the thrilling rides.

If you do not like queuing, then it can be a good idea to find out when all the main animal shows are on. The day’s events are all listed on a map provided when you enter the park with all the times of the attractions. These shows will be busy and popular and will mean that other areas will be quieter and so it can be a good time to queue for food or drink as you will not be waiting for so long. There is a large selection of restaurants and kiosks selling food for all budgets and tastes.

If you are with children, there are opportunities to learn things about the animals all over the park. There are interactive stations which make things fun for them and they will learn things without even realising it.

So if you are visiting Orlando SeaWorld, make sure that you take notice of these tips so that you can have the most enjoyable trip possible.

Magic World

The Magic Kingdom is part of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It is full of fun and there are seven main areas to see, Main Street USA, Fantasy Land, Adventure Land, Mickey’s Toontown Fair, Liberty Square, Tomorrow Land and Frontier Land.

The park was started in 1967 and was a project that Walt Disney had been planning but he died before work started on it. It was built very much based on the California Disneyland but bigger and improved. It was built over tunnels which meant that cast members could move around the park without being seen by guests. They were actually built above the ground, because of the location being prone to flooding and so the whole park is a storey up in the air. They raised the ground using the soil that was dug out of the Seven Seas Lagoon. It opened in 1971 and has 23 attractions then, twenty which were copies of rides at Disneyland and three new ones. There were six themed lands, five copies and a new one called Liberty Square.

Disney Land Park was often called Magic Kingdom until Walt Disney Resort was built. The Magic Kingdom is referred to as The Most Magical Place on Earth. It was called Magic Kingdom in 1994 to stop it being confused with Disneyland.

Guests will be able to take a tram from the parking area to the ticket area and then they can get transport to whichever parts of the park they want to visit. To get to magic Kingdom they can take the monorail or ferryboat and buses can go to other places. There is lots to see and so it is important to allow lots of time so that you get your moneys worth.

The Universal Studios

Within Universal Studios there are two parks, Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure. The Islands contain the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which feels like a theme park on its own, without all of the other attractions. There is even the CityWalk which is a great place for night life where there is lots of entertainment to be had such as bars and clubs as well as restaurants and it is a very popular area. There is a great food and live music to be enjoyed at the same time. There are even karaoke events as well as live band performances at cocktail bars.

Universal is one of the famous three theme parks in Orlando, which also include SeaWorld and Disney World. It offers on site accommodation, the hotels are Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. The hotels cater to different budgets and requirements even though they are all good quality. They have their own individual themes and have many leisure activities to keep guests entertained and whichever you stay at, you can enjoy what the others have to offer.

Both parks are part of the whole Universal experience and you can buy tickets which allow you entry in to either or both for the duration of your stay. Many do worry that staying on site will be too expensive, but it does mean that you will get a great experience and you will get some extra privileges which could make it work out to be great value for money. You will often get a free water taxi from hotel to park and early admission to the park as well as quick queuing.

Both parks have some great things to experience. There are live shows and rides. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the newest additions and is well worth visiting and trying out the Forbidden Journey ride. There are also many rides which can scare you such as the Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket where you choose song to play while you ride and you will be filmed. Then you can watch it back and see yourself going upside down and down vertical drops. There are many exhilarating rides such as Spider Man, The Incredible Hulk, Dragon Challenge and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall. There are also very wet rides such as Popeye and Bluto’s Blige Rat Barges.

The Horror Make Up show is a popular event, where even those not interested in behind the scenes things have fun.

Disney Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom is one of the Disney resorts. It not only has animals on display but information about them and how to protect them. There are safari rides and walking tours where you can see many animals up close and experience an African like safari without having to travel to Kenya. The park does not just have animals though. There are a selection of rides such as rapids and roller coasters which can be fun.

The Dino Land USA has replicas of dinosaurs and fossils and it is educational with information on how the dinosaurs came about. The Rafiki’s Planet Watch area is where guests can find out all about conservation. There are hands on exhibitions as well as information which will help people to understand about the animals in the world and illustrates how much Walt Disney cared about the planet.

There are also some great shows. With the musical of Finding Nemo and The Lion King available to watch, there is certainly no shortage of fun and entertainment, so alongside the seriousness of animal conservation, there is also great thrills and attractions to be experienced too, meaning a great experience for everyone.

Best 5 Magical Places to Visit in Uganda

Africa
Places

Mike Maku

July 18, 2021

Are you looking for that one exceptional destination that rewards visitors with magical experiences? Well, you need not look any further while on a Uganda safari as there are several magical places for you to make the best choice. To realize your dreams in this most scenic country, your choice should however rotate around the following areas;

Mount Rwenzori National Park

While on safari in Uganda, Mount Rwenzori National Park is that one magical place that shouldn’t miss out on your bucket list. This stunning protected area derived its name from the magical Rwenzori Mountain ranges also popular as the Mountains of the Moon. And if you are an adventure seeker this is the best place for you to realize your dreams and you won’t regret it in life.

The Rwenzori Mountain range is remarkably one of the major tourist attractions at this park and while on hiking adventure; you will be amazed by magical views of its alpine highland glaciers, blue cirque Lakes, snowfield, and several attractions which rank it among a few most stunning mountain parks in Africa. The Rwenzori Mountain stands at an altitude of 5109 meters making it one of the tallest mountain ranges on the continent. If you have ever thought of that one adventure for you to challenge yourself then embarking on mountain climbing in Mount Rwenzori should be a must.

While on this breathtaking adventure, you will be filled with magical views of the surrounding areas and along the way, don’t miss to catch a glimpse at the mammal species that thrive at the base of this magnificent mountain as well as 5 unique vegetation zones-the bamboo forest, tree heath bog, hagenia rapanea scrub, afro-alpine moorland, and montane forest.

This park is also one of a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Ramsar sites. Besides, this park also boasts of incredible wildlife species that are worth exploring while you are on safari in Uganda and among others include over 220 avian species, 9 reptiles, and six amphibians and not to forget mammal species such as buffaloes, elephants, giant forest hogs, leopards, chimpanzees, bushbuck. This splendid park is ideal for mountain climbing, nature walks, and many more. The Rwenzori Mountain range lies within Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kasese, and Ntoroko districts. It can be reached from Kampala through Fort Portal or from Kasese to Fort Portal. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kasese airfield.

Kidepo Valley National Park

When you think of an unusual safari destination, Kidepo Valley National Park is that one splendid place that you need to pay a visit to. This park sprawls within the rugged semi-arid Karamoja valleys in northeastern Uganda and extends for about 1442 square kilometers. This makes it the 3^rd most extensive savanna grassland protected area in Uganda after Queen Elizabeth National Park.

It boasts of its scenic savanna landscape that rewards travelers with true African experiences. Its vegetation largely consists of tree savanna grassland and various in structure and composition. It comprises mountain forests and along River Lorupei, there is acacia forest. Besides, there are small hills, inselbergs, and rocky outcrops. This park still remains one of a few destinations with untouched natural wonders.

Its fauna species are supported by its distinct habitats like the open thorn bush, semi-desert scrub, open thorn scrub, long and short grass open tree savanna, riparian woodland, and Kigelia as well as Borassus woodland, dense miombo like woodland, granite outcrops, and montane forest.

For visitors on a wildlife safari in Kidepo Valley National Park, you will be amazed by magical views of the big game especially lions, leopards, African elephants, buffaloes and not to forget Burchell’s zebra, warthogs, bush pigs, elands, bush duskier, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, Jackson hartebeest, Oribis, Rothschild giraffe, spotted hyenas, black jackals, side-striped jackal, white-tailed mongoose a mention but a few. For magical views, at these natural wonders, the notable areas that you shouldn’t miss to pay a visit to include the Narus valley, the southern tip of the Katurum loop.

Besides, bird enthusiasts have never left out at this park a fact that there are more than 475 bird species for you to explore. While on avian safari, expect to sight birds like the African grey flycatcher, little green bee-eater, red-bellied oxpecker, eastern yellow and Jackson’s hornbills, brown rumped bunting, black-bellied and black faded waxbill, black-breasted barbet, long-tailed and standard winged nightjars, mosque swallow, Nubian woodpecker, vinaceous dove, scarlet chested sunbird, little weaver and red-cheeked cordon bleu, orange winged and red-winged pytilias, yellow-necked Spurfowl, pygmy falcon, white-bellied and Hartlaub’s bustards, eastern pale chanting goshawk ruppells and super starlings, Bruce’s green pigeon, Ethiopian swallow, stone partridge, rose ringed parakeet, fan tailed raven, Abyssinian ground, white-faced scoops owl, slate-colored boubou, ostriches, red-fronted and black-breasted barbets, African swallow-tailed kite, steel blue and straw tailed whydahs, white billed buffalo weaver, Karamoja Apalis a mention but a few.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

For primate lovers, Bwindi National Park is such an exceptional place that you should count a must to visit and you won’t regret it in life. This park lies in southwestern Uganda and covers an area of about 331 square kilometers.

For memorable experiences, while on your safari at this park, there are more than 120 mammal species for you to explore among them include rodents, bats, elephants, antelopes and not to forget primate species including more than 400 mountain gorillas that make it one of a few most exceptional safari destinations in the world, chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and a mention but a few.

Besides, there are also 350 avian species for you to spot out and 23 of these are endemic to the Albertine rift while the 14 are not found in any part of the country. While on a birding tour, expect to sight birds like the African green broadbill, brown necked parrot, white-tailed blue flycatcher, Turacos, hornbills, Frazer’s eagle owl a mention but a few. Also, there are more than 220 butterfly species that thrive within this park, 27 frog species, 1000 unique flowering plant species with more than 163, and 104 of them are tree and fern species respectively.

The notable tourist activities for you to enjoy while on safari in Bwindi National Park include gorilla trekking and permits for this lifetime experience cost $700 per visitor; bird watching, nature walks.

Murchison Falls National Park

The popular Murchison Falls National Park lies in northwestern Uganda. It extends for over 3840 square kilometers and it is Uganda’s largest park.

This park boasts of numerous tourist attractions most of which include Murchison Falls one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, as well as wildlife species like elephants, leopards, lions, waterbucks, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, chimpanzees in Budongo forest, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, warthogs, Jackson’s hartebeests, hyenas and not to leave out more than 450 avian species.

Most of these natural wonders can be explored while on a game drive, boat cruise, nature walks, bird watching and you can also embark on hiking adventures to the top of Murchison Falls, or sport fishing.

Mgahinga National Park

The less known Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covers an area of about 33 square kilometers making it Uganda’s smallest park. It is situated in southwestern Uganda and it was established mainly to offer refuge to the rare mountain gorillas which makes it one of a few most exceptional protected areas in the world and one of the best options for gorillas trekking in Uganda.

The major tourist attractions for you to explore at this park include the Sabinyo volcano which stretches for about 3645 meters, Mount Muhabura at 4127 meters, and Mount Gahinga at 3474 meters. Besides, there are elephants, golden monkeys, buffaloes, bushbucks, bird species, and others which add to your experiences while on safari at this park.

It is also surrounded by the Batwa – the most popular forest dwellers who lived in the forest for centuries while hunting and gathering but left with no negative effect on the environment. Today they are marginalized and you can explore more about their cultures, traditions while on community walk or during cultural encounters.

The most popular and exciting safari activities for you to enjoy at this park include mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, bird watching to spot out some of its rare bird species that make up a total of about 300 including those that are endemic to the Albertine Rift, the grey capped weavers, whydahs, speckled mousebird, fir finch, stonechat and others, hiking, the Garama cave exploration. Mgahinga National Park can be reached from Kampala through Kabale-Kisoro or by air from Entebbe Airport/Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro airstrip. For visitor overnight stay, the notable safari lodges include Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Travelers rest camp, and others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Uganda comprises several magical tourist areas that are worth including in your travel plan. Each of these places rewards visitors with unique experiences as they feature distinct tourist attractions. If you are planning for your next holiday in Uganda, the above areas should be a must on your bucket list.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Adventures
Experiences
Green Adventure

admin

June 9, 2021

Gorillas mark the top tourist attraction and most visited in Uganda. The two gorilla parks hosting the famous mountain gorillas in Uganda are:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – It’s found in western Uganda and is famous for hosting half of the world’s remaining mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers four gorilla trekking centres where you can choose to trek gorillas from. The gorilla trekking centres in BINP include Buhoma which is located in the northern part, Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors in the southern and the Ruhija sector in the Eastern. All the four sectors receive visitors but the Rushaga sector receives more due to the fact that the sector hosts many habituated gorilla families and offers a unique Gorilla habituation experience.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – It’s another home of Mountain Gorillas in Uganda. If Bwindi is fully booked then book gorilla trekking in Mgahinga. The Park is part of the Virunga crescent and mountainous thus requires some level of fitness. Mgahinga national park is situated far southwestern Uganda and can easily be reached from Kigali – Rwanda (3-4hrs drive) and 7-9hrs from Kampala. Nyakagezi Gorilla family is the only habituated gorilla group in MGNP however, it’s easy to detect its location by the game rangers to simplify the trek.

During gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga, there are more chances of encountering other attractions like birds, forest animals like elephants, leopards, lions, unique tree species, waterfalls, insects, hills and valley among others. Yes, Gorilla trekking is expensive but there are other things you see to supplement it hence maximum satisfaction and great memories.

Its also important to note that, gorilla permits are booked in advance since the demand for mountain gorilla trekking is high throughout the year. Book a permit of US$700 at least 3 months in advance to secure your spot. You can organize your gorilla safari through Gorilla expeditions Limited or African Jungle Adventures by contacting them via email or phone call. Work hand in hand with local tour operators to guide you in making your dream come true.

On the other hand, chimpanzee trekking is the second sought-after Gorilla trekking. If you visit Uganda, miss not Gorilla or chimpanzee trekking. Uganda is gifted by nature- the fact that there are five destinations where you can meet chimpanzees is amazing! Chimpanzee trekking destinations include:

Kibale National Park– the most famous chimpanzee trekking site in Uganda. KNP is situated in western Uganda and can be reached within a 5-6hrs drive from Kampala city or Entebbe Airport. The Park offers chimpanzee trekking at US$200 and you can choose either morning or afternoon sessions. Other activities done in Kibale National Park include forest walks, hikes, birding, chimpanzee habituation, and nocturnal walk among others. While in Kibale National Park, expect to meet Vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, Olive baboons, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Uganda Red Colobus among others.

Budongo Forest– This is part of Murchison Falls National Park (the largest park in Uganda). Budongo forest is dominated by tall mahogany trees and is unique of its kind. The rain forest hosts about 600-700 chimpanzees ready for trekking. Like KNP, Budongo forest offers chimpanzee habituation. In Budongo, Chimpanzee trekking starts with a briefing from the information Centre at the Budongo Eco Lodge at 8 am after 30 minutes briefing. Other attractions you are likely to encounter in the Budongo forest include black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, and olive baboon. Nocturnal primates include potto and various forest galago species. The rarely seen tree pangolin is also resident.

Kyambura Gorge – It’s situated in Queen Elizabeth National Park (the second-largest park in Uganda). It’s a reserve in QENP however, the cost of a chimpanzee permit here is US$50. Kyambura gorge is known as “the Valley of apes” because of hosting a variety of primates like chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and olive baboons among others.

Kalinzu Forest – You can reach Kalinzu forest through the Mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive only takes about 40 minutes. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is not very demanding as gorilla tracking but one needs to be fit enough to walk for 3 to 4 hours through sometimes difficult terrain. While in Kalinu forest, expect to reach waterfalls, do birding, forest walks, nature walks among others.

Toro- Semuliki Game Reserve – Another home of chimpanzees is Toro- Semuliki game reserve. It’s situated in western Uganda and among the first protected area to be gazette and was ranked a game reserve in 1926. Toro Game reserve covers an area of 542 spare kilometers. Key primate species on this walk include chimpanzees, Red-tailed, vervet, Black and white colobus monkeys, Baboons. Angulates encountered are Waterbucks, Warthogs, Bushbucks, Buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, and Elephants among others. Toro- Semuliki offers the cheapest gorilla trekking at US$30 foreign visitors, Ush 3000 for east African community members.

In conclusion, both gorillas and chimpanzees offer unique experiences which you should not miss while on your Uganda safari.

Explore Kahuzi Biega National Park of DR Congo

Destinations

admin

June 9, 2021

When it comes to safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), most people are left to think that it is gorilla trekking in the Virunga National Park but the latter isn’t true as there is a lot more for you to explore. For any plans to pay a visit to DRC for safari, Kahuzi Biega National Park is that one most exceptional safari destinations you need to think of exploring.

This park remains a few hidden treasures not only in DR Congo but also in Africa and yet it boasts of its unique creatures. It was founded in 1970 and covers an area of about 6000 square kilometers. It is located on the eastern side of DR Congo just within Bukavu town. Its vegetation ranges from marshland, tropical rain forests, riparian while its flora and fauna are equally diverse. The following are some of the attractions and exciting activities for you to enjoy while on safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park;

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking

In addition to trekking to see mountain gorillas while on safari in DR Congo, don’t miss being part of the eastern lowland gorilla trekking experiences in Kahuzi Biega National Park. This park offers refuge to the largest number of these particular gorilla species worldwide making it the only destination to see Eastern lowland gorillas in Africa.

While on a gorilla safari in Congo, you will have a chance to track one of the six habituated gorilla families within the park. Treks to see these great apes may take you about 1 to 6 hours depending on their location, your hiking speed, and other factors.

Hikes are done daily within the park and offer an opportunity for you to explore more about their behaviors, body gestures, and a chance to take pictures. Equally, eastern lowland gorilla trekking allows you only an hour to have a magical encounter with these unique primate species.

Volcano hiking

When you think of safaris in Kahuzi Biega National Park expect more than viewing the eastern lowland gorillas. This park is also ideal for hiking adventures which are conducted in its 2 spectacular volcanoes. The two extinct volcanoes to explore while on safari in this park include Mount Kahuzi which is the highest with an altitude of 3308 meters and Biega at 2790 meters. While on a hike through these volcanoes, you also have a chance to explore its rare vegetation which comprises bamboo and subalpine vegetation that also inhabit several wildlife species, and most importantly, you will have the opportunity to sight the owl-faced monkeys and not forget most bird species.

Bird watching

If you love birding then a visit to Kahuzi Biega National Park should be a must while you are on safari in DR Congo. This park hosts about 342 varied bird species 42 of these are endemic to this park. While on birding safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park, expect to spot out birds like the African green broadbill, Congo peafowl, Rockefeller’s, yellow-crested helmet shrike a mention but a few.

Nature walks

For nature lovers, this park is also perfect for you to explore while on a nature walk. It is this remarkable experience that allows you to explore this park in depth. It takes you through the trails to the tropical rainforest to varied tourist sites. They lead you to sites like Tshibiti waterfalls to 3 waterfalls within the park. You will be accompanied by an experienced park guide and while on a nature walk, you also have a chance to explore the park’s varied vegetation and wildlife including bird species.

Tshibiti waterfall trail takes you through a well-marked path and gets you close to two Rivers and hence offering you stunning views of the waterfalls. This trail features many steps which take you to and back the waterfalls. As well, you can pay a visit to Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary which is situated about 50 kilometers in Bukavu south of Lake Kivu and 10 kilometers away from Kahuzi Biega National Park. This sanctuary hosts mainly the orphaned primates including chimpanzees, baboons, and many monkeys.

In conclusion, when you think of going off the beaten path, visiting Kahuzi Biega National Park should be a must. In this amazing park, you will come to see some of the last remaining population of the Eastern gorilla species, one of the threatened species A visit to this stunning park rewards travel endeavors with lifetime safari experiences that are not only memorable but also highly adventurous.

Are Backpackers the Most Eco friendly Travelers?

Blog
Travel advice

admin

March 30, 2021

Who are the most Eco friendly travellers? That is the question?
With the Eco tourism industry dominated by luxury lodges and expensive 5 star Eco hotels it’s easy to think that luxury travellers are the most Eco friendly travellers. After all they have the budget to fork out the generally higher cost of Eco friendly travel products.

But despite this it is in fact Backpackers who are the most Eco friendly travellers…Here’s why:

Backpackers are cheapskates!

So I’ve just gone on about how luxury travellers can afford to fork out the higher price for Eco products so why is it that the cheapskate habits of backpackers make them so Eco friendly? It all comes down to transport!
Transport contributes the most emissions to your travel’s carbon footprint by far. And with aviation accounting for 2% of the world’s total emissions this is not surprising.
But backpackers don’t have bottomless bank accounts to spend flying here there and everywhere, instead backpackers take the cheap option, the long option, the more Eco friendly option.

That 20 hour train ride that has backpackers smelling like they’ve just come from a farm by the end of the trip and that 10 hour bus ride that has backpacker’s running in search of a massage by the end emit only a fraction of the emissions of flying that same distance!

Additionally you won’t see backpackers being chauffeured around town in a private cars. Oh no, they will be packed in, sweating their butts off with the locals on the bus or metro.
Just using public transport instead of private vehicles can significantly reduce your individual carbon footprint!

Backpackers travel with…well…Backpacks!

Backpacks are not the most comfortable things to carry, in fact they can be a down right pain in the…back. Which is exactly the reason why Backpackers don’t want to carry too much in fear of having to dish out a ridiculous amount of money to pay a chiropractor when they finish their trip.

It is for this reason that Backpackers tend not to go mental with the shopping and buy load of cheap things that don’t even fit in their backpack (causing them to buy a second bag). So how does this make backpackers more Eco-friendly?

A huge contributor to global emissions is from industry. All those factories manufacturing knockoff handbags and tacky souvenir are pumping toxic gases into our atmosphere.

Beyond the manufacturing process every tacky, likely to break piece of merchandise has to be transported most likely from a factory in China to the souvenir shop shelves. This contributes a load of carbon emissions!

And what do you do once you’ve bought it? You have to buy a new bag (what a waste!) to get it all back home. Every kilo of additional weight a plane has to carry emits more horrible gases into the air we breath!
And then what happens two weeks later when it breaks? It ends up in the bin for a future of uselessly sitting in landfill for the next 1000+ years before it starts to bio-degrade!

Backpackers think they’re really daring!

Backpackers think they’re really daring (and if you’re a backpacker don’t try and deny it!). Backpacker’s like to go to offbeat places (when I say offbeat I mean not a resort and at least slightly dirty), they like to get tattoos (a fond memory of their trip), they like to drink mental amounts of cheap and possibly moonshine alcohol and they like to challenge the food poisoning gods by eating street food.

Backpacker’s are not afraid of the risk of food poisoning. In fact most of their meals are spent standing up next to a bicycle selling deep fried crickets or sitting on small stools at street side noodle stalls.

Backpacker’s don’t need fancy restaurants with fancy lighting that use way more light bulbs then necessary, backpackers don’t need fancy large paper napkins that end up in the bin, hell, backpackers don’t even need air conditioning!

By eating street food, supporting local vendors who more often than not source their ingredients locally (minimising transport emissions) and shunning restaurants for an almost electricity free outdoor dining experience backpackers in fact have a reduced travel carbon footprint!

So while backpackers may not have the budget to stay at Eco friendly accommodation the general nature in which backpackers travel make them the most Eco friendly travellers!

In what other ways do you think backpackers are the most Eco friendly travellers?

Top Uganda Spots for Primate Encounters

Adventures

admin

March 2, 2021

Uganda is a magnet for primate enthusiasts. Located in the Eastern part of Africa, this prime destination is among the top countries with the highest numbers of primate species in Africa. Its lush habitats include tropical rain forests, montane forests and bamboo forests are one of the reasons for the wide range of primates.

Some of these species are chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, baboons, Vervet, blue monkeys to name but a few. Listed below are some of the places to go for primate encounters while on a safari in Uganda;

Kibale Forest National Park

There are other places that inhabit primates in Uganda, but Kibale Forest National Park is referred to as the country’s primate capital. Located in Western Uganda, this Park covers a total area of 560 square kilometers and was declared as a National Park in 1993. The biggest area of Kibale is occupied by the moist evergreen, Savannah grasslands, and semi-deciduous forests.

With its blend of evergreen trees and deciduous around Kanyanchu, Kibale’s vegetation rises up to 55m establishing a semi-closed canopy that protects more than 13 different species of primates. Moreover, Kibale Forest National Park is ranked to harbor the greatest concentration of primates in East Africa. Some of these are Chimpanzees, grey-cheeked Mangabey, Black and White Colobus, Blue monkeys, and Red-tailed monkeys.

The current population in this protected area is approximated to 1000 individuals and part is habituated for tourism in the Kanyanchu area. Actually, chimpanzee tracking is the main reason for most trips arranged to this Park in western Uganda.

Other than primates, this park plays host to over 325 bird species including forest and water birds. This makes it a perfect getaway for those who seek a mix of primate watching and birding. Some of the birds common in Kibale include green breasted pitta, white-bellied crested flycatchers, woodland warbler, and orange tufted sunbird.

Budongo Forest Reserve

Seated atop the Albertine Rift part of the Great Rift Valley, Budongo is simply described as a medium-altitude, semi-deciduous, and moist tropical rain forest. It is part of the Murchison Falls conservation area and covers a total area of 825 square kilometers of which 430 square kilometers is a continuous forest.

This forest was under strict protection by the King of Bunyoro until it was gazetted as a reserve in 1932. Budongo forest is currently one of the protected areas in Uganda that boast rich biodiversity that consists of nine primate species including chimpanzees, 280 butterflies, and 24 species of small mammals.

About 600 individuals of Chimpanzee primates call Budongo home although a small community is habituated for tracking excursions. The community for tracking is composed of 80 individuals and is common most of the days except in the dry season when they tend to move into the forest in search of food.

Other primates that breathe life in the Budongo forest are red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, Black and white colobus, grey checked mangabeys, and olive baboons.

Adding to primates, the reserve boasts over 360 birds and 465 plant species including the Mahogany trees that can grow up to 80 meters. Some of the common birds in this protected area are chestnut crowned Eremomera, Dusky long-tailed cuckoo, Black-headed paradise flycatcher and chocolate-backed kingfisher.

Kalinzu Wildlife Reserve

With its large communities of Chimpanzee primates, Kalinzu forest is ranked to be the second-best place to meet with Chimps if not Kibale Forest National Park. It is a great stopover for those who are heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can as well connect to Kalinzu from Queen and the drive takes about 40 minutes.

Over 320 chimps are recorded in the reserve, but only 50 are habituated and fully approved for tracking. The session usually takes about 3-4 hours and includes walks through steep slopes and valleys, therefore physical fitness is highly required. There are two sessions on offer (morning and afternoon sessions).

The morning session starts at 8:00 am and the afternoon session starts at 3:00 pm. Sometimes these chimps are not welcoming to strangers, that’s why a ranger guide is assigned to lead the group of trackers. During the tracking, you are also exposed to other primates and various species of birds.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Established to provide a home to the rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, Ngamba is a paradise for primate lovers. It is located on an island that is part of the Koome group of Islands.

Ngamba Chimp Sanctuary covers a large part that consists of tropical rainforests, grasslands, and swamps. Since it is located on an island, you can only get there by boat or plane. This notable locality treats visitors with a number of captivating activities such as chimpanzee feeding, caregiving, and bird watching.

Kyambura gorge

With its inviting scenery, the Kyambura gorge is amongst the best places to see Chimpanzees in Uganda. It is home to a plethora of primate species although most travelers visit this area for Chimps. Kyambura gorge is part of Queen and a stunning spot that is rarely anywhere else in Uganda.

It was established mainly to act as a buffer zone for animals that come to the gorge for water in the dry season. Chimpanzees in this area tend to hide and a deep walk into the forest reveals more of other wildlife species that inhabit the gorge. Some of these species are birds, primates like baboons, vervet, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and more.

5 Quick Tips to Get the Best out of a Gorilla Trek

Travel advice

admin

February 25, 2021

Mountain gorillas are one of the most interesting primates to watch in their natural habitats as you interact with them by observing them do their social antics, learn about them and also enjoy and take pictures of them. With their unique social antics that are almost similar to human beings, it is why gorilla trekking has become so popular in the world as people come to Uganda or Rwanda to meet their closest cousins in the animal kingdom. There are only three countries where you can encounter the mountain gorillas that is Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo but Uganda and Rwanda bring out the best gorilla trek experience as each differs from the other as for Uganda it is more adventurous and explorative and for Rwanda, it gives ease to trek the gorillas. However, like any other wildlife safari you have to prepare to get the best out of the gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda;

Dress up clothes that cover your body properly

Put in mind that during gorilla trekking you walk through the bush and forested jungles of Bwindi national park or volcanoes national park where you encounter thorns, nettles, protruding branches on the walking trails, insects, and pesky that can cause skin damages. You have to put on headgears, long pants, carry gloves, jackets, and sweaters, and also ornaments for insect bites.

2. Prepare your body and mental for the trek

Gorilla trekking takes a lot of time as you hike the forested jungles searching for the gorillas and this normally takes 2-8 hours. It is really a very physical and challenging activity. So you have to be fit and also have the good mental strength that you can walk for long distances and hours. However, when you reach the gorillas, you can never think of the distance you have come because the moment with the gorilla is very tremendous.

3. Carry all the essential tools

There are important things, the gorilla tracker is supposed to have like sunscreens, a waterproof bag, a camera, walking sticks, and drinking water, and some edibles and insect repellents. This equipment is of serious help while in the jungle trekking the gorillas.

4. Get the ideal time to trek the gorilla

In Uganda and Rwanda, there are two weather seasons i.e. dry and wet seasons throughout the year. Gorilla trekking is carried out in both seasons. However, there are people who find it hard to trek the gorillas in the wet season as it is very challenging as the trails are slippery and there is a lot of mist and frost in the forest. So it is better to choose a dry season where the forest is crystal clear and the trails are in fine form.

5. Make your trip well organized

Making an expedition is very exciting and yields joy but when in an organized matter. To do the latter, look for a tour company in Uganda or Rwanda to make a very organized itinerary of your gorilla safari so that there are no inconveniences like time delays, losing your bearing, and also losing your bearings.

Uganda or Rwanda gorilla safaris are one of the most amazing safari trips in the world as you come close to nature through man’s closest cousins “the gorillas”.

Go Green Ireland

Experiences
Places

admin

December 23, 2020

Ireland is a country of contrasts- it has both brains and beauty. Of course, it is well known for its green landscapes and beautiful villages, where life remains much as it did hundreds of years ago- but there are cities like Dublin and Cork that can compete with major cities of the world.

The locals are friendly in Ireland, and most are well-read and talkative- they’ll be happy to discuss almost anything over a pint. Ireland has a rich art history, but the outdoors is what most people come for- the country has many ruins and almost prehistoric monuments (think of the tombs in the Boyne Valley). It does rain quite a bit in Ireland, but you can duck out of the inclement weather into any one of a number of old fashioned little pubs. Who knows, you may happen upon a sort of impromptu fiddlers and dancers jam session. At the very least, you’ll leave with a few pints of ale and a great chat.

Dublin is Ireland’s capital, and it is the envy of most of Europe. The city of today is full of shops, pubs, and enough fast paced nightlife to satisfy almost anyone. Its culture is storied and wonderful, and although its economy, like so many others, has taken a hit, Ireland is a country that looks only to the future.

Stop by the Guinness Brewery for a tour and taste of the famous brew. Dublin’s Heuston station is conveniently located just five minutes from the Brewery. This is ideal, since you won’t want to drive after your visit. From here, reach all points south and west of the city, including more cities of green, myth and glass.

Get to Gal-way, birthplace of the Claddagh ring, in less than three hours. Waterford, home to the world-famous crystal factory is clearly in your sights in just over two hours. Near Cork, you can’t go home without kissing the Blarney Stone at the castle of the same name. With a little maneuvering (you’ll need to lean out of the castle wall and scale down a bit), the myth goes that upon planting a wet one, you’ll be blessed with a magical eloquence. Whether a bunch of blarney, well, that’s up to you.
Back on the train, peer out your window in search of rainbows and fields of shamrocks. And realize that all of Ireland is a traveler’s pot of gold.

It doesn’t matter if you like to hike through the countryside or shop in a bustling marketplace- Ireland will provide you with the vacation of a lifetime.

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