Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Safari Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

There is no doubt that Queen Elizabeth comprises of the uppermost bio diversity ratings of any game park or reserve in the world, - from the open Savannah to Rain Forest,Gorilla safari dense Papyrus Swamps and brooding Crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward.

Approximately 100 mammal species that include Lions, Leopard, Hippos, Spotted Hyena, Buffaloes, Elephants, Mangoose, Bushbucks and the elusive Giant Forest Hog plus over 600 amazing  bird species that include the Black Chested Eagle, Black Bee-Eater, Chappirs Fly Catcher, Bustards, craters full of Lesser Flamingos the Swallow Tailed Bee Eaters, and if you are lucky, the Legendary Shoebill Stork among others. Uganda safari And some people refer to this park as the birder’s paradise.

The park is also a home to numerous primate species like Chimpanzee, Blue and Red Tailed monkeys Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Black Faced Red Colobus, Olive Baboons among others.

Amongst the reptiles, this park consists of Puff adders, Rock-Python, Gabon Rippers, Spitting Cobras,Rwanda Gorilla Safari Green Mambas, Turtles, crocodiles etc. All these are frequently sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Isthmus and all this makes a superb safari terrain.

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Following breakfast, a tour guide from our company will be at your service to transport from your in Kampala at 7.00am and drive you southwards to Masaka. You will have an interruption of the journey to have a look at the Royal Drum makers, then also at the Equator where an experiment that demonstrates that it is the real equator will be confirmed to you as explanation will follow.  Take lunch at in Mbarara and then go on through the lush hills to Queen Elizabeth National Park reaching in the evening. Take a game drive as on the away and if you are lucky you will view various animals like Elephants, antelopes like topis and many others.  Dinner and over night over night at either
Mweya Lodge/ Jacana safari Lodge (High end accommodation),
King Fisher Lodge Kichwamba/ Hippo Hill Camp (Medium class accommodation) or
The Albertine Rift Camp (Low budget/basic accommodation). FB

THE LAUNCH CRUISE ALONG THE KAZINGA CHANNEL
Enjoy your cup of coffee to cheer up your body. After at 0600, head for an early morning game drive along the Queens mile or the Kasenyi miles Tracks. You will look for animals like Elephants, Lions, Leopards, and Hyenas among others. Drive to the lodge for a mid morning breakfast. Have lunch and then proceed for the afternoon boat trip along the Kazinga Channel. Hippos breathe and squirt a few feet away from the boat, Buffalo loiter in the, shores and shallow ends of the channel as a   stunning variety of birds make there way to the grasses on the shores. Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans, Great and Long-Tailed Cormorants, African Jacana, Open-Billed Stork, Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Uganda Malachite and Pied Kingfishers are commonly seen. February and March offer spectacular seeing some of the bird migrants. Go back for dinner and over night at your lodge.

Posted by SAf in 11:01:20 | Permalink | No Comments »

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

CULTURAL TOUR IN UGANDA

VISIT NDERE CENTRE
After disembarking from the plane our tour assistant will be at your service to transport you to the Ndere Centre to experience a thrilling welcome entertainment performed at the Ndere Centre in Kampala.Uganda safari To trace the history of UDTA (Uganda Development Theatre Association), Ndere troupe is the answer. UDTA is an innovation of Ndere Troupe. When Ndere Troupe was started in 1984, it had three cardinal goals, that is; to reawaken the sense of self-esteem, pride and self-assurance among young Ugandans/Africans by liberating their performing arts from being symbols of evil worship and backwardness to highly respectable and admirable stage arts. The other reason was to mother positive social revolution and human development through the use of functional and inventive culture, i.e. entertainment education.  More so organize, Kenya safari holiday develop and enable the artistically talented -but socially disadvantaged young people- to break the vicious cycle of poverty and misfortune and realize their full potential. The Troupe worked diligently on these aims but was always handicapped by financial constraints. In 1992, Ndere visited Austria under the invitation of the Vienna Institute for Development Co-operation (VIDC) and the avalanche of positive change started rolling. In 1994 Austria offered the first phase of the grant that has been the blood and oxygen of the entire development theatre body in Uganda. The Troupe was facilitated to take performances to every corner of Uganda, addressing topical issues of concern to the different communities in fields like health, economic, education and good governance.South Africa safari Ndere soon became a very important household name and demanded in all corners of Uganda. Realizing that they could not satisfy the great demand, the Troupe embarked on a mobilization exercise of local youths, women and other groups. Skills training workshops were carried out and soon, many villages set up groups to do Entertainment Education. In 1997, the Uganda Development Theatre Association (UDTA) was launched to co-ordinate and link up the activities of the different groups from all over the country in their own localities. Today the association is in 42 districts with a membership of more than 2000 groups. The UDTA groups are engaged in three basic types of activities: Improving local community living standards by public education and social mobilization. Take part in some Income generating activities so that each of the group members can earn some money and be a model citizen in the area. Improving the quality and standard of their local music so that they will be able to market it especially, at the Ndere Centre headquarters. See how astonishingly the dancers twist their bodies to the lovely beats of the traditional instruments.  You will have three visits to this centre .Overnight at
Up market Grand Imperial Hotel / Cassia Lodge BB
Basic Holiday Express Hotel. BB
KAMPALA CITY TOUR
Have Breakfast, head for a city tour around the cultural sites of Kampala. These include Kasubi tombs where Buganda kings and royals are buried, Nagalabi coronation site, Nakasero Green Market, Kabaka’s lake and Palace, Uganda Museum, Mulago Hospital, Bahai temple, Namugongo shrines Cultural Market to mention but a few thrilling sites, set more knowledge about the history of what took place in Buganda, the transformation they have gone through and how different cultures interact yet without clashing with one another.Botswana Safari Go back for your overnight at
Up market Grand Imperial Hotel / Cassia Lodge BB
Basic Holiday Express Hotel. BB

Posted by SAf in 08:15:52 | Permalink | No Comments »

Thursday, August 6, 2009

DAY 1 KAMPALA- QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK UGANDA

DAY 1 KAMPALA- QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

At 07hrs00, you will be picked from your hotel or residence and leave for Queen Elizabeth National park. Uganda safari Take a stop over at stopping at Mpigi crafts and the Equator crossing. At the Equator, you will watch some men demonstrating an experiment to test whether water does in fact go in opposite directions down a plug hole on opposite sides of the equator. This experiment is evidence to show that the equator is the separator of the two hemispheres. Many people know that the equator is there, but being there after a short drive is worth while evidence! Take pictures and then after proceed Queen Elizabeth national park. A game drive En route a game drive in search for the unique game like the Topi, Elands, Elephants and many other animals. Have lunch, Visit the crater lakes region and then wait for dinner and over night at Mweya Safari lodge/ JACANA SAFARI LODGE / INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGY(FB).

DAY2 LAUNCH CRUISE ALONG THEKAZINGA CHANNEL

Rise very early for a morning game drive to catch-up with the early risers and predators – lion, leopard, getting back to their hideouts. You will be likely to meet grazing elephants, spotted hyenas ,the elusive leopards, bushbucks, water buck and stripped jackal, and of course the several warthogs. Return to the lodge for break fast and then after, gorilla safari Uganda In the afternoon you will go for a launch cruise along the kazinga channel the waterway that joins Lake Edward to Lake George . Its banks are is crammed with families of hippos, buffaloes, with elephants at the banks. If time allows take an evening game drive to the crater area. Retire to your lodge for Dinner and Overnight at the lodge (FB).

DAY 3 CHIMPANZEES TRACKING IN KIBALE

You will drive to Kibale national park. The drive will take you through the beautifu;l foot hills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Uganda safaris Relax at the lodge as you wait for Lunch. In the Afternoon, you will assemble at Kanyankyu tourist centre for briefing from the Ranger guides before you go for chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale tropical rain forest. Though you will be chimpanzee tracking, you will be astounded to come across more primates and mammals like the Red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, the Blue Mangabeys, Bushbucks, Warthogs, Bush pigs, Duikers, Golden cats among others, several bird species including African Pitta, Warbler, Blue headed sun bird among others. Chances of seeing chimps in this park are 95%. After, you will come across man’s closest cousins in their family playing as they move from tree to tree . Dinner and over night at Ndali Lodge/ Primates Lodge/ Rwenzori View guest house.(FB)

DAY4 TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

This will be a long drive but rewarding with e beautiful Scenery .Take breakfast and transfer to Murchison falls National park passing through the beautiful Albertine rift. Have lunch en route and as you approach the park you will be stopping briefly at the escarpment overlooking L. Albert. This point has the lowest Altitude 622 M (ASL). Still as you drive along Budongo forest way, you may spot Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Red Tailed and Blue Monkeys and lots of Olive Baboons may be seen. Birds like Afep Pigeons, the Nightjar, Black Billed Turacco, Great Blue and Ross’s Turaccos, Narina’s Trogon, White thigh Hornbills, African Green Pigeons and Nahan’s Francolin may also be seen.Proceed for dinner and over night at Paraa safari Lodge / Nile Safari Camp/ Sambiya River lodge/ Red Chillis Camp.(FB)

DAY5 LAUNCH CRUISE ALONG THE RIVER NILE

Wake up very early in the morning and take a cup of coffee as you prepare for an early morning game drive in the Northern part of Murchison falls national park. In this cool morning before the sun rises too high , you will expect encounters of herds of Buffaloes, Elephants, Rothschild’s giraffe, prides of lions, the Illusive leopard, Oribis, Hartebeests, Waterbucks, Kobs, watch elephants as they graze on the grassy hillsides and many bird species like the Nightjar. Back in time for late breakfast. Then after relax as you wait for lunch. In the afternoon, you will take a launch cruise along the Victoria Nile to the bottom of the falls, watch families of Hippos relaxing by the Nile bank, Nile crocodiles will be incubating eggs, as lots of birds stand on the backs of these mammals. You will return to your lodge for dinner and over night.

Optional: If you are physically fit and interested to hike to the top of the falls, (1 hour’s hike) the launch will drop you at the cliff on the right side of the bottom of the falls. Uganda tour With the accompaniment of a guide you will hike to the top of the falls. Simple hiking shoes and water are obligatory prerequisites. The walk is a little bit arduous conversely once you reach the top; you will realize that it is a worthwhile as you witness water dipping from a gorge that is 5o metres wide down into a narrow gorge of a 7 metres width…

Return to the lodge for dinner and over night (FB)

DAY 6 TRANSFER TO KAMPALA

You will be transferred to Your Hotel in Kampala. Lunch En route

Posted by SAf in 09:48:16 | Permalink | No Comments »

Monday, January 12, 2009

African Safari with Great Lakes Safari Company

Africa is one of the world’s most beautiful and exotic destinations. Going on an African Safari is sure to be an exciting and unique adventure. But being well prepared is necessary to ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are a few tips.
Uganda Safaris with Great Lakes

1. Study everything first. Gather as much information as you can about the country you are planning to visit such as weather conditions, political climate and modes of transportation. Check up on your travel agency as well. Make sure you clearly understand their terms and the limitations of their services. Confirm that you have enough money to cover all your expenses as well as extra cash for emergencies or other unforeseen costs.
Gorilla Safari Uganda and Rwanda
2. Plan ahead on what to pack. Ask your travel agency about the local climate of the place, they can help you get a better idea on what type of clothes to bring. Don’t overlook the tiny things like the quality of shoes you will be wearing on the trip. Bring a few pairs that are durable yet comfortable to take long walks in. Generally, daytime in Africa is significantly hot — stock up on hats, scarves and protective eyewear. But anticipate cooler temperatures especially in the evenings. You may want to bring along a warm jacket or sweater just in case. Long pants are usually preferred over walking shorts to help protect you from mosquitoes.

Uganda Safari Tour Holiday

3. Don’t forget the other essentials. Load up on sunscreen and mosquito repellents to protect your skin. Bring a medical kit complete with bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, medicine for travel-sickness, allergies, skin cuts and diarrhea among others. It would be best if you can visit your doctor for a complete medical check-up and even a dental check-up before leaving. If the place you are visiting is known to have cases of malaria, take prophylactic malaria medication. You can ask your physician about this. Also inquire about the quality of water in the area you’ll be staying in. If you’re not confident that it’s potable, drink only bottled.

4. Once you have arrived, you may experience a bit of discomfort during the first few days such as jet lag and fatigue. Eating lightly and keeping yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water and liquids can easily cure this. Avoid alcohol and too much coffee though as these would only rob you of the energy you need to enjoy your vacation. Your body should be able to adjust to the local time zone in a couple of days.

5. Keep yourself hydrated. Always keep a sufficient amount of water with you. It would be good to take in liquids every few hours even if you don’t feel thirsty. This will help you avoid getting dehydrated or having a heat stroke.

6. Always think of your safety. In a different country, it’s easy to get disoriented especially if you’re a first time visitor. The culture could be very different from what you are used to. There are certain things we should think twice about doing in a foreign country such as driving. Unless you are significantly familiar with the local driving culture, road signs and local police vehicles, do not attempt to drive by yourself except when you have a guide who knows the place well. Also be cautious with your cash and other valuable items such as laptops and cameras. Don’t attract unwanted attention by counting your money in public. Keep valuables in an old bag and keep it by you at all times.

Keep these things in mind when preparing for that African Safari. Wise planning and organization are the secrets to having an unforgettable, hassle-free vacation.

Posted by SAf in 21:41:56 | Permalink | Comments (3)