Claudious Tours and Safaris Uganda
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Introduction to Uganda
Known as Switzerland of Africa due to its sheer physical beauty, Uganda covers 235,80 sq.km, including National Parks abounding in wildlife and magnificent lake and mountain scenery. Kampala, the capital, is well connected by road and rail and is 35 km from Entebbe International Airport. Uganda, in the heart of East Africa, is full of the wonders of nature. With landscapes that range from snow capped peaks through broad savannah, rainforests to arid semi-desert, as well as wetlands of international importance.
The wildlife adventures to be seen in Uganda is sensational. The eco-friendly tourist industry and on-going conservation projects have ensured constantly increasing animal populations. Ornithologists come from around the world to view the more than 3000 species of birds. Anglers too can enjoy an abundance of fish in our many waters including the giant Nile Perch and the fighting Tiger Fish. Uganda currently hastens National Parks as well as many protected game and forest reserves. The following are the footnotes about Uganda's National Parks and additional areas including Virunga N. P. in neighbouring Congo where gorilla trekking is possible. Approximate distances to park headquarters and driving times from Kampala are listed for your information.
Located on the western side of the Great Rift Valley, Uganda benefits from Flora and Fauna species of both East and West Africa in addition to having a wide variety of indigenous species. In western Uganda, the mountain ranges of the Rwenzoris and Virungas extend into the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire. On the eastern border lies Mount Elgon, an ancient, extinct volcano. A third of Uganda is covered by water. The many lakes and rivers include Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, and the River Nile from its legendary source. In contrast, northern Uganda is arid, giving rise to special types of Flora and Fauna not found elsewhere.
Uganda Cities and Towns, Travel in Uganda
KAMPALA
This is the capital city with 750,000 inhabitants and the largest in Uganda. Situated on seven major hills, several areas command fantastic views of the surroundings, including Lake Victoria.
Kampala is the political and commercial hub of Uganda, and the people are friendly and communicative. It is easy to move about the city centre and, surprisingly, the visitor does not need to be overly concerned about security.
A guided tour will point out the highlights including Kasubi tombs, Makerere University and other areas of cultural interest. After a city tour, we recommend at least half a day for shopping and exploring on your own. This will let you meet the friendly indigenous people and get a true feeling of life in a large African city.
ENTEBBE
This city, best known for Uganda's International Airport in the movie "Raid on Entebbe' remains a sleepy town. Entebbe means seat in the local language, Luganda and indeed, was the seat of the colonial government prior to Independence in 1962.
The Botanical Gardens, located here, acted as the backdrop for several Tarzan movies. This reserve on the shores of Lake Victoria still has a tremendous variety of flora. Adjacent to the gardens is the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, where lost and wounded animals are rehabilitated.
It takes about 45 minutes to travel the 37kms from the airport to Kampala. The road winds near the lakeshore in several places and passes through many villages.
JINJA
This city was previously the industrial capital of Uganda. It is best known for the source of the Nile at the now submerged Rippon Falls. Owen Falls Dam, located just downstream from the source of the Nile, provides power for Uganda and parts of Kenya. Nearby is Bujagali Falls, where several rapids are situated close together. From here enjoy the scenery or take a white water rafting trip on the mighty Nile.
UGANDA CITY TOURS Click here to read more KAMPALA CITY TOUR: This city of 750,000 inhabitants is the largest in Uganda and is the capital. Situated on seven major hills, several areas command fantastic views of the surroundings, including Lake Victoria. Kampala is the political and commercial hub of Uganda, and the people are friendly and communicative. It is easy to move about the city centre and, surprisingly, the visitor does not need to be overly concerned about security. Expansion is rapid and new clubs and restaurants open regularly. A guided tour will point out the highlights including Kasubi tombs, Makerere University and other areas of cultural interest. After a city tour, we recommend at least half a day for shopping and exploring on your own. This will let you meet the friendly indigenous people and get a true feeling of life in a large African city. ENTEBBE: The Botanical Gardens, located here, acted as the backdrop for several Tarzan movies. This reserve on the shores of Lake Victoria still has a tremendous variety of flora. Adjacent to the gardens is the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, where lost and wounded animals are rehabilitated. It takes about 45 minutes to travel the 37kms from the airport to Kampala. The road winds near the lakeshore in several places and passes through many villages. JINJA: This city was previously the industrial capital of Uganda. It is best known for the source of the Nile at the now submerged Rippon Falls. Owen Falls Damn, located just downstream from the source of the Nile, provides power for Uganda and parts of Kenya. Nearby is Bujagali Falls, where several rapids are situated close together. From here enjoy the scenery or take a white water rafting trip on the mighty Nile. All the following tours are available from Afri Tours and Travel Ltd. Feel free to choose one of these standardised itineraries or use them as a guide when developing your personalised safari. Refer to the descriptions of the parks for transit times and additional details, but do hesitate to contact us with questions and comments. We look forward to welcoming you to Uganda, "The Pearl of Africa." CTSU: 001 KAMPALA CITY CTSU: 002 ENTEBBE CTSU: 003 JINJA, THE SOURCE OF THE NILE |
CHIMPANZEE TREKKING UGANDA Click here to read more
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BIRDING SAFARIS IN UGANDA Click here to read more
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GORILLA SAFARIS IN UGANDA Click here to read more
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WILDLIFE SAFARIS IN UGANDA Click here to read more Uganda Wildlife Adventures, Uganda Wildlife Safaris, Uganda Tours Introduction to Uganda Known as Switzerland of Africa due to its sheer physical beauty, Uganda covers 235,80 sq.km, including National Parks abounding in wildlife and magnificent lake and mountain scenery. Kampala, the capital, is well connected by road and rail and is 35 km from Entebbe International Airport. Uganda, in the heart of East Africa, is full of the wonders of nature. With landscapes that range from snow capped peaks through broad savannah, rainforests to arid semi-desert, as well as wetlands of international importance. The wildlife adventures to be seen in Uganda is sensational. The eco-friendly tourist industry and on-going conservation projects have ensured constantly increasing animal populations. Ornithologists come from around the world to view the more than 3000 species of birds. Anglers too can enjoy an abundance of fish in our many waters including the giant Nile Perch and the fighting Tiger Fish. Uganda currently hastens National Parks as well as many protected game and forest reserves. The following are the footnotes about Uganda's National Parks and additional areas including Virunga N. P. in neighbouring Congo where gorilla trekking is possible. Approximate distances to park headquarters and driving times from Kampala are listed for your information. Located on the western side of the Great Rift Valley, Uganda benefits from Flora and Fauna species of both East and West Africa in addition to having a wide variety of indigenous species. In western Uganda, the mountain ranges of the Rwenzoris and Virungas extend into the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire. On the eastern border lies Mount Elgon, an ancient, extinct volcano. A third of Uganda is covered by water. The many lakes and rivers include Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, and the River Nile from its legendary source. In contrast, northern Uganda is arid, giving rise to special types of Flora and Fauna not found elsewhere. Uganda Cities and Towns, Travel in Uganda KAMPALA This is the capital city with 750,000 inhabitants and the largest in Uganda. Situated on seven major hills, several areas command fantastic views of the surroundings, including Lake Victoria. Kampala is the political and commercial hub of Uganda, and the people are friendly and communicative. It is easy to move about the city centre and, surprisingly, the visitor does not need to be overly concerned about security. ENTEBBE This city, best known for Uganda's International Airport in the movie "Raid on Entebbe' remains a sleepy town. Entebbe means seat in the local language, Luganda and indeed, was the seat of the colonial government prior to Independence in 1962. JINJA This city was previously the industrial capital of Uganda. It is best known for the source of the Nile at the now submerged Rippon Falls. Owen Falls Dam, located just downstream from the source of the Nile, provides power for Uganda and parts of Kenya. Nearby is Bujagali Falls, where several rapids are situated close together. From here enjoy the scenery or take a white water rafting trip on the mighty Nile. |
MURCHISON FALLS ADVENTURES Click here to read more
Uganda is Africa encapsulated country. While not as geographically large as some of its neighboring countries, it still packs a lot of punch as an emerging adventure sports destination. The country straddles the equator on the eastern side of the African continent. Uganda is landlocked, but this doesn't mean it has a shortage of water. In fact the country is laced with an impressive network of lakes, rivers and marshlands, offering a multitude of exciting activities for the bold traveler. Culturally, Uganda boasts one of the world's most diverse populations with over thirty different indigenous languages, belonging to five distinct linguistic. MURCHISON FALLS PARK TOUR: WILDLIFE, CHIMPS AND BIRDS IN MURCHISON. The Murchison Falls Conservation Area, about 7,000 sq. km in size, the largest in Uganda, consists of Murchison Falls National Park, Karuma Game Reserve and Bugungu Game Reserve among others. Budongo at Kaniyo Pabidi Forest station, is also founf within the Area. It is a stunning habitat for wildlife, birds and vegetation. Crocodiles, hippos, elephants and birds including the rare shoebill stork, can be found on the banks of the Nile. With over 1000 chimpanzees in Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi Forests, Murchison is thought to have the largest chimp numbers in the region. This Safari begins and ends in Kampala/Entebbe DAY 1, Arrival DAY 2, Kampala to Murchison Falls Park DAY 3: Murchison Falls Park DAY 4, Chimpanzee tracking, return and fly out |
WHITE WATER RAFTING UGANDA Click here to read more White Water Rafting on the River Nile, Uganda Water Rafting Safaris White water rafting at the source of the Nile River is one of the most fun adventure activities that you can experiences. Just under an hour's drive from Kampala this is one of those tour activities that can be done in one day. For those with a spirit of adventure this activity can be coupled with bungee jumping at the Nile High camp which is the only bungee jumping platform in East Africa. JINJA, WHITE WATER RAFTING - CTSU 203 You are picked up from your Kampala Hotel. Depart for Jinja for a full day rafting trip on the Nile River including morning snack, lunch, and beverages at the end of the day. You will have an exhilarating and memorable experience. Though this trip sounds very adventurous, this river can accommodate any level of rafter. You do not have to have rafted before to have a good time. You can choose a raft where you get to paddle or one where you enjoy an easier ride with someone else doing all the work! Top quality safety gear and highly experienced guides run the biggest rapids possible. Total rafting is for 25 kms of river including some of the best rapids in the world. You don't have to do all the side runs, unless you want to. The river is graded 4+ to 5 and provides one of the best one day rafting trips on planet Earth! Bring a swimsuit, shorts and a pair of sandals or trainers (tennis shoes) to wear on the river. You will get wet, so bring a change of clothes. Facilities are available for cameras to be protected from the water while on the river. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a smile. White Water rafting on the River Nile can also be done in Murchison Falls N. P. This trip in approximately 8 days and runs from Karuma Falls to Murchison Falls. Please contact us for full details. With Nile River Explorers, we pay US $ 150 and didnt have to worry about planning anything. The shuttle picked us up from Red Chilli Hideaway in Kampala and went straight to the Jinja office for 9:30 am orientation and breakfast. We then jumped on trucks to drive 45 minutes to the raft launch. After exiting the water around three-o-clock, there is a great barbeque already set up near the riverbank, with free beers included. If you like white water rafting, Bujagali is the launching point for a commercial white water rafting route that ranks as the most thrilling but also one of the safest in the world, passing through heart stopping grade five rapids in one day. Top quality safety equipments and highly qualified and experienced guides run the largest rapids possible. Total rafting is for 25 km of river including some of the best rapids in the world. You dont have to do all the side runs, except if you want to. The river is graded 4+ to 5 and provides one of the finest day rafting trips on Globe! Massive standing waves leap from the clear blue skies and rock walls tremble from the power of the booming rapids. The cost includes: |
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS TOURS Click here to read more
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UGANDA NATIONAL PARKS Click here to read more MURCHISON FALL National Park (MFNP): APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA: 300KM Murchison Falls N.P. is the largest park in Uganda , covering over 400 sq. kms since the inclusion of the adjoining game reserve. It is one of the most spectacular parks in Africa. Renowned for its scenic beauty and the spectacular waterfalls from which it gets name. MFNP has abundant Flora and Fauna to delight the visitor. From rolling savannah and tall grasslands to thick bush and woodlands, the diversity of this park never ceases to amaze. No visit to Murchison Falls would be complete without a visit to the magnificent waterfalls. They can be viewed from the top where the Nile River narrows from 50 metres to crash through a 7 metre gorge, falling 45 metres to the rocks below. The three-hour cruise to the base of the Falls is unforgettable. One can experience the majesty of the Nile while onboard, viewing exuberant wildlife along the banks. The more adventurous traveller may want to hike the trails around the waterfalls, while the avid birdwatcher will want to seek out some of the 424-species identified in the park. Fishermen can test their skills above and below the Falls, waiting patiently for 20-7kg. Nile Perch. Other game fish found in the Nile include Barbel, electric Catfish and Tiger fish. On game drives Cape buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffe, Uganda kob, hartebeest and waterbuck are commonly seen. You may also spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, shy sitatunga, bush duiker, warthog and bushpig. Large carnivores include lion, leopard and spotted hyena. Chimpanzees head the list of six species of primates found in the park. Crocodile and hippo will be seen along the banks of the Nile. Some of the more common birds that can be included Goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican, bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbill, cormorant, saddle-bill stork and the rare shoebill stork. A boat cruise to the delta is a highlight for the avid birdwatcher. White water rafting above the Falls and flat water canoeing on the placid Nile below the Falls may be of interest to the adventure traveller. QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK (QENP): APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA 440KM Queen Elizabeth N.P. is one of the outstanding treasures of Uganda . QENP has recently been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO. The park covers 2000 sq. kms and includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems; from semi-decidious tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lions, the Uganda kob and other antelope as well as elephant, buffalo, hippos, baboons, and chimpanzee. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded here making it prime target for birdwatchers. Species recorded include the shoebill stork, black bee-eater, 11 types of kingfishers and a variety of raptors including several falcons and eagles. In the crater lakes, spectacular flocks of flamingos gather, creating the image of a moving pink carpet. The launch trip along the Kizinga Channel between Lake George and Edward is a memorable way to view the variety of game in Queen Elizabeth. North of the main gate is the crater area, one of the most scenic parts of the park. To the East, in Kyambura Gorge, visitors can climb through tropical forest and catch a glimpse of a variety of primates, including chimpanzee. In the more isolated Ishasha sector of the park, search the woodlands for the tree-climbing lions perching on the boughs of ancient fig trees. To the Southeast, travellers can explore newly opened trails in Maramagambo forest. BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK: APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA 550KM Bwindi is located in south-western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley covering 331 sq. kms. It is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa, supporting large number of plants and animals not found elsewhere. About half the world's population of 600 mountain gorilla reside in Bwindi. The vegetation, as the park's name implies, is composed of tropical rainforest with dense undergrowth. This rugged terrain makes hiking in search of gorilla strenuous work. Visitors who trek should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking. Good physical condition is required. A maximum of only 6 permits per day are available for advance booking, so confirmation 4 - 12 months in advance is required to avoid disappointment. Along with the gorillas, there are nine other species of primates including chimpanzee, blue monkey, redtail monkey, L'hoest's monkey, black and white colobus, potto, demidoff's and needle - clawed galago. Three hundred and forty-seven species of birds have been recorded in Bwindi; seven species are listed as endangered. Species of particular interest include the Kivu ground thrush, white-bellied robin chat, red-throated alethe, collared apallis, short-tailed warbler, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, blue headed sunbird, strange weaver and the Shelley's crimsonwing. Over 200 species of butterflies have also been recorded here. Many visitors also enjoy the hiking trails in the park. The most popular are the Munyaga River Trail, the Waterfall trail and the Rushuura Trails. MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK: APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA: 510KM The vegetation of Mgahinga is typically afro-montane, with a forest belt, a bamboo zone, an ericacious belt and an alpine zone. The park supports a variety of animal species including gorilla, rare golden monkey, buffalo, elephant, leopard and serval cat. There are also over 180 species of bird found in the region. Among these are the handsome francolin, the Rwenzori touraco and the side-breasted tit. About 45 mountain gorillas use the Mgahinga sector of the Virunga Conservation Area seasonally. Gorilla trekking is available here when the gorillas are in the park. They are usually resident in the months of April, May and June and October, November and December. The rest of the year the gorillas are on the Congo side of the Virungas. Book 4-12 months in advance to avoid disappointment. Trekking is strenuous; therefore good physical condition is necessary. Mgahinga is an interesting park. In addition to gorilla trekking, it offers a number of other exciting half-day hikes and the challenge of a full-day climb to the summit of Mt. Muhavura or Mt. Gahinga, or the breathtaking Sabyinyo Gorge. Also of interest are the three swamps: Rugezi, Kabiranyuma and Kizibakye. RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK: APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA: 60 KM Decreasing temperature with increasing altitude have resulted in marked zoning of vegetation, which is of great interest to scientists and a delightful experience for visitors. In fact, more people visit the Rwenzori to explore and experience the fascinating vegetation than to climb the peaks and glaciers. The usual trip lasts not less than 6 days, just long enough to hike the Central Circuit Trail. Longer and shorter trips can be arranged. No special climbing equipment is necessary unless you intend to climb one of the summits. However, hiking the trails is arduous work, and weather conditions are unpredictable and rainy. The driest months are July, August and December, January and February. Hiking should be undertaken only by the physical fit. LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK: APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA: 230 KM. Lake Mburo National Park (260 sq. kms) lies along Mbarara road within easy access of Kampala. It is ideal for a transit stop to / from the gorilla sanctuaries or QENP. It is an attractive park of rolling hills and open grassy valleys, interspersed with thickets, woodlands and rich wetlands. Find here herds of Zebra, Cape buffalo and eland. Oribi and topi are easily approached. Along with a game drive, many visitors enjoy a boat trip on Lake Mburo. Self-guided nature trails are also available. Birdwatchers will enjoy the more than 250 species of birds found in Lake Mburo. KIBALE NATIONAL PARK: APPROXIMATELY DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA: 350 KMS / 550 KMS This National Park covers 766 sq. kms and runs contiguous with the northern end of QENP, but Kibale is much wetter with a unique moist forest habitat and an extremely high diversity of animals and plants. This mature tropical rainforest supports the highest number of primate species in Uganda , and one of the highest primate densities and diversities in the world. There are 13 species of primates located here which include red colobus monkey, black-and white colobus monkey, redtail monkey, L'hoest's monkey, mangabey, pottos, olive baboons and several communities of chimpanzee. About 400 species of birds have been reported in Kibale. A number of these species are found only in this park. In addition, over 150 species of butterflies and a large number of moths can be discovered here. SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK: APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA: 400/585 KMS Semuliki was formerly a game reserve and covering 220 sq. kms is virtually untouched by man. Its lush tropical lowland habitat provides an inspirational setting for hikers and nature lovers to spend a few quiet days relaxing and exploring unspoiled Africa. The eco-system of tropical lowland forest is continuos with the Ituri forest of Zaire, divided only by the Semuliki River. This location, as a kind of stepping stone between East and West Africa, helps explain the great diversity of wildlife in the park, possibly the greatest in all of East Africa. The park contains elephant, buffalo and vervet monkey. In addition, there are 400 species of bird and around 300 different species of butterfly. Enjoy many walking/hiking trails and a trip to Sempaya Hot Springs. KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK: ESTIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA: 400/585 KMS Kidepo is one of Uganda 's most spectacular parks with a wealth of wildlife and scenic beauty. It lies in the north-eastern horn of Uganda in Karamoja district and covers an area of 1442 sq. kms. Being drier than Uganda's other parks, this impressive natural reserve contains a different eco-system from any other area in Uganda, giving visitors a more complete understanding of Uganda's vast bio-diversity. Its secluded location provides the traveller a certain air of peace and tranquillity in which to relax and enjoy the dramatic scenery and wildlife of northern Uganda . With 80 species, Kidepo supports a wider diversity of mammals than any other Ugandan park. Some of the animals you can expect to see include lion, Zebra, large herds of elephant, eland lesser kudu, dik-dik and Cape buffalo. Oribi are abundant, as well as the almost -tame Apoka waterbuck. A surprising 28 of the 80 species are not present in any other park in Uganda . These include cheetah, greater kudu and Bright's gazelle. Enthusiastic ornithologists will be enchanted with the birdllife. The official checklist includes 462 species. Both kopjes and forest patches provided refuge for interesting species. Two found only to Kidepo are ostrich and kori bustard. Find here five species of hornbill, including the giant ground variety. Bird of prey in the park includes Verreaux's eagle, lammergeyer and Egyptian vulture. MT. ELGON NATIONAL PARK: APPRIXIMATE DISTANCE KAMPALA: 400KM Mount Elgon is the shell of an ancient volcano. Its highest peak, Wagagai, reaches 4321 m, making it the 4th highest peak in Africa. Though much erosion has taken place, the remaining oval shaped caldera now measures roughly 7 by 8 kms, one of the largest in the world. This 1145 sq. kms park shares its eastern border with Kenya . One of the primary goals of the park is to conserve and restore the valuable natural resources of the areas including the water shed and the bio-diversity. Conservation of this land provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the wonderfully wild and exciting scenery of this mountainous area. Its main attractions are its waterfalls, caves once used by indigenous people, Hot Springs, the mountains vegetation, the various peaks, the Suam Gorge and the cladera itself. Many animals are found in the park, but because of earlier harassment by poachers, they are shy of humans. You may spot Cape buffalo, bushbuck, black-fronted duiker, tree hyrax and bushpig. Leopard and hyenas also live in the park, and elephants have recently been returning to the areas from neighbouring Kenya. Primates that are found there include blue monkey, baboon and black-and white colobus. Some interesting birds that are often sighted Ross' touraco, casqued hornbill, gregarious hornbill, crowned eagle and lammergeyer. |
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