Friday 24 May 2013

DESTINATION UGANDA



Uganda is located in the heart of the great African high plateau that rolls from the Ethiopian highlands towards South Africa astride the equator. It is bordered by Kenya in the east, Tanzania and Rwanda in the south. The pearl of Africa boast s of numerous unique attractions, in addition to all the game viewing and ornithology which have become synonymous with the term safari. Ecologically Uganda is where the east African Savannah meets the West African jungle. With 10 national parks and uniquely lush pastures one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rain forest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to visit the majestic mountain gorillas. Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plain antelopes. Besides the wide biodiversity, Uganda is also blessed with a vast bird population of more than 1000 species.

Uganda’s political and economic environment has been stable for the last 26 years, with the economy growing at an average of more than 5% per annum.
Uganda was ranked by respected travel guide specialist lonely planet as the world’s most preferred tourism destination for the year 2012 and highlights the country as the place where savannah meets the vast east African lakes and where snow capped mountains bear down on sprawling jungle but also rich history with UNESCO world heritage sites including Nyero rock paintings, kasubi tombs, Bwindi impenetrable national park and the newly discovered home of early man in karamoja

Uganda has population estimated  to be 36 million and these composed of over 50 tribes all speaking different dialects  has a reputation for being Africa’s friendliest country, it  is where the source of the river Nile is found that is lake Victoria one of the world biggest in land fresh water lake  ,the country is 93065sqaure miles in area.
Travel is said to broaden horizons, however finding unspoilt locations which offer exclusivity are being hard. In east Africa, Uganda is one of the few remaining places where a truly individual experience is guaranteed.
National parks:
Kidepo
Murchison falls
Queen Elizabeth
Kibale forest
Lake Mburo
Bwindi impenetrable
Ruwenzori
Mt Elgon
Mghinga
Semiliki
Uganda Sanctuaries:
Ziwa rhino
Ngamba chimpanzee
Uganda wildlife education center
Uganda reptile center
Adventure sports;
White water rafting
Bungee
Quad biking
Horseback riding
Abseiling
Rock climbing
Para gliding
Mountain climbing
Our trip options can be arranged according to your time frame, we also offer day trips

Day trip and excursions
-Jinja, Mabira forest, Sezibwe falls
-shoebill visits Mabamba swamps
-chimpanzee island Ngamba and Uganda wildlife educational center
-Ziwa rhino sanctuary
-white water rafting
-equator experience
-horse back safaris
-all terrain adventures
-Nile cruises
-jet boating
-mountain biking
-kayak cruises
-sights of Kampala

Sample Uganda safaris
-3days Murchison falls national park
-3 days queen Elizabeth national park
-3 days gorilla trekking safari
-3 days kibale forest park
-2 days Lake Mburo
-2 days sipi fall

Uganda safaris
-4days, gorillas and volcano mountains
- 7days, mountain gorilla, primate and wildlife uganda
-8days, gorillas, chimps and wildlife
-14 days, Gorillas, rhino and Wildlife Park
-14days, gorillas, chimps, wildlife and waterfalls
-15days, 14nights Primate Experience
 -21 days classic Uganda safari

Travel tips
Language
English is widely spoken which is the official language, of the over 30 and more indigenous languages luganda and Swahili serve more as lingua franca.
Money
Major foreign currencies are convertible at banks and bureaux de change in the main towns and tourist areas. Credit cards particularly visa cards are accepted at most up market lodges but not at low key enterprises, in large towns several banks offer ATM facilities against international credit cards. The Uganda wildlife authority is currently upgrading its payment system soon visitors will be able to pay for services using cards.
Health   
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, malaria is endemic but preventable: use insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and take anti-malaria prophylactics as advised by your doctor. Bring prescription medicines, spare  glasses, contact lenses and solution as well as sunscreen, a first aid kit, cream for bites/stings and diarrhoea remedy. Drink only boiled or bottled water. HIV/AIDS prevalent rate is still high in major urban areas.
Climate
Generally wet and dry, the rains generally peak in mid September to November and March to May, however this may also vary in region. Mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest activities are more challenging during the rainy season.
Clothes
Pack lightweight, washable clothes plus a sweater for early morning game drives, as well as a sun hat, sunglasses and sun screen. Long sleeves and trousers in light coloured fabrics help discourage insect bites. Shorts for women are acceptable (but not too short), if your trip includes hikes and nature walks solid walking shoes, sturdy clothing and waterproof jackets should not miss in our luggage.
On safari
Uganda by map seems small and therefore distances between attractions seem short however this is not an entirely correct observation, travel by road can be wearing. Plan to spend more time in fewer places. You will see more and won’t return home exhausted. Keep your distance from the animals and be quite to avoid distressing the wildlife, follow instructions of rangers or guides. Don’t leave your vehicle in the park except in designated places; keep to recognised tracks to avoid damaging the vegetation and please don’t litter.  

Photography
If you still use film, bring all you need with you, for digital photography most lodges and tented camps have battery charging facilities. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing people and some government facilities
WI-FI/internet access
With changing trend for traveller to stay in touch with friends and family, most lodging facilities have installed internet and wire-less connections, this service is mostly found in hotels in towns and mid- market to high end lodges and camps in nature reserves.
Insurance   
Take out travel insurance to cover loss of baggage or valuables, personnel accident and medical expenses.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory, but a tip for exceptional service (max 10%) will be appreciated, guides and drivers should always be tipped.
Local time
Local time is 3hrs+GMT
Electricity
Uganda runs on 240v system, power failures, surges and troughs are common; carry along universal adaptor and a torch (flash light) or headlight.
Car hire
Self-drive vehicles are available mainly for local or tarmac use, 4x4 vehicles for safaris usually have to be hired with a driver.
Driving
Driving is on the left side of the road, however visitors without African roads experience are highly advised to organise a vehicle with a driver rather than self drive, a driving licence is key, plan your safari carefully ensuring your car is road worthy with two spare tyres, an operational jack and tool kit, carry extra fuel, spares and water.
Travel with children    
Ugandan love children and are especially helpful to mothers, however canned baby foods, powered milk and disposable nappies may not be available outside major towns.


Visas
Check current requirements with the nearest Ugandan high commission, embassy, consulate or booking agent. Visas, if required can be bought on arrival at international airports and overland boarders.
Security
Uganda is a generally safe country, but don’t invite temptation, always keep an eye on your belongings. If possible avoid lonely night outings take a taxi from cab companies or hotel shuttles, or let your hotel or place of stay organised you one, commuter public transport is quite safe too. Use hotel safe deposits to secure your valuables and obtain a receipt, if possible leave your jewelry at home.
Gift
Don’t indiscriminately hand out pens, money, and sweets, this encourages begging, better handed out through school, charitable organisations, better still make your intention known to your booking agent or guide, to help, gifts should be given as a true expression of friendship, appreciation or thanks.
Shopping
A wide selection of local handicrafts are available as souvenirs, jewelry and trinkets, don’t be afraid to haggle at road side curio stalls






  
Destination Uganda




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