Good news:Uganda blessed with new born gorilla

Gorilla Uganda blessed with new born gorilla

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

Kidepo valley national park 

  

Destination Uganda

 Gorilla safaris Uganda 

Queen Elizabeth National Park

3 Days Bwindi national park tour 

White water rafting

Uganda primate safaris 

Travel tips on Uganda safaris

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 diarrhea 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 colored 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 recognized 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 trends for travelers 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 adapter 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 organise 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

Queen Elizabeth national park

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK EARNS 2013 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE Rate this item 1 2 3 4 5 (2 votes) QENP-TripAdvisor-winner Queen Elizabeth National Park in south western Uganda has been honored a Top Performing National Park as Reviewed by Travelers on the World's Largest Travel Site, TripAdvisor. The protected area managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award, an accolade, which honors hospitality excellence and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. It is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top-performing 10 per cent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award. To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months. "Queen Elizabeth National Park is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence," said Dr. Andrew Seguya, Executive Director Uganda Wildlife Authority, "We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor." "TripAdvisor is delighted to celebrate the success of businesses around the globe, from Sydney to Chicago, Sao Paulo to Rome, which are consistently offering TripAdvisor travelers a great customer experience," said Alison Copus, Vice President of Marketing for TripAdvisor for Business. "The Certificate of Excellence award provides top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers." About QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK A Medley of Wonders Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most popular and second largest national park famous for its tree climbing lions. Located in South Western region, it is also the country's most scenic and diverse park enjoying a fabulous location on the floor of Albertine Rift Valley, 914 meters above sea level. The park boasts of over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species. The 40 km long Kazinga channel connecting lakes Edward Ad George, open savanna grassland, acacia woodland, closed forest and vast wetlands are home to hundreds of game. The park also offers boat trips on Kazinga channel in the centre of the park, to the scenic drive between the Volcanic craters in the north, chimpanzee tracking in the deep gorge of Kyambura gorge, walks in the dark Imaramagambo forest and the game drives beneath the vast skies of the Ishasha wilderness in the south, the Katwe salt mines, all offer a visitor a memorable experience. Recently, Kidepo Valley National Park was voted the third best national park in Africa by CNN Travel magazine.

Africa's 10 Best National park

Many could have forgotten this that Our Kidepo valley national park was voted NO.3 in Africa among the best 10 national parks betting all those that you may know.

Spectacular landscapes and great buffalo herds. With sprawling savannah and soaring mountains, Kidepo National Park might be the most picturesque park in Africa. Sharing borders with Sudan and Kenya’s Northern Frontier District, it is Uganda’s most beautiful, remote and least-explored park. Kidepo was once the playground of the late president Idi Amin and you can still visit the haunting ruins of a lodge that could just as easily have been designed as a massive bunker. Those who take the trouble to get here are rewarded with phenomenal wildlife sightings and a level of exclusivity that can rarely be had at any cost in neighboring countries. Do not miss to book our group tour to the national park for more info@ +256751646578/ www.discovering-africa.com. compiled by Stephen Muhumuza the Operations &Administration Manager.

KJONG SAFARIS AT INDABA 2013

It was nice meeting you at the just ended INDABA2013 TOURISM FAIR In Durban South Africa As Kjong safaris we look forward to doing business with you and Uganda remains the only place you can be in close view of the Worlds Mountain Gorillas and also in Uganda you find the chimpanzee kingdoms...................... Book your tour to day..!..

Welcome | INDABA 2013...Kjong safaris is attending indaba 2013

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