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  • 5 Reasons to Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

    In East Africa, Chimpanzees are found in Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda but most of the tour operator recommends chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.  Below are some of the reasons why you should trek chimpanzees in Uganda:

    Uganda hosts a good population of chimpanzees compared to Tanzania and Rwanda. The fact that Uganda protects chimpanzees in four different locations including Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest reserve, Toro-Semliki Game reserve and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Each location protects quite a large number of habituated chimps for visitors to enjoy the experience.

    Kibale Forest yields a variety of Chimpanzee feeds – the rain forest sustains a variety of chimpanzees due to presence of fruits, plant shoots, stems, root among others which act as food for the chimps. That is why Kibale Forest offers the best Chimpanzee experience of all parks in East Africa. More so, the climate in Kibale is suitable for chimpanzee living.

    Along side chimpanzee tracking, visitors are also rewarded the view of other attractions like Mountains, Hills, Valleys, wild animals and birds among other.  This is because chimpanzees co-exist with other primates, birds and so on. Trekking chimpanzees in Kibale offers the view of foot hills of Mountains of the moon (Mt. Rwenzori), Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorges offers the view of a variety of wild animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

    Uganda is the best for chimpanzee trekking because of cheap trekking permit compared to Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest, Toro- Semliki Game reserve and Kyambura Gorge cost US$ 50 per person (None residents) – as the highest price. On the other hand, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park cost US$ 250 per person compared to US$ 150 (none residents) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda.

    The distance from Entebbe International Airport to Kibale Forest National Park is shorter than that from Kigali International Airport to Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is 6 hours drive and 8 hours drive respectively. The shorter distance traveled to meet chimpanzees in Uganda saves time and fatigue.

    No much laboring while looking for Chimpanzees in the Uganda forest compared to Nyungwe forest in Rwanda. First of all, Nyungwe forest national Park is very larges park which makes the whole experience tiresome and hectic.

    Game Rangers in Uganda are friendly, experienced and informative thus making chimpanzee trekking experience enjoyable and educative. The rangers know each individual chimp by name, history and predict their future. In Uganda, each chimpanzee is named for easy identification.

    The local communities are around chimp parks in Uganda also play a bigger role in protecting and preserving the habitats of chimpanzees. Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) in conjunction with Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) work tooth and nail to control poaching of animals in Uganda to enable chimpanzees increase in number.

    Uganda is politically stable – for long time, Uganda has been peaceful to facilitate tourist activities prevail in Uganda. The Uganda People’ Defense Force (UPDF), Uganda Police and other security agencies are providing tight security to tourists, wild life and Ugandans.

    There are improved infrastructures like roads, accommodation, health centers and schools among others are attracting tourists to trek chimps in Uganda.

  • Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

    Gorilla Trekking is the pioneer in Uganda safaris and while there are other numerous adventures to relish in this country, the experience of walking through the jungle in search of Giant Apes is second to none. Just organize a gorilla safari and let the jungles show you the best of what they can offer in terms of unforgettable encounters.

    Where is gorilla trekking done in Uganda?

    Two sensational destinations in Uganda offer unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and they are; the iconic Bwindi National Park and the tiny Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The former is so far the better choice for meeting face to face with Giant Apes in their natural habitat, given the fact that it shelters the higher population of these magnificent creatures in addition to offering numerous sleeping options.

    The destination you choose for achieving your lifetime dream of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild largely depends on your general travel itinerary as well as the available time at hand. However, permit costs and chances of sighting gorillas don’t vary across these two Gorilla Parks. It is possible to combine these two places, given their location within the south-western side of Uganda, close to the Democratic Republic of Cong border to the extreme west as well as Rwanda to the far south.

    The beauty about gorilla trekking in Uganda is done majority of safari destinations are found in the west and south-west, hence making it possible to combine gorilla and wildlife safaris and spicing your trip with once-in-a-lifetime-experiences.

    Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park

    Bwindi National Park is the country’s pre-eminent gorilla trekking destination where habituated gorilla groups can be visited in four wonderful sectors/regions that include Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija, each offering unique terrains, exceptional groups and levels of trekking difficulty.

    Leaving from trailheads of one of the four sectors/regions within the boundaries of the Impenetrable Forest, trekkers join a group of 7 other visitors for a guided walk through the forest in search of one of the 21 habituated gorilla groups. Treks depart early in the morning and usually include up to 60 minutes watching the Giant Apes from a reasonable distance of 7 meters.

    Guided by expert Ranger guides attached to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), visitors are introduced to the remarkable ecosystem of Bwindi as well as the varying landscapes while trekking the Giant Apes. These guides will be in constant communication and updating with the team of Trackers who move ahead to locate the gorilla group. It is with the guidance of trackers that treks won’t take an entire day, otherwise they are always on the move.

    Once gorilla nests are located, you will receive notification from the ranger guides and later walking for a short time before a silent wait is noticed from the heart of the thick vegetation as Great Apes come closer. When the Giant Apes finally emerge from the dense vegetation, make sure that your camera is ready to start capturing pictures, as you have one hour in the presence of these creatures.

    One hour is allocated to spend with the mountain gorillas after making contacts and travellers who wish to spend more time can book for the Gorilla Habituation Experience to spend up to four hours with these Gentle Apes. Gorilla treks are quite strenuous and participants have to be prepared for up to half a day in the jungle, much as most adventures last only 2-4 hours.

    Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

    Just a stone throw from the border with Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, the beautiful Mgahinga National Park is a renowned option for cross-border safaris with Volcanoes or Virunga National Parks. Not only that, it is a famous option for visitors who wish to combine with gorilla treks in Bwindi, especially the sector of Nkuringo.

    There are many other reasons for choosing this destination. It is undeniably more isolated than the popular Bwindi National Park in addition to treks being less strenuous. However, only 8 gorilla permits are available each day because only one habituated gorilla group is found in the 34-square kilometer Mgahinga. Named Nyakagezi, the group has 10 members that include 5 silverback, 2 adult females and 3 infants.

    Best time to go gorilla trekking in incredible Uganda

    The beautiful Tropical climate of Uganda implies temperatures are favorable throughout the year. Seasons are separated/marked by rainfall levels whereby the long rainy season from March to May and short from October to November is marked by heavy downpours. This makes Park roads very muddy and therefore pose great challenged for accessing the destinations, which are even worsened by the muddy/slippery forest trails but treks still go on as planned. The two advantages of trekking in wet season are the fact that treks tend to be shorter and low-season discounts provided by some Lodges.

    The long dry season from June to September and shorter season from December to February is when most gorilla treks in Uganda are conducted. This is because Park roads are dry and forest trails not muddy or even slippery. The only challenge of this season is the difficulty in booking gorilla permits at short notice, given the high demand. All in all, the endangered Mountain gorillas can be trekked at any time of the year.

    Acquiring Permits for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda

    Permits for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda cost $700 per person for foreign non-resident tourists, $600 per person for foreign tourists and Shs. 250,000 per person for East African tourists for the standard treks (one hour). The Gorilla Habituation Experience with four hours in the presence of Giant Apes goes for $1500 per person. Given the fact that the number of gorilla permits is usually limited, visitors are advised to plan in advance and remember that permits are non-refundable or non-transferable.

    Difficulty of Gorilla trekking in Uganda

    Travellers planning to undertake gorilla trekking in Uganda should expect hiking through difficult terrains with steep Valleys and slopes while following trails created through thick undergrowth for over 6 hours while sometimes are as short as 30 minutes to 3 hours. Treks conducted during wet months involve maneuvering through slippery trails that are even more challenging.

    What to wear and carry for gorilla trekking tours in Uganda

    Gorilla trekking involves walking through thick forests of Bwindi or Mgahinga for 1-6 hours. You will therefore require wearing lightweight, comfortable and breathable clothing. Sturdy and good quality rainproof hiking boots, long sleeved shirt, lightweight rain jacket, breathable and well-fitting trekking pants, gardening gloves for protection from thorns, long cotton socks to pull-over trekking pants, wide brim hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Carry camera, pair of binoculars, backpack, enough drinking water, healthy snacks, insect repellants and so much more.

    Some ground rules to follow during gorilla trekking in Uganda

    • Visitors are allocated one hour to spend with the mountain gorilla once located.
    • Flash photography is prohibited during photography.
    • The limit of 8 persons per habituated gorilla group has to be maintained and avoid joining other groups.
    • A distance of 7 meters has to be kept under all circumstances.
    • Visitors shouldn’t trek mountain gorillas if feeling unwell.
    • Making noise while trekking scares other residents of the Park and in the presence of mountain gorillas irritates them.

    Accommodation options during gorilla trekking in Uganda

    Accommodation options for Bwindi gorilla trekkers are Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Bakiga Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Nkuringo Safari Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Lake Kitandara Camp among others.

    Mount Gahinga Lodge is the sole Safari Lodge within Mgahinga National Park but Camping is available at Amajambere Iwacu Camp and exquisite Lodges/Hotels in the nearby areas (in Kisoro) include Travellers Rest Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel or Lake Bunyonyi (such as Arcadia Cottages, Lake Bunyonyi Safari Lodge and so much more.

  • What to Pack for a Gorilla Trek

    Gorilla trekking is Africa’s most exciting tourist activity and is currently the most expensive safari in Africa. Mountain gorillas are human like creatures that inhabit the Virunga ranges of Central and East Africa. These apes occupy Virunga massif shared between Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

    For visitors who are interested in experiencing these majestic gorillas, they can visit Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. Many visitors who want to encounter the gorillas for the first time always have a lot of questions including what to carry when trekking the gorillas in any of these destinations.

    This copy will help to answer these questions. It is true that trekking gorillas in the jungle requires a lot of preparations.

    Gorilla Trekking Permit

    Trekkers should not be excited and end up not carrying gorilla permits during the actual day of trekking. In all the gorilla destinations; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo trekkers are required to present the permits to the park headquarters before proceeding to briefing and to the jungle.

    Local currency

    It is important to have the local currency of the country by the trekkers, because as they will trek they can meet different people like guides, waitresses, waiters, and local residents who can perform some cultural dances, porters among others. This means you as the trekker you can offer tips with the local currency to the porters, when buying souvenirs and other minor reasons.

    Bottled water and some snacks

    Gorilla trekking is an adventure that needs the trekkers to be physically fit, and this means it needs enough drinking water and some energy giving snacks to fairly remain strong and be able to finish the trekking. Some of the packed energy snacks can be nuts or dried fruits to can be the trekkers energetic.

    Some of the clothing and shoes that are required for gorilla include;

    Long sleeved Shirts

    These gorilla sites have tropical rain forest and because the trekking is in the morning, trekkers will definitely encounter the coldness and the misty from the thick forest. It is therefore very vital for trekkers to put on long sleeved shirts or Sweater to offer warm during the chill morning. While in the forest this long sleeved shirt or T-shirt can protect the trekker’s arms from falling branches or insects. In most cases this is in relation to the seasons when you want to trek. The short sleeved is recommended when its warm and trekkers are relaxing around the lodges or cottages

    Long trousers or pants and wool socks.

    As visitors trek in the forest, there are chances that they can encounter thick vines, Scratchy brush, and falling tree branches these are the reasons why long pants or trousers are important to safeguard the legs of the trekkers. These trousers can also allow free movement during the hike in the forest because the legs are covered. If trekkers add the socks it is the perfect deal for the gorilla experience. The trekkers will be advised by the tour guides to tack in the trousers or the pants in to the socks before hitting the jungle in search of the giant mountain gorillas.

    Rain Jackets.

    With the nature of the jungle, rain is expected any time of the day so no matter of the season. This rain jacket is important because it can help protect the trekkers from rain water while deep in search of the humble mountain gorillas in the natural environment.

    Cold weather gloves 

    The gorilla adventure will take trekkers to thick forests while in the jungle, where they will either get a trail or non but the trekkers will clear a way to pass through. There are points where trekkers will have no option but to grab tree branches using their hands yet some of the trees are harmful to human therefore the gloves can protect trekkers from this harm.

    Hiking boots:

    Gorilla activities are far different from game drives in savannah areas. Gorilla trekking involves hiking in the jungle, on steep slopes and thick forest while searching for the gorillas. This is so challenging in terms of navigation through the vines, slippery rocks, mud and many other hard attributes of the jungle.

    The features of the jungle need hiking boots that are light and water proof so that the experience can’t be a disappointment.

    Medicine and Toiletries

    Given that each person understands him/herself better than someone else, because of the change in weather, environment and food among others it is common that trekkers can be attacked by Malaria. Therefore it is recommended that trekkers should carry malaria pills along with them during gorilla trekking.

    The recommended repellent is the DEET. A vital toiletry is a toilet paper which is crucial to every trekker whether man or woman. This paper can help because there are no toilets in the forest expect in the park headquarters. Use the plastic bag to carry these small items.

    Camera

    Use the one hour given to you maximally by getting the best images and interact with the gorillas in different ways. It is for lifetime experience that a camera shouldn’t miss in your carry on items when embarking on a gorilla tour. Trek with a camera and make sure the battery can sustain you if not go with extra batteries to replace the run out power as you take as many as possible images of the gorillas.

    Camera should not have any flashlight and if it has trekkers are advised to turn it off during the trekking. For the bird lovers carry along the pair of binoculars to watch the birds as you trek the gorillas.

    Some of the items that one can also put in to the list of things to park during gorilla trekking include; sunglasses, hat, walking stick, first aid kit, waterproof day pack for document but some of these can be got from the park headquarters.

  • Arrive and Drive in Uganda: Rent a Car at The Airport to Save Time and Money

    When you arrive at the airport in a new country, the last thing you want is to waste time looking for transport, negotiating prices, or waiting for a taxi in a long line. This is especially true in a beautiful country like Uganda, where adventure awaits you the moment you land. Whether you’re in the country for a Uganda safari tour, a business meeting, or to visit family, the easiest way to start your journey is to rent a car straight from the airport.

    This is what we call “Arrive and Drive”, a simple, quick, and smart way to hit the road as soon as your feet touch the ground. And in Uganda, it saves you both time and money.

    Let’s break down why airport car rentals in Uganda make sense and how they can work perfectly for you.

    Why Rent a Car at the Airport?

    When you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s main airport, you’re about 40 minutes away from the capital city, Kampala. Instead of dealing with public taxis or waiting for an Uber, imagine walking out of the terminal and directly into your rental car, ready to go.

    For example, if you land at 3:00 PM and your safari lodge in Murchison Falls is six hours away, renting a car at the airport allows you to leave immediately. No delays. No confusion. No last-minute panic.

    With a rented car waiting for you, you are in control.

    Save Time from the Start

    Time is one of your most valuable resources when traveling. Every hour spent waiting for transport is an hour lost from your trip.

    If you pre-book your rental, a company agent can meet you at the arrivals lounge, hand you the keys, inspect the car with you, and within 20 minutes, you’re driving.

    Let’s say you are in Uganda for a 5-day self-drive safari. Day 1 is arrival. You don’t want to waste Day 1 waiting for shuttles or organizing pickups. Renting from the airport gives you a head start.

    Save Money in the Long Run

    You might think renting a car is expensive, but in Uganda, it’s often cheaper than using taxis or tour drivers—especially if you’re traveling for more than two days.

    Let’s look at the numbers:
    A taxi from Entebbe Airport to Kampala might cost you around $40 one way. That’s $80 for a return trip.
    Now imagine you also have to go to Jinja, or Fort Portal, or Queen Elizabeth National Park. Taxis for long distances can be very expensive.

    Compare that with a self-drive car rental from Entebbe starting at $45 to $90 per day for a good 4×4 vehicle. If you’re staying 5 to 10 days, that adds up to real savings.

    Plus, with a rental, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want—no extra costs, no waiting, no rush.

    The Freedom to Explore

    One of the best things about Uganda is its natural beauty and hidden gems. From lush forests to scenic lakes and remote villages, Uganda is full of surprises.

    When you rent a car at Entebbe Airport, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace.

    Let’s say you’re driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and you see a small roadside market selling fresh mangoes, roasted maize, and handmade crafts. You can stop, take photos, chat with locals, and enjoy the experience.

    Or maybe you want to take a detour to Lake Bunyonyi or hike the Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda. With a rental, you’re free to change plans, take scenic routes, or rest when you want to.

    This kind of flexibility is priceless and only possible when you “arrive and drive.”

    Ideal for Tourists, Business Travelers, and Locals

    Uganda’s airport car rentals are not just for tourists going on safari. They are also perfect for:

    • Business travelers who want to attend meetings in Kampala, Jinja, or Gulu without relying on taxis.
    • Diaspora Ugandans coming home for the holidays and needing a convenient way to move around.
    • NGO workers, researchers, and volunteers working in rural areas.
    • Families visiting upcountry homes or going for weddings, funerals, and cultural functions.

    If you fall into any of these categories, you’ll find that renting from the airport saves you from the stress of coordinating multiple pickups or negotiating with boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) on unfamiliar roads.

    What Kind of Car Should You Rent?

    Most travelers to Uganda choose 4×4 vehicles because of the terrain. Even though major highways are paved, many tourist areas have rough or gravel roads.

    Popular rental options include:

    • Toyota Rav4 – great for couples or solo travelers.
    • Toyota Prado or Land Cruiser – ideal for families or group safaris.
    • Vans like Toyota Super Custom – good for 5+ people or those traveling with luggage.

    These vehicles are strong, reliable, and can handle all sorts of roads—from the hills of Kabale to the dusty paths of Kidepo Valley.

    Tips for a Smooth Airport Car Rental Experience

    To make the most of your “Arrive and Drive” experience in Uganda, here are some simple tips:

    1. Book early – Especially during peak travel seasons like December or June.
    2. Choose a trusted company – Look for agencies with good reviews and clear communication.
    3. Check for insurance – Make sure your rental includes comprehensive insurance.
    4. Inspect the car – Take photos of the car before you drive off and report any scratches or issues.
    5. Understand the road rules – Uganda drives on the left side of the road, and speed limits must be observed.

    Make Every Minute Count

    Traveling to Uganda is an opportunity to experience diverse wildlife, rich culture, and genuine hospitality. But every moment counts. That’s why airport car rentals are a smart, time-saving, and cost-effective solution for you.

    Whether you’re heading to a national park, a village upcountry, or a meeting in the city, when you “arrive and drive,” you take control of your journey.

    So, next time you book your flight to Uganda, don’t wait until you land to figure out your transportation. Book a car, land at Entebbe, pick up the keys, and go.

  • 10 Things to Know About Gorilla Trekking

    Gorilla trekking is one of the best adventure tourist activities in the world.  Uganda and Rwanda are some of the world’s best destinations for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. The Volcanoes National park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda hosts the largest number of mountain gorillas hence the biggest gorilla trekking experience. Here are 10 things to know about gorilla trekking in Africa:

    1. The experience is expensiveGorilla Trekking is an expensive activity. In Uganda , the permit to see the mountain gorillas cost US$ 600 while in Rwanda it costs US$ 750. To that note therefore, many clients find it hard to pay for gorilla trekking permit, Air ticket, Visa and so on.
    2. The trekking requires maximum level of fitness – many people likes gorilla trekking but experience is strenuous and it involves climbing mountains and sloping down, crossing rivers and moving through slippery trails among others.
    3. Some forests habour dangerous insects, animals and reptiles. The fact that Gorilla trekking is conducted in Forested areas, trekkers stand higher chances of getting Malaria from Mosquitoes, Sleeping sickness from Tsetse flies among others.  However, we advise all our clients to move with mosquito repellent.
    4. Gorilla trekking is tiresome – trekking involves moving through the forest while searching for the mountain Gorilla and the time to meet Gorillas in unpredictable and some times takes a full day.
    5. Gorilla permits are on a very high demand and are booked in advance yet some clients prefer paying on arrival. Any delay to pay for the permits can make a client miss trekking when all gorilla permits are sold out.
    6. Gorilla permits are non refundable -once the client has paid for the gorilla permit and misses to come on the safari then, the Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) OR Rwanda development Board (RDB) will not make refund by can only allow rescheduling.
    7. Gorilla tracking starts early morning yet some people find it hard to wake up early especially on cold days. Early in the morning, Gorilla trekking trails are filled with fog and dew which hinders visibility and smooth walking to meet Mountain Gorillas.
    8. Gorilla trekking is strictly done under instructions – only one hour is given to stay with Gorillas, No flash cameras, 7 metres distance must be left between Gorillas and the trekkers among others. Some people are not used to strict instructions.
    9. Gorilla Tracking is Safe!Many travelers think that gorillas are violent creatures and thus can cause harm to human beings. However, gorillas are peaceable animals unless provoked. once you follow the set gorilla watching rules, you will definitely enjoy the company of these great apes safely.
    10. There are strict rules to gorilla tracking that follow ecotourism. Children below 16years are not allowed to trek Gorillas yet some parents prefer trekking Gorillas with their children. Only one hour is allowed to stay with Gorillas –some clients find it less to maximally view gorillas and take photos.

  • Precision Air – Air Uganda Announce Code – share Agreement

    Dar es Salaam 16th Jan 2014:- Tanzania’s Best Domestic Airline Precision Air has today launched a code share partnership with Ugandan- carrier Air Uganda., The Agreement will see the two airlines work hand in hand on the -Dar es Salaam-Entebbe and Kilimanjaro- Entebbe routes, respectively. Under the partnership, which commenced on 1st January 2014 and was officially launched today, the two airlines will both sell tickets and uplift passengers of either airline, while offering travelers with increased choice of flights between the two cities.

    Commenting on the partnership during a press conference held at Precision Air Head Quarters, Precision Air Commercial Director Mr. Patrick Ndekana said the partnership is a continuous effort to meet customer satisfaction by providing best services.

    “This partnership offers our customers a wider range of choices when planning for their trip. “Now you can book Precision Air flight through Air Uganda or vice versa.” He added.

    On the same note Air Uganda Head of Sales & Marketing, Jenifer Musiime said the two airlines were joining hands for both their customers to enjoy more flight options and flexibility for their travel and are not restricted to the flight schedule of either carrier.

    “With this partnership, we are certain that business and tourism will grow between our respective countries, due to the increased flight options and flexibility for travel,” Moreover, apart from the convenience this partnership is offering the customers, both airlines aim to manage operational costs jointly through shared services. The increased frequencies are additionally, expected to boost performance on the route, and be a catalyst for economic growth of both Uganda and Tanzania, she added.

    Precision Air and Air Uganda will both operate daily double flights from Entebbe, Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam. Passengers will also be able to book for their flights through both Airline’s websites and travel agents of their preference.