Author: Nirvana Safaris

6 DAY KIBALE, GORILLAS & LAKE MBURO SAFARI Welcome to this peoples favourite trip to the chimps of Kibale, the gorillas of Bwindi and rewarding lake mburo National Park. Day 1: Entebbe - Kibale Forest National Park  Approx 390 Kms. Arrive at EBB  and drive  south towards the town of  Fort Portal – Uganda's tourism city, We will go past rural farm lands and homesteads, children will line the road side as you pass-by, please remember to wave back. Fort portal rests in the shadow of the fabled ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and is famous for her many tea plantations. You will continue into Kibale National Park arriving at Primate Lodge Kibale for late lunch.   Spend the afternoon relaxing at the Lodge. Day 2: Kibale Forest NP and Afternoon at Leisure The forest opens its doors for a sensational chimpanzee tracking experience. Following the pre-tracking briefing, you will walk or drive to the trailhead for the start of an unforgettable adventure – hiking in the footsteps of the habituated family of chimpanzees. En-route, your guide will enthral you with stories and facts about the forest and her other inhabitants including other species of primates and birds and other big mammals. In the afternoon enjoy a guided nature walk through the Bigodi wetland.   Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. The path and board walk maybe flooded and muddy after heavy rainfall and gumboots are recommended. The walk is about 4km in length taking 3-4 hours at birding pace with local community guides. All proceeds from eco- tourism go back to the community, a conservation project well worth supporting. Dinner and overnight. Overnight- Primate Lodge Kibale- Standard FB Day 3: Kibale – Drive to Bwindi from Kibale

WILDLIFE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH & THE GORILLAS OF BWINDI NP Have you always desired to come and trek the Gorillas but also see the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha Wilderness? Our wildlife and gorilla safari is your best opportunity; Queen Elizabeth brings you into contact with lions, buffalo, Elephants, while Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers you the gentle giants right next to your eyes. DAY 1: Arrival at Entebbe- Queen Elizabeth National Park.  Approximately 430Kms 6-7hrs Upon arrival with an early morning flight, we will embark on a journey down to western Uganda Depending on the route we take, we will have the opportunity to see the Uganda Equator twice! Did you know that along the imaginary line of the equator, a magnetic needle has no dip and stabilizes in perfect horizontal position! We will arrive later in the afternoon at our accommodation facility and check in after a glass of juice at the reception. We will go on an evening game drive to search for lions, Buffalo, and herds of elephants. Overnight- Ihamba Safari Lodge Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 2: Queen Elizabeth NP Game Drives and Boat Cruise After an early breakfast, we will go for a morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains, which is a great place of coming across lions, leopards, Uganda kobs and some herds of buffalo.  Up towards the salt lakes is the Mweya peninsula which, if lucky you will encounter a leopard hidden in the thickets as if ready to pounce. Lunch will be served either in the bush or hot at the lodge as we head on to the Kazinga Channel, that flows in the middle of Lake Edward and George. The boat ride on here will ensure a sighting of multitudes of hippos, Crocodiles, buffalo, water birds, including the

Top Tourist attractions and activities In Juba, South Sudan South Sudan has a lot of tourism activities and attractions to encounter on your travel to this youngest country, However, the never-ending political conflicts have been a big block to foreign tourists who are interested in traveling to South Sudan and exploring its rich cultural diversity. Internal conflicts forced the nation to restart its efforts to grow its tourism industry and general economy, just when the nation appeared to be recovering from its independence in 2011. Tourism in South Sudan currently contributes less than 4 percent to the country’s economy. Aside from instability in some areas of the nation, the biggest obstacles to tourism are inadequate marketing, a dearth of first-rate lodging options, a shortage of qualified personnel to oversee the industry, inadequate road systems, a lack of finance, and lax regulations. The main factor deterring travelers from visiting Juba, South Sudan, or any other South Sudan travel destinations is the ongoing civil conflicts in some areas of the nation. There is constant bad news concerning the nation’s political climate across all media outlets. Not many travelers discuss the advantages or the fact that South Sudan is home to one of the world’s greatest animal migrations in Boma National Park. Even fewer talk about the lakes, rivers, 14 national parks, national reserves, the world’s largest swamp (the Sudd), and perhaps the best birding destination on earth. The size of certain national parks in South Sudan is greater than that of certain East African nations. Another error that many people commit is thinking that what they observe in Juba is the entirety of the country’s offerings. The countryside in South Sudan offers the best experiences. South Sudan’s wildlife and remarkable cultures remain isolated in the vast and remote wilderness, waiting to be

Mount Elgon National Park known to have World’s Largest Mountain Caldera boarders Uganda on Eastern and Kenya border in the western.  It was gazetted as a National Park in 1992. Mount Elgon is renowned as the second tallest mountain in Uganda and 8th in Africa covering an area of 1,279 square kilometers with its peak the Wagagai at 4321m high. Mount Elgon National Park features a diverse landscape that includes montane forests, grasslands, and striking volcanic formations like caves and calderas. The park's unique climate fosters a rich variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can find over 400 plant species and numerous butterflies, alongside 300 bird species, including the rare Jackson’s francolin, alpine chat, and white-starred forest robin. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, such as elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, oribis, defassa waterbucks, spotted hyenas, and several antelope species. Primate species, including blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, can be seen swinging through the tropical montane forests and bamboo groves. There are two main tribes, the Sabiny and the Bagisu (Bamasaba), who inhabit the fertile lower slopes of the mountain, focus on subsistence farming. The Bagisu are particularly known for cultivating Arabic coffee, bananas, and millet. The higher slopes of the mountain are protected and managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Activities Around Mount Elgon National Park Visitors to mountain Elgon can engage in a variety of activities, making it their trip adventurous; Mountain Climbing In Mount Elgon National Park Mountain climbing is an amazing experience with lasting memories while trekking through the calderas and the tropical montane, taking 4 to 6 days to reach the peak depending on what trail is used.  There 3 starting points; Salsa trail, Pisa trail, and Sipi trail. The Salsa Trail is the shortest and most direct route

Mgahinga National Park, the smallest national park in Uganda, spans 33.7 square kilometers and is located in Kisoro District in the southwest of the country. It is approximately 519 kilometers from Kampala, which takes about 9 to 10 hours by road. The park extends across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The name "Gahinga" derives from a local term referring to piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmland at the base of the three Virunga Mountains: Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo. This area is rich in unique flora and fauna, providing a habitat for various wildlife species. Established as a national park in 1991, Mgahinga is home to a group of mountain gorillas, with the Batwa people historically residing in the park's forests. Visitors can engage with the Batwa, led by local guides, to learn about the forest's secrets. The park typically experiences its wet season from December to February. Mgahinga National Park boasts over 76 mammal species, including elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs, leopards, bushbucks, bush pigs, golden cats, side-striped jackals, black-fronted duikers, and South African porcupines. Additionally, it is home to more than 180 bird species, such as the striking Rwenzori turaco, African olive pigeon, blue-headed coucal, and Kivu ground thrush, alongside 14 Albertine Rift endemics. Visitors to Mgahinga can enjoy a range of activities, including gorilla trekking, the Batwa Trail experience, bird watching, volcano hiking, and golden monkey trekking. Mgahinga National Park offers interesting activities like Gorilla trekking, Batwa trail experience, Bird watching, Volcano hiking, and Golden monkey trekking. Activities Carried Out Around Mgahinga National Park Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park The main attraction of Mgahinga National Park is Gorilla trekking, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The adventure begins early in the morning with a

Semuliki National Park, which spans 220 square kilometers, is located in the Western region of Uganda, in the Bundibugyo district, between the Ituri Mountains and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park is easily accessible from Fort Portal, about a 90-minute drive away plus its proximity to Kibale National Park makes it a perfect combination of the Hot springs and Chimp trekking itinerary. The now Semuliki National Park was a Forest reserve in the start until 1993 when it was gazetted as a National Park and based on the wildlife growth statistics, the graph indicates a rising curve which has made the park one of the great tourism spots in Uganda. The park boasts a diverse mix of habitats, including dense tropical rainforests, grassy savannahs, and swampy areas, all of which contribute to its rich biodiversity. Home to over 400 bird species, it’s a true paradise for birdwatchers. Highlights include the elusive shoebill stork and the vibrant Great Blue Turaco. The park supports a variety of primates, such as red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys, and is one of the few places in East Africa where visitors can spot the rare pygmy flying squirrel. It also serves as a habitat for more than 60 mammal species, including African buffalo, leopards, hippopotamuses, mona monkeys, water chevrotains, bush babies, African civets, African elephants, and the Pygmy scaly-tailed flying squirrel. The park is not only a haven for wildlife but also rich in cultural heritage. The indigenous Bakonjo people, who live at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, have a deep connection with the land. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about their traditional practices, customs, and the role they play in the conservation of the park. Activities And Attractions In Semulik National Park, Uganda Semuliki National Park offers a range of activities

Rwenzori National Park, often called the "mountains of the moon," is a spectacular gem in the heart of western Uganda. Established as a national park in 1991 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, this park covers about 998 square kilometers (385 square miles) and features breathtaking landscapes, including glacial mountains, deep valleys, and lush forests. The park is home to six major peaks, with Margherita Peak reaching the highest point at 5,109 meters (16,763 feet). The climate varies greatly with altitude, from tropical conditions in the lower areas to chilly alpine weather near the summits. This diversity creates different ecological zones, each filled with unique plants and animals. In the lush montane forests, you can find various primates, such as the rare Rwenzori colobus monkey and the blue monkey. Birdwatchers will be excited to spot over 217 bird species, including the endemic African green broadbill and the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco. The park also boasts remarkable plant life, with unique species like giant lobelias and senecios that are found nowhere else on Earth. These plants have adapted to the tough alpine conditions, adding to the park's incredible ecological richness. Rwenzori National Park truly offers a magical experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Activities Around Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda. Mountain Climbing And Bird Watching In Mountain Rwenzori National Park Rwenzori National Park is a paradise for trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easier walks through lush forests to challenging multi-day treks that lead to the snow-capped peaks. The most popular trek is the 9-day route to Margherita Peak, which provides stunning views and a chance to experience the diverse ecosystems of the park. Guided treks are available, providing visitors with knowledgeable guides who share insights into the park's

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is the second largest National Park in Uganda spanning approximately 1,978 square kilometers (764 square miles). Established in 1952, the park was originally named Kazinga Channel National Park but was later renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park in honor of a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. The park features a variety of landscapes, including savannahs, wetlands, forests, and lakes. It is home to the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George, providing a rich habitat for numerous species. The breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains to the north add to the park’s scenic charm. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to observe wildlife. It hosts a remarkable grouping of animals, including: Big Game: Visitors can spot elephants, buffalos, and various antelope species roaming the open savannahs. Predators: The park is home to lions, including the famous tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector, as well as leopards and hyenas. Birdlife: With over 600 bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth is a birdwatcher's paradise. Highlights include the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and various waterbirds along the Kazinga Channel. This park is a hidden gem of natural beauty, drawing nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. Activities Done Around the  National Park, Uganda  Boat Safaris In Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda One of the most popular activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the boat safari along the Kazinga Channel which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This serene cruise allows visitors to get up close to herds of elephants, buffalo, antelope, families of warthogs, large groups of hippos, and basking crocodiles among others. The shores are also home to numerous bird species, including migratory birds

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest conservation area in Uganda. Murchison Falls National Park is located in the northwest of Uganda, extending across the districts of Bulisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo, and Masindi and it is believed to cover a total surface area of 3893 square kilometers. In 1862, the first European explorers visited the falls, which by then were known as Kabelaga Falls. This exposed the falls to the outside world. Due to this exposure, in 1863, Samuel and Florence Baker also visited the Falls. Baker renamed the falls to Murchison Falls after the then-president of the Royal Geographical Society, Roderick Murchison. Murchison Falls National Park is famous for the spectacular Murchison Falls which it was named after. The Nile River forces its way through a narrow cliff gap, creating a splendid waterfall that plunges 43 meters into the Albert Nile. Although the National Park is majorly famous for its falls, there is a blend of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage that have left many mesmerized hence an increase in the number of people visiting the Park. The park’s varied terrain includes savanna, woodland, and riverine forests, making it a unique ecosystem that supports a wide array of flora and fauna. Among the wildlife you would expect to see during your visit to Murchison Falls National Park includes the big four: elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. You can also make a stopover at the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the Rhinoceroses en route to Murchison and you tick the big five. Other Species: Visitors can also encounter giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species, making each safari a unique adventure. Activities And Attractions In Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda Game Drives In Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda Murchison Falls National Park is renowned for its population

Lake Mburo National Park also known as the Whispers of the Wild, is conveniently located just a few hours' drive from Uganda's capital city. Lake Mburo National Park is positioned along the main highway to the southwestern region and is an excellent stopover for travelers heading to other distant national parks. Lake Mburo is known to be the smallest National Park among all the 10 national parks in Uganda, covering an area of approximately 370 square kilometers. This  National Park has a rich history that dates back to 1933. Initially established as a controlled hunting area, it became a game reserve in 1936. In 1983, the park was designated a national park by Uganda's former president, Sir Milton Obote. This decision was partly aimed at penalizing the Banyakole people, who were accused of supporting anti-government rebels. The Banyakole had used the area for grazing their cattle but following Obote's orders, they were removed and ended up living as squatters around the park. The  National Park is  also a captivating destination with standout features like the mix of ecosystems, including acacia woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands, all centered around the beautiful Lake Mburo. This diverse habitat supports a wide variety of wildlife with over 68 species, visitors can spot zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and even the elusive topi. The park is also one of the few places in Uganda where you can see the endangered African antelope - the eland plus a variety of reptiles and insects, adding to its ecological significance. Activities And Attractions Around Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda. There are a number  of activities that cater to different interests: Game Drives Around Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda Explore the park's stunning landscapes and wildlife through morning and evening game drives, where you can witness animals in their natural habitat as