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Introducing Uganda

2015-05-02T02:34:09+00:00

Uganda is Africa condensed, with the best of everything the continent has to offer packed into one small but stunning destination. Uganda is home to the highest mountain range in Africa, the Mountains of the Moon in the Rwenzori National Park. It is the source of the mighty Nile, and around Jinja offers the best white-water rafting in the world. It has the highest concentration of primates on earth, including the majestic mountain gorilla, one of the rarest animals on the planet. Head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a chance to get close to these great apes.

On top of all this, the scenery is so striking that it looks like an oil painting, the beautiful national parks see far fewer visitors than in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania, and the capital, Kampala, is safer and friendlier than most in Africa. In 1907 pioneering tourist Winston Churchill called it the ‘Pearl of Africa’. He was right.

Mention Uganda to most people today and the first thing they’ll think of is the brutality of Idi Amin. Their naivety is their loss as, thankfully for Uganda, the big man died in exile in 2003. The reality is vastly different. Stability has returned to most parts of the country and tourists are welcomed with open arms (even the Northern pat which was considered un safe is now peaceful and safe for travelers). Despite the trials and tribulations of the past, Ugandans have weathered the storm remarkably well. The people offer heart-warming hospitality up and down the country, their ever-present smile accompanied by ‘Hello Mzungu!’. They are truly some of the finest folk on the continent.

Take the plunge now, before the world wakes up to this magical microcosm of Africa.

Ready to go?

Uganda-Safety-Security (What it takes to stay safe and secure in Uganda)

Current 2013 Safety and Security Information about Uganda

Uganda Safe for Tourists and Travelers?

Safety and Security is always a big issue with travelers to Uganda – that is why we have many pages that deal with the issues of safety and security – not written because Uganda is unsafe but because in the minds of travelers to Uganda there are concerns about their safety and well-being in Uganda. Uganda is a safe country to visit and Kampala is one of the safest capitals in Africa.

In this document, you will find lots of safety advice that covers most travelers even those who want to enjoy the nightlife in the city that never sleeps – safety for women travelers-to wrong travel advisories that do not show the situation in Uganda in 2013.

Uganda is safe and secure it even has a recently added Tourism Police Force that is located in National Parks, even some hotels – as an African living in Uganda and to most foreigners, I find it a safe country – and if you are going on safari in Uganda there is no safer way to see the Pearl of Africa then while on Safari – the National Parks are some of the safest places in Uganda to visit.

You simply do not do in Uganda what you would not do at home and you will enjoy your time here in the Pearl of Africa – Uganda. Most peaceful are most helpful – hotels and lodges are guarded and kept by trained security staff way beyond levels of Europe or North America.

Theft in most hotels is a rarity and can be prevented by putting cash, passport and other valuables into an envelope and writing your name on it – seal it and it will be fine. Some up-market hotels have safes in each room but that is a rarity and not too common especially when you are in the National Parks.

If you are traveling with us we will do everything we can to keep you safe and secure on Safari – enjoy Uganda the Pearl of Africa – from Kampala the capital city of Uganda.

Is Uganda Safe for Travelers: A question that we receive daily and a concern that is clear by the many searches about safety and security in Uganda presently. Uganda is one of the safest countries in Africa and Kampala one of the safest capitals.

Uganda Safe and Secure – 2013: Uganda in 2013 remains safe and secure for visitors and travelers to Uganda – simply follow a bit of advice and common sense and you will enjoy the Pearl of Africa. 2012 also meant the launching of the Tourism Police which will be 900 in strength to further make the stay of visitors more pleasant in Uganda.

Safety Tips for Women Travelers in Uganda: Is it safe for women traveling to Uganda? We have never had one incident of it not being so with our female clients while in Uganda – Uganda is safe and secure for Women Travelers who find Uganda most Charming.

Is Uganda Safe for Americans? Each day several people Google “Is Uganda Safe for Americans?” Are Americans safe in Uganda? Each day the query “Is Uganda Safe for Americans?” shows up in our Blog analytical statistics. You do not find the query “Is Uganda safe for Brits, Germans, Danes, Belgians, Canadians, Russians, Chinese, Indians?”

Visitors to Uganda and Safety and Security in the Pearl of Africa: Why is Safety and Security a Major Issue to Potential Visitors to Uganda? Uganda is one of the Safest Countries in Africa and the Government does it’s all to keep Visitors, Tourists, Volunteers safe and secure in the Pearl of Africa When one looks about how visitors reach our Website the searches they use are often about Safety and Security.

Uganda Tourism Police: Added Safety & Security for Tourists to Uganda Tourism Police has been launched in Uganda to enhance Safety & Security for Tourists Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism has launched the new Tourism Police in a ceremony on the 28th of February 2012. 120 Tourism Police Officers were installed – with more being recruited.

Wrong Government Travel Advisories: Australia and New Zealand Government Advisories are simply wrong – out of touch with the reality in Uganda Australia and Uganda – in their travel recommendations to and in Uganda are out of touch with what has gone on inside and what is going on inside of Uganda.

Is the present Conflict in the Kivu Province-Congo-affecting Uganda? Are Tourists and Visitors safe in Uganda as the Present conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo Continues? The Conflict in the Congo has not spilled over into Uganda and all Tourist areas near the border with the Congo are safe and secure.

Uganda Travel Myths – Things People Believe about Uganda: Here are some of the myths and misconceptions about Uganda Imagined Reasons why some will not visit Uganda – the Pearl of Africa – a place that I love a lot often gets a bad wrap – is misunderstood, misrepresented and wrongly maligned by a number of myths that are simply not true and not the reality of Uganda 2013.

Is it safe to track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?: Gorilla Safaris that include Gorilla Tracking with Habituated Gorillas are one of the safest and most adventurous activities while you are on safari in the Pearl of Africa – Uganda.

Is it safe to go on a Safari in Uganda?: Going on a Safari in Uganda is the safest way to see and experience the Pearl of Africa – Uganda at its best – The Wildlife Parks are some of the safest places in Uganda and you will greatly enjoy your safe and secure Safari in Uganda.

Uganda Nightlife – Safety and Security: If you are going to enjoy the city that never sleeps – Kampala – go with a Ugandan who knows the culture and ways – a non-drinking driver and follow some of the tips for you to stay safe and secure in Kampala.

Is it safe to track Gorillas in Uganda?

Uganda – a safe place for Gorilla Trekking

Your well-being and Safety is on everyone’s Mind

How safe is to track Gorillas in Uganda – a question one can find in travel forums here and there. Uganda is one of the safest countries to track mountain gorillas – there presently 9 Gorilla Family Groups that can be tracked in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – plus one with the Wanderlust Spirit in Mgahinga Gorilla Park that at times visits neighbors in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Mountain Gorillas of Uganda represent the greatest source of tourism income for Uganda – 8 visitors to each group at 500 USD each for permits represents 36,000 USD per day just for the groups in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest alone – the mountain gorillas benefit in increased protection from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the local community benefits in receiving 20% of that income which goes to building up the infrastructure around the park benefiting the villages around the park.

Lodge owners benefit, employees in the lodges, various community projects that directly benefit from tourism dollars for such things as village walks, purchase of handmade crafts, bicycle rides, birding walks, all producing additional benefits, and of course there are the tour-operators all benefiting from tourists visiting the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. All those stakeholders are concerned about two things, the well-being of the Mountain Gorillas and the safety and well-being of the visitors from far.

Uganda, the government of Uganda, Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, the local communities, lodge and tour operators are hard working to ensure your well-being and safety while Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Lodges have 24/7 security – tour operators know all about Safe and Secure Safaris – even when you actually go out to visit your gorilla group – there is an armed escort with you – plus trackers who were part of the habituation process of the gorilla family that you are visiting. The newly established Tourism Police adds another level of safety and security for Gorilla Visitors.

One of the safest activities in Africa – is Mountain Gorilla Tracking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda – enjoy the magical experience of a lifetime….from Kampala.

Is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Safe for Gorilla Tracking?

“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.”

Is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Safe for Gorilla Tracking?

Are Visitors to Uganda safe tracking Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?

Is the turbulence and fighting in the Congo affecting Uganda and Visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?

The Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo has gone through some turbulent times with rebel activities and various fighting each other and the M23 group fighting government forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Wrong and right information is often found in Western Media about these ongoing conflicts and their effects on neighboring countries such as Rwanda and Uganda.

In 2013 in my perusal of blogs I began to see some believing that the insecurity of the Congo was spilling over into Uganda and specifically Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. I also began to see on our website analytical program searches about Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Tracking Safety.

Yes, there is fighting in the Congo. Yes, Uganda shares a long border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yes, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest borders the Democratic Republic of Congo and the conflict area within the Congo. No, there has been no spill-over of the conflict in the Congo into Uganda besides fleeing Congolese seeking refuge and safety in stable and peaceful Uganda.

There have been no intrusions by any rebel groups from the Congo into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Ugandan government is doing everything to keep it that way. The Ugandan Army has increased its presence along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo to safeguard Uganda. Police presence has also been increased at common border crossings, refugees into Uganda from the Congo are searched as they enter Uganda for any types of weapons.

No Lodges have been affected by the conflict inside of the Congo – all lodges in or near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park. Just this morning I saw a search on our website analytical program that was a query for “Safe Lodge in Bwindi.” All lodges are safe and secure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The reality is and what often visitors to Uganda do not see and realize – the government of Uganda is deeply concerned for the welfare of its citizens and sees the safety of tourists as a sacred obligation and responsibility. Uganda is not only protecting Humans but its precious Mountain Gorillas and other wildlife, primates at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Tourism and Gorilla Tourism in particular is an important and ever-growing source of income for the Ugandan government, a source of employment for Ugandans that border parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Uganda – has an active Tourism Police that is there to protect tourists and the Tourism Police is active at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. When you actually go gorilla tracking there are armed soldiers with the group for their protection though they have not had to use their weapons since there have been no intrusions into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest by any group seeking to do harm to either tourists or local residents.

The government of Uganda is also doing all it can along with Rwanda to bring about peaceful resolutions to the conflicts in Kivu Province inside of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda has seen and is seeing dramatic increases in tourist arrival as Uganda once again is becoming a Top East African Tourist Destination and there have been no report of tourists to Uganda being harmed and certainly not at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is safe and secure for Mountain Gorilla Tracking in 2013…Enjoy safe and secure Uganda…from Kampala.

The barometer of Reality at Bwindi is that neither the US or UK have published Travel Advisories regarding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The governments of New Zealand and Australia have outdated Travel Advisories which are plain wrong and for the most part have been ignored by their citizens.

Wish you the very best and please make your choice – Uganda and in particular the Mountain Gorillas are waiting for you.

Uganda Special

2015-05-01T05:55:33+00:00

Most of Kifaru African Expeditions’ Safaris itineraries in Uganda and Rwanda provide accommodations on a full-board basis in comfortable hotels, tents and lodges. Travel is by open-roof Landcrusers, Jeeps and or Minibuses, which is 4-wheel allowing our visitors to see the very best of the country side and wildlife.

Most lodges and hotels in Uganda and Rwanda have private facilities with comfortable rooms, restaurants, and bars. Some venues will have a swimming pool and game rooms. The Lodges in the national parks are situated to provide excellent views of rivers, lakes, watering holes, plains, or famous mountains.

Normally, you will be picked up at the airport upon entering Uganda and chauffeured throughout your stay by uniformed multi-lingual guides. Most package prices include; transportation, gorilla & chimpanzee trek permits, meals, park entrance fees, water and other activities in the parks.

Game viewing is dependent upon the location of the animals at the time of your visit. No guarantee can be made that you will see any animal. Often, visitors who wish to view the Eastern Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat choose to buy passes on two consecutive days to better insure seeing the gorillas.

Our experienced guides strive to make your trip to East Africa an exciting and memorable experience and we'll do everything we can to make your African adventure safe and comfortable.

Uganda

2015-05-01T05:53:58+00:00

Uganda, situated in the heart of Africa and astride the equator, is a lush and fertile country with spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife, thereby justifying its description a “The earl of Africa”.

It is landlocked, bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR Congo and Sudan – but despite its relatively small area (235,796 sq km) it has a remarkably diverse landscape – the Kigezi highlands (commonly referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa”), the legendary snow-caped Rwenzori Mountains, dense tropical forest, rolling savannah, fresh water lake, and breathtaking waterfalls.

The attractions of Uganda were identified by Sir “Winston Churchill, in his book My African Journey who wrote of the country: “for magnificence for profusion of brilliant life-plant, bird, insect, reptile, beast-for vast scale…Uganda is truly the Pearl of Africa”.

Visitors to Uganda can enjoy many outstanding attractions such as the numerous national parks and Game Reserves which provide unsurpassed viewing of the varied animals, birds and plant species; the source of the River Nile where it begins its 6000km journey to the Mediterranean; the extremely rare and endangered mountain gorillas in the Muhavura ranges, the spectacular Murchison Falls on the River Nile; and the famous Rwenzori Mountains providing challenging climbing experiences.

On arrival you will land at Entebbe international airport - the gateway by air to Uganda. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, and up to 1962 was the administrative capital of the country.

The name Entebbe means “chair” from a legend about Mugula, head of the local mamba (lungfish) clan. It asserts that Mugula used to command his dominion from a royal enclosure not far from the present International Airport, seated on “a chair” carved out of rock. Eventually the seat was submerged in the lake and the town was named after it.

Unique Uganda

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Entry requirement:
A valid passport is required. Visas are not required by EC nationals or US citizens.

Departure Tax:
There is a departure tax of US$20 payable by each passenger on an international flight from Entebbe.

Time:
Uganda is GMT + 3 hours.

Climate:
Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions. Temperatures range between 21c and 25c. The rains are mainly between March and May, and October and November.

Currency:
The currency of Uganda is the Ugandan shilling. We recommend you travel with sterling or US Dollar travellers’ cheques.

Health/immunisation:
Good medical facilities are available in the main cities, but we recommend that medical insurance is taken out before arrival. Bring any special medication you may need. Malaria is encountered at certain times of the year, and it is advisable to take the usual prophylactics. For your own comfort take a mosquito repellent. Bilharzia is present in some of our lakes, and swimming is not recommended except in designated areas. We recommend that only boiled water is drunk. In hotel and lodges there will be flasks of drinking water. Consult your physician or local medical centre prior to travel regarding the necessity for vaccination for yellow Fever and cholera.

What to wear:
Uganda is informal and for daytime wear men need only sport shirts and slacks. On the AClem Ungawa-Uganda Trails we recommend cotton clothing which is light and easy to wash. Bright colours are not recommended if you want to blend into the landscape! Ladies need little more than light cotton dresses, skirts and tops. Make sure you bring a strong pair of walking shoes/boots. Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat as protection against the equatorial sun.
In the evening you may need a sweater on trail, and in the cities a little more formality is required. Don’t forget your swimwear – many hotels and lodges have pools.

What to bring:
Don’t forget to bring your camera as well as a good pair of binoculars.

What to buy:
A souvenir is an essential purchase during your visit to Uganda, to bring back many happy memories when you get home, and some wonderful handcrafts can be found all over the country. In every village local people are skilled in creating colourful arts and crafts, both traditional and modern, which are hand worked to a very high standard. Many of the items are useful; but all of them are items of beauty with patterns and colours that reflect local cultures.
Many of these souvenirs will be found in the village markets and on roadside stalls, but in Kampala and Entebbe there are several shops and markets that specialise in Ugandan crafts. If there is something special you want, why not ask to have it made?

Eating and drinking:
Uganda is an incredibly bountiful country. The range of foodstuffs grown or caught and eaten in enormous. You will want to try Matooke (plantains) – often baked in their skins or in banana leaves, yams, sweet potatoes, delicious fat tiny bananas, small white aubergines, legendary Nile Perch and Tilapia fish. “Waragi” is a locally distilled gin made from the ubiquitous banana.
In the major cities there is very good international food on offer, from Chinese and Indian to Greek, Italian, American and British. Almost all over the country you will have no difficulty in obtaining vegetarian food – the Indian vegetarian range is particularly good.

Crime and violence:
After twenty years of stability, Uganda is now one of the safest countries in Africa (possibly the safest). However, it is sensible to take the same precautions that you would in any foreign country where you are a guest. Don’t carry large rolls of money. You will be expected to be civil and respectful.

Please remember:
Our country and our profusion of wildlife is not only our heritage and responsibility – it is yours. Please take great care to respect the environment which we are all privileged to enjoy. Take no wildlife and leave nothing, only your footmarks.

Uganda's tourism is young:
After over two decades of stability, Uganda is ready and able to welcome tourists and to offer them great hospitality. Make no mistake; you are unlikely to encounter service standards which you may expect in a highly developed tourist resort. Many of our facilities are quite basic and staffs are often extremely inexperienced. We are sure you will find that what Ugandans lack in experience they make up for many times in helpfulness, kindness and concern for your wellbeing. As a tourist to a young and inexperienced destination, we would ask you to respect this fact and honour our willingness to receive you as a guest in our country.