Uganda Safari News » national parks

Kampala, Destination of the Week

admin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 07:30:22 +0000

Uganda’s capital city, Kampala is known for its green urban landscapes and its prime location on the shores of Lake Victoria. National parks and nature reserves are within striking distance of the city limits, meaning that the famed wildlife of this region is only an hour or two from any nature lover’s hotel room. Kampala is a laid-back city with a friendly population. The natural splendors outside the city are the main reason that most Eco-tourists visit. Kampala is a relatively user-friendly base camp for adventurers setting off to view primates or paddling down the headwaters of the Nile.

Getting around can be an adventure in Kampala. Motorcycle taxis, called “boda boda” by locals, are cheap and can get you to your destination quickly without burning much gas, but they are notoriously dangerous. Boda boda drivers almost always value speed above safety. That said, you may be able to negotiate a daily rate with a driver if you are able to find one who is safe on the roads. Shared taxis and mini-buses are the next options. Environmentally minded travelers might appreciate the fact that these vehicles carry more than one passenger at a time, making for less carbon emissions per person. However, rides in these vehicles can be claustrophobic, with most drivers squeezing as many fares as possible into their car or van. Private taxis, called “special hires” colloquially, might be a more comfortable, albeit less green, option.

Communities Demand More From National Parks

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:59 +0000

Communities living around Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks have complained that they are not benefiting from the tourism industry yet it has become Uganda’s first foreign exchange earner. According to the chairman of the Batwa minority, Elias Habyarimana, the people living around the areas get peanuts yet they were the inhabitants of these forests before they were gazetted. Silver Baguma, the Kabale district chairman, said that the locals were not prepared to compete for opportunities in the tourism industry. He added by saying that the gorilla levy fund given back to the community is little compared to the sacrifices they have made to protect the national parks.

Top Uganda Tourist Attractions

admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 07:33:09 +0000

Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries of Africa, showing a wide variety of vista, traditions and rich wildlife regardless of its reserved area. The country receives tourists all year round from Europe, Africa, Asia and other continents who are interested in seeing its immense tourist attractions on a Uganda Safari Adventure. What makes Uganda an Africa’s pleasantest country is not only the hospitable people but the composition of different national parks, wildlife reserves, adventure sports and eco-tourism projects

Queen Elizabeth National Park which is found in the western part of the country, is famous for its big game viewing safaris. The park inhabits over 100 mammalian species, 606 bird species, and herds of elephants, hippos, and hog. Apart from wildlife safaris, this park is also a haven for birders.

Murchison Falls is another impressive park in Uganda. Bisected by the Mighty River Nile, this park is one of the most scenic and beautiful place in Africa with a rare scenery of the Mighty Murchison Fall, the most influential surges of water body.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to approximately 340 mountain gorillas and inhabits 4 different gorilla groups for trekking such as Nkuringo group with 19 gorillas and 2 silverbacks, Rushegura with 10 gorillas and 1 silverback, Mubare with 16 gorillas and 1 silverback and Habinyanja with 23 gorillas and 2 silver backs. Renowned for gorilla tours, this park is also attractive to birders and nature lovers. Other notable animal species including the Colubus monkey, chimpanzee, elephant, antelope species: bushbuck and forest duiker, buffalo, golden cat, civet, bush pig, giant forest hog, black-fronted duiker, clawless otter, genet and many species of bats and rodents.

The Uganda Museum is the largest museum of the country sited on Old Kampala Hill. The different sections of museum show various value information the Archaeology section, music section, Independence pavilion section, Ethnography and many. Travelers interested in learning about Uganda’s past history and culture always do not miss out visiting the museum.

The Lake Bunyonyi is the earnest cavern lake at a height of 1 840 m with numerous small islands. It is particularly home to various water birds. The spot offer a very charming picnic site.

Makerere University of Kampala is one of the biggest universities of Africa. The university’s library has a great collection, and most key specialized collections. Students, from all over Africa, book flights to Uganda to acquire higher technical education from the university.