ONE DAY HIKE ON MOUNT SABIYO IN MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

one day hike Adventure on mount Sabiyo

Uganda's most energy of adventure is witness when it comes to wildlife safaris and beautiful landscape offering a spectaculars sightseeing adventures in most regions of the country. As Sir Winston Churchill described the country as "the pearl of Africa" it doesn't only stop there but more adventures have emerged in all the beautiful hidden gems. As the water bodies are used for adventures like white water rafting, bungee jumping, boat cruises, and fishing, swamp bird watching among others while the Mountains come with adventures such as rock climbing, sight viewing, and mountain climbing among others. But here comes a unique adventure of mountain hiking in Uganda where many travelers will not want to miss it out.

Uganda's landscape is awesome that a mountain hike adventure is so rewarding to experience especially when on top Ugandan mountains such as mountain Rwenzori, mountain Elgon, mount Morungole in Karamoja and mountain Mgahinga which is part of the Virunga ranges and most common hiked ranges are Mount Muhavura, mount Sabiyo and mount Karisimbi.

Hiking the Virunga ranges will either take you to hike mountain Muhavura which is the highest range or Sabiyo which is 3669m above sea level. It is an awesome experience for a beginner to hike mountain Sabiyo but the truth is, its not as easy as one might think.

A hike on mountain Sabiyo is a whole day hike as you walk under the thick forest of Mgahinga gorilla national park. The hike on Mount Sabiyo is a complete physic challenge to the body that always requires physical fitness before embarking on a hike on Sabiyo. "Be fit you will definitely do it".

The hike on Mount Sabiyo starts as early as 7am Africa time in the morning with briefing at the Mgahinga national park headquarters by the guide. The ranger guide briefs the hikers about the recommended dressing for the hike most importantly is having a rain jacket because the weather in the forest is unpredictable and also have hikers should have strong hiking shoe. It is advised that all hikers carry their lunch in their back bags most recommended are snacks which are easy to carry and not heavy. After the briefing by 8am you set off for the hike. It’s always emphasized by the ranger guide that if you can't reach the highest peak (the third peak) by 1pm it’s advised that you return because it’s possible that night might catch you in the jungle. So it means speed is also considered as you hike the Virunga ranges.

The most interesting about the hike on mount Sabiyo is that there are three peaks on the mountain so a hiker can decide to either reach the highest peak or stop at the first or the second peak but all are just awesome rewarding experience.

The first peak is at 3423m above sea level but to reach it, hikers walk through the bamboo forest, the swampy areas as you encounter some of the trails that are normally used by the Batwa people and not forgetting the three huts that showcases a traditional hut of the Batwa people. It’s on this first peak trail that one by good luck can have a sight on a golden monkey. This is the most challenging stage of the hike as physical fitness is required. When you reach the first peak you will take a rest as you eat you snacks and have some enough drink then proceed to the next peak.

The second peak is at 3537m above sea level. To reach this peak it involves a moment of sloping and also climbing the locally made ladders. This is the trail where the real function of the walking stick is noted. This peak fairly gives a view of the surrounding areas of Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

The third peak stands at height of 3669m above sea which is the highest peak of mount Sabiyo. Reaching this summit means climbing ladders throughout right from the second peak up to the third peak. The third peak is a point where one can experience three countries in one location. This is one spots where one can be in three different African countries without a Visa I.e. Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. This peak is also a rich point for sight viewing of all the three countries cause it gives an opportunity for one to see round the area to all the three countries.

A complete one day hike of mount Sabiyo is an experience that takes one to three countries in one day and without a visa. It’s a point where no one will ever want to miss visiting.

HOME OF KIGEZI MUSEUM IN SOUTH WESTERN UGANDA

Exploring the cultural beauty of Kigezi region 

A trip that doesn’t consider the culture and the people leaves some of the unique aspects of the travel pending, as you might concentrate on the spectaculars landscape and the beautiful wildlife. In Uganda especially in the south western part well known by its nickname “The Switzerland of Africa” is the Kigezi region which is a paradise for encountering real authentic cultural adventure.

The Batwa culture is one of the exciting and authentic cultures that portray the real life of living in the forest in the past years because they are renowned as the people who lived in the forest of the Virunga until when they were relocated by Uganda wildlife Authority to the outcasts of Mgahinga national park.

Beside the adventure of culture and people there comes the home of Kigezi museum located a 5 kilometers from Kisoro town. The museum is an evidence of the past lifestyle of the Kigezi people, as it showcases conservation and culture in its natural state for exhibitions.

What makes me to rate this museum outstanding among the Ugandan museums is the serine environment with beautiful flowers, fruits and tress that brings out the real ecosystem hence adding beauty to the museum in its cultural way. What about taking a chill rest under the gardens in the museum? This brings to the mind a moment of meditation under the lush gardens as the fresh air from the Kigezi hills waves at you.

A moment of a rest under the gardens is accompanied by an awesome traditional meal and a traditional drink locally referred to as “Busera” which is prepared in a real traditional with complete local ingredients. The meal portrays the traditional foods that the ancestors used to eat which is also cooked in a traditional way with only water and fire taking action on the delicious local foods till it’s ready for consumption.

The museum exhibits what it means by an authentic ancient home of the people of Kigezi right from it’s the exterior to the interior of a traditional house. Inside the museum building is a collection of a complete traditional hut that displays a traditional shape of a hut in the region and how the interior is traditionally arranged.

Exciting and amazing stories describing the beautiful landscape of the area and the ancient traditional economic activities about the Kigezi region are all narrated at the museum for the visitors to get the feel of the region. Traditional hunting and farming methods are part of the new experience that one can get a hit on as you explore the museum in to its depth.

Home of Kigezi museum brings the experience of historical and cultural traditions of the Kigezi with traditional practices such as music; healing, iron forging and hunting skills as you visit the museum try any of these experiences.

For the gardening experience that you might be looking for in the fertile soils of the Kigezi region then join the museum for a real organic gardening experience that will leave you a farmer at the end of the adventure. Join the museum to help the community in fighting malnutrition, child stunting, hunger, sickness among others. Through doing these visitors gain specific skills in soil preparation, planting, weeding, management and harvesting fresh food to prepare your own traditional meal at the museum.

What of the bird lovers? Here you will love nothing but only to watch and talk to the birds under the natural and organic gardens. This is an opportunity to physically share a tree with different bird species and learn more about the different medicinal plants, the apiary as you see people, plants and the insects co-exist in a unique ecosystem.

Home of Kigezi museum is a base for the hike to the Kigezi Mountain. Hiking on the Kigezi Mountain takes travelers to the monument on the hill where the name Kigezi was originated. This is a famous historical site that brings the memories of the colonial times just next to Lake Umugezi.

It is with undoubted that a compete trip in south western Uganda must include a visit to the home of Kigezi museum as every traveler will need the best out of every trip. Make the museum either the alpha or the omega of your Kigezi trip, don’t miss it out.               

                   

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY IN UGANDA

 Tips for best wildlife photography 

It is so pretty to come face to face with exciting wildlife during an adventure in the wilderness. The safari is always memorable when you get the best images of the entire safari. That is why every traveler visiting a new destination will always look out for the best camera no matter how heavy it can be. In Uganda it’s allowed to take as many pictures as possible during the safari so long as you abide by the parks rules and regulations on wildlife photography. Must to note is that flesh lights are not allowed during wildlife photography in the parks, travelers are always notified of this. Here are some tips to getting the best pictures while on your wildlife safari.

Be fairly close to the mammal

This seems to be obvious, but it will have more impact on the images you get in the wild. Getting a close picture of a wild animal will make the experience more memorable. In Uganda, being close may not be an option and that’s the reason why it’s vital to use longer lenses. The best lens should be capable of 250mm as a minimum. To get nice images of big wild animal species is just by having super telephoto lens more in the range of 400-500mm higher. Powerful lens will get the best cropped shots with many details on the animals face and its expressions.

Focus to the light

Within a fair distance to the animal, the next step is to consider the light source. Most often it is the natural light that you have to rely on because flesh lights are not allowed in Ugandan national parks. Without using other equipments, it is with no doubt that the best option is to rely on the sun to light on the animal during photography. The best way is to locate yourself between the sun and the animal to put you in the lit side of the mammal. Make sure to use shorter shutter speeds which can enable to capture more details in the animals face, body and even the eyes. Alert the driver while on the game drive so that he can look for the light and put you in the right position in the shortest time possible.  

  

Pay attention on the eyes of the animal

This is the moment of Seeing Eye to eye with the animal while taking a shot. Make it beautiful and exciting by getting the real eye conduct with the animal to make it a unique image. This means focus on the eyes of the animal in the shortest possible moment. Don’t rush to take a shot but be patient to wait for the animal to look direct in to the camera, and then take as many shots as you can while the animal is looking at the camera. These shots will be some of the all time pictures of the adventure.

Be ready on fast shutter speed

Set the camera to a very fast shutter speed because in the park you can’t be certain where you will spot the animal in the next minute. Some time it will need an additional ISO to the shot, however it is better than missing it. Sometimes you may get few minutes and you don’t want to have only a handful of unusable, blurry images. When you sight a new animal try to take with a fast shutter speed and when the animal is used to your presence in the area, and then take time to optimize your shot.

Carry along enough fast memory cards

An exciting photo doesn’t just come from the blue; it usually involves waiting followed by a flurry of camera shutters. Be sure that the camera and the memory card are ready. Ensure that your memory card doesn’t hold your camera back, rather be sure to have a faster one. Don’t let just a memory card to be a bottleneck for your photography experience. As you plan for your wildlife photography carry along with you enough SD cards because every scene in the wilderness must be captured. These memory cards are cheap compared to any part of the camera make sure to have plenty of fast cards.    

  

WHY UGANDA, THE PEARL OF AFRICA ?

Why Uganda, the pearl of Africa?

Many travelers wonder why Uganda which is a landlocked country is referred to as the pearl of Africa and also the leading tourism destination in Africa. It is really not easy to clear the doubt unless you personally visit the beautiful nation. Many writers and books talk about Uganda but one can’t conclude that it’s the best tourist destination in Africa. The perfect way to prove the beauty of the pearl of Africa is by visiting the nation to come up with realistic remarks.

Uganda is located along the Equator, the country has stable climate that is characterized of two dry seasons which are the best times for exploring the hidden gems. These two seasons are the periods that the country receives different visit from all corners of the world for a lifetime experience, filled with a full enjoyment and pleasure. One of the exciting activities during the dry season is the gorilla safaris which attracts visitors from the entire parts of the world. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is unique compared to other countries because there two national parks that offer the gorilla safari adventure in Uganda.

Uganda is a home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the wilderness hence receiving the greatest number of trekkers compared to Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo where the gorillas can be trekked. A visit to Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park is a true assurance that travelers will encounter the giant humble apes in the jungle. Many visitors wander why the dry season is the best period for gorilla trekking but the answer is simple because during the dry season the trails are dry and easy to access with less muddy difficulty. During the dry season the apes roam the forest freely as they search for water and food hence easy for trekkers to encounter them. Some of the primates that can be seen in the jungles include; chimpanzees, golden monkey, baboons, black and white colobus, squirrels and others.

The other wonderful activity in Uganda for visitor is the game viewing. The pearl of Africa is a habitat for over 1500 mammal species, many travelers are attracted to come and see them in the natural setting. A game drive in Uganda’s savanna parks guarantees visitors are lifetime experience of seeing mammals like leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kobs, Zebras, antelopes, lions among others. Despite of the fact that these animals can be seen round the year but the best period is the dry season as most often the animals converge around water spots for drinking and cooling their bodies. Just imagine how wonderful to see the herbivorous of the wild grazing in the fleshy savanna plains green.

Uganda is also boosted with over 45 ethnic groups each with unique cultural features that has made the country undoubted when it comes to cultural encounter in Africa. Culture is one of the finest tourist attractions in Uganda as travelers flock the country to experience the different cultures that are in a single beautiful nation. Each of the tribes in Uganda has its own way of living displaying different lifestyle of a true traditional African society. Have you never seen a family depending entirely on nature and sleeping under a grass thatched house? If never, then Uganda is the place to visit and see Africa in its past. Cultural safari in Uganda will never disappoint any visitor because of the diverse tribes.

When it is about nature, it is the reason why Uganda is considered to be the pearl of Africa. Beautiful water bodies, mountains, valleys, forests that are eye catching will convince you that the country is a real paradise of Adventures. These are the reasons why Uganda is year out and year in flocked by tourists. 

6 BENEFITS FOR GROUP TRAVELS

                   6 benefits for group travels 

Exploring the planet as a solo traveler is a desire for many adventurers’ travelers as they explore the globe in their own Pace. This comes as a will to feel the taste of beautiful spots that as an individual it brings the hidden self-esteem into the limelight. While on the other hand group travel is often the most funny and exciting adventure as every corner of the world becomes a home away from home.

Travelling in a group of family members, friends, schoolmates, classmates, and college mates is a unique way of exploring a particular destination into its depth as it’s always filled with fun making the entire travel experience memorable for each individual in the group.

There are actually many advantages of taking adventures as a group, some of the benefits include;

Someone next to you

It is always the worst experience to have no one adjacent to you as the long hours of the journey seems never to end. Imagine sitting in those 10th hours of the flight without a smile or a world from anyone, makes the whole journey tiresome hence creating a lot of fatigue. But group travel will be a moment of remembrance as people will shorten the long journey with the help of passing time while charting, playing games or even telling each other their previous travels stories.

Getting the best photography moments

A moment of struggling to get the best travel photos is not part of a group travel. It was long ago when travelers used to get self-portraits. When travelling in a group you definitely have someone available to hold for you the camera and get the best travel images. Because handing your camera to a local person for picture might not be a good deal for the best of photography experience.

Safety guaranteed by numbers

Exploring a foreign country can sometimes be hectic as the entire destination is a new spot. A group of travelers is always at lesser risks of target than a solo traveler. Group travelers don't battle looking for taxis and services because they are easily be recognized and considered for the service hence less intimidating. Notable is that in case of any sickness or hurt, there are people around to help out the situation.

Instant friends

During a group tour, tourists get the chance to meet other tourists from the other parts of the world. Who share the same passion of exploring the globe? This passion is the starting point for getting new friends as the days for the adventure continues the bond between the groups members keep tightening. The members in the group end up becoming great friends.

Trying new experiences

Travelling in a group can motivate one to try adventures that when she/he is alone cannot do. Some of these experiences can be scuba diving, mountain climbing, bungee jumping among others. This comes as an influence of peer pressure to help others discover new adventurous experiences.

Cost cutting

Group travel is one of the best way of cutting costs during tours. It's always noted that travelling in a group invites discounts in different services like hotels, transport fare, meals even sometimes beverages. It’s better to explore the globe in a group to reduce the general cost of the tour. Notable is most tourists destinations in the globe offer discounts to tourists who visit the sites as a group.

If you are planning on exploring the world with friends, it’s always vital to choose the best partners. Choose people who have the same travel style with yours and also who enjoy the same things like you do. Keep noting the kind of people that will join the tour because some might not fit your travel lifestyle but the good thing you meet new people.

BIRDING IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Birding in Murchison falls national park

Right at the northwestern Uganda is where the largest national park called Murchison falls national park is located. It is about 305 kilometers from Kampala the capital city of Uganda hence approximately 4 hour road drive will take you to Murchison falls national park. The park has an approximate of about 4000 sq kilometers. This park has its own unique facts that make it different from the other Ugandan national parks. One of the uniqueness is that, it is the only national park in Uganda that is a home to the African big five animals like; elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and the Rhino but still the Ziwa rhino sanctuary is so close to Murchison falls national park, meaning a traveler can encounter all the Africa’s big five in one location. This park got its name from the world’s powerful waterfall that is located within national park; it also doubles as Uganda’s third best spot for Uganda birding safari.

The location of the Murchison falls national park has made it to be a vibrant home for variety of bird species. Being among the best birding spots, Murchison falls national park it has over 451 bird species which include; water birds, Savannah birds and the Albertine rift endemic birds. This is an awesome landscape with offers the best for bird viewing and some of the amazing wildlife that inhabits Murchison falls national park, with a rewarding experience while enjoying a safari in Uganda.

The park has many numerous bird species with some of them being rare species, the most common and occasionally seen roaming the park are the crowned crane, giant Kingfisher, giant Heron, Shoebill stork, Abyssinian Ground Hombills, Nightjars, Marabou stork, Black headed lapwing, Back-bellied Bustard among others.

Different bird species in Murchison falls national park can best viewed while the visitors are on a game drive, nature walks through the savannah grasslands and also during a launch cruise along the Nile River and n the Albert Delta. Some of the birds that can be spotted near Paraa and Red chill through the dry thorn-shrubs are; blue napped mouse birds, silver birds, weavers among others. The nocturnal birds like the nightjars can be seen along Paraa road and also during a boat cruise on the Nile River. During the boat ride still there are of birds that can be seen like the shoebill, Gray crowned cranes, Goliath herons, black headed lapwings among other different species that can be seen along the shores.

The most interesting thing in Murchison falls national park birding is done throughout the  year though most  best times are during the dry season especially month like January to March , because this season is a low season in Uganda but birding remains unbeatable. Despite of December to February being a season when the rain is beginning but still birding stands out been affected by the effect of seasonality. From April to May and August to October where the rain is heavy, making it hard for bird watching because the trails for hiking become slippery and the tracks in the park become impassable and hard to navigate through them.

The most outstanding attraction though rear but still can be encountered from January to March during the dry season. For travelers who are interested in the Migratory birds definitely the season is between November and April.

For any birding safari in Uganda, the birder should be prepared with equipments like birding guide book, sun glasses, hats for protection from the sun, a pair of binoculars, steady shoes for hiking as you search for the birds.

NATURE WALKS IN UGANDA

Nature walks in Uganda

The pearl of Africa is not just a name that cites about the mountain gorillas, chimps and the wildlife but also the landscape makes Uganda a paradise on earth. Uganda is a beautiful nation that is characterized with different landscapes such as valleys, mountains, lakes among others. These numerous landscapes give a unique experience of nature walks in different corners of the country. Nature walks are one of the best experiences that travelers can embark on in most of the conservation areas of Uganda as a way of exploring the hidden gems. Some of the amazing spots for nature walk experience include;

Nature walks in Kibale forest national park

In Kibale there are specific trails that are mainly maintained for nature walks only. The forest walks in Kibale usually last for three hours or less depending on the interest and time of the tourist. As travelers explore the tropical rainforest it’s a guarantee that they will likely sight a number of primates, mammals and variety of bird species. For visitors who are interested in a night nature walk then Kibale is the site as you search for the nocturnal animals and birds such as Bush babies, Bats, Owls, Genets cats, Pottos and others.

Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National park.

Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth is so rewarding because it takes visitors to varied sites. Some of the trails here include; Kyambura gorge, Mweya peninsular, Katwe salt lake and swamp walks along Lake George. The swamp walk along the shores of Lake George brings visitors close to the Siatunga antelope and the shoebill. The Katwe trail offers an experience of a traditional salt mining and Kyambura gorge which is a home for the many primates including the chimpanzees.

Nature walks in Murchison falls National Park

Murchison falls National Park is Uganda’s largest conservation area situated in the northwestern part. The walk takes visitors to the top of Murchison falls which is usually done after the boat cruise on the great Victoria Nile. On top of the falls is the spectaculars and relish view around the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Some of the trails are in Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forest which is a rich site for the human closest relatives the chimps and variety of bird species.

Nature walks in Bwindi impenetrable national park

As many travelers know Bwindi for its humble giant creatures the mountain gorillas, This Park also has hiking opportunities along the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. The experience takes visitors close to beautiful nature or the home of the gorillas and opportunity to see numerous bird species and captive views of an Agricultural community. Walking through the different vegetation zones of bamboo forest, montane forest is the order of the experience in this nature walk. Forest walks in Bwindi are for about two to three hours offering the chance of encountering numerous mammal species, birds, butterflies and some primate species. All the trails in Bwindi lead to the waterfalls for a spectaculars sight viewing and a swim with a help of a guide.

Nature walks in Rwenzori mountain national park

On the foothills of mountain Rwenzori there is a great opportunity of nature walks that are just simply breathtaking. Travelers can traverse the forested vegetation while enjoying the beautiful scenery including the waterfalls, butters and variety of bird species. The other trail on mountain Rwenzori takes visitors to the “male” and the “female” hot springs. This trail is exciting because primates like red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabey and others are encountered on this trail. Are you ready to experience how the female hot spring cooks the eggs and the plantains then don’t miss out on this trail as you encounter the chirping birds and endless shrubs species.

As you embark on your Uganda safari in any of the national parks in Uganda try out at least one of the exciting natures walks you will definitely get the true meaning of the pearl of Africa.