4 Exotic Uganda Accommodation Options to Consider for your Safari Holiday

Uganda is one of the exquisite safari destinations that attracts safari enthusiasts and adventure lovers from all around the world. The National Parks, diverse wildlife, friendly people and many things are there that make your visit to Uganda a memorable and rewarding experience. To provide good facilities to the tourists and make their safari holiday a comfortable one, Uganda offers exquisite and budget-friendly accommodation facilities near the National Parks, different towns of Uganda and near various tourist attractions.

Here is the list of the best Uganda Accommodation that you can consider for your safari holiday:

1. Bwindi Lodge:

The Bwindi Lodge is located in the South-Western Uganda, outside the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The thatch and stone build Bwindi Lodge is considered as a great value- eco-lodge that is situated within the trekking distance. Each room of this lodge possesses a double or twin bed,  a separate bathroom and a room to change in. Furniture at the Bwindi Lodge like the canvas camping chairs, side tables, and locally made loungers are simple, attractive and practical. All the facilities available in this lodge are environmentally friendly.

2. Apoka Safari Lodge:

The Apoka Safari Lodge is located within the most remote national park in Uganda and considered to be the perfect place to get unwind yourself and get close to nature. During your stay at this lodge, you will get a chance to enjoy a great comfort and luxury. Each room of the Apoka Safari Lodge are comfortable and are furnished with locally sourced handmade furniture to enjoy a relaxing safari stay and experience a friendly atmosphere. During your stay in this lodge, you will be amazed to see large herds of zebra and antelope running past the lodge.

3. Buhoma Lodge:

The Buhoma Lodge is located 5 minutes walk from the Bwindi Park Headquarters, which consists of 8 traditionally built beautiful wooden cottages. Each room has en-suite bathrooms with hot or cold running water facility that makes it a lovely place to stay. During your stay at this lodge, you will get a chance to soak up in the breathtaking views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is a home to the rare mountain gorilla.

4. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge:

The Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is located in the Southern Uganda, which has gained a good reputation of providing a caring and innovative service. In this lodge, there are 10 en-suite cottages, which are well furnished with luxurious and comfortable amenities. During your stay at this lodge, you will get an opportunity to enjoy the incredible vistas or dramatic views of Virunga Volcanoes.

Do you want to book a budget-friendly yet luxurious accommodation in Uganda? Then rely on Exclusive African Safaris! As per your requirement and budget, you can book an exquisite or budget-friendly Uganda accommodation from Exclusive African Safaris that will help in having the utmost comfort and enjoyment. We make sure in providing every safari enthusiast and tourist the best accommodation options to meet their requirements.

To know more about accommodation options in Uganda, please feel free to give us a call today at +256 (0) 772 887 484 or send an email to info@exclusiveafricansafaris.com!  

Uganda Gorilla trekking tours

Uganda gorilla trekking tours are very popular tours that every visitor or tourist want to enjoy with full enthusiasm and fun. On a gorilla trekking, you can experience a memorable encounter with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You can enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park or Maghinga National Park to get an opportunity to see a mountain gorilla group. 

Are you thinking how to make the most out of your Uganda gorilla trekking tours? Here are some exciting things that you should know about a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda and make the most out of it! 

1. Age Limit:

The age limit to enjoy Uganda gorilla trekking tours is 15 years and above. Apart from this, it is important for you to be fairly fit to walk up and down the hills at quite an altitude. 

2. Gorilla Trekking Permit:

To enjoy an exciting Uganda gorilla trekking tour, you must obtain a permit (every gorilla permit cost around $ 600 while in April, May and November 2017 the cost becomes $ 450). For all G Adventure tours in Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit is included. Remember June-August is the high season. If you are planning a trip during this time; make sure to obtain the permit much before the trip to avoid last minute chaos. 

3. Follow your Guide:

When looking for the gorillas, you must always follow and obey what your guide says. The experienced guides are aware of the nesting sites of the mountain gorillas and will take you to those places on a scenic and safe trail. It is a good idea for you to keep your voices low while searching for the mountain gorillas. 

4. Behave well when you are with the Mountain Gorillas:

Once your guide finds the gorilla family, you must behave well with the wonderful creatures. While watching the endangered species- mountain gorilla, you should maintain a 5-meter distance from the gorillas. This ensures safety for both and protects the mountain gorillas from catching human diseases.  

A Big No to flash photography! You can take photos and videos of the mountain gorillas sitting, eating and hanging around without flash. 

5. Be Comfortable:

To make the most out of your Uganda gorilla trekking tours, you need to wear right. A mountain gorilla trekking tour in Uganda includes walking through the trails that are covered with mud, dirt, and dust. Make sure, you wear comfortable trekking pants, T-shirt/long-sleeved shirt, waterproof jacket, fleece/light jacket, a right pair of trekking shoes and hat. 

6. Essential Gears: 

You must carry some essential gears to enjoy a comfortable mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda that includes a small backpack, walking stick, sunscreen, bug spray, cameras and rain protection. 

7. Know the Guides and Porters:

A group of maximum eight people are allowed to enjoy a mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Each group consists of a lead guide and two armed scouts (who carry AK-47). To carry your backpack and accompany you on gorilla treks, rely on the porters. 

If you want to book customized and affordable Uganda gorilla trekking tours, then rely on Exclusive African Safaris. As a registered and licensed tour operator in Uganda, we specialize in providing mountain gorilla trekking tours and safaris that will give you unequaled travel experience. 

To know more about mountain gorilla trekking tours and Uganda safaris, please send us an email at info@exclusiveafricansafaris.com or feel free to stay in touch with us on Facebook , Google+ & Twitter social networks.

Take a Trip to Masai Mara National Reserve

When planning a safari in Kenya, the first thing strikes your mind is the “Great Wildebeest Migration”. This is the most obvious reason why hundreds of thousands of tourists are flocking to Kenya throughout the year. However, the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is unique in every aspect. It is the home to wild herds of large herbivores on the planet. But figures and the accurate estimate may vary; be sure to get a sighting of over one million wildebeest and maybe 300,000 zebra as well as 200,000 herbivores across the ecosystem. African wild species like cape buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, impala, hartebeest, eland, giraffe, gazelle are very prevalent in the Mara and migrate very less in number especially in the Mara ecosystem. In addition to, the elephant and hippo are considered as the largest herbivores to the unique list of predators who feed on them. No matter what, while taking Kenya wildlife safari at Masai Mara National Reserve, you will have an awesome wildlife spectacle for sure with selecting an appropriate Kenya Safaris packages.  

Take a Trip to Masai Mara on Kenya Safaris -

The great wildebeest migration is nothing but an annual movement of huge numbers of the wildebeest, and a great array African wild species over the Mara ecosystem. They migrate throughout the year, constantly seeking fresh grazing, and better quality water. Remember, the wildebeest graze in the grassy savannas and open woodlands of the plains, straddling the countries of Kenya and Tanzania. 

The Best Time to Visit Masai Mara -

The accurate timing of wildebeest migration fully depends on the rainfall patterns every year. Generally, the northern part of the Mara receives a higher rainfall than the most of Serengeti - therefore, supports more bush as well as a great density of permanent herbivores. In fact, a handful number of Serengeti herds come to Kenya in the months like June or July and move back and forth to Tanzania in the late October. They are most popular for their sheer numbers and of course their spectacular crossing and re-crossing of the magnificent Mara River to seek fresh pasture. Riding amongst them certainly feels like bliss.

All the wildebeest calve in every three week period in February or March. While taking Kenya wildlife safaris, the Serengeti herds on the flat plains in the south of their movement as well as the northern herds on the Loita Plains to the north east of the Mara are the great spectacle. Both the migrations take place perhaps 150 miles north- south and 60 miles to the east-west direction.

Conclusion -

Rainfall patterns throughout the year can help you know the extent and timing of the wildebeest movements. Please keep in mind that there’s nobody - can predict the exact place and exact timing of wildebeest migration. Therefore, there is no better or worse time to take Kenya safaris at Masai Mara National Reserve. The climate may be rain or be very dry, but it’s always bearable and wonderful game viewing is nearly always guaranteed year round. So, book Kenya safaris packages with Exclusive African Safaris and be sure to experience the best of Kenya on your vacation. Feel free to stay in touch with us on Facebook , Google+ & Twitter social networks.

Top List of Things to Do and See on a Tanzania Safari

Tanzania is a home to Africa’s top-rated national parks, wildlife reserves and the world famous, majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, which every tourist or visitors loves to explore on a safari trip. The beautiful East African country- Tanzania offers a great opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities and top places to visit on a safari trip.

Here is the list of the top-rated activities or things to do and see in Tanzania on a well-planned safari trip:

1. Trek the Beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro:

It is believed that Mt. Kilimanjaro draws 25000 climbers or trekkers every year to enjoy an exhilarating climbing or trekking experience. A fairly walkable mountain, the Mount Kilimanjaro makes it possible for trekkers to enjoy trekking at any time of the year (best period- late June to October). If you are physically and mentally fit, then it is good to take an attempt to trek the Mt. Kilimanjaro to experience the thrill and get some scenic views. To reach the summit, you need to choose a suitable route (as the mountain has multiple routes).

2. Enjoy Bird Watching:

The top-rated national parks and wildlife reserves in Tanzania offers a great opportunity to every bird and nature lover to enjoy an excellent bird watching. You will find an incredible variety of birds such as the Malachite Kingfisher, Gray Crowned Crane, Nubian Woodpecker and Red-and-Yellow Barbet.

3. Be a Part of Wildebeest Migration:

The annual wildebeest migration is all about a migration of herds of animals from Serengeti National Park to the greener pastures of the Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The wildebeest migration has become one of the most important reasons that inspire many safari lovers and adventure seekers to visit Tanzania for witnessing a breathtaking world famous annual wildlife spectacle.

4. See the Big Five:

On your Tanzania, the best part is to spot the Big Five- the African leopard, elephant, lion, cape buffalo and rhino. Whether you are traveling with your family or friends to Tanzania, then experiencing a close encounter with the Big Five on a safari will make your trip a memorable one. It is believed that a trip to Ngorongoro Conservation Area will help you spot the Big Five on a single day.

5. Experience a Hot Air Balloon Trip:

You can enjoy a hot air balloon trip in the Serengeti National park, which has today become one of the most anticipated safari activities. This will help you to witness a diverse wildlife and the vast plains of Serengeti from a completely different perspective.

Exclusive African Safaris offers a wide variety of customized Tanzania safari packages at the best price, from which you can choose the desired one to enjoy a memorable safari experience. We will help you enjoy a safe and exciting Tanzania safari. Our safari experts will provide you reliable assistance and guidance to explore the scenic wilderness of Tanzania as well as also enjoy an exhilarating game viewing experience.

Give us a call today at +256 (0) 772 887 484 or send an email: info@exclusiveafricansafaris.com to know more about the different safari packages for your Tanzania trip!

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Uganda Birding Safaris For Surreal Bird Watching Experiences

Birds are wondrous creatures found anywhere around the world, but each location has species that are meant for the environment. Being in the tropics, Uganda is home to a wide variety of bird species that can be viewed anywhere, it does not matter if you are in Bwindi, you will still heard birds chirping away in the distance and singing songs so beautifully that you will stop to listen.

Uganda is considered as the most sought after destination for birding tours across Africa, where different bird species migrate annually. This country has a lot of birding spots, where over thousands of bird species flock every year. Travelers feel overwhelmed after seeing such amazing bird species on a favorable natural habitat in Uganda. To enjoy bird watching, you can opt for Uganda birding tours that are planned perfectly by tour operators. The best time to see the birds is during early morning and late evening.

What Makes Uganda A Perfect Paradise For Birds: - From tropical central regions to a wide array of forests, Uganda stands out as a popular destination for plentiful bird species across Africa. On a Uganda National Parks safari, nature enthusiasts and bird lovers can participate in the tailor made birding destinations under the guidance of professional bird guides.

Best Destinations For Uganda Birding Tours: - Below are some of popular destinations around Uganda, where travelers can get amazing bird watching experiences:

Lake Mburo National Park: - Lake Mburo National Park features huge varieties of migrating birds and most of the species love to flock near the wide wetland of Lake Mburo. Some of the bird species are available in this particular spot including white winged warbler, the Yellow-billed oxpecker, ground hornbill and green backed woodpecker.

Semliki National Park: - This park located in a remote corner of south-west Uganda. Choosing Uganda safari packages, you can spot popular bird species like Black throated coucal, Grey-throated rail, Congo Serpent eagle and Yellow-throated nicater.

Budongo Forest: - Located in Western Uganda, Budongo Forest is home to some rare bird species like Grey headed olive back, Singing Cistocola and Black billed barbet.

Murchison Falls National Park: - Murchison Falls National Park is located in the north-western part of Uganda and comprises of the wetland, Lake Albert. It is largest national park in Uganda with some of attractive bird species like the Secretary bird, Red-necked Falcon, Blue-breasted Bee, Sacred Ibis and shy Shoebill.

Conclusion: - Planning for Uganda National Parks safari? Choose 23 days Uganda birding tours at Uganda Safari Experts and get unforgettable birding experiences to treasure forever! Our Uganda safari packages cover all the following Uganda National Parks, allowing travel enthusiasts to see a wide assortment of bird species on the same land. For more information, browse through the website or contact us online!

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Choose Semliki Uganda National Parks Safari for Maximum Fun and Excitement

Planning a visit to Uganda? Searching for the best Uganda national parks to enjoy safaris? If so, then choose no other than Semliki National Park.

Semliki Uganda National Parks Safari – Situated in a remote land of Southwestern Uganda, Semliki National Park protects the eastern extension of the wide Ituri Forest extending along the Dramatic Republic of Congo to the Zaire River, Being a stable forest, “refugium’, it’s one of the richest areas for forest bird species across Africa. In fact, it’s the low land tropical rain forest and jungle located in East Africa and also has been regarded as the most adventurous.

Activities To Be Enjoyed In The Park – With fabulous scenery, hot springs, forest jungle walk, birding and primate viewing, Semliki National Park is considered to be one of the ideal attractions across Uganda. Surely, on your Uganda national parks safari, you will get to enjoy a wide array of activities including hiking, camping in the real forested destinations of East Africa.

Breathtaking Views – A safari trip to Semliki National Park offers extremely awe-inspiring and breathtaking spectacles with the most thrilling adventures on Bundibugyo Road through the Rwenzori Escarpment. No matter what, this road offers scenic views of the Semliki River fuming hot springs and the tropical rain forest stretching along the Ituri Forest in Congo. In short and simple words, it’s completely a stepping stone to Central Africa with unforgettable sightseeing views to be explored.

Hot Springs – On Semliki National Parks safari, two hot springs can be discovered in a tract of hot mineral encrusted swampland rich in visible train network. You just come and see the two meters jet of hot water (1300C) and a pool (12m diameter) of boiling water (1600C). However, you can boil food like eggs in the natural boiler within ten minutes.

Diversity of Flora and Fauna – The jungle life style in Semliki National Park is just breathtaking, especially for birds, primates, butterfly and plant enthusiasts. The walking tour can take you along the Semliki River and let you see a wonderful concentration of buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, leopards, hippos and more forest and water bird species. You can also enjoy fishing like sport fishing along the river.

How to Reach Semliki National Park – Semliki National Park can be accessed by road. There are two important roads available from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda (Route – Kampala – Fort Portal via Mbende about 180km) and the other route (Kampala – fort portal – Masaka – Mbarara – Kasese about 465km). The both routes to this park include the use of two wheel vehicles. However, the second route to Semliki National Park can give you an opportunity to visit Mburo National Park, Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, Rwenzori Mountain National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Choosing Safari Tours in Uganda – Opting for Semliki Uganda National Parks safari with Uganda Safari Experts can be a great idea to see all the sightseeing attractions and natural wonders. You just choose us and let our tour experts show you what exactly the authentic Uganda national park safari is like!

Don’t forget to share your comments, valuable opinions in the comment section below! 

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Top Destinations for Enjoying a Spectacular Uganda Birding Tour

East African country, Uganda is considered to a bird’s paradise that has a wide variety of bird species. With an increasing reputation of having some of the best sites in the world for bird watching, Uganda hosts over 1500 species of birds.

For every bird lover, it will be a treat to watch some most sought exotic birds in Uganda like:

•  Shoe bill stork
•  African green Broadbill
•  Green-breasted pitta
•   Karamoja Apalis
•  Black bee eater
•  Red fronted anti pecker

Let us discuss now the most popular destinations for enjoying a wonderful birding tour in Uganda:

Entebbe Botanical Gardens:

This is a beautifully landscaped area covered with trees and by walking through the garden, you can find number of vervet monkeys as well as spot some bird species like Broad- billed roller, casqued hornbill, African Fish Eagle and Eastern Grey Plantain- eater.

Birding in bwindi

The varied habitats of Uganda’s oldest forest mean it is the ideal habitat for a variety of birds, with 350 species recorded, including 23 endemics (90% of all Albertine Rift endemics) such as the Short-tailed Warbler and Blue-headed Sunbird as well as seven IUCN red data listed species.Easy to see are the African Emerald Cuckoo, Common Bulbul, African Blue and White-tailed Blue Flycatchers and Red-headed Bluebill.

Birding takes place along the main trail, the Buhoma Waterfall Trail and along the bamboo zone and Mubwindi Swamp trail in Ruhija

Birding in kibale national park

Bird watching tours start at 7am at Kanyanchu; you are advised to book in advance. Rare species include the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, White-collared Oliveback and Papyrus Canary.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located just outside the park, is home to 138 bird species which may be seen during guided walks along the boardwalk trail and viewing platforms. These could include the White-spotted Flufftail, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, Western Nicator, Grey-winged Robin-chat, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Superb Sunbird, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Black Bishop, White-breasted Negrofinch and Black-crowned Waxbill among others.

Birding in lake mburo national park

The best birding spots in Lake Mburo National Park include the swampy valleys of Warukiri and Miriti, and the roadsides between Rwonyo camp and the jetty. There are also ideally-situated viewing platforms at the salt lick, in Miriti Valley, and in Rubanga Forest. Species observed at these locations include the Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Grey Crowned Crane, Black-bellied Bustard, Brown-chested Lapwing, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Brown Parrot, Red-headed Lovebird, Ross’s Turaco, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Green Wood-hoopoe, Common Scimitarbill, White-headed Barbet, Red-faced Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, Long-tailed Cisticola, Yellow-breasted Apalis, White-winged Tit and Finfoot among others.

Rubanga Forest can be visited using a vehicle or on foot. This is a real draw for keen birders, and prior arrangement should be made with the warden. The rare Red-faced Barbet – only seen in Lake Mburo National Park – is one of the of the forest’s featured species.

Murchison falls national park

Both the game drives and the launch trips offer an opportunity for one to come across distinct birdlife, including savannah forest birds, water birds and Albertine Rift endemics. The commonest species found in the plains include the Marabou Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretary Birds, Black-bellied Bustards, Open-billed Storks and Widow Bird.

Closer to the river where there are more thickets and woodlands, the commonest bird varieties include the Swallow-tailed and Red-throated Bee-eaters – particularly in the Nyamusika Cliffs; Woodland, Pied, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers; Francolin; Hornbills, Grey heron; Hamerkop; Shrikes; Flycatchers; Cuckoos; Woodpeckers; Crombecs and Warblers. The riverbanks are also home to ducks, geese, stilts and plovers.

The park’s main birding attraction is the Shoebill, best sighted in the dry season from January-March.

Queen Elizabeth national park

Classified as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birding International, Queen’s great variety of habitats mean it is home to over 600 species. This is the greatest of any East African national park, and a phenomenal number for such a small area. The park’s confluence of savanna and forest, linking to the expansive forests of the DR Congo allow visitors to spot East as well as Central African species.

Present in the park are numerous water birds, woodland and forest dwellers in the Maramagambo Forest, 54 raptors and various migratory species. Key species include the Martial Eagle, Black-rumped Buttonquail, African Skimmer, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Pinkbacked Pelican, African Broadbill, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Black Bee-eater, White-tailed Lark, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, Corncrake, Lesser and Greater Flamingo, Shoebill, Bar-tailed Godwit.

For the best birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park, don’t miss these birding hot spots:

Kazinga Channel, Kasenyi Area, Mweya Peninsula, Maramagambo Forest, Ishasha Sector, Lake Kikorongo, Katunguru Bridge area and Katwe Area Tours can be booked through Katwe Tourism Information Center.

Carefully crafted Uganda birding tours by Exclusive African Safaris or Tour Operator Uganda will help you in enjoying unique and authentic experiences. You will be assisted and guided by a team of trained bird guides to enjoy a safe and exciting bird watching tour in Uganda.

For more information or to book a customized birding tour in Uganda, contact us at +256772887484.

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