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best time to visit Uganda
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What is the best time to visit Uganda?

Uganda is a destination that can be visited all year round but also depends on what you are going to do on your Uganda Safari adventure.
Uganda lies on the equator and has a warm sub-tropical climate, day time temperatures average between 25 and 29c, night time temperatures frequently drop below 20c offering a nice reprieve on hot days.

Uganda is a fast-growing African safari destination that’s lately getting significant attention from the leisure travel world. Equatorial Uganda has a pleasantly warm and tropical climate with significant seasonal variations.

There are wetter months that make certain plans and activities difficult which need prior planning before you come to Uganda.
The other factor making Uganda a better travel destination throughout the year is Lake Victoria and its unique weather patterns.

Uganda has mainly two rainy seasons normally the long season which starts from mid-March to the end of May and the short season which starts from October to November.
The average temperatures of Uganda are 21.5C and 71 C and these also drop at night time to around 54 F which affects the altitude.
Rainfall in Uganda ranges between 1000-2000 mm every year. However, throughout the year the skies in Uganda are clear which makes it the best safari destination for your perfect Uganda holidays.

Also, the climatic changes have brought about changes in the weather patterns hence making it hard to predict the best travel times to Uganda.
Therefore, the best times of the year when you should visit Uganda are in the dry months of June, July, August, September as well as January and February. Like the rest of Africa, It’s important to put it in mind that the country has two dry seasons and two wet seasons. Each of these seasons has its own charm and offers visitors a unique experience of the natural beauty of the country.
Another factor in planning your vacation is the particular tours and safari activities you wish to participate in.

Most travellers choose to travel from May to September and February since in these months the amount of rainfall has reduced and it is sunny in most destinations.
December is one of the busiest months of the year for both international and domestic tourists. This is the month of festival seasons so the majority of the people are getting their holidays and honeymoons hence making many tourist destinations busy.

It is advisable to book your accommodations and activities on time to avoid disappointments.
Visiting in low seasons is also ok for many tourists since accommodations are cheap and not Congested, and the transport wages are not too high as compared to high seasons. Visiting in this season also means that you will enjoy the jungle and its attractions with relatively low crowds.
February and September are also recommended months for a safari vacation in Uganda since there are few travellers coming and the lodges are not fully booked compared to the high seasons.

The rainy season: The rainy season affects people’s travels but doesn’t mean that they don’t travel. They travel because the season is also combined with rainfall and sunshine. This means the sun comes out immediately after the rain stops, the tourist activities like game drives, nature walks, and boat cruises among others are able to be carried out without any disturbances.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking tours can as well go on during the rainy season and the National parks are fully in operation.
Also, during the rainy season also known as the low season, the lodges reduce prices to attract more travellers to book with them which is an added advantage. The gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits also are reduced to attract more visitors to Uganda.

The dry season: Uganda has got raised topography, which means that its climate is cool making it easy to plan your Uganda safari vacation all year round. However, if you are planning to come for your Uganda gorilla trekking tour, it’s important to notice the easiest trekking conditions despite the low rates in the low seasons. So, this means the best time to come for gorilla trekking is during the two dry seasons of January and February and from June to September. Game viewing, hiking and nature walks in all National parks of Uganda are best done in the dry season from February and March, June to August and the beginning of September. This is because around this time, the wildlife species are concentrated around the water bodies within these parks.
Bird watching is also best carried out between November and April for the birders when the migratory birds are present in the country but can also be done throughout the year to enjoy their safaris in Uganda. Additionally, if you are thinking about visiting other National parks and game reserves in Uganda like Queen Elizabeth National park, Murchison Falls National park, and Lake Mburo National park you might want to choose the shorter dry season of January and February or the longer best dry season of June, July and August. The vegetation in these parks is sparse during this time of the year, locating wildlife is easier and the roads are less muddy making travelling to these areas less time-consuming.

However, if you are planning to visit the urban areas for a Kampala city and slum tour experience or Entebbe City tour, you will find the weather having minimal effect on your city tour activities and you can continue with your excursions at most times of the year.
In contrast to the rest of Uganda, Kidepo valley National park has one long dry season from July to February and one wet season from March to June. Each of these seasons offers a unique aspect of superb beauty of this region. In the dry season, most of the wildlife gathers near the watering holes of the Narus River valley system, making it easy to locate the animals during your game drive safaris. There are also great opportunities to see the seasonal Kidepo River flowing before it seems to disappear during the dry season.
Some key takeaways to note as you plan your next tour to Uganda;
Mountain gorillas tend to be on lower elevations during the wet seasons since they do not have to travel far looking for food while during the dry season, they traverse higher elevations in search of food. Temperature variations across the country depend on locations and altitudes. High land temperatures tend to be lower all through the year, with nighttime weather getting even cooler. Having your travels in the wet season is typically more economical than during the dry season.

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Guide to Gorilla trekking to Uganda

GUIDE TO GORILLA TREKKING TO UGANDA

This Mountain Gorilla trekking guide to Uganda provides information about Mountain Gorillas which are an endangered primate species that can only be found in the Forested areas of the Virunga Massif stretching from Uganda, Rwanda to DR Congo. In Uganda, there are two protected national parks where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both located in southwestern Uganda.

The current mountain gorilla population stands at about 1004 individuals, half of which are found in Uganda. Gorillas are gentle Giants and are closely related to humans since they share up to 96% of their DNA composition with Humans. Unlike the lowland Gorillas, the mountain gorillas have never been able to survive in captivity and therefore no mountain gorillas are found in Zoos outside of Africa.
Guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla in Bwindi Forest

Gorilla Tourism and Conservation

To see the Mountain gorillas, you must come to Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo and trek through the dense tropical rain forests the Mountain gorillas call home. In the late 1960s-80s, the Mountain gorilla population reduced drastically due to poaching, disease, civil wars and encroachment of the gorilla habitat by Humans. However, with efforts through Gorilla Tourism and Conservation, with the creation of protected areas and national parks, the mountain gorilla population has been increasing steadily over the years. In the 1990s, the protected areas were opened up for Gorilla tourism and some of the mountain gorilla families were habituated to allow tourists to trek them. At the moment, there are close to 20 habituated mountain gorilla families in Uganda, which are all available for tourists to visit.

Gorilla trekking permit

In order to visit the Gorillas, you are required to purchase a Gorilla trekking permit and this has to be done in advance to ensure that your slot is guaranteed. The gorilla trekking permit can be purchased through a local tour operator, or directly through the Uganda wildlife authority if you are already in Uganda. The Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $700 dollars for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and Shs 250,000 for East Africans. The Uganda gorilla habituation Permit Costs $1,500 dollars for foreign nonresidents, $1,000 for foreign residents and Shs 750,000 for East Africans which money greatly helps with the Gorilla conservation. The government of Uganda uses proceeds from the sale of gorilla trekking permits to further conservation and intervention efforts as well as building infrastructure.

The local communities also receive a percentage of this money through the Uganda wildlife Authority, as well as allocation by the government to the local governments in areas where the national parks are found. Therefore, by coming for Gorilla trekking in Uganda, you greatly impact the conservation of these great species of primates.

When to Visit the Gorillas

Gorilla trekking can be done all year round, however, the most recommended period is during the Dry season months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During this period, there is very little rainfall and therefore the conditions are conducive for hiking through the densely forested landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

You can combine your Uganda wildlife safari with a Gorilla trekking Safari to the mountain Gorillas and visit other national parks within Uganda for an authentic African wildlife experience. Other popular national parks in Uganda are Murchison falls national Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo national park, Semuliki National Park, Rwenzori Mountain National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Vs Rwanda, Vs Congo

The only three countries in the world where you can see the mountain gorillas are Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. However, visiting the Gorillas in Uganda is more recommended than gorilla trekking in Rwanda or DR Congo because of two main reasons, the permit price in Uganda is $700 while the Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 for the same experience! This makes Uganda the better option as compared to Rwanda.

On the other hand, the DR Congo Gorilla permits cost only $400. However, due to civil wars and guerillas near the Virunga national park, it is not safe and therefore Uganda is still better than Congo as your security while on a gorilla safari is guaranteed unlike in Dr Congo’s Virunga.

Accommodation and transport

There are a lot of accommodation options near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. These range from Camping, basic budget, Average to luxurious lodges and therefore, every tourist is sorted based on their Budget. As for transportation you can reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by road or fly, Charter with internal flight providers. Accommodation, Transport and Gorilla permit booking can all be arranged for you by MuAfrika Adventures Limited.

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Where to find the African painted, Wild dog in Uganda

WHERE TO FIND THE AFRICAN PAINTED DOG IN UGANDA

The African painted dog, also known as the hunting dog or African wild dog which has not been in Uganda for the last 10 years has been returned to the country by the Conservation through Commercialization Centre (CTC) in Butambala District. The managing Director, Thomas Price revealed that they had imported a pair of the animals from South Africa.

Where to find the African painted dog in Uganda
The African painted dog

“I am happy to say we imported our first two African painted dogs from South Africa. They are the only African painted dogs in Uganda having got extinct 10 years ago,” Price said.

Speaking about being extinct, Price, the Managing Director at the wildlife breeding centre in Butambala said there were some pockets of animals seen in Kidepo but noted there was no evidence to prove these were African painted dogs.

“Currently they are as good as extinct because nobody has credible evidence of the animals. There were some rare sightings in Kidepo but we don’t know if they were the ones or they were misidentified. We also suspect that these were just trespassing from South Sudan because there is a small population of the animals in that country,” Price said.

African painted dog

The animals are colourful carnivores that occur across Africa and hunt large prey like wildebeest, zebra and impala and can be seen on some African Wildlife safaris.

They are recognizable from their fluffy white tails, tri-coloured coats and big Mickey-Mouse ears.

The African painted dog’s scientific name is Lycaon pictus, translating to ‘painted’ in Latin and ‘wolf-like creature’ in Greek and they are neither wolf nor dog. The animal preferred habitat is savanna shrubland, grassland, forest and semi-desert. Whilst the African painted dog is mostly found in savanna and arid areas, they tend to avoid forest areas because of their hunting preferences.

However, they will travel to all areas in pursuit of their prey and have been documented in forests and wetlands throughout Africa.

African painted dogs live in packs of 30 or more and only the dominant male and female breed, however, the whole pack takes care of the young.

Once widespread across Africa, the animals are now reduced to small, scattered populations after being killed by farmers and rangers because they are thought to kill livestock.

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tubing the Nile, things to do on the Nile, must try activities on the Nile in Jinja

MUST-TRY ACTIVITY ON THE NILE, TUBING THE NILE IN  JINJA

The idea of Tubing the Nile in Jinja sitting in an inflated rubber ring and floating reluctantly isn’t new but at the source of the world’s longest river Nile, people are just discovering tubing. Float down the Nile and then float in groups of linked tubes as you take an adrenaline drifting on a tube for about 2.5 – 3 hours long right at the source of the world’s longest river while sunbathing and enjoying beautiful sceneries on both flat or lazy, white, Extreme water tubing adventure. Our guided tubing trips are great for all ages and are fun for an afternoon in Jinja. The leisure sport was introduced by water tourism enthusiast Adam Bafirawala who is also the founder of the activities of Tubing the Nile.

Tubing the Nile, things to do on the Source of the Nile
Tubing the Nile

“I grew up with that inspiration of being a tour guide. I was studying something quite related to waterborne activities. So, it was in 2015 that I came up with the idea of Tubing the Nile and it is a new activity in Uganda.”

The tubes used are locally available from old vehicle tyres and for a single trip one part with 25 US dollars. The tubes are fastened together to make up a team of ten and the kayaker rows as the lead. They are given safety precautions before setting off. After the participants’ arrival, they are registered and walked down the River to start the activity.

Matt Roger – a kayaker who participates in activities of Tubing the Nile said: “The first thing is that you are safe with a jacket and as long as you are with me, you are very safe.”

Those interested are welcoming tubing as an alternative to the riskier and frightening water sports. Tubing the Nile is also an appealing activity for people who don’t know how to swim and it’s a nice and safe way to cruise along the Nile.

On a weekend, Tubing the Nile can host up to fifty tourists. The sporting hobby is an income generator for Adam and a boost for a country that continues to discover its tourism potential.
After your Tubing Activity, you can also enjoy a Barbecue along the Shores of the Nile or get to spend a relaxing Night along the Nile in a Tent. Other Activities done are Kayaking, White Water Rafting, Quad biking, Boat rides, Horse Riding.

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UTB unveils world record holder Cheptegei as Uganda’s tourism ambassador

According to UTB CEO, Lilly Ajarova the announcement was in line with their goal of restarting tourism in Uganda after being greatly affected by the Coronavirus pandemic that hit the entire world.

“Our annual visitor arrivals had been projected to grow to 1.6 million in 2020 but this was greatly affected by the pandemic,” Ajarova said during the function to unveil the 25-year old long distance runner held at the Uganda Golf Club in Kampala.

The UTB CEO said that between 2015 and 2019, Uganda’s visitor numbers grew by 19% from 1.27 million to 1.5 million and that on average, the numbers grew by 4% every year.

The Uganda Tourism Board has unveiled long-distance runner, Joshua Cheptegei as one of the country’s tourism ambassadors

“The forex earnings from the visitors to Uganda grew by 22% from $1.31 billion to $1.6 billion in the same period.”

However, with the many restrictions on travels and fear of contracting the virus, the numbers gradually went down because of the pandemic.

“World over, there are mixed signals about the tourism industry’s recovery in this year. In Uganda we expect regional and intra-African visitors to pick up in the second half of 2021,”Ajarova said.

Speaking at the function, Chepetegei said he is happy to have entered a deal that will see him contribute directly to the country’s foreign revenues through promotion of tourism.

“I’m delighted to be here to express solidarity with stakeholders in the tourism sector. I am grateful for having chosen me for this huge responsibility. I accept it with all humility and honor,” Cheptegei noted.

“Much as Uganda is well endowed, it is not enough, if the world does not know about it. It is our responsibility as Ugandans to shout on top of the mountains and down in the valleys to everybody across the world.”

According to the runner, the deal he has entered with UTB is another huge responsibility to give him more courage to continue winning and carrying the country’s flag high but also promote tourism.

The deal will see UTB and Cheptegei collaborate for support towards the latter’s athletics activities at both domestic and international levels and in turn use his support and platforms to promote Uganda as a tourist destination.

Cheptegei will consequently use his image in photos, videos and other promotional materials as deemed fit by the Uganda Tourism Board.

Record

Last year, the 25- year- old Ugandan long-distance runner broke the long-standing 10,000 metre world record in Valencia.

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei celebrates after smashing the 10,000m world record

Posting 26:11.0 at the Turia stadium in Valencia in Spain, Cheptegei ensured he slashed the decade long record held by Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele by six seconds to set a new record.

This was the fourth feat achieved by the 24- year- old Ugandan long-distance runner after breaking the 10km road record in December 2019, the 5km record in February 2019 and the 5000m record on August,14, 2020 in Monaco.

The Wednesday victory meant that Cheptegei, the reigning World Cross-country, double Commonwealth, 5000m Diamond League and world 10000m champion has achieved the feat in less than a year.

“I think this [latest feat] lays a foundation of what can still happen and what I want to achieve in the years to come,” he told an interview after the Wednesday race.

“This performance means something great to me. We are trying to write history on the track again because we want to make people know that the track is still exciting and we want to give it all so that the sports lovers in the world have the benefit of the time by seeing us now.”

President Museveni joined a host of many other Ugandans to congratulate Cheptegei on the achievement.

“Congratulations to Joshua Cheptegei for setting a new 10,000m world record in Valencia. Uganda is proud of you as you continue to hoist our flag high,” Museveni tweeted.

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another gorilla born in bwindi impenetrable forest

Happy gorilla year 2021! The new year brings another gorilla baby Bwindi Impenetrable forest fold! On January 4th, Nkuringo family’s Adult Female Nderema gave birth to a new baby bringing the family size to 12 members. The new birth marks Nderema’s second infant following her first birth in 2018 that saw her baby sadly not make it due to environmental extremes within its first 15 days of birth.

“We have another gorilla baby Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (BIF) fold!” revealed Gessa Simplicious.
“The good news happened January 4th, to the Nkuringo family where an adult female called Nderema gave birth. This brings the number of newly born little ones to 12 members.”
The new birthmarks Nderema’s second baby following her first birth in 2018. Unfortunately, the first baby died after 15 days.

“You should have seen the mood among the group members when the baby passed on,” recounts Gessa. “They declined to eat and the forest lacked the hoots and banging of tree barks as it is usually.”
Fortunately, gorilla trackers are slowly trickling back to Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park and are expected to increase given the prevailing discounts.
“Uganda is globally the cheapest place one can track these endangered Mountain Gorillas found only in Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda,” noted Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) executive director Sam Mwandha.
“Given the peace, cultural diversity, birds, mammals and reptiles – it is irresistible.”
The Minister of State for Tourism, Geoffrey Kiwanda sums up saying after having Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park connected to social media, it is every tourist’s dream destination.
“There are bonuses like meeting the Batwa, seeing more than 250 mountain birds, organic fruits and lots of food to whet any appetite,” stressed Kiwanda.
He added, “There is no need to see guests off with a “Come Again” farewell because they have to come back for some more.”

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PRIDE: Ugandan pilot lands country’s new Airbus at Entebbe

Ugandan Pilot Mike Etyang was in charge of the cockpit as the Ugandan Airbus A330-800 neo landed at Entebbe Airport at 10:45 am.

Uganda Airlines

Etyang, who hails from Tororo District flew the craft alongside a Ugandan crew from France to Entebbe.

Etyang in an earlier interview an hour before taking on the flight told UBC TV that flying Uganda’s first Airbus was an extreme “honor” and a “culmination to a long dream”.

“For me, it is a real honor. I have always wanted to be a pilot, and this is a culmination of a long dream.”

“The Airbus is a fantastic aircraft, very automated, and is at par with any other machine. All glory to God,” he added.

The minister of works Gen Edward Katumba Wamala could also not hide excitement being part of the passengers that flew the airline from France to Entebbe.

He took a selfie and said he was in disbelief but yet at the same time proud to be on a Ugandan craft, flown by Ugandans.

“I woke up to a very Nice Feeling that I was in our Airbus not any other carrier but Uganda Airlines!!! God Bless our Nation, ” Gen Katumba said.

President Yoweri Museveni who will be the chief guest at the commissioning of the aircraft tweeted and said: “We are proud!”

Posted By Bruce Amp

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Rwanda Reopens for Tourism

Rwanda Reopens for Tourism


Rwanda has announced the reopening of tourism activities as well as the resumption of international travel for visitors arriving by charter flight, effective 17 June 2020 and for visitors arriving by scheduled commercial flights as of 1 August 2020. The well-being of all travellers is Rwanda’s top priority and the country has put in place robust health and safety guidelines to ensure this.
All travellers arriving in Rwanda must have a negative COVID-19 certificate. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) performed within 120 hours of departure (meaning travellers must be tested and get results within 5 days of their first flight). Other tests, such as Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDTs), are not accepted. A second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered after 24 hours during which time they will remain in designated hotels at their own cost.
Currently, international visitors arriving by flight can visit Rwanda. There are no restrictions based on nationality or point of departure. These visitors can enter Rwanda on the condition of fulfilling the health and safety requirements.
Together with the private sector, Visit Rwanda is offering attractive all-inclusive tourism packages for Rwandans and foreign residents. Visa on arrival remains available for all visitors to the country.
All tourism activities, including primate trekking within Rwanda’s national parks, have now resumed in line with enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures.
Cancelations/postponement policies have been updated to accommodate travellers impacted during this time.

                                                               National Parks
Rwanda’s national parks are now open for guests. To ensure the safety of all people visiting Rwanda’s national parks and wildlife, domestic tourists are required to test negative for COVID-19 72 hours prior to visiting all national parks, including;

Volcanoes National Park

Nyungwe National Park

Akagera National Park

Tourists to Rwanda’s national parks are now required to complete a guest registration and indemnity form in advance of their visit and submit the form electronically to the park.
Volcanoes National Park (submit to: anaclet.budahera@rdb.rw)

Nyungwe National Park (submit to: thierry.hitimana@rdb.rw)

Akagera National Park Registration & Indemnity forms (submit both to: akagera@africanparks.org or provide on arrival)

Special Offers

Gorilla permits are now available at USD 200 for Rwandans & EAC nationals, USD 500 for foreign residents and USD 1,500 for international tourists.
Special packages are available for groups, families and corporates on other products in Volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks.
These special offers are valid until 31 December 2020.

COVID-19 Precautionary Measures
All visitors are expected to test negative for COVID-19 within 120 hours prior to arrival. Tourists will take a second COVID-19 test on arrival and prior to visiting any tourist attraction.
Domestic tourists visiting all national parks, including Akagera, are required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to visiting these attractions. A private test centre has been set up at Petit Stade in Kigali by appointment only. Please call +250 788 313 800 or email reservations@rdb.rw to arrange your testing appointment.
Tourists without negative test results will not be admitted entry to the parks. The cost for the test is US $50.

For more information about Rwanda’s response and daily updates on COVID-19, please visit the Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s website.

 Visit Rwanda Soon
For those who have postponed their trip or are planning to visit Rwanda in the near future, we can’t wait to see you soon.

                                                                            
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UTB flags off Cheptegei, Golola to take on Mt. Rwenzori

Uganda’s 5,000m world record holder; Commonwealth gold medalist and the reigning World Cross champion, Joshua Cheptegei will be embarking on an expedition to hike Mount Rwenzori starting December 11th, 2020.

Cheptegei will be accompanied by celebrity, entertainer, champion kickboxer and actor, Moses Golola.

While announcing the Rwenzori Mountaineering Expedition– “I am Ready to Take on Mt. Rwenzori” an initiative geared towards attracting sportsmen and their fans to visit Uganda’s adventurous attractions, Ms. Ajarova said: “In my capacity as UTB CEO, but also as an avid nature lover, it gives me ultimate honor to be taking on this challenge alongside the reigning World Cross Country and World 10,000m champion and Moses Golola, Uganda’s kickboxer champion on an expedition to the thrilling ascent to Uganda’s highest point.”

Joshua Cheptegei noted that he is privileged to have the opportunity to take on Rwenzori as he had never been to the western part of the country. “I am more than ready; I am so excited to take on the Rwenzori hiking challenge. When I returned back from the World Half Marathon Championship, I took some rest for a month and resumed training on November 17th just to prepare for this, I never wanted to disappoint, as you can see, I am fit, I challenge my friends to be ready” Cheptegei said.

Cheptegei thanked UTB and UNDP for coming up with this initiative to promote tourism and excite more people to come to Uganda.

Mount-rwenzori

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is sponsoring the challenge.

The UNDP is also supporting Uganda’s tourism sector to a tune of up to USD1 million (shs 3.7 billion) to help the industry recover from the negative effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the flagging off the hiking crew, UNDP’s Resident Representative to Uganda, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah underscored the importance of tourism in the transformation of rural areas.

“Mountainous areas have harsh climate conditions, vulnerable to natural disasters and problems of remoteness and accessibility which hinder economic activities such as infrastructure development and industrial production. Tourism, a labor-intensive sector with multiple linkages across the economic value chain, presents an opportunity to uplift local communities and stimulate socio-economic growth in mountain destinations,” Attafuah noted.

She added that this expedition led by Joshua Cheptegei, is intended to showcase the beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains and in so doing, drive domestic and international tourism traffic to experience this magical adventure that the mountains offer. It is also meant to highlight the need for a collective effort to diversify Uganda’s tourism product range in an innovative way that mainly integrates multiple communities in the tourism chain while protecting natural and cultural resources.

The State Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda who officiated the flagging off of the crew thanked UNDP for the support given to the tourism sector. He challenged Ugandans to use this festive season to visit Ugandan protected areas and benefit from the promotional packages being run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Recently, UWA cut park entry fees by 50% for the festive season. The three-month-long offer runs from December 1st, 2020 up to March 31st, 2021.

Regarded as the “Mountains of the Moon” by Claudius Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman mathematician, astronomer, and father of geography, Rwenzori provides the third highest point in Africa (Margherita Peak) at 5,109 meters above the sea level (after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya). The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) heritage site is the highest and most permanent source of the Nile River and constitutes a vital water catchment for Uganda. According to UNESCO, the Rwenzori’s’ glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes make it one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas with diverse habitats of endangered species and a rich and flora and fauna.

Isolated, little-known, and less frequently climbed, the Rwenzori ranges on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo offer crowd-free hiking and a sense of wilderness absent on many mountaineering sites across the world. Official statistics show that in 2018, just over 1000 people trekked this high-altitude paradise. The climb requires greater technical skills and endurance to get to the highest peak. The name Rwenzori means “rainmaker” and therefore being wet while on the climb is not surprising. UTB is taking on the mountaineering challenge around this time because December is relatively a dry season in the region, making the hike less laboring. The surrounding Mount Rwenzori National park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetations.

Ajarova will be the first UTB’s CEO to hike the Rwenzori. Since her appointment in 2018, Ajarova has also successfully hiked Elgon and Muhabura mountains, Uganda’s second and third highest mountains.

Posted By: Bruce A

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Luxury accommodation in Rwanda | Luxury Lodges in Volcanoes National Park

Where to stay on your Luxury Gorilla trekking Tour in the Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

Travellers making the trek to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas are now spoiled for choice thanks to several new luxury accommodations and lodges in the Volcanoes National Park.

One& Only Gorilla’s nest — Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Luxury Lodge in Volcanoes Rwanda
Luxury Lodge in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

And those seeking outright opulence will be thrilled with One & Only Gorilla’s Nest. From the moment you arrive, fragrant fauna and flora greet you. A hidden garden at the top of the volcanic mountains where a world of roses and eucalyptus trees grow all year round in the fertile Rwandan soil. Not only does the plant life contribute to everything from your welcome drink to your dinner and the logs burning on the fire – every plant and tree is chosen to encourage flourishing wildlife. A perfect ecosystem that is constantly growing – your backdrop, your hideaway and your palate.

The property’s 21 rooms and suites are built tree-house style in a lush landscape created with thousands of plants and flowers tended to by a team of staff gardeners. The décor throughout is rich and textured, mixing African textiles and art with contemporary furniture and finishes. Every room has a fireplace and a deck, and the one- and two-bedroom suites have outdoor showers (the Virunga suite even has an open-air soaking tub). The food, in the hands of the talented husband-and-wife chefs Bryan and Louise English, is equally sophisticated, blending African and international techniques into daily-changing menus. After a long day mucking through the jungle, few things are better than a pair of slippers (provided while your boots are cleaned) and Louise’s pastries. Doubles from $3,485— James Rumney.

Singita Kwitonda — Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Set in Rwanda’s northwestern reaches, right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda Lodge’s unparalleled position puts life-changing gorilla-trekking experiences within easy reach.

Luxury Lodges in the Volcanoes Rwanda
Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Luxury Lodges while on your Gorilla trek Volcanoes

Among the most striking symbols of Rwanda’s unlikely transformation into one of the world’s leading ecotourism destinations is the new Singita Kwitonda Lodge. The expansive property sits at the base of the extinct Virunga volcanoes, where the central African nation’s most renowned natural attraction — the 340-odd endangered mountain gorillas — live in jungles protected from poachers by armed rangers. The lodge feels as if it sprouted naturally from the location itself: Each of the dozen free-standing suites is handcrafted from locally made bricks and quarried stone, with interiors decorated with works by Rwandan artists, private hot tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unobstructed views of jagged Mount Karisimbi. But the highlight of any stay is the hike to meet the majestic primates face-to-face in Volcanoes National Park. Every piece of trekking equipment can be provided by the lodge, from state-of-the-art footwear to trousers and walking sticks. After the day hike, the return to the lodge has its own otherworldly air with a fireside glass of bubbly, a gourmet meal (needless to say, the chefs are local and the ingredients come from nearby farms and the lodge’s own garden), or a massage on the table that sits in every suite. Doubles from $1,650 per person, all-inclusive. — Tony Perrottet