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Flying safaris in Uganda have no limit since the flights are on a daily basis enabling all travelers to take up the chance of enjoying the tireless safaris in any part of Uganda.  Scheduled Air-Service make getting around in Uganda a lot easier Quality Service – Well Maintained Planes – Professional Pilots all help to take the bumps out of Uganda’s Roads.

On a Flying Safaris in Uganda you will see this beautiful country from above and you view some incredible scenery while flying to a park such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Kidepo Valley National Park. Visitors literally fall in love with the Pearl of Africa – and you get a bird’s-eye view of the Pearl of Africa and get to your destination a lot sooner meaning that you by flying get more out of your time in one of our National Parks.

This is one of the most convenient ways to reach the southern area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where you can participate in a Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience. You fly from Entebbe to Kisoro, and met by your driver-guide and taking to the lodge of your choice. This safari can be done using upmarket, moderate or budget lodging in the Rushaga or Nkuringo area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Nkuringo Lodging would be 20 minutes’ drive to Rushaga on the morning of the Habituation Experience. The lodges at these sectors include the super luxury Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Mutanda Lake Resort, Bwindi Gorilla Jungle Lodge among others.

As we encounter our Uganda wildlife flying safari, we set off early morning for a classic African safari experience, through the Kasenyi tracks in search of popular species like Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes plus other common herbivores like warthogs, water buck, Uganda Kobs and Topi as well as antelopes which to be a must see while at Queen Elizabeth National Park, and after you will return to the lodge refresh. later go for an evening Boat cruise along the Kazinga channel where lake George and Edward merge and the boat will take about 2 hours and back to the Lodge for Night and overnight at Mweya safari lodge(Luxury option) or Bush lodge/Ihamba Lodge (Mid-range option) or Bush lodge safari tents (Budget Option) meal plan, breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

After experiencing the gorilla flying safaris you can visit to the Ngamba Islands Chimpanzee Sanctuary which is situated in Lake Victoria in Mukono district and it is a place that protects the rescued chimpanzees. Leave Entebbe town and transfer to the Water Front Club and take a 45 minutes speed boat cruise and here you can participate in the conservation of the primates by cleaning the facilities of the chimps and experience the feeding session of the chimps, and you can take an overnight stay at the place which offers the nice and spacious Safari Tented Camp that are overlooking the shores of Lake Victoria with spot of various bird life species.

If you have more time in Entebbe you can take a visit to the Mabamba Wetland that offers the rare shoe bill stork and other bird life species and this is done using local canoe and interesting to local and international birders.

A combination of mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, a Land of a Thousand Hills and relaxing along the most scenic Lake Kivu which one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa is one in a life time adventure in Rwanda. Lake Kivu is a great place to relax and chill out after gorilla trekking.

The mountain gorillas in the Virunga range get all the attention but Rwanda is also home to numerous rare primates, most of which can be found in the beautiful Nyungwe National Park. The forest is best known for its troops of chimpanzees but also grounds to L’Hoest’s monkeys, Vervet monkeys, among others along with over 300 bird species.

I traveled to Rwanda on my own as a solo female traveler and was a bit apprehensive, but Jackie put me at ease. I was in contact with her for a couple of weeks before I officially booked and paid for my tour. She answered my many questions and even chatted with me on the phone a couple of times. His outstanding customer service is what made me choose Budget Gorilla Trekking. She was prompt to reply to all emails and was very helpful and formative.

I requested for a senior staff member from budget gorilla trekking safaris to be my guide. Emma was my guide throughout my 6 days double gorilla trek, with city tour. He provided flawless customer service and took good care of me. He was extremely attentive, professional and made me feel safe at all times. His customer service is exceptional and it was clear he loves his job and loves sharing his culture and country with people.

I trekked to see the mountain gorillas twice. Emma inquired about whether I wanted a short or long hike and then I was put into a hiking group accordingly. I saw the Sabyinyo family with the largest of all the silver backs. On day two I saw the Agasha family, both days I got within a couple of feet from silver backs, females, and baby gorillas. At times they were literally at my feet, this was a breathtakingly spectacular adventure that I will cherish always. It is one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life, a once in a life time adventure.

I was offered budget, mid range, and luxury hotel options. I opted for the mid-range and stayed at Le Bamboo lodge which was perfect. I had my own private cottage with a fireplace and it and it was close to the Volcanoes National Park.

Overall the whole trip was perfect, Budget Gorilla Trekking did an amazing job creating a once in a lifetime adventure for me. I felt the price for the tour was very competitive with other tour companies, but Budget Gorilla Trekking customer service far exceeded any other company I had spoken with, which is why I chose them. As a solo female traveler I felt it was important for to find a company that l feel safe with that provides super customer service and that provides an amazing adventure and Budget Gorilla Trekking did all the above.

Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Ltd, Uganda takes pride in offering you the most enjoyable and memorable east African safari experience including gorilla safaris. You may decide to visit all the east African countries or visit one particular – the choice is yours. You may desire to trek gorilla safaris or wildlife trips to see the big five in either Uganda or Rwanda or Tanzania, You will realize that a single visit in the east African region will not be enough.

Drive around Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania in private vehicles unless if you request to join some of our scheduled gorilla tours in Rwanda which are organized on occasional basis and sometimes on request by clients. If you are a nature lover, we will take you to some of the recognized United Nations heritages sites like the Ngorongoro crater, Serengeti and Mara plains, Kilimanjaro, Bwindi impenetrable Forest, volcanoes national park, Murchison Falls National Park and many more sites.

Depending on your passion, just mention it and we will identify the site suitable for you to visit. We are ready to help you experience the best of services and also some of the most welcoming communities in the world, that you will live to talk about for the rest of your life. Are you wondering about the best time to see gorillas, and the best place to see gorillas in east Africa? Or do you have questions about the best time to visit Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya and Tanzania? We provide all the details once you reach us on our websites as well as email.

We give all advise on your areas of interest, activities or sites of interest and even the smallest of details and we promise to take everything into account from the time we pick you from the airport, to take you to the very first accommodation you are staying in, to the activities and then back to the airport for your departure flight, We promise to pay attention to details in order to achieve the goal of an enjoyable and memorable safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. We are also skilled at organizing cultural tours to different cultural villages across east Africa such as the Batwa communities, the Maasai communities, Mombasa and Zanzibar plus many others in their authenticity. We take you to the most authentic communities that give you a clear picture of the ancient African people.

The Republic of Congo gives you a chance to experience some of the most beautiful spot the mountain gorilla in Africa, and see some incredible wildlife. A journey to Congo is not just about the wildlife, but the amazing areas which they call home. Congo is one of the 3 countries in Africa blessed with mountain gorillas one can easily be arranged setting off from Kigali crossing over to Congo for gorilla trekking.

Within the democratic Republic of Congo, the mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park which also is a UNESCO Heritage site. The park is located in the eastern side of democratic Republic of Congo and borders both Uganda and Rwanda. This park has 200 gorilla individuals mostly situated in the southern part of the park. On my trip to Congo I was told that the park is managed by both the authorities of Congolese national park and institute of Congolais pour la conservation de la Nature (ICCN).

Due to the recent tragedy that killed over ten mountain gorillas, the gorilla population has improved and recovered at the same time. Many thanks go to the ranger efforts who risked their lives to save the remaining mountain gorillas. Congo is the only place in the world to see the rare banobo chimpanzee.

On your gorilla trekking Safaris in Congo, you can be picked from your Hotel in Kigali and be transferred to Gisenyi in Goma which is the capital of North Kivu province. It takes 3 hours to drive from Kigali to Goma near the border of Democratic Republic of Congo. Virunga National Park can also be accessed from Uganda via Bunagana border.

Gorilla trekking experience in the DRC begins early in the morning, and you’re your transferred up to the gorilla trekking staring point at Bukima a ranger’s station in the mountains of the Virunga National Park, outside the city of Goma.

Gorilla trekking in the DRC involves hiking deep into the mountain jungle to observe a gorilla family in the wild. Visitors will be led by guides and national park rangers who keep records of the gorillas for conservation purpose and help protect them from poachers. They can determine the general area where a gorilla family will be and are skilled in tracking them.

The length of the trek is entirely dependent on the gorillas; sometimes the guides can track them down in less than two hours, other times it takes much longer. Mountain gorillas are nomadic, travelling the jungle in families and staying in an area just long enough to clear it of food.

The  first sighting of the gorillas, seeing  mothers holding their babies, Juvenile gorillas playing, and dominant silverbacks keeping an eye out of their family, this was an exciting experience to see mountain gorillas in their home enjoying ourselves by taking pictures and Videos of them. There are families over 35 gorillas and only an hour in their presence, wearing surgical masks to prevent and disease being passed between species. As you are watching them, our guide will busy explaining the various behaviors.

In additional to seeing the gorillas in Congo, tourists to Virunga National Park take on other activities like Mount Nyiragongo Volcano hike. The volcano is located within the Democratic Republic of Congo inside Virunga National Park. It is also located 20km north of the town of Goma as well as Lake Kivu. Mount Nyiragongo has a crater which is two kilometers wide and also contains a lava lake. The cost for Mount Nyiragongo Hike is $300 USD per person.

Above my experience, there are 4 tips to help you plan your trip to the DRC

• All three countries that offer gorilla trekking, you must purchase a gorilla trekking permit in Advance. In the DRC there are not as many tour companies as in Uganda and Rwanda, so it is better to book your gorilla permit directly through Virunga National Park or you can use a tour company like the one I used, because it was trust worth; Rwanda Gorilla Safaris. This gorilla permit costs $400 USD per person, which is cheaper than in other two countries. The mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park can be visited any time of the year, although some paths are hard to navigate during the wet season from May to October, in this season gorilla trekking permits are reduced to $200 USD per person form march to May.
• Before you travel, it is very important to get a yellow fever injection, as you will not be allowed to enter the DRC without proof of this inoculation. Hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis, and rabies injection as well as anti- malaria are also recommended.
• You must apply in advance for the required visa to enter the DRC which costs $100 USD per person.
• Always set off to the jungle with the right equipment. The jungle hike can be long and steep, so you need sturdy trekking shoes, wool or moisture- socks, comfortable hiking clothes, rain gear, a first aid kit and light weight backpack that have room for plenty of water and snacks. A waterproof camera is also highly recommended since nothing ruins a good camera like jungle downpour.

This safari includes the impressive gorilla trekking packages in all the three countries offering chances to explore both Mountain gorillas or and even Eastern lowland gorillas in DRC Congo thriving in the natural shelters. We focus on providing you with the most unique, memorable, and personalized gorilla photo safaris tailored to your individual needs. We understand that everyone has different interests and travelers want the freedom to make their great adventure everything they want it to be.  It is only your schedule we have to honour as you personally design your safari and honour your pace.

A 4 wheel drive safari vehicle with a pop-up-roof for maximum photography experience is provided to easy your photography work. All your equipment will be packed in the vehicle so there is no worry in losing them. We will also provide you with a bean bag / a window mount you can rest your camera for clear as well as steady shots. A knowledgeable English speaking driver guide. Private Nature Walks:  We organize private walks in several instances.  In this instance a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see the impressive Mountain gorillas.  Most times this safari will be a private walk   accompanied by a knowledgeable Ugandan guide conversant with the area, the wildlife as well as can be able to highlight some other things you could have missed out

Transfer to Rwanda, an early wake-up call and nutritious breakfast are followed by the drive to the park offices, where we’ll be briefed by the trackers and escorted to the beginning of the trail. From there, the adventure begins with a trek up the path to encounter the gorillas. Upon sighting the troop, we’ll stay with them and capture every detail during this magical hour before returning to the base to meet our driver. Depending on trek and drive times, we’ll enjoy lunch back at the Lodge and spend the afternoon processing images and discussing the day.

Transfer to Congo, encounter with the Neptuno family was amazing. Neptuno the reigning silver back, the other males, females and youngsters were very engaging. They kept their eyes on us and we had been told to be alert for Neptuno performing a mock charge towards us. The family was busy digging up roots and tubers to feed upon satisfying the quest to get lowland gorilla photographs. It is only Nature Adventure Uganda with these amazing safaris yet at an affordable price.

 

 

Jinja is Uganda’s second largest town which lies about 80km east of Kampala, overlooking the point where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria. And it is the mighty river rather than the moderately interesting town that attracts visitors to Jinja. The thrilling series of grade- five rapids below Bujagali Falls, rafted by three different companies, has emerged in recent years as perhaps the single most popular tourist activity in Uganda, surpassing even the mountain gorillas of the southwest. There is, too, a certain poignancy attached to standing on the slopes from where Speke first identified that geographical Holy Grail which, less than a decade earlier, had lured an obsessed Livingstone to a feverish death near Lake Bangweulu in Zambia. No less impressive is the knowledge that the water flowing past these green slopes will eventually drain into the Mediterranean, following a 6,500km journey through the desert wastes of Sudan and Egypt.

Jinja has an attractively lush location on the northern shore of the Nile, but submerged following the construction of the Owen Falls Dam in the 1950s. Jinja was formerly the industrial heartland of Uganda, and its present population stands at 86,500, while that of Njeru directly across the river somehow exceeds 50,000. Even though the combined total of 139,000 makes the Jinja-Njeru conurbation Uganda’s second largest urban centre, this is far from a metropolis that straddles the source of the Nile. First-time visitors wandering around Jinja’s compact, low-rise town centre might reasonably reflect on what they can expect of the country’s third-largest town.

Getting there and away

Jinja lies along the surfaced Nairobi-Kampala road, 82km east of Kampala and 131km west of Tororo. Owing to heavy traffic in Kampala and slow trucks along the way, the journey in a private vehicle now takes almost two hours. On the outskirts of Jinja, the road from Kampala crosses the Owen Falls Dam, shortly after which there is around-about where a right turn leads to the town centre and a left turn to Bujagali Falls. The initial section leaving Kampala is pretty hectic, but beyond Gayaza a quiet road runs all the way to Jinja, the road emerging onto the Kampala-Jinja highway opposite Nile Breweries at Owen Falls Dam. This road is recommended to travellers heading to Kalagala Falls, the Haven and Hairy Lemon Island on the west bank of the Nile and you can enjoy this experience on your Rwanda Uganda safaris that can take you to gorillas, wildlife and then the adventure in Jinja.

What to see in Jinja

Source of the Nile

The Nile is the world’s longest river, flowing for 6,650km (4,130 miles0 from its most remote headwater to the delta formed as it enters the Mediterranean in Egypt. Its vast drainage basin occupies more than 10% of the African mainland and includes portions of nine countries; Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. While passing through southern Sudan, the Nile also feeds the 5.5-million-hectare Sudd or Bar-el-Jebel, the world’s most expansive wetland system.

The source of the Nile on the eastern bank is the more accessible from central Jinja. From Jinja town centre, it is reached by boda-boda or a 30-minute walk. From the post office on Main Street, follow Bell street west to the round-about with Nile Crescent, cross the roundabout and continue for 200m along Bridge Street, then turn left into Cliff Road and follow it to its end. The Ripon Falls, the natural landmark associated with sources of the Nile, was submerged in the early 1250s following the construction of the Own Falls Dam a short distance upriver. The site is still of interest, with a landscaped park and a plaque situated on both bank of the Nile as it exits Lake Victoria.

Nile Breweries Tours

Nile Breweries in Njeru hosts brewery tours with pleasure and free of charge. These can be arranged by contacting the brewery and asking to speak to the tour coordinator Herbert Ngobi. Prior arrangement is necessary. After the tour, you can visit a small gift shop selling a limited selection of branded clothing and other items such as watchers, key rings, pens, coasters, etc. for more technically oriented people it is better to contact the technical director at the same telephone number, so that a tour guide with more in-depth knowledge of the brewing process, the business and its objectives can be provided.

Kilombera weaving

This new venture, located midway between Bujagali Falls and Jinja Nile Resort, sells attractive hand-woven cotton fabrics and can provide a demonstration of the weaving process by arrangement.

Bujagali Falls and the Nile

Fifteen years ago, tourism activity on the Nile north of Jinja was limited to a peaceable and rather obscure picnic site Bujagali Falls- a series of impressive rapids about 10km downriver of the source of the Nile- visited by a handful of travellers annually. Goodness, how this has changed, today the eastern bank of the Nile between Jinja and Bujagali has developed into east Africa’s premier adventure- tourism centre, serviced by four bustling backpacker facilities, and an upmarket tented camp and hotel. This is because the 50km stretch of the Nile north of Jinja is now a legendary white- water rafting and kayaking route, widely regarded to be as exhilarating as the more famous Zambezi Gorge below Victoria Falls. Additional activities include bungee jumping, an aerial runway and quad biking. Although most visitors to Bujagali are primarily there to undergo their trial by white water, it’s also a relaxed and scenic place to spend a few days, with the wide Nile fringed by lush riparian woodland rattling with birds and the odd monkey. Tourism facilities are also appearing along the equally scenic western bank of the river; rather laid back setups that complement rather than compete with high-adrenalin activities centred on Bujagali. As a tourism destination, Bujagali Falls is currently headed into uncertain territory, owing to the ongoing construction of a hydro-power dam 3km downstream at Dumbbell Island.

Kalagala Falls and the West Bank

With the impending inundation of Bujagali Falls by the new dam, Kalagala Falls, 28km to the north, is set to become an alternative tourism hub on the Nile. It’s a stunning, with three major rapids pouring between the riverbanks and two large, mid-river islands. The rafting company, Adrift, has secured a concession to develop tourism facilities on the site and visitors can expect to be presented with an extensive menu of water sports including jet boating, rafting and river surfing as well as gentle cruises in search of birds and otters. Kalagala is also a prominent Baganda cultural site: a massive tree beneath which visiting kabakas sat stand on a promontory above the river while a jumble of massive riverside boulders. Alternative, low-key tourism sites on this side of the river are the upmarket Haven Lodge to the south and the budget Hairy Lemon Island to the north.

Activities done in Jinja

Rafting

Rafting trips on the Nile are offered by four companies; Adrift, Nile River Explorers, Nalubale rafting and Equator Rafting. Rafting excursions can be booked directly with the rafting company, or through the Kampala Backpackers’ and Red Chill hostels, or any tour operator. All four companies offer similar one-day itineraries starting at Bujagali Falls and finishing at Itanda about 20km downriver. This route includes nine major rapids, four of which are classed as grade five, namely Total Gunga, Big Brother, Overtime and Itanda. While on the river, you’ll get to see a lot of different birds, and you can swim in the calm stretches of water between the rapids. The long established Adrift and NRE charge US$125 for a full day excursion, as does Nalubale, the youngest company on the river. When choosing any adventure company, see what you think of their safety equipment and ask a few questions concerning guide experience, first-aid training, certificates, etc.

Kayaking

Bujagali is also a top spot for kayaking, attracting experienced proponents from across the world. More testing than rafting, kayaking offers the opportunity to develop your own skills, rather than just bouncing along in a raft controlled by the professional.

Quad biking

The company All Terrain Adventures runs quad biking trips out of Bujagali between some stunning Nile viewpoints using local footpaths and tracks. Day rates range from US$35 per person for an hour long ride to US$125 per person for a nine hour day with lunch. Two – three day trips to explore the Nile Valley are also available, as well as quad bike safari in Lake Mburo National Park.

Bungee Jump

It is located at Adrift’s Nile High Camp between Jinja and Bujagali. Jumpers leap from a 12m cantilevered steel structure on top of a 32m cliff above the Nile and pay US$60 for the pleasure. If one jump isn’t enough, a second will cost another US$20 and the third is free.

As an alternative to noisy quad biking on the east bank you might try horse riding on the west back Nile Horseback safaris.

Where to stay in Jinja

Up-market

Gately on Nile

This Australian managed retreat is situated a short walk south of the town centre. It consists of 2 lovingly restored and lavishly decorated colonial homesteads set in an expansive, 5-acre tropical garden with river/lake views. The excellent continental restaurant has recently expanded its menu to include some tasty Thai dishes, well worth sampling even if you are staying elsewhere in town. Facilities include office and broadband/wireless email services, local travel advice and bookings, and massage by arrangement, twin rooms in the main house B&B, twin rooms in an outlying cottage.

Moderate

Kingfisher Safaris Resort

Located in Njeru on the west side of the Nile, the Lakeside Kingfisher Resort has long been a favorite destination for expatriate families. The main draw is a trio of connected, child- friendly swimming pools of varying depth, shaded by mature palm trees in the centre of the resort. The accommodation is offered in a cluster of whitewashed stone bandas besides the pools. If the sound of happy children gets too much, escape into the tropical gardens extending down to the water’s edge to enjoy the peaceful view, or take boat trip on the lake.

2 friends

This expatriate- run facility provides comfortable rooms with DSTV in an annex next to the excellent restaurant of the same name.

Hotel paradise on the Nile/ Sunset Annex

An annex to the neighboring and rather faded sunset hotel, this smart new hotel is far better value. The implied river view is provided, not from the rooms, but from a pleasant private garden 50m from the main hotel and provided with gym, swimming pool and bar.

Crested crane Hotel

This large, suburban government hotel has undergone a major facelift. The rooms have hot water, net, fan and DSTV, and are good value.

Hotel Triangle Annex

How this concrete monstrosity was permitted to blight the fabled headwaters of the Nile is a mystery. Aesthetic niceties apart, this large hotel enjoys a superb shoreline location between the sailing club and golf course with comfortable and affordable rooms with carpet, hot water, fan, DSTV, telephone and private lake facing balcony. There is a swimming pool and a restaurant serving unexciting but reasonably priced meals.

Budget

Safari Inn

Situated more or less opposite cool breeze, this long serving hotel stands in pretty green grounds. Newly renovated and tastefully furnished double rooms upstairs seem a bargain.

Explorers Inn

Iganga road, near indulge deli, rather the blight the townscape with the usual storeyed hulk, the developer of Explorers Inn has created an attractive single- storey structure in keeping with the town’s period architecture. Hat tipping to history continues inside where an airy and cheerfully orange interior is lined with pictures of the explorers.

Explorers Backpackers

Entering Jinja from Kampala, explorers has long been the most popular budget option in Jinja town, though these days most travelers prefer to stay at Bujagali Falls. There’s a lively bar for residents, with a pool table and DSTV, free wireless internet and laptop connections. Good inexpensive meals can be ordered. Free tea and coffee is served all day. The management can book gorilla permits for Uganda and Rwanda.