If your dream is tracking mountain gorillas, Uganda is the place to go. Rwanda is the only other country in which these gentle giants can be encountered on a trek, and Ugandan permits are a fraction of the price charged over the border. Apart from gorilla tracking, there are lots of other things to do in Uganda. The country is home to many primates and Kibale NP offers amazing chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences. Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls NP are great for game drives in a savannah environment with plenty of lion, buffalo and elephant, as well as a range of antelope species. The country is particularly scenic and has a lot to offer to people with a keen interest in natural history and who enjoy active holidays.
Ever wondered how coming face to face with a mountain gorilla would feel? On a Uganda small group tour with Devine African Safaris you'll find out. Gorillas, chimps, monkeys - it's all about the primates. But as well as the wildlife, you'll get to see the stunning sights of this captivating country.
One of Africa’s major highlights is when you encounter these gentle apes. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man ’ s distant cousins as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones. Follow t he mountain gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest, and discover their gorgeous natural habitual and the many species they share it with. Fly into the Bwindi impenetrable forest.
From Kigali to Bwindi and back
Do you want to see the mountain gorillas , but you don't have much time? Fly into Kigali! We pick you up from Kigali and drive you in only 4 hours to Bwindi Forest in Uganda. We offer ground transfers and comfortable accommodation at Lake Mutanda to make this an unforgettable and hassle-free experience. For those looking to save time, get an excellent view over the Virunga Mountains, and commune with the gorillas, this is the perfect tour. Read more. Book Now
Rates are per person sharing a double/twin room.
Accommodation: Relaxed & Comfortable lodge/ camp
Departure: Tour departs daily
This 3 days Murchison falls safari or wildlife tour gives you a great view of the Murchison waterfalls on the Victoria Nile River found in Uganda's biggest National Park (Murchison falls National Park) situated in Masindi and Nwoya districts. It also spots you to the beautiful wildlife that is to say the lions, Antelopes, Topis, Jackson's heart beasts, warthogs, elephants, giraffes and also gives you a chance to hiking to the top of the falls and a great, memorable and unforgettable 3 hours boat ride experience on the Nile River.
This 3 days gorilla tracking Bwindi Forest tour is a 3 day gorilla holiday safari package that saves you the stress of locating shy giant mountain gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Forest park. Therefore this 3 days gorilla trekking bwindi safari transfers you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park situated in the Southwestern region of Uganda on the borders of Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and The Republic of Rwanda. Read more. Book Now.
The tour starts and ends in Kigali but you will do the Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest N.P. in Uganda. After 4 hours drive you will reach the enchanting Lake Mutanda on the edge of the forest. This is the perfect starting point for your Gorilla tracking and to relax with the best view overlooking the Virunga mountains.
We are offering a special 4 day flying package at an unbeatable rate. This tour is perfect for those who would like to experience Africa's most amazing wildlife encounter, tracking the rare Mountain Gorilla. This package can be booked as an add-on to any Safari in East Africa or as a stand alone package. Read more. Book Now
Penetrate the impenetrable Bwindi forest for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Join experienced game rangers and penetrate deep into the Uganda’s Impenetrable forests. Our safari trucks are an adventurous and inexpensive way to see the highlights. Experience a world apart as you encounter the colorful cultures and wild landscapes of Uganda.
During this six day tour you will get to see why Sir Winston Churchill called Uganda "The Pearl of Africa". The beautiful country filled with smiling faces, is not only home to some of the rarest primates in the world. It is actually becoming a top safari destination, attracting visitors who also come to enjoy the African wildlife including Leopard and Lions along with a wide variety of plains game. Let's not forget about the more than 1,000 birds species recorded in the country.
Uganda is all about its friendly people and the diversity in landscapes and activities. This trip will show you the best of what Uganda has to offer. Queen Elizabeth National Park has teeming wildlife and a grassland savannah and Bwindi Forest is full of interesting endemic flora and fauna. On top of this you will find highlights like gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking and the boat safaris. And, as with all our midrange trips, you will stay in an excellent array of comfortable lodges.
Meet eye to eye with the amazing gorillas and chimpanzees of Uganda in their natural habitat, one of Africa's major highlights. This close encounter with these amazing apes is simply breathtaking, also get a close encounter with other diverse African wildlife, beautiful landscapes and amazing culture and if you are a keen Birder, this is the place to be. Experience the wonder of the World’s renown Murchison Falls as it squeezes through the narrow gorge.
The trip takes you to visit some of the Most visited sites and national parks in Uganda. This gives you an opportunity to see the Big Five and also the Big sixth animal- the Gorillas. The trip takes you to visit some of the minority groups like the Batwa and also gives you an insight into the different cultures of Uganda- The Pearl of Africa. Uganda is one of the counties that is least visited and thus there is reduced congestion parks allowing one to get the feeling of being in the Wilderness.
Enjoy comprehensive game drives, Uganda scenery, with game viewing on the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls NP, Lake Mburo - giraffe, elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard among others. Track the fast moving chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi. Enjoy canoes trekking on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi as well as the unique tree climbing lions of Ishasha sector. This tour through Uganda is the perfect combination of nature, culture & animalS.
You will first track the white rhinos before going into safari in the multi-international award winning Kidepo Valley National Park, and then to Murchison Falls National Park where we do more wildlife safari game drives and a boat safari to the spectacular Murchison Falls, ant then proceed to Africa's primates capital - Kibale National Park where we do primate walks and track the chimps in Kibale Forest, continue driving past the legendary Rwenzori Mountains with views of many crater lakes in the area. We enter Queen Elizabeth National Park from the north and do game drives there and another boat safari to the Kazinga Channel. Game drives to look out for the tree climbing lions before tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi. We end the Uganda safari with game drives in Lake Mburo and a stop over at the Equator.
All inclusive 15 day Uganda tour and holiday to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls and Lake Mburo and gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
This 15 day safari traces the western Rift Valley in the heart of Africa, starting with game viewing on the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park - elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard. Track the fast moving chimpanzees in Kibale National Park.
Enjoy comprehensive game drives, deep and rich Karimajong tribes culture, Uganda scenery, with game viewing on the savannah plains of Kidepo Valley NP, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls NP, Lake Mburo - giraffe, elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard among others. Track the fast moving chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.
Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa”, has ten national parks displaying the best of East Africa. Their Rift Valley landscapes and tropical forests make dramatic backdrops to an extensive variety of flora and fauna.
The parks offer ‘traditional’ savanna safaris along with boat tours, forest hikes, mountain climbing and wildlife research activities. Uganda is unrivalled on the continent as a bird watching destination with over 1,000 species of birds – several of which are found nowhere else on the planet. It is also home to 13 types of primates including over half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas ; and our closest relative – the chimpanzee.
Explore the wild Kidepo Valley; spot Queen Elizabeth’s tree-climbing lions; trek up the Virunga Volcanoes; summit the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains; take on Bwindi’s “impenetrable forest”; learn ancient tribal traditions and crafts – or just relax at your lodge surrounded by the wonderful sights and sounds of Africa’s most hospitable destination.
Explore Uganda – on the tip of discovery with the safest and most hospitable parks in Africa!
Uganda is a landlocked country bordered by Kenya in the east, Sudan in the north, Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west, Rwanda in the southwest and Tanzania in the south.
Uganda’s total land area is 241,559 sq km. About 37,000 sq km of this area is occupied by open water while the rest is land. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, which it shares with Kenya and Tanzania.
Uganda is located on the East African plateau, averaging about 1,100 meters (3,609 ft) above sea level. The plateau generally slopes downwards towards Sudan explaining the northerly tendency of most river flows in the country. Although generally equatorial, the climate is not uniform since the altitude modifies the climate.
Uganda’s elevation, soil types and predominantly warm and wet climate impart a huge agricultural potential to the country. They also explain the country’s large variety of forests, grasslands and wildlife reserves. Uganda has a total population of about 32 million people.
Ugandan People
Over 80 per cent of the population live in rural areas and directly survive off the environment and natural resource base.
Population: Uganda’s population has continued to grow rapidly over time. It increased from 9.5 million in 1969 to 24.2 million in 2002. Between 1991 and 2002, the population growth rate was 3.2 percent. The population is projected to have increased to 32.9 million by mid 2011
Ethnic groups: Baganda, Banyankole, Bahima, Bakiga, Banyarwanda, Bunyoro, Batoro, Langi, Acholi, Lugbara, Karamojong, Basoga, Bagisu, and others.The Baganda are the largest ethnic group in Uganda and comprise approximately 17% of the population.
Religions: Christian, Muslim, others.
Languages: English (official), Swahili (official), Luganda, and numerous other local languages.
Climate
Uganda’s weather conditions are ideal, ranging from the warmth of the lowland areas to the coolness of the highlands in the South West Kigezi.
For most of the year, Uganda is sunny with temperatures rarely rising above 29 degrees. The average temperature is about 26 degrees C, with a maximum of 18-31 degrees and minimum of 15-23 degrees depending on the part of the country.
The rain season is March-May. Light rain season is November and December. Wet seasons are March –May and October-November; dry seasons are December to February and June to August.
Rainfall ranges between 500mm to 2500 mm and the relative humidity is 70 - 100%. The rainfall regime allows two planting and harvesting seasons a year in most parts of the country, without the use of irrigation.
About 34% of the country is covered in wetlands with a dense network of rivers, lakes and swamps.
Generally, the country is endowed with fertile soils. Uganda has some of the largest lakes on the continent including Lake Albert and Lake Victoria
Politics
Uganda is a presidential republic, in which the President of Uganda is both head of State and head of Government; there is a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The system is based on a democratic parliamentary system with universal suffrage for all citizens over 18 years of age.
In a measure ostensibly designed to reduce sectarian violence, political parties were restricted in their activities from 1986. In the non-party "Movement" system instituted by the current president Yoweri Museveni, political parties continued to exist but could not campaign in elections or field candidates directly (although electoral candidates could belong to political parties). A constitutional referendum cancelled this 19-year ban on multi-party politics in July 2005. General elections are held every five years.
The Government
Type: Republic.
Constitution: it was ratified in July 12, 1995 and promulgated October 8, 1995.
Branches: Executive--president, vice president, prime minister, cabinet. Legislative--parliament. Judicial--Magistrates' Courts, High Court, Court of Appeals (Constitutional Court), Supreme Court.
Political parties: 38 registered parties. Major political parties include the National Resistance Movement (NRM, the ruling party), Forum for a Democratic Change (FDC), Democratic Party (DP), Conservative Party (CP), Justice Forum (JEEMA), and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), among others.
National holiday: Independence Day, October 9.
The 1995 Constitution established Uganda as a republic with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The constitution provides for an executive president, to be elected every 5 years. President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, was elected in 1996 and reelected in 2001, 2006, and 2011. Legislative responsibility is vested in the parliament; legislative elections are held every 5 years. Because of redistricting, the parliament elected in February 2011 grew from 332 to 375 members, including 112 special seats for women, 10 special seats for military, five for youth, and five for persons with disabilities. The Ugandan judiciary operates as an independent branch of government and consists of the Magistrates Court, the High Court, the Court of Appeal (which also sits as the Constitutional Court when required) and the Supreme Court.
Economy
Since assuming power in early 1986, Museveni's government has taken important steps toward economic rehabilitation and adopted policies that have promoted rapid economic development
Uganda suffered political turmoil and devastating economic drawbacks between 1971 and 1986. This extended period of regression left Uganda as one of the world’s poorest countries. Under Museveni's leadership the country initiated a broad range of economic reforms including the notable liberalisation of market prices and privatisation of public enterprises. These reforms have improved economic performance and sustained economic growth at an average of 7% per annum for the last ten years.
Bank Of Uganda
Bank of Uganda (BoU) is the Central Bank of the Republic of Uganda. The primary purpose of the Bank is to foster price stability and a sound financial system. Together with other institutions, it also plays a pivotal role in upholding international best practice in creating a conducive environment for macro-economic stability
Ministry Of Finance
The Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development derives its mandate and functions from the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and other related subordinate laws, including; the Budget Act (2001), the Public Finance and Accountability Act (2003) and acts establishing agencies and auxiliary organizations. Accordingly, the Ministry plays a pivotal role in the co-ordination of development planning; mobilisation of public resources; and ensuring effective accountability for the use of such resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Investment And Trade
Uganda Investment Authority
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) is a semi-autonomous government agency operating in partnership with the private sector and Government of Uganda to drive national economic growth and development. The Authority was setup by an Act of Parliament (Investment Code 1991, which was later revised to the Edition 2000 Laws of Uganda) with the aim of promoting and facilitating private sector investment in Uganda.
Chamber Of Commerce
The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) was set up in 1933. It is the oldest and largest nation-wide umbrella organization of the private sector in Uganda. UNCCI was formed as a private sector body and has grown to become a vibrant and credible business association, owned by members from the Ugandan business community. It was formally registered in 1978 as a company limited by guarantee without share capital. UNCCI enjoys a diverse membership and nationwide outreach with its 10 regional and over 80 district branches and draws its membership from the entire private sector, particularly the sectors of ; tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, construction, import- export, transport, financial services, Small and Medium Enterprises etc.
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives
The Ministry was formed out of a merger of the Ministries of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Ministry of Cooperatives and Marketing, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry and Technology. The mandate of the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry (MTTI) is derived from the Constitution under the Sixth Schedule Article 189, which provides functions and services for which government is responsible and the mandate of the MTTI is covered under sections 6, 8,10,11,20 and 23; and the National Objectives and Directive Policy of State contained in XIII - Protection of Natural Resources and XIV - General Social and Economic Functions.
Foreign Relations
The Ugandan Government generally seeks good relations with other nations without reference to ideological orientation. Uganda's relations with Rwanda,D.R.C. and Sudan have sometimes been strained because of security concerns. Uganda, D.R.C., Rwanda, and Burundi participated in the U.S.-facilitated Tripartite Plus process, which helped ease tensions and contributed to increased bilateral contacts with the aim of resolving conflicts between the neighbors. Uganda has over 4,000 peacekeepers in Somalia as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Bilateral relations between the United States and Uganda have been good since Museveni assumed power, and the United States welcomed Museveni’s efforts to end human rights abuses and to pursue economic reform.
Uganda is a member of the UN, the Commonwealth of States, and several related agencies, and is a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). It also belongs to the Non-aligned Movement, the Group of 77, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Uganda welcomes diplomatic relations with all nations, regardless of ideology.
Uganda is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), COMESA, East African Community (EAC)
Tourism
Wondering why it is called 'The Pearl of Africa'? Where else can you see lions prowling across the open savanna as day breaks before white water rafting down the Nile; then the next day set off into the misty mountains in search of the majestic mountain gorillas before settling in to watch a local cultural evening around the campfire?
Uganda has been ranked the number one destination for tourists for the year 2012 by Lonely Planet which is the largest travel guide and media publisher in the world.
The following week, Qatar Airways, a member of the five star alliance, announced that it would be launching a service to Uganda's international hub, Entebbe Airport.
Uganda Tourism Board
Uganda Tourism Board has served the country in ensuring the success and growth of tourism in Uganda for over 15 years. This has been in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry since its inception. The world over, the board is marketing and promoting the Pearl of Africa, its true nature, culture, wildlife, accommodation, and hospitality all packed in a country that is "Gifted by Nature".
More about tourism visit: www.visituganda.com