Live on the Wild Side of this Sophisticated world

There are many leisure activities that are adventurous and fun in Uganda like one can go for bungee jumping, rafting, sky driving but at the end of it all, those activities take a short time and are being involved in by very many people. There is something that is so natural and relaxing and that is watching the biodiversity in its natural setting.

Uganda has master pieces of these wild animals and plants in their natural environment. Come to Uganda and travel to the west and southern part of the country. This is where most of the wild flora and fauna is found. Many people have visited and have had wonderful experiences and stories to take back home. This trip is more fascinating as you travel by a 4×4 safari car hire in Uganda that is a four wheel vehicle since the roads leading to such areas are raged and also found far away from the city which makes the expedition more adventurous

The wild experience stretches from Murchison fall national park where you find very many big mammals like elephants, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, oribis, elands, kobs moving around looking for survival. At this park there is also Albert Nile which is a  sub river of river Nile the longest river in the world and on it one take a launch cruise with a rewarded display of aquatic life and other big mammals at the banks of the river.

On the wild experience one encounters Queen Elizabeth national park the medley of wonders; this has so many tourist attractions that are rarely seen anywhere it is a big five national park as it possesses the lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. It also has a mystical place of Maramagambo forest where bat caving is done. It has good sightseeing features of the crater lakes of Katwe explosions. One cannot forget to have a cultural encounter where you watch the traditional dances and arts. With all that Queen Elizabeth is the most popular national park in Uganda.

At the wild experience there is visiting the mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park. This is a thrill where one takes a hike through the tropical rain forest of Bwindi looking for the hugest primates on planet earth. This is exhilarating as one come up close with the gorilla looking at each other eye to eye. You are able to take outrageous pictures of these wonderful animals.  A gorilla trip to Bwindi is one of a kind as the mountain gorillas are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. The mountain gorillas are ranked among the top ten sought out animals by tourists in Africa.

Visiting Murchison falls, queen Elizabeth and Bwindi impenetrable national parks is the best way of living on the wild side as this comprises of watching exotic animals, bird species and trees species, having a boat ride on the water bodies which comes with an aquatic life experience and encountering the cultural and traditional life of the people living around these national park is a marvel.

There is all a trending option of living on the wild side other than taking up a wildlife safari with a tour which is a self drive in Uganda where you can explore Uganda’s wildness on your own.

Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

There is concern about the fate of a few gorillas that might seem misplaced in the context of a genocide that claimed about a million human lives. These very gorillas have allowed Rwanda to rebuild the lucrative tourist industry that was shattered by the war. The activity of gorilla tracking resumed on a permanent basis in July 1999 and the volcanoes national park has remained open ever since a period during which the volume of permits sold annually has increased more. The mountain gorillas do bring tourists to Rwanda but once there, they will usually spend money in other parts of the country and provides foreign revenue creating employment beyond the immediate vicinity of volcanoes national park.

The land of a thousand hills ranks among the world’s most exciting emergent eco-tourism destinations. A few would have expected it 20 years ago, when a long-simmering civil war erupted into a tragic genocide in which up to a million people died. After two decades of subsequent political stability, have seen the country emerge as one of the most economically vibrant and socially progressive countries in Africa.

Possibly   the most exciting and moving wildlife encounter you will ever experience is gorilla tracking/trekking. This activity starts with a tense ascent through a fertile volcanic slopes dense with cultivation, into a hushed montane forest. The republic of Rwanda is one of the world’s premier gorilla trekking safari destination though there is much to see besides the endangered mountain gorillas. There is a mountain- ringed inland sea that is lake Kivu; the immerse Nyungwe Forest National park with its chimpanzees, monkeys and all the rare birds; wild Savannah of Akagera National park. There is an endless succession of the steep cultivated mountains that have justifiably earned Rwanda the nickname of the “land of a thousand hills”. Some visitors and tourists do query the wisdom of habituating gorillas for tourists visits.

When you going to track gorillas, one of the area of concern is health with the humans and the gorillas which are being sufficiently close genetically. There are risks of passing a viral or bacterial infection to a habituated gorilla which might  turn  affect a real risk of passing a viral bacterial infection to a habituated gorilla group. This might also turn to infect other members of its group potentially resulting in all their deaths and should have no resistance to the infection. Also to be considered is the concern of habituating gorillas to the humans to increase their vulnerability to the poachers. A theory backed up by the fact that most mountain gorillas poached since the mid 1990s and these belonged to the habituated groups.

From the above, a reasonable response might arise to query the wisdom of habituating the endangered mountain gorillas. Some things to be considered are the challenges facing the conservationists   that the gorillas cannot be conserved in a vacuum. AT the current prices, the Rwandan authorities can potentially earn approximately US $ 48,000 daily in tracking the permits only. However much of this money is pumped back into the protection and the management of the volcanoes park and sometimes distributed to the local communities bordering the park. There are also the broader benefits or job creation through tourism in and around the Virungas and even  in terms of pure conservation habituation has many of the positive effects and this allows many researchers  and rangers to monitor the gorillas on a daily basis to intervene when one of then is ill or injured.

For tourism is the integral to the survival of the endangered mountain gorilla. The survival of these endangered apes is certainly very integral to the growth of Rwanda’s tourist industry. Ultimately, it is a symbiotic situation that motivates a far greater number of people to take an active interest in the fate of the gorillas than would be the case if gorilla tourism were to be curtailed.

Experience the Great Apes of Uganda & Rwanda

Set off on a once in a lifetime journey into the lush hills of Uganda and Rwanda to encounter chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the wild. Observe chimpanzees with a primatologist, and trek gorillas in the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and volcanoes National park. Spend two days tracking chimpanzees, two days tracking gorillas, and one day tracking endangered golden monkeys.Watch the antics of chimpanzees up close at a sanctuary. Go on safari and take a wildlife cruise in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.Meet with scientists at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center.

Trip Provider: This trip is run by Rwanda Gorilla Safaris, a Kigali based tour operator.

Itinerary of 11 days Uganda and Rwanda

Day 1&2; Entebbe, Uganda/Ngamba Island

Arrive in Entebbe and transfer to our hotel. The next day, visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island, established in association with the Jane Goodall Institute as a habitat for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees. Later, explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Dinner and Overnight Namirembe guest house.

Day 3&4; Kibale National Park

Drive from Kampala to Kibale National Park with lunch en-route and check in to our lodge, set on a crater lake. Meet with a local researcher and search for chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, and blue monkeys, as well as the rare L’Hoest’s monkey. Explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Dinner and overnight atKibale forest lodge, mountains of the moon, kyaninga lodge.

Day 5&6; Kibale National Park/Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spend a second morning tracking chimpanzees. Today we get the opportunity to explore Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species and a guided forest trek can be taken in search of one of the most popular primate species in the world the chimpanzee. There are 9 diurnal primates, include, vervet, red-tailed, L’Hoest’s, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, black and white colobus, olive baboon and the most famous of all, the chimpanzee.Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and go on safari to look for elephants, lions, and Ugandan kobs before an afternoon wildlife cruise.Dinner and overnightBush lodge, Mweya safari lodge, katala lodge.

Day 7&8; Queen Elizabeth National Park/ Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The next morning, head into the park’s forests, home to roughly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Sit among these gentle giants, observing one of the planet’s most endangered creatures up close. Dinner and overnight at Mutanda lakes resort, Buhoma haven lodge, silverback lodge, mahogany springs

Day 9&10; Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Settle into your private villa overlooking the surrounding volcanoes and lakes. Meet experts at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center to learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Spend the next day tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where National Geographic grantee Dian Fossey conducted research on gorillas for 18 years. Enjoy a traditional dance performance this evening.

Day11;Volcanoes National Park/Kigali

This morning, search for endangered golden monkeys in the park. After lunch, visit a local school. Then transfer to the airport for your flight home.

A Place to Watch Flamingos by the Millions

You may have heard of this place, or at least seen clips from it on TV; where thousands of thousands, sometimes millions, of bright pink flamingos gather in a great spectacle on one single lake. Does it sound familiar? Well, what you have seen on TV is not special effects, it is a real place with real birds and you can go there to see it. The place to go is Lake Nakuru in the Great Rift Valley, KenyaLake Nakuru is conveniently located close to the Masai Mara which makes it a popular destination for safari tourists. And watching flamingos is essentially the only thing you do at this destination. It might not sound like the most thrilling activity, but when the number of birds exceeds a million, sometimes two million, it suddenly becomes more exhilarating!

The sight can only be described as unbelievable, when the blue lake seems to disappear under a massive layer of hungry, pink flamingos. And soon after you might see the sky turn pink, as the entire flock of birds decides to take off at the same time. The only problem for tourists in this matter is the timing. There is no such thing as a good season and bad season for watching flamingos at Lake Nakuru. The seasons only affect the water level, and naturally the water is high during wet season and low during dry season. But the birds are there, on and off, all year around. What matters to the birds are other conditions, like the amount of algae. If there is no algae, the birds will simply fly to another lake. And most people will book their trip long before they know what the algae concentration willlook like. So I can only wish you the best of luck!

Though, if you decide to go, remember that as tourists we have a responsibility to be careful about how we affect the local wildlife. And sometimes it might not be possible to be careful enough, as our bare presence itself might be all it takes to have an undesirable impact. Over recent years the flamingo population has been observed to decline, and one reason can be the large stream of tourists flowing through the Rift Valley. This is not proven, and there are several other causes that may have a much stronger effect on the bird population.

But we should be aware of the possibility and take it into consideration. So as you travel, keep reminding yourself to minimize your impact on the environment!

A self drive tour in the capital of Uganda

Self drive involves renting a car from a car provider of which traveler or customer leads to a particular destination by himself or herself. Self drive in Uganda is becoming so popular  because it is adventurous and one travels and gets involved with Uganda independently. On a self drive in Uganda, one can do anything one likes as long as you are not breaking the laws and rules in the country.

Have you ever thought of taking a self drive around Kampala city as you look at its beautiful attractions? Kampala city is the most populous city and at the same time capital and commercial city in Uganda. Despite of being a commercial city, it has lots of tourist attractions one may encounter while driving in Uganda. These attractions are enjoyed at their maximum capacity by taking a self drive tour.

While in Kampala city, here are some of the famous places you can visit to enjoy a self drive tour:
you can take a ride at the Uganda national museum at Kira road. At the museum you are able to know some of Uganda’s history. The museum has historical remains of the ancestors and also for the heroes of Uganda with good narrations from the museum guide.

You can also go to Mengo where you find some of Buganda kingdom structures like  the  Bulange which is the parliament building of Buganda, also the former torture house of former president Idi Amin, the Kabaka’s palace which posses so much history of Buganda and Uganda at large. One cannot forget to go to Kasubi tombs and shrines where the past kings of Buganda are buried which is near Mengo.

You can also visit the most prestigious religious sites in Uganda while you take a self drive in Kampala. There is the Old Kampala Gadaffi mosque which is the main worship place for Muslims in Uganda, almost within the same region, there is the Namirembe cathedral the main shrine for the Catholics.

There are also the Namugongo shrines which are also the memorial place where the Uganda Christian martyrs were killed. These are found in Namugongo on the outskirt of Kampala city.

There is also the national theatre in the middle of Kampala and this is where most of the national drama, plays are acted and also some cultural ceremonies are held. At the national theatre, there is also a cultural village where you can have a chance of buying Africa’s cultural commodities for example the craft shoes, clothes, bangles, clocks and different potteries.

There are also recreation centers in Kampala, shopping, clubs and cool restaurants that can make a self drive so fine. Some of these include the Nakumatt supermarket at oasis mall, capital shoppers, Game and Shoprite supermarkets, Mega supermarket in the middle of the city, Acacia mall which is the newest and most modernized shopping mall in Uganda and the centenary park which has a variety of hang outs with very many city revelers to interact with while having fun.

There are also very many discotheques in Kampala where you can have fun at night and relax your mind as you listen to Uganda’s finest music and also international music.

A Complete Guide to Climbing Nyiragongo Volcano

This is one of the long lasting volcanic mountains in Congo; its last eruption was in 2002 where magma flown towards Goma, this volcano is found in north Kivu province within the Virunga national park which manages and controls all the activities taking place on the isolated active volcano with its headquarters at Sekenkwe. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours to climb the summit that begins at an altitude of about 1,997 meters to 3,470 meters above sea level

Nyiragongo lies 21km away from Goma town on the un paved  highway to Beni and Kisangani, with its base camp at Kibati  which is the starting point for tourists who wish to Hike this mountain i  just visited Virunga National Park in december 2016, and this volcano hike was absolutely at the top of my amazing experiences in  DRC

This mountain is in form of 3 sections for those who wish to spend some time on it, it has the Forest section and the hiking trails begins with this straight from kibalti until you join the 2002 volcanic

I’ll take a bit out of my general Virunga review I just wrote: rocks that stretch upto the rocky section which is the most challenging hiking trail. Ones advance preparedness would be needed to coup up with the  best time to visit this mountain is during the dry season,which is May to October , you can as well visit in the rainy season , but the hiking trails are slippery  thus becoming a bit of challenge.

The moment you get onto the top, there inn built wooden cabin  from which you  camp and begin to view the glowing active volcanoes and it inspiring  to change This night almost has eclipsed  your minds of how nature has wonders on planet Earth the hiking  experiences in epic-ness but you can also be blown away by watching the potential of an eruptionthis kike is for sure  It is 5 hours non-stop & does require a good level of fitness not to be overseen.

During the hike, porters perform their job if at all you ordered for one,, armed guards hike with you. food is actually really good on condition you ordered for it from mikeno lodge which is an extra $80 per person on top of $300 hiking ticket , and the gear you rent from Mikeno lodge are top notch (Patagonia down jacket, warm clean sleeping bag, etc.). It is at 11,400 ft (3500 m) so of course it is very cold at the top. Better for one to have  an entire set of dry clothes extra jacket , and would be nice to have  hiking gloves that keep you warm, as it partly gives you an extra hand / great on the way down to grab onto volcanic rock and sting nettles for stability and not rip my hands up. Much as there many un updated security concerns on various travel forums, but the Virunga staff are extremely professional & every detail to take care of seamlessly to every body on the trek. But you have to make sure the following are in proper arrangements to avoid any delays or inconveniences, At the border just make sure you have a printout of your tourist visa confirmation provided by Virunga.org, in addition to your yellow fever card is mandatory. transport has to be arranged from Goma boader best transport to use would be with Virunga park from Goma to Mikeno lodge/ Bukima (sekenkwe) Make sure to take good non-slippery shoes that will likely be soaking wet & very cold by the time you get to the summit. An extra pair or two of wool socks, extra shoes to change once you arrive so your feet don’t freeze.and also to change at the end of the hike at Kibati

Hiking Nyiragongo and experiencing it is a real  magical volcano and  Truly a world wonder that so few people like Billy Ssali have the opportunity to see.

Planning for Nyiragongo Hiking Safaris is very ease with Congo Gorilla Safaris the Destination Expert in Congo Safaris. the Shortest Nyiragongo Volcano Hike is 2 Days Safari which is offered as 3 Days Congo Nyiragongo Safari

Botswana Safaris : Destination For The Fearless

Botswana Safaris, not for the ordinary tourist but with many rewards. With a swath of the Kalahari Desert, absence of meaningful roads; skies with no end, flood plains, with corresponding salt pans, a total sense of remoteness turns Botswana Safari into a destination for the steel-hearted. Straddling 15,000 square kilometers, is the Okavango Delta, constitutes a desolate reserve of astounding beauty. Teeming with kudu, wildebeest, zebra, crocodile, giraffe, hippo, elephant and buffalo.

From Jorburg Airport to Maun Airport on light aircraft into the middle of the Okavango Delta. Explore silently the remote lagoons and waterways, nature walks and fishing. Proceed through the meandering streams to Moremi by motorized boat. Embark on a game drive after a rest. Extensive wildlife viewing by way of evening and morning game drives. Push on from there by light aircraft to Chobe National Park.

Take a slow cruise on the Chobe River and take in masses of crocodile and immense herds of elephants. Squeeze in a final game drive and hit the road towards Victoria Falls Airport for onward transfer to your home flight. All in all six days filled with awe through unique eco-systems and landscapes of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Pre-booked accommodation in elaborate tents and lodges, game drives by four-wheel vehicles, light planes and power boats to execute transfers.

Botswana Vast, expansive wilderness and filled with wildlife and yet leaving more space to fill. Offering a unique experience, Botswana easily boasts the largest herds of Elephants. Forget about micro-buses stuck on the way in quagmire of mud. Botswana Safaris have become serious business and grown with bounds and leaps. The appearance of the 4×4 on the scene has changed the way visitors move about in the African bush. Proportionally accommodation has also improved to three to five star standards. Undisturbed wilderness, expansive reserves and camps that is comfortable as your home. Your budget will determine where you stay. You will not run out of choices. The unlimited space result into a feeling of exclusivity to the reserves.

The Okavango Delta: Substitute the obvious picture of a swamp with lagoons and navigable streams zigzagging through the plains. This is home to myriad flocks of birds, uncountable schools of fish and other wildlife. Nothing has changed since the early western explorers in the middle of the 19th.Century. You will see and share their experience, but in style. It’s up to you to use regions’ famous dugout canoe, the Mokoro. Without as much as causing a whisper, glide among the animals on the river banks.

Do not let the Delta put you on the leash while on Botswana Safari, spread your wings, uncurl your legs step off the mokoro and into the Kalahari Desert salt pans. The Chobe and Linyati waterways attract enormous game congregations.

Highlights of Botswana Safaris :

While on your Botswana Safaris, through the Kalahari Desert, you will come across the home of one of the last untouched human cultures in the world; still using Stone Age implements. Welcome to Botswana, home of the Bushmen. The line between their ancient and present day will not be very obvious, a people with no civilization baggage and the experience will have an everlasting impression on you.

Moremi Game Reserve The main stay or prototype of Botswana reserves; renown for teeming wildlife. Recline in your mokoro, in the shallow waters of the Jao Flats, still part of the famous Okavango Delta. While at it, and the budget allowing, pay a visit to Mombo for excellent game viewing. All the above are next to each other. The Marshes of Savuti:, which regularly disappear in the dry season, but all the same frequented by wildlife on the move.Chobe Riverfront, dare and step into a mokoro and row off the banks and experience a superb way to view game at close proximity. Chobe National Park, most toured part of Botswana, together with it’s proximity to , it is a frequented transfer point. Linyati Marshes, for peace of mind and away from the crowds, the marshes of Linyati rival the Chobe Riverfront and mirror the Okavango Delta on a small scale; game?, no problem, come tomorrow, in the dry season! Salomon Shoes

Botswana Safaris, What To Do
4×4 self-drive, enjoy the unhurried African freedom of living and listen to the heartbeat of the wildlife.
Walking Safaris Distinguish smells and sounds of Africa, discern the lie of the land by planting your feet firmly on the Oldest Continent. Feel the pulse of your African Safari vacation by walking in the wild jungles of Africa.
Horseback Riding On one horse power you can go far, yet be in spitting distance of wildlife.

Night Game Drives As the night falls, nature hurries to rest, while it is time for predators to hunt. Be part of the equation of the fittest, and experience the accompanying rush of adrenalin, the abrupt dousing of the fierce African sun turns every thing ethereal. The night symphony begins in earnest.

Mokoro Safaris Float like a feather in the local dugout canoes on the still waters of the Okavango River, one of the few rivers which never finish its journey.

Best Time to Set Off on your Botswana Safaris
Depending on your particular destination and what you want to see. It is far easier to see animals in the dry season than in the wet season, unless you are a staunch birder; the flocks are thicker in the rainy season. If you are a birder, the wet season is for you, December to March. For those interested in the big five, May to October is the perfect time. Vehicle movement is not unduly hampered, although you would not try anything other than 4WD on the roads. From May to June is the best time for Mokoro Rides, the peak of floodwater from Angola. Big game begins congregating in the month of September to October. Expect spectacular herds of buffalo and elephants at this time of the year. It follows that whenever grazers come together, the predators like King Lion, Cheetah and Leopard are lurking nearby ready to execute deadly ambushes. Requirements: You might need a visa, so it will be best to consult with your travel consultant, for applications and extensions. Health Concerns: Botswana is country of low population density; there is no undue cause for worry. On the other hand, take precautions for Malaria, typhoid and tetanus.

Botswana Safaris:- Is it Affordable?
On a controlled budget, you can fly to Maun, negotiate a three night self-catering Mokoro. This can work well in combination with Mobile Safaris for budget conscious travellers, moving together in small groups to hire services of professional guides together with equipment and tents. Your camp moves with you. You pitch it where it is convenient and safe. All levels are catered for to experience a memorable Botswana Safaris. On the average, most camps are geared for the upper market clientele. Frequent use of light aircraft, luxurious lodges, camps, superb cuisine, wide range of activities and the attendant professional guides bring about the rise in charges. To keep up such standards in the African jungles is a deer undertaking. It is not easy to run out of options, you can opt for a self-drive in a 4×4. This option is for determined, well-prepared travellers, conversant with more than basic 4x4WD vehicle mechanical knowledge. Accommodation can be pre-arranged or increase your adventurism and try the rooftop tent. As I was saying, options abound if you set your heart for an African adventure. Do not be phased out by participatory expedition, popularly known as overland trucking. It is an exhilarating experience of a lifetime. You learn to work in a group, improve on how to handle relationships and responsibilities. It will give you time to discover your inner self as you discover that most wonderful Safari land, Africa!

Explore Kampala on a Self Guided Tour

4×4 Uganda car hire offers self-drive to clients to drive for themselves depending on your destinations, what to do and what you want see without any restriction unless the clients is crossing boarder. The client has to inform us earlier so that we can write to him/her an authorization letter that allows vehicle crossing. It’s very possible to do a city tour on a self –drive safari. Kampala is Uganda’s capital and largest city and it’s known as the busiest and most entertaining places for tourists and urban dwellers, few tourists to Uganda find it hard to leave minus going for a city tour. The city hosts very many entertaining places including night clubs, historic sites, luxury hotels, cultural sites, road site bars among many other interesting sites. All these places are interesting to visit; you can hang out with your friend in the ever raging night clubs if interested. You will be astonished by what you will find in the city. Below are some of the interesting places you will explore on a city tour with a self-drive car.

Kasubi Tombs: this is one of the heritage Buganda sites which are located just about 10kms from Kampala city. So if you want to learn more about the background and history of Buganda, this is one of the most easiest cultural site to visit when on a city tour, it’s a burial site for over four kings of Buganda. The kasubi Tombs was burnt in 2010 but this does not limit visitors from visiting the place, its reconstruction is almost through and reopening of the tombs might take place this year.

Kabaka’s Palace: you can also take a visit to the Buganda palace which is located a few kilometers from the capital city. Uganda is a home to over 50 tribal groups and it’s known as a cultural melting spot. The Buganda kingdom is the largest among many other tribes with a pleasant history and language used everywhere not only in Kampala but also in the whole country. Kampala is highly dominated by baganda tribe, so a visit to the kabaks’s palace will give you opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the people Buganda.

Night-clubs: if you want to night club around the city, Uganda is a place to very many night clubs including Angenoir, Ambiance, comrades, Gavnor, Amnesia among many others. A visit to one of these disco clubs will give you a memorable experience on a city tour. You will see how Ugandans dance to the African beats and vibes. Enjoy with your friend, it’s always good to finalize your safari or day in the night club and have fun from there, you can meet new friends and just enjoy the night.

Christian churches: you can also visit the religious places once on a city tour, visit the Namirembe and Lubaga cathedrals biggest Anglican churches among the catholic and Anglicans. The Anglican and catholic are the largest religions in Uganda consisting over 70% of the total population. The care takers of the places will feed you with more informative information about how religion was brought in the country. The cathedrals are well built and designed by the Europeans in the late colonial era and still stand to this day. Visit these holy places for a great experience.

Namugongo shrine: this is another interesting place to visit on a city tour in Kampala; it’s located just about 12-15 kilometers from the capital Kampala. It’s where the Uganda martyrs where killed for failure to renounce their faith on the orders of kabaka Mwaga. You will learn more about the Uganda martyrs and the braveness they showered to die for their faith.

Visit the Uganda museum;  visit the Uganda national museum to learn more about the history of Uganda and the people, with you r self -drive car you can easily visit this places its located just a few kilometers from the capital Kampala.

You can also visit an exciting entertainment places like the Ndere center in Kampala, see how amazing dancers jiggle their bodies to the cultural beats of the traditional instruments.

Other places to visit include the cultural sites, market places, the Bahai temple and many other places depending on the time availability. However with the curtesy of our well-maintained car you can explore all these places. If you need a driver they are available and very knowledgeable with each and every corner of the city so they can drive you with a lot of easy if you are not well conversant with some of the places.

For more information contact us at info@4x4ugandacarhire.com we will get back to you ASAP

Should I Book a Guided or self-drive Tour in Uganda?

Known as the pearl of Africa, it is one of the most beautiful countries to visit on planet earth. Uganda is gifted by many things but the most attractive thing that one shouldn’t miss before living planet earth is to go gorilla trekking in Uganda’s national parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks. Not only gorillas, the country is well-known for a wide range of bird species, wild animals and in them it harbor’s  the rear type of lions that do climb trees found in the ishasah sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The country is also good for cultural tours, good scenic grounds, beaches and a city where people never sleep with night clubs.

With all those gifts she owes, many people all over the world would like to have a visit to this beautiful country but many people find it hard to decide whether to go on a guide or self drive Uganda tour.  Would I like to travel with a guide or by our self? It is important to make an informed decision. Here are the differences between guided and self-drive trips, making it easier for you to decide what to choose. Please bear in mind, however, that choosing a self-drive trip doesn’t mean that you are completely on your own. Our office in Uganda is available to assist you at all times and, even on self-drive trips, a lot of the activities recommend by us such as game drives in parks are guided, in order to give you the best possible experience.

1. A self-drive trip is cheaper because you don’t pay a daily rate for the guide or for his/her accommodation and food. Your choice of vehicle will also make a difference in the overall cost of a self-drive trip. While guided trips can be more expensive as you will have to pay for the guide but the overall cost per person depends on the number of people included in your party. For example, a guided trip will be more expensive for a one to two persons than for a group of six people and above.
2. On a self-drive trip you drive yourself. This might sound appealing but remember that the one who drives has to keep his/her eyes on the road and can’t enjoy the scenery and he will get more tired than the rest. While on a guided trip, everyone in your group is free to relax and enjoy the scenery as your guide drives you around
3. On a self-drive trip you don’t have the luxury of asking a guide to explain certain things, animals or birds, leaving a lot of questions unanswered. While the main advantage of a guided trip may be the fact that you can, at any time, ask your guide questions, allowing you to learn a lot about this amazing country, its beautiful nature and interesting culture here in Uganda.
4. You may think you’ll have a lot more privacy or ‘together time’ on a self-drive trip. This will undoubtedly be the case, however, even on a guided tour we can schedule enough ‘alone time’. While it is a misconception that guided tours grant you no privacy. Our guide also needs this! Therefore, we always try to strike a balance. Basically, the guide is at your disposal when required but he will at regular occasions allow you to enjoy an evening of private dining at a restaurant or an afternoon to yourselves.
5. It is equally a mistake to think that you have no guide during your self-drive trip. Most of the activities we recommend and book for you are led by a guide. In your quote, we will clearly indicate which activities are guided and which are not. Remember, however, that we cannot guarantee the quality of these guides. Some of these guides are very good but some, unfortunately, are disinterested, unintelligible, don’t speak proper English or simply do not know very much. While on a guided tour, even if you undertake guided activities organised by the accommodation establishment and with a local guide, our guide is available to offer additional explanations, which with no doubt guarantee the quality of your experience. Hence once again you will be in the perfect position to enjoy and learn optimally about the culture and nature.
6. On a self-drive trip you are at some destinations responsible for your own game drives. This means relying on your own skill, as well as luck. This could result in either not seeing many animals or seeing an animal but not knowing what it is or what it’s doing. You can arm yourself with books for your self-drive trip, this increases the cost as well as your luggage. While another major advantage of a guided trip, particularly on game drives, it is his expertise when it comes to wildlife. You simply have a much greater chance of seeing more animals with a guide than driving through the park by yourself. Our guides know where to find certain animals, what to look out for, are able to recognise and follow tracks, detect sounds, and so on. And when the guide has found an animal, he can tell you a lot about it. But this should be put in mind that national parks are not like Zoos were you will just find the animal I the cadge. So if you miss out seeing some animals do not complain..
7. Finding your way around while on a self-drive trip is not a problem because with Tailor Made Safaris you not only get a detailed itinerary but we also supply you with a TomTom satellite navigation system at an additional cost for the duration of your trip. All destinations on your trip are pre-programmed into the system, making driving around by yourself easy and hassle-free. This service puts Tailor Made Safaris head and shoulders above its competitors! While it goes without saying that on a guided trip you do not have to worry about finding your way around. Your private guide ensures that you always arrive at your destination on time and without rushing, taking into account your wishes along the way. If you want to stop and take a picture of the scenery on the way, that is possible too! After all, this is your tailor made safari!
8. On your Uganda self drive trip there’s no need to worry about keeping in touch. Tailor Made Safaris includes a Ugandan SIM card for the duration of your trip, allowing you to easily make cheap phone calls as and when you need to. As part of our service to self-drive guests, we regularly send you text messages with advice, or to make sure everything is to your liking. All part of the Tailor Made Safaris service… For the guided, our guides take care of your safety during a guided trip. There is always a very small chance of something going wrong; a double booking on site, a defect in the car, or you ate something bad; anything is possible. In the unfortunate event of something like this happening, you can always rely on the expertise and responsibility of your guide who will take care of the problem.

With this information or differences, one will be able to decide whether to take a self drive or guided tour in Uganda.

Top Holiday Activities for Uganda Visitors

When you live in foreign African country for long, you really have to learn to survive the set duration either on holiday, work or business. In East African countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, spending a few days expose you to the great warm weather each day, friendly people, and meeting up with foreign nationals on business and holidays. People are always outdoor working and moving from one direction to the other especially in business centers. Internet cafes, restaurants and bars become active in the evening hours as many leave work for home. Public transport works 24 hours though not highly recommended for foreign tourists at night. The weekends become long and boring if you don’t embark on short trips to see the other beautiful side of the country.

Many vacation safaris are run across the region for groups and sole individuals depending on one’s interest. Those in love with wildlife Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are the most visited for Africa wildlife holidays. While exclusive primate trips take place in Rwanda and Uganda especially those interested in seeing mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Make your Africa visit special and wonderful by signing up for a short trip to any place or park of your interest. Backpacking is open if you want to cut costs as well as budget holidays or group safaris.

First thing first if you have a day off in any capital city is to have a look at the city’s best known attractions which are always in close distance. Some are walk-able and don’t need any transport expenses. For Example if one wanted to visit Kampala city, the business center only can fill up your day because there is really a lot to see, learn and explorer. Kigali same as well as Nairobi but would recommend foreigners to move with local guides that live within the city for easy identification of places and attractions.

If religion is your hobby a number of churches welcome you in without hesitation and here peace and joy reigns.Checking out different retail and wholesale shops on different city buildings and streets is free of charge in all East Africa cities. Find out the city trendy latest designs in clothes and goods. If you have plans of becoming a country’s inventor use the opportunity to identify the best field for investment. You seriously can’t walk more than a few blocks without spotting a bank or ATM machine in case you run out of petty cash. Don’t forget to pick up something that will remind you of your cool day city tour in one in Africa.  Also go on nightlife adventures as one of most Africa city highlights. Nightlife in Africa is fun and sets out as soon as darkness pops in and road security lights start lighting up the city.

After about hours, you will find every night club, bars and restaurants busy and you will be surprised. Many spend hours eating, chatting and drinking until time to go back to their residing locations. The whole experience is one of those fantastic moments where you just have to pinch yourself deep inside whispering that am really here in Africa.

Why not go and relax at one of the best beach close to the city and get your mind set by the lake cool winds. Beaches are very popular spots for all week days due to favorable conducive warm weather that feels up the most Africa countries. There is a lot to engage in while there and boredom is one of misplaced moments of Africa beaches.

Islands are located close with nice dinning and affordable accommodation for all year guests to the countries. Are you tired of the city noise? A number of Africa beautiful islands like Ssese need only ferry crossing to your next relaxing ambience in Uganda. You can plan this treat with friends for a delicious meal at restaurant set close to sand and water. The island also has great nature walks, perfect beach setting plus the lovely foods. The ferry sets off every day from Entebbe at 2.00pm one of Uganda cities and leaves the island next day in the morning at 8.00am.Therefore, you should catch up with its schedules’ if you to travel.