Nature and wildlife in Uganda and Rwanda

In many parts of the nation, the average maximum temperature is between 20°c and 27°c during day time, and the minimum between 12° C and 18° C. This makes the country a real nature and wildlife heaven, as it ensures the best conditions for the flourishing of both the flora and the fauna that are typical of this region. 

Most parts of the counter receives a yearly rainfall between 1000 and 2000 mm (except in the drier north, where in some regions the average yearly rainfall is as low as 100 mm), with a wide regional variation in rainfall patterns. As a rough guide, nonetheless, the wet seasons are from September to October and April to May. That said, it is possible to travel to Uganda the whole year round: rainfall usually implies a heavy shower for 1 hour and then the sun takes over again.

Rwanda has a similar climate and is also part of the Great East African Rift Valley: its lakes and hills are a consequence of this geological phenomenon. Rwanda is covered with tropical rainforest, yet in the most recent hundred years forest coverage has decreased because of the increasing population. However, it is still possible to visit the great Nyungwe Forest, and the wonderful valley where the Akagera River meanders. Here you can still explore and enjoy the original beauty of the nature of Africa. 

Uganda and Rwanda have a lot of tourist attractions to offer besides mountain gorillas!

The area's national parks are home to a variety of rare wildlife, for example, antelopes, elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras among others. The numerous lakes and the river Nile are also home to hippos and crocodiles. 

Uganda and Rwanda are also perfect destinations for bird lovers. The area is home to more than 1000 species of birds, and on any of our safaris you easily get to see more than 350 of them.

Uganda Speaker of Parliament woos ATA to invest in Uganda

The Uganda Parliament speaker, Rebecca Kadaga has called the Africa Travel Association (ATA) to invest in Uganda's largely undiscovered tourism market in the effort to strengthen the Country's greatest income earner, Tourism.

While gracing a tree planting event arranged by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities at the Source of the Nile, Jinja to crown the five day long Congress which united the best players on the Tourism industry from Africa and America, Kadaga observed that there numerous opportunities that members of ATA can in vest in, for example, accommodation, adventure tourism, hoteling industry, water and air transport.

"As Government, we made it clear that Uganda is dead set to be a good lifetime partner in its Tourism industry success," she told over 50 members of the ATA present.

By the same token, the Uganda tourism minister, Maria Mutagamba further offered an assurance that the Government is committed to provide suitable investment atmosphere that would encourage the establishment and development of tourism related investments, for example, hoteling, transport, education among others.
The event which was aimed at highlighting the importance of conservation was further used to showcase the investors present how endowed the Source of the Nile-just like the same as the other tourism attractions around the nation are.

According to Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Tourism Board, Stephen Asiimwe, this approach was purposed to woo the interest of ATA members into tapping the abundant available opportunities in the industry as based on first-hand experience.

Established in 1975, The Africa Travel Association is the leading global trade association promoting travel and tourism to Africa and strengthening intra-Africa partnership.
Africa Travel Association (ATA) serves both public and private sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

Its membership companies of African Governments, their tourism ministries, Tourism bureaus and boards, airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, front line travel sellers and providers, our operators and travel agents.

Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

 Volcanoes National Park - Home to the Mountain Gorillas

Ruanda is a small landlocked republic in Equatorial Africa, famously known for mountain gorilla trekking. It lies on the eastern rim of the Albertine Rift, a western arm of the Great Rift Valley, and the watershed between Africa’s two largest river systems: the Nile and the Congo.

Much of Rwanda’s 26,338km2 is dramatically mountainous, the highest peak being Karisimbi (4,507m), part of the volcanic Virunga chain in the northwest. Ruanda is the most densely populated country in Africa, and heavily cultivated, with even the steepest hills outside of conservation areas being tightly terraced from base to peak.

The largest body of water is Lake Kivu in the Albertine Rift. Numerous other lakes are dotted around the country, notably Burera, Ruhondo, Muhazi and Mugasera, all of which have erratic shapes following the contours of the steep mountains, which enclose them.

The country is dominated by a central plateau made up of steep mountains and deep valleys and has therefore received his subtitle Land of thousand hills. The average elevation of the plateau is about 1.700 m.

A one man's Safari through Uganda and Rwanda Respectively.

Arriving in Kampala, Uganda, one of the first things I noticed were sign posts everywhere referring to "CHOGM." The city had recently hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and many hoped it would put Uganda on the map. The overriding question around town had been "Are you ready for CHOGM?"

After a couple of days in Kampala, where I was starting to feel at home, I set off on a three-day organized trip to Murchison Falls National Park. Heading next to Jinja, 90 minutes outside Kampala, White water rafting along the Nile was fun, and you must not miss this while in Uganda. Our instructor tells us confidently "if you end up in the water, just hold your breath and wait until you surface." Well, I can vouch for this being true, although it seemed to take forever (in reality a few seconds). I wholeheartedly recommend this adrenalin-filled adventure. While in Jinja i got a bike traveled through villages that rarely see Mzungos. This is Swahili for "white person," and a jovial word you hear from excited children as they wave.

The highlight of the game drive was seeing a lioness with her cubs, while the Nile boat trip afforded many chances to see hippos and the formidable Nile crocodile, which can grow to six meters! The falls themselves are spectacular, and even more so because they have not been turned into a tourist haven. No barriers or ice cream trucks here. Our accommodation was fixed tents in an open camp, so nipping to the washroom during the night required a quick check to see if any hippos were around, because they "like their space" and I wouldn't argue with that.

Traveling to Rwanda.

I traveled independently using public transport. Buses are regular, cheap and comfortable enough. The driving is always fast, and accidents do happen. Many tourists opt to rent cars, but I wouldn't miss the opportunity to mix with locals.

Finally, it was time to head southwest into Rwanda's capital city of Kigali.

Rwanda isn't called "Land of a Thousand Hills" for nothing, in fact streets here in Rwanda are clean, traffic orderly, roads excellent and speed limits are even obeyed not like the craziness of Kampala. The Genocide Memorial is a powerful sight and should be on the list of all visitors. Then the excitement of looking forward to the Gorilla tracking trip that was booked months earlier was at a peak. After a morning trek, the first gorilla came into view, and seeing these creatures in their own habitat and watching their everyday behavior is a huge privilege.

While with the gorillas we felt safe and comfortable since they first showed little interest in us then we got a chance to see silver backs which are so huge.

Following a wonderful stay on beautiful Country Rwanda, i returned to Uganda spent more two nights on Lake Bunyonyi which is the deepest Crater Lake in Africa.

IF YOU HAVE EVER BEEN TO RWANDA AND NEVER TOURED NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK,PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY.

NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK.

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a rare and important habitat for many species, especially primates and birds.

Nyungwe forest has existed for hundreds of thousands of years, and is one of Africa’s oldest. However there is a possibility that climate change will not affect Nyungwe as much as other forests, reason the forest is protected from threats like fires and tree cutting. Nyungwe receives more than 2000 mm a year of rain and thus is also the source of Africa’s great rivers.

Canopy Walk.

Recently the park opened a canopy walk, the only one of its kind in East Africa. The first ever hanging platform which allows tourists to view different animal species in Nyungwe forest. The Canopy Walkway is 40 meters above the ground level, and 90 meters long, above a steep, deep valley, that affords the clients the dizzying platform from which to be at the “eye-to-eye level " with different primate species, and many bird species, all of which are fond of inhabiting the upper scales of the forest.

This dizzying platform is above a steep and deep valley trotting across massive forest.

The forest has a network of walking and hiking trails. It has a number of camping sites and the development of cultural tourism near the edge of the Park is underway. New trails and camping sites are planned and being constructed as part of the development project, as are new ways of both observing and enjoying the Park.

 Nyungwe Forest Lodge.

The lodge is situated in a tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe closed canopy rain forest, home to 13 species of primate including Chimpanzees.

Nyungwe Forest lodge is the only luxury lodge establishment within the Nyungwe National Park area, with its outdoor heated swimming pool, outdoor dining and drinks plus Conference facilities that accommodates up to 18 delegates.

With Nyungwe Forest Lodge you will never get bored or with our lodge you will be able to communicate with your people because we offer Wireless internet accessible at the main lodge building.

All our rooms are forest facing.

A SAFARI TO RWANDA IS ACOMPLETE TOUR.

Volcanoes National Park.

This is the most famous destination in Rwanda, the park has become famous mostly because of its mountain gorilla tracking safaris and no visit to the country would be complete without visiting these giant primates.

The park boarders Uganda and the DRC. Gorillas, of course, pay no heed to borders and are known to cross between the countries, although most habituated groups are to be found in Volcanoes National Park. Visiting the Gorillas in the mist is an experience you will never forget.

Ruhengeri town now commonly known as Musanze is easily accessible on a 1-2 hour drive from the capital Kigali. Now this town is a tourist hub, with plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants.

The Park’s Headquarters are based in the nearby village of Kinigi, the administrative centre for permits and the place where all visitors gather in the mornings for briefings before starting on their gorilla treks.

Not only Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park but also several other primates have made the Park their home too and it’s possible to track two troops of habituated golden monkeys, a totally different experience to gorilla tracking. Golden monkeys tend to inhabit the bamboo forests on the lower slopes, so the walk to reach them is relatively easy. Again, once you find them, you’ll have just an hour in their presence. They’re fast-moving little creatures, and very entertaining as they constantly swing through the bamboo or chase each other in circles all around you. They’re also very pretty, with shiny reddish-gold backs that blend in perfectly with the golden bamboo.

This is what it's like living in Uganda

This is what it's like living in Uganda

Africa is a place that fascinates many of the people in the West. It still fascinates me and I live here. I don’t know if it’s the beat of those African drums, the relaxed pace of life, the smiling faces that greet me whenever I’m out and about or that I frequently find myself humoured by the fact that some things can only be explained with a shrug and a smile! There’s just something about this continent. Sometimes people ask me, ‘What it’s like living in Uganda’? Depending on the timeframe given, my answer can range from ‘good’ to a 3 hour conversation. Here’s a quick read that i will cut down in no particular order:

1. Security. The moment you step off the plane you will notice it. It might be the fact that the UN and the US Air Force were the only other planes at the tiny airport or the fact that everyday you’ll see 60-85 armed guards cruising the streets carrying automatic weapons. Either way, it’s a slight change from NZ.It’s also not surprising in Uganda to see young men carrying rifles across their chest in a busy marketplace or on their motorbikes. Every time I go into a public place like a shopping district, restaurant, supermarket or hotel – I’ll be patted down, have to put my bag through a check and have my car looked over inside, outside and underside for weapons.

2. Weather. Uganda is on the equator which means that the temperature is pretty constant year round – 27-31 degrees Celsius most days. When it rains, it rains like you would expect in the songs you hear about African rain. These tropical rainstorms usually lasts a couple hours before clearing to the hazy/smoggy blue sky that covers most of the country year round. You sweat every day and your body is consistently caked in a fine layer of red dust that never quite comes out.

3. Transport. One has four options. 1. Walking. 2. Taxi (van that legally seats 10 but actually seats 15 humans, a few chickens and fish strapped to the exterior bullbars). 3. BodaBoda’s  - these motorcycles make the city feel alive. With the loud engines, dodgy driving and colourful characters driving them – if you have a heart attack then this one won't favor you. I have personally seen an average of accidents every few weeks.  4. Cars – we are driving a massive Land Cruiser Troop Carrier 4.2Litre Diesel engine. It feels great to be driving a vehicle that can ram anything off the road. This attitude is of course of great concern to Tim with our company's driving record.

4. Food.  You buy most of your food at markets here and then pick up the rest of your items from a small supermarket.  Fresh vegetables and fruit are offered on almost every street corner in the country. Tropical fruit like mangoes, pineapples and passion fruit are staples and most other vegetables eaten in the West are available. Quality varies from stall to stall and we often buy fruit and veg twice a week to keep things fresh in the constant heat. The local stable food in Uganda is matoke, beans, rice, posho,meat, and g-nut.    If you pull over to the side of the road while driving, you’ll have 25 Ugandans run up to your car trying to sell you anything from toilet paper to a goat (we hope) kebab stick. If we want a quick local snack we go for a rolex (a chapatti (local bread) with a fried egg/tomato/cabbage omelette wrapped inside it). That will fill you up. There’s also a handful of safe and yummy places to go out to eat.

5.Garbage Challenges. Brushing your teeth with bottled water.  Dealing with Mzingu (white people) prices for everyday goods and services. Being surrounded by corruption in every facet of life. Unrelenting traffic almost 24/7. Pot holes so deep and roads so bad I have taken to wearing a sports bra when driving. Sleeping under a mosquito net every single night. Getting in and out of our house with multiple keys and padlocks. Monster sized biting ants, dragon flys, bees, snakes, lizards and birds all around the house you live in.   

6. Time. It is just different in western countries like in New Zealand you plan your days and even weekends into hourly chunks unlike Life in Uganda where everything moves at a slow rate, relaxed pace. Nothing happens quickly. If the water or power goes out, no-one really knows why or when it will be fixed. And they don’t seem to mind. If we do call someone, their phone is off. Then, three days later and with no rhyme or reason, it’s back on. If you’re late it’s not a big deal, it’s expected and appreciated.

7. Morals and Culture. God is important here. The majority of Ugandans would say they have a Christian faith and attend church. Whether or not they’re living a Christian lifestyle is another question. Respect for your elders is paramount and the African saying of it takes a village to raise a child comes to life here. It’s normal to be raised by a variety of ‘Mama’s’ ranging from your Aunt to your Grandmather. A poverty mentality can see some people living for today, not for tomorrow. Instead of letting a tree grow big juicy fruit, they will pick it at ¼ of the size and make the money for today. Instead of letting a small tree grow, they will cut it down for firewood tonight,that's life in Uganda.