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The only suitable place where you can trek gorillas in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park is located along the northwestern border in the Virunga Mountains. This park is a perfect place to watch gorillas in their natural habitat. Expert local trekkers and guides lead small groups of tourists on gorilla treks every morning.

For someone in engage in gorilla trekking in Rwanda, he or she has to first book a permit in advance through a trusted tour operator or directly through the Rwanda Development Board before the date of trekking and the permits cost USD1500 each. The permits seem to be expensive but the activity since worth the money paid.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda starts with a briefing from the park authorities and Rangers in the morning at the park offices.

During the briefing, participants are divided into groups of 8 members and assigned to a particular gorilla family. The less fit hikers are assigned groups which are closer to the park offices. After the briefing, the park rangers lead the group to search for the gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda offers about 10 habituated gorilla groups or families to choose from and so regardless of which group allocated to you, you will find the experience amazing.

Upon locating the gorillas, you will spend about an hour just watching these giants roll around and play. Mountain gorillas are always playful and quite curious. Some may walk right up to you but with no harm intended. While with the gorillas, it is important to listen to instructions from your assigned guides and to always stay calm. Never make sudden movements. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can take between 1-6 hours depending on the gorilla group you are assigned and their specific location on the day of the trek.

On a gorilla trek photography is allowed as long as you are using non flash light camera. Before joining the gorilla trekking experience, you must have suitable hiking boots, thick cotton gloves and a raincoat.

Apart from visiting Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, you can as well pay a visit to Gishwati -Mukura National Park on your Rwanda safari tour to enjoy a variety of other activities.

Gishwati – Mukura National Park is the Rwanda’s fourth national park which was made up of two separate forests that is to say the larger Gishwati and small Mukura forming a total of 34 square kilometres plus a buffer zone. The park is made up of about 60 species of trees including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo.

Gishwati – Mukura National Park was created in 2015 with the government passing the law in an effort to protect the chimpanzees found in this park.

The park is currently the least visited park with minimal tourism traffic. The park is situated on the ridges of the Congo-Nile strange giving you an experience of some species of the Albertine region.

The park is mostly a home to primates such as chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus monkeys and many more.

Gishwati – Mukura National Park is also a home to a variety of bird species such as Regal Sun bird, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Ruwenzori Batis, Wood hoopoe, Purple-breasted Sun bird, Martial Eagle, Strange weave, Grey Crowned Crane, Dusky Crimson wing, Ruwenzori Turaco, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Red – throated Alethe among others.

Community-based activities around this park include a farm stay, a live cultural dance, making handicrafts, beekeeping, a tea plantation tour and the chance to learn from traditional healers who use natural plants to support modern medicine and synthesized drugs.

The national park consists of two forests that’s to say Gishwati and Mukura Forests. On of the tourist activities you should not miss engaging on your trip in Gishwati – Mukura National Park include the following;

Chimpanzee trekking. This is the major activity carried out in this park and since the park is still so much based on research, the chimpanzee permit price is not yet set. Like in Nyungwe National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Gishwati – Mukura National Park also starts in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to be followed and the briefing is done at the park offices.

After the briefing, you can be led by the expert guide into the forests to start searching for the chimpanzees and upon locating them, you can spend about 1 hour in the natural habitat while watching them carrying out their daily activities.

Chimpanzee trekking in Gishwati – Mukura National Park can be carried out all year around though the best time is during the dry seasons because during the wet season the trails can be quite slippery and hence making the activity uncomfortable.

Monkey trekking. There are a number of monkey species that can be seen in this park which will give you an amazing experience during your Rwanda safari. Some of these species include golden monkey, mona monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, silver monkeys, baboons among others.

Birding. For birding, Gishwati – Mukura National Park should be part of the birding destinations to visit to have a memorable birding experience in Rwanda. So, when going for a birding expedition, you should carry your birding checklist because the park is a home to over 200 bird species of which the 15 species are endemic to the Albertine rift valley.

Some of the different bird species that can be seen include Regal Sun bird, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Ruwenzori Batis, Wood hoopoe, Purple-breasted Sun bird, Martial Eagle, Strange weave, Grey Crowned Crane, Dusky Crimson wing, Ruwenzori Turaco, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Red – throated Alethe among others.

Visit the waterfalls. There is more that can be seen when you visit the Kazaneza waterfalls which are situated in the middle of Gishwati – Mukura National Park.

The waterfalls offer rewarding views in the park that are worthy of photography. Visitors can also take picnics while at the falls and also get to watch a number of primates that get the visit the waterfalls to quench their thirst from the bottom of the falls.

The only luxury accommodation facility where one can stay while in the park is Gishwati lodge. Gishwati lodge is a luxury lodge operated by Wilderness Safaris. It is the best lodge in the Gishwati – Mukura National Park. Gishwati Lodge has about 6 luxury chalets which house less than 15 guests at a time. The lodge offers privacy and was built with amazing views of the park. Visitors are served by highly skilled, experienced and friendly staff who are trained to treat residents with great attention.  Gishwati lodge combines adventure, conservation and luxury into one to provide an unforgettable experience for travelers. The lodge is perfect for those who wish to explore the national park and visiting one of the communities of chimpanzees or golden monkeys in the forests. Gishwati lodge is not only about comfort but it is also where most of the park’s wildlife conservation and Eco-tourism ideas and projects are sold to potential donors.

Gorilla excursions in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are mostly done by people who live within or around Kisoro.

The major activity for a one-day gorilla trek excursion to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is gorilla trekking and starts from Kisoro town in southwestern Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be done at the Rushaga and Nkuringo gates of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is also possible to trek the Nyakagezi gorilla family in the nearby Mgahinga National Park.

A representative from Nature Adventure Africa Safaris will meet you at the hotel or any place identified in Kisoro town and drive southwards to Bwindi National Park.

The drive from Kisoro town to Bwindi National Impenetrable National Park is approximately 2hrs. Upon arrival at the park, you will get a short briefing from the park rangers on what to expect during the gorilla trek. You will then start the tour and enter the impenetrable forest to encounter the mountain gorillas. You will spend one hour with the gorillas and afterward head to the trailhead for certificates. You will immediately drive back from the trailhead to Kisoro town and that will mark the end of the excursion tour.

Apart from gorilla trekking, on your Kisoro excursion you can as well go for golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park. Golden monkey trekking involves hiking on trails within Mgahinga National Park looking for habituated golden monkey families.

This activity begins early in the morning with a briefing from the park ranger guides at the headquarters about the rules and regulations for Golden monkey trekking.  Thereafter, you are led by a well-trained guide into the park.

This activity can take up to 3 hours and this depends on the location of the Golden monkeys on that day. This is because these primates move far while looking for food and so their location cannot be specific.

Once you meet the golden monkeys, you will be given a chance to spend 1 hour with them, take some nice photographs, learn about their way of life and enjoy their playfulness while in their natural Habitat and then trek back to the office to receive your certificate. Depending on your program, you can drive back to Kisoro and that will mark the end of your one-day golden monkey trekking tour.

NB: Mgahinga National Park also offers the Golden Monkey habituation experience. Here the tourists are given a chance to experience the process of introducing the golden monkeys to the presence of humans for purposes of research and conservation.  When tourists embark on the golden Monkey habituation experience, they are given 4 hours to spend with these primates unlike in the normal trekking where they only spend 1 hour with the monkeys. Golden Monkey habituation experience costs 140 USD per person and the trekking experience costs USD 60 per individual.

The 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser rental is a rugged and reliable vehicle that is ideal for exploring the African wilderness. It has been used for decades and its off-road capabilities is perfect with ability to handle the harsh African terrain. The Land Cruiser hire is also renowned for its durability, making it the perfect vehicle for long journeys through the rugged countryside of African countries.

The rooftop tent camping is a recent and trending adventure style to the 4×4 Land Cruiser car hire, providing a comfortable and safe place to sleep while on safari. The rooftop tent is designed to be set up quickly and easily, providing a sheltered space to sleep and rest up in the stars. The tent is also elevated, keeping you safe from potential dangers on the ground, such as snakes, insects, and other animals.

These 4×4 Land Cruisers with rooftop tents are reliable and sturdy vehicles that can handle the rugged terrain of the African countries. It is also an excellent choice for those who want to explore the more remote regions of the country, where accommodation options can be limited or expensive. With a rooftop tent camping, you can sleep comfortably and safely in the wild, without having to worry about finding a suitable place to stay as long as there is security.

The 4×4 Land Cruisers with a rooftop tent camping are an excellent choice for those who want to experience the wilderness of African countries up close. You can camp in the heart of the national parks, waking up to the sound of birds and animals, and enjoying the natural beauty of the country. This is a unique experience that is not possible when staying in hotels or lodges. Take up this new adventure style to acquire this unique experience.

camping in a land cruiser with a rooftop tent is an eco-friendly way to explore most of the African countries. Unlike hotels and lodges, which require significant amounts of energy and resources to operate, camping is a low-impact way to travel. You can also choose to cook your food on a portable stove, reducing the need for restaurants and other establishments that contribute to environmental degradation.

4×4 land cruiser rooftop tent camping is a cost-effective way to travel in most of the African countries. Accommodation in the African countries can be expensive, especially in the more remote areas. Camping with a rooftop tent is a great way to save money while still enjoying all the benefits of exploring the wilderness of Africa. It is so cheap paying a rooftop tent and the camping site than paying for the lodge. You will find out that buying local groceries to prepare your own meal is much cheaper than paying for a meal in a lodge.

You even have the chance to choose which type of land cruiser with rooftop tent to take on depending on your budget and need. You can choose to take on a Land cruiser V8 with 2 rooftop tents or one tent depending on the number. All rooftop tent camping come with its camping gears.

The GX is one of the comfortable cars one should think of especially if going for a long safari, and it’s very suitable if hired with a roof-top tent.  It’s really an incredible safari jeep worth a try. This type of car will enable you navigate well in all national parks or explore the upcountry. If you are two on safari, you only need one rooftop tent fixed but if you are four then two rooftop tents have to be fixed.

The land cruiser LX coupled with roof-top tents, camping equipment, will take you anywhere you wish to go and have your dreams come true. Its manual transmission with seats up to 2-5 people. It will also have two or one rooftop tent depending on your number.

Go for land cruiser TX/TZ which is the most preferred economical among mostly in Uganda strong enough to juggle the terrain. Its robust size and other special features such as roof window, roof rack for luggage, ground clearance and power make it ideal for rooftop camping. The 4×4 Land cruiser Prado TZ is ideal for a single rooftop tent though we can make it accommodate two rooftop tents each for 2 people and it does it perfect with no worries at all.

It can also accommodate a family tent accommodating 3 – 4 people though this is more recommended on other vehicle types. This car is perfect and can do want ever you command it to do since the engine is massive and strong. The number of tents on the car will depend on your number.

Go for Toyota Land Cruiser V8 with Rooftop Tents extremely comfortable with a pop-up roof. The car is very strong and it provides extra comfort. Its best for 2-4 people and its strong both on and off-road. It has 24/7 working Air Condition, comes with two air bags and comes with already tied Pop up tent/roof.

 

Uganda safari tours can be conducted in different tourist places of your choice such as cities, national parks and many other tourism places depending on your travel plan. In order to have a successful Uganda tour its better to get in torch with a trusted tour operator. It will be there to help you in booking for hotels, permits and also secure your transportation means. Some of the tourist attraction places where you can go are described in this article as follows;

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is located in Southwestern Uganda -Kanungu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and its population of endangered mountain Gorillas. It covers an area of approximately 331 square kilometers and the park is characterized by its dense misty forests, towering trees and steep terrain.

The park is a home to an estimated half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorilla population making it one of the best places in the world for Gorilla Trekking. Visitors can embark on guided hikes through the forest to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, an experience that offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of those critically endangered primates.

In addition to mountain gorillas, Bwindi is also a home to wide variety of other wildlife including several primate species such as Chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and blue monkeys. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 350 bird species recorded within its borders including numerous Albertine Rift endemics.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts a wealth of tourist attractions that draw from around the world for visitors to explore and enjoy. Some attractions include; Mountain Gorillas, Birds, Cultural encounters (Batwa pygmies), scenic Beauty and views among others.

Come explore the lush rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the chance to come face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas. A safari tour to this park is your opportunity to take part in the once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking these incredible creatures and to observe the diverse wildlife of the park. With over half the world’s population of mountain gorillas living in this park, there’s no better place to get up close and personal with these critically endangered species. Gorilla trekking is at US$800.

Apart from gorilla trekking, visitors can also engage themselves in other tourism activities such as Gorilla Habituation experience (US$1500), Bird watching, Batwa cultural experience, Forest walks/hiking, Mountain biking, Buhoma community walks and Lake Mutanda visit on their trip in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable national park has constructed accommodation facilities with good amenities. Some of these facilities include; Buhoma lodge, Nkuringo safari lodge, Mahogany springs lodge, clouds mountain gorilla lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp among others.

Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is Uganda’s most popular and visited wildlife conservation area. The park lies in the western part of Uganda in the districts of Kamwenge, Rukingiri, Rubirizi and Kasese. Queen Elizabeth National Park currently occupies an area of about 764 square miles. The park borders Uganda’s Kibale National Park and is an extension of Congo’s Virunga National Park. The Kyambura gorge, Maramagambo forest, Kazinga Channel, sections of Lake George and Edward are all part of the park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park spans the equator line; monuments on either side of the road marking the exact spot where it crosses latitude 00.

The park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. The park is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species.

The Katwe explosion craters mark the park’s highest point at 1,350m above sea level, while the lowest point is at 910m, at Lake Edward.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for a classic big five such as lions, leopards among others, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds.

It is set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo, and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.

The main local tribes living near the park’s boundaries are the Banyankore, Bakiga and Bakonjo. The Bakiga and Bakonjo depend on subsistence agriculture while the Banyankore are known pastoralists. Salt mining is a popular economic activity especially among the Bakiga living near the park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages the park while also collaborating with several wildlife conservation organizations and teams of international and local researchers.

Queen Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history. There are many opportunities for visitors to meet the local communities and enjoy storytelling, dance, music, and more. The gazetting of the park has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems which in turn benefits the surrounding communities.

Most of Queen Elizabeth comprises open grassland and savannah which tends to be moist and woody in the west than the eastern part, Thorny Acacia dominates this savannah habitant with the high concentration of candelabra shrub a cactus that grows along the Kazinga channel and on the kasenyi plains.

Queen Elizabeth national park is close to Bwindi impenetrable forest, Kibale Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. This implies that visitors can combine a full wildlife safari and gorilla trekking in Bwindi for great experience.

There are a lot of tourist activities that can be done while at Queen Elizabeth National Park though at an affordable fee. Some of these activities include; bird watching for avians, boat cruise on Kazinga channel, Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge, game drives, spot tree climbing lions in Ishasha though they are rare to be seen.

Tourists visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park have a variety of lodges and hotels to choose from. The lodges offer services that are of budget, mid-range and ultra-luxury quality. Most of the lodges are built in typical safari banda style with wood, stone and grass thatched roofs. The final choice of hotel depends on one’s interests and budget. The lodges may allow outside camping in selected places for clients with their own tents. Here are some of the them;

Mazike Valley Lodge. Mazike Valley Lodge was formerly known as Kyambura Game Lodge and has recently undergone extensive rebranding. Mazike Valley is located in Kyambura Gorge of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

It is perched on the walls of Queen Elizabeth National Park.  The opulent cottages of the lodge offer breathtaking views of the vast game park, the Maramagambo Forest and the Kazinga Channel in the horizons.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp: This hotel is built near the Ishasha sector along the banks of river Ntungwe. The building and rooms in the lodge are built with stones, time and roofed with grass. The lodge’s lounge area offers great views of the nearby river from wooden but comfortable chairs and coffee tables. The lodge has a bar, a restaurant, a fire place and a curio shop. The 10 self-contained tented rooms have Free Wi-Fi, a verandah, double and twin beds, a desk, table and carpet and flush toilet bucket. The lodge provides opportunities to spot some of the park animals like elephants, baboons, warthogs and antelopes that come to feed nearby.

Kyangabi crater resort. It is situated in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Rubirizi District and it offers a comfortable and convenient place for visitors to relax after having a long day.

The resort has over 44 different styled rooms designed to meet guest’s personal preferences. It has conference rooms that are flexibly set for different types of meetings, seminars, trainings. Parties and special events can be held in the resort’s gardens and VIP lounge can be used for private meetings. The facilities include; massage, gym, swimming pool among others.

The resort’s goal is to make its clients comfortable on their stay. The resort offers all fitness and physical health needed by visitors. It also offers a spacious workout area and provide exercise mats for warm ups and stretches. Basic physical exercise equipment such as dumbbells, exercise bicycles, treadmills, inclined bench-press and resistance bands are also available.

It has a restaurant with a priceless panoramic view including central dining room, internal and external bar. Craft shop where you can stock up on some of the best African attires and decorations. Some of the amenities include; Satellite TV, two conference rooms, a lounge, terrace and viewing deck, WIFI available throughout the property.

Enganzi lodge. Enganzi Lodge is nestled on a hill bordering the Queen Elizabeth National Park and overlooking unspoilt bush in the cradle of western Uganda’s magnificent wild. The lodge has over 5 cottages which offer a picture-perfect view of the Queen Elizabeth National Park bush expense, guests will be spoilt for choice in glimpses of nature’s best at flora and fauna.  have double or twin beds and en-suite bathrooms. The Cottages are powered by a generator.

Room facilities include; twin beds, double beds, en-suite, mountain views, balcony or patio, Single beds, tea and Coffee facilities. The lodge gives a discount of USD 20 to residents. Lodge amenities include; laundry Facilities, barbecue, indoor fireplace, free parking among others.

Guests can enjoy nature walks, Game viewing, bird watching and the location offers a breathtaking advantage for sightseeing. Your experience at Enganzi Lodge will be crowned with an unforgettable imprint of sheer luxury in natures wild.

Kasenyi safari camp. It is located in the northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park and offers guests the perfect base for a thrilling wildlife adventure. Since its built at the starting point of the safari tracks, the camp provides easy access to the park’s big savannah game animals. Guests can get a chance to see a variety of wildlife including lion pride, hippo, leopard, buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, Kob, hyena, warthog and many more.

Being nestled on the edge of Lake Bunyampaka a creator Salt Lake, Kasenyi Safari Camp offers stunning views of the flamingo-colored lake shores and the northern plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kasenyi Safari Camp’s eight spacious safari tents are suspended off the ground and face the Salt Lake hence providing guests with stunning views of the surrounding area. Each tent is fitted with modern amenities including ensuite bathrooms, spacious living areas, and private decks.

The camp’s main lounge and dining area is a standout feature combining African architectural ambiance with a contemporary safari experience. Guests can enjoy delicious meals while admiring the breathtaking views of the Salt Lake and the park’s northern plains.

Amenities include; Laundry Services, En-suite bathrooms, Hot/Cold Water in bathrooms, Wi-Fi Available, Restaurant and Bar, Mosquito net and many more.

Enjojo lodge. It is a hidden gem located on the southern border of Queen Elizabeth National Park in the Ishasha sector. It offers great access to the park’s tree-climbing lions. The lodge is situated on 40 hectares of lush vegetation, acacia forest, scattered grassland, palm trees, and a small lake providing guests a serene getaway.

Enjojo Lodge offers seven luxury cottages with unique charm and en-suite baths featuring a rustic outdoor shower. Four of the cottages are tucked away in lush vegetation with swaying palm trees and are accessible by a wooden elevated walkway leading to and from the restaurant.  Three cottages overlook an open grassland where elephants often roam. Guests can unwind, relax and enjoy the African wilderness from the spacious verandah’s easy chairs.

Under a cool thatched roof, the central lounge and dining area provide a comfortable environment for meals and relaxation during the heat of the day.

The amenities include; Laundry Services, En-suite bathrooms, Hot water ‘bush showers’, Recharging facilities, Wi-Fi Available, Restaurant & Bar, Drinks at the Bar, Mosquito net among others.

Enjojo Lodge offers a variety of experiences to make your stay unforgettable. First, the lodge’s small waterhole, Akanyanza is abundant with fish ranging from tilapia to lungfish and catfish which you can catch with fishing rods rented from the Enjojo reception. If you prefer to explore on foot, a 2-hour nature walks in the countryside behind the lodge will bring you closer to nature and enrich your trip.

The lodge is a 5-minute drive from the Ishasha Sector entrance gate of Queen Elizabeth National Park making it a perfect base for watching the tree-climbing lions and other big mammals such as elephants, buffalos, hippos, hyenas, and leopards.

Ishasha pride lodge. Ishasha Pride Lodge is a beachfront campground in Kihihi offering guests a sustainable accommodation with scenic sea views. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and full-day security, free Wi-Fi, family rooms. This property also provides guests with a sun terrace.

Kigezi Wildlife Reserve is 17 km from Ishasha Pride Lodge so here guests can get a chance of seeing animals like lions, leopards among others. The nearest airport is Kihihi Airstrip and it is 14 km from the accommodation and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

Sightseeing tours are available in the neighborhood. A car rental service and a private beach area are featured at the campground and guests can also go fishing in the surroundings.

The hotel has about 8 rooms and to check for their availability, guests can use online reservation.

The lodge has a tent that can feature a dining area, as well as a shared bathroom boasting a shower. The tent has river views. The unit has 2 single beds and also WIFI is available in public areas and is free of charge and many more.

The lodge has a deluxe double or twin room with river view and it consists of 3 beds that’s to say 2 single beds and 1 large extra double bed. The room has a private bathroom plus free WIFI and many more.

The lodge has also got a vacant lot and it accommodates a maximum of 1 guest with 1 bunk bed.

Ishasha Savannah hotel. The hotel has 32 grass thatched bandas, 10 standard rooms and 2 deluxe suites. The single, double, twin and triple bandas are all equipped with comfortable en-suite facilities. The standard rooms have a private balcony as well and all units are self-contained. The Single rooms are equipped with comfortable en-suite facilities. This room is designed to create a most exquisite experience promising memories to last a lifetime.

There is a full day functioning restaurant with meal effective chiefs. This means that food can be obtained all day.  Dinner menu is usually huge and varies and it offers full board for guests.

Facilities and services include; fast free Internet, free parking, airstrip transfer services, gold facility, offer safari adventures like nature walks, bird watching, car rental services for self-drive among others.

Buffalo safari lodge. This vacation home is located in Rubirizi. The area’s natural beauty can be seen at Kyambura Game Reserve.  It is as well situated in Queen Elizabeth National Park at Katunguru Bridge close to the impressive Kazinga Channel 1km off Kasese Mbarara road in western Uganda.

The lodge offers both standard and deluxe cottages and it consists about 17 rooms. The lodge can accommodate a group of approximately 20 guests. The rooms are specious and well decorated.

You can relax in the comfortable beds and enjoy the sounds of the nature. From the lounge you have a spectacular view over the National Park and the two nearby lakes. You can see the spectacular flora and fauna such as elephants, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs and birds.

The lodge offers a lot of activities such as; a tennis court, walking tours and canoeing. Family rooms are available and there is also a lot to do for kids like an indoor and outdoor play ground.

There is free Wi-Fi available, a laundry service, satellite TV and much more.

Katara Lodge: This lodge is built near the village of Katara and the Katunguru gate of the park. The lodge has beautiful gardens with buildings that are covered with grass known as bandas.  The lodge has a swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant and a lounge area with comfortable sits and tables. Inside the rooms there is a spacious bedroom, a table, a chair, a flush toilet, showers, bathtubs and a personal verandah. One of the things that make the lodge special is the stunning views of the park, Lake Edward, the Virunga and Rwenzori ranges of mountains. The quality of the service is also great while giving a feeling of being at home away from home.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge: This lodge is located close to the Kyambura Gorge with beautiful views of the park and the Rwenzori Mountains. The lodge is perfect for travelers who prefer privacy especially honeymooners. The eight bandas are self-contained with Wi-Fi, double and twin beds, lighting, mosquito nets, flush toilet and a shower. Kyambura Gorge Lodge is ideal for primate lovers who wish to visit the unique gorge and primates like baboons and chimpanzee.

Mweya Safari Lodge: This luxury lodge is built in a strategic location with good views of the great Kazinga Channel. The lodge has both double and twin rooms that can accommodate up to 4 adults. The rooms are self-contained and of high quality with large beds with air conditioning. The lodge also has a bar, a restaurant and a high-end swimming pool. Mweya safari lodge organizes boat cruises to the Kazinga channel using its own fleets of boats for those who wish to have a more private boat cruise without the crowds in the public boat.

Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge: The lodge is located in the middle of the park near the Mweya and Kasenyi areas of the park just off the Mbarara to Kasese road. The lodge has ten self-contained rooms that are made of local material with eco-friendly toilets and showers. Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge is managed by Nature group of Lodges and is suitable for those who have come for a game drive to the Kasenyi sector or tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. Residents can sight many of the park animals like the inquisitive baboons from the comfort of their room verandahs.

Jacana Safari Lodge: Jacana Safari Lodge is built on the banks of a crater lake near Maramagambo forest next to the Mbarara to Katunguru road. The lodge has well designed accommodation with about 10 lavish chalets along with a family cottage. The lodge provides a favorable atmosphere to all visitors with facilities such as en-suits, Verandah along with big windows that give a magnificent view of lake Nyamusingire. This view will enable you enjoy a good morning breakfast served by a waiter. Facilities in the safari lodge include; Restaurant with both international and local foods, the great Virunga Lounge, swimming pool, sundowner bar that overlooks Lake Nyamusingire, internet services, en suits facilities including safes and wardrobe and many more.

Tourists can engage in activities such as launch boat cruising on Kazinga channel, kayaking on Lake Nymusingire, wildlife drives along with game viewing, adventurous Forest walks during their stay at the lodge.

Elephant Plains Lodge. Elephant Plains Lodge is an affordable stayover located in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Overlooking Lake Kikorongo, this safari vacation accommodation offers a total of 8 cottages in specifications of a large double bed or twin single beds. Mosquito netting covers the beds, and a small seating arrangement is also placed in the room. Families and larger groups can opt for the 2 Family Cottages that have two bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. These units can sleep up to 5 traveling companions. The ensuite bathroom features twin vanities and a bathtub. You will also have a patio outside.

Hippo Hill Camp: The camp is a luxury facility built on a hill at the boundary between the park and Katwe. The camp has beautiful views of the crater lakes of Munyanyange and Lake Edward. There are ten self-contained luxury tents with comfortable beds, hot showers and toilets. The camp also has a bar and restaurant which serves dishes continental dishes. Residents with their own tents can set them up in designated locations.

Mweya Hostel. It was formerly known as the Mweya Institute of Ecology.  Mweya hostel is located on the Mweya peninsular just near the more Luxurious Mweya Safari Lodge. With an authentic hostel-like style, the lodge used shared facilities for the bathroom and offers both single and twin share occupancy options. Accommodation starts at 40 USD for single occupancy.

Kazinga Channel View Resort. The resort offers low-cost accommodation just outside of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Resort has rooms of various capacities as well as bandas which are located separately from the main block.

The resort also has a spacious camping ground which can be used by the guests who prefer camping. Accommodation rates start from as low as 40 USD for single occupancy.

Simba Safari Camp. As part of the Uganda Lodges’ group of safari lodges, Simba Camp greatly benefits from the shared quality of service. Simba Safari Camp offers incredible views of Lake George, Lake Kikorongo and the undulating Savannah.

Murchison Falls National Park. The sprawling 3,840 square kilometers of Murchison Falls National Park, found 300-plus kilometers northwest of Kampala, make it Uganda’s largest protected natural area. It is also the oldest, originally established in 1952.

Famous as the location of Murchison Falls—the thunderous cataract where the Nile River squeezes through a six-meter gap and then plunges 43 meters—the park is also a magnet for birders and animal lovers. The 450 species of fowl recorded here include the rare shoebill stork and many endemics, while the 76 mammals include four of the Big Five (all but the rhinoceros, which live in special protected isolation at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary).

Although game drives are a customary means of scouting for wildlife here, a special game cruise on the Nile is a relaxing way to take in the park’s changing landscape. The views of the water’s edge and up to the falls are not to be forgotten, as is the hike from the boat landing to the falls, which are visible from below and above.

Lake Mburo National Park. Spanning 370 kilometers square and within close proximity of the capital city of Kampala is Lake Mburo National Park. A perfect scenery for photographers and bird enthusiasts, Lake Mburo is home to a variety of leopards, hippos, zebras, hyenas, impalas and others animals, and to 350 species of birds. But the adventurous park doesn’t only showcase animals. Underneath the park’s surface are ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks that are over 500 million years old, making for a geologist’s dream tour. Together with 13 other nearby lakes, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50-kilometer wetland system and has much woodland.

Semiliki National Park. Semiliki National Park is one of the newest national parks in Uganda, made famous by the Sempaya Hot Springs. But the hot-springs are not for bathing as the water temperature is over 1000C. Try boiling an egg in it as a test. It should be hard-boiled after ten minutes. If you love a good nature tour, the park has primate creatures like grey-checked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, elephants, chimpanzees, De Brazza’s monkey, pygmy antelope and many diverse species of birds. It also houses a lowland tropical forest showcasing some of the richest and most diverse flora and fauna in Africa.

Kibale National Park. Home to one of Uganda’s most beautiful tropical forests. Kibale National Park is known for chimpanzees and other wildlife and these make a great safari tour. Kibale National Park is endowed with density and diversity of primates, including endangered species in their natural habitat. The northern section of the park experiences plenty of rainfall during the months of March to May and September to November, so be sure to take along a raincoat during those wet months. A simple bus ride from Kampala will get you to the park any day of the week.

Kidepo Valley National Park. Kidepo Valley National Park is the most isolated national park in Uganda. Nevertheless, it is worth the long journey through the wild frontier region of Karamoja to witness such splendid beauty. Kidepo Valley lies in the rugged savannah between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya. The park houses over 77 species of mammals and more than 475 species of birds. If you are up for some game viewing, then this park is ideal. Game viewing is made possible with vehicles that travel on dirt roads in the park during any weather condition.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Located way up in the clouds close to the Kisoro region is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is a dense forest and a natural habitat for the rare mountain gorillas and the endangered golden monkey. Not only is a tour around the park an exciting opportunity to see rare animals, but it is a significant cultural experience. The indigenous Batwa pygmies, a tribe of hunter-gatherers, were the forest’s ‘first people’ and used to call it home. Come and be impressed by Mgahinga’s three conical extinct volcanoes, providing an outstanding backdrop to the already wonderful scenery.

Mount Elgon National Park. Intersecting the border of Kenya and Uganda, Mount Elgon National Park is an extinct volcano with the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world. The Kenyan part of the park was gazetted in 1968, and the Ugandan part in 1992 covering 1110 square kilometers (430 square miles). Bird-watchers and photographers will have opportunities to see mammals as well as birds, invertebrates and beautiful flora and fauna. There is also a cave with ancient paintings near the trailhead, and the hot-springs in the former volcano craters are a must see.

On your safari tour in Uganda, you can also visit cities such as Kampala known for a lot tourist attractions such as Bahia temple, kabaka’s lake and palace, religious places, markets, malls among others and you also visit Jinja know for source of Nile, kagulu hill, Mabira Forest and many more. So, get connected with Nature Adventure Africa Safaris to help you plan for your safari trip in Uganda. We are eagerly waiting to tour with you.

Exploring Rwanda and Uganda on self-drive with 4×4 rooftop tent car is the most interesting thing. It was in January 2024 when I and my wife had a trip to these two countries together with 4×4 Rooftop Tent Car agency. Upon my arrival at Kigali International Airport, I cleared everything and later proceed to Dmall hotel which I had booked. At the hotel is where I connected with the representative from this agency who handed over the car to me which I had booked and he briefed me on how to handle it in order to have a successful trip.

The following morning after having my breakfast, I went around Kigali City for the city tour and her I saw places such as; the national museum, local markets, art and craft shops and genocide memorial ground. Later I proceeded to Volcanoes National Park. I staged at Hawaii camp ground where I prepared my delicious meals from. After eating I relaxed for some good hours and later went for a boat cruise on Lake Burera and Ruhondo (twin lakes). I was able to spot some species such as hamerkops, African fish eagles, yellow bill storks, and sacred ibis among others. Later returned to my tent for dinner and sleeping.

The morning after having my tea and preparing my lunch, I went to the information center to be briefed on how golden trekking is done. After briefing, together with other people I found at the center, we entered the rain forest to start the trekking. Golden monkey trekking took about 2 to 4 hours but when we found the habituated families, we spent one hour with them while seeing how they go about their daily life. Later I went back to rooftop tent to have some meals that I had prepared before going to the information center. After eating I refreshed myself and embark on my journey to Kigali in Dmall hotel where the car agency representative had told me to leave the car.

The following after having my tea, I started my journey to Uganda. Upon my arrival at Cyanika border I cleared everything and then started driving towards the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where I wanted to first experience my gorilla trek and then before to Bwindi where I was going for gorilla habituation experience. Here I camped at Amajambere Camp and from this park I also enjoyed the Batwa trail walk and the golden monkey tracking. With my strong 4×4 Land Cruiser GX I managed to cover my 15 days in Rwanda and later crossed to Uganda where I did almost more 4 weeks and my end point was Jinja where we did the white water rafting and then seeing the Bungee jumping that we feared. Therefore, if you are to cover East Africa, 4×4 Rooftop Tent Car is the answer to your needs of travel.

After a short briefing, I embarked on my journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by having a stopover at Equator to take some pictures and videos. I had my lunch at Igongo cultural center where I saw a lot of cultural products like African jewelries and backcloth. Later proceeded to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at Karungi camp where I set up my tent for overnight.

In the morning, I went to the information center to be briefed about gorilla trekking rules with my packed lunch. At the information center we were divided in groups of 8 members and later entered the jungle where we spent about 5 hours searching for the giants. After finding, we were given 1 hour to watch them in their habitat. I returned to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.

After preparing my meal, I headed to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector and I was very lucky because I got a chance of seeing these rare climbing lions. I had my picnic lunch on the way. Upon my arrival I checked in Bush lodge where I set up my rooftop tent. After the setting the tent, I relaxed for some good hours and I woke up at campfire time.

The next morning after having tea I went for a game drive where I spotted wildlife such as mammal and bird species. I was lucky to see some animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes among others. I went back to the lodge to have snacks as I was preparing some simple meal.

After eating, I went for a boat ride along the Kazinga channel. The Kazinga channel connects Lake George and Lake Albert. Here I spotted some animals rushing to drink water at gorge shores such as herds of buffalo and elephants. I also saw hippos and Nile crocodiles. Returned to bush lodge for dinner and overnight stay in my tent.

I began the day with an early breakfast before driving to Murchison Falls National Park where I enjoyed the beautiful landscape and plantation terraces. On arrival, I went for an afternoon hike to the top of the falls and later checked in Shoe bill campsite for relaxation. I bought my dinner from the red chill camp.

The following day I enjoyed a half-day game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park. During the game drive I spotted some big five such as lions, leopards, buffaloes and elephants. In the afternoon, I went for a boat cruise on River Nile towards the bottom of the falls where I hiked to the top of the falls. Here I spotted crocodiles and hippos. I later returned back to the campsite for overnight stay.

I started my day with an early breakfast before driving to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda’s only white rhino breeding facility. This conservation project was established in order to breed these animals to game parks where they had become extinct due to poaching and political instability in the early 1970s and 1980s. At the sanctuary, I had a rhino trek and after overnight here in our rooftop tent car and then the next day took some interesting nature walks and again a night game drive which was so amazing and stayed again.

After we drove to Kidepo Valley National Park and upon arrival we had to proceed to Apoka campsite and then prepare our meals and relax after long drive through Gulu and Kitgum towns. Thereafter, next day was full game drive with our Ranger Nicholas and he was so informative and he really explained the whole park in details to us. The next we were supposed to leave this historical park but from Nicholas experience we had to stay again and take another game and again this was so amazing that we managed to spot more wildlife and hike to some mountains in and around the park.

Later on we drove towards Kaboong – Kotido and here we had to get involved into the Karamojong culture and we visited to some interesting communities like the Nakaperimulo community which is among the biggest local communities in East Africa. Thereafter, we had to go to Moroto and here with the assistance of Kara-tunga camp we were immersed into the Karamojongs and we took an overnight in community with our rooftop tent car. Therefore, from here we drove to Mount Elgon, Jinja and did most of the interesting activities and when you contact 4×4 Rooftop tent car you will have our route in details and then this was the end of trip through the two regions of East Africa.

A self-drive safari is interesting since you own it yourself with no one to push you. You really enjoy your trip with you and no hustle of taking you where you don’t want. You make all the choices for your journey with no third party to inconvenience at all. Sit behind the staring with all the confidence and authority for you own the car for that period you have paid for.

Camping safaris are often the best way to go when you want to experience the best of African wilderness safaris. A rooftop tent is locked on top of the car giving you an opportunity to use the car top as the camping ground. Anyone that is not comfortable sleeping on the ground during their wilderness camping safari would prefer a rooftop.

The roof top tent gives you an opportunity to have clear views outside through the netted windows of your tent without compromising your safety from Mosquitoes.

It is a worthwhile experience to sleep in a rooftop tent car. On a self-drive safari, sleeping in a rooftop tent is the best experience you can ever get. Use the opportunity for a self- drive safari to get the real experience.

A roof top tent only requires you to find a proper place for parking. It doesn’t have to necessarily have to be flat; that is, rocks and muddy ground are no longer a problem. The safari becomes extremely free from such inconveniences.

A rooftop tent comes with flexibility in terms of where you can sleep. This means that you can sleep anywhere as long as there is security. This also comes with doing whatever you are doing at your own pace hence reflecting the flexibility of your safari.

Convenience is also another reason as to why you should use a Uganda rooftop tent car while on a self-drive safari. Here you are alone in your rooftop tent meaning you will not be inconvenienced by outsiders or other travellers like it may be in lodges.

Putting up rooftop tent is fast and easy. It takes just a few minutes to raise it hence minimizing on time wastage.  For the sake of weather, rooftop tents are cleaner on rain seasons than the dome tents making it the best for the safari.

With a roof top tent, the mattress comes in handy thus creating more space in your trunk for luggage as well as reducing your expenditure on mattresses. It relives from the burden of carrying big mattresses which reduce space in the car.

This kind of safari reduces much more on the expenses since the cost of the lodges are much higher than the rooftop tent costs. It will reduce your accommodation costs to 50% making a fair deal.

When you use a roof top tent, you are safer from being disturbed by animals such as dogs looking for what to eat late in the night while everyone is sleeping. These animals are attracted by the roasted meat and foods that are prepared during camping.

The pricing of the rooftop tent car depends on the location, the number of people, and the length of the rental period, their availability and the season. So we will only be able to give you a quote based on specific dates. So it can be quite hard to know what to budget for this. But in general, you can say that the longer the rental period the cheaper it will be.

When looking to rent your car that suites for camping, be sure to check what is included in the price as not every car rental is including the same things.

East Africa is a special adventure gem when it comes to African safaris. It is hard to encompass the African continent on an African safari without considering a stop at Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Bwindi national park and now Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. East Africa has a diversity of wildlife and each of the East African countries has unique attractions to offer to tourists.

The one-way rental system allows you to hire a 4×4 in one location and drop it off at another location. For example, you can rent a car at Entebbe Airport and drop it to Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania. The fee usually depends on the drop-off location.

Once you set out to explore east Africa and beyond, one-way car rentals become an unavoidable option. Whether you are considering renting a car in Kampala and dropping it off in Nairobi Kigali or Dar-es-salaam, it is all possible once you consider the one-way rental option. For example, after trekking with the gorillas in Rwanda, you can consider another gorilla trek in Uganda, or proceed to Kenya and Tanzania for the Big Five, Wildebeest migration, unique cultures are many more, thus calling for a one-way car rental system whereby you hire a car in Kampala or Kigali and drop it off to Arusha, Nairobi or Dar-es-salaam.

When hiring a car for one-way car rental, consideration must be put to the following terms.

Most one-way car rentals attract a pick-up and drop-off fee if not both. For instance, hiring a car in Kigali would not attract pick-up charges but dropping it off in Kampala or Nairobi will attract an extra fee.

The charges are unpredictable at the moment because of the ever-changing fuel rates. However, most of the established car rental agencies in East Africa usually charge depending on where you are picking up and dropping off from. For instance, the fee to drop off to Dar differs from the fee for Nairobi drop off. Also, the fee depends on the type of vehicle you are hiring, based on the fact that the cars have different fuel consumption rates. The drop-off fee for a Prado TX might be lower than the land cruiser V8.

Since most of the self-drive car hire business is usually conducted online before arrival, it might be hard to get an opportunity to check the car before your trip. However, you can stress out a few things that can easily be seen even without the help of a mechanic; that is the tires and the spare wheels

It is highly recommended that you test the Jack and the wheel spanner before setting off. However good the car is maintained, it is very easy to get a puncture and for that reason, the tire condition and the Jake should be your ultimate priority whenever you are picking up a car for one-way rentals.

It is important to put the issue of insurance into consideration. Anyone traveling only within the borders of Rwanda will need Rwanda’s local third-party insurance and comprehensive insurance. But if you are to cross the border to countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi among others, you will need insurance or the local third-party insurance for whichever country you will be visiting.

Mind the type of car to hire. The 5-door Rav4 is the best budget option for one-way rentals, unfortunately, most car rental agencies do not allow their Rav4s to go to some places or countries. For instance, most car rental agencies do not allow their Rav4s to go to Tanzania due to the poor nature of the road in most parks such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas.

Therefore to be on the safe side, it is recommended to hire an all-terrain vehicle like a Land Cruiser Prado, Land Cruiser V8, Land Cruiser GX, Nissan Safari, or Nissan Patrol among others.

It is important to agree on how long it will take the car rental agency to offer you mechanical help so that you may agree about the damages in case of any delay. Failure to agree on the mechanical help time frame will leave you in a situation where you lose a full day without compensation since it is already anticipated in the contract it there might be mechanical breakdowns.

Given the fact that African self-drive safaris are often off-road trips, mechanical breakdowns are often inevitable. Getting to terms of when you are held accountable for mechanical breakdowns and when the car rental agency should be held accountable will save you a great deal during your one-way rental.

Most car rental companies have mechanics in different areas of East Africa where you are connected to have the vehicle checked and fixed. If it is a big problem that may take so long, the company can send you another vehicle.

For every country you visit, you are advised to buy a local sim card for internet / easy communication with the hotels and the car rental agency in case of anything. Sim cards are easily obtained at all borders and cities and cost less than $2.

One of the top advantages of one-way car rentals is convenience. Everything will be up to you since you are driving a car as your own. You don’t have to worry about airline delays or cancellations and other air travel issues.

Traveling by car also gives you the freedom to stretch and pull over whenever you feel like it. Enjoy the stunning sights that you have overlooked when you are flying up in the air. Additionally, you can avoid the unnecessary wear and tear on your personal vehicle. Your own car will be saved from the harshness of open road.

Renting a one-way car is a great form of flexible transportation. You can simply drop off the car at your final destination other than the place where you got the car. There won’t be a problem as you can stop off anywhere you please and just enjoy your journey with your family or friends.

It will always be a good idea to opt to rent a one-way car, especially if you want flexibility to be on your side. You can manage to execute all your plans with this.

Pricing will always be a big factor when deciding on hiring a vehicle during your trip. As for the one-way car rental service, it is a great alternative for an expensive flight. Instead of booking a flight, you can just rent a one-way car, which is way cheaper.

In addition, you can get more discounts when you avail this kind of service. All you need to do is check out the best deals online and you will surely get more affordable rates.

In conclusion, it is much easier to find and book a 4×4 for a self-drive trip across East Africa on a one-way-rental basis. You can conveniently hire a 4×4 in Kigali, drive through Tanzania, Kenya, and end in Uganda.