Fort Portal: Uganda’s tourism capital

Posted on 01/06/202301/06/2023 by admin

Fort Portal is 294 km (5-hour drive) west of Kampala and Entebbe airport. It is in Kabarole district which is part of Toro kingdom. Karuzika, the royal palace of king (Omukama) Oyo, sits on the hill above the city at 1,523 meters above sea level.

The name Kabarole is a Rutoro dialect which means “let them see.” The view of the Rwenzori mountains is spectacular from the top of the palace, which was built in 1964. Batoro are some of the friendliest, humble and hard working people in Uganda. They have utilised the rich black volcanic fertile soils well.

Economic activities in Fort Portal

The area east of the city is dominated by green tea estates including Mwenge and Kijura. Entrepreneurs have found fortune in operating coffee farms such as the Clerk farm in the nearby Kyenjojo district as well as fruit and dairy processing factories. There are fresh food markets in and out of the city such as Mpanga, where you can grab fruits and snacks.

The town attracts many people for trade with a good road network connecting other regional big and small towns like Kasese, Katunguru, and Bundibugyo. The government has laid out innovative initiatives and upgraded Fort Portal to a tourism city status. The city has got a variety of hotels, restaurants for both luxury, budget and backpackers. There are several cultural sites such as Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru cave and stalactites, which appears in much of the Bachwezi empire folklore.

Historical buildings that were built in the 20th century have been preserved including Rwengoma palace. Fort Portal is a pivotal point for safaris to Kibale forest, Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori mountains, and Semliki national parks, and Toro Semliki wildlife reserve. You can take trips to these parks and back to town, a great option for self-drive safari. Being in the midst of protected areas, the leaders are proposing to establish a zoo for wildlife education purposes and a cultural museum.

Volcanic effect

Fort Portal city is flanked by the Albertine graben to the north, Lake Edward to the southwest and the Rwenzori mountain range 54km north east. The city is within the volcanic field known as Ndali-Kasenda characterized by several volcanic crater filled lakes including Lake Kigere, a spiritual site associated with the Bachwezi demigods.

There are over 50 crater lakes around Fort Portal where lodges have been built on the rim of some craters such as lake Kyaninga lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, and Papaya lake lodge, which is surrounded by three craters including Kifuruka, Nyinambuga, and Lyantonde. The lakes were formed as a result of violent volcanic eruptions about 541 million to 4 billion years ago during Precambrian, the earliest era of geological history recorded.

This was estimated by the Smithsonian Institute of Natural History by the hydrocarbon dating method used at Kasensankaranga crater. Furthermore, a scholarly article in the Journal of Geological Society (“Petrology of the Volcanic Fields East and South of Rwenzori, Uganda, 1932.” indicates that the volcanic field marks the boundary of the dry and alkali lake beds to the south in the plains of Queen Elizabeth national park. Unlike this park, the soils around Fort Portal support farming because they are of low-alkali carbonate volcanism. When you travel to or from Murchison falls, the Butiaba escarpment on the way marks the end of the Albertine rift valley.

Colonial history

Uganda is one of the countries that have preserved colonial history by keeping names of British people alive in many parts of the country. The name Fort Portal alone is proof and the city has thrived on this legacy. The area was a territory of the Toro kingdom, which was rising as the Bunyoro Kitara empire began to weaken in the 19th century. By the year 1890, the British had sent Capt. Frederick Lugard to the Buganda kingdom in the central region.

Kabaka Mwanga had agreed to his terms to sign a treaty that would allow creation of a protectorate. However, Toro and Bunyoro were still resistant. Lugard proposed to unify all kingdoms for a protectorate to extend beyond the borders of Buganda. Lugard and his officers including Gerald Portal convinced Kyebambe II the king of Toro who became friends and allowed them to form an army camp with Sudanese Nubian soldiers; they defeated Kabalega of Bunyoro.

Eventually, all kingdoms were brought under indirect rule in 1894 and Kampala became the capital city of the new nation. To mark the victory, Lugard built a fort named Fort Gerry which was later renamed to honor his fellow Gerald Portal hence the name Fort Portal. Other colonial administrators remained in the area including members of the Church Missionary Society who founded banks, schools, hospitals and a golf club, which have all stood the test of time. Fort Portal therefore became a strategic town for the subsequent explorers who intermarried with locals. There are many descents of both Sudanese and Europeans in the area.

Lugard road

A great example of colonial streets in post independent Uganda, Lugard road offers a number of shops that were built in the 1920s. The shops are of Indian architecture given that Britain had brought many of them during the construction of the East African Railway (1,060 km) that reached Kampala in 1931. The same architectural buildings are also found in Jinja city at the source of the Nile, where many Asians established their business. Aga Khan is one of the prominent Asian origin foundations in Uganda with a mosque in Fort Portal city, schools and hospitals in Kampala capital city.

Oldest buildings in Uganda

Fort Portal has some of the oldest buildings in Uganda including libraries, schools and hospitals, which are open for visiting during the day with a guide and permission from the caretakers.

Kabarole hospital and Kyebambe girl’s school

Built in 1903, Kabarole hospital is one of the oldest missionary medical institutions in Uganda. Before reaching Fort Portal, Catholic missionaries had already gained ground in Buganda kingdom with 25 Uganda martyrs and many converts that had been killed between 1885 – 1891 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga for refusing to denounce their new faith. Once the work of preaching was done, they started building permanent structures. Mengo hospital was established next to Lubiri (Mengo Palace), which is Uganda’s oldest colonial hospital. In Fort Portal, their mission was to extend similar structures including Kyebambe girl’s school built in 1910 and St. Leo’s college and Nyakasura in the 1920s.

The Library and the bookshop

The British council opened the Fort Portal Library in 1963, a year after Uganda’s independence. They had earlier built a public bookshop in 1958 and both of them contain a collection of books and manuscripts that are open to the public.

Toro golf club

Colonial administrators who remained in Fort Portal built the Toro golf club in 1914, which has 9 holes. The club is within the city along Fort Portal Kampala road and offers accommodation. A trench system that surrounds it is a mark of intense fighting that took place.

Toro Royal Palace

The Toro kingdom royal palace known as Karuzika was built in 1964 on Fort Portal’s highest hill during the reign of Omukama Kamurasi Rukidi III (1926-1965). By then, the hill was said to be infested with evil spirits and the king decided to build there and cast them away. He said Kabarole which means “let them see” Rukidi was a son of Daudi Kasagama Kyebambe, king of Toro between 1891 – 1928, who was the first to establish a two-storey palace on the same hill.

Kyebambe cultivated a good relationship with the British royal family and Princess Margret graced the opening of the palace in 1965. A year later, traditional kingdoms were abolished by president Obote, which led to a political crisis in 1966. Soldiers ransacked the palace looking for royal treasures during the reign of Olimi III who renovated it in 1993 and died in 1995. The current king of Toro is Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru who took the throne at the age of 5 years.

Sacred natural sites around Fort Portal

With Fortal becoming a tourism destination, several natural sites were uncovered including Amabare Ga Nyina Mwiru caves and stalactites, lake Kigere, and Ibaale rock. These sites are known to have been left behind by the Bachwezi who were the earliest inhabitants of western Uganda. The folklore about Bachwezi is that they were demigods who subdued the Batembuzi empire.

The former brought the Ankole-Watusi longhorn cows which made the survival of the Batembuzi cultivators difficult. The Bachwezi empire also disappeared later on with the coming of the Bantu people, which has remained an unexplainable mystery. Some theories state that they merged into other tribes including the Babito who founded the Bunyoro-Kitara empire in the 14th century of which Toro kingdom stemmed from. As such, Toro bears footmarks and sites of the Bachwezi of which most are spiritual places of worship as people believe that Bachwezi didn’t die. These sites are easy to reach from Fort Portal city.

Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru cave and stalactites

The Amabere caves are conveniently located 8 km west of the city along the Fort Portal – Bundibugyo road. Geographically speaking, the cave’s mouth is surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. These features are formed due to constant dripping of calcium carbonate water on the floor of the cave. These features have the structure of human, canine, and cow udder breasts. People connect it to the mythology surrounding Nyinamwiru, a princess and the daughter of Bukulu, king of the Chwezi empire.

Her breasts were amputated when the king’s watchmen predicted that his daughter would give birth to a son who would overthrow him. According to the legend, she managed to flee and took refuge in some caves, where she became pregnant and gave birth to Ndahura, who went on to defeat his grandpa and rule the empire until its downfall in the 16th century. The miraculous breasts that fed the son and his mother’s milk allowed them to survive in the cave caused people to wonder and give the stalactites the nickname “the breasts of Nyinamwiru.” You may think it is raining as water drips through the rocks. During the natural walk around the caves, there are waterfalls to see.

Lake Kigere

Kigere crater-filled lake is 5 km from the city and has the shape of a giant human footprint. The locals believe the lake was formed when a Chwezi man attempted to jump from the summit of Kyeganywa hill 1,588 meters. Hiking to the top of the hill takes 5 minutes and offers spectacular views of other crater lakes at the foothill including Saaka in Kalyango and Nyabikora.

Ibaale rocks

Located 4 km from the city along the Kamwenge road, Ibaale rocks also bear the footmarks of Bachwezi. The rocks are revered by the locals as a place of a spiritual home and often go there to worship the gods.

Historical and cultural sites in and around Fort Portal are open to the public for tourism. Those intending to visit them are recommended to get a local guide who will provide all the necessary information.

Uhuru Falls – Murchison Falls National Park

Posted on 17/05/202308/04/2024 by admin

Both Murchison and Uhuru Falls can be regarded as twin falls in Murchison falls national park. Uhuru Falls were formed due to the increase in the Lake Victoria water levels after heavy rains that lasted for several weeks in the 1960s. Before that, there used to be one main waterfall – the Murchison falls, the world’s most powerful waterfall. The falls were formed as the White Nile forces its way through a narrow steep-walled canyon and plunges over a 45-meter-tall cliff down the gorge with a thunderous sound. The mist rising from the bottom of the falls forms a trademark rainbow with the intersection of the sunlight. Viewers at the top of the falls can easily get wet by the rising water from the gorge.

The origin of Uhuru Falls – Murchison Falls National Park

Uhuru is a Swahili word meaning “independence” in English and the falls were created when Uganda got her independence in 1962. A few years later, the country experienced heavy rains that lasted for several months and the water levels in Lake Victoria increased. The smoother banks of the river allow for faster flow of water right from Jinja at the source of the Nile. With a tremendous force, the narrow gorge at Murchison falls couldn’t hold big volumes of all the water that comes from the lake and the river overflowed its banks to form Uhuru falls in 1965.

Now there are two sets of waterfalls, which have to be viewed separately given that the river splits and falls are divided by a big hard rock left in between. The falls encircle that rock and river meets again downstream below the bottom of the falls. You can’t see Uhuru falls while standing at the top of Murchison falls unless you fly a drone. The view is blocked by that rock. To see Uhuru falls, you must take a hike to the top of the elevated cliff on the south bank of the river. From there, the view of the twin falls is spectacular for keen photographers.

Will Uhuru Falls – Murchison Falls National Park remain permanent?

One wonders if the rock that divides the falls will remain or be eroded away by the forces of nature. Only time will tell, making a visit to Murchison falls national park to see them an urgent one one. Seasonal changes in the amount of rainfall also affects the water levels in Lake Victoria which in the end also affects the waters in the Nile.

Any changes that take place soon or later are likely to affect the shape of the waterfalls. “Victoria Nyanza water levels reached 1137.29 meters above mean sea level on May 19, 2021, higher than normal baseline” NASA Earth Observatory satellite data records dating to 1992 indicates that the construction hydro-power stations along the Victoria Nile in Jinja moderates the increasing water levels. For instance, when Nalubale power plant was expanded in 1999 and the subsequent drought in the early 2000s, water levels subsided. Many people began to settle closer to the lakeshores clearing vegetation and draining swamps for cultivation and fishing. However, they were affected by floods when water levels began to rise again in 2020 and 2021. Environmental geologists under the Lake Victoria Basin Initiatives are working to offer solutions to the people while also preserving nature.

Colonial history of Murchison falls

The falls were named by Sir Samuel Baker (British Explorer) in honour of Sir Roderick Impey Murchison (Scottish geologist) who was the president of the Geological Society of London in 1864. After Uganda became a British protectorate in 1894, there was still resistance from the traditional kingdoms including the mighty Bunyoro Kitara empire. The falls were part of the territory of Kabalega (Omukama) king of Bunyoro, which had control of the land in western Uganda encompassing present day Fort Portal city, Kibale forest, Budongo forest, and Murchison falls national park.

With intent to bring it under one political umbrella, Baker and his fellow colonial agents including Gerald Portal built a stone fort right on the mouth of the gorge to seperate Bunyoro Kitara from the Acholi and other chiefdoms in northern Uganda. The landmark still stands today but is partially submerged. There was a man-made bridge already allowing people to cross from either side trading in among other goods including ivory from the north and salt from the west in Lake Katwe, Queen Elizabeth national park. In doing so, the colonial agents must have had terrible ordeals and faced cruelty for their iron handedness against the will of the locals.

The historical Masindi Hotel

What was Kabalega national park was renamed as Murchison falls. The British gained control over the territory with the arrival of the British East African Railway line that was built all the way from Mombasa Kenya to Kasese for the rich copper and cobalt at the base of Rwenzori mountains national park. A station and hotel were also built in Masindi town, which is a 1-hour drive to access Murchison falls for game drives and boat cruises and Budongo forest for chimpanzee tracking safari. Masindi Hotel was built in 1932, and is still welcoming visitors. Influential people have stayed there including the famous author, Ernest Hemmingway. Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn camped at the hotel during the course of shooting the “African Queen” film.

There’s so much history about Murchison falls and the reason to visit the park. In Budongo forest, you can track chimpanzees and visit the Royal Mile walk created by king Kabalega. The walk offers excellent bird watching opportunities with over 300 species of birds in the forest including the green-breasted pitta, which is also found in Kibale forest. Budongo forest was also a resettlement place for the Polish refugees during World War II. You can visit the Polish Catholic Church at Nywebeya whilst in Budongo forest for chimp tracking.

Murchison falls isn’t only famous for the twin falls and rich history, but also for the rich biodiversity including 79 mammal species and over 415 species of birds. Due to ongoing oil exploration, development, and production in the northwest of the park along the Albertine graben. Many people have access to the park like never before. During the construction of the tarmac road that cuts through the Budongo forest and the savanna to the north region, it looked like nature was being repressed. But it’s not the case. Due to strict conservation measures and the work done by Uganda Wildlife Authority, nature has regenerated quickly. The trees and shrubs along the edge of the road attract wild animals such as elephants, buffaloes, Nubian giraffes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and warthogs. The speed limit is 40 km/hour given that animals are crossing even at sections where there’s no signage. Over speeding can lead to road kill and it is an offense with a high penalty.

Akagera National Park

Posted on 21/02/202323/02/2023 by admin

Akagera is the only savannah protected area of Rwanda and a must-visit for big 5 Rwanda safaris and boat cruise experience. The park is one of Rwanda’s most successful conservation initiatives with the Big 5 mammals including lions and black and white rhinos that were brought back after extinction in 2009. Situated on the eastern border of Rwanda with Tanzania, Akagera is 164 km (2-hour drive) east of Kigali capital city. It was established in 1934, and named after Akagera river which flows through the eastern edge and forms a large wetland containing 10 freshwater papyrus swamp lakes including Lake Ihema the largest, along with Lake Shakani known for spot fishing and Lake Rwanyakizinga in the south. The elevation of Akagera ranges from 1,286m (4,219 ft) to 1,718m (5,636 ft) above sea level. The northern part of the park is characterized by a variety of habitats including rolling hills, open acacia savanna, riparian woodlands and dense dry bushes which harbor rich biodiversity including buffaloes, hippos, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, 8 antelope species and over 480 species of birds including Lake Victoria basin endemics such as blue-breasted bee-eaters.

History
The park’s area once extended for 2,500 sq.km and contained rich biodiversity including African painted dogs and over 200 lions. However, the park’s biodiversity was largely affected during the Rwandan civil war in 1994. Many refugees settled there and carried out poaching and encroachment and the area of the park was reduced to 1,200 sq.km. As a result, wildlife populations dwindled including extinction of wild dogs, lions and rhinos. To address these challenges, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) entered into a long-term renewable partnership with the African Parks Network (APN) in 2009. “The non-profit conservation organization’s purpose is to take on direct responsibility for rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas across the continent in partnership with governments and local communities.” Since 2010, the Akagera management company has made significant progress by restoring the ecosystem that supports all other species and nearby communities. Among the Big 5 animals, RDB shipped 30 white rhinos which came from South Africa, making the largest rhino translocation. Travelers come to Akagera for wildlife viewing, thus tourism is therefore important to ensure that the park becomes self-sustaining through revenue collection. Today, Akagera offers a big five wildlife viewing experience and a wide range of accommodations.

Attractions in Akagera National Park

Lake Victoria basin endemic birds
Akagera national park is home to over 480 species of birds of which 183 are intra-african and palearctic migrants including lesser striped swallow, stonechat, Wahlberg’s eagle, and Abdim’s stork. Migratory species are present in the park between November and April. In addition, there are tropical lowland savanna grassland species such as Ruaha chat, Red-faced barbet (Lybius rubrifacies), yellow throated leaf-love, short-tailed pipit, crested and double toothed barbets. The park’s extensive papyrus wetlands provide habitat to some of the Lake Victoria Basin Endemics including Marsh sandpiper, papyrus gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri), blue breasted bee-eaters, northern brown throated weaver, slender billed weaver, and papyrus yellow warbler. The Shoebill stork is present on Lake Ihema but rare to spot. Common water species include marsh tchagra, caspian plover, white-winged swamp warbler, marsh owl, lesser jacanas and dimorphic egrets. Akagera is also home to several large and medium-sized birds of prey including martial and booted eagles, grasshopper buzzard, sooty and Amur falcons.

Big 5 Mammals
Akagera is famous for harboring the Big Five mammals including lions, black and white rhinos, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. Besides, there are zebras, Maasai giraffes, warthogs and over 8 antelope species are found in Akagera National Park including impalas, elands, reedbuck, topi, kobs, klipspringers, kobs, sitatunga and waterbucks. Since 2010 the African Parks effective law enforcement and habitat restoration efforts have led to an increase in wildlife populations. A survey conducted in 2021 found that the monitored population of lions had grown from 17 to 37 lions in Akagera national park and elephants also grew by 20% from less than 30 to 133. There are over 4,000 buffaloes. There are also several small African wild cat species such as side striped jackals and African civets. Primate species of African savanna are also found in Akagera including velvet monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys.

Akagera National Park activities

Akagera National Park offers a wide range of activities including night game drives, boat cruise, spot fishing, birding, community walks and cultural encounters. Visitors are reminded to observe park rules and regulations to avoid a fine of $150.

Day game drives
Akagera offers game drives and boat cruises and combining both gives you opportunities to watch large animals in the African bush and aquatic wildlife on the lakes and swamps. Day game drives leave from any place of stay early in the morning and last for 3-5 hours depending on the wildlife to look out for. It’s advisable to take a break in the wild where it’s safe to get out of the car and wait for the next activity. This is especially for those intending to do the afternoon boat cruise excursion without having to return to the lodge for lunch break. The best time for game viewing is in June to September and December to February. There are higher chances to spot big 5 as well as zebras, giraffes, hippos, roan antelope, elands, warthogs, hyenas and lots of birds. Game drives in Akagera require 4×4 vehicles given that the dirt roads can be challenging. Driving off track isn’t allowed and attracts a fine of $150.

Boat cruises
Akagera offers a wide range of boat trips including scheduled morning, afternoon and evening sunset cruises and private non-scheduled trips. All cruises are done on Lake Ihema and offer the opportunity to spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, and water bird species. The scheduled morning boat trip cost is $35 per person for adults and $20 for children aged 6-12 years. It starts at 7:30 – and ends at 8:30 am. Each trip can take a maximum number of 11 people. The evening sunset boat cruise starts at 4:00 pm to 6:45 depending on sunset time and the cost is $45 and $30 respectively. The most popular afternoon boat cruise begins at 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Night game drives
Night drives in Akagera national park are done using the park’s specialized 7-seater vehicle and begin at the African Park’s visitor centre between 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Visitors must obtain authorization and be accompanied by armed rangers who use spotlights to look for nocturnal wild animals that are active at night including lions and hyenas, owls, civets, genets, nightjars and porcupines. The private boat trip departs any time of the day and costs $180 per person for a maximum of 11 people.

Bird watching
Akagera National Park is home to over 480 species of birds including the endangered shoebill stork and papyrus gonolek. The park offers opportunities to spot Lake Victoria basin endemics such as white-winged swamp warbler, papyrus canary, northern brown throated weaver, carruther’s cisticola and the red-faced barbet. In order to get more out of the birding tour in Akagera, you need to select particular activities and accommodations. For instance, Magashi camp is located on the banks of Lake Rwanyakazinga and often visited by aquatic wildlife species especially water birds including miombo wren-warbler, African fish eagle, crested barbet and brown chested lapwings. A pair of binoculars is a must-have gear to scan the surrounding forests for Bennet’s woodpecker, Souza’s shrike, Ruaha chat, and long-tailed cisticola.

Spot fishing
Spot fishing in Akagera national park is done on Lake Shakani, home to several fish species including Nile Tilapia, the main fish caught for sport. Spot fishing permit cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children aged 6-12 years available for booking through a tour operator or RDB. Visitors should bring their own equipment or rent one at additional cost.

Community Walks
Local people formerly depended on the park resources for livelihood but tourism nowadays provides an alternative income. Travelers can be part of this positive change for Akagera national park. Community walks take visitors into the villages outside the park which often involves hiring local tour guides or supporting local businesses. You can also participate in Rwandan cultural experiences including witnessing the Inyambo long horn cows milking and banana beer brewing activity. Besides, you may stay at the park owned Karenge bush camps.

Behind-the-scenes experience
Learn about the conservation story of Akagera national park with the behind-the-scenes-tour available at the park headquarters. You’ll meet and interact with professional wildlife rangers for 1 and a half hours taking you through the park management strategies. The experience cost is $25 per person for 4 visitors and $180 for a group of 8 people.

Walk the line
Akagera park boundary fence stretches for 120 km and was built to control human-wildlife conflicts. Walk the line tour takes visitors along the fence for 7 km (2-hour walk) and cost is $30 per person for a maximum of 3 people.

How to get there
Akagera National Park is 164 km (2-hour drive) east of Kigali capital city with a straight tarmac road stopping in Kayonza town, which is 27 km away from the park entrance gate. The park can also be accessible by air through Akagera Aviation helicopter flights.

Accommodations
Akagera offers a wide range of accommodations including budget camping, medium and luxury tented camps and lodges. Camping in the park cost $25 per person per night for adults and $15 for children aged between 6 to 12 years.

Lake Mburo National park

Posted on 21/02/202321/02/2023 by admin

The only protected area with Impalas, giraffes and zebras in the region, Lake Mburo National Park is a must-visit for wildlife viewing. The park has unique Uganda safaris activities including a walking safari, cycling and horseback riding, which other parks don’t offer. In addition, the park also provides excellent bird watching, game drives, and boat cruises.
Lake Mburo is located in south west Uganda in the dry Ankole cattle corridor including Kiruhura, Isingiro and Mbarara districts. The area was traditionally dominated by Hima people with big Ankole longhorn cattle ranches. The history of Lake Mburo is intertwined with the heritage of the local people themselves. They have shaped the conservation of the park and still play a vital role today. The British colonial government gazetted Lake Mburo as a controlled hunting area in 1933. When the park was upgraded to a game reserve in 1963, there was an invasion of tsetse flies causing sleeping disease called Nagana that wreaked havoc on the cows.

Several attempts that were made to get rid of the disease led to widespread death of both wildlife and domestic animals. The Uganda Game Department by then officially established lake Mburo national park in 1983, evicting and causing many cattle herders to flee from their ancestral land. After the National Resistance Movement established a new government, many people returned to the park throughout the 1990s. The new wildlife conservation policies with creation of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in 1996 started involving local communities in the management of protected areas. This helped to regulate human encroachment while benefiting people through tourism and revenue sharing schemes. Today, the communities adjacent to Lake Mburo are living in harmony with wildlife. The early historical sites of the Banyankole were recognized and can be found in the park including Rubanga Forest.

Vegetation
The park’s 370 sq km (142.8 sq mi) is made up of the Nakivale wetland system, which includes five lakes of which Lake Mburo is the largest. Wetland habitats occupy over 20% and are mostly found at the park’s lower elevations, 1,220 meters – 1,828m. These swamps are linked with tropical forests such as Rubanga forest and dense bushes. Much of the park though is dominated by open savanna grasslands and woodlands with acacia and euphorbia trees that are studded with rocky outcrops and gentle sloping hills.

Mammals
There are 69 mammal species in lake Mburo national park of which 9 are antelope species including impalas, bushbucks, topi, eland, oribi, reedbuck, waterbucks, Uganda kob, and klipspringer. The Sitatunga, which dwells in the swamps, is rare to see. Other large mammals often seen include Cape buffaloes, Nubian giraffes, plains zebras and common warthogs. There are no elephants, lions and hyenas in the park. Leopards are present in the park but are elusive given that their population is little and not well known. Visitors can spot the big cats from time to time especially during night game drives. Lake Mburo, other lakes and swamps provide home to hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Birds
Birds are a major attraction for safari in lake Mburo national park with 317 species recorded of which 35 are raptors including African harrier hawk, which is an African-Eurasian migrant. The largest concentration of raptors in Uganda can be found at Lake Mburo, which is second only to Kidepo valley. Martial Eagle, the largest bird of prey, is also found in the park along with the African crested eagle, gray kestrel and vultures including white-headed, Reppell’s griffon and white-headed vultures.

Lake Mburo national park activities

Walking safari
Given that game drives involve staying in a vehicle in most of the Uganda national parks, Lake Mburo offers the best walking safari. The walk on foot with an armed ranger is a chance to experience the sights and sounds of the wild African bush. Besides spotting large mammals like giraffes and buffaloes, you can see some of the least considered species such as scarab beetles. You will also learn how to look for animal foot tracks and other things that are easy to miss by those who drive a 4×4 vehicle looking for large mammals. One condition for walking safari is to have an armed ranger and stick to the main path. However, it might be permitted to walk on trails depending on what is seen. Lake Mburo walking safari lasts 3 hours and is best done early in the morning when wildlife is most active. Those spending overnight in the park can do the walk before leaving the park.

Horseback safaris
Horseback riding safari in Lake Mburo were introduced in 2008 by Mihingo, one of the luxury lodges in the park. Since then, the number of horses has increased and new routes were opened, giving you access to some of the parts of the park where other non guests don’t reach. The maximum weight horses can carry is strictly 85, however. There are strong horse breeds that carry 100 kgs. Mihingo horseback rides are available for both amateur and experienced riders. Experienced rides last 4-5 hours and go up to the Warukiri hill, where the view of almost all the 5 lakes surrounding the park.

Cycling safaris
You can cycle through Lake Mburo and spot wild animals such as zebras, buffaloes, impalas, giraffes, warthogs and elands. The trip will be booked depending on your biking abilities and what you would like to see along the way. Some routes go through the local communities where you might encounter herds of Ankole long cows along the way. You will see Lake Mburo in a unique way. Visitors must seek permission and be accompanied by an UWA ranger.

Birding
When it comes to birding safaris in Uganda, Lake Mburo is a must-visit for those intending to see both open savanna, forest and water bird species. There are over 317 species recorded including 35 raptors such as the African marsh harrier, martial eagle, gray, African fish eagle, dark chanting goshawk (melierax metabates), african harrier hawk, kestrel, brown snake eagle. The park also attracts southern migrant species including the brown-chested plover, which arrive in small numbers in the park during November. The bird can be spotted along the zebra trail in the open savanna habitat along with the northern ground hornbill. Trails along the shores of the lake and papyrus swamps offer opportunities to spot Lake Victoria Endemics such as papyrus gonolek as well as the African finfoot and the shoebill stork. Birding in lake Mburo national park is done mostly during the day, however. Visitors can also do birding at night to look for nocturnal owls and nightjars such as Verreaux’s eagle and African scops owls and the pennant-winged and fiery-necked nightjars.

Boat cruise
Boat cruises in Lake Mburo offer opportunities to look for water bird species and aquatic wildlife species such as Nile crocodiles, hippos and sitatunga. The activity is available in the mid morning, afternoon and sundowners for those intending to observe equatorial sunsets. The banks of lake Mburo are enclosed by bushes and swamps, making it difficult to see buffaloes. However, sometimes you can see solitary bull buffaloes hiding on the shores under the canopy. Those intending to watch elephants and buffaloes can consider the boat cruise along the Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth and Nile River in Murchison falls national parks.

Community visits
Lake Mburo is located in the Ankole cattle corridor, and cultural tours are now focusing on the preservation of the Ankole cow heritage. Emburara fam and Mpogo safari lodges provide Ankole cow cultural experiences including milking cows. Those with enough time can see life in a day of a cattle herder. You can spend the day at the farm and accompany the boys as they go cow-watering and grazing in the bushes. Then go back home and talk to women to learn how milk is processed into goods like cow ghee. By doing this, communities near Lake Mburo are becoming more aware of the value of tourism and conservation while also producing more jobs.
For instance, the Enyemebwa Cultural and Educational Center was established by the Ankole Cow Conservation Association (ACCA) in collaboration with UWA. The center is found in the park, making it easier to visit and learn more about Ankole cattle heritage.

How to get there
Lake Mburo is 235 km (4-hour drive) south west of Kampala capital city through the Masaka-Mbarara highway. Lake Mburo has two entrance gates including Nshara, the first and Sanga being the second of which all are 24 km away from the Rwonyo, the visitor information center. Of the eight national parks in western Uganda, Lake Mburo is the one with the easiest access.
Africa Adventure Safaris offers offers tailormade Uganda safaris to Lake Mburo National park at affordable prices!

2 Days Mount Karisimbi Hike

Posted on 09/02/202323/02/2023 by admin

Explore the tallest Volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area on this customized 2 Days Mount Karisimbi hike. Standing at 4.507 meters above sea level, Mount Karisimbi ranks as the 11th highest Volcano in Africa shared between borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mt Nyiragongo borders the Volcano in the west, Mount Mikeno in the north and Mount Bisoke in the east. The Volcano was named after the white snow”Amasimbi” which cover the summit mostly in the dry season in June, July and August. The other Volcanoes in the Virunga mountain region are Mount Bisoke Mount Mikeno, Mount Nyiragongo , Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Gahinga, Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura. Mount Karisimbi is one of the most hiked volcanoes in the Virunga Massif.

The slopes of the Volcano are habits to the endangered mountain gorillas (Karisimbi gorilla family) often met by travelers hiking up to the Volcano summit. Other primates that hikers can meet on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi include golden monkeys, Colobus monkeys and different bird species. The 2 Days Mount Karisimbi tour entail an overnight on the slopes of the Volcano

Trip summary
Day 1: Pick up, transfer to Volcanoes Park & Ascend
Day 2: Reach the summit & descend

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, transfer to Volcanoes Park & Ascend
Very early today, the driver guide representing Africa Adventure Safaris will pick you from your hotel in Kigali or the airport. Drive straight to Volcanoes National Park at Kinigi Park headquarters where you will be briefed on what to expect on this adventure and how to ensure safety all through. You will be given two armed ranger guides to lead you on this hike. At 8:00am, the real adventure begins! Transfer to the hiking starting point and begin the trek through different vegetation zones up to the summit. Mount Karisimbi hike is not an easy walk in the woods but rather a strenuous hike on a wild trail. The ranger guides will allow several breaks for calls of nature, refreshment and resting a bit. You will spend an overnight at 3,700 meters where the first camp is located. You are advised to rest early enough as you get ready for the next day. Dinner and overnight at the camp

Day 2: Reach the summit & descend
Rise up very early and begin a trek to the summit of the Volcano. Today’s hike is so steep and hectic but it’s worth it. Arrive at the summit to enjoy sunrise breakfast as you enjoy scenic views of other Volcanoes, National parks, towns and local communities. After having enough of it, hike down to the starting point to meet your driver guide for a transfer to either your hotel or the airport.
End of the tour

Tour Inclusions
Full time English speaking guide
Packed lunch
Accommodation & Meals
Bottled drinking water
Miscellaneous
Government taxes
Ground transport

Tour Exclusions
Porter’s fee
Alcoholic beverages
Extra activities not included on the itinerary

What to pack for hiking Mount Karisimbi
Hiking boots
Gardening gloves
Hat
Warm sweater/poncho for the cold nights
Walking stick
Bottled drinking water
Energy giving snacks
Long pants
Long armed browse or shirt

TO BOOK THIS TRIP,

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1 Day Mount Bisoke Hike

Posted on 08/02/202316/02/2023 by admin

Mount Bisoke is one of the 8 Volcanoes that make up the chain of Virunga Volcanoes. Located in Volcanoes National park on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Bisoke is one of the easy to hike Volcanoes. The extinct Volcano stands at 3,711 meters above the sea level with clear views of the park and other volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. Forests which shelter endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and other primates cover the lower slopes of Mount Bisoke. Explore the 2 crater lakes on the summit of the Volcano best for scenic viewing and photography. Our customized 1 Day Mount Bisoke hike is a best package for this adventure

Trip details
Very early in the morning, our driver guide from Africa Adventure Safaris will pick you from either your hotel in Kigali or the airport for a transfer to Volcanoes National park at Kinigi park headquarters for registration and briefing. The park wardens will introduced you to the dos and don’ts of hiking Mount Bisoke to ensure safety all through. From there, drive to the hiking starting point and start off the adventure. The hike to the summit lasts for between 6-7 hours depending on your physical fitness and hiking speed. Later in the day, you will hike down and transfer to either your hotel or the airport for departure
NOTE: A walking stick and porter are highly recommended for this 1 Day Mount Bisoke hiking tour
End of the Tour

Tour Inclusions
Full time English speaking guide
Packed lunch
Bottled drinking water
Miscellaneous
Government taxes
Ground transport

Tour Exclusions
Porter’s fee
Alcoholic beverages
Extra activities not included on the itinerary