Meet the Gorillas of Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla tracking is the number one adventure that tourists take while in Uganda. Given its popularity most tourists visit Uganda for gorilla trekking in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. There are many tour operators who offer gorilla safaris that range from cheap to luxury gorilla tours. On one of our recent fascinating journeys to the gorillas, we managed to visit one of the gorilla families in Mgahinga National Park. Meet the gorillas of Mgahinga National Park;

BUGINGO GORILLA- MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK- UGANDA GORILLA –GORILLA TREK AFRICA

Nyakagezi gorilla group is the only one found in Mgahainga forest National Park. The park is located at the edge of Uganda –Rwanda boarder and the Democratic republic of Congo. Currently, Nyakagezi gorilla family consists of more than 10 individual members who are all in good condition. The group is led by the dominant silverback by the name; BUGINGO and father to most of the group members- Like human beings, the husband heads the family and together with his wife, they give birth to new off springs- most of the children in a particular home are fathered by the husband. Fortunately, Bugingo’s has sons like Mark and Marfia, Rukundo and Ndungutse, who love to pose and play/ swing in trees. The two daughters; Nshuti and Nyiramwiza are now adults and have managed to give birth to Bugingo’ grand children namely Furraha and Nkanda. Although gorilla tracking in Mgainga Gorilla National Park can take an entire day it is generally less physically demanding than that at Bwindi National Park. Being with one Gorilla group, Mgahinga game rangers can easily predict where the group slept basing on the it’s previous locality.

While in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, visitors can as well have a clear view of the mighty virunga ranges- this is fabulous point for excellent photography. Virunga Mountains like Muhavura (4,127m) , Sabinyo (3,645m) and Gahinga (3,474m), dominate the landscape here at Uganda’s smallest national park- Mgahinga.

Looking for a Safari?

Are you looking at taking a gorilla safari to Mgahinga National Park? There are lots of tours and safaris available offered by various tour operators in both Uganda and Rwanda. Find exclusive deals on a wide choice of safaris available all year round from trusted and reliable travel experts.

Best 8 Places to Hangout in Kampala

The social life in Kampala is exciting. The city is full of good hangout places appropriate for both day and night .Though most of the hang out places make it to the best for night life.

1. Kampala casino  

It is one of the best places to be in Kampala .Good music fills the place at night,
Classy drinks are ever in stock. It is good for the corporate class and billionaires around the city. It is located near Christ the King Church, just in the city center.

2. Ange Noir

Ange Noir stands for ‘black angel’ in French. For those who want good music and good times, Ange noir is one of the best places to be. It is located in the old industrial area of Kampala and one of the long serving dance places in Uganda.

3. Club Silk
It is also among the long serving associate places in Kampala .It is located in the industrial area a small distance from the city center. It is known for good music played by the best DJs.

4. Cayenne Bar and Restaurant
Cayenne is located in Ntinda, a Kampala suburb, less than two miles from the city center. It is both a restaurant and bar, good for executives and high class persons.

5. Club Rouge
It is located on Jinja road next to the Uganda Railways cooperation Club rogue. It is known for embracing celebrities.At any time of the day the club is ever ready to avail comfort and satisfaction.It is a great place to hang out in Kampala.

6. Hi-table

It is located on Kampala – Jinja road; adjacent to Pioneer mall. It is popular for its good music. It is one of the hottest spots for big spenders around the city. Kampalans storm the place as early as 6pm and fun hangs in the air through out the night with great music and drinks.You Should not miss it when you Visit Kampala. It is an outstanding  hang out place in Kampala.

7. Rock Garden Bar and Restaurant

Rock Gardens is an open pub in the city center, it is run by the Speke hotel management. Excellent DJs fill the place with excellent music at night as the large crowd is served drinks.

8. Boda Boda :  

It is another hangout place in Kampala  on the roof top of Garden City shopping mall. It is just a few yards off Jinja road.

See Unique Wildlife species in Uganda

Uganda which is called the pearl of Africa is also blessed with lots of attractions and one of them is the rich in wildlife species. There are many wildlife species which are found in Ugandan national parks, game reserves, protected areas like Uganda Wildlife Education Centers and many more. These protected areas have also attracted many tourists who have come for safaris to Uganda which have helped in increasing the amount of revenues to the country.

The wildlife species in Uganda mostly include; the mountain gorillas which are also found in Bwindi impenetrable National park, these have got unique features which have greatly attracted many people to enjoy gorilla trekking tours within the country. The chimps in Uganda can also be located in Kibale National park and also also in Budongo forest and in Queen Elizabeth National park.

Each of the national parks in Uganda has got different wildlife species and these also include; the elephants, lions, buffalos, antelopes, kobs, bushbucks, hippos, zebras, monkeys, baboons, wildebeest, white Rhino, black Rhino, leopards, cheetah and the wild dog, there are so many animal species which have attracted many wildlife safaris to the country.

Apart from the wildlife species, there are also plant species which can be seen in Uganda and these include; sprawling savanna, shady, forests, lakes, fertile wetlands and the swamps, moorland, thorns and shrubs. There are also other attractions which include mountains, rivers, rocks and hills, cultures, city tours, clubs and many more.

Explore Uganda’s Treasures

Are you looking to exploring the unique places and attractions in Uganda? The Pearl of Africa gives you different opportunities to explore its immense beauty! From gorilla safaris into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park to traditional safari holidays, there are lots of adventures you can embark on and explore Uganda. There are trips to see wildlife, birds, culture or the magnificent geographical features that decorate the country!

Less discovered by tourists, Uganda came into the lime light when Sir Winston Churchill visited Africa in 1907 and was surprised by the country’s beauty, magnificence, variety of form, color, and profusion of brilliant life. Uganda’s endowment is one of the most fascinating and breath-taking the world has got – from the endangered mountain gorillas to over 1065 bird species. It is of little wonder that the country was named the number one tourist destination in the world by the lonely planet in 2012 and is still among the top tourist destinations in the world.

The natural gifts Uganda boosts of range from, the magnificent and one of the most challenging hiking places in the World; the Mt Rwenzori regarded as a world heritage site by UNESCO, to the strongest/ hardest water falls in the world; Murchison falls where the world’s longest river; the Nile squeezes through an 8m wide gap before plunging 42m deep into the gorge. The falls also provide spectacular view for the Nile crocodile. For the hikers, the world’s largest intact mountain caldera on mountain Elgon which is about 40km2 wide can captivate your safari experience after hiking to Wagagai. The once highest mountain in Africa, has been heavily affected by erosion and now lies in 4^th place in East Africa and 8^th in Africa, nonetheless it remains with the largest volcanic base in the whole world at 4000km2. For those interested in water activities, Uganda is your new home providing an opportunity for a boat trip on the waters of the 2^nd largest inland fresh water in the world and largest in Africa; L. Victoria. With the adrenalin arousing activities like rafting and bungee jumping along the Nile, you may be sure of a terrific adventure. Uganda’s natural wonder is not limited to only geography but also wild life and culture.

The country is home to about 7% of the total mammal species in the world totaling to over 100 mammal species including the members of the big five class, those in the cat family and a long list of angulates. It is also of less wonder, that Uganda is Africa’s best birding destination with over 1037 bird species about 60% of total bird species in Africa including the tropical and savanna species. The country is also home to about half of the remaining endangered gentle and intelligent giant apes; the Mountain gorillas whose population in the world is estimated at about 750 individuals. With about 13 primate species including the graceful and man’s closest relative with about 98.4% of DNA similar to a human being; the chimpanzee, Uganda is the world’s primate harbor. The other primates include the rare golden monkey in Mgahinga National Park, the Kavirondo bush baby in Kidepo national park and other monkey species both diurnal and nocturnal among others.

With us, you will explore Uganda’s rich cultural diversity of over 66 cultures and languages emanating from 4 ethnic groups. Despite being a culture melting pot, Uganda remains one of the countries with the most welcoming and hospitable people on the continent of Africa. We package our safaris based on your interest to turn your wishes into experiences.

Uganda Tourism a Significant Resource for Development

Tourism in Uganda is getting more significant these days and its contribution to the country’s economy is rising day by day. Its revenue per annum proves its success and a resource to the government as well as the economy. Tourism has today become one of the largest earning industries globally. It wasn’t considered important a few years ago but today it’s affects the global economy and helps in earning foreign currency. Uganda tourism is very popular all over the world and over 1 million visitors visit the country to take safaris in Uganda, do business or  even volunteer in the country. Uganda gives priority to tourism as it believes that tourism is one of the most beneficial industries of the country. Tourism not only gets Uganda, foreign currency but it also strengthens it national identity.

The Uganda tourism industry has set yet another target after almost achieving the one million tourists target visiting Uganda by 2012. This target was set in 2009. Now sector players want to see the industry contributing up to 9.2% of the total Gross Domestic Products for Uganda by the year 2015.

Tourism plays a significant role in the development of this outstanding country. Uganda tourism also provides new jobs to the people of Uganda that ultimately raises the standard of living of Uganda. Tourism in Uganda helps this country to remain in the competitive global market.

Uganda is renowned for its natural and cultural heritage. Its wonderful cultural heritage is well known all over the world. The natural beauty of this country is astounding and can win any heart, the rain forests that are habitat to a number of flora and fauna as well as the native people. It is believed that Uganda has huge tourism potential. This country has come up with great tourism in the recent past and is doing well to develop in this field. Uganda is ready to take all the challenges by developing tourism destinations, as Uganda is  depends on its tourism among other things for foreign exchange earnings and gives much precedence to tourism industry.

The growth of Uganda tourism is rapid and has high aggregated value. Uganda is working hard and trying to promote its tourism on foreign markets so as to earn more and more foreign currency. The country is also giving importance to security. It is coming up with tourism police force that helps in strengthening the security system of the country. Uganda also allows investments in this sector so as to develop Uganda tourism.

The main aim of Uganda tourism is to prove that yet Uganda is a small country of Africa, it can beat any nation with its tourism diversity. It is really a five star country with all the pleasures and excitement you can demand for, while exploring any big country of Africa.

Uganda is economically, one of the poorest countries in the region but its tourism industry is doing well. If you are planning for a vacation and you are having a low budget then Uganda is one of the best destinations for you. It is regarded as a perfect low budget adventure destination whose main source of income is tourism. Although, this country is also dependent on export of agricultural products but at present it is giving more importance to tourism and is trying hard to stay in the competitive market.

Naggalabi, Buganda’s Coronation Site

Naggalabi Coronation site is one of the most important cultural sites to Buganda. This site comprises of different historical houses that are important in the coronation of the Buganda kings. As we celebrate 20 years of coronation of Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II, lets have a recap of Naggalabi Coronation Site, one of the best sites that attracts tourists that take cultural tours in Uganda.

The Buganda house, where the prince spends nine days after being crowned is the most important historical sites in Buganda.

Though it bears great significance for Buganda and is on the list of the key tourist sites in the region, nothing about Naggalabi coronation site shows it. The site is near Kings College Buddo, about 14km from Kampala, off Masaka Road.

A mini-forest fans the place with a cool breeze and the hilly setting affords a panoramic view of parts of Kampala, Mpigi and Wakiso districts and Lake Victoria. It is hard to believe that a major crowning ceremony ever took place here. There is a small dilapidated hut without a roof, windows and doors. Physical signs on the hut show that it was destroyed by fire. A dilapidated concrete podium to the right is surrounded by bushes and rusty iron poles. The caretaker, William Mugambwa, 67, has been in charge since 1967.

“They do not give me anything to look after this place. Not even a machete, hoe or slashes to clean up this place,” he laments. Mugambwa says he worked in the Lubiri palace during Kabaka Edward Mutesa II’s reign before the 1966 attack.

History

Mugambwa points out the exact spot where the coronation was done. It is a small anthill surrounded by rocks and flowers, which he says he planted to easily identify the spot.

“Everything got messed up. We cannot return it to its glory because we lack funds,” he says.

The main coronation site was once fenced with reeds, but it was destroyed by heavy rains and wind in 2005. Even the two trees that formed the coronation seat are no more.

History and significance

Mugambwa refers me to Lawrence Mukalazi Kimbowa, who is Semanobe’s (the one responsible for the crowning rituals) prime minister.

Kimbowa says no one can become King of Buganda without going through the rituals at Naggalabi coronation site.

Thirty-six kings have since been crowned here, starting with Kabaka Chwa Nabaaka. Kimbowa says it started after two princes, Kintu and Bemba, fought for the kingship in the 14th Century on this hilltop.

“Bemba first attacked Kintu whom he ousted, but later Kintu re-organized his army, attacked and killed Bemba,” he narrates. Bemba’s head was cut off and buried at the spot of the anthill, where the king sits during his crowning.

“This meant that Kintu had won the battle and that it was his triumph. After this battle, Kintu declared that every king of Buganda had to be crowned at Naggalabi,” Kimbowa explains. He says the trees that formed the extraordinary seat at the site fell during a heavy storm and termites weakened them.

The coronation

At coronation, the prince uses shortcuts with his people through Mutundwe, Bunamwaya and Katale, where other rituals are done before arriving at Naggalabi for the main event.

The prince then goes through a demo fight with the Semanobe using sugarcane suckers, a fight he must win.

He then heads to the Bwanika House, about half a kilometer away, for secret rituals to make him king.

The rituals are conducted by the daughter of Semanobe.

After this ritual, the prince goes to the anthill to be crowned. It is covered by animal skins and the prince is dressed with a bark cloth and given a spear called “Kanuuna” signifying the sucker which Buddo used to kill Bemba, and a knife, among other items.

After being confirmed, Kimbowa says the king is given a white cow which he spears to death as a symbol that he is ready to fight for his people.

Buganda House

After coronation the new king proceeds to Buganda House, also about half a kilometer away. Kimbowa says when Kintu became king, he constructed his palace at Naggalabi and it was named Buganda.

Today, it is a circular house with an iron roof, built with modern materials. Inside, it is partly covered with bark cloth and plywood and the floor is carpeted with dry grass. The whole building stands on one centre pole wrapped in bark cloth.

The house was once a traditional structure of grass and reeds, but later changed to protect it from destruction towards the coronation day for Kabaka Mutebi.

“Every crowned king spends nine days in this house. Nobody in the area is to touch a woman until the king completes the nine days. This period is known as “Enaku ezobwerinde” (days of tension),” he adds.

The kabaka uses the nine days to select his cabinet and strategize on how to run the affairs of the kingdom.

Mbonelede

This tree is believed to be one of the oldest trees in the country. It is said that during his reign, Kabaka Kintu used it as his court.

It is large, with long branches bending to the ground from the top in an umbrella-like shape.

During court sessions, people pleaded for mercy saying ‘“Mbonelede,” meaning “I have learnt a lesson,” thus giving the tree its name. For over 500 years, subsequent kings used the same tree as their court.

Easter Weekend Ideas: What To Do

So, you’ve decided not to participate in the Easter ‘exodus’ from Kampala and spend the long Easter weekend right here at home instead. Well, whether you’re after family fun, a wild time, or a quiet weekend at home there’s plenty on to keep you occupied. IN KAMPALA takes it day by day with interesting happenings until you’re back at work on Tuesday morning.

Friday:

In the Christian tradition, Good Friday is the day on which Christ’s crucifixion is commemorated. This means that most churches in Kampala will have special services at different times throughout the day.

If you’re looking to get the kids out of the house Bean Cafe is having an Easter Egg Painting Party from 2-4pm. All ages welcome!

Yutta Konvictz presents a dance production at National Theatre ‘Dooms day, a cry for the people’ focusing on nepotism, deceit, selfishness, sectarianism, tribalism, greed and deception.

Looking for something a little lighter? There’s some great comedy at National Theatre from 7.30pm (entry 10,000 UGX) with Fun Factory (https://www.facebook.com/Funfactory256) bringing you ‘Organised Chaos’.

Feel like getting out on the town? Break out your finest Hawaiian gear and hit Garden City’s Boda Boda rooftop bar from 7pm (entry 10,000 UGX)

Saturday:

While some people just like to take it easy on a long weekend others want to be up at the crack of dawn running for a good cause. And there’s two to choose from. The first is a 10k charity run to help construct wells in Makindye Division’s slum areas. The race starts at 7am at the Sabagabo grounds opposite the Magistrates Court in Makindye. Entry is 15,000 UGX per person, 150,000 UGX for companies and NGOs. Or, you can run to help the Namirembe Cathedral’s Ttegula Project with either a 5 or 10k run that begins on the Namirembe Cathedral grounds. Entry is 10,000 UGX.

If you want to take the kids out for an Easter Egg Hunt and children’s party there’s one on at Uganda Museum (Kira Road). There’s Easter egg painting, storytelling, face painting, food, drinks and prizes. The festivities start at 10am and entry is 10,000 UGX.

Looking for a little early evening entertainment? Chill at Jazzville from 7pm with Code 9 covering Phil Collins greatest hits in Phil Collins tribute night. Entry is 20,000 UGX.

If you’d like a little art to start off your evening drop by MishMash for Elinros Henriksdotter’s Divine Matrix London Style which will be video, painting, sonic poetry and drawings.

Then, move over to Club Venom where the East African Bashment Crew (Bebe Cool, Nazizi and Wyre) will be holding a meet and greet party. Starts at 8pm and cost is 20,000 UGX – or 40,000 UGX if you’re VIP and your March paycheck is burning a hole in your pocket.

Sunday:

Once again the churches will be packed with Easter services and special services. If you’ve been contemplating heading to church today’s the day.

The Kika Troupe then invites you over to the Kika Performing Arts Centre on Sisa Road at 9am for a contemporary dance show with a bouncy castle and face painting afterwards. Entry is 10,000 UGX for adults and 3,000 UGX for kids.

Afterwards, you can pack a picnic and head down to the Uganda Museum at 1pm for everyone’s favourite quarterly music festival, Blankets and Wine (https://www.facebook.com/BlanketsWineKampala?group_id=0). This round they’ve got Madtraxx, Sundowners, Winston & Pragmo plus Tamba. Get your ticket today though as they’re 35,000 UGX at Uganda Wines and Spirits now or 50,000 UGX at the gate.

Monday:

Let’s face it. At this rate you need a day to relax and just have a break. However, if you’re looking for things to do with the kids check our family section. If you are looking for a restaurant check our restaurant section (https://www.kampalacityguide.com/food/)

Uganda Walking Safaris Do’s and Don’ts

The Uganda landscape is a hiker’s paradise, Uganda offers so many walking safaris that you can choose from during your Uganda safari. These various walking Uganda tours and hikes in the Pearl of Africa reflecting the biodiversity of the country like no other country in East Africa – you can hike and go on nature walks at all of the National Parks in Uganda – all nature walks, hikes, tracking experiences with the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys are escorted by Guides who are also armed for your safety and well-being.

The different hiking national parks include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one could also go for either a day or several days in and around the Kibale Forest Jungle, Climb the Volcanoes at Mgahinga Gorilla Park or Mount Elgon, several Hikes at Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Fall Park, Lake Mburo Park, Kidepo Valley Park.

Walking Safaris Tips and Advice

Use your instincts have a sense of caution but not paranoia and its very listen to your guide

The Animals are Wild-You cannot predict their behavior – Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys are habituated – a process that takes up to two years for them to become used to humans.  All other wildlife is not tamed.

Do not walk alone away from Lodge or Tented Camp – Given the fact that you are not familiar with the area around the camp its very safe if you do not wander from the lodge or tent without a guide, often there may be hippos present elephants or even predators.

When on Nature Walk and Tracking activity – move in a quiet manner, be alert to your surroundings so that you do not miss anything and listen to your guides.

When taking photographs-your guide will make sure that safety is maintained since you are busy with picture taking but keep an open ear to guide instructions.

Listen to the guides –Do not attempt to get closer to wildlife than what the guide tells you – that is for your safety.  Use Binoculars – telephoto lens.

When you see animals –the guide will attempt to stay downwind an important factor if there are females with young ones.

Remain Calm on Encounter of Animal- If you have a close encounter with animal – a snake, remain calm and stop, back up slowly or remain still – no running or shouting.

No Swimming in rivers- do not swim in rivers or pools no matter how inviting they may look – also stay from waters where the banks are shallow in order to avoid crocodiles.

Wear the right clothing and shoes – the right safari clothing depending depends on the activity you are undertaken – light boots or stout shoes always good, long-sleeved shirts (not blue) are best and protect from mosquitoes-tsetse flies, long trousers – jeans are fine, hat with brim better than a baseball cap.

Good Binoculars – Camera with telephoto lens –Binoculars are a must on a walking safari and allow you to see wildlife and birds up close even from a distance.  A good camera with a telephoto lens will come in handy on your walking safari.

Backpack – a light backpack comes in handy – take along some bottled water, a snack like a granola bar will come in handy along the trail.