Category: Amakula Travel tips & News

Hiking in Nyungwe Forest National Park In Rwanda: One thing you can never go wrong about Nyungwe Forest National Park is its rich diversity and the best way to discover the hidden attractions of this natural gem is by hiking right through it to appreciate the majesty of its towering trees, wide array of wildlife species, plethora of bird species and just take photos. This 1000-square kilometer Park is found in the southwestern side of the country and borders Lake Kivu, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hiking in Nyungwe Forest National Park In Rwanda There are over 1000 plant species of which 200 are tree species while 140 are Orchids. Of the 80 over mammal species, 13 are primate species. Nyungwe is also one of the best 5 birding spots in Rwanda with over 320 bird species that include over 20 Albertine Rift endemics. If you have plans of venturing into this jungle (known for being the largest Afro-montane rainforest in Africa) and stretch your legs, here are the must-try hiking trails; Buhoro Trail At 1.8 kilometers long, the incredible Buhoro Trail is one of the shortest in this National Park and can be completed in only one and a half hours. This easy Trail is perfect for travelers looking to simply enjoy the cool breeze while appreciating the beauty of Mother Nature. Bigugu Trail Bigugu Trail is over 13.2-kilometer long (for a round trip) and usually starts from Nyabishwati for a distance of over 6 hours. While it is long, there is so much to see and these include flora species, breathtaking hills, phenomenal views of Lake Kivu, and magnificent islands in the DRC side of Lake Kivu. If you choose this trail, be prepared to hike to the highest peak of Nyungwe Forest (Bigugu). The Congo

Tourist attractions in Kenya: Nairobi is the largest city and capital of Kenya. It is a modern, multicultural and historic town with amazing attractions (wildlife, museums and historical monuments). Nairobi was the headquarters during British colonial rule in East Africa and hence gained from having the largest group of European settlers in the region. Tourist attractions in Kenya Most of the settlers worked as plantation owners while others were and representatives of the Queen in the region. The key tourist attractions in Nairobi are the Nairobi National Park, the Karen Blixen Museum, The Giraffe Center, The Bomas of Kenya and the Nairobi National Museum. The Nairobi National Museum is where you can stop to learn about the history and culture of the people of Kenya. The Karen Blixen Museum was the home of the renowned Danish plantation owner and author Karen Blixen. As we shall find out later, the house was turned into a museum to remember her life and times in Kenya. The Nairobi National Park is the only one in the world that is located so close to a large city. You can spot all of the big five animals without having to drive to the major national parks in the countryside. We will be discussing many of the Nairobi’s attractions separately. Nightclubs and bars: If you love having fun up to late in the night, then you won’t be disappointed while visiting Kenya’s capital or any of the other larger cities. Most of the cities host concerts every weekend where both local and international artists are hired to perform for revelers. The atmosphere may be slightly different from that in your home country but the music will be familiar though with a mix of songs from the local artists. The best bars and nightclubs in Nairobi are

The Most Likely Animals You'll see in Kenya Wildlife: If you’re considering an African Safari, you’re probably surfing the web aggressively, trying to find the grandest spot for wildlife sightings. You’ve got all your gear ready, the camera on standby, and all you need to know now is where to go! What I can tell you, is if Kenya was on your list, move it up to the first position, and if you hadn’t thought about it, you might need to question your sources! Kenya is a jewel embedded in East Africa. It is a country abundant in some of the world’s most majestic natural wonders. Think of spectacular mountain ranges, extraordinary rift valleys, hot springs, wildlife parks and even beaches! The country's diverse landscapes are unlike any place in the world, and it’s a destination where one can find both relaxation, thrill and of course, wildlife! Now you’re probably wondering what exactly you’d see, and while we can’t guarantee you’ll see every single animal that roams the face of the earth, we can guarantee that it gets rather close, in Kenya. We’ll put all your wildlife questions to rest and even give you the exact places in Kenya, these beautiful beasts are found. The Most Likely Animals You'll see in Kenya Wildlife in Kenya: The Cats Lions I’m sure the king of the jungle is right up there with your most desired sightings, and the good news is; they’re in abundance, in Kenya. While you’re most likely to see them on the hunt at dawn or dusk, keep your eyes peeled during the day, for any slight movements under a shady tree. This is their favorite spot, to cool off in the beating African sun. Where to find them: If you follow the great migration through the Serengeti National

6 Interesting Facts to Know about the Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara Kenya and Serengeti Tanzania.: The Great Mammal Migration is undeniably one of the world’s most spectacular events and a once in a lifetime experience. Each year sees a great number of travelers, from all over the world, descend to the plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania, to witness this awe-inspiring natural wonder. Picture over 2 million mammals traveling as one force on a circular route across two countries, in search of greener pastures and a safe place to give birth to their young. These mammals, which consist of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle, face challenging terrain and often dangerous situations which sadly results in the loss of life. It is, however, difficult not to admire the incredible journey that these animals embark on; the trials and tribulations they face and the sheer determination to reach their destination. It is an experience not easily put into words but is without a doubt unlike anything on this planet.  Because the Great Migration is nothing short of jaw-dropping, here are some incredible facts to know before embarking on your safari of a lifetime! Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara Keny More than 2 million mammals travel approximately 500 miles across the open plains. Great migration of wildebeest, Masai Mara, Kenya The first fact to know before going on your safari is that an incredible number of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle travel through the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya - 2 million to be exact! These mammals travel an astonishing 500 miles in search of greener pastures and a safe place to give birth. A natural instinct for any animal is to seek safety by traveling in numbers. This is a

What To Expect On Gorilla Trekking Experience In Uganda And Rwanda: After realizing the worth of tracking mountain gorillas in the wild, you might decide that you want to go for safari in one of the three countries. You may have even gotten excited and already booked air tickets, accommodation and transport. The next big question on your mind would be – What is the experience of gorilla trekking like? Gorilla Trekking Experience Like all travelers in the past, the next thing to do after making reservations with your tour company is to show up in the country of choice. Your tour company or hotel should pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel or start the journey to the national park. The distance from the airport to the national park varies depending on which country you choose to do the trekking. If you are tracking in Rwanda, the driving time will be 2 hours. If you are tracking in Congo, you need to first land in Kigali international airport and then be driven to the Congo Rwanda border crossing in Goma. From the border you will be driven to the Virunga National Park which is a few kilometers away from the border. Should you decide to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, expect to travel on road for eight hours to either Bwindi of Mgahinga National Park. You can avoid the long travel from Entebbe international airport in Uganda by landing in Kigali (Rwanda) instead and driving for only 3 hours to the national parks in Uganda. If you happen to be traveling with Mission Africa Safaris, the Driver/Guide will pick you up from the airport of a hotel and take you up to your accommodation facility close to the national park. On the day of

Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda Home of Mountain Gorillas:  Africa’s home of mountain gorillas in Rwanda if not in the whole world alongside Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – home of lowland gorillas. In this case, everything remains in the hands of the visitor to either do mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda or lowland gorilla trekking in Congo. Volcanoes National Park National Park of the Mountains Rwanda is surrounded by the Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This park covers an area of 160sqkm of rain forest and bamboo. National Park of the Mountains Ten families of endangered mountain gorillas have been confirmed to live in Rwanda, and it is thanks to the country's stringent conservation policies and programs that these montane and bamboo forest ecosystems have remained intact, favoring and supporting the mountain gorilla population growth in Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to five of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga highlands, including Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo, in addition to being a shelter for habituated mountain gorillas. In addition to all of that, it has been discovered that Rwanda is home to two habituated endangered Golden monkey troops with over 80 members each. Because of its avian diversity—more than 180 different bird species—this park is currently regarded by the majority of Rwandan birders and tourists as a must-visit birding site in Rwanda. Again, Volcanoes National Park is rich with the history of American primatologist and naturalist Dian Fossey, who tragically perished as a result of her unmatched devotion to these apes. The gorillas in the volcanoes were in danger of extinction, and Dian Fossey was a steadfast pillar who opposed any immoral deeds and activities like poaching.

Gorilla Trekking Rules in Uganda: The following Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations (as outlined in the printed brochure by the Uganda Wildlife Authority titled "Gorilla Rules") would apply to anyone arranging a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda. Gorilla Trekking Rules in Uganda Before departing on your gorilla tracking A habituated mountain gorilla group may only have up to 8 visitors each day. By doing this, the gorillas' behavioral disruption and chance of contracting diseases spread by humans are reduced. Be sure to wash your hands before seeing the gorillas. Gorilla Trekking Rules in Uganda on the way to the gorillas Please speak quietly at all times. Also, the abundant birdlife and other species in the forest will be visible to you. DON'T dispose of trash in the park. You should take everything you bring into the forest with you when you leave. You will be brought to the location where the guides saw the gorillas the day prior. From there, you can locate them by following the gorilla's track. Be on the lookout for gorilla nesting locations along the journey! The guides will warn you to get ready when you come close to the mountain gorillas. When you are with the gorillas: Try to maintain a constant 7-meter (21 foot) distance from the gorillas. The group will be more at ease the further back you are. When you are close to the gorillas, you must remain in a small group. Maintain a low voice at all times. It is acceptable to query the guide, though. Avoid smoking, drinking, and eating when you are close to the gorillas. Eating or drinking will inevitably raise the chance that food, drink, or droplets will fall, increasing the possibility that diseases will be transmitted. The gorillas occasionally charge. Observe the example provided by the

Kabaka Tombs (Buganda Kings Burial Grounds): The Kabaka Tombs are located on Kasubi Hill in the Buganda kingdom, which is found near Kampala, a city in central Uganda. As the final resting places for the past four Kabakas (kings) of Buganda and other members of the royal family, the Kabaka tombs, also known as Kasubi tombs, are significant religious, historical, and cultural landmarks in the Buganda kingdom. The Kabaka and his representatives frequently perform significant ceremonies that are connected to the Ganda culture in the Kasubi tombs, which are a living testament to the Ganda traditions. The Kabaka Tombs are a significant monument for the Buganda Kingdom and Uganda because they were included on the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 2001. Location of Kabaka Tombs Five kilometers from the city's center, on Kampala-Hoima Road, lie the Kabaka Tombs. On approaching Makerere University from Kampala City Center, you pass by it before driving to Nakulabye, where you turn right into the Hoima Road at the intersection. After driving another mile up the road, you then bear left onto the Masiro Road. When you approach the Kasubi tombs and the northwest coasts of Lake Victoria, you will see the entrance, which is indicated by a thatched tent. History and Culture of the Buganda Kingdom (Kabaka Tombs) The Baganda people belong to the Bantu and their first Kabaka was Kato Kintu Kakulukuku who adopted the name Kintu so as to associate himself with the father of all people because Kintu was the name of the first person on earth in Buganda. Kintu had one wife Nambi Nantutululu and Kintu is said not to have died but to have disappeared into the forest at Magonga. The Baganda Kabakas have always built their palaces on hills, and each

1 day trip in Uganda: Before or after your gorilla trekking and wildlife safari, Amakula African Safaris arranges day trips to see the sights and sounds of Uganda. Those who have some free time before or after their safari are advised to go on day tours. Many visitors land in Uganda on early flights and find themselves with some free time in Entebbe or Kampala. We have put together ideas for things to do in Entebbe or Kampala during the time before your tour. day trip in Uganda Day trips in Entebbe Town For guests staying in hotels and guest houses in Entebbe, there are a number of extra excursions available. You can decide to go to the Botanical Garden, which is situated beside Lake Victoria. It is close to several guest houses in Entebbe, including Boma, Karibu, Airport Guest House, Lake Victoria Hotel, Gately Inn, and African Routes Guest House. One of the best spots in Entebbe to take nature hikes and see some uncommon monkeys and birds. Ngamba Island Day trips and boat excursions Day tours depart for Ngamba Island at 8:45 in the morning and 12:45 in the afternoon. All of these day trips are about orphaned chimpanzees that are transferred to Ngamba Island for rehabilitation after being rescued from wildlife traffickers. One of the caretakers on the island will deliver an educational discussion, and visitors will also have the opportunity to watch chimpanzees’ feed. You have the opportunity to halt at the equator crossing in Lake Victoria during the boat tour, which departs from Entebbe's main land in around 45 minutes. Uwec Zoo Once a zoo, the facility has grown to become a wildlife education center where visitors can spend some time seeing animals in a setting that is somewhat akin to nature. The Uganda Wildlife

Rwanda Tours: East of Africa's continent is home to the landlocked nation of Rwanda. Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are its neighbors. Although being a small country, Rwanda has managed to draw tourists by utilizing her history, people, expanding economy, and tourism resources. Over 1,000,000 people were killed in a matter of weeks, making it one of the deadliest genocides in modern memory. Although horrible, the holocaust was humbling. The genocide later assisted in bringing the populace together for the benefit of the country rather than dividing it. One of the safest places to travel in Africa right now is Rwanda. Because of their strong sense of nationalism and cooperation in rebuilding their country, Rwandans have inspired envy around the world. Tourism has a significant role in Rwanda's economy. As a result, the government has made every effort to establish the nation as one of the top tourist destinations in Africa. The Rwanda Development Board has aggressively advertised the nation abroad and updated the nation's tourism infrastructure. What should travelers expect from Rwanda? When compared to other African nations, Rwanda has exceptional natural beauty thanks to its more than 1,000 hills and five volcanoes. Although her neighbors would disagree, Rwanda also takes pleasure in having some of the most attractive individuals in Africa. Despite its natural beauty, Rwanda is home to a third of the world's mountain gorilla population. The Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda is home to these magnificent apes. Almost 100,000 tourists come to the nation every year solely to view mountain gorillas. Rwanda is a good place to go on a gorilla safari because it is quicker to travel to the tracking location. In addition to the Volcanoes National Park, other national parks that offer tourism-related activities include Nyungwe Forest (where visitors