Travel Tips for Persons with Disabilities
In the past times, people with disabilities were marginalized and despised because of their vulnerability. However, over the years, the world has changed and they are accepted. People have learned that disability is not inability. A disabled person can perform the same duties or engage in activities as an able-bodied one. Various countries have enacted laws and policies to protect, accommodate and make life easier for the disabled. For instance, public buildings and places have set up facilities to accommodate persons with disabilities.
With the direction the world at large is taking to make life easier for the disabled, these vulnerable people are able to travel for a holiday and engage in various adventurous and recreation activities. Albeit the facilities and services have been developed for the disabled, there are still challenges for them, particularly when traveling solely or visiting a foreign destination like Uganda.
1. Plan the trip beforehand.
The success of a trip majorly hinges on planning and preparing. It is very essential to plan earlier for your Uganda safari trip because it alleviates the stakes of getting disrupted and impeded. Reserving travel items such as accommodation, park activities, flight, and car hire is greatly significant. If you are to use a ground handler, it could be a local tour company, family, or friend, informing them of your visit is very vital. They can book the facilities you need putting into consideration of your condition.
2. Use lodges that disabled catering
Accommodation establishments with disabled-friendly facilities are very conducive as they permit persons with disabilities to swiftly operate with less effort. Most hotels and lodges in Uganda have facilities like elevators, wheelchairs, stairless pathways, and emergency exits that ensure people with immobility are accommodated.
3. Book with a tour operator that provides safari packages for disabled tourists
Well-established tour companies know how to manage and arrange tour packages for visitors with disabilities. They know which hotels and lodges to book, the activities to enjoy, and the kind of safari vehicle. The tour operators in Uganda are able to organize for the disabled to take part in activities that many call impossible for them. For instance, disabled people have been seen engaging in gorilla tracking with the help of a local tour company. What normally the tour operators do is inform the Uganda Wildlife Authority about the client’s condition and they are allocated to a near gorilla family for tracking. Sedan chairs and porters are hired to carry the disabled persons to reach the habitat of the gorillas and enjoy the huge apes in their natural setting. The ground transportation arranged for persons with disabilities is normally 4×4 Uganda car hire and spacious enough for them to have the comfort while traveling.
4. Understand and know your privileges when at the airport and any other public place.
It is a bit daunting for people with immobility to travel particularly when they get to the airport or any other transport hub. It is very hard for them to get the right data and directions due to the business of the airport caused by the big crowds and long queues. There is normally personnel at the airport that is meant to attend to people with special needs during their transit.
Disabled are protected from any kind of discrimination from air transport operating entities. However, when it comes to security, they have to go through any security protocol established at any facility. These vulnerable individuals are advised to know their rights to prevent and report any injustices that may be done to them during their travel.
5. Carry extra medication
It does not cost a thing to pack extra prescriptions while traveling. There is a possibility of your baggage getting lost during transit, so having a backup plan will save you a lot. This is also one way of ensuring that you don’t run out of your tablets inconveniencing to getting others that might not be available at the destination you may have visited. The drugs must be kept in a proper and accessible place.
6. Save and take your doctor’s contact number and email when traveling.
Before you plan to travel, visit your doctor to seek advice on whether it is possible for you to travel to a foreign destination and participate in certain tour activities. When given a go-ahead, ask the doctor for the necessary information about your condition and the quick remedies to take in case any issue arises. The doctor’s contact should also be noted and saved, you may need to seek help when far away.
7. Book Short flights
Long haul and connecting flights are very challenging for persons with disabilities. There is a lot of hassle involved like waiting for long hours with the heavy luggage at the medium airport to connect to the final destination. Using a direct flight alleviates all the obstacles and energy and time are saved. A direct flight flies straight to your final destination without any stopover.
8. Get travel information about the place to visit
This goes to sole disabled travelers, there is nothing harder to find like a place you literally don’t know about. You are advised to search for travel information about the places to go, accommodation to stay, the most convenient means of transport, and eateries to dine at to have a clue of how to go about your itinerary while at the destination. The source of information can be the internet, travel magazines or guides, and friends and family. The information helps in situations of being stuck, in need of urgent attention, and loss of your bearing.
9. Bring the necessary luggage
Luggage carrying is one of the most hectic tasks when traveling, it gets worse when it comes to disabled people. Therefore, you are advised to get luggage, you can easily manage while traveling most preferably it should be one suitcase. Having two or more big luggage will be so hard to monitor since they are placed on the plane randomly and the same applies when they are being dislodged off on the convey belt at the airport. You may bring a huge luggage if you are moving with a partner or group.
10. Free up your mind
Don’t feel pity for yourself, disability is not inability. You can go through or do anything that other people do. Enjoy your travel as nothing can stop you.
Read More7 Reasons to Rent a Car for Uganda Travels
Majority of visitors to Uganda love and enjoy travelling like locals but this doesn’t necessarily mean using public transport means from one safari destination to another, owing to their inaccessibility in some areas. While public transport means are cheaper and sometimes reliable, they aren’t ideal for safaris if you hope to have a wonderful road trip. Just the thrill and excitement of driving in a foreign country can’t be hidden but keep in mind that it is also overwhelming. However, most tourists prefer Uganda car rentals for safaris and having a personal car is about to open up a whole different World of possibilities.
It is undeniable that some safari destinations are just wonderful and perfect for exploring via a personal car than others. It would pay a lot to rent a car for discovering the National Parks and Wildlife Reserves in Uganda but visiting top Cities and Towns don’t require having a Rental Car. However, these are the 7 genuine reasons why you won’t regret travelling with a Car Rental;
Rental Car offer the much needed convenience while uncovering the natural beauty of Uganda
You don’t need convincing that no public transport means can offer the convenience and freedom of travelling than a rental car. If you desire 100%, go an extra mile to hire a self-drive vehicle to make your circle of freedom complete. Unlike public transport means, you won’t be subjected to schedules and timetables in addition to having the liberty of changing your plans as you deem fit. We all know that spontaneous detours always make for the most unforgettable parts of your safari. One thing you should always keep in mind is that every day matters when exploring new safari destinations and if you have few days, it might not be advisable to spend a lot of time on public buses or taxis/Matatus. Given the numerous stops to pick and drop passengers, public transport means always take twice the normal time for getting to final destinations.
The possibility of discovering new safari destinations
Do you know that majority of Uganda’s safari destinations are in remote places and definitely not within the City limits? This is where you will be glad for renting a car because there is possibility of driving several distances from phenomenal surroundings. Renting a car therefore makes it possible to widen the scope of safari destination you are able to explore. For instance if you are driving to Murchison falls National Park, it is possible to incorporate a trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and if travelling to Kasese (Queen Elizabeth National Park), having a Rental car makes it possible to make a stop at Lake Mburo National Park and other wonderful tourist sites along the way.
Flexibility
What would you do if you desired to discover other places that aren’t part of the itinerary? This wouldn’t be an issue if you are using a Rental Car because you can always make a detour and explore beautiful and irresistible places without sticking to a certain program. Additionally, it is possible to make stops whenever you wish without any restrictions as it is with public transport means.
Rental Cars are cost effective
It is undoubted that public transport means are cheaper way of getting around large Cities and Towns but did you know that for the freedom and convenience offered by Rental Cara actually makes them remarkably cheaper? For Rental Cars in Uganda, it is possible to get a deal of as low as $40 per day, which makes it incredibly cheaper than what you will pay for when using a bus (about $10 for the same journey) but when it comes to the flexibility and the fact that costs can be shared among passengers, it is cost effective in the long run.
Chances of enjoying a great deal of comfort
If you are looking for comfort during your Ugandan safari, then you have no business being on a public transportation. For Rental Cars, you get to stretch and spread out as you like, make stop as you please and most importantly get to control who you wish to share your personal space with. All these sound like small things but having the freedom to adjust what music to be played, the air-conditioner and any other thing is paramount for your road trip. Worse still, most public buses don’t really have air-conditioners.
It is possible to understand restrictions
When making choices of whether to use a Car Rental or public transport means, it is advisable to always understand the restrictions that are involved, given the fact that they differ between Companies. For this reason, it is important to first read through terms and conditions before making bookings. The commonest restrictions concern mileage/distance.
Privacy
There is totally no privacy in using public transport means, yet it is possible when using a Rental Car. It is possible to have private conversations with family without being bothered by strangers interfering or listening.
If you need a car rental always contact as 4x4uganda car rental, we offer the best rates possible
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Self Guided Safari a New Way of Exploring Uganda
What comes to your mind when you hear self-guided safari? let me make it easy for you, Self guided tour is a travel expedition where a traveller explores a destination on his own without the services of a guide.
Self-guided safaris are trending ventures in which travellers are opting to explore the pearl of Africa. Uganda is indeed the pearl of Africa and to prove the saying you need to get up, plan, pack up, dress up and hit the road to the over blessed nature land.
Self guided safaris are replacing the conventional guided safari tours in this Era and in years to come it will be the only burning show taken on by every traveller to discover Africa’s wilderness.
Some travellers tend to ignore self guided safaris because of the fear of self-catering which involves hiring a car Uganda, driving to the destination, choosing affordable accommodation and blending in the natural world all alone. With a travel plan, you can definitely have a successful safari that includes roof tent camping in Uganda or book a budget accommodation.
Let me tell you a secret behind travel “self-guided safari is the cheapest” since you get to manage your pocket.
The opportunity for you to adventure the wilderness at any destination on your travel plan is unlimited and the best part is to unlock new places of interest which you get to share with the rest who haven’t got a chance.
The freedom during a self drive tour is infinite and you have enough time to feel nature to the maximum. The best part is that you can acquire a guide to take you through your game drive tracks.
Self-drive safari is so rewarding, many travellers are relishing to engage in this kind of travel. First of all, it is cheap and affordable whereby you don’t have to rely on a driver or guide but only consider paying, Car rental Uganda, park entrances and activities and accommodation. With a self-guided safari, you are in charge of your itinerary and can make changes depending on what to do and where to go next. You get to determine how many stopovers to make because you rule your travel.
Uganda is ranked the ultimate self-guided safari destination because of its numerous national parks and other eye-catching attractions positioned in different parts for a great safari experience and these include:
Queen Elizabeth national park
This is a classic big five home with tree climbing lions as the bestselling tourism product. The park offers several activities that are enticing and fun to engage in while on an expedition. Activities range from game drives, boat cruises at Kazinga channel, chimp tracking, nature walks, birding, cultural encounter among others. On a self-guided safari, you choose what to engage in and the reward comes with a wilderness experience. The accommodations at the park are fancy and reach the standards of its clients. Read More
Murchison falls national park
One of the main features of the Murchison conservation area is Murchison falls, the devil’s cauldron. This is known for its fierce, violent roar as water squeezes through a narrow gorge forming a water misty surrounding and a beautiful colourful rainbow. It creates what we refer to “beauty meets nature”. The park has much to offer directly from the fresh greenery surrounding and activities such as game viewing, launch cruise at the great Nile River, guided nature walk, birding, top of the falls, hot air balloon and the view of the Uhuru falls. The road network calls for a great adventure most especially the off beaten tracks in the park. Read More
Kampala city tour
Nothing beats the fun chaotic Kampala Uganda’s capital city. The number of Boda Boda cyclists appearing from every corner of the road will surprise you. The people are polite and welcoming though you should hold your belongings tight from the jobless thugs who want to work in other people’s pockets. Let’s put that aside and focus on the attractions waiting to be explored on a beautiful day and these include kasubi tombs, Namirembe cathedral, Rubaga cathedral, Bahai temple, old Kampala mosque, Uganda museum among others. The roads in Kampala are well constructed reaching the standards of every traveller.
Bwindi Impenetrable national park
Although Bwindi is situated far away from Kampala presenting a challenging and long road journey, it is worth a visit on a self-guided trip. It is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, one of the most sought after apes in the eco-tourism world. gorilla tracking in Bwindi is an exciting experience as you get to meet and interact with the gorillas in the wild. These huge primates are fascinating to watch especially their social characters. A Self Drive in Uganda’s Bwindi is splendorous! Read More
Uganda is ranked the best among the countries which offer self-guided road trips to tourists. Vehicles to hire are available from different rental operators; accommodations are plenty and comfortable and cosy offering delicious meals, Camping, BBQ served. The African wilderness presenting a variety of wildlife species and endless plains is also worth a mention. Uniquely explore Uganda on your own and save money with a reward of a lifetime experience.
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Top Activities to Do with Gorilla Trekking
Few have enjoyed an encounter with the rare Mountain Gorilla species. If you have never enjoyed this memorable experience, Uganda should be your next drop off destination.
Popularly known as the Pearl of Africa, this amazing destination is one of the three localities that treat visitors with an incredible gorilla safari encounter. It is located in East Africa and home to two gorilla National Parks that host more than half of the world’ Mountain gorilla total population.
One of these two national parks is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The world famous Bwindi Impenetrable forest is tucked far in the South western part of Uganda. Most of its area is occupied by the impenetrable rainforest. This stretch of trees, shrubs and other vegetation types is home to not only Mountain Gorillas, but also to Wildlife, different Bird species, insects and reptiles.
There are many reasons why most tourists consider Bwindi Impenetrable forest for gorilla trek other than Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. One of them is the wider-angle of gorilla families. Almost 95 percent of Uganda’s gorilla population is found in the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The trekking is offered in four sectors that include Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector. Each sector is home to not less than three Gorilla families. With this variety, you can do multiple trekking expeditions by visiting a different Gorilla family per day. For the best gorilla photos, this is your destination.
For one to be able to track these gentle creatures, a tracking permit is a must have and at the moment its costs US$700 per person per day alongside a clear bill of health. Physical fitness, age (you must be 15 years and above) and free from infectious diseases. Apart from Normal Gorilla trekking which allows only 1 hour of public viewing, below are some of the other interesting activities to keep you occupied while in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National park for a few more days.
Gorilla habituation experience; Only Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park offers this exceptional treat to spend more time with Gorillas in the Jungle. It is almost similar with Gorilla trekking, but what differs is the time spent in the viewing, in the company of the gorillas and cost for the permit. For habituation gorilla experience, visitors are allowed to spend about four hours in the company of the gorillas, as they move, they are allowed to follow their movements in the Jungle for only 4 hours. This time is enough to take multiple photos and videos of these apes. The tracking permit for this experience at the moment costs $ 1500 USD per person per day which is more than twice the normal gorilla experience.
Bird watching; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a mecca for bird watchers. It is recorded with hundreds of unique bird species. Therefore it easy to understand why most birders prefer it while in Uganda. One of the major hot spots you shouldn’t miss for birding is the Mubwindi swamp. It is advised to arrange for these excursions either early in the morning when these species are dispersing or in the evening when there are congregating for night stays.
Batwa community visit; the Batwa community visit is another interesting activity to do in Bwindi impenetrable forest National park. This pursuits lets you to meet with the Batwa people also known as people of the forest in their communities as they share their experience through cultural performances like singing and dancing. This activity is offered to the Batwa community. These people were forest dwellers and hunters, but where later relocated to the local community by the Government of Uganda. Apart from traditional performances, it also covers walks to different villages, basket weaving for ladies, agricultural, and demonstrations of use of traditional music instruments and hunting tools.
Forest Walks; later in the evening or for those with a free day don’t miss the forest walks in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. These guided expeditions are offered in groups following the well-established trails with a guide to give an insight about the numerous wildlife and plant species within the forest. Forest walks in Bwindi Impenetrable forest are not only good for your health, but also award in panoramic views of rolling hills, towering volcanoes and different species of tress, reptiles, insects and so much more.
Read More5 Tips For Fuel Efficiency On Your Self Drive Road Trip In Uganda
If you are one of the drivers that are greatly concerned about the price of fuel or wish to minimize the negative effects of your driving on the natural environment, you don’t necessarily require disposing of your car for an improved or to subcompact the budget.
Are you aware that your car can actually burn up to 30% more fuel if thorough maintenance is not carried out on a regular basis? Yes, it is possible and it is a known fact that regular maintenance of the vehicle has a number of benefits but we still ignore it. Oftentimes, travelers wonder how to save on fuel during self drive Uganda Safaris and we bring you the 5 tips for fuel efficiency on your road trip in Uganda;
Avoid leaving the car idle for a long time
One of the 5 tips for fuel efficiency on your road trip in Uganda is not leaving the car idle for a long time (more than a minute) because idling consumes from half a gallon to a full gallon of fuel per hour and unfortunately pumps unrequired Carbon dioxide into the air. Most present-day engines can consume less fuel when turned off and re-started again them idling for a long time. To successfully warm your engine, drive it and avoid reversing it. Modern engines also work harder under load and are likely to warm up faster when simply started hence you can wait for 20 seconds before driving away.
Utilize Cruise Control
If required/relevant, make use of your cruise control (a system that impulsively controls the speed of a car, hence reducing fatigue that you would feel while driving long distances. Most importantly, cruise control helps to save up to 6% in fuel consumption especially when driving on highways.
Conduct regular engine checks
Conducting regular engine checks is another way to ensure fuel efficiency on your road trip in Uganda. Since the development of computer-controlled fuel injection, there is nothing as old-fashioned tune-up anymore. If the worst comes to the worst, you may be required to change spark plugs, fuel filters, oxygen sensor and air filters among others.
Smooth and steadily driving
By using light throttle and avoiding heavy sudden brakes, you will save a great deal on fuel in addition to tear and wear. Research also shows that good or bad driving techniques will greatly influence on the overall fuel efficiency (at least by 30%) during your road trip in Uganda. As for steady driving, you will need to slow down as over speeding wastes a lot of fuel. Additionally, stay away from tailgating because it not only wastes fuel but is also not safe.
Avoid rough roads whenever possible
Rough roads are many in Uganda but always avoid them wherever possible because dirt and gravel can waste up to 30% of fuel mileage. Each time the car wheels jump up and down, expect forward motion energy to be removed from the vehicle. Therefore this is referred as “washboard” driving, which is not just uncomfortable but also slows down the car from the transfer of energy.
Other important tips for fuel efficiency on your road trip in Uganda include regularly checking tire pressure, changing the air filter according to the outlines number of times on owners’ manual, lightening your load (avoid overpacking), not resting left foot on the brake pedal while driving, inspecting any suspension and chassis parts for misalignment, choosing the right octane gas for your vehicle, combining errands into one trip instead of several short trips, using the recommended grade of motor oil and many others.
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Why Use Airport Transfer Services in Uganda
When you’re traveling to Entebbe in Uganda? Book the ultimate Airport Transfer in Uganda with the local airport taxis company. The best way to avoid search inconveniences, you need to book an airport transfer to or from Kampala city for that comfortable and timely ride to whichever place you are destined to. There is now a better way to kill the jet lag after that long flight than having someone ready to pick you up as soon as you land.
- Zero wait time:
Airport Transfer services ensure you literally have no wait time before boarding the cab. Unlike hiring local transport services or general city taxis, which require you to wait in queues for a long time before you finally get to board the cab, airport transfer services let you board the cab in no time. Their easy booking process ensures you get to book the cab many hours in advance so that when you actually land at the airport, you don’t have to wait for the cab to show up.
The taxi and the driver will be at the departure gates waiting for you, practically ensuring you have comfortable, quick riding experience.
- You get to ride with a local chauffeur
When you’re landing in a new city, you would most likely want to explore the new place and shop all the local produce the city has to offer. The best advantage of airport transfers is that they have local chauffeurs to show you around the city and take you to your destination. These local chauffeurs have a lot of experience driving down the streets of the cities, and thus can also get you to your destination faster.
Airport Taxis are certainly better than driving around in your own car. Not just that, if you’re planning to stay for more than a few days, your first ride with a local driver in an airport transfer service might also lead you to know quite a few places for sightseeing, the best local eateries and the cheapest markets around. So many benefits for so little is totally worth it.
- Fixed rates
The one thing that irritates and annoys most travelers is uncounted for and unnecessary surge charges that add on to the cab fares. This makes travelers grumpy and cynical about ever booking local cab services. This is where airport transfer services step in to change the scene.
Airport Transfer services come with fixed rates, with absolutely zero surge charges on any of the packages. A customer, while booking the airport transfer service, can easily check the total fare of the entire service, which includes fuel prices, maintenance fee and other assorted charges.
With a well-known and reputed airport transfer service, there are no chances of additional fares being charged by the booking company. Airport Transfer services offer full transparency in their booking procedure, telling customers the total fares inclusive of all additional charges. Customers don’t have to pay any surge charges and have the comfort of knowing exactly what amount to pay.
- Reliable cabs
Missing flights or having to wait for long hours at the arrival lounge are both situations travelers absolutely dread. Airport Transfer services take both these worries off of people’s shoulders. These cab services have a streamlined system in place that makes the customers reach their destinations quickly and well on time.
Airport Taxi services, being extremely professional, efficient and competent, take you to the airport well within time. It’s easy to see why Airport Transfer Services are excellent choices for professionals for whom every minute counts. If missing flights is a big NO for you and you prefer to reach your after-landing destination without excessive waiting, Airport Transfer Services are just the choice for you.
- Fewer formalities
Utilizing Airport Transfer Services can attest to the fact that booking these services requires a lot fewer formalities. In comparison to booking a local taxi service, or renting a car, booking Airport Transfer Services requires just your user ID, pick-up and drop details, and a contact phone number. Once a user puts in all these details, they just have to choose the payment mode, and the booking is made.
- Your Safety is our priority
When you’re traveling to a city for the first time, or even for the fifth time, safety is a top concern. Most travelers, owing to safety concerns, prefer renting self-driving cars, thinking that they can rely on themselves the most. However, driving in a new city, where you aren’t even familiar with prevailing traffic conditions or developmental phases, is difficult at best and dangerous at worst.
In these conditions, Airport Transfer Services gives you the best services with maximum security & safety. These services hire extremely professional chauffeurs, have proper systems in place that ensure speedy complaint redressal, and have their customers’ safety as their top priority and concern. Owing to all these facilities and features, Airport Transfer Services are the safest, quickest and the most comfortable taxi services out there. Now really, who would pass up a cab service that helps you reach your destination quicker than you expect to, has a simple booking process, is driven by professional and courteous chauffeurs and has your safety as its top concern.
- Flexibility in Choices
Another major advantage offered by such services is the fact that you can decide what vehicle you would be driven in. Depending on your needs and personal taste and financial status, you can choose a car that meets your demand. This is also important for group travelers as you can request for vehicles large enough to accommodate your entire team.
So if you plan on booking a public taxi for transport to or from the airport, then you should consider booking a Kampala airport transfer with a trusted and reliable car rental agency.
Read MoreBest Places to Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda
Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is amazingly the most dramatic primate experiences that lets you enjoy a close encounter with habituated chimpanzees while in their natural environment. Tracking chimpanzees is one of the major highlights on most of Uganda safari trips. Chimp tracking takes tourists through a trek via the tall, primeval trees, tangled scrubs while in search for chimpanzees. This is exceptionally dramatic leave aside the usual game drives in the savannas.
Uganda is a host to all 5600 chimpanzees making it a distinct primate destination for chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzees are unique and dramatic Apes, noted to share 98.4% of their DNA with human beings. A gaze into the eyes of chimpanzees offers deep insight into how close we humans to these unique primates.
Here are the 5 best places to go chimpanzee tracking in Uganda
Are you planning to go on a safari in Uganda and wondering which places to include in your itinerary? Here are the best places to go chimpanzee tracking in Uganda;
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park (KFNP) is by far one of the best places to go chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. Chimp tracking in Kibale National Park is all about on-foot walk in the tropical forest to observe chimpanzees in their natural environment. About 13 primate species are all thriving within Kibale National Park including 1500 chimpanzees and currently 5 communities have successfully undergone habituation.
Tracking chimpanzees in Kibale N/Park starts from Kanyanchu community and each day, there are 2 sessions; the morning & afternoons. A typical chimpanzees trekking adventure Kibale takes 2-4 hours with absolute 1 hour guaranteed to spend face to face observing chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee tracking permits for Kibale National Park. The permits are a must have in order for you to go track to see chimpanzees. The permits cost USD200 per person for a day for foreign nonresidents, USD150 foreign residents and UGX150000 per person per trek for East Africa Community citizens.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge is feature among the top best places to go chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. The dubbed Valley of the Apes is 300ft deep gorge lying in the extreme Eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). The deep gorge also shelters diversity of other primates including black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed, vervet, olive baboons and also important forest birds. The Kyambura Gorge-Uganda permits are available for reservation at USD50 applying for both foreign and foreign non-residents then 30000 UGX for Nationals in East Africa.
Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest is a splendid rain-forest in Northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park. The forest reserve features 2 magical eco-tourism sites that provide the exceptional chimpanzee tracking experiences and they include Kaniyo-Pabidi and Busingiro. Kaniyo-Pabidi Forest is just on main route to Murchison Falls and forms part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA). Busingiro hosts the Royal Mile, one of Uganda’s iconic birding spots.
Up-to 800 chimpanzees all reside within Budongo Forest, 100 of which have been fully habituated and open for trekking in the lush 825sq.kms rainforest-Budongo. Budongo chimp permits cost for all visitors USD85 per permit per trek in Kaniyo-Pabidi.
Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest is one of the very few natural forests sheltering 410 bird species, 300 chimpanzees and 70 of these have been habituated for chimpanzee tracking. Chimp treks in Kalinzu can be combined with variety of exciting activities at Queen Elizabeth N/Park the only site in Uganda to find tree climbing lions.
Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Semuliki isn’t only known for birding or for its Sempaya Hot Springs but also for chimp trekking. The reserve is blessed with 3 chimp communities which Uganda safari travelers can have a chance to explore.
When to visit
Uganda enjoys favorable weather conditions all year-round making it an all year-round chimpanzee tracking destination. But, the best time to experience the most of Uganda’s chimpanzee trekking adventure is during the dry season. The 2 phases of drier seasons experienced from most of the chimpanzee destinations in Uganda start from June to August and December to February.
The dry seasons/months are the best months when parks or other sites where chimpanzees live and trekked record the lowest rainfall amount. The ground is kept drier and it is one reason it is a favorite period for chimpanzee trekking.
This isn’t a case with wetter months of March, April, May and October, November when heavy rains occur in Kibale or other chimpanzee tracking destinations. These months are often avoided by some trekkers and low number of visitors travel for chimp trekking.
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking/tracking-Uganda?
Whether you plan to visit Kibale Forest NP, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo or Kalinzu Forest Reserve for chimpanzee tracking, packing right is essential. Not anything should be carried but choose from essentials such as gardening gloves, cameras without flashlights, long trousers, long sleeved shirts, daypack, chimpanzee permits, medical/first aid kit, waterproof hiking boots, sweater, valid passport, sunscreen, rain jacket/poncho, visas, snacks, bottled water and others.
Regulations/Rules or Guidelines for chimpanzee trekking/tracking in Uganda
- Children 12 years below won’t be let go track chimpanzees in the jungles-they can easily be frightened.
- A distance of 8-10m is a must to observe away from chimpanzees during the 1 hour of face to face or while on search.
- Never be tempted touch chimps, regardless of a fact that they get close to you or rub their bodies against you-don’t touch.
- Use only cameras with no flashlight to shoot pictures of chimp troop-flashlight cameras often get chimps scared or charge against you.
- Only trekkers with valid chimp permits get a chance to track a troop of chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Budongo or Kyambura Gorge.
- Don’t go track chimp troop/community when sick or ill-chimpanzees are human closest relatives and they are susceptible to human infectious diseases as they share 98% of their DNA with human beings.
- Always keep low your voices when searching for chimpanzee community.
- Keep within a group you are trekking/searching chimpanzees with-don’t go off track.
- Stay calm if in any case a chimpanzee charges or gets irritated because of your presence and observe all instructions accorded by your guide.
How to Find Great Deals on Car Hire in Uganda
Car rental is elegantly becoming the most loved traveling style where one rents a car and go for a self-drive. The zeal of traveling in style while driving on your own tunes is an amazing deal of the day every traveler would wish to undertake. No matter the purpose for your car rental, there are variety of fleets to choose the fitting car rental.
Considering a car rental for self-drive in the past decade has picked up interests for many travelers in Uganda, it’s such a rewarding undertaking which saves some dollars in your pocket. Would you wish for this? Yes, there a lot you have to note before undertaking Uganda car rental which may include; how to reserve for that best car? Which offers comes with your car rental? Can you rent a car without a driver? How to spot for the reliable car rental company? Mention anything you would wish to know.
Car rental in most cases is a cousin to self-drive, so, after spending the much dollars when hiring a car, do in get some offer? Yes, there much offers which sometimes follows the purpose for your car rental and may not need you to spend extra dollars to receive such offers. However, the extras with charges surface, expect as you inquire with your car rental service provider. Take that car you need, make that request you wish for.
Which offers comes with your car rental in Uganda?
After securing that car rental you would prefer to take on your adventure in the pearl of Africa, then you qualify for the offers which comes with your car rental. But at writing, it’s not guaranteed that whenever you hire a car in Uganda you must have such offers but this depends on what car hire company propose and this is only guaranteed when you make your inquiry and include such requests for the offers.
Free car rental delivery
You don’t need to only reach the car rental premises to get your car rental, no, after confirming your travel date, and procured the car rental, then suggest where your vehicle can be delivered. Car rental delivery is not paid for if provided your whereabouts is within the diameters of city center. At your home, airport, hotel or apartments the company’s driver can always deliver vehicle at your convenience. No extra charges to be added for the car rental delivery.
Guide map
Especially if traveler’s opinions is adventures, your car rental must contain a tourist guide map. A guide map is a manual route spotter which also aid on your car rental self-drive when cruising in unfamiliar destinations is another thing which can’t miss in your car rental. Though the GPS used by most travelers to find their routes, the guide map suggests major points to consider whenever driving and these maybe fueling states, tourist destinations, and accommodation with also alternative path to consider.
Vehicle return
No need to struggle with car rental return, it’s a matter of informing your drop off. It’s essential to know the vehicle will be return at the end of your trip, don’t expect extra fee provided the distance at which the vehicle is left be closer or within the city of your car hire company locality. Communication with your car rental company to prepare their driver whom you leave the car with at your disposing off.
Ten days discount
The plan for self-drive when in the East African constituency also alternate, for traveler with limited days to spend with the car rental have limited ability for bargaining. If you have plans of spending more days with the car rental especially with about 10 days plus, this propose higher chances of bargaining for reduction on the rates of hiring the vehicle. The 10+ discount is available, when checking out whom to hire the car from, for such days consider this as some companies don’t have the offer. If wish for the offer, please make your request at your inquiry as some companies are ready to bounce the offer.
Read MoreWhere Will Travelers Go First After the Corona Virus
With some countries opening up and loosening travel restrictions around the world. People just want out of there. This will mean a lot of movement though most countries have got restrictions on how when to travel inside out.
Travel companies are all trying to benefit from this as they have been struggling to make ends meet as well as lying off some workers. The travel system we all know has been affected directly as it is travel and there is no travel.
For now we do not expect a lot of international travels , this is due to many factors and the thinking if covid-19 stayed in a certain part and I get it there. People will want to move regardless of the corona virus pandemic.
In Africa however the Uganda safaris and east Africa are much pampered and in gear to get moving. We are eagerly waiting for visitors to come around. The government and travel agencies like the UTB are advocating for local tourism. They are aging people to support tour operators in this move.
The road trips offer a sense of both freedom and personal control of travels. This would be a much cheaper way to start the travelling. But where will they go first. Will people travel internationally or local?
1. You’ll need more than a passport
International travel will need more than a passport to go through. Some countries will go ahead a d force you into quarantine and testing you again at the border even if you have a negative certificate.
Entrance will be refused unless you have a certificate of immunity due to the fact that you’ve recovered from an infection or because you’ve been vaccinated in case the vaccine is available.
This means that sort term travels will be because of you must, not because you want to travel. When you thing about the business side validation of travel documents. Countries will likely only open their borders where there is merit and it’s safe to let travelers through. This may mean temporary visas and more documentation that you’ll need to take with you when traveling.
2. Travel will have different expensive seasons
Governments will need to turn lockdown measures on and off in order to keep demands on healthcare systems at a manageable level. This means there will be closing and opening in short short times around until the covid-19 is no more. Travellers will use this short limited time to travel around the world but not for long.
This will also not be confirmed because of the changes on plain, limited sits and dramatic increase in prices for the last minute bookings as well as availability.
3. Recovery will be uneven
A lot of things are changing and we have starts seeing the real factors that are affecting not only the travel world but everything around us. There are big chances that things may not be normal anytime soon.
Things to do with the health care systems, travel, food, daily life of gatherings and social behaviors may be set apart. The word is moving to social distancing error.
The fact that all fingers don’t have the same size, countries recovery will also vary according to their capability in terms of money and people’s response to the stringent measures put in place. The government officials and the ministry of health guidelines form the world health organization.
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Rent a Car with a Fridge in Uganda
A car fridge is one of the essentials of a memorable self drive safari in Uganda more so if you are having your safari in the dry months of July, August, September and December. You will need a cold drink besides you all through your safari. Whether it is just a mere sip of water, or some local fresh juice or soda; regardless of the drink, it will better taste cold on a sunny day.
Not many self drive car rental agencies offer their car with fridges. And most of the budget cars such as the 3 door Rav4 and the 5 Door Rav4 often have no configuration for the fridge. It is usually the land cruisers that come with the option of a fridge. Therefore you might have to take a long search to land on a car rental agency in Uganda that offers a car with a reliable freezer. In most cases, the fridge is charged separately from the daily car rental rate depending on how long your hire tenure is.
There are mainly three misconceptions that come with hiring a car with a fridge. Some people do not differentiate between a fridge and an electric cooler box. Others do not differentiate between a chiller and a cooler box. It is therefore important to get clear details of what you are getting and what it cannot do for you during your trip.
Chillers
A chiller is simply a box that can keep cold things cold as long as you have ice in it. On its own, it does not have the capacity to keep things cold. Therefore you will have to stock it with piles of ice blocks. It is built to hold ice for a few hours while keeping your items inside at a relatively similar temperature. Many at times, when people ask for cooler boxes, they mean chillers.
Electric Cool Boxer
The electric cooler box has the capacity to keep items either warm or cool as long as it has been plugged into power for at least 3 hours. Many people who hire a car with an electric cooler box get disappointed. They often think they will get the results of a chiller even without adding ice blocks which is never the case.
It is often recommended to put some ice blocks in your chiller to jump start it to the desired temperature. It holds ice for a longer period than the none electric chillers do. They commonly used electric cooler boxes are 25 liters which can draw their power from the cigarette lighter port.
Electric Car Freezer
The electric car freezer will give you the effect of the cooler or even more without any need of adding any ice blocks. They usually come in two configurations; those which draw their power from the car battery and those which use their own portable batteries.
Self drive car rental agencies in Uganda such as 4x4uganda offer freezers that directly draw their power from the car battery. For this reason, they can only be used when the car is running. Though some cars can have a battery designated for the fridge, it is not very common for a car rental agency in Uganda to offer such unless you are hiring a hilux which is typically built for camping.
Cautions for hiring a car with a Freezer
- The first thing most of the people who hire a car with a freezer do; is to stock their freezer with beers. It should be noted that it is illegal to drive in Uganda under the influence of alcohol. For this reason, it is always recommended to only drink while at the campsite. Alternatively, if you are not a lone traveler, you can have one of your colleagues who does not drink keep on the wheels other than exposing yourself to driving under intoxication while in a foreign land.
- Ensure that the fridge is powered of when you turn off the ignition. Sometime the freezer goes off with the ignition while on other instances, you might have to turn off the freezer yourself. Keeping the freezer on might earn you a direct appointment for a jump start the following day.