Nature frozen in Time at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Never mind the January to March dry spell, at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, the flora and fauna is perpetually green. The manicured lawns are inviting to those who want to relax under the shade of the huge trees.
The gardens are not just for nature lovers; musicians such as Jose Chameleon have shot their music videos here, and many newly married couples come here for photo shoots. A number of movies also contain scenes shot here. The gardens have a natural rainforest with pathways for those who want to stroll under its cooling foliage.
On our visit there, we chose to stroll through the forest and got to the ornamental section of the garden.
The newly planted ornamental plants are a sight to awaken all senses — touch, vision and smell.
We could not resist picking some of the flowers to feel and take in the scent.
Our guide, Madina Kasoma, who is also the nursery attendant, interrupted our brief romance with the flowers. “We sell some of the plants and flowers and also propagate to replace old ones,” she explained as we moved on to another section.
The Entebbe Botanical Gardens is the country’s sole plant conservatory with a gene bank. It is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, a few minutes away from the Entebbe International Airport, making it an ideal stopover venue for travelers in or out of the country.
Founded by the British colonial government in 1898, the 40.7acres garden continues to serve its purposes — education, conservation, recreation and research.
Researchers use the gene bank that keeps collection of seeds of different plants while the garden provides a research base for plants.
Another section offers a variety of plants with medicinal properties. The guide led us to two huge trees, said to be over 100 years old.
The trees have long tap roots, where vervet monkeys play, breastfeed young ones or groom each other.
The Botanical Gardens are perfect for school field studies, as it offers a lot on the country’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
For the first time I saw the tea tree, which is used in the manufacture of cosmetics, and is nothing like the tea bush grown for brewing. This one is big and has seeds.
There is also an orchard, but being off season, we did not find any fruits. Madina said the fruit season means a scramble between the monkeys, birds and people.
A plus for the gardens are the several bird species such as the water birds that can be viewed at the beach. Tourists favorite though are the black and white Columbus monkey the dragon spiders and the rainforest.
The latter offers relief from the high early year temperatures and a staircase for easy descent down the hill to a well-maintained clearing through which clear water gently meanders out of a natural spring in the middle of the forest.
The water creates a “river between” the two rain forests in the garden. Our guide informs us that the spring has never dried even during the driest of spells.
The staircase leads us to the rock gardens. “We use these plants to educate people that some plants can grow on the rocks. So after touring you can sit right here,” said our guide pointing to the rock.
The design of the gardens is alluring. Not only does it attract conservationists, researchers and learners, more and more tourists are visiting.
On average, John Wasswa Mulumba, the garden’s curator says between 10,000 and 16,000 people in small groups visit the gardens annually.
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.
Top 7 Places to Visit in Eastern Uganda
The Eastern Trail is one of the most interesting trails! There are lots of attractions to see including some of the world landmarks. The adventure activities to engage in are also in plenty.
Source of the Nile
The long search for the Source of the Nile ended in Jinja in 1864 when John Speke reached Jinja. He was the first European to reach Lake Victoria the most popular known source of the Nile.
Mountain Elgon:
Mountain Elgon’s highest peaks are formed by high points around a jagged rim enclosing one of the world’s largest caldera, at 4okms long and 8kms wide. The tallest peak on Mount Elgon is the 4321m wagagi, followed by sudek at 4303 m, Koitobos at 4222m and Mubiyi at 4210m.
Imbalu cultural festival:
Imbalu festivals involve circumcision which is the legendry ceremony among the Bagisu and the serbins. It is alleged that the Serbians also female circumcision however, the act abuses human rights according to the government and the human rights societies.
In the Elgon region, the ceremonies are accompanied by music, dance and drama amidst plenty of food and alcohol. The opening ceremonies are usually around the month of August every year.
Sipi Falls:
Sipi is a series of three falls in the district of Kapchorwa, northeast of sironko and Mbale. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mountain Elgon National Park near the Kenyan boarder. The sipi falls area is the starting point for many hikes up Mountain Elgon. The most popular route starts in Budadiri and follows the sasa trail to the summit and then descends down the sipi trail back into the sipi falls. The hike around the falls off stunning view of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyogaand the slopes of mountain Elgon.
Sisiyi falls:
Sisiyi falls is found in Buyaga sub- region in Bulamburi district. Sisiyi is found along Mbale – to sironko , Bulambuli, Kapchorwa and moroto district. The area around the fall is good for camping, picnic, team building activities, relaxing etc.
Semei Kakungulu Historical site and the Jewish Community:
Semei Kakungulu was a Ugandan who founded Abayudaya or Jews community in Uganda in 1917. Kakungulu put much emphasis on New Testament and he adopted the observance of all Moses’ commandments, including circumcision.
Kakungulu passed away on 24th November 1928 of tetanus. He was buried near the Abayudaya synagogue in Gangama, a short distance from Mbale.
Bududa Bull fighting:
The fights are organized in Namasho village, Bulucheke sub-county, Bududa district every fortnight on Saturdays. The bull fighting tradition in Bududa began in 1956. From the mid 50’s to thethrehold of the 70’s, the fights were not taken seriously. The practice was more of an occasional and casual pastime for an occasional especially in Namasho village.
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5 Must See Safari Destinations in Uganda
Uganda Beauty depicted with its attractive landscapes, natural forests, wildlife and culture ready to be explored truly defines its travel tag as the Pearl of Africa indeed. The Country welcomes nature lovers and adventure seekers of all kinds any time of the year around the globe. The Endangered Mountain Gorilla tracking being the main unique tourist attraction in Uganda though the wild still has plenty attractions ,mountains, nature wildlife, crater lakes, Rivers, falls, rocks and hills for hikes, islands plus the country’s amazing culture of the people.
Many destinations around the world seem romantic and good but Uganda offers diversity as compared to most destinations in the world coupled with the positive receptiveness of its citizens which will make you feel relaxed and comfortable in the region. Be one of the million travelers to the country this year on a private or group tour to the pearl of Africa and experience great safari vacation leisurely tour to the main travel destinations in the country. Recent trips to Uganda reveal that it has the best wildlife safari setting in the western region. You can pass whole day in the rain forest and savanna wilderness viewing wildlife, birds and other forest habitats. Also notable are the Uganda lodges and hotels both inside and outside National park plus those in main city centers which make all Uganda safaris a great deal tempting catering for Luxury, mid-range, Budget and backpackers alike with an exceptional touch of service by well trained and competent staff of the various facilities.
Bwindi Impenetrable Rain Forest National park
Often termed as the Gorilla Habitat has everything for every guest, wildlife, culture, forest exposure and honeymoon hence being the best in the wild beauty. Heavenly sent Bwindi lies at the edge of Kabale district with four main sectors each with different habituated mountain Gorillas and a headquarter briefing point for Gorilla tourists. Accommodations differ for each sector depending on the Gorilla family booked. Therefore all Gorilla tracking tourists should book the right accommodation for their Gorilla families which they are yet to track. Make clear inquiries about the Gorilla family location before booking and making payments for the accommodation. The Batwa are the next thought cultural activity after Gorilla tracking and a right place if you really want to embrace Uganda culture. Travelers get unforgettable experience during mountain Gorilla tracking, forest walks, bird watching but for free evening the park cultural tour to see local women projects, the Batwa and children foundations will add more value to your Uganda Gorilla tour. No tourist is allowed to track Gorillas without a Gorilla permit a legal document which is only booked at the Uganda wildlife authority Kampala office at a cost of $600 during high season and 450 during the low season with effect from 2016. Public transport to the park is affordable and easy though private means & private safaris organized by responsible tour operator are recommended for comfortable with knowledgable guides.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Named after the Queen of England and famous for the Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha is widely regarded as one of Uganda’s Wildlife bliss beautifully preserved for the present and future generation. The remarkable Kazinga Channel which connects Lake Edward to Lake George is a sanctuary of hippos, birds and wildlife & one of the best travelers fun spot during the afternoon boat cruise. Game drives in different park sectors both morning and evening expose all the park attractive wildlife, lions, elephants, buffaloes, kobs, plus the chimpanzees in both Kyambura and Kalinzu forest. However the most exciting moment for tourists here is when they spot tree climbing lions playing up close in tree branches along the Ishasha sector one of the park highlight activity for every guest. The park can be visited year round at similar rates during low and high season but the park activities especially chimpanzee trekking and boat cruise need to be booked in advance to avoid inconveniences on the day planned for the adventure. Good-looking accommodations full of wilderness views wait for you at affordable prices. Excursions to explore Queen Elizabeth are a must as witnessed by different guests year round from different corners of the world. Feel free to visit this park on your way from Bwindi or directly from Uganda’s capital and a minimum of three days, two nights is required for one to be able to have fun in Uganda’s finest wildlife park.
Kibaale Forest National park
Home to Primate diversity invites you to participate in its outstanding Uganda primate safaris tour where you will encounter more than 13 primate species including Chimpanzees, White & black monkeys, bush babies, baboons etc. During the drive to the park Baboons are the sharp primates who took up the responsibility of welcoming guests to the park and guests normally appreciate them by throwing them bytes of bananas and other food staffs. Truly this give them energy and courage to take on the role tirelessly every day and less the entertainment role to other park primates. Birds also help primates to entertain guests by singing late evening and early morning a sound which many travellers say its indeed a nice jungle melody. The Chimpanzee tracking permit cost $150 for 3 hours either in the morning or afternoon though guests who feel like exploring the chimps more go in for the full day chimpanzee habituation program. Get close to your cousins and even get a chance to say hello to each other. Everything is elegantly simple and geared towards relaxation from lodging to activities. Bigodi wetland & the crater lakes are other park activities you shouldn’t miss out while at kibale forest National park. Note Humans share almost 97% of our DNA genetic makeup with most primates and have been observed to exhibit human related behavious in general.
Murchison Falls National a park
Located within just Five hours from Kampala Uganda’s Capital is a home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, kobs, birds, chimpanzees and the mighty falls with Rhino’s en route at the Ziwa sanctuary. No travelers can fail to hike to the top of the falls and enjoy the stunning view of the park might falls. Hidden away in western Uganda, the park has the most exclusive luxury lodge ”Chobe safari lodge & Paraa safari lodge which provide travelers with the exceptional relaxing environment together with leisurely services of the highest level. The boat cruise along Nile spotting hippos, birds and wildlife is a fun activity for both children and grown-ups making Murchison the best destination in Uganda for family holiday’s .Combining your stay with a visit to other parks offers the chance to explore most of Uganda attractions on your Africa travel holidays. Other parks include; Kidepo National Park, Lake Mburo National park, The source of the Nile, Ssese Island and Lake Bunyonyi.
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5 of the Best Mountains to Hike In Uganda
When you think of a safari in Uganda, expect to enjoy not only its big game or mountain gorillas but also challenge yourself in any of this country’s most magical mountains. Uganda features many mountains both block and volcano mountains making it an ideal area for mountaineering adventures. For those of you who are planning to visit this landlocked country this season for gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest & Mgahinga national park, it is important that you also include mountain climbing onto your travel plan and indeed you will have a complete travel experience. Among many mountains you shouldn’t miss to explore while on mountaineering adventure in Uganda include;
Mount Rwenzori
This is also popular as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and features the highest peak in Uganda and the 3rd in Africa. This magnificent mountain lies in western Uganda just at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This mountain range expands for hundreds of kilometers and features massifs like Speke, Baker, Emin, Luigi di Savoia, Gessi and Stanley. A hike to the Rwenzori Mountain summit requires adequate time and physical wellness in you. For a complete hike, you need at least 8 days or more to get to Margherita peak which is the highest peak. It stands at altitude of about 5109 meters and while on its summit, you will be amazed by the dramatic views of its surrounding areas and the snowcapped part of this magnificent mountain. There are many trails that take hikers to the summit and each trail rewards you with amazing views but require different physical fitness levels. Before your actual hike, make sure you do adequate exercise so that you complete your hike.
Mount Elgon
This mountain suitably lies in the eastern side of Uganda just at the border with Kenya. It is one of a kind mountains you need not to miss to hike through.
Mount Elgon stands at elevation of about 4321 meters and features as the 8th highest peak in Africa and 4th tallest in East Africa. Way back, it featured as Uganda’s highest peak but due to continued erosion, its height drastically reduced. The highest peak of this mountain is Wagagai and features the largest caldera in the world. As a national park, it inhabits variety of wildlife species including forest monkeys, birds, buffaloes, small antelope families, elephants a mention but a few. As you go downslopes, you will find caves of various sizes, waterfalls and many water polls.
Mount Muhavura
Photography by Adam Bacher
This is also usually spelt as Muhabura also locally popular to the Bakiga and Bafumbira as the highest volcano on the side of Uganda and second tallest in the 8 Virunga Mountain ranges. It stands at altitude of about 4127 meters and hiking through this volcano is ideal while you are on the Rwanda side and also Uganda. While at the summit, you will have breathtaking views of the surrounding areas especially Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo.
Mount Gahinga
To hike through this volcano, you need about 6 hours for ascent and descent. It stands at elevation of about 3474 meters and features beautiful Crater and giant lobelia. For those of you who may be lucky enough, you can chance to see golden monkeys as they jump around the bamboo forest in this area.
Mount Sabyinyo
This volcano lies at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is best hiked on the Uganda side and due to its rugged terrain as well as many Crater Lakes on the Rwanda and the DR Congo side, it is more challenging for one to hike through this magnificent Virunga Volcano on these two countries. Given the shape of this mountain, it is however known as the old man’s teeth in Kinyarwanda. It derived its name from Kinyarwanda word Iryinyo denoting a tooth and it is notably an extinct volcano in eastern Africa. Around its slopes, there are a number of wildlife including the rare mountain gorillas. You can hike through these three volcanoes while you are on Uganda gorilla safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National park-one of the 4 only national parks in the world where you can find mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat.
In conclusion, Uganda is a true adventure paradise not only does it reward you with breathtaking wildlife encounters, primate adventures but also take you through challenging and thrilling mountaineering experiences. If you are adventure enthusiast, the above mountains should be a must for you to hike through and you won’t regret in life.
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Top 3 Breathtaking Forests in Uganda
Thinking about Uganda a wonderful holiday spot in Africa and its attractions, Rain forests pop to the mind since they house the country’s most remarkable prime attractions that draw hundreds to the country every year. Prepare a week long Uganda safari to some of the breathtaking rain forests for life changing travel experience in Africa. Whether you’re on business visit, ensure to check out one of the fantastic rain forests and experience what it means to hang out in the wild and meet the rare forest habitats. Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, forest walks are some of the expected activities that will occupy your day during your visit to one of your favorite rain forest. You can also do bird watching, game viewing in the close savanna plains which is another added advantage of visiting incredible jungle areas in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Four hundred thirty kilometers south west of Kampala city and twenty kilometers from Rwanda boarder, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the best places in Uganda to see mountain gorillas and know as the finest gorilla trekking destination in Africa. This magical rain forest too impressive not only for gorilla trekking but also bird watching, nature walks hiking and its green vegetation is a home to multiple wild habitats including elephants.
Travelers to this beautiful forest get a chance to experience, learn and cherish the various beauties of this forest to the extent that some dedicate time and money to support its conservation. Besides most Uganda safari holidays go to Bwindi Forest first and later connect to other attractions due to its attractiveness. The main tour activity is gorilla trekking, followed by birding, cultural tours, hikes, nature walks, community visits among others that are open for every guest to the forest. No entrance is paid here but for those on Uganda gorilla trekking tours, a Uganda gorilla permit costs between $450-$600. Remember to dress well for the jungle in long sleeved shirts, T-shirts, Trousers, warm jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Packed lunch and enough drinking water are some of the most carries for the day of your gorilla trek.
Kibale Forest National Park
It’s the best season rain forest for travelers all year round so welcome to the magical natural land of Uganda incredibly if you are a primate lover, then now it’s time to try this beautiful rain forest as the ground is dry in search for the first moving primates-“the Chimpanzees”. Chimpanzee trekking and habituation are the most enjoyable tour activities beyond doubt. There are other primates to catch up with here including Baboons, monkeys, bush babies, and in total over 13primate species are found in this magical forest.
In Africa, kibale forest is one of the best chimpanzee trekking forests and many travelers would highly testify including adventure travelers. While here one can enjoy exciting bird watching in Bigodi wetland which is an additional experience to your visit. Chipanzee permits for kibale cost $150 with no entrance fee charges. Accommodation is plenty and lodges include primate lodge, chimps nest, Kibale safari lodge, chimpanzee guest house among others.
Budongo Forest
The chimpanzee trekking home in Murchison falls national park one of the ultimate places to see the Big five ,lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and the Rhino that you meet first on your way to the park at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Unlike other popular parks in Uganda, but trips to Murchison falls offers 99% chances of meeting both the big five and the chimpanzees of Budongo forest. Chimpanzees in this forest are trekked twice a day both in the morning and afternoon for reasons of conservation and every trek is amazing in its own way.
The best way to explore this rain forest is on foot by taking forest walks to search for primates and other forest habitats. One day is enough for one to explore this lovely forest but if you want to engage in other park activities, three days are the best. Remember, you have to pay for entrance fee herein order explore the park and its rain forest of Budongo. Being close to one of the best kept natural secrets the might Murchison falls, this wildlife safari in Murchison falls national park is the most wonderful.
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