Category: Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to see big game like elephants, lions, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and antelopes among others.

But it is also the park where safety has been a concern for travelers. Its location on the border with the unstable eastern Democratic Republic Congo does not help matters. For example, in 2019, using Congo as a base, bandits kidnapped a tourist from the park that was released after a negotiated ransom.

Attacks on people by wild animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park have been on the increase, for example an Indian tourist, that perhaps thought the Buffaloes here were as approachable as the domesticated Indian Buffaloes, approached so closely towards a lone buffalo in Queen Elizabeth park and was instantly attacked and killed!

So the question is how safe is, Queen Elizabeth National Park? Well, Queen Elizabeth National Park is quite safe as long as ones exercise caution and follows the park rules. In this article I discuss how to keep safe when on a safari tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park and highlight some of the park rules important for your safety.

Here is how to keep in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Take an armed park guide

If you are on a self drive tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is advised to take an armed park guide for extra protection. The guide knows the behaviors of animals and so he or she would advise and guide on how to approach particular animals, and if the worst comes to the worst, that is in case of an animal attack he or she can use the gun to scare off the animal by firing in the air.

Do not leave the car, especially near bushes

Do not be tempted to leave the car when in the park. Even when the area may look clear of the big animals, a dangerous snake may be a few steps away from you. Only leave the car in gazetted picnic sites within the park, and even then first see that the area and surroundings are free from any animals.

Keep a safe distance from the wildlife

Always keep a safe distance of about 70 meters from elephants, buffaloes, lions, and other big game. 70 meters is considered the comfort zone of most big animals when they will not feel threatened by you.

Do NOT go off the drive track

This is one of the most abused park rules and the cause of most incidents of attacks by animals. The desire to get closer to a distant sighting causes many to go off the drive track. In the process the car gets stuck and travelers are forced to go out of the car, getting exposed to serious danger from animals.

Avoid bright colors such as red

Bright colors like red signify danger for many animals and can trigger an attack. The bright colors will also make you stand out and catch the attention of wildlife. Wear nature blending colors such as green and brown

Do not feed animals. Do not keep fresh food open in the car

Many travelers have the tendency of throwing foodstuffs to animals especially monkeys and baboons. This has embolden the animals that aggress people who carry foodstuffs with them or in the car. Also avoid keeping fresh foodstuffs like fruits and bananas in the open view in the car as these can attract elephants and baboons.

Apply insect repellent

Big game are not the only threat to safety in the park. The mosquito is the number one killer in Africa through causing malaria disease. Apply insect repellent to keep away the mosquitoes and other bugs.

Apply sunscreen

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located along the equator and therefore receives direct sunshine. If you luck melanin ensure you take sunscreen lotion to protect you from sunburn.

Areas of  to be more careful about safety in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Ishasha

Ishasha is the remote area of Queen Elizabeth National park located along the Congo border and can therefore be easily accessed from Congo. The area is famous for the tree climbing lions and offers such a prestine African bush experience. Ishasha is the location where the unfortunate incident of kidnapping of tourist happened. The security services have since established a strong standing on the border. However, take caution while here and if you can take an armed park guide for extra protection.

Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel is one of the biggest highlights of the Queen Elizabeth National Park hosting boat cruises from which tourists are able to see crocodiles, hippos and other wildlife attracted to the channel. Take extra caution while close to the channel as hippos leave the water to graze (in the evening through to early morning)

Animals to be very careful about

Buffaloes

Keep a safe distance from Buffaloes, they are senseless killers who do not need a strong reason to attack as long as you get close. They also do not provide any warning signs before attacking and are very good at ambushing from a bush.

Elephants

Keep a safe distance from the elephants especially if they have calves. You should know elephant behavior especially when they are agitated. Unlike buffaloes, elephants will show warning signs before attacking to give you a chance to back away.

Leopards

A leopard with a cub is potentially the most dangerous animal. If you have seen one with a cub keep a safe distance. Leopards like to spend the day in the tree so before getting close or under any tree first scan it to ensure there is no leopard

Hippos

Of the big game, hippos are the biggest killers in Africa. Hippos come out of the water in the evening to graze all through the night and early morning before returning to the water when the temperatures rise. Simply avoid walking near bushes in the evening. Hippos will quickly attack as long as you get close.

 

Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s foremost airport and until recently had been the only international airport in the country. We now have newly designated international airports in Uganda, such as Hoima, Kasese, Gulu, Arua, Kisoro, Mbarara, etc…, but these are yet to be fully equipped to handle international air traffic. Therefore, as of now, Feb 2023, flights into and out of Uganda go through Entebbe International Airport.

Entebbe Airport turned into a den of thieves and conmen?

The start of the year 2023 has seen Entebbe Airport come into the limelight for all the wrong reasons. There has been an eruption of accusations about corruption and impunity at the airport, that has thrown the credibility of the airport management (Civil Aviation Authority) into disrepute.

Many travelers, especially locals that had been first time fliers have come forward to narrate harrowing tales of how immigration staff played on their ignorance as first time travelers to extort, intimidate and malice. Many travelers narrate how officials at the airport come up with any flimsy excuse to corner the anxious and timid traveler to pay a bribe or else miss the flight. Many travelers have missed flights because they could not afford a bribe.

Over time, fed up travelers have resorted to flying out through neighboring Kenya (JKIA) and Rwanda (Kigali Airport).

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority cleaning the house

The noise eruption has helped get the attention of the top authority of the airport and the country that has set out to clean the house and rescue the reputation of Entebbe airport.

First of all, many staff whose evidence surfaced about them engaging in bribery and other malpractices have reportedly been apprehended and dismissed from the airport.

The Civil Aviation has laid out the requirements for departing and the process of leaving, from arrival to boarding your plane.

What you should have when flying out through Entebbe Airport (2023)

1. A valid passport
2. A valid visa for the countries where it is required
3. An airline ticket (printed on paper or e-ticket on phone)
4. Valid yellow fever vaccination card (in case the destination country requires it)

The requirements may change from time to time for different countries and so travelers are advised to seek additional information from the respective airlines.

What is the process of going through Entebbe Airport for departing passengers?

1. First security stop. This is the main entrance to the airport. Passengers leave the car to go through the security scanner on foot, while the car is quickly searched. The passengers, after going through the scanner wait for the driver on the other side, and goes back into the car after it goes through the gate.
2. Car park access. The car is parked in the public car parking area and the passengers continues to the departure level. Trolleys are available in the car parking area if one needs to use one.
3. Second security stop on departure level. This is point where the traveling passengers are separated from the non-traveling passengers. At this point the traveler shows his or her passport and ticket before they are allowed to proceed to a restricted area.
4. Hold Baggage check point. The bags are screened through the screening machine by the Civil Aviation Authority.
5. Documents verification. Traveler joins the queue where the travel documents are verified. The passenger is required to present the passport as legal identity of the traveler, and the flight ticket showing their destination of travel. The yellow fever card is also presented (in case the destination country requires it).
6. Check in counters and Baggage drop. Once the traveler is cleared, traveler presents the passport, ticket, or visa with stamp for check in. Immigrations check stamps your passport with exit visa, airlines check in will issue you with a board passing after weighing your luggage and issued with a receipt in case of excess luggage which is left at the airline’s counter.
7. Immigration Desk. Responsible for border management and detection of human and child trafficking. Passenger will be required to present passport for exit visa/stamp, boarding pass, and hotel booking.
8. Last security check. Passenger will be required to go through this last security point before entering the boarding gate and any prohibited item will be withdrawn from the passenger.
9. Boarding gate: the passengers will be required to go the boarding gates, 20 minutes before the flight departure. At the entrance of the boarding gate, the passenger will undergo a last check by the Airline prior to boarding to confirm that nothing has changed throughout the process.
10. The passenger will then board the plane.

You can do the chimpanzee trekking in a number of places in Uganda, but, the most popular has been the Kibale National Park which has previously been known to provide the best chances of seeing the chimps. It has therefore been the prime destination for chimp trekking in Uganda. However other destinations have improved the chances of seeing the chimps that they can provide good (or even better?) alternatives to the Kibale National Park, and one such place is the Budongo Forest Reserve.

In the past, no other place could be compared to Kibale National Park, however it is not the case anymore, and in this article, I want to answer the question; what is(are) currently the best place(s) for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda – is it Kibale National Park or Budongo forest? Or there are more alternatives?

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park has for long had the bragging rights of being Uganda’s number one chimp destination. It has Uganda’s biggest population of chimps and was the first destination opened up for the chimpanzee trekking adventure.

It has been the place to consider if you had at least two days and wanted to see chimps in the wild, and so the quick 2-day Kibale chimps tour from Kampala or Entebbe is one of the short Uganda chimp trips to do. The journey to the park is not very long, taking about 5 – 6 hours drive. So, if you leave Kampala or Entebbe by 7am, you will get there in time for lunch and have the rest of the afternoon free and you can enjoy some adventures such as taking a nature walk in Bigodi wetlands, take a crater lakes tour with a hike to a view point, community cultural tour etc… Actually, you can also do the chimp trek this very afternoon as there is an afternoon chimpanzee trekking session starting at 2pm.

Kibale National Park is also well situated on the popular Uganda safari circuit, between the Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, two of Uganda major safari parks. If you are planning a vacation in Uganda, the journey between Murchison Falls Park and Queen Elizabeth is best broken down with the chimp trek at Kibale National Park.

The cons

Expensive chimp permit/ticket – Kibale has the most expensive permit costing $200 for international tourists

Sporadic chimp sightings (poor sightings) – of late sightings of chimps in Kibale National Park have been very sporadic and thus disappointing. Some tourists have reported sighting just one chimp from the whole community, other times just a few individuals high up in the tree canopy, while some tourists have even missed them entirely.

Budongo Forest

Budongo forest is the largest forest in East Africa and is home to Uganda’s second largest population of chimpanzees. The forest has a large habituated chimpanzee group at Kaniyo Pabidi which is located within the boundary of Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s most popular park for big game watching. The big game safari in the park has largely overshadowed the chimpanzee trek as most tourists think of Murchison Falls National Park for safaris, and therefore opting to do most treks in Kibale National Park.

The chimp trekking in Budongo has recently proved to provide the best encounter with the chimps in the jungle. Due to the large habituated community you get to see many individuals and observe their activities.

The Budongo chimp trekking permit is also cheaper costing $130

Budongo forest is about 4 – 5 hours drive from the capital Kampala or Entebbe hence it is closer than Kibale National Park. Therefore the 2 day Budongo chimps tour should be the trip to book if you have just 2 days.

Another advantage that Budongo forest presents is that you can easily combine the chimp trek with a big five safari experience in as few as 3 days. Four of the big five, i.e. Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Elephant are found in Murchison Falls National Park. While the rhino is found in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary that is along the way to Murchison Falls National Park.

Cons

The Chimpanzee trek is done within the Murchison Falls Park and therefore you have to pay an extra $45 – $55 for person and car.

In the past the chimpanzee group would during some seasons venture farther from its territory (at Kaniyo Pabidi) after depleting the food there and when this would happen the chances of finding the chimps reduced. But of late the authority has improved on tracking the chimps and the sightings have been consistent throughout the seasons.

Notable mentions – these places are great for chimps

Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest is an undiscovered good chimpanzee trekking destination. The forest has a sizeable population of chimps and the habituated group is always seen. Kalinzu is located in the west of Uganda near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is therefore easy to combine the chimp trek with a big game safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

If you are planning a trip to track the gorillas in Bwindi National Park and want to include the chimpanzee trek as well, Kalinzu forest is the best situated place for the chimp trek.

Kalinzu is also the cheapest chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda, costing about $50

Cons

It is a long 7 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Kalinzu forest, so it is not an ideal place for a quick 2 day trip. It is best done as addition to the itinerary.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a located on small island measuring about 100 acres on Lake Victoria. The sanctuary is home to about 50 chimps. The sanctuary does not offer your typical chimpanzee trek in the forest, but offers the opportunity to observe the chimps up-close and learn so much about their social structures and individual characters.

The sanctuary is accessed by a 40 minutes boat trip from Entebbe.

If you are want to see and learn about the chimps but cannot go for the trek, I highly recommend visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary. The sanctuary would also be a good place to start from before going for the trek in the forest.

Uganda is praised by many travelers as having the best weather in the world! But how true is this? Well, to put it into perspective, you can have your shirt off all day and stay shirtless in the night without feeling any serious discomfort. Where in the world can you have this luxury?

Located in the tropics, Uganda is blessed to have amazing weather that is simply warm during day and cool at night.

If therefore you are planning a trip to Uganda, weather should not be a big concern but rather the good weather should be one of the reasons to visit for a safari in Murchison Falls, gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking.

What is Uganda’s weather really like?

Uganda is located along the equator receiving direct sunshine throughout the year. One would think with the direct sunshine Uganda would be a hot country with burning temperatures, but the suitably tagged “Pearl of Africa” enjoys some of the most pleasant temperatures throughout the year, the average temperature being about 27^oC (81^oF) during the day and dropping to about 23^oC (73^oF) in the night.

As you plan to travel to Uganda however, note there will be not-so-significant variations in weather and temperatures through the different regions of Uganda.

Central Uganda – average warm weather

You can experience the best weather in Uganda in the central region, especially around Lake Victoria. The cool breeze of the lake soothing away the intensity of the sun’s rays kissing your skin, and maintaining a warmth under the direct sun while a coolness under shade.

If you luck the melanin you have to apply the sunscreen.

The temperature averages 26 – 27^oC (81^oF). However, some months are a little hot with temperature rising to 28 – 29^oC (84^oF). Check here for Uganda’s weather seasons.

The more than warm Northern and Eastern Uganda

As you head farther to the north and north east, the temperatures increase gradually as the altitude drops. The far north east is basically semi-arid with relatively higher temperatures. This (northeast) is the hottest part of Uganda with temperatures rising up as high as to 30^oC (86^oF) during March which is the hottest month.

The north and north east are Uganda’s prime safari regions hosting two safari parks (Murchison Falls National Park & Kidepo Valley National Park). Therefore, you should expect warmer temperatures if you are visiting Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park during the dry seasons (summer).

The chilly and cold West & Southern Uganda

Farther south and western, the temperatures drop gradually due to the increase in the elevation near the Rwenzori mountains and Virunga mountains. The southwestern region has a landscape of rolling highlands. The temperatures are cooler during day and chilly in the evening and morning. Average day temperatures here are 23^oC (73^oF) and can drop to 16^oC (61^oF) from evening to early morning.

The chilly southwest is home to the mountains in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you plan on doing the famous gorilla trek, expect cool and chilly temperatures. You should carry a sweater for the chilly evenings and mornings.