THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO UGANDA

Uganda is in east-central Africa and about the size of Great Britain. The country is populated by dozens of ethnic groups. The English language and Christianity help unite these diverse peoples, who come together in the cosmopolitan capital of Kampala, a verdant city whose plan includes dozens of small parks and public gardens and a scenic promenade along the shore of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake.

The country’s diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Its abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees as well as rare birds. Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as hippos.

Just like any other destination, you need to know a few things before you travel. Below are some of the things you should know about before going to Uganda.

Visa requirement

Just like other countries, you will need a visa before entering Uganda. The only difference is that it might be a little easier to get. The visa can be processed online using e-visa application form on the website of Uganda immigration or else you may acquire it upon entry either at the airport of borders. The visa usually costs $50 for a period of less than 3 months.

Make sure you don’t forget to carry your yellow fever card as it is required. Those who don’t have might be put into quarantine and administered the vaccine. I guess no one would want to go through all this when on there vacation to the country.

Getting around

Transport price is much fair in Kampala from public taxis to motorcycles “bodaboda”. You could also opt for special hires like uber, quick taxi or taxify. And just like any other big cities, traffic can get really crazy in Kampala. If you are in a rush, I would advise taking a “bodaboda” and these are able to take you up to your exact destination.

Social life

people in Uganda especially in Kampala know how to have fun and party like there is no tomorrow. Bars and clubs are always open throughout the week, beaches fully packed over the weekend, cinema halls to see your favourite movie, you have a variety of options to choose from while in Kampala. The cost of living is not expensive, you will be able to enjoy most of the things around.

Be street smart

Regardless of how friendly people are, you will need to take extra precaution as you walk on the streets of Kampala. Tourists are normally charged highly when making any purchase so be sure to use your bargaining skills, you might just get the product at an unbelievable price.

Hospitality nature

People in Uganda are so hospitable and very friendly, so expect to see people smiling at you now and then. Expect glances as you move around and if you are from the western countries the locals will call you “mzungu” which means a white person. Some might even want to engage you in a conversation if you are up for it and will most definitely be willing to offer help if you need it. However, a few people may expect some coins as a thank you tip.

Dress code

Basically, there are no restrictions on what you should or not wear. Anything decent is fine. You will only be required to cover up only when visiting places of worship like Namugongo martyrs’ shrine, Gadhafi mosque, Bahai temple among others.

Languages

Uganda is a multilingual country with over 50 languages. It is a country full of diversity in terms of tribes, each tribe has a different language and culture. But the majorly spoken language in Uganda is Luganda which was originally only for Baganda but now widely spoken by other tribes too.

English is the official language and is spoken by most of the citizens.

Currency used

The Ugandan shilling is the official national currency. Us dollars are acceptable in some high-end places, but I would advise using shillings for day to day transactions, so as not to be cheated in regards of exchange rates. Credit cards are accepted in some places more so big businesses and more especially in tourism and hotel business.

With the above information, I hope you now know what to expect while in Uganda. Feel free to contact us in case you need to know more about this great country.

Sipi falls Mount Elgon National Park Eastern Uganda Blog Manya Africa Tours

SIPI FALLS

Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa, northeast of Sironko and Mbale. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border.

Sipi region is a starting point for many mount Elgon expeditions. The most popular route starts in Budadiri and follows the Sasa trail to the summit and then descends the Sipi trail back into the Sipi Falls. Sipi falls hike takes you through a series of 3 waterfalls and you shall be met by beautiful views of the falls, some fitness level will be required. Hikes around the falls offer stunning views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and the slopes of Mt. Elgon.

Being around mount Elgon comes with a variety of activities to the mainstream river activities in and around Jinja. Rob’s Rolling Rock, a local outfit trained by Italian climbers offers abseiling along the side of the main 100m Sipi waterfall as well as climbing on 14 bolted sport routes with a range of difficulty. Other activities include hiking around the local area and visiting the local waterfalls.

The Sipi River is named after the ‘Sep’, a plant indigenous on the banks of the River. Resembling a type of wild banana, Sep is a medicinal plant, the translucent green frond with a bolt of crimson rib is used for treating measles and fever.

Pick and roast your own coffee

The Sipi Falls area is particularly famous for locally grown Bugisu Arabica coffee. Bugisu Arabica only grows at an altitude of between 1,600 and 1,900 metres. Coffee tours are organized through guides with knowledge of coffee farming, processing and roasting. Profits from this go towards community projects.

While on coffee tours around Sipi, tourists get a chance to visit the coffee plantations and learn about how coffee is grown, how long it takes to mature and the harvesting process. From the farms move to the community where the harvested coffee is dried and then later roasted. Finally, the brewing process and then coffee is served. How exciting it is to take fresh coffee! you pick the coffee, roast it, pound and then brew.

2 Blog Manya Africa Tours Uganda & Rwanda Safaris Tours

SAFARI GAME DRIVES IN UGANDA

A Game Drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife in comfortable 4×4 open safari land cruisers or land rover and offers a great wilderness feeling. It is one of the exciting activities to do in Uganda, as it gets you closer to nature.

Game drive in Uganda is done in the savannah national parks and game reserves. Some of these include; Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Pian Upe Game Reserve. Some of the animals living in these destinations include; Lions, Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Cheetah, Hyena, Wild Dog, Bush Pig, Warthog, Reedbuck, Dik Dik, Eland, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Zebra, Bushbuck, Duiker, among many more.  Some savannah bird species include; Abyssinian ground hornbill, Red-throated bee-eater, Black-headed gonolek, Grey Crowned Crane among others. However, not all this wildlife can be spotted in one park or reserve, but one sure thing is that all have something unique to offer.

Game drive safaris in Uganda usually take place in the early morning and late afternoon, during the coolest times of the day when animals are more active. After an early morning coffee at your lodge/camp, you and your safari guide set off in search of Savannah wildlife game – elephants, giraffe, zebra or other herbivores browsing on bushes or grazing on the plains, or predators still dining on last night’s kill. The afternoon game drive follows afternoon tea and culminates with one of the most enjoyable of safari traditions – the sundowner!

Night game drive safaris are possible in a few wildlife reserves with the permission of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). These include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. The night game drives offer a whole new dimension of the safari and allow guests to experience the mysteries of the bush after dark. Tourists shall expect to see rare nocturnal creatures such as the Bush Pigs, Genet Cat, White Tailed Mongoose, Hyena, Hippo, Porcupine, Civets, Bush Babies, Various Reptiles, Owls, Night Jars, an elusive Leopard or other predators that are on the prowl in darkness.

Apart from Uganda, Manya Africa Tours offers game drive safaris to all other East African countries. Contact us now and we will help you organise a perfect game drive trip to your preferred destination.

Elephant crossing the road in front of Manya Africa Tours vehicle

Do you love to plan safaris and give visitors the time of their life? Do you understand what tourists need and would like to experience on a tour? Do you love to promote Uganda and East Africa as a tourist destination?

Company: Manya Africa Tours

Position: Safari Planer and Marketing Assistant

Qualification; DEGREE IN TOURISM related studies

EXPERIENCE: 2 years, if possible in the same job

Knowledge of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Congo.

Requirements

• Must be good in preparation of Itineraries and ready to confirm the trips.
• Must be familiar with activities of all above countries.
• be able to work independently or in a team, very good interpersonal skills
• must be a hard worker
• must deliver work on time by answering inquiries
• must be ready to work under pressure
• good English grammar and must have excellent writing and oral communication skills
• excellent skills in Excel, word, G mail, creative writing on social media
• be able to identify the needs of the company and be able to market the company products and services both online and physically
• German language would be a perfect add on for our team

If you feel that you are the right candidate for us please send us your cv with a cover letter about why we should hire you and what are your special skills to info@manyaafricatours.com.

Stellenausschreibung als Praktikant oder Trainee in einem Reiserveranstalter in Uganda.

Planst du gerne Safaris und möchtest du gern Gästen, die Zeit Ihres Lebens bereiten? Verstehst du, was
Touristen brauchen und auf einer Tour erleben möchten? Möchtest du Uganda und Ostafrika als
Reiseziel fördern? Suchst du eine neue Herausforderung nach dem Studium?

Unternehmen: Manya Africa Tours
Position: Praktikant, Volunteer oder Trainee als Safari Planer und Marketing Assistent
Qualifikation: Abschluss in einem Tourismusstudiengang
Erfahrung: keine Erfahrung notwendig (aber von Vorteil) aber selbstständiges Lernen und Arbeiten sind
Voraussetzung
Kenntnisse in Uganda, Kenia, Tansania, Ruanda (Kongo und Burundi von Vorteil)

Wir suchen jemanden, der folgendes mit bringt

• · Sehr gute Deutsch Kenntnisse in Wort und Schrift
• · Muss gut in der Vorbereitung der Reisen sein und Anfragen in Buchungen umwandeln können.
• · Muss mit den Aktivitäten und Gegebengeiten der genannten Länder vertraut sein oder

zumindestens in der Lage sein, darüber zu lesen und Informationen sinnvoll umzuwandeln

• · in der Lage sein, selbständig oder im Team zu arbeiten, sehr gute zwischenmenschliche Fähigkeiten
• · muss eigentverantwortlich arbeiten
• · muss in der Bearbeitung von Anfragen zeitnah antworten können
• · muss unter Druck arbeiten können
• · Gute englische Grammatik und ausgezeichnete schriftliche und mündliche Kommunikationsfähigkeiten
• · Hervorragende Kenntnisse in Excel, Word, G-Mail
• · in der Lage sein, die Bedürfnisse des Unternehmens zu identifizieren und die Produkte und Dienstleistungen des Unternehmens sowohl online als auch physisch zu vermarkten
• · muss kreative und überzeugende Posts und Ads auf Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Google business, Instagram) schreiben können

Was wir bieten:

Freie Unterkunft in Kampala, plus nach Leistung angemessene Entlohnung
Ein dynamisches Team mit langjähriger Erfahrung im Tourismus von Uganda und Ostafrika
Ein kleines Unternehmen, indem man einen Einblick in alle verschiedenen Bereiche bekommt, nach dem
Motto jeder lernt bei uns alles

Wenn Du der Meinung bist, dass du der richtige Kandidat für uns bist, sende uns bitte deinen Lebenslauf
mit einem persönlichen Anschreiben an info@manyaafricatours.com.

RHINO TRACKING AT ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a merged initiative between rhino fund Uganda, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Ziwa Ranchers Limited to restore Uganda’s rhinoceros’ population. The sanctuary is in Nakasongola district in the Kafu River basin and is about 80 kilometres north of Kampala.  It covers an area of 70 square kilometres and is surrounded by a 2meters high electric fence to keep intruders away from the sanctuary.

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary was established in 2005 to reintroduce the southern white rhinoceros to Uganda. The long-term goal of the sanctuary is to “build a sustainable rhinoceros’ population and relocate rhinos back to their original habitat in Uganda’s protected areas”. The sanctuary offers a secure place where rhino populations can be expanded by breeding, protected from human and non-human predators and gradually re-introduced into Uganda’s national parks. The public can see these great animals (one of the big 5) as the project also moves forward.

There is a team of about 78 trained park rangers and security guards who keep a 24-hour watch on the rhinos to ensure their safety. Apart from the Rhinos, the sanctuary is also a home to at least 40 mammal and reptilian species including Monkeys, Antelopes, Hippopotamuses, Crocodiles and numerous bird species.

Rhino trekking is the major activity done at the sanctuary and takes from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on where the rhinos are that day. The activity is done in the company of an armed ranger guide to ensure the safety of the tourists since these animals get aggressive sometimes. As you trek the rhinos, you will expect to spot other animals living in the sanctuary as well as different bird species. The activity costs $50 per person for foreign non-residents.

There are some tourist facilities around the sanctuary like; Lodges, Guesthouse, Campsite and Restaurants for those who would wish to relax.

THE BATWA PEOPLE

THE BATWA PEOPLE

The Batwa people are an endangered group of people around Echuya Forest Reserve in south western districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Kanungu, Bundibugyo and Rukungiri. The Batwa were forest dwelling hunter-gatherers based in the great lakes region of central Africa and are believed to be the original inhabitants of the region. As their traditional forest lands and territories fell under the control of agro-industries and conservation agencies, the Batwa became squatters living on the edges of society. The establishment of the Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks for Mountain Gorillas in 1991 to protect mountain gorillas pushed the authorities to evict the Batwa from the forest.

The Batwa population in Uganda is about 6000. The size of the Batwa is quite different from other tribes in Uganda, the men and women rise to an average of four feet or less in height, the tallest man among the Batwa would be the shortest among the neighbouring community, the Bakiga. Traditionally, the Batwa lived as hunters and gatherers, residing in temporary huts and caves, deriving sustenance from forest resources like honey, wild fruits, mushrooms and vegetables. Each clan collectively owned an area of forest within which they derived food and herbal medicine for their sustenance.

The Batwa reside in about 53 separate settlements falling within 41 villages. On average each settlement is composed of about 10 households. The household sizes range from single to 17 member households. Despite living in different settlements, the Batwa have strong social relations and recognize themselves as a community. Marriages normally take place within the clans though marriage among members of an individual settlement is rare because of the close relations amongst such persons. Batwa still practice social norms and customs normally associated with clanship like majority of other tribes in East and Central Africa.

Tourists who visit the southwestern part of Uganda usually participate in activities like gorilla trekking, hiking, golden monkey trekking. But on top of the common activities, they also add Batwa community visits to their plans such that they can of their culture and donate different stuff to them like clothes, soap, salt and also support them buy buying their locally made handcrafts.

HIKING AND NATURE WALKS IN UGANDA

Uganda “the pearl of Africa” is a land locked country in east Africa that has a lot of natural attractions the range from animals, birds, mountains, lakes, waterfalls among others. All the above attractions call for different activities while visiting the country like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, boat trips of the lakes or river Nile, nature walks, hiking, birding to mention but a few. Today, I talk specifically about hiking and nature walks because some people wish to go away from the monotony of the vehicle and get in touch directly with nature. Nature walks in Uganda can be done in a lot of places but the best places are in the national parks or game reserves where wildlife is in abundance. Below are some of the places you could hike while in this wildlife rich country.

Mount Elgon National Park

The park is a home to mount Elgon, some primates, birds and various rare tree species. Elgon area topography is mostly highlands. There are various trails within the park that tourists follow as they discover the park.

The bamboo trail: this is a 7kilometer trail that leads to the Kapkwai caves. Along the trail, expect to spot some primates like monkeys, various forest bird species as well as trees. There is a trail that leads to the Tutum caves with an option of camping overnight beside the cave. There are also trails that lead to the top of mount Elgon (Wagagai peak).

Mount Rwenzori National Park

The park is made up of a range of mountains with the highest being Mount Stanley (Margherita Peak). The park provides opportunity for nature walks within the central circuit zone. These include; trails up to Lake Mahoma and Buraro chimp forest; walks through the communities of Kichamba to reach the Karangura ridge; and hiking to Bundibugyo area through Bwamba pass.

The surrounding communities like Ruboni offer guided forest walks of different length depending on the clients interests outside the park. Visitors can follow the River Mubuku and have views of Baker and Portal Peaks (if the weather is clear) as they hike up to 2,300m above sea level. On a clear day it is even possible to view the snow-capped Margherita Peak – a truly spectacular sight. Along the way, keep an eye out for three horned chameleons, squirrels, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and several forest bird species like the Rwenzori Turaco.

The commonly done activity within the park is the 7 days Margherita peak hike. This takes you through the park up to margherita peak, 5109m (Africa’s third highest point) and you will be meet by the magnificent beauty of the vegetation, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and huge rocks.

Lake Mburo National Park

This is a savannah park that is open for hiking activities which are done in the company of an armed ranger guide. Some of the places where the walks are done include the salt lick at Rwonyo, the banks of Lake Mburo; you will expect to spot animals like hyenas as they return to their den, hippos as they go back to the water, Rubanga forest; you will expect to spot various birds species and some monkeys and the hilltop that offers great lake views.

Mgahinga National Park

The park is south west of Uganda and is commonly known for mountain gorillas. The park is part of the great Virunga conservation area and is a home to 2 virunga volcanoes that is Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabinyo. Hiking around the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes gives visitors the chance to spot forest birds, the Rugezi Swamp, wild vegetation, bamboo forests and glorious views of the surrounding lakes and agricultural villages.

A hike through the forest to the deep Sabinyo Gorge offers good birding opportunities and the chance to find the Rwenzori Turaco. This walk takes four hours and passes through the Rugezi Swamp which is fantastic for bird watchers.

The walk to the Congo border transcends different vegetation zones. Hikers can sight the calderas on top of the Gisozi hill, look out for Kisoro and Bunagana towns and be captivated by Lake Mutanda.

The golden monkey track is a gentle steep but an interesting two-hour trek through former farmland to the bamboo forest. On a clear day, you may view the great Virunga massif.

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is about 766 km2 in size with primarily moist evergreen forest. Kibale National Park is in the Southern part of Uganda about, 320 kilometres from Kampala. Kibale National Park is a home to approximately 325 species of birds which include the olive long-tailed cuckoo, Western Green tinker bird, African and Green-breasted and African Grey Parrot. It is also a home to 13 species of primates, at least 60 other species of mammals. The visits to the park are mainly paid to the endangered chimpanzees. While visiting the Chimps you can get to see other primates including the red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, Uganda Mangabey.

All the attractions with in and outside the park are discovered by walking. When chimpanzees and other forest residents rest up at dusk, a night time shift of rarely seen creatures becomes active. Night walks though the darkened forest use powerful torches to seek nocturnal creatures such as the potto, bushbaby, nightjar, cricket and tree hyrax, with its chilling shriek, as well as the occasional civet or serval cat. Night walks leave the camp at 7.30pm and last between 1-2 hours.

Semuliki National Park

Semliki National Park is in the remote part of Bundibugyo district in the western part of Uganda in the Albertine Rift. The vegetation in this park is tropical rain forest and swamps.  Semliki National Park is a home to more than 400 bird species, and some of these are the Forest Ground Thrush and Sassi’s Olive Greenbul, Long-tailed Hawk, Forest Francolin, Nkulengu Rail, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Black-collared Lovebird, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Brown-crowned Eremomela among others. About 60 mammal species live in this park and some of them are buffalos, leopards, hippos, Mona Monkeys, water chevrotains, bush babies, civets, elephants among others.

There are several trails around the park that tourists can hike;

The 13km KirumiaTrail runs through the heart of the forest to the Semuliki River. This 8 hour round trip starts at 8am and is perfect for birders.

The 13km KirumiaTrail runs through the heart of the forest to the Semuliki River. This 8 hour round trip starts at 8am and is perfect for birders.

The 11km Red Monkey Track follows the park’s eastern border – a stronghold of the rare deBrazza’s monkey and to the Semliki River.

Along the 8km Sempaya Nature Trail, you can view the hot springs and primates. This 2-4 hour hike can take place in the morning or afternoon.

With all the above options, you can choose to do a hike wherever you wish while visiting the pearl of Africa.

BOAT RIDE IN UGANDA

Uganda is in East Africa with Kampala as its capital city. Uganda “the Pearl of Africa” embraces many ecosystems, from the tall volcanic mountains of the Eastern and Western regions to the densely forested swamps of the Albert Nile River and the rainforests of the country’s central plateau. Uganda is bordered by South Sudan to the North, Kenya to the East, Tanzania and Rwanda to the South, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the West. The capital city, Kampala, is built around seven hills not far from the shores of Lake Victoria, which forms part of the frontier with Kenya and Tanzania.

Uganda’s Lake Victoria in the South Eastern part of the country is the world’s second largest inland freshwater lake by size after Lake Superior in North America. Victoria is also one of the sources of the Nile River. Five other major lakes exist in the country: Edward and George to the South West in Queen Elizabeth National Park; Albert to the West; Bunyonyi and Mutanda in South Western Uganda; Kyoga in Central Uganda; and Bisina in the East. Together with the lakes, there are eight major rivers. These are the Victoria Nile in Western Uganda in Murchison Falls National Park; the Achwa, Okok, and Pager in the north; the Albert Nile in the North West; and the Kafu, Katonga, and Mpongo in the West.

All the above lakes offer opportunities for boat rides. Below are the places where great boat tours in Uganda are usually done;

Kazinga channel: This is a 40-kilometre-long water body in Queen Elizabeth National Park and joins Lake George to Lake Edward. The cruises usually take from 2-5 hours and tourists get opportunities to explore the water and the abundant wildlife on the shores. Some of the animals around the shores include; Hippos, Buffalo, Elephant, Waterbucks, Crocodile, Monitor Lizard among others as well as various water bird species like; African Spoonbills, African Skimmers, Cormorants, Martial Eagles, Pelicans, Papyrus Gonoleks and many more.

The Ssese islands: Ssese island is made up of 84 islands in the north western part of Lake Victoria in Uganda. tourists are treated to incredible sights and sounds in form of tropical rainforests, several bird species, Chimpanzees, and Monkeys among others while on a trip to the islands. These trips are also characterized by snack foods, beverages and entertainment, making them wholesome.

Lake Victoria: Lake Victoria Sunset cruises are conducted on the lake are so exciting and offer beautiful views of the sun over the lake. These cruises usually begin from Entebbe as tourists head out by boat towards the Equator line or local islands to view the sun set over the horizon. Tourists on this cruise can also expect to see several bird and primate species along the shores of Lake Victoria as well as enjoy the snacks, beverages and entertainment provided on the boat. Boat cruises offer tourists with a wholesome relaxing experience because on top of the usual wildlife sights and sounds, as they enjoy the cool breeze from the water body.

Victoria Nile: the Victoria Nile is in Murchison Falls National Park and starts from the bottom of the falls to the point where it joins Lake Albert. A boat cruise on this water body has a lot to offer. Participants shall expect to spot wildlife along the shores like Elephant, Buffalo, Crocodile, Hippos, and some antelope species living in the park as well as various water birds like Marabou Stork, African Fish Eagle, Cormorants, African Jacana, Pied Kingfishers, Pelican, Hadada Ibis among many more. Some cruises go up to the bottom of the magnificent Murchison Falls, it offers great scenery views and great spot for photography.

Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda: These lakes are in South West region of the country. They have several islands on them and with great history that is interesting to learn about. The cruise on these lakes offer great birding opportunities.

River Nile: The boat cruise on the river Nile in Uganda is done in Jinja. This cruise takes from 1-2 hours and leads to the source of the river. The cruise also offers great birding opportunities, you get to spot some of the bird species that live in the vegetation around the riverbanks.

Enjoy your stay in Uganda and take relaxed boat trips on any of the above lakes depending on the region you are at.