Where is Uganda? Uganda is located in East Africa and is situated on Africa's equatorial belt. It is a small landlocked country that borders Kenya to the East, Rwanda and Tanzania to the South, Congo to the West and South Sudan to the North. It shares the second largest lake in the world, Lake Victoria, with Tanzania and Kenya.
Why choose Uganda for Safari? Africa is a continent with a plethora of amazing landscapes, wildlife and cultures, that's why choosing an African destination for safari can be challenging and must be carefully decided. Uganda is unique for many reasons but is mostly distinguished from other African safari destinations because of its high concentration of closed canopy rain forests and the abundance of wildlife found within it that are absent from other African countries.
Less than 800 mountain gorillas are left in the world and are found in three african countries, Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Approximately 450 gorillas call the Virunga range, shared by all three countries, their home. The rest of the mountain gorilla population is found in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest in Uganda (approximately 350 animals) making it the most desirable country for mountain gorilla viewing. Uganda has an astonishing 13 species of primates, 250 species of butterfly and over 1,000 species of birds including the magnificent Shoebill Stork pictured below.
The size of the country limits Uganda from having grand sized migrations however Uganda also has game parks filled with Africa's savanna species giving visitors the best of both types of safaris.
What is the weather Like? Uganda has a wonderful tropical climate and has two season wet and dry, which occur twice a year. The hottest months are December to February and the longest rains occur in late September through November. Depending where you are, temperatures range from 72 to 85 degrees during the day and if in the mountainous rainforest region areas can dip in the low 60's at night.
Is Uganda safe? Uganda has been an acceptably safe travel destination since Museveni came into power in 1986. In fact, Lonely Planet named Uganda the # 1 travel destination for 2012! Tourism is a big portion of the countries income and therefore the government takes visitor safety seriously. Health concerns are the biggest risk on safari, all precautions should be taken when preparing for your journey to, and while in, Africa, i.e., take any prescription and malaria medications necessary, use mosquito nets, follow W.E. instructions on animal, food & travel safety.
How about accommodations? Uganda standard accommodations has four levels and are rated as follows: Up Market -Moderate -Budget and Shoestring. Accommodations for our safaris are Moderate level Ugandan standard and in some areas may be considered Up Market. All lodging & camping have en suite facilities and linens. Beds are twin sized unless a double is requested. Although single lodging can be requested when available, most lodging is based on double occupancy (two people per room, each with a single bed), see single supplement rate on Itinerary Page.
What food to expect? Uganda has delicious fruits and vegetables a variety of meat choices and the meals are prepared fresh daily. Meals range from African style buffets, menu orders, packed lunches (while connecting from park to park) and beautifully prepared meals in tented camps while in the bush. There is plenty to eat during meal time and Wildlife Experience provides granola bars, samosas and water while en route.
What about Vegetarians? Yes, there is always a vegetarian option.
How can you offer this safari at such a low rate? Our mission is to increase environmental awareness for the welfare of our planets wildlife species and their future. When people have the opportunity to see animals in their natural environments a connection occurs that strengthens our respect and deepens our kinship with all living things. Therefore more people should have the opportunity to experience Uganda at a rate that's affordable. We do our very best to keep our costs down so that more people can participate in our safaris.
How do I start? OK here's how it works.
Step 1: Decide if Uganda is your desired African destination (call or email Beverly with any questions you may have).
Step 2: Send in deposit for your trip. Due to the high demand for Gorilla and Chimp permits it can take several months or longer to secure permits. A 20% deposit is required. Once permits have been purchased and confirmed there is no deposit refund. A minimum of four participant deposits are required before permit requests are made for each safari. Trips are filled in deposit receipt order. We accept deposits on an ongoing basis until our trips are full, however January 15th is the deposit deadline for our 2013 safaris. If you choose to take The Batwa Experience instead of gorilla tracking, all of the above deposit requirements and restrictions apply.
If you want to join one of our safaris after the deposit deadline date, call us for space and permit availability.
Step 3: Receive your Information Packet in the Mail. This packet will guide you with Passport, Visa, Health & Vaccinations, Packing Tips, Money Exchange, General Travel Tips, Travel Insurance and so much more for your safari.
Step 4: Send in remaining balance with signed Terms & Conditions release form enclosed in your Information Packet.
Step 5: Begin Visa & Vaccination processing. Book International flight to Entebbe.
Step 6: Arrive in Entebbe where your journey begins … leave the rest up to us!
Do you offer trip Extensions? Absolutely, there is much to see & do in Uganda! Trip extension can be arranged depending on your time, interests and budget. Call Beverly for a consultation.
Wildlife Experience, Inc.
P O Box 532
Oak View, CA 93022
Tel/Fx (805) 649-5384
wexperienceinc@sbcglobal.net