Where is Uganda

Uganda is land locked country in Africa. Uganda is located in the East African region that borders Kenya in the East, Tanzania, Rwanda in the south , Sudan the north and in the west DRC  Congo. 

 Uganda lies along the Equator  and the famous lake Victoria the largest fresh lake in the world is located here shared by the 3 east African countries.  Uganda is  a beautiful  country  with enviable flora and fauna showcased at different spots and corners of its boundaries. It is home to the biggest population of the prized Mountain Gorilla, the primate chimpanzees, beautiful weather, source of the mighty River Nile, Africa's largest fresh water body- Lake Victoria, lush greenery, landscapes, vast wildlife, birding experiences, cultural showcase, Uganda is good for  adventure safaris ,  peaceful the with the happiest people in the world. This can be seen where you travel at beaming faces and throughout with  enviable nightlife and much more.

 When you encounter  the world,  yet  you asked this question “where is Uganda” For us who are marketing Uganda for Uganda safaris tourism this question keeps on coming and this tells us that less is  known  about Uganda. A more serious marketing strategy could work to the advantage of the Pearl of Africa. At the Uganda stands in different Travel Expos  this question arises  in the  tourism expos.  However tour operators try to sell Uganda to  buyers from  all countries of the world. At one time Uganda was known for bad past associated with its dark past, identified with fallen statesman Idi Amin.

Some of the people who have visited our stall are ignorant about Uganda. Some of the tourism agents have asked us if Idi Amin is still living . Some still have stories about our dark past so we are telling them that that is part of our history but it is behind us and that we have a stable country and a diverse tourism product we as Travel Hemisphere as an indigenous tour operator  we usually explain to potential tourists tending to come to Uganda.
 Uganda needs all the showcasing it can get because it is under marketed and under exploited. "We have a diverse product. We have only been selling the primates, that is, the chimpanzees and gorillas but we have Mountain Rwenzori, the Victoria Nile, name it, the white water rafting in the Famous River Nile , the Ever best climate along the Equator where can find temperate conditions, the vast Savannah grasslands, Uganda is home of primates – mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys lots of monkey species and a 1000 bird species.   

http://www.travelhemispheres.com/tours/where-is-uganda.html

Facts about Chimpanzees of Uganda

Facts about Chimpanzees of Uganda

Chimpanzees are found in 21 countries in Africa. They used to be found in 25 countries and it is estimated that within 20 years 10 countries will have lost all their chimpanzees.
There are only 5000 chimpanzees left in Uganda. 94.4% of sub-counties in Uganda have more people than all the chimpanzees in the whole country.
Chimpanzees and other primates can be seen in Uganda more easily than anywhere else in the world. They already attract many tourists and researchers that are visiting Uganda and generate revenue.

Chimpanzees share 98% of human genes making our closest living relative.
Chimpanzees give birth every 3-7years and look after their infants for 10 – 12 years before they are old enough to survive on their own.
Chimpanzees live in communities that split up and join again later unlike gorillas who stay together.Chimpanzees are major gist of Uganda safaris and tours.

Chimpanzees have cultural differences –communities have different life styles.
Chimpanzees can use tools, they use rocks to crack nuts, sticks to fish for termites, and make sponges from leaves to soak up water for drinking from hollows in trees.

Chimpanzees are an endangered species because they are rare and declining rapidly across Africa. International laws protect chimpanzees because they are threatened by extinction. Their main cause of decline is due to the activities of people for example: growing crops and grazing for domestic livestock Furthermore, forest concessions are sold to timber companies from the developed world, some of which practice clear cutting, turning forest habitats into desert.

Our Lost cousins primates of Uganda

Primates like chimpanzees, baboons monkeys are our cousins by all looks . As a ugandan have you visited any of national parks where your cousins stay. Remember if a vaccine is to be introduced to our human bodies , they are the ones who face the all the wrath of the medicine and its effects until if cannot affect them, then to humans. Is it not enough to give them a courtesy call! Visit#Kibale national park, #kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth park, #Budodongforest park and enjoy your stay with them.

Primates have over 90% genes of human kind. So these animals are close to us that other creatures on earth. However animal MAN  is finishing their habitats where they have stayed for all their life. We as humans beings should take note that once these primates are finished on earth then what has swallowed them wont fail to take us too. Assuming it is plague  where shall the medicine vaccine be tested to know that it will not affect human beings.

 To have short visit at KibaleForest National Park is a habitant to 13 species of primates including Chimpanzee, a crobatic Red Colobus monkey, black and white and L’Hoest’s are the Park’s major tourist attraction. There is also an opportunity to track habituated Chimpanzees, closely related to humans than to any other living creature. Birders are in for a treat with 375 species including the Prirogrine’s Ground-thrush, low spotted nectors yellow rumpled tinker bird, little green bill, green breasted pitta, the African pitta.The Bigodi is a paradise for bird watchers and Uganda safaris . Actually skilled birders can spot up to fifty new species on a bird list. Today, 200 species of bird have been recognized within the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Among the major bird species within the sanctuary is the grand Blue Turaco the crowned eagle and the black bee-eater, dozen of antelope and many more species

The Bigodi Wetland is, located in Magombe swamp and the name was derived from a local Rutooro word`Kugodya`which means to walk tiredly .It was recognized for a extensive array of the biodiversity where several primates species like the red colobus monkey, baboon, black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey grey cheeked, mangabey, vervet monkey, red tailed monkey and the L’Hoest monkey. Also, Mammals such as chimpanzees, Sitatunga, mongooses, bush pigs, otters and bush bucks do visit this swamp coming from Kibale Forest National Park. The swamp is a habitant to 200 species of birds .The Bigodi Wet Land swamp is a paradise for bird watchers. Skilled birders can spot up to fifty new species on a bird list. Among the major bird species within the sanctuary together with the grand Blue Turaco which can be sighted a long guided walks trail.

White Water Rafting in Uganda

River rafting is one of the few outdoor adventure sports that requires absolutely no expertise or experience on the part of the client - all you need is the guts and you can take on any rapid up to a Grade V (the most extreme that a commercial company is allowed to run) without ever having held a paddle before. Uganda provides for the best white water rafting environment in the world. Uganda is blessed with source of the longest River in the world – The Greta River Nile. The source of River Nile is at Jinja in Uganda and provides for the best rapids as the river is at high speed current that forms rapids. With help of trained guides anybody can carryout rafting.The only person who needs to know what they are doing is the guide, who steers the boat. Provided you do what they tell you, you will get down the run. If you are not a strong swimmer, you will be wearing a life-jacket, so if you fall out you will be picked up by one of the back-up safety canoes which accompany the boat. Assuming that you don't get stuck under a rock, that is. As you start rafting , your briefed what it entails. There are two types of rafting trips: where the guide does the paddling (with a giant set of oars, shouting at you to throw your weight left, right, back or front as needed), or where you do the paddling. There is no contest between the two types - in a boat where you do the paddling it is all action; do the wrong thing and the boat will flip or you will fall out. It is also more physically demanding. Generally you need to be fit to get involved in this exercise. You do not have to be in top shape, but rafting companies will not take anyone with epilepsy, bad hearts, dislocating joints, severe asthma, or other chronic medical problems. Be honest about this when filling in the application forms and liability disclaimers before going - it is very, very rough once you get down in the water. Just humble your self and will enjoy one of the best uganda safari expeditions of your life time. Cool down and listen to your guide instructions. It takes short time and you’re a master of yourself. The rest of the boat will respect you. If you are doing the Zambezi, eat under the thatched cover when you stop on the bank for lunch - the monkeys in the trees above have learned it is fun to pee on the people and food below . Downtime - being under water in a rapid. Grades I and II - easy; Grades III and IV - scary; Grade V - wow!. Grade VI is not open for commercial rafting. Grade VII is un-navigable. All rafting companies provide decent lunches for clients as part of day-trips. For longer runs (some routes are up to 20 days) you generally camp (cold countries) or sleep out on the sandbanks under mosquito nets (hot countries). Food is cooked by the guides, but you put up the tents (theirs) and provide your own sleeping bags. Rafting is a year-round activity, if you have the money to travel , will enjoy rafting in Uganda throughout the year. Uganda lies astride the equator. This gives al year around climate of hot and wet that favour rafting all year around.

Why Uganda is the Coolest Safari Destination in East Africa

Uganda is a hidden gem and was definitely not the first African country that came to mind when we were looking for a once in a lifetime way to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. However, the more digging we did, the more we were convinced that Uganda was the best choice for a safari in East Africa. Kenya and Tanzania may have the Big 5, but Uganda has so much more: iconic apes and gorillas, hundreds of fascinating bird species, lush fields of tropical fruits at every turn, and four of the Big 5 animals not to mention the happiest people in Africa. Reflecting on our trip, we are convinced that Uganda is the coolest safari destination in East Africa. Here are 12 reasons why. 1. Track Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas The number one reason to visit Uganda is to trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas. There are only about 800 mountain gorillas left in the wild with half of them in Uganda. Yes, you can also trek to see gorillas in Rwanda and the Congo but Uganda is an ideal place to see mountain gorillas with treks ranging from ‘easy’ to extremely challenging. 2. Spend a Day with the Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest Uganda is not just about gorillas. Meet chimpanzees, humanity’s closest relatives, in Kibale National Forest. There is also full day chimpanzee habituation trek. Deep in the forest,. Staying mostly in the treetops, the chimps came down periodically and are in the dense forest as they went about their business. 3. Go Bird Crazy in Uganda Uganda is also heaven for birdwatching and is the premier destination in East Africa for birders with over 1000 recorded species. You don’t have to be an avid birdwatcher to appreciate Uganda’s avian wildlife. Uganda’s birding is very accessible with many species sunning themselves on power lines along the roads. Uganda’s national parks are also a great spot for twitchers. Crested cranes are often seen in pairs as they mate for life. Given that this was our 20th anniversary trip, we now consider the crested crane to be our personal mascot. 4. Search for Shoebills, the Most Awesome Bird in Africa! The shoebill is the most crazy, bizarre, and simply awesome bird I’ve ever seen. Uganda features over 1000 species of birds but there is one bird at the top of many birders bucket lists: the venerable shoebill. Uganda’s shoe-billed stork is endangered and elusive. Your best shot of seeing a shoebill is in Mabamba Swamp about an hour’s drive from Entebbe. 5. Pop the Top and Look for The Big 4 (and More!) in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to four of the Big 5 safari animals: leopards, lions, buffalo, and elephants. We personally saw three of the big five: 3 lions and countless buffalo and elephants. The buffalo and elephants were especially abundant and in contrast to Kenya and Tanzania,. Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to the Ugandan kob, an antelope featuring a stunning set of striped horns. 6. Cruise the Hippo-Filled Kazinga Channel Running through Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kazinga Channel is another of Uganda’s safari gems. Expect to see hippos by the hundreds as well as herds of buffalo and elephants. We also encountered crocodiles with razor sharp teeth and a Nile monitor lizard roaming in the grasses near the channel. Two hour cruise on Uganda’s Kazinga Channel is one of the top experiences during our East African safari. 7. Admire Volcanoes Where Uganda, Rwanda and The Congo Meet The scenery in Uganda is simply stunning and changes daily as you drive across the country. We saw rolling green fields (not dissimilar to the landscape in Ireland), papyrus swamps, semi-arid savanna, and thick forests. The Virungas lie at the intersection of three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The pinnacle of the highest peak is shared by all three countries. 8. Sample Matoke, A Ugandan Staple Food Matoke are green bananas (kind of like plantains). They are not edible in their raw form but instead are steamed in leaves and mashed as a side dish to accompany spicy Ugandan stews. 90+ percent of Ugandans are subsistence farmers and grow all manner of food in Uganda’s fertile soil. Matoke is a local staple. We saw large plantations of palm-like matoke trees growing along the roadside. 9. Bite Into the Freshest Mangos and Pineapple You’ll Ever Taste Because the land in Uganda is so fertile, Ugandans cultivate a wide range of crops. Locals also pick wild fruit and sell it at the roadside. The most tasted ,freshest and sweetest mangoes and pineapple that are ever tried in Uganda. 10. Take a Walking Safari in Uganda’s Lake Mburo National Park Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest savanna park. They are countless zebras and newly introduced giraffes from the comfort of the safari vehicle. Because there are limited numbers of predators in the park, Lake Mburo offers walking safaris. 11. Straddle the Equator Not Once But Twice On the southwest of Uganda, you cross the equator not once, but twice. Of course, where you can get an obligatory picture of me standing in one hemisphere . 12. Tour Western Uganda’s Community Run Bigodi Swamp On your trip to Uganda, your impressed with the people that you met along the way. There is time out for a 3 hour guided walk through Bigodi Swamp. Bigodi Wetlands is situated near Kibale Forest and is run by KAFRED, the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development. Bigodi Wetlands is a protected area at the edge of the community and features an incredible variety of birds and primates.

WHY EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT UGANDA BEFORE HE/SHE DIES!

Uganda is a highlights reel of the African landscape. With its dense misty forests, snow-peaked mountains, glassy lakes and sprawling savannas, it’s no wonder Winston Churchill dubbed this the ‘pearl of Africa’. While mountain gorillas are the allure for many visitors, there’s an astounding variety of attractions for tourists. Having stepped out of the shadows of a deep dark past under Idi Amin and the Lord’s Resistance Army, Uganda is no longer a country to be feared – and widely regarded as one of Africa’s safest destinations. Whether it’s wildlife safaris, trekking volcanoes, white-water rafting or just kicking back on the beach, Uganda has the best of Africa covered. Here are four unmissable Ugandan experiences – and where to find them: Gorilla Tracking One of the quintessential Uganda experiences is tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and nothing quite prepares you for the first glimpse of black fuzz amidst the dense foliage. The adrenaline kicks in when you’re up close to the imposing figure of a silverback and it’s all very Dian Fossey-like when curious babies peek through leaves and twist, turn and somersault for your entertainment. Gorilla permits will set you back a hefty US$600 but don’t think twice about forking out for this genuine once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Keep in mind that a portion of the fee goes to the park and gorilla conservation initiatives, helping to ensure their survival. All the animals, minus the crowds While it lacks the recognition of its big-name neighbours like Serengeti and Kruger Park, Uganda’s national parks boast all the animals, minus the crowds. Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest park where you can follow up your morning wildlife drive with a cruise on the Nile to the base of the falls – the perfect way to spy elephants, buffalo, crocs and loads of hippos while you relax with a beer on the boat. Head to Queen Elizabeth for a better chance of spotting the elusive leopard or otherwise its trademark tree-climbing lions. Few tourists make it as far north as Kidepo Valley, but those who do are rewarded with not only the best selection of animals, but some of the most spectacular scenery in Uganda. And if you’re hoping to tick off the Big Five, add Ziwa Sanctuary to your itinerary to get up close to white rhino, which you track on foot. Adventure by the bucketload Adrenaline junkies can get their fix any way they like in Uganda. The source of the Nile is a magnet for white-water rafting enthusiasts where you can plunge down Grade-5 rapids or otherwise kayak or try the white-knuckle jet boat ride. Those who prefer a different kind of plunge can opt for bungee jumping by Bujagali Falls. Trekkers can test their endurance tackling the Unesco World Heritage-listed Rwenzori Mountains, evocatively described as the ‘mountains of the Moon’ with stunning views of the equatorial mist as your reward at the top. For more treks try Mount Elgon National Park or the dramatic Virunga volcanos where the borders of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda converge. Adrift Adventure can sort out all your white-water needs while the good folk at Rwenzori Trekking Services will assist with your trek to the moon. Scenery to die for Once the safari addiction wanes and your body needs some r&r from those bone-jarring bus journeys, Uganda has some beautiful spots for resting up. Magical Lake Bunyonyi has intoxicating views where the mist hangs low over terraced hillsides and dugout canoes glide through the still waters. Ssese Islands in the oceanic-sized Lake Victoria is where you’ll find some of the finest white sand beaches and burning sunsets – the kind of place you’ll want to seek out a hammock and bring a good book. Then there’s stunning Sipi Falls in eastern Uganda, which is earning a reputation for its uninhibited views of the crashing falls. Don’t miss the coffee tours, where you’ll be shown the end-to-end process at a local coffee plantation, culminating with a delicious steaming cuppa while watching the sun set over banana plantations.

Poaching of Elephants continue in Uganda

Police arrests three over elephant poaching Death toll from Oyam accident climbs to five held over elephant poaching The elephant according to the police was killed by unknown people in the area last week but the trio removed the tusks and started looking for market.Suspected poachers display with elephant tusks at Nwoya police station. The police in Nwoya district have arrested three men over alleged poaching and illegal possession of wild life products. The trio identified as Ayella Bob, Okello Eric and Otema Justin are all residents of Anaka village. It was at this point that the Natural Resource Conservation Network leant of the deals and alerted police. According to Otema, they were going to sell the tusks at sh300, 000 a kilogram, one tusk weighs 27kg and the suspects had two. The elephant that was killed by unknown people in Murchison Falls National Park .The suspects according to police have been transferred to Gulu police station. "Elephants are under threat with an increased demand for ivory both locally and international market, half a dozen of elephants are killed every year by ivory hunters from the national parks like Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison and Bwindi.

ON THE LOOK OUT OF THE INHIBITED SHOE BILL STOCK.

Whale Headed stork is unusual ,impressive and captivating and main concern number one for any birding safaris in Uganda . With a world population estimated of 12000- 15000 individuals , the bird belongs to Appendix ii of cities and is classified as a globally near - threatened species . Shoebills are initiate only in nine African countries and their range extends from south Sudan ,through Uganda and western Tanzania to south east Democratic Republic of congo and north west Zambia .In Uganda the shoebill has turned out to be the chief tourist attraction which leads to uganda birding tours . It has been recorded in the following areas. Queen Elizabeth National park and Lake George. Frequent in the swamps north of lake George and the shoe bill swamp west of the Hamukungu fishing village as well as swamps on lake Edward. Kyambura Wildlife Reserve. Commonly on the shores of Lake Goerge and occasionally recorded on a fresh water crater marsh ,kineraSemliki Wild life Reserve.It has recored on the edge of reed beds near to the mouth of Semliki Riiver close to Ntoroko fishing village and on lake Albert. Lake Mburo National Park. Quite a lot of pares recognized to crop up in the papyrus swamp elongated in the river Ruizi. Unusual bird within the park, but encountered in the flooded seasonal grass swamps as well as clearings in stable swamp. Nabugabo Wet Land, Masaka District. recorded in marshes nearby to Lake Nabugabo and expected to be normal. Mabamba Bay, On the sea shore of Lake Victoria, is the Mabamba Bay wetland casing about 17,000 hectares of an breadth of miscanthus—a type of grass inhabitant to tropical and subtropical region—but more regularly known as papyrus. The open water in a shape of a canal, is worn to trail birds and away in Busi island that is a dwelling to over 40,000 people. Murchison Falls National Park. It is one of the most excellent places to see shoebills and wildlife safaris.In 1997 a total of 15 birds were counted in one day. Ajai wildlife Reserve ,Nebbi district –reported by local people from swamps near to the Nile River. Lake Nakuwa,soroti,Kamuli district –common in the swamps but highly mistreated by the local people for food and for sale. Lake Bisina, Kumi district - the far reaching swamp has not been surveyed .The most recorded were four pairs with young at the edge of the lake. Lake Opeta,Katakwi,Mbale ,Kumi and sorotiMajorswamps along Lake Victoria shores The predictable shoebill population in Uganda birds is between 350 – 400 breeding pairs however the population of sparse available information shows that shoebills have very specific habitat requirements in terms of vegetation cover. They mainly roost inside papyrus swamps but feed in fairly open places with thick but short floating vegetation. In addition to that about 3.2squarekms of appropriate habitant to breed. A mixture of these factors hinders the allocation of shoebills to curbed areas within apparently fit habitant .even here, the population size can only remain small .Like all long-lived birds shoebills have low recruitment rates requiring many years before becoming and will easily abandon their nests with eggs or young at the slightest provocation.

A key threat to the continued existence of the species is a lack of information a bout the birds .In addition to this ,habitant loss is a particular problem .This results mainly from conversion of wet lands to agriculture .Also swamps are burnt for cultural reasons in search for grazing ,hurting and fishing among other reasons .These fires are mainly set during the dry season , but is not un common to find a wetland burning in every month of the year. These fires decimate any eggs or chicks that may be on the nest. Up till now ,another problem the birds face is direct harvesting for food and trade –shoebills are trapped and / or shot in some areas of Uganda .This is especially true in the areas a round Lake Bisina and Opeta and the northern fringes of Lake Kyoga.Shoebill hunting for food is more widespread than hunting for trade. There is also some persecution of the birds due to a belief in the fishing communities on Lake Kyoga that sighting a shoebill casts a bad omen on fishing endeavors. Therefore , in order to minimize the chances of sighting shoebill ,they are usually hunted and killed. Travel Hemispheres arranges birding safaris for anybody that may be interested.

SPECIAL PLACES FOR BIRD WATCHING IN UGANDA BIRDING SAFARIS

Many people are yet to appreciate that bird watching is the fast growing tourism sector that is worth more than $ 5b .From the source of the white Nile on Lake Victoria to the snow capped Rwezonri range,the montane forest of the virunga volcanoes to the desert plains of Karamonja .Uganda is famous for birding uganda safaris an Equatorial country of astonishing contrasts No other area in Africa can match its amazing diversity of habitats and this richness is reflected in the ever-burgeoning bird list of over1000 species .Amongst these are many special birds , such as she bill and the numerous spectacular endemics of the albertine rift valley that are difficult or impossible to find elsewhere. Today many tour operators and guides have included them in their itineraries and travel hemispheres limited is one of the tour operators who use them and some of them includes; Mabira Forest where one can see more than 300 bird species .Within an hour one can see more than 100 birds in the forest. Mabamba at lutembe Bay on lake Victoria , as you head to the air port is ideal. It is home to the shoe bill ,one of the most attractive birds to tourists. It is a small area but is a place where migrant birds rest Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in the south west offers some of the finest montane forest birding in Africa and is a key destination for any birder visiting Uganda safaris. Amongst the numerous possibilities are no fewer than 23 of Ugandans 24 Albertine Rift endemics, including spectacular , globally threatened species such as African Green Broadbill and shelley’s crimsonwing ,many known from no other site in East Africa .some of the birding areas in bwindi are Ruhija and buhoma area. Semliki National Park in the western side known as the true birders haven. Sempaya and Ntandi provide excellent viewing of the birds including the white – crested Hornbill Dwarf Hornbill ,piping Hornbill ,Yellow – throated Nicator ,Great blue and Ross’s Turacos .The shoebill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert and forest walks are good for tracking water birds. Kibale Forest National Park. It boasts 372 bird species of which 60percent are recorded Uganda’s Forest Birds.The forest is superficially similar to Budongo although a number of species are more easily a vailable here.watch for flocks of the rare and localized white – naped pigeon in fight overhead or sunning themselves in the teetops in the early morning .fruiting trees attract aplethora of frugivores including Afep pigeon ,Nrina Trogon and Pied.