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Experience the classic Ugandan safari
Uganda sits right in the heart of East Africa with a combination of large lakes, forested rolling hills, high mountains, and wide-open Savannah’s. So, for a country that is relatively small in African terms it has a lot going on. It really excels at its level of hospitality you receive wherever you go and its diversity of primates that can be seen in its forested parks like Mgahinga, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest. For most the focus is always Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees both of which are visible here with habituated families that you can trek to but there are many more to look for. These forested areas are easily combined with fantastic parks like the Murchisson Falls National Park which is more a Savannah type park that teems with wildlife on its wide-open grasslands. A cruise on the iconic Nile River through the papyrus lined waterways that are a haven for many bird species the most iconic of which is the odd-looking Shoebill is all part of a safari here. Queen Elizabeth National Park and the remote Kidepo Valley National Park are also great inclusions to any Uganda safari.
Get a taste of it all
Being amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas while an old Silverback looks at you with indifference and then the intrigue and playfulness shown by the youngsters taking the lead from their parents is an amazingly special feeling and right up there for most nature lovers on their bucket lists. Combine this with your more usual safari out on the prolific savannahs of Uganda’s other National Parks and you really have a complete safari experience that is great value. The colour and vibrancy of its people combined with the outstanding geology and scenery of this country, and you will easily see why it is referred to as the “Pearl of Africa”.
What you need
to know
Things that are worth knowing about when traveling to Uganda
Kidepo National Park
The Kidepo Valley is Uganda’s most remote National Park on its Northeastern border. There is little tourist infrastructure here, but it has great game viewing with all the big animals and predators that you would want to see and with few other tourists to spoil the view. Well worth considering.
Mabamba Swamp
If you want to spend time on Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, help support a community conservation and tourism project and see one of Africa’s most sort after birds, the Shoebill then a morning at Mabamba Swamp is a great thing to do. It is an easy 30 min boat ride from Entebbe and sightings virtually guaranteed.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
On the road between Entebbe and Murchisson Falls National Park is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary set up by a private NGO in the 90’s to start the protection and rebuilding of Uganda’s White Rhino Population. It is a good stop off on route to have some lunch here and support their efforts and even go and track some of their rhinos on foot.
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GeneralWhat do I pack for a safari in Zimbabwe? Please remember that there may be luggage weight or size restrictions on your Zimbabwe safari. Before you travel, we shall advise you on what would be suitable for your specific safari as sometimes you may need a wide range of clothing to cater for the different conditions of your safari. If bush walks are a part of your safari, we advise to not wear white or black coloured clothes. What Stone Ruins are in Zimbabwe? The name Zimbabwe translates as “House of stone”. Between the 11th to 15th Century these stone edifices were constructed around the country and were important centres of trade and government. The main ones being Great Zimbabwe, Khami Ruins and Dhlodhlo Ruins, there are many other smaller ones scattered around. Can I walk by myself in the National Parks? No, you cannot, this is only available in designated areas within Mana Pools National Park after paying for a special permit and signing a disclaimer. We do not recommend doing this, you will have a much better experience being accompanied by a trained professional safari guide familiar with the area. Licensed professional guides working for a registered operator are allowed to take you for walks anywhere within the National Parks. What currency is used in Zimbabwe? The currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean Dollar. In tourist areas most transactions are quoted and done in US Dollars with South African Rand also possible. What time zone is Zimbabwe in? Zimbabwe shares the same time zone as the rest of Southern Africa, which is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time – (GMT) + 2 hours, in the Central Africa Time Zone (CAT) Can I use my credit cards in Zimbabwe? Yes, but only really in the main cities or tourist areas like Victoria Falls with Visa and Mastercard the most widely accepted. To buy curios or paying for camp extras like National Parks Fees it is better to have actual cash. What power sockets are used in Zimbabwe? In the cities and safari camps Zimbabwe uses 220V power points in the camps mostly using Type G plugs. If you have an item that runs on 110V, please bring a converter. It is also advisable to bring additional universal travel adaptors and extra batteries.
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VisasDo I need a visa to travel to Zimbabwe? Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the port of entry or apply for an e-visa before arrival. However, some nationalities may have to apply in advance through an embassy.Please check with your Travel Designer to find out if you require a visa to enter Zimbabwe.
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MedicalWhat Vaccinations do I need for travelling to Zimbabwe? At this time there are no vaccination requirements for tourists visiting Zimbabwe – However if you are travelling to Zimbabwe from areas infected with yellow fever, you must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. We will advise the latest regulations before travelling. If you are unsure about what is best for you, please consult your medical practitioner for professional advice on what other vaccinations may be suitable for you. Medical Evacuations? Air medical evacuations are available in Zimbabwe, but it is important that you have medical insurance with this type of remote evacuation cover and declare the details to your travel designer prior to travel. Do I need to take malaria medication when visiting Zimbabwe? Zimbabwe is in a malarial zone so please consult with your medical practitioner a few weeks before your departure on what the best prophylactic for you would be. Some courses of medication may need to be started in advance of your visit to Zimbabwe.
Discover Uganda on safari
We specialise in custom designing your adventure from start to finish. However, sometimes you could use a little inspiration.
Peaks of Africa - Rwenzori Mountains
The Mountains of the Moon on the South Western boundary of Uganda are rugged, beautiful and diverse. They are the highest Non Volcanic Mountain Range in the World with its highest peak, Mount Stanley at 5109m ASL. This is a true Wilderness that can be explored over a 6 night hike walking between rustic cabins and an ascent on Margherita Peak being part of the route.
9
nights
2
camps
Classic Uganda Primates and Plains Safari
Combine the wildlife rich and diverse Murchison Falls National Park for your classic safari experience and then add in the primates of Kibale and Bwindi Impenetrable forest and you have an amazing safari experience with many life long memories.
8
nights
4
camps
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