Traveling without a tour leader can be an amazing African safari holiday experience that allows you to discover more unique tourist’s spots of personal interest. Here we have outlined essential tips to help you through your journey:

1. Research Your Destination

Doing deep research of destination of interest is very essential while travelling without tour leader. It is important to Understand local traditions, way of life, culture and believes. In addition, check latest travel advisory for the destination of interest, this is very important for your safety.

2. Plan Your Itinerary

Know what you need to see and experience and plan of your itinerary accordingly by listing key tourist’s sites and experiences you do not want to miss. It’s also important to research about public transportation option if you are not renting a car, Book safari lodges or Hotels in advance mostly during high seasons.

3. Stay Organized

Be organized by the use of mobile applications for easy navigation such as google maps and local guides and translation. In addition, take good care of your travel documents (like copies of your passports, visa approval letters, insurance) is advisable to keep your documents digitally and physically to avoid any unnecessary loss.

4. Connect with Locals

Always Ask for Recommendations from local people, you can do this at your early stage of planning by contacting any reputable tour company and ask for advice and recommendation for sites to visit. Stay InTouch and Engage with local people during your stay, be friendly and gentle and follow local news. Also try to learn some basics of local languages for fun and better experience.

5. Be Flexible

Be flexible by plan adjustment; always be willing to changing your itinerary based on several conditions such as weather, local events, or new recommendations from expert.

6. Stay Safe

Stay safe by knowing the Emergency Contacts, be Familiar with local emergency numbers and know the location of the nearest police station or embassy, in addition, Keep your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Conclusion;

Traveling without a tour leader can be an amazing experience and allows greater personal growth of travel experience, but it is challenging to plan a trip in some destination. Please do not try to travel without a leader if you know that you are not capable to handle tasks, for that case you will need to hire local tour operator to organize a holiday for you. Need assistance with Uganda safari? Then reach out to us.

When it comes to planning African safari, everyone wants to get in touch with a reliable and experienced safari consultants. Here we are introducing to you the best African safari consultants for Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Oima Paul

Safari Consultant

When it comes to Uganda safari consultation then Oima Paul is the right person to talk with. He is the founder and CEO of Four Crane Safaris, Ugandan based local Company specializing in Gorilla trekking, cultural tours, game drives, boat safaris etc, Four Crane Safaris is also recognized as the best tour company in Uganda. Oima Paul has been in safari business for 11 years and he is always committed to simplifying complicated task of safari planning by ensuring that his clients understand what they are paying for and what they expect from trip.He provides quality holiday safari services at affordable pricing which is impossible for other safari companies to match. He his always transparent over everything.

Nelson Nyamai

Safari Consultant

Nelson Nyamai is a prominent personality in African safari consultation with over 16 years of experience. He is the Founder of Terminal Tours Kenya where he provides quality safari services, including Wildebeest migration in Masai Mara. His dedication to providing practical advice makes him one of the best safari consultant in not only in Kenya but also in East Africa and Africa at large.

 

 

Safari Sammy

Safari Consultant

Safari Sammy is Rwanda based safari consultant who is dedicated in ensuring that travelers understand what Rwanda offers and what to expect. He is committed in organizing authentic safari experience in Rwanda. He is the founder and CEO of Serenity Adventure Safaris, a Rwandan based local tour company where he provides quality services to travelers.

Vincent Steven Ashayo

Safari Consultant

Vincent Steven Ashayo is considered one of the best safari consultants in Tanzania; he is the founder of Spirit of Tanzania. Vincent has over 5 years’ experience of planning Tanzania safaris. He is the right person to contact when looking for Wildebeest migration experience in Serengeti.

When it comes to the safari experience, what comes to every travelers mind is Wildebeest migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara and gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable national park. The combination of the two safari activities come up with mixture of memorable Kenya and Uganda safari. However, apart from Gorillas and Wildebeest experiences, there other safaris destinations in both Kenya and Uganda as follows,

• Kibale Forest national Park in Uganda: considered the best reserve in Africa to view chimpanzees, Kibale forest located in West southern Uganda, bordering Queen Elizabeth National park, and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. There are two sectors where chimpanzee tacking is done in Kibale and that is Braiga and Kanyanchu.

Braiga Sector has the newest Chimpanzee family that was habituated few years ago and now available for visitors to track.

Kyanyanchu sector is the oldest of all; it is where most of Chimpanzee tracking takes place.

• Amboseli National park in Kenya: This national park is the home to the big number of Masai giraffes, African bush Elephants, cape Buffaloes, blue Wildebeest, Zebras, lions, Impalas, cheetah etc.  Amboseli National park offers great views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Nairobi National park in Kenya: Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, this is the only African city with national park with over 400 bird species, and it is the home to largest number of rhino.

• Queen Elizabeth National park in Uganda: The second largest national park in Uganda and named after the queen of England. Queen Elizabeth national park is the only the only place where tree climbing lions are found. A view of kyambura gorge while on your hotel is breathtaking experience.

• Lake Mburo National Park: If you are looking for foot guided safari, then Lake Mburo is the right place for your next safari. Lake mburo national park has large number of birds, zebras, Giraffes etc.

Conclusion;

When planning for Kenya and Uganda safari, it is mostly recommended to combine Bwindi impenetrable national park, Kibale forest national park and Masai Mara Game reserve for the superb wildlife African safari experience. We at Four Crane Safaris will assist you to organize a memorable safari to Kenya and Uganda.

Most people are wondering why most travelers flock to Uganda all year round, here we are revealing the secret why most travelers come to Uganda, one of them are  budget Uganda safaris which are affordable to most budget travelers.

Here we have listed the four destinations where one can find the best Uganda safari experiences at affordable price;

3 Days Safari to Murchison Falls national Park

 Murchison falls is the largest national park in Uganda and located in north Western Uganda, its known for its powerful waterfalls, big number of hippos, Gazelles, elephants etc. Murchison falls offers most affordable Uganda budget safaris. The park has budget lodges that offer non self-contained rooms to suit budget travelers need. Fort Murchison Lodge, red Chilli Rest Camp, and Ikorom Safari Lodge are the best Budget lodges in Murchison falls national park.

4 Day Safari to Kidepo Valley National

Another affordable budget safari in Uganda is a trip to Kidepo; it is in north Eastern part of Uganda. The only isolated national park in Uganda. Though reaching their take the whole 12 hours’ drive but it worth it. Kidepo has the best wilderness experience and is considered the best national park to visit in Uganda.  Kidepo Savannah Lodge is the only best budget safari lodge in this national park.

3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park

This national park has the largest number of animals such as hippos, lions, buffaloes, Elephants etc. that can be seen while on game drive and during boat safari. The Bush lodge and Engiri Lodge are the lodges that offer budget accommation options in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

2 Days Safari to Lake Mburo

This is the most affordable Budget Uganda safaris, Lake Mburo national park is the nearest national park to Kampala or Entebbe and it is the only national park where foot safari takes place. Activities include game drive, boat safari, walking safari etc.

Conclusion;

Uganda has other affordable budget safari destinations such as Bwindi impenetrable national park and Kibale forest national park. Combination of these budget safaris will make up a memorable safari experience.

Kampala is the capital and commercial city in Uganda, it is considered the best city in East Africa to live in.

It is located in central Uganda, bordering Wakiso, Mukono and Mpigi District. The main common languages spoken are English, Luganda, Ateso, Kiswahili, Runyankole, and Luo languages.

There are several things to do while touring Kampala capital city and it includes visiting the following places;

Kabaka Palace

This is the Buganda king palace and it is the oldest and biggest palace in Uganda, this palace is located at the center of Kampala city and costs only $10 per person for entry. You will learn Buganda tribe culture and get to visit the place of Armoury built by Idi Amin with help of Israelites, which later he turned into torture chamber; it was built with 5 inches electrified metallic door.

Uganda Martyrs Shrine  

This is the historical religious site where the 32 Christians who refused to denounce their faith were murdered by burning in June 1886 by orders of Kabaka Mwanga the second. Thousands of Christians gather here from whoever the world each year 3rd June to commemorate the lives of those who lost their lives.

Kasubi Tombs

This is the royal burial site for Buganda Kingdom; there are four royal tombs in Muzibu Azaala Mpanga which is the main building. The site was former palace of Buganda King built in 1882 and converted into royal burial site in 1884.

Uganda Museum

This is the largest and oldest museum in Uganda, located in at center of Kampala just next to Uganda wildlife Authority headquarters.It displays past and present Uganda natural historical heritage.

The sites listed above are few summery, there are many other things to do while in Kampala such as Baha’i Temple, Visiting local markets, Sightseeing tours, visiting Parliament of Uganda etc.

Wildebeest Migration in the African continent is known by many as the World Cup of Africa. This migration happens in Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara game reserve and this is the main reason many tourists flock to venture into Kenya and Tanzania for the wildebeest Migration safari experience that happens around mid-year.

How it Works;

How Does The Great Migration Work?

Migration is the movement of animals such as wildebeests, and zebras in search of water and green pastures. Wildebeest migration normally starts in July to October every year.

Can The Migration River Crossings Be Predicted?

Crossing river migration cannot be predicted as some of the wildebeest arrive at the river and start swimming immediately, some arrive and hang around for some time but some arrive and turn back immediately that is why no one can predict the migration river crossing.

What Month Is The Wildebeest Migration?

Wildebeest migrate all your round but the best months are June, July, August, September, and October, this is when the biggest number of wildebeest migration happens.

Where Does The Great Migration Start?

Because wildebeest migration happens year-round, the start and endpoint of this journey is unknown.

Why Do Wildebeest Migrate?

The wildebeest Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania is caused by a lack of water and grass, therefore the reason why Wildebeest migrates is to look for water and pasture.

What Months are the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya?

Wildebeest migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara starts in July every year and goes for 3 to 4 months till the end of October.

When to go for Great Migration in Tanzania?

Wildebeest's great migration in Serengeti National Park takes place between May and December. Wildebeest in Serengeti migrate towards the Masai Mara game reserve in a clockwise direction before returning to the Ngoro Ngoro conservation area.

Does Migration happen in Uganda?

Uganda does not have great wildebeest migration, most safari tours made in Uganda are primate-focused excursions such as gorillas and chimpanzees.

Uganda is known for its incredible wildlife experiences such as gorilla trekking, game drives, boat safaris, and chimpanzee trekking, this has contributed to the growth of many beaches with most of them located in the Entebbe area.

Below is the list of 5 best beaches in Uganda;

1. White Sandy Beach

 Located just a few minutes’ drive from Entebbe International Airport and opposite the luxurious protea hotel opposite the UN base. This beach receives large numbers of visitors mostly over the weekend. While on white sand, you will be surrounded by a peaceful and scenic environment, and experience fine African food, luxury dining, and entertainment with Uganda music.

2. Lido Beach

This is one of the oldest beaches in Uganda and is also located in serene Entebbe city, a few kilometers away from the airport, it’s also near to white sandy beach. This is the perfect place for family gateways during weekends and Christmas holidays. Lido Beach has several sports activities that will keep you active all day long.

3. Spennah Beach

This beach is known as Party Beach, one of the most visited beaches in Uganda, most parties are held over the weekends in Spennah Beach such as birthdays, weddings, engagements, and introduction parties.

4. One Love Beach

owned and operated by a musician who is now a politician known as Bobi Wine it’s among the most visited beaches in Uganda and it’s located in Busabala. The activities done on this beach include volleyball, playing football, sunbathing, etc.

5. Lutembe Beach

This beach is ideal for relaxation, it is an amazing place for bird watching since it is near to Lutembe wetland, I home to hundreds of birds, and is also known as a bird Sanctuary.

Conclusion:

There are several beaches in Uganda that one can choose for relaxation holidays. Most of them are located in Entebbe, Kampala, Sseses island, and Jinja source of the river Nile.

Uganda is a safari destination preferred by seasoned travelers since it’s not congested when compared to countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya where Lodges in national parks get booked to the fullest.

There are several safari lodges in Uganda ranging from low budget to high-end luxury. Here are the low-budget of our top most favourable safari lodges and hotels in Uganda.

1. No.5 Boutique Hotel.

When planning for a safari in Uganda, it’s important to plan for either pre-departure or pre-arrival accommodation. This hotel is a luxurious hotel in Entebbe which is just 15 15-minute drive from the airport.

What to do While in No.5 Boutique Hotel:

• Birding at Botanical Gardens
• Visit Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Zoo(UWEC)
• Beach relaxation etc.

2. Paraa Safari Lodge

Established in 1954, Located in Murchison Falls National Park in the Paraa area overlooking the natural beautiful river Nile. This safari lodge offers luxury accommodation at an affordable rate with each of the rooms a haven of style and serenity with a private balcony and bathrooms.

What to do while in Paraa Safari Lodge:

• Game Drives in Murchison Falls National park
• Boat Safari to the bottom of waterfalls.
• Hiking to the top of waterfalls
• Birding etc.

3. Kyaninga Safari Lodge

Located in Fort Portal a few kilometres from Kibale Forest National Park, the home of chimpanzees overlooks Lake Kyaninga with a backdrop of mountain Rwenzori. Kyaninga Safari Lodge is ideal for high-end travellers.

What to do while in Kyaninga Lodge:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
• Cultural experiences
• Visit to Twin Lakes
• Bigodi swamp walk etc.

4. Mweya Safari Lodge                                                                                                    

Located in the peninsula at the centre of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya safari lodge is one of the best luxury safari lodges in Uganda. The rooms are spacious enough and each room comes with a private bathroom and private balcony. This safari lodge is surrounded by mountains of the moon the Rwenzori mountains and lies at the great Rift Valley hills offering visitors a nice view of the savannah.

What to do in Mweya Safari Lodge:

• Game drives
• Boat safaris
• Chimpanzee tracking
• Lion tracking etc.

5. Gorilla Leisure Lodge.

Located in Bwindi impenetrable national park, this lodge is only a few years old. Gorilla Leisure Lodge turns out to be our best luxury lodge in Bwindi. The rates are pocket-friendly when compared to other luxury lodges within this region. Gorilla Leisure is built in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi's impenetrable national park.

What to do while in Gorilla Leisure Lodge:

• Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi impentrable Natioanl park
• Batwa Cultural experience
• Birding etc.

5. Kigambira Safari Lodge

Built in the southern part of Lake Mburo National Park which is one of the nearest national parks to Entebbe International Airport, Kigambira Safari Lodge is an eco luxury property near Lake Kigambira.

What to do While in Lake Kigambura:

• Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
• Boat safari
• Horseback ride etc.

6.  Apoka Safari Lodge.

Located in Kidepo Valley National Park an isolated national park in Uganda, Apoka was the first luxury lodge built in this national park. Staging at Apoka Lodge disconnects you completely from the city noise.

What to do while in Apoka safari lodge:

• Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park
• Cultural Experiences etc.

In Conclusion;

Uganda has a lot of safari lodges with each national park having over 10 lodges giving you an option to choose what fits your budget from the variety.

Africa is well placed as a safari destination with its richness of various types of wildlife, Africa has developed from a failed continent to now a safari holiday destination. Game drives, boat cruises, primate tracking, and cultural experiences are major activities that drive travellers to Africa. Though Africa is rich in wildlife and unique cultures, not all the African countries offer that amazing wildlife experience you are looking for. Here is the pick of our best African countries for spotting Wildlife.

• UGANDA:

Located in East Africa, bordering Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR Congo and South Sudan.In 1908 Winston Churchill the former British prime minister named Uganda the pearl of Africa in his book titled “My Journey”. In his book, he talked about the magnificence, colour, life, birds, reptiles, insects, beasts, mammals, and vegetation. Uganda was praised by every European explorer.

In Uganda, travellers get to see almost every type of animal that exists in the African continent, Uganda has a number of primates such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees etc. Organizing wildlife trips to Uganda is simple as there are lots of established tour companies that can assist you in organizing a Uganda safari for your stay in this African country.

WHERE TO VISIT IN UGANDA?

Uganda has 10 well-established national parks that are all visited by tourists, here is the secret of national parks to visit.

Murchison Falls National Park: This park is located in northwestern Uganda, it’s the largest national park in Uganda. Murchison has animals such as lions, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Elephants, warthogs, and Hyenas mention but a few. Not only Game drives are done here, but Murchison Falls National Park also offers an amazing boat safari to the bottom of waterfalls and scenic views of the top of waterfalls.

Kibale Forest National Park: This national park is located in Western Uganda, Kibale is home to thousands of primates, and this is the best rainforest to view chimpanzees. Cultural experience is also done in nearby villages of Kibale Forest.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: It was named after the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places to do game drive, it also offers chimpanzee tracking in nearby Kyambura Gorge at a cheap price, Lion tracking, and tree climbing lions can be seen in this park with Kazinga Channel offering afternoon boat safaris.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This is home to over half of the mountain gorilla population, Bwindi is the most visited national park in Uganda. Taking the safari tour to Bwindi is an amazing wildlife experience also termed a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” The afternoon Batwa cultural experience in Bwindi is rewarding.

• SOUTH AFRICA

Located at south southernmost tip of the African continent, this is where a combination of wildlife game drive and culture takes place. Not only about wildlife safari, but South Africa is also rich in history with the western cape offering beaches, forests lagoons etc.

WHERE TO VISIT IN SOUTH AFRICA?

South Africa has 20 national parks which are spread across the country, a few of them mentioned below;

Kruger National Park: Located in northeastern South Africa, Kruger is one of the most popular and biggest national parks in South Africa and is considered the largest game reserve in Africa. Kruger has a high volume of big 5 animals, lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalos etc.

Mountain Zebra Nation Park: Located in eastern Cape province, this national park was established in 1937, as the name sounds, it’s the home to mountain zebra which were endangered in Cape province.

Addo Elephant National Park: One of South Africa’s amazing wildlife reserves, Addo Elephant National Park offers elephant safari experiences. It’s the third largest national park after Kruger National Park.

• TANZANIA

Located in East Africa, bordering Uganda, Kenya, the Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. Tanzania is the home to the famous mutation Kilimanjaro. Tanzania offers an amazing safari experience, most of the booked holidays to Tanzania are focused on the wildebeest migration experience. Most wildlife safari take place in Serengeti National Park.

Conclusion:

There are other African countries that offer amazing wildlife safari experiences including Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana etc. Combining several of these destinations will give you a more rewarding wildlife safari experience.