Elgon National Park(1145 Sq km) isbetween 1,460- 4,320 metres above sea level. It is anexitinct volcano and the highet mountain in East Africa.The park has magnificent water falls, gorges, hotsprings, caves and is a home to over 300 Bird species and numerous wildlife varieties.

For years, mount Elgon remained the exclusive domain of the serious backpacker because good birding trails were non-existent and relatively intacthabitat a long day’s hike from the nearest road. This neglect by birders was further compounded by the presence of productive, more accessible forest areas in south western Uganda.

With the recent construction of the “Forest Exploration Centre” at Kapchorwa allowing birders access to excellent montane forest, this site can easily be incorporated into a 5-6 day “Eastern Extension” that includes the localities
for Fox’s Weaver and the arid savannah around Moroto.

The mountain is excellent for hiking and does not require any climbing equipment or skills. Full trekking course takes about 4 to 5 days to complete but there also 3-7km route that take 3days. The Sipi falls not far from the park are an addition to your experience.

The trekking circuit has 5 camping sites along it in addition to the accommodation at Kapkwata rest house and the Forest exploration centre.

Kidepo is located in the extreme northeastern corner of Uganda on the border with Kenya and Sudan and is not only one of Uganda’s most impressive parks but is also the most remote park in Africa. It covers an area of 1442km2 and the scenery is more like the arid savannah found elsewhere in East Africa than the lush Greenery of Uganda’s other National Parks.

It can be reached by air and by road thus visitors are guaranteed an almost private safari. With 80 species, Kidepo supports a wider diversity of mammals than any other Ugandan park and the animals you should expect to see include zebras, herds of elephants and buffalo, dik-dik, lesser kudu and waterbuck. Sightings of lion and giraffe are common, while more rare is the possibility of seeing leopard and cheetah.

The game viewing is particularly spectacular during the dry season when the animals remain in one valley, overlooked by Apoka safari lodge, ornithologists the official checklist includes 462 species with verraux’s eagle, the lammergeyer and five different species of hornbills amongst them. Kidepo, due to its remote location is unique park that enchants the few who reach there and it would almost definitely be the high point of any African safari.

One of Uganda’s newest National Parks, located in the northern foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, Semliki is composed primarily of tropical lowland forest.

Visitors will be treated to spectacular views as the road descends the Rwenzoris from Fort Portal some 46km away. On arrival in the park they can visit the hot springs and small waterfalls of the area or enjoy a forest walk, often seeing black and white colobus, red tailed monkey and baboons as well as other primates. For the enthusiasts there are over 400 species of birds and approximately 300 species of butterflies that can be seen.

Also from the park one of the surrounding pygmy communities can be visited although due to the large number of visitors in the past this is often a fairly contrived experience.

Semliki is mainly for those who want to get off the main tourist circuit, and is ideal for wildlife special interest groups.

The Rwenzori Mountains or Mountains of the Moon are 120 km long and 48 km wide and were forced up during the creation of the East African Rift Valley system. Subsequently over time the erosive forces of rivers and glaciers have left the spectacular range that can be seen today.

Containing Africa’s third highest peak (Margherita at 5109 above sea level), and several vegetative zones, plainly demarcated by temperature and altitude, and easily apparent to the hiker, the Rwenzoris have for visitors more than merely the spectacular scenery that can be admired along the route.

A typical Rwenzori hike would comprise a “Central Circuit Trail” (about 6-7 days) with the option of scaling a peak (extra 1-2 day), although shorter hikes can be arranged (2-3 days) for those merely wishing to experience a taste of this spectacular range. Accommodation along the route is on bunk beds, in huts that sleep a maximum of 15 people. It should be stressed that even on the circuit, altitudes of over 4000m are reached and during the hike other difficulties from marsh and mud to scree and steep descents mean that the trip should not be taken lightly.

Despite the presence of porters to carry food and equipment, hikers should be prepared for an often arduous but ultimately rewarding trek and should come fully prepared both physically and with the right equipment - warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy walking boots, sleeping bags, woolen hat and gloves etc: (further details available on request). It should also be noted that the dry seasons (July-August and December - February) are by far the best times to tackle the trip and outside these times a hiker’s enjoyment may be impaired by poor weather and adverse conditions.

Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest National Park at 33.7sq km, and sits in the southwest -corner of the, country on the Virunga range of volcanoes bordering Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The three-country Virunga conservation area contains approximately half the remaining world’s population of mountain gorillas and these are the main attraction for visit to the park.

The vegetation is typical of afro-montane comprising a montane forest’ belt, a bamboo zone, an ericaceous belt and an alpine zone thus making it suitable for a range of other mammals including the rare golden monkey, buffalo and elephant, although the latter are rarely encountered by visitors.

Mgahinga provides six gorilla tracking permits per day, and although these are bookable in advance it is only expected, and not guaranteed that visitors will see the gorillas, as they move over the border to Democratic Republic of Congo for an average of 1-2 days per month. Thus suitable for those who are unable to secure permits for Bwindi and are very keen to see the gorillas, and are willing to take a chance.

As well as the gorilla viewing available, the park offers the opportunity to climb one to the Volcanoes, take a nature walk or visit the caves within the boundaries.

Rules and Guide Lines for Queen Elizabeth Safaris and Tours

Dos and Don’ts While IN the Park

• Light fires only at the fire rings at the campsites.
• Do not bring firearms or ammunitions into the park.
• Do not bring pet animals into the park.
• Do not litter.
• Stay in your vehicle except at designated areas.
• Do not drive more than 45km per hour.
• Do not start fires or throw cigarettes ends.
• Get your permit before entering the park.
• Drive only between 7:00am and 7:00pm and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Give animals right of way and don’t disturb wild life.
• Do not sound your horn.
• Do not pick or cut any plants or animals.

When to come

The main safaris seasons run from December – January and July – August, for kenya vacation and holiday schedules. The Great Migration of Wildebeest and Zebra usually reaches Kenya’s famous Masai Mara during month of July – August. October – January is the best time for beach holiday, as there is less seaweed and tides are low.

Passport & Visas
Passport should be current and valid for at least six months after your stay in Kenya. Visas are required but not to all countries. Before you travel, you should request or check visa requirements from any Kenyan Embassy, Consulate, or High commission, or British embassy where there is no Kenyan embassy or liaise with your travel agent/tour operator.

Money
The number of shillings to the US Dollar, Sterling Pound, Euro and other currencies varies often, but follows the Central Bank of Kenya exchange rates which are quoted daily in the local newspapers. Kenyan Shilling is a soft currency. Major credit cards are also accepted by many hotels, travel agencies, car rental, restaurants and city shops.

Climate
Generally dry and hot with cool nights / mornings June-October, short rains November to mid-December, long rains March-May but the season can vary. The coastal strip is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures on Ngorongoro Crater Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru in Tanzania drop to below freezing.

Health
It’s recommended you carry up-to-date records of the following :

• • Tetanus booster
  • Typhoid shots
  • Yellow fever vaccination
  • Cholera Vaccination
  • Malaria (This is a common disease take appropriate precautions)Liaise with Kenyan Embassy or your booking agent on the current health requirements.

Clothings
You will need comfortable clothes that are cool, but that can keep you warm at night or at high altitudes. More rugged clothing would be necessary for camping, hiking, or riding.

• • Bring a sweater or a light jacket for morning game drives.
  • Lightweight, comfortable walking shoes are sufficient for most safari.
  • Pack a bathing suit. Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses.

Valuables
It’s advisable to keep with you all your important values, money, passport, gold chains, plane tickets e.t.c. Safety deposit facilities are available in most Hotels and lodges.

Photography
Bring film and batteries for your camera with you. Protect your camera from dust and keep equipment and film cool. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing local people. If you intend to take a lot of people pictures, be sure to bring an instant camera with you so that you can leave a picture with people you photograph.

Transportation
Tours, Safaris and Sight seeing is by Tour vans, mini buses, coaches and 4X4 vehicles which we use for Game viewing depending on the state of roads. Single or twin engined light aircrafts are used on all flying safaris to Various Game Reserves. Hot air Balloon safaris also available.

Cancellations
Cancellation charges will be levied to you depending on the cancellation notice period and the cost incurred by East African Bush Safaris.

Alteration of Safaris & Tours
The sequence and accommodation of all itineraries is normally adhered to but we reserve the right to make alterations enforced by weather, road network, high season congestion or other unavoidable circumstances beyond our control.

Accommodation
We book our guests to the best Kenyan hotels, lodges, tented camps, ranch/sanctuaries, resorts and grass shacks on the beaches.

Travel Insurance
We vastly advise that you obtain a complete travel insurance policy, which will cover up for your personnel belongings, medical and other risks on cancellation of the trip and any kind of loss.

Liabilities and Insurance
African Safaris Travel acts only as a safari agent of the traveler in all matters relating to tours and it accepts no accountability for any injury, personal illness, accident, death, any kind of loss, irregularity of any sort, which may be occur by reason of any deed or omission outside its control, including without restriction, any act of negligence or violation of contract of some third party such as airline, hotel or any other accommodation facility, who is to, or does supply, any products or services for Business. There fore, carry out a comprehensive health and travel insurance to cover up for any loss of valuables , luggage, medical expenses and personnel accident and.

About Uganda

Uganda covers an area of about 241,038 sq. km.; of which about 44,000 sq. km. is covered by fresh water bodies made up of swamps, forest reserves and game parks. Uganda is roughly the same size as Great Britain or Ghana. It is bordered by Kenya to the east, Sudan to the north, D.R.C. to the west and by Tanzania and Rwanda to the south.

Most of the country is a plateau, standing at an average of 1,200 M above sea level. The highest point is on Mt. Rwenzori, at 5,590 M with a permanent snow cover and Mt. Elgon at 4,300 M. The lowest on the other hand is 659 M at Albert Nile.

River Nile is the world’s longest river (6,700 km.) and it commences its journey from Lake Victoria (in Jinja-Uganda) which in turn is the world’s second largest fresh water body of 36,000 sq. miles.

The country lies at the overlap between Tropical East African Savannah, and West African rain forest zone. Nearly 1/5 of the country is made up of swamps and open water bodies, including the lakes Victoria, George, Edward, Albert, Kyoga , the Nile River and other smaller lakes.

The Equator crosses through Uganda. This fact greatly influences the climatic conditions of the country.

The south is thickly forested while the north is largely savannah, with some semi-desert areas in the north-east.

Temperature
Average annual temperature is 26 degrees C. in South Western, and 35 degrees C. in the north and North East.

Rainfall
Average annual rainfall is 1,000 mm in most parts of the country and 2000 mm in the islands of Lake Victoria. Most of Uganda is green all year round.

Languages
English is the official language, but Swahili is also widely used, especially among the business community, police and the army. There are a number of indigenous languages, which can be grouped into three: the Bantu, the nilotics, and the nilo-hermits.

Religion
The majority of Ugandans are Christians. Available statistics show that Christians form 66% of the population, people with their own indigenous beliefs form about 18%, and there is a Muslim community of about 16% of the population.

Capital City
Uganda’s capital city is Kampala. It is a modern city built on seven hills and befitting a country with one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. Over the past few years it has expanded to cover ten hills, and continues to grow both in size and charm. Entebbe International Airport serves the country.

Food
There is a very wide variety of food and eating-places all over the country. At the city you will find all sorts of restaurants that meet both local and international interests. There are Italian, Indian, Thai, Greek, European, and Chinese restaurants. The markets provide a variety of fresh foodstuffs.

Wildlife
Uganda’s location along the Equator, combined with the altitude and the great variety of terrain types, provide an overwhelming array of opportunities to keen birders and wild game viewers.

Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can find the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat as well as the rare shoebill. The country is also home to other numerous species of birds and mammals.

About Tanzania

Size
Tanzania, the largest of the Eastern African Countries (Kenya and Uganda) boasts of a land area of 945,097 Square Kilometers (of which 25% is gazetted as protected areas).To bring your picture a little closer, Tanzania is four times larger than Great Britain, seven times larger than England, or a little larger than Texas.

Climate and Time
March - May = Long rains
June - Sept = Cool season
Nov - Dec = Short Rains
October - Feb = Hottest season

The range of Temperatures in Tanzania is fairly limited and always hot, running from 25 to 30 degrees C on the coast while the rest of the country apart from the highlands run from 22 to 27 degrees C.

Time
GMT + 3 hrs

Currency
Tanzania Shillings; however you are advised to carry American Dollars. Money changers do accept major convertible currencies including the German DM and the Japanese Yen.

Travelers Cheques may be acceptable in some places, but not in the remote country side, Major Credit Cards may also be acceptable in some large Hotels, however it is advisable to carry Cash US Dollars which you will change on arrival. It is prohibited to export Tanzanian local currency abroad, your Tour leader will assist in the resale of local currency you will have remaining at the end of your Visit.

Language
Kiswahili & English

Visa
Entry Visas are required for all except citizens of the Commonwealth, Scandinavian countries and the Republic of Ireland. Before departure you are advised to double check with the Tanzanian Embassy in your home country, or any Tanzanian representative nearest to you, where you may also acquire a Visa. Fees vary depending on Nationality. Alternatively Visas can be processed at any entry point into Tanzania such as at Dar-es-salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport, Namanga (Tanzania - Kenya Border Post to the North),Tunduma (Tanzania - Malawi Border post to the South),Taveta and Holili ( Tanzania - Kenya Border post to the North East).

Airlines
To begin safaris in Northern Tanzania, most visitors are advised to book with Airlines whose Arrivals & Departures are at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which is 45 minutes drive from Arusha town. These include Air Tanzania, Aeroflot, Air Zimbabwe, Gulf Air, Kenya Airways, KLM and Ethiopian Airways. It is also possible to get flights arriving to Nairobi (Kenya) from where we can make arrangements to pick you up and transfer to Arusha, the starting point of your Tanzania Safari.

Health
You are advised to take Immunization against hepatitis, Polio, Typhoid, Yellow fever, precautions against Malaria are equally important. Contact your Doctor before traveling. Also personal medical insurance is advisable before departure. Carry Mosquito or Insect Repellent.

Electricity
240 Volts AC,50 60hz

Clothing
For safaris, especially in Northern Tanzania ( Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha), during the day, light clothing is recommended with sturdy shoes and canvas hats. During the night in areas like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Highlands; where the altitude is between 1500 - 2500 Metres; a cardigan or pullover may be essential. In the same pack, remember your sun cream, lotions, su glasses, a pair of binoculars, and a camera with rolls of film.

Visitor’s Behaviour
The protection of nature is everyone’s concern, therefore try to avoid the following while on safari; Collecting or buying bones, skins, horns, teeth, feathers or shells of animals. While on the coast avoid carrying away starfish, corals and shells. These are all items that play a major role in our fragile ecosystem. Do not litter where others are expected to visit and obey the animal’s right to live. Like wise the protection of Cultures is also everyone’s concern. Your Tour Guide will know the local habits and customs, therefore it is always advisable to ask permission before taking any pictures of tribesmen. Photography of all military installations and presidential convoys is highly prohibited. Enquire from your local Guide.

Shopping Around
Locally made products are widely sold at reasonable prices. Ask your local Guide for the best offer to buy your self or your friend items like; Batiks and Tingatinga paintings, Ebony curvings such as cutlery, bracelets, furniture and sculptures. Others include Maasai belts, rings and necklaces made of colourful beads, Khanga for women’s wrap around and Jewels to include Tanzania’s special Mineral - Tanzanite.

Recommended Safari Duration
We recommend safari duration between 5 -7 days for short safaris and maximum 14 - 21 days programmes. Capacity Min 2 PAX and 7 PAX Max. per departure, especially for private groups. However, we encourage Tailor-made itineraries for large groups and specialised programmes for Birders.

Equatorial Africa’s climate is dominated by an enormous band of weather called the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone which migrates southwards from equatorial regions reaching Southern Africa in November and departing in February. It also delivers two periods of rainfall in East Africa, commonly known as the “long” rains (from March to May) and the “short” rains (from October to December). Winters occur from May to July in Southern Africa and can be quite cold though nearly always sunny. Lowland Kenya and Tanzania remain at a comfortably warm temperature all the year round.

The ITCZ weather system and the rain it brings is almost solely responsible for all the breeding and behavioural patterns of Africa’s wildlife and birds and the annual rejuvenation of vegetation in sub-Saharan Africa. This in turn may affect when and indeed where one chooses to safari.

Prime game viewing in Southern Africa is prior to the rains when game concentrates around diminishing water sources. In East Africa rainfall drives the famous Wildebeests migration, in March the herds are in the southern Serengeti and by November they are in the Masai Mara. Whilst most herbivores have some form of migratory pattern most predators are territorial and remain in a given location regardless of rainfall. Trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is best without rain, similar to tracking chimpanzees. Most people prefer to safari when there is little chance of rain but experiencing tremendous tropical thunderstorms can make safaris more impressive!