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Things Not to Do with a Rental Car in Kenya

Renting a car is such a common part of the travel experience that you’d think the process would be straightforward and transparent yet somehow it is anything but. Many travelers aren’t sure how to rent a car without making a few common mistakes.

Do I need to buy additional insurance? What about paying to refuel the car? I hear horror stories about phony damage claims; should I be worried? No one is around to inspect the car with me; is that OK? Can I drive into another country? Do I need all the extras they offer me at the rental counter? These questions come up pretty much every time someone rents a car. Again, anything but straightforward.

Among all your options, there are some things you don’t need to do, or even should not do, when renting a car in Kenya; 

Read carefully the car rental agreement

Before you sign a contract, read it thoroughly. If you don’t understand something, just ask for explanation. This is a hackneyed advice, but still useful.

The advertised price is not always the final one

It is a favourite trick of many rental companies to advertise a car rental just for less money. The price usually includes the renting only and forgets about taxes, fees or insurance. What seemed to be a very advantageous price at first becomes eventually an extremely disadvantageous one.

Mileage may be limited

Some car rental companies limit the distance that can be driven. You’ll have to pay a lot more for exceeding the limit.

Where you can drive the borrowed car?

Rental conditions at some car rental companies clearly indicate where you can drive the car. Usually, it is forbidden to cross borders to other countries (Sudan, Congo). Offered cars usually have a built-in GPS locator hidden inside and you’ll be most certainly fined for infringement of this condition.

Buy fuel at the gas station

Refuel the car somewhere close to the renting company before you return it. You can still arrive with an empty tank but buying gas from the renting company is much more expensive.

You’ll pay a penalty for returning the car late

If you don’t manage to return the car on time, you’ll pay an extra fee for the next day.

Second and third driver at extra cost

If you’re planning a long trip with more than one driver, be sure to mention him/her in the contract. The fee for an extra driver per day. I recommend paying the fee since problems caused by the unveiling of this fraud are not worth the price.

Are you travelling with a baby?

If a child of less than two years of age travels with you, don’t forget about the child seat. In most of the states there is a law according to which children under the age of 12 have to sit on the back seat

Not inspecting the car upon departure

Another potentially huge mistake that you can make at the car rental company is not to inspect the rented car before hitting the road. You should always check the vehicle for any signs of internal or external damages before leaving the car rental company. Look for any signs of potential problems busted headlights, loose bumpers, visible scratches, strange noises, etc.

You can even take some photos or a video inspection of the vehicle so you can easily make a “before-after” comparison upon returning the rented car. Otherwise, you might end up responsible for all the damages found upon returning the car (including damages you didn’t necessarily make) and the car rental company will charge you for that.

Ignoring Potential Offers for Upgrades

In the past, I’ve recommended reserving a low-priced car and then inquiring about upgrades at the rental desk. This works best at busy times when the garage is running low on its cheapest vehicles, and may offer you free or very affordable upgrades to a larger car class due to inventory management issues.

In most cases, the desk agent has considerable discretion in setting upgrade rates, so if he or she asks if you are interested in a larger car, respond that it depends on the price; you might find yourself in a bigger and better car at minimal additional cost.

Your Credit Card Covers the Rest

Anything your own car insurance does not cover, it is likely that your credit card will. In some cases the credit card coverage is as good as or better than your auto insurance; in others it is intended to be secondary insurance to help cover anything your auto insurance does not.

Of course, you will need to pay for your car rental using that card; just having a qualifying credit card does not give you any protection.

Conclusion

And then there’s the thing you do not want to do at all, ever. To save you some time, money (and trouble), we’ve made a list of things not to do when renting a car. Contact Kenya car rental to avoid all the above mistakes.

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Combine Gorilla Trekking with Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Affordable upper mid-range and luxury safari in Tanzania and Uganda combined for your to get the best wildlife experiences gorillas and Serengeti, gorillas, and Ngorongoro, gorillas and Ngorongoro, gorillas and Kilimanjaro, and several other options. These Tanzania Uganda safaris can start and end in either country. The following Uganda Tanzania tour itineraries are some of the most liked but we can always do tailor-made options for you to enjoy your trip.

Uganda Gorilla Tours from Arusha Tanzania

A Uganda gorilla tour from Arusha Tanzania- It is very possible from today that Primate Safari Experiences organizes the gorilla tours from Arusha to Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. Arusha is found in Tanzania and is a tourism hub when to come to tourism in Tanzania. Most of the visitors who are on a vacation in Tanzania stay or land in Arusha for safari game drive.  Tanzania is famous for the big give safaris which are conducted in Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Park. Still most of the tourists especially those who are adventurous do visit Tanzania to climb Mountain Kilimanjaro and mountain Meru. In case you’re a tourist visiting Tanzania and you’re in Arusha you can now move to Uganda and see the gorillas basing from Arusha.

Uganda is the top destination for gorilla trekking both in East Africa and Africa at large. Uganda is one of the smallest countries located in eastern Africa and has got the highest number of mountain gorillas in the whole world and the gorillas stay in two national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Therefore while in Arusha or Tanzania you can follow the following steps to come to Uganda and see mountain gorillas.

Uganda gorilla tours by air from Arusha

Because it is a long-distance from Tanzania Arusha to Uganda and then connects to Bwindi or Mgahinga National park for Gorilla tours, it is recommended that you book a flight that will fly you to Kigali international airport in Rwanda or Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. There are daily scheduled flights from Kilimanjaro airport in Arusha then to Entebbe which you can use for your flight.

The flight from Kilimanjaro airport will take approximately one hour to reach Entebbe international airport and once you have landed at Entebbe or Kigali International Airport from Kilimanjaro Arusha, you can again opt to fly to Bwindi or Mgahinga to engage in gorilla tracking. We shall handle all the internal flights and airport transfers as well as road transfers to and from Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

At Africa adventure vacations we recommend our visitors for Uganda gorilla trekking tours from Arusha to contact either Uganda airlines, Rwanda Air, Air Tanzania, Kenya Airways, or Precision Air since these are famous airlines that operate within this region and can offer you the best offers when it comes to flying from Tanzania to Kigali or Entebbe International Airports for gorilla safaris.  In case you need more information on how you can best move from Arusha Tanzania to Uganda to see the gorillas just contact Africa Adventure Vacations.

Uganda gorilla tours by road from Arusha

Budget travelers or tourists in Arusha but with intention of seeing gorillas in Uganda have also an opportunity to travel to Uganda on budget using the rod transport. Visitors can travel by road from Arusha then connect to Nairobi and Kampala to Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for your gorilla trekking safari.

There different bus companies that operate daily from Arusha to Nairobi and then from Nairobi to Kampala Uganda. At Africa Adventure Vacations once you contact us, we shall book you a seat in one of the buses with availability on this route.

Buses are comfortably provided they operate on long routes, for those from Nairobi, you will be able to have a glimpse at Masai in Namanga, and the great East African arm of the Rift valley in Kenya. Book with us and enjoy the gorilla safari holiday from Arusha to Uganda.

Gorilla permits for your gorilla tours from Arusha Tanzania

Immediately you think of taking a gorilla safari from Arusha Tanzania to Uganda, you need to think of a gorilla trekking permit because no one can see the gorillas without a gorilla trekking permit. At Africa adventure vacations, we make sure that we book for you the gorilla permit for your Uganda gorilla trekking tours and once contact that you want to see gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga national park from Arusha.

we shall check for the availability of the gorilla trekking permit depending on your dates you intent to travel to see gorillas in Uganda, then once there is availability, we shall book and reserve the gorilla permit as we wait for you to make payment and the moment you make payment, then we shall secure your gorilla trekking permit from Uganda wildlife authority and send you the scanned copies of the gorilla permit bearing your details on the passport.

Visitors traveling by bus from Arusha Tanzania, our well professional tour driver will pick you from Kampala and then you start driving to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The drive from Kampala to Bwindi takes some time approximately 9 hours but you will make several stopovers including the equators for taking photographs and then a drive to Mbarara for lunch as you see the prominent long-horned cattle as you approach Mbarara city.

From Mbarara city, you will then proceed to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. Visitors can as well enjoy domestic flights from Entebbe to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga Gorilla national park by using airstrips of Kisoro and Kihihi where our driver will pick you to offer you the best transfer.

The cost of a single gorilla permit in Uganda is 700 per person. However, gorilla permits do vary in price according to the country. Permits in Rwanda are the most expensive at US$1,500 and DRC has the cheapest permits at US$400. A gorilla habituation experience permit in Uganda costs US$1,500 per person.

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Diani Beach: A Perfect Romantic Honeymoon Destination

Organizing weddings can be very exhausting both physically and mentally. For that, love birds deserve a honeymoon in a peaceful setting with elements that help one recharge their batteries. Diani is one such place. It is a coastal reef where the majestic Indian Ocean meets the land of warrior nomads. This 10 kilometer resort found roughly 30 kilometers South of Mombasa is famed for two things:

1. For emerging as the Best Beach Destination of 2014 as awarded by World Travel Awards.
2. For having white sand and lush greenery.

Here are things to do at this heaven among havens

Breakfast by the Beach

A great honeymoon day starts with a healthy breakfast in a dreamy setting. You can start your day by waking up to a morning feast at the beach as the sun arises from the horizon. The tickling sensation of waves lapping your toes will leave you laughing senseless. Spending time here is a great way to fill your lungs with oceanic freshness, as the breeze sweeps away your worries. If you love keeping fit, you could welcome the new dawn by jogging along the beach. It’s a guaranteed way of seeing the different marine species before they are swept off shore by the caretakers.

Kayaking, Skiing…

Take advantage of Diani’s all year friendly weather to pursue Kayaking, skiing, kite surfing or stand up paddling. Most of these adventures do not require swimming lessons or prior experience. Most Hotels along the coast organize them for guests at a fee. As expected, this could cost just a little more compared to if you hired them directly from the service providers. However, it’s wiser to let them take charge. They know the agencies with the most dependable options. Hakuna Matata, if you prefer to organize the excursion by yourself, an hour’s excursion of either of the mentioned activities ranges roughly between $10-$50. This is dependent on the agency you’ll contract and the tourism season.

Glass boat tour

If you desire for a National Geographic moment, a visit of the ocean in boats with glass bottoms will light up your world. The water is clear for much of the year. This allows unlimited views of the marine life at the oceans floor/reef (unless the boat has algae underneath). Due to effects of refraction, you are bound to think most of the creatures are right underneath the boat. It is until you take a dip that you’ll realize they are yards away. The Excursion costs an average of $15.

Visit to monkey sanctuary

Usually when I see “Conservancy”, I think tourist trap. Colubus conservancy is certainly not one. It is a very lovely place tucked in the coastal forest. This place is a research base, information centre and primate rescue facility. It is a small conservatory, but well maintained and unique. It offers guided Eco-tours. During the tour, one gets to see vervets, sykes and baboons as they jump from one branch to another like Spiderman. The birds that take shelter under her towering canopies are so beautiful and the scenery is so peaceful. Chances are high you’ll come across staff at work, caring for injured monkeys or doing research. They are open from 8am-50pm all week except for Sundays.

The tour costs 250 Kenyan shillings, 100 Kenyan shillings for adults and children between 6 and 11 respectively. It is free for Children under 6.

Duruma village tour

The best way to immerse one’s self in local cultures of Diani is by mingling with the Duruma, one of the nine tribes that complete Mijikenda chiefdom. Many from this tribe of farmers offer homestay experiences tailored to treat tourists to a mix of their Arabic and Swahili cultures. One such is Bakari, a tour guide who is informative and answers questions comprehensively. Experiences at his homestead range from learning how Durum local foods are prepared to learning traditions that spice up their marriages. You can also join his wife and daughters in the garden as they tend to it. The experience is usually crowned with a great array of dances with stories that go with them. It is very entertaining cultural show.

Exploring Baobab trees

Naturally, one would expect a tree’s root to be tacked in the ground and its foliage up in the air. However when you look at a baobab tree, the reverse is true. It looks like it grew upside down. What’s more, there are countless of them in Diani. Taking a picture by them doesn’t come at any cost. While at it, you could join hands with three friends and try to hug one of them. Chances are high you will be only hug half of it. It is that big, with a whooping height ranging from 16 to 98 ft and a circumference over 40 meters wide.

What particularly fascinates me the most about this wonder plant is its ability to store up to 120,000 liters of water in their trunks!

Food: Sampling coconut and sea food

Exquisite, exquisite, exquisite!!! The array of sea food that this town has to offer cannot be missed. The crabs are so fresh and literally melt in your mouth. The oysters and lobsters too don’t disappoint. Most eateries present these foods in a way—that overwhelms you even for one who is not a big fan of sea food. They (sea food) are so beautiful that you would feel guilty watching them disappear off your platter for burial in your stomach.

The weird thing about this town is that seafood served at the shacks is much tastier than the ones served in star hotels. The only silly thing that lets them down is the dessert they complement meals with. It is usually items that taste a bit old and dry.

That said; this did not spoil my overall experience as they had fresh coconut juice as a substitute. I haven’t yet gotten over its cream-like texture and a massive flavor like a cocktail of fresh pineapple and apple.

Snorkeling at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park

During my previous snorkeling excursion at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park in 2006, I didn’t get to see much. The ocean was rough. Accordingly, I didn’t expect any wow moments when I took another two hours south of Diani to get to it last October. Things were different this time. There were lots of new companies offering the excursion for as low as $50 per person for a three hours excursion. That aside, there were lots of dolphins in sight, but certainly not as many as the fish species, sea turtles and whales. I didn’t get their names right though. I guess I got so carried away by the simplicity of the local boat we used for the expedition and forgot to pay attention to anything else.

From afar, they looked like a small ship belonging to pirates. It seemed built of tough and resilient silver that can counter any storm or any bullets fired at it. On the inside though, it was basic. Except for its floor which was made of hard wood, the rest of the parts were a patch up of frail materials like mats and soft wood. For East African Nationals, entrance fee to the park is KSH 215 for adults and KSH125 for children, For residents it is KSH300 for adults and KSH 170 for children and lastly $17 and $13 for foreign travellers who don’t stay in Kenya. Budget snorkeling excursions cost roughly $30 per person.

Travel Tip

You don’t need to rob a bank in order to afford a happy stay in Diani. Yes it is true most of the tour operators mostly target middle range and high end tourists, but there is also a niche that targets budget travellers. For instance, there are over 20 guesthouses in town that offer comfortable accommodation for as a little as $20.

Weather

Thanks to its location along the Equator, Diani is humid for much of the year. It’s longest rainy season is in April and May. In June, the rains are on and off and thus nothing to worry about if this is the only time you can visit the beach destination. On the other hand, its highest average temperature is 32 degree Celsius during the days in January and February. The coolest months are June, July and August with an average day temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.

Where to buy crafts

If you want a wide variety of crafts at affordable prices, the roadside stalls are worth a visit. They are make-shift in nature and thus operate mostly at day time.

How to get there

By Air: Diani is served by a small airstrip called Ukunda. Air Kenya offers daily flights to there from National. A round trip costs roughly $290.

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Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Rwanda in 2022

Anyone interested in having a complete holiday, Rwanda is the ideal place to be. This is a country that has almost everything in the cabin that the holiday maker needs to make his/her holiday a thrilling one. Rwanda has something to offer when it comes to a lively tour.

• It has very nice hangouts that are exquisite and exciting. It has a range of cafeteria where visitors can grab a bite and also take a cup of coffee around. The most common ones are café neo, la brioche, Ogopogo, papyrus in Kigali, and Thai jazz, Bakini tam tam in Gisenyi and many more.
• There are also night clubs to blow your mind and groove to good music both African and western. Some of these clubs include Le must, planet club, new Cadillac.
• In Northern Rwanda, there is also a very popular beach at Lake Kivu where the travelers have a picnic, sunbath and swim. These mass tourist sites make the traveler to forget about their worries and have fun in Rwanda to the fullest.

Ecotourism

Rwanda has a lot to offer to travelers that are interested in ecotourism with 3 national parks, variety of ecotourism sites including historical and cultural sites that are also in presence. These three national parks have different wildlife to offer and while on a Rwanda Safari. Its national parks offer a complete ecosafari to a wildlife enthusiast.

Meet the Mountain Gorillas

In the northern part of Rwanda lies the Volcanoes National Park (PNV) a popular national park in Rwanda. This world known park is located in Musanze (former Ruhengeri district) in the northeastern part of Rwanda. This is the home to the mountain gorillas and the unique golden monkeys. Mountain gorillas are one of the most tracked animals in their natural environment in the world and at the visitor’s encounter; he/she is assured of an exhilarating experience. The golden monkeys at the base of volcanoes national park are a nutrient to the eye sight as they are sparkling to watch with their playful character and beautiful color on the bodies.

Meet the Wild Chimpanzees

There is also Nyungwe Forest National Park in the northwest which is the home to 13 different species of primates but the most notable ones are the chimpanzees which can act as a substitute if the visitor misses out on gorilla tracking. They give the visitor almost the same experience as the gorillas since they also belong to the ape world, the closest cousins of mankind but only that the chimpanzee live on trees and are fast in their movements so it makes their tracking not more satisfying as the gorillas that live on the ground and also slow in the movement.

See the Big Game in Savanna Parks

This country also has a savanna national game park in which is the oldest park in Rwanda. On the game drive in this wonderful park, one gets an opportunity to see giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, elands and antelopes. The lion was recently introduced and the rhinos are in contention. This is park gives visitors a rare sight of common exotic animals in their natural setting. It also has another experience of behind scenes whereby visitors are walked through background and development of the national park since its inception.

With tourist attractions, there are must be amenities in place that make the safari a complete holiday package and this is not much of a problem in Rwanda as it has wonderful accommodation settings nearby its major tourist sites so a visitor can never fail to get where to stay while on his/her safari. The transport structure is also well streamed for the traveler as they are very many tours and travel companies offering 4×4 car rental services complementary to safari holiday packages and also the roads in Rwanda are in good shape.

With all that straight up a Rwanda safari is a complete thrilling holiday package for any visitor around the globe.

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Going on a Safari in East Africa

Any tour around the world can be a sweet one but one has to make it enjoyable by himself. One would ask how he/she can make the tour sweet by himself. Yeah! It’s true you can. First you have to identify your interests. For example are you interested in nature, sports or amusements?  If nature, then what activities or attractions can sparkle your mind to say that you really have to go to that destination!

Normally people would love to see what they have never seen before. In this case everyone would love to watch and interact with wildlife because they are never seen in our day today life. There are lots of adventurous trips one can take like gorilla treks and chimpanzee tracking safaris where one will be able to interact with one of human’s closest relatives. These are found in Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and some other tropical rain forest regions. These are very rare primates that cannot be found anywhere in the world. So it is a pleasure and an honour to watch them.

You can also opt to watch other wild flora and fauna from national parks like Queen Elizabeth national park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and many more. In these game reserves you will be able to see animals like tree climbing lions, elephants, antelopes, rhinos, monkeys, giraffes and lots of bird species. It is not a guarantee that you will view these animals like in the zoo but you will see them in their natural habitats. You will see them running and moving around hunt for their prey and some looking for survival. You will also see lots of bird species around water bodies in the parks, flying in the sky, on trees and some on animals. There are other activities that can be taken from these national parks like launch cruise on River Nile in Murchison national park. While also taking a tour you can be able to interact with local people by taking a village walk as you can be embraced with traditional dance and also shopping from craft shops.

One can also take self drive safari in Uganda as one will go to a destination or tour around the country by himself in a 4×4 vehicle of his/her choice. You can do it with your family. You can be given an assistant to help you in navigation or you can use maps. This can be enjoyable as you can take a ride by yourself through the pearl of Africa as you will be able to view great landscapes embroiled with green vegetation cover

One can also go for other tourism activities like whitewater rafting at Itanda falls, bungee jumping, mountain hiking, boat ride and many more these can make your tour in Uganda and Rwanda so sweet.

These tours can be complemented with first class accommodation facilities that are found in the areas as they offer a range of services like comfortable bedding like single, double, deluxe and executive rooms. They also have nice cuisines with African and continental dishes.

With the entire above activities one can really have a sweet tour with their families and friends!

It can be a vacation you will never forget in your life and better to know the activities that best interest you before taking a step to book your safari.

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Top 10 Places to Explore on a Road Trip in Uganda

Taking a self drive tour in Uganda is one the ideal choices for traversing this pearl of Africa on a road trip. Today many travelers visit Uganda for road trips. However, the country has an extensive wide variety of places that can be visited. Given that most visitors to Uganda look for wildlife and primates that are fairly distributed throughout the country, here are the top places to visit in Uganda including various national parks and game reserves. There are a variety of activities that one can indulge into when in these national parks. Below is the highlight of some of these national parks;

1. Bwindi impenetrable national park

The famed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. This forest protects to a higher degree half of the remaining mountain gorillas in Uganda. In addition, it is very famous for mountain gorilla safari trekking or tracking. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rain forests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 320 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which can be tracked. It also harbors several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics

Some of the most prominent activities carried out in this national park include:

• Gorilla tracking
• Bird watching
• Plant and tree species
• Nature walks
• Village tours

2. Murchison falls national park

Murchison falls national park is perhaps the largest park in Uganda which is named after the Murchison falls where the mighty river Nile bangs through a narrow gorge flowing down to be converted into a placid river whose banks are thronged with hippos, water bucks, crocodiles, and buffaloes. The flora and Fauna at Murchison is characterized by Savannah, riverine forest and wood land. Uganda Wildlife Safari at Murchison falls national park includes, elephants, lions, leopard, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees, and many bird species including the rare shoebill. So after securing your hired car from a reputable around the country, please make some endeavors and visit this park for such an adventure. Several activities are carried out in this national park which include the following;

• Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest
• Ferry crossing
• Hiking the top of the falls
• Bird watching
• Game drive
• Boat ride
• Delta viewing
• Fishing
• Plant and tree species
• Nature walks

3. Queen Elizabeth national park

This is also another destination that you need to explore on yourself drive vacation in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth national park along with Kyambura and Kigezi wildlife resource brings together the most diverse ecosystem in Africa. Thousands of hippos populate these water shores. Open Savannah dotted with acacia and euphobia trees provide habitat for leopards, elephants, lions, Uganda Safari kobs, in addition to big herds of buffaloes. The park also harbors primate species, ten in number which include chimpanzees and monkeys. Waterbucks, giant forest hog, topi, hyenas, and crocodiles are among the many animals distinguished frequently in Queen Elizabeth national park. There are several activities that are carried out in this national park which include the following;

• Bird watching
• Game drive
• Boat ride
• Village walks
• Plant and tree species
• Nature walks

4. Kibale forest national park

Kibale is one in all the most attractive national parks in Uganda with tropical rainforest, and a multiplicity of animals. Kibale Forest harbors the principal figure of chimpanzees and more than 1,450 are protected inside the park. At Kanyanchu, a community chimpanzee has been habituated for 16 years. This gives tourists a chance to see the great apes in their natural environment at these exclusive Uganda safaris. Threatened red colobus monkeys and the rare I’hoesti monkey are found in the park. At The same time the forest has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa .When in Kibale forest, one carries out a multitude of activities which include;

• Chimpanzee tracking
• Nature walk
• Bird watching
• Primates viewing
• Village tours
• Plant species

5. Lake Mburo national park

Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest national park, was designated in 1982, and is situated in Kiruhura district of Western Uganda. It is the only park that contains an entire lake. The attractive acacia-dotted savanna is home to huge herds of impala, as well as uncommon topi, eland, klipspringer and other antelope. Other animals found in the park include Zebras, buffaloes, while birds include Crested Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Barefaced Go-away bird, Greenwood Hoopoe, Lilac-breasted, Hornbill, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, bee-eaters and the cheeky bronze-tailed starling, as well as the majestic crowned crane etc.Several activities are carried out in this national park which include the following;

• Game drive
• Bird watching
• Boat ride
• Plant species
• Nature walks
• Village tours

6. Mount Rwenzori national park

Rwenzori is the highest mountain in Uganda, and the first foreigner to climb it was an Italian, a hundred years back. It was in 1906 when Luigi Amadeodi Savoy duke of the Abruzzi climbed to the top of the mountain and last year 2006 the Ugandans and Italians celebrated the hundred years since the first foreigner reached on top of Mt. Rwenzori.A trip into the Rwenzoris is an exhilarating and rewarding experience but one, which must be well planned. The key to an enjoyable visit is to be prepared! The central hike circuit takes six nights or seven days and reaches an altitude of 14,000ft.(4,267m) above the sea level. The conditions on the mountain are a challenge to even an experienced hiker. This park also hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation When in this national park, several activities are enjoyed such as;

• Hiking to the top of the mountain
• Nature walks
• Village tours
• Mountaineering and hiking
• Bird watching

7. Mgahinga gorilla national park

Mgahinga gorilla national park is the smallest park in the country. It is about 38 sq km. Though it is very important as it is one of the two parks in Uganda that are habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas. Mgahinga gorilla national park is situated in south western Uganda, in Kisoro district. This park was gazetted in 1999 and is part of the virunga conservation area. This park adjoins Rwanda’s volcano, and the democratic republic of Congo’s virunga national parks. Mgahinga gorilla national park experiences two wet seasons in the year that is February to May, and September to December. Several activities are enjoyed during one’s stay in this national park namely;

• Gorilla tracking
• Pygmy tribe tour
• Golden monkey tracking
• Visiting caves
• Game drive
• Bird watching

8. Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi literally meaning the place of many little birds lies in the western part of Uganda between the towns of Kisoro and Kibale that are situated closely to the border of Rwanda. This is the second deepest lake in Africa whose depth is rumoured to be over 144ft.It is considered to be the only lake free from bilharzias and totally safe for swimming. This lake boasts of over 29 islands that are snaking in nature along the Ugandan landscape. These islands are of different shapes and sizes surrounded by a ring of terraced farms. The most prominent of all these islands is Akampene island commonly referred to as the punishment island where the Bakiga tribe used to dump any girl that got pregnant before marriage. She would be dumped on this island with a single stick to die of starvation and hunger or drown in the waters if at all she tries swimming to the main land.So you need to go and have a glance at this magnificent lake especially on your self drive vacation in Uganda

There are a variety of activities that one will indulge during his/her visit to lake Bunyonyi amongst which will include the following;

• Relaxation on the lake shores
• Bird watching
• Swimming
• Mountain biking
• Boat rides and canoeing
• Nature walks and hiking
• Village visits

9. Mabamba swamp

Uganda is one of the countries that are widely endowed with all kinds of birds around the globe. These birds include both resident and non resident birds.However, this country has several birding destinations but non beats the endowment and population of birds found in Mabamba swamp.

Mabamba swamp is approximately 50 km south of Kampala, this large wetland is the nearest bird watching site on the shores of Lake Victoria. It is the home of the rare Shoebill that is not found everywhere but you will never miss it here after failing in all other places.

Other special bird species resident in this swamp include the Papyrus gonolek, lesser Jacana, Pigeon, grey rumped swallow, pygmy Kingfisher, slender billed weaver, blue-breasted Kingfisher, Lizard Buzzard, Spur- winged Goose, long toed Lapwing and White winged black Terns- European migrant birds and others.So for bird lovers,this is the right place for you on your car hiring safari in Uganda.

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Top 5 Things to See in Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. This small country known as the land of a thousand hills, attracts millions of visitors from all over the world who visit the country all year round for gorilla trekking tours into the Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee watching, wildlife game viewing and cultural tours. There is so much to see, from beautiful beaches at Lake kivu, to luscious tropical rainforests jungles, that it can be a hard task to decide where to go. Here are the top things to see in Rwanda, Africa!

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Mountain gorillas are one of Rwanda’s most famous attraction. Gorillas are a star attraction that has attracted thousands of visitors to Rwanda. From celebrities to nobels, gorilla trekking is an adventure activity that has been undertaken for the last 30 years, and up to today, it is a rare experience that one should enjoy in Rwanda. On a gorilla trek in Rwanda, Visitors enjoy trekking through the dense tropical rainforest looking for the magnificient jungle giants that stole Dian Fossey’s heart and dedicated all her life to the jungles!

Kigali

No trip to Rwanda is complete without a visit to Kigali, a populous city in Rwanda that is not only the capital but also a place filled with attractions. Kigali boasts of a wealth of attractions, from incredible shopping, sight seeing, and of course the ommissible visit to its genocide memorial sites and cultural sites. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to this city, so be sure to create an itinerary of the things that you do want to see to avoid missing out.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is the best place to visit on a leisure holiday to Rwanda. Its beaches, that are not frequented by visitors have been kept natural, attractive and unspoilt, readily available for ecotourists to visit them. Lake Kivu is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Rwanda. In order to experience everything Kivu has to offer, you should go on a tour, or hire a four by four vehicle and drive around the island yourself. You can also immerse yourself in nature by camping under the stars.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

This national park is one of the best places to visit in Rwanda, renowned for chimpanzee tracking. It is a unique nature reserve, which home to several primates that include chimpanzees and monkeys. The park is also home to interesting insects, amphibians, birds, and animals.

One of the best ways to experience any of the above attractions is to go on a guided tour through the forest or book a chimpanzee tracking safari in Rwanda. Guided tours will be able to conveniently transport you from one location to another, while experienced guides will be able to escort you around the best attractions each area has to offer.

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Experience Rwanda on a Self Drive Tour

You can easily experience Rwanda with a self drive car from one of the reputable agencies in Rwanda. There are lots of options for self drive in Rwanda that can be tailored to your requirements and interests. We arrange your rental car, 4×4 hire, pre-book your accommodation and provide you with directions so you can sit back and enjoy your African holiday without having to worry about any administration. Our experienced team of travel consultants is happy to help you modify a self-drive holiday to accommodate your preferences or requirements and our itineraries can be extended or shortened to suit you arrival and departure dates.

Self drive Rwanda has in depth industry knowledge and a wealth of first hand travel experience. Rwanda is our backyard and each part of your self-drive itinerary has been specifically chosen for its attractive combination of charm and quality at a reasonable price. Our trained team of travel consultants can assist in tailoring your perfect African Safari Holidays where independent mobility presents an ever-changing landscape of scenery and experiences.

With its first world infrastructure and clearly sign-posted roads, Rwanda is a comfortable and safe holiday option for self drive tours. It is also important to note that most of the country is covered by cell phone reception so communication is no problem. Rwanda has something for everyone.

Self drive Rwanda can create various self drive holiday package options where we book your accommodation, arrange your car hire and provide you with directions before you set out on your adventures. The whole idea is to take the hassle out of your holiday and to make your stay one to remember.

hire with Rwanda self drive

Rwanda has some of the most magnificent landscapes which are unique and the country has good roads with many tourism attractions like National parks including Volcanoes National Park which is known for the endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda Self drive is an excellent option for large families, solo travellers, couples, not only is it more affordable, but it also offers the most excellent services.

self-drive tour holidays

Some people like to wander at will, exploring new places every day. Some enjoy a trip without no worries about making hotel reservations as they travel. And then other people like a trip where they do not need to drive. It is up to you. However, if this is your first visit to Rwanda do consider hiring a car with the driver guide as an introduction to the country before heading out on your own. Explore Rwanda with Rwanda self drive you will never regret.

Travelling in the developing countries like Rwanda, it is necessary to have at least a rough itinerary in mind before you set off. This will allow you to check out likely travel times, potential delays, whether there will be somewhere to stay each night etc. Its all too easy in African countries to find that journey times takes much longer than you anticipated , especially in rainy season meaning you run out of time and don’t get to visit all the places you were aiming for.

When planning for self drive trip in African countries, you change plans following pre-trip research which has revealed that it would be impossible to cover the distance You had planned in the time available. Enough research is necessary before setting off for your journey to a void being stack in the field or in the Villages.

moving with cash and cards

In case you plan to travel in less developed countries, you need to consider how you’ll pay for things on your travels. In many African Countries, you are un able to pay for things like petrol, hotels and meals by credit card. Also don’t assume that ATM Cash dispensers will work. Usually make sure you carry enough local currency to cover necessities for at least a couple of days. Again carry large denomination US dollars or Euros which can be changed in emergencies. This will save you from panicking that the near by ATM machine in the next dusty town won’t be functioning.

Spread out your foreign currency. Don’t put it in one place, put some in your bag, in a non obvious place like your wash bag or in a shoe, and the majority in a hiding place such as money belt with a zipped compartment. Carry some small denomination local currency notes separate to the bulk of your local cash.When paying for some thing, use the small denomination that you put near and a void showing off your full wealthy. make sure you always have enough cash to cover you until the next town where you’re sure there will be a bank and/ or a couple of ATM s.

driving in different countries

In Africa some countries, use right hand side and others use left hand side of driving.Currently around 66% of the worlds population live in countries which drive on the right side of the road, usually (but not always) in vehicles with the drivers seat on the left.

There are 76 countries, territories and dependencies which drive on the left.There are numerous theories as to why some countries drive on the left and some on the right. Though no one knows the exact reasons for sure, it seems likely that travelling on the left of the road became the obvious choice in ancient times.Rwanda uses right hand side of driving and Uganda uses left hand of driving. Therefore, when you hire with self drive Rwanda make sure you have an international driving permit and ready to keep right.

driving in rwanda

In Rwanda, main Roads are in a surprisingly ‘not too bad’ condition.When you leave the main roads, conditions become a bit different, particularly in the rainy season of March-July and September-November. Since some times rain is un predictable, 4×4 wheel drive is necessary for safaris and self drive tours.You should also avoid driving out of the main towns at night as it is un safe to drive at night in a foreign country. Take care after dark within cities, avoiding small roads and areas where other traffic is light. Expect plenty of army/police road blocks which may involve a vehicle search.

before you confirm

You need to decide whether self drive is for you, or whether you’re going to go for a fully guided safari experience with a driver. The benefits of having a guide are really around that person’s experience and knowledge of the bush and the specific area they’re operating in. That’s why when planning for a safari in Rwanda book with self drive Rwanda which is known to provide good services with experienced guides.

Our guides can also provide you with a lot of detail on all tourism destinations in Rwanda, and many will be in contact with other guides so can be updated on where particular wildlife has been spotted. This will make your trip a memorable.

Another thing to do is to research on the particular area you’ll be visiting. You need to do that before you even consider renting a vehicle as requirements can vary greatly between countries and even between National Parks within countries. For instance, Check the availability and the requirements for the destinations, like for the case of Gorilla tracking in Rwanda, you need to be free of any diseases which can be transferred to the apes and you need to be physically feet.

Do a lot of readings before you begin to make reservations. Bear in mind that conditions will vary a lot between wet and dry seasons too. Visit travel forums like lonely planet, trip advisor and get enough information. There are also some good independent sites providing advice on most safari areas in Africa.

Before setting off for your journey, always confirm the car rental booking again. Drop an email to your contact and re-confirm the date and time they’ll be dropping the car off, the total price, the car rental insurance terms and how you’ll be paying them. Also ask if they can provide a contact number for you to call in case of any problem. Make sure you read carefully the rules and regulation of the car hire.

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9 Best Places to Visit in Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Its abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees as well as rare birds. Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as Hippos. Among the magical places tourists should not miss includes:

1. The Equator

One of the magical attractions you will find in Uganda is the Equator that runs through some of the districts of the country. The Equator is an Imaginary line that separates the earth into the northern and Southern Hemispheres.

This Equator land mark in Uganda is situated at about 72 kilometres along the Kampala-Masaka road, particularly in Kayabwe, Mpigi district. When you reach this spot, you will find a line drawn in the middle of the road and a monument stands on both sides of the road indicating “Uganda Equator” so that anyone can have the amazing feeling of standing on both sides of the Earth.

Most tourists taking gorilla trekking safaris to Bwindi as well as those who visit Western Uganda do not miss taking experiments at the Ugandan Equator. Standing at this magical feature is one thing you should never miss to experience on your way to or from the national Parks in Western Uganda especially Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Imagine yourself standing in two halves of the world, this magical feeling can never be forgotten.

2. Kampala

This is the ancestral capital of the Buganda kingdom and a modern day Uganda’s capital too. You can still see some of the thatched relics of the former glory years at the Kasubi Tombs, or you can taste the frenetic energy of day-to-day Ugandan life between the sun-cracked streets of Central Kampala; a place of throbbing markets (the city’s Owino market is said to On the edge of town is the more straight-laced area of Nakasero Hill, where well-to-do villas house the country’s elite and expats chatter in the ramshackle bars. Kampala has also got theatres including National theatre and Labonita for those who need entertainment.

3. Kibale National Park

Take a tour into the dense jungles and wetland forests of the great Kibale National Park and you won’t be disappointed! You will meet the wild chimpanzee who are our closest relatives .You will see them jumping through the under growth of the forest.Other species to spot include monkeys, like the rare L’Hoest’s and the Ugandan red colobus. Kibale is also a good bird watching spot for bird lovers.

4. Ssese Islands

The archipelago of the Ssese Islands is Uganda’s answer to the tropical gems of the East African coast on the Indian Ocean.

The Islands are considered the country’s premier rest and relaxation spot, with the popular Buggala and Bulago Islands .You can also visit lakeside resorts, or wax up the walking boots and make for the hills, where hippo-dotted swamps hide between the ridges.

5. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the south western part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley. The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of the ancient and very biologically varied rain forests in Uganda that dates back to more than 25,000 years, comprising of about 400 varied plant species. Bwindi is habitat to more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas. Actually there are over 300 mountain gorillas living here.

The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and taking a hike in this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so. You will as well be in position to fast tell why actually the forest is also regarded as Impenetrable. One requires to be physically fit to take part in this mountain gorilla tracking adventure because it may involve climbing the steep terrain in search for the great apes.

Restricted numbers of viewing permits help protect the endangered gorilla families. In the park, rough paths weave amid dense forests, which are a home to many butterflies and birds. All you need to do is to secure yourself a gorilla permit to enable you do a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.

6. Murchison Falls National Park

The protected area is actually the largest national park in Uganda, with a whopping count of nearly 4,000 square kilometres between its borders.

This is the point where the Victoria Nile crashes through a tight-knit gorge and over an escarpment of more than 40 meters in height.Among the tourist attractions to do in Murchson falls includes a game drive to spot the Elephants, Giraffes, The kobs, and you get opportunities of visiting the Sipi falls on a boat cruise to spot more aquatic species at a close range.

7. Entebbe

Entebbe is where you find Uganda’s major airport called Entebbe international airport.

Many tourists use this base to travel to different destinations within Uganda and outside Uganda. Others board from Entebbe to fly to National parks including Murchison falls, Kidepo and Bwindi Impenetratable National parks especially those who need not to spend a lot of time on the roads.

It is in Entebbe where you also find the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre commonly known as the Ugandan Zoo. Here you find different species kept including Monkeys, Snakes, Birds, Antelops, Chimpanzees, among others. This is ideal for people who have a few days in Entebbe.

8. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National park lies close to the banks of Lake Edward.It’s visited by thousands of tourists each year, who come in search of the lazy Congo lions and the swinging chimps that can be seen mingling between the Maramagambo Forest and the grassy savannah vegetation.

The whole area has countless volcanic features, going from the awesome Katwe craters to great rifts in the earth, making it an interesting and eye-catching place to go on safari drives and game seeking journeys.

Among the tourist attractions to spot includes the crater lakes, Lake Katwe, you do a game drive in search for early risers like Elephants ,Lions, and also a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel to spot aquatic life at a close quarters. These includes schools of Hippos, Birds, Buffaloes among others

Cascading down from the extinct caldera of one of Africa’s oldest volcanoes, there are waterfalls, dank cave systems, and rugged canyons aplenty.

Visitors can also feel the geothermal activity at a series of hot springs, or wonder upwards, to where African goshawks and elegant bush-shrikes flit through the skies.

Monkey wise, there are the likes of De Brazza’s and colobuses, along with blue monkeys and some other rare simian species.

9. Mbale

Mbale is one of the main transportation and administration hubs of eastern Uganda,

Mbale hosts its own regional government and a clutch of good hotels and guesthouses.

It’s particularly useful for those on their way to the heights of Mount Elgon and the famous summit of Wagagai – a 24-million-year-old volcano that is the seventeenth highest in all of Africa. For the best base of explorations around the hiking trails and glorious mountain’s that erupt around Mbale, be sure to hitch a local minibus out to Bududa.

Back in the town you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of day-to-day Ugandan life, along with plenty of shops and market stalls. It is in Mbale where the Imbalu ceremonies are done. This ceremony is very interesting to watch when grown up boys are circumcised.

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