ADKA Tours and Travel - Gorilla Safaris Uganda: ADKA Tours & Travel - Gorrilla Safaris Uganda (www...

ADKA Tours and Travel - Gorilla Safaris Uganda: ADKA Tours & Travel - Gorrilla Safaris Uganda (www...: "ADKA Tours & Travel - Gorrilla Safaris Uganda (www.gorillasafarisug.com) About us ADKA Tours and Travel is a Tours and Travel company op..."

ADKA Tours & Travel - Gorrilla Safaris Uganda (www.gorillasafarisug.com) -UGANDA(Pearl of Africa) -

ADKA Tours & Travel - Gorrilla Safaris Uganda (www.gorillasafarisug.com)

About us

ADKA Tours and Travel is a Tours and Travel company opened and licensed as a Tour, Culture and Travel Company.  It has grown to be one of the most respected Safari and Tour operators in Uganda.

We are located at;

  

1) First floor,                                             2) First floor,

    Cargo Terminal,                                         ADIT House, Room 7

    Entebbe International Airport                     High Street, Mbarara

 Telephone:                                                                Website:

(+256) (0)782 404873                                          www.gorillasafarisug.com

(+256) (0)701 411212                                          www.adkatours.blogspot.com

(+256) (0)701 404250                                      

(+256) (0)716 525252

E-mail:    info@gorillasafarisug.com   OR    kanydevi@yahoo.com 

ADKA Tours & Travel offers a wide range of services that includes:

•  Tours of Uganda and it's many National Parks

• Special Interest Tours including, Birding, Gorilla Trekking, Game Viewing, etc.

• Out-Bound Packages and Tours

• Reservations world-wide

• Hotel Bookings (Accomodation Affiliations)

• Vehicle Hire

• Conference Planning and Arrangements

ADKA TOURS AND TRAVEL - TOURS AND SAFARIS PORTFOLIO

      Kampala City                                           - (half day tour)

Entebbe                                          - (half day tour)

Jinja                                              - 1 day

Jinja including white water rafting   - 1 day

Murchison Falls                               - 3 days

Murchison Falls and Kibale Forest    - 5 days

Queen Elizabeth National Park        - 3 days

    Gorilla Express                                - 3 days

Primate Thriller                            - 5 days

Gorilla Grandeur                           - 5 days

Uganda Highlights                         - 7 days

A Closer Look                               - 10 days

The Big Circuit                             - 14 days

The Big Catch (Fishing itinerary)    - 7 days

Prices for all our tours are available on request from (info@gorillasafarisug.com or kanydevi@yahoo.com)

 

....Since the cost of a safari depends on the number of people sharing a vehicle, why not get a group of friends together to come with you....

Special Offers

Check out the special rates on our fixed departure dates to Murchison Falls National Park.

ADDITIONAL SAFARI POSSIBILITIES;

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda OR DRC;

This is often a solution when gorilla permits are not available in Uganda on the dates clients want to track.

Fly-in;

If you are short of time or simply love the idea of a fly-in safari please communicate to us your request.

Birding Itineraries;

Custom-made itineraries

Information available upon request from (info@gorillasafarisug.com or kanydevi@yahoo.com) 

 Places of interest

ADKA TOURS AND TRAVEL RECOMMENDS THESE PLACES TO VISIT IN UGANDA

There is much to see and do in Uganda. ADKA Tours is able to prepare flexible custom-made itineraries to meet your needs. Contact us by E-mail outlining your requirements. (info@adka.com)

Murchison Falls National Park – stunning views of the Falls and a raft of activities that can be enjoyed by visitors that includes the Nile cruise launch trip, where you will see the large numbers of hippos and birdlife.chimp tracking in Budongo Forest, fishing below the Falls, walking safaris and game drives in the Victoria Nile Delta.

Lake Mburo National Park – this park covers 256 sq kms and is the only National Park to contain an entire lake. It has the largest number of impala and is only one of two parks that has zebra. (It is also the closest national park to Kampala.)

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – situated near the beautiful Kisoro Town, overlooking Lakes Mutunda and Bunyonyi. Mgahinga is one of two places in Uganda for gorilla viewing, however, this particular group moves between the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. Preplanned gorilla tracking at Mgahinga has been suspended. The park offers some fantastic scenery, awesome volcano treks and some unique birding opportunities (Rwenzori Turaco and Red Tufted Malachite Sunbird).

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – 10 hours drive from Kampala, is famous for gorilla trekking. As it’s name suggests “impenetrable”. One of the countries premiere birding locations.

Kibale Forest National Park – home to the largest community of wild chimpanzees, Kanyanchu Tourist Centre is the flagship site for wild chimpanzee trekking. Kibale Forest has over 13 species of primates including the chimpanzee.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park – located on Mt Rwenzori, the second highest mountain in Africa. Re-opened to visitors in 2001, for those of you brave enough to climb the mountains it is an amazing experience.

Queen Elizabeth National Park – one of Uganda’s oldest national parks, home to a large array of wildlife (elephants, lions, hyaenas, hippos, etc.), with the famous “Kazinga Channel” trip.

Mount Elgon National Park – for the adventurous climber, Mt Elgon is an extinct volcano and the 4th highest mountain in Africa and the 2nd highest peak in Uganda (4321m). The parks has magnificent waterfalls, caves, gorges and hot springs. Excellent for hiking with incredible views of Karamoja and Kenya.

Kidepo Valley National Park – not so accessible without a vehicle, and extremely remote in the very north of the Uganda, bordering Sudan, has a wonderful array of unhabituated wildlife, set in the picturesque Karamoja plains.

Fort Portal – the town you drive through before getting to Kibale. Lots of lovely places to stay and wonderful views of the Rwenzori Mountain range (or “Mountains of the Moon” as they are also known).

Jinja – the Source of the Nile, a short drive from Kampala, lots of places to stay, and for those of you brave enough: activities there include white water rafting, quad biking and bungy jumps.

Lake Bunyonyi – for camping, relaxing, canoe rides on the lake and a good place to stay either on the way, or on the way back, to/from the gorillas.

Sipi Falls (not far from Mount Elgon) – stunning falls with amazing views of the Karamoja plains.

Ssese Islands – camping, site seeing and relaxing.

Our Tours

ADKATOURS AND TRAVEL – PLANNED DAY TRIPS

1 DAY & OVERNIGHT TRIPS

1. KAMPALA CITY  - The City on 7 hills (1/2 day)

Depart from your hotel.  Our experienced guide takes you through the sights and sounds of this hilly city. Meet people renown for their friendliness and visit cultural sites.

The tour can include the Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, Makerere University, Nakasero Market, Craft markets, Namirembe Cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral, Kibuli Mosque, Kabaka's lake and more. Enjoy a continental or traditional Uganda style lunch at a local favourite restaurant before returning to your hotel.

You may request to extend this tour to a full day.

2. ENTEBBE  - The Seat  (1/2 day)

The colonial town of Entebbe is about 45 minutes drive from Kampala.  Visit the Entebbe International Airport, the lakeside Botanical Gardens, the Ugandan Wildlife Education Centre and Resort Beach Entebbe, a lakeside resort.

You then travel to a traditional fishing village. Finishing with a continental or traditional Uganda style lunch at any local favourite restaurant.

3. JINJA - Source of the Nile  ( 1 day)

The Nile starts its 4000-mile journey to the Mediterranean from Lake Victoria.  Join us to see the source of the Nile and the surrounding environment.  Depart from Kampala, heading east to Jinja passing coffee, tea and sugar plantations.

First stop at the submerged source of the Nile followed by Owen Falls Dam and Masese fishing village on Lake Victoria.  Spend the afternoon relaxing at Bujagali Falls after lunch.

Return to Kampala in the afternoon, stopping at Ssezibwa Falls or Mabira Forest to see primates, birds and butterflies.

You can also request to extend this tour for as long as you enjoy it

3A. JINJA - White Water Rafting ( 1/2 -1 day)

Depart for Jinja for a full day rafting trip on the Nile River including morning snack, lunch, and beverages and BBQ at the end of the day.  You will have an exhilarating and memorable experience.

Half-day trips are available for those short of time.  Though this trip sounds very adventurous, this river can accommodate any level of rafter.  No experience is needed.  You can choose a raft where you get to paddle or one where you enjoy an easier ride with someone else doing all the work!

Top quality safety gear and highly experienced guides run the biggest rapids possible.  Total rafting is for 25 kms of river including some of the best rapids in the world.  You don't have to do all the side runs, unless you want to.  The river is graded 4+ to 5 and provides one of the best one day rafting trips around.

Please:  Bring a swimsuit and shorts to wear on the river. Facilities are available for cameras to be protected from the water while on the river.  Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses.

4. MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK  (3 days)

DAY 1: From Kampala, travel to Masindi passing traditional farms and villages en-route. After a re-fuelling stop in Masindi town, proceed to Murchison Falls N.P. for lunch.  Next, tour the top of the Falls, where the Nile crashes through a 6 meter gorge and falls 45 meters.  Numerous scenic viewpoints are a photographer’s delight! Have Dinner and overnight at River Lodge there.

DAY 2: Cross the Nile by ferry and set off on an early morning game drive. Your guide helps spot elephant, giraffe, Cape buffalo, Uganda kob and lion. After a packed lunch, take a boat cruise to the base of the majestic Murchison Falls. Crocodiles bask in the sun and hippos yawn on the way. Spectacular bird life is found here including the rare Shoebill stork, and you are likely to see numerous animals.

DAY 3: An early morning forest walk in search of chimpanzees in Pabidi Forest. Birds, butterflies and other primates are plentiful. Park guides are very knowledgeable about the amazing flora and fauna. Return to Kampala after a packed lunch.

NB. Extra nights at River Lodge with excursions like fishing and birdwatching are available upon request.

NB2. The minimum age limit of children tracking chimpanzees at Pabidi is 15years. All individuals undertaking activities in the forest at Pabidi MUST wear long trousers.

4a. MURCHISON FALLS AND KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARKS (5 days)

DAY 1: From Kampala, travel to Masindi passing traditional farms and villages en-route. If you would like, ask your driver to stop along the way in order to interact with the local people. After a re-fuelling stop in Masindi town, proceed to River Lodge in Murchison Falls N.P. for lunch.  Next, tour the top of the Falls, where the Nile crashes through a 6 meter gorge and falls 45 meters.  Numerous scenic viewpoints are a photographer’s delight! Dinner and overnight at picturesque Sambiya River Lodge.

DAY 2: Cross the Nile by ferry and set off on an early morning game drive. Your guide helps spot elephant, giraffe, Cape buffalo, Uganda kob and lion. After a packed lunch, take a boat cruise to the base of the majestic Murchison Falls. Crocodiles bask in the sun and hippos yawn on the way. Spectacular bird life (over 450 species) is found in the Park including the rare Shoebill stork, and you are likely to see numerous animals.

Day 3: Early morning departure to Kibale (a 10 hour drive through villages with lunch enroute!). Overnight at Rwenzori Guest House.

Day 4: Leave early morning to track chimpanzees. After your forest adventure (where there are many different primates to be found), enjoy a packed lunch at Bigodi Forest Camp. In the afternoon, walk through the swamps to see primates and birds (kingfishers, hawks, Great Blue Turaco and many others reside in the swamp).

Day 5:  After breakfast depart for Kampala.

NB2. The minimum age limit of children tracking chimpanzees at Pabidi is 15years. All individuals undertaking activities in the forest at Pabidi MUST wear long trousers.

5. QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK (3 days) 

DAY 1: Head from Kampala through magnificent hills and lush vegetation. Stop at the  equator for photographs and continue to the market town of Masaka for lunch. Enjoy a game drive upon entering the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight at the beautifully situated Mweya Safari Lodge.

DAY 2: A guided walk takes you into the tropical Kyambura Gorge in search of chimpanzees. This hike involves climbing. In this unspoiled environment, birds and butterflies are all around, and you might also see primates.

After lunch, take a boat cruise up Kazinga Channel, which separates Lakes Edward and George, to view a variety of game that frequent the banks.

DAY 3: After an early morning game drive and breakfast, tour the volcanic area of the park with its many salt lakes and extinct craters. Visit Lake Katwe to see how the local residents collect salt. Return to Kampala by early evening.

NB. Extra nights at Mweya Safari Lodge with excursions are available upon request, or combine QENP with gorillas or chimpanzees in other Ugandan parks

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST

6. GORILLA EXPRESS (3 days)

DAY 1: Drive from Kampala south-west across the Equator. The trip takes you through savannah grasslands, banana plantations and drives you through herds of Ankole cale with their incredible long curving horns.  Ascend into the Kigezi highlands, known as the “Switzerland of Africa” with terraced farming and mountain scenery, and drive through to Buhoma.

DAY 2: Enter the sanctuary at dawn and enjoy the beauty and freshness of the forest, home of the mountain gorillas. After a short briefing by the guides, proceed through dense bush to trek for these endangered animals. Other primates also live in the forest including the black and white Colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey and chimpanzee.

Enjoy a packed lunch enroute and time permitting, visit the cultural village of the Batwa pygmies. Interact with their traditional healers, see how they make a local “brew” out of bananas and watch their traditional dance. Return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight.

The accommodation used in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is either Buhoma Lodge or Gorilla Forest Camp. The selection is dependant on your budget.

DAY 3: Return to Kampala after breakfast.

Would you like to spend longer on this trip?

NB.1 The Uganda Wildlife Authority effective immediately increased the price of gorilla tracking permits, Gorilla tracking fees in the reserves in the DR. Congo and Rwanda are also to increase inline with those in Uganda on the same date.

NB.2 Remember to bring heavy leather gloves, stout hiking boots, long sleeves shirts, long pants, a light back-pack, and water-bottle for those tracking gorillas.

NB.3 Please note that there are limited gorilla permits available for each day of the year. We recommend that you start planning for this safari well in advance (ie. At least 6 months to one year or more….) so that permits can be applied for.

To apply for your gorilla permits we need to know your nationality, passport number, date of issue & expiry (valid passport is necessary), as well as your date of birth.

MULTIPLE DESTINATION
QUEEN ELIZABETH NP AND BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FROEST

7.  PRIMATE THRILLER - Queen Elizabeth and Gorillas (5 Days)

DAY 1: Drive from Kampala south-west across the Equator. The trip takes you through savannah grasslands, banana plantations and drives you through herds of Ankole cattle with their incredible long curving horns.  Ascend into the Kigezi highlands, known as the “Switzerland of Africa” with terraced farming and mountain scenery, and drive through to Buhoma.

DAY 2: Enter the sanctuary at dawn and enjoy the beauty and freshness of the forest, home of the mountain gorillas. After a short briefing by the guides, proceed through dense bush to trek for these endangered animals. Other primates also live in the forest including the black and white Colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey and chimpanzee. Return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Depart the forest for Ishasha to look for the famous tree climbing lions! Lunch enroute. Over night at the beautifully situated Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 4: Awake early for a sunrise game drive to see elephant and lion. In the afternoon relax on a cruise up the Kazinga Channel between Lakes Edward and George. Enjoy viewing the animals on the banks as well as a variety of water birds. Lion, hippo, Cape buffalo, Uganda kob, and wart hogs are usually seen. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 5: Track chimpanzees in the tropical Kyambura Gorge. This is a hike that involves climbing and one needs to be fit and over 15 years of age. Birds and butterflies abound and you may also see other primates. Depart for Kampala, a five hour drive. Enjoy a packed lunch enroute.  

CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

8. GORILLA GRANDEUR (including Gorillas, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo PLUS National Park  (5 days)

DAY 1: Drive from Kampala south-west across the Equator. The trip takes you through savannah grasslands, banana plantations and drives you through herds of Ankole cattle with their incredible long curving horns.  Ascend into the Kigezi highlands, known as the “Switzerland of Africa” with terraced farming and mountain scenery, and drive through to Buhoma.

DAY 2: Enter the sanctuary at dawn and enjoy the beauty and freshness of the forest, home of the mountain gorillas. After a short briefing by the guides, proceed through dense bush to trek for these endangered animals. Other primates also live in the forest including the black and white Colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey and chimpanzee. Enjoy a packed lunch enroute and time permitting, visit the cultural village of the Batwa pygmies. Interact with their traditional healers, see how they make a local “brew” out of bananas and watch their traditional dance. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

The accommodation used in Bwindi is either Buhoma Lodge or Gorilla Forest Camp. The selection is dependent on your budgetReturn to the accommodation for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: Depart from the forest for Lake Bunyonyi, the lake of little birds, renowned for its variety and abundance of avian. Enjoy a canoe ride on this beautiful narrow lake surrounded by green hills. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

The accommodation used at Lake Bunyonyi is either:
- Bunyonyi Overland Camp,
- Bunyonyi Safari Resort,
- Bushara Island Camp

Day 4: After breakfast depart for Lake Mburo, stopping for lunch enroute. As you enter the Park look for game including zebra, impala, Cape buffalo, topi, eland, leopard, hyena and jackals. Relax in the afternoon on a 2 hour boat trip; watching for  hippos, crocs and some of the many (300+) birds that have been sighted there. Accommodation might be at Mantana Tented Camp, Mihingo Lodge, or Rwonyo Bandas depending on you budget.

Day 5: Take an early morning nature walk and return to your accommodation. After breakfast depart for Kampala, an approximate 3 hour drive.  Lunch enroute.

MULTIPLE DESTINATIONS SAFARI

10- UGANDA HIGHLIGHTS (4 PARKS: MURCHISON FALLS, QUEEN ELIZABETH, KIBALE AND GORILLA TREKKING (7 days) 

DAY 1: From Kampala, drive to Masindi passing traditional farms and villages. Reach Murchison Falls National Park after lunch enroute and tour the top of the Falls with amazing scenic viewpoints. Dinner and overnight at River Lodge.

DAY 2: Cross the Nile by ferry and set off on an early morning game drive. Your guide helps spot elephant, giraffe, water buffalo, Ugandan kob and lion. After a packed lunch take a launch trip to the base of the majestic Murchison Falls. There is abundant bird life and you will most likely see numerous wild animals on the banks. Return to the excellent service and comfort of River Lodge.

DAY 3: Depart early to the Fort Portal area. This area, nestled in the Rwenzori Mountains, is the seat of the Toro kingdom. Lunch enroute to Kibale Forest. Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge or Ruwenzori View Guesthouse.

DAY 4: Early morning forest walk in search of chimpanzee. See other primates, forest birds and butterflies. Arrive at Mweya Safari Lodge in QENP after lunch. Relax on a cruise up the Kazinga Channel between Lakes Edward and George. Enjoy seeing wild animals on the banks and a wonderful variety of water birds. Lion, hippo, Cape buffalo, Uganda kob and warthogs are usually seen. Overnight at the beautifully situated Mweya Safari Lodge.

DAY 5: Awake early for a sun rise game drive to see elephant and lion. After breakfast depart for a gorilla sanctuary. Packed lunch enroute. Transit through the Kigezi Highlands with terraced banana plantations on the steep slopes. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga N.P at a lodge or luxury tented camp.

DAY 6: Rise early for gorilla trekking. The experienced ranger guides will brief you before the trek. Spend the day moving through dense forest in an exciting search for rare majestic mountain gorillas. Return to accommodation for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: Return to Kampala through the Kigezi highlands, the "Switzerland of Africa". Enjoy a relaxing lunch in Mbarara. Arrive in Kampala early evening.

NB.1 Because of the difficulty of obtaining both gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits 'last minute' this tour needs to booked well in advance or clients need to be flexible on their safari dates. Those tracking chimps must be at least 15 and those tracking gorillas must be at least 15 years of age.

11. CLOSER LOOK (4 PARKS, 10 DAYS)

(LAKE MBURO, GORILLA TREKKING, QUEEN ELIZABETH AND MURCHISON FALLS NP)

Uganda is a land rich in cultural background, political history and natural resources. We are pleased to offer a "closer look safari" which is designed to give you an in-depth understanding about what you see and experience as you travel through Uganda. This safari is customised to focus on your particular areas of interest whether these are cultural, historical, political, environmental, primatological or art-oriented. When booking this tour please state your group’s special focus or interest in order to ensure the appropriate resource personnel, making your safari especially informative and rewarding. A minimum of six people is required. Nightly lectures and discussions regarding the upcoming day's activities will be held.

DAY 1: ADKA Tours will pick you up from your Kampala hotel and drive to Entebbe (which means "the seat" in Luganda). A tour of the extensive Botanical Gardens on the shores of Lake Victoria introduces you to a variety of the vegetation found across Uganda from huge trees and tropical shrubs to many types of grasses. At the Uganda Wildlife Education Center, experts in wildlife rehabilitation will discuss conservation efforts in Uganda with special regard to the chimpanzees and gorillas. After lunch, visit the Uganda Museum in Kampala for further introductions to the cultural and natural history of the country. Then visit other significant sites in Kampala including the Kasubi Tombs and Nommo Gallery. Dinner and overnight in Kampala at your hotel.

DAY 2: Early morning depart Kampala for Lake Mburo N.P. stopping for an opportunity to take photographs at the Equator. You pass papyrus swamps and pockets of tropical forest and have an opportunity to leave your vehicle for a closer look at these natural habitats. Learn more about the settlements you pass and the changes that have occurred on the specific environments surrounding the area. Enter Lake Mburo N. P. for a game drive and boat trip. See zebra and other grazers as well as a plenitude of birdlife. Packed lunch provided. In the afternoon visit the Park's nature study centre. Dinner and overnight at Rwonyo Rest Camp or Mantana Camp.

DAY 3: After breakfast, head for the Kigezi highlands in the south-western corner of Uganda. The scenery is spectacular with steep hillsides terraced for growing matoke (green bananas), the Buganda staple food. You proceed to the dense tropical forest of the appropriately named Bwindi Impenetrable N. P. in time for lunch at the camp. After lunch, take a nature walk along the forest edge or relax at the camp. Park rangers discuss various aspects of conservation and gorilla behaviour. Dinner and overnight at a Buhoma Homestead.

DAY 4: After an early breakfast your guides will brief you before you begin your hike to view the gorillas. Set out on your journey for an intimate interaction with the  endangered gentle giants. The forest is rich with tropical vegetation, a host of butterflies, many species of birds and a variety of lesser primates. Boxed lunches are provided.  Return to the Buhoma Homestead for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: Morning visit to Ruhija sector of the rainforest commences after breakfast. At the Forest Centre for Ecology, guides give a lecture on the ecology and wildlife of the area. Walk in the rain forest with the knowledgeable research personnel who are able to add to your appreciation and understanding of your exotic surroundings. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest. Arrive back at the Buhoma Homestead for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: Depart the rainforest for a visit to Ishasha, a beautiful sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is wide-open savannah country dotted with flat-topped acacia trees, an incredible contrast in vegetation after the dense equatorial forest. In this quiet wilderness you can see nature at its best as well as the tree-climbing lion for which this area is most famous. After a packed lunch you drive northwards heading to Mweya Safari Lodge in QENP. Arrive at the Lodge in time for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: Your day begins with the excitement of a sunrise game drive. After breakfast visit the Institute of Ecology and receive a professional explanation on the ecology of the par and its different animals. After lunch, enjoy a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, which joins Lakes Edward and George. See wild game in their natural habitat including hippopotamus and water birds. Depart the Park in the early evening and drive through Kasese town to Fort Portal. Enjoy the sunset over the Rwenzori Mountains enroute. Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge or Ruwenzori View Guesthouse.

DAY 8: Breakfast is followed by a drive through the rural, rolling countryside of the Toro Kingdom heading towards Murchison Falls N.P. Stop for lunch in Hoima. Arrive to the comfort of Sambiya River Lodge, which is beautifully situated on a tributary of the Nile within MFNP. This will be your base for the final two nights of your safari.

DAY 9: Cross the Nile for an early game drive on the northern bank of the river. Animals frequently spotted here include Uganda kob, hartebeest, elephants, Rothchild's giraffe, Cape buffalo, topi and lion. After lunch, the afternoon's activities include a boat cruise up the River Nile, offering a chance to see crocodiles, hippopotamus, giraffe and more, plus the many birds living along the river, including the famous Shoebill stork. If you would like to get off the boat and hike up to the top of the Falls, there are spectacular views to be photographed! Alternatively you can drive and visit the top of the magnificent Murchison Falls on the way back to the Lodge. If it appeals to you, cool off in an intimate pool above the Falls (or you can wait and enjoy the swimming pool at the Lodge!).  Return to the Lodge for the evening.

DAY 10: After breakfast, proceed to the cool and dense Pabidi Forest for a final walk with the animals of the forest, the final chance to see chimpanzee and experience the exotic calls of tropical birds. (Note: Chimp trackers must be at least 15 years of age and all persons undertaking activities at Padidi MUST wear long trousers). Return to Kampala via Masindi, where you will stop for lunch.  The town is rich in political and cultural history.

NB.2 This safari can be shortened by deleting days 3-5 or days 8-10. You may also extend your visit by adding a additional days in any area.

12. THE BIG CIRCUIT (6 PARKS, 12 - 14 DAYS)

(LAKE MBURO, GORILLAS, QUEEN ELIZABETH, KIBALE, SEMULIKI, MURCHISON FALLS NP)

DAY 1: Depart from Kampala for south-western Uganda. Cross the Equator, driving through savannah and scattered bush country. Enter Lake Mburo N.P., the only park in Uganda that surrounds an entire lake. See herds of zebra and other savannah mammals. This park also acts as home to over 300 species of birds. Enjoy a game drive and boat ride on the lake. Dinner and overnight at Rwonyo Rest Camp or Mantana Camp.

DAY 2: From Lake Mburo, drive through the mountainous and heavily terraced area of Kigezi, aptly named "the Switzerland of Africa". Stop at beautiful Lake Bunyonyi – Lake of Little Birds – before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla N.P.  The evergreen forests combined with excellent service are relaxing after the day’s journey. Overnight at a luxury camp or lodge.

DAY 3: Early morning your guides will brief you before you head towards the dense forest on your search for gorillas and an intimate interaction with these gentle and endangered animals. The forest also affords viewing other primates including blue monkeys, L'oehst monkeys, red tailed monkeys and chimpanzee, along with a variety of birdlife. The time spent trekking in this unspoiled tropical forest and watching the gorillas is certainly worth the effort. In the evening relax back at your luxury camp or lodge.

DAY 4: Leave the gorilla sanctuary for the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. View the amazing contrast in scenery as you move from dense forest to open grasslands dotted with flat-topped acacia and primeval euphorbia trees. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, this part of the Park is also known for large herds of buffalo and kob. Continue to Mweya Safari Lodge on the shore of Lake Edward for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: Start your day with the excitement of an early morning game drive. Then visit the volcanic area of Queen Elizabeth N.P. with its many salt lakes and extinct craters. In the afternoon, cruise the Kazinga Channel, which joins Lakes George and Edward. From the comfort of your boat you can watch for elephant and other game on the shore. Hippopotamus, crocodiles and water birds can be seen along the banks. Overnight Mweya Safari Lodge with dinner.

DAY 6: Early morning departure for exploration of Semuliki N.P. and Sempaya Hot Spring. This area is largely untouched by man. As an extension of the vast forest of the Congo, several species of birds and animals are unique to this park. Overnight at the Semuliki Safari Lodge.

DAY 7: Spend the morning exploring the lush forrest filled with primates and birds. After lunch search for chimpanzee and other primates. Dinner and overnight at Semuliki Safari Lodge.

DAY 8: Leisurely drive to Kibale Forest. This mature hardwood forest harbours 11 species of primates and a variety of birds and butterflies. Lunch upon arrival and the afternoon is free for short hikes and exploring the surroundings. Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge or Rwenzori Guesthouse.

DAY 9: Early morning visit to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking (persons must be of a minimum age of 15 years). The forest is also home to other primates like grey cheeked mangabeys, baboons and vervet monkeys. Picnic lunch at Bigodi Forest Camp. In the afternoon, walk through the swamps to see birds and primates at close range. Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge or Ruwenzori Guesthouse.

DAY 10: After breakfast depart for Murchison Falls N. P. through the village towns of Kagadi and Hoima with lunch enroute. Visit the top of Murchison Falls, late afternoon and then proceed to Sambiya River Lodge, which is centrally located in the Park. With its picturesque setting and reputation for good service the lodge is a perfect base for your last two nights of safari.

DAY 11: Cross the Nile for an early game drive on the northern bank of the river. Animals frequently spotted here include Uganda kob, hartebeest, elephants, Rothchild's giraffe, Cape buffalo, topi and lion. After lunch at the Lodge, relax by the pool or experience nature close-up on a forest walk with a ranger guide. Overnight at Sambiya River Lodge.

DAY 12: Depart Murchison Falls through Masindi. See traditional homesteads and farms en-route. Arrive in Kampala early evening.

NB. For those who would like to end your safari on a relaxing note, and spend one or two extra days in Murchison:

On Day 10 drive directly to the Lodge from Hoima.

Day 11: Sleep in and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on your verandah and then breakfast in the open sided Lodge. Experience nature up close. Enjoy a late afternoon visit to the top of Murchison Falls where you will see the Nile crash through a 6 metre gorge. Visit the bat caves to see thousands of bats leaving for their nocturnal flights! Return to Sambiya River Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Cross the Nile for an early game drive on the northern bank of the river. Animals frequently spotted here include Uganda kob, hartebeest, elephants, Rothchild’s giraffe, Cape buffalo and lion. IF YOU ARE LUCKY YOU MAY EVEN SEE LEOPARD! After a packed lunch enjoy an afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Large crocodiles, hippopotamus, numerous water birds and other game can be spotted from the boat. Return to Sambiya River Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 13: Depart for Kampala after a relaxing morning.

13. The Big Catch (7 days)

Immediately below the Murchison Falls is said to be the finest place to catch Nile Perch anywhere. The best success in landing THE BIG CATCH comes either early morning or late afternoon, so be prepared to rise early to ensure success. Large fish are common along the entire length of the Nile River.

You should be fairly fit to enjoy fishing at the base of the Falls as you will be required to hike down to the bottom of the Falls on fairly rugged trails. New access points are being cleared to assist vehicle transfers. Some anchor places are available along the banks of the Nile.

Culture

 CULTURE IN UGANDA

Tribes

Today in Uganda there are 17 tribes belonging to the Bantu and Nilotic groups. The Bantu-speaking tribes include the Baganda from the central region and, the Batooro, Banyoro, Bakiga, Bafumbira, Bakonjo, Bamba, Banyarwanda and Batwa from the western region, plus the Basoga, Banyuli, Bakenye, Bagishu, Bagwe, Bagwere from the eastern region. There are Bateso, Jopadhola and Karimojong, Kumam. Jonam, Sebi, Pokot (Suk) and Tepeth from the northeastern area, and the Nilotics who include the Acholi, Alur, Langi, Lugbara, Madi, Kakwa in the north. The Lendus from Zaire are also found across the border in Northwestern Uganda.

English is the official language. Many people outside the office also commonly speak it. Luganda is easily the more spoken language in most towns where business is transacted. This is as a result of British colonial rule where the indirect policy of rule used Baganda chiefs to oversee their business.

For many years the Luganda Bible and primer was the only available source of education in most Bantu-speaking districts of Uganda and could easily have become the official language but the other districts will hear none of that.

Kiswahili is spoken but not without relative unease because of its association with bad rule and soldiers who went on butchering people in the bad regimes.

Neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania have happily embraced Kiswahili which is freely spoken in parliament, but not in Uganda, where despite Government efforts to make it a course language in primary and secondary schools parents are reluctant to embrace it.

A number of Languages like Runyakitara and Luganda are examinable as degree courses at Makerere University. Kiswahili has been introduced there as well.

The people and their cultures

Uganda is a country of many cultural contrasts. For example if you go west to South Western Uganda like in areas of Kiruhura, Ntungamo, Rukungiri (Rujumbura) Sheema and Mbarara Districts, you will meet the Bahima, a race of Mpororo and Ankole. This is an egalitarian group of tall beautiful people who live on their cattle, milk and ghee.

They move from place to place in search of grass for their herds. The men are agile, temperamental when confronted and wear the elaborate shuka, (a long woven cloth) of rich colours around the shoulder and a handy stick in hand to shoo cows or fight the enemy.

Their fat wives who walk in the same graceful manner like the cows, live on milk and equally wear colourful clothes. The women are usually of ample girth with beautiful chocolate coloured gums and extremely white teeth. The Bahima have strengthened their lives around cows and milk. Many of their long-horned, graceful cows are given names to which they respond when called.

There is a rich folklore of songs and dance among the Bahima, including some elaborate poems and recitals which give praise to the best cows or narrate some long journeys. Owing to the increasing shortage of cows and land, they are slowly settling down to a more sedentary way of life.

Tourism

Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, with fantastic natural scenery, Half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population is in uganda. It also offers world-class white water rafting at the source of nile and some of the region's more peaceful national parks, where wildlife viewing doesnt involve long waits in line behind a dozen or more vehicles.

The natural attractions are among the best in the region, and as tourism is still being re-established, there simply aren't the crowds found elsewhere. Take your pick from the highest mountain range in Africa, the Rwenzori Mountains; one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, Murchison Falls; or perhaps the highest primate density in the world, in kabale forest National park - Uganda has all this and more. It's a beautiful country with a great deal to offer, and sooner or later the tourist hordes will 'discover' its delights - make sure you get there before they do.

The weather

The country is known for its fine sunny and rainy weather which often does not require the wearing of warm clothing except on some chilly nights in the mountainous areas in western and eastern Uganda. Uganda is on the sunny side most of the year, especially in the central region. Rainfall comes in torrents when delayed, especially when the expected patterns are delayed for some months.

Distinctive wet and dry seasons are typical of most Ugandan areas. For example in the southern, half of Uganda there is rainfall from March to May and in September to November. The rest of the periods are dry. There is a well-distributed rainfall pattern around the Lake Victoria Crescent, with storms and unpredictable rains falling during seasons when there is no rain elsewhere in Uganda.

Areas such as Karamoja in the northeast are dry possibly because of the dry winds blowing in from Somalia. There is very little mean variation in the weather in Uganda except for the mountain areas. The copious rains and bright sunshine are most responsible for successful rain-fed agriculture where grains, fruits and vegetables grow in abundance. Uganda's weather is most likely a major factor contributing to the fine taste of its foods and quality of cash crops like vanilla, coffee arabica (the finest in the world) and tea although Uganda's horticultural export industry has just started blooming.

Game Watch In Uganda

Visitors mostly come to Uganda to watch gorillas which are found in southwestern Uganda in two of the only four parks in the world where the gentle giants live. One park is Mghahinga, where chances of seeing the mountain gorillas is a bit tricky but assured, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you will surely see a gorilla family during its morning nap or late afternoon siesta after a good meal. Gorilla watching permits are expensive and there are queues to follow. If you want to track the gentle giants, you have to wait in order to be put on the manifest of those who have been permitted. You could be eliminated from the list on a slight suspicion of illness like flu because gorillas easily catch human diseases to which they have no immunity.

Uganda is also one of the best places in which to watch chimpanzees, man's closest cousins. These primates are seen easily in Kibale Forest National Park and in the Budongo tropical forest where the harvesting of trees for timber is threatening their existence. There are also chimps in Chambura River Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Meanwhile an island sanctuary for chimpanzees has been set up in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Uganda has a number of monkey families which include the yellow baboon, which has a dog-like head, the Patas, which dwell in the savannah, four races of the vervet monkey; the blue monkey is common in most forests and the red-tailed monkey. There is de Brazza's monkey, L'Hoest monkey in Kibale Forest National park, and Wolf's guenon, or Hamlyn's guenon. Grey-cheeked mangabeys are found in Kibale forest. You will enjoy sighting the black-and-white Colobus monkey which is hunted by poachers for its beautiful coat which musicians use as a waistband during the local dances.

Arts and crafts of the Pearl of AfricaUganda has an amazingly good array of crafts for sale to tourists although they are still not well promoted. A few well-exposed Ugandan artists who have lived abroad have mixed with marketing cartels and some of them now know how to market their works overseas. Among them is Nuwa Wamala Nyanzi a largely self-taught artist now of world renown. Nuwa has not only sold his work to many individuals both abroad and locally but has also made good contacts to a point that some of his work can be purchased by email from a warehouse in the United States. He is well known in the art fraternity and diplomatic and expatriate community a number of whom buy his work.

One of the best sources of good fine art is the Margaret Trowel School of Fine Art, Industrial Art and Design at Makerere University where both talented students and their lecturers paint or sculpt good quality stuff in equal measure. There are a number of art galleries in town, the oldest being Nommo Gallery which is near the Presidential Lodge in Kampala. It holds exhibitions both for talented, well-known and amateur artists. The gallery is home to the Uganda Artists Association a body that brings together both young and old artists. You will encounter good crafts and art in small kiosks on Buganda Road after the Chief Magistrate's Court.

Uganda lost most of its artists to neighbouring countries and abroad during the days of Idi Amin's bad rule; now foreign artists from With Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Kenya make their way to Kampala. Some of the With Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)an artwork is of good rich quality, especially canvas works depicting rich warm sunsets and luxuriant greenery of the tropical forests there and small villages by the river. With Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)an artists are great craftsmen and they sell good so-called "primitive art" statues, antique like chairs and masks. Many of them also peddle elaborate folding stools and wooden chests. You are advised to scrutinise woodwork which is often passed on as antiques when it is not. Another gallery to visit is Tulifanya, right behind the Crested Towers building near Radio Uganda. Here a German lady commissions and counsels local artists to paint some themes styled on some imaginative European motifs which she has marketed for them successfully. The gallery also offers excellent framing services and runs a small pleasant cafe on its small compound.

Some of Uganda's arts and crafts are actually the musical instruments such as drums, thumb pianos, stopped clay and reed pipes, lyre fiddles and rattles. Some cast-iron bells are worn on the legs of dancers. Do not forget the traditional gomesi dress for women, an elaborate bodice which women in Uganda get dressed in to impress at weddings and prayer sessions. Men wear kanzus, which are long white tunics with a collar-less neck and embroidered red thread that streams down the middle. Kanzus were modified after Arab dresses which first came to Uganda when slavers traded in ivory in the 19th century. Bodingi or gomesi were first introduced at Gayaza, the first women's high school in Uganda where it was part of the uniform. There is a story about an Asian tailor called Gomes after whom the women's dress was named.

Bark cloth

One of the finest materials from which Ugandan artists make work is bark cloth, a fibrous if coarse, material scrapped from a fig tree. Lubugo as it is called in Luganda is made from the bark of a fig tree after being soaked in water for a few days before artisans hammer it out with a toothed mallet into a fabric. The fabric comes out in various browns, some of a very rich dark brown colour. Bark cloths hold a high place in many rituals in the kingdoms of Buganda and Bunyoro where princes and princesses were obliged to wear them. Yards of it, for example, are used to screen or drape the walls of shrines and god's homes. Kings wear them -particularly of a white colour- on big commemorative ceremonies; chiefs swear by them while wearing yards of it knotted at the shoulder with a spear in hand. And during burials, dead bodies are wrapped up in bark cloth. In the early days of kingdoms in Uganda, notable chiefs would be buried in wrappings of up to 200 pieces of mbugo. Today, since the revival of kingdoms bark cloth has regained its prestige with many Baganda making all manner of wear out of it including very attractive hats that bear the Buganda insignia, coats and long flowing robes.
Gourds
They have many uses some of which include being the traditional containers for beer. When halved into two gourds they make good beer drinking bowls. Some long-necked gourds are used for collecting or drinking water while others are for keeping salt or cow butter. Many artists in Uganda etch and write on them or embroider them with tiny beads before sale. Huge gourds are used to carry banana wine for funerals and weddings. As a matter of protocol, such gourds have to be draped with yellow banana leaves and gently put on top of dry banana leaves

There are several types of baskets made in Uganda, some mats made from grasses and palm leaves. Most of these items are coloured with dye solutions to create intricate patterns which skilled craftsmen and women learn by doing. Probably the best if not overly done baskets and mats are those made by Nubian women.

They can be pricey and too big but they are worth the price, if for their finery and fanciful colours and intricate patterns and designs. The Batooro and Bahima of western Uganda (Ankole, Toro) make fine, little cylindrical baskets (endiiro) in which millet bread is served and kept hot. Their size is handy for tourists without the space to keep big basketry. The prices can be a little bit high but negotiations will often bring the prices down. In Buganda, the baskets are bigger and saucer like. Coffee beans, fruits and even bottle beer are often served in these utensils. In modern Kiganda marriages, showy parades of men and women dressed up in kanzu and boding line up with the baskets (bibbo) as they approach the bride's home on the introductory (courtship) occasions.

There are various types of pottery in Uganda with most of the pots and earthenware saucers made of kaolin, clay and dark soil. Skilled potters slurp the clay and roll it in their hands as they carve products out, without using a kick wheel. Many tribes use clay to make smoking pipes, pots for potable water and cooking purposes.

Weapons
There are arrays of traditional weapons in Uganda which should be of interest to tourists. Long an short spears, hooks, sticks bow and arrows all come to mind. Various tribes make various types of weapons and depending on the availability of materials. However, for kings and chiefs, the spear blades used to look wider and more prestigious. Catapults are common in the north while sticks are used by herdsmen.

Musical instruments

Most musical instruments in Uganda are played in what we call an ensemble. Three to four men squatting on the ground play rhythmical beats, with breaks of beats sprinkling in from tom tom drums. Other instruments include the xylophone, lyres, thumb piano and mouth pipes.

Terms and conditions

ADKA TOURS AND TRAVEL GENERAL BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT: When booking your holiday direct with ADKA Tours and Travel, please quote your specialised itinerary, intended date for arrival and departure, number of people travelling and sleeping arrangements.  Please also specify food issues i.e., lactose intolerant, Vegetarian, other food allergies, etc. This will ensure that our arrangements are to your satisfaction.  Gorilla trekking requires a minimum of 12 weeks advance booking.  Children under 12 are not allowed to track chimpanzee and children under 15 are not allowed to trek the gorillas. 

A 50% deposit is required at least 8 weeks before intended departure with the balance to be settled 20 days prior to commencement of the tour.  ADKA will receipt your money, thereby confirming your safari.  If a reservation is made within 20 days of departure, the entire amount must be made at the time of confirmation.

CANCELLATIONS:  Full refund will be provided if cancellation occurs in writing 60 days prior to commencement of a safari.  Refund on all pre-paid money will be based on cancellation fees levied by hotels and lodges.  Generally there is a 50% charge on cancellation within 14-35days, 75% charge within 2 - 14 days, and 100% charge within 48 hours.  We reserve the right to deduct all expenses incurred from money paid.  Gorilla permits are non-refundable unless accepted by the issuing authority and under their terms and conditions.

ALTERATION OF TOUR: The right is reserved to alter any route or arrangement, to cancel the operation of any scheduled tour should the conditions necessitate.  The right is also reserved to decline, accept or retain any member of a tour at any time.  Should you fail to join a tour, join it after departure or leave prior to completion; no tour fare refund can be made.

TRANSFER OF BOOKING: In the event you are unable to come due to extraordinary circumstances, we may transfer your booking to another party provided the arrangements remain the same and if suppliers (airlines, hotels, etc.) are all ready to accept the transfer.  Gorilla permits are not transferable. 

MODE OF PAYMENT: All prices are quoted in US Dollars.  We only accept VISA credit cards. We do not accept travelers’ checks because the clearance to our bank takes as long as 60 days and over. However, clients can travel with TCs (since traveling with large amounts of money is not advisable) and go to a local bank to exchange them for cash.  Please be aware that a commission will be charged. The preferred mode of payment to confirm a safari is through a Telegraphic Transfer (to the ADKA bank account) which are subject to bank charges at the prevailing rate. In the case of walk in clients, local currency will be accepted at the current dollar-buying rate.

TRANSPORT:  Mode for transport utilized will be dependent on the number of clients and the route taken based on the specifications of the chosen itinerary.  Fully trained and experienced English speaking driver/guides are provided.

ACCOMMODATION:  Based on twin/double bedded rooms, cottages or tents with private bathrooms where possible. Single rooms may be available with the payment of a supplement fee.

TOUR PRICE: The prices quoted are inclusive of all transportation as per the itinerary, park entrance fees, permits where applicable, driver's allowances and third party insurance.  The rates are not inclusive of accommodation and meals while in Kampala, traveller's insurance, flights, local departure taxes, visa fees, gratuities, sodas and alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, laundry and other personal expenses.  Or as stated when quoted.

TRAVELLER'S INSURANCE: You are advised to buy travel insurance through your agent before coming to Uganda, but local evacuation coverage is available in the unlikely event of a medical emergency while out in the bush. Refer to AAR Health Services at www.aar.co.ug

LIABILITY:  All bookings are accepted on the specific condition that ADKA and its agent act only as agents of the passengers in all matters relating to hotel/lodge accommodations, tours transport, etc. and shall not be liable for injury, delay, loss or damage in any manner whatsoever.  ADKA reserves the right to employ subcontractors to carry out all or part of the services agreed to be supplied.  The respective laws of the country govern ADKA’s liability to passengers carried in its own vehicles.  All claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the cause of action arises.  Finally, whilst every care is taken, ADKA can not be held responsible for loss or damage to baggage. 

Travel Tips

ADKA TOURS AND TRAVEL - TRAVEL TIPS FOR UGANDA

ENTERING THE COUNTRY

Non-residents of Uganda will be required to purchase a visa when they arrive in Uganda. 90 day Tourist Visas can be obtained at the airport upon arrival at a cost of $50 US Dollars. You must pay in cash US Dollars only and make sure that bills are issued post-2001.

Uganda also requires that all visitors are vaccinated against Yellow Fever. While they may not always check, we strongly recommend that you bring proof of this vaccination with you when arriving in the country.

Additional visa option details are available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, http://www.mofa.go.ug/immigration.php or ADKA can help you on this issue

WEATHER

Uganda is sunny most of the year, with temperatures rarely rising above 29 degrees Celcius / 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The heavy rainy season is March-May, light rainy season November-December, though there will always be a few hours of sunshine. June is usually dry, but showers can still be expected.

LANGUAGE

The official language in Uganda is English. Luganda and Swahili are also widely spoken.

ELECTRICITY

230/245 volts. British-style plugs with three pins are used.

FOOD AND DRINK

Uganda, with its agricultural resource, combined with the conducive climate, produces a wide range of food products. Bananas, millet, maize, sorghum, rice, wheat, sweet potatoes, irish potatoes and cassava grow in abundance. Fruits and other vegetables are also plentiful - watermelon, passion fruits, pineapples, mangoes, tomatoes, aubergine, green peppers. You will probably eat better here than you do at home! Tea and coffee is readily available almost everywhere with coffee houses and cafés conveniently located. Soda (coke, fanta, sprite, bitter lemon, etc) are sold by the (glass) bottle, which are returnable and recycled. Local beer (lagers only) are as good as any international beer and there are many to choose from including – Bell, Club, ESB, Pilsner, Nile Special, Eagle, Castle, Guinness. All are brewed in Uganda, but it is important to remember that these are considerably stronger than what you may be used to.

CURRENCY

The official currency for Uganda is the Uganda Shilling. Ugandan shilling notes of shs 500 and smaller are no longer legal tender and have been replaced with coins (50, 100, 200 and 500). Larger notes are 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000.

Banks and Changing Money

There is a wide array of banks and forex bureau’s to choose from, with several international banks represented (Barclays, Standard Chartered, Stanbic).

The US dollar and the pound sterling are the strongest currencies used in Uganda and are the easiest to exchange. Us dollar notes dated prior to 2001 are turned away and therefore recommend bringing US dollar notes issued no earlier than 2001. Also, notes smaller than US$50 attract a far lower exchange rate. We suggest you bring cash and/or credit cards with you as traveler check exchange rates are not as competitive.

For convenience you may change money at the airport upon arrival however, the airport exchange is not as competitive as forex bureaus in Kampala.  We suggest you change only as much as you need to get you you through the first day or so (recommend US$50-100 only).

Credit Cards

Despite what some guidebooks claim, credit cards are not widely accepted and where they can be used, mainly with the larger hotels and companies, hefty surcharges are common. Barclays Bank (open Mon-Fri, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm), however, offers cash advances against credit cards with a small surcharge.

ATMs

Currently, Stand Chartered Bank is the only bank that offers automated cash withdrawals with (their own) cards, locally and internationally.  These ATMs can be found at the airport and Kampala, but please note that they only accept Mastercard and Visa cards.

HEALTH ISSUES

Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis

Malaria risk is high and chloroquine resistance is a problem in Uganda. A prophylactic medication such as Mefloquine (Larium) or Doxycycline is recommended. Travellers should also carry malaria treatment such as Fansidar or Artenam etc (also available in the drug shops in Uganda). Again, please consult and discuss prevention and treatment options with your physician prior to your visit to East Africa.

Other Health Risks

Bilharzia is a snail born disease, found around inhabited lakeshores. Lake Victoria does host bilharzia. Your best option is to avoid going into the lake. If you do enter the water, get tested for Bilharzia once every six months after returning home.  Praziquantel is the most reliable treatment for Bilharzia.

EMAIL

Internet cafés are mushrooming around the country and are now to be found even in remote outlying areas. In Entebbe and Kampala surfing rates will cost you about Ushs 4,000/= per hour (approximately US$2.30).

PHONES

If you are planning to bring your own mobile phone, the network is very good in Entebbe and Kampala and most parts of the country. There are several mobile providers including South Africa's MTN, Celtel and Uganda Telecom. If you are not using a roming account, you can purchase a SIM card for relatively low cost (Ushs15,000 / US$9.00). Sim cards and airtime for the 3 competative companies are available all over Uganda.

If you bring your own mobile phone, first check that it is not “sim locked”, otherwise it will cost you anywhere up to Ushs50,000 / US$27.00 to have it “unlocked”.

RECREATION AND SHOPPING IN KAMPALA

Kampala is a friendly and safe city.  It has excellent restaurants, bars and nightclubs, as well as theaters, movie cinemas, interesting markets and supermarkets.

For a good guide to Kampala, source a free copy of “The Eye” magazine. This publication will provide you with all the addresses you are likely to need during your stay, as well as useful tips on travel itineraries and medical issues.

THINGS TO DO IN KAMPALA - ADKA TOURS SUGGESTIONS

Makerere University - East Africa’s oldest institute of higher learning
Bahai Temple – the only one in all of AfricaNational Theatre – see the bulletin board for plays and eventsKasubi Tombs – most impressive royal tombs of the ancient Buganda KingdomNational MuseumPlus many great bars, restaurants and nightclubs

Restaurants

Kampala offers an amazing variety of international cuisine, including Italian (Mambo Point), Chinese (Fang Fang), Thai (Krua Thai), Greek (Andy the Greeks), Indian (Masala Chat/Handii’s), Ugandan (Ekitobeero), Ethiopian (Fasika), European (Sam’s) and pizza (Dominoes/Speke Hotel), Turkish (Efendy's - Hotel Africana), coffee/fresh juice (Ban Café), Café Pap and Rwenzori Coffee House (Lugogo Mall), bakery (Vasili and Sons) and fast food (Nandos/Steers/Garden City)... to

name a few!

Entertainment

There are several bars in Kampala: Wagadugu’s, Just Kicking, Kaos, On the Rocks, Al’s Bar, DV8, Steak Out, Obligato.

Nightclubs: Club Silk, Ange Noir and Viper Room.

The National Theatre features plays, dance and music – see their bulletin board for what’s on.

Crafts

There are craft shops throughout the city. A great place for textiles (sarongs, bedspreads, table cloths) is the Textile Centre at UGMA Showgrounds, near Metro Cash and Carry. Try the local crafts market behind the National Theatre for a variety of handmade items where you can bargain. UCOTA located on Gaba Road in Kansanga is a great place for handmade crafts, made by communities groups from all over the country. Banana Boat in Kisemente (near Just Kicking) offers exclusive crafts from Kenya and Uganda, they also have shops in Garden City and Lugogo Mall. A little pricey but definitely worth a look, especially for something a little more special. Cassava Republic, under Wagadugu’s, and their sister shop just around the corner, “Jungle Junk”, has wonderful hand painted cloth with wrought iron spears to hang them from, plus other local crafts. Finally right next door to the ADKA Tours office you will find Exposure Africa, a craft village run by the Uganda Small Scale Industry Association (USSA).

Post Office

The Post Office is centrally located on Kampala Road near Barclays Bank, open Monday to Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm and Saturdays 10.00 am – 2.00 pm. Closed Sundays.