Planning a Gorilla Tour in Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Africa but this short coming in its size is over shadowed by immense beauty that the country has to offer. From amazing forest, hills and mountains to the amazing wildlife like the endangered mountain gorillas. The country is almost entirely covered in beautiful hills that are pleasing to the eye because they are so well placed that for a moment one would think it is a painting by a nature artist. This natural beauty is complimented by the considerable amount of peace prevailing in the country especially after the genocide in 1994 where the hutus waged war on the tutsi minority.

Although Rwanda is a very beautiful country, the most popular tourist attraction in Rwanda is the amazing mountain gorilla. The gorilla is very popular partly because these creature are on the brink of extinction and therefore extremely rare in the world. In fact they are found only in three countries that is Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Also these mountain gorillas are different from the normal primates since they are significantly bigger in size and also they have a more calm and friendly attitude. Rwanda therefore offers you the chance to see these amazing creatures in the forest where they live at near arm’s distance.

Tourism is a very important economic activity to the Rwanda and because of this the infrastructure is above par and you will find it to your liking. The gorilla tour is getting popular with each day that passes and because of the need to protect these primates from extinction, these are very restricted and you can only have one after obtaining a gorilla tracking permit. Since there are many people interested in this activity, you need to find your favourite tour company and so you can book a permit well in advance  otherwise you may be very disappointed and frustrated when you find no permits available for that time when you want to go on safari.

There are many tour and travel agencies in the area and you need to browse through all these companies so you can find the one that suits your needs or those of the people with whom you wish to go on the trip. Your tour advisor from the company you choose will guide on what time you need to book your safari and on the requirements for your trip from the financial to the physical requirements. 

One thing I am certain you will be told is that you need to bring strong safari shoes as you will have to go the wilderness in your quest for the gorillas and that is just one of the very many important tips that you need for your own good. Everyone will tell how interesting the gorilla tour is and in all fairness you will never know the whole truth unless you personally go on one. So, here is your chance to book this trip and enjoy the heck out of it.         

THE ISHASHA TREE CLIMBING LIONS

What makes these Lions climb the Trees:  Those who know claim that it is in order to keep away from the bites of the tsetse flies – but whichever the reason - The tree climbing lions of Ishasha are a rarity.  In the whole world there is one other place that you can find them and that is in the Lake Manyara region of  Tanzania.  It is a magnificent sight to spot the King of the beasts perched up in a fig tree, lazily sleeping away the day.  The males in this area also have the distinct feature of spouting a thick, black mane - Ishasha is a memorable place to visit in Africa.

Ishasha offers much more than tree climbing lions – On your uganda safari, you will encounter large herds of Buffaloes, a big number of antelopes that spring across your path - there are the massive elephants that have made Ishasha their home and , a large number of hippos,  As you slowly drive along the acacia tree studded savannah and the wildlife opens before you, you begin to understand why people come back to Africa - time and time again.

The Ishasha Plains - with its tree climbing lions, its abundant wildlife, its scenery and unique lodging opportunities stands apart from most other places in Uganda and for that part in Africa.

Kampala City Tour : The capital of Uganda

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and is found in the central region of the country. Kampala is located 40 Kilometers away from the International Airport in Entebbe. The city has a lot to offer in terms of tourist sites and destinations. Entebbe has the International Airport but most of Ugandasafaris begin and end in Kampala. Among the tourist sites in the city, include the following:

Kasubi tombs which is the burial places for the 4 Kings of the Buganda Kingdom. Kasubi tombs is one of the World Heritage Cultural sites and in 2009 March, this beautiful cultural site was destroyed by fire and up to now, it is not yet known what the cause was. However, the area is still good for tourism since it gives historical background of the main house called Muzibu Azala Mpanga. There are also small huts surrounding the area and all these belong to the princess of the Buganda Kingdom and the family members of the Queens.

Namugongo Martyr’s shrine: this is a religious site where Pilgrimages take place each year on 3^rd June to remember the 23 Uganda Martyr’s who lost their lives because of religion. These were killed on the orders of King Mwanga who felt that he was betrayed by his followers when they decided to follow Christianity as another religion instead of the traditional beliefs. On every 3^rd June, people walk from different areas of the country and also from other countries to come and gather to remember these special martyr’s.

Uganda Museum: this is where all historical materials and displays used by early man are found. You will get to know about Uganda’s different cultures from the displays and explanations made by the guide in this place. Huts were built and displayed to show you how each tribe in Uganda behaved and how activities were carried out during the ancient life and even of today.

Bahai Temple: this is the only temple of this kind in Africa and it’s used of meditation not prayers.

Nagalabi Coronation grounds: this is where the Buganda King is crowned from. It also used to be the home of Bemba and his brothers and sisters. In this place you will also find the Buganda House where after coronation, the king is supposed to live for 7 days and on each day, he has to perform different tasks to represent his Kingdom.

Ndere Cultural center: All cultural performances can be seen from the Ndere cultural center and here you can as well be taught on some of the cultural activities carried out in different areas of the country.

Other places to visit in Kampala include: Kabaka’s lake in Ndeeba, Kabaka’s Palace and the Twekobe House, Religious sites like Rubaga and Namirembe cathedrals which are the oldest among all the Cathedrals in the country, Makerere University which is one of the Oldest Universities in Africa and so many others, but its more adventurous when u include it with a Uganda safari to go for gorilla tours and other Uganda wildlife.

You can enjoy Kampala city on your own or with the company of an experienced Safari guide. A Gorilla safari also begins in Kampala since