Ngamba Island -Chimp viewing and Birding

Chimp viewing and Birding at Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island is a chimpanzee sanctuary.It is home to orphaned chimpanzees.

Ngamba Island

Uganda is home to an abundance of wildlife, including over half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and a variety of bird species. However, there is one place in Uganda that offers a unique opportunity to see chimpanzees up close and personal: Ngamba Island. Located on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island is a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. The island was established in 1998 by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, with the aim of providing a safe and natural environment for orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees to live and thrive. Visitors to Ngamba Island can enjoy a variety of activities, including chimpanzee feeding, forest walks, and even overnight stays in the eco-friendly accommodations on the island. However, one of the most popular activities is chimp viewing and birding. Chimp Viewing The chimpanzees on Ngamba Island are accustomed to human interaction, making them comfortable with visitors. During chimp viewing, visitors can watch these intelligent primates play, groom, and interact with each other in their natural habitat. Visitors can observe the chimps from a raised platform or from a boat, providing unique and unforgettable experiences. Birding Aside from the chimpanzees, Ngamba Island is also a great destination for bird enthusiasts. The island boasts over 120 bird species, including the rare and endemic shoe-billed stork. The best time for birding on the island is early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Getting to Ngamba Island To get to Ngamba Island, visitors must take a boat ride from either Entebbe or Kasenyi landing site. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes and provides stunning views of Lake Victoria and the surrounding islands. A visit to Ngamba Island is a must for anyone interested in wildlife and nature conservation. Not only will you have the opportunity to see chimpanzees up close, but you can also enjoy the stunning views of Lake Victoria and the chance to spot rare bird species. Plan your visit today and experience the beauty of Ngamba Island for yourself. And if you need transportation services, Vas Transport is always ready to help you get there safely and comfortably.

Amabere Caves- Explore history and Crater lakes

Explore history and Crater lakes at Amabere Caves

Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru near Fortportal is a popular historical site worth your visit.

Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru

Amabere Caves, also known as Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru, is a cultural and historical site located near Fort Portal in Western Uganda. The site is known for its stunning rock formations and cave systems, as well as its rich cultural significance. Visitors to Amabere Caves can explore the area’s fascinating history, which dates back hundreds of years. The site is said to have been the home of a powerful king named Bukuku, whose daughter Nyina Mwiru is believed to have given birth to the milk-like formations on the cave walls. According to legend, these formations were created when Nyina Mwiru’s breasts were cut off and thrown into the cave, where they miraculously began to produce milk. Apart from its cultural significance, Amabere Caves also offer visitors a chance to explore the beautiful crater lakes and lush greenery of the surrounding area. The caves are nestled in the Nyakasura hills, which offer stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the surrounding countryside. If you’re interested in birding, Amabere Caves is a great place to spot a wide variety of bird species. The area is home to over 100 different species of birds, including the Great Blue Turaco, African Pitta, and African Grey Parrot. When you visit Amabere Caves, be sure to explore the various hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest. You can also take a guided tour of the caves themselves, which offer a unique glimpse into the area’s rich cultural and historical heritage. To get to Amabere Caves, you can book a tour with Vas Transport, who offer reliable and comfortable transportation services. The site is open daily, and admission fees are affordable, making it a great destination for budget-conscious travelers. A a visit to Amabere Caves offers a unique opportunity to explore Uganda’s rich cultural and historical heritage, while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, birding, or hiking, Amabere Caves is a must-see destination that should be on every traveler’s itinerary. So why not book a tour with Vas Transport and experience this amazing site for yourself?

Mabira Forest Eco-tour in Uganda

Mabira Forest Eco-tour

Uganda is a land of natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, and Mabira Forest is a prime example of this. Located in the central region of the country, just 56km east of Kampala, Mabira Forest is Uganda’s largest forest reserve, covering over 300 square kilometers. The forest is home to over 300 species of birds, 312 species of trees, and a variety of mammals, including primates such as the grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey. If you’re looking for a unique and eco-friendly adventure, a visit to Mabira Forest is a must-do. There are numerous activities to choose from, including bird watching, nature walks, cycling, and zip-lining. The forest is also an important source of livelihood for local communities, with a number of ecotourism initiatives set up to promote sustainable tourism and support the conservation of the forest. Bird Watching Mabira Forest is a bird lover’s paradise, with over 300 species of birds to be found here. Bird watching tours can be arranged with experienced local guides who are knowledgeable about the different species and their habitats. Some of the species you may spot include the Great Blue Turaco, African Pied Hornbill, and Grey Parrot. Nature Walks Mabira Forest is home to a network of trails that offer a variety of walking experiences. You can opt for a leisurely stroll on the forest floor or take on a more challenging hike up one of the hills in the forest. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest, with opportunities to spot primates, butterflies, and a variety of plant species. Cycling Mabira Forest is also a great destination for cycling enthusiasts. The forest has a network of cycling trails that range in difficulty, from easy to challenging. Cycling through the forest is a great way to experience the beauty of the forest while also getting some exercise. Zip-lining For the more adventurous, Mabira Forest offers a unique zip-lining experience. The forest has two zip-line courses, each with six lines, that take you through the canopy of the forest. As you zip through the forest, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the forest and its inhabitants. Ecotourism Initiatives Mabira Forest is an important source of livelihood for local communities, and a number of ecotourism initiatives have been set up to support the conservation of the forest and promote sustainable tourism. One such initiative is the Mabira Forest Ecotourism Network, which offers a range of activities, including guided nature walks, bird watching tours, and cultural experiences. Another initiative is the Rainforest Lodge, which is located in the heart of Mabira Forest. The lodge offers accommodation in eco-friendly cabins and promotes sustainable tourism practices, such as composting and recycling. A visit to Mabira Forest is a must-do for anyone looking for a unique and eco-friendly adventure in Uganda. With its diverse range of activities, from bird watching to zip-lining, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And by supporting ecotourism initiatives, you’ll be contributing to the conservation of this important natural resource and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
Source of the River Nile Jinja

Source of the Nile at Jinja Uganda

Source of the Nile at Jinja, Uganda

The Source of the Nile is the the original place where River Nile starts its maiden journey to Mediterranean sea. It travels 4000miles. It takes 3 months to complete the journey to the Mediterranean sea.

Jinja town

Jinja town is best known as the location of the source of the river Nile and as a famous business hub for Asians in the 1970s. However the Asians have been returning in good numbers to resume their trading. Unlike in the 1970s where they dominated the trade, today even locals have since joined business mainly in the retail shops and supermarkets. Jinja is also attractive to other investments in the hospitality industry.

Jinja is about 84km away from Kampala City. You can travel by public means or private car. Travelling time is about 1hour 30minutes to 2hours.

During my two day trip I was able to visit the Source of the Nile, which is a popular place for both locals and foreign guests. The main attraction is the genuine point of the Source of the Nile where the River Nile starts its maiden journey to Mediterranean sea through Sudan and Egypt. The source of this mighty river is Lake Victoria a lake named after Queen Victoria by Explorer John Speke after an expedition to locate the source of the Nile.A monument has been erected to mark this event on the western side of the river where he stood and identified the source of River Nile in 1862.

It is such an exciting experience to travel by boat to the exact point of the source of the Nile. Not only can someone enjoy the photographic experience but also enjoy the ride on the River Nile and Lake Victoria. You will also see birds hovering above the river trying to spot fish for a day’s meal and fishermen drawing their nets in water to catch fish for an evening meal and trade.

The excitement among the visitors feels the air. Travelling on water is fun for the revellers. A boat cruise can be for 30minutes to 2 hours.

Another place visited is the Mahatma Gandhi Monument. This Monument is associated to the ashes that were poured into the Nile to fulfill his wish. Gandhi’s ashes were scattered in selected places across the world including at the source of the Nile River near Jinja, Uganda, and today a memorial plaque is in place to mark the event.

Gandhi Statute Source of the Nile
Gandhi Memorial Statute

Gandhi, a Nationalist and renowned advocate for civil liberties led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. A Hindu nationalist, assassinated Gandhi on 30 January 1948 by firing three bullets into his chest.

Another historical place visited is the World War cemetery, where World War One and Two Ugandan casualties were buried. These veterans were part of the colonial regiment,King’s African Rifles.

For an enthusiastic reveler you will also want a variety of activities after a day’s adventure on water. At the source of the Nile, there is a recreation park similar to the Entebbe Zoo that has recently opened to provide an additional travel experience for its guests. It has snakes, a crocodile, donkeys and also a cultural village exhibiting a Basoga tribe (natives of the area) homestead (hut) and its handmade tools used for cooking and hunting.The items are labelled with the English name and its equivalent local name.

Restaurants at the river side can give you a place to relax as you enjoy the fish delicacy, fries and drinks as you view the river and lake activities.

Rumours restaurant at Source of the Nile
Rumours restaurant Jinja

Accommodation at the Source of the Nile

Jinja accommodation favours the backpacker, midrange and luxury travelers, like Jinja backpackers,2 friends Guest house, The Haven, Gately on the Nile,The Holland park among others.

Haven Lodge source of the Nile
Haven Lodge Jinja

Other activities availaible in addition to sightseeing is Kayaking,Water rafting, Horse riding and Quad biking along the Nile or through the Ugandan villages.

Women Integrated Empowerment Development Group (WIED)

A Visit to a women community group concluded my trip. These hardworking single mothers and care givers have made progress despite all odds. Its mission is to help women attain self reliance using sustainable livelihood approaches. They have specialized in recycling paper ,banana fibre, Kitenge materials and cow horns to produce handcrafts like ear rings, neckalaces, money purses, shopping bags, Table mats Aprons, Toliet bags, head scarfs, desk organisers, sugar and sauce bowls.

The group was started in 2003 with 17 women. It currently has over 200 members. Business was going on well from 2006.However in 2012 the market was saturated by competition with recycled paper products ,their main business line thus making them redundant from 2012 to 2015.

In late 2015, a lucky member of the group through a friend got the chance to go for training at Uganda Industrial Research Institute. Despite the tough training, the member benefited from the training and network. She was able to make sample products out of cow horns a new raw material to paper. The product was later shown to the members who were excited and later agreed to continue making products.

Fortunately a Good Samaritan arrived from the USA who had earlier interacted with them.Samples we given to the Good Samaritan who supported the group find donors to fund the new project. Like the say the rest is history, the group finally secured funding for the new machines that could cut & mould the cow horns in April 2016.

Beautiful Handicrafts have been made from the cow horns. The group is very happy about their new innovation, however more funding and market is needed for the products preferably overseas. Plans are underway to seek more funding for project expansion and acquisition of land to establish a new permanent home, with own workshop rooms, conference rooms, offices and also set up other income generating projects to boost their revenue and also act as a demonstration site for the group members.

For any donations, support or visit to the women group Contact: Dorothy Wakabi Email: dorothywakabi6@gmail.com Tel: +256773106728/+256706106728 or Judith Talitwala +256782488996/+256703878593.

 

Why visit Uganda-The Pearl of Africa

Why visit Uganda-The Pearl of Africa

Why the Pearl of Africa according to Winston Churchill

“Uganda is from end to end a ‘beautiful garden’ where ‘staple food’ of the people grows almost without labour. Does it not sound like a paradise on earth? It is the Pearl of Africa.”Winston Churchill

Beautiful Country

Tourists coming to Uganda will meet its beautiful people, its beautiful culture, the dances, the different tribes and the diversity that cannot be found anywhere else.

Adventurous

Uganda is full of a variety of adventurous activities like Whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, jet boating and river surfing on the Source of the Nile near Bujagali Falls in Jinja. It is an opportunity for the brave ones.

Affordability

Tourists to Uganda will enjoy an affordable holiday be budget, medium range or Luxury and have enough to purchase souvenirs or can always extend their trip.

Good Climate

With two seasons of rain blended with sunny seasons and spectacular vegetation, Uganda’s weather is admirable across the country; you will enjoy the tours and travels.

Culture and heritage diversity

With a varied rich culture, of over 56 tribes, and each one has their own dress, their own language, their own food. We have a very hospitable people, very beautiful country, all year-round summer-like conditions.

A Variety of Wildlife

Uganda is Gifted by Nature .It is a home to the world’s largest concentration of primates. Half of the world population of Gorillas is in Uganda. Other Primates include Chimpanzees, monkeys, baboons.

Mountain Gorilla
Mountain Gorilla feeding at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

 

Memorable experiences

Uganda welcomes you with an open heart and therefore a good mind gets you far.The people are extremely generous, very friendly, giving you a relaxed stay in Uganda.