tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39055123381973612832024-03-13T02:19:10.302+03:00Discovery on SafariMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-67843120650213788492015-11-12T13:44:00.000+03:002015-11-12T13:44:00.284+03:00Uganda Carnivore Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1A1lHnYcSyg/VjNIowIWA9I/AAAAAAAAF4U/iuq4r-iZsK4/s1600/ugandacarnivoreprogram2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1A1lHnYcSyg/VjNIowIWA9I/AAAAAAAAF4U/iuq4r-iZsK4/s400/ugandacarnivoreprogram2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Climb aboard any safari vehicle and ask guests what they
want to see most and the answer is generally unanimous.....big cats. Lions and leopards are the most popular
animals that people want to see while on safari. Unfortunately, due to ongoing pressures of
growing human populations, the populations of large carnivores, mainly lions,
leopards and hyenas are decreasing as a result of habitat loss. Thankfully, the Uganda Carnivore Program, in
close collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, is working hard to
minimize human wildlife conflict and is dedicated to monitoring, researching
and conserving the large predators in Uganda.</div>
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The Uganda Carnivore Program bases its core activities in
the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The pressures facing the carnivores of this
area are not unique, but rather are typically experienced throughout
Africa. As human populations increase in
the areas surrounding the park and its enclave villages, the conflict between
wildlife and humans rise. The Uganda Carnivore Program (“UCP”) takes a
multi-disciplinary approach to conservation.
Since the mid 1990s, they have focused on training and research as well
as community-based activities that increase local participation in conservation
and promote human-wildlife coexistence. Working in conjunction with the Uganda Wildlife Authority,
their research consists of monitoring carnivore ecology and health and tracking
their movements near “conflict zones” where there is the potential to come in
contact with people and livestock. UCP
makes recommendations to the UWA in regards to management of carnivores and
also assists in the mitigation process during times of human-wildlife
conflict. </div>
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UCP also works closely with the villages surrounding the
park on education and methods to reduce the conflict between the villagers and
the wildlife. Through the research and
monitoring of the animals, villages can be warned when predators are in the
area and given the tactics and skills to protect themselves and their
livestock. Between 2006 and 2012 the
primary cause of death to large carnivores in the northern sector of Queen
Elizabeth NP was human related, with poisoning in retaliation for livestock
depredation being the number one cause.
However, in the past three years, there have been no recorded incidences
of poisoning in the villages in which UCP works. UCP educates people on the
benefits of wildlife and aids them in developing community based programs in which
they can directly benefit from local tourism.
Current activities of the UCP include conservation education outreach
programs in village schools which inform the youth of the village about the
important role that wildlife has to play and the importance of conservation
efforts for long term sustainability.</div>
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An important aspect of the Uganda Carnivore Program is
educating visitors on the wildlife of the park as well as the people that live
in the surrounding areas of Queen Elizabeth NP.
The best way to learn more is to participate in the lion tracking
experience. Bookings for this can be
made through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
You can contact UCP to arrange a visit to the park’s villages, where you
can watch cultural performances and purchase locally made crafts. Besides vi<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>siting Queen
Elizabeth NP and participating in the activities offered, how can you help
protect the large carnivores? The UCP
operates on limited funds and welcomes support for their initiatives. This can be done in several ways, either by
making a donation or by sponsoring certain aspects of their activities. To find out more and how you can be of help,
visit the Uganda Carnivore website to learn more about their activities and
contact them directly. </div>
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It’s hard to imagine going on safari and not having the
opportunity to see large carnivores. As
human beings, we all play an important role in the conservation efforts needed
to combat the pressure that growing populations are placing on wildlife. We all need to <span lang="EN-GB">do</span> our part and play an active role in
protecting them; our wildlife and large carnivores are depending on us!<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">For more information<br />
</span></b><a href="http://www.uganda-carnivores.org/">http://www.uganda-carnivores.org</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/uganda.carnivores">https://www.facebook.com/uganda.carnivores</a><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="mailto:contact@uganda-carnivores.org">contact@uganda-carnivores.org</a></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-66445338471247406972015-11-05T12:09:00.000+03:002015-11-05T12:09:00.561+03:00Katara Lodge<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pcsuo7hiSqY/VjMvbRbw4WI/AAAAAAAAF2s/XrYKzDNhXQs/s1600/Main-Lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pcsuo7hiSqY/VjMvbRbw4WI/AAAAAAAAF2s/XrYKzDNhXQs/s400/Main-Lodge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Katara Lodge</i></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Uganda is a diverse country with many scenic
landscapes spread throughout. In my opinion,
one of the most spectacular views of all is from the top of the escarpment of the
Albertine Rift Valley overlooking the Queen Elizabeth National Park. It's a breathtaking view and stereotypical of
Africa. Katara Lodge is nestled on the
hillside of the escarpment and has the pleasure of offering this incredible
view to its guests. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Katara Lodge is situated two kilometres off the main
Mbarara to Kasese road in Kichwamba accessed by a murram road. Upon arrival to
Katara Lodge, an oasis of lush colorful tropical gardens await you. From the parking lot, you enter the main
lodge, dining and bar area. With the
entire main lodge open to the view, it's easy to get mesmerised by the the
savannah plains, Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel framed by the Rwenzori and Virunga mountains in the
distance. The lodge is built on a
hillside so no matter where you are on the property, you are treated to the
view. The main lodge has a number of
comfortable seating options, ensuring that you find the perfect spot to get
comfortable and relax. WiFi is available
in the bar area so that you can stay connected whether it’s for work or to share
with friends and family about your stay Katara Lodge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">On our arrival to Katara Lodge we were met by the manager
who led us to some comfortable chairs in the lounge where we sat, sipped on a
cold drink and enjoyed the beautiful gardens and the expansive view. He gave us an introduction and orientation to
the lodge and briefed us on everything we would need to know during our stay at
Katara Lodge to ensure we were comfortable and making the most of the facilities. After chatting to him for awhile about the
lodge and the park, we were shown to our cottage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgmIZvVmy60/VjMvcbno1YI/AAAAAAAAF2k/Zzp96gxMQu0/s1600/Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgmIZvVmy60/VjMvcbno1YI/AAAAAAAAF2k/Zzp96gxMQu0/s400/Room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inside the cottage</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Katara's accomodation is below the main lodge
accessible by a series of stone footpaths and steps. Spread out along the
hillside are 8 spacious thatched cottages, one of them being a two bedroomed family
cottage. There are quite a number of steps from the main lodge to the cottages,
however we found this to be an opportunity to stop, enjoy the view and admire
the flowers along the pathways. Each
cottage is constructed from a combination of wooden poles and canvas panels
that zip open for access to the view.
The cottages are an <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-haCu1iIlhjU/VjMvcmM22wI/AAAAAAAAF2g/mw1arN0P_Ww/s1600/View-from-inside-the-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-haCu1iIlhjU/VjMvcmM22wI/AAAAAAAAF2g/mw1arN0P_Ww/s400/View-from-inside-the-room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The view from the cottage</i></span></td></tr>
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open plan design with a sitting area furnished with
a sofa, two chairs and a coffee table. Adjacent to the sitting area is a king
sized bed with mosquito net along with a three quarter bed fitted with large
wheels. The three quarter bed is very
unique for that fact that it can be wheeled out onto the large private wooden
veranda for a night under the stars. The
well manicured and colourful tropical gardens of Katara Lodge attract numerous
species of birds and each morning a chorus of birds announce the arrival of a
new day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Every cottage has a large ensuite bathroom with the
luxury of a double sink, a large open shower with a rain head shower head and
plenty of hot water supplied by a solar system.
The icing on the cake in the bathroom is the large stand alone roll top
bathtub where you can lay back and admire the view. The accommodation at Katara Lodge provides
guests with plenty of space and privacy so that between safari drives, you have
a place away from others to call your own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZkEauExqX0/VjMvbZtV5sI/AAAAAAAAF2M/c1J3fAvPHYQ/s1600/Dining-Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZkEauExqX0/VjMvbZtV5sI/AAAAAAAAF2M/c1J3fAvPHYQ/s400/Dining-Room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Dining area</i></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Katara's dining experience was very good. Our mornings started with coffee delivered to
our cottage followed by breakfast in the main lodge dining area. Fresh fruits, yogurt, cereals and juice along
with more coffee and hot water for tea were all waiting for us. We also had the option of having eggs, bacon,
sausages and toast, which were cooked to order.
On our first day at Katara, we had decided to spend the better part of
the day exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park so we opted for a packed
lunch. Our sandwiches, juice, fruit,
cheese and crackers were all neatly packed into a traditional Ugandan woven
picnic basket, a very nice touch. The following day we had lunch at the lodge
and were given a choice of sandwiches or meatballs and rice. Since we had tried the sandwiches the day
before we opted for the meatballs which were served with an onion gravy
alongside rice. Not only was it good, it
was a nice sized portion that was just right for lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In the evenings, the open air thatched restaurant is
transformed with soft lighting and lanterns to create a wonderfully intimate
atmosphere. A chalkboard lists the evening's
menu which consists of four courses. The
meal begins with a starter followed by a bowl of hot soup. The main course is a choice of three
different entrees, one of them a vegetarian option. Lastly but certainly not least the meal is
finished with a decadent dessert.
Avocado vinaigrette, mushrooms on toast, celery soup, minestrone soup,
baked fish, pepper steak, pork chops, roast chicken, creme caramel and
pineapple sponge cake were the dishes that we were served during our dinners at
Katara Lodge. We thoroughly enjoyed all
of our meals which were very well presented, well seasoned and well
portioned. Katara Lodge stocks a variety
of wines to enjoy with your meal. They
also offer a house wine which can be purchased by the glass or in a
carafe. After a long day on safari, it's
nice to enjoy a good evening meal which can be shared with good company in a
nice environment and Katara Lodge definitely caters to their guests ensuring
them of a great dining experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78i8cr2pBeU/VjMvbeNa9hI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/phF2fybkadg/s1600/Enjoying-the-view-from-the-swing-bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78i8cr2pBeU/VjMvbeNa9hI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/phF2fybkadg/s400/Enjoying-the-view-from-the-swing-bed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Enjoying the view from the swing seat</i></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">At Katara Lodge, guests have a prime spot to watch the
sunset. From anywhere on the property
you can watch as the sun slowly sinks lower in the sky over the savannah of
Queen Elizabeth National Park eventually disappearing behind the impressive mountain
ranges in the west. As the sky becomes a
palette of blue mixed with dark ocre and bright orange tones, you can sip on a
cold drink and recap the day. As if the
view isn’t already one of the best, the setting sun painting the sky with
vibrant colors makes it even better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BeVmVrP_9FY/VjMvcHux_kI/AAAAAAAAF2o/WGxJqPIrOOY/s1600/Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BeVmVrP_9FY/VjMvcHux_kI/AAAAAAAAF2o/WGxJqPIrOOY/s400/Pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Chaise loungers on the pool deck</i></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A short meander away from the main lodge is an
infinity salt water pool that is built on the hillside. Around the pool deck are a number of chaise
loungers and umbrellas as well as a large chill out area with plenty of sofas
and chairs, toilet facilities and changing rooms under a large thatched
roof. A member of staff is readily
available to serve you cold drinks, offer you a towel and ensure you have
everything you need for a lazy afternoon around the pool. Near the pool is a
large suspended daybed, which is yet another spot at Katara Lodge to take a
load off and enjoy the view. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5JAe1KK3-Ns/VjMvc2FrPKI/AAAAAAAAF2w/W7J1eCUrk2g/s1600/katara-pool-panoramic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5JAe1KK3-Ns/VjMvc2FrPKI/AAAAAAAAF2w/W7J1eCUrk2g/s1600/katara-pool-panoramic.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There are many activities in and around Queen
Elizabeth NP making Katara Lodge a great place to base yourself. The most popular activities for visitors are
chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, safari drives in the park and the boat
launch trip on the Kazinga Channel. The
lodge is close to Kyambura Gorge where the chimpanzee tracking start point is
and is approximately a 20 minute drive to the gates of the park. Other activities near the lodge are
chimpanzee tracking and forest walks within the Kalinzu Forest Reserve as well
as nature walks in the Maramagambo Forest.
An interpretive village walk around the community that surrounds Katara Lodge
can be an interesting and interactive way to get to know and understand the
culture and way of life of the Banyaruguru people. For those interested in exploring the scenery
of the area, the nearby Kyigabiiro and Rukiizi hills are beautiful and have great
views of the twin crater lakes (Kyema and Kamweru) that lay below. During your tour, you can learn about the origins
of the lakes as well as local folklore and legends. Katara Lodge is centrally located for all of
these activities around Queen Elizabeth NP and makes a nice retreat to come
back to every evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Katara Lodge has a safari vehicle and can arrange for
transfers from nearby airstrips such as Kasese, Mweya or Buhoma for clients
that fly in. The vehicle can also be
hired out for game drives or for transfers to the Mweya Peninsula for the boat
launch trip on the Kazinga channel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Queen Elizabeth Park is the most popular national park
destination in Uganda. There is so much
to explore and to be enjoyed that it is a highly recommended destination for
visitors and residents alike. If you are
looking for a lodge with a serene location, incredible views, comfortable accomodation, great food and friendly and
attentive staff, then Katara Lodge is a great choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">+256 (0) 773011648<br />
+256 (0) 712812560<br />
+256 (0) 757812560<br />
+256 (0) 794812560<br />
Email: </span><a href="mailto:info@kataralodge.com"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">info@kataralodge.com</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
Website: </span><a href="http://www.kataralodge.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">http://www.kataralodge.com/</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-59110138284244121252015-11-01T12:53:00.000+03:002015-11-01T12:53:00.496+03:00Uganda Balloon Safari<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zkHX8aUWuv8/VjM7pCYpVaI/AAAAAAAAF3g/MqDhJ5tyF_4/s1600/Flying%2Bover%2BQENP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zkHX8aUWuv8/VjM7pCYpVaI/AAAAAAAAF3g/MqDhJ5tyF_4/s320/Flying%2Bover%2BQENP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Flying over Queen Elizabeth NP</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It was barely light when we climbed into the large woven
basket. As we surveyed our surroundings,
the pilot blasted the burners above our heads a couple of times. The lead member of the ground crew smiled at
us and said “you’re flying by the way” I looked over the edge of the basket and
we were indeed floating a few inches off the ground. Another few blasts of the burner and we were
a few feet off the ground. This was just
the beginning of an hour floating over the beautiful savannah of Queen
Elizabeth National Park. This new
activity that has been recently introduced to Uganda, takes watching the
sunrise and looking for lions to a whole new level, literally.</div>
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Our experience began in the dark. The ground crew met us at the Kasenyi gate at
5:30am and after some tests to determine wind direction and speed, a takeoff
location was determined and we followed the crew there. When we arrived, we met our Egyptian pilot Mohammed,
who briefed us on what we were about to experience. As we sipped our steaming cups of coffee, the
crew unpacked the balloon and began the cold inflation process using large
fans. I was quite surprised at the size
of the balloon, it was much larger than I expected with a capacity of 300,000 cubic
feet. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr6KNLl2CUk/VjM7p2ecghI/AAAAAAAAF3s/ioCRv4GgRwI/s1600/Inside%2Bthe%2Bballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr6KNLl2CUk/VjM7p2ecghI/AAAAAAAAF3s/ioCRv4GgRwI/s400/Inside%2Bthe%2Bballoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Inside the balloon</i></span></td></tr>
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Once the balloon was mostly
inflated, we were invited inside, which was pretty amazing. We learned about the internal workings of the
balloon and about the ropes used by the pilot to control the balloon during
flight. Next the hot inflation began,
with the burners blasting hot air into the balloon, it slowly started to rise
up off the ground in a vertical position.
Once fully inflated, it was time to get in for our flight.<br />
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Once inside the basket, we slowly began to lift up
off the ground and could hear lions in a nearby thicket. Our pilot Mohammed was a friendly guy with
incredible piloting skills. Using
varying altitudes he navigated us over the thicket several times in hopes of spotting
the lions that we could hear. Although
they were very vocal, they were well hidden and eluded us. As the sun rose, we enjoyed views of the
savannah and Lake George while elephant, hippo, and antelope wandered below
us. Our flight varied between a few feet
from the ground to an altitude of 2000 feet.
The sensation of flying in a balloon is hard to describe as it’s like
nothing else. Floating above the park,
the silence of the savannah below is only periodically broken by blasts from
the burners. The perspective from the
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Jwy4phplg/VjM7pMjCRwI/AAAAAAAAF3c/orSPdrvJrZA/s1600/Inflating-the-balloon-with-hot-air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Jwy4phplg/VjM7pMjCRwI/AAAAAAAAF3c/orSPdrvJrZA/s400/Inflating-the-balloon-with-hot-air.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Inflating the balloon with hot air</i></span></td></tr>
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balloon is truly unique. We are so used
to seeing our surroundings from the ground, however this bird's eye view gives
a new appreciation for the entire ecosystem.
Small veins of dark green vegetation carrying water to depressions in
the earth where water collects intersected by trails made by wildlife. Flying just inches over the tops of Euphorbia
trees and seeing the thickets from above was the most fascinating part for
me. Flights generally last approximately
an hour depending on winds and the availability of a suitable landing site. <br />
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After the flight we were met by the ground crew and
celebrated the traditional way with a glass of bubbly before sitting down to a
delicious bush breakfast. Fresh juice,
tea, coffee, cereal, yogurt and a selection cooked items were served by Mweya
Lodge. Dining in the bush and discussing
the details of the flight made for an unforgettable finale to our adventure.</div>
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Uganda Balloon Safaris is fully certified by the Civil
Aviation Authority and has over 10 years of flying experience in Egypt, Turkey
and now Uganda. Their expertise is
evident by the professionalism of the entire crew. Hot air ballooning over Queen Elizabeth NP
offers a unique way to start the day on safari.
As no two flights are the same, you are guaranteed an exclusive experience
that you’ll never forget. </div>
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<i>RESERVATIONS AND BOOKING INFORMATION</i><b><i><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><br />
</span></i></b><a href="http://www.ugandaballoonsafari.com/">www.ugandaballoonsafari.com</a><br /><a href="mailto:info@ugandaballoonsafari.com" target="_blank">info@ugandaballoonsafari.com</a><br />
+256 (0) 759 00 2552 </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x5DwplZKcRI/VjM7p_9FQdI/AAAAAAAAF3o/RVc71UZcnh0/s1600/sunrise%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x5DwplZKcRI/VjM7p_9FQdI/AAAAAAAAF3o/RVc71UZcnh0/s1600/sunrise%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bballoon.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Sunrise over Queen Elizabeth Natrional Park as seen from the hot air balloon</i></span></td></tr>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-40734403770410223262015-10-30T11:42:00.000+03:002015-10-30T11:49:10.562+03:00Mweya Safari Lodge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIPA36M2aEs/VjMmiqRF3XI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/otUX9RTtG24/s1600/Pool2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIPA36M2aEs/VjMmiqRF3XI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/otUX9RTtG24/s1600/Pool2.jpg" /></a></div>
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An iconic landmark
since the 1950’s, Mweya Safari Lodge is <span lang="EN-GB">perched</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">atop</span> a hill on the Mweya peninsula and offers
luxury accommodation in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you approach the <span lang="EN-GB">lodge from the road
below</span>, it’s <span lang="EN-GB">completely</span> unassuming, blending into the natural
vegetation around it. Once inside the
lodge, opulence and mesmerizing <span lang="EN-GB">views surround you</span>. <span lang="EN-GB">The ambiance of the
place takes you back </span>in <span lang="EN-GB">time and
makes you feel </span>like an <span lang="EN-GB">early </span>explorer from a bygone era.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BTw3a6bXqf8/VjMmhYeqstI/AAAAAAAAF08/xPiymcEIF5I/s1600/Lobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BTw3a6bXqf8/VjMmhYeqstI/AAAAAAAAF08/xPiymcEIF5I/s400/Lobby.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mweya Safari Lodge Lobby</i></span></td></tr>
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On arrival to Mweya
Safari Lodge, the lobby gives you <span lang="EN-GB">an overall </span> feel for the place. Large, spacious and furnished with <span lang="EN-GB">leather </span>chairs, sofas and safari decor, it’s lavish
and inviting. On the opposite end of the
main entrance is a large picture window that draws you closer to the view over
Lake Edward and Katwe town. <span lang="EN-GB">You can
see p</span>art of the Mweya peninsula
<span lang="EN-GB">as well,</span> dotted with
elephant, hippos and buffalo. <span lang="EN-GB">Cold
juice and a</span> cool towel welcome
every guest on arrival. The main lodge
of Mweya is sprawling and is well positioned great views no matter where you
are.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5zrhWC-KnY/VjMmgwu4liI/AAAAAAAAF0k/CFozBSFB_os/s1600/Inside-the-tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5zrhWC-KnY/VjMmgwu4liI/AAAAAAAAF0k/CFozBSFB_os/s400/Inside-the-tent.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Inside a luxury tent</i></span></td></tr>
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Mweya Safari Lodge
offers various accommodation options ranging from 32 standard rooms, 12 deluxe
rooms with air conditioning, 2 suites, 2 standard and 2 <span lang="EN-GB">luxury
safari</span> tents and <span lang="EN-GB">several </span>cottages.
<span lang="EN-GB">Standard and deluxe ensuite rooms are</span> tastefully decorated <span lang="EN-GB">in a </span>safari theme <span lang="EN-GB">and</span>
deliver comfort <span lang="EN-GB">all around</span>. Most <span lang="EN-GB">of the</span> rooms <span lang="EN-GB">at Mweya Safari
Lodge look out over</span> the Kazinga
channel <span lang="EN-GB">so you can enjoy g</span>reat
view<span lang="EN-GB">s</span> as you relax on your
private veranda. Mweya Safari Lodge has
4 different cottages which are perfect for families or those wanting more
space, privacy and amenities. For those seeking
the ultimate luxury safari experience, <span lang="EN-GB">the safari</span> tents are sure not to disappoint and are
thoughtfully placed to give <span lang="EN-GB">guests </span>the utmost privacy. Each <span lang="EN-GB">tent has
its own </span>large wooden veranda, a
perfect place to relax in privacy as you watch the animals on the far bank of
the Kazinga Channel <span lang="EN-GB">as they </span>wander
down to the waterside for a drink. With
plenty of vegetation around <span lang="EN-GB">the tents</span>, <span lang="EN-GB">there is no shortage of birdlife flitting about</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHyWYKJrCis/VjMmg-_HrMI/AAAAAAAAF00/9a5NeTnj0fE/s1600/Inside-the-tent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHyWYKJrCis/VjMmg-_HrMI/AAAAAAAAF00/9a5NeTnj0fE/s400/Inside-the-tent2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium;">Inside a luxury tent</i></td></tr>
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Inside <span lang="EN-GB">the</span> air conditioned luxury tent there is plent<span lang="EN-GB">y</span> of space.
A writing desk <span lang="EN-GB">sits </span>in
<span lang="EN-GB">one</span> corner with a basket
overflowing with fresh fruit,<span lang="EN-GB"> tea and coffee facilities and a hidden bar
fridge. In the other corner of the tent
is a cozy </span>sitting area with
sofa, chair and coffee table. <span lang="EN-GB">I</span>n the middle <span lang="EN-GB">of the tent</span>, a king sized bed <span lang="EN-GB">rests </span>underneath a <span lang="EN-GB">whirring </span>ceiling fan.
<span lang="EN-GB">At the head of the bed is a partition wall which separates the main part
of the tent from </span>a private
closet area with dressing room, dressing table, mirror, hair dryer and a
safe. The modern bathroom is situated at
the back of the tent. <span lang="EN-GB">As you
enter the bathroom there is a </span>spacious counter, double sinks and full over
counter mirror. To the left is a large
walk in shower and to the right a toilet and bidet. Overall the tent has ample space and every
creature comfort has been thought of.
What makes the tents so special is the mesh windows <span lang="EN-GB">that
allow you </span>to enjoy all the
sounds of the park from inside the comfort of your tent. Lie in bed and hear lions roar, hippos grunt
and hyena cackle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HmWVzvu9QU/VjMmh3zN3hI/AAAAAAAAF1E/q7siiSTrT0s/s1600/Main-Lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HmWVzvu9QU/VjMmh3zN3hI/AAAAAAAAF1E/q7siiSTrT0s/s400/Main-Lodge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The outside of the main lodge</i></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Mweya</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">Safari L</span>odge is in the
middle of a wildlife <span lang="EN-GB">setting making</span> escorts <span lang="EN-GB">essential when returning </span>to your room at night after dinner. <span lang="EN-GB">G</span>olf
carts and driver <span lang="EN-GB">get you back to the comfort of your room safely </span>and <span lang="EN-GB">swiftly</span>. <span lang="EN-GB">On our
first night at the lodge </span>before
turning in for the night,<span lang="EN-GB"> we were relaxing </span>on our <span lang="EN-GB">veranda when we heard a rustling in the bushes next to
us</span>. We sat wondering what was making the noise in
the bushes and to our surprise, a hippo emerged and walked calmly in front of
our <span lang="EN-GB">veranda a mere few metres from where we sat</span>. <span lang="EN-GB">We were
thrilled as </span>neither of us had
ever been that close to a hippo, it was <span lang="EN-GB">an </span>amazing <span lang="EN-GB">experience and as
quickly as it began, it ended when the hippo </span>disappeared into the bushes on the other side of our tent<span lang="EN-GB">. W</span>e sat in awe. Not long after
that, we heard the breaking of branches and soon <span lang="EN-GB">discovered it</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">was </span>seven elephants metres from where we
sat. We sat gazing at them as they ate
to their hearts content, <span lang="EN-GB">and</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">then</span> moved on. Mweya Safari Lodge may offer all the creature
comforts, but it does so while keeping you <span lang="EN-GB">amongst</span> wildlife.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Tembo Bar is <span lang="EN-GB">in a
corner of the main lodge and has a nice veranda that wraps around three sides
of the bar. It's a perfect place </span>to enjoy a cold drink <span lang="EN-GB">and gaze
at the views</span>. It has a wonderful atmosphere with various
seating options. Leather furniture and
safari decor abound while soft music plays in the background. With WiFi and panoramic views of Lake Edward
and the Kazinga Channel, the Tembo Bar is an excellent place <span lang="EN-GB">to sit </span>any time of the day. The bar is well stocked with an extensive
wine list, champagne and spirits as well as espressos and cappuccinos<span lang="EN-GB">. The beer and soda are </span>always icy cold <span lang="EN-GB">to </span>quench your thirst. The bar staff are friendly and always willing
to have a chat in between their drink mixing and glass polishing. The atmosphere in the Tembo Bar throws you right
back to the exploration era, so<span lang="EN-GB"> much so that </span>you feel like an explorer yourself.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CA4xi318BiM/VjMmiPJ_POI/AAAAAAAAF1M/NFXvB4_XWLE/s1600/Mweya-and-Boat-Launch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CA4xi318BiM/VjMmiPJ_POI/AAAAAAAAF1M/NFXvB4_XWLE/s400/Mweya-and-Boat-Launch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mweya Safari Lodge with the boat launch below</i></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The Kazinga Restaurant is where meals are served at Mweya
Safari Lodge. The restaurant has both
indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor
seating is nice for those looking to take in the view or to enjoy the vast
birdlife around the lodge. Be careful
though, the weaver birds are sneaky and love to steal a nibble from your food
and drink from your milk jug. They are
entertaining to watch to say the least, but with time have become brave around
humans. For me, they are part of the
charm of mealtime on the terrace at Mweya Safari Lodge. The restaurant serves meals both a la carte
and buffet style depending on the occupancy at the time. Both options offer a variety of cuisine from
vegetarian, Indian, Continental and local Ugandan dishes. On a busy night, there is a nice buzz in the
dining room, people chatting, laughing and enjoying the end of a day on safari
in Africa. BBQ dinners and pasta
evenings give an extra special dining
experience and coincide with traditional singing and dancing. Once the sun goes down, the lawn outside of
the Tembo Bar comes alive with people from the surrounding villages
traditionally dressed. The songs and
dances they perform are filled with local legend and storytelling accompanied
by the deep rhythms of African drums.
Guests can relish in the entertainment from the veranda of the bar
before heading to the dining room for dinner.
On the BBQ evenings, the chefs set up outside the dining room near the
pool with their charcoal grills where they grill and roast an assortment of
meat and vegetables. Here you can fill
your plate with delicious grilled food before heading inside to compliment it
with salads. During the pasta evenings a live cooking station is set up in the
dining room where a chef is on hand to prepare your pasta dish with the fresh
pasta and ingredients that you have chosen.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">For guests looking for an exclusive dining experience
during their stay at Mweya Safari Lodge, the bush breakfast and dinner were designed
for this purpose. After an early morning
game drive, when your stomach is starting to rumble, rather than going back to
the lodge for breakfast, a full buffet breakfast is served in a seclusive
location several kilometres away from the lodge. Tables, chairs and a team of chefs and
waiters transform the bush into your own private dining area with a view
overlooking the channel. Bush dinners
are a magical experience. Late in the
day, when the sun is dropping in the sky, head out into the bush for a
sundowner overlooking Lake Edward. Once
the sun sets and the sky begins to darken, your bush dining room comes
alive. Lanterns light up the area beyond
which is complete darkness. Sitting
under a ceiling of stars, dinner is served while a bush campfire burns not far
away. Frogs, crickets, nightjars, lions,
hyenas and elephants are all part of the soundtrack. This is an experience of a lifetime, one that
will most likely stand out as a highlight of your safari.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeCTGFx6FMo/VjMmiecvfFI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/jEpdeuhfaKQ/s1600/Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeCTGFx6FMo/VjMmiecvfFI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/jEpdeuhfaKQ/s400/Pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The pool</i></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB">One of the highlights of Mweya Safari Lodge is the
beautiful swimming pool adjacent to the restaurant. Its crystal blue water is inviting,
especially on a hot day. The pool is a
lovely place to stay cool in the heat of the African sun while enjoying the view over the Kazinga Channel. Snacks and ice cream are also available at
the Kazinga Pool bar. Next to the pool a
wooden deck with chaise loungers and large patio umbrellas make for a nice
place to laze around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Mweya Safari Lodge has a gift shop near the lobby that
is open daily. It offers local crafts
and curios for sale alongside books, maps, jewelry, souvenir shirts and caps
for you to commemorate your stay at the lodge. The gift shop also sells a few
essentials in case you have run out or forgotten something.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Other facilities at
Mweya Safari Lodge include a business center for those that need to tend to
work while on the road. The centre
offers a quiet atmosphere with internet access and computer facilities. <span lang="EN-GB">If you're looking for somewhere unique to </span>host a workshop or conference, the lodge has
amenities including a fully equipped conference room. <span lang="EN-GB">The health club and spa is a quiet place to get
your daily dose of exercise. If you are
wanting a little pampering, they offer massage as well as other beauty
treatments. </span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel</span></i></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span><span lang="EN-GB">Recently, Mweya Safari Lodge has introduced hot air
ballooning which offers visitors a whole new way to experience their
safari. In partnership with Balloon
Tours Uganda, (<a href="http://www.ugandaballoonsafari.com/">www.ugandaballoonsafari.com</a>) balloon flights lift off just before
sunrise over the savannah grasslands of the Kasenyi area of Queen Elizabeth
National Park. Quietly drifting over the
Kasenyi plains you will be treated to a beautiful sunrise and the start of a
new day in Africa. It’s an incredible
experience. Upon landing, the lodge
serves up a delectable bush breakfast to conclude your balloon safari.
Information and bookings can be made through Mweya Safari Lodge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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Mweya Safari Lodge is a popular choice among many
travelers. The location of the lodge is
unbeatable <span lang="EN-GB">as it is </span>inside
the park and <span lang="EN-GB">boasts incredible
</span>views. The staff at the lodge <span lang="EN-GB">are</span> helpful<span lang="EN-GB">,</span> friendly and strive to make every
aspect of your stay an enjoyable one. If
you enjoy comfort, ambience and outstanding views, then Mweya Safari Lodge
should be your choice for your <span lang="EN-GB">safari
in Queen Elizabeth National Park</span>.</div>
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<b>For more information and reservations:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Marasa Central Reservations<br />
Plot 96-98, 5TH Street Industrial Area<br />
P.O. Box 22827<br />
Kampala,<br />
Ph: +256 31 2260260/1<br />
Ph: +256 41 4255992</div>
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<a href="mailto:reservations@marasa.net">reservations@marasa.net</a><br />
<a href="http://www.marasa.net/">www.marasa.net</a></div>
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Lodge Tel<br />
+ 256 39 2796773<br />
+ 256 41 4340054</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-82172516269470301082015-10-20T14:49:00.000+03:002015-10-20T14:49:08.257+03:00Mihingo Lodge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mihingo Main Lodge</i></span></td></tr>
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I was falling into a deep sleep when a noise woke me. I’d thought I had heard the whinny of a zebra, but much to my surprise, I was at home in Kampala and it wasn’t a zebra I had heard. Sigh, clearly my mind was still at Mihingo Lodge and rightfully so as it’s a spectacular place to be. Perched high atop a rocky outcropping on the fringes of Lake Mburo National Park, Mihingo Lodge offers commanding views over the park. Nestled into the bush, the lodge melts into the landscape and you feel you have become a part of the nature around you as Vervet monkeys chatter, cicadas buzz and Ross’s turacos engage in duets of comical cackling. The lodge may be secluded but luxury is not spared here, Mihingo Lodge offers the finest that the bush has to offer. <br />
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The centrepiece of Mihingo is the main lodge, dining and bar area, a superb place to relax and take it all in. With no Wi-Fi and no reminders of the daily grind, you can truly escape, here and soak up the magic of Mihingo. Whether it is on a chaise lounge next to the infinity pool, on an oversized bean bag in the top of the tower that boasts 360 degree views or with a drink in the bar, the view never gets boring. It’s better than any DVD or television documentary I’ve ever seen. This is live view and it’s wonderful! At times it’s hard to even imagine that the hustle and bustle of Kampala is just four hours away, as it feels like light years. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSeCDxgo6EA/ViYipXflkoI/AAAAAAAAFzc/0kTDIlLExvM/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSeCDxgo6EA/ViYipXflkoI/AAAAAAAAFzc/0kTDIlLExvM/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The view of Lake Mburo NP from the main lodge overlooking the infinity pool</i></span></td></tr>
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In the bar, a large built in adobe style sofa curves around the granite rock protruding from the wall. Books and other informational materials are piled up on a ledge while paraffin lanterns glow in little alcoves on the wall. Head barman Michael will greet you with his big smile and serve you your drink of choice from the fully stocked bar. Every evening the bar serves pre dinner nibbles during which time, you will be invited to join in one of the lodges most unique experiences, the opportunity to observe thick-tailed Gallagos commonly known as Bush Babies, in their natural environment. Over the years, the Bush Babies have grown accustomed to guests and on most evenings visit the Bush Baby platform below the bar. These fascinating little primates look like a curious combination of species and are just too cute for words. As they move about, Mugisha who has been interacting with them for over 7 years will answer all your questions. As he gives his answers, it’s obvious he has a deep passion for these quirky little creatures. After eating a couple of banana pieces, the bush babies disappear back into the trees to forage for food during the night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVaQZhGTE04/ViYiqkNXXyI/AAAAAAAAFz0/uyf_W9RZ7yQ/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVaQZhGTE04/ViYiqkNXXyI/AAAAAAAAFz0/uyf_W9RZ7yQ/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The bar and lounge area</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NxcBjktOuDs/ViYio7pjEgI/AAAAAAAAFzg/rF1LkDSoKJc/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NxcBjktOuDs/ViYio7pjEgI/AAAAAAAAFzg/rF1LkDSoKJc/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A bush baby</i></span></td></tr>
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Meals are served in the dining area located in between the bar and the lounge. The dining room overlooks a watering hole and salt lick so is not only a place to enjoy good food, but the wildlife and view as well. Mihingo Lodge’s delectable cuisine has been developed mostly from family recipes. A fusion of flavours incorporating fresh produce and herbs makes the meals healthy and satisfying. An aquaponic garden on the property ensures that the food you eat if of the utmost freshness often times being picked only hours before and you can taste the difference. Breakfast is a selection of fresh fruit, juice, cereal, muesli and yogurt. Eggs are cooked to order and served with the sides of your choice (bacon, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes and beans) alongside homemade toast. Lunches and dinners are both three course meals. Grilled aubergines, smoked Nile Perch, chilled avocado soup, beef vindaloo, chicken with tarragon, pan fried beef fillet, mango cream, chocolate brownie and key lime pie are some of the fabulous dishes we had during our stay. Pair these with one of the wines from the wine list and you’re all set. I really can’t overemphasize how good the food is at Mihingo Lodge, it was a highlight of our stay! In the evenings a campfire is lit next to the dining area and is an exceptional place to sit out under the stars, let your dinner settle, have a night cap and listen to the hyenas whooping in the valley below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoosy1csvoM/ViYirO2C6dI/AAAAAAAAFz8/nnmI51whRYs/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoosy1csvoM/ViYirO2C6dI/AAAAAAAAFz8/nnmI51whRYs/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A dining experience with a view</i></span></td></tr>
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Mihingo Lodge consists of 12 luxury tented rooms on raised wooden decks under thatch roofs. The large beige canvas bedroom has screened windows on all four sides for an open feeling and uninhibited views. The spacious rooms are luxurious but they don’t scream pretentiousness, but rather gently whisper relax. The rooms are tastefully decorated with leather furniture and local African crafts and fabrics. Outside is a large partially covered veranda which has a daybed and a couple of chairs. It’s inviting place to sit and gaze at the astonishing views. Each of the tented rooms at Mihingo is unique and offers their own special view and experience. There is plenty of space between the tented rooms so you can enjoy privacy and solitude. Our first couple of nights were spent in Klipspringer (room 11) which was all about the sweeping views over the valley below and Lake Kacheera. The room is situated next to large granite boulders that bulge out from the earth and sandwich a crevasse filled with water that attracts animals. The water filled crevice is completely covered by Nile cabbage and home to terrapins and a night time chorus of frogs. On our first afternoon at Mihingo, our veranda turned into our own private viewing platform for an entire troop of monkeys getting up to their usual tomfoolery. That night, the room lived up to its name “Klipspringer” when a family of 3 klipspringers ambled over the rocks, then tucked their legs underneath their bodies and lay down to spend the night there. Not far from where they lay were two large waterbuck munching on the grass. This is the kind of place that you really don’t want to go to sleep as you just might miss something. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIy6nP2fVvs/ViYinpQn0AI/AAAAAAAAFy8/GCkotlwbrAI/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIy6nP2fVvs/ViYinpQn0AI/AAAAAAAAFy8/GCkotlwbrAI/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Our tented room at Mihingo Lodge</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Inside the tented room</i></span></td></tr>
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Our last night was spent in Impala (room 10) which was more of a bush experience with its own private view of a salt lick. As we relaxed with a book on the deck, impala, baboons, warthogs and bushbuck wandered to and from the lick. The tented rooms at Mihingo are extremely spacious and pleasant. The king sized bed is a comfortable place to lay your head at night and fall asleep listening to the night noises of the park. Each room has a considerable sized ensuite bathroom with flushing toilet and alluring views that you can enjoy while you shower.<br />
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Mihingo Lodge has extended their accommodation options and is now offering self catering accommodation for groups and families in the Bush Camp. The camp consists of one room with a double bed and ensuite solar hot water shower, 1 tent with a double bed, outdoor solar hot water shower and a long drop toilet and 1 tent designed for children with 4 single beds and outside shower and toilet. Other facilities include a large sitting and dining room with veranda, fully equipped kitchen and a store room for food with solar powered chest fridge and chest freezer. The camp is intended for groups to self cater their meals and drinks and access to the facilities of the lodge are not allowed. However, activities offered by the lodge such as the horseback safaris, bike safaris and walking safaris can be booked by Bush Camp residents. For more information on the camp or booking information, contact <a href="mailto:reservations@mihingolodge.com">reservations@mihingolodge.com</a><br />
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Mihingo Lodge offers a variety of activities, more than can be taken in on a single visit, unless you want to extend your stay which I’m sure most every guest contemplates. The watering hole and salt lick below the main lodge is engaging. Animals wander in and out from the bushes into view to have a drink and a nibble on the salty soil. If you want to get a closer look, a quick 15 minute walk from the lodge along a trail, you’ll find “The Hide”. It’s a great spot to quietly sit for a while and observe the animals. If you want to get even closer and don’t mind being in a small enclosure, venture a little further down the trail to “The Den”, a great spot for photographers. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xoR1h5Jd2Mo/ViYiruLZ_UI/AAAAAAAAF0E/mlPOxn_3lSs/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xoR1h5Jd2Mo/ViYiruLZ_UI/AAAAAAAAF0E/mlPOxn_3lSs/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Taking photographs inside "The Den"</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />Massage was an activity we couldn’t resist. A short walk from the main lodge winds you through the giant boulders the lodge is built on, to a secluded room overlooking the park. After a couple of days at Mihingo you wouldn’t think there would be any tension left, but the masseuse did seem to find a few lingering spots and gently massaged them away. This is one massage room that doesn’t require a sound recording. The breeze blew gently, birds chirped, and we relaxed.<br />
After dinner a night drive is a great activity. Either inside or outside of the park, it’s your best chance to see nocturnal animals such as owls, hyenas, leopards, white tail mongoose and nightjars. The lodge has safari vehicles for hire that include a driver and guide. The vehicle has open sides and spot lights to ensure your night drive is an unforgettable experience.<br />
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If you’re tired of being in a car, Mihingo Lodge offers a couple of unique safari experiences, horseback safaris and mountain biking safaris. Horseback safaris are unique to Lake Mburo NP and are a great way to experience wildlife. The animals are extremely relaxed around the horses which allow you to get close to them and often see some of the more timid ones up close such as eland. Without the noise of a vehicle, you can really experience the sounds of nature. We thoroughly enjoyed our <a href="http://discoveryonsafari.blogspot.ug/2013/07/a-horseback-safari-in-uganda.html" target="_blank">horseback safari</a> and as no previous experience on horses is required, anyone can participate. The biking safaris will take you exploring the sandy paths around the lodge and riding alongside zebra, impala, warthog and other antelope. This is great for people that are not comfortable on a horse, but still want to get out into nature. As the terrain is not extreme, it's a good activity for the whole family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHdjy27Is90/ViYinrxqq9I/AAAAAAAAFzI/lBzbtWio3j8/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHdjy27Is90/ViYinrxqq9I/AAAAAAAAFzI/lBzbtWio3j8/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Horseback Safari</i></span></td></tr>
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Other activities offered by the lodge are walking safaris, cultural visits, game drives, kids bush courses and for running enthusiasts, a guided run through the community land.<br />
Lake Mburo NP is reputed to be the best place in Uganda to see leopard with guests often spotting them on night game drives. The leopard population does well in Lake Mburo NP due to the lack of competition from other predators. Mihingo Lodge has recently started a leopard identification program to learn more about how many leopards are in the area and exactly where their territories are. A book containing all the information collected to date is kept at the bar and vistor input is encouraged. To date, 14 different leopards have been recorded and guests are welcome to share their photos along with information such as where the leopard was seen and the date. It’s a fascinating book to flip through and includes photos, identifying characteristics and other information about each leopard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XYkDE8A4G8/UdRInF8x6zI/AAAAAAAAEOk/q5asucz_ksg/s1600/_KDS4381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XYkDE8A4G8/UdRInF8x6zI/AAAAAAAAEOk/q5asucz_ksg/s1600/_KDS4381.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A leopard seen on a night drive in Lake Mburo NP</i></span></td></tr>
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Mihingo Lodge is committed to conservation and protecting the animals in and around the park. Whenever humans and animals live in close proximity to each other, there is bound to be conflict. During the time the lodge was built, an entire clan of spotted hyenas were poisoned by community members adjacent to the park. This was the deciding factor that something should be done to reduce the conflict. In 2008, the Mihingo Conservation and Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a nonprofit organization was set up. The primary goal of the MCCDF is to preserve wildlife outside of the park boundary and reduce the conflict between humans and animals. They are accomplishing their goal through various means. A compensation program for livestock killed by park predators has been very successful. MCCDF also extends support to two primary schools in the area and have involved secondary students in the leopard identification program. In the near future they are expanding their outreach to the community through various educational programs and the strengthening of animal enclosures where cattle are kept through the night so that animals are less vulnerable to predation. The MCCDF is very aware that the more the local community is empowered and educated about the role of wildlife, the more eager they will be to protect and conserve it. Iddy is the young woman in charge of the day to day operations and after chatting to her for only a couple of minutes her passion for everything wildlife and nature related is apparent. She's extremely knowledgeable in her field and loves to share what she knows and answer questions. She bubbles about the successes of MCCDF to date, but recognizes that it is an ongoing challenge, one she’s definitely up for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HhKtsyRJ_2Y/ViYioTw37yI/AAAAAAAAFzM/5akMb72Q858/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HhKtsyRJ_2Y/ViYioTw37yI/AAAAAAAAFzM/5akMb72Q858/s1600/Mihingo_Lodge-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A young zebra in Lake Mburo NP</i></span></td></tr>
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Mihingo Lodge is without doubt a phenomenal place to stay, everything thing about it is chilled out luxury. It is one of the few places in Uganda you actually be woken by the whinny of a zebra. Don’t make the mistake of many and stay for only one night, stay longer. Relax, stay awhile and immerse yourself in the magic of Mihingo.<br />
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Reservations & Booking Information<br />
Mihingo Lodge<br />
Tel. +256 752 410 509<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:reservations@mihingolodge.com">reservations@mihingolodge.com</a> <br />
Website: <a href="http://www.mihingolodge.com/">www.mihingolodge.com</a><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-43624325947175206832015-10-13T15:25:00.000+03:002015-10-13T15:25:27.288+03:00Banana Boat - African Crafts & Tribal Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1psYjpm43I/Vhz3WHa7VPI/AAAAAAAAFyA/6owIX5cpABc/s1600/Banana-Boat-African-Crafts-Uganda-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1psYjpm43I/Vhz3WHa7VPI/AAAAAAAAFyA/6owIX5cpABc/s320/Banana-Boat-African-Crafts-Uganda-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It’s a rare occasion that I am able to walk past one of the three Banana Boat shops and not get drawn in by the beautifully styled window displays. I generally find myself wandering around the shop which is a treasure trove of African crafts, taking notice of items that I didn’t see the last time and often leaving with a new treasure of my own. Banana Boat is no ordinary craft shop. Behind the scenes is an extensive network of crafters, entrepreneurs and women’s groups who thrive off the fair trade principles that Banana Boats so proudly upholds.<br />
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The driving force behind Banana Boat is a woman named Suni. When Suni began 19 years ago, there were very few Ugandan crafts in the marketplace, most products derived from Kenya which is still the case in the local craft markets. Suni had a vision for getting Ugandan crafts onto her shelves and began working with some of Banana Boats first suppliers in 1996. Today she has built up a network of over 200 suppliers that she works very closely with in developing new products and designs. Using their technical and crafting skills, Suni helps them with design and product ideas while teaching them to pay close attention to finishing and quality control. The result is the beautifully handcrafted products that you see on the shelves at the Banana Boat shops. <br />
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As a customer, I equate Banana Boat with great products, but for its suppliers, the significance of the company is so much more. Banana Boat provides work opportunities which allow suppliers to have a sustainable source of income. Suppliers are helped by advances when needed and interest free loans for materials and investments. They are paid on delivery of the product rather than on consignment as most other shops offer. The relationships that Banana Boat has built with its suppliers are strong and most of them are crafting solely for Banana Boat as they struggle to keep up with the demand.<br />
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In 2006 Banana Boat started a new initiative called Paper Craft. Paper Craft was set forth to provide sustainable incomes for disadvantaged Ugandans, mostly women through the production of handmade paper and paper products. Many of the people that Paper Craft employs find it exceedingly difficult to find employment or a source of income to cater for their households. Using natural raw materials, such as elephant grass, pineapple tops, banana fibre and recycled paper, paper is hand crafted and then used to make various products. Depending on the material used, each paper product has a uniquely different look. Elephant grass has an olive greenish color, whereas pineapple top paper is very textured with a gold hue. The Paper Craft workshop is in a small house in the village and it’s here that the cutting, blending and boiling happens, all a part of the process for making paper. The company has evolved and now has new product ranges as well, including handmade soap and recycled glass beads. Paper Craft is a prime example of how Banana Boat works with various groups in the development of products and the support provided for building sustainable livelihoods. You can find out more about Paper Craft and their products on their website - <a href="http://www.papercraftafrica.com/">http://www.papercraftafrica.com</a><br />
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Behind the Banana Boat enterprise is an administrative team headed up by Suni’s husband Ralph. Together they ensure that the concepts and ideas from which Banana Boat was born are upheld on a daily basis. Providing attractive shopping environments with quality, innovative products and smiling staff for Banana Boat customers and sustainable livelihoods, fair trade opportunities and supportive product development for Banana Boat suppliers. All around, it’s a win win for everyone involved.<br />
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Banana Boat has three locations in Kampala.<br />
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Tribal Arts and Crafts<br />
Plot 23, Cooper Road,<br />
Kisementi<br />
Tel. +256 (0)414 232885<br />
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Craft and Gift Shop<br />
Garden City Shopping Centre<br />
Tel. +256 (0)414 525190<br />
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African Crafts and Interiors<br />
Lugogo Mall Tel.<br />
+256 (0)414 222363<br />
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Check the Banana Boat website for more information and store hours <a href="http://www.bananaboat.co.ug/">http://www.bananaboat.co.ug/</a><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-49051351035313281812015-02-17T11:35:00.001+03:002015-02-17T11:36:15.905+03:00Birds of Uganda – Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whether you are a visitor to Uganda or a resident, there is undoubtedly one aspect of the country that most people notice, and that’s the birds. Uganda boasts over 1000 species and with so many different birds flitting about, the identification process can be overwhelming, especially for a novice. Field guides do offer a good reference, but nothing can beat a photograph for capturing all the little details and helping distinguish what just whizzed past you. <br />
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Birds of Uganda is full colour photographic book that is intended as a companion to your field guide. The book is a helpful reference as well as a lovely book to grace your coffee table. Authors Quentin Meunier and Sherry McKelvie have invested a lot of passion into creating this book and that is clearly visible on each and every page.<br />
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The 412-page book features 900 images of 280 different species of birds. The basic concept of the book is to give an introduction to Uganda’s birdlife and is intended to be used alongside a field guide. The book begins by outlining the major birding sites and wetland areas throughout Uganda. Following that, each species featured in the book is represented by several photographs and captioned with brief descriptions. The names of the birds are listed on each page in six languages, English, Latin, French, German, Spanish and Italian, with Japanese, Mandarin and Russian translations at the back of the book. The index also includes the six languages which makes this such a great reference for so many people. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgtNlMsoYCw/VOL0T-libFI/AAAAAAAAFdY/SS0a4eIEULE/s1600/Lovebird%2C%2BRed-headed%2BM_9202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgtNlMsoYCw/VOL0T-libFI/AAAAAAAAFdY/SS0a4eIEULE/s1600/Lovebird%2C%2BRed-headed%2BM_9202.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a>What I find so enjoyable about the photos, is that they showcase the birds in different situations - whether it be in flight, fishing, eating or a specific behaviour typical of that species. For me that’s what makes the book so spectacular. If you’re in the field watching a bird long enough, you will experience what is on the pages of the book. The images get close up and show detail that really will enrich your birding experience. As a birder myself, I find Birds of Uganda to be a visual feast for the eyes. Although I can identify many of the species in the book, I enjoy the moments that it has captured. The book is great to leaf through and indulgence in the sheer beauty of birds. The next time I gazed through my binoculars, after looking through the book, I saw details about birds I had not noticed before.<br />
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Industry professionals are eagerly anticipating the book. I spoke with Mr Sam Mugisha of BIC Tours, who caters especially for Japanese clients. He is very excited about the release of the book and said “he is delighted to have a bird book on Ugandan birds that is aimed at increasing Bird Tourism in Uganda, and even more pleased that it will have the names of the birds in 9 languages, including Japanese, Mandarin and Russian!” The book is a beautiful visual representation of the diversity that Uganda has to offer and will be something that many people will take pleasure in owning.<br />
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I'm not into birds you say? Well, there is no better starting point than this book! Once you flip through the pages and see the vast array of colourful beauty of the avian species living around you, I can assure you that you may start to have a whole new inquisitive reaction as to what is making the branches on that tree in your garden move. Or, what bird is singing that beautiful song at first light every morning. Birding is an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone, of any age, anywhere you go.<br />
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Birds of Uganda is a well presented book and will no doubt be in great demand. It makes for a perfect gift, souvenir or a companion on your safari. Books are expected to hit store shelves early in 2015 and will be available from most bookshops or can be ordered directly from Sherry +256 772 200 950<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-71456317584021249282015-01-30T14:05:00.000+03:002015-02-16T11:43:17.571+03:00Bakers Lodge - Murchison Falls NPFor nearly a decade, Exclusive Camps and Lodges have been well-known for offering high quality lodges in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP (<a href="http://discoveryonsafari.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-mountain-gorilla-experience-with.html" target="_blank">Buhoma Lodge</a>) and Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth NP (<a href="http://discoveryonsafari.blogspot.com/2012/03/ishasha-wilderness-camp-new-look.html" target="_blank">Ishasha Wilderness Camp</a>). Recently, their newest addition has opened its doors in the ever popular Murchison Falls NP and it is no surprise that it boasts the same “wow” factor as the other lodges. Situated on the south bank of the mighty Nile River, guests can sit at eye level to the river and watch as it gently flows by. The proximity to the Nile River is what sets this lodge apart from all others. All that lies between the lodge and one of the most famous rivers of all time is sprawling grass and large shade trees. Bakers Lodge offers a Nile River experience like no other.<br />
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The lodge is named after the British explorer Samuel Baker, who is famous for his exploration of the Nile. Late in the 1800’s Samuel and his wife Florence spent time around the area during their expedition of the river. Samuel Baker was the first European to view and subsequently name the Murchison Falls. In keeping with this theme, the decor of the lodge is reminiscent of the exploration era. Wood, leather and canvas are abundant in the main lodge area which is a large wooden deck raised up off the ground. There are several large sofas and chairs to relax in and enjoy the view, read a book or just to sit and contemplate just where you are in the world. A large portion of the main lodge is covered with a thatch roof with an open air deck on each side. The bar stocks wines and a selection of spirits as well as water, soda and local beer which is kept cold via their eco friendly solar powered energy system. <br />
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Accommodation at Bakers Lodge is individual cottages elevated off the ground. The very spacious en-suite cottages have large netted windows on all sides for an open airy feeling. Each cottage is positioned with consideration of privacy from others, has a wooden deck off the front and a view of the river, a great place to sip on your morning cup of coffee or tea. The cottages are furnished with wooden furniture, a writing desk and chair, beds with side tables, lockable safe, and an open wardrobe for clothes and is lit with solar lighting. <br />
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The large netted windows on the front of the cottage roll up for an unobstructed view of the river. The beds have been designed to sit up in comfortably to enjoy the view. I sat on my bed for quite some time with my binoculars, enjoying the bird life and the view while listening to the grunts of hippos. I felt like I was watching a large HDTV and had to pinch myself that what I was watching was real. It was awesome! <br />
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The cottages are self contained with a large bathroom, flushing toilet and running water. Double sinks sit on top of a spacious wooden table with a mirror hanging above. The shower is open and faces the view so while you are washing off the dust of the day, you can revel in the amazing view. Hot water in the bathroom is provided by a solar energy system.<br />
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Every evening, just before sunset a fire is lit between the main lodge and the river. It’s a great place to sit with a cold drink, watch the last of the day light fade away, reflect on your day, watch the stars in the sky slowly come to life and cherish another day in Africa. The campfire is a great place to interact with other guests and swap safari stories. The ever attentive staff is never far away to take your drink orders so you don’t have to leave the magic and the ambiance of the fire. Once dinner is ready, the staff show you to your table, top up your drinks and begin the dinner service. <br />
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The food at Bakers Lodge was nothing short of amazing. All of the meals we had were delicious and plentiful. We started our mornings with a wake up call at our cottage followed by a freshly brewed cup of coffee on our verandah. As we sat and enjoyed the dawn of a new day, many species of birds were fishing and hunting in the nearby wetland next the river while agama lizards chased each other to protect their territory on the ground and in the trees around us. Breakfast is served in the main lodge and cooked as per your order along with fresh fruit, cereal, cold meats and cheeses, coffee, tea and fresh juice served buffet style. We had our three course lunch al fresco in the shade of a large tree on the deck of the main lodge. As the gentle breeze blew we enjoyed both the view and the food. After some sundowners around the fire, we had a four course dinner under a blanket of stars on the deck. As we savoured a salad course, soup course, main course and dessert, we talked about our day and made plans for the next while listening to the night sounds of crickets, frogs, hippos. The dinner atmosphere at Bakers Lodge was magical and a perfect way to end a day.<br />
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Getting to Bakers Lodge, you have a choice of routes once you reach Masindi town which is 215 kilometres north of Kampala. The most direct route is to enter Murchison Falls NP from the Kichumbanyobo gate which takes you through the south side of the park through the Kaniyo Pabidi forest. A longer but more scenic route passes through Budongo forest before descending into the rift valley next to Lake Albert. This route gets you to the lodge without entering the national park as Bakers Lodge sits just outside of the Bugungu gate. The lodge is well marked with signposts at the entrance, so it’s easy to find.<br />
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Murchison Falls National Park is the largest park in Uganda and offers plenty of activities for visitors. The park is home to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, hyena, jackal, hippos and the Nile crocodiles which are reputed to be “huge”. The park is well known for its diverse bird population, including the most sought after and unique resident, the shoebill. <br />
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A variety of boat excursions can be done on the Nile river. The waterfall cruise travels up the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls which is a spectacular sight. Along the way you can view many species of birds, mammals near the shore that are coming to the water to drink and crocodiles both in and out of the water. The delta cruise travels down the Nile River to the Victoria Nile Delta where the bird life is prolific and is the best place to search for the shoebill. If you’re ready for a fishing experience like none other, you can bait your hooks in anticipation for a mighty Nile Perch. Fishing safaris with an experienced guide and equipment are a popular activity in the area.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9mAJXx77MM/VMyXTrlVj0I/AAAAAAAAFaY/N-OzkQ-ycXk/s1600/Waterfall%2BCruise%2BMurchison%2BFalls%2BNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9mAJXx77MM/VMyXTrlVj0I/AAAAAAAAFaY/N-OzkQ-ycXk/s1600/Waterfall%2BCruise%2BMurchison%2BFalls%2BNP.jpg" /></a></div>
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All of the boat activities operate daily and can be arranged through Bakers Lodge which has its own fleet of boats and can pick you up from the lodge for the various excursions. Special arrangements can also be made for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks or sundowners on board. You can also make your safari more interesting by combining the boats and a safari drive. Cruise down the Nile River to the delta by boat at sunrise to experience the area from the water and then return with a game drive through the Buligi area which offers a number of tracks and where wildlife abounds.<br />
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Chimpanzee trekking can be done in the nearby Budongo forest where you can observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat as well as other primates such a black and white colobus monkeys. This gentle walk through the forest is an amazing way to experience the sounds of an equatorial tropical rainforest. <br />
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For me, the highlight of my stay at Bakers Lodge was the proximity to the river and the spectacular views of it from anywhere around lodge. I loved the slightly elevated bird’s eye 180 degree river views from the wooden deck of the main lodge and from my cottage the front roll up floor to ceiling large window was pure indulgence. Lying comfortably on the bed, gazing at the river and listening to the birds, every tension in my entire body melted away.<br />
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If you are planning a trip to Murchison Falls NP, throw yourself back into the time of exploration at Bakers Lodge. Sit in luxury on the banks of the Nile River and imagine what it was like for Samuel Baker to discover this amazing part of Uganda. <br />
For more information and reservations:<br />
Uganda – Wild Frontiers Exclusive Camps & Lodges<br />
PO Box 619, Entebbe, Uganda<br />
Tel/Fax: +256 414 321 479<br />
Mobile: +256 772 721 155<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:reservations@ugandaexclusivecamps.com">reservations@ugandaexclusivecamps.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ugandaexclusivecamps.com/">www.ugandaexclusivecamps.com</a><br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-60026728628372070332013-11-04T17:37:00.001+03:002013-11-04T17:37:25.327+03:00Hybrid Solar Eclipse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Sunday November 3, 2013 we were fortunate to have clear skies in Kampala and able to witness a rare hybrid solar eclipse. This is a composite of the eclipse as it progressed through the skies above Kampala, Uganda.</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-72140988558336967262013-10-03T19:47:00.000+03:002013-10-03T20:23:55.589+03:00Our Migration Safari, Masai Mara - Kenya<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Several thousand wildebeest gathered on the bank of the Mara River, nervously milling around, pacing forward and backwards. Slowly they moved closer to the rivers edge and then quickly retreated upon getting spooked by something in the water. This cycle replayed over and over as the herd built up and the anticipation of a crossing heightened. Eventually two zebras without any hesitation marched into the muddy water and began to swim to the other side. My heart raced.... <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ec66efe2-b992-4494-8e52-561874a3bdb5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e1069859-0032-4103-a9f2-e503fbac5743" grcontextid="will:0">will</span> the others follow? Will the zebras survive? Phew, they made it, but the others didn’t follow. The cycle started again and while we patiently waited we watched as crocodiles well camouflaged in the water swam closer into position. After more than two hours of waiting, it came without warning that one wildebeest waded deeper and deeper into the river. This time the others followed. <b>Mayhem ensued!!</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The start of the first river crossing we witnessed.</span></td></tr>
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Driving through the Masa Mara National Reserve there were tens of thousands of wildebeest as far as the eye could see. The migration was evident all around us, but what we really wanted to see was a river crossing. I had no idea what to expect. I had seen it on television many times but it didn’t prepare me for the real thing. From the moment the first wildebeest entered the water and others followed, my heart raced. Soon after, I was overcome with emotion. The sounds, the dust, the splashes, the cries, the chaos caused tears to flood down my face. I found myself rooting for every animal to make it across even knowing that their death is life for the crocodiles. I witnessed death before my eyes and it was hard. The wildebeest driven by instinct, by life, by greener pastures. No matter what I write here I can’t explain the power of witnessing this event. I feel truly blessed for being able to witness it and recommend the opportunity to everyone that has the chance. The migration truly is the greatest outdoor show on the planet! The scene of a young wildebeest wandering on the banks after a crossing, looking and crying out for its mother, a lion dragging a young wildebeest it has just killed to the other members of its pride to eat, these scenes are real and a reminder of the circle of life. Death is essential for life to carry on. It is everything that the Great <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a294802f-3bd5-4859-b221-1d9d3ed180b6" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="55f6dee0-6b06-45d9-b6f5-b5aedc5bc56a" grcontextid="Migrationn:0">Migration</span> is about.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Mara River</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A procession of wildebeest</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">River crossing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">River crossing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">River crossing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">River crossing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">River crossing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">River crossing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A lioness dragging her wildebeest kill in the early morning after a river crossing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="115102bb-a2f4-429c-9442-7356179ccd08" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e9f2c053-6cd3-4534-b6d7-fc57873226d9" grcontextid="was:0">was</span> wildebeest as far as the eye could see across the plains of the Masai Mara</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Over a hundred wildebeest taking shade under a tree in the heat of the midday sun</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wildebeest everywhere</span></td></tr>
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A compilation video featuring three of the five river crossings that we were witness to.</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-12504000870060237472013-07-31T15:15:00.002+03:002013-07-31T15:15:38.661+03:00A Horseback Safari in Uganda<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: small;">Riding through the savannah with zebra in the background</span></td></tr>
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As an intrepid bush lover and safari enthusiast, the idea of experiencing my passion on horseback was extremely intriguing. Mihingo Lodge is the only place in Uganda that offers horseback safaris in a national park so that is where this first time experience took place.<br />
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My husband and I are inexperienced riders and were unsure of how our backsides would fare on a long ride, so we started with a one hour safari in the late afternoon. The stables are a short distance from Mihingo Lodge where we were spending a couple of nights. When we arrived at the stables for our safari we were met by Joseph the stable manager. Joseph showed us around the stables and he introduced us to all of the horses and ponies. The stables and facilities were clean, organized and had a number of spacious paddocks for the horses to graze.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the horses in the stables</span></td></tr>
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After we were acquainted with the facilities it was time to visit the tack room and get ready for our ride. Trail <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="2e95dc38-b9e5-41b5-8b6e-1c846784052e" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1edf79b5-a198-4618-85cb-f7ad8ea3abc9" grcontextid="saddles:0">saddles</span>, stirrups, chaps and helmets are all provided for your guided safari. Riders should wear long pants, a strong pair of shoes and most importantly bring your sense of adventure. All geared up we were ready to meet our horses. I was riding Summersong and Kevin had his trusty steed Vallas. Joseph gave us a few pointers and instruction about riding our horses and we were all set.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ready for the safari</span></td></tr>
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We left the stables and began our safari riding through the savannah. I had been told that game and wildlife is extremely relaxed around horses allowing riders to get very close to them but some things need to be experienced to be fully understood. Not only did we get very close to animals but what surprised me the most was their calmness. We were able to maintain a normal volume of conversation and they didn’t flinch or seem bothered. Our guides Joseph and Charles were very knowledgeable about the wildlife and their habitat. As we rode through the bush and grassland we came across many species including warthogs, zebra, eland, dwarf mongoose, impala and bush buck as well as various birds. Horseback safaris are not ideal for photography as your hands are needed on the reins and the constant movement is not conducive for photos. Small manageable point and shoot cameras are ideal. The whole experience is very relaxing and personal. While sitting on your horse you can enjoy the scenery and make mental memories. <br />
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Feeling confident after our first ride, we decided to go for a longer one in the morning. This time we left the stables at 7:30am for a 4 hour ride that took us outside the park towards Lake Kacheera. Animals were plentiful and the landscape and scenery was beautiful. For those that have never been on a horseback safari it is a special experience. Without the confines of a vehicle and a rumbling engine you can take in every sound and every movement. The horses at Mihingo were relaxed and calm so there was never any fear of being taken on a sudden gallop. Having no previous experience, I never felt worried or stressed. <br />
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After the rides, Mihingo lodge was a stunning place to have a swim in the infinity pool overlooking a waterhole, have a full body massage, enjoy gourmet food and take in a bit of Mihingo magic. We thoroughly enjoyed our first horseback safari and didn’t suffer from any aches, pains or sore backsides. We left only with plenty of memories and smiles on our faces. It was definitely an adventure that we will never forget.<br />
To enjoy a Mihingo horseback safari, no previous experience with horses is necessary. They are fully equipped for adults and children and offer rides starting from 30 minutes to several hours as well as overnight trips, bush breakfasts and picnic lunches.<br />
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<b>For Information & Bookings</b><br />
<a href="http://www.mihingolodge.com/">http://www.mihingolodge.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:reservations@mihingolodge.com" target="_blank">reservations@mihingolodge.com </a><br />
+256-752 410 509<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-3352984762770733242013-07-09T17:59:00.001+03:002013-07-31T15:12:04.657+03:00Night Drive - Lake Mburo NP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was the night of the <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="6803955a-2826-4dcb-9388-6af0c611f722" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f66828ff-8ffb-4fed-9d3b-f57c4e6e54db" grcontextid="supermoon:0">supermoon</span> and we had scheduled a night drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Unknowingly, we were in for a super night!<br />
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We picked up our Uganda Wildlife Authority guide Lawrence just before sunset. He had a large spotlight with him which wired directly to our car battery. Lawrence decided to perch himself on the roof of the Land Rover so that he had a good vantage point. We were all set and started driving towards the Research Track. By this time the sun had set and darkness was setting in. From inside the Land Rover we watched as Lawrence moved the spotlight quickly from left to right looking for animals. It was Kevin that heard Lawrence say "leopard, stop!" I was driving. I quickly pressed on the brakes and started looking around "where?" A male leopard was in front of us and just off of the road to the right. We turned off the engine and watched as he walked through the grass towards a thicket. For over 30 minutes we watched the leopard as he slowly made his way from thicket to thicket, pausing at each one to look around and survey his surroundings. Eventually he walked off into the darkness leaving us with adrenaline pumped bodies and big grins. Fantastic!! This sighting was enough for me, I was so happy to have had such a good spotting of a leopard that I was prepared to head back to Mihingo lodge where we were staying and revel in our night <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ddb730f8-2946-48e9-9cef-08ceb21edd54" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="6926c87f-5399-42b2-9211-34e19a4c5782" grcontextid="drive:0">d<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="33049c2a-77e1-4533-b1f2-f7f9d31d4ae0" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="16a7cf1f-2659-47fe-9904-a9ca020cbf5b" grcontextid="drive:0">rive</span></span><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="33049c2a-77e1-4533-b1f2-f7f9d31d4ae0" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="16a7cf1f-2659-47fe-9904-a9ca020cbf5b" grcontextid="drive:0"></span> experience. <br />
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As we drove back, we saw buffalo, zebras, a white tailed mongoose and a genet cat. We were not far from the lodge when Lawrence asked us to turn onto a small track to look for hyena as he knew of the general location they hang around at night. Close to the road, we saw a figure dart away from an anthill and into the thick bushes nearby. We shone our lights and could see two eyes staring back at us. As <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="55af884e-61bd-43a7-865f-9c5427d827d9" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="9526a98d-1301-462b-8455-ed67b52b654d" grcontextid="we crept the:0">we crept the</span> vehicle closer to the bush, we realized it was a leopard!! Another one! How exciting was this?! Another male, this time never leaving the protection and cover of the bush. We admired his beauty, his large golden eyes resembling giant glass marbles, his long whiskers and rosette patterned coat. After about 30 minutes we decided to leave him and let him get back to his leopard business. As we drove back to Mihingo, we giggled at our fortune of seeing two separate leopards on one night <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="2dd778cf-3f70-4c2b-9171-a1b8fdc5d34b" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="fc7d1719-f4d8-43f2-baed-005495d18755" grcontextid="drive:0">drive</span>.</div>
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If you are visiting Lake Mburo National Park, I can highly recommend this exciting activity. Although there is no guarantee of seeing leopard, a guided night drive gives you the chance to experience the animals in their habitat at night as well as giving you an opportunity to spot nocturnal species. For us, it was a super night!</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-83613502032554454082013-07-05T16:00:00.001+03:002013-07-05T16:30:10.347+03:00Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impentrable Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8BnpcWOvm4/Uc2Kezg6hvI/AAAAAAAAEMA/t0wfSiDcw8g/s502/DSC_1121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8BnpcWOvm4/Uc2Kezg6hvI/AAAAAAAAEMA/t0wfSiDcw8g/s400/DSC_1121.jpg" width="400" /></a>Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site that lies in Southwestern Uganda. It is 331 square kilometers (128 sq mi) of jungle that is accessible only by foot and is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas. A very good friend of mine was planning a visit to Uganda with her husband, so what better time to plan a trek through the jungle in search of these rare primates with her. This would be the ultimate girls day out!! <br />
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Our journey to the gorillas began from the Mweya peninsula in Queen Elizabeth National Park where we were bush camping with our husbands. Full of excitement we scurried around our camp packing up, organizing our things and getting a few last minute photography tips from Kevin, my husband and avid wildlife photographer who we would soon part ways with. The guys were spending the next couple of nights in Ishasha (the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth NP) while the girls would carry on to Bwindi. Once our camp was packed up, we jumped into the 4x4’s and headed south. When we arrived at the park gate to Ishasha, we pulled off the road, said goodbye and climbed back into our vehicle and were off like a shot. We couldn’t wait to be sitting at our lodge in Bwindi Forest but this would take a little longer than we anticipated. As we drove through small villages we passed dozens of people immaculately dressed walking home after Easter Sunday church services. We rounded a bend in the road and came across a truck that had tipped over and completely blocked the road. PANIC!!! Was this going to prevent us from getting to Bwindi? Was there another route? After some discussion we decided to return to the nearest village and attempt to find someone who could give us directions and advice on another route. Just as we arrived in the village, we spotted a tourist vehicle approaching, so out the window my arm went to flag him down. We explained the blocked road ahead and asked if he knew of an alternative route. With a confident “yes” he ordered us to “follow him”. A huge sense of relief washed over us. Yes!! We WOULD get there. Now as the driver of our vehicle, all I could focus on was keeping the green safari vehicle we were following in my eye sight. The driver knew the road well and therefore kept a swift pace, much faster than I normally drive, but I had to be sure not to lose him. As we followed we enjoyed what we considered to be a much more scenic route on a better road. By late afternoon we were driving through the entrance to Bwindi Impenetrable Park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">A truck blocking the road en route to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest</span></td></tr>
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We checked into <a href="http://discoveryonsafari.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-mountain-gorilla-experience-with.html" target="_blank"><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="0ace3901-48b0-4200-b822-9423ed440ae6" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="efd26542-e7fc-43dd-bad0-cbe608a9faca" grcontextid="Buhoma:0">Buhoma</span> Lodge</a>, ordered a well deserved cold beer and sat on the verandah of our tree house room. We stared at the forest and watched the mist constantly changing shape, floating over the peaks of the mountain and hanging in the valleys. Somewhere inside of that forest <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="90582cbc-2197-4027-9320-d1f89caf2e5f" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="b649698c-4897-465a-a5eb-cac67221d51c" grcontextid="were:0">were</span> the mountain gorillas that we came to see. It all seemed so real now. Tomorrow we would trek deep into the African jungle and come face to face with mountain gorillas.<br />
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Moments before my alarm went off, I woke up. It was still dark. I switched on a light and soon we were both buzzing around the room getting ready for the day. It seemed that even the birds were excited for us their cheery songs getting louder and louder as daylight emerged. Once we were layered with clothes and ready for any kind of weather, we sat down for breakfast and a hot cup of coffee. We ate because we knew we needed the energy but our stomachs were more occupied doing flips of excitement rather than thinking about food. Nevertheless, we ate. After breakfast we chose a walking stick for the trek provided by our lodge and made our way over to the briefing. <br />
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The Uganda Wildlife Authority gave us a warm welcome and shared information about the gorillas and the guidelines for trekking. We broke into smaller groups based on the group that we were trekking and met our fellow trekkers as well as our guide, Ruth. We would be trekking the Habinyanja group. We both chose to take a porter and got acquainted. There are many advantages to a porter besides the obvious of carrying your backpack. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="cb4d7117-b3a5-4492-9155-5217d4d8bfd3" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c0fd2d38-bbc3-4242-9f1b-b704ab5e374b" grcontextid="Foremostly:0">Foremostly</span> it provides employment for people from the surrounding villages but beyond that they make great trekking companions. My porter Caleb was a wealth of knowledge and he constantly reminded me to drink water. When the going got tough he provided a helping hand and the occasional push up hills and when I seemed to need it the most, he made me laugh with his witty sense of <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="4a0d45bc-c36d-4cd6-b0e0-c02e5f814142" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="a1d67ba6-fe2a-43e4-a431-e971ff4ac803" grcontextid="humour:0">humour</span> and his jokes.<br />
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Our starting point was a 20 minute drive away from the briefing <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="74b91e18-c79a-4382-8078-f5223dd90eca" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e3482d57-72f2-47c9-ba7b-f92b7f10dfb7" grcontextid="centre:0">centre</span>. Once we arrived at the base of the trail, I parked the car and we got ourselves ready. Backpack, check. Water, check. Camera, check. Walking stick, check. Rain jacket, check. Sense of adventure, check. We began our ascent through farmland. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Starting our ascent</span></td></tr>
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Villagers were tilling their fields, young children came from every direction to wave and say hello and older children had artwork spread out along the path in hopes of making a sale. Bananas, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="021a4f4d-acf3-4ca3-8b17-d48706800cd7" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d928a946-a195-41db-8c19-ecedcf778f19" grcontextid="matooke:0">matooke</span>, cassava, beans, children, men, women, goats, chickens, pigs, we passed them all. After an hour or so of nothing but uphill trekking, we entered the jungle. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Children from one of the villages we passed</span></td></tr>
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Surrounded by dense forest we followed a trail that led us through a never ending series of hills. The going was somewhat tough and we could feel slight effects of elevation but this didn’t stop us. We made short stops as we needed them, drank lots of water, and kept moving at a steady pace. By midday, our guide informed us that we could be in for a long day as the trackers who had been out since the morning, still had not yet found the exact location of the Habinyanja group. Just as we were bracing ourselves for the long day, we were told that the group had changed direction and were now heading towards us, we were very close. We fueled up with a quick dried fruit snack, some more water and left our packs on the trail to traverse the thick vegetation of the forest floor to get close to the gorillas.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our guides</span></td></tr>
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Off the trail the vegetation was thick, the ground uneven and much more difficult to maneuver through. The guides were clearing a way for us to get closer to the gorillas. We could hear them making noise in the valley floor but we couldn’t see them. The first gorillas we saw were a mother and a juvenile. They looked at us casually as everyone in our group stood and watched them in amazement. Beautiful. Big. Hairy. Then we noticed two young gorillas swinging, playing and chasing each other in a nearby tree. We watched them for several minutes as they entertained us with their antics. Their ability to move up, down and around the tree with speed and accuracy was fascinating. They carried on with their fun and games like we weren’t even there. The guides continued to clear away a makeshift path for us to get closer to more members of the Habinyanja group. Eventually we all gathered in a small opening in the forest that the guides had cleared for us, sat on the ground and immersed ourselves in the company of the gorillas. The Silverback was laying down in the forest not far away however the most we could see of him was his silver hair shimmering in the sunlight between the branches. We could hear him making noises and could clearly smell his flatulence. Juveniles played in the trees around us, females sat munching on leaves and one of the new mothers was letting her young baby move around on the ground close to her after it was finished suckling from her breast. The baby was so small and so very cute! Their feet and hands were amazing to see, their digits and fingerprints seemed almost human. The gorillas drew me in, their large chestnut colored eyes, relaxed personalities and gentle movements made me want to sit there and watch them forever. At the end of the hour, it was extremely hard to leave the gorillas. With great reluctance we followed our guide back to the main trail where we had left our backpacks. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The foot of an adult gorilla</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The foot of a baby gorilla</span></td></tr>
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Back on the main trail we sat down on the ground, ate a sandwich and discussed how wonderful it was to spend time with the Habinyanya. After some food and a brief rest, we began to walk back to where we left our car. This took several hours of traversing through the forest in the opposite direction from our way in. When we reached the car we were tired. It had been a long day but a good one. We drove back to the UWA headquarters and were presented with certificates for trekking and then back to our lodge. We were looking forward to a hot shower.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The view from the edge of the forest</span></td></tr>
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That evening over dinner we shared a bottle of wine and talked about what an awesome day we had. On one hand we were tired and on the other so full of adrenaline and excitement that we knew it would be hard to fall asleep. Trekking the gorillas is such an incredible experience, one that can be shared but never replicated as every encounter is different. As I lay in my bed that night I thought about the Habinyanja and wondered what they were doing. Where were they sleeping? What had they done for the rest of the day? It was an experience that will stay with me forever. When I think back to that day, I remember every detail and cherish it not only for myself but that I was able to share it with such a good friend. It is a bond that we will share for the rest of our lives. Simply incredible!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lVeD_zdV20/Uc2KUwSB0FI/AAAAAAAAEL0/PlDuPUe1s9w/s502/DSC_1198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lVeD_zdV20/Uc2KUwSB0FI/AAAAAAAAEL0/PlDuPUe1s9w/s1600/DSC_1198.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gorillas from the Habinyanja group</span></td></tr>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-809116679559499852013-06-16T16:26:00.001+03:002013-06-20T17:02:24.429+03:00A Mountain Gorilla Experience with Buhoma Lodge<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CuU2oARAeJ6Zw5EZXhGqVgjY3qWw1ILWNpV8k5HB723IaIswHXH8Hr_7Dm6Jvx4eDOvsqLMw8NvkfAVN9CFbduoqtljrcfbrajN-7oq5b9P-1rvebO9KZ9cc69B9fmLxJYBLHPZRwIc/s1600/DSC_0882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CuU2oARAeJ6Zw5EZXhGqVgjY3qWw1ILWNpV8k5HB723IaIswHXH8Hr_7Dm6Jvx4eDOvsqLMw8NvkfAVN9CFbduoqtljrcfbrajN-7oq5b9P-1rvebO9KZ9cc69B9fmLxJYBLHPZRwIc/s400/DSC_0882.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Trekking mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="5d0fa3ff-82ec-495c-a890-2e5101ec7737" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="bf498918-3c2b-4953-9847-f1ade2c4f648" grcontextid="is:0">is</span> an incredible opportunity, one that I was eagerly waiting for. The fact that I was sharing the experience with my best friend from Canada only elevated the excitement. I couldn't imagine there was anything that could make our experience richer, but our stay at Buhoma Lodge did. The service, atmosphere and attention to detail made this once in a lifetime trip absolutely magical!</div>
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<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="d4d9dbb3-878e-4e51-bb9a-7ac62b51cc5a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="40118e94-c83a-400a-80f4-545088803fdf" grcontextid="Buhoma:0">Buhoma</span> Lodge is nestled in the forest approximately 200 <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="4eea3abf-293a-4a2c-b53d-520b9f127012" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="40118e94-c83a-400a-80f4-545088803fdf" grcontextid="metres:1">metres</span> from the park entrance and near the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters. Upon arrival, the manager Ken kindly introduced himself and took us into the main lodge and dining area. We sat down together and Ken shared with us facts and information that we would need to know about the lodge and its amenities. Ken’s demeanor was very calm which I found to be a nice balance to the excitement and anticipation that I was feeling inside for our gorilla trek the following day. He checked which gorilla group we were trekking and confirmed that it was one of the groups around the Buhoma area and also gave us an idea of where our trek would start from the following morning. We were told that we were going to have to drive approximately 20 minutes to the starting point for the Habinyanja gorilla group. This information was helpful to have the night before so we were prepared to take our vehicle the next morning. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">ELEVATED TREE HOUSE ROOMS</span></td></tr>
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The accommodation at Buhoma Lodge is individual tree houses. Their slight elevation off the ground allows for wonderful views of the steep mountain forests that surrounded us. The mesh windows gave us great views as well as plenty of fresh cool crisp mountain air. We sat comfortably on our private veranda enjoying the unique sounds of the dense forest and as I gazed into the impenetrable forest, my mind was racing with anticipation for our gorilla experience knowing that somewhere very deep inside that green lush Ugandan jungle we would come face to face with the rare mountain gorillas that make Bwindi their home. This was real, very real, I was deep in the heart of Africa! Our room had two comfortable single beds, night <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="6b272afa-c6d3-4510-8ab6-958c0a26de03" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="dc24ee92-94fc-4e14-8a39-f4231a9d280b" grcontextid="stand tables,:0">stand tables,</span> lamps and plenty of hanging as well as shelving space for our clothes. The ensuite bathroom was a blend of natural materials of wood and stone. The spacious shower was wonderful as it had great pressure and hot water. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="5ea7322e-9dcf-4e5f-98d4-a5c8ab6faca4" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7336a1a2-9a4c-4156-a741-4202910a89d2" grcontextid="Buhoma:0">Buhoma</span> believes in being <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3fda4f30-73e4-477a-adbc-5debcd30f8b6" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7336a1a2-9a4c-4156-a741-4202910a89d2" grcontextid="eco:1">eco</span> friendly and provides shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and lotion in ceramic bottles. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">INSIDE VIEW OF TREE HOUSE ROOMS</span></td></tr>
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Dinner was served at 7:30 in the warmly lit dining room and consisted of four courses, a starter, soup, main course and dessert. The food was outstanding, great <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="170e1388-2087-42be-bf9f-b79a9f282686" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="6703d722-5ed6-4268-a28a-b2cfab964653" grcontextid="flavour:0">flavour</span> combinations, reasonable portion sizes and top notch presentation. The atmosphere in the dining room was enjoyable. Tables of other guests talking, laughing, sharing bottles of wine and stories of their experiences in the forest. Small clay chimney fireplaces were scattered about the dining room. The warm glowing coals helped to keep the chill out of the crisp night air, a truly charming ambiance.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">MAIN LODGE/DINING & BAR AREA</span></td></tr>
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After dinner when we returned to our room, turn-down service had been done. Full length curtains were drawn to give the room a pleasant and private feel. When I got into my bed I was pleasantly surprised to find a hot water bottle between the sheets, I thought that was a very nice touch. I drifted off to sleep, warm, cozy and full of excitement for the next day.</div>
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The next morning a gentle knock on the door followed by “good morning” and the aroma of coffee woke us up. While we sipped our coffee and prepared for a day of unknown trekking, the darkness turned to light and the birds of the forest began to sing. We sat down for breakfast at 7am. We were asked to bring our gorilla permits and passports to breakfast which I assumed was a tactic to keep us organized. We had an enjoyable breakfast of fresh juice, cereal, porridge and cooked eggs that we had ordered the night before. As we tried to control the butterflies of excitement in our stomachs, we were unaware that the staff was registering us for the trekking at the park headquarters, that was the reason for bringing the paperwork to breakfast. When we were finished eating, we were told that we could head directly for the briefing. How awesome was that, we didn’t have to worry about the logistics, it was all taken care of. On our way <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="dfc2ae48-a1e5-4a4f-9415-db59a5ff8035" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="b9becd43-7b1a-481a-8abc-6fd24ba9408e" grcontextid="to:0">to</span> the briefing, we picked up our packed lunches and water packed in stainless refillable water bottles as well as a wooden walking stick for our trek.</div>
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Our trek to see the Habinanya group was a full day. We set off up the steep slopes of the forest at 9am with our guide and the others in our group. The scenery was incredible. We passed through small settlements where children and adults came to the edge of the footpath to greet us and sing. Once inside the forest, the terrain continued to be challenging but delighted us with a vast array of plant life and interesting creatures such as the giant earthworm and numerous vibrantly colored butterflies. Once we were close to the gorillas, we left our packs behind on the trail and armed with a sense of adventure and our cameras, we negotiated the dense forest floor until an opening was cleared out for us to sit and marvel at the gorillas. The babies kept us entertained and had us giggling at their antics. After an incredible hour, we began our trek back to the lodge.</div>
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The lodge offers complimentary massage for each of their guests. This was definitely a part of our stay that we absolutely loved and after 8 hours of trekking the full body massage was much needed and well deserved. A small fireplace warmed the room and the massage table was a wonderful place to relax and unwind as the masseuse melted away the tension in my muscles.</div>
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<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="049af28a-af3d-4349-a216-ea7436edc6c4" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8473653e-acbf-481a-8572-459d3d3d2349" grcontextid="Buhoma:0">Buhoma</span> Lodge has a well stocked gift shop full of nick nacks and reasonably priced souvenirs including books, clothing, jewelry and much more. The shop was our last stop before leaving the lodge. We chose out a few special <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="93f70823-e905-4651-80da-59b3dd086795" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="439c0198-37da-4f44-a253-cf5b2e8e8d2f" grcontextid="momentos:0">momentos</span> of our time in Bwindi.</div>
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I can not recommend Buhoma Lodge enough. There wasn’t a single part of our stay that needed any changes or improvements and we felt like the staff was always one step ahead of us ensuring that every aspect of our stay was comfortable and memorable. If the opportunity arises in the future to experience the gorillas in Bwindi again, I will definitely spend my time at the Buhoma Lodge. Our experience was absolutely magical, one that we will never forget and will cherish forever. Thanks to all the staff for an amazing time and a job well done!</div>
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Booking and Reservations</div>
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Exclusive Camps and Lodges (G&C Tours Ltd)</div>
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reservations@ugandaexclusivecamps.com</div>
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<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="8eb503eb-4306-4073-aaa8-8b05f876dede" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="a6084328-63eb-40b4-b74f-cdac821bfd3f" grcontextid="Ph:0">Ph</span>: (+256) 414 321 479</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-52328207021333985962013-03-12T09:30:00.000+03:002013-03-12T09:30:01.657+03:00Rwakobo Rock - Lake Mburo National Park<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIPTmKw5JDA/USYgHfiV0cI/AAAAAAAADmg/Te5WWTTuOvI/s1600/Main+Lodge+-+Rwakobo+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIPTmKw5JDA/USYgHfiV0cI/AAAAAAAADmg/Te5WWTTuOvI/s1600/Main+Lodge+-+Rwakobo+Rock.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Main Lodge with great views over Lake Mburo National Park</span></td></tr>
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Not far from the Nshara Gate at Lake Mburo National Park, on a large outcrop of rocks is Rwakobo Rock, a newly opened family run lodge and restaurant. The lodge is 8km off the Masaka/Mbarara Highway and is outside of the park which makes it a convenient place to break up your travels, either for lunch or an overnight stay.<br />
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The large main lodge overlooks part of Lake Mburo National Park and the adjacent Ankole cattle ranches and homesteads. This impressive thatched roof structure has a bar and reception area near the entrance, a hammock strung between two eucalyptus poles and a few sofas and chairs to relax in. There is also a nook with a glass bottle wall and built in adobe style seating covered with cushions, a nice place to sit and enjoy some of the magazines, books and games that are provided. At the far end is the dining area with a view of the watering hole that has been constructed to attract birds and wildlife. At the time of my visit, this sizable main building was sparsely furnished. I was told that more furniture and furnishings were <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="planned:0" grmarkguid="8f8867ac-dcd2-4e6c-84e8-6f4bedb09de1" gruiphraseguid="eaa0c903-4433-4023-ae92-9815de3de283">planned</span> to fill the voids and create a more comfortable atmosphere. <span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="Rwakobo:0" grmarkguid="e013bb76-1f15-4376-a461-1e0adc8a066d" gruiphraseguid="452c945e-5b5d-458b-837c-647b6452816e">Rwakobo</span> Rock definitely has something to grow into. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGmNvb2aiAU/USYjIIaS9vI/AAAAAAAADnY/5VUFSOjELt4/s1600/View+from+Rwakobo+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGmNvb2aiAU/USYjIIaS9vI/AAAAAAAADnY/5VUFSOjELt4/s1600/View+from+Rwakobo+Rock.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from the Main Lodge into Lake Mburo National Park</span></td></tr>
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There are 8 cottages interconnected to the main lodge by <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="murram:0" grmarkguid="d1e7ff06-f727-4857-813d-225bda927c6f" gruiphraseguid="fd1b6711-a591-4978-ab6c-2efa6168bbb5">murram</span> pathways. <span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="Rwakobo:0" grmarkguid="3d03b774-821a-426b-b475-d9224257c3cc" gruiphraseguid="4f150fae-bd4c-4c2a-be13-7675ded8bebe">Rwakobo</span> Rock offers rock rooms that look out into the community land and bush rooms that are tucked into the surrounding vegetation. Our cottage was a rock room and was a few minute walk from the main lodge. We entered the cottage from the back and inside was a large bed covered by a mosquito net, a chair and an open unit for hanging clothes. Through an archway was the bathroom with sink, large walk in shower and toilet. Large netted windows in the bathroom make up the one side of the shower and provide a view outside. Each room has its own solar water system so we had an ample supply of hot water for showers. The decor and furniture in our cottage <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="was:0" grmarkguid="c3a13fa3-7294-43c1-98f7-4f317e2a679f" gruiphraseguid="2002604e-1994-4d98-b5da-6655a675ce74">was</span> simple and functional. We did miss not having a towel bar so had to get a little creative with where to hang our wet towels. Off the front of our cottage was a small veranda with a couple of chairs and a view that looks onto a large relatively flat expanse of rock that drops off into the bush below. We had coffee delivered to our room in the morning which we sipped while sitting on the veranda, a great place to start the day and enjoy the sunshine while many species of birds drank and bathed in small pools of water on the rocks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkwGYtK-qrU/USYjCpmhC1I/AAAAAAAADnA/A-9EBU4s_LY/s1600/Cottage++Rwakobo+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkwGYtK-qrU/USYjCpmhC1I/AAAAAAAADnA/A-9EBU4s_LY/s1600/Cottage++Rwakobo+Rock.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our cottage</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvwywVyjAgM/USYjGwSmLSI/AAAAAAAADnQ/4l3WYtofxlQ/s1600/Inside+Cottage+Rwakobo+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvwywVyjAgM/USYjGwSmLSI/AAAAAAAADnQ/4l3WYtofxlQ/s1600/Inside+Cottage+Rwakobo+Rock.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inside our cottage</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRrt1gw6hSM/USYjB-uxP2I/AAAAAAAADm4/0BSuxyTgXz4/s1600/Bathroom+Rwakobo+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRrt1gw6hSM/USYjB-uxP2I/AAAAAAAADm4/0BSuxyTgXz4/s1600/Bathroom+Rwakobo+Rock.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The bathroom</span></td></tr>
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During our two nights stay at Rwakobo Rock we enjoyed a number of served meals. Our first night the set menu was Mexican. The starter was red onion soup, followed by a main course of Mexican tortillas, beef, beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese and rice served as a mini buffet on our table. The food was very tasty and satisfying and the portions generous. Dessert was a real treat! Pumpkin pie with a dollop of fresh cream. The second night our starter was pumpkin soup followed by a choice of either pan fried fish or pork chops served with vegetables and rice. Between the two of us we tried both options and once again were not disappointed. For dessert we were served pineapple upside down cake. It didn’t consist of a lot of cake but the pineapple was hot sticky and delicious. Breakfasts at Rwakobo Rock are cooked to order with a choice of eggs done your way, bacon, sausage, beans and toast alongside juice and coffee or tea. Accommodation rates are half board which leaves you the option to lunch elsewhere or for an additional cost either arrange a packed lunch or have lunch at the lodge. The first day we didn’t know that there was a packed lunch option. We were on a safari drive in the park, so we nibbled on snacks that we had brought with us from Kampala. The next day after a late morning game drive we had lunch at the lodge and were given a choice of burgers or a cold meat and cheese platter. We both chose the platters which were good, refreshing and light on a hot day.<br />
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There is no shortage of things to do around Rwakobo Rock if you’re looking for something more than just relaxing and enjoying the views. Game drives are an obvious choice. As we were rather unfamiliar with Lake Mburo, we asked Chris and Katie (the lodge owners) for suggestions. They recommended that we follow the Research Track in search of game and that a drive up to the Kazuma Hill lookout was a great place for 360 degree views of the surrounding area. We weren’t disappointed by their suggestions. The research track was densely populated by game and <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="birdlife:0" grmarkguid="7f53042c-4f97-4b76-be11-f172d83a6381" gruiphraseguid="f1557799-92b1-4b58-ae38-85843de0a869">birdlife</span> and although we arrived on top of <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="Kazuma Hill:1" grmarkguid="fe14229e-2ec2-430b-a151-6cedd1ef8403" gruiphraseguid="f1557799-92b1-4b58-ae38-85843de0a869">Kazuma Hill</span> in the pouring rain, we waited out the storm and when the skies cleared we were astounded by the beauty around us. Night drives are another popular choice and can be booked through the UWA office in the park or through the lodge. With the increasing number of leopard being spotted in the park, I would guess that this might be an exciting activity to try. Boat trips on Lake Mburo are run by the UWA several times a day and if you are a keen birder, you won’t pass up this opportunity to spot the African Finfoot. Other highlights of the boat trip are hippos and crocodiles. The lodge has a couple of bicycles for hire which can be used to explore around the lodge outside of the park boundary. The lodge also offers nature walks. We did a couple of small walks around the lodge and enjoyed both little jaunts which gave us the chance to explore what was around us.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORFQqn0_Izw/USYjJJuNRgI/AAAAAAAADng/7qrPNjk9NRc/s1600/Lake+Mburo+zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORFQqn0_Izw/USYjJJuNRgI/AAAAAAAADng/7qrPNjk9NRc/s1600/Lake+Mburo+zebra.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mother Zebra with her young</span></td></tr>
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Upon our visit to Rwakobo Rock some areas were still under construction and the lodge was still in its infancy stages. We had an enjoyable stay and would consider Rwakobo Rock a decent option for those looking for mid range accommodation around Lake Mburo.<br />
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A few things to bring:<br />
Evenings can get chilly on top of the rock so be sure to bring something warm with you.<br />
A decent flashlight/torch as some of the pathways are narrow and unlit.<br />
A pair of close toed shoes may help out on the <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="murram:0" grmarkguid="e7d1b58c-6583-49ae-b0ef-fbfebd49a5dc" gruiphraseguid="a973f379-3fd1-4a7c-b4b2-eb8271242796">murram</span> pathways and other areas as things could get messy in the rain<br />
Binoculars to enjoy the views and <span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="birdlife:0" grmarkguid="81a22d2d-0552-4acc-a0f3-4a214ea91734" gruiphraseguid="e2e284d8-b881-4a3c-bfcc-04b224a2ba9e">birdlife</span> around the lodge<br />
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<b><i>Rates & Booking Information</i></b><br />
Chris & Katie<br />
+256 755 211771<br />
<a href="mailto:info@rwakoborock.com">info@rwakoborock.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rwakoborock.com/">http://www.rwakoborock.com/</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-127BZMeaJWc/USYjDWdmGyI/AAAAAAAADnI/EQyExBOQnck/s1600/Female+Bush+Buck+Lake+Mburo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-127BZMeaJWc/USYjDWdmGyI/AAAAAAAADnI/EQyExBOQnck/s400/Female+Bush+Buck+Lake+Mburo.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Female Bushbuck</span></td></tr>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-67656889177858044072013-02-26T10:37:00.000+03:002015-07-08T18:01:17.173+03:00Kidepo Valley National Park<span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>The Kidepo Valley National Park attracts the attention and curiosity of many. This remote park in the Karamoja region of northeast Uganda offers outstanding views and gives you a true wilderness feel. It is Uganda's least explored park but is quickly gaining popularity. CNN recently named it among the top 10 parks in Africa for its spectacular landscape and its large herd of buffalo. For those who embark on a Kidepo safari, which can be done by either road or air, you will not regret your decision. The masses are absent from this park and the all too familiar scene of dozens of cars surrounding an animal certainly don't occur in Kidepo. In December we made the journey to KVNP for our third time. As we descended the mountain pass into the Kidepo Valley we instantly remembered why we love this place so much. The wild remote feel is just too much to keep us away, this is the real Africa, the Africa that seeps deep into your heart!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwuCkldO_OjSNMEMCziTfx4_ZnxUqRXmR6VPxWPQvVHdrV-O9MQL6QownVq436oruuqdtcNoH0tuS1ChlRSf6VV9erKkuHCyQS_E7pnKEHY20o6vqqGcCvvabHJPXWzgqjAnK3mW1XGI/s1600/Kidepo+Valley+National+Park+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwuCkldO_OjSNMEMCziTfx4_ZnxUqRXmR6VPxWPQvVHdrV-O9MQL6QownVq436oruuqdtcNoH0tuS1ChlRSf6VV9erKkuHCyQS_E7pnKEHY20o6vqqGcCvvabHJPXWzgqjAnK3mW1XGI/s1600/Kidepo+Valley+National+Park+View.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking out over the savannah of the Narus Valley</span></td></tr>
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<span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="Kidepo:0" grmarkguid="84494b3f-7b70-4293-84c6-934e16aa9825" gruiphraseguid="827e0c36-69cf-4747-ae0e-11520c59a7e6"><span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="Kidepo:0" grmarkguid="bdf310ed-dff8-4c53-aa55-76fb2bb960ed" gruiphraseguid="bd79b07b-95f2-4e9a-90c6-edba06daaab7">Kidepo</span> in the local Karamajong language</span> means "to pick". The valley got its name from the numerous people that came to pick up the fallen fruit from the Borassa Palms for making Palm Beer. During our time in Kidepo, we stayed at the <a href="http://discoveryonsafari.blogspot.com/2011/10/into-wild-at-kidepo-valley-national.html" target="_blank">N'ga Moru Wilderness Camp</a> which is situated just outside of the park and is approximately 4 kilometers from the Katarum park gate. The camp is a relaxed place with great views of the Narus Valley and surrounding mountains.<br />
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<div>
WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHAT TO DO IN KIDEPO:<br />
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<u>GAME DRIVES</u><br />
The Kidepo Valley is not teeming with plains animals so don't go expecting to see large herds of antelope like so many other parks in Uganda. What you can expect is pretty much everything in between including a few species found nowhere else in Uganda, the greater and lesser kudu, eland and cheetah. Other species found in Kidepo are lion, leopard, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, side-striped jackal, elephant, Burchell’s zebra, bushpig, warthog, Rothschild’s giraffe, Cape buffalo, bushbuck, <span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="bushduiker:0" grmarkguid="79136cc2-77b8-4957-9409-7ff97efca3c8" gruiphraseguid="5d32d1c5-a596-4735-a07b-3388257d8c3a">bushduiker</span>, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest and <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="oribi:1" grmarkguid="0e582784-7e06-48fc-ba3e-5695cbabe9ff" gruiphraseguid="5d32d1c5-a596-4735-a07b-3388257d8c3a">oribi</span> to mention a few of the 77 mammal species in the park. We spent hours driving around and exploring the many bush tracks, besides spotting plenty of amazing animals we encountered the large herd of Cape buffalo that Kidepo is renowned for, all while enjoying spectacular views and scenery. <span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="Kidepo:0" grmarkguid="732e5277-7604-4663-a26d-0fccc0d0823b" gruiphraseguid="e517fb3c-93b5-4ea6-907d-0e8c028df312">Kidepo</span> is abound with stunning views and vistas and sometimes you just need to stop driving, find a scenic spot (not hard) <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="sit:1" grmarkguid="d8d53599-5636-4ac2-9431-1b179ecca8c6" gruiphraseguid="f60aeef6-be7e-49a4-8e9b-1cf7df69b517">sit</span> there for <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="awhile:0" grmarkguid="036c6997-0caf-482c-accb-b7e880e16281" gruiphraseguid="8f00e794-c949-40f3-893d-0ade36a44e92">awhile</span> and enjoy it! You may also be amazed at what starts to come to life around you.<br />
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<u>BIRDING</u><br />
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<span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="Kidepo:0" grmarkguid="9c64184a-d347-441e-8592-97f74d12280a" gruiphraseguid="b3dd7986-91ef-4c33-952a-d286c94b1e6f">Kidepo</span> boasts over 475 species of birds, making it the second top national <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="park:1" grmarkguid="c9d0eb4b-6233-46f8-be66-d93213cf3363" gruiphraseguid="b3dd7986-91ef-4c33-952a-d286c94b1e6f">park</span> in Uganda for birding. The best place to begin is around the Uganda Wildlife Authority <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="bandas:0" grmarkguid="49b43333-443b-4287-9a47-4e635d2f7274" gruiphraseguid="af0ed0d4-5100-4a56-bf5e-6b22749c0a86">bandas</span> at Apoka where you can arrange for a guide/ranger who will accompany you in the park and help to spot and identify many different species. Although we didn't do a dedicated bird safari, we were happy to see many species that we had never seen in the wild before and gain ourselves a few "ticks" for the bird book.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KB7xQpIVXFY/UQo0ZcD0MEI/AAAAAAAADkg/3nWVg47rX5c/s1600/abyssinian+roller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KB7xQpIVXFY/UQo0ZcD0MEI/AAAAAAAADkg/3nWVg47rX5c/s320/abyssinian+roller.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Abyssinian Roller</span></td></tr>
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Common Ostrich</li>
<li>Secretary Bird</li>
<li>Abyssinian Roller</li>
<li>Rufous-crowned Roller</li>
<li>White Crested Helmet Shrike</li>
<li>Northern White-crowned Shrike</li>
<li>Knob Billed Duck</li>
<li>White Faced Whistling Duck</li>
<li>Ruppells Griffon Vulture</li>
<li>Clapperton's Francolin</li>
<li>Spotted Redshank</li>
<li>Speckled Pigeon</li>
<li>Eurasian Hoopoe</li>
<li>Jackson's Hornbill</li>
<li>Hemprich's Hornbill</li>
<li>Nubian Woodpecker</li>
<li>Silverbird</li>
<li>Fan Tailed Raven</li>
<li>Superb Starling</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u>THE KIDEPO RIVER</u><br />
A visit to the Kidepo River, a seasonal river near the South Sudan border is well worth it. A UWA ranger will accompany you on the journey as there is little or no mobile phone network in that area. There <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="isn't:0" grmarkguid="c4c17f88-19f0-4641-8cc9-29937ee8b031" gruiphraseguid="48b93075-1200-4ae2-a3a0-370d5039a244">isn't</span> a lot of <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="game:1" grmarkguid="9833853b-492f-440e-8602-31be6f96eda5" gruiphraseguid="48b93075-1200-4ae2-a3a0-370d5039a244">game</span> in this section of the park but it's a nice easy drive. We did manage to see ostrich, zebra, secretary birds, <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="jackson’s:0" grmarkguid="d65647e0-9cbf-4f03-9c16-46e8498c7099" gruiphraseguid="a8165b6c-91e6-4fa4-a240-04580200e43d">jackson’s</span> hartebeest and <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="oribi:1" grmarkguid="4023eb00-a6f2-4c61-9256-04aa0304e879" gruiphraseguid="a8165b6c-91e6-4fa4-a240-04580200e43d">oribi</span>. The area is also home to cheetah which managed to elude us. This is also a great opportunity for spotting various bird species that you are unlikely to see in other parts of Kidepo. Our ranger told us that water flows in the river about three times per year during flash floods and generally flows for only five hours. What a sight that would be.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vU9y1IC1kxY/UQoxGr7byLI/AAAAAAAADjc/Ff1_ZWa30NU/s1600/Kidepo+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vU9y1IC1kxY/UQoxGr7byLI/AAAAAAAADjc/Ff1_ZWa30NU/s1600/Kidepo+River.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sitting in the Kidepo River</span></td></tr>
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<u>KANANGOROK HOTSPRINGS</u><br />
A little further north from the Kidepo River, approximately 11 km from the South Sudan border is a hot spring. Now to be perfectly honest, the hot spring is nothing more than a couple pools of water on the ground. You can get up close and dip your hand in to feel the temperature of the water however after a quick look around you're likely to be back in your vehicle. Despite the anticlimactic nature of the <span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="hotspring:0" grmarkguid="bff9e86a-60cb-44eb-b539-612b69d9e0b1" gruiphraseguid="a6529151-1c73-4dc7-bef9-161c152eb99c">hot springs</span> themselves, we did see a number of birds on the drive between the Kidepo River and the spring, so it is worth checking out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw1t1OPu4io/USXzXF1oJYI/AAAAAAAADl8/qeRDWzKcQT4/s1600/hot+springs+kidepo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw1t1OPu4io/USXzXF1oJYI/AAAAAAAADl8/qeRDWzKcQT4/s1600/hot+springs+kidepo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="Kanangorok:0" grmarkguid="86c8a2aa-503d-4bcf-92d8-b26a7e8ddc12" gruiphraseguid="d885a728-d80a-4b13-82c4-978050ef1a36">Kanangorok</span> Hot Springs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u>CAMPING</u><br />
<span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="Kidepo:0" grmarkguid="db2dae4c-6f54-4707-82f8-911797f5ca1c" gruiphraseguid="bdd1d8a2-0086-479c-913b-757c19ee1b45">Kidepo</span> has three designated camping sites. There is a campsite at the UWA ranger post in Apoka while the other two are remotely based within the park and require you to be accompanied by a ranger which can be organized from the ranger post in Apoka. The remote sites are both perched atop a hill with rocky outcrops and have incredible views across the valley. The sites are equipped and supplied with firewood, a couple of open thatched <span class="GRnoSuggestion GRcorrect" grcontextid="rondovals:0" grmarkguid="a29506be-f83f-4794-a2fb-d5bd0f7c7e68" gruiphraseguid="7575aa9b-6519-4609-ad73-9a22044edb29">rondovals</span> that provide shade and shelter, water and long drop toilets. I would have to rank these two campsites among the top in Uganda. Each provides superb 360 degrees views of the <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="Narus:0" grmarkguid="08190bac-9a96-4ec8-b6aa-c5a85dac3bb8" gruiphraseguid="4536de28-1e35-4815-a94d-0c2904f5da33">Narus</span> Valley. If you really want to understand and appreciate why Kidepo has been named one of Africa's top 10 parks, take some time to visit these sites. Even if you don't intend to camp they make a great spot for a lunch stop or sundowners. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBecG4MXObw/UQoye5rOHaI/AAAAAAAADkQ/bchgaKT2ucs/s1600/Stunning+Views+Kidepo+Valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBecG4MXObw/UQoye5rOHaI/AAAAAAAADkQ/bchgaKT2ucs/s1600/Stunning+Views+Kidepo+Valley.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taking some time to enjoy the view from one of the remote campsites</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
If you are planning a visit to Kidepo Valley National Park, a detailed map <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="of:0" grmarkguid="12939814-1ade-48c3-b454-cd66ec3897bf" gruiphraseguid="4d1c9485-13fb-4265-9514-67d336ca5a08">of</span> the park can be found here: <a href="http://lukasleuthold.com/wild/kidepo-park-map/" target="_blank">Kidepo Valley NP Map</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOlXNtwgTGw/USYWq3jN5kI/AAAAAAAADmM/jfXd8Fwgdis/s1600/lion+kidepo+valley+np.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOlXNtwgTGw/USYWq3jN5kI/AAAAAAAADmM/jfXd8Fwgdis/s1600/lion+kidepo+valley+np.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young lioness</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-61006567819582499292013-02-21T16:51:00.001+03:002013-02-21T16:51:08.416+03:00It's Been Awhile!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh7UihDKpvF_ZDcXzyVja2HUb-h__EIWqYLZfKDOhquQZZqK_aBic80E-wc_0CWaZS7VHDcz4qaFRQoDxofwHYVVKdaWdVhvunN7vcOZVDcwaL3d4yaM0UfFLmzFCImSyWD0n4YZW7Ds/s1600/smilin+zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh7UihDKpvF_ZDcXzyVja2HUb-h__EIWqYLZfKDOhquQZZqK_aBic80E-wc_0CWaZS7VHDcz4qaFRQoDxofwHYVVKdaWdVhvunN7vcOZVDcwaL3d4yaM0UfFLmzFCImSyWD0n4YZW7Ds/s400/smilin+zebra.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
A big thank you to all of our readers and followers. We enjoy receiving your feedback about our posts as well as your emails and queries. Please keep them coming. We thought we would post to let you all know that we are still here and eager to share our travel and safari experiences with you. We haven't posted anything in <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="awhile:0" grmarkguid="7ec2a17d-592e-489c-bca6-e7f41594aa59" gruiphraseguid="8a8489df-b9f1-40d9-8162-906b4ceea671">awhile</span> because we've been busy organizing things for 2013. We will be setting off on a 12 day safari around Uganda with guests from Canada very soon. It is their first time to visit the continent of Africa so needless to say they are very excited and so are we to have the opportunity to show them around a beautiful country. We have a second vehicle ready complete with roof top tent for our trip with them. It is sure to be an amazing trip. Besides road tripping in Uganda, we also have plans to visit Kenya, so stay tuned for more photos and safari stories from East Africa.<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-60067154907496456302012-11-22T18:05:00.003+03:002012-11-22T18:39:20.808+03:00Murchison River Lodge<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4GrA8PBXeQ/UKyPHjDQF-I/AAAAAAAADd8/0nMuqq2CwXU/s1600/Murchison+River+Lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4GrA8PBXeQ/UKyPHjDQF-I/AAAAAAAADd8/0nMuqq2CwXU/s400/Murchison+River+Lodge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Main Lodge - Dining and Bar</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest national park and a favorite destination for safaris. Murchison River Lodge is a newly opened lodge on the south bank of the Nile River that offers mid range accommodation in thatched cottages and river view tents. We decided to have a weekend away and spend it at Murchison River Lodge.<br />
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The lodge was very easy to find by following the directions provided and as we got near, junctions were well marked with MRL carved wooden signs. The parking area is located about 100 metres from the main lodge. The benefit of this is that early morning noise of cars starting, and car doors opening and closing as people leave for game drives is kept to a minimum for guests that are still sleeping. We strolled from the parking lot along the path to the large thatched bar and dining area. We were warmly welcomed in the main lodge bar/reception area and took a moment to admire the river view, large papyrus floating islands and hippos splashing in the water near the opposite bank. What surprised me about the lodge location is the close proximity to the river.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mm_YZJuQFag/UKyPHlxpPyI/AAAAAAAADeA/CDWzAjzLg0E/s1600/Murchison+River+Lodge+Veranda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mm_YZJuQFag/UKyPHlxpPyI/AAAAAAAADeA/CDWzAjzLg0E/s400/Murchison+River+Lodge+Veranda.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the veranda of the cottage</span></td></tr>
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Our plan was to spend two nights at the lodge and since we couldn’t decide between the cottages and the tents, we opted for a night in each. Our first night was spent in a thatched cottage. With a rear entry the cottages are well laid out and spacious. They are designed to fit a family of four with two single beds downstairs and a large bed on the mezzanine level all equipped with mosquito nets. A wooden verandah is suspended off the front of the cottage and looks out over the natural landscape. The environment gives a real feeling of being in the bush. Natural vegetation and shrubs surround the cottage but in no way feel unkempt. As the hot afternoon sun beats down we take time to relax in the hammock and on the sofa while birds chirp and lizards chase each other around. The furnishings in the room have a lot of character as they have all been constructed using reclaimed timber giving a real rustic safari feel. The bathroom at the rear of the cottage has a lot of character. Double sinks set into a chunky slab of timber and a large shower with solar hot water. We really enjoyed our night in the cottage and felt pampered.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I08ZK0xLYYI/UK45wQZCeCI/AAAAAAAADe8/aw-HlVglA5k/s1600/Murchison+River+Lodge+Outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I08ZK0xLYYI/UK45wQZCeCI/AAAAAAAADe8/aw-HlVglA5k/s400/Murchison+River+Lodge+Outside.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outside view of a cottage</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMVGBpIA50M/UK475V_bpeI/AAAAAAAADfg/X_ovAc_0SRs/s1600/Murchison+River+Lodge+Inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMVGBpIA50M/UK475V_bpeI/AAAAAAAADfg/X_ovAc_0SRs/s400/Murchison+River+Lodge+Inside.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inside the cottage (downstairs)</span></td></tr>
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Our second night was spent in a furnished safari tent. Overlooking the river we had a great view which we could enjoy from our covered veranda. Inside the tent was a luggage stand for our bags to rest and two single beds with a nightstand between them. The mesh sides of the tent provided airflow and allowed us to clearly hear all the sounds of the hippos, frogs and other night time noises. Just behind our tent was a bush shower and a chemical toilet. The water for the bush shower is not heated but comes from a small black water tank that does heat from the sun so it’s in no way cold. Time it right at the end of the day and you’ll appreciate the refreshing water. During the night a large storm rolled in and continued until the morning. It is a night I will never forget for as long as I live. Thunder claps loudly from all directions, flashes of lights and the continuous mesmerizing sound of the rain falling on the tent cover. I have never heard thunder so loud and yet even that didn’t make me budge from the warm cozy comfort of my bed.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h20Y_FQbK9g/UK45wHX-qOI/AAAAAAAADe4/5-IAJVuTc6g/s1600/Murchison+River+Lodge+Main+with+River+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h20Y_FQbK9g/UK45wHX-qOI/AAAAAAAADe4/5-IAJVuTc6g/s400/Murchison+River+Lodge+Main+with+River+View.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Main Lodge overlooking The Nile River</span></td></tr>
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The main lodge, dining and bar area is a comfortable, peaceful place to hang out and relax. With views over the river you can get comfortable on a sofa, lie in a hammock or sit around a picnic table and interact with other guests. A short meander from the lodge is a lookout point over the river. The perfect spot to take a seat on one of the benches, enjoy a sundowner and watch the setting sun with the river in the foreground.<br />
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The food was a stand out part of our stay. Fresh ingredients combined with homestyle cooking made every meal enjoyable. The food wasn’t greasy in the slightest. Freshness all around. We started the mornings with coffee brought to our veranda. A press full of Ugandan coffee is a great way to start any day. Breakfast is made to order with your choice of eggs, bacon, sausage, beans and mushrooms served with homemade toasted bread and juice. The breakfast was great with the best scrambled eggs I’ve had in awhile. Lunch is served buffet style and consists of cold salads, freshly sliced vegetables and homemade bread. Refreshing lunch to break up a hot dusty day. We also tried out a packed lunch to take and eat on our safari drive. We were given a choice of several sandwiches again on homemade bread accompanied by fresh fruit and juice. Dinner is a set menu consisting of three courses. Dietary restrictions and vegetarians can be catered for, you just need to let them know. Our first night the starter was vegetable sticks and guacamole, followed by steak, roast potatoes and vegetables and finished with a dessert of lemon cake which made me feel like a kid again since it tasted just like my Mom’s recipe. On night two we started with tomato soup followed by roast chicken with rice and vegetables and a chocolate slice for dessert. There is nothing I can fault with the food at Murchison River Lodge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-An4ZihYbAPs/UK45wsLR0oI/AAAAAAAADfA/aA4-3y2R46A/s1600/Murchison+River+Lodge+River+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-An4ZihYbAPs/UK45wsLR0oI/AAAAAAAADfA/aA4-3y2R46A/s400/Murchison+River+Lodge+River+View.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Main lodge looking over The Nile River</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On our second night a camp fire was lit and people from the surrounding villages gathered around it to tell stories through songs. Throughout our meal we could hear humming, singing and traditional stringed instruments being played. After dinner as we joined in taking seats on the stone bench surrounding the fire, and were welcomed with local songs and introduced to members of the community who invited us to dance with them. They wore no costumes but came as they were to share their songs. It’s moments like these that are Africa at its best and we savored every minute of it.<br />
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It is evident that a lot of thought and pride has gone into the design and layout of the lodge. Since the owners have a young child themselves, they have thought of things to make families with children comfortable like a children's play area and swing under a tamarind tree, a children's menu and early dinner times. Chris one of the owners, was around during our stay and his passion for the place really shows in the way that he interacts with his guests.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vO24X8XU8Qk/UK45uYuHJZI/AAAAAAAADeg/zqHaN-TFtZs/s1600/Murchison+River+Lodge+Campsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vO24X8XU8Qk/UK45uYuHJZI/AAAAAAAADeg/zqHaN-TFtZs/s400/Murchison+River+Lodge+Campsite.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Campsite</span></td></tr>
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Although we didn't camp while there I believe that their campsite deserves mention. Set away from the cottages, it is well thought out and with amenities like camp kitchens, running water, a spacious toilet and shower block and plenty of flat space to set up your tent, any camper should consider this option if planning a trip to Murchison. The campsite has a real wilderness feel about it but with all the amenities. They also offer lazy camping in one of their tents as well as camping in your own tent with an option for full board meals.<br />
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The drive to the park gate is a mere 5 minutes away and within 20 minutes you can be at the Paraa ferry. There are two routes to the lodge, the much shorter route takes you through the park and the longer more scenic route skirts the park and avoids park entry costs. <br />
<br />
What I enjoyed most about the lodge was it’s rustic wild feel without sparing any comforts, the attention to detail and non pretentious nature of the place. There is something about the Murchison River Lodge that I can’t quite put my finger on but when you’re there you feel very relaxed and at home. A place where time matters little and relaxing is foremost. If you’re planning a safari to Murchison I would highly recommend this little gem.<br />
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<i>Since visiting, we are happy to inform that Murchison River Lodge has started building a swimming pool.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOsCzvsEQV4/UK45uPs1yKI/AAAAAAAADec/znk0jZLtsUQ/s1600/Murchison+River+Lodge+Cottages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOsCzvsEQV4/UK45uPs1yKI/AAAAAAAADec/znk0jZLtsUQ/s400/Murchison+River+Lodge+Cottages.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cottages surrounded by natural vegetation</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiD1Mj2RQL4/UK45xXEek3I/AAAAAAAADfI/Zl2qwzKWyfo/s1600/Murchison+River+Lodge+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiD1Mj2RQL4/UK45xXEek3I/AAAAAAAADfI/Zl2qwzKWyfo/s400/Murchison+River+Lodge+Sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-66447770496014745612012-11-01T21:25:00.000+03:002012-11-10T12:36:25.858+03:00Big Birding Day - Results<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="2" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="left" colspan="3" valign="top"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img align="left" height="414" hspace="5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xKDYJjI7Mkw/UJK0MM88thI/AAAAAAAADbM/q9OZGTo-7zY/s414/Big%2520Birding%2520Day%2520Uganda%2520%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" vspace="0" width="302" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">White Backed Night Heron</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This years Big Birding Day in Uganda was the biggest and most successful to date. Although several species seemed to elude us during the 24 hour period, Team Jinja had a great day counting 133 species which put us in 8th place (<a href="http://www.natureuganda.org/bbd2012-results.php" target="_blank">official results</a>). <br />
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Congratulations to all who participated and especially to the winners! <br />
<br />
<strong>Highlights of the Day</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong> Seeing the White Back Night Heron, a tick for most of the team.<br />
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Seeing two Crowned Eagles flying overhead.<br />
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Finally finding an African Jacana, a common bird that had eluded us most of the day.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="left" colspan="3" valign="top"></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="left" colspan="3" valign="top"><strong><br /></strong>
<strong>RECORDED SPECIES</strong></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="left" rowspan="13" valign="top" width="225"><br />
Pink Backed Pelican<br />
Long tailed Cormorant<br />
African Darter<br />
Great Cormorant<br />
Little Bittern<br />
White Backed Night Heron<br />
Striated Heron<br />
Cattle Egret<br />
Little Egret<br />
Great Egret<br />
Purple Heron<br />
Grey Heron<br />
Black Headed Heron<br />
Yellow Billed Stork<br />
Hamerkop<br />
African Open Billed Stork<br />
Marabou Stork<br />
Sacred Ibis<br />
Hadada Ibis<br />
Black Kite<br />
Palm Nut Vulture<br />
African Fish Eagle<br />
Hooded Vulture<br />
Lizard Buzzard<br />
Shikra<br />
African Harrier Hawk<br />
Long Crested Eagle<br />
African Crowned Eagle<br />
Helmeted Guineafowl<br />
Black Crake<br />
African Jacana<br />
Water Thick Knee<br />
Rock Pratincole<br />
Spurwing Lapwing<br />
Common Sandpiper<br />
Gull Billed Tern<br />
White Winged Tern<br />
Speckled Pigeon<br />
Tambourine Dove<br />
Blue Spotted Wood Dove<br />
Ring Necked Dove<br />
Red Eyed Dove<br />
Laughing Dove<br />
African Grey Parrot<br />
Great Blue Turaco<br />
Eastern Grey Plantain Eater<br />
African Cuckoo<br />
Yellowbill<br />
White Browed Coucal<br />
African Palm Swift<br />
Speckled Mousebird<br />
Pied Kingfisher<br />
Giant Kingfisher<br />
Woodland Kingfisher<br />
Malachite Kingfisher<br />
African Pygmy Kingfisher<br />
Little Bee Eater<br />
White Throated Bee-eater<br />
Crowned Hornbill<br />
Black and White Casqued Hornbill<br />
Yellow Throated Tinkerbird<br />
Speckled Tinkerbird<br />
Yellow Fronted Tinkerbird<br />
Yellow Spotted Barbet<br />
Hairy Breasted Barbet<br />
Double Toothed Barbet<br />
Yellow Billed Barbet<br />
Angola Swallow<br />
Barn Swallow<br />
African Pied Wagtail<br />
Yellow Wagtail<br />
Common Bulbul<br />
Yellow Whiskered Greenbul<br />
Little Greenbul<br />
Red Tailed Greenbul<br />
Yellow Throated Greenbul<br />
White Throated Greenbul<br />
White Browed Robin Chat<br />
Yellow Longbill<br />
Winding Cisticola<br />
Grey Capped Warbler<br />
Tawny Flanked Prinia<br />
Grey Backed Camaroptera<br />
Buff Throated Apalis<br />
Northern Black Flycatcher<br />
Swamp Flycatcher<br />
Brown Throated Wattle Eye<br />
Chestnut Wattle Eye<br />
Red Bellied Paradise Flycatcher<br />
African Paradise Flycatcher<br />
African Blue Flycatcher<br />
White Shouldered Tit<br />
Yellow White Eye<br />
Olive Bellied Sunbird<br />
Green Throated Sunbird<br />
Green Sunbird<br />
Little Green Sunbird<br />
Scarlet Chested Sunbird<br />
Red Chested Sunbird<br />
Collared Sunbird<br />
Grey Backed Fiscal<br />
Black Headed Gonolek<br />
Northern Puffback<br />
Piapiac<br />
Pied Crow<br />
Western Black Headed Oriole<br />
Ruppell's Long Tailed Starling<br />
Splendid Starling<br />
Grey Headed Sparrow<br />
Black Headed Weaver<br />
Black Necked Weaver<br />
Grosbeak Weaver<br />
Golden Backed Weaver<br />
Slender Billed Weaver<br />
Little Weaver<br />
Yellow Backed Weaver<br />
Orange Weaver<br />
Weynes's Weaver<br />
Yellow Mantled Weaver<br />
Black Bishop<br />
Fan Tailed Widowbird<br />
White Breasted Negrofinch<br />
Grey Headed Negrofinch<br />
Red Cheeked Cordon Bleu<br />
Red Billed Firefinch<br />
African Firefinch<br />
Black Crowned Waxbill<br />
Bronze Mannikin<br />
Black and White Mannikin<br />
Pin Tailed Whydah<br />
Village Indigobird<br />
Brimstone Canary<br />
Yellow Fronted Canary</td> <td align="right" colspan="2" valign="top"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="227" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oy7BzcIoyhA/UJK4wki-RtI/AAAAAAAADck/nip139c32GU/s302/Big%2520Birding%2520Day%2520Uganda%2520%252810%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="302" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunrise over Bujagali Lake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="383" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-62KMTymPQHw/UJK0NIhqN9I/AAAAAAAADbg/0xIusT5TWmU/s383/Big%2520Birding%2520Day%2520Uganda%2520%25284%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="302" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Striated Heron</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="227" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AL6ka-LMwAA/UJK6Uadqt_I/AAAAAAAADc8/9y3VXTc-Pbc/s302/Big%2520Birding%2520Day%2520Uganda%2520%252814%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="302" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Bujagali Lake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="386" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LqS-DWDpy44/UJK0N_bveHI/AAAAAAAADbk/f_mbuXVot_8/s386/Big%2520Birding%2520Day%2520Uganda%2520%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="302" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Little Egret</span></td></tr>
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<tr> <td align="center" valign="top" width="120"></td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="185"></td> </tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="269" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--duFnEZ9anQ/UJK3RvrexLI/AAAAAAAADb8/-UKKWZQ-fkI/s302/Big%2520Birding%2520Day%2520Uganda%2520%25286%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="302" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pied Kingfishers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="194" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-49VzMSavIxo/UJK4wnmLJ_I/AAAAAAAADcg/AsPuEMwzZgY/s302/Big%2520Birding%2520Day%2520Uganda%2520%252812%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="302" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Birding on Bujagli Lake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="388" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8KirCDnrtX8/UJK3R8eN5gI/AAAAAAAADcA/0lJ0XeeaODs/s388/Big%2520Birding%2520Day%2520Uganda%2520%25288%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="304" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Africa Open Billed Stork</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kcQ1iV8yv-M/UJK0Lk2YugI/AAAAAAAADbI/Nth53B_G0vM/s1600/Big+Birding+Day+Uganda+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kcQ1iV8yv-M/UJK0Lk2YugI/AAAAAAAADbI/Nth53B_G0vM/s400/Big+Birding+Day+Uganda+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some children we met that were fascinated by our spotting scope</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ziuRPrsCP_8/UJK3TBamJ-I/AAAAAAAADcU/9at5S2_9ZCw/s1600/Big+Birding+Day+Uganda+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ziuRPrsCP_8/UJK3TBamJ-I/AAAAAAAADcU/9at5S2_9ZCw/s400/Big+Birding+Day+Uganda+%25289%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Immature Fish Eagle</span></td></tr>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-52986674021853601172012-10-16T07:00:00.000+03:002012-12-22T20:16:42.865+03:007 Natural Wonders of UgandaThe "Seven Natural Wonders Organization" <a href="http://sevennaturalwonders.org/uganda/">i</a>s currently asking for the public to cast their votes for what they consider to be the 7 natural wonders of Uganda. Let's face it, Uganda is a stunning country which boasts a lot of natural beauty but after some careful consideration, we came up with our list. Here's what we consider to be Uganda's top 7 natural wonders. <br />
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#1 - Murchison Falls</h3>
The Nile River is a natural beauty on its own but there is no mistaking that to see the mighty river force its way through a 7 metre gap in the rocks and fall 43 metres is a sight to behold. From the top of Murchison Falls the water violently thunders past crashing and surging, blowing a fine mist high into the sky filled with dancing rainbows. The view from a boat below also gives a sensational view of the majestic falls, while surrounded by crocodiles, hippos and other game. Truly a stunner!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8dBeHppJ_o/UHgZvIhQ-2I/AAAAAAAAClA/zli2Hep3Kus/s1600/Murchison+Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8dBeHppJ_o/UHgZvIhQ-2I/AAAAAAAAClA/zli2Hep3Kus/s1600/Murchison+Falls.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Murchison Falls</span></td></tr>
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<h3>
#2 - Rwenzori Mountains</h3>
The Rwenzori Mountains sometimes referred to as the Mountains of the Moon climb high from the Albertine Rift Valley floor and provide a stunning backdrop to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The highest peaks are permanently snow capped and although they are often surrounded by clouds, you do get the rare opportunity to see their massive existence in full. The Rwenzoris are host to the widest variety of mountain flora in Africa and for this reason, is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Rwenzori mountains are popular with climbers who trek through rainforest and alpine meadows to the snowcapped Margherita summit at 5109 metres. Some of the many streams high up are also home to trout.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJvEqOqPikU/UHgR8IWdXpI/AAAAAAAACkY/ptdAfQdwR5c/s1600/Rwenzori+Mountains+Uganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJvEqOqPikU/UHgR8IWdXpI/AAAAAAAACkY/ptdAfQdwR5c/s1600/Rwenzori+Mountains+Uganda.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Rwenzori Moutains</span></td></tr>
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<h3>
#3 - Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha</h3>
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In the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park along the Democratic Republic of Congo border, resident lions have taken to a curious habit, climbing into giant fig trees and Acacia trees to laze about. It is not fully understood why they do this but it's clear they enjoy hanging around in the trees which makes for a rare treat for safari goers. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gCZz2NwVaF8/UHgR_1clJRI/AAAAAAAACkw/BHw43-S7Aq8/s1600/Tree+climbing+lions+Ishasha+Uganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gCZz2NwVaF8/UHgR_1clJRI/AAAAAAAACkw/BHw43-S7Aq8/s1600/Tree+climbing+lions+Ishasha+Uganda.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A lioness in a tree in Ishasha, southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park</span></td></tr>
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#4 - Gorillas</h3>
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Uganda is one a few places in the world to trek the critically endangered mountain gorilla. The opportunity to get up close and personal with these giants that live high in the impenetrable forest is a truly magical experience. The trek up the steep mountain hillsides can be a real challenge for many however the reward of seeing them and spending an hour of your life with them is a reward that one remembers for a lifetime.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyP2icucmAI/UHgR8yg8DJI/AAAAAAAACkg/xvA5rCx43sY/s1600/Gorilla+Uganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyP2icucmAI/UHgR8yg8DJI/AAAAAAAACkg/xvA5rCx43sY/s1600/Gorilla+Uganda.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mountain Gorilla</span></td></tr>
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<h3>
#5 - Birds</h3>
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Uganda is one of the most popular birding destinations in Africa. The country boasts 1061 species of birds a number of which are endemic. Given the concentration of so many bird species in the relatively small country of Uganda means that serious birders can travel to many birding locations throughout the country with relative ease in the attempt to check off as many species as possible and enjoy the scenic countryside along the way. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3lLagCnwLk/UHgnkSLMHQI/AAAAAAAAClU/EmILnffwzTQ/s1600/birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3lLagCnwLk/UHgnkSLMHQI/AAAAAAAAClU/EmILnffwzTQ/s1600/birds.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Birds of Uganda</span></td></tr>
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<h3>
#6 - Explosion Craters</h3>
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There are a large number of extinct volcanoes known as explosion craters that dot the landscape of Western Uganda. The craters are concentrated in three areas, the Katwe Explosion Craters within the Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Bunyaraguru Crater Field near the Kichwamba escarpment and the Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field located near Kibale National Park. Many of the craters are home to freshwater lakes and in the Katwe area a couple craters have saline lakes. The explosion craters are very scenic and offer great views from the rim. The areas around the craters are generally lush and full of thriving vegetation. A wonder that has evolved from such violent beginnings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAECetaO214/UHgpyh0mCbI/AAAAAAAAClc/weF-CF1LNFM/s1600/explosionn+craters+uganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAECetaO214/UHgpyh0mCbI/AAAAAAAAClc/weF-CF1LNFM/s1600/explosionn+craters+uganda.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kyemengo Crater</span></td></tr>
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#7 - Lake Bunyonyi</h3>
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In the south west of Uganda lies one of the deepest lakes in Africa. Lake Bunyonyi is Uganda's deepest lake at 2950+ feet (900+ metres) deep. The landscape around the lake is indicative of its depth with steep slopes covered with lush green vegetation protruding from the water's edge. Bunyonyi means "place of many little birds" and as the name suggests, there is plenty of bird life around the lake. The lake also plays host to freshwater crayfish, one of the few places in Uganda they can be found. With many resorts on the lake shores and on the many islands in the lake, there are plenty of spots to enjoy this beautiful lake from.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpDtAO4EYQQ/UHgrPNx_ikI/AAAAAAAAClk/u898ILnwvGM/s1600/Lake+Bunyonyi+Uganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpDtAO4EYQQ/UHgrPNx_ikI/AAAAAAAAClk/u898ILnwvGM/s1600/Lake+Bunyonyi+Uganda.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lake Bunyonyi</span></td></tr>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-20438997891598628342012-10-04T18:38:00.002+03:002012-10-04T18:38:35.348+03:00Big Birding Day Uganda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohNSKIcg0PhE-yBASP1vpU03RVM7Jo17t-VjKebQLmZSi8QtkqMHkRMmQvO2TudIlJOgHfB_mCay9qDTEBr6Rd6xedzeTvJVRIMHt38TIuF_zjj79BZTBrduRCcnBRF8C2ORlAz3xR4Y/s1600/African+Jacana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohNSKIcg0PhE-yBASP1vpU03RVM7Jo17t-VjKebQLmZSi8QtkqMHkRMmQvO2TudIlJOgHfB_mCay9qDTEBr6Rd6xedzeTvJVRIMHt38TIuF_zjj79BZTBrduRCcnBRF8C2ORlAz3xR4Y/s1600/African+Jacana.jpg" /></a></div>
The 2012 Big Birding Day to take place in Uganda is nearly here with this years event set for October 20th. Birders from all around the country are getting ready to record as many species as they can within the 24 hour period. The main purpose of Big Birding Day is to raise awareness of bird species within Uganda and to promote the country as one of the best birding destinations in the world.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dILtw0sJ424/UG2kjWaQbRI/AAAAAAAACZg/gCPSXZl3XqI/s1600/Big+Birding+Day+Uganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>This is the first year that we are involved in the event. We will be doing our species count from the Jinja area and will be joined by several other birders to compete as "TEAM JINJA" in Big Birding Day 2012. The event should be a lot of fun and we're excited to see just how many species we will be able to record. We will post a full report after the event. Stay tuned and happy birding!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dILtw0sJ424/UG2kjWaQbRI/AAAAAAAACZg/gCPSXZl3XqI/s1600/Big+Birding+Day+Uganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>To register your own team contact Nature Uganda <br />
<a href="http://www.natureuganda.org/bbd2012.php">http://www.natureuganda.org/bbd2012.php</a><br /><br />For news and updates on Big Birding Day, follow the hash tag #BBD on TwitterMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-84404448589674572412012-09-25T17:07:00.000+03:002013-08-19T15:37:03.974+03:00Camping in Uganda<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Camping: the act of leaving civilization to spend time
<span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="living:0" grmarkguid="3d0f00f4-b4b2-47c9-a8c1-38c0f71fa828" gruiphraseguid="4b7e5520-c848-4111-9967-a738594cf604">living</span> in the outdoors and sleeping in a tent.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Some people camp as an affordable accommodation option and others have a
sheer passion for it.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I fall into the latter
category and have found that Uganda has a lot to offer and best of all, the
opportunities to camp extend year round because of the climate.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re new to Uganda or new to camping you
may not be sure where to get started.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Hopefully this will give you a few ideas on where to go so that you can start
enjoying Uganda's great outdoors.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooking over a campfire</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Where to Camp</b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unknown to many, there are numerous campgrounds all over the country
catering to all levels of adventure.
Some are private campsites and others operated by the Uganda Wildlife
Authority (UWA) within the wildlife reserves and national parks. The campsites vary in facilities and
amenities so it’s best inquire about what you can expect before you go so that
you can pack accordingly. Over the years
I have developed a few favorite spots to camp.
By no means have I visited every campsite in Uganda so if I haven’t
mentioned here, please don’t discount it.
My intention in mentioning the following places is to give other
interested campers some ideas on places to go.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.thehaven-uganda.com/" target="_blank">The Haven</a><br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Located
close to Jinja, the Haven is an easy getaway from Kampala. It offers stunning
views of the Nile and a great facility. The
benefits of camping here is the proximity to Kampala and the amenities making
for an easy weekend getaway. The large
grassy campsite sprawls around an outdoor camp kitchen with running water. Nearby is a large toilet and shower block
with solar hot water. Meals and cold drinks
are available inside the lodge and a campfire is lit in the evenings to sit
around for the full camping experience. For those that want to camp but don’t have a
tent ask them about their “lazy camping”, they’ll provide you a tent with a bed
inside and all your meals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mist on The Nile in the early morning <br />View from The Haven</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ishasha
River Campsite</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Located
in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, the UWA’s Ishasha River Camp is a
really beautiful place to camp. Large
trees provide plenty of shade on the banks of the Ishasha River. The only thing separating you from the
Democratic Republic of Congo is a narrow muddy river full of hippos. When you sit in your camp, hippos snort and
perform just metres away, you can’t get much closer to wildlife than that. The amenities are fairly basic, a pit latrine
and a shower fed with buckets of water from the river. Firewood is provided by the rangers who are
never far away and can help you with any needs you may have. Near the Ishasha headquarters (a few minute
drive from the campsite) is a canteen selling drinks and very basic meals. Game drive highlights nearby include the
parks famous tree climbing lions and the Lake Edward Flats where you’ll find
lots of birds including the shoebill as well as buffalo and elephants. If you are fascinated by insects, the Ishasha
River camp is the place to be. Interesting
and unique creatures will keep you entertained for hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ishasha River Campsite</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mweya
Peninsula Campsite</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Located
in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, the UWA has a campsite on the tip
of the Mweya Peninsula. It is a large,
open (meaning little shade) campsite that is very active with wildlife. For those that want to sit in once place and
enjoy the camping experience, you won’t be disappointed with the wildlife that
passes through this site. Flushing toilets,
cold water showers, running water and firewood are all provided which make this
campsite very easy and comfortable to spend several days at. A few minutes drive away is a canteen which
serves the Mweya hostel and has plenty of choice for meals and cold drinks. Activities nearby include game drives, boat
trips on the Kazinga Channel and the scenic Explosion Crater drive.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Camping in Mweya with the Kazinga Channel in the background</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://murchisonriverlodge.com/" target="_blank">Murchison River Lodge</a></span></b></div>
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Although I have never camped here, I have seen the site and I think this
campsite deserves mention simply because of the facilities. The campsite is a large flat area with plenty
of shade, a couple of camp kitchens, running water and a very spacious shower
and toilet block. Since the campsite is part
of a lodge, meals and drinks, are available close by. MRL is located just outside of the park with
the gate a 5 minute drive away. The site
is very private and really gives a great wilderness feel without having to
sacrifice amenities. MRL also offers
“lazy camping” so for those that want to camp but don’t have the equipment or
don’t feel like packing it all in the car, they’ve got you covered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Murchison River Lodge campsite</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Delta
(MFNP)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Uganda Wildlife Authority offers bush camping inside Murchison Falls NP on the
Nile Delta. The location is stunning but
this is as the name suggests, “bush camping”.
There are no designated spots and no facilities. You need to bring everything with you
including all the water you need and a shovel for a bush toilet so that you can
“drop and cover”. The price is rather
high for camping but the experience is worth it and includes a UWA ranger that accompanies
you for safety from wild animals. The sun
sets over the delta are incredible and are followed by a star filled sky and
plenty of animal noises. Camping at the
delta is really getting close to nature as you are right in the middle of a
game park. Anything can happen which
makes it such an exciting and worthwhile experience. The biggest advantage to camping here is that
you are on the delta for those early morning game drives. For the real adventurers, this camping
experience is one to consider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset on the Delta in Murchison Falls National Park</span></td></tr>
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<h2>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
to Bring</span></b></h2>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beside
your camping essentials like your tent, cooking equipment etc. There are some
things that you shouldn’t leave home without. Most importantly you need to bring your sense
of adventure! You are living in nature
so things like storms happen, solar hot water isn’t 100% reliable but if you’re
flexible you’ll make the best of it. Secondly
bring what you think will make you comfortable during your trip. If you're not comfortable, you will not be a
happy camper. A few essentials that I
would recommend bringing are toilet paper, plenty of drinking and potable
water, mosquito repellent and binoculars.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Don’t forget common sense. Camping in a national park can be a very
exciting experience, but don’t think for a second that designated camping sites
are safe to go wandering around freely.
Wild animals can’t read the sign that demarcates the campsite and are
likely to wander through both day and night which is what makes these spots so
special. Make sure you look around
constantly and be aware of what's around you.
At night make sure you have a sufficient flashlight and extra batteries so
that you can check what’s around you before moving very far from the vehicle
which I really wouldn’t recommend doing unless you’re on your way to the
toilet. Having a campfire at night helps
let the animals know that you are there and will likely curb their curiosity
and keep away from you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lastly, be a respectful camper. There is nothing worse than arriving at a
campsite to find garbage or a mess left behind by previous campers. Make use of garbage bins that are provided
and if you can’t find one, pack out your garbage. Take only pictures and leave only footprints
is the best motto to live by. When
camping near other people, be respectful of their space and control your noise
levels. It will be much appreciated and
respected by others as no one enjoys rude people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So start dusting off your tent, get your equipment and
supplies together, pack the car and get out and have some fun!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A chameleon. Is he thinking about doing the dishes?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Warthogs wandering around in the Mweya Peninsula campsite</span></td></tr>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-44045293950238940332012-08-24T19:38:00.000+03:002012-08-30T10:35:46.456+03:0021 Day Safari - Uganda<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTZ4OR7O2fc/UDjI1u2MS3I/AAAAAAAACDA/-ICvv_bELUQ/s1600/Discovery+on+Safari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTZ4OR7O2fc/UDjI1u2MS3I/AAAAAAAACDA/-ICvv_bELUQ/s400/Discovery+on+Safari.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Another beautiful African sunset</span></h3>
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For nearly 10 years we have been enjoying bumping around Ugandan roads, exploring the country and often going where few people go. Our recent 21 day safari was the longest to date and gave us a chance to revisit some favorite spots and poke around some new ones. Over the years we have seen so many changes and improvements and seem to do less "bumping" on the roads these days due to highway improvements (unless speed humps count). Uganda is evolving as a tourist destination and it's wonderful to witness. During our trip we experienced outstanding professionalism from the Uganda Wildlife Authority staff and guides wherever we went and the smiles on their faces when they heard that we were spending so much time in Ugandan parks was a joy to see. Their amazement also extended to our roof top tent, many of whom had never seen such a thing. It has taken us many years to build up our arsenal of camping equipment to be able to take such long trips and stay in remote campsites with only basic facilities and we have concluded that it has been well worth it. One of the most rewarding factors of sitting in one place for several days is the chance to see and experience things that you don't get on a rushed journey. The full safari experience really can come to you, often when you least expect it.<br />
<br />
The best example of that on this trip was the presence of two lionesses in our campsite one night. We were relaxing around the fire when we heard an unusual noise not far away, we shone our flashlights around and spotted two lionesses. This came on the heels of driving around earlier that day for over four hours looking specifically for these sensational cats. We retreated to the vehicle where we sat and watched and photographed them until they got tired of our bright lights and moved on. An exhilarating experience for sure and one that you're only likely to get when you are the only people in a campsite as we were that night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VqVw1wiofE/UDjLp9TRVlI/AAAAAAAACD0/zLC9oms5SiA/s1600/Lions+in+Camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VqVw1wiofE/UDjLp9TRVlI/AAAAAAAACD0/zLC9oms5SiA/s1600/Lions+in+Camp.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">Two lionesses in our camp</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Even though every day is special and unique in its own way, there are definitely moments that stand out. Our favorite camp spot was the Ishasha River campsite. This beautiful shady spot right on the banks of the Ishasha River gave us the opportunity to spend several days living with a pod of hippos and learning about their lifestyle and habits. Every night after sunset we would listen as the entire pod traversed upriver against the current with relative ease to their favorite grazing spot, grunting and splashing all the way. Early in the morning before dawn's first light we would hear them again as they ran and floated back down river to their favorite pool to spend the day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ishasha River Camp</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hippos in the Ishasha River</span></h3>
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Ishasha River campsite was also a haven for insects which seemed to keep us in constant amazement as well as home to a pair of Cassin's Grey Flycatchers, relatively rare birds that we watched for hours catching butterflies and building their nest only to witness it get flooded by the rising river after a storm. Those little birds didn't let the flooded nest ruffle their feathers, instead they cleaned out the soggy grass and sticks and began construction again. Nature can be cruel but it's an easier pill to swallow than seeing the effect that man can have on animals. It was heartbreaking to see an injured hyena lying on the side of the road that had been hit by a vehicle struggling for its life and should be a lesson to all not to speed inside the park. On another occasion we met a lone hippo that had separated itself from its pod to nurture a large wound that had been inflicted by a poachers spear. We went back to check on the hippo a few days later and were happy to see that he was still in solitude and the wound seemed to be improving.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">An insect that looks like a leaf in our camp</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Cassin's Grey Flycatcher</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Uncharted territory for us was the Semliki National NP which held us firmly in its grip for several days. Although the campsite was very basic it had everything we needed to enjoy life in the jungle. Various species of monkeys entertained us by swinging through the trees in the campsite while birds called out from all directions. The guided walks through the forest with our guide Tadeo were both beautiful and fascinating as we admired our surroundings and learned the intricacies of the forest ecosystem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Butterfly in Semliki National Park</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The trip ended on a high by seeing the elusive Sitatunga in the Katonga Swamp. The sitatunga is an aquatic antelope that lives in papyrus swamps and is incredibly secretive making it hard to see. We had a brief moment to admire this creature before it disappeared deep into the reeds. Mystical.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Looking for Sitatunga in Katonga</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Our trip made us fall deeper in love with the Queen Elizabeth NP and its surrounding areas like <a href="http://discoveryonsafari.blogspot.com/2012/07/where-two-worlds-collide.html" target="_blank">Pelican Point</a> and the Exlplosion Crater Drive and eager to revisit Semliki National Park to explore the forest more extensively. With every trip that we take we learn of more places of interest from safari guides and UWA staff that we meet along the way so instead of getting shorter, our list seems to get longer. Uganda has so much to offer and with each journey take we understand more why Sir Winston Churchill called Uganda the Pearl of Africa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Uganda - The Pearl of Africa</span></h3>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-87300968014208813152012-07-16T17:39:00.001+03:002012-09-14T16:24:48.904+03:00Where Two Worlds Collide<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-obq_ySaTPPjH2s64iy5szVoWD6I24I9ADXTQnz7hrPr0aC7UOFjANLCrDDnl-nhKrPU_wEfQMdFGQgP60l62gS2oKd2XfICJRWkB8qSlm6F_q28NvUkXVhB6mnHHpyMoA-RUfOZI58/s1600/pelican+point+Queen+Elizabeth+NP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-obq_ySaTPPjH2s64iy5szVoWD6I24I9ADXTQnz7hrPr0aC7UOFjANLCrDDnl-nhKrPU_wEfQMdFGQgP60l62gS2oKd2XfICJRWkB8qSlm6F_q28NvUkXVhB6mnHHpyMoA-RUfOZI58/s400/pelican+point+Queen+Elizabeth+NP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Grasslands meeting the savannah at Pelican Point</span></h2>
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<span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Pelican Point lies a few <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="51d9fb722c5d3100265db6aa28318d9802ed2906" grtype="null" id="GRmark_51d9fb722c5d3100265db6aa28318d9802ed2906_kilometres:0">kilometres</span> east of the town of Katwe near Queen Elizabeth National Park. The track from the main road to the point is barely visible as it meanders through savannah grasslands dotted with candelabra trees and leads to an escarpment overlooking the dense lush green Kitabule palm forest and Lake Edward. From this vantage point you can see the collision of two worlds, the savannah grasslands and the rainforest. You can hear the chorus of birds from down below while thousands of butterflies flutter above the tall golden yellow grass all around you. It is a sight to behold and best of all is the solitude of the place. A perfect spot to take out a picnic lunch and enjoy the view and serenity of the great African wilderness.
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<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905512338197361283.post-82441009651029664902012-07-14T12:30:00.000+03:002012-07-14T12:30:01.737+03:00Jinja Nile Resort<br />
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Jinja is well known as being the adventure capital of Uganda and is located relatively close to Kampala making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways. Regardless of your purpose, if you are looking for a resort hotel centrally located with plenty of character then the Jinja Nile Resort is a good choice.</div>
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When we arrived at Jinja Nile Resort, we entered the secured parking area and drove up to the covered entrance and were greeted by a young man who took our bags from the car and entered the large lobby under a high cathedral ceiling. The reception desk is situated in the middle of the lobby and is flanked by two large wooden staircases that wind their way up to a mezzanine level. Vintage portraits of four explorers are painted high on the wall and natural light floods through a large stained glass window. The entrance is impressive and grand.</div>
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The resort is on 30 acres of well groomed gardens facing the Nile River. In late 2011 the river was flooded in preparation for the launch of the newly constructed Bujagali Dam so the water level has risen slightly and several of the rapids have been engulfed by water. The view is still as spectacular as ever and looking down river you can see the new dam in the distance. 140 colonial style cottages are neatly aligned throughout the gardens. Some offer Nile facing views while others are set back amongst the tropical gardens. All rooms have a private balcony, a small sitting room with a bar fridge, coffee and tea facilities, a TV with a few channels, a writing desk and a double as well as a single bed with a large mosquito net. In the rooms you’ll also find a wall fan and a closet with a digital safe. The ensuite bathroom is spacious and features a large shower. The rooms are generous with space, clean and although the decor is slightly dated they have been well maintained and function well.</div>
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The pool with two large mosaic crocodiles on the bottom is the heart of the resort and we are drawn to the numerous chaise lounges around its deck. Most of the chaise lounges are in the sun for those who want to soak up some rays and get your Vitamin D and a few are under pergolas covered with <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="ced789bf192069d3fc94b8d93725ef531889628b" grtype="null" id="GRmark_ced789bf192069d3fc94b8d93725ef531889628b_colourful:0">colourful</span> bougainvillea providing a respite from the heat. The crystal clear pool is inviting. There is a smaller children’s pool attached to the main pool for the younger guests to splash around in. A pool boy is on hand to provide towels and move chaise lounges around if needed. A mix of pop and contemporary Ugandan music plays in the background at times a little on the loud side and several waiters are available to serve cold drinks and take your order from the <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="8acf981e5591e1fa1f7cd2d3090f18233695acd5" grtype="null" id="GRmark_8acf981e5591e1fa1f7cd2d3090f18233695acd5_poolside:0">poolside</span> menu. Before deciding on lunch we decided to take a refreshing dip in the pool and visit the swim up bar for a cold drink. The bar is fully stocked with water, fresh juice, sodas, beer and spirits. Cocktails are available but do take a little more time to prepare, so if you order one be prepared to wait. </div>
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After enjoying a cold drink at the swim up bar we were ready for lunch so we started to explore our options. The <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="27813e3203aa2faf481d82fae691cfe08722fa52" grtype="null" id="GRmark_27813e3203aa2faf481d82fae691cfe08722fa52_poolside:0">poolside</span> menu has a range of salads, snacks, burgers, pizzas, and chicken, beef and fish dishes. We decide to share chicken fingers as a starter, followed by main courses of chicken tikka served with naan bread and chicken in a basket with chips. We were happy with our choices and thought that it arrived within reasonable time. There was also an option for buffet lunch served <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="82643784e109d6d2f57ec54515cd5bdf46c26d12" grtype="null" id="GRmark_82643784e109d6d2f57ec54515cd5bdf46c26d12_poolside:0">poolside</span> which offered a large variety of dishes. We spent the day relaxing under the hot equatorial sun and dipped in and out of the pool periodically. During the day the resort sells day memberships which we found created a nice atmosphere of many people around the pool.</div>
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As the sun was going down we went up to the mezzanine level for a view over the resort with the Nile in the background and the Nalubaale Dam in the distance. After enjoying the view, we visited the main bar, a great location for sundowners. There is seating inside at the bar or in large comfortable chairs in the adjacent lounge and TV area which was showing a football match. We sat outside on the veranda overlooking the pool and munched on banana chips. As we enjoyed the last moments of daylight we could see that the evening buffet was being set up outside next to the pool. The dinner buffet had no shortage of options including soups, salads, and main course dishes of Asian, Continental and Ugandan cuisine. An outside tandoori oven was being used to roast meat, chicken and for making <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="004aeb91460762db3827f39fb292e3a98ea0c7ef" grtype="null" id="GRmark_004aeb91460762db3827f39fb292e3a98ea0c7ef_naan:0">naan</span> bread which I particularly enjoyed. The food was what you would expect from a buffet, not haute cuisine but tasty and plenty of variety to satisfy anyone.</div>
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After dinner we wandered down the path back to our cottage. The location of the Jinja Nile Resort is peaceful and we fell asleep to a chorus of crickets and frogs. We had a good night's sleep on what we considered to be a comfortable mattress. In the morning we woke to a blanket of mist over the river and sunlight infiltrating the darkness. We made ourselves a cup of coffee in our room and enjoyed it on the veranda while waking up to a beautiful view and the songs of birds.</div>
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After our coffee, we strolled over to the main restaurant where buffet breakfast was being served. The spread included fresh juices, coffee, tea, pastries, cereal, waffles, eggs, sausages, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, pancakes and plenty more. I sampled a few items from the buffet and placed my order with the omelette maker. There was plenty of seating inside as well as outside; we chose the open air terrace affording us the opportunity to enjoy the view and the fresh morning air.</div>
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Jinja Nile Resort has a number of facilities within the premises including a health club with various <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="4f775486de54d9161f336d8777d3c1f265c7b8ed" grtype="null" id="GRmark_4f775486de54d9161f336d8777d3c1f265c7b8ed_cardio:0">cardio</span> machines as well as weights. Although we didn’t use the gym during our visit is <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="1472670b2f2d03a425af891acacbe41e81ebf375" grtype="null" id="GRmark_1472670b2f2d03a425af891acacbe41e81ebf375_was:0">was</span> clean and relatively spacious with large windows facing the river. <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="588667265905c4674b646e327f2d7042f8c73be6" grtype="null" id="GRmark_588667265905c4674b646e327f2d7042f8c73be6_Inside:0">Inside</span> the changing rooms were showers, a steam bath, sauna and a private room reserved for massage. Set amidst the gardens is a tennis court and an indoor squash court. The resort facilitates various activities and given the location the Jinja Nile Resort is a great conference venue. There are several conference halls and meeting rooms depending on individual needs.</div>
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I found the resort staff to be very friendly and efficient. On one occasion our waiter was unsure of some of the details of our order and returned to clarify before placing the order in the kitchen. I thought this was admirable as sometimes wait staff will not take time to seek clarification resulting in mix ups and disappointments. The resort accommodation rates are bed and breakfast so if buffets are not your thing, you can always venture out to sample the fare offered at nearby restaurants. On the other hand Jinja Nile Resort offers everything in one location so if you don’t want to leave the resort, everything is available at your fingertips. The Jinja Nile Resort is not one of the latest lodges on the block but it is as its name suggests a resort. We didn’t leave the comfort of the resort during our two day stay and found all the makings of a relaxing weekend. We spent most of our time by the pool and taking walks through the property enjoying the scenery and gardens.</div>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02620545226823789468noreply@blogger.com0