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  • 5 Reasons to Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

    5 Reasons to Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

    In East Africa, Chimpanzees are found in Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda but most of the tour operator recommends chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.  Below are some of the reasons why you should trek chimpanzees in Uganda:

    Uganda hosts a good population of chimpanzees compared to Tanzania and Rwanda. The fact that Uganda protects chimpanzees in four different locations including Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest reserve, Toro-Semliki Game reserve and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Each location protects quite a large number of habituated chimps for visitors to enjoy the experience.

    Kibale Forest yields a variety of Chimpanzee feeds – the rain forest sustains a variety of chimpanzees due to presence of fruits, plant shoots, stems, root among others which act as food for the chimps. That is why Kibale Forest offers the best Chimpanzee experience of all parks in East Africa. More so, the climate in Kibale is suitable for chimpanzee living.

    Along side chimpanzee tracking, visitors are also rewarded the view of other attractions like Mountains, Hills, Valleys, wild animals and birds among other.  This is because chimpanzees co-exist with other primates, birds and so on. Trekking chimpanzees in Kibale offers the view of foot hills of Mountains of the moon (Mt. Rwenzori), Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorges offers the view of a variety of wild animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

    Uganda is the best for chimpanzee trekking because of cheap trekking permit compared to Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest, Toro- Semliki Game reserve and Kyambura Gorge cost US$ 50 per person (None residents) – as the highest price. On the other hand, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park cost US$ 250 per person compared to US$ 150 (none residents) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda.

    The distance from Entebbe International Airport to Kibale Forest National Park is shorter than that from Kigali International Airport to Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is 6 hours drive and 8 hours drive respectively. The shorter distance traveled to meet chimpanzees in Uganda saves time and fatigue.

    No much laboring while looking for Chimpanzees in the Uganda forest compared to Nyungwe forest in Rwanda. First of all, Nyungwe forest national Park is very larges park which makes the whole experience tiresome and hectic.

    Game Rangers in Uganda are friendly, experienced and informative thus making chimpanzee trekking experience enjoyable and educative. The rangers know each individual chimp by name, history and predict their future. In Uganda, each chimpanzee is named for easy identification.

    The local communities are around chimp parks in Uganda also play a bigger role in protecting and preserving the habitats of chimpanzees. Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) in conjunction with Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) work tooth and nail to control poaching of animals in Uganda to enable chimpanzees increase in number.

    Uganda is politically stable – for long time, Uganda has been peaceful to facilitate tourist activities prevail in Uganda. The Uganda People’ Defense Force (UPDF), Uganda Police and other security agencies are providing tight security to tourists, wild life and Ugandans.

    There are improved infrastructures like roads, accommodation, health centers and schools among others are attracting tourists to trek chimps in Uganda.

  • Arrive and Drive in Uganda

    Arrive and Drive in Uganda

    When you arrive at the airport in a new country, the last thing you want is to waste time looking for transport, negotiating prices, or waiting for a taxi in a long line. This is especially true in a beautiful country like Uganda, where adventure awaits you the moment you land. Whether you’re in the country for a Uganda safari tour, a business meeting, or to visit family, the easiest way to start your journey is to rent a car straight from the airport.

    This is what we call “Arrive and Drive”, a simple, quick, and smart way to hit the road as soon as your feet touch the ground. And in Uganda, it saves you both time and money.

    Let’s break down why airport car rentals in Uganda make sense and how they can work perfectly for you.

    Why Rent a Car at the Airport?

    When you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s main airport, you’re about 40 minutes away from the capital city, Kampala. Instead of dealing with public taxis or waiting for an Uber, imagine walking out of the terminal and directly into your rental car, ready to go.

    For example, if you land at 3:00 PM and your safari lodge in Murchison Falls is six hours away, renting a car at the airport allows you to leave immediately. No delays. No confusion. No last-minute panic.

    With a rented car waiting for you, you are in control.

    Save Time from the Start

    Time is one of your most valuable resources when traveling. Every hour spent waiting for transport is an hour lost from your trip.

    If you pre-book your rental, a company agent can meet you at the arrivals lounge, hand you the keys, inspect the car with you, and within 20 minutes, you’re driving.

    Let’s say you are in Uganda for a 5-day self-drive safari. Day 1 is arrival. You don’t want to waste Day 1 waiting for shuttles or organizing pickups. Renting from the airport gives you a head start.

    Save Money in the Long Run

    You might think renting a car is expensive, but in Uganda, it’s often cheaper than using taxis or tour drivers—especially if you’re traveling for more than two days.

    Let’s look at the numbers:
    A taxi from Entebbe Airport to Kampala might cost you around $40 one way. That’s $80 for a return trip.
    Now imagine you also have to go to Jinja, or Fort Portal, or Queen Elizabeth National Park. Taxis for long distances can be very expensive.

    Compare that with a self-drive car rental from Entebbe starting at $45 to $90 per day for a good 4×4 vehicle. If you’re staying 5 to 10 days, that adds up to real savings.

    Plus, with a rental, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want—no extra costs, no waiting, no rush.

    The Freedom to Explore

    One of the best things about Uganda is its natural beauty and hidden gems. From lush forests to scenic lakes and remote villages, Uganda is full of surprises.

    When you rent a car at Entebbe Airport, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace.

    Let’s say you’re driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and you see a small roadside market selling fresh mangoes, roasted maize, and handmade crafts. You can stop, take photos, chat with locals, and enjoy the experience.

    Or maybe you want to take a detour to Lake Bunyonyi or hike the Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda. With a rental, you’re free to change plans, take scenic routes, or rest when you want to.

    This kind of flexibility is priceless and only possible when you “arrive and drive.”

    Ideal for Tourists, Business Travelers, and Locals

    Uganda’s airport car rentals are not just for tourists going on safari. They are also perfect for:

    • Business travelers who want to attend meetings in Kampala, Jinja, or Gulu without relying on taxis.
    • Diaspora Ugandans coming home for the holidays and needing a convenient way to move around.
    • NGO workers, researchers, and volunteers working in rural areas.
    • Families visiting upcountry homes or going for weddings, funerals, and cultural functions.

    If you fall into any of these categories, you’ll find that renting from the airport saves you from the stress of coordinating multiple pickups or negotiating with boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) on unfamiliar roads.

    What Kind of Car Should You Rent?

    Most travelers to Uganda choose 4×4 vehicles because of the terrain. Even though major highways are paved, many tourist areas have rough or gravel roads.

    Popular rental options include:

    • Toyota Rav4 – great for couples or solo travelers.
    • Toyota Prado or Land Cruiser – ideal for families or group safaris.
    • Vans like Toyota Super Custom – good for 5+ people or those traveling with luggage.

    These vehicles are strong, reliable, and can handle all sorts of roads—from the hills of Kabale to the dusty paths of Kidepo Valley.

    Tips for a Smooth Airport Car Rental Experience

    To make the most of your “Arrive and Drive” experience in Uganda, here are some simple tips:

    1. Book early – Especially during peak travel seasons like December or June.
    2. Choose a trusted company – Look for agencies with good reviews and clear communication.
    3. Check for insurance – Make sure your rental includes comprehensive insurance.
    4. Inspect the car – Take photos of the car before you drive off and report any scratches or issues.
    5. Understand the road rules – Uganda drives on the left side of the road, and speed limits must be observed.

    Make Every Minute Count

    Traveling to Uganda is an opportunity to experience diverse wildlife, rich culture, and genuine hospitality. But every moment counts. That’s why airport car rentals are a smart, time-saving, and cost-effective solution for you.

    Whether you’re heading to a national park, a village upcountry, or a meeting in the city, when you “arrive and drive,” you take control of your journey.

    So, next time you book your flight to Uganda, don’t wait until you land to figure out your transportation. Book a car, land at Entebbe, pick up the keys, and go.

  • 10 Things to Know About Gorilla Trekking

    Gorilla trekking is one of the best adventure tourist activities in the world.  Uganda and Rwanda are some of the world’s best destinations for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. The Volcanoes National park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda hosts the largest number of mountain gorillas hence the biggest gorilla trekking experience. Here are 10 things to know about gorilla trekking in Africa:

    1. The experience is expensiveGorilla Trekking is an expensive activity. In Uganda , the permit to see the mountain gorillas cost US$ 600 while in Rwanda it costs US$ 750. To that note therefore, many clients find it hard to pay for gorilla trekking permit, Air ticket, Visa and so on.
    2. The trekking requires maximum level of fitness – many people likes gorilla trekking but experience is strenuous and it involves climbing mountains and sloping down, crossing rivers and moving through slippery trails among others.
    3. Some forests habour dangerous insects, animals and reptiles. The fact that Gorilla trekking is conducted in Forested areas, trekkers stand higher chances of getting Malaria from Mosquitoes, Sleeping sickness from Tsetse flies among others.  However, we advise all our clients to move with mosquito repellent.
    4. Gorilla trekking is tiresome – trekking involves moving through the forest while searching for the mountain Gorilla and the time to meet Gorillas in unpredictable and some times takes a full day.
    5. Gorilla permits are on a very high demand and are booked in advance yet some clients prefer paying on arrival. Any delay to pay for the permits can make a client miss trekking when all gorilla permits are sold out.
    6. Gorilla permits are non refundable -once the client has paid for the gorilla permit and misses to come on the safari then, the Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) OR Rwanda development Board (RDB) will not make refund by can only allow rescheduling.
    7. Gorilla tracking starts early morning yet some people find it hard to wake up early especially on cold days. Early in the morning, Gorilla trekking trails are filled with fog and dew which hinders visibility and smooth walking to meet Mountain Gorillas.
    8. Gorilla trekking is strictly done under instructions – only one hour is given to stay with Gorillas, No flash cameras, 7 metres distance must be left between Gorillas and the trekkers among others. Some people are not used to strict instructions.
    9. Gorilla Tracking is Safe!Many travelers think that gorillas are violent creatures and thus can cause harm to human beings. However, gorillas are peaceable animals unless provoked. once you follow the set gorilla watching rules, you will definitely enjoy the company of these great apes safely.
    10. There are strict rules to gorilla tracking that follow ecotourism. Children below 16years are not allowed to trek Gorillas yet some parents prefer trekking Gorillas with their children. Only one hour is allowed to stay with Gorillas –some clients find it less to maximally view gorillas and take photos.

  • Precision Air – Air Uganda Announce Code – share Agreement

    Dar es Salaam 16th Jan 2014:- Tanzania’s Best Domestic Airline Precision Air has today launched a code share partnership with Ugandan- carrier Air Uganda., The Agreement will see the two airlines work hand in hand on the -Dar es Salaam-Entebbe and Kilimanjaro- Entebbe routes, respectively. Under the partnership, which commenced on 1st January 2014 and was officially launched today, the two airlines will both sell tickets and uplift passengers of either airline, while offering travelers with increased choice of flights between the two cities.

    Commenting on the partnership during a press conference held at Precision Air Head Quarters, Precision Air Commercial Director Mr. Patrick Ndekana said the partnership is a continuous effort to meet customer satisfaction by providing best services.

    “This partnership offers our customers a wider range of choices when planning for their trip. “Now you can book Precision Air flight through Air Uganda or vice versa.” He added.

    On the same note Air Uganda Head of Sales & Marketing, Jenifer Musiime said the two airlines were joining hands for both their customers to enjoy more flight options and flexibility for their travel and are not restricted to the flight schedule of either carrier.

    “With this partnership, we are certain that business and tourism will grow between our respective countries, due to the increased flight options and flexibility for travel,” Moreover, apart from the convenience this partnership is offering the customers, both airlines aim to manage operational costs jointly through shared services. The increased frequencies are additionally, expected to boost performance on the route, and be a catalyst for economic growth of both Uganda and Tanzania, she added.

    Precision Air and Air Uganda will both operate daily double flights from Entebbe, Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam. Passengers will also be able to book for their flights through both Airline’s websites and travel agents of their preference.