Wildebeest migration is the annual migration northwest, at the end of the rainy season (usually in May or June) is recognized as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Natural World.” Serengeti Migration and Masai Mara Migration is one of the last mass terrestrial wildlife movements left on the planet. It’s the chief reason why so many travellers venture to Kenya and Tanzania for a Migration safari, especially around mid-year.
Most people think that the Wildebeest Migration only takes place between July and October, but it’s actually an ever-moving, circular migration with various but equally exciting events that occur year-round. The popular river crossings usually coincide with safari’s high season (June to October), hence the perception that this is the only time of the year that the wildebeest are on the move or can be seen.
Since the migration is a year-round movement of about two million animals across the Serengeti – Mara ecosystem, there is no defined start or end points. The Gnu Migration is triggered by East Africa’s rains and the animals follow an age-old route in search of fresh grazing and water. This epic journey takes the wildebeest across the Masai Mara plains in Kenya, all the way south into Tanzania’s Serengeti and the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, before circling up and around in a clockwise direction.
Gorilla trekking
The gorilla trekking safari is defined as a hike to the tropical forests of Africa to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You can see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
However, note that gorillas are mainly divided into the mountain and the lowland with a couple of other sub-species in that. We suggest Rwanda, Uganda for views of the mountain gorillas and the Republic of Congo for the lowland gorillas.
It is also possible to find mountain gorillas within the Democratic Republic of Congo however due to the instabilities within the country, it has been challenging in some areas.
Lowland gorillas are smaller and have brownish-grey far coats and a distinct brow ridge, whereas the mountain gorillas are larger with darker black coats. The Mountain gorillas are the most uncommon primates in the entire world with less than 800 surviving in the African wilderness. On the contrary there are more than 100,000 lowland gorillas just in the Republic of Congo.
Water rafting
White water Rafting in Uganda takes you for an amazing experience along the Nile and Jinja town. Before John Hannington Speak discovered the source of the river Nile and the arrival of the British colonialists, Jinja was a small fishing village on the banks of the river Nile. When Uganda become a colony of Britain, the fishing village grew into a large trading centre with the Nile River an important crossing point to the Eastern part of the country all the way to Kenya.
White water rafting is a great sport that teaches how to remain calm under great pressure. The opportunity to do white-water rafting from the longest river on earth is amazing. It is one of the best things to do in Uganda. The river Nile has been a source of water for several civilizations.
White-water rafting in Jinja takes you in the middle of the river Nile while passing through chaotic and turbulent rapids. The Nile rapids in Jinja are graded 4 and 5 and offer the best white-water rafting experiences in Africa.
A day of white-water rafting starts with early morning breakfast before being transferred to the banks of the river. All participants are required to leave their valuable and dry clothes in the car with staff.
The teams are given orientation about safety and what to expect. The orientation is supervised by guides who are very experienced and knowledgeable about the area and rapids. They go through every aspect of safety to ensure that all rafters have the best possible experience.
Bungee jumping
It involves jumping from a platform with a bungee cord connected to two tied legs. Although experience is not required before taking part in the activity, one still needs to prepare psychologically before taking part in the activity.
Participants are tied in two different ways – There is the ankle tie with your face looking down and the whole-body tie allowing you to float like a butterfly. Before the Jump, the instructor counts 1 to 3 before shouting “Bungee” and off you go. The activity can be done during the day or night.
Diving down a tower and touching the river Nile provides one the most spectacular views imaginable. The main thrill comes from falling freely then rebounding softly over and over before finally touching the waters. It is one of the scariest things but also most adventurous activity one can do in their lifetime.
All guests are requested to arrive on site 30 minutes prior to the booked jump time. There is no minimum age limit however there is a minimum weight of 35Kgs and maximum of 110Kgs.
Mountain hiking
Uganda is the perfect place to take your travels one step at a time. From stunning mountain landscapes to roaming the Savannah, Uganda is a hiker’s paradise.
The Rwenzori Mountains offer world-class hiking and mountaineering experiences. The Rwenzori hike takes around nine to twelve days, and you’ll be able to visit the Margherita summit, the highest peak in the range at 5109 metres. You’ll probably have the mountains to yourself, and you don’t need to break the bank to reach the summit, as with a Mount Kilimanjaro experience. But be warned, getting to the peak is no easy feat. The upper Rwenzori is tougher to climb than the Kilimanjaro as it’s more technical and muddier and you might be subject to altitude sickness.
Many travelers find Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls to be a fun and exciting alternative to the more challenging climbs available in East Africa. It has many of the same attractions, with a milder climate and lower elevation. Because this hike requires no special equipment or technical experience, you can choose between a long hike and a short-day hike. To climb this peak, you’ll need to take a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guide with you from the park gate.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects the Ugandan side of the Virunga Mountains. The Virunga Mountains are a chain of extinct volcanoes which form part of a larger nature reserve that extends into Rwanda and DRC.
Mountain gorillas get a special pass from customs & border control. They roam freely between Rwanda and Uganda since the nature reserve extends over national borders. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also home to the endangered golden monkey, and the vulnerable Batwa pygmies – Uganda’s indigenous hunter-gatherers.
Guided day hikes to each volcanic peak of the Virunga Volcanoes leave on demand daily from 7 am at the UWA park entrance gate. All hikes require a good level of fitness and go on for around 7 to 9 hours.
The most popular hike is the ascent from Ntebeko Gate to Sabyinyo. Don’t look down! With several challenging ladder climbs up rock faces, this hike isn’t recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Another hike is the climb from Ntebeko to Mount Gahinga, which includes a trek through the bamboo zone, where many types of plants and animals can be observed.
Mount Moroto is an ancient extinct volcano in Karamoja, that rises to over three thousand metres. The mountain is a scenic landscape to some, but home to many. Around 40,000 Tepeth people (possibly the region’s earliest inhabitants of Karamoja) live in Mount Moroto’s hills.
You can choose between a 2-hour round trip hikes that takes you through Tepeth homesteads or do a three-day trek to its highest peak. If you make the journey up, you’ll be rewarded with cave paintings, waterfalls, and a variety of bird species.
Game drives & Boat cruising
Game drives are such an exceptional activity for one to carry out due to the fact that one will have the opportunity to spot various wildlife animals around the parks. Drives are done in the vast Savannah and bamboo region of the Akagera National Park where you watch numerous wildlife animals in their natural habitat. The Wildlife animals you will spot include; Elephants, Giraffes, Water bucks, Topis, Kobs, wart hogs, hyenas, lions, leopards, Hippos, Buffalo, small antelope, bush bucks, etc.
Boat cruises are done on in both Uganda and Rwanda. In Uganda, these are done at Murchison Falls National Park along the stunning Victoria Nile, Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park and in Lake Mburo National Park where you watch many hippos, crocodiles and birds.
The cruises usually take about 2 hours and while carrying out this activity, you will have a chance to spot the beautiful terrain covered with thick green vegetation that inhabits many wildlife species as well as birds.
