Recommended Family Holiday Destinations in East Africa!

Recommended Family Holiday Destinations in East Africa

Family Travels should be life changing, Interesting, exciting and engaging for all ages as they are designed to spark a passion, inspire a sense of wonder. When these experiences are shared with loved ones, they bring you closer together. Many book family trips in Africa to different destinations year round during summer and winter but whoever visits Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania get memories that last forever. It’s very rare to find people with the same interest on a family trip yet it’s the order of the day in East Africa.

However, family tours are fun in places with multiple activities such as wildlife parks, beaches, theme parks, zoos, etc since there is something for everyone. If you traveling with children it’s good to visit destinations with wildlife, sand, natural environment setting, though some destination activities are limited to some age of children for example a child below 15year of age isn’t allowed to trek Mountain Gorillas in both Uganda or Rwanda since the activity requires hiking in the jungle forest and in the Virunga Bamboo forest. But all family trips to either Bwindi or volcanoes national park are always wonderful since even children are entertained by different forest walks ,community tours as they wait for  their parents to return back from the Gorilla trek.

Also family holidays are nice if you plan it with balanced room for leisure and adventure since they need to be full of complete fun and relaxation. Most accommodation facilities in different tourist destinations are built with room for family gate ways to cater for groups or guests who feel like sleeping close to each other or in opposite lodge rooms. Facilities are the same like that of the other lodge guests though family arrangements are made on request like special dining table for meals & drinks and even surprises if one of the family members is celebrating a birth day or any achieve. Take a quick look at some of the recommended travel destinations with awesome family adventures that will make everybody happy and relaxed in East Africa.

Murchison falls Wildlife Park in Uganda

This is a great place in Uganda full of nice family adventures for all ages and wildlife watching on land is every trip highlight to the park. Tourists view the park wildlife starting at 6.30am local time and the morning session always end at 10:30 am a time when they retire for breakfast at their respective lodges. You can also enjoy the evening session which start from 5.00pm – 7.30pm which is always done just after the afternoon 3hrs Boat cruise an activity which take you to the play ground of hippos, crocodiles and buffaloes, thousands of birds, including elephants along and others.

Taking a five-hour Nile Delta boat trip downstream to the papyrus-filled delta where the Nile empties into Lake Albert is another family adventure which take you to the main birding point for shoebills, some wildlife can be spotted . You need to book early since different tour companies book it often. Other activities include Spot fishing, Chimpanzee tracking, Forest walks, Bird watching walks, Nile Navigation and nature walks. Plan a trip here and discover what makes the might falls unique in Africa.

Queen Elizabeth National park in Uganda

A family trip in Queen Elizabeth is unforgettable leaving your family with nice photo captions & stories to tell. A morning game drives starts your day at Queen Elizabeth an activity where you will catch up with all the early risers in kasenyi area, the elephants, lions, kobs, buffaloes among others. The moment to remember is when you all sail on the kazinga channel waters on a boat ride to the school of hippos, wildlife birds among others. Chimpanzee tracking at kyanbura gorge is something you don’t have to miss during your stay. Spend a full day adventure in the ishasha sector of the park and view tree climbing lion up in trees as they play and rest in their lovely homes. While here you can just proceed to Bwindi forest in Buhome and track the Mountain Gorillas a main highlight activity for many guests to Uganda. Enjoy a true African wild setting as you explore the pearl of Africa.

Serengeti National Park the wildlife Haven in Tanzania

The land of endless plains is a home to several wildlife animals and fauna ready to entertain your family through your stay giving you a fantastic lifetime experience full of real leisure and fun. Every day will get a different and magnificent experience in Serengeti seeing the highest wildlife concentration large wildlife on earth. The big five are the park flowers and grass and watching the lions hunt and eat their prey is a very nice experience which I feel everyone should witness. Animals you must view include leopards, cheetah, lions, zebras, buffaloes, etc plus the sweet lovely sunset view. A Ballon ride is another way of making your wildlife viewing exceptional so take it on if you can. The accommodations are excellent with different cuisines for every taste.

Masai Mara Game reserve

Kenya a place full of freedom for the old and the young with many foreign investors who created a calm environment for children fun back then as they relocated to the country permanently with their families. Having been on a family trip safari trip in Kenya with two children I just advise you to use right travel experts who will design your trip in lavish way full of relaxation and fun no rush from one place to another. By the way there are adults who are delicate like children so family trips are the best and Kenya is a place to be.

The country has all you need in the fun massive wildlife experience, birding, exceptional beach holidays etc. With accommodation there are several Masai Mara camps & lodges which are well stocked for families without forgetting the Ranches in Laikipia  where parents who travel with children are given time to enjoy a moment together as the ranch guides entertain children with lots of activities like camel riding, swimming, fishing, game drives, among others. Before choosing a family destination flexibility & comfort is an important factor. Request for the best family arrangements from your expert making your trip inspiring and loving as you discover the destination treasures of a destination of your choice.

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Gorilla’s could be Extinct If Not Conserved for Future Generations!

Gorilla’s could be Extinct If Not Conserved for Future Generations!

Of the few Mountain Gorilla’s that remain on Earth estimated less than a Thousand, almost half of the population live in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks while the rest can be found in the Volcanoes National  Park in Rwanda and some in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Shy and Gentle Mountain Gorilla’s are the Earth’s largest living Primate and the Regions most famous tourism attraction. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is said to host about 300 Mountain Gorilla’s, almost half the entire Mountain Gorilla population living in the wild today.

Several factors often threaten the existence of the Mountain Gorilla’s thus their dwindling population such as disease, poaching, human population encroachment of their habitat the rain forests among others. Gorillas are open to same diseases which effect humans since they are closely related to humans with similar anatomic and physiological features. Gorillas live in small groups any exposure to any kind of illness affects the entire group which may fail to recover from the entire fall that’s why human contacts are restricted. All Gorilla trackers are instructed to keep a distance from the Gorilla’s. Most scary diseases include flue, Scabies which can quickly spread from group to group as families interact.

Poaching is another threat which has claimed many lives of gorillas in the jungle forest till present for example a while ago some European and American scientists and trophy hunters killed over 50 mountain gorillas which effected the population of the living apes today. Hunting is another problem because many Gorillas have been injured by hunters who go to jungle to hunt other wildlife life. The latest events shows  that hunting of mountain gorillas in order to capture their young ones by corrupt dealers remains a threat for example an infant Gorilla was recovered outside Virunga national park in 2013 who was  later the joined to other three rescued gorillas & orphan from poaching in Rumangabo for monitoring.

Population growth of the people living near the park is the worst of all threats since they both compete for the forest land. The people need land for farming, agriculture in order to support their families while Gorillas destroy the farm crops and also limit the local community from access the forest land. The only way to maintain gorilla habitat is to develop alternative economic activities that allow people to meet their daily needs, so that they see gorillas not as competitors, but as a means of improving their own situation.

The regional conflict is another threat, changing climate, weak regional collaboration but me & you can change this if we try. With a population of less than a thousand Mountain gorillas remaining in the world today, a lot of conservation effort is needed in order to conserve the mountain Gorillas for the Future Generation.

Diany Fossey, Carl Akeley, George Schaller are the other great Gorilla conservationist who followed Robert & their work focused global attention on the troubles of gorillas. Still it’s that Effort which makes many travelers have wonderful lifetime memories every time they visit Uganda, Rwanda or DRC for Gorilla trekking adventures. We all agree that the above Conservationists did a great job in conserving the mountain gorillas without forgetting the local communities of Uganda especially around Bwindi forest and Mgahinga National park, Locals of Rwanda around and near the Volcanoes national park & the people of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Each countries local community deserves a bonus for ensuring the survival of gorillas and also allowing the guests to access their reach jungle forest to trek the Gorillas. The National park staff like wardens and ranger guides has done a lot to ensure that the conservation rules can be maintained in all the three countries.

Several organizations have come up to conserve Gorillas and these work hand in hand with both the local communities and park management. They include the mountain Gorilla conservation fund (MGCF), international Gorilla conservation program (with programs in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo), Fauna & Flora international (only in Rwanda), Wildlife Wild places & forests (WWF) all over Africa, Rwanda development Board (RDB), Uganda wildlife Authority the main organization (UWA). There is a very big change unlike back then before 1902. According to the World Heritage Wildlife animals, the Gorillas where discovered on October 17^th 1902 by Robert Von Beringe in Virunga mountains who was the first non-African to encounter the Mountain Gorilla  stopping the hunting habitats which had  driven the rare primates to the edge of their death. 

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Thinking of an African Safari, Uganda is the Destination!

Thinking of an African Safari, Uganda is the Destination!

Uganda, 'The Pearl of Africa', straddles the Equator and embraces the shores of the World second largest inland lake, The Mighty Lake Victoria which happens to be the Source of the Longest River in the World, River Nile that meadres through Five Countries (Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt) before emptying in the Mediterranean sea. 

Dubbed the Switzerland of Africa due to its impressive ranges , Uganda host the snow capped Mountain of the Moon- Rwenzori and the immeasurably ancient Mount Elgon on the Eastern Border with Kenya and the country is Blessed with a warm Tropical climate that makes you feel like its Summer time throughout the year.

What to explore while in Uganda will include among others;

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Note they are only an estimated 200 Gorilla's left on earth and these can only be found in the mountain rainforests of Uganda (Bwindi impenetratable Forest National park, Mgahinga National Park), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and DR Congo though the later is often hampered by security concerns. Shy and gentle, the Mountain Gorilla's and Human close ancestors and the world largest primates alive. This is the most unique Tourism attraction in Uganda and a must not miss.
• Primates/Chimpanzee Tracking. These too are human ancestors though aggressive at times but cunning too. They can be tracked in the Kibaale National Park forest carnopy or a visit to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary an island in Lake Victoria.
• The BIG FIVE and Best Birding safaris: Uganda is endowed with Four main Big National Parks and watching the Big five in their Natural wild is a fascinating adventure during your wild excursion not forgetting other wild game. The rain forests and swampy terrain gives opportunity as habitat for various species of Birds (Over 600 species cited to be available in Uganda). Murchison Falls National Park being the most visited followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo National Park and Lake Mburo Games Reserve with a Zoo just nearby the Entebee Airport in case your limitive on schedule.
• The Spectacular Water Falls of the River Nile: If your a fan of water scenery then Uganda is just a yes destination. Various water falls on the River Nile will fascinate and bring a smile on your face as you water the natural wonders. You can also try out boat cruises along the Nile or Lake Victoria, Water Rafting if your nerves are strong enough to sail under turbulence and the Bungee jumps. But do not leave without Tasting the Uganda fish especially Tilapia delicacy.
• Rich Cultural Tapestry: Uganda is a multi ethnic country offering a glimpse on people's diverse cultural and heritage and these are exhibited in songs, music, dance, theatre, and art with various museums to ensure cultural is preserved for future generations to trace various events. A visit to the various heritage sites in Kampala city or its out scats and upcountry will enrich your scope of knowledge and understanding of people and culture in Uganda.
•  Hotels and Restaurants: Kampala city promises a truly cosmopolitan wide selection option for Hotels, restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Street food, Galleries and Malls with replica facilities in upcountry Tourism attraction sites and Towns catering for Luxury, mid-range and backpackers to feel comfortable during your stay!

                                          Mountain Gorilla

                                          Elephants in Murchison Fall National Park

                                         Boat cruise and Lodging facility along the River Nile

Kampala City Life in Africa's Friendly Country Uganda!

Kampala City Life in Africa's Friendly Country Uganda!

Uganda's reputation as "Africa's Friendly Country" stems partly from the tradition of Hospitality common to its culturally diverse populace, and partly from the remarkably low level of crime and hassle directed at tourists.

From the moment you land at Entebbe's Modern and Efficient International airport, with its breath taking equatorial location on the forested shore of island-strewn Lake Victoria, it is clear that Uganda is no ordinary safari destination though its endowed with a number of National parks for wild excursions/ wildlife safaris, the memorable Gorilla trekking safaris, Chimpanzee/Primate tracking, birding, mountain hiking, water rafting, the hotel facilities urban and Peri-urban, to mention but a few.

Kampala is a modern capital serviced by an excellent selection of international hotels, including a high-rise Sheraton right in the city centre, as well as bustling malls stuffed with Banks, shops, restaurants, internet cafes and cinemas. Reputable safari operators and car rental firms based in Kampala and Entebbe offer a wealth of local experience and specially know-how to international visitors/ guests.

Depending on what you want or wish for, Kampala is a lovely city, friendly people with warm reception to Tourists/ travelers and this engagement will make you more relaxed and feel like your home away from Home. I often spend most of my weekends in Kampala because i Love this city day or Night its so inspiration regardless of some few hassles at times. Though when searching for calmness and still life environments for soul finding or meditation then i head East to Jinja just 80km drive or to Entebbe just 38km drive.

Though Jinja and Entebbe might be assumed to be calm, they too are endowed with their own specular adventures as a traveler/ tourist shouldn't miss. For instance Jinja with its source of the Nile River (Longest River in the World), Rafting activities, Bungee jumping sites, Boat cruises on the Lake Victoria, Fishing and the Night life with good pubs/Bars, casino's, Live band Music, Street food adventures, cultural sites. And Entebbe is more endowed with beaches for the day relaxation before you can join the night life in Bars/pubs, clubs, do not forget tasting the salivating Tilapia fish while in Uganda from Lake Victoria oh my God its such a delicacy.

Note sole travelers including ladies will enjoy all the fun and safety in Kampala and surrounding towns withouthttp://www.walmarkafricasafaris.com/uganda-safaris.html any hassle. If you dress conservatively trust me you might receive some few marriage proposals for the ladies but its fine to just smile and say No Thanks pal!

Safety/security tips for travelers:

• Leave  the big/mini ipads in your hotel room and carry what can fit in your outing garments for flexibility of not forgeting them when hanging out or when you have more than enough.
• Do not leave your drinks unattended too in some pubs/clubs especially when they are peaked up just incase but to be on the safe side though these are rare cases where someone is drugged or another party starts enjoying your beer in your absence.
• Take a cab/taxi when moving long distances or very late when your too exhausted but in case your hotel facility is nearby no problem flexing your muscles with your friends reciting the nightout encounters
• Its often good to have some local friend who knows all the corners to guide you on the best deals and the different occassions at different spots otherwise you may end up visiting them all searching for a particular satisfaction
• Drinks, meals are at reasonable prices in most spots unless when its a 3star facility but rarely you will get the fun you need in formal settings
• Security is ok in all places including bars/pubs, clubs, hotels and on streets so just relax and avoid doing anything suspected of being criminal

Balloon safari Adventures in Masai Mara

Balloon safari Masai Mara

This is another perspective of wildlife viewing adventure in the Masai Mara game reserve the most visited park in Kenya where you can easily spot the Big Five. The Balloon ride takes you over the Mara River, plains and forests as you enjoy photography of the wildlife in the park. The activity starts early morning before dawn with a start point behind Governors camp and it ends by 8.30am local time a good time still to take on the morning game drive in the Masai Mara gave reserve. Ever Imagined viewing the wild from above, no fear comes close since the animals cant fly to reach you in anyway and the Ballons can be controlled to bring you closer to capture your memorable photographys, Remember to carry your camera along. You can also book the 2hours evening Ballon adveture which often starts at 6:00pm.

The views are too incredible especially the Mara at sunrise, 100s of animals gazelles, elephants, giraffes, Zebras, lions, among others. The activity caters for all needs of visitors either group visitors, honeymoon couples, family etc.The balloons differ in size and the biggest accommodate 16 passengers, next 8, with the smallest for couples which takes only 5 passengers.

Never mind about late booking, you can book it a day before the adventure in order to be sure of the take off time or even at last minute if space is available .Everyone who does the Balloon ride adventure get amazing experience so you shouldn’t miss out. Plan early and you will enjoy the lovely adventure in the lovely skies of mara, toss to others as you celebrate the return on earth in the Champaign breakfast.

Remember travelers to Uganda can also enjoy the Ballon advetures in Queen Elizabeth National park.

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