Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa

Transcription

1 Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa & Rwanda- Land of a Thousand Hills Great Journeys - Fascinating Places Wildlife Safaris Gorilla tracking Birding Mountaineering Culture Adventure Hotel bookings

2 About Us Kesy Tours & Travel limited is a Ugandan safari company founded in 2012 with the aim to share in the endless opportunities of adventure at every turn that Uganda and Rwanda have to offer. From the spectacular off the beaten track wildlife safaris, to the very best adventure and honeymoon holidays, from once in a life time primate encounters to unforgettable cultural experiences insome of the most unique traditional African settlements. All these in a destination that boasts ofdelightful weather and the friendliest people on the continent. We offer you the most enjoyable and rewarding way to explore one of the most exciting continents on earth. With Kesy Tours you can relax in the knowledge that all the planning, packaging and execution of your dream African safari is taken care of. We are committed to providing captivating safari packages while taking care of the overall picture, ensuring total clientsatisfaction. Our personalized service means our dedicated team of both planners and ground crew will ensure that your safari is carefully selected involving you all the way; because we believe every traveller has a unique need, budget, timing and situation. To us, you are a part of a typical African extended family! Kesy Tours is a corporate member of the Uganda Safari Guides Association and is equipped with all the necessary Safari gear you need for your trip. Chartered flights for fly-in safaris and 4X4 safari vehicles are your mode of transport.our safari guides are drawn from the local communities which gives them the cultural dynamism of each unique ethnic group, in depth information on the animals and birds that you may spot along the way, history and that odd story or two thrown in for good measure for your ultimate safari. Above all, we put emphasis on responsible tourism in the sensitive communities we visit! Come Discover Africa with Us! We will give you an inside out tour of two of Africa s must see destinations; Uganda best described by Sir Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa and Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills 2

3 Our Vision To be the most creative leaders in the concept of Travel to Uganda and work with the highest standard of professionalism Our Mission To give all our clients unforgettable pleasant experiences to last a life time Our Philosophy We believe in Great Journeys In Fascinating places Our Values To serve with passion No one is more passionate about Uganda than Kesy Tours. Whether it is our experienced tour consultants or our guides, you will love our passion on the job and high level of interaction with our clients. Focus on the client Our personalized service will leave you feeling pampered and your safari will be 100% tailormade, designed to suit your personal interests as well as your budget. We do not just take you on one of our safaris ; but instead help you create the perfect trip with the help of our safari specialists. Responsible travel We are enthusiastic about the protection of Uganda s natural resources. We use local guides where possible, book lodges that give back to the communities, recommend shopping at community craft shops and respect the cultures of the communities which host our safaris Value for money Our safaris are a great value because we offer high quality safaris at highly competitive prices. Whether you choose a budget safari or our luxury fly-in safari you can rest assured that you are getting the best value experience possible. We also take care of all travel information including visa requirements, advice on your international flights to Uganda and comprehensive pre-departure information so that you can be confident. So, contact us and take your first step towards the trip of a lifetime Reliability We are an indigenously owned and managed tour company with highly experienced and professional staff who are well versed with destinations in Uganda and Rwanda. With head office centrally based in Kampala- Uganda we are well placed to coordinate all safari activities. We are also part of major tour associations in Uganda and comfort to best practices as enshrined in the Ugandan laws Physically handicapped tourist being carried for Gorilla tracking Our business is to take you on Great Journeys to Fascinating places! 4x4 safari cars At Kesy Tours, only the best equipment is used, it starts with our vehicles right down to the exclusive safari lodges we book. Chartered Flights A Flying Safari allows you to see Uganda from above a great way to get to your Safari Destination in the country. 3

4 Explore the beauty of Uganda The Pearl of Africa Uganda is still virtually untouched and pure as it is relatively unspoilt by mass tourism which is the norm in the other East African countries. It is a country like no other; with rolling hills, picturesque crater lakes, abundant wildlife, adventure activities and of course, the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Uganda is still authentically African, lush green and home to the friendliest people on the continent. According to a 2013 Harvard University study, Uganda is the most ethnically diverse country in the world with more than 40 different indigenous tribes including the Bagisu famous for initiating boys into men in colourful and captivating circumcision ceremonies which takes places every other year, the Ankole of western Uganda are famed for their magnificent long horned cattle, and the nomadic Karimojong who live in the remote, semi-arid North Eastern Uganda have a rich culture which can be explored on a visit to their settlements known as manyatas - all of whom have their own languages, cultures and customs. 4

5 Climate Uganda s raised topography means a cooler climate than its equatorial setting suggests but if you re planning a gorilla trek, it s important to know when to go to Uganda for the easiest trekking conditions. Although it s regarded as a year-round activity, the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking is during the country s two dry seasons: January and February and from June to September. The best game viewing months in Uganda are during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Uganda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet and one can t avoid rain completely. However, after heavy rain, the skies often open up to bright sunshine. Landscape Uganda lies on a plateau more than 1000m above sea level. The Northern plains of the country are covered by savanna grasslands; the extreme east is dominated by the volcanic conditions of Mt Elgon Mountain while the far west bordering the Congo is the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains of the moon. The central area is low lying, occupied by Lake Victoria which is the source of the great River Nile. Lake Victoria and River Nile are very important resources to Ugandans because they support her largely agricultural population providing vital water for irrigation, fishing, power generation and adventure tourism. 5

6 Highlights of Uganda Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, has ten national parks displaying the best of East Africa. Their Rift Valley landscapes and tropical forests make dramatic backdrops to an extensive variety of flora and fauna. Uganda is unrivalled on the continent as a bird watching destination with over 1,057 species of birds several of which are found nowhere else on the planet making it Africa s richest birding destination. It is also home to 13 types of primates including over half of the world s endangered mountain gorillas; and our closest relative the chimpanzee. Explore Uganda on the tip of discovery with the safest and most hospitable parks in Africa! 6

7 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests containing almost 400 species of plants including vines, shrubs and ferns of which 10 species are not found anywhere else in Uganda. More famously, this impenetrable forest also protects an estimated 320 mountain gorillas roughly half of the world s population, including several habituated groups, which can be tracked. This is the bucket list experience of a life time! A range of species of butterflies, mammals, elephants and diurnal primates also call Bwindi home. Other activities include birding, community walks, cultural visits, nature walks, and cycling/biking 7

8 Queen Elizabeth National Park Understandably Uganda s most popular tourist destination. The park s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds making the park a magnet for bird watchers. It is the home of the famous tree climbing lions as well as the Uganda Kob, topi, elephant, baboons, hippos, leopard and buffalo. 8

9 Kidepo Valley National Park Kidepo Valley National Park- Wild, harsh and untamed, Uganda s most isolated national park is also one of Africa s finest wildernesses. It boasts of at least 86 mammal species, 475 bird species and 692 plant species. The park is outstanding for its birds of prey, of which 58 species have been recorded including lammergeyer, Verreaux s eagle, the pygmy falcon and Egyptian vulture. Big game favourites include Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Eland, hyena, cheetah and perhaps Africa s largest single herd of buffalo. Wildlife also includes rare species absent in other Ugandan protected areas such as Aardwolf, Bat- eared fox, Cheetah, Striped Hyena and Ostrich 9

10 Murchison Falls National Park Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area and hosts 76 species of mammals and 451 birds. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centerpiece of the park and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. Hear the roar of the river as it suddenly drops down; see an astonishing display of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and aquatic birds. Watch as herds of elephants, giraffes and buffalo drink and get close up to the falls by hiking all the way to the top courtesy of the launch trip from Paraa. Love sport fishing? The banks below Murchison Falls provide exciting challenges to anglers. There is the chance to land a massive catch - the record is 108kg! Explore the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, south west of the Murchison Falls for an astonishing bio-diverse of 24 mammal species, over 360 birds, 289 butterflies and 465 plants. The forest ecosystem contains black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys, olive baboons, and a habituated chimp group which can be tracked 10

11 Lake Mburo National Park This compact gem has a medley of habitats ranging from dry hillsides, rocky outcrops and bushy thickets, open and wooded savannas to forests, 13 lakes and swamps. It is the smallest of Uganda s savannah national parks. It is home to 350 bird species including the Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Grey Crowned Crane, Black-bellied Bustard and Brown-chested Lapwing as well as zebra, impala, eland, buffalo, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi and reedbuck. Lake Mburo is small by size but big by activities; go horseback riding, bush hiking or even mountain biking and see animals from a different perspective! 11

12 Kibale National Park Kibale National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. The park is home to a total of 70 mammal species, most famously 13 species of primate including the localised red Colobus, L Hoest s monkeys, the endemic Uganda Mangabey and man s closest relatives, the chimpanzee. Kibale has the highest concentration of primates in the world, so seeing them is pretty much guaranteed! It also home to over 375 species of birds, about 60 percent of all recorded forest species of Uganda. When chimpanzees and other forest residents rest up at dusk, a night time shift of rarely seen creatures becomes active. Bats, pottos, bush babies, and civets are the most active at night. Night walks though the dark forest to seek these nocturnal creatures is increasingly popular. 12

13 Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Get your hiking boots on and hike the three conical, extinct volcanoes of Gahinga, Sabinyo and Muhavura which form part of the spectacular Virunga Range. The volcanoes slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery. One habituated trans-boundary gorilla group, the Nyakagezi gorilla family lives here. The best birding in Mgahinga also takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in the gorge between mount Gahinga and Sabinyo, through the bamboo forest, and in the montane forest, where the beautiful Rwenzori Turaco may be observed. Visit the indigenous Batwa pygmies. This tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest s first people, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivalled. Visitors can also enjoy nature walks and track big troops of golden monkeys. 13

14 Rwenzori Mountains National Park- The Rwenzori s- the fabled Mountains of the Moon provide the third highest point in Africa. The lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich moist montane forest. As you go higher, the vegetation opens up to huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses with giant lobelias and everlasting flowers creating an enchanting, fairytale scene. The park sits within the bird rich Albertine Rift, arguably one of the world s most critical birdlife corridor. Birding opportunities are greatest in the montane forest. Bee-eaters, robins, sunbirds and barbets are some of the 220 species found in Rwenzori. These include several Albertine endemics and 17 species that are endemic to the park. The neighboring Bakonzo villages offer nature walks, homestead visits cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local cuisine. 14

15 Mount Elgon National Park Hike to explore the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world (50 km by 80 km); Mt. Elgon is the fourth highest mountain in Eastern Africa with Wagagi Peak at 4321 metres. While ascending Mt. Elgon s enchanting slopes, you will pass through dense montane forest and mixed bamboo belts teeming with birdlife. You will then enter the fascinating heath and moorland zones containing several interesting endemic plant species such as Giant lobelia and groundsels. Wildlife enthusiasts will be pleased to spot primates such as the Black and White Colobus Monkey, Blue Monkey, and hundreds of fascinating bird species, including Golden Winged and Tacazze sunbirds, Ross s and Hartlaubs Turacos, Black and White Casqued and Crowned Hornbills, the endangered Lammergeier eagle and the Jackson s Francolin which is found nowhere else in Uganda. Experience magnificent waterfalls notably at Sipi falls, where the sipi river plunges over three lofty waterfalls in quick succession. Enormous caves, scenic peaks and gorges, and hot springs which bubble up at 48 C. 15

16 Semuliki National Park No birding trip to Uganda is complete without experiencing one of Africa s richest areas of forest birds. The area around the geothermal hot springs at Sempaya is not only very scenic but also offers some great birding. A large number of predominantly Central African species reach the eastern limit of their distribution here and cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa. These include much sought-after birds such as; Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, Blackwattled Hornbill and Lyre-tailed Honey guide. There are also 305 species of trees recorded, of which 125 species are restricted to this park alone. 53 species of mammal have been recorded from the park, many of which are shy, rare and nocturnal. Conspicuous species include Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Vervet, Red-tailed and Mona, Gentle (Blue) Monkeys, Olive Baboon and Guereza Colobus, De Brazza s. 30 species of butterflies have been identified, including 46 species of forest Swallowtails and Charaxes (75% of Uganda s total) and at least 235 species of moths 16

17 ADVENTURE SAFARIS Kessy Tours also organises adventure safaris to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa for unforgettable experiences. Take on some of the world s most amazing grade 5 rapids by water rafting amongst the rapids of the magnificent river Nile, the world s longest river and experience the true epitome of an adrenaline pumping river adventure. Top it all up with a Dare Devil bungee jump thrill over the river Nile at the same spot. Other activities include; quad biking, horse riding, sunset boat cruises, mountain biking, Zip-lining in Mabira forest among the diverse adventure safaris 17

18 Remarkable Rwanda Rwanda is a lush country of endless mountains and stunning scenery. Popularly known as the Land of a thousand Hills, Rwanda has five volcanoes, twenty-three lakes and numerous rivers, some feeding the source of the great River Nile. The landscapes in the green country are truly breathtaking. Rwanda has three important birding areas i.e. Volcanoes, Akagera and Nyungwe National Parks with over 700 species of birds. Its location in the Albertine Rift makes it ideal for birding. Weather and climate Rwanda's relatively high altitude provides it with a remarkably pleasant tropical highland climate, with plenty of rainfall. Temperatures vary considerably between locations depending on their altitude. In the capital, Kigali, the average daily temperature is about 21 C. Rwanda's long rainy season lasts from about March to May, when the rain is heavy and persistent. Then from June to mid-september is the long dry season; this is generally the best time to visit if you have the choice. October to November is a shorter rainy season and it's followed by a short dry season from December to February. During both of Rwanda's dry seasons, there is often light cloud cover. This helps to moderate the temperatures, but also occasionally brings sporadic showers. 18

19 Highlights of your Rwanda Safari Parc National des Volcans forest conservation. Within the National Park, you will find no less than 1000 plant species including rare endemic orchids, 13 species of primates including more than 500 chimpanzees, 75 species of mammals, at least 275 species of birds and an astounding 120 species of butterflies. Whereas chimps tend to garner most of the spotlight in Nyungwe, the park s second billing is a habituated troop of about 400 Angolan colobus monkeys, the largest group of arboreal monkeys in all of Africa. Gisenyi Take a hike along the forested slopes of the Virungas in search of silverback gorillas and golden monkeys. This is in the Volcanoes National Park which is the Rwanda section of the Virungas. Comprised of five Volcanoes- the highest Karisimbi, is more than 4500m and are some of the most beautiful sights in both Rwanda and Africa. Stay in the area once you have finished tracking to see a troop of golden monkeys which can only be seen in the Virungas. Parc National de Nyungwe Kick back with a passion fruit cocktail on the sandy shores of Lake Kivu. Land locked Rwanda may be a long way from the ocean, but that doesn t mean that you can t have a beach holiday here. The shores of Lake Kivu which conceal some of the best inland beaches on the continent Enjoy the white sandy shores of Lake Kivu, Africa s sixth largest lake surrounded by extensive tropical gardens. The tastefully open-plan Lake Trek through steamy rain forests in search of Kivu Serena Hotel offers the ideal destination in chimpanzees, man s closest relatives sharing Rwanda for an extended holiday all within a few about 97.8% of human genes in Rwanda s most hours drive of both the Rwandan capital, and the glorious Volcanoes National Park. important area of bio diversity. Nyungwe is rated as Africa s highest priority for 19

20 Kigali Memorial Centre Confront the horrors of the genocide at this haunting memorial on the outskirts of the capital. Why did Rwanda descend into 100 days of madness? The Kigali Memorial Centre explains it as best as it can. The center is a must for all visitors to Rwanda wanting to learn more about how it was that the world watched as the genocide unfolded in this tiny landlocked country. An informative tour includes a background on the divisive colonial experience in Rwanda and the steady build up to the genocide. You will see sections on the cold and calculated planning of the genocide and its bloody execution, a room full of photographs of Rwandan victims of the genocide, another to the innocent children who fell victim to the killers machetes and a section dedicated to informing visitors about other genocides that have taken place around the world to set Rwanda s nightmare in historical context. Please take a look at a small sample of what we offer and remember that we can tailor any Uganda or Rwanda Safari to your specific needs and budget. 20

21 Our sample itineraries 10 days best of Uganda tour Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe international airport Day 2: Drive to Murchison falls national park via Ziwa rhino sanctuary Day 3: Game drive and Launch cruise Day 4 Drive to Kibale forest national park Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking. Later transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park Day 6: Game drive and Boat cruise Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable national park Day 8: Gorilla tracking Day 9: L.Mburo national park Day10:Back to Kampala or Entebbe and departure 6 days Rwanda Primates Safari Day 1: Arrival at Kigali international airport Day 2: Nyungwe forest national park Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking Day 4: Nature walk in Nyungwe and depart for Volcanoes national park Day 5: Gorilla tracking Day 6: Kigali memorial centre and departure Our Pricing where applicable includes; All Park fees All activities All accommodation A professional driver/guide All transportation All Taxes/VAT Round-trip airport transfer Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section) Drinking water in the vehicle Excluded All items of a personal nature i.e. tobacco, telephone, travel insurance, laundry, visa and insurance fees etc. Any additional accommodation/ activity not mentioned in the itinerary Tips to porters and drivers/ guides International flights (from/to home) 21

22 Travel Information Please note:us dollars bills issued before 2006 are NOT accepted in Uganda. Exchanging low denomination dollar bills (less than a USD50 bill) attracts a lower exchange rate. Tipping in Uganda How much to tip in Uganda depends entirely on your level of satisfaction of course, but even a small tip to show your gratitude will be highly appreciated. Is it safe for homosexuals to visit Uganda? Despite some negative press, Uganda is a very safe country for gay and lesbian travellers. However, like most African countries, the Ugandan society is conservative and we would recommend discretion. International Flights There are a number of airlines that offer regular flights to both Rwanda (Kigali) and Uganda (Entebbe), they include; Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airlines, Emirates Airlines, KLM, Brussels Airlines, South African Airlines, Kenya Airways, Fly Dubai, RwandaAir, Etihad Airlines Visa requirements to enter Uganda Travellers to Uganda can obtain the US $50 Ugandan Tourist Visa online from wherever in the world they are with an online Application. Tourist visas can also be bought in advance via the embassy or consulate in your country Photos are not required and a single entry visa is valid for up to 90 days stay in Uganda. If you are planning to combine Uganda with a visit to Rwanda, we recommendthat you request for the East African Tourist Visa instead of a single entry visa. This special visa costs US$100 per person and allows 90-days multiple entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. For details, visit ATM card and credit card How to book and pay for your Uganda Safari If you are interested in a mountain gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda you are required to buy a gorilla permit well in advance of your trip. Only eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla group per day as the demand is high. We are happy to book your gorilla trekking permits and organise your gorilla safari. To buy your gorilla permit, you will need to provide us with your full names, nationality, passport number, preferred date of trekking and gorilla permit fee. The minimum age for tracking the gorillas is 15 years. Although a certain level of fitness is required for the gorilla tracking, those who cannot walk can enjoy this activity by use of a stretcher. Once you have confirmed the final itinerary with us, you will be asked to pay a deposit of 30%. Gorilla permits must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Note that availability of accommodation and permits is not guaranteed until officially confirmed by Kesy Tours. Accommodation, permit and activity reservations will be made as soon as payment has been received on our account. For your convenience, the balance payment of 70% should be settled before the start of your safari. We accept payment by VISA credit card (please include 5% service charge) and bank transfer in either dollars or Euros to our bank account in Uganda. Please note that all bank charges are at the expense of the client. Health information for Travellers to Uganda Uganda and Rwanda are both cash based societies. The Ugandan currency is called the shilling, while in Rwanda usesrwandese Francs and the United States dollar. There are a many ATMs available throughout the capitals which accept Visa, although they become more scarce as you enter the rural areas. Most banks will accept ATM cards or Visa credit cards for money withdrawal in Uganda and Rwanda.Payment by credit card in Uganda usually attracts additional charges of between 5 10%. Please check with lodges and restaurants in advance, if you plan to pay by credit card. It is advisable that you bring cash and have money changed upon arrival in Kampala. US dollars, British pounds and Euros are easy to change. It is often possible to pay for tourist activities with US dollars. Recommended vaccinations required before entering Uganda or Rwanda include; Yellow Fever and cholera. A certificate proving you have had the Immunizations against DTP (Diphtheria,Tetanus and Polio) and Hepatitis A are recommended as well. Besides bringing mosquito repellent, we also advise you to take malaria prophylactics (prevention medication). For the latest Uganda travel advice, please contact Kesy Tours at Sylvia@kesytours.com. We re always happy to give free Uganda travel advice! 22

23 Our Services; Wildlife Safaris Birding Safaris Mountaineering Culture and Community Tourism City tours Fishing tours Golfing Activity Tours Adventure safaris Airport Transfers Hotel and apartment booking Our team Mrs. Wagubi Sylvia (Founder / CEO) sylvia@kesytours.com Mr.Robert Wagubi (Founder / CEO) wrobert@kesytours.com Ms, Mbabazi Chantal Associate Partner Netherlands chantal@kesytours.com Cyndi McLeod Associate Partner Canada cyndi@kesytours.com Ms. Jane Kabarwani Lead Guide jane@kesytours.com 23

24 Plot, 2722, Kalungi Road P.O.BOX 37120, Kampala- Uganda Tel: / kesy.tours Kesy-tours-travel Kesy tours is a associated with