New to East Africa guided ATV (Quad Bike) safaris at Lake Mburo N.P.

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Rodney Merritt
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1 New to East Africa guided ATV (Quad Bike) safaris at Lake Mburo N.P. AFRICAN ATV SAFARIS take small groups (max. 5) on game viewing safaris using All Terrain Vehicles. Two hour or four hour safaris run twice daily from the base beside Kimbla-Mantana Camp.

All Terrain Vehicles (ATV s), also referred to as Quadbikes, offer a unique opportunity for game viewing.

Visitors to the park can expect to see; herds of zebra, impala, eland, topi, warthog, waterbuck, buffalo, duiker, jackal and many other animals as well as some of the 300+ species of bird recorded in

There are no elephant or lion in this park, making it suitable for this type of safari. Safaris are limited to 2 per day with a maximum number of 5 people.

2 All Terrain Vehicles (ATV s), also referred to as Quadbikes, offer a unique opportunity for game viewing. Led by professional guides, our safaris follow trails through areas populated by many African animals and birds. Visitors to the park can expect to see; herds of zebra, impala, eland, topi, warthog, waterbuck, buffalo, duiker, jackal and many other animals as well as some of the 300+ species of bird recorded in the park. The ATV s allow greater freedom, better views and a feel of the wide open spaces when compared with traditional car based safaris. There are no elephant or lion in this park, making it suitable for this type of safari. Safaris are limited to 2 per day with a maximum number of 5 people. THREE OPTIONS: The Eland Track Safari (2 hours), The Cultural Trail (3 hours) and the Ruroko Track Safari (4 hours). They start from our site beside Kimbla- Kimbla-Mantana Tented Camp. A training/practice session is conducted before the start of each trip so if you have never ridden an ATV before, we will show you how. We normally run the Eland Track Safari in the morning, starting around 9.00am and the Ruroko Track Safari in the afternoon, starting at about 2.00pm. This is to maximise game viewing opportunities and in the evening, to be out at Kazuma Lookout taking in the magnificent views with the sun creeping down to the horizon and the colours glowing across the land. We can generally run the trips to suit your schedule.

The Eland Track Guided ATV Safari takes about 2 & ½ hours meandering through acacia forest with herds of zebra, groups of waterbuck and topi, eland, warthogs and many birds. Price UGX 100,000 (approx.

The Ruroko Track Guided ATV Safari takes about 4 hours for the more adventurous, through open valleys and over difficult sections of the park tracks, stopping off at Ruroko Kopje and Kazuma Lookout

EACH TRIP STARTS with signing on and getting kitted out with overalls, helmet, goggles, a bandana and either our gumboots or your own closed footwear. A briefing session follows.

3 The Eland Track Guided ATV Safari takes about 2 & ½ hours meandering through acacia forest with herds of zebra, groups of waterbuck and topi, eland, warthogs and many birds. Price UGX 100,000 (approx. $60) inclusive of; training, helmet, goggles, overalls & refreshments. The Ruroko Track Guided ATV Safari takes about 4 hours for the more adventurous, through open valleys and over difficult sections of the park tracks, stopping off at Ruroko Kopje and Kazuma Lookout Point, finally returning via either the Warukiri Track or Lakeside Track. Price UGX 180,000 (approx. $110) inclusive of; as above. EACH TRIP STARTS with signing on and getting kitted out with overalls, helmet, goggles, a bandana and either our gumboots or your own closed footwear. A briefing session follows. Emphasis is placed on strictly adhering to Uganda Wildlife Authority regulations in particular no off-track riding or speeding. If you came here to plough through the mud and race your friends you ve made a mistake these are game viewing safaris for small groups who want to get out into the bush and experience the sights, sounds, smells and feel of Africa without windows and a tin can around you. The All Terrain Vehicles (Quad Bikes) we use are very easy to ride. Semiautomatic, 250cc machines with efficient silencers and very wide, lowpressure tyres for minimal impact on the trails. Learner / practice circuits have been setup beside the site. No previous experience is needed as the guides will train you in the basics and develop your skills along the way. We ve had clients of all ages, who have never driven any vehicle before, who have managed without any problems. An easy ride out along the main park trails further familiarises you with the ATV and then we turn off onto the smaller game trails. Magic moments out in the bush, taking in the colours and sounds from the seat of your ATV. Meandering effortlessly along trails that wind through acacia forest, glimpses of animals through the trees, opening out into valleys with herds grazing in the open savannah plains. Some of the best photographic opportunities in Africa flash all around you. Cool bananas! You are free to stop at any time. At a few points along the trail we like to switch off the engines and take in the unblemished sounds of the woodland or savannah. Bottled water is carried by the guides fruit juice and biscuits are served while overlooking the waterhole. All you need to bring is a smile and maybe a camera. Great game viewing opportunities are certain. On our second trip we saw a leopard having fresh impala for breakfast. That can t be guaranteed every trip but we can assure you that this will be one of the great rides of your life.

The Cultural Trail Due to shrinking land resources, population growth and external pressures; wildlife and the environment are under threat as never before.

Because we believe in responsible and sustainable use of natural resources for eco-tourism and development, African ATV Safaris has formed a partnership with The Ankole Eco-Cultural Village, with a

Imagine yourself riding through an unspoilt, wide expanse of African savannah on a quad-bike, with an opportunity to help the Ankole Community maintain a traditional lifestyle, help prevent poaching

4 The Cultural Trail Due to shrinking land resources, population growth and external pressures; wildlife and the environment are under threat as never before. The Ankole people in this area have held on to a traditional lifestyle but in the process have been left behind by mainstream Ugandan development. Because we believe in responsible and sustainable use of natural resources for eco-tourism and development, African ATV Safaris has formed a partnership with The Ankole Eco-Cultural Village, with a view to taking visitors on an exciting new adventure that blends nature and cultural elements. Imagine yourself riding through an unspoilt, wide expanse of African savannah on a quad-bike, with an opportunity to help the Ankole Community maintain a traditional lifestyle, help prevent poaching of animals in the conservation area and protect the existing eco-systems. Some of the revenue generated will also be used in community development projects (as is being done by our sister company, All Terrain Adventures at Bujagali Falls) that are of benefit to all the people living in the area. This is an unforgettable experience for all visitors Listen to Africa; she only reveals her secrets to those who do. Maybe that is why she is shaped like a giant ear! The Cultural Trail 3 Hours - UGX 150,000/= After practice / training and a briefing session at Kimbla-Mantana Camp we ride to Sanga Gate along the Park game-viewing tracks. From Sanga Gate we turn off the road for an exciting ride along cattle corridor to Minekye view-point and from there via impressive banana plantations to Rwamuhuku Trading Centre. From the Trading Centre we proceed to Rwabarata Village and then to Kiribwa Community which has a special cultural site called Nyamiryango, related to the Bachwezi Dynasty. There are also some extraordinary rock formations here. The trail then takes us back to the Ankole Cultural Centre. Along the way we get a chance to interact with the pastoral community. There is an opportunity to learn more about the Ankole Longhorn these cattle are an intrinsic part of Ankole culture. We get to see cows being milked and ways of using the dairy products. We also visit some traditional homesteads and get to meet some of the people in the area. These people are very proud of their culture and are willing to share with you a little about how they live. After visiting the Cultural Centre we return to Kimbla-Mantana Camp via the gameviewing trails in Lake Mburo National Park.

Ugandan based companies Kimbla-Mantana African Safaris and All Terrain Adventures have teamed up to create a series of All Terrain Vehicle / quadbike trails in Lake Mburo, the first activity of its

Lake Mburo currently offers conventional game-drive experiences, along with nightdrives, sport fishing, boat launches and guided walking safaris says Simon Wood, General Manager for Kimbla-Mantana

the grand scale. It has regional safari operations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, as well as permanent accommodations and concessions, including Lake Mburo Tented Camp and Bwindi Forest Lodge.

5 Ugandan based companies Kimbla-Mantana African Safaris and All Terrain Adventures have teamed up to create a series of All Terrain Vehicle / quadbike trails in Lake Mburo, the first activity of its kind in East Africa. Lake Mburo currently offers conventional game-drive experiences, along with nightdrives, sport fishing, boat launches and guided walking safaris says Simon Wood, General Manager for Kimbla-Mantana Uganda, but the addition of this new adventure based activity makes Lake Mburo one of the most exciting National Parks in East Africa, with a wider range of activities suitable for everyone s interests. The partnership between the 2 companies sees a fusion of the old and the new: Kimbla-Mantana African Safaris was established in 1958, and has its roots in traditional mobile camping expeditions on the grand scale. It has regional safari operations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, as well as permanent accommodations and concessions, including Lake Mburo Tented Camp and Bwindi Forest Lodge. All Terrain Adventures on the other hand offers adventure based activities in and around their HQ and popular DeNile Café at Bujagali Falls, Jinja East Africa s adventure capital. They have been operating in Uganda for over 6 years and have gained a solid reputation as an innovative tour company. overlooks the lake and the surrounding park. Kimbla-Mantana has recently rebuilt the restaurant and reception at Lake Mburo. This beautiful thatched building Our Ugandan camps combine seclusion and exclusivity in enchanting surroundings, offering extraordinary contrasts of comfort and wilderness. The camps are luxurious retreats with an emphasis on personal service and idyllic settings, from the spacious, airy sleeping tents to the comfortably furnished dining tents and well stocked bars, where guests can unwind after each day s activities. Kimbla-Mantana's camps have excellent dining facilities with our kitchens preparing delicious food of the highest standards, complemented by the freshest vegetables and tropical fruit. The service is warm, friendly and unobtrusive. Our camp staff, in keeping with our company policy, are from the local communities, with a wealth of knowledge of the areas in which they live and work and are trained to make sure that our clients have a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

6 ADVENTURE PACKAGES: 2 nights accommodation at a discounted price of $190 for 2 people, $120 single, per night, including full board. And any combination of the following activities: ATV / Quadbike Safaris Game drive in Mantana Vehicle (4WD landcruiser with roof hatches, professional driver guide, guidebooks etc) Night drive in Kimbla-Mantana Vehicle Boat Launch on Lake Mburo with UWA guide Morning guided walking safari with UWA guide SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 1. FRIDAY. Day 2. SATURDAY. Day 3. SUNDAY. Transfer from KLA early afternoon. Evening - Boat Cruise. Overnight - Mantana Camp. Morning - Walking Safari. Afternoon - Ruroko Quad Bike Trail, Evening - game drive. Morning - Eland Quad Bike Trail. Lunch and then transfer to KLA early afternoon. The costs for the activities are as follows: ATV Safaris UGX 100,000 to 180,000 per person. Game Drive - $100 per vehicle Night Drive - $65 per vehicle including $25 for UWA Ranger Boat Cruise - $5 per person Walking safari - $10 per person PARK ENTRY FEES: TRANSFERS: Guests can travel to the park in their own vehicles (2wd OK) or we can arrange return transfers from Kampala or elsewhere in Uganda. Kimbla- Mantana Camp can generally give the driver free food & accommodation in the staff area. Ugandan Citizen - UGX 5,000 (1 day), UGX 7,500 (2 days), UGX 10,000 (3 days or more) Resident (2 Years) - $15 (1 day), $20 (2 days), $25 (3 days or more) Non Resident - $25 (1 day), $35 (2 days), $50 (3 days or more) Vehicle Entry UGX 20,000-30,000 BOOKINGS: You can book with African ATV Safaris, Kimbla-Mantana Uganda or with your selected Tour and Travel Operator. African ATV Safaris info@africanatvsafaris.com Telephone: +256 (0) /7 Kimbla-Mantana Uganda mantana@africaonline.co.ug Telephone: (0) All Terrain Adventures info@atadventures.com Telephone: +256 (0) or

www.africanatvsafaris.com www.kimbla-mantana.co.ug www.atadventures.com OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPT

TRANSFERS: We are generally able to offer transfers from Park Headquarters and from other sites in and near the park, or drive to our site which is only 3 km from headquarters.

Kampala: +256 (0) 414-355 000 There are several BANDAS available at Park Headquarters, Rwonyo.

7 OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS AT LAKE MBURO N.P. TRANSFERS: We are generally able to offer transfers from Park Headquarters and from other sites in and near the park, or drive to our site which is only 3 km from headquarters. Budget Options Bandas and Camping: These must be pre-booked with Uganda Wildlife Authority Lake Mburo Park Headquarters: Kampala: +256 (0) There are several BANDAS available at Park Headquarters, Rwonyo. They offer fairly basic, clean accommodation with bedding, mozzie nets, well maintained shared facilities (toilets and showers) and a campfire at night on request. Uganda Wildlife Association website: There is a CAMPSITE near the Lakeside Restaurant. Toilets and showers are basic but well maintained. A campfire is also available on request. (Charge per person: UGX 10,000 Children 5 to 15: UGX 1,500) The STUDENT / EDUCATION CENTRE is located near Sanga Gate and overlooks the lake. Dormitory style accommodation with cooking facilities. (Charges Ugandan Student: UGX 2,500, International or non-student UGX 10,000).

Mihingo Lodge: Located just outside the park on the eastern side.

Mihingo Lodge provides luxury accommodation for the national and international market.

8 Mihingo Lodge: Located just outside the park on the eastern side. The lodge is built on a large rocky outcrop with views onto the park. Mihingo Lodge provides luxury accommodation for the national and international market. Rates: PP in Twin/ Double $210, PP in Single $300 Mihingo Lodge Tel Website: Arcadia Cottages: This complex of chalets (doubles and family) with restaurant and bar down near the lakeside. It is expected to be completed before the end of Rates: Double $180, Family $260. Arcadia Cottages, Tel (0) , Mobile: arcadiacottages@yahoo.com

SOME OTHER ACTIVITIES AT LAKE MBURO N.P. Walking Safaris: This is another special way to experience the park.

The walk lasts approximately 2 hours, but this is flexible and if only your group, you can choose when you want to return.

(Charge per person: $10 USD) Boat Trip: Must be pre-booked with Park Headquarters at Rwonyo (0392-711346). The trip starts from beside the Lakeside Restaurant and takes approximately 2 hours.

The boat takes a maximum of 10 people. Forest Walk: Must be pre-booked with Park Headquarters at Rwonyo (0392-711346).

9 SOME OTHER ACTIVITIES AT LAKE MBURO N.P. Walking Safaris: This is another special way to experience the park. Game Walks must be pre-booked and start from Park Headquarters ( ), normally around 7.00am. The walk lasts approximately 2 hours, but this is flexible and if only your group, you can choose when you want to return. If you want to see hyenas returning to their den, hippos returning to the water or Sitatunga, you should start a bit earlier. (Charge per person: $10 USD) Boat Trip: Must be pre-booked with Park Headquarters at Rwonyo ( ). The trip starts from beside the Lakeside Restaurant and takes approximately 2 hours. You always see Hippo and Crocs as well as many bird species including the rare shoebill stork. Charge per person: UGX 5,000 for Ugandan citizens, others $5, for a minimum equivalent of 30,000/=. The boat takes a maximum of 10 people. Forest Walk: Must be pre-booked with Park Headquarters at Rwonyo ( ). The trip starts from the western side of the lake past the Fishing Village, in Rubanga Forest. It takes approximately 2 hours. There are many different species of birds and primates. A Sitatunga lookout platform is being constructed here so if you are lucky you might see this elusive antelope that lives in the papyrus swamps and is very rarely seen. Night Game Drives: must be pre-booked and start from Park Headquarters ( ), normally around 7.00 to 8.00pm for 2 or 3 hours. Lake Mburo is one of the few parks where you can go on a night game drive. Charge: $25 USD per guide per vehicle. Sport Fishing Permits: 1 day: $10 per person Up to 4 days: $20 per person Annual permit: $50 per person Children under 12 years free of charge Game Drives: There are lovely games drives within Lake Mburo National Park, with spectacular views. We recommend that you use our ATV s / Quadbikes as the best way to experience the park but most tracks can be driven in a 4WD. Probably the best view within the Park is from Kazuma Look-out point, You are allowed to walk to the top of the hill from where you can see 9 of the 14 lakes surrounding the Park. Ankole Cultural Centre: Located just outside the park near Sanga Gate the Banyankole have set up this centre to highlight the customs and history of their kingdom.

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