American World Traveler Fall 2016 Issue

34
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is the only
place in Uganda where visitors can see rhinoceros
in the wild. The ranch, a collaborative
effort between the Uganda Wildlife
Authority and Rhino Fund Uganda, serves
as a sanctuary for 15 southern white rhinos,
allowing the animals to live and breed
in a protected environment. In addition to
the rhinos, more than 40 species of mammals,
reptiles, and birds call Ziwa home.
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is located
halfway between Kampala and Murchison
Falls and is a fun and educational way for
those traveling by road to break up the
five-hour trip.
Birding In Queen Elizabeth National Park
Big Five Reasons to Visit
Uganda
Classified as an Important Birding Area by
Birding International, Queen Elizabeth
National Park in southwestern Uganda is
home to more than 600 species of birds –
more than any other national park in East
Africa. Its diverse landscape comprised of
savanna, forest, and crater lakes allows visitors
to spot species from eastern and central
Africa such as the Martial Eagle, Black-
Rumped Buttonquail, African Skimmer,
Pinkbacked Pelican, African Broadbill, and
Shoebill.
Immersive Cultural Experiences
As home to more than half the
world’s population of endangered
mountain gorillas, Uganda often
tops the bucket lists of travel enthusiasts
seeking to come face to face with a majestic
silverback in the wild. Beyond the oncein-a-lifetime
opportunity of gorilla trekking,
Uganda offers a diverse range of nature,
wildlife, and immersive cultural activities
that will open travelers’ eyes, minds, and
hearts to the endless beauty of an African
experience. Now planning a trip to Uganda
is easier than ever with a new online visa
application program, and the Uganda
Tourism Board invites travelers to plan their
trip to experience gorilla trekking, a “Big
Five” safari, and so much more.
Big Game And The Mighty Nile
The dramatic landscape of Murchison Falls
National Park provides a breathtaking
backdrop for Uganda’s most robust wildlife
viewing. Located at the northern end of the
Albertine Rift Valley, an hour northwest of
the capital city Kampala by air, Murchison
Falls boasts 76 species of mammals and
451 species of birds. Big game in
Murchison includes elephants, lions, leopards,
and buffalo, along with giraffes,
waterbucks, warthogs, and more. The park
is bisected by the Victoria Nile, where resident
crocodiles and hippos and other visiting
wildlife can be found. The river plunges
American World Traveler / Fall 2016
nearly 150 feet over the remnant rift valley
wall to create the dramatic falls – the centerpiece
of the park – and the mighty cascade
drains the last of the river's energy,
transforming it into a broad, placid stream
that flows quietly across the rift valley floor
into Lake Albert.
Chimpanzee Trekking In Budongo
Primate lovers come to Uganda for the
gorillas and stay for the chimpanzees. (Just
ask famed researcher Jane Goodall, whose
institute founded and operates Budongo
Eco Lodge here.) Budongo Forest Reserve,
located within Murchison Falls National
Park, is home to nearly 700 of these playful
primates including six groups habituated
to humans. Knowledgeable guides follow
the chimps’ daily movements and lead
trekking groups of up to six people into
their habitat. It can take anywhere from 30
minutes to a full day to locate a group of
chimps, giving ample time for participants
to learn about the forest’s ecology before
spending an hour watching a chimp family
play, swing from trees and interact.
Conservation in Action At Ziwa Rhino And
Wildlife Ranch
The culture of Uganda is defined by its colorful
communities and more than 50 distinct
tribes. Each area of the country offers
opportunities for visitors to interact with the
locals and learn about their lives, customs,
and livelihoods. Activities like The Batwa
Experience offer a glimpse into the living
history of this pygmy tribe that once called
Uganda’s forests home. Communities
across Uganda that focus on sustainable
economic projects such as basket weaving
and beekeeping teach visitors about their
craft and give them a chance to test their
skills first-hand. Many lodges support nearby
villages by providing a portion of their
nightly rates to help fund community development
projects. Because of this close relationship,
community organizations often
visit lodges to interact with visitors and put
on cultural performances featuring dance,
music and song.
https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
www.visituganda.com
Photo: Uganda Tourism Board