UGANDA
- ADVENTURE SAFARIS 
INTRODUCTION
This category
includes the specialised safaris one associates with Adventure (with the
exception of Water Safaris, which has its own category) and is specially
geared towards those who love the great Outdoors and associated
pursuits.
Walking Safaris
If you've
set your heart on a trekking/walking safari go no further. There's no substitute
for walking through the bush, poised with anticipation, the sun caressing
your back, your senses alive with the sights and sounds - with no vehicles
and crowds to interupt the experience. East Africa has the richest, most
diverse terrain in Africa. Ranging from snow-peaked mountains, desert, endless
savannah plains to thick and secretive tropical rain forests. It is
unquestionably one of the best regions in Africa to explore by foot.
Mountaineering
The Rwenzoris 'The
Mountains of the Moon optimizes the magnetism of Africa's 'World above
the Clouds.' It is Africa's tallest mountain range. The distinctive glacial
peaks are visible for miles around, but the slopes above 1,600m are the preserve
of hikers, who rate the Rwnzoris to be the most challenging of all African
mountains. The highest peak at 5,109m, Mt. Margarita sits beside Alexandra
and a line of leading peaks, whilst Mt. Speke, considered to be one of the
toughest peaks stands alone on the other side of steep devide. It is
a long trek through jungle terrain to summit any of the many peaks but
the climbs and view over Uganda and neighbouring Congo is simply stunning.
Climbing skills are neccessary for the higher Peaks. Treks cirumnavigating
the peaks are also available. All trekking/climbing pursuits need to be carefully
planned with experts who know the areas concerned, however because of the
remotness of the Rwenzoris we cannot emphasize this point enough.
Colleen Hogg, M.D of ATR summited Mount Speke, sponcered by the Far Horizon
and the Uganda Wildlife Authorities to celebrate its reopening to the public
in 2001 and notes on that climb are linked below.
<<< click here for our exclusive writeup on the Rwenzoris
>>>
Zoological, Educational and Ornithology
Safaris
Specifically designed
for educational organizations and associations/clubs wanting safaris accompanied
by specialists in zoological topics, wildlife management, and other specialized
topics.
Uganda is a birding paradise. With 1,020 species of birds recorded, the country
has one of the highest species densities in the world. 46 of these species
are found only in this region of Africa.
Gorilla Safaris
The film 'Gorillas
in the Mist' (based on Diane Fossey's work in Rwanda and Zaire with gorillas)
perhaps did more to enhance the image of these 'Gentle Giants' then any other
single factor. Some 300 gorillas inhabit the Virungu Mountains, which saddle
the Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo border, and Magahinga Gorilla National Park
(part of the Virunga's) is situated within Uganda. The alternative is to
visit the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Southwest Uganda. This ancient
rainforest is one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the
last ice age and is home to roughly half of the world's mountain gorillas.
White Water
Rafting
Uganda's has been sadly overshadowed by highly publisized rafting in Zimbabwe.
Don't be fooled! Some of the most exhilerating white water rafting is available
on the roaring cataracts of the White Nile, close to its source at Jinga
(a 1 1/2 drive from Kampala). Levels of rafting from 'hair raising'
to relatively gentle are available - so there's something to suit all. Its
the perfect addition for the adventurous visiting Uganda.
Additional Adventure Safaris
The variety of adventure
safaris available is ever increasing. See below for additional activities
as they develop.