Jenal Uganda safaris

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s most important forest, home to over 470 mountain gorillas & a gorilla trekking attraction that see thousands of annual tourists to this part of Uganda. Located in a mountainous area in southwest Uganda (near the boarder with Rwanda in the south), Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is commonly known for its famous inhabitants, the mountain gorillas, but this 331 square kilometers of tropical forest spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys is one of the largest areas in East Africa which still has Afromontane lowland forest extending to well within the montane forest belt. Waged on the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley and believed to be a Pleistocene refugium, the property is a biodiversity hot-spot with possibly the greatest number of tree species for its altitude in East Africa according to UNESCO. It is also host to a rich fauna including a number of endemic butterflies and one of the richest mammalian assemblages in Africa. Home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, the property represents a conservation frontline as an isolated forest of outstanding biological richness surrounded by an agricultural landscape supporting one of the highest rural population densities in tropical Africa. Community benefits arising from gorilla trekking tourism and other ecotourism may be the only hope for the future conservation of this unique site.

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK SUMMARY Size: 3,840km2 Murchison Falls became one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952 At Murchison Falls, the Nile squeezes through an 8m wide gorge and plunges with a thunderous roar into the "Devil's Cauldron", creating a trademark rainbow. The northern section of the park contains savanna and borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland. The south is dominated by woodland and forest patches The 1951 film "The African Queen" starring Humphrey Bogart was filmed on Lake Albert and the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison falls national park in details: Located in the North-western part of Uganda, Murchison falls national park is the largest national park in Uganda and covers an area of 3,893 sq km about 1,503 sq miles. It is the oldest and first conservation area in Uganda and it is divided by the Victoria Nile. The park was named after the popular Murchison falls where the Victoria Nile forces its way through a narrow gap before plunging 43 meters down with a thunderous roar. The park is surrounded by Karuma and Bugungu wildlife reserves. A Uganda safari to Murchison falls national park can never disappoint and on one of the safaris here, a traveler may see all the big 5 animals when combined with an en route visit to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for guided Rhino tracking. Travelers who visit Murchison Falls National park can also combine it with a chimpanzee tracking safari to Kibale National park. On a Uganda wildlife safari to Murchison Falls, expect to see a massive number of wildlife on sunrise or sunset game drives. Look out for African Cape buffalo, the graceful giraffes, elephants, lions, and leopards, different types of antelopes, monkeys and different bird species and on a boat to the delta, you will have a high chance of seeing the bizarre looking shoebill stork which is one of the famous birds looked for on our bird watching safaris. There are many optional activities in this beautiful national park that include a hike to the top of the falls. You do not need to be physically fit to go for this hike which offers stunning photographic views of the falls. At the top of the falls, you will see a beautiful rain bow. Other optional activities are a balloon safari over the park, sports fishing which requires a sport fishing permit, and chimpanzee tracking tour in Budongo forest. On a boat safari at the bottom of the falls, you will see hippos, Nile crocodiles and beautifully feathered birds. The park has different types of accommodations for every traveler. Luxury lodges include Bakers lodge and Paraa Safari lodge; mid range lodges include Pakuba safari lodge, Murchison River lodge and Fort Murchison and budget accommodation include Red chilli Murchison Falls. Activities to do in Murchison Falls National park Boat safaris to the base of Murchison Falls- A boat safari at the bottom of the Murchison falls national park is one of the highlights of this national park and should not missed. At the stunning Murchison Falls, River Nile which is the world’s longest river forces itself through a narrow cleft before dropping 43m down with a thunderous roar. River Nile divided Murchison Falls National park in North and south sectors and attracts a huge number of animals which come to drink from the river. A boat safari to the bottom of Murchison falls offers visitors an opportunity to see and photograph animals that come to drink especially during afternoon or evening hours. Apart from the animals, the river attracts huge numbers of birds. You will see Nile crocodiles relaxing at the river bank, hippopotamus splashing waters, elephants, giraffes, antelopes among others. Birds include pied king fisher, fish eagles, saddle billed storks and bee eaters. Boat safaris in Murchison falls national park happen in the morning, in the afternoon and early evening and booking in advance is recommended. Hike to the top of the Murchison Falls. The Murchison falls are stunning and a hike to the top of the falls with a constant rainbow is breath taking. This activity by all means should not be missed while in the park and it can also be done by children. The hike offers stunning views of the falls and the green scenery surrounding them. The hike is an easy one and takes about 30 minutes for people who are really fast and about an hour for people who are less fast and with stopovers for the guide’s briefing on some of the stop points. The hike trails are well developed although the steps are quite steep on some point. A traveler will have great views of the Uhuru falls too and you will have some of the best photographs taken from here. The hike starts from the bottom of the falls and your driver guide MUST wait for a visitor at the top of the falls. It is an easy hike but we recommend wearing closed shoes River trip to the Nile Delta- Another top activity in Murchison Falls National park is a river boat trip to the Nile Delta. This is where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert and a boat trip here is a must for bird watchers. The banks of the Nile Delta are famous for the weird looking shoebill stork which is rare and pre-historic.  The shoebill stork is one of Uganda’s highly sought after birds on every bird watching safari. Apart from the shoebill stork, look out for other birds like the giant Kingfisher, bee eaters, pelican and other storks. You will see many Nile crocodiles, some elephants and numerous antelopes. If time allows, have a bush breakfast by the northern bank or river Nile. As you approach lake Albert, you will have beautiful views of mountains on the other side. Few people go for the Nile Delta boat safari, so you will have the whole river to yourself. Sunrise, sunset and night safaris in Murchison Falls National park- The best way to come face to face with the animal kingdom in Murchison falls National parks is by the going for a sunrise, sunset or night safari, in the Northern part of River Nile where most wildlife of the national park are. Travelers who stay at Paraa Safari Lodge and Pakuba Safari lodge do not need to cross the ferry for the game drives since they are located in the North where the activity starts from. On these game drives expect to see lots of elephants, giraffes, Africa cape Buffalo, lions, leopards, primates,  and different types of antelopes that include the oribi and the water buck. Murchison Falls National park is also home to many birds which can be seen during the game drives. On a nocturnal or night game drive, you will see nightlight of nocturnal animals like lions hunting. Birding watching safari in Murchison falls National Park- Murchison falls National Park is also one of the best birding places in Uganda and the park’s main attraction is the shoebill stork, best sighted on the Nile Delta boat safari. The best time to see the shoebill stork in Murchison Falls National park is January to March. Bird watching can be done during game drives. The most common birds sighted are the Abyssinian ground hornbill, black bellied Bustards, open billed storks, secretary bird. On your boat safari at the bottom of the Murchison falls you will see the kingfishers, hornbills, the Grey heron, fly catchers and bee eaters among others. At the Nile river bank, you will also see stilts, plovers, and geese. Birding watching can also be done from Budongo Forest for forest birds and a long the royal mile. We have a ready made bird watching safari which you can sign up for, for birds of Uganda. Hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National park- A hot air balloon safari gives a visitor in Murchison Falls National park a bird eye’s view of the national park. Hot air balloon safaris are only possible in the morning, and they are wrapped up by a bush breakfast. One sees lots of animals from above and the safari also offers beautiful views of Lake Albert, River Nile and colorful sunrises. Chimpanzee tracking Budongo Forest, Murchison Falls NP- Although Budongo Forest is known as one of the best bird watching locations in East, the forest is home to different types of primates that include red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, the dog shaped olive baboons but the star are the chimpanzees. A visitor can combine a wildlife safari to Murchison falls national park and chimpanzee tracking of habituated chimpanzees in Budongo forest.  Chimpanzee tracking can be done in the morning or in the afternoon. For keen bird watchers, includes bird watching a long the Royal Mile track which is one of the best bird watching places. The other best places for chimpanzee tracking and habituation are Kibale National park and Queen Elizabeth National park Sports Fishing safari in Murchison Falls National park– One of the less known activities in Murchison Falls National park is sport fishing which requires a special permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority. Sport fishing are done at the bottom of river Nile and Nile Perch is the most common fish caught by anglers doing sport fishing on River Nile. The other types of fish caught are cat fish and tiger fish. Most anglers agree that sport fishing in the wild Murchison Falls is one of the most challenging and clients are always provided with expert guides for safety and for successful fishing. All fish caught during sport fishing is released back to the water. The best months for sport fishing are the dry months of December to March and June to October. Some of the world’s renowned anglers that have done sports fishing in Murchison falls at the base are Jeremy Wade (River Monsters presenter), John Wilson a UK TV presenter, and Zeb Hogan of Monster Fish National Geographic TV. Contact us if you are interested in sport fishing at Murchison falls What to bring for a safari in Murchison Falls National park. Murchison Falls National Park is one of the hottest national parks in Uganda due to its location. Below are the basics essentials to bring Cool and light clothing Sun glasses to protect your eyes from the sun Waterproof or plastic bags for cameras, phone and binoculars on the boat safari since it can pour anytime A good insect repellent since insects especially tsetse flies can be a problem in the evening and when hiking around the river’s vegetation. You may also bring long sleeved shirts and long trousers for this purpose Spare batteries for your camera since some places don’t have electricity all the time Flush light

SUMMARY Size: 1,978km². Queen Elizabeth spans the equator line; monuments on either side of the road mark the exact spot where it crosses latitude 00. The park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, and renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. The park is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species. The Katwe explosion craters mark the park's highest point at 1,350m above sea level, while the lowest point is at 910m, at Lake Edward. Queen Elizabeth National Park is 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. Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob. As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history. There are many opportunities for visitors to meet the local communities and enjoy storytelling, dance, music and more. The gazetting of the park has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems, which in turn benefits the surrounding communities.

SUMMARY Size: 370km2 Altitude: 1,220m - 1,828m above sea level Wetland habitats comprise 20% of the park's surface The parks' precarious past has seen wildlife virtually eliminated several times: firstly in various attempts to rid the region of tsetse flies, then to make way for ranches, and finally as a result of subsistence poaching. LAKE MBURO IN DETAILS Lake Mburo National park, the smallest national park in Uganda is about 4 hours drive from Kampala and can connect easily to Queen Elizabeth National park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park; which is home to mountain gorillas that can be tracked on our gorilla tracking safaris. Lake Mburo National park is blessed with rich diverse animal and bird life with more than 315 different bird species for those interested in bird watching safaris and 68 different mammals that can be seen during game drives, guided walking safaris, horse riding safaris and nocturnal safaris. The mammals include impala, buffalo, leopards, zebras, elands, topis and recently about 16 giraffes were relocated to this beautiful jewel of a national park. You will see lots of hippos wallowing into water on a boat safari on Lake Mburo. Some of the animals in this park are found no where else in Uganda. It is less crowded too so you will likely have the whole park by yourself. Most of our Uganda safaris include a visit to this beautiful national park. If you are interested in any of our safaris and you would love to explore Lake Mburo national park, contact us. Wildlife Lake Mburo national park There are over 68 mammal species in Lake Mburo National Park which can be spotted easily during the game drives and the wildlife boat trips. The park has well maintained tracks that make it easy for game viewing. Animals to look out for are impalas, a type of antelope that is found only in Lake Mburo National park, in the whole of Uganda. Other antelopes include the eland (one of the large and shy antelopes which are found only here and in Kidepo Valley National park), bush backs, Defassa Waterbuck, Topi and other animals that include African Cape buffalo, hyenas, an only lion that comes and goes, warthogs, and Zebras Birds in Lake Mburo national park Lake Mburo National Park is home to about 315 bird species which makes birding one of the top activities in the park. Because of its different habitants, there are savanna, forest and water birds in this small underrated national park. Some of the birds include Crested Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Barefaced Go-away bird, Red necked Spur, common Quails, Black-billed Barbet, Greenwood Hoopoe, Blue-napped Mouse bird, Lilac-breasted Roller, African-grey Hornbill, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Bee-eaters and the Cheeky bronze-tailed starling and the crowned crane which is on the Uganda emblem. On the boat safari, you will look out for the African Finfoot, shoebill stork, Malachite, pied and grey headed kingfishers, African fish eagle among others Top Activities in Lake Mburo National Park Morning and Night safari Game drives in customized safari vehicles with pop up roofs Visitors in Lake Mburo national park can go for guided nigh and day safari games drives. Both times are perfect for game viewing since animals are very actives during those times. Uganda Wildlife Authority opened and maintains wildlife game drive tracks that make it easy for visitors to spot the animals in the park. Lake Mburo national park is one of the few animals where night game drives take place with supervision of a ranger guide from Uganda Wildlife Authority. The night game drives offer chances of seeing the nocturnal animals that include bush babies and leopard. The other animals to look out for are warthogs, zebras, and the different types of antelopes. The game drives normally take about 3 hours Wildlife boat safaris in Lake Mburo National Park: One can go for a 2 hour wildlife boat safari on Lake Mburo which is found inside the National park. Animals come to the lake to drink water, offering many animal sightings on the boat safari. Expect to see crocodiles, more than you can possibly imagine hippos, monitor lizards, buffalos and different types of birds that include African Fin Foot, different types of Kingfishers, weaver birds, African fish eagle, lapwings, hamerkop, shoebill stork, and herons among others. You will have stunning views of the distant hills that surround the lake. Birding in Lake Mburo national park Lake Mburo national park is a bird watchers haven because it is home to over 315 species of birds. Birding will be better around Ruganga forest with a ranger guide, Warukiri, Rwonyo area, and around the salty lick area. It is so easy to go birding in Lake Mburo National park and the birds to look out for are white winged tit, Bare-faced Go-away bird, White-headed Barbet, Red faced barbet,  Red-shouldered cuckoo-shrike, Long-tailed Cisticola, Brown parrot, Grey crowned crane, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, and black bellied bastard, night heron, malachite and pied kingfisher, African fish eagle among other birds. Guided Nature Walks in Lake Mburo National Park Lake Mburo National Park is one of the two national parks in Uganda where a visitor can go for a guided nature walk. You must go with a ranger guide from Uganda Wildlife Authority. We highly recommend this rare activity where you will spot the wildlife of the park on foot. The ranger will tell you which foot print or droppings belong to which animal and you will approach the wildlife at such a close range. This is an opportunity that should not be missed out while on a safari in Uganda. The early morning walk normally begins at 7am after early breakfast and one has high chances of seeing hyenas returning to their dens and hippos returning to Lake Mburo. The walk too provides opportunities of spotting out some of the forest and savannah birds. The morning guided walk can be done before you proceed to your next destination and is wrapped up by a walk to the top of one a hill that offers stunning views of nine of the fourteen lakes in the region. Horse back safaris in Lake Mburo National park: A horse back safari in Lake Mburo National park is one that should not be missed while in this beautiful diverse park. The rides are between 2 to 3 hours on well trained and maintained horses. The horse rides are for all different levels of riders and will offer great opportunities for game viewing of the different animals in the park that include African cape buffalo, Zebras, Topi, Impala, Eland, warthogs, etc Sport fishing at Mazinga Lake Mburo is a designated sport fishing area and anglers can go sport fishing at Mazinga. One will need a sport fishing permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority which we can arrange, and better to come with your own fishing equipment. It has 6 types of fish that include lung fish, mud fish, cat fish among others and tilapia is the most common one. The method of fishing in Lake Mburo National park is catch and release  Community and cultural experiences in Lake Mburo National Park A visitor in Lake Mburo National park may go for communitu cultural experience in the neighbouring communities. The people in these communities are mainly cattles keepers of the Endangered Ankole lond horned cattle. On these activities, you will learn about their lifestyle, how to milk cows and process ghee as well as listen to stories told by the people. Note that a certain percentage from the money paid to the national park goes to the neighbouring communities to help with conservation and for the communities to benefit from the park

Rwenzori Mountains The Rwenzori Mountains National park also known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ is one of the best mountains to hike in Africa, offering the best mountaineering trekking opportunities that range from a one-day trek to 10 days trek to get to Margherita summit. Mountains of the Moon National Park is found in Western Uganda, and it is one of Uganda’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites with stunning beautiful Mountain ranges that measure about 1,00km2 (386 square miles)having the third highest peak in Africa. What makes the Rwenzori Mountains more spectacular, they are snow-capped and have lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers that are sighted on the different trekking circuits. It should be noted that this park is strategically located in the center of other national parks of Uganda that include Queen Elizabeth National park, Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National, and Semliki National park giving a variety of activities. Jenalugandassfaris will help tailor make a perfect Uganda safari to include visiting different national parks surrounding Rwenzori and others across Uganda Hiking Rwenzori Mountain peaks Rwenzori Mountains Hiking to its peaks is perfect for the adventurous and getting to Margherita peak on one of the trekking excursions is an achievement compared to none. The hikes to Mountain Ruwenzori range from one-day nature trails to 10 days that go up to Lake Mahooma, Lake Buraro chimpanzee forest, walk through Kichwamba to Karangura plus a trek to Bundibugyo via Bwamba. Trekker can also take the Mubuku River trail to have views of Mount Baker and Portal peaks at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. The trails to the different peaks of Mountain Rwenzori offer visitors opportunities to see Vervet monkeys, Rwenzori chameleons, Duikers, Squirrels, forest elephants and buffalos, and different countless bird species. Margherita Peak Margherita Peak, at 5,119 m above sea level and at an altitude of 16,795 feet is the highest summit of the Ruwenzori Mountains Range in Uganda and the third highest in Africa, coming after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya respectively. Margherita peak was first hiked by a group of trekkers lead by Luigi Amedeo Abruzzi in 1906. It is named after Queen Margherita of Italy. It takes between 6 to 9 days to get to Margherita peak depending on the pace of the trekkers. Mount Speke Mount Speke is the second-highest in the Rwenzori ranges. The peak was named after the first European explorer from Europe- John Speke who was following the Journey of the River Nile to find its source. Although he never hiked this beautiful peak, in 1862, he found the source of the White Nile. This range receives high rainfall which offers visitors views of water streams, Rivers, and dense vegetation. Together with Mount Baker and Mount Stanley, they form a triangle encircling the upper Bujuku Valley. The closest peak to Mount Speke is Mount Stanley and it has multiple jagged peaks. Summits that are done at this mountain peak are Vittorio Emmanuele (4,890m or 16,040 feet), Ensonga at 4,865m or 15,961 feet, Johnston at 4,834m or 1,860 feet, and Trident at 4,572m or 15,000 feet above sea level. They were named from the Italian royal family Mount Baker on Rwenzori Mountain Mount Baker is the 6th highest mountain in Africa standing at a height of 4,844 meters or 15,892 feet. It is locally known as Kiyanja and is located about 2.8km from the DRC border. Combined with Mount Speke and Mount Stanley, it forms a triangle enfolding the upper Bujuku Valley and it lies within an area of the ‘Mountains Of the Moon’ Austrian mountaineer Rubert Grauer trekking along with two British missionaries, H. W. Tegart Addox and H. E. M in January 1906, was the first trekkers to get to the top of Mount Baker In the same year, around February and April, the same mountain was hiked by an English excursion mission including A. B. Wosnam, Alexander F. R. Wollaston, and M. Carruthers. The uppermost summit of Mount Baker was at last ascended by an expedition headed by the Duke of the Abruzzi in June of 1906. This group hiked all the mountaintops of the other five top mountains of the Rwenzori. On his expedition into the Ruwenzori in June 1891, Franz Stuhlmann saw the peak and named it either Ngemwimbi or Semper. It was renamed by Abruzzi after Samuel Baker, a British explorer in 1864 who was the first European to see and tour Lake Albert, found in the northeast of the Rwenzori Mountains,  Also reported to have sighted these stunning mountains from a distance to the south of Lake Albert. Mount Gessi Mount Gessi is one of the six mountains that make up the Rwenzori range. Like Mount Emin, it is positioned north of the triangle shaped by Mounts Stanley, Baker, and Speke. Mount Gessi stands at an altitude of 15,018 feet or 4,578 meters and ranks the 5th tallest mountain in Uganda. Mount Gessi and Emin are on either side of a long slim gorge heading north-southwards. The twin peaks of Gessi are Iolanda (15,470 feet) plus Bottego (15,418 feet). Mount Gessi is elevated to a rocky north-south edge with the upper peak being at the south end. This mountain is characterized by huts and decent tracks from both DR Congo and Ugandan sides. From Mutsori in Congo with numerous shanties preserved all through the Rwenzori. Mount Luigi Di Savora Mount Luigi di Savoia is the 6th highest mountain in Uganda and it is located near Margherita in the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges at a height of 14,885 feet / 4,537 meters about sea level. Location: Uganda Latitude: 0° 20′ 4.2″ (0.3345°) North, Longitude: 29° 53′ 27.9″ (29.8911°) East Average elevation: 4,537 metres or 14,885 feet Mount Stanley Mount Stanley stands at an altitude of 5,109 m or 16,763 feet and it stands out most from both sides of DR Congo and Uganda. It is the third highest peak in the whole of Africa with Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters and Mount Kenya at 5,199 meters. This peak and numerous other neighboring peaks are in a higher altitude enough to upkeep glaciers. It was named after Sir Henry Morton Stanley. Mount Stanley has two twin summits plus quite a lot of lower peaks. This mountain was first hiked by the Duke of the Abruzzi, J. Petigax, J. Brocherel, and C. Ollier in 1906. Elevation: 16,762′ First Hiked: 1906 Prominence: 12,963′ First Climber: The Duke of the Abruzzi, Prince Luigi Amedeo Mountain Range: Rwenzori Mountains Birds of Rwenzori Mountain Rwenzori National Park is a birder’s paradise for travelers on an Uganda bird-watching safari. There are about 241 bird species only 19 out of these are known. Some of these birds are endemic to Rwenzori. There is ongoing research with new species being discovered every now and then. Endemic animals There are two mammals that are endemic to this mountain range. One is the Rwenzori climbing mouse and the other is the Rwenzori red duiker. Mammals The national park is home to forest elephants and buffalos. Forest elephants and buffalos are smaller and more aggressive than their counterparts the savannah elephants and buffalos which are found in most of Uganda's national parks Primates Primates in Rwenzori national park include the chimpanzees which are man’s closest cousins, sharing 98.7% DNA with man. Other primate species are black and white colobus and the handsome L’Hoest’s monkey. Three Horned Rwenzori Chameleon The three-honed chameleon, also known as Johnston’s chameleon is endemic to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, this interesting species is found in Rwenzori National park, Mgahinga Gorilla national park, and in Bwindi Impenetrable national park. The male chameleons have three horns while the female doesn’t have.  In the Rwenzori, you will see a number of them as they camouflage according to the surrounding colors and temperature Route Access to the Rwenzori Mountains By Air transport Rwenzori Mountains National Park is found in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kasese and Bundibugyo. It is easily accessed from Entebbe Airport and or Kampala through Aero Link- our partners. By road Transport; It is easily accessed from Entebbe or Kampala through Mityana, Mubende, Fort Portal, Kasese up to the Mountains. It is the shortest route. The second route is from Entebbe or Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Bushenyi through Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kasese, and finally to the Park. This is a longer route but the road is paved. This route is great for visitors who want to combine some wildlife safari activities in either Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park with a hiking adventure to Mountain Rwenzori. What to bring for Mountain Rwenzori Hike It is very important for travelers ready to hike Mountain Rwenzori to be very fit and consider some of the basic requirements Carry the right footwear. One needs proper hiking boots since some trails are very wet and boggy. Bring nice fitting hiking boots that provide support, grip, and stability to the ankle Handy oxygen supplies to help lessen altitude sickness: In case of severe headache or other indicators of high altitude sickness; try to go downhill at least 3,000 feet instantly for medication The right hiking gear:  It is very important for one to come with the right hiking gear to make the trekking an unforgettable experience. Bring outfits that don’t restrict your movements and those that are waterproof Hiking poles/sticks: These help you retain your balance as you hike through a rough topography. Sunglasses to keep your eyes out of the sun Sunscreen since the higher you go the more penetrating the sun rays get Water: Bring water to keep hydrated since you may sweat more as you hike Note: Food and water are always included in the package paid to the mountaineering services through Jenal tours Backpack: Bring that fits very well Camera: Bring a good camera to capture your memories.

Kichwamba  It is located in Kichwamba at the edge  of Queen Elizabeth national park Rubirizi district. Kichwamba houses the Mystery Twin lakes Miraambi and Katiinda which that largely shrouds the formation of kichwmba's twin crater lakes Katiinda and Miraambi. The pair located in Kichwamba sub county bordering Kichwamba orphanage foundation among the 32 craters lakes out of said 56craters  in Bunyaruguru county and bordering Queen Elizabeth national park formally kaziinga national park. Important to note is that Kichwamba-Rubirizi district sites two pairs of twin lakes in the western arm of the East African rift valley that's Katiinda and Miraambi in Kichwamba sub county and Kyema and Kamweru in Magambo sub county. The two pairs got some similarities in that all are separated by a small portion of land almost 350 metres block of land.,the two pairs has got greenish water and clear waters which is said the green water is due to the fish droppings in Runyankore local language know as "Omuboyo". here Miraambi and Kyema has got greenish water as Kamweru and Katiinda has got clear waters so each pair has got greenish water and clear waters. However Miraambi and Katiinda  are twin lakes they have got differences mainly on altitude where Miraambi is seen to be on a high altitude than Katiinda which sites  to make change in there depth. The fish caught  in the two lakes tests different as they are of the same specie meaning the two lakes basement Rocks differs,. This sites to make the change of the fish droppings (Omuboyo) thus changing water colour. You wonder the difference bringing the similarities of the two pairs Kyema of Magambo sub county an Miraambi of Kichwamba .Katiinda has got a clear heart shape. This sites it the best for Honeymooners Travelers as Miraambi looks like the utirus of women as making the place a beauty of lovers. The two lakes Katiinda and Katiinda are bordered by a sharp starring escarpment of Kichwamba. This escarpment is very fertile supporting community to practice agriculture. These lakes supports the kichwamba orphanage foundation and the entire community with domestic water as Kichwamba has got few moving streams. Kichwamba and magambo are not only blessed with the twin lakes but they the have also got the starring Twin swamps Kyampeyo and Rutuguru The swamps are shared by the two sub counties being in the borders. However the swamps are twins they have two similarities, having nature plants in the shape of Africa and their formation scientists proves to have formed due to volcanic activity. Kyampeyo has an African shaped natural forest called  Akagombe with a Madagascar forest shaped island though Rutunguru is occupied by an African shaped natural banana plantation. The swamps can get burnt by fire but the natural plantation & forest will never get  burnt sighting the blessing of Africa. Kichwamba's Kyampeyo swamp differs from Rutunguru having a fire resistant African shaped forest, eight/8 conners Boarded by six/6 escarpments nyakasungu, katuntu busonga  kanyinabakoba  Reamakora and kyamusumba making it an octagon swamps  harbouring the African heritage forest to harbour different bird species to watch which one walks in. The swamps supports fishing where mudfish is the fish type with in and provides domestic water and wood for housing. Although science attributes the formation of these lakes and wetlands to volcanic eruption in the 17th Century, folklore tales of interesting stories, a lot of which form the mystery of these lakes. According to local people of Magambo, Lake Kamweru was a crater which later got filled up with water from a nearby lake Nzuguto, that is now a wetland. “The Nzuguto lake shifted from the current Nzuguto wetland and filled Kamweru crater to form the current Kamweru crater lake in the 1930s. Many people who lived in Kamweru crater died, and nobody took record of it. It's side by the locals,King Endyoka was the owner of the lakes. Mysteriously transferred the water of Lake Nzuguto to Kamweru. Endyoka mukama we Nyanja (Endyoka king of the lake), passed through the soil via the cave and transferred water from then Lake Nzuguto to Kamweru However,Scientist has this to say. “Due to volcanicity, the land developed fault lines to the crater and water followed through to fill Kamweru  crater to become lake Kamweru. Regarding people’s stories as thoughts that cannot be proved scientifically. Generally people attribute a lot of things to these Twin lakes. But there is no scientific proofs″, Nevertheless these are the only conjoined lakes in Africa, which makes Kichwamba Rubirizi good tourism potential. Lake Kamweru has a heritage cave besides it which fills the crater with water and there are many tree species around it harbouring monkeys and other wild animals. The heritage cave is said to have been the residents’ hiding place during the Idi Amin and Milton Obote regimes as well as during the NRA bush war. “During Obote and Amin’s regimes people would prepare food early before the soldiers would attack them and hide in the cave for some days. Equally so, The NRA rebels would pass by the cave without noticing that there were people hiding in it. But before those political events, the cave was used for sacrifice by the owners of the lake, the Bagesera clan,’’(King's Clan Endyoka) The cave is one of the attractions, David Birungi, the owner of Nyanzibiri Eco Tourism site along Lake Kamweru takes pride in. The Twin lakes Miraambi and Katiinda is one of the most attractions being bordered by may tree species harbouring different  bird species monkeys and Queen Elizabeth national park viewing point, Edison Kyagaba and Donat kananura the founders of Kichwamba orphanage foundation school and Jenal Uganda safaris takes a pride in the beautiful nature sceneries of Kichwamba Rubirizi.through promoting tourism around and within the community as sceneries supports Kichwamba orphanage foundation However, the government has neglected Rubirizi District tourism features so individuals have decided to develop tourism in the district themselves even if they are being frustrated by hash laws. Though local government attributes changing the local people thought of Rubirizi district being neglected. “As a district would love to have its district tourism funds. Residents and Kichwamba orphanage foundation Community hope the district and sub-counties would set up rules regulating human activity on the lake like Over fishing, cultivating near them which has contributed to dry of some crater due to soil erosion, and deforestation around them which also accelerates erosion. This would lead to high productivity and earn the for government a lot of revenue so that we can get better services. Twin lakes myths at Kichwamba orphanage foundation  An interesting story goes that, in the June and July, fish floated on the twin lakes  waters allowing residents to easily fish them out with baskets or spears. It is said to have been due to heat at the bottom of the lakes/earth's inner core and the phenomenon was termed as “Okuffa kwe Nyanja’’ (dying of a lake). However, a clan believed to be the owners of the lake, called the Bazumira couldn’t participate in this. They were respected for their role as locaters of dead bodies of those who had drowned in the lakes. They carried out rituals and were believed to sacrifice sheep to prevent death in the lakes. Though the current advent of Christianity, such traditional clans and rituals have since died and currently no one owns the twin lakes. Nature supporting Culture These natural beautiful sceneries sarounding  Kichwamba orphanage foundation gives the orphanage a pride to show out  how useful the Twin lakes,Twin swamps and Queen Elizabeth national park supports them through craft making and cultural dances. The orphanage services are sold to the passing by tourists at it's craft show office.At the orphanage you meet and experience more than two culture experience that's to say Bakiigga banyankore culture dance, Bakonjjo culture and Banyaruguru . Bunyaruguru County  currently rubirizi district  settled in by Banyaruguru is located in south western part of Uganda, in the western arm of the East African Rift Valley, Rubirizi is endowed with 56 craters of which 32 are crater lakes. Among the lakes are two pairs of twin lakes according to the district planner’s database. The two pairs of lakes Kyema and Kamweru, Katinda and Murambi are found in Bunyaruguru County in the sub-counties of Magambo and Kicwamba respectively. Among the 32 crater lakes while on your travel, guided walk at Kichwamba orphanage foundation it's a must to sight 10 of them that's Nkungute African shape commonly called  Rutoto by the natives due to it's black coloured water, Nyungu,Kamweru, Kyema ,Miraambi,Katiinda,  Kamunzuku commonly know as a visible lake, Mbuga ,Kyamwinga, Mugogo and others. Where ever in Queen Elizabeth national park end ever to have a stop over budget plan at Kichwamba orphanage foundation for culture dances and charity work support When ever you're, planing or worried for where to spend your holiday? Are you a traveller that believes in traveling for the cause to change and conserve nature?. Are you looking for where you can volunteer to conserve?. Are you a researcher ?. Jenalugandasafaris at Kichwamba orphanage foundation is your answer. Book a safari with  Jenal Uganda safaris  for all your travel needs to explore the undiscovered Uganda