Egyptian cobra; reptiles of Uganda – Uganda safari news

Scientifically referred to as Naja Arabica, the Egyptian Cobra is one of the largest cobra species that is native to various parts of Africa including Uganda where it is encountered on Uganda tours.

The Egyptian Cobra is marked by large depressed head which is slightly separated from the neck while the neck features long cervical ribs that provides for expansion. The snout is broad and rounded while the eyes are big marked with round pupils as often explored on Safari in Uganda. The Egyptian Cobra features stout and cylindrical body along with a long tail and the average length is 1 – 2m with 3m being the maximum.

Regarding distribution, the Egyptian Cobra is spread in the areas of North Africa, West Africa Savannah, the south of Congo basin and the savannah and semi arid landscapes of East Africa including countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania where world travellers on Combined East Africa Safari tours have chances of exploring it.

Its habitats are diverse but include dry to moist savannahs, steppes and semi-desert landscapes. The Egyptian Cobras are terrestrial and nocturnal but they can at times be encountered basking in the sun especially in the mid-morning. They consume mainly toads but can as well take in birds, small mammals, lizards and eggs.

Egyptian Cobra can release 175 – 300mg of venom on a single bite which affects the nervous system halting the transmission of nerve signals to muscles and later the lungs and heart resulting into loss of life.

Regarding conservation, the Egyptian Cobras are listed as species of Least Concern on the red list of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Travellers on Uganda Safaris have always encountered these species during game drives in a range of protected areas. Actually, one group of our clients led by Kameroon Shadrick encountered two fighting Cobras in Queen Elizabeth National Park in 2015. https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g293841-d4723279-i133059737-Prime_Uganda_Safaris_Tours_Day_Trips-Kampala_Central_Region.html

Ngorongoro crater; the scenic places of Africa – Africa safari news

Standing as the World’s largest intact, inactive and unfilled volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the magical natural wonders explored on East Africa Safari tours.

The Ngorongoro Crater is noted to have been formed following the explosion and collapse of a huge volcano about two (2) – three (3) million years ago.  The crater rises to 610m in depth while the height estimates of the original volcano are between 4500 – 5800m. The Crater floor is recorded to stretch to 1,800m above sea level in elevation. This amazing natural feature was at one time voted among the Seven Natural Wonders on the Continent of Africa making is a must visit destination by travelers planning Africa Safaris to Tanzania.

The Crater floor features very beautiful extensive grassland along with bush land that supports a myriad of wild game.  It is estimated that about 25,000 large animals especially ungulates thrive in the Crater including the Black Rhinos, African Buffalo, Hippos, Common Eland, Grant’s Zebra, Blue wildebeest among others which makes it a popular game drive destination for travelers on Tanzania Safari tour. Actually Ngorongoro Crater features one of the dense concentrations of Maasai lions.

The highlands to the east of the crater feature high rainfall concentration between 800 – 1200mm and are marked with montane forest while the low lying areas of the west feature between 400 – 600mm marked with grassland and bushland.   The Olmoti Crater in the north is drained by Munge Stream and it forms the main water source that drains into the seasonal Lake Makat / Magadi at the center of the crater. Another important water source in the Ngorongoro Crater is Ngoitokitok Spring.

Exploring Ngorongoro Crater can be done as part of the wider Tanzania wildlife tour circuit that covers Manyara, Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks.

Bwindi jungle lodge; another base for gorilla trekking – Uganda gorilla safari news

Positioned on Lake Mulehe approximately 10km form the town of Kisoro to the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Bwindi Jungle Lodge presents another ground from which the world travelers on gorilla safaris in Uganda can base from to explore either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi Jungle Lodge enjoys the tranquil setting surrounded by a lush forest cover overlooking the lake thus presenting an ideal place for relaxation following a long day of gorilla trek. Uganda gorilla safari undertakers can find it rewarding.

Accommodation at Bwindi Jungle Lodge is in form of Cottages featuring raised veranda and en suite facilities. Local timber and beautiful volcanic stones form the main materials of these cottages making them blend with the surroundings. The expanse restaurant and bar serve both local and International cuisine and brands respectively making diverse travelers on gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda feel at home.

Travelers with gorilla permits of Rushaga and Nkuringo can consider Bwindi Jungle Lodge as an option including those that intend to track Nyakagezi gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Besides Gorilla trekking, the Uganda safari undertakers can engage in canoe paddle in Lake Mulehe, Batwa cultural exploration in Mgahinga and Echuya Forest not forgetting the experiential coffee tours in Kisoro area.

 

Hamerkop; birds of Uganda – Uganda safari news

Scientifically referred to as Scopus Umbretta, the Hamerkop is a bird of medium size stretching to 56cm in length and 470g in weight and among the popular birds explored by birders on Safaris in Uganda.

The shape of the Hamerkop’s head features hammer-like crest at the back along with a long bill as viewed on Uganda birding safaris. This shape of the head forms the back ground for its naming. The Hamerkop features a drab brown plumage with purple iridescence at its back. The neck and the legs are short while the wings are big wide spread featuring a round tip.

The Hamerkop thrives in areas of Arabia, Madagascar and various parts of Africa including Uganda where it is explored on Uganda tours. Their habitats are wetlands and other waterlogged areas.

Hamerkop builds huge nest at times stretching to 1.5m with over 10,000 sticks and surprisingly strong enough to contain man’s weight. They use bright-colored objects to decorate the exterior of the nest. Hamerkops build nests whether they intend to breed or not.

A range of 3 – 4 eggs are always laid and incubation lasts about 28 – 30 days by both sexes. They young develop plumage at about 17 days and eventually leave the nest at 44 – 50 days but keep roosting in it at night up to about two (2) months.

Hamerkops undertake the feeding during the day and they tend to take a break at noon. Feeding is done on lone basis and in pairs as well. Their diet includes long-legged wading birds along with amphibians. Others include; fish, rodents and insects.

Regarding Conservation, the Hamerkops are listed as species of Least Concern on the red list of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  The birders on Uganda Safari tours can explore this amazing bird species across various protected areas including Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Parks.

Thomson’s gazelle; antelopes of east Africa – Africa safari news

Scientifically referred to as Eudorcas thomsonii, the Thomson’s gazelle is named after Explorer Joseph Thomson belonging to the Eudorcas genus and is common in the region of East Africa where it is explored on East Africa Safari tours.

First described by Albert Gunther a British zoologist in the year 1884, the Thomson Gazelle belongs to Bovidae family and is known to be the world’s second fastest animal reaching a speed of 50miles per hour.

Thomson’s gazelle is a relatively small rising between 55 – 22cm at shoulder height and stretching between 20 – 35kg in weight though females can be 10kg lesser. The length of Thomson’s gazelle from head to body is 80 – 120cm. They are marked with white rings surrounding the eyes, rufous stripes that run from horns to the nose, black stripes that run from the corner of the eye to the nose, light forehead and dark patch on the nose as viewed on Kenya Tanzania Safaris and Tours. The male Thomson’s gazelles feature preorbital glands close to the eyes that are utilised for scent marking territory. Horns are present in both sexes and can stretch to 25 – 43cm among males and 7 – 15cm in females.

Thomson’s gazelle thrives in the savannah and grassland habits of Africa but majorly on the Serengeti Mara Ecosystem shared by Kenya and Tanzania. They prefer short grassland areas but can as well migrate into dense woodland and tall grassland. Thomson gazelles are mixed feeders that consume majorly fresh grasses in the wet season and more browse especially foliage from bushes in the dry season as explored on Africa Safari holidays in Tanzania and Kenya.

The gestation period of Thomson gazelles is 5 – 6 months and can produce two times a year with 1 – 2 fawns on each birth.  Their lifespan is 10 – 15 years in the wilderness and because of their speed; they are majorly prone to Tanzanian cheetahs which can also run fast. Other predators take advantage of young and vulnerable adult gazelles.

white-faced whistling duck; birds of Uganda – Uganda safari news

Scientifically referred to as Dendrocygna viduata, the White-faced whistling duck is an interesting bird species that breeds in South America and the sub Saharan Africa including Uganda where it is explored on Uganda birding safaris and tours.

Recorded to be gregarious species, the white-faced whistling ducks thrive in large flocks generating a very impressive viewing experience. This makes them species of interest among the world birders including those on birding safaris in Uganda.

The white-faced whistling duck feature long bill that is grey in color, long legs, black head and neck but with white face which forms the background for their naming. Both sexes feature similar appearance.

Regarding habitats, the white-faced whistling duck thrives in a range of fresh water habitats that include; swamps, lakes, flood plains and large rivers such as River Nile where they are viewed in the Uganda Safari destination of Murchison Falls National Park. The White-faced whistling duck prefer wetlands in open country featuring sandbars or mud and diverse vegetation that they use for nesting.

The White-faced whistling duck feeds on seeds along with other plant food. It lays a range of 8 – 12 eggs in the stick nest close to the ground and rarely do they nest in trees.

Regarding conservation, the ling duck is listed as species of least concern on the red list of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Why sleep at Paraa safari lodge in Murchison falls national park – Uganda safari news

At the cliff just above the majestic flowing Nile River, the Paraa Safari Lodge stands as an ideal accommodation facility to spend a couple of nights while on Safari in Uganda. The panoramic position offers not only unmatched views of the calm flowing Nile River but also the dense savannah woodland on the southern sector of Murchison Falls National Park and the extensive open savannah grassland in the northern sector of the park dotted with counts of African wild game.

Paraa Safari Lodge is a luxury facility enjoying world class facilities including the large sized swimming pool that is really very necessary to cope with the hot conditions of Murchison Falls National Park. Relaxing in the soothing pool waters in the mid morning after a rewarding early morning game drive is such incredible experience that a traveler on Africa safari vacation holiday in Uganda should not attempt to miss.

Accommodation at Paraa Safari Lodge is provided in a range of options from which guests on Uganda tours with varying interests can choose from. But regardless of the option considered, all the 54 rooms are en suite and feature minimum degree of comfort. The Standard rooms are popular among the many because of their affordability but guests looking for Air conditioning can consider the Suites and those interested in maintaining the safari touch can go for Safari tents while for top notch guests preferably with family can settle for a Queen’s Cottage.

Considering its location in the northern sector, Paraa Safari Lodge offers an opportunity for early morning and late evening game drives while its closeness to the Paraa jetty offers the guests’ not only a relaxed access to the boat cruises along the Nile River but also for ferry crossing to the southern sector.

Murchison Falls National Park is currently the most popular Uganda Safari destination presenting opportunities for viewing the Big five with Rhinos in the adjacent Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Rothschild Giraffes, Nile Crocodiles, myriad of Hippos, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Vulnerable Shoebill stork among others. It can be accessed by both land and Air and Prime Uganda Safaris and Tours would always be available to offer Ultimate Africa Safari memories!

Pearl of Africa hotel joins the rezidor hotel group – Uganda safari news

The Pearl of Africa Hotel one of the newly established luxury hotels in Kampala set to serve affluent guests including those on Safari in Uganda has joined the Rezidor Hotel Group portfolio.

The 296 room facility is set to open its doors for the first guests in the second quarter of 2017. The Rezidor Hotel Group is recorded among the world’s fastest growing hotel companies and a member of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Its take over of the Pearl of Africa Hotel comes in partnership with the Aya Investment Group – the owners of the Hotel.

Enjoying unmatchable panoramic location on top of Nakasero Hill overlooking the city of Kampala, the business, diplomatic and leisure travelers on Uganda tour holidays will likely find the Pearl of Africa Hotel a beyond the ordinary overnight accommodation and MICE destination.

Pearl of Africa Hotel has in possession 740m² ball room, two (2) board rooms, nine (9) meeting rooms along with a business center. The choice of food and drinks is unlimited provided in the all day restaurant, grill steakhouse, sports bar and grill bar.

Beyond the above listed, the Pearl of Africa Hotel will feature a private membership spa, two (2) outdoor swimming pools, wellness spa, one (1) indoor swimming pool, a range of retails shops, children’s club and courts for volleyball, squash and tennis which will all be available for the enjoyment and comfort of guests including those on Uganda Safaris and Tours.

The Rezidor Hotel Group is expected to bring in its considerable expertise as regards hotel management and service quality which will keep the Pearl of Africa Hotel among the best in the region of East Africa. The Hotel derives its name from the Uganda’s crown as bestowed by Winston Churchill in 1908 during his Africa safari adventure vacation holiday in Uganda.

Remarkable landscapes of Akagera National Park – Rwanda safari news

To the Northeast of the destination Rwanda, there lies one of the magical scenic places protected by Akagera National Park – the only savanna protected habitat in the country and an iconic site for wildlife safaris in Rwanda.

Covering 1,085km², Akagera National Park features diverse beautiful landscapes that are marked with open savannah in some parts, acacia woodland in other areas not forgetting the largest protected wetland system in the whole of central Africa dotted with majestic Rivers, beautiful lakes and swamp landscapes that always mesmerize the travelers on Rwanda Safaris and Tours.

Lakes including Lake Ihema which is the second largest in Rwanda, Lake Shakani, Lake Rwanyakizinga, Lake Mihindi and Lake Gishanju form a very fascinating sightseeing experience while viewed from the hills of Mutumba. The open savannah plains of Akagera stretch to the Tanzanian border adjoining the mighty land of East Africa Safari tours.

Being the only savannah protected area in Rwanda; the Akagera National Park is home to a range of savannah wild game including Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Maasai Giraffe, Topis, Elands, Buffaloes, Topis, Burchell’s Zebras and Impalas among others. These are rewarding to explore during a game drive in activity on a Rwanda Safari tour.

The beauty of these landscapes cannot be fully described without mentioning the Akagera River from which the park derives its name. The river is recorded to be part of the Nile River and features the scenic Russumo Falls which offers incredible sightseeing experience.

Colobus monkey tracking in Rwanda – Rwanda safari news

The Black and White Colobus Monkeys are among the very exciting primate species of Africa and one of the thirteen (13) species of primates thriving in the Rwanda Safari destination of Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Recorded to be among the descendants of Old world monkey in the genus colobus native to the tropical forests of the African Continent, the Black and White Colobus derives its Colobus name from the absence of the main thumb while the Black and White stands for the color of their beautiful coat as viewed on primate watching safaris in Rwanda Africa.

The Colobus Monkey tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is listed among the exciting activities that this Rwanda tour site has got at its disposal. Nyungwe is home to the Africa’s largest troop of Black and White Colobus Monkeys with the numbers stretching to 400.

Their beautiful coat that is white and black among adults but purely white among the young monkeys makes them very beautiful to explore. It is always magical to spend time with a large troop of these beautiful species as they roll in the natural loveliest trees of Nyungwe foraging and playing. Photographers on Safari in Rwanda always take photos of a lifetime!

The Colobus Monkey tracking can be done along with Chimpanzee trekking and adventure canopy walk on a single visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park.