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Enjoy Your Uganda with Stays at Inns of Uganda

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For the discerning tourist, a trip to Inns of Uganda would be ideal to discover the Pearl of Africa’s best-kept open secret. Inns of Uganda, with two camps – Nile Safari Camp and Jacana Safari Lodge – offer the ideal setting. The two camps are accessible by road but guests can fly to Pakuba where Inns of Uganda staff will be on hand to receive them. Visitors can view birds as the y move towards the Nile Safari Camp along the banks of river Nile in north-western Uganda. Nile Safari Camp boasts 12 rooms and a swimming pool with impressive, professionally done interior design. The elaborate and environment –friendly design ensures that a holiday package here adds value and quality to the lives of people who visit the camps.

At Jacana Safari Lodge, in the vast Queen Elizabeth National Park, guests can have a lifetime experience of low-impact water activity on boating trips in which they view birds, chimpanzees, monitor lizards and hippos. This camp shows the visitor the essence of visiting Uganda. The cuisine at the camps blends perfectly with the excellent and pleasant nature of the staff.

Jacana is built with materials derived from the immediate environment in line with Inns of Uganda’s ecotourism campaign. The lodge has 15 chalets, swimming pool, sauna, sun downer and dinner pontoon. The surroundings fit well with the structures adopted by the two camps. For instance, the lodge literally grows out of the forest with a tree house-like appearance. The scenery and congeniality of the camps’ staff together with Inns of Uganda’s ability to blend the natural environment with the design of the camps offer guests a memorable safari.

Chobe National Park – An African Wonder

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You will be delighted to hear that Chobe National Park is not only the second largest national park in Botswana but also has one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. The Park is divided into four sections, the Serondela area, the Savuti Marsh area, the Nogatsaa and Tchinga, and the Linyanti Marsh.

You might think what are you supposed to do in a national park that has four sections. Well the logical thing to do is to view the wildlife and experience the magic of Africa. The first section of the park you want to visit is the Serondela area. This section of Chobe National Park is filled with dense green forests which in turn attract African wildlife like elephants, buffaloes and the famous bee-eater. The Serondela area is the most visited part of Chobe National Park because it is situated near the Victoria Falls. Well if you ever visit Botswana go see the Serondela area in Chobe National Park, it will truly amaze you.

The next section in the park is called the Savuti Marsh area. Long ago, in fact millions of years ago this was a large inland lake whose water was cut by tectonic movements. These days the Savuti marsh is fed by the Savuti Channel, which supplies the marsh with water. The Savuti Marsh is covered with savannahs and grasslands, which attract thousands upon thousands of wild animals every year. During the rainy season you will be able to see an astounding amount of different bird species in the park as well as lions, hyenas and zebras. Now and then you might also be privileged to see a cheetah. If you unable to make the rainy season don’t despair because even in the dry season you will be able to view warthogs, kudus, impalas, zebras, wildebeests and the king of the Chobe National Park the elephant. If ever you want to experience a large scale migration of animals you must visit the Savuti Marsh. It is renowned for its annual trek of zebras and predators.

The third section of Chobe National Park is The Linyanti Marsh. This section of Chobe National Park also called the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. This region is shared between a very small number of private camps. Travellers to this region will be able to view the African wildlife privately and exclusively. If you ever end up in Botswana during the dry season, then The Linyanti Marsh is the place to visit. During the dry season huge concentrations of species such as the zebra and elephant can be seen. It is also renowned for lions and hyenas. All bird lovers will find this region of the Chobe National park irresistible.

The last region is the Nogatsaa and Tchinga, a hot and dry hinterland. All that’s known about this area is that it holds water well into the dry season and during this time it’s a great place to spot elands. I only recommended this area to the adventurous traveller. You truly need hair on your teeth if you want to visit this section of Chobe national park.

The true attraction of the Chobe National Park however, is its elephant population. You have not experience the true spirit of Chobe national park, until you see the African elephant.

The Deserts of Africa – Unimaginable Beauty

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Africa – the second largest continent in the world is also home to the largest desert in the world—the Sahara. In fact there are three deserts on the continent—The Sahara, the Namib and the Kalahari. Together these three amazingly vast and diverse land masses cover a large portion of Africa. Beautiful, yet treacherous, these areas of the continent provide a rich geological and cultural history that dates back millions of years.

The Sahara Desert – As inconceivable as it seems, this desert is ever changing, shrinking and growing in size. Satellite photos studied from the early 1980s show that the Sahara’s southern edge is expanding into the Sahel, a dry band that separates the desert from the Savanna. But the mid-1980s saw this area grow green and wet again. A common trade route for many centuries, caravans traveled through the Sahara spending days and weeks traversing the immense landscape. Several desert oases here made trade possible between the ports of North African and the southern Savannah markets.

There are around 4 million people or so that dwell in the Sahara, mostly in Mauritania, Western Sahara, Algeria, Libya and Egypt. Additionally there is a fascinating and impressive array of animal life, include gerbil, jerboa, cape hare, desert hedgehog, barbary sheep, oryx, gazelle, deer, wild ass, baboon, hyena, jackal, sand fox, weasel and mongoose. The bird life includes more than 300 species. This vast life and diverse culture comes all in one desert.

The Namib Desert – The sand dunes of the Namib Desert are the highest dunes on Earth. While the Sahara is the largest desert in the world, the Namib is considered the oldest desert, having endured arid or semi-arid conditions for at least 80 million years. In the Nama language, Namib means “vast”, and this is no exaggeration. At 50,000 kilometers, the Namib-Naukluft Park is the largest conservation area in Namibia and one of the largest in the world. Wind blows the thirsty Namib Desert sand into sharp ridges. Amazingly there are animals, insects and plants that reside in this beautiful, yet mostly inhospitable region of the world. One of its most unusual inhabitants, the Welwitschia, is a shrub-like plant that grows just two long, strap-shaped leaves continuously throughout its lifetime. It is believed that they are very long-lived, possibly living 1000 years or more. Some individuals may be more than 2000 years old.

The Kalahari Desert – A geological wonder, the Kalahari Desert is part of the huge sand basin that reaches from the Orange River up to Angola, in the west to Namibia and in the east to Zimbabwe. The sand masses of wind-shaped sand that are so common in the Kalahari landscape were created by the erosion of soft stone formations. Thanks to vegetation in the area, the dunes were stabilized 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. Strangely enough, the grasses, thorny shrubs and Acacia trees can survive long drought periods of more than 10 months a year. Some scientists don’t consider the Kalahari a true desert because some parts of the Kalahari receive more than 10 inches of rain in a year. Animals that live in the region include brown hyena, lion, meerkat, several species of antelope, and many types of birds and reptiles.

Big Five Animals in South Africa

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The term ‘Big Five’ originated among the hunters of a bygone era to describe not the largest of the animals that they hunted, but the most dangerous.

These are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Every one of these animals has a reputation for pursuing its attacker with intent to kill. Perhaps the most persistent is the buffalo, which will ceaselessly pursue his aggressor, making hunting a life-or-death experience for the hunted and the hunter!

All of these mammals are to be found in South Africa, making this country one of the most popular locations for safari style holidays.

Indeed, South Africa has embraced this rich wildlife heritage and welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to experience close encounters with the magnificent beasts. Many of our game lodges offer the most luxurious accommodation and facilities available for ‘bush’ holidays in the world.

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve in the Mpumalanga province, for example, is arguably the most exclusive game reserve in the country. With no fences existing between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands, the wildlife roams free between the two reserves. Leopards are the main attraction here, and these awesome creatures are so accustomed to humans that you can even follow them while hunting, in an off-road vehicle. All of the Big Five can be viewed at Sabi Sands.

Other well-known and excellent reserves around the country where one can view the Big Five in South Africa include the world-renowned Kruger Park in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, the Pilansberg Game Reserve in the North Western Province, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape and the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Visitors who are confined to the Cape Town area are often under the impression that they will be unable to view the Big Five. However there is a reserve only 90 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, Aquila, where one can view four of the Big Five. Self-drive or guided drive tours are available from Cape Town – even one day tours are possible, although you may well wish to stay overnight in the appealing accommodation set in 4500 hectares of pristine Karoo landscape. The terrain is varied – from mountains and valleys to wetlands – ideal for game viewing be it in a 4×4 safari vehicle, on horseback or even by quad-bike. Aquila is home to four of the Big Five animals: lion, buffalo, rhino and the rare Mountain Leopard. You may also spot and giraffe and hippo, not to mention herds of wildebeest, zebra, springbok and other bucks, plus baboon, jackal and the bat-eared fox.

What with the wetlands, you can expect a wealth of bird-life viewing to complete your safari experience – all so close to Cape Town!

Those who can travel as far as the Eastern Cape – a pleasant day’s drive along the beautiful Garden Route – can also view the Big Five and other species of game at the excellent Addo Elephant Park and Shamwari Game Reserve – both well-worth the visit for game lovers.

A safari holiday to South Africa is often considered incomplete without sightings of the Big Five. These days most people are content to take home photographs of the living animals rather than skins and hunting trophies. However there are legal hunting reserves for those who feel the need.

10 African Safari Tips That You Must Know Before You Go

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A little bit of pre-knowledge can go a long way on an African safari trip. Here are ten indispensable tips that will improve your own safari experience greatly.

1. Take the early morning drives on safari even thought that often means getting up while it’s still dark.
You’ll be very glad you did because your wildlife sightings will improve. The animals are a lot more active in the early morning and late evening because it is cooler and the nocturnal species are either getting up or going to bed so your chances of spotting them are generally much better.

2. A safari is not only about the big game. Take enjoyment from the surroundings and all the wildlife
you see because if you turn it into a “big five” tick list exercise you might be disappointed. There are a multitude of insects, birds and smaller creatures that can be just as interesting if you take the time to look and find out more.

3. A pair of good quality binoculars is absolutely indispensable on a safari so make sure you take your own with. Some safari companies do provide them but they might be a little worse for wear after a lot of use and it can be frustrating to have to pass them along to the next person when you actually still want to look at that lion stalking it’s prey.

4. Wear insect repellent in the evenings to ward of those pesky mosquitoes and make sure you leave as
little skin exposed as possible by wearing long trousers, long sleeved shirts and socks to cover the ankles. During the day they are a lot less active so you don’t have to worry about them then.

5. Any good safari operator will have some form of medication available but you might consider taking some of your own with on a “just in case” basis: Anti malarial pills, anti-diarrhoea medicine, motion sickness medication if you suffer from this, mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

6. If you are taking photos using film, remember to bring at least two rolls for each day that you will be on safari and bring spare batteries for your camera because they will go flat at the worst times and you don’t want to miss those once in a lifetime photo opportunities because of that. You
should be able to recharge batteries in most safari areas. Electricity in Africa is 220 – 240V AC50HZ.

7. When it comes to lions, a lot of patience is called for because they spend most of their time during the day asleep. But if you watch them for awhile you might be rewarded by an impromptu hunt or the appearance of cubs from the undergrowth or a similar drama. Patience is the watchword here.

8. Night drives on safari are a great opportunity to see the nocturnal animals that you will never see
during the day but remember that the powerful spotlight which illuminates the surrounding bush and the glowing eyes also attracts a lot of insects so you might think twice before volunteering to hold it.

9. Generally the dry season is a time when you will be much more successful at spotting game because the vegetation is sparse and the wildlife is forced to congregate in the areas where there is still surface water available.

10. It’s not uncommon for safari vehicles to break down because most of the roads are dirt tracks and the cars take a pounding every day. Any company worth their salt should be carrying spares and the driver or guide should have some mechanical experience.

Top 3 Cities to Visit in South Africa

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While South Africa is dotted with a number of urban centers, there can be little doubt that the top three SA cities are Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.

Each of these cities has a unique character that draws different types of people.

See which one appeals the most to you!

Johannesburg / Jo’burg / Jozi

For young, vibey, fast-paced living. The pulsing city with a heart of pure gold, Johannesburg is known as Egoli (place of gold), Jo’burg, and today also carries the trendy name of Jozi.

A relatively young city, Jo’burg traces its modern history back to 1886 when it sprang up as a gold-rush shanty town.

Today this thriving bustling city is the most densely populated South African city, home to 3 225 800 people and growing.

Jo’burg has a pleasant balmy climate for most of the year and is renowned for dramatic afternoon thunderstorms in summer. The nights can get pretty cool, especially in winter.

The city of Johannesburg has no mountains or coastline to shape it, and it is an enormous, sprawling urban jungle.

Some of the top attractions in and around Jo’burg include the Sterkfontein caves, the township of Soweto, The Apartheid Museum, the Mai Mai Herbalist market and Rosebank craft market.

Jo’burg is a shopper’s paradise – there are numerous malls – and the Sandton area is particularly popular with shopaholics.

Durban – Durbs-by-the-Sea

Steaming hot, yet so damn cool!

The settlement of Port Natal only really started in 1823, although Vasco da Gama has ‘discovered’ it back in 1497.

Most people equate Durban with a laid back, ‘chilled’ atmosphere, and also with extremely humid heat, almost all year round. For many Durban is the place to live if you love to surf, but there is more to this city than awesome waves, golden beaches, sugar cane plantations and palm trees.

Durban lies in the heart of the Zulu kingdom, land of King Shaka, which gives the entire region a rich cultural history that can be felt just by walking through the hot streets. A large ‘Indian’ community also calls Durban home, and these people add their own flavor to the city’s effervescent, colorful population.

Durban offers great shopping at malls and markets, historical and cultural attractions and plenty for families to do. Perhaps the most well-known tourist spot is uShaka Marine World which boasts an aquarium, dolphinarium and snorkel reef, a world of water slides and marine-theme shopping.

Cape Town – The Mother City

Paradise found – between the mountains and the two oceans

Cape Town as an urban settlement began in the mid-1600’s as a trading post for ships passing the tip of Africa en route to The East.

Today Cape Town is loved for its breathtaking natural beauty, with Table Mountain dominating the views from almost anywhere in the city. The beaches on both the Indian and Atlantic sides offer crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches and beautiful bodies all summer long.

From any of the chi-chi restaurants, cafes and wine-bars along the coastline you can even enjoy watching whales playing in the bay.

With numerous museums and art galleries, theatres and craft markets, Cape Town is undoubtedly the Culture Capital of SA. If the money is found in Jo’burg, the creativity springs from Cape Town’s vibrant multi-cultural population.

Don’t miss the top tourist attraction in the country – The Victoria and Albert Waterfront – a fabulous development on the foreshore which offers a world of entertainment and shopping.

A lot more laid back than Jozi, but more cosmopolitan than Durbs, Cape Town is the place to be for the arty, nature-loving yet trendy individual.

So which of these fantastic cities sounds like your perfect place to be? We suggest you don’t restrict your self to just one – visit them all and enjoy the best of the South African urban experience!

African Safari: Back to Basics and Reflections on the Creation

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The Swahili word “safari” originally meant “journey” which is further correlated to “hunting for survival” and “exploration of lands”.

The safari is typically traveled by foot amidst the vast lands. This is of course deemed to be the best way of experiencing the circle of life in the safari since you can reach to the core of the natives and their unique cultures.

Walking trails are continuously maintained so that the explorers are guided along their courses better. However, visitors can always widen their safari options with many forms of travel available with each safari tour package. Other modes of transportation include hot air ballooning, fly-in safaris, driving safaris, canoeing safaris, horseback riding safaris, and elephant back riding safaris.

These do not only add ease on travel but may also allow access to the deeper domains (and often uncharted places) which contribute more thrills while on tour.

As for the categories, African safaris are normally offered in three basic types: permanent tented safaris, lodge safaris, and mobile safaris. There are also a couple of other safari choices customized depending on the traveler’s needs. One good example is the honeymoon safari for newly-wed couples.

One complete safari tour that will take you from the Eastern region to the Southern parts lasts around 10 to 21 days. If you are planning to journey this long, it would be best if you avail from a local tour operator or a specialist so you are sure that you what you get is a complete safari adventure.

It is helpful if you have the knowledge of some of the practices, culture and etiquette to adopt well with the localities. As for your choice of safari package, consider the factors such as meals, accommodation, transportation, driver and guide service, excursions, itineraries and supplemental packages.

There are hundreds of conservation parks and wildlife sanctuaries that display the continuous interplay of the wild in its natural setting, marvelous places untouched by technology, and vast array of flora and fauna.

Life in the safari is more serene and offers more grounds for realizing how beautiful creation is. And all these are topped with the unique (and sometimes peculiar) cultures of different African tribes that mark the richness of their history.

African safari seems to remind us how the sixth day of creation looks like. They are the living remembrances of how the Creator intended things to be- the perfection, the diversity, the coexistence between man and his nature, and the life that surrounds everything.

Timesharing Without Owning A Timeshare

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If you’re dreaming of a unique vacation experience, but don’t have a budget to cover outrageous hotel expenses, or to even purchase a timeshare yourself, there are ways to take advantage of the great deals offered by timeshare owners without actually becoming one yourself.

With timeshare locations found all over the globe from the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to the tropical beaches of the Bahamas, the only thing limiting a destination is a person’s own imagination. But, how does one afford these great vacation destinations without taking out a second mortgage? It’s simple, shop around for timeshare opportunities online where you can look at what various resorts that handle timeshare condos have to offer and even get hooked up directly with a timeshare owner. A timeshare owner just might have a slot open in a location you want, but not have the time to take advantage of it him or herself.

Timeshare locations around the world basically work by having multiple owners for a single condo or unit within a resort destination. Each owner is given a set number of days or weeks to use that location for their own personal vacations. These owners can sometimes “trade” their time with an owner in another location, effectively increasing their ability to vacation around the world, but sometimes owners simply are looking for a return on their investment.

When a timeshare owner is either unable to take advantage of their time slot, or simply prefers to “rent” out or “auction” off their time at their resort, non-timeshare owners can get involved in the action for a fraction of ownership costs. This provides an advantage to the timeshare owner in that his or her slot can now earn them money on their timeshare investment as a rental or auction can cover their money invested, or even exceed it in some cases. For those looking to enjoy the amenities of a timeshare without actually becoming an owner, these situations are boons. Owners will often set a flat-rate fee for a rental or put up their time slot and destination as an auction on an Internet site or other location.

When looking to deal with a timeshare company directly, you can sometimes get fantastic incentive deals by agreeing to visit a resort location and listen to the company’s sales pitch. Some destinations offer timeshare condos for as low as $50 a night and sometimes even free for those who will come and listen with an open mind.

The best places to start looking for timeshare opportunities without actually buying into one are on the Internet, auction sites and through newspapers and travel magazines. Anyone in the market for a vacation will quickly find these offers are available in almost every major vacation destination city around the globe. Orlando, Florida, for example, has literally dozens and dozens of timeshare resorts. Many even offer other discounts for those who come and listen, rent or buy. These discounts can include dining coupons and theme park and other attraction tickets.

If vacationing is on your mind, but spending a lot of money isn’t, time sharing without owning a timeshare might be a great way to see a new part of the world without breaking your bank. To learn more about timeshare rentals and the unique vacation opportunities they provide, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.atimesharesz.com/timesharecondorentals to do a thorough search and decide what is the best location for you and your family to enjoy.

Tips for Renting A Car for Self Drive in Rwanda

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Before planning your next self-drive holiday in Rwanda, having reliable transport is essential. Renting a car is one excellent way to enjoy freedom on holiday as well as complete convenience; hiring a vehicle abroad does not have to be expensive either, and there are now many companies offering excellent car rental services for exceptional prices in Rwanda.

The first tip for renting a car for your trip is to make sure you get a good deal on the price. Many agencies will offer excellent prices for those who spend an extended period of time renting a vehicle. Before you choose from any particular agency, check out their offers for one week or two week extended rentals – you may be pleasantly surprised with the prices you can get.

Of course, check that any special offers available are on good quality vehicles and all inclusive packages. Some companies will sell cheap packages on price, and then the customer finds out that not everything they need is within that package, or the vehicle is old and not particularly comfortable or reliable.

The next tip for renting a vehicle for your vacation is to ensure that many different kinds of insurance are included. This is vital to make sure that you are not out of pocket if you run into trouble whilst renting the vehicle. Unfortunately, accidents can happen on holiday, such as a broken windscreen or scratches on the vehicle, flat tyres.

An all-inclusive insurance package will counter these issues, ensuring that all damage is covered should it happen (Comprehensive insurance). These insurances, however does not cover personal insurance so you should apply for your personal insurance in your country.

In addition to your insurance packages and your long-term rental deals, look for agencies that provide roadside assistance. This can help a lot, especially in the case where you are abroad and do not speak the local language. There is nothing worse than experiencing a breakdown and not knowing what to do in a foreign country.

The best car rental agencies will ensure you are safety with road side assistance for example: – Spare tyres, First aid Kit, Triangle, Check that it is part of your package before you sign up to rent a vehicle from any company. As with insurance, this extra should not cost you an arm or a leg, so expect these to be for free.

Last but not least, see if you can hire your vehicle with a GPS, as this will help you navigate a lot easier in an unknown area. It can be very frustrating to get lost, and this especially true when you are on a trip trying to make your way to a specific destination. The GPS system will help you with that and ensure that you encounter very few troubles finding your way around.

GPS systems are not generally included as standard, but they should be available at a reasonable price from your car rental agency. These few tips for renting a car for your trip can help you enjoy yourself a lot more and stop you from running into significant difficulties. Bear this advice in mind before you accept any vehicle rental agency’s quote.

Kigali Car Rentals is the fastest growing car rental company in Kigali Rwanda, and is committed to providing all its customers with a maximum of comfort and satisfaction through its services. Kigali Car Rentals is the leading car hire in the area and aims to consistently deliver a fast, flexible, personalized and high quality service at a very affordable price. Kigali Car Rentals prides itself on its well-maintained vehicles that cater to every need and requirement of its clients, and continues to invest in the latest automobile technology in order to provide an up to date and best of class service. The company boasts a team of dedicated, friendly, fully trained and experienced staff ready to help each and every customer receive the high standard of car rental service they deserve.

What Knives to Bring on a Camping Trip

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A variety of knives exist these days. Here are a few that I suggest bringing with you so you’re prepared in any situation.

Folding Pocket Knife – This is a small yet essential tool to have. It’s light weight and folds up nice and small so you can carry it easily. It can be used for a variety of things such as cutting some string, fishing line, or even cutting fruit.

Tactical Knife – Usually this is big and looks military based. You can use it to clean fish, skin your game, or even as self defense from wild animals.

Fixed Blade Knife – This is a knife with a big blade and usually a nice handle that’s easy to grip firmly. They are solid, they don’t flake under pressure, and sometimes they have a serrated edge on one side.

Remember… knives are sharp! So be smart, use caution, and be safe.

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