Our Uganda Honeymoon Safaris offer ultimate opportunity for you to see the tree climbing lions in Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park; go white water rafting on the source of the river Nile, game viewing, mountain climbing and a lot more. Our honeymoon safaris cover gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park.

Where to go for a honeymoon safari holiday in Uganda?

We arrange the best honeymoon safaris to pristine national parks, wildlife reserves and other tourist sites. Uganda is blessed with 10 parks including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mt Elgon National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Kibale Forest National Park. Uganda also has countless romantic places worth spending a honeymoon safari holiday. We have identified majority of unique, romantic, adorable and classic honeymoon places; –

Some of the romantic lodges to spend your honeymoon safari in Uganda include;

Wild Waters Lodge – this is perched on the private island on River Nile in Jinja. Chobe Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. Chobe Safari Lodge is a luxury lodge with over 21 tents and offers the best of honeymoon safari holiday. Others include Mihingo Safari Lodge, Lake Mburo Safari Lodge and Kigambira safari Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park. Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephants Plain Lodge, Katara Lodge & Ishasha Wilderness Camp in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Papaya Lake Lodge, Primate Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge in Kibale Forest National Park. Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi or Clouds Mountain Lodge and Mount. Gahinga Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Semliki Safari Lodge in Semliki National Park.

Apoka Safari Lodge in Kidepo National Park.

Best time for honeymoon safaris in Uganda.

Uganda is strategically found in East Africa, crossed by the Equator crossing. It experiences favorable weather and climatic conditions making it an open honeymoon safari destination all year-round. But the dry season is perfect for you to have enjoyable honeymoon safari in Uganda and this is experienced from June to September and December to February. The dry months in Uganda are ideal for honeymooners on Uganda safari who are interested in game drives, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking, gorilla habituation experience, mountaineering. There is also possibility of exploring Uganda on honeymoon during the wet/rainy months also best known as the low season. That is from March to May and October to November.

Boat trips on Kazinga Channel Uganda

A natural canal known as the Kazinga Channel links the graben lakes of Edward and George. Its waters come from the Rwenzori mountain, flow into Lake George, and then spill over into Lake Edward via the Kazinga canal. Several animals congregate in the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park to enjoy the flesh water. You are more likely to observe more wildlife and waterfowl on a two-hour boat ride on this channel than you are on any given game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. According to records, the Kazinga Channel is home to the greatest number of hippos in the world. Allow Amakula African Safaris to plan a trip for you that includes a boat cruise on Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Boat cruise at Kazinga Channel

Boat Cruise at the Nile Boat trips in Murchison Falls National Park

It is a privilege for Murchison Falls National Park to have the Nile River cut through it, splitting the park into two sections. The boat excursion to the base of Victoria Falls, where you can observe water rushing through a small ravine, is one of the most well-liked activities. Many creatures, including as hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and birds, can be seen on this boat tour. Boat cruises to the delta downstream are still available in Murchison Falls National Park in pursuit of the uncommon and elusive shoebill stock. Amakula African Safaris is interested in collaborating with you to provide information on safaris to the Murchison Falls National Park.

Boat trips in Murchison Falls

Take advantage of boat tours to Ngamba Island to see orphaned chimpanzees fed, or go on a wine and cheese or sunset cruise on the lake if you have some free time in Entebbe. A canoe excursion on the lake to explore the various islands and their rich history is extremely enjoyable for anyone visiting the source of the nile, Lake Bunyonyi , Kasoga Community in Kasese among others

River Nile Boat cruise

The size and Restrictions for the Hot air balloon Safari

In the Murchison Falls National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has only recently begun to provide balloon safaris as a tourist activity, but they are quickly gaining popularity. Only the Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks in Uganda offer hot air ballooning, which is managed by Dream Balloons, which had to be fully registered and certified by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, the National Environment Management Authority, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the Uganda Communications Commission before they could conduct this specific activity in Uganda’s National Parks in 2011.

Hot air ballooning is one of the activities you should not skip while visiting Murchison Falls. The Murchison Falls National Park is thought to be the largest protected region with so much to see in terms of the natural world and everything nearby, including the impressive variety of species, the potent waterfalls, and not to mention the well-known River Nile.

The Hot air Balloon Experience

While on a Hot Air Balloon Murchison Falls Uganda Safari, at around 5:00am, you are taken to the hot air balloon launch point, which is on the wildlife side of the park, close to the Paraa Safari Lodge. You may observe the assembling team as they make final preparations, including as filling the balloon with air before you take off at dawn. As you prepare to board the balloon, you will be given a training on the safety precautions, guidelines, and restrictions. The wind will assist the balloon rise to several feet off the ground and soar above the treetops once the pilot has launched it for takeoff.

This will give you a bird’s-eye view of the Savannah below, which is teeming with various species, including a sizable population of those that clog the banks of the Great Nile. You are given certificates at the conclusion of this fantastic hot air balloon journey, which typically lasts for approximately an hour. Later, you cap off with a special bush breakfast and a bottle of Champagne, which were all planned and prepared by the commis chefs from the Paraa Lodge. After that, you’ll continue your morning with a game drive through the park before going back to your lodging. There is also a sunset balloon flight that departs at precisely 4 pm, but it does not include any additional benefits like the post-ride bush dinners.

Who Should Take a Hot Air Balloon Safari?

For honeymooners, thrill-seekers, and those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, hot air ballooning is the ideal activity. The view from up there is breathtaking, and it feels wonderful to feel the wind on your face. You will be rewarded for this extraordinary experience with countless memories that you can recall whenever you reflect back on your safari in Uganda.

Hot Air Ballooning in the Murchison Falls National Park will reward you with the following views: the overall scenic view of the park, views of off-road animals that are hidden, Lake Albert, and the Victoria Nile; and then other remarkable features like: the bush breakfast experience in the wild, pickups from your lodging, certificates of participation as a reward, ferry crossings, and the hour-long hot air balloon ride, among many other things.

Cost of a Hot Air Balloon Safari

Currently, the cost of a Hot Air Balloon activity is $380 per person, but children under the age of 12 get a 50% discount, making it only $190. The price of this package includes the balloon flight, a balloon certificate, and refreshments for before and after the journey.

What to pack for Murchison falls national park safari

Although the activity starts early in the morning, you are suggested to dress in several layers of clothing, but you should wear comfortable clothing underneath because the African wilderness gets warmer as the sun rises. Since you will need to walk across grassy trails at the landing site before boarding the balloon, it is essential to wear a pair of sturdy closed shoes. It is wise to carry a pair of sunglasses, a hat with a wide brim and straps, a camera, and binoculars.

Before departing on your gorilla tracking

A habituated mountain gorilla group may only have up to 8 visitors each day. By doing this, the gorillas’ behavioral disruption and chance of contracting diseases spread by humans are reduced.

Be sure to wash your hands before seeing the gorillas.

On the way to the gorillas

• Please speak quietly at all times. Also, the abundant birdlife and other species in the forest will be visible to you.
• DON’T dispose of trash in the park. You should take everything you bring into the forest with you when you leave.
• You will be brought to the location where the guides saw the gorillas the day prior. From there, you can locate them by following the gorilla’s track. Be on the lookout for gorilla nesting locations along the journey!
• The guides will warn you to get ready when you come close to the mountain gorillas.

When you are with the gorillas:

• Try to maintain a constant 7-meter (21 foot) distance from the gorillas. The group will be more at ease the further back you are.
• When you are close to the gorillas, you must remain in a small group.
• Maintain a low voice at all times. It is acceptable to query the guide, though.
• Avoid smoking, drinking, and eating when you are close to the gorillas. Eating or drinking will inevitably raise the chance that food, drink, or droplets will fall, increasing the possibility that diseases will be transmitted.
• The gorillas occasionally charge. Observe the example provided by the guide (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Avoid attempting to flee because doing so will increase the risk.
• No flash photography is allowed! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
• Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
• The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
• After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.

There are very many birds in the park of which some are rare, common, and occasional such as the Gray crowned Crane (Uganda’s National bird), Giant Kingfisher, Giant Heron, Shoebill stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Nightjars, Marabou stork, Black headed lapwing, Back-bellied Bustard among others.

Birds in Murchison can be best spotted while on a game drive, nature walks through the savannah grasslands and on the boat cruise along the Nile and on Lake Albert Delta. Birds like the blue napped mouse birds, silver birds, weavers among others can be spotted near Paraa and Red Chilli in through the dry thorn-shrubs. Nocturnal birds like the nightjars can be seen along the Paraa road and while on the boat on the Nile. While on the boat still very many birds such as the shoebill, Gray crowned cranes, Goliath herons, black headed lapwings among others can be spotted.

Best Time For Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Birders can watch birds all year round though best time is during the dry season in months especially from January-March, this time is a low tourist season in Uganda but birding is still plentiful. From December-February the rains begin and birding can still be done.

From April-May and from August-October there are heavy rains, which makes it difficult for bird watching since the hiking trails become slippery and roads in the park become impassable.

The shoebill is the park’s most outstanding attraction though rare but can be spotted from January to March during the dry season. Migratory birds can be seen between months November and April.

List Of some Of The Birds Found In Murchison falls

Shoe bill

African Darter

Giant Kingfisher

Osprey

Long-toed Plover

Grey-headed Kingfisher

Veracious Dove

Black-headed Lapwing

Abyssinian Ground Hornbill

Rock Pratincole

Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird

Black-billed Barbet

Long-tailed Nightjarbird

Weaver Birds

Yellow-billed Stork

Martial Eagle

Silver bird

Gray crowned crested crane

Sandpipers

Pied Kingfishers

Standard-winged Nightjar

Malachite Kingfishers

Blue-headed Coucal

Denham’s Bustard

BirdingSwamp Flycatcher

Giant Heron

African Jacana

Secretary Bird

Read-throated Bee eater

Saddle-billed stork

Senegal Thick-Knee

Red winged Grey Warbler

What to carry for a birding Safari

Are you wondering about What to carry for birding safari, While on a Murchison falls Safari, Birders are expected to have a birder’s guide book, a pointer, a pair of binoculars, Sun glasses, hats, sturdy shoes(during hikes), and enough water

Like all travelers in the past, the next thing to do after making reservations with your tour company is to show up in the country of choice. Your tour company or hotel should pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel or start the journey to the national park. The distance from the airport to the national park varies depending on which country you choose to do the trekking. If you are tracking in Rwanda, the driving time will be 2 hours. If you are tracking in Congo, you need to first land in Kigali international airport and then be driven to the Congo Rwanda border crossing in Goma. From the border you will be driven to the Virunga National Park which is a few kilometers away from the border. Should you decide to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, expect to travel on road for eight hours to either Bwindi of Mgahinga National Park. You can avoid the long travel from Entebbe international airport in Uganda by landing in Kigali (Rwanda) instead and driving for only 3 hours to the national parks in Uganda.

If you happen to be traveling with Mission Africa Safaris, the Driver/Guide will pick you up from the airport of a hotel and take you up to your accommodation facility close to the national park. On the day of the trek, the Driver will pick you up very early in the morning from your hotel and take you to the park offices for briefing. Request your hotel to prepare for you packed lunch and enough drinking water – you will thank us later.

Is gorilla trekking worth it?

Once you reach the park, you will be asked for your passport and gorilla permit. Never forget to move with your passport to avoid any issues. You will be surprised to find the park offices with tourists from almost every continent. Some would have come for other activities like golden monkey tracking or hiking one of the Virunga Volcanoes. From 7:30am to 8am, you will be briefed about the gorilla trekking rules and requirements. These briefings are usually led by the park Warden and cover issues like smoking, keeping a distance from the gorillas and not running away if a gorilla charges. The Rangers will also give you background information about to each of the gorilla groups and the particular park. You will be introduced to the park Guides and all the people working in the park.

The park Guides will also let you know of what you need to have to make your trek more comfortable. After the briefing, you will be assigned a gorilla family taking into consideration your favorite gorilla and your overall fitness. The Rangers often assign gorilla groups by guessing the age of travelers. Sometimes they get it wrong because younger doesn’t always means fit. If you are not fit or ill, let the rangers know so that you are assigned a nearby gorilla group. You might be interested in our article about gorilla trekking for seniors. If you are tracking a gorilla group for the second time, you will be assigned another gorilla group. Visitors are only allowed a maximum of one hour with the gorillas in a day. The activity can be shortened at any time if the primates become restless. Only 8 people may visit a particular gorilla family in a day. After the briefing and assignment of Gorilla groups, you will then be given an opportunity to hire a porter as the journey could get tiring and go on for hours. Porters help carry any heavy luggage and in navigating through the difficult sections of the trek. The services of a porter costs $15.

The starting points for the hike are different for each gorilla group. In most cases you will be driven a few kilometers away to the starting point. The roads in most of the parks are not very good especially during the rainy season. When you reach the starting point, the Rangers will be in constant communication (by radio) with an advance group of trackers to know which direction to follow to get to the gorilla families. These advance group of trackers wake up before sunrise to search for the gorilla group and confirm their location. It is why the chances of seeing mountain gorillas is very high. It’s also important to note that the rangers are very experienced and knowledgeable about the park and the gorilla groups. They know the names and character of each individual. You are safe with them and can learn a lot about the primates if you ask questions.

Gorilla Trekking can go on for more than 7 hours if we consider going and coming back. Ensure that you have enough water and snack so that you don’t get dehydrated and hungry. If you feel like easing yourself or going for a long call, ask the rangers to dig a temporary toilet for you. As you start your journey to the forest, expect to encounter amazing scenery and landscape. The Rangers will help you clear a way through the dense jungle using machetes.

Once you encounter mountain gorillas, you will be required to follow instructions given by the guide. The Ranger will ask everyone to leave their less essential luggage behind before going close to the primates. Begin taking photos only when the rangers tell you so. You will watch the group grooming, The gorilla trekking farting, breastfeeding, making love and even sleeping. The most active members of the group are the toddlers and adolescents. They love climbing trees because of their light weight and will entertain you with their wrestling matches. Gorillas sometimes like to charge at tourists just for fun. Don’t act scared or run away. Just lay low and act submissive. One funny thing about mountain gorillas is that they sometimes behave as if they don’t notice your existence. A large silverback can decide to just walk through your group without a care. If this happens, just give way. By the end of your one hour with the gorillas, you would be in total agreement with countless others that watching gorillas in the wild is indeed very fascinating.

After completing your trek successfully, you will head back to the starting point and be given a gorilla trekking certificate along the way back or at the park headquarters. The certificate shows that you completed the trek successfully and are among the few who saw mountain gorillas in their lifetime. If you were excited by the whole experience, you may tip the rangers for a job well done. The company Guide will be waiting for you after receiving your certificate and drive you back to your lodge. Should you come back earlier than expected from your trek and are still fresh, the driver should take you to visit the Batwa pygmies.