Joint Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya Tourist Visa for 2014

Beginning January 1^st 2014, tourists visiting Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya will enjoy the liberty of a joint visa according to a decision that was reached at the 3rd Tripartite Infrastructure Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.

The joint visa scheme is one of the integral processes in the development of the East African community and the cross-border visa will support intra-regional travel between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda through new joint marketing and trade opportunities and it is one of the strategies that will boost the region’s tourism industry.

Tourists visiting each of the East African countries at the moment must obtain a separate visa for each nation and this Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda joint visa will go a long way in simplifying travel arrangements for vacation seekers and holiday makers by enabling a broad range of tourism products highlighting the region’s diversity.

Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya have long been famed for their fascinating wildlife and highlighted on many African tourists’ wish list. The introduction of the joint visa will therefore make it possible to visit all the 3 countries at ease! Many wish to combine a safari holiday in Kenya and a Gorilla trek in either Uganda or Rwanda and come January 1^st 2014, that will be possible at a snap of a finger!

The current cost for a single entry visa is $50 for Uganda, $50 for Kenya and $30 for Rwanda and the joint visa will cost $100 thus making it not only easier to travel across the three countries but also more affordable!

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Resumes Operations.

Operations have resumed at Kenya’s main airport and East Africa’s largest aviation hub – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport despite the recent fire incidence that brought it to halt. On Wednesday, August 7th 2013, fire broke out at 5am destroying the domestic arrivals section forcing the authorities to close the entire operations and several flights cancelled.
The fire fighters including the paramilitary and the General Service Unit (GSU) battled the blaze and were able to control it after three hours amidst several challenges like limited equipments and at one point, lack of water! There was however no serious injuries and all passengers were safely evacuated.
Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have today resumed with Kenya Airways and Air Uganda resuming their operations. The Cabinet secretary for transport Mr. Micheal Kamau reported the airport will have returned to normal operations by midnight and confirmed they will create a temporary tunnel to enable normal operations.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the 9th busiest airport in Africa by total passengers and is a hub for both domestic and International flights.
This obstruction has caused inconveniences to many tourists and tour operators across East Africa given that this is the busiest month in the tourism industry. Kenya is a major tourist destination in Africa especially for wildlife safaris, beach holidays and honeymoons.
As tour operators, we feel for those whose safari experiences and plans have been obstructed by this incidence. For those looking for Kenya safaris or African safari tours do not be disoriented; it’s back to normal and you’ll be safe! We will keep you posted…

Uganda Safari Highlights & Destinations

The Crater Lakes of Uganda

There are ten national parks in Uganda, perhaps the highest concentration of conservation areas in Africa. Of these, three contain the remains of explosive volcanoes, which have over the millennia filled with water. Formed by the explosive volcanic action of now extinct volcanoes over a timescale of millions of years; with the youngest having formed around 10,000 years ago, the crater lakes of Uganda are spectacular. The habitats in which they formed vary from forest to savanna and wetlands, with some lakes being fresh water while others, such as Lake Katwe saline. The stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, coupled with the friendly culture and relaxed pace of life, make visiting the crater lakes an absolute must for visitors to Uganda. There are plenty of safari packages to choose from or you can arrange one to suit your particular needs. With so many to choose from, you will be spoiled for choice. From a 3 day tour to a 3 week tour, you can opt for the ideal holiday to suit your needs. Most tours will include at least some of the many lakes and rivers in the region.
There are three main concentrations of crater lakes to visit: the Katwe explosion craters in the Queen Elizabeth National Park; the Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field near Kibale National Park; and the Bunyaruguru Crater Field on the Kichwamba escarpment.
Katwe Crater Salt Lakes
Of the two lakes in this location, Lake Katwe is the better known. Salt has been produced from this lake since the 16^th century and the water is very saline. The salt pans are today still the main source of income for the local residents and a tour of the lake will give an insight into what is one of the oldest surviving industries in Africa. Stanley was the first westerner to record the history of the salt extraction at Lake Katwe when he visited Africa in 1875; he took a sample of the salt back to England for analysis and this was the first chemical analysis carried out on it.
Lake Katwe and its neighbours: Lake Munyanyange; Lake Nyamumica; and Lake Kasenyi are all situated above a salt rock which lays on a contour line, connecting the four. Of these, only Lake Katwe and Lake Kasenyi are capable of being mined for salt. In the middle of these lakes are vents which travel from the main salt rock to the lake. Water from freshwater streams feeding into the salt rock, travels through the vents. It then dissolves the salt from the rock beneath, before being forced out of the rock at high pressure and into the lake.
Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field
Just south of Fort Portal, the Ndali-Kasenda crater field was reputed by local legend to have been formed by Ndahura, the first Bacwezi king on his retirement, having abdicated in favour of his son. In reality, they were formed around 10,000 years ago and comprise around 60 permanent and seasonal freshwater lakes, all very different in character.
Bunyaruguru Crater Field
Perhaps two of the better known lakes in the Bunyaruguru Crater Field are Lakes Kamweru and Kyeema. Famed for being separated only by a road which runs between the two, Lake Kamweru has green coloured water, while Lake Kyeema has blue water. In the same area can be seen Lake Kamwezi, with its historic cave; the cave was a traditional ritual and sacrificial site which, during the Amin era became a refuge for those escaping the regime.
There are a number of safari packages you can choose which will allow you to explore at least some of the many beautiful crater lakes there are in south west Uganda. It would be impossible to visit them all in the course of one visit, so a return visit is a must to fully appreciate the diverse range of habitats in which these bodies of water lay. Uganda is still young in terms of tourism and this makes it one of the richest destinations in terms of experiencing unspoiled terrain, an abundance of wildlife and thriving local cultures. Whether you want a vehicle safari or trekking; to see gorillas and big game; or to fish and photograph birds; Uganda, with its amazing scenery is known as the Pearl of Africa with good reason. The official Ugandan Tourism Association site gives plenty of information and travel tips on making your holiday in Uganda run smoothly.

A Trip to Cherish - Uganda Safaris, Discover East Africa

Enjoying a trip in Uganda

Observing animals in their natural habitat is the specialty of the African continent and what better destination could you choose other than going on Uganda Safaris, which not only provides an out of the world experience, but a truly heroic and adventurous feeling which  one should experience in a lifetime. Gone are those days when safari tours were not very appealing to the common man, mainly for reasons of fear and untold difficulties that could be encountered. Today Uganda safari has opened a new chapter in world tourism and Uganda the undiscovered pearl of the African Continent is a favorite hot spot of tourist destinations.

On a Uganda Safari you observe nature at its best, with animals roaming wild and free, as nature intended them to be. For people with passion and wild life photographic skills, Ugandan safaris will leave lasting memories. Uganda, being home to Mountain Gorillas, one of the rare animal species of animals in the world and the Shoe Bill are sights that are mesmerizing. It is the source of the mighty River Nile, which offers the best white water rafting in the world. Mountain ranges, exotic waterfalls, and amazing birds of a thousand varieties attract worldwide tourist.

For bird watchers , Uganda safari will provide the ultimate joy of the richest African birding destination  It is rightly called ’Home of the most sought after birds.’ Tourist operators can make this a cherished dream come true experience, with close to nature, exotic wildlife, and close interaction with the local people who are claimed to be the friendliest people of the African continent.

Travel packages for a Uganda safari range from luxury, mid range to budget options. All tours are headed by trained drivers and guides who are experienced and have a thorough knowledge of the area to be covered. Duration of stay or travel can be finalized with the tour operators who offer packages ranging from 3 days to 4 weeks. They have tailor made itineraries to suit all packages. Classic stay in camps in the old traditional method is also available and a desirable option.

Chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking , game viewing of different wild life like African elephants, giraffes, climbing lions and leopards, wild buffaloes,, antelopes of different types ,the conserved areas ,National parks and game reserves are places that one must not miss seeing  during the Uganda safari. Hiking is another favorite sport to be indulged in. It gives a real understanding of the authentic African culture. The beautiful rain forest leaves an everlasting memory for personalized care and attention; tourist operators unanimously agree that smaller groups are ideal.

Uganda safari offers a lot more than words can describe. Nature is seen at its best here. No touch of sophistication has destroyed the natural habitat of the most powerful animals and the home of our feathered friends. With so much in the offing and excellent tourist package offers grab the earliest opportunity and make your Uganda Safari the most memorable one, a unique experience to cherish always….