“10 minutes’ drive from Entebbe Town & only 5 KMS from the Airport”

Tourist Attractions within Entebbe and Uganda include:
Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Wild Life Education Centre (National Zoo), Snake Park, Spectacular Sipi Falls and numerous other falls in eastern Uganda, water rafting, National Parks, Mountain Elgon and Rwenzori and the worlds only remaining Mountain Gorillas, Owino market (the largest and most congested in Uganda with close to million buyers and sellers), Namugongo Martyrs Shrines for your Spiritual Tours – where believers where killed for their religion more than 100 years ago. Ssese and Bulago Islands on L. Victoria.

Go fishing on Lake Victoria in a Motor boat or Canoe. Enjoy a swim in Lake Victoria only a stone throw away.

Located in a very quiet environment of Entebbe Town, 10 minutes away from Entebbe International Airport, Kidepo Guest House is an ideal place to stay.

Our proximity to Entebbe International Airport makes us the Gateway to and from Uganda , hence the most appropriate and convenient place for you.

Arriving into Uganda from Entebbe International Airport, relax and stay at Kidepo GuestHouse which is only 10 Minutes drive from the Airport .

Our Facilities Include:

• Satellite TV
• Colored Screen
• Self-Contained rooms
• Free and secure Parking
• Well stocked bar and restaurant
• 24 Hr. Customer Service
• Complimentary Breakfast
• To and From Airport Transfers

Our rates are the most affordable in Entebbe as seen below.

Our Good Staff will be glad to host you.

The rooms at Apoka have been built with comfort in mind. Everything is handmade by local craftsmen, everything is large and capacious. 10 expansive rooms with natural canvas walls surround a rocky kopje with endless views across the savannah. With inside sitting rooms and private verandas there are plenty of places to relax, read and sprawl.  Big hand-hewn beds with soft duvets are draped with mosquito nets, hand-woven woolen carpets, extra-large plush towels, oversized dressing gowns…you may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing.

Step outside to a sheltered terrace and slip into your own outdoor stone bathtub, big enough to fit the whole family.

The swimming pool at Apoka Lodge – deep and cool – has been carved out of the big rock. This is the kind of pool that makes you want to jump in, splashing and yelling, feeling like a kid again.

Come and drink in the view, come and feel the lion’s roar in your chest. Come and stay a while.

Why Apoka?

• The only lodge inside Kidepo Valley National Park. Right smack dab in the middle of it.
• The outdoor starlit bathtubs
• Prime game viewing…without even leaving the lodge…all day long
• Staff from the local Karimojong community
• The amazing natural rock pool – deep, dark and cool
• Fantastic guides for walks and drives
• Pure, natural décor in a pure, natural setting
• Breakfast in the bush under a fig tree? Why not!
• Open topped game-viewing vehicles
• Fall asleep to the sound of nearby lions roaring and zebras whinnying…
• Big breezy shaded spaces – cool respite from the daytime heat

RATES 2013

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

All rates are subject to increase without notice due to factors such as Government levies, taxes and fuel

Increases

Photo by Echwalu Photography

sanctuaries, rich cultural history, spectacular national parks, active volcanoes, botanical gardens, snowcapped mountain with their rich flora and fauna gives you abundant and diverse choices making it the perfect country to visit if you are interested in environmental tourism and the unforgettable wildlife experience.

Eco-tourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990)

Eco-tourism basically focuses on environmental conservation and sustainable development. Eco-tours help to save forests, cultures and the environment in general. Saving the environment around you and preserving the natural luxuries and forest life, that’s what eco-tourism is all about. Whether it’s about a nature camp or organizing trekking trips towards the unspoilt and inaccessible regions, one should always keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the life cycle of nature.

For nature loving travel and recreation, we welcome you to the Pearl of Africa. Eco-tourism here focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions like our well conserved national parks, forests and mountains.

Eco-tourist places in Uganda

Eco-tourism sites in Uganda are endowed with an abundance of wildlife and ever green vegetation. The attractions is the apes, birds, butterflies, green vegetation, reptiles, flowers and wild animals like elephants, baboons, warthogs, chimpanzees, bush backs, monkeys, bush pigs, buffaloes, mountain gorillas and cool natural fresh air and many more….

• Mabira Central Forest Reserve
• Budongo Central Forest Reserve
• Bwindi Impenetrable forest
• Lutoboka, Kampala and Bunjazi Central Forest Reserves
• Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve
• Mpanga Central Forest Reserve
• Busingiro Eco-tourism site,
• Bugoma Eco-tourism site,
• Kaniyo – Pabidi- Ecotourism site
• Kasyoha- Kitomi Forest Reserve
• Rwenzori mountains
• Kibale National Park
• Find more details from Uganda wildlife Authority.

Tips for Best Eco-Tourism

Eco-tourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. As a traveller, you will have an impact on the environment and culture of the place you are visiting.

The basics of eco-tourism are the same everywhere. The foremost of the rules are that the tourism advises to minimize impact, spread awareness about the environment and the harm caused to it.

Today the “Green Laws” of conservation are making people aware of how man and the environment can live symbiotically for more time to come and eco-tourism is the only way to maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits of tourism. Some basic do’s and don’ts are listed below:

What to Do

• Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in authorized dustbins.
• Cut noise pollution in nature camps, sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
• In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
• Respect people’s privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph.

What not to Do

• Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal.
• Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
• Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite without permission.
• Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the forests.
• Do not consume drinks, drugs or anything and throw bottles in the wild.
• Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local traditions.
• Polythene and plastics are non-biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be used and littered.

Looking for Mountain Gorillas

The mere thought of coming close to the popular ‘human cousins’ was electrifying.  I was finally going to have some experience about gorilla trekking; my own story to tell. I remember packing my travel bag three days to the trip. I got in touch with colleagues who prepped me about a gorilla trekking exercise. I even remember borrowing a sturdier pair of canvas shoes from my sister, just to make sure I have the best trek.

Our trip from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the south western part of Uganda lasted two days. It was a very long journey to me but the conversations and arguments I listened to, between these journalists, gave me comic relief for the road. We spend a night in Kabale; a district 430 kilometers from Kampala.

Kabale is a beautiful mountainous land with popular getaways to gorilla tracking trips at Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla National Parks. It is one of Uganda’s best mountain hiking destinations and also one of the best destinations in Uganda to explore superb mountain hiking with the Rolling Hills and Virunga Mountains at its border with Rwanda. The town also has an airstrip that makes it easily accessible.

The coldness of Kabale that night was not what I had prepared for. My fitting small coat and a shawl was a joke to my colleagues. They warned me before I left Kampala but I simply ignored. Now, I was suffering from a stomachache, caused by the cold as I coiled up in my lonely hotel room. I even had no desire to tour Kabale town that night because I was visibly shaking and biting my teeth because of the coldness. I went to bed early in order to get enough rest. We had planned to leave Kabale town to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the wee hours of the morning.

We arrived at Ruhija, one of the briefing centres of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by 9:30 am the following morning. This centre is 50kms away from Buhoma, the park headquarters. According to our guide, we were going to trek the Oruzogo family of mountain gorillas. Oruzogo is a name adapted from a plant in the forest that is a favourite delicacy for this particular family.

During the briefing, everyone was informed about what to expect in the forest like stinging insects, wild poisonous plants and the muddy ground during the rainy seasons. We were reminded that we would have two body guards, for security purposes and were told to equip ourselves with strong shoes, a walking stick, a bottle of water and a rain coat. The park management aided us with some pairs of gumboots, walking sticks and rain coats commonly known as condos for those who didn’t have. I opted for the gumboots, because I wanted to be more than comfortable even through the muddy vegetation.

Trekking officially begun at 11:00am and I, the only lady in a group of ten was advised to lead the group because they thought, I would move at the slowest space.

I wanted to challenge these guys. I wanted to show them that I wasn’t a weakling just because I was a lady so I excitedly ran, jumped and hiked away. I used my stick to climb steep hills and run down slopes. It was fun for the first hour and then booh! My body was knocked out of breathe! Initially, I under estimated the effects of trekking such undulating lands as the Bwindi forest. (Trekking takes place 8000-10,000 feet above sea level).

With the effects of hiking taking effect, I found myself slowing down steadily. Once leading the trekking group, I found myself in the middle, breathing heavily but with a brave heart. I didn’t want to admit that I was getting tired. Gesa Simplicious, a warden writer at the park sensed this and suggested that we get a “water break”. I was the first one to agree.

During the break, we interacted with the guide, Benson Kanyoni, asking questions about the life of this family we were about to meet, among other wildlife topics. He also told us about the wild poisonous plants. We got a chance to see the Oruzogo plant and a fresh gorilla nest to which we struggled to take pictures. A gorilla nest is where the male and female gorilla mate. Then we continued with our journey.

Dear reader, our day had begun on a very cold, cloudy note and it stayed that way for more than half of the day. However, this did not stop sweat from oozing through every pore on my skin. I couldn’t resist getting rid of some of my clothes. I began with my coat, then the shawl and remained in my trouser jeans and sweater top. To make my journey simpler, I wrapped the coat and shawl around my waist.

The forest vegetation was a source of freshness. When we had emptied our mineral water bottles, our thirst was quenched by the fresh air we breathed in from the forest green vegetation. Everyone was impressed by my energy throughout the journey. I was very tired but all this feeling remained a secret because I am not a weakling remember?  We were just two hours into the journey but some people were already tired. Gorilla trekking can take 1-4hours or even more.

As we penetrated the impenetrable Bwindi, we buried our thoughts into discussions about the nature and the history of this great forest. We couldn’t just give up because we were near; at least that is what our guide kept telling us.

The surprise call from one of the guides in the forest to Benson brought good news just like the star that appeared to the three wise men in the bible. The Oruzogo family was less than two kilometres away.

‘It will take us less than 3o minutes to get there. Don’t worry, we will be there shortly.’ Benson turned and assured us.

Breathlessly, some of us even increased our pace. In less than the 30 minutes mentioned, we were suddenly stopped and told to keep quiet. We were now in the Oruzogo family territory. Although many were hidden in the thick forest trees, we could hear their I was now in the company of the gentle giants.

We are briefed again about gorilla behaviour and how we should behave while near them. Among these behavioral guidelines were issues like leaving our walking sticks behind because they send a wrong impression to the gorillas-they think you are an enemy who has come to hurt them. We were also reminded to switch off camera flashes because gorillas hate them and also, to leave behind any mineral water bottles and other snacks.

Then we moved closer to meet the Oruzogo family!

I learnt that all habituated Gorillas in Bwindi have names that all guides know. Bakwate, a silverback in the family couldn’t stand us intruding his comfort zone so he first charged, then backed loudly and proudly thumped his chest; it was a sight to behold! Benson explained that they usually charge when they want to defend themselves from the enemy. He (Bakwate) however calmed down and posed for us to take as many pictures of him as we wanted and he left shortly after.

As we struggled to have a better view of him, we discovered Kakobe, a female with Toto, her young one. The strong mother-to-child bond was priceless as the two enjoyed their meal. She later protectively carried her onto her laps and started feeding her with tree branches. The sight of the two gorillas together was intriguingly sweet and incredible. It was such a remarkable sight. Mother and child suddenly sat still for two minutes, as if posing for the cameras, then disappeared into the bush. Their behavior is so much like that of humans.  No wonder they are 97% related to human beings! The Oruzogo family boasted of 23 members then; 2 silverbacks, 8 adult females, 4 juveniles, 5 infants and 5 black backs.

In silence, we struggled to have more views and shots of all the Oruzogos as they played in tree branches, and as some enjoyed their lunch time meal; oruzogo plant. I couldn’t believe it when our one hour visit came to an end.

Even though we huffed and puffed all the way back on the steep slopes of the rugged Bwindi forest under heavy rains, the feeling of satisfaction we had obtained from trekking and coming close to the mountain gorillas kept us going. It was worth all the effort.

Tips on what to carry on a trekking exercise

Clothing: Equip yourself with the best walking shoes that can stand muddy and rugged landscape. They should be comfortable too. Cotton, light and warm clothes are recommended for this exercise.

One can carry a pair of gloves if you can to protect you from thorny vegetation. Also, carry a rain coat because tropical weather is very unpredictable.

Insect repellants can be included in one’s first aid pack.

Luggage: Carry as little as possible because walking tires you out. However, one can hire a porter to help out in carrying a heavy bag. This usually happens to people who carry cameras and gadgets like tripods and lenses. The porters are local people who work day-to-day and are not officially employed by the government or the park.  Their rate is $10-$15 dollars (plus $5 tip if you want).

Food: It is advisable to carry a bottle of water and a snack for this journey.

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Guidelines:

• Trekkers must be at least 15 years of age
• Groups are limited to 8 people per day
• Once gorillas are located, travelers are limited to one hour of observation and photography, and they must try to keep at least 10 meters away from the animals.
• Gorillas are susceptible to many human diseases so you should not go gorilla tracking if you have flu or a cold as you may be asked to turn away from the gorillas if you need to sneeze.
• Listen to guiding instructions given at the briefing centre and during the course of trekking.

Where to find gorillas in Uganda

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Mgahinga National Park

By Zirenah Rehema

We offer Thai, Indonesian, Singaporean and Chinese dishes.

Kati Kati offers a choice of four restaurants offering authentic Indian, Continental, African and Fast Food and two well stocked bars.

Murchison Hall, the Conference centre is designed to cater to any groups between 20 and 300 delegates.

Kati Kati is the perfect place in Kampala for business and relaxation. Murchison Hall is an excellent Conference Facility available in Uganda, which can cater to groups between 20 and 300 people.

Pop Up Cafe is a small social project based cafe in Ntinda area of Kampala. In our small garden you can enjoy our self-roasted coffee and delicious meals. WiFi and Craft shop are also available. By enjoying our services you foster the employment of persons with special needs in Uganda as majority of our staff are special needs.

According to a statement from the Executive Director, Dr. Andrew Seguya, the following promotional prices will apply for visitors wishing to track gorillas within the months April and May 2013.

Foreign Non Residents will pay US $ 350 for a permit instead of US$500, Foreign Residents US$300 instead of US $450 and East Africans will part with U sh 150,000 a permit instead of U sh  250,000.

Dr. Seguya says in a statement that the promotion is aimed at giving back to UWA’s esteemed customers. The promotion which is open to all tour operators and partners will be guided by the following guidelines. The promotional period will run for the months of April and May 2013.

This applies to unsold permits for this period and does not include prepayments before announcement of this promotion.

Payment for all gorilla permits under the promotional rates shall only be done at the Reservations office at UWA Headquarters in Kampala only. No promotional permits will be sold at the park .Permits offered for sale under these promotional arrangements will be paid for in full (100% of value) at the time of booking. The acceptable payment methods are cash or direct bank transfers. There will be no cash refunds, reschedules, cancellations and transfers allowed on promotion permits. Promotional permits will be marked “Promotional Permit”

Uganda is a home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas.Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in  South western Uganda are host to the mountain gorillas which live in organised social groups.

For further information and to reserver your permit please call reservations on +256 414355 403 or email reservations@ugandawildlife.org

Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)