Experience
Uganda & Rwanda
Fast Facts Uganda Country name:
Republic of Uganda
Population:
40.5 Million
Capital:
Kampala
Language:
English and Luganda
Currency:
Uganda Shilling
Time zone:
9 hours behind New Zealand (except during daylight saving)
Electricity:
Current is 240V, 50HZ Plug is a 3 point square-pin adaptor
Fast Facts Rwanda
46
Country name:
Republic of Rwanda
Population:
11.9 Million
Capital:
Kigali
Language:
English, French and Kinyarwanda
Currency:
Rwandan Franc
Time zone:
9 hours behind New Zealand (except during daylight saving)
Electricity:
Current is 240V, 50HZ Plug is a 3 point square-pin adaptor
U
ganda has had a rather turbulent past, but has now become a more peaceful country. It is home to many different ethnic groups, yet none of these form the majority of Uganda’s population. Around 40 languages are currently used, English being the official language. Kibale Forest is where chimpanzees have made their home, and you can hear their evocative pant-hoot call any time of the day. Head to Ngamba Island (45 minutes boat from Entebbe), where most of the chimps who were previously confiscated by poachers, now live free and happy. Neighbouring Uganda is Rwanda, small in size but a population density among the highest in Africa. Appropriately dubbed “The Land of a Thousand Hills” Rwanda is predominantly grassy highlands and hills, with altitudes varying from a low of 1207m, to Mt. Karisimbi, the highest of a range of extinct volcanoes in the northwest reaching 4507m. Lake Kivu forms part of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa. Rainy season is aplenty between March to May, bringing to life the tropical rainforest of the highlands. Gorillas can be visited all year round, but great savings can be made in the rainy seasons when trekking permits are more affordable. The star attraction of course is the legendary mountain gorilla, the biggest of living primates. Trek through this breath-taking part of the world to discover the gorilla’s home. Both countries offer a different trekking experience, so it is up to you to commit to meeting the more elusive gorilla families in Uganda along with the fantastic birding and other wildlife, or go easy on your knees and meander the rolling hills of Rwanda. Staring into the pensive brown eyes of these gentle giants who share 95% of their genes with humans, is as humbling as it is thrilling. Knowing there are only around 850 alive today, the time to visit the land of gorillas is now!