Monday, March 8, 2010

Laso Falls

 image of a roadKaribuni Safaris has initiated a community telecentre project in Lwakhakha to train the community in computer use and thus bridge the digital divide. This is part of our pro-poor tourism initiatives to ensure the local community benefits from fair traded safaris. Having embarked on the community telecentre project, we recently took stock of attractions and activities in which volunteers could engage to pass time in-between teaching children at Lwakhakha telecentre.

Tourist attractions around Lwakhakha included the Sono water intake from where Tororo town gets water and rock bridge over river Lwakhakha wide enough for 5 cars to traverse at the same time. This bridge connects Uganda to Kenya and is called “daragi ya mungu” literally translated as God’s Bridge. The main activity is subsistence farming, with the use of donkeys to transport produce and irrigate on a small extent. This area is famous for coffee, beans, onions, tomatoes cabbages etc and is ideal for a cultural experience during the circumcision ceremonies in even years.image of agricultural plantations

image of the Laso Falls seen from belowOn two prior trips to Lwakhakha I had seen a stunning waterfall on the slopes of Namusindwa Ridge, but due to limited time was unable explore the site. On my third trip I was determined to visit Laso waterfalls, get a description, pictures and find out how to get there and away. Laso Falls could be a second route to entertain volunteers combined with a cultural experience on mountain bikes. We set off early so as to get to the waterfalls and away before it would become very hot. Our first hitch; breakfast wasn’t ready and we improvised with doughnuts, coca cola and mineral water arriving at Bumalye at 8 am.

image of three donkeysWe drove from to Bupoto 8 kms and turned left driving another 8 kms to the trail head at Bumalye. We parked the car at Bumalye and started the hike. In the school compound, we found 3 donkeys and learnt that they are the preferred means of transport due to the steep terrain. 


image of the Namusindwa Ridge

The hike was easy at first but as the gradient got steeper (close to about 70 degrees) as we approached the waterfalls, I started feeling dizzy and gave up the hike feeling disappointed and dejected.My guide John Kimwanga continued to the base of the waterfalls the rest of the story is his personal experience and the images he took.

River Laso emerges over a cliff on Namusindwa Ridge, from the catchment area in Mt Elgon National Park. The water gorges its way atop of Namusindwa Ridge before dropping approximately 260 feet; it splits into 3 falls the one on the extreme right (carrying the bulk of the water) terminating at bottom. The other two waterfalls simply jet-off the cliff for the last 25 feet, in a misty chilly spray making a spectacle that would marvel and inspire any architect.image of the Laso Falls

image of artificial pool at the bottom of the Laso waterfallsKimwanga observes “When you get to the base of the falls, you are literally out of breath and sweating as the hike gets very steep in the last 20 feet. I knew I had arrived when I was hit by a very cold shower and feared that I may suffer from hypothermia. Water jets off the cliff coming down in a hissing misty shower which is extremely cold. In a strange way, the cold was welcome after the strenuous hike. This waterfalls, is used as a shrine for (Wele Masaha) the water deity by the local people adding to my suspicion that this maybe sacred ground and therefore dangerous”.

With the combination of a slippery walk way and ice-cold water, I could not get to the base of the waterfalls. I took pictures about 30 metres from the base and left in a hurry before the biting cold started to take effect on my body. To enjoy the spectacular views at the top one needs warm and water proof clothing. Fortunately there is natural terrace which can hold 50 people. Laso falls has not been developed for tourism and is rarely visited. A stairway for the last 10 feet would ease the ascent, but for the time being, Laso is not for the faint hearted.

We are planning a cycling tour, starting in Mbale to Laso Falls, crossing the border into Kenya and proceeding to Kitale visit the museum, Delta Camp to see Rhinos and the famed underground Elephants and Bat caves in Mt Elgon National Park. Then, cycle to Suam cross back into Uganda for a night stop, ride to Kapwai Cottages for a cozy room, hike the forest exploration trails around the centre the next day. The afternoon is then spent, hiking the 3 sister falls, abseiling or trout fishing on Sipi River. The team the rides to Sisiyi Falls or alternatively visit Bulago area and pitch camp for the night. Set off early to Jinja for white water rafting, kayaking drive directly to airport for departure flight. This “Tour de Elgon” takes 12-14 days giving you, a cultural expose, living in budget eco-lodges on low impact transport.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Fort Portal getaway.


I recently had an excursion to Fort portal, organized by Karibuni Safaris to organize value for money tour packages for you to Fort Portal, Kibale and the crater lakes. Just as it is for regular travellers, this turned out more like an adventure vacation rather than package planning exercise. We set off in the sunny afternoon and drove to Fort Portal via Mityana a distance of 290km west of Kampala city.tea plantation on route to the caves
This is one the best ways to discover what Uganda has to offer, as the beauty starts enroute to the destination. I was particularly fascinated by the lush pine and natural forests inhabited by primates and varied avian species spotted along the way. This road also takes you to Kibale Forest National Park famed for chimpanzee trekking, bird watching and forest hiking. Human activities like tea growing(image shown above) also contribute to the scenic beauty of the area.

I eventually entered in a historical town known for ushering in tourists on Uganda safari en route to Queen Elizabeth National Park and stayed overnight in a budget guest house. The next morning was cloudy cold and wet but this did nothing to dampen my adventurous spirit.inside the <span class=





I travelled to Amabere caves roughly 12km west of Fort portal town. These awesome caves are an attraction for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to go off the beaten trail to connect with nature.

image of water falls near the <span class= "Mother Nature" has combined the ancient rocks adjacent to sparkling waterfalls in a dark canopy of shrubs making a good Eco-system for small primates like the black and white colubus monkeys and bird species such as great blue Turaco. After the hike to the Amabere caves, I had a one-hour nature walk to two picturesque crater lakes and several empty craters.

Arthur at the crater lakeI visited the magnificent crater lakes Saka and Balama surrounded by several empty craters. Both lakes have spectacular views with the Rwenzori Mountains looming in the background. These lakes can be approached by cycling or hiking from Fort Portal to Amabere caves and are safe for activities like canoeing and swimming.

Next day I visited the Omukama’s (King) palace to experience the rich cultural heritage of Tooro Kingdom one of the oldest monarchies in Uganda .This experience was very exciting. I returned to town in a drizzling afternoon rain and dropped into the Rwenzori gardens for lunch.image of the crater lake

The Rwenzori gardens are a botanical venture by the municipality. They are famous for bird watching and relaxation . After my delicious meal I returned to beautiful gardens with a vengeance taking several shots with my camera.

This adventure vacation left me amazed by this area which was dotted with the largest concentration of craters in the world, friendly people and the ancient colonial town overseen by the fabled mountains of the Moon. I witnessed the countryside beauty and have made great packages for you. Checkout our website www.karibusafari.co.ug be a fan or follower of Karibuni safaris on face book and twitter respectively.

Story by: Arthur Kato

Picture Credit: Arthur Kato, Karibuni Safaris.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Excursion to the Serengeti- Arthur Kato

This article is a narrative written by Arthur who recently had an excursion to Serengeti Park with Karibuni Safaris. Enjoy your reading.

Day one
Our trip started at 4 pm. We traveled through the dark shadows of Mabira forest at 6.30 pm and crossed the world’s longest river (the Nile) at Jinja. We crossed the boarder successfully and drove all night having a lot of fun. As we got closer to Kisumu, Kenya everyone was asleep except the driver and I, because I don’t sleep much on tour.
Day two
Time check 5.30 am;we stopped at Nakuru for breakfast in a cafeteria then proceeded to Nairobi city with our cameras ready to capture attractions en route to Nairobi like Lake Nakuru, Mt. Longonot and the scenic East African Rift Valley.
It was a surprisingly long journey, as Mr. Wanyera and I came to observe.
“Ouch!” The area seemed too dry and arid to sustain the legendary Masai cattle and wildlife in the area. It even evoked some strange feelings to see such a desolate area coming from Uganda because we enjoy the lush green in most of Uganda. The Masaai people made it more appealing to us due to their life style and culture. We arrived in Arusha at 5.30 pm. Their main cuisine, roasted ugali and spice were so unfamiliar to me and my travel companions(students like myself). Obviously, Kiswahili is the main language spoken here.

Day three
Early in the morning, we had an excursion to the Mt. Kilimanjaro View Point. It goes without saying that we were all ready to hike up to the peak of Africa’s highest Mountain but because of unfavorable weather, we could not make the hike. Instead, we leisurely traveled back to Arusha Snake Park and visited the Masaai cultural museum. Everyone enjoyed playing with the harmless and docile snakes, camel rides and masaai cultural museum. I personally found it a little creepy!


Day four

We transferred to Karatu for an overnight stay. After driving for a few hours,we were graced to see the Ngorongoro crater and beautiful Lake Manyara scenery. We eventually detoured to the Manyara Serena safari lodge for a short tour and then continued to Karatu hostels where we danced masaai cultural styles as we waited for a delicious dinner.



Day five
At 6:00am we were all in the bus ready for the Ngorongoro experience and after a few hours we were at top of the crater. The breeze is so cold up there, you know! We could not believe that we were there, and all had our camera lenses focused down the crater taking captions of the biodiversity while everyone wondered at this world heritage site. One wonders how wildlife moves up and down that beautiful crater.

We headed for an interesting lecture about the Ngorongoro conservation area at the head offices that were few minutes from the crater. We had been wondered how the famous Olduvai Gorge looked like until we drove there! Surely the place looked like the cradle land of Zenj as proposed by so many historians.

Finally we set off to one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, the Serengeti National Park. To our good fortune, we witnessed the great wildebeest migration , and even saw the "big five". Serengeti is a paradise in all aspects including the beautiful scenery. We are lucky enough to we find a pride of lions with three cubs, giraffes, herds of buffaloes, elephants, huge numbers of wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, spotted hyenas and beautiful birds such as ostriches and vultures. We had an all day long game drive and had a night drive in the Serengeti as well, giving us a balanced picture. This was a bonus!!!

Day Six
We safely crossed the border from Kenya and arrived in Kampala-Uganda early evening braced for the usual city rush hour. All it all, it was a most splendous and educative tour to the Serengeti.


We cannot wait for you to join us. Karibuni will be your guide and companion.