I have an opportunity to relocate to Uganda for a couple years. I'm 53 and this would finish out my career. Are there decent hunting opportunities there? What about the stability of the area? I hate to ask stupid questions, but would much appreciate any advice. This would be a mining related position. Honestly I have never considered a move to Africa in the past, but the $$$ may be too good to pass up. Thanks in Advance

I have been to Uganda many times, but never hunted there. Yes, there is big game hunting and it is probably not bad for buffalo and hippo. A person who has more information is Ted Gorsline. asted@freenet.de I haven't figured out how to retire at 55.

If you will be living in Kampala or Entebbe than normal security considerations for living in an African city are recommended. However, if you take a position based in the Northern part of Uganda than special protection and security measures should be considered.

10at6,

I saw in the Safari times Ron Simmons of 4 star adventures is promoting hunting in Uganda.

10at6,

We work with Uganda Game Trails Ltd. in Uganda. Hippo, buffalo and plains game are avaiable and of good quality. There maybe other companys there but I believe Game Trails is the only viable organization at present.

Mark

Mark,

Do you have any pictures of camp or the hunting area, game taken, etc? Any reports from hunts since the area was reopened?

Clearly I am not headed back next year but I am intrigued by Uganda -- probably Brian Herne's fault since I just finished his book.

I am interested in photos and reports from Uganda as well if they exist.

10at6,

Go for it, if you can do it safely enough.

Drop Erik Delphin a line as I believe he has passed through Uganda. PM me for his contact information.

The below is all I can provide on Uganda at present. We have people booked but no returns yet. I'll ask Adam about pics when he returns from Tanzania.


Uganda, “The Pearl of Africa†as described by Sir Winston Churchill, has for decades attracted leagues of big game hunters and adventurers. From the Early explores of Baker, Speke, and Stanley, the country has amazed all with its physical beauty, people and wildlife.

Due to the political instability, Uganda closed hunting in the late 1970's. Recently, the Ugandan Wildlife Authority initiated a pilot project based on sustainable off-take of wildlife in the Lake Kachira area, bordered by Lake Mburo National Park. This pilot project is a community based sustainable use program that looks to benefit local communities receiving revenue for numerous community development projects. Wildlife numbers have rebounded substantially over the term of the project, this in part due to the local communities realizing the economic benefit of protecting the wildlife.

Game Trails Uganda Ltd. is owned and operated by Swaram Kaka Matama. Kaka has been involved in the Ugandan wildlife industry for nearly 40 years; first as a PH, then as an honorary game warden. With the assistance of the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and local communities, Kaka started the pilot project in 2001.

The area that Game Trails hunts is called Lake Kachira and they are the only outfitter licensed to operate or hunt in Uganda. It is a tented safari camp which sits on the shore of Lake Kachira.

Hunt Options

7-Day Plains Game Safari
1x1 Daily rate $4,200
2x1 Daily Rate $3,500
3x1 Daily Rate $2,975
4x2 Daily Rate $2,625
Park Entrance Fee $300
Export permit $200
Veterinary certificate $65
gun permit and hunting license $175
Trophy prep/dip/pack $400

Extra Costs: trophy fees and license fees for animals, shipping of trophies and of course travel.

Animals allowed on 7-days: License Fee Trophy Fee
Eland $650 $1,250
Defassa Waterbuck $550 $1,250
Zebra $500 $750
Topi $400 $750
Bushbbuck $300 $650
Warthog $300 $250
Bushpig $150 $250
Baboon $100 $100
Oribi $200 $950
Duiker $150 $200
E.A. Impala $300 $250
Bohor Reedbuck $300 $700

Note: there is a license fee and trophy fee per animal. License fees have to be paid upfront before safari, but will be refunded at end of safari for any animals not taken.

12-Day Buffalo, Hippo and Plains Game
1x1 Daily Rate $12,600
Park Entrance Fee $300
Export permit $200
Veterinary certificate $65
gun permit and hunting license $175
Trophy prep/dip/pack $400

Total $13,740

Animals allowed on 7-days: License Fee Trophy Fee
Buffalo $650 $1,500
Hippo $500 $1,100
Eland $650 $1,250
Defassa Waterbuck $550 $1,250
Zebra $500 $750
Topi $400 $750
Bushbbuck $300 $650
Warthog $300 $250
Bushpig $150 $250
Baboon $100 $100
Oribi $200 $950
Duiker $150 $200
E.A. Impala $300 $250
Bohor Reedbuck $300 $700

Hunt Includes:
Services of a professional hunter and hunting camp staff.
Ground transportation to and from hunting area from Entebbe airport
Soft drinks and bottled water and food.

Not Included:
Alcoholic drinks
Air fare to and from Uganda
Hotel before or after safari
Visa $30
Observer Rates $300 per day
Firearm rental $75 per day
Rifle ammo @ $150 per box
Tips
Shipping of trophies

Thanks Mark. I look forward to some pictures if Adam has any.

I will be heading to Uganda for a 12 day hunt on August 15th with Game Trails Uganda booked through Adam Clements.

I have on license Cape Buffalo, Hippo, East African Eland, Topi, Bohor Reedbuck, East African Impala, Nile Bushbuck, Warthog, and should have the Leopard paperwork in place by the time I am in country. Leopard was just added to CITES two weeks ago for export from Uganda.

Below is a picture of the Camp which is located just outside of Mburu national Park.

Mau Mau -- thank you very much for the information and picture.

Good luck on your hunt -- I look forward to a full report.

Mau Mau,
Another thank you for posting this info. I too look forward to reading your hunt report.
Best of luck!
Armbar.

My eyes about popped out of my head, then I realized you were summing up the daily rate... not charging ~12k/day for a buffalo...

Uganda may be the next African pearl of hunting , we to are working with Steve Rann and Game Trails and by all accounts we anticipate great hunting.
We are only set to hunt in June next year.
My client has hunted 11 countries in Africa and is very keen to collect the Defassa Waterbuck, and Bohor reedbuck and the east african varieties of Bushbuck, Eland, Duiker, Impala.
and of course the rumour of 48 inch Buffalo.
Steve also advised there is a good chance of Leopard hunting opeining this year after CITIES.
More info can be obtained from Steve Rann at gametrailssafaris@yahoo.com , he is very active in the conservation and hunting programme up there and has a great reputation.
Graeme Pollock
Safaris Botswana Bound
Safaris East Africa Bound
Safaris Mozambique Bound