NATIONAL PARKS IN UGANDA

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Half of the 670 gorillas in the world habit in Bwindi impenetrable forest and trekking is the main attraction. The forest offers an intriguingly true African jungle experience with its dense growth, vines and other vegetation. Bwindi impenetrable forest is the true African jungle.

Murchison Falls National Park

Largest park in Uganda covering 3480 Sq.Km divided by R. Nile. A boat launch to the bottom of the falls enables you to view the water falls as it cascades through a 7M wide rocky cleft dropping to 43M. The journey upstream allows you to view a variety of bird species, Hippos, elephants, waterbucks and crocodile. An early morning or late afternoon game drive provides a game viewing opportunity at close quarters to see lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalos, Elephants, Uganda Kob and countless herds of impalas. Budongo forest is home to chimpanzees and other primates; chimpanzee trekking can be done here.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Located in South Western Uganda and covering 1978 sq km, this is the most popular National Park and certainly the most scenic. Mweya Peninsula, which is attractively, positioned offering vast views of the park, gorges, and forest vegetation, Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward and scenic views of the Kazinga channel. The biggest attraction perhaps is the boat launch at the Kazinga channel where you will see countless bird species at the bird sanctuary, hippos and crocodiles. Large populations of Elephants, buffalos, warthogs, impalas, etc can be seen during the game drive while the lions and leopards make up the complete wildlife adventure. Chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura gorge is a fun adventure. The southern part at Ishasha has tree-climbing lions. Lake Katwe explosion crater and Mweya Museum offer historical insights of the area.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Being the only block ranges in E. Africa, Rwenzori Mountains Known as ‘mountains of the moon’, rise to 5100 m above sea level. The permanent covering of snow on six peaks and three glaciers together with luxuriant vegetation together make mountaineering and hiking the main attraction. A seven day’s hike with climatic conditions of occasional rain, mad, forest vegetation and high altitude make it a challenge to hikers but its never the less an exciting adventure.

Mount Elgon National Park

Known as the mountains of the sun, Mt. Elgon stands at 4321M offering stunning scenery of wooded slopes, caves, gorges and hot springs. A variety of bird species and animals such as elephant, leopard, hyena, buffalo, bushbuck and duiker can be seen during the trek. A visit to the majestic Sipi falls offers stunning views. This tour also offers ancient customs and beliefs of the Bagisu people with their circumcision rituals during the circumcision season.

Kibale National Park

Located in western Uganda, Kibale forest National Park is home to 13 primate species including the red colobus, velvets and L’Hoest’s monkey and Chimpanzees. The shady forests provide botanists and butterfly enthusiasts with a rare treat. For birders, 335 species of birds have been recorded including the guinea fowl, great turaccos and parrots. An estimated 600 chimps inhabit the forest. Community- based eco-tourism has been developed here, an array of native plants, animal’s foods, medicines and plant products are found here. The canopy rings with bird calls. Tree species like wild rubber trees, polita figs and candelabra euphorbia are common here.

Kidepo National Park

The magic of remote arid-zone wilderness lies in this park. Located in north-eastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley is a savannah park and is extremely remote and tranquil but offers magnificent scenery. This Park is inhabited by a rich array of wildlife such as cheetah, dikdik, elephant, Rothschild’s giraffe, zebra and buffalo. Bird watching is sensational with over 200 recorded bird species including ostrich, piapiacs, francolins and turacco. This tour also offers a deep view into ancient customs and beliefs of Karimojong people and Karimojong dances.

Mount Mgahinga National Park

It adjoins Rwanda’s volcano and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Parks. Gorilla trekking is the main activity though forest walks are equally rewarding as you view birds in the Albertine valley.

Lake Mburo National Park

Located in an extensive wetland, L.Mburo has attractive scenery with interwoven hills and meandering shallow valleys, it is the only park to contain an entire lake. Lake Mburo boasts of herds of Impala, zebra, waterbuck, eland and oribi these inhabit the open plains with a greater concentration of bufallo found in the southern marshes. Mburo has rich flora and acacia woodland, succulent aloes, climbing vines and euphorbia. Magnificent boat rides on the lake are also organized.

Semuliki National Park

Found in the remote region of Western Uganda. Favourable destination for birders with over 40 unique bird species found no where in Uganda. It is also the site of the Sempaya Hot springs and geysers. Activities here include Chimpanzee trekking, night and day game drives and boat trips on Lake Albert which enable you to view the rare shoebill.