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Declared the Pearl Of Africa by Sir Churchill Winston; Uganda is truly blessed with an abundance of tourist attractions that attract thousands of travelers each year. From the spectacular landscapes and intriguing cultures to the endangered mountain gorillas , Uganda has got something to offer to all types of tourists including adventure seekers, cultural tourists, nature lovers as well as students and business men. Below is a list of the top 11 tourist destinations/ attractions that have put Uganda among the must visit places in Africa.
Kampala City
Kampala city is the capital of Uganda and the countries largest urban center where many important government institutions and international bodies bases can be found. Reliable transport, good communication system and affordable accommodation have made Kampala a major tourism and investment hub in East Africa. Once the hunting grounds for the Kabaka, the city was built across seven famous hills whose tops sit some of the most important cultural and commoercial buildings each with an interesting historic background. The infamous seven hills of Kampala include Makerere hill, Kasubi hill, Mengo hill , Kibuli hill, Lubaga hill, Namirembe hill and Nakasero hill and the city is divided into five major divisions namely Kampala central, Makyindye, Rubaga, Kawempe and Nakawa to easen administration and planning.
Getting there and away
Travelers and visitors flying in arrive in Uganda at Entebbe international airport located on the shores of Lake Victoria,. You can then use a special hire for UD$5 to Entebbe and US$15 if you are going to Kampala but if you are in Uganda for safari, then company driver guide will drive you to the city at no extra cost.
KAMPALA CITY TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Kasubi Tombs– Burial tombs for Buganda Kings
This tourism site is located on Hoima road after Nakulabye round about. It is a huge dome -like structure that houses the remains of the four former Buganda Kings that is King Mutesa I, Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II, and Edward Mutesa II. The Tombs were constructed in a traditional fashion with thatch poles and reeds that make up the roof. the structure houses a variety of artefacts that belonged to the Kings. The site is looked after by the descendants of the Kings’ wives who live in the huts that belonged to their relatives (King’s wives).
Naggalabi Buddo Coronation site-Discover Buganda
It is located on Masaka road near the school of King’s College Buddo.
This panoramic hill top at Naggalabi Buddo is the historic heart of Buganda Kingdom. It was at this place that the Buganda Kingdom began or came into existence during the time of Bemba. It is at this place that all the Kings of the Buganda Kingdom were and are still crowned. The site also has the Buganda house where the King has to live for about 7 days after coronation so as to full fill cultural rituals.
Kabaka’s Lake -Kampala Ndeeba
This is found on the city suburb of Ndeeba between Ring road and Nabunya Road. This lake was dug out on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga in the 1880’s as an ‘escape corridor’ to Lake Victoria. This is the largest excavated lake in Africa.
Kabaka’s palace-Kampala Mengo
The palace is located on Kabakanjagala Road on Mengo hill. It consists of two large palaces connected by a straight road. When walking from Bulange which is a home to Mengo offices, there is a round about with a straight road in the middle of it which is for Kabaka’s use only as the local superstition says he must not turn a corner on this route to any where. The Kabaka’s Palace consists of the Kabaka’s House commonly Known as the Twekobe House.
Wamala Tombs-Tomb of King Suuna 2
Just like the Kasubi Tombs, the Wamala Tombs are located on Hoima road near Nakulabye round about. The place was set on a hill top in a beautiful surrounding. Wamala King’s Tombs are the sacred burial place of Kabaka Suuna II who was a powerful ruler, with a fearsome reputation for punishment .His death heralded a golden age by bringing Kabaka Mutesa I to the throne.
Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine-Namugongo
The site is located in Namugongo off Jinja road. It is a religious place where in 1886 more than 20 newly converted Christians were burnt alive following the command of Kabaka Mwanga II after refusing to renounce the white man’s religion. Majority of the martyrs were Kabaka’s workers, and were sent to death for his fear of losing the throne.
Crafts Village-African Art and Crafts in Kampala
This village is found behind the National theatre on De Winton Road
it’s a cool and advised place for tourists who wish to browse through bountiful unique and witty souvenirs, made by Ugandans or imported from the neighbouring countries. The prices here are negotiable so do not hesitate to pay a visit.
Owino Market-Kampala’s largest Market
The market is locatedin between Nakivubo place and kafumbe Mukasa Road. Owino market is the place to buy designer clothes and shoes which are second hand. Beware of pick pockets and please leave your jewellery behind.
St.Paul’s Namirembe Cathedral-Namirembe Hill
The church has been in existence since 1892, however other churches have been built on top of Namirembe hill. The church provides a spectacular view of Kampala and was constructed with
Kabaka Daudi.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga-Rubaga Hill
This is a ravishing church which graces the hill top of Rubaga, previously it was a site for royal palace of Kabaka Mutesa.It was constructed between 1914 and 1925 with the help of the Catholics’ donations from the Missionary churches abroad.
Kibuli Mosque-Kibuli Hill, Kampala
It is surrounded by the serenity of the palm trees, the structure is
at the top of Kibuli hill and is the centre of the Islamic faith in Uganda.
Makerere University-Uganda’s top University
This is the oldest and most prestigious university in East and Central Africa. Campus grounds stretch over Makerere hill and the main hall stands at the top, overlooking Kampala city.
Old Kampala Mosque
This is also referred to as Gaddafi Mosque because the money that funded its construction was from the former President of Libya Col Gaddafi.
It is also a Muslim mosque and is located on the hill of Old Kampala.
Uganda Museum,History of Uganda
The site is Located on Kiira Road in Kampala city.It is a unique collection of ethnological exhibits covering hunting, agriculture, war, religion, witchcraft and natural history, as well as a great collection of traditional musical instruments from all over the continent. The building also houses the Uganda Society and their Library with a wide range of books on Uganda’s history and culture.
National Theatre-Entertainment in Kampala
It is located on De Winton Road in the heart of Kampala city. National Theatre is the home of a number of drama and dance troupes, and frequently stages new productions. The Majority of visiting artists perform here. Monday night’s jam session at the Musicians’ Club – a rare combination of people and music you just should not miss.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second biggest park after Murchison falls National Park in Uganda. Also known as Kazinga park, the park is widely known for the big four animals that is the Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes and the Leopards. The Kazinga channel that connects lake Edward to George cross through the park offering opportunities for boat rides and sport fishing. The Park is located in western Uganda and it is surrounded by three major districts of Kasese in the North East, Bushenyi in the south east and Rukungiri in the west.
The park records almost 606 species of birds and these include; African Mourning Dove, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Swamp Fly-catcher, Grey-capped Warbler, The beautiful Black-headed Gonolek, Collard Pranticles, Gabon and Slender-tailed Nightjars,Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Common Squaco Heron, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, African Skimmer, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, Great white and Pink-backed Pelicans, White-winged Terns. And the rarest of all the bird species is the shoebill stork. Bird watching is mainly done on the Kazinga channel. Birds can also be watched on a nature walk with in the Maramagambo forest.
There are basically three popular game drive trails in Queen Elizabeth national park namelyNorthern crater area, Kasenyi trail and Ishasha sector where you may spot the infamous tree climbing lions. An early morning game drive exposes you all sorts of animals including Elephants, lions, buffaloes, Leopards, monkeys such as the black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, patus monkeys’ red-tailed monkeys and the blue monkeys. Other animals that can be seen are the bush pigs and the warthogs, antelopes such as the topi, water and the bush bucks, kobs and more. The Ishasha sector gives the opportunity to spot the tree climbing lions.
Launch cruise is done on the Kazinga channel. The 40km-long channel that connects Lake George to Lake Edward provides the park’s prime wildlife spectacle. Its shoreline attracts large numbers of birds, mammals and reptiles. These can be seen from two covered launches, Topi and Simba that cruise between Mweya Jetty and the channel’s entrance into Lake Edward.
Chimpanzee tracking is carried out in the Kyambura gorge which is 100meter and carved by the Kyambura River as it flows across the rift valley floor towards the Kazinga channel. Guided walks to search for the chimpanzees start at Kyambura’s fig tree Camp.
You can also take Nature/forest walks – the activity takes place in the Maramagambo forest. One of Uganda’s largest tracts of tropical forest, Maramagambo is notable for its primate and bird populations. Trails explore the forest around Lake Nyamusigire. Wildlife sightings vary from day to day, but guaranteed events include the bat caves and the copper-rich Blue Lake. It also involves moving from the base of the kichwamba escarpments to the shores of Lake Edward.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls national park is the largest national park in Uganda measuring up to 3,840 sq km bisected by the Victoria Nile for 100m as it flows west from the Kaluma falls to the Albert Nile . The spectacular thunderous waterfall on the nile mixed with a wide diversity of wildlife species including the Big Five and Chimpanzees has transformed the falls into one of the best Uganda tour destinations for game viewing and scenic boat rides.
TOURIST ACTVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Launch trip
A launch cruise on the Albert nile is the best way to see water birds and animals like the elusive shoebill stork, crocodiles, hippos, elephants, giant monitor lizzards as well as buffloes as they rest on the banks enjoying the busking sun. The launch cruise will take you to the bottom of Murchison falls but the best view of the waterfalls is at the top where you can optionally hike or remain on the boat. Feel the ground shake as the strong white waters hit the rocks..
Guided Game drives
Murchison falls National Park has the longest game drive among all the national parks of Uganda offering more time for tourists to spot a huge number of wild animals in a single Uganda tour. An enroute stop over at the Zziwa Rhino sanctuary is worthwhile as this is the only place you will see black & white rhinos in Uganda. A morning game drive through the nile delta circuit will open you to early risers like lions, girrafes, large herds elephant and buffaloes plus the common hyenas, waterbucks, warthogs and antelopes.
Chimpanzee tracking
This is carried out place in the Kaniyo pabidi forest which is found with in the Budongo forest. The Kaniyo Pabidi forest provides refuges for chimpanzee and other primates like the monkeys such as the vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and the blue monkeys. A nature walk is good way to spot the various primates species including Chimpanzees, red tailed monkey, balck and whie colobus monkeys plsu so many others.
Bird Watching
Birding in Murchison falls park is possible as 451 bird species have been recorded to date. A guided walk though Kaniyo Pabidi forest and the launch trip will open you to an amazing list of forest & water birds most notable being the soght after shoe bill stork, grey crowned crane, African Jacana, red throated bee eater, silver bird, giant kingfisher, goliath heron, skimmers and many more. The best part about it is that you can do birding all year round.
Nature/forest walk
This activity is done to the top of the Murchison falls through the Uhuru falls. This is because the launch cruise activity can only give you access o the bottom of he falls. There one needs to climb the Uhuru falls and other possible hills and valleys besides the falls so as to access the top of he falls and to get a chance and experience what people say that it is raining at the top of the falls through out the year. The other nature/forest walk takes place in the Budongo forest and here one has the accessibility to different bird and tree species.
Bwindi National Park
Bwindi Forest national park is part of the huge impenetrable Bwindi rainforest situated along the DR Congo – Uganda border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Great Rift Valley. Bwindi forest is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site popular known as the best destination for tracking endangered mountain gorillas , it comprises of 331 sq km of jungle forest which contains both montane and lowland forest that can only be accessed on foot. The name Bwindi locally means impenetrable or impassable or unnavigable and this is true as there are variety of intertwigged plant species that make it hard to pass through during gorilla trekking and mountain hiking. Situated in south western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley, shared by Rukungiri, Kabale and Kisoro districts adjacent to the local communities occupied by Bakiga, Bafumibira and the infamous Batwa pygmies who can be visited on arrangement.
The Park covers an area of 331 square kilometers on an Altitude Range of 1160 meters (Ishasha gorge) to 2607 meters (Rwamanyonyi Peak).
Regarded as Africa’s oldest rain forest, Bwindi forest supports a tremendous biodiversity since it’s slopes extend over a wide altitudinal range recording over 310 species of butterflies, 200 trees and vaious types of mammals including the primate and forest birds.
Gorilla trekking is the most popular safari activity referred to by hundreds of tourists as the most exciting wildlife encounter in Africa. Blessed with over 8 habituated gorilla groups, any client interested in seeing gorillas is assured of a face to face meeting with these giant apes. Gorilla trekking is limited to only 10 individuals per visit including an armed guide and porters to help with the luggage. You can purchase a gorilla permit online through a travel company or visit the UWA offices in Kampala to pay directly. The permit in Uganda costs $600 and costs as low as $350 during the wet months or April and May. its always advisable to book a tracking permit a month or two in advance to avoid any last minute inconveniences.
Other interesting activities include bird watching, mountain hiking and local community visits.
Rwenzori Mountains
Rwenzori mountain range is a home to the konjo and Amba peoples and word Rwenzori in their Bakonjo language means “Rain maker or Rain Mountains”. Rwenzori is famous for its 5 vegetation zones ranging from forest, Alpine, grassland to snow cape and for their unique animal population with forest elephants, several primates coupled with endemic bird species. Presence of the unique giant groundsel and giant lobelia makes the Rwenzori one of the best mountains in the world that tourist would wish by all means to climb. Its 5 Vegetation zones of the grassland (1000-2000m), montane forest (2000-3000m), bamboo zone (2500-3500m), Heather zone (3000-4000m) and the afro- alpine moorland (4000-4500m) suitable for the plant species such as lobelia and groundsels make Rwenzori Mountain unique to the equatorial type alpine Africa.
Mountain Rwenzori park provides a stunning views of glaciers and the snowcapped mountains a few distance from the equator with its unique alpine flora that includes endangered species to the Albertine Rift of higher altitude zones and supplies of resources to the local community and of cultural heritage importance being a home to the Bakonzo, Batwa and Baamba. The park is very unique with the combination of glaciers, V- shaped Valleys, snowcapped peaks magnificient waterfalls with faster flowing rivers, blue and green lakes coupled with over 217 bird species, forest elephants eastern chimpanzee, the endangered I’ Hoest’s monkey. It’s famous for its endangered Rwenzori black- fronted and red duiker very localized subspecies to this park.
Bwindi Forest
Bwindi Forest was once an area/block of forest reserves of kayonza and Kasatora Crown forest reserves that were combined and named the impenetrable central forest reserve. It was designated as a national park in 1991 to provide a home to the remaining half of the Worlds endangered species “the Mountain Gorillas”.
Located in Southwestern Uganda, the park is one of the richest ecosystem with diverse of species of over 120 mammal that include Bush Pigs, Giant Forest, Black-fronted and Yellow-backed Duiker, Clawless Otter, Side-stripped Jackal, Forest Elephants and buffalos, 220 butterflies, 27 frog species and many endangered species of geckos, chameleons coupled with 1000 flowering plant species including trees and ferns not forgetting the world recognized endangered Brown Mahogany.
It’s also a home to a number of primates that include Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Black and White Colobus Monkeys with more than 350 species of birds recorded. This parks vegetation is Afromontane which is a rare of vegetation in Africa. The research carried by Craig Stanford indicates that it is similar to that of Virunga National park in Congo. Hence the discovery of the new monkey species locally known as the Lesula in the Democratic Republic of Congo forests close to the Bwindi and Mgahinga forest parks, where they live by feeding on leaf stalks, fruit and flower buds gives hope that these monkey will one time get to reach this national park due to the rich of plant species that are nutritious in diet.
The remote and sparsely populated DRC Closely near to Bwindi is the 6,500 square mile forest in which the shy lesula monkey live, they are vulnerable to extinction due hunting and researchers warn for creation of a protected area covering its range for their conservation. There are big hopes that in future, similar discoveries will happen in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park for the Lesula monkey. It should also be put in consideration; that Bwindi is the best place to enjoy Eco- tourism at its best.
The dream come true adventure never to forget in life “ the Batwa trial experience” “historical life time dream of all time” one that will keep reminding you of your safari journey in the pearl of Africa just out Bwindi forest park, a home to mountain gorillas at a cost of USD ($) 70 per person. The money generated is meant to the strengthen entire Batwa Community and preserve its culture for future generation.
Kidepo Valley
Kidepo Valley – the originally called Doroth the word for akidep “to pick up” is located in northern Uganda in the district of kaabong, karamonja Region along the international frontier with South Sudan. Historically the rugged savannah park dominated 9,020 ft Mount Morungole and transected by the Kidepo and Narus rivers used to be the grazing land for the Dodoth pastoralists and ik farmers that lived in this area before it was gazatted as a game reserve in 1958 and later into kidepo national park in 1962 under Milton Obote.
Kidepo National park is very famous of the existence of the two major features of its valley ecosystems; the kidepo and the Narus River. The 1200m valley floor Kanangarok which is a tepid hot spring which is a permanent source of water coupled with its black chalky and sandy clay soil in the kidepo valley in a combination of freer draining red clay makes the park a more geologically predominant feature of attraction.
Biologically this open tree savannah national park is reach in animal populations and vegetation diversity that vary in its two valleys with Narus, s short red oat grass, fine thatching grass, the taller bunchy Guinea grass coupled with red thorn acacias trees, sausage trees, drumstick tree, monkey bread and Buffalo thorn trees among other that common here. The park is prominent for its variety of animal that go up to 86 mammal species including some of the big five that is leopard, lion, cape Buffalo, elephants. It’s also known for habiting the cheatahs, bat- eared fox, giraffes among other Carnivores that are present; the several small cats, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal as well as almost 500 bird species.
Driving to kidepo valley national park is more enjoying than flying, going through the wilderness and scenic Karamonja region. It’s advised to use a 4×4 wheel drive vehicles as the roads in this region are more difficult during the rainy seasons. There are a number of routes one may choose the option that best fits his choice;
Kampala- lira- Kotido- kidepo which is about 705 km to the park
Kampala- Soroti- kotido via Amuria about 656km
Kampala-Mbale- Soroti-Moroto-Kidepo about 792km If flying from Entebbe International Airport to the park there are chartered aircrafts available by the domestic chartered companies like Eagle flight with daily flights to the area alternatively arrangements can be done through united Airlines.
Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park is one of the Uganda’s smallest national parks. However this Park is famous for gorilla tracking and Volcano Trekking.
The park covers an area of 34 sq kms and is located on the south western end of the country on the border with Congo (Zaire) and Rwanda, 510km from Kampala.
The Park is the second home to the mountain gorilla found on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Just like Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park, Gorilla tracking is aloe controlled by allowing only small groups of people one time and always accompanied by a ranger. Bookings of the Gorilla tracking must be made in advance. Apart from the Gorillas other wildlife found in the park include bushbuck, elephant, leopard, aardvark, honey badger, jackal and a lot of bird life.
Gorilla tracking
This is the major tourist activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In the park there is one habituated gorilla family. It consists of 9 gorilla members, 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants. Tracking from this park is easier given that this habituated family is no longer quite mobile since it has established its base at Nyakagezi
Hiking:
This is yet another adventurous activity that can be carried out within this park. Volcano Climbing is quite an interesting and challenging activity. From Mgahinga national park tourists have a chance to transcend to Mt. Sabinyo which is 3645m above sea level, Mt Gahinga of 3474 km and Mt. Muhavura of 4127 m. More still seeing the ‘Old man’s teeth’ on the top of Mt Sabinyo is another awesome adventure.
Bird watching
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has got a number of unique bird species. The park has so far recorded about 79 bird species some of which are endemic to the East Congo Montane region. Common bird species in the park include Ibis, Whydah, Speckled Mouse birds, and Fire Finch Stonechat, Grey Capped Warbler, Waxbills, and Yellow-Vented Bulbul. For the Virunga Conservation Area as a whole, over 295 species in the Virungas are endemic to the Albertine Rift Afromontane region representing 59% of the total known endemic species. For interested bird watchers, the local birding guides are available to guide you through the tour. You are also reminded to travel with all your birding equipments.
Cave exploration
The distance to the cave entrance from the park Headquarters is 3 km long and it takes about 4 hours.
This is one of the caves where once the crafty Batwa (who were warriors) lived and fought their neighbors. These pygmy related Africans lived a warrior lifestyle and they used to fight with the neighboring Bantu tribes. The Garama cave which measures 342m in length and 14m deep is now inhabited by only bats.
Guided Walks and Cultural Performances
Guided nature walks can take you up to the boarder trail. A visa is not required. The hike takes you through a trail that climbs up the base of Sabinyo through fine montane forest before turning towards the Congo. Upon reaching Congo, you cut along the international boarder. Traditional dances such as the emuya of the Naporra and Nyangiya, ethnic groups. Lara karaka and Apiti dances can be organized for you by the local community which normally has cultural entertainers available on request.
Local inhabitants
The major ethnic group are the Bafumbira who live most of their life cultivating. The Batwa (Pygmies) are the minority group and are believed to live in caves and feed on wildlife.
Accommodation facilities in and around the park.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale forest national park is found east of the Rwenzori on the edge of the Rift Valley between Fort Portal and Queen Elizabeth National park. It is well known for its 766 sq km primate- rich tropical forest. Kibale forest contains 13 primates including the remarkable 9 diurnal species such as the Chimpanzee, Baboon, Grey-Cheeked Mangabey, Red Colobus, Black and White Colobus, L’hoest’s, Red tailed, Vervet and the Blue Monkey. Buffaloes and Elephants are also present though they are rarely seen during the ay time. Kibale forest is well-known for the great variety of primates including man’s closest living relative the Chimpanzees.
Location
The rain forest located in the western region of the country 30km away from Fort Portal town.
Chimpanzee tracking/trekking
This is the main tourism activity taking place in Kibale forest. The activity takes place in Kanyanchu river camp which is 30km south of Fort Portal. The habituated groups of the chimpanzees have been tracked since 1993and the chances of finding them are very many. The activity lasts for 2-3 hours.
Bird watching
This is yet another tourism activity which is carried out in the forest park mainly in the Bigodi wetlands this is because the park is a home to 325 variety of bird species, including 6 that are native to the Albertine Rift destination, such as the dusky crimson wing, black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared apalis, red-faced woodland warbler and purple-breasted sunbird, the green breasted pitta, African pitta, black bee-eater, Abyssinian ground thrush, yellow spotted nicator, little greenbul, black-eared ground thrush, brownchested alethe, yellow rumped tinker bird, blue-breasted kingfisher, and the crowned eagle.
Other mammals are present, although they are rarely seen. These include forest elephants, buffaloes, leopards, bush pig and duiker, lions, warthogs, reptiles and amphibians as well as a colorful variety of butterflies.
Mountain Elgon National Park
Mounatin elgon national Park is the second Uganda’s interesting National Parks for Mountain climbing or Mountaineering. It is a massive solitary volcanic mountain on the border of eastern Uganda and western Kenya. Mountain Elgon has been a regional landmark for a long time and is one of Uganda’s oldest physical features. The mountain is a highly important water catchment area and this is because It’s forests receives up to 3000mm of rain each year, which they store and release to support flora, fauna with in the park and to the surrounding population. A climb on Mount Elgon is to explore a magnificent and uncluttered montane wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to higher regional mountains.
Mount Elgon in Uganda receives fewer visitors than other higher and more famous mountains in East Africa. However as routes on Mts. Kilimanjaro and Kenya become increasingly crowded and degraded, hikers start to appreciate Mount Elgon’s deserted moorlands.
The park is governed by the Kenya wildlife service on the Kenyan side, Uganda wildlife Authority on the Ugandan side.
Location; It is located in Mbale district in Uganda. The Park is located on the border of Kenya and Uganda. Mount Elgon is an important water catchment area for the Nzoia River which flows to Lake Victoria and for the Turkwel River which flows into Lake Turkana in Kenya.
Size:The Park is gazzetted on a surface area of 1,154 sq. km on the Ugandan side and 169km on the Kenyan part and this implies that the biggest portion of the Park is in Uganda. The park in Uganda was gazzetted in 1992 and that of Kenya was gazzetted in 1968.
Tourism activities and attractions in mOuntain elgon national park
MOUNTAINEERING- HIKING MOUNTAIN ELGON
This is the most tourist activity taking place in Mount Elgon National Park. Climbing Mt. Elgon is relatively easy as the mountain is not difficult to climb and there fore there are no specialized skills or equipment is required to access the peaks. Tourists are free to climb this mountain any time of the year though the dry months of June to August and
When to Visit Mountain Elgon
December to March are the most preferred months. However November/December when the highland flowers are in bloom is the best period. The Park is a road less wilderness and can only be explored on foot.
Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Rwenzori Mountain is one of Africa’s tallest mountain range, exceeded in altitude only by the free-standing Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro. The Rwenzori range has 6 major peaks, Mt Stanley (5,109m), Mt Speke (4,890m) Mt Baker (4,843m), Mt Emin (4,798m), Mt Gessi (4,715m) and Mt Luigi di Savoia (4,627m). The highest peak in the Mt Stanley which is called Margherita peak (5,109) and it is this peak which makes the Rwenzori Mountains the 3rd highest range in Africa. The Rwenzori Mountains lie along the western border of Uganda and rise to a height of 5,109 metres. It is also called the legendary “mountains of the Moon”, a World Heritage Site.
Size of the park; The park covers an area of 998 sq km. it protect the upper slopes of the Rwenzori mountains , running from almost 120km a long the Congolese border west of Fort Portal and Kasese.
The forest zone is a home to a diversity of birds, including Rwenzori turaco, hand francolin, cinnamon-chested bee eater, long eared owl, barred long-tailed cuckoo, Archer`s ground robin, white-starred forest robbin, flycatcher, greenbul, strange weaver, crimsonwing, golden-winged sunbird, Legden`s busg shrike, Rwenzori batis, montane sooty boubou and many more.
The Park has a lot of animal species such as the Elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, bushbuck, chimpanzee and leopard but are rarely seen.
However primates such as black and white colobus and the blue monkey may be seen, as well as the hyrax, the elephant’s diminutive cousin.
Hiking is the major holiday activity to undertake in the park. The hike takes you though all the vegetation zones and finally ends on the glacial peaks. Shorter hikes can also be arranged though the hike usually takes seven days. Nature walks on which different animals can be seen as well as birds. Just like any other large east African mountain, the Rwenzori range can be divided into several altitude zones, which starts at around 1,800m,has the most varied fauna. The only mammals you are likely to see in the forest are the a aforementioned colobus and blue monkeys, though several other large mammals are present, including elephant, golden cat, servalline genet, Chimpanzee, yellow-backed duiker and giant forest hog. At night, listen out for the distinctive and eerie call of the southern tree hyrax.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki national park was a forest gazzetted in 1993 and is located in the extreme western corner of Uganda in Bundibugyo district. The park lies along the Uganda/Democratic Republic of Congo border with in the East African Rift Valley. This largely forested park presents the easternmost limit of the great lturi forest of the Congo basin and contains numerous species associated with Central rather than Eastern Africa. Semuliki is one of Africa’s most Biodiversity forest and is particularly known for its varied bird population and night game drives
Size; The Park lies on the land of 220sqkm
Tourism Activities and Attractions
Bird watching
The varying vegetation types found in the park offer birders a chance to see different birds which include forest birds, wetland birds, grassland birds as well as water birds. The area around the geothermal hot springs at Sempaya is not only very scenic but also offers some great birding most especially during nights.
Nature walks
Semuliki jungle life is breathtaking especially for birders, primate, butterfly and plant lovers. These jungle walks always starts from Sempaya Gate and take about 2 hours ending to the Hot Springs through the rainforest with Palm Trees and partly muddy ground. While on the walk, tourists have a chance to see primates like Mangabeys and Blue Monkeys, mammals such as forest buffaloes, elephants, sitatungas, leopards, pygmy hippopotamus, as well as birds such as Hornbills, Honey guides and Palm nut Vultures. There are also 305 species of trees recorded and 125 species are restricted to this park alone.
Sempaya hot spring
The guided walk trail leads from the road side tourist office to Sempaya Hot springs. Ringed by forest and palm trees and veiled in a cloud of steam, these springs are a primeval, evocative sight and well worth the diversion. The largest spring is a geyser which spouts up to 2m high from an opening in a low salt sculpture. The emerging water has a temperature of more than 100 degrees centigrade, so the geyser should not be approached too closely. The trail to the springs leads through a patch of rain forest where red tailed monkey, grey-checked mangabeys and black-and-white colobus are common. Among the more interesting birds regularly seen a long this trails are eight forest hornbill, blue-breasted kingfisher, red rumped and yellow –throated tinker bird, Frasier’s ant thrush and honey guide green bull. Another spring, more of a broad steaming pool than a geyser, lies on the far side of the swampy clearing reached by a board walk. Rather than retracting your steps to Sempaya, you might ask whether the Uganda wildlife Authority has finally re-opened an old trail that creates an attractive loop passing through forest and a lovely track of swamp.
The water fall of Mungiro
This lies next to the hot springs and once you have seen the hot springs, then you have to continue to the north side of the main road north of Rwenzori forest reserve. This place provides an excellent sight for red-billed dwarf horn bill, white-crested hornbill and massive black-casqued wattled hornbill. A nature walk a long the eastern margin can also be exciting through the red tailed monkey trail to the exposure to the far greater variety of birds other than the trail to the hot springs. The trail can be under taken as a day trip and an over night, one may carry a tent and food to camp along side bank of the River. A part from birds, a variety of Monkeys, hippos, buffalo, elephants and crocodiles a long the River.
Game Drives
This Park is the only place where one can take a night game drive clearly. This activity takes place because the National Park hosts many mammals such as Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards, Bush babies. With luck you may see pigmy Hippopotamus and Crocodiles. Eight species of primates have also been recorded and more than 300 species of butterflies have been observed.
Local Community Visits
There are “Batwa”, a local pygmy Ituri ethnic group of people. They were the inhabitants of Semuliki Forest. Their livelihood basically depends on fruit gathering and hunting in the forest. Today there is a mixture and cultural exchange with other ethnic groups started. A community visit to the pygmy village near Sempaya Gate will enable you witness their lifestyles, traditions, dances, as well as an opportunity to buy souvenirs.
Kidepo National Park
Kidepo National Park is located on the border of Uganda with Sudan and is one of the most scenic tourist destinations in Uganda protecting a wide range of flora and fauna.
Size of the Park; The Park is on the total land area of 1,442 sq km and harbours scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa. “It could not be any better” is a common comment on the scenery by visitors who often promise and do come back to Kidepo. Tucked into the corner of Uganda’s border with Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking savannah and mountain landscapes, which end in a rugged horizon. A huge altitudinal range, correspondingly wide climatic conditions have evolved an extremely diverse flora. As a result the variety of animal species in the park is equally diverse including many which are found no where else in Uganda. The vegetation can best be described as open tree savannah which varies much in structure and composition. Dry mountain forest dominates some of the hills, while areas along the Lorupei River support dense Acacia geradi forest.
The park harbors a greater diversity of animal species of which some are only unique and found to this Park. These Carnivore species unique to Kidepo and Karamoja region include the bat-eared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, cheetah and hunting dog. Less common ungulates include the greater and lesser kudu, Chandlers mountain reedbuck, klipspringer and dikdik. Among other large ungulates are bush elephant, Burchell’s zebra, bush pig, warthog, Rothschild giraffe, Cape buffalo, eland, bushbuck, bush duiker, defassa waterbuck, bohor reedbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest and oribi. Five species of primates are found in the park of which the Kavirondo bush baby is endemic. Carnivores present include lion, leopards, several small cats, spotted hyena, black-backed jackals and side-striped jackal.
The park boasts of an extensive avifauna of which 465 species have been recorded. Of particular interest, the ostrich and the kori bustard are principally associated with this region. The park is outstanding for its birds of prey. Of 58 species recorded, 14 are believed to be endemic to Kidepo and Karamoja region. These include Verreaux’s eagle, Egyptian vulture and pygmy falcon. Also of note, are four species of hornbills. The red-billed, yellow-billed and Jackson’s hornbills are peculiar to Kidepo, while the giant Abyssinian ground hornbill is quite common. There has however been no comprehensive survey in Kidepo and visitors stand a good chance of adding to the current list. The landscape throughout the park is studded with small hills, rocky outcrops and inselbergs from which one can obtain stunning views in all directions. Visitors will be able to enjoy guided walks from Apoka enabling them to quietly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the park and the beauty of mountain scenery. They will also find great interest in the native flora and with many of the smaller creatures of the park.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo national park is the smallest park of all the national parks in Uganda. It is normally regarded as a stopover by the tourists on their way to more famous parks along the Rift valley. The park is dominated by open and wooded savannah comprising of grasses, shrubs, trees and the dry hillside. The park harbors Lake Mburo swamps, forests and thickets providing diverse ecosystems for animals including Zebras, Impalas and Water bucks, Sitatungas, Buffaloes, birds, reptiles and crocodiles.
Bird watching is very common in the park and this is because the park has about 313 different bird species including the rare Shoebill stork and White-winged Warbler. other species to lookout for are; Crested Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Barefaced Go-away bird, Red necked Spur, common Quails, Black-billed Barbet, Greenwood Hoopoe, Blue-napped Mouse bird, Lilac-breasted Roller, African-grey Hornbill, Nubian Woodpecker, Rufuos chested Swallow ,Yellow-throated Long claw and Southern Red Bishop.
Lake Mburo national park is rich with a diversity of animal and plant species which can only be viewed clearly if you take a boat trip. The crocodiles, Hippopotamuses and birds like Pelicans, Black Crake, Heron, Cormorant, Fish Eagle but you may also see the rare shoebill stork. The duration of each boat cruise is negotiable with the park management.
Lake Mburo forest offers a variety of habitat for birds therefore a very attractive place for bird watchers with over 40 bird species recorded.
Some of the common species are the harrier hawk, green pigeon, narina trogn, Grey-backed coleopteran and double-toothed barbet.
There are different number of tracks that are used for game drives. Impala track which exposes the visitor to a diverse species of animals like Impala waterbucks, warthogs, topis and zebras. Zebra track leads to harems of burchell’s zebra with other species like bushbucks, oribi and reedbucks. The Kazuma track passes through wooded grassland where black-bellied buatards often patrol the area. For visitors to experience a real exposure of Lake Mburo National Park, they should climb Kazuma hill, which is high enough to enable them see what they could have missed. The five lakes within the park and the rolling hills become more visible and attractive therefore it is better seen than read.
Other tourism activities include fishing, Lake Mburo has about 6 species of fish, the common one being tilapia. Visitors who plan to enjoy sport fishing on Lake Mburo should carry their own fishing gear and fish at the designated point at Mazinga.
