The park is situated in the extreme west of Uganda in Bundibugyo District. It lies along the Uganda/ Democratic Republic of Congo border within the western arm of the East African Rift valley. In the south east are the Mount Rwenzori Mountains, to the west is Democratic Republic of Congo and to the north are the Semuliki Flats and Lake Albert.

The park is 220 square kilometres and occupies flat and gently undulating terrain raging from 670metres – 760metres above sea level. The average annual rainfall is high at 1,250mm that peaks from March to May and again from September to December. The temperatures vary from 18 degrees centigrade to 30 degrees centigrade with relatively small daily variations.

Wildlife diversity

The park is the only lowland tropical rain forest in East Africa classified as moist and semi deciduous. There are 336 tree species recorded, 374 species of butterflies, 63 species of mammals and 9 species of primates. These include: chimpanzee, blue monkey, vervet monkeys and olive baboons while the nocturnal primates include pottos and galagos. Also to be found are Forest buffalo, blue duiker, bee croft’s flying squirrel, pygmy squirrel, little collared fruit bat and target rat.

Other attractions include the Batwa people (pygmies) hunters gatherers that live a simple life style and depend on Semuliki forest for food. The meandering river Semliki, Sempaya hot spring. River Semliki is a shelter of water birds and crocodiles.

Activities

• Game viewing
• Bird watching
• Nature walks

Accommodation

Within the Semuliki Game Reserve accommodation is to be found at:

• Semuliki Safari lodge – Upmarket.

Access

The park is accessed via the town of Fort Portal in the west of the country. The Bundibugyo road that skirts the Rwenzori escarpment offers a wonderful scenic view at Munu ni Mkubwa where the road has promintary over the Semliki river and Sempaya hot springs. Driving time from Kampala 6 hours.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated astride the equator in the south western Uganda. It’s the second largest national park in Uganda covering an area of 1,978 square kilometres. The park has varied habitats that include grass savannah, dense bushes, forest, swamp and lakes. The park offers magnificent game viewing experiences, a memorable launch trip and spectacular bird watching opportunities.

The park has over 100 species of mammals among which lion, elephant, buffalo, Uganda kob, warthogs, hyena, and leopards are the main draw cards. There are over 606 bird species many of which to be seen along the the Kazinga channel to the Mweya peninsular. The kazinga channel joins Lake Edward to Lake George where a launch trip allows visitors a close up encounter with many wildlife species.

Northern Crater Area

This region of the park is dominated by huge volcanic craters, some containing salt lakes. These unique ecosystems attract buffalo, elephant and on occasions many thousands of flamingo a sight sight to behold.

Maramagambo Forest

This huge forest just out side queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the biggest forests in Uganda. It covers a total area of 280 square kilometers of both primary and the secondary forest, 5 species of primates that includes chimpanzees.

The Blue Crater Lake at the sight of the Jacana Lodge is an impressive sight.

Kyambura Gorge

The gorge is within the savannah sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This 16 kilometer long scar in the earth is home to a group of habituated chimpanzees, baboons, monkeys and birds. The gorge is about 100m deep to where organised chimpanzee trekking can be conducted, bird watching, nature walks and sight seeing can be undertaken from the visitors centre.

The Ishasha Sector

This sector is the southern part of the park that is famous for it’s population of tree climbing Lions often to be seen in large fig trees in the plains.

Accommodation

• Mweya Safari Lodge – Upmarket
• Jacana Lodge – Upmarket
• Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Upmarket
• Katara Lodge – Upmarket
• King Fishers Safaris Resort – Mid range

Activities

• Game driving/ viewing
• Bird watching
• Launch trip
• Nature walks
• Chimpanzee tracking

Access

A journey time of about 6 to 7 hours drive from Kampala via Mbarara to Mweya and 8 to 9 hours to Ishasha.

This is Uganda’s largest protected area situated north of Masindi District and spanning the Victoria Nile. The park is named after the dramatic Murchison falls, where the River Nile explodes violently through a narrow 7m gap to fall a distance of 47m. The River Nile is the world’s longest river which cuts a grove through the Murchison Falls National park.

The park covers an area of 3840 square kilometres with a variety of vegetation raging from riparian forests, swamp, to broad savannah.

Wildlife

The parks wildlife species attractions includes Rothchild’s giraffes, Lions, Buffalos, Uganda Kob, Elephant, Warthogs and an abundance of birds. These provide opportunity for ecellent game drive viewing. The main game viewing area is the peninsular between the Victoria and Albert Nile on the north bank of the river.

Budongo Forest

This forest administered by the National Forestry Authority is to be part found within the parks protected area and is habitat to chimpanzees, monkeys, baboons and some very special forest bird species. Chimpanzee tracking, bird watching and nature walks are all popular activities that can be undertaken at the Kanyio Pabidi Ecotourism centre close to the main entrance Kichumbanyumbo gate when approaching from Masindi.

The Victoria Nile

One of the most exciting activities at Murchison Falls is a 14km launch trip from Paraa to the base of the falls and back. Many water bird species, hippo, and crocodiles can all be viewed from the launch trip.

Accommodation

A plethora of accommodation is to be found along the river close to Paraa and also on the Sambiya river. Within the Budngo Forest accommodation is also available at Kanyio Pabidi. These include:

• Paraa Lodge
• Nile Safari Camp
• Sambiya River Lodge
• Red Chilli Rest Camp
• Kanyio Pabidi Ecotourism Site

Activities

• Game driving/ viewing
• Bird watching
• Launch trip
• Nature walks
• Chimpanzee tracking

Access

From Kampala via Masindi is about 5-6 hours to Paraa. A 4WD vehicle is recommendedD vehicle is required.

Mount Elgon National Park lies on the Uganda – Kenya boarder east of the town of Mbale. The park size covers 1,145 square kilometres. The park is named the mountain of the same name which is the 8th highest mountains in Africa at 4,321m, with the largest base of any extinct volcano in the world.

This volcano is estimated to have first erupted more than 20 million years ago and it is thought to have remained active for another 14 million years. The tallest peak is on the Ugandan side of the border is called Wagagai peak (4,321m). The other three peaks on the Kenyan side are Sudek (4,302m), Kuitobos (4,222m), Mubiyi (4,211m), with Masaba (4,161m) in Uganda.

The first European to reach the mountains lower slopes was Joseph Thompson who observed it from the direction of Masai land in 1883 and named it the Mount Elgon. Elgon is an important watershed and its slopes support a rich variety of attitudinal vegetation raging from montane forest to high open moorland studded with the other worldly Giant lobelia and Groundsel plants.

Vegetation and wildlife

The park’s vegetation is characterized by tall afromontane forest, below 2500m and low canopy montane forest and bamboo between 2500m and 3000m.

Other attractions are the ancient paintings close to the hiking trail head at Budadiri, and spectacular caves and hot springs within the crater. A variety of forest monkeys, small antelope, elephant, buffalo and sitatunga have found a home on the mountain. The mountain also supports a rich variety of forest birds like Jackson francolin, Green tinker bird, Alpine chat, and Red throated wryneck among others.

When to hike

June – August and from December – March are the best seasons when its dry.

Where to stay

Many visitors stay in Mbale prior to trekking on the mountain at either:

• Mbale Resort – Upmarket
• Sunrise Inn – Mid Range
• Mount Elgon Hotel – Upmarket
• Landmark Inn – Budget

Sipi Falls

This series of waterfalls commands some amazing views over the surrounding countryside. Many of the falls can be accessed by foot as well as viewed from a far. There are several accommodation venues at Sipi that dominate the view of the main falls. Thee include:

• Sipi Falls Resort – Mid range
• Lacam Lodge- Upmarket
• Sipi River Lodge – Budget

This is the smallest national park in Uganda covering an area of 33.7 square kilometers. As you approach from the east the huge cones of volcanoes start to dominate the landscape. The region surrounding the park is primarily inhabited by Bafumbira and a small population of Batwa peoples. The park is part of the great Virunga conservation area covering the northern slopes of three volcanoes, namely, Mt Muhavura 4,127 metres, Mt Sabinyo 3’645 metres and Mt Gahinga 3,474 metres. The park is bordered to the south by Republic of Rwanda and to the west by Democratic Republic of Congo. Each of these countries protects its own portion of the Virunga range as a conservation area. The three parks together form the 434 square kilometers of the Virunga Conservation Area.

There is one habituated gorilla group at Mgahinga known as the Nyakagezi group which roams across the international borders that make up the conservation area.

The Park experiences two wet rainy seasons; February – May and September – December. The average monthly rainfall experienced being 250mm (October) and minimum is 10mm (July).

Tracking

The most popular activity is gorilla tracking. Tracking in this park depends on whether the gorillas are actually in the park. The tracking fee is $500 per person. Golden Monkey (endemic) tracking has evolved as a new experience only to be enjoyed in Mgahinga. The activity costs $50 per person.

Ecosystem and Wildlife

Being a mountainous area, the park vegetation is afro montane with a cool climate. The most abundant type of vegetation is the bamboo (60%), which is a delicacy to the mountain gorillas. Other types of flora include the Giant lobelia and Haegenia. Other primates found in the park include: the threatened golden monkey, bushbucks, Forest elephant and buffalo. The park is also a birder’s paradise with a bout 79 species of birds including the beautiful Rwenzori turaco and in the crater of Gahinga the Yellow tufted Malachite Sunbird.

Garama cave

One of the easier attractions to access in the park which was a former shelter for the Batwa people where they once lived and fought their Bantu neighbours. It’s about 3kms from the park headquarters to the cave some 342m in length and 14m deep. Guided nature walks can be arranged at the visitors reception.

Volcano treks

The three extinct volcanoes provide for some exhilerating trekking on Mt Sabinyo, Mt Muhavura and Mt Gahinga. These treks are all one day hikes and guided by a ranger/guide.

Activities

• Gorilla tracking
• Bird watching along the edge of the park
• Nature walks to the Garama cave and viewing platform
• Volcano trekking.
• Golden monkey tracking

What to bring

• Wear stout shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
• Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellant.
• Carry packed lunch and water.

When you’re with Gorillas

• Keep your voice down or be quiet.
• Don’t point or wave your arms this can a threat.
• If approached by gorillas, move back wards slowly to keep 5m distance
• Do not use the flash on the camera as this could cause gorillas to charge.

Where to stay

• Mount Gahinga Rest Camp – Upmarket
• Mgahinga Community Campground – Budget

Many visitors to the park choose to be accommodated in the town of Kisoro.

• The Travellers Rest Hotel
• Tourist Hotel
• Golden Monkey Guest house
• Countryside Guest house

Access

From Kampala to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park about 11 hours drive with a 4WD vehicle.

The park is located in west of Kampala covering an area of about 370 square kms and is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks. The park harbours 68 different species of mammals including Zebra, Impala, Eland, Topi and Buffalo. Leopards, hyena and jackals are the predators that are present. The bird population includes 315 species of birds including the rare Shoebill stork, papyrus yellow warbler, African fin foot, saddle billed stork, brown chested wattled plover, ground hornbill, and white wing warbler. The beautiful landscape with grass hills and idyllic lake shore provides a varied mosaic of habitat with gallery forest, rich acacia valleys, seasonal and permanent swamp to support this wealth of wildlife.

Within the boundary of park from where it takes it’s name is the lake itself Lake Mburo. The lake is rich in diversity of animal, bird and plant species. The best way to experience the lake is on one of several boat trips conducted daily by the Uganda Wildlife Authority with a competent guide. The activity enables visitors to see crocodiles, hippos, and a many birds. Popular activities include a guided walking safari, game drives and now it is alos possible to explore the park by a guided but self drive ATV (All terrain vehicle).

The Rubanga Forest                              

Within the park the Rubanga forest is a very small but attractive to the bird watchers. The forest though small, is a real high forest with closed canopy. There are over 40 species of birds recorded 5 of which are forest specialists and include Harrier hawk, Green pigeon, Narina trogon, Grey-backed cameroptera and Double-toothed barbet.

Accommodation

There are 4 tents at the Rwonyo Park Headquarters and 3 public campsites, to facilitate visitors,

The Mantana Tented Camp is within the park and caters for upmarket visitors
Mihingo Lodge commands a beautiful vantage on a rock outcrop overlooking the park

In the nearest town Mbarara visitors frequently stay at the AGIP Motel.

Access

Its takes 3-4 hours drive from Kampala via Masaka in the direction of Mbarara to get to the park.

Kibale Forest National Park is to be found in western Uganda and accessed through the town of Fort Portal. The park adjoins the Queen Elizabeth National Park and is a very popular ecotourism destination on the countries safari circuit. The park is best known for it’s population of habituated chimpanzees. There are many other species of primates including Baboons, Red columbus monkey, L Hoest’s monkey, Black and white colobus monkeys that are to be seen on guided nature walks in the forest.

The park can be visited through out the year and covers an area of 776 square kms. With many different ecosystems within it’s boundaries it is primarily endowed with thick rainforest cover where forest Elephant’s roam. These animals are smaller in size than their savannah counterparts and very elusive. Other species present include Buffalo, Giant Forest Hog, and several species of secretive antelope. There are over 335 species of birds where the extremely rare Green Breasted Pitta would be regarded the highlight of any visit. Butterflies are very numerous in the forest with excellent knowledgeable guides to point them out to you.

The forest has a network of trails for chimpanzee trekking, bird watching and nature walks. Bird watching activities are also conducted at the Bigodi wetland sanctuary on the border of the forest.

Activities

• Bird watching
• Chimpanzee trekking
• Forest walks
• Educational research

Where to stay

Primate Lodge – Located in the forest at Kanyanchu offers both Upmarket and mid range facilities
Chimp’s Nest – Mid range cottage and tree house accommodation
Kibale Forest Camp – Mid range accommodation in classic safari tents
Chimpanzee Forest Guest house – Mid range accommodation in cottages and camping site
Nyinibulitwa Country Resort – Up market accommodation and camping site
Ndali Lodge – Upmarket lodge cottage accommodation

There are numerous hotels in the town of Fort Portal some 45kms from the visitors centre at Kanyanchu that includes

• Mountains of the Moon Hotel
• Fort Motel
• Rwenzori Travellers Inn
• Rwenzori Travellers Guest house

Regional Attractions

Other attractions are in Fort Portal town such as the Toro Kings Palace, Karambi tombs the burial grounds for the kings of Toro Kingdom, Nyakasura hills and the many craters lakes that dot the region.

Bwindi is found in South Western Uganda on the edge of western rift valley. It covers an area of 321 square kilometres, it also lies a long the border of Uganda an the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is well known as the home of the world’s mountain gorillas.

Uganda is ranked number one in the world as a destination to experience the thrill of a mountain gorilla safari. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda has been designated as a world heritage site for the protection and conservation of these amazing animals.

Within Uganda there are, six habituated gorilla groups – five in Bwindi and one in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each of the habituated gorilla families is named where in Bwindi they are Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushugura, Bitukura and Nkuringo.In Mgahinga the group is named Nyakagezi.

Today there are about 650- 700 gorillas left in the world, half of which are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park a lone.

The Bwindi Forest is described as impenetrable, due to its shear density of vegetation and the vast area it covers. It’s no wonder that in the local language “Bwindi” means a place of darkness because of the thick vegetation which indeed makes it impenetrable.

The park is covered by the thick tropical afromontane forest with dense under growth of fern and vines. There are over 324 species of trees, 90 species of mammals, 11 species of primates, 360 species of birds and 23 Albertine rift valley endemic species.

Bwindi’s major tourist activities are gorilla tracking, bird watching, forest walks and village walks. A maximum of eight visitors may track each of the gorillas groups daily. The permit tracking fee is $500- per person.

Where to stay
Accommodation may be found in Buhoma, Nkuringo and Ruhija at each of the gateways to the park. Both Buhoma and Nkuringo are able to cater for both up-market and budget travellers. Ruhija has limited accommodation that is currently suitable for budget travellers.

Accommodation Buhoma

• Buhoma Community Rest Camp – Budget
• Bwindi View Bandas – Budget
• Buhoma Lodge – Upmarket
• Gorilla Forest Camp – Upmarket
• Engagi Lodge – Upmarket
• Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp – Mid range.
• Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge – Upmarket
• Gorilla Resort – Upmarket

Accommodation Nkuringo

• Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite and Bunkhouse – Budget
• Cloud’s Gorilla Lodge – Upmarket

Accommodation Ruhija

• Institute of Tropical Forestry Guest house – Budget

What to bring

• Wear stout shoes or walking boots suitable for steep muddy slopes.
• Gardening gloves are excellent in the forest when pulling on vines and nettles.
• Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellent.
• Carry packed lunch and water ( porters are available to hire).

When you’re with Gorillas

• Keep your voice down or be quiet.
• Don’t point or wave your arms this can a threat.
• If approached by gorillas, move backwards slowly to keep a 5m distance
• Do not use the flash on the camera as this could cause gorillas to charge.

Access

Buhoma, Ruhija and Nkuringo are all about 11 hours drive from Kampala. A 4WD vehicle would be preferable to get to Nkuringo and Ruhija.