NATIONAL PARKS IN UGANDA

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK.

The worlds greatest Waterfall.
Introduction
Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Right
Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted
savannah. First gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it is Ugandas largest and
oldest conservation area hosting 76 species of the mammals and 451 birds.
The Park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant
rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centre piece of the Park
and final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last
of the rivers energy, transforming into Lake Albert. Murchison falls, the Nile
squeezes through an 8m wide gorge and plunges with a thunderous roar into the
Devils Cauldron , creating a trademark rainbow.
This stretch of river provides one of Ugandas most remarkable wildlife
spectacles. Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes and
buffalos, Hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents.
Getting there
Roads
A number of routes can be used to reach the Nile at Paraa at the heart of the
Murchison Falls Conservation Area. The river is crossed here using a vehicle ferry
which runs at hourly intervals throughout the day.
Southern Entrance Gates
Two southerly approaches to Paraa lead of Masindi town, which is a four hour
drive [305km] from Kampala. Along the way to Masindi is the Ziwa Rhino
Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. You can track them on foot
and support this important initiative to re-introduce rhinos to protected areas.
Visit www.rhinofund.org for more information.
A longer but more scenic alternative runs for 135km from Masindi to the parks
Bugungu gate, The route includes apassage through Budongo Forest and a
memorable descent of the rift valley escarpments which views a cross lake Albert
towards the mountains of the Congo.
Northern entrance gates
Murchison Falls National Park can also be entered via the Chobe Wankwar,
Mubako and Tangi gates north of the Nile. These are reached from the KampalaPakwach road which crosses the Nile at Karuma Falls Bridge in the North Eastern
Corner of the park, 260km from Kampala. These gates are convenient for visitors
travelling to/from Gulu town and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Air travel
Pakuba airfield 19km from North Paraa, can be reached using chartered aircraft
from Entebbe International airport or Kajjansi air field near Kampala.
Other airfields in the park include Chobe to the East and Bugungu near
Murchison falls to the north.
Things to do
Birding
Both the game drivers and the launch trips offer an opportunities for one to
come across distinct birdlife including Savannah forest birds and Albertine rift
endemics. The parks main birding attractions is the shoebill, best sighted in the
region from January to March.
Game Drivers
A game drive around Bulibi game tracks on the northern bank with a trained
ranger drive is a fantastic way to see and photograph the wide range of animals
in the Nile Valley. Your guide will have a good idea where the lions are hiding, and
you may even spot a leopard at dust!
Hiking and Nature Walks
The vast landscapes and varied scenery of Murchison Falls National Park and the
surrounding Conservation Area can be explored on foot. Trials through Kaniyo
Pabidi and Rabongo Forests providing sightings of many primates and birds,
while around the Nile Delta 2-4 guided swamps walks offer possible shoe bill
sightings.
Launch trips
The launch trip upstream from Paraa presents an astonishing display of wildlife
and culminates with the memorable frontal view of the falls. Recommended for
birders is a morning cruise downstream to the Nile-lake Albert Delta.
Alternatively a tranquil sundowner offers the classic view of an equatorial sunset
reflected on the river.
Spot fishing
The banks of the Nile below Murchison Falls provide exciting Challenges to
anglers. Living within strong currents and highly oxygenated water is the Nile
Perch. There is the chance to land a massive catch-the recording is 108kg!.
Cultural Encounters.
Energetic dancers from Mubako perform a round lounge camp fires making for a
magical African experience at dust. Boomu womens group offers
accommodation, a craft shop and village tours revealing the realities of life in
this rural community.

MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK.

The world largest mountain Caldera
Introduction
The world largest mountain caldera.
Mount Elgon at 4000km2 has the largest volcanic base in the world and is a
massive solitary volcanic mountain on the boarder of eastern Uganda and
western Kenya. Its vast form, 80km in diameter rises 3000m above the
surrounding plains. Its mountainous regional landscape and cool heights offer
disputes for humans from the hot plains below and its higher altitudes provide
refugee for flora and fauna.
The park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered
lammergeyer. Small antelopes, forest monkeys, elephants and buffalos also live
in the mountain side. The highest slopes are protected by National Parks in
Uganda and Kenya, creating an extensive trans-boundary conservation area
which has been declared a UNESCO man a biosphere reserve.
Getting There
Roads
Mount Elgon National Parks, 235km east of Kampala, a tarmac road runs through
Jinja to Mbale town at the western base of Mount Elgon, before climbing to
Kapchwora on the mountains north-western flank. Dirt roads lead off the MbaleKapchwora road to reach the various trailheads.
Things to Do
Mountain climbing
Many travellers find Mt. Elgon an exciting alternative to the more strenuous
climbs in East Africa. It has many of the same attractions, with a milder climate
and lower elevation, and requires no special equipment for technical experience.
Mountain Biking.
Mountain biking trails run from Sipi trading centre to Chema hill in Kapchwora
town. It should take 1.5 hours and provide views of various waterfalls.
Birding
Excellent birding opportunities exist around Kapkwai Forest. Exploration centre,
in particular in the secondary forest and thick shrub along the loop trail to the

Cheptui Falls. It supports the African Goshawk; Chubbs Cisticola, white-chinned

prinia and African Blue Flycatcher among others
Hiking
Lucky hikers in Mt. Elgon will enjoy amongst the parks primates, birds and rare
tree species. Trails lead past caves, due points and waterfalls, with the option of
camping overnight on the mountain slopes,
Nature Walks.
Enjoy views of Sipi Falls, the walls of death and the African sunrise the
Karamojong plains on these peaceful walks just outside Mt. Elgon National Park

Rock Climbing
Rock climbing takes place outside the park at Sipi. There are 14 groups requiring
various levels of rocks scaling technics. The toughest is 35meters climb while the
easiest is 15m.
Spot Fishing.
Spot fishing is done above the highest of the three waterfalls at Sipi. Provides
exciting challenges anglers who take pride in battling with the rainbow trout
because of its beautiful coloration and fighting abilities.
Cultural Encounters.
Find out where your coffee comes from! Grown on the mountain side of Mt. Elgon
is Arabica Coffee also named Sipi or Bugishu by the farmers who have a
reputation of producing some of the finest washed Arabica in Kenya and Uganda.

KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK.

True African Wildness
Introduction
A wilderness park; dry, hot and isolated, yet spectacular, magnificent and virgin,
waiting to be discovered. Transverse by large sand rivers, the Park is renowned
for its distinctive composition of wild game, co-existing with the dry mountain
forest, open Savannah and hilltops kept by rock kopjes. Enjoy the isolated
wilderness dominated by the 2,750m mount Morungole and transacted by
Kidepo and great Narus rivers.
Perennial rains may make Kidepo an oasis in the semi desert, but its tract of
rugged savannah is home 77 mammal species and almost 500 bird. Game
viewing is an exciting all year round and so is bird watching, foot safaris and
mountain climbing. And even in the dry season, it is worth the drive just to visit
the seasonal Kidepo River and stroll along its 50m wide bed of white sand
between banks covered with Borassus palm trees.
The 1,442km2 is located in the Karamojong region of northern Uganda and
boarders the Sudan in the North West and Kenya in the north east.
Getting There
Roads
There are four routes by road; the 705km journey from Kampala via Lira, Kotido
Kabong and then Kidepo. The 740km journey from Kampala via Mbale, Soroti,
Moroto, Kotido, Kabong and the Kidepo. The 780km journey from Kampala via
Mbale, soroti, Matany, Kotido, Kabong and then Kotido. The 571km journey from
Kampala through Gulu, Kitgum and to Kidepo. Driving through the wilderness is
an exciting experience as one gets the chance of better scenery. One will need a
good 4x4 vehicle especially during the rainy season.
Air travel
Chartered aircrafts to Kidepo may be arranged from Kajjansi, or from Entebbe
International Airport to Lomej airstrip near the Park headquarters. Flight takes
two hours. Civil Aviation Authority plans to Lomej airstrip, to the east of Apoka
tourism centre, an international airport enables fly in direct to Kidepo from
abroad.
Things to do
Game Drives/ Viewing
Game drives can be done along Narus valley as the parks wildlife congregates
here much of the year. This area has adequate track circuits enabling visitors

view the animals at a close range. The katurum kopje provides superb views
north across the valley towards Morungole mountain range.
Nature Walks
Nature walks can be done around Apoke camp at any time of the day and visitors
will be able to view different species of animals like elephants, Bulbul, Zebras
and Reedbucks.at the eastern kakine circuit, visitors will be able to see wildlife at
a close range of up to 50-70m. Nature walks can also be done along Rionomoe
trail and around this hill where one can view the lower side of the Narus Valley.
Community Walks
Community walks are one of the ways you can get to know more about the
Karamojongs lifestyle, cultures, dressing styles, dancing and the tools used. The
Karamojong are traditionally cattle raiders and hunters. However, through
community conservation education, their lifestyle is gradually changing and most
of them now know the value of conservation of the park.
Mountain hiking
The Morungole ranges rise from the plains a few km north of Apoke. A trip to
Kidepo valley is needed to get the good view of view of the Morungole
Mountains, the highest peak in Kidepo. Even at 2,749m, the peak is not easily
seen from most vantage points in the Narus Valley. This can be explored on foot
with a ranger guide escort.
Sand along River Kidepo
Kidepo River is an intermittent sand river found in the northern part of the park.
It stands out because it is lined by borassus palms, making it look like an oasis in
the Sahara. The sand bed experience on river Kidepo can be very fascinating
especially during the dry season. Many bird species can be found around this site
and one can enjoy the wilderness experience while listening to the different bird
calls.
Bird viewing
This activity can either be done early in the morning or afternoon and the park
has got a variety of birds. The experienced guides will show you around.

KIBALE NATIONAL FOREST

The primate capital of the world
Introduction
KIbale National Park is the most magnificent of the Ugandas tropical rain forests
and one of the most rewarding areas to explore. Established at the end of the
18th century, KIbale boasts of 13 species of primates including the localized red
colobus, LHoests monkeys and the endemic Uganda Manga bay.
Kibales major attraction is the chimpanzees, the delightful apes, most closet to
humans than any of other creature. These can be seen swinging in the tree
branches as one of treks through the forests trails. While you enjoy your tour in
this sunny side of nature, you have a life opportunity to sight over 300bird
species. The 180km long migration corridor for wildlife also habits mammals like
the exclusive forest hogs and half a dozen antelope species; thereby making it
one of the most stunning parks in Uganda.
Situated ideally in the heart of the Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda, near Fort
portal, the park lies close to the tranquil Ndali-Kasenda crater area and is within
a half days drive of Queen Elizabeth , Rwenzori Mountains and Semiliki National
Parks. The Park became a government Forest Reserve in the early 1940s.
How to get there
The 795sqkm Park can be accessed from Ugandas capital, Kampala along a
newly surfaced road via kasese [near Queen Elizabeth National Park]. The park
can also be reached from Kampala via Mubende and Fort Portal or through
Mbarara and Kamwenge. There is also daily public transport between Kampala
and Fort Portal by bus.
Air travel
Kibale National Park has access to two Airstrips. Nyakisharara Airstrip in Mbarara
[about 98kmthrough Kawenga from Kanyanchu] and Kasese airstrip, 75kmfrom
Fort Portal town. It can also be reached from airstrip in Tooro/Semililki Wildlife
Reserve, only 86km from Kanyanchu.
Things to do
Chimpanzee habituation experience

The chimpanzee Habituation Experience [CHEX] allows you to accompany

Kibales researchers and habituators as they follow chimpanzees during their
daily activity, thereby getting them used to human presence without altering
their natural behaviour. This is an all day and early visitors may be able to see
the spectacular scene of chimps de-nesting, feeding, copulating until they build
new nests and retire for the night around 7pm. [Note; Advance booking is
essential].
Primate walk [chimpanzee tracking]
Also you can experience and participate in the chimpanzee and participate in the
chimpanzee tracking walks which starts from the Kanyanchu visitor centre at
8:00am and 2:00pm and lasts 2-3 hours. Park guides are available to take
tourists through this ritual. This walk is for six persons per group and advance
booking is essential.

Day hikes/nature walks

This is an exploration of the parks diverse habitals providing very close contact
with nature. The walks which starts at 8:00am, 10:00am and 2:00pm and lasts
for 2-3 hours from Kanyanchu Tourist centre. Remind your guide to show you the
naked Adam and Eve tree, one of Kibales unique wonders.
Bird watching and Night Nature walks
Kibale National Park Boasts of 372 bird species of 60 percent are recorded
Ugandas Forest birds. Bird watchers can spot various species of these birds as
they enjoy the various activities in the park. Also there is night nature walks
which allows visitors to track the unique species of birds, animals and insects
such as Bat, Owl, Pottos, Bush Babies, Civets, Genet Cats and Eastern needle
nailed; that are most active at Night.
Childrens activities
Only children above 12 years are allowed to go into the forest to view the
chimps. Kibale has a variety of activities for children under the age of 12years
including educational forests walks of 1-2 hours followed by creative activities
like pond dipping, cyanotype photography and batik-making. Through these
educational forest walks, the children can learn about the eco system and its
inhabitants. Parents can enjoy their forest walks with the knowledge that their
children are occupied in worthwhile activity with trained ranger guides.
Cultural heritage and natural trail.
Follow a 2-3 days cultural heritage and nature trail through the tropical forest
and meet local people and gain insights into their cultures. The full walk can start
or end at either Kanyanchu or Sebitoli. Explore the forest during day end for a
rest at the community-run campsites near the villages of Kinoni, Nyakalongo.
Porters can be hired to carry equipment. The walk is most exciting in groups of
up to 6 people. [Note; pre-booking is essential]

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

A medley of wonders
Introduction
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Ugandas most popular tourist
destination. The parks diverse ecosystems, sparkling Lakes and fertile wetlands,
make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including
chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds.
Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the Parks
magnificent vistas including dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into
rolling hills, panoramic views of Kazinga channel with its banks lined with hippos,
buffalos and elephants, and endless lshasha plains, fig trees hide lions ready to
pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda Kob.
As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen Elizabeth National Park has
fascinating cultural history. There are many opportunities for visitors to meet the
local communities and enjoy storey telling, music, dance and more. The park was
founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, and renamed two years later to
commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth ll.
How to get there
Roads
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be accessed most easily from Kampala. The
tarmac road from Kampala via Mbarara town and Bushenyi leads to the centre of
the Park, Passing just 22km from Mweya Peninsula, the main tourism hub.
Approaching the park from the south via Mbarara covers a distance of 420km
while the north through Fort Portal covers a total of 410km.
En-route to the park, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy short detours to Lake
Mburo National Park, Rwenzori Mountains and Kibale National Park, renowned for
its chimpanzee tracking. The park can also be accessed from the south from
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Air Travel
Charter flights can be arranged to existing airstrips of Kasese, Mweya and
Ishasha.
What to do there
Birding
Classified as an important birding area [IBA] by Birding International Queens
great varieties of habitats means its a home to over 600 species. Its the
greatest of any East African National Park, and phenomenal number for such a
small area.
The Parks confluence of savanna and forest, linking to the expansive forests of
DR Congo allow visitors to spot east as well as Central African species.
Cave
Tucked beneath the shady canopy of the maramagambo forest is the Bat Cave
.The cave has a viewing room from which visitors can observe the resident bats
and pythons.

Chimps tracking
The kyambura Gorge experience is more than discovering chimpanzees in their
natural environment; it teaches visitors about the echo systems of kyambura
Gorges atmospheric underground rainforest, including vegetation types; bird
identification and behaviour; and chimp and monkey ecology.
Game Drivers
For a classical Africa safari experience, the tracks through Kishenyi, the north of
Kazinga Plains and the Ishasha Sector offer virtually guaranteed buffalo, antelope
and elephant sightings, along with warthogs and baboons. Tacking an experience
guide in the early morning or at dusk is the most successful way to track down a
pride of lions, maybe even the odd leopard.
Hiking/Nature walks
Nature treks are one of the more active ways to explore the landscapes and
wildlife of Queen Elizabeth Locations Include the shady Maramagambo forest;
Mweya peninsula with the scenic views; and Ishasha River, where you may spot
a variety of forest and savanna species as well as having a unique opportunity to
get extremely close to hippos on food!
Launch Trip
The Kazinga Channel an oasis for many of the fascinating species that inhabit in
the pack, and taking a boat tour along it gives visitors the chance to cruise just
meters from hundreds of enormous hippos and buffalos while elephants linger on
the shoreline.
Cultural Heritage and Nature Trail

See the energetic dance of Kikorongo Equator Cultural Performers; workers

harvesting salt on Lake Katwe Salt Lake; a traditional Banyaraguru hut; or an
agricultural village-all guided by those who know them best- local community
members.
Wildlife Research Tours
For visitors who yearn to get up close to wild African fauna, a research trip is a
rewarding adventure. This new and unique experience allows visitors to actively
participate in monitoring some of the exotic birds and mammals that fill the
pack, using locator devices and learn habituation calls, as well as monitoring
calls, as well as monitoring weather, surroundings and behaviour.
When to Visit
January-February and July-August are the driest months, but rain is possible due
to unpredictable seasonal changes.

RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

The Mystical Challenge
Introduction
As early as 150 AD, Alexandrine photographer, Ptolemy wrote a snow capped
mountain range deep in the heart of Africa, which he claimed was the source of
the worlds longest river, the Nile.
He called it Mountains of the Moon.
Indeed, over the centuries, mountaineers who later explored Ptolemys
Mountains found the high Rwenzori glaciers and snow peaks whose melt waters
certainly represent the highest springs of the Nile. The alpine highland of
glaciers, snow fields, hot springs and blue cirque Lakes make Rwenzori one of the
Africas most beautiful mountain parks. Reaching an elevation of 5,109m,
Rwenzori is Africas tallest mountain range exceeded in altitude by Mt Kilimanjaro
and Mt Kenya, carrying Africas third, fourth and fifth highest peaks that are
visible for miles around. Some of its peaks incomparable, beautiful and mistshrouded carry permanent glaciers, while the lower slopes are covered with
dense forests.
The mountains slopes above 1,600m are the preserve of hikers who rate the
Rwenzoris to be the most challenging of all African mountains. A variety of large

mammals inhibit the lower slopes but the Rwenzori are notable more for majestic
scenery and varied vegetation. Its 5 distinct vegetation zones mountain forest,
Bamboo forests, tree heath- bog, hagenia-Rapanea scrubs and afro-alpine
moorland provide a unique back drop to one of the most magnificent national
Parks in the world. Several endangered species and very unusual cloud forest
floral like giant heathers, groundsels and lobelias, characterised the ranges of
Africas botanic big game.
In 1991, Rwenzori Mountains were gazette as a National Park and is both a World
Heritage and RAMSAR site.
How to get there
Road
The park is located near kasese, western Uganda, bordering Virunga National
Park in the Democratic republic of Congo (DRC) in the west. The Nyakalengiji
trailhead which is 25km north of kasese town can be reached from Kampala via
Fort Portal road (375km) or via Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth National Park
(450km).
Air transport
Transport can also be arranged on chartered flights from Kampala at either
Kajjansi or Entebbe International Airport.

Attraction
Mountain climbing is the most attractive activity on the legendary Mountains of
the moon that lies between altitudes 0o 06 south and 0o 46 North of longitudes
29o 47 West and 30o 11 East. Its diverse heavily snow-capped peaks are one of
the few pristine and spectacular landscapes of the world.
Although a variety of large mammals inhibit the lower slopes, the Rwenzoris are
notable more for their majestic scenery and varied vegetation .the ranges are
scenic with pristine and spectacular landscape that comprise of waterfalls hot
springs, blue cirque lakes, snow club peaks and stratified vegetation which is an
attraction not only for visitors, but also creates potential for research as well as
resources for the nearby communities.
The park is also home to 18 species of mammals, 217 species of birds, 9 species
of reptiles and 6 species of amphibians, elephants, buffalos, giant forest hogs,
bush bucks, chimpanzees, and leopards are present but rarely seen. However
primates such primates such as the black and white colobus and the blue
Monkeys may be seen. In the Rwenzoris are also some unique and rare animal
species like the three horned chameleon, the Rwenzori colobus, Rwenzori Turaco
and the Rwenzori doubled collared sunbird.
The Park is also a cultural heritage for the neighbouring communities. Eighteen
sacred sites have been identified, mapped and protected as worship areas.

What to do
Aesthetic values of the Rwenzoris can be put into three categories of trekking,
nature walks and peak climbing.
Trekking
This is done along two routes; a 7-day trekking of the central tourism circuit, and
a 5-day trek along Kilembe route to the southern part of the park, shorter hikers
can be arranged.
Nature walks
There are trees in the park which allow visitors up close interaction with nature.
Peak Climbing
The six day loop trail but rewarding hike taking in all vegetation zones within the
Rwenzori ranges along both routes.
These include, ascents to Margherita [5,109m] on Mountain Stanley, Emmanuelle
[4, 889m] on Mountain Speke and Edward [4,842] on Mountain Bakar. These
hikes offer commanding and panoramic views should only be attempted by
experienced mountaineers.

SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK

The True Birders Haven
semuliki National Park sprawls across the floor of the semliki valley on the
remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The park dominated by the easternmost
extension of the great Ituri forest of the Congo basin. This is one of Africas most
ancient and bio-diverse forest; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 1218,000years age.
The semliki valley contains numerous features associated with central Africa.
Thatched huts are shaded by West African oil palms; the Semliki River (which
forms the international boundary) is a miniature version of the Congo River, the
forest is home to numerous central African wildlife species, and the local
population includes a Batwa pygmy community that originated from the Ituri. As
a result, this park provides a taste of Central African without having to leave
Uganda. While semulikis species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years,
the park contains evidence of even older processes. Hot springs bubble up from
the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have been
shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years.

Semuliki Forest Reserve was created in 1932 and upgraded to national park
status in 1993.
How to get there
Roads
There are two major roads from Kampala to fort portal, 4wd vehicles are
recommended for both;
Kampala fort portal via Mubende is about 180km, or a 4-5 hour drive, making it
the shortest route.
Kampala Fort portal via Masaka, Mbarara and Kasese is longer at 465km (78hrs). This route offers the chance to stop along the way at Lake Mburo national
park or Queen wild life reserve, Rwenzori mountains National park, kyambura
national park or Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Semuliki National Parks Sempaya gate is 59km from Fort Portal. The park
Headquarters at Ntandi is 6km further along the road. Historically, the journey
was slow and bumpy 2-3 hour drive on a narrow road that winds over the
northern Rwenzori. The route is currently being widened and surfaced to make
the journey shorter and more comfortable.
What to do there
Birding
Birders who make it to Semuliki will be rewarded with some of Africas best forest
birding. Sempaya and Ntandi provide excellent viewing of the birds including the
white crested hornbill, red-billed dwarf hornbill, piping hornbill, yellow-throated
indicator, great blue and Rosss turacos. The shoebill is regularly seen at close
quarters on Lake Albert and forest walks are good for tracking water birds.

Game drives
Three tracks cross the savannah grassland of Toro semiliki wildlife reserve.
Smaller forest and larger savannah elephants are regularly seen, along with
buffalo, waterbuck, crocodile, warthog and
Uganda kob. With luck, you may even see pygmy hippopotami, leopards and
elusive bush babies.

Hiking and nature walks

The 13km kirumia trail runs through the heart of the forest to the Semuliki River.
This 8hour round trip starts at 8am and is perfect for birders
Hot springs
The hour-long trail to the outer, male springs leads through a patch of forest
where red tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked-mangabeys and black and white
colobus monkeys are common. A tree house end route provides an aerial view. A
30-miniute hike through palm forest from the main road leads to the inner,

female spring, dominated by a boiling geyser. Eggs and matooke (green

plantain) can be cooked in these boiling waters and enjoyed by hungry hikers!
Cultural encounters and trails
The batwas hunter-gatherer lifestyle means they have always been dependent
on semuliki forest for food, shelter, medicine and tools, through this is beginning
to change as a result of interaction with other local communities.

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST

The Ultimate Gorilla Experience
Introduction
At 331sq Km it is home to half of the worlds mountain gorillas, whose encounter
and consequent eye contact is the most exciting and poignant wild life encounter
in the whole of Africa. With mist covered hill side this impenetrable forest is the
oldest and most biologically diverse rain forest, with over 400 species of plants.
It lies on the edge of the right valley in south western Uganda, and protects at
least 120 species of mammals, 346 species of birds, 202 species of butterflies,

163 species of trees, 100 species of ferns, 27 species of frogs, chameleons,

geckos, among many endangered species. It is a UNESCO designated world
heritage site popular for mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees, the two great
African apes listed as endangered animals in the IUCN Red Data Book.
Bwindi National park as the major tourist attraction with four gorilla tracking trail
heads. Also nine groups of mountain gorilla families have been habituated and
only 8 tourist booked per group per day. Forest trails in the park leads to various
attractions including rivers, waterfalls, swamps and high levels of wild life
concentration.
Birding is another attraction that provides opportunities to see various Albertine
rift endemics such as the short trailed warbler. A six hour baboo trail leads to
Rwamunyonyi, at 2607m, is the highest peak and notable spot for birding. While
a 3 hour descend to Mubwindi swamp could lead a visitor to endemic and
localized African green broadbill. Other rewarding activities are mountain biking
and nature walks to waterfalls and parts of the forest. A short drive north of
Buhoma, which is sits on the Congo border, offers wonderful hikes along the hill
crests and rivers to discover waterfalls, glorious views and the traditional lifestyle
and folklore of the Kigezi people.
How to get there
Roads
The National Park is located in Southern-western Uganda about 530km from
Kampala, the capital city. The park can be reached by road from several
directions that include:
Through Queen Elizabeth National Park [Mweya]-Kihihi-Buhoma. This route
passes through Elizabeth National Parks southern Ishasha sector, providing a
chance for the tourist to stopover and search for the famous tree- climbing lions.
BINP is 160km from Ishasha.
You can also access the park through;

Kampala Kabale Kanungu Buhoma [5-6hours journey]

Kampala Ntungamo Rukungiri Kihihi Buhoma [6-7hours journey]
The Kabale Ruhija Buhoma[5-6hours journey]
Kampala Kabale Nkuringo [6-7 hours journey]

Air Travel
Travellers can fly from Entebbe Airport or Kampala (Kajjansi airfield) to the
modern tarmac airstrip at Kisoro town. Visitors to Buhoma can also charter
planes to Kayonza [near Butotogota] or savannah [Kihihi] airstrips.

What to do there
Gorilla Tracking
Tracking is a captivating is captivation and unforgettable experience which more
than repays the effort needed to reach Bwindi and to trek through the forest.

Gorilla tracking can be challenging and one needs to be reasonably fit before
undertaking to venture into the activity. Registration and briefing at Buhoma,
Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga visitor receptions commences at 0730 hours with
general briefings conducted at 08:30 am and can last from a few hours to a
whole day depending on where the gorillas were left the previous day.
Other activities around the Park
Though gorilla track is the main attraction, a range of other walks provide more
relaxed opportunities to spot birds and monkeys while exploring one of
Ugandas loveliest rainforest. Mountain biking is also a good activity around
Bwindi, this is also a good activity around Bwindi. This is usually done through a
well maintained trail of 13km Trail of Ivi River from the Park office. T
The following walks can be arranged to depart in the morning at 9:00am in the
morning and in the afternoon at 1415hours;
Munyanga River Trail in the valley below Buhoma [park office] provides an
ideal short walk to view birds and primates along the forest edge.
Waterfall Trail leads through one Ugandas most pristine tracts of
rainforest, passing beneath tree ferns, epiphytic ferns and orchids to visit
three sparking waterfalls.
Rushura Hill Trail provides expansive views across plains of the western
right valley to the west and [on clear days] Lake Edward and Rwenzori
Mountains to the north.
Muzabajiro loop Trail climbs to the summit of Rukubira Hill for breath
taking views of Bwindi forest, the western rift valley and the Virunga
Volcanoes.
River Ivi Trail follows an old road through beautiful forest emerging near
Nkuringo on the Southern edge of the forest. It is highly recommended for
bird watchers.

MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

Where Gold meets Silver

Mgahinga is part of a large ecosystem, the Virunga Conservation Area [434Sq
Km] which includes two adjacent Parks in Rwanda and Congo. Mgahinga Gorilla
National Park Sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and
4,127m.it was formed to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabits its
dense forest, and it is also an important, and it is also an important habitat for
the endangered golden monkey. Its most striking features are its three conical,
extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga range that lies along the
border region of Uganda and Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the
much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these
countries.
The park offers a soothing aura of majesty with cool temperatures owing to the
mountainous nature of the park, its home to part of the 300 gorillas located in
the Virunga massif. It is indeed where gold meets silver where gorillas are house
with the same habitat of the golden monkeys. The cultural heritage featuring
folklore and traditional healing practises for healing for local people covers the
north slopes of the three northern Virunga volcanoes Muhavura Gahinga and
Sabinyo.
The Park diverse its name from Gahinga a Kinyarwanda word for a pile of
volcano lava stone heaps around which cultivation is carried out. On the other
hand, Muhavura means guide and Sabinyo means the old mans teeth. It is
bordered to the south by Rwanda and the west by DRC Congo.
While Sabinyo is deeply eroded with jagged crown and deep gorges and ravines,
Gahinga has a swamp filled- crater about 180 m wide at its summit. While at the
top of Sabinyo, you get to be set foot in all the three countries of Uganda,
Rwanda and DRC Congo at the same time. Its view of volcanoes and gorges with
the cool breeze of freshness is unrivalled. On some of the step mountain slopes
are caves formed by lava tubes, one of them near Ntebeko, the park Head
Quarters
How to get there
Roads
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 510km from Kampala, the most commonly used
route is the Kabale via Kisoro. The 434km from Kampala can be completed within
8 hours on good tarmac road. It is then further 76km to Kisoro town on
mountainous tarmac road with steep ascents and descent.
An attractive, alternative route leaves the main road at Kabale and follows the
shoreline of the superbly scenic lake Bunyonyi to re-join Kabale-kisoro main road
at its peak halfway point at Muko.
Ntebeko, the main entrance to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 14km from
Kisoro at the end of a dirt road with some steep and rocky sections.
Air travel

Mgahinga can also be reached by air using the daily flights from Entebbe
International Airport to Kisoro airfield.

What to do there
Birding
The best birding in Mgahinga also takes in some of its most beautiful scenery in
the gorge between Mts Gahinga and Sabinyo, where the beautiful Rwenzori
Turaco may be observed.
Cultural Encounter
For generations, Mgahingas dense forests were home to the indigenous BatwaHunters-gatherers and fierce warriors through the forest for shelter, food and
medicine. Now they lead visitors through the forests and introduce them to
either old home or the techniques they used to survive in it.
Gorilla Tracking
The guide leads you through the gorillas world, surrounded by wild forest and
impressive birdlife, explaining the gorillas behaviour along the way. Tracking
excursions leave from Ntebeko entrance Gate at 8 am daily and last between two
and four hours.
Hiking and Nature walks
Hiking around the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes gives visitors the chance to
spot forest birds, the Rugezi Swamp, wildlife vegetation, bamboo forests and
glorious views of the surrounding lakes and agricultural villages.
Mountain/ Volcano Climbing
All three volcanoes in this park can be submitted, taking a full day each. Views
from the peaks are well worth the effort- taking in Rwanda, DRC, the Virungas,
the Rwenzoris, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Lake Edward.

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

WHISPERS OF THE WILD
Introduction
In the middle of an extensive rich acacia woodland lies one of Ugandas most
spectacular and breath-taking game parks in Uganda; Lake Mburo is a gem of a
park, conveniently located close to the western high way that connects Kampala
to the Parks of western Uganda. It is a very special place with medley of habits
ranging from dry hillsides, rocky outcrops, and bushy thickets, open and wooded
savannahs to forest, lakes and swamps. Its sculptured landscape, rolling hills and
idyllic lake shores, forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps and grassy
valleys all support a wealth of wildlife in a tropical setting.
The Park is remarkably different from other parks. Its the best park to view the
gigantic eland, impala, zebras and acacia associated birds. Common mammal
species include Warthogs, Buffalos, Oribi, Defassa, Water Bucks, Reed Bucks, and
the eland antelopes. Leopards and Hyenas are also present and lions have also
returned to the Park after years of poaching and near extinction.
The five lakes within the park attract Hippos and crocodiles while fringing
swamps hide secretive papyrus specialists such as the Sitatunga antelope and
red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek.
The park also has an impressive bird list within 332 species recorded including
Shoebill, Papyrus, yellow warbler, African fin foot, saddle plover, Carrutters
cisticola, Tabor cisticola, great snipes, Abyssinian ground horn bill and white
winged warbler. Acacia woodland bird species are especially well presented.
Though just 371Sq km in size, Lake Mburo has a varied landscape full of interest
and colour. The Park is refreshing and full of life given its strategic location near
the Kampala Mbarara highway.
How to get there
Road
Lake Mburo National Park lies between towns of Masaka and Mbarara in western
Uganda. Its 228km from Kampala about 4hrs drive
There are two gateways to the Park from Mbarara road. Approaching from
Kampala then turning to Nshara gate 13km past Lyantonde. The junction for
Sanga trading centre, 27kms past Lyantonde.
What to do there

Several activities can be conducted while in Lake Mburo National Park. E.g.
nature walks, game drives, Nature walk is conducted on foot with the help of an
armed guide who explains to the visitors about the various flora and fauna.
Game drive is done while in the visitors own vehicle.
The boat is another interesting activity in Lake Mburo, visitors get a chance to
see various wildlife e.g. crocodiles, hippos and birds like African fish eagle, fin
foot and water cormorants.
Horse riding is conducted by Mihingo lodge inside the park while quad bikes
riding are conducted by African all Terrain [ATV Safaris]. It gives a spectacular
view of the Parks terrain and wildlife. Visitors can ride closer without the animals
getting scared.
Attractions
Rwonyo Rest Camp
Rwonyo Rest Camp is the centre of tourism activities in the park. The rest camp
is the starting point for nature walks and game drives
Lake Mburo
The eastern shores of Lake Mburo can be explored by boat, departing from the
Lakeside campsites near Rwonyo. Watch out for crocodiles and hippos during the
two hour voyage. You can also sight a variety of birds including pelicans, Heron,
the cormorant fish eagle and perhaps rare fin foot and shoe bill storks. Fishermen
with their own equipment may fish in the lake from the camp sites by
arrangement.
Salt Licks
Guided walks explore the park around Rwonyo, culminating in a visit to natural
salt lick frequented by the wildlife. Viewing is facilitated by a timber observation
platform.
Game tracks
The eastern hinterland of Lake Mburo is served by a network of game tracks
along which a variety of savannah animals and birds can be sighted. Impalas are
the most commonly seen along the impala track while zebra tracks. This
connects to the Ruroko track which passes rock kopjes, home to the exclusive
klip Springer.
In the south of the park, the Lakeside track passes through dense woodland that
is home to the bushbucks and bush duiker, to kigarama hill which provides a
panoramic view of Lake Mburo. This lake and seven more can be seen from the
Kazuma lookout, close to Kazuma track.
Rubanga Forest

Though small, this tract of forest on the western side of Lake Mburo provides a
taste of the tropical high Forest which closed canopy and is home to a variety of
forest bird species. Rubanga can be explored with ranger guide.
Conservation Centre
The Park has a conservation centre, 1km west of Sanga gate. This provides
accommodation and education hall for school groups, visitors, seminars and
workshops