Murchison
Falls National Park
Murchison
Falls N.P. is the largest park in Uganda, covering over
400 sq. kms since the inclusion of the adjoining game reserve.
It is one of the most spectacular parks in Africa.
Renowned for its scenic beauty and the spectacular waterfalls
from which it gets name. MFNP has abundant Flora and
Fauna to delight the visitor. From rolling savannah
and tall grasslands to thick bush and woodlands, the diversity
of this park never ceases to amaze.
No
visit to Murchison Falls would be complete without a visit
to the magnificent waterfalls. They can be viewed
from the top where the Nile River narrows from 50 metres
to crash through a 7 metre gorge, falling 45 metres to the
rocks below. The three-hour cruise to the base of
the Falls is unforgettable. One can experience the
majesty of the Nile while onboard, viewing exuberant wildlife
along the banks.
The
more adventurous traveller may want to hike the trails around
the waterfalls, while the avid birdwatcher will want to
seek out some of the 424-species identified in the park.
Fishermen can test their skills above and below the Falls,
waiting patiently for 20-7kg. Nile Perch. Other game
fish found in the Nile include Barbel, electric Catfish
and Tiger fish.
On
game drives Cape buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffe, Uganda
kob, hartebeest and waterbuck are commonly seen. You
may also spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, shy sitatunga,
bush duiker, warthog and bushpig.
Large
carnivores include lion, leopard and spotted hyena.
Chimpanzees head the list of six species of primates found
in the park. Crocodile and hippo will be seen along
the banks of the Nile. Some of the more common birds that
can be included Goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican,
bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbill, cormorant, saddle-bill
stork and the rare shoebill stork. A boat cruise to
the delta is a highlight for the avid birdwatcher.
White
water rafting above the Falls and flat water canoeing on
the placid Nile below the Falls may be of interest to the
adventure traveller.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
300KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
5 HRS |
Queen
Elizabeth National Park
Queen
Elizabeth National Park is one of the outstanding treasures
of Uganda. QENP has recently been designated a Biosphere
Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO. The park covers
2000 sq. kms and includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems;
from semi-decidious tropical forest to green meadows, savannah
and swamps. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing
lions, the Uganda kob and other antelope as well as elephant,
buffalo, hippos, baboons, and chimpanzee.
Over
500 species of birds have been recorded here making it prime
target for birdwatchers. Species recorded include
the shoebill stork, black bee-eater, 11 types of kingfishers
and a variety of raptors including several falcons and eagles.
In the crater lakes, spectacular flocks of flamingos gather,
creating the image of a moving pink carpet.
The
launch trip along the Kizinga Channel between Lake George
and Edward is a memorable way to view the variety of game
in Queen Elizabeth. North of the main gate is the
crater area, one of the most scenic parts of the park.
To the East, in Kyambura Gorge, visitors can climb through
tropical forest and catch a glimpse of a variety of primates,
including chimpanzee. In the more isolated Ishasha
sector of the park, search the woodlands for the tree-climbing
lions perching on the boughs of ancient fig trees.
To the Southeast, travellers can explore newly opened trails
in Maramagambo forest.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
440KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
6 HRS |
Bwindi
National Park
Bwindi
is located in south-western Uganda on the edge of the western
rift valley covering 331 sq. kms. It is one of the
largest natural forests in East Africa, supporting large
number of plants and animals not found elsewhere.
About half the world's population of 600 mountain gorilla
reside in Bwindi.
The
vegetation, as the park's name implies, is composed of tropical
rainforest with dense undergrowth. This rugged terrain
makes hiking in search of gorilla strenuous work.
Visitors who trek should be prepared for up to 8 hours of
hiking. Good physical condition is required.
A maximum of only 6 permits per day are available for advance
booking, so confirmation 4 - 12 months in advance is required
to avoid disappointment.
Along
with the gorillas, there are nine other species of primates
including chimpanzee, blue monkey, redtail monkey, L'hoest's
monkey, black and white colobus, potto, demidoff's and needle
- clawed galago.
Three
hundred and forty-seven species of birds have been recorded
in Bwindi; seven species are listed as endangered.
Species of particular interest include the Kivu ground thrush,
white-bellied robin chat, red-throated alethe, collared
apallis, short-tailed warbler, yellow-eyed black flycatcher,
Ruwenzori batis, blue headed sunbird, strange weaver and
the Shelley's crimsonwing. Over 200 species of butterflies
have also been recorded here.
Many
visitors also enjoy the hiking trails in the park.
The most popular are the Munyaga River Trail, the Waterfall
trail and the Rushuura Trails.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
550KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
9 - 10 HRS |
Mgahinga
Gorilla National Park
This
park is in the far south-western corner of Uganda, is the
smallest park, only 33.7sq. kms. As the Ugandan part
of the Virunga Conservation Area, where half of the world's
mountain gorillas make their homes, this park shares boundaries
with Rwanda and Congo (Zaire). The park is comprised
of parts of three extinct volcano mountains, Mt. Muhavura
(4127m), Mt. Gahinga (3475m) and Mt. Sabyinyo (3645m).
The
vegetation of Mgahinga is typically afro-montane, with a
forest belt, a bamboo zone, an ericacious belt and an alpine
zone. The park supports a variety of animal species
including gorilla, rare golden monkey, buffalo, elephant,
leopard and serval cat. There are also over 180 species
of bird found in the region. Among these are the handsome
francolin, the Ruwenzori touraco and the side-breasted tit.
About
45 mountain gorillas use the Mgahinga sector of the Virunga
Conservation Area seasonally. Gorilla trekking is available
here when the gorillas are in the park. They are usually
resident in the months of April, May and June and October,
November and December. The rest of the year the gorillas
are on the Congo side of the Virungas. Book 4-12 months
in advance to avoid disappointment. Trekking is strenuous;
therefore good physical condition is necessary.
Mgahinga
is an interesting park. In addition to gorilla trekking,
it offers a number of other exciting half-day hikes and
the challenge of a full-day climb to the summit of Mt. Muhavura
or Mt. Gahinga, or the breathtaking Sabyinyo Gorge.
Also of interest are the three swamps: Rugezi, Kabiranyuma
and Kizibakye.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
510KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
9 - 10 HRS |
Mount
Ruwenzori National Park
The
Ruwenzori Park is a splendid world of ice and snow, with
its massive ice-rime sculptures and mind-boggling vegetation,
and arguably surpasses other afro-alpine areas in its beauty,
wonder and interest to mountaineering enthusiasts.
This park, covering 996 sq. kms. provides a magnificent
environment for both experienced climbers and casual day
hikers. These legendary mountains exhibit spectacular
scenic beauty and provide a unique habitat for many rare
and indigenous plants and animals. The Highest mountain
in the range, Mt. Stanley, is the third highest in Africa
after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. Its highest peak,
Margharita, rises 5109 m above sea level. The giant
lobelia and the groundsell are hallmarks of the Ruwenzori.
All of the above make this park an unforgettable visitor
destination.
Decreasing
temperature with increasing altitude have resulted in marked
zoning of vegetation, which is of great interest to scientists
and a delightful experience for visitors. In fact,
more people visit the Ruwenzori to explore and experience
the fascinating vegetation than to climb the peaks and glaciers.
The
usual trip lasts not less than 6 days, just long enough
to hike the Central Circuit Trail. Longer and shorter
trips can be arranged. No special climbing equipment
is necessary unless you intend to climb one of the summits.
However, hiking the trails is arduous work, and weather
conditions are unpredictable and rainy. The driest
months are July, August and December, January and February.
Hiking should be undertaken only by the physical fit.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
600KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
6 HRS |
Lake
Mburo National Park
Lake
Mburo National Park (260 sq. kms) lies along Mbarara road
within easy access of Kampala. It is ideal for a transit
stop to / from the gorilla sanctuaries or QENP. It
is an attractive park of rolling hills and open grassy valleys,
interspersed with thickets, woodlands and rich wetlands.
Find
here herds of Zebra, Cape buffalo and eland. Oribi
and topi are easily approached. Along with a game
drive, many visitors enjoy a boat trip on Lake Mburo.
Self-guided nature trails are also available. Birdwatchers
will enjoy the more than 250 species of birds found in Lake
Mburo.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
230KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
3 - 4 HRS |
Kabale
National Park
This National Park covers
766 sq. kms and runs contiguous with the northern end of
QENP, but Kibale is much wetter with a unique moist forest
habitat and an extremely high diversity of animals and plants.
This mature tropical rainforest
supports the highest number of primate species in Uganda,
and one of the highest primate densities and diversities
in the world. There are 13 species of primates located
here which include red colobus monkey, black-and white colobus
monkey, redtail monkey, L’hoest’s monkey, mangabey,
pottos, olive baboons and several communities of chimpanzee.
About
400 species of birds have been reported in Kibale.
A number of these species are found only in this park.
In addition, over 150 species of butterflies and a large
number of moths can be discovered here.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
400KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
6 - 7 HRS |
Semuliki
National Park
Semuliki
was formerly a game reserve and covering 220 sq. kms is
virtually untouched by man. Its lush tropical lowland
habitat provides an inspirational setting for hikers and
nature lovers to spend a few quiet days relaxing and exploring
unspoiled Africa.
The
eco-system of tropical lowland forest is continuos with
the Ituri forest of Zaire, divided only by the Semuliki
River. This location, as a kind of stepping stone
between East and West Africa, helps explain the great diversity
of wildlife in the park, possibly the greatest in all of
East Africa. The park contains elephant, buffalo and
vervet monkey. In addition, there are 400 species
of bird and around 300 different species of butterfly.
Enjoy
many walking/hiking trails and a trip to Sempaya Hot Springs.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
450KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
9 HRS |
Kidepo
Valley National Park
Kidepo
is one of Uganda 's most spectacular parks with a wealth
of wildlife and scenic beauty. It lies in the north-eastern
horn of Uganda
in
Karamoja district and covers an area of 1442 sq. kms.
Being drier than Uganda's other parks, this impressive natural
reserve contains a different eco-system from any other area
in Uganda, giving visitors a more complete understanding
of Uganda's vast bio-diversity. Its secluded location
provides the traveller a certain air of peace and tranquillity
in which to relax and enjoy the dramatic scenery and wildlife
of northern Uganda.
With
80 species, Kidepo supports a wider diversity of mammals
than any other Ugandan park. Some of the animals you
can expect to see include lion, Zebra, large herds of elephant,
eland lesser kudu, dik-dik and Cape buffalo. Oribi
are abundant, as well as the almost -tame Apoka waterbuck.
A surprising 28 of the 80 species are not present in any
other park in Uganda. These include cheetah,
greater kudu and Bright's gazelle.
Enthusiastic
ornithologists will be enchanted with the birdllife.
The official checklist includes 462 species. Both
kopjes and forest patches provided refuge for interesting
species. Two found only to Kidepo are ostrich and
kori bustard. Find here five species of hornbill,
including the giant ground variety. Bird of prey in
the park includes Verreaux's eagle, lammergeyer and Egyptian
vulture.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
450KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
8 - 9 HRS |
Mount
Elgon National Park
Mount
Elgon is the shell of an ancient volcano. Its highest
peak, Wagagai, reaches 4321 m, making it the 4th highest
peak in Africa. Though much erosion has taken place,
the remaining oval shaped caldera now measures roughly 7
by 8 kms, one of the largest in the world. This 1145
sq. kms park shares its eastern border with Kenya.
One
of the primary goals of the park is to conserve and restore
the valuable natural resources of the areas including the
water shed and the bio-diversity. Conservation of
this land provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy
the wonderfully wild and exciting scenery of this mountainous
area. Its main attractions are its waterfalls, caves
once used by indigenous people, Hot Springs, the mountains
vegetation, the various peaks, the Suam Gorge and the cladera
itself.
Many
animals are found in the park, but because of earlier harassment
by poachers, they are shy of humans. You may spot
Cape buffalo, bushbuck, black-fronted duiker, tree hyrax
and bushpig. Leopard and hyenas also live in the park,
and elephants have recently been returning to the areas
from neighbouring Kenya. Primates that are found there
include blue monkey, baboon and black-and white colobus.
Some interesting birds that are often sighted Ross' touraco,
casqued hornbill, gregarious hornbill, crowned eagle and
lammergeyer.
