National Parks in Uganda

Uganda has several national parks, each with its own unique set of beautiful sights. Let’s look at them in detail:

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Murchison Falls National Park is located in northern Uganda and is the country’s largest national park, covering an area of over 4000 square kilometres. Savannah grasslands, riverine woodlands, timber, and wetlands characterise the park. Murchison Falls National Park was established as a national park in 1952, after being gazetted in 1926. Murchison Falls National Park’s main tourist feature is Murchison Falls, commonly known as “the Devil’s Cauldron.” It is an ideal place for Uganda safaris and tours.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest park, situated in the Albertine Rift districts of Masindi, Buliisa, Nwoya, and Kiryadongo. The park is known for being home to four of the big five animals: elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards. Even if the park does not have enough rhinos to accommodate all five animals, visitors to Murchison Falls National Park can visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which provides a haven for the country’s endangered rhinos.

Murchison Falls National Park offers the best adventure tours to its tourists due to the diversity of tourist attractions and activities that can be tailored to their specific needs and desires when visiting Uganda’s national parks. The park is home to 76 animal species and 400 bird species, making it an excellent destination for wildlife aficionados. However, it is not just a destination for wildlife enthusiasts, but also for adventure visitors who may participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

How access Murchison Falls National Park

Depending on their budget, guests visiting Murchison Falls National Park will arrive by plane or car. Tourists travelling by automobile from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, will need up to 4 hours to reach the park.

Tourists may visit the park by scheduling flights from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba Airfield, which is the nearest to the park. They can also land in Chobe or Bugundu, allowing for simple access to the park in an hour and a few minutes, which is faster than road transit.

Tourists can access the park through several gates positioned throughout the park, including the Chobe entrance in the park’s northern sector and the Kichumbanyobo gate near Masindi town in the southern sector. Tangi Gate is located in the Paara area, and to enter, tourists must first cross the Nile via ferry.

The Wankar gate is approximately 10 km off the main road, as is the Mubako gate along the Kampala-Pakwach route; nevertheless, travellers may enter the park by crossing the River Nile via the Karuma Falls Bridge. Even before you approach the park, there are various eye-catching features such as the Nile River, aquatic birds that may be viewed along the river banks, and many more.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Guests visiting Murchison Falls National Park will have a memorable time while seeing the park’s many sections and partaking in its many activities. The following are the destinations and activities that they may partake in to make their Uganda trip memorable:

Wildlife: The park is made up of different plant zones and cover, which attract a variety of animal species. For example, it consists of marsh vegetation near Lake Kyoga, forest, and savannah, all of which sustain animals. Hippopotamuses, Rothschild’s giraffes, warthogs, Cape buffalo, Uganda Kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, elephants, and other animal species may all be observed.

Game drives: Tourists may witness a variety of animals during game drives, which are held in the morning, evening, and night. All of them provide the finest experience because visitors may witness a wide range of animal types. Night game drives, on the other hand, allow guests to view nocturnal creatures such as lions hunting for prey at night, which differs from regular game drives in that many animals emerge from hiding in the region.

Birding: The park is a popular destination for bird watchers due to the numerous bird species (over 400) that may be spotted on Uganda National Parks tours to Murchison Falls National Park. Water birds including the African fish eagle, giant kingfisher, yellow-billed stork, and gigantic many birds, including cormorants, may be seen. A wide diversity of bird species live in the Budongo woods.

Murchison Falls: The Murchison Falls, also known as the Kabalega Falls, are located within the park and give origin to the park’s name. The falls give travellers a spectacular viewpoint as they make their way down a narrow valley, creating violent falls that can be seen, giving the most unusual landscapes. The falls are renowned for their placement between two lakes, Albert and Kyoga, both of which provide spectacular views.

White water rafting: Adventure tourists will be able to go white water rafting on Murchison Falls, and because the falls have rough and fast-moving waters, they are ideal for the activity, which involves tourists using an inflatable raft to navigate the White Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, which is another interesting activity to do while visiting the park.

Animal viewing: Visitors to Murchison Falls may see a variety of animals along the river Nile’s banks, including crocodiles sunbathing, buffalos, elephants’ waterbucks, and other species quenching their thirst in the nearby waters.

Water Bodies: The park will spark the curiosity of visitors to Uganda’s national parks since it is home to several water features, including Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga, and the Victoria Nile River, all of which may be seen after visiting the park. The park offers a range of activities on the different water bodies, as shown below.

Boat cruises: The park offers two types of boat cruises or launch trips: an upstream boat cruise at the bottom of the country’s and region’s most powerful waterfalls, and a downstream boat cruise/launch trip to the Victoria Nile delta, which stretches along the shores of Lake Albert. All launch trips/boat excursions leave from Paara Jetty at 2:00 p.m. and last three hours.

On their Murchison Falls National Park tour, tourists will be able to see a variety of animal species including hippopotami, elephants, waterbucks, buffaloes, Kobs, Giraffes, and bird species such as the shoe bill, saddle-billed stork, Goliath Heron, and many more.

Hiking: Nature hikes in the park are excellent for tourists on their Murchison Falls National Park trip because of the various views that can be seen when they are completed, ensuring that the visitor is fulfilled while on their Uganda national parks tour. Guided nature walks in the park are the most entertaining since tourists may learn a lot about the regions they visit and what they see. The park treks run one to two hours and lead visitors through the Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo woodlands, where they may see a variety of animal and bird species. Short treks can also be carried out from Sambiya River Lodge or Mubako Junction, both of which provide great experiences.

Nature walks: Visitors may enjoy nature excursions around the sanctuary and see a variety of animal species such as the Oribi, reedbucks, bushbucks, duikers, and more.

Budongo Forest Reserve: Murchison Falls National Park is 47 km away and may be accessed in about 30 minutes. The woods are East Africa’s largest mahogany forest. The forest is home to a variety of animal species that visitors to Murchison Falls National Park may be interested in seeing. The forest is home to a variety of bird species, as well as chimpanzees, lions, and buffalos, all of which have attracted visitors on excursions.

Chimpanzee trekking: Budongo forest has over 500 chimps that can be trekked; the activity involves tourists visiting the chimps’ natural habitats to learn about their feeding patterns, how they coexist with one another, how they coexist with the forests, and so on, which is very rewarding once completed.

Accommodation at Murchison Falls National Park

Tourists on a Murchison Falls National Park trip will be able to pick from a variety of hotel options based on their budget. Each of the chosen accommodations, regardless of class, is capable of assuring guest contentment by providing top-notch services such as bar services, dining services, and 24-hour room services that enable excellent service delivery.

Budget Accommodation.

Murchison Backpackers
Saltek Forest Cottages
Mama Washindi Lodge

Local cottages and tours

Mid-range accommodation.

Pakuba Safari Lodge
Budongo Eco-lodge
Sambiya River Lodge.

Fort Murchison Lodge

Luxury accommodation

Paraa Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge
Nile Safari Lodge
Baker's Lodge

Tourists on their Murchison Falls National Park tour will be able to experience nature’s best by visiting National Parks that will provide magnificent views of the popular Murchison Falls, a variety of animals, including four of the big five, and much more as part of their Uganda tour.

MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of Uganda’s smaller national parks, located in the southwestern portion of the country, Bufumbira County in the Kisoro area, and bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga National Park comprises approximately 33.7 square kilometres and is located between elevations of 2227 and 4127 metres. Mgahinga National Park is home to three Virunga volcanoes: Mt Muhabura (4127 metres tall), Mt Gahinga (3474 metres tall), and Mt Sabinyo (3645 metres tall). Mgahinga National Park was designated as a national park in 1991, primarily to protect and conserve the endangered mountain gorilla. Mgahinga National Park is home to different animal species. There are 76 animal species, including buffaloes, elephants, huge forest pigs, bushbucks, leopards, spotted hyenas, black-fronted duikers, primates including mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, and 184 bird species, among others.

How to access Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southern Uganda and is accessible by air and road transport.

Road transport: If you travel to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by private car, you will drive from Kampala to Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro, and finally to the park. The entire trek takes around 10 hours. Mgahinga National Park may also be accessible from Rwanda to Kigali by flying to Kigali International Airport and then driving to the park via the Cyanika border, which takes 3 to 4 hours. There are other public modes of transportation where you may join a bus that departs Kampala at 7:00 am to Kisoro town, where you will hire a private car. The distance between Kisoro and Mgahinga National Park headquarters is approximately 14 km.

Mgahinga National Park is also accessible by air, with chartered flights available from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip.

When to visit Mgahinga National Park?

Mgahinga National Park can be visited at any time of year. It has two rainy seasons, from March to May and September to November, and two dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, so the best time to visit is during the dry season when there is little rainfall in the forest. Activities like as gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and hiking are best done during the dry season when the terrain is dry and not slippery.

Activities at Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Mgahinga National Park. It involves people hiking or trekking through deep woods in search of mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking begins early in the morning at the Ntebeko Park headquarters, where tourists are briefed on what to anticipate before heading into the forest with a guide who shows them the pathways to follow and offers information on the gorillas. Mgahinga National Park has one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi, which consists of ten individuals. Gorilla trekking at Mgahinga National Park permits a maximum of 8 persons per day to trek the Nyakagezi family. Participants must be over the age of 15 and spend one hour with the gorilla family in their natural habitat shooting photographs and learning more about the gorillas, among other things. Trekking gorillas in Mgahinga costs $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. The gorilla trekking permit, on the other hand, should be reserved 4 to 6 months before the expedition date, as permits are very competitive and frequently sold out.

In addition to gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking is an interesting pastime at Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga National Park is home to around 6 habituated golden monkey families and enables a maximum of 6 persons to hike each habituated golden monkey family and spend one hour in their presence, enjoying the golden monkeys in the trees, taking photographs, and recording movies, among other activities. Golden monkey trekking is best done in the morning, with a walk through the bamboo forest lasting 1 to 4 hours. Golden monkey hiking licences are $90 for foreign non-residents and residents and 20,000 for East African inhabitants. Mgahinga National Park is the only place where golden monkeys coexist alongside mountain gorillas, earning it the nickname “the park where gold meets silver.”

Mountain climbing is the most thrilling and adventurous sport in Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga National Park has three Virunga volcanoes:

Mount Muhavura, whose name means “guide,” is the tallest of the three volcanic mountains, standing at 4127 metres. Mount Muhabura covers approximately 12 km and takes about 8 hours to reach the summit, where you will utilise pathways through plants, rock grounds, and small grasses, among other things. While on top of Muhavura Mountain, you may see the Rwenzori peaks, Virunga volcanoes, Bwindi Forest, and Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park, all of which provide excellent experiences.

Mount Sabinyo, a volcanic peak, is also known as the “old man’s teeth” due to the deep gorges and riverine that cut through it. It is 3645 metres high and is the most difficult of the three mountains. When trekking up Mt Sabinyo, you will be passing through trails with mushy vegetation, thus you will need to wear hiking boots. Hiking Mt Sabinyo takes around 8 hours, and at the summit, you will be in three nations at once: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mount Gahinga, which translates to a mound of stones, is the smallest of the Virunga volcanoes. Mt Gahinga is 3474 metres tall and spans 8 km. While trekking, you will pass through a bamboo forest, and at the summit of Gahinga Mountain, you will see a 180-meter-wide swamp-filled crater and stone heaps in the gardens. All three volcanic mountains in Mgahinga National Park may be climbed in a single day if you are in good shape. Climbing the three mountains rewards you with wonderful vistas of bird species and animals such as elephants and golden monkeys, making your safari in Uganda unique.

Bird watching: Mgahinga National Park is an excellent birding destination, with over 184 bird species. Bird viewing in Mgahinga National Park is best done in the morning when you get up early and meet with a birding guide before following trails through the montane and bamboo forest between Mt Sabinyo and Mt Gahinga. During bird watching in Mgahinga National Park, you will be able to see a variety of bird species, including Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Handsome Francolin, Kivu ground, Black-headed waxbill, Bronze Sunbird, Brown Crowned Tchagra, Cape robin chat, Western green tinker bird, Brown woodland warbler, Malachite sunbird, Striped breasted tit, White-starred robin, Olive pigeon, and others.

Nature walks / hiking: This is an intriguing activity at Mgahinga National Park that involves people walking throughout the park with a park ranger. Nature walks in Mgahinga National Park take place around the edges of the volcanic mountains through bamboo forests, Rugezi swamp, which is a great destination for beautiful views of agricultural villages, lakes like Lake Mutanda, where you can see bird species, and vegetation types such as afro-montane, montane forest, bamboo montane, woodland, farmland, tree heathers, and others. The nature stroll at Mgahinga National Park provides a pleasant setting for relaxation and mental refreshment.

Cultural encounters: This is an activity at Mgahinga National Park that allows tourists to interact with local community members. During the cultural interaction, guests will meet with Batwa, or pygmies, who lived in the forest many years before it was designated as a national park. The Batwa were formidable warriors who relied on the forest for sustenance and shelter; they hunted small animals, gathered fruits and honey, and utilised forest herbs as medicine, among other things. During the Batwa trail experience, they will exhibit their methods of living through hunting skills, music, dancing, and storytelling. They will also visit the Garama cave, which is a sacred piece of Batwa history since they used to hide in it. From the Bantu invasion many years ago, it was also utilised as a granary or storage location for food workers.

RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Mount Rwenzori is located in the Kasese area of western Uganda, bordering Congo. The mountains have also been referred to as the “Moon Mountains.” The mountain reaches an elevation of 5110 metres above sea level. Mount Ruwenzori is Africa’s third tallest mountain, after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, and one of the continent’s four highest peaks. Mount Rwenzori is Africa’s most difficult peak to climb, thus physical fitness is required.

Mount Rwenzori was designated as a national park in 1991, and UNESCO recognised it as a World Heritage and Ramsar site in 1994. The park spans an area of approximately 996 km squared. Mount Ruwenzori features blue lakes, snowfields, alpine highland glaciers, lush montane and bamboo forests, heath, moorland, groundsels, Lobelias, and Hagenia. Mount Ruwenzori melt water represents the highest source of the Nile, the world’s longest river. In 150 AD, Claudius Ptolemy said the snow-capped mountains were the source of the mighty Nile. This mountain is a must-see when on a Uganda safari vacation.

Attractions in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Peak climbing is the most popular tourist activity in Mount Ruwenzori National Park; the peak offers breathtaking vistas that are claimed to be among the most amazing on Earth. Day hikes can also be organised for individuals who do not wish to climb the mountain summits. Mount Ruwenzori is a difficult climb, so you must be in good form to complete the 7- to 9-day trek to the summit.
Wildlife: The Ruwenzori Mountain slopes are home to 18 different kinds of animals, 6 amphibians, and 9 reptiles. Elephants, leopards, bushbucks, gigantic forest pigs, bushbucks, and many more creatures have been spotted in the Ruwenzori Mountains. The Ruwenzori highlands also include a variety of primate species, including blue monkeys, olive baboons, black and white Columbus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, chimps, and many more.

Birds: The Ruwenzori Mountains National Park is home to 217 species of birds. The Ruwenzori collared birds, Queen’s turaco, Shelley’s crimson wing, dwarf honeyguide, red-faced woodland warbler, Kivu ground thrush, strange weaver, barred long-tailed cuckoo, purple-breasted sunbirds, collared apalis, and montane masked are just a few of the birds found in the Ruwenzori mountains.

Cultural experience: To get a sense of African original culture, guests can visit the neighbouring Bakonjo villages on the mountain slopes and learn about people’s methods of life and how they have adapted to living on these mountain slopes for years. Nature hikes can also be organised, as might performances by local traditional dancers. Tourists visiting the Ruwenzori Mountains National Park can stay at Equator Snow Lodges, Ruboni Community Camp, Hotel Margherita, Ruwenzori International Hotel, Katara Lodge, and other accommodations. Mount Ruwenzori National Park is about 5-6 hours from Kampala, however, travellers can also fly into Kasese Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.

KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Kidepo Valley National Park is located in Uganda’s far north-east, Kaabong District. The park comprises 1,442 km2 (557 sq mi) of rough Savannah, topped by Mt. Morungole (9,020 ft) and drained by the Kidepo and Narus Rivers. This Uganda national park is located roughly 220 kilometres (140 miles) northwest of Moroto, the subregion’s biggest town. Also 520 kilometres (320 miles) northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital. This is one of Uganda’s greatest but least-visited safari parks.

“Dodoth pastoralists” and “IK farmers” resided in the valley before the “British colonial masters” designated it as a game reserve in 1958. Its primary goal was to regulate hunting, poaching, and clearing the jungle to prevent “Tsetse flies” from transmitting sleeping sickness to humans and Nangana to animals. The wildlife reserve was formally established as a national park in 1962 by “Dr. Apollo Milton Obote,” with Ian Ross serving as the first Chief Warden. In 1972, Ian Ross was succeeded by Paul Ssali.

The park features two major valley systems: the Kidepo and Narus rivers. The valley basins range in elevation from 3,000 to 4,000 feet. The Kidepo Valley National Park’s permanent supply of water is the Kanangarok hot spring, located in the extreme north of the park near the Uganda-Sudan border. Because of the variation in rainfall amounts, the majority of the park is covered by Savannah trees, resulting in animal population variations in areas of Narus with heavy rainfall amounts during the rainy season and Kidepo basin with few animal populations due to low rainfall.

During the dry season, the only permanent water sources are wetlands in the Narus Valley near Apoka, with coupled Oases throughout the Savannah landscape serving as a popular area for wildlife tracking and watching in the game park. This is one of Uganda’s most isolated parks due to its remote location, which is 520 kilometres from the country’s capital, Kampala. The park provides a spectacular and fascinating tour to northeastern Uganda through the Karamoja area, where visitors may learn about cultures, and historical backgrounds, and explore African wilderness.

The park is home to over 77 animal species and 475 bird species. The park is home to Uganda’s largest buffalo herd and the only park harbouring cheetahs. Pian-Upe is a neighbouring wildlife reserve near the park that is home to Uganda’s lone ostrich (the largest bird on Earth). Kidepo Valley is home to one of Africa’s smallest ethnic groups, the “Kamajongs,” who are nomadic pastoralists. The Karamajongs are comparable to the Turkana of Kenya and the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania, and they have a high value for having huge herds of cattle. These people have a distinct culture that they have upheld for ages. Among the Karamajongs, the “Ik farmers” are thought to be they are primitive and are said to have originated in Ethiopia many years ago.

The “Ik people” continue to worship the “ancient god” and think that they will eventually have to relocate from Kidepo Valley to another part of the planet. Terrill Schrock, a language scholar, claims that the “Ik people” have cultural evidence linking them to ancient Southern Egypt. Kidepo Valley National Park is home to 77 mammal species, including lions (including some tree climbing lions), elephants, buffaloes, oribi, hartebeests, antelope species such as honour reedbuck, defassa waterbucks, elands, bushbucks, bush duskier, ostriches (also in Pian-Upe), pangolins, caracals, leopards, cheetahs, bat-eared fox, striped hyenas, aardwolves, wild dogs, and hunting dogs.

The park also has great scenery and birding experiences; the southern Narus is the beginning of the amazing birder’s haven, with birds such as Hoopoe, Nubian woodpeckers, vinaceous doves, scarlet-chested sunbirds, mosque swallow, superb starlings, little weaver, singing bush larks, Abyssinian ground, Karamoja Apalis, Ethiopian swallow, African grey flycatcher, White-billed tit, Slate coloured Boubou, Red-billed ox pecker, and many other bird species in Uganda. The Kidepo Valley is home to about 475 bird species, making it Uganda’s second-highest bird population density behind Queen Elizabeth National Park, which has over 600 bird species.

The best time to visit Kidepo is at the end of the dry season (November and February) when animals concentrate on reliable water sources such as Kanangarok hot springs in the far north of the park, which supplies water to the park during the dry season. During the wet season (April and August), animals move to higher ground where they are difficult to track.

Kidepo Valley is a lovely savanna park that provides excellent value for money, and it makes no sense for a traveller to stay only one night in Uganda’s hidden jewels.

A variety of parks can be found in the Kidepo Valley that offer tourists a worthwhile stay, including Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Apoka Safari Lodge, Apoka Rest Camp (the rest camp may not provide local food but you must book in advance), Kakine Self-catering campsite (does not provide food), and Nga Moru Wilderness Camp.

Kidepo Valley National Park is a genuine home of adventure in Africa, and CNN Traveller magazine ranks it as one of the greatest eight tourist locations in Africa due to its diversity. The park is Africa uncovered, pristine, memorable, and unspoiled, and it is located in a lonely area without any metropolitan infrastructure.

This provides a real definition of old human organisation in local communities; the Karamajongs live in tiny huts surrounded by a single fence known as “Manyattas,” which is comparable to the Masai culture of Kenya and Tanzania. Kidepo Valley is accessible by both air and road. While flying to the park is more expensive, it is the most convenient and time-effective mode of transportation, providing an excellent aerial perspective of the park’s geography. The park is accessible by car via a tarmac road network, and the length of the journey is determined by the number of days spent. You may be confident that the scenery will match the diversity of African cultures, savannah grasslands, and bushes.

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most well-known national park, located in the country’s western region and featuring a diverse range of topography, including volcanic craters, acacia woods, savannah grasslands, wetlands, and tropical forests. Queen Elizabeth National Park was established in 1952 as Kazinga Channel National Park, but its name was changed to Queen Elizabeth in 1954 to commemorate the Queen of England’s visit to the country. Queen Elizabeth is located in Uganda’s western region and is surrounded by the districts of Kamwenge, Kasese, Rukingiri, and Rubirizi. It’s an excellent site for Uganda safari trips.

The park is located around 400 km south-west of Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Rubirizi is located outside the park’s southeastern boundary, while Kasese town is located in the park’s northeastern region. The park also contains Maramagambo woodland, which borders Kigezi Game Reserve, Kibale Woodland National Park, Kyambura Game Reserve, and Virunga National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park covers an approximate area of 1978 square kilometres and includes the Kazinga Channel, which links the two lakes. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a wildlife hotspot, with African leopards, lions, chimps, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, kobs, hippos, leopards, and elephants. The Park is home to 95 mammals and around 500 bird species. Rukungiri’s Ishasha Park is home to some of the world’s most famous tree-climbing lions. The park is next to Virunga National Park, which is considered a possible lion stronghold in central Africa.

Queen Elizabeth National Park contains a variety of volcanic phenomena, including volcanic cones, crater lakes, deep craters, and more. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a variety of animal species present in other national parks around the country, but it is most known for the tree-climbing lions, which can only be seen in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. Leopards, buffalos, elephants, Bush bucks, Ugandan Kob, waterbucks, bush pigs, reedbucks, warthogs, hippopotamuses, and a variety of other species may be seen at well-known gaming tracks.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s only park where tourists may observe animals from the air; while it is pricey, the payoff is well worth it; travellers can see the whole flora and fauna as well as predators catching prey. This always occurs very early in the morning, and the safari concludes with a bush meal and a certificate.

The magnificent natural Kazinga canal, discovered in Queen Elizabeth’s Mweya area, joins Lake George and Lake Albert. The waterway is an excellent location for wildlife viewing, particularly during the dry season when the animals congregate on its borders. During the Kazinga Channel boat trip, you may also witness a variety of aquatic birds, as well as hundreds of hippopotamuses and crocodiles.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birder’s dream, with over 600 different bird species to see. During November, tourists can see migratory birds from North Africa and Europe, including the black-rumped button quail, white-tailed lark, black bee-eater, white-winged warbler, papyrus gonolek, lesser and greater flamingoes, Chaplin’s flycatchers, African skimmer, corncrake, Verreaux eagle owl, bar-tailed Godwit, pink-backed pelican, and African broadbill, to name a few.

Chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be done at the magnificent Kyambura Gorge, which is a breathtaking subterranean forest bounded by the Great Rift Valley escapements. Aside from chimps, guests may identify a variety of bird species and primates such as olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys, among others. There are many different types of plants and butterflies.

The Queen Elizabeth National Park trip is one of the fascinating excursions that tourists may do while in Uganda. The park is located in the western districts of Uganda, including Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. The park has drawn a large number of people year after year due to the amazing vistas and attractions it has. Queen Elizabeth is the park to visit if you want to experience nature at its finest. It not only provides animal experiences, but also outdoor adventures, cultural contacts, and a variety of activities geared to keep visitors happy. The park has drawn many travellers throughout the years due to its distinctive and interesting flora and wildlife.

How to access Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tourists may readily enter Queen Elizabeth National Park because of the area’s well-developed transit systems. Depending on their budget, tourists can either fly or drive to the park.

The park is 410 kilometres from Kampala, and travellers arriving at Entebbe International Airport, Queen Elizabeth, will travel 49 km to Kampala, taking around an hour. The park is accessible from Kampala via the Mbarara-Masaka route, and travellers may make many stops along the way, making the trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park unique, including stops at the equator at Masaka and Mpambire drum manufacturers. Tourists who visited Bwindi’s impenetrable national the park may also link to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the ishasha sector, which takes around 7 to 8 hours for travellers to arrive.

Tourists may visit the park by scheduling charter flights from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth, where Aero Link operates daily domestic flights to the park. These planes land at the Mweya and Kasese airstrips, which are very safe, dependable, and easy to use.

Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Uganda National Parks tour will be the most rewarding for tourists who take their Queen Elizabeth National Park tour because the park is home to over 95 mammal species, 20 bird species, and over 600 bird species, making it a top destination for bird lovers, and it is not only tourists interested in seeing the animal species who will be drawn to the park. The park features a range of different attractions and activities that can be engaged in, as mentioned below.

Flora and Fauna: Queen Elizabeth National Park is covered in a variety of vegetation zones, including tropical rain forest, savannah grasslands, bushy grassland, acacia trees, swamp vegetation, and many more, all of which serve as habitats for various animal and bird species, not to mention butterflies. The availability of habitats has allowed for the reproduction and feeding of animals and birds.

Tree climbing lions: The most interesting encounters that a tourist can come across are the tree climbing lions which are found in the Ishasha sector, which has several relief features like the Ishasha River, and Lake Edward, which offer memorable experiences once the tourists have visited in the sector, but what is eye-catching about the sector is the tree climbing lions, which are believed to climb up the trees to locate their prey and once they can see the prey they come down and chase them, hoping to catch them.

Another reason for the lions to climb the trees is to escape the scorching sun in the park, as well as to avoid insect bites, which is unusual behaviour in lions; however, for tourists interested in seeing the creatures, Queen Elizabeth is the only park and location where the animals can be seen.

Maramagambo woodland: Queen Elizabeth National Park is wonderfully endowed by nature with several tourist attractions, including the forest, which is a visitor’s dream when visited. The forest is home to a variety of animal species, including primate species such as L’hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and many others that may interest tourists. The woodland is encircled by two lakes, which provide travellers with stunning scenery and fresh breezes.

Bird species: Bird lovers will find Queen Elizabeth to be extremely intriguing and gratifying because of the various bird species that can be seen in the park. Some of the bird species seen in the park are native to the Albertine Rift, while others are migratory birds. The park’s bird species are most commonly observed in the Ishasha sector, which is the ideal place to see birds, and in the Maramagambo forest, which is home to a variety of migratory and unique birds.

Butterfly species: The park is home to numerous animal species, which is very gratifying for travellers who want to experience a range of wildlife species rather than just one attraction. During nature hikes in Kyambura and the Maramagambo forest, visitors to the park can witness a variety of butterfly species. Several flora and fauna visitors on their Ugandan trip, carrying out a Queen Elizabeth National Park tour, will have the opportunity to partake in the following activities:

Game drives: Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are one of the most rewarding activities that tourists can choose to engage in while there because the tourists are guaranteed to see different animal species in the park. For instance, a tourist can see lions preying on antelopes, herbivores like zebras, antelopes, and Uganda Kobs, among others, can be seen feeding in the savannah grasslands, and a tourist can also see four of the big five animals.

A tourist in the park will be able to choose from a variety of game drives, including morning, evening, and night game drives, where nocturnal animals such as lions and leopards can be seen as they hunt for their prey.

The lion tracking experience, which takes place in the morning and late afternoon, is another exciting activity that tourists will participate in during their Uganda National Park trip. The activity entails travellers learning more about predators in their native habitats.

The visitor is guaranteed to view a specific pride of lions thanks to radio collars located within the lions. The trip is spearheaded by a Uganda carnivore project researcher who guides a small group of tourists into the savannah plains where the lions may be spotted. Tourists should reserve in advance to avoid missing out on the activities. The exercise will allow guests to discern between male and female lions based on their physical features, such as the males having a black mane and the females having no mane. A tourist will be able to watch how the lions mark their territories in the park, such as a dominant male in a certain pride peeing on several tree stems to mark their territories and warn another pride that they will take over their area.

rival methods that males mark their territories include excavating a 20 cm hole with their hind feet, which will indicate to rival lion pride that the region has been taken over by another pride. The males can be observed stroking their manes on bushes.

Birding: Birding in Queen Elizabeth is quite an interesting activity in the park because several bird species can be seen during the activity, some of which are endemic and migratory and can be seen in different areas in the park, such as the Kasenyi Area bird species like Griffon Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Bateleur, Long-crested Eagle, Martial Eagle, Grey Kestrel, African Crake, Black-bellied Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, African Wattled Plover Crowned Plover Senegal Plove Hooded Vulture; African White-backed Vulture.

Birding may also be done on the Mweya Peninsula, which is located between the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. Tourists may view bird species such as Raptors, African Mourning Dove, Diederik Cuckoo, Squire-tailed Nightjar, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Swamp Nightjar, Blue-naped Mousebird, Grey-Headed Kingfisher, Pygmy Kingfisher, Little Bee-eater, and Nubian Woodpecker.

Other sectors where several bird species may be observed in the park include the Ishasha sector, where the shoe bill can be seen, and the Lake Kirongo sector, which is an extension of Lake George, where other water birds can be spotted such as Common Squacco. Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Shoebill, Sacred Ibis, Knob-billed Duck, Black Crake, African Jacana, Yellow Wagtail, Katunguru sector, where travellers may witness a variety of bird species that will ensure their happiness.

Kyambura Gorge: Located in the park’s eastern region, the gorge is also known as the Valley of the Apes since it is the only spot where primates may be observed. A visit to the gorge will provide travellers with remarkable experiences that will leave them wanting more.

Tourists on their Queen Elizabeth National Park trip will have the opportunity to witness a variety of primate species in the region, including red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, white colobus monkeys, red Columbus monkeys, and chimpanzees, which are the most frequent in the valley/tambura gorge. A variety of bird species may be spotted on the valley’s high slopes, including larger and lesser flamingos, African skimmer, papyrus canary, white-tailed lark, papyrus gonolek, vereux eagle owl, lesser shoebill, and chains flycatcher, all of which will enrich your visit to the park.

Chimpanzee trekking: Chimpanzee trekking in the park is only possible at Kyambura Gorge because habituated chimpanzees live there. The activity is rewarding because the chimps are accustomed to human presence; thus, they will be able to go about their daily activities even in the presence of tourists who will observe their feeding patterns and grooming patterns, which are typically performed by females who check for ticks in their young ones’ fur. The valley is also ideal for nature treks due to the presence of an underground rainforest that shields guests from direct sunshine. The many routes in the canyon may open up a new world for tourists when on nature walks; they will find hidden treasures within the valley such as rivers and many more, all of which provide breathtaking vistas.

Kazinga Channel: The 40-meter channel that connects Lake George and Edward is another attraction that can entice tourists during their tour because it is home to a variety of animals, including buffalos, elephants, Uganda Kobs, reptiles such as Nile lizards and crocodiles, and many more, as well as bird species that flock the channel all year. Tourists may get a closer look at the creatures on boat trips down the waterway.

Tourists on their tour during the various boat cruises will be able to see different water birds such as the great cormorant, little grebe, northern lapwing, red-necked grebe, wandering albatross, pied kingfishers who are usually seen trying to catch fish, and many more different animal species such as Nile crocodiles sunbathing along the shores, hippopotamuses taking dips in the waters, and many others.

The Queen’s Pavilion is another landmark that tourists should not miss when visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. It was formed when the Queen of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth 11, visited the park in 1959, and the Duke of Edinburgh paid a visit in 2007. The pavilion has undergone several renovations, including the addition of a coffee shop and other amenities. Because of its historical significance, it is a popular site for tourists to take photographs when visiting the park.

Photography and filming: Tourists who want to capture and film their memories while in the park can do so while on the Uganda national park tour. For example, they can film the various herds of elephants, bushbucks, kobs, and waterbucks in their natural habitats, which can be a memorable experience on their Uganda tour.

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tourists on their Uganda National Parks tour will be able to choose from various classes and types of accommodation based on their budget. Each of the housing facilities chosen, regardless of size, is focused on satisfying the expectations of visitors, resulting in visitor satisfaction with top-notch services such as bar services, dining services, and 24-hour room services, all of which enable excellent service delivery.

Budget Accommodation

Wild paths overland camping
The elephant's house
Simba Safari Camp
Tembo Safari Lodge

Engiri Game Lodge and Campsite

Mid-range accommodations

Buffalo Safari Lodge

Marafiki Safari Lodge

Luxury accommodation

Mweya Safari Lodge
Elephant's Plains Lodge

Engazi Game Lodge
Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park during your Uganda tour and you will not be disappointed.

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

Lake Mburo National Park is located in Kiruhura District in Western Uganda, approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) east of Mbarara, the region’s biggest town. The park is around 240 kilometres (150 miles) west of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. The coordinates of the park are 00˚37’40″S and 30˚58’00″E. It is part of the Ramsar wetland system known as the Lake Mburo – Nakivale wetland system (Designated 15th/Sept/2006). The park also sits inside the Shadow of Lake Victoria and the Mt. It is an excellent location for wildlife safaris in Uganda.

Lake Mburo was designated as a regulated hunting area in 1933 before becoming a wildlife reserve in 1963. Banyankole – Bahima residents continued to graze their cattle in the reserve until it was designated as a national park in 1983. The Obote government’s decision was intended to weaken the Banyankole, who were supporting his rebels, and it occurred during the Operation Bonanza massacre of 300,000 people. Many were dissatisfied with the government’s decision at the time since the pursued pastoralists were not compensated for their lost grazing pastures or provided additional resettling territory. The rangeland outside the par was constantly split into tiny parcels of land.

When the second Obote administration was ousted in 1985, the villagers forced the park authorities out of the park, reclaiming the gazetted area, damaging infrastructure, and murdering wildlife. The National Resistance Movement registered less than half of the park’s area in 1986. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, reedbucks, warthogs, elands, buffaloes, hippopotamus, leopards, jackals, and crocodiles, as well as over 350 bird species, including bill storks that are unique to the nation.

This is Uganda’s smallest national park, covering 370 km (100 square miles). Tourists may camp and stay in permanent tent constructions at this Uganda safari park. Hyenas, topis, and, most recently, Rothschild’s giraffes have been brought into the park; lions are rarely spotted, however, it is believed that just one may remain, leaving few natural predators. Lake Mburo lacks elephants to balance the vegetation; in the western part of the park, savanna woodlands coexist with rocky ridges and forested gorges, whereas many of the park’s other 13 lakes are covered by “Lush riparian woodland” at a 50-kilometre-long wetland system connected by a swamp; five of the lakes are on the lake borders.

The park is home to over 350 bird species, including crested francolins, brown parrots, common quails, bare-faced go-away birds, red-necked spur, southern red bishop, black-bellied bustard, African grey hornbill, green wood hoopoe, brown parrot, yellow-throated long claw, blue-napped mousebird, black-billed barbet, and many more. It also has the hidden eye-catching white-winged warbler, African fin foot, and swampy Shoebill stork.

Lake Mburo provides an incredible opportunity to observe leopards hunting, particularly during night game drives because they are much more active than during the day (nocturnal), but they also hunt during the day and hide their prey (hunt) up in the tree away from other predators, as well as to feed it to their young (cubs) or eat it later. With the lack of ferocious lions and elephants, the park provides a great setting for nature hikes and horseback riding to spot animals. Other activities include cycling tours.

Lake Mburo may be visited year-round; it is not just for visitors, allowing for gaming and sightseeing all year. During the dry season (June to August and December to February), animals are most visible around river banks, springs, and tiny drainages. During the wet season (April to May, as well as September and November), animals can be seen grazing in broad fields on new grass.
The major tale of Lake Mburo’s formation is tied to the “Ankole Myth.” It is thought that two brothers named “Kigarama and Mburo” resided in the valley basin. One day, Kigarama had a dream and shared it with his brother Mburo, advising him that they needed to migrate or move. Mburo was adamant about his brother’s ambition of migrating; Kigarama moved uphill, while Mburo stayed in the valley.

Mburo drowned one day in the flooded valley because he refused to listen to his brother. The lake was called after “Mburo” from that day forward, while the neighbouring hills were named after “Kigarama.” Before or after leaving the park, visit the “Igongo Cultural Centre,” which is located just 4 km from Sanga Gate and gives a unique display and overview of the “Banyakitara people,” who were previously the occupiers of Uganda’s Western subregion. Lake Mburo National Park features around 6 fish species, with tilapia being the dominating species, and most fishing takes place at the Mazinga fishing location.

Visiting Rubanga woodland is essential for a wonderful vacation to Lake Mburo National Park; a guided nature walk through the park fosters a relationship between humans and the park’s flora and wildlife. Exploring nature at its best with closed canopies from tall tropical trees, a breakthrough to the salt licks, and large groups of animals licking the salty soils. A boat trip provides a comprehensive view of the water wildlife on the coasts, such as Hippos and Crocodiles, as well as lake birds such as huge cormorants, pelicans, the fish eagle, and the Shoebill stork (which has strong ties to ancient Egyptian history).

Lake Mburo is the first game park after crossing the Equator; it is also one of the attractions to see before visiting the park. The Equator passes through Uganda at latitude 0˚, with gravity water (souvenirs) and picture opportunities at the Equator signpost. Mihingo Lodge and Mantana Luxury Camp provide exquisite accommodations with outstanding service in Lake Mburo. There are three public campsites near the Rwonyo Park headquarters. Lake Mburo is accessible by air and road. By rod, it takes 4 hours to reach the park and 4 ½ hours from Kampala (the capital city).

SEMULIKI VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Semiliki Valley National Park is located in Uganda’s extreme western region; the forest spans from the Congo basin’s Ituris forest to the western arm of the vast East African rift valley. The forest is one of the oldest tropical woods that survived the previous ice age. You will see it on your Uganda safari to Semuliki Valley National Park.

Semiliki Forest is also East Africa’s unique low-land semideciduous forest. The park was initially designated as a wildlife reserve in 1932 and was upgraded to a national game park in 1993. The park has an area of 220 km squared. Semiliki National Park is located in Bwamba County, a rural part of Bundibugyo District in western Uganda. The national park was founded in 1993 and is one of Uganda’s newest national parks. It is a lowland tropical rainforest with diverse flora and animals. The Uganda Wildlife Authority also manages the park.

The park borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the Rwenzori Mountains in the southeast and Lake Albert in the north. The park borders the Lamia and Semuliki rivers, and this region provides water for numerous species. There are two hot springs, one is called Mumbuga Spring, which resembles a geyser and produces a fountain around 0.5m high.

Many animals depend on hot springs for salt. Albertine Rift Valley protects the park. Visitors may participate in game drives, bird viewing over the savannah, strolling through grassland along a 13-kilometre track, and visiting the Semuliki hot springs, which provide enough water to boil eggs and plant. Semiliki National Park is a separate environment located in the Albertine Rift.

Semuliki vegetation is primarily middle altitude wet evergreen to semi-forest. The trees in the marsh forest are evergreen. The park is home to approximately 60 animal species, including leopards, hippos, buffaloes, water, bush babies, elephants, and many more. The park has a positive socioeconomic impact on the human groups who reside nearby. The forest yields a variety of items, including vegetables, fruits, herbal remedies, bush meat, and construction materials, among others.

The population has risen by 3.4% each year. The density of agricultural output has expanded as a result of additional functions played in the forest, such as spiritual and cultural responsibilities among the locals. Semiliki National Park is home to a variety of fauna, including 27 indigenous mammal species such as pygmy antelope, odd water chevrotains, flying squirrels, buffaloes, galago, and many others. Semiliki also has a variety of primates, including Dent Mona monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, chimps, olive baboons, De Brazzas monkeys, and grey-cheeked monkeys.

Semiliki Valley National Park is home to around 441 bird species, 66% of which constitute all of the country’s forest birds, as well as 46 Guinea-Congo Biome species found nowhere else in Uganda. Birds in Semiliki include the red-billed dwarf, crested malimbe, orange-cheeked waxbill, white crested hornbill, leaf love, Nkulenga rail, yellow-throated cuckoo, African peculate, Capuchin babbler, blue-headed crested flycatcher, and many others.

The Semiliki hot springs are well-known throughout the park, and there are two of them: male and female hot springs. Bintente, the male hot spring, may reach heights of up to 8 metres, whereas Nyasimbi is the female hot spring. The locals used to cook their meals in these hot springs, and they had some strange beliefs and tales regarding their existence. Semiliki Valley National Park is bordered by many groups of people, including the Bakonjo who cultivate the Ruwenzori Mountain slopes, the Batuju livestock keepers, the Bamba farmers, and the Batwa, who hunt and gather near the forest’s edge. These various ensembles can perform local traditional dances, making your African safari unforgettable.

Hiking the highlands of Semiliki Valley National Park takes around 2-4 hours and provides excellent views of the Ruwenzori Mountains and the neighbouring Congo, as well as encounters with a variety of animal and bird species. Sport fishing may also be done on the Semiliki River, however, guests interested in this sport should have their fishing gear. Semiliki National Park can be accessed from Kampala via Masaka and Fort Portal in around 4-5 hours. The longer journey via Kasese takes around 7-8 hours.

MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK

Mount Elgon National Park is located in eastern Uganda, rising to 4,321 metres above sea level. The mountain erupted about 24 million years ago and currently has the biggest surface area of any extinct volcano on Earth. Mount Elgon is shared between Uganda and Kenya, with the highest peak, Wagagai, being in Uganda. The mountain also has the world’s biggest crater, which covers an area of around 40 km square. The park has an area of 1,121 km². Mount Elgon is also a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, and the park is home to a variety of primate species and animals, including buffaloes, forest elephants, bushbucks, gigantic forest pigs, tiny antelopes, and many others. It’s a fantastic site for Uganda safari vacations.

Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano located on the Kenya-Uganda border, north of Kisumu and west of Kitale. The highest peak is known in the local language as “Wagagai,” and this area is in Uganda. Mount Elgon is a single volcanic peak in Kenya. Mount Elgon has a diameter of 80 km and reaches 3,070 metres above the surrounding lowlands. The cooler heights provide hot plains at higher altitudes, which serve as a home for wildlife and vegetation. Mountain Elgon is notable for having the greatest calderas in the world.

There are caverns in Mount Elgon, including the Kitum cave, Ngwarisha, Chepnyalil, and Makingeny, which are more than 60 metres wide and penetrate 200 metres. The caverns contain salt deposits, which are linked by elephants using their tusks to suck salt exposed by the walls. Hiking is the most popular tourist activity in Mount Elgon National Park; visitors may immerse themselves in the breathtaking splendour of picturesque vistas at Wagagai Peak and also explore the crater, encountering various tree species that cannot be seen elsewhere. Mount Elgon’s peak is accessible by three main trails: the Sasa trailhead, the Sipi trailhead, and the Piswa trailhead.

Trekking to Mount Elgon National Park takes around 5 – 6 days; all of the paths include camping areas along the way, as well as water supplies and toilets. Tourists are generally encouraged to bring camping equipment. Tourists who do not want to climb the top can walk for up to half a day on Mount Elgon, where they can see remarkable old Stone Age cave art, hot springs, and breathtaking vistas, making it one of Africa’s most stunning mountains. Mount Elgon has several lovely waterfalls, but the flowing Sipi Falls are the most popular. Tourists may trek three of the main Sipi waterfalls and have a picnic among the falls.

The Sabinyo and Bagishu people live on Mount Elgon’s mountainside. All of these communities have highly rich cultural beliefs and practices. For example, the Bagishu hold circumcision rites every year for young males who are considered to be nearing adulthood. The Kadodi dances are performed, and there is a lot to learn. The Sabiny also performs circumcisions on girls throughout adolescence. Mount Elgon National Park is home to approximately 300 species of birds, including lammergeyer, white-starred forest robin, Jackson’s francolin, alpine chat, Weyns weaver, mash widow bird, hunters cisticola, red-throated wryneck, black-collared apalis, and moustached green tinker bird, to name a few.

Basic accommodations are available within Mount Elgon National Park; travellers can stay in several hotels in Mbale or bring their tents and use the campgrounds. When travelling, make sure to have a sleeping bag, a tent, warm clothes, gardening gloves, and other necessities. Mount Elgon National Park slopes may be visited all year, but the ideal time to ascend to the top is between June and September, and between December and February when the hiking paths are in good shape. Mount Elgon National Park is approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Kampala.

KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda and covers an area of approximately 795 km square. The park has around 77 animal species, 13 primate species, 351 tree species, and 371 bird species reported. The park borders the well-known Queen Elizabeth National Park, establishing a 180-kilometre wildlife corridor between the Ishasha section of the park and Sebitoli in the north of Kibale. It’s an excellent location for Chimpanzee safari in Uganda.

The Kibale Forest National Park was created in 1993. Kibale National Park is the last one to have both montane and lowland forests. Kibale National Park borders a 180-kilometre wildlife corridor and is a significant eco-tourism and safari destination. The park is well-known for its habituated chimps and other primates, and the region also serves as a biological field station. There are two main groups of inhabitants in the park: Bakiga and Batooro. These groups rely on the parks for food; Kibale National Park is home to 14 species of primates, including L’Hoest’s monkey, colobus, blue monkey, black and white colobus, blue monkey, Ugandan red, and many more.

Chimpanzees are known to eat figs in Kibale National Park; other popular creatures include elephants, red and blue duikers, sitatungas, bushbucks, giant forest pigs, warthogs, buffaloes, and many others. There are carnivores such as African golden cats, servals, leopards, and mongooses. The park is home to several bird species, including the cuckoo, western tinker bird, olive long-tailed parrot, and grey parrot. Primates are abundant in Kibale National Park.

Attractions and Activities in Kibale National Park

This park is located in Kabarole district in the western portion of Uganda and spans an area of 776 km2. Kibale National Park was designated as a wildlife reserve in 1932 and became a national park in 1993 to safeguard a significant tract of forest. The park connects a continuous forest with Queen Elizabeth National Park, forming a wildlife corridor that includes eco-tourism and safari destinations. It is home to one of Uganda’s most stunning tropical forests, characterised by dense evergreen trees. Kibale National Forest’s wet tropical woods have roughly 229 kinds of trees. Cordia millenii, Entandrophragma angolense, and Lovoa swynnertonnii are three endangered wood species. The forest’s understory Palisota schweinfurthii and Pollia condensata are the most common shade-tolerant shrubs and herbs.

This woodland is well-known for its habituated chimp population as well as twelve other primate species.

Kibale National Park features one of the most diverse and concentrated primate populations in Africa, with 13 species. This park is home to a huge population of endangered chimps. These are the main attractions in the park. Chimpanzees, like mountain gorillas, are considered endangered primates by conservation officials. However, there are still a large number of chimpanzees distributed around Uganda. The DNA of chimpanzees is thought to be 98% human.

This makes them clever and communicative creatures with humans. Chimpanzees are also quite social, living in large families and building their nests where they sleep at night. According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Kibale has the highest concentration of chimpanzees, making it Uganda’s finest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and habitat.

Other primates found in Kibale include the red colobus monkey and the uncommon I’Hoest’s monkey, as well as the olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey, bush baby, and potato, all of which may be observed during chimp trekking, game drives, and nature walks. The park also has some mammals, though they are rarely seen, such as elephants, though a number of them travel between Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, bush pigs, duiker, buffalos, leopards, African golden cats, various mongooses, two species of otter, and some reptiles, as well as the presence of colourful butterfly species that can be seen during nature walks and birding. Lions can also be seen in this park, albeit they only visit on occasion.

Kibale Forest National Park is forested and home to over 325 bird species, some of which are native to the Albertine Rift destination, such as the black-capped Apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared Apalis, red-faced woodland warbler, dusky Crimson wings, and purple-breasted sunbird. Other bird species in this park include blue-breasted kingfisher, yellow Spotted Nicator, green-breasted pitta, African pitta, black bee-eater, Abyssinian ground thrush, little Greenbuls, black-eared ground thrush, brown chested leather, yellow rumped tinker bird, the crowned eagle, olive long-tailed cuckoo, western tinker bird, two species of pittas (African and green-breasted pittas), the grey parrot, and the ground thrush (Turdus kibalensis).

This national park offers a variety of tourism activities, including chimp trekking, chimp habituation, birdwatching, crater lake exploration, Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru, bushcraft children’s activities, and nature walks.

Chimpanzee trekking: Chimpanzees live in thickly wooded areas of Central and Western Africa. However, Uganda is the most popular site for chimpanzee trekking, with the highest population in Kibale Forest National Park. Chimp trekking is the most popular tourist activity in Kibale Forest National Park, and it is the primary cause for the park’s protection. Kibale Forest is one of the greatest spots in Uganda and throughout the globe to watch chimps. To go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, you must first get chimpanzee trekking permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most exciting activities available in Kibale National Park.

Kibale National Park boasts the largest chimp population in Uganda, which is why it is known as “the primate capital of the world”. Chimpanzee trekking is best done in the morning when the chimps are coming down from their nests in the treetops, and it takes between 2 and 5 hours depending on how long it takes to reach the chimp family. However, after the chimps have been located, you will only have one hour to engage with them in their natural environment. During the chimp trekking, the visitor has an opportunity to understand their behaviours such as eating patterns, sociality, and interactions with other groups and humans, and getting closer and clearer images of the chimps is allowed.

Chimpanzee Habituation: Chimpanzee habituation is done at Kibale National Park for half or full days, depending on the visitor’s interests. In this technique, tourists accompany game rangers and walk through the forest in search of chimpanzees, and once they are identified, the visitor is given ample time to interact with them and educate them to be comfortable with humans. This is the most exhausting but pleasant experience for tourists to Kibale National Park because the chimps keep going and you follow them up through the daytime until your feet tell you to stop.

Bird viewing takes place at Kanyanchu in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is home to over 138 bird species. Several bird species can be seen while birding, including the Yellow-billed Barbet, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, White-spotted Fluff tail, Grey-winged Robin-chat, Black-crowned Waxbill, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, White-breasted, Superb Sunbird, Black Bishop, and many others. This activity is completed early in the morning. This park is ideal for birding, and this excursion will round off your Kibale Safari vacation.

Hiking and nature hikes are often done at the Kanyanchu, which is located in the centre of the park. It is famous for the forest walk because of the nature of the forest, which consists of evergreen trees and deciduous trees, with evergreen species dominating the forest, where visitors can get a close look at and learn about the different fauna and flora species ranging from moist evergreen forest along the Fort Portal plateau, to dry tropical forest, which is moist semi-deciduous, and to woodland and savanna along the rift valley. Hiking and nature walks in the Kanyanchu are done early morning, when most of the primates, such as the chimp, can easily be visible, and late at night, Most of the animals are resting.

To witness nocturnal critters such as bush baby, nightjar, potto, cricket, and tree hyrax, as well as many other wild animals, tourists must utilise bright sports lights when walking at night.

Visiting Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: Visitors are welcome to explore this wetland on a nature walk. This refuge is located in Magombe wetland, outside of the park. It is managed by the local community, and to gain access, you must pay a fee, which is then used to improve the living conditions of those who live near the swamp. The money raised from this swamp is used to build schools, health centres, and other facilities to aid in the development of the surrounding area. Birders will be drawn to this location because it is home to over 138 different bird species. This marsh is also home to eight primate species, which include the black-and-white colobus, olive baboons, Bushbucks, mongooses, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, I’Hoest’s, and blue monkeys.

Guided woodland walks: The Kibale Secondary Tourism Centre in the north of the forest offers this forest walk via Sebitoli forest. During this activity, visitors get the opportunity to see primates such as red colobus, black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Visitors to the forest may be able to witness various water creatures, savannah birds, some reptiles, bird species, and butterfly species.

Kihingami Wetland: This wetland, located near Sebitoli in northern Kibale, is a community-run enterprise that provides good bird viewing as well as tours to neighbouring tea gardens and factories. It’s a great spot for bird viewing and nature hikes since you can observe otters and other creatures comparable to those seen in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Cultural encounters: This activity involves both visitors and residents from Kibale National Park. During this trip, guests stroll with the Batoro through the Magombe marsh wetlands, witnessing many bird species, wild animals, domestic animals, butterflies, and swamp plants. Visitors are also allowed to visit local schools and traditional healers, as well as witness the Amabere Ga Nyina mwiru.

Visit Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru: These natural formations are the product of stalagmites and stalactites. However, the Batoro believe that these rocks are the breasts of a young princess, Nyina Mwiru, who were chopped off by her father, the King, for refusing to marry the man he had selected for her. These rocks ooze white fluids, leading the Batoro to assume it was milk. As a result, people come to this location for cultural exchanges and community walks to learn more about these qualities, benefiting both the tourism business and the surrounding community.

Exploration of the crater lakes: These lakes were produced as a result of strong volcanic activity, which caused the surface to be blown off, creating depressions. Some of these volcanic structures were eventually filled with rainwater, resulting in crater lakes suitable for trekking and swimming.

However, some of these crater lakes contain sulphuric water, which is green in colour because of the continuity of volcanic activity under the lake; these lakes are poisonous and have a pungent odour, making the water acidic. Several crater lakes are visible during this activity, including Lake Nyabikere, Lake Nkuruba, Lake Nyinambuga, Lake Lyantonde, and Lake Kifuruka, all of which may be observed on a safari in Kibale National Park.

These lakes are mostly found in the Katwe crater region of explosive craters. Others are found along the Kichwamba escarpment, popularly known as the Ndali Kasenda region, while others are near Fort Portal.

Chimpanzee trekking is a very gratifying sport that you should not miss while on your primate safari in Uganda. Also, a visit to Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru is a magnificent experience; enjoy bird watching with a variety of bird species, and finish your day with a bath in the crater lakes to refresh your memories.

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern portion of Uganda along the rim of the Western Arm Rift Valley and has an area of 331 km squared. Bwindi Forest is one of the oldest tropical woods that survived the ice era. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the world’s surviving half of mountain gorillas, eleven primate species, 120 animal species, 200 butterfly species, 360 bird species, and around 320 tree species. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern section of Uganda, near the Democratic Republic of the Congo border, adjacent to Virunga National Park, on the edge of the Albertine Rift. It’s an excellent destination for gorilla safaris in Uganda.

The park is a haven for chimps, colobus monkeys, white and black colobus monkeys like Turacos, and many more. Bwindi is home to mountain gorillas, who account for half of the world’s population. These endangered gorillas are divided into four gorilla sectors: Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buoma, and Ruhija, all of which were managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in 1964. The reserve was an animal farm designed to give extra protection for the Mountain Gorillas, which live in an impenetrable centre forest reserve with a total population of around 334. The park is a forest reserve and game sanctuary, the land is occupied by 330.8 square kilometres, and it protects a range of species, most notably the mountain gorillas, during the reclassification of The forest had a significant influence on the Batwa pygmy people, who were no longer allowed to enter the park and exploit a variety of resources.

Gorilla tracking is one of the top year-round hobbies; since its inception in 1993, it has been a famous tourist destination. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the oldest national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a plain wooded mountain with a range of altitudes from low to high in the park. It is one of East Africa’s richest faunal ecosystems, with an estimated 120 mammal species in the park, 11 of which are primates and around 45 small animals. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park does not have any mountain gorillas in captivity. These rare species were collected in the 1960s and 1970s to establish a captive facility, but no young gorillas survived, and none are known to be in captivity now. The Park is Gazetted as a national park in 1991 due to its biodiversity.

Access to the Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a 9-10 hour trip from Kampala; alternatively, travellers can fly into Rwanda and travel for about 4-5 hours, although the panoramic views from Kampala are well worth it. While visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, guests can stay in lodges such as Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp, Matana Tented Camp, Nshongi Camp, and many more, depending on their budget. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is best visited during the dry season, which runs from June to September and from December to February.

Attractions in the Park

Gorilla trekking: The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park includes 12 habituated mountain gorilla families that tourists may visit; gorilla trekking is one of the most popular tourist activities in the world. This entails tracking mountain gorillas and spending one hour studying big apes. This is the most popular attraction in the Bwindi woodlands and only costs $600.

Gorilla habituation: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the only place in the world that offers gorilla habituation experience. This is when tourists join researchers and scientists in the process of gorilla habituation, which takes four hours rather than one hour and costs $1500, which is the cost of trekking gorillas in Rwanda.

Bird watching: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to over 360 bird species reported, 23 of which are Albertine endemics. Some of the species that may be seen at Bwindi are the Dusky Crimson Wing, Bar-tailed Trogon, Honey Guide, Yellow-Eyed Black Fly Catcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, and White-tailed Blue Monarch.

Nature guided walks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has three areas where gorilla trekking can be done, and each of these areas has different unique walking trails established, all leading to unique destinations, and the toe taken depends on the route you choose, such as the Ivy River trail, Bamboo trail, and many others. Tourists will also have the opportunity to see primates such as black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and many others.