Uganda has 10 national parks scattered across the country, and each offers different activities. Uganda is home to many animals, birds, beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and more. With these 10 national parks, there are a number of wildlife and activities to do. For example, you may love to do gorilla trekking safaris; you can visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, all located in southwestern Uganda.
Uganda has several wildlife species, including the big five mammals, which include lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, and these can be seen in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park, and rhinos that can be seen at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located in Nakasongola.
If you are planning for mountain climbing/hiking, then you may plan your trip to Mount Rwenzori National Park, Elgon National Park, and Mount Muhavura. You can also see other animals in the national parks above, or in other national parks mentioned below.
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Bwindi Gorilla National Park
Background and location
Gazetted in 1991 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 to protect rare and endangered mountain gorillas. Located in the southwestern part of Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forest, occupies an area of 32000 ha, and is famous for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found there. The Batwa’s unique indigenous culture with their traditions as they are the original people of the place and the forest.
Location. Kanungu district Uganda
Size. 331km
Established. 1991
Attractions and activities
Mountain gorillas and gorilla trek. There are over 800 mountain gorillas in Bwindi, with 21 groups habituated for tracking that are distributed in four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Note: only 8 people are allowed to visit the gorilla family for a trek, and one hour is given to that particular group, and the person must be 15 years and above. Visitors are advised to book gorilla permits in advance prior to the tracking.
Munyange waterfall nature walk and hiking. This forest trail starts right from Buhoma along the river ivi-nkuringo and the hike continues to the sensational falls, birdlife, and the cool breeze there are rewarding around the falls.
Muzabajirro loop. The Muzabajirro Loop is a 6km walk around a hill. You will be led by the UWA guide through the trail and come up with great sights of primates, birds, and a gainful view of the virungas.
The Ivi River Walk. This raises 14km and takes around 7 hours, using a trail pass in a place known as Mukempunu, which means a place of pigs where wild pigs can be encountered.
The Habinyanja Trail. This trail attracts a lot of visitors by offering many species, but it takes 4-6 hours to access it in both descending and ascending. The trail takes you on the stunning ascents of the Habigorogoro and Riyovi ridge, where you will be able to see the Buhoma River.
The Buhoma-Nkuringo trail. The Buhoma trail can take three or four hours, crossing through the park and adjoining the two villages and offering spectacular views of the misty hillsides as you ascend the hills towards Nkuringo, or else it leads you to the Ivi River walk for more rewarding views.
Birdwatching. Home to over 350 bird species, including 23 endemics such as the short-tailed warbler and blue-headed sunbird, plus the seven IUCN Red List-listed species. Some of the birds include the blue flycatcher, red-headed bluebill, African emerald cuckoo, and common bulbul, among others.
Cycling/mountain biking. This can be carried out right from the mountain trail from the park headquarters along Buhoma to the Ivi River. The trails make up 13 km, providing you with great views of wildlife like bushbucks, black-and-white colobus, and red-tailed monkeys, among others.
Accessibility.
By road;
From kampala the major capital city to ruhijja, rushaga, nkuringo and buhoma the major trailhead, from Queen Elizabeth, about a 9-hour drive on a 4WD safari car recommended. Approximately 499km
By air;
Chartered flight can be organized from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kihihi airfield and get transferred to the sectors; about 1.30h flight.
What to carry
They include rubber walking boots for hiking, warm clothes, sunscreen, sun hat, waterproof bags, enough mineral water and snacks, among others.
Where to stay/accommodate.
This ranges from luxury to mid-range to budget, but we advise you to book the accommodation from the sector you are tracking from. Some of the accommodations include the Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, the Gorilla Heights Lodge, the Ruhijja Gorilla Lodge, the Bwindi Forest Lodge, the Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, the Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, and the Silverback Lodge, among others.
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Background and location.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was established in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and the golden monkey. This is the smallest national park in Uganda, with a total area of 37 km², yet with a rare, remarkable species compared to other conservation areas in the world. It lies in the southwestern corner of Kisoro District, bordering DRC and Rwanda along the Virunga ranges of Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Sabinyo, forming three national parks of volcanoes from Rwanda and Virunga from DRC. The original inhabitants of the forest are the Batwa pygmy people.
Location: Kisoro District
Size: 37 km
Established; 1991
Distance: 484 km
Attractions/activities.
Mountain gorillas/gorilla tracking. Mgahinga has one gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi group, led by the dominant male called Mark. Gorilla tracking here is both a mix of mountain climbing and a nature walk along the Gahinga slope. On your way, you will experience many bird species, other primates, and the bamboo vegetation, and en route to the community walk on your way back. Hiking sticks are required, and porters are necessary to carry your luggage.
Virunga Volcanoes hike. Mgahinga is one of the most scenic, given that the park lies on the northern slopes of Mt. Muhabura (4127 m), Mgahinga (3474 m), and Sabinyo (366 m), meaning Old Man’s Teeth. These three volcanoes create an unforgettable regional backdrop. Mgahinga also offers a panoramic view of the neighboring countries of Rwanda, DRC in which can be viewed from a point.
Golden monkey tracking. Golden monkey tracking is one of the top activities that make this park an interesting place for tourists to visit for a primate safari. It is only in this park where mountain gorillas and golden monkeys can be tracked, with the slogan where gold meets silver. Challenge yourself by hiking along the Virunga ranges and the bamboo vegetation.
Ngarama cave exploration. The 342m long Ngarama cave lies beneath a plateau at the northern edge of the park, 3km from Ntebeko. It is set in the former farmland zone, but in earlier times, the cave forest when it was occupied periodically by the Batwa, who used it as a council chamber and a retreat.
Bird watching. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is ideal for birding, bird through different places, including the buffalo wall, forests, wetlands, and other habitats. Some of the birds to see include ibis, speckled mouse, fire finch, and many others found in the area.
Batwa trail. The Batwa trail leads from the base of Muhavura Cave. This walk is conducted by Batwa guides who provide insights into their traditional forest life and culture. The Batwa used to live with the gorillas in harmony within the Mgahinga forests.
Border to Border Trail. Also around the town of Kisoro, one can visit the two neighboring borders of Kyanika to Rwanda and Bunagana border to DRC.
Accessibility/getting there
By road;
From Kampala, the capital of Uganda, to Kisoro District via Mbarara-Kabale to Ntebeko Gate, about 489km 9-10 hours’ drive, with several stopovers for photography, meals, and snacks.
Also from Kigali to Kisoro via Burare-Kyanika to Ntebeko, about a 4-hour drive
By air;
From Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kisoro Airfield using a chartered flight, about 1:30 hours flight, then you get transferred to the park, about 14km from Kisoro airstrip to Ntebeko main trailhead, entering Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Where to stay.
There are several options for where to stay around the park since there is no accommodation inside; there are camping sites, hotels, guest houses, and lodges of luxury, mid-range, and budget. For example, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Kisoro; Lake Mutanda Resort; Lake Chaifi Resort; and the Muhabura View Guest House, Kisoro, are tourist hotels, among others.
When to visit.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be visited any time and month in a year, throughout the year, since it is not affected by the weather, and the nature of the activities done is supported annually. The gorilla permit and the golden monkey permit are required to be obtained earlier before travelling.
3. Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Background
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, 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 along the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, and endless ishasha plains whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.
Location: Kasese Rubirizi District, Rubirizi District in western Uganda
Size: 1978 km²
Established; 1952
Distance; 400km
Attractions/activities
Game drives;
A). Kasenyi plain. Half an hour’s drive from Mweya, the open grasslands of Kasenyi provide the primary game viewing area in central Queen Elizabeth, with herds of Uganda kob and the lions that prey on them. Kasenyis experienced ranger guides can usually locate lions.
A). Ishasha. Conveniently located on the road to Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth’s southernmost sector offers a classic game viewing experience under vast Rift Valley skies. Expect to see buffaloes, hippos, elephants, and topis beside, chance of sighting lions is good in Ishasha; the local pride obligingly spends their days resting up in the branches of shady fig trees.
Forest walk;
A). Kyambura gorge. The forest-filled Kyambura Gorge extends from the Kichwamba escarpment to the Kazinga Channel. Enjoy the giddy viewpoint on the edge of the 100m-deep chasm before descending into the depths to track chimpanzees with UWA guides.
B). Maramagambo forest. At the foot of the Kichwamba Escarpment, Maramagambo Forest, the shady maramagambo forest contrasts with the park’s open grasslands; guided walks afford sightings of primates and rare birds.
Mweya Peninsula and Kazinga Channel. Queen Elizabeth’s main tourism hub is found in Mweya Peninsula, 22km west of the Kasese-Mbarara road. Mweya, which occupies an elevated plateau overlooking the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, is the site of the High Market Lodge. On the Kazinga Channel, there are launch trips for buffalo, crocodiles, elephants, and others.
Crater drive. Dozens of volcanic craters pockmark the landscape north of Mweya to remind us of the Albertine Rift’s violent tectonic history. The 27 km crater drive between the Kabatoro and Crater Gates follows a breathtaking route around the rims of extinct craters filled, variously, with lakes, forest, and grassland. The Queen’s Pavilion at the crater gate on the eastern edge of the crater area has been visited three times by British royalty. A small information center and coffee shop stand on the site. The equator markers and the Kasese Highway straddling the adjacent Kasese Highway provide a popular photo opportunity.
Katwe salt lake. The people of Katwe town, 12km from Mweya, have been extracting salt from the saline Lake Katwe using evaporation pans since the 14th century; the local guide will escort visitors down into the crater to see the process. The adjacent Lake Munyanyange is rich in water birds, including migrating lesser flamingos between August and November.
Kyambura Wildlife Reserve. This small reserve to the east of Kyambura Gorge is dotted with crater lakes that are visited seasonally by greater and lesser flamingos.
Katara women’s elevation group and the Kichamba cultural community. This is also one of the connecting activities around Queen Elizabeth. It offers women’s artworks like baskets and also traditional dance around the twin lakes.
Accessibility/getting there.
By road;
Two routes run from Kampala to Mweya, the primary tourism hub in QENP; the most scenic route passes through Fort Portal (410km) and offers detours to Kibale, Semuliki, and Rwenzori Mountains National Parks. The alternative (420km) runs through Mbarara and Bushenyi and passes Lake Mburo National Park.
The QENP southerly ishasha sector is directly on the main route to/from Buhoma, the main mountain gorilla tracking trailhead in Bwindi, which lies 62 km south.
By air;
From Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kihihi airfield using an arranged charter flight.
Where to stay
A range of accommodation in and around the park caters for upmarket, mid-range, budget, and self-catering visitors. At Mweya, UWA offers 4-5 bedroom bungalows equipped with cooking facilities and utensils. Others include Jacana Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Irungu Forest Safari Lodge, Kazinga Resort, Buffalo Lodge, etc.
4. Murchison Falls National Park
Background.
Murchison Falls National Park was the first national park to be gazetted, and it is the biggest conservation area in Uganda. It sits on the shore of Lake Albert, in northwestern Uganda. It’s known for Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile River surges through a narrow gap over a massive drop. Park wildlife includes elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the adjacent rhinos at the Ziwa Sanctuary, making it the Big Five national park in Uganda.
Location: kiryandongo, Pakwach, Nwoya District
Size: 3840 km
Distance: 305 km to Paraa
Established: 1952
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo. The Budongo forest is an excellent area for chimp tracking. During the off-season, you can even do an all-day chimp habituation, which requires a few hours’ walk along the trail.
Boomu women’s group. Boomu village is a cultural experience near the Murchison Falls; they provide traditional dance, costumes, and food from their local gardens, and the instrument group normally welcomes you.
Boat cruise along the River Nile. There is nothing more enjoyable than a sunset cruise and a lunch trip to the bottom of the Murchison Falls, blessed with games like buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and the bee eaters at the Nyamusika Cliff.
Nature walk. A nature walk can be done from the top of the falls to the bottom through Baker’s Trail. It is rewarding, with primates, bird species, etc.
Game drive. A game drive can be done from Paraa via Pakuba up to Hippo Pool Plain for refreshment with snacks; animals like lions, elephants, hartebeest, and giraffes can be viewed.
Bird watching. Murchison Falls has over 350 bird species, which are everywhere for sighting; for example, Abyssinian ground hornbill, kingfisher, and shoebill stork, among others, making birding safari rewarding.
Sport fishing. The Nile has many species of fish, including the Nile perch and tilapia, which can be fished on the boat, and they can weigh up to 400 kg.
Accessibility/Getting There
By road;
From Kampala to Para via Masindi Kichumbanyobo Gate (305 km), via Karuma CHOBE GATE, via Olwiyo Wankwar Gate, via Pakwach Tangi Gate, via Bulisa Mubako Gate, and via Masindi Bugungu Gate
By air;
From the Kajasi airstrip to the Chobe airstrip and the Pakuba airstrip.
Where to stay
Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge, Red Chilli, Leosin Hotel, Gipir and Labongo Lodge, etc.
When to visit
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from December to late February and from June to September, when animals are concentrated around water points. The prime time for bird watching is January-march, when tourist numbers are lowest.
5. Kibale Forest National Park
One of the national parks in Uganda, this largely forested park is best known for its number and variety of primates, including Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees. Kibale is one of the premier research sites in tropical forest biology in Africa. To the east of Rwenzori, the land is covered in tea plantations and tropical forest and dotted with volcanic crater lakes. The largest forest tract is protected within 795km. There are 350 species of trees, 71 species of mammals, 170 species of birds and over 13 species of primates including the red colobus monkey and L’Heost monkey, which are endemic.
Location: Fort Portal, Kamwenge District
Size: 795 km
Established: 1993
Distance: 315 km
Activities/attractions
Primate walks (chimpanzee tracking). The perennially popular primate walk provides the chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kanyanchu groups are accustomed to human presence; some have been observed for over 25 years, and the chance of locating them is 90%.
Chimpanzee habituation experience. This enables visitors to accompany researchers and be habituated to the forest; the chimpanzee groups involved are less accustomed to human presence than those visited on the primate walk, and following and viewing them is both exciting and challenging.
Nature walks. A nature walk is an opportunity to enjoy one of East Africa’s most beautiful and varied forests without pressure to locate chimpanzees or tick off a dozen Kibale specials on the bird list. This is also an activity ideal for young visitors who are unable to accompany relatives on the primate walk. A 2-hour nature walk begins from Kanyunychu Tourist Center.
Birding. A bird list of 372 forest, grassland, and swamp species, including local endemics and Central African specials, makes Kibale a popular destination for birders. Forest birds can be sought, with the help of experienced UWA guides, on the forest trails at Kanyanchu and Sebitoli tourism sites.
Bigodi community walk. This is one of the best community trails in Uganda. Located just 5km from Kuyuncyu. This wetland provides bird sightings like the blue turaco; other antelopes are also found here.
Accessibility/getting there
By road;
The main tourism hub at Kanyanchu, on the newly tarmacked Fort Portal-Ibanda Road, can be reached from Kampala by several routes, all on surfaced roads. The most direct (335km) is via Fort Portal.
By air;
Kibale has access to two airstrips: Nyakisharara, near Mbarara (100 km on tarmac), and Kasese (60km on surfaced and dirt road)
When to visit
The park can be visited any time of the year, but be prepared for afternoon rain during the wet months.
Where to stay
Kyaninga Lodge, Kibale Forest Lodge, Rwetera Safari Park, Chimpundu Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Crystal Safari Lodge, and also the UWA camping site around Sebitoli.
6. Kidepo Valley National Park
Background.
Kidepo Valley National Park was gazetted in 1962, covering a total area of 1442 km between 914 m and 2750 m above sea level. Bordering Kenya and South Sudan. Kidepo is the most isolated park, lying in the northeastern corner of the district of Karenga, where the Narus Valley bisects the no-man’s-land of the Karamojong and the ik people settle.
Location: Karenga District
Size: 1442 km
Established; 1962
Distance: 570 km
Attractions and activities
Narus Valley game drive. The Narus Valley, south of Apoka, is the park’s prime game viewing area as wildlife congregates here for much of the year. Look for buffalo in the swamps along the valley floor and giraffes on the drier slopes above, and scan the rocky outcrops for lions. In addition to the main game circuits at Kakine, Katurum, and Nagusokopire, newly created loops to the northwest of Apoka and to the south of the seasonal crocodile pool have opened up new parts of the valley to exploration.
Apoka viewpoints. Binocular viewpoints have been installed at Apoka Rest Camp, Nagusokopire Campsite, and Kakine Campsite. The latter enjoys a superb 3600 panorama that includes the Napore-Nyungea Range, the Morungule Mountains, and Mount Lomé in South Sudan.
Nature walks. Short nature walks around The Apoka rest camp provides the chance to view species such as zebras, hartebeest, and reedbucks. Longer walks through the open grasslands of East Kakine should provide sightings of giraffes, buffalo, elephants, and perhaps distant lions. Visitors can also explore part or all of the 15 km Rionomoe Trail on the southern side of the Narus Valley. All walks require a ranger.
Bird watching. Experienced ranger guides are available at Apoka to help locate and identify birdlife in the park’s various habitats. E.g., lover birds, common bulbul, karamojong apallis
Mountain hiking. The Morungole Range, which rises from the plains to the northeast of Apoka, can be explored on foot with a ranger guide escort.
Community walk. Community walks provide the opportunity to learn about life in the local Karajong manyattas (homesteads) at Kawalakol, Lorukul, and Karenga. And also I know people.
Sport hunting. This activity is done normally involving hunting and killing the animal agreed upon the paid ticket to kill by the UWA.
Accessibility
By road;
661km via Moroto and Mbale to Nataba Gate.
700km via Soroti to Nataba Gate.
571km via Gulu and Kitgum to Karenga to Lokumiot Gate
By air;
Charter and scheduled flights fly to Kidepo airstrip (Apoka) from Kajjansi and/or Entebbe airport.
Where to stay:
Apoka safari lodge, nga moru and kidepo savannah lodge, apoka bandas, maraa safari lodge, adere safari lodge among others.
When to visit
The park can best be visited in the dry months when the rain is scarce, especially from December to February and June to September.
7. Lake Mburo National Park.
Background.
Lake Mburo National Park is one of the 10 national parks in Uganda and is Uganda’s smallest savannah park and the closest to both Kampala and Entebbe. Lake Mburo National Park lies in the western region of Uganda, in Kiruhura District, bordered by other districts including Isingiro and Mbarara District. The park is home to animals like zebras and impalas, among others, with over 68 species of mammals, rocks, forest vegetation, savannah grassland, and 6 species of fish. 20% of the park is covered with the wetland system, which is marked in the Ramsar map, forming the park of the Nakivali wetland system too. It does not have elephants or lions.
Location: Kiruhura District
Size: 370 km
Established: 1993
Distance: 240 km
Attractions/activities
Lake Mburo boat trip. The eastern shore of Lake Mburo can be explored by boat, departing from a jetty at the lakeside campsite near Rwonyo Rest Camp. Watch out for crocodiles and hippopotamuses during the two-hour voyage. You can also see a variety of birds, including pelicans, herons, and fish eagles, and perhaps the rear-fin-footed and shoebill. Fishermen with their own equipment may fish in the lake from the campsite by arrangement.
Game drive. A new network of game drive tracks explores the eastern hinterland of Lake Mburo, providing the chance to see a variety of savannah animals and birds.
Salt lick walk. Guided walks explore the park around Rwonyo, culminating in a visit to a natural salt lake where wildlife can be viewed from a timber observation platform.
Forest walk. This small tract of forest on the western side of Lake Mburo is home to a variety of forest bird species. Rubanga can be explored with a ranger guide.
Horseback safari. The grassy ridges in the eastern part of Lake Mburo can be explored on horseback. This activity is operated by Mihingo Lodge.
Mountain biking. Rwakobo Rock and Leopard Tail Rest Camp both operate mountain biking trips into the national park at Nshara Gate.
Viewpoints. South of Rwonyo, the lakeside track climbs onto Kigarama Hill, which provides a panoramic view of Lake Mburo. This lake and seven more can be seen from the equally dramatic Kazuma Lookout, which lies at the top of a rather steep track accessed from the Ruroko Leopard Tail Rest Camp track near the Kazuma/research track junction.
Birding. Prime areas for birding in Lake Mburo include the acacia woodland along the acacia and research tracks; the wooded shores of Lake Mburo as seen from the Rwonyo launch (ideal territory for African finch); and the lake’s northern fringe of papyrus wetland.
Village visit. Most of the lodges in and around the park provide the opportunity to visit a local homestead and learn about the traditional Banyankole life.
Accessibility
By road;
From Kampala via Masaka, Lyantondwe to Nshara Gate, about 228km, also to Sanga Gate.
By air;
From Kajjansi or Entebbe to Mbarara airstrip, about a 30 km drive to the gate of Sanga.
Where to stay
Mihingo Lodge, Rwokobo Rock, Eagle Nest Lodge, and Rwonyo Rest Camp, among others.
When to visit
Lake Mburo National Park can be visited anytime throughout the year
8. Semuliki Sempaya National Park.
Background.
Semuliki National Park sprawls across the floor of the Semuliki Valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri forest of the Congo basin. This is one of Africa’s most ancient and biodiverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age 12-18000 years ago. Semuliki Valley contains numerous features associated with central rather than eastern Africa. With 441 bird species, it is described as the true birders’ haven. Borders Congo, with the Semuliki River forming the hot springs of Male and Female Hot Springs, where eggs can be boiled in just a few minutes, which shows how hot the water can be.
Location: Bundibugyo
Size: 219 km
Established: 1993
Distance: 381 km
Attractions/activities
Bird-watching experience. Semuliki is a bird’s haven that is known for a lot of bird species, including the spotted-breasted ibis, heartland duck, chestnut-flanked goshawk, red-thighed sparrows, and turaco, among others. They can be viewed on the nature walk trail with an experienced guide.
Game drive into Tooro Semuliki Reserve. That could be more adventurous and magical than wildlife viewing in an African natural park. There are three trucks that cross the savannah grassland, where you can spot animals like forest elephants, leopards, bushbabies, buffaloes, and Uganda kob, among others.
Cultural and community encounter. The Batwa hunter-gatherers, who are dependent on the Semuliki forest for food, shelter, medicine, and tools, will be entertained as they display their rich cultural history through music and dance performances at ntandi.
Nature and forest walk. You can set off with your loved one in the company of the guide for a 13 km Kirumba nature walk trail, which runs through the heart of the forest to the Semuliki River. You can as well have a forest walk for 11 km on the red monkey truck that follows the park’s eastern border, which has the rare vervet monkey, to the Semuliki River.
Egg-boiling experience. Also, boiling eggs in the hot water is one of the remarkable activities here; eggs can be boiled in only 12 minutes, and once they are ready, you will enjoy the amazing sight of the steam coming from the water, which is extremely hot.
Visit Amabere ga Nyinamwiru Cave. This is an en-route activity one can engage in. This cave has both historical stories, culture, and the geographical findings of the ancient hard rock that was exposed to weathering and later left a deep hole in a cave to form a cultural site of the Bukuku and the Tooro strange story that it is in the shape of a woman’s breast.
Accessibility
By road;
From Kampala via Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal to Bundibugyo Sempaya Gatempaya gate
Also from Kampala via Mbarara-Bushenyi-Kasese-Fort Portal to Bundibugyo, 450 km to Sempaya
Where to stay
Semuliki safari lodge, UWA bands and cottages, Nyati game loge, hotel vanilla, and Semuliki river camp, among others.
When to visit.
The park can be toured any time and any month in a year.
9. Mount Rwenzori National Park.
Background.
The Rwenzori Mountains are one of the national parks in Uganda and they are made up of 6 different mountains; Stanley (5109 m), Speke (4890 m), Baker (4843 m), Emin (4797 m), Gessi (4715 m) and Savioa (4627 m). At 5109 m Margherita Peak on Mt Stanley is Africa’s third highest point. The Rwenzori were dubbed the Mountain of the Moon by the Alexandrian geographer Ptolemy in AD 150. The explorer Henry Stanley put the Rwenzori on the modern map on May 12, 1888. He named it Rwenzori, meaning rainmaker or cloud king. Rewnzori was summited by the oldest person of 78 years. There is snow on the top and this partly explains why the Nile River and Lake Victoria have water volume supplied by the ice-melt current from the mountain. It is also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1994).
Location: Kasese District
Size: 995 km
Established: 1991
Distance: 335 km
Attraction/activities
Mountain trekking. Three routes ascend onto the high Rwenzori. Rwenzori Trekking Service (RTS) operates the Kilembe Trail, which enables nine-day expeditions to the summit of Mount Stanley and a shorter, six-day option to the more accessible but equally scenic Mt. Luigi da Savio. The Nyakilengija-based Rwenzori mountaineering services run the central circuit, which reaches and returns from Mount Stanley in seven days. The Bukurungu Trail ascends from Kitumba to Mount Gessi.
Peak climbing. The highest peaks on the six mountains that form the high Rwenzori can all be climbed. The most popular is the 5109 m Margherita, the highest point on Mount Stanley and the roof of the Rwenzori. Be aware that summiting Stanley, Speke, and Baker is a physically demanding activity, frequently in bad weather, and for which specialist equipment and technical experience are required. An ascent of Mount Stanley requires a minimum of seven days on the mountain.
Hiking. The real appeal of the Rwenzori lies not in the joy of reaching the top, but in the opportunity to hike through superb mountain scenery with equatorial snow and outlandish vegetation. The Kazingwa Trail enables a day-long traverse of the north Rwenzori ridge between the Fort Portal Plateau and Bundibugyo town in the Semliki Valley on the west side of the mountain.
Birding. With 217 bird species, this involves endemic species of 17 species, making Rwenzori an important bird area (IBA). This includes Rwenzori turaco, blue-headed sunbird, and handsome francolin, among others.
Community walk and visit. The Bukonzo culture around the mountain gives you the best of their culture. Around the park, you will encounter cultural performances and traditions of the Bakonzo in Kasese.
Accessibility.
By road;
From Kampala via Mbarara-Bushenyi-Kasese to the Ruboni Trailhead, 335 km
Also from Kampala via Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal-Kasese Portal-Kasese to Nyakilengija Trailhead
By air;
From Kajjansi or Entebbe to Kasese airstrip and get transferred to the park headquarters.
Where to stay.
During hiking or trekking, the Rwenzori Mountaineering Service provides camping along the peaks; the UWA concessionaire operates accommodation in basic shelters on the Kilembe and central circuit routes. These are provided with wooden sleeping platforms/bunks, and climbers should bring their own sleeping bag and camping mat. Kilembe trailhead.
When to visit.
The Rwenzori can best be climbed during the drier months of January and June-July.
10. Mount Elgon National Park
Background.
Once the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Elgon dwarfed Kilimanjaro’s current height of 5895 m. Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to 4321 m, making it the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent. Elgon has two tribes: the Sabinyan and the Bagisu, with Ndorobos as a marginalized group. On the Uganda-Kenya border, it is home to the world’s largest caldera and volcanic base, and over 300 bird species, including the lammergeier . The highest peak is also called Wagagai and Sipi Falls around the park, making this one of the best tourist sites in East Africa.
Location: Uganda and Kenya
Size: 1279 km²
Established: 1992
Distance: 226 km
Attractions/activities
Birding. The forest exploration center at Kapkwai is an excellent birding site where tourists have many opportunities to watch the birds. This includes African blue flycatcher, African goshawk, black kite, and black-colored appallis, among others.
Cultural encounter. The encounter comes with the pride of meeting the Sipi widows group that takes visitors for a guided nature walk passing through the coffee plantation. Cultural encounters of the Sebiny locals’ activities, like weaving, cuisines, and also the Bagisu culture, are amazing.
The Budadiri community walks an ecotourism experience. The community provides cultural dance, accommodations, and guided coffee tours accompanied by nature walks, among others, during your visit.
Mountain hiking and biking. The mountain biking trail runs from Sipi Trading Center to Chema Hill in Kapchorwa town. Routes are both uphill and downhill, which enable some physical fitness for a 1-hour ride.
Mountain climbing. It is easier to access throughout the year, less congested, and has many of the same attractions. The Sasa Trail is the shortest but the toughest route to the peaks; the round trip takes 4 days and starts from Budadiri town. Explore the bamasaba on the way to Wagagai Peak along the lobelia and shrub vegetation.
Nature walk. A full-day hike leads from Budadiri to the Mudange Cliffs, known as the wall of death, at Sipi Falls. Guides from the local community can organize walks of a few hours up to a full day around local viewpoints.
Accessibility.
By road;
From Kampala via Iganga-Mbale-Kapchorwa to Budadiri, 226 km
By air;
From Kajjansi or Entebbe to the Mbale airstrip, then get transferred to the park.
Where to stay.
Mbale Resort, Sipi River Lodge, Noahs Ark Hotel, Mount Elgon Hotel, Rafiki Lodge, Sipi, Wagagai Hotel, Sipi Valley Resort, Casa del Turista, Crown Suites Hotel Mbale, Fredsons Hotel Mbale, Home of Friends Mount Elgon, Masha Hotel, and Kapkwai Cottages, among others.
When to visit.
June to August and from December to March, although it can rain anytime.