Wildlife Safari in Uganda- The Top Five Parks

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Uganda's largest national park protects a portion of wild African savannah separate by the impressive river Nile. It is named for the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the world's longest river burst out ferociously through a narrow gap in the Rift Valley escarpment to fall into a frothing pool 43m below.

This park protects intense populations of lion, elephant, buffalo, and Uganda Kob together with the localized Rothschild’s giraffe and patas monkey. Massive concentrations of hippos and birds can be observed from the launch trips along the Nile below the fabulous waterfalls for which the park is named.

Size: 3840 sq Kms

What to see:

Giraffe, Lions, Antelope, Elephant, Uganda kob, Leopard, Buffaloes, Hartebeest, Oribis, Chimpanzees, and birds like the rare Shoebill.

Getting there:

By road: from Kampala through Masindi (via Kichumbanyobo gate), Paraa is a 4 and a half hours drive, 2 hours on tarmac and 2 and half hours on Murram roads.

By Air: Bugungu airfield is situated only a few kilometers from the park headquarters at Paraa on the Southern side of the River Nile to cater for the tourists staying at Nile Safari Camp, the Red Chili Rest Camp and Sambiya River Lodge. There is also Pakuba airfield which is situated on the North bank providing access to Paraa Lodge.

What to do:

Launch trips to the base of the falls offer fine game-viewing and bird watching. Boat trips to the Lake Albert delta provide the best chance in Africa of sighting shoebills. Chimp tracking at Rabongo Forest, and en route from Masindi in the Budongo Forest. Game drives on a good network of roads.

When to visit: Any time of year.

Where to stay: There are 2 up market lodges and a simple but comfortable camp run by Red Chilli. Camping is allowed in selected locations.

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BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in East Africa. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Rift Valley. It comprises 331 square kilometers of jungle forests and contains both montane and lowland forest and is accessible only on foot.

This is regarded to be one of the most biologically forest in Africa, largely due to its antiquity and an altitude range of between 1,160 and 2,607m above sea level. Bwindi is a true rain forest, spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys that form the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. The National park has an average rain fall of 1,500mm, and it is a vital catchments area, the source of five major rivers, which flow into Lake Albert.

Tourism to Bwindi focuses on Gorilla tracking at two locations, Buhoma and recently established location at Nkuringo. More than half of the World’s mountain Gorilla population is resident in Bwindi. An estimated 320 individuals living in 15 troops.

SPECIES DIVERSITY

Bwindi National Park harbors at least 120 mammal species more than any national park in Uganda. The list consists mainly of small mammals such as Rodents and Bats, to over 11 types of primates including the healthy chimpanzee population , Red-tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus monkeys and Olive baboon.

A total of 350 bird species have been recorded in Bwindi. Of particular interest to birders are 23 species endemic to the Albertine Rift, and at least 14 species recorded nowhere else in Uganda, among them the African green broadbill, white-tailed blue flycatcher, brown necked parrot and frazers eagle owl. In addition to its extensive bird checklist, Bwindi is also a home to at least 200 butterfly species, including eight Albertine Rift Endemics.

GORILLA TRACKING

This is the major tourist activity in Bwindi, with four Gorilla groups available daily for tourists. Mubare Group (10 gorillas, 1 silverback) was opened for tourism in 1993, Habinyanja group (18 gorillas, 1 Silverback) opened I July 1998, Rushegura group (10 gorillas, 1 Silverback) was opened in July 2004, while Nkuringo group (19 gorillas, 2 silverbacks) was opened for tourism in April 2004.

NATURE WALKS

Bwindi is widely thought to support the greatest diversity of any East African forest, and the Buhoma area has more to offer than Gorilla tracking. Five different trails, ranging from 30 minutes to eight hours lead from Buhoma offering the opportunity to enjoy the humility of the forest and several different monkey species. For birders, over 190 bird species have been recorded in the Buhoma area.

The Munyanga River trail; This lies outside the national park and so no guide is needed. It is an ideal short walk for visitors with little time. Here you can see birds and primates of the forest edge. The waterfall trail; this provides an attractive feature of the forest with a profusion of tree ferns, epithytic ferns, orchids and Bwindi’s colorful array of butterflies. This trail which leads to 3 delight crystal waterfalls typifies your impression of a tropical rainforest.

Muzubijiro Loop Trail; This trail offers breath taking views of Bwindi Forest, Western Rift Valley and the Virungas. On the way you witness hundreds of pre historic tree ferns. The top of this trail is a great place for picnic lunch. The Rushura Trail; this trail take about 3 hours and offers good views across the western rift valley floor. To the west, Congo’s Parc Nationale des Virungas provides spectacular backdrop and on clear days like Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains.

Ivo River Trail; this the longest trail in the park and will occupy you for a full day. It is highly recommended for bird watchers.

Buhoma Village Tourist walk

A recent introduction is a three-hour stroll through Buhoma and its margins to see the customs and practices of the Bakiga and Batwa people. The tour take sin varied activities such as farming, brewing local beer, dispensing traditional medicines and concludes with dancing displays by members of the Batwa community.

Hit the Trail in your car; Visitors with their own 4 -wheel drive transport should consider crossing the rugged centre of the park through Ruhija. This transect affords the visitor with Uganda's finest vistas of deep undisturbed forests. Watch out for duikers, primates and both forest and grassland bird species. In Ruhija, visitors can take the three-hour scenery packed hike to the Mubwindi swamp. You may also walk to the Bamboo zone (the only such area in the park).

The Bamboo Trail; The Bamboo trail offers 14 vegetation types and is one of the areas of highest diversity in the park. At the top of this trail, you witness panoramic views encompassing L. Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest. Cultural Performance; In the evenings, participate in captivating traditional performances presented by Women's groups. Proceeds from these go directly to improve the welfare of families around the park.

ACCOMMODATION IN BWINDI

There are a number of choices to cater for the up market as well as the budget tourist accommodation;

Up market Accommodation

Gorilla Forest Camp: This is a modern tented camp with flash toilets and solar power. It is owned by Sanctuary lodges, this fabulous tented camp is easily the luxurious option at Bwindi. The secluded self contained walk-in-twin tents are protected beneath a thatch roof extending over a private deck, while meals and drinks are served in an originally decorated-sided common area. A good variety of monkeys regularly pass through the ground.

Volcanoes Bwindi Camp Bwindi Lodge overlooks the primeval Bwindi forest, home to gorillas, monkeys, chimpanzees and birds. Amidst the many noises of forest life, it is the perfect place to experience the magic of this impenetrable forest. The tented camp that was there previously has been replaced by a newly built stunning eco-lodge comprising eight Bandas.

Gorilla Resort is the newest luxury camp to appear out of the forest at Buhoma. The camp is composed of a main lodge building with lounge, restaurant, bar, and a suspended deck that features a campfire overlooking the rain forest.

Mantana Camp: This classic site tented camp adjoins a small patch of the forest rustling with birdlife. The self contained tents all have solar lighting, an eco-friendly toilet and a private veranda.

Budget and Camping

Buhoma Homestead; Located within the boundary of the forest is this mid-range lodge operated by Wild Frontiers Uganda. Lake Kitandara Camp; Located just outside the park gate at Buhoma. The camp has recently been upgraded in 2006 with each tent supplied with piped hot water, has a flushing toilet, a hand washing and bath tap, bath room mirror, towel rack and solar power. The dining and reception has also been refurbished. Bring your own tent.

ACCESS

The re is also a bus from Kampala to Butogota. Taxis for hire are available for about $15 form Butogota to Buhoma Park Headquarters.

SIZE: 331 sq km

LOCATION: Southwest. The closes large town is Kabale.

WHEN TO VISIT: Any time, though conditions are more challenging during the rainy season.

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SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK

Semliki National Park is an eastern extension of the vast Ituri forest in Democratic Republic of Congo. It forms part of the forest continuum resulting out of the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene and therefore one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa (especially birds).

Attractions

Sempaya Hot springs, Elephants, Chimpanzee, Butter Flies and Bird species, Sport Fishing along the river, Sitatungas, Leopards & rocodiles.

Getting there:

From Fortportal along a stunning mud road towards the northern tip of the Rwenzori. Public transport from Fort Portal to Bundibugyo passes the Park Head Quarters.

Where to stay

There is a camp site being developed inside the Park at Bumaga, about 3 km. From Sempaya Gate. More so, there is a luxurious Semliki Safari lodge which is situated in Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve.

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MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

Sharing a border with neighbouring Congo(Parc National des Virunga) and Rwanda(Parc National des Volcans),Mgahinga is the country's smallest national park and protects the Ugandan part of the 'Virunga mountains;a range of extinct and active Volcanoes that straddle the border.

A tropical rainforest,much of the lower slopes have been depleted by the encroachment of farms,however,the bamboo and alpine forests remain largely intact and offer refuge to visiting gorilla groups from neighbouring Congo and Rwanda.These Gorilla groups frequently 'pop in' and take temporary residence for a couple of months at a stretch.

Additional wildlife includes Blue Monkeys,Black & White colobus monkey,leopard,forest elephant,giant forest hog as well as numerous species of birds.As well as being famous as a refuge for 'Gentle Giants' Mgahinga is also a favourite with hikers who come to explore the many caves and the three volcanoes,which lie partly within the park's borders.

Mountain gorillas form the main attraction at Mgahinga National Park, which protects the Ugandan portion of the Virungas, an imposing string of nine freestanding extinct and active volcanoes that runs along the border with Rwanda and the Congo.

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KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

This forest has one of the richest ecosystems in the whole of Africa. It contains over 340 birds species, 14 species of snakes, 27 species of frogs and toads, at least 20 species of other reptiles and at least 200 species of butterflies. Other animals to be seen here include: chimpanzee, elephant, bush pig, giant forest hog, bats and rodents, etc.

Kibale National Park is a primatologist’s dream. It hosts a population of more than 1,000 chimpanzees, of which one 80-strong community has been habituated to tourist visits, as well as half-a-dozen readily observed monkey species, including the acrobatic red colobus and black-and-white colobus, and the handsome L’Hoest’s monkey.

A fairly new park,Kibale in essence is a migratory route and corridor between Queen Elizabeth National park and parks to the north such as Murchison Falls National Park.Probably the most accessible of Uganda's large forests it is home to an extremly large diversity of flora and fauna and secret trails,within it's recesses,pounded by generations of elephant,giving credit to old wives tales of 'elephant grave yards' and big tusked,solitary bulls.Chimpazee groups have been habituated and can be visited with relative ease.Accommodation is available at near by Ndali Lodge as well as inside the park.

The most accessible of Uganda's major rainforest. Kibale is home to a remarkable 13 primate species, including the localized red colobus and L'Hoest's monkey. Kibale's major attraction, however, is the opportunity to track habituated chimps, these delightful apes, more closely related to man than to any other living creature, are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. A network of shady forest trails provides much to delight botanists and butterfly lovers, while birders are in for a treat with 335 species which include the endemic Prirogrine's.

With lush tropical rainforest and fascinating diversity of animals, Kibale National park is one of the most beautiful and stunning forests in Uganda. Kibale forst is certainly worth protecting as it is home to the largest number (in Uganda) of chimpanzee, as well as the THREATENED red colobus monkey and the rare I'Hoesti monkey. The forest has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa totaling 13 species including the blaack and white colobus, blue monkey and grey - cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkey, bush babies and pottos.

The park also hosts over 325 species of birds including the yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinkerbird, little greenbul, green breasted pitta, the African pitta, the crowned eagle and the black bee - eater.

Primate Walk

The ancient rainforest is the home of roughly half of the world's mountain gorillas. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of the gentle giants is surely the most exciting wildlife encounter in Africa. This national park has 90 mammal species including 11 primates, and the prominent black and white colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail.

The forest birding ranks best in Uganda with 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemic present. The activities include Gorilla tracking as the main attraction and permits must be booked in advance. Also available are guided forest walks, one popular trail leads to a pretty waterfall and others focus on birding and monkey viewing.