Uganda is a beautiful and a nature lover’s country that’s why it’s called “The pearl of Africa”. There are numerous opportunities to visit due to its great variety of abundant wildlife, over 13 primate species, with half of world’s mountain gorilla population, with over 1000 Bird’s species, and above all its diversified rich cultural heritage, and one of the most hospitable people on the African continent. With 10 National Parks, 5 Game reserves. Safari opportunities abound.
Kampala is Uganda's national and commercial capital bordering Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. Hills covered with red-tile villas and trees surround an urban centre of contemporary skyscrapers. In this downtown area, the Uganda Museum explores the country's tribal heritage site through an extensive collection of artifacts. The city grew as the capital of the Buganda kingdom, from which several buildings survive, including the Kasubi Tombs (built in 1881), the Lubiri Palace, the Buganda Parliament and the Buganda Court of Justice. Severely damaged in the Uganda-Tanzania War, the city has since then been rebuilt with constructions of new construction of hotels, banks, shopping malls, educational institutions, and hospitals and the improvement of war torn buildings and infrastructure. Traditionally, Kampala was a city of seven hills, but over time it has come to have a lot more
- 1st is the historical importance is Kasubi Hill, where the Kasubi Tombs of the previous Kabaka of Buganda are located.
- 2nd, is Mengo Hill where the present Lubiri (Kabaka's Palace) is and the headquarters of the Buganda Court of Justice and of the Lukiiko, Bugand's Parliament (Bulange).
- 3rd, is Kibuli Hill which is home to the Kibuli Mosque.
- 4th, is Namirembe Hill, home to the Namirembe Anglican Cathedral.
- 5th, is Lubaga Hill, where the Rubaga Catholic Cathedral is.
- 6th, is Nsambya Hill, was the headquarters of the Mill Hill Mission. It now houses Nsambya Hospital.
- 7th, is Kampala Hill (Old Kampala), where Frederick Lugard, a British mercenary in the pay of the Imperial British East Africa Company, who arrived in Uganda in the 1890s, built his fort on top of the hill.
This is the only temple of the Bahá'í faith believers in Africa, and it is worth visiting for the beautiful architecture and well-tended gardens, which stretch over 30 hectares on top of Kikaya Hill in Kampala. Colored glass windows filter soft light into the temple, which is decorated with Persian carpets and glazed Italian mosaic tiles that line the domed roof.
This is the Buganda Kabaka’s Lake near Mengo Hill, largest man-made lake in uganda. This five acre lake on the outskirts of Kampala was created during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga in the 1880s for his personal enjoyment, as he enjoyed swimming and fishing. More importantly, he wished to link it to Lake Victoria through a channel that would serve as an escape corridor, though this was never achieved. Today, the lake is home to many bird species, and is recognized as an important conservation site.
Lubiri, or Mengo is the palace of the King of Buganda. It was built in 1885 and measures in impressive 4 square miles. At the gate of this palace is a traditional fire source that has never stopped burning since the inception of the Buganda monarchy/Kingdom and shall never stop burning until a king is dead. Opposite it is the Buganda parliament building. The architectural design of this building has proven a spectacular Uganda tour site to many local and international visitors. Entrance is free but always advised to tip your guide. Amin built his torture chamber here, which saw the murder of an estimated 300 people, basically anyone stronger or smarter than Amin or anyone who was against his rule.
St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, also known as Rubaga Cathedral was built in the 1880s. The cathedral of Rubaga is among the famous worship and architectural places in the country. its Positioned on the summit of Rubaga hill and overlooks Kampala. Rubaga hill was the location of the main palace of Kabaka Muteesa I who ruled Buganda between 1856 and 1884. The palace was struck by lightning and was rebuilt on neighboring Mengo Hill. When the first Roman Catholic missionaries arrived in Buganda and settled near the hill in 1879, later these missionaries were allocated part of land on Lubaga Hill where the construction of St. Mary's (Rubaga) Cathedral took place between 1914 and 1925, with the assistance of monetary contributions from Roman Catholic congregations abroad in Uganda. The splendid piers, great color paintings of catholic saints featured in its well carved windows and the fabric mosaics combine to make Rubaga cathedral an amazing wonder in the middle of Kampala city.
Protestant missionaries originally established the Namirembe Cathedral adjacent to Mengo Hill, where the seat of the Buganda Government. Namirembe is the location of St. Paul's Cathedral, the main place of worship of the Anglican Church in Uganda, from the time of its construction (1915 to 1919), until the 1960's when the Cathedral became the seat of the Diocese of Namirembe.
On 3 June 1886, over 30 Ugandan Catholic and Protestant men were burned to death on the orders of the KabakMwanga for their refusal to renounce their faith. The Church of the Namugongo Martyrs has been constructed near the site, and is the focus of pilgrimages. Today, June 3rd is a public holiday in Uganda to commemorate the executions.
While Uganda may not be known within Africa for its crafts, there is still however some good local stuff being made. If you are just looking for some souvenirs of your time here, the Kampala craft markets offer some good options. The largest craft market is on Buganda road, central Kampala and is open 7 days a week. Be careful to shop around and haggle before buying anything. Cheaper and often better, however, is the Juakali handicraft village – better known as the ‘Friday craft market’ up in Nsambya, off Ggaba rd. It operates to some extent every day but as you can guess from the name only really comes into full force on Fridays. It has a good selection of artwork, jewelry, wooden and stone sculptures as well as a small number of fabrics.
This boasts the best view of all of Kampala from the top of its minaret. The mosque itself is also an impressive building and tourists are allowed to walk around it at will (even taking photos). Built by former Libyan leader/dictator Colonel Gadaffi, it is Kampala’s largest mosque. Entrance is 10,000 UGX and women are given a headscarf and sarong to cover up and then taken around by a guide.
This cultural centre, set amid beautiful tropical gardens, houses a wealth of Ugandan culture in the middle of Kampala. In addition to a café and craft shop, there is an outdoor stage where regular performances take place by the brilliant Ndere Troupe – comprising dancers, singers and musicians from across the country. Regular events include Family Hour, World Music Night, Kids’ Corner, Food Feasts and Cultural Night.
The National Museum of Uganda is the oldest in East Africa and perhaps the best rooted in an ethnographic collection first exhibited in 1905 in a small Greek temple near Lugard fort on Hill of Old Kampala. The Museum was officially established in the year of 1908 and its exhibits were believed to bestow supernatural powers on the colonial government. The museum was shifted in 1954 to its present site on Kiira road in Kampala, the capital. For those with an interest on pre-colonial African history, a lot of amazing exhibits on the history of Uganda. The more rewarding is magnificent collection of traditional musical instruments, from all over the continent and the ethnographic gallery which houses a variety of exhibits relating to traditional culture, archeology, history, science of Ugandan life styles. In the back yard there are vehicles of historic people and the huts of all traditional tribes of Uganda.
Nakasero Market is Kampala’s most famous market located on foot of Nakasero Hill below Kampala Road just about 50 meters off Entebbe. Nakasero Market is among the biggest and largest markets in Kampala City central business District. The market was established in January 1895 where the right Reverend McKay advised the Kabaka of Buganda to establish the first market in the Lubiri (Palace). In 1905 the Market moved to Kagugube and at the time the market a temporary structure which developed into the current Nakasero market. Here you can find a variety of huge variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, mostly indigenous to Uganda. Other spices include, legumes, grains, and hand -made house hold items
St Balikuddembe Market is shares a boundary with Nakivubo Stadium and is within working distance of the tax and bus terminals. It is in the centre of the central business of Kampala City. St Balikuddembe market was started in 1971 with 320 vendors who were reallocated by Kampala City Council from Nakasero Market to this site. The market was renamed by vendors to Owino Market after an old man called Owino whom the vendors found on the site roasting maize and sweet potatoes. The market started as a whole sale market for farmers produce with aim of supplying other markets in Kampala and surrounding areas. Over time the market has diversified into other lines of business to include garments, shoes, scrap, cooked food, chicken and meat. Owino, which is the biggest open market in Uganda and possibly in East Africa is built on 7.04 hectares of land.
The Park lies within the western rift valley in southwestern Uganda. It's one of Uganda's oldest tropical rainforests with about 400 species of plants and is a habitat to half of the world's endangered Mountain Gorillas around 340 with several habituated groups to be tracked. It's also home to about 350 bird species including 23 Albertine rift endemics and 120 mammals that include 11 primate species like chimpanzees. The forest has also provided shelter from Bacongo to Batwa, pygmies for quite a long number of years.
Size: 321Sq.Kms and Altitude: 1,160m - 2,607m above sea level.
Here I you have a chance to have a taste of the Ugandan lifestyle. You will meet with locals of many different generations and see the way of life they live. You will also get the chance to interact with the local Batwa community; they will show you how they incorporate every day activities into dance.
This activity needs a free day in Bwindi. You will walk into the forest to a Batwa village and meet the community. Here you will learn about their life style, past and present. They will invite you into their homes and show you their traditional hunting techniques and craft making skills.
The Waterfall Trail is for best for primate species and general scenery. It takes about 3 hours and leads for 2km along an abandoned road before crossing the Muyanga River several times on the ascent to the waterfall. Bathing is permitted at the bottom of the waterfall and often required after the relatively tough hiking.
Meet with friendly Mountain Gorillas. Visitors into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest frequently inquire if mountain gorillas are dangerous? Although dominant and very strong, these are gentle as well as shy, and in addition the mountain gorillas which visitors see within Uganda have been habituated. In other words they are habituated to people. And the money that collected from the money used to buy the permit it’s the one used to treat these endangered species, and seen their number increase over the recent years. And if gorillas are threatened they do attack so as to protect themselves as defense.
Mountain gorillas exist in groups which differ in size from 2 – 30 or 40, however commonly in groups of 10. Out of the 36 Gorilla groups in Uganda, 12 are habituated to visit. In northern Bwindi you can track 3 gorilla groups from the Buhoma, in the eastern side you can track 2 Gorilla groups from Ruhija, and in the southern bwindi you can track 6 gorilla groups from Rushaga, Nkuringo and 1 group in Mgahinga NP (if they are not on the run).
The park lies in the western rift valley northwestern Uganda and is Uganda's biggest park harboring about 450 bird species,76 mammal species and 451 bird species. Murchison falls that is formed by the mighty River Nile(world's Longest River) is the park's most notable wildlife attraction with several visitors flocking to explore its beauty. The Nile-Delta where the mighty Victoria Nile joins Lake Albert is a major area for bird watchers and a place to see the rare shoebill stork whereas KaniyoPabidi and Rabongo forests in this park are ideal for educational tours and are a bird watchers paradise since they allocate a great opportunity to identify birds, primates that include chimpanzee, Medical plants and trees.
Size: 3840 sq.kms and Altitude: 500m – 1292m above sea level.
A short drive on dirt road takes you to the top of the falls, where you can hear the thunder and feel the spray as the water forces itself through the rock. Views from the top of the falls are stunning and offer excellent photo opportunities; sometimes you can access it via a boat ride.
This is a boat trip that takes down to Victoria Nile to where it merges into the Lake Albert, leads you through papyrus swamps filled with wildlife and various bird species. This trip takes about 4-5 hours and is a must for bird lovers. The Delta is the best place in Uganda to see the rare shoebill.
Murchison Falls National Park is the biggest national park in Uganda. During a typical game drive you can be expected to see a large number of animal including; antelope species, including the bush buck, the water buck, Thomson’s gazelle and the dikdik and many others. Larger herbivores, such as buffalos, giraffe and elephant.
Murchison falls also provides Primates species, such as the chimpazees, baboon and the patas monkey, these are found in budongo forest and this also gives a great chance for bird lover then Murchison Falls National Park will not disappoint.
Chimpanzee trekking takes place in the KaniyoPabidi in budongo forest reserve. Chimp habituation started officially in 1992 and guided chimp walks, the guides are extremely accommodating and flexible. The good seasons of good viewings of the chimps between the months of May and August. the beauty of the forest engulfs you entirely as you walk along the well maintained paths listening to the huge variety of bird song and animal calls. The informative guide will tell you about the history of the forest and help you to identify the rich flora and fauna.
Birding is mostly done within the Budongo’s famous KaniyoPabidi and Busingiro Ecotourism site are the major tourist site for birding activities, the Royal Mile – a wide forestry track considered by many to be the country’s premier forest birding locality. This is the best place in Uganda for Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, and Chestnut-capped Flycatcher. Here we will find many confusing forest greenbuls to test us, including Spotted, Xavier’s, White-throated, Red-tailed & Honeyguide Greenbuls. Canopy flocks support Yellow-mantled Weaver, Rufous Thrush and Uganda Woodland-Warbler.
Nile perch and varoius fish species provide an exciting challenge for the great fisher ment compempetion. Sport fishing is possible in the river sections above and below the falls. Prior booking with bulamu safaris has to be made, as the number of people doing sport fishing at albat nile sites. You have to bring your own equipments or we can arrange them for you on prior booking.
This is Uganda's second biggest park and most popular tourist destination. It's situated along the equator within the western rift valley in western Uganda neighboring Congo D.R.C with Africa's tallest snowcapped Rwenzori Mountain as the backdrop. The park has a diversity of wildlife inhabited in its stunning savannah, splendid lakes, green wetlands and forests that range from 95 mammal species, over 600 bird species and 10 primate species that include the Chimpanzee. It's an ideal park for Bird watching and elegant game viewing. The Kazinga channel that connects lakes George and Edward in this park is known to harbor the biggest concentration of Hippos than any other water body.
Size: 1978 sq. Kms and altitude: 910m – 1350m above sea level.
The launch trip along the Kazinga Channel is one of the most popular activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It provids, a relaxation and enjoy the fresh river breeze whilst observing a large selection of animals. Those species commonly seen along the riverbank are elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, hippos and Ugandan Kob. bird species in the area are plentiful, in particular, water, yellow-billed stork, various plovers, white pink-backed Pelicans and many others.
Kyambura Gorge is situated on the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, it has a depth of 100m deep. The Kyambura River is responsible for creating the magnificent steep Kyambura Gorge. The gorge emerges from between savannah grassland and transits to papyrus swamps towards Kazinga Channel. Kyambura Gorge is home to habituated chimpanzees, many other primates and a huge variety of bird species. The best time to trek the chimpanzees is in the morning, trekking is also available in the afternoon. Trekking chimpanzees at Kyambura Gorge is slightly harder than at Kibale Forest National Park. The trails are maintained and are relatively easy going, however, getting back out of the Gorge sometime its difficult and it needs some energy.
This is done in Maramagambo Forest which is one of the largest forests in Uganda. It is of medium altitude, moist and semi-deciduous. There are many walks which can be taken through this lush green forest and it is recommended that you go with a ranger. One of the most popular walks is to the bat caves where thousands of fruit bats roost every day. The walks are on well defined paths.
The Ishasha sector is located near the fur most south-western rim of Queen Elizabeth National Park which is not only the most well liked park but also the most traveled to national park within Uganda. The landscape in this section of the magnificent park is considerably different from that found in other parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The Ishasha sector is notably recognized for its resident Tree climbing lions that are an exceptional attraction and one among the highlights on all safaris taken within Queen Elizabeth National park. In the southern section of this park, the Lions are now and again spotted hanging on braches of huge fig trees whereas the Uganda Kob (which is the major food to these lions) grazes in the plains of the Ishasha sector.
Throughout the entire world there are only two places in which you can find populations of these tree-climbing lions, one being in Lake Manyara national park found in Tanzania and the other being the Ishasha sector within Queen Elizabeth National Park. In addition to the fascinating population of the Tree Climbing Lions within the Ishasha, visitors will also come across huge buffalo herds, numerous antelopes that keep crossing your path, there are also a number of elephants that have actually settled within the Ishasha area and also watch out for the numerous hippos an actually the only thing not plentiful here are tourists
Visit to the Salt Pans and Fishing Villages Katwe Salt Lake is a few hour drives from mweya. Here salt is mined in the traditional methods; here the local people go down into the lake to dig the salt pans
This is the best park to track habituated chimpanzees and is one of the most beautiful distinct tropical rainforests located in western Uganda. Kibale harbors 70 mammal species, around 375 bird species, 250 butterfly species and is famous for 13 primate species including the chimpanzee. The park has the highest concentration of primates in Africa with biggest population of chimpanzees in Uganda and endangered L'hoestes and Red colobus monkey in the East African region. The park also has a rich biodiversity in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary that's a bird's haven with around 130 bird species, Bird watching can be best done here.
Size: 795 sq.kms and Altitude: 1100m – 1619m above sea level.
Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species and a guided forest trek can be taken in search of one of the most popular primate species in the world. the chimpanzee. There are 9 diurnal primates, these include, vervet, red-tailed, L’Hoest’s, grey cheeked magabey, blue monkeys, red colobus, black and white colobus, olive baboon etc. even though chimps sighting are not guaranteed, but you are always with high chances of seeing them at 90%. Whilst trekking in the depths of the green forest, you will be surrounded by bird songs. The walking is fairly easy due to the well-maintained trails and flat terrain.
This is an unforgettable and almost unbelievable experience for chimp enthusiasts and aspiring researchers. This involves staying with the chimps all day. Having the time to really connect with the group and learn about their different characters, behaviors.
This is a impressive wetland sanctuary protects the Magombe swamp and is an important contribution to Ugandan conservation. It is run by Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED) and all the money raised from tourism is used in community projects in Bigodi. The trail offers one of the best guided bird trails in East Africa and gives walkers the attractive prospect of seeing various different primate species in just a few hours. The swamps are filled of huge number of bird and butterfly species.
This is available for any of the clients and lasts about 2 hours. The walk includes visiting the vanilla plantations, where Ndali grow and process their own vanilla. On the walk you also encounter coffee plantations and a wide variety of birds and some small primates. On the way back up to the lodge, clients are shown the extensive Ndali kitchen gardens where a wide variety of fruit and vegetables is grown and used at the lodge or sold at the local markets.
This is Uganda's most spectacular park that lies in a rugged semi-arid and predominantly mountainous area located extreme Northeastern Uganda between Kidepo valley and Narus valley. It has open grassland vegetation interspersed with woodland, forest and rocky patches that harbor 77 mammal species including 20 species of predators with many not found else in the country and around 475 bird species. The park has for several years been Uganda's most isolated and not visited due to challenges of accessibility however this is no more and those who have gone on safari there will tell you it’s the most splendid park in Uganda.
Size: 1442 sq.kms and Altitude: 914m – 2750m above sea level.
Discover the wonders of the wilderness in an open top safari vehicle,Kidepo Valley National Park is truly a land of unspoiled beauty. Lions, cheetah, ostrich elephants, giraffes, zebra as well as many antelope species inhabit these grasslands.
Narus Valley is a rolling, grassland plain enclosed by distant mountains. The valley has permanent water, and for much of the year the park’s wildlife congregates here. Thus, the area is well provided with game tracks, with four loop circuits exploring the valley around Apoka. Many creatures such as lions, Jackson’s hartebeest, buffaloes, giraffes, oribis and reedbucks can be seen in the valley. Less commonly seen are cheetahs and leopards. The Narus dam and the water hole near the Tourism Centre are perfect observation points for game, especially during the dry season. At the southern end of the Katurum loop, Katurum kopje (the site of a derelict lodge) is an attractive destination with superb views north across the valley towards the Morungule mountain range.
For most of the year, a lack of surface water means that little wildlife is found in Kidepo Valley, though it is still worth the drive to visit the dry Kidepo River to stroll along its 50m wide bed of white sand between banks covered with borassus palms. Kidepo means to pick from below and the valley was visited by people coming to gather fallen borassus fruit for fermenting to make palm beer. The Kanangorok Hot Springs lie 11km beyond the Kidepo River on the Sudan border. This is a glorious place to sit and view the mountains beyond the frontier.
The Karamojong people have been settled in Northern Uganda since 1600. the name Karamojong is derived from a phrase meaning ‘the old men can walk no further’. The main livelihood for the Karamojong is cattle herding and livestock have a significant importance in the day to day lives of a Karamojong community. Apoka Lodge has established a good relationship with a nearby Karamojong community and the opportunity is there to visit the village and learn about this history of this interesting community and its culture and traditions.
This is Uganda's smallest savannah park located in western Uganda and the nearest to Kampala city and Entebbe airport. The park boasts of 350 bird species and 68 mammal species including rare antelope specie not found in any other park in the country such as the Impala. Lake Mburo is part of the 5 lakes located within the park boundaries that form a 20% wetland network that harbors various wetland birds and Reed bucks. This is the only savannah park that can be explored on foot and more so since there are no elephants, woodland vegetation has tended to cover the park.Size: 370 sq.kms and Altitude: 1220m – 1828m above sea level.
Lake Mburo’s most popular activity is the motorboat trip on the lake. A journey on the lake will provide great opportunities to observe mighty hippo and crocodile populations. Water bird species are often too numerous for even the keenest birder to identify them all. These great wildlife experiences coupled with the stunning scenery and panoramic landscape views will really impress upon you true African beauty.
Doing a game drive is the best way to explore the park fully is by road. Game driving in Lake Mburo will give the best opportunity for seeing the impala and zebra, these are the most known for the park, because it is the only place in Uganda to see the majestic impala and the only easily accessible place to see Burchell’s zebra.
Game Drives can be taken along numerous different paths, the best choice dependent upon weather and seasonality. During the dry season, animals tend to congregate around the swamps and lakes; this is a remarkable photo opportunity with the sparkling lakes in the background.
Unusually, the whole park is open to walkers as long as they are accompanied by a ranger guide. At Rwonyo, a guided walk leads to a salt lick where many animals are attracted to the salty rocks. Walks on the western side of the lake begin at 7am and take two hours. At this time of day, you may encounter hyenas returning to their dens and hippos retreating to the lake. Hikes through the woodland provide an opportunity to sight forest birds and mammals, while the walk to the top of the hill rewards visitors with a spectacular view of 9 of the region’s 14 lakes. This gives tourists the unique chance to get out and absorb the park wildlife without the confines of a vehicle.
The best birding spots in Lake Mburo National Park include the swampy valleys of Warukiri and Miriti, and the roadsides between Rwonyo camp and the jetty. There are also ideally-situated viewing platforms at the salt lick, in Miriti Valley, and in Rubanga Forest. Species observed at these locations include the Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Grey Crowned Crane, Black-bellied Bustard, Brown-chested Lapwing, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Brown Parrot, Red-headed Lovebird, Ross’s Turaco, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Green Wood-hoopoe, Common Scimitarbill, White-headed Barbet, Red-faced Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, Long-tailed Cisticola, Yellow-breasted Apalis, White-winged Tit and Finfoot among others.
Horseback safaris are mostly available from Mihingo Lodge. Horseback activity is an exciting way to see wildlife in and around Lake Mburo National Park. Here you feel part of nature and often get the chance to see the more timid animals. zebra come towards you to check out the strange relative without strips. Even the normally very shy eland curiously look at the horses without running away, just keeping their distance.
The Rwenzori Mountains are Africa's tallest snow capped block mountain range locate in western Uganda within the Albertine rift. They harbor over a 120km long mountain ranges with some of the world's distinct vegetation, 217 bird species that include 19 Albertine Riftendemics and 70 mammal species. They are believed to be the most challenging to hikers in Africa and are a top mountaineering destination in the world with 3 high points of Mount Stanley, Speke and Baker though Mount Stanley's Margherita Peak is the highest. This mountain separates Uganda. From Congo, D.R.C Size: 996 sq.Kms and Altitude: 5109m above sea level.
This mountain is known for its un-engineered, steep and slippery trials and frequent rain. Rainfall and cold temperatures, bogs, mud, stiff terrain and high altitude make it a challenging trip. Nevertheless it’s exciting! You should need to try it! Since during much of the year mud, Rain, Mist and wind occur daily, adequate clothing (and a mental altitude!) for these conditions are a must. The periods of July-August and December-February are relatively dry and for inexperienced hikers are the best seasons for a trek.
During any season, rain gear, good sleeping bags, warm hat, gloves, heavy shocks, gumboots, gaiters and a walking steak for balance (and to probe the mud) are recommended. A basic first Aid kit is a necessity.
Porters will be carrying your heavy equipments and food, leaving a small pack with rain gear, warm cloths (on higher sections), cameras, water bottle, snacks and lunch. Purchase your own food (in Kasese or Kampala). Rwenzori Mountaineering Service (RMS) can provide cooking utensils and cooks.
There are over 20 lakes in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The lowest and most accessible is Lake Mahoma (2,651m) in the bird-rich forest of the Central Circuit. The beautiful Lake Bujuku lies at the head of the deep, glacier carved Bujuku valley in the shadow of Mounts Stanley, Baker and Speke. In the Nyamwamba Valley, ascended by the Kilembe Trail, dams created by glacial moraine have created a string of eight delightful lakes. Several rivers and streams originate from the mountain forming lifelines for the flore and flora in the flood plains and supporting local communities.
Birding opportunities are greatest in the montane forest. Bee-eaters, robins, sunbirds and barbets are some of the 217 species found in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Other species to watch out for include the Rwenzori Turaco and Long-eared Owl; while higher up on the slopes, Bearded Vultures, Swifts and Black Eagles may be seen circling for prey.
Discover the peaceful farming village of Ruboni, home to around 2,000 Bakonzo, in the foothills of the Rwenzoris. Walk with the villagers as they demonstrate their daily activities, from tending to their animals and crops to preparing meals with the freshest ingredients. Meet the blacksmith, traditional healer, basket weavers and storytellers, and enjoy a vibrant dance performance accompanied by lively drumming.
Alternatively, your guide will lead you along the rocky Mubuku River. Ruboni means clear water in the local language of Lukonzo, and you will follow this crystal-clear stream, passing villagers carrying crops and wood. As the trail winds upwards, your guide will point out many colorful native birds such as the Rwenzori Turaco, tiny sunbirds and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters. There are also chameleons, squirrels and vervet monkeys.
Look out for Baker and Portal Peaks rising above the forests
The tiny village of Mihunga faces the craggy, snow-capped peaks of Rwenzori Mountains. The Bakonzo tribe has lived here for over 300 years with no electricity or running water, and this community has adapted its way of life to the climate and steep green hillsides of the Rwenzori foothills. Mihunga‘s community tourism group, Turaco View, takes visitors on a cultural tour of the village. This includes a demonstration by a traditional healer, whose herb-based concoctions are believed to cure many ailments. There is also a trip to the village school, a crafts demonstration and a lively dance performance.
Visitors can also choose to walk with a local guide through the surrounding forests. They may be lucky enough to spot brightly colored turacos in the forest canopy. The expert guides will be able to point out other species such as bee-eaters, sunbirds and playful black-and-white colobus monkey
Walk with Bakonzo villagers through their homesteads in the foothills of the Rwenzoris as they demonstrate their daily activities, from tending to their animals and crops, to preparing meals with the freshest ingredients. See cultural dances, traditional costumes and hear their fascinating folklore.
The park provides opportunity for nature walks within the central circuit zone. These include trails up to Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimp forest; walks through the communities of Kichamba to reach the Karangura ridge; and hiking to Bundibugo area through Bwamba pass.
The communities of Ruboni and Turaco View also offer guided forest walks of various lengths just outside the park. Visitors can follow the River Mubuku, and glimpse views of Baker and Portal Peaks as they hike up to 2,300m above sea level. On a clear day it is even possible to view the snow capped Margherita Peak - a truly spectacular sight. Along the way, keep an eye out for chameleons, squirrels, vervet monkeys and many birds.
Bwamba Pass: Before a road was built in 1938 to link Fort Portal with the remote town of Bundibugyo, local people followed the most direct route between these settlements – a tough, 1,500m high trek over the steep north Rwenzori ridge, known as the Bwamba Pass. The Abanya Rwenzori community group leads visitors over the mountain through isolated mountain villages to visit the bamboo forest and enjoy superb rift valley views.
The Central Circuit Trail: This challenging, seven-day climb provides a circular tour of the high Rwenzori. From the trailhead at Mihunga, the route ascends the Bujuku Valley via Nyabitaba for acclimatization before reaching the peaks. Clients joining the Central Circuit after Bujuku will traverse the Scott Elliot and Freshfield passes to descend through the Mubuku Valley. Climbers can scale the snow peaks though many consider the exceptional scenery ample reward for their exertions.
Kilembe Trail: The recently reopened Kilembe Trail ascends the southern slopes of the Rwenzori from a trailhead at Kilembe near the town of Kasese. The route along the lovely Nyamwamba Valley passes glacial lakes and some stunning viewpoints before joining the Central Circuit at Lake Kitandara. The standard route scales Mount Baker though the scenery makes shorter treks rewarding enough.
This lies extreme west of Uganda in the Semuliki valley situated in the Albertine rift. It's dominated by the extension of the Ituri forest in Congo D.R.C. and is an area of interest to mostly birdwatchers being the only lowland tropical forest in East Africa hosting 441 bird species(including rare shoebill stork) though there is game to watch. Its splendid Sempaya hot springs, Pygmy community and wildlife abundance in Semuliki valley wildlife reserve make it yet a tourist destination to visit. The park is a habitat to 53 mammal species including the fanged deer, pygmy Antelopes and two flying Squirrel species Size: 220 sq.kmsand Altitude: 670m – 760m above sea level.
Birders who make it to Semuliki will be rewarded with some of Africa’s best forest birding. Sempaya and Ntandi provide excellent viewing of the birds including the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, Great blue and Ross’s Turacos. The area around Kirumia River is another top birding spot. The shoebill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert and forest walks are good for tracking water birds.
The Batwa’s hunter-gatherer lifestyle means they have always been dependent on Semuliki forest for food, shelter, medicine and tools, though this is beginning to change as a result of interaction with other local communities.
Tourism offers an alternative source of income for the Batwa, and gives them the opportunity to maintain and display their rich cultural history through music and dance performances at Ntandi. They also produce intricate handcrafts for sale.
A boma, or cultural village, is currently being built so that the Batwa can demonstrate how they used to live in the forest.
Three tracks cross the savannah grassland of Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Smaller forest and larger savannah elephants are regularly seen, along with buffalo, waterbuck, crocodile, warthog and Uganda kob. With luck, you may even see pygmy hippopotami, leopards and elusive bush babies. Game drives in the Wildlife Reserve can take place in the morning, afternoon and at night; after dark, visitors may come across curious nocturnal species such as the white-tailed mongoose.
The 13km KirumiaTrail runs through the heart of the forest to the Semuliki River. This 8 hour round trip starts at 8am and is perfect for birders. The 11km Red Monkey Track follows the park’s eastern border – a stronghold of the rare deBrazza’s monkey – to the Semliki River. Along the 8km Sempaya Nature Trail, you can view the hot springs and primates. This 2-4 hour hike can take place in the morning or afternoon.
The hour-long trail to the outer, “male” spring leads through a patch of forest where red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys are common. A tree house en route provides an aerial view.
A 30-minute hike through palm forest from the main road leads to the inner, “female” spring, dominated by a boiling geyser. Eggs and matooke (green plantain) can be cooked in these boiling waters and enjoyed by hungry hikers!
Mgahinga is Uganda's smallest park and another place to track endangered mountain Gorilla's. It's an extension of the Virunga Mountains in Congo D.R.C located extreme south westernUganda. The distinct extinct volcanoes make it a unique and spectacular tourist destination. The park is also a home to the endangered Golden monkey, 184 bird species recorded, 76 mammal species and the Batwa pygmies as the indigenous people with an amazing culture.
Size:33.7sq.kms and Altitude:2227m – 4127m above sea level.
This is the most exciting and unforgettable experience, which might take one through a thick jungle. The tourists group (The Nyakagezi group) consists of 9 members; 2 silver backs, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants. (Tracking can take three to eight hours).
This is about 800meters from the park gate. Once you on top, you will have a good view of the park and the surrounding area.
Birding along the edge of the park is available on request. The guides are happy to take you out from 5-6p.m. bulamu’s guide will take you through a wetland area where Ibis, Whydah, Speckled, mouse bird, and fire finch are found. Stonechart, grey-capped warbler, waxbills and yellow-vented bulbul are always seen around the campground.
Located in Eastern Uganda and neighboring Kenya, this extinct volcano was once Africa's tallest mountain. It's the largest volcanic base in the world and oldest volcanic mountain in East Africa. The park harbors 300 bird species including 40 restricted range species and a number of mammal species. Its caves are ideal for overnight expeditions whereas flora and fauna with moorlands reveal a splendid untouched wilderness that attracts any hiker compared to other mountains.
Size: 1121 sq.kms and Altitude: 4321m above sea level.
Visiting Mt. Elgon National Park presents an exciting setting for extended hikes, interesting and unique flora and fauna, magnificent waterfalls, enormous caves, scenic peaks, gorges and hot springs, which bubble up at 48?c. The best times to visit are during the drier seasons from June to August and December to March. No technical climbing equipment or skills are required, as all major peaks are accessible.
Mount Elgon’s slopes are riddled with caves left by moving lava and erosion of soft volcanic deposits. The most accessible are Kapkwai Cave, near the Forest Exploration Centre, and Khauka Cave on Wanale Ridge. Historically, such features acted as shelters for locals and their livestock; later on they provided manure in the form of bat droppings. More recently, they were used by climbers and their porters, and even today, campsites are still located at Hunters Cave, Siyo Cave (near the hot springs), Mude Cave and Tutum Cave – ideal for overnight expeditions.
The Park supports a variety of wildlife including rock and tree hyraxes, elephant, buffalo, Defassa waterbuck, oribi, bushbuck, duiker, forest hog, bush pig, leopard, civet and serval cats, serval cats, spotted hyena; aardvark and several rodent species. However these animals are rarely observed in the forest setting. More commonly seen creatures are the black-and-white colobus; baboons; red tailed, vervet, De Brazza’s and blue monkeys; duiker and tree squirrel.
The mountain is home to 300 birds including 40 restricted range species. 56 of the 87 Afrotropical highland biome species live here, notably the Moorland Francolin, Moustached Green Tinkerbird and Alpine Chat.
Birds whose Ugandan range is limited to Mount Elgon include the Jackson's Francolin and Black-collared Apalis. Among those limited to just a few mountains in eastern Uganda are the Black-shouldered Kite and Tacazze Sunbird. Mount Elgon is one of the few places in Uganda where the endangered Lammergeyer can be seen, soaring above the caldera and Suam Gorge.
The northern and western sides of Mount Elgon rise in a series of massive basalt cliffs, often several kilometres in length, over which the mountain’s rivers plunge as beautiful waterfalls. The best known are the three waterfalls at Sipi on the Kapchorwa road, just outside the park. The lowest of these falls is the most spectacular as it cascades over a 100m cliff. The second, known as Simba, plunges 69m over the entrance to a cave. Visitors can stand in the cave and enjoy a view of the back of the falls. The third waterfall, also known as Ngasire, gushes over an 87m high ridge. Sipi Falls is less than an hour’s drive from Mbale on a paved road.
Easily accessible waterfalls are also found at Sisiyi, Bulago, Chebonet and Wanale and many more are scattered across the mountain, offering spectacular views.
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful spots in southwestern Uganda in Kigezi region and makes a wonderful getaway for anyone for refreshment. t’s located 30 minutes from the Rwandan border which is about seven hours from Kampala. It’s a little far for an overnight jaunt to the lake, so use that as an excuse to stay for a few nights in this amazing setting known as the Switzerland of Africa. The lake is the deepest in Uganda, the only bilharzia free waters. It’s essentially a flooded valley, have been formed about 8,000-years ago as a result of lava flow from the local craters. Lies at an altitude of 1,840m, 45m deep.
Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of 2,200-2,478m, but it’s 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical. It’s a sight that reinvents itself every hour or two with the ever-changing climate and direction of the sun. In the early morning, the islands weave through cotton candy-like streams of mist and, in the afternoon, they’re bathed in the warm glow of the sun. Later, they’re silhouetted against a dim sky as evening approaches. Lake bunyonyi and surroundings offer numerous opportunities for organized excursions and casual explorations. Visits to most of the places of interest described below can be arranged;
Walking around the lake Bunyonyi’s waters while listening to bird songs and the tearing water and consequently the feeling of the fresh breeze of Lake Bunyonyi and community around Rutinda. The interesting walk can be done along the lake’s shores and it involves tourists moving Bunyonyi different islands.
This is a key activity because Lake Bunyonyi its self means place of many little birds and therefore a majority of bird species can be noticed, there are more than 200 species of birds recorded. Using a boat ride to the neighboring Nyombi swamp one is able to see a selection of bird species over the trees and the sky. The variety of bird species which can be found here include both the Uganda species as well as the international species which usually migrate from the European continent during times of winter.
The waters of Lake Bunyonyi are free from the hazards of bilharzia, dangers of crocodiles, hippos and other threatening animals thus do not miss swimming opportunities. Lake Bunyonyi being the first deepest lake in Uganda and second deepest lake in whole of African continent, visitors ought to be good, experienced or expert swimmers. The benefits of Swimming in Lake Bunyonyi waters are limitless and some of them include enjoyment and refreshment, as well as gaining body fitness, among others.
This will help you experience the quietness, calmness and the tranquility of Lake Bunyonyi. A canoe ride at night is thrilling given the loud chorus of crickets, frogs, nocturnal birds singing plus the waving lake waters which all make the ride exceedingly exciting.
boat ride on the lake which will help you experience the quietness, calmness and the tranquility of Lake Bunyonyi. On this ride you will explore numerous islands and learn the history behind each island’s formation, listen to singing birds plus the waving lake waters which all make the ride exceedingly exciting and a breathtaking moment.
There are attractive cultural and natural sights like the Bakora cave, the Batwa (pygmies) and the Abaheesi (traditional black smiths) communities that are accessible in close proximity. Also visiting islands around the lake like Habuharo, Akempene and Bucuraniko Island is a memory-catching experience. Here are several Twa villages in the area, but Batwa Today is the most recommended, aiming to deliver a more authentic exchange. Trips head to Echuya Forest, the former home of local Twa, and while there are cultural performances, the experience is less contrived than those offered in Bwindi and Mghahinga. Rather than dwelling on the past, insights are offered from a more current context Visit the Batwa (pygmys)
Take a boat trip to the local communities of the Batwa/pygmies who live in the islands near the lake and see their ways of life, activities and their charming cultural dance performances.
This Swamp is located on the shores of Lake Victoria covering about 17,000 hectares. It is situated in Wakiso District in the sub-counties of Kasanje, Kamengo, Mpigi and is 40kms away from Entebbe. Mabamba is known to be the nearest and best place to see the rare shoe bill stork (Balaeniceps Rex) one of the world's most endangered bird species. The wetland was made a Ramsar site and an important birding area under the Ramsar Convention and It supports over 190000 birds which make it a haven for birds and an ideal area for Bird watchers.
The marshy nature makes this swamp a high species rich site. Mabamba Bay is home to a species list of over 300 birds, including the globally threatened Shoebill (VU), large congregations of migrants such as Blue Swallow (VU), White-winged Tern, Gull-billed Tern and papyrus endemic bird species such as Papyrus Gonolek (NT) and Papyrus Yellow Warbler. Other species of interest include good numbers of Goliath Heron, Squacco Heron, Lesser Jacana, Spur-winged Goose and number of waders.
The Bay also supports a lucrative fisheries industry, and thus provides a source of fish forhome consumption and commercial use. Tilapiine species, Orechcromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia), Oreochromis leucostictus and Tilapia zillii (Zilli’s Tilapia) were introduced in Lake Victoria in 1950s, and Nile perch, Lates niloticus during the 1960s and these can be found in the bay.
The Mabamba community residing at the site spear heads the conservation of Mabamba bay. They are organized into a site Support Group, which is mandated to conserve and sustainably utilize the Natural resources at the site. Site Support Groups are community groups that are tasked with the responsibility of protecting IBAs while sustainably utilizing the resources there in for their livelihoods.
It is also a source of raw material for local crafts, building materials, water for domestic and livestock use, as well as non-wood products such as medicinal plants, mushrooms etc. Other fauna include the Sitatunga, which is heavily hunted by the local people, shrews Crociduraselina and Mylomys dybowskii have also been recorded as being uncommon.
The collection of butterflies from Mabamba bay is enormous with over 200 species recorded. Abisaraneavei, Acraea aganice, Acraea aurivilli, Acraea consanquinea, and Bicyclus sebetus are some of the very rare butterfly species that have been recorded in Mabamba Bay. Three. It is near to the business district of Kampala, which presents it with bigger opportunities and high potential for eco-tourism development.
It is in Jinja, a small colonial town in Uganda that rafting trips can be taken. Rafting the river Nile in Uganda has become a huge tourist attraction and Jinja is often quoted to be the ‘adventure capital of East Africa’, white water enthusiasts have been rafting here for over 10 years. From the apprehensive who have never been on a river before to the seasoned adventurer, the Victorian source of the Nile in Uganda has something for everyone. The Nile is the classic pool‐drop river with deep, calm pools interspersed between powerful and exciting rapids and multitudes of different channels. At no point is the Nile constrained to one channel. The multiple of rapids between the beautiful mid‐river islands allows the expert guides to chose milder options for those not willing to subject themselves to certain dunking in the river.
The white water rafting is done in paddle‐rafts, each person joins as a member of a team and a professional guide captains the team. Paddlers are instructed comprehensively on how best to enjoy themselves on the water and on all aspects of safety including the use of safety kayaks which accompany every raft trip on the water. The highly trained safety kayakers are world class paddlers who adeptly pilot their kayaks through the rapid ahead of the raft. When the rafts flip upside down or people are washed overboard they are nearby to provide assistance in getting people back to their boats.
The trip on the water begins slowly and the first few kilometers give the raft guides an opportunity to train their crews fully on all aspects of Nile rafting. The river becomes much more adventures at Bujagali Falls and one major rapid follows swiftly after another for most of the morning. Once the rafts enter Wild waters Reserve (protects the unique flora and fauna of the mid‐stream islands of the Nile), there is more time between the rough water but the rapids become larger and more spectacular. At Itanda (The Bad Place) the Nile is too powerful for the rafts and so the rafts are taken around the top by land. Other activities that take place in Jinja:
-Flat water canoeing
-River boarding (Fishing, Swimming and bird watching)
-Kayaking
-Bungee Jumping
-Quad biking
-Water sport
-Rock climbing
-Horse riding on the Nile
-Cultural sites
-Source of the Nile
-Historic sites
-Local community visits
-Short Missions
-Volunteer services
Rafting can be done on a half or full day package.Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to 48 orphaned chimps rescued from throughout Uganda. Island facilities offer day and overnight visitors an exceptional opportunity to closely observe and interact with these fascinating great apes in this unique setting. Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), an NGO, is responsible for all aspects of the sanctuary at Ngamba Island. Deeply committed to and involved in the conservation education of local communities, CSWCT also works with the Ugandan government and wildlife authorities in their rescue operations of orphaned and confiscated chimps.
If staying on the island, guests have the opportunity to have a morning forest walk with some of the juvenile chimps. This walk allows for direct contact with the animals. You will be walking through the lush forest giving a playful chimp a piggy back ride or playing ‘hide and seek’ or ‘catch me if you can’ with these mischievous individuals. Chimps share 98% of our DNA and these young ones definitely resemble human children in their demand for attention and play. Once you start tickling one belly be sure to realise that there will be a queue for the same attention. Forest walks last one hour and there is a maximum of 4 people allowed on each walk.
This is a unique program whereby visitors get the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a chimpanzee caregiver. A day will include assisting the care givers with the preparation of the chimps’ food, assisting in the feeding and viewing the feeding. You will also have the chance to participate in the activities happening at the sanctuary on that day. This could include: medical checkups, research and monitoring, preparing the holding area for the chimps and administration work, whereby you can to record the chimp stories for that day.
This program is aimed at helping you to understand and appreciate what it takes to look after our orphaned cousins on Ngamba Island as well as rising funds for their well being. The staff will work with you to show you just what is involved in taking care of these animals, how individual they are and what makes them so special. As a care giver you will get to meet and interact with all the chimps on the island, but direct contact is not guaranteed but is possible under the close supervision of a resident caregiver.
On Ngamba the chimps are all living as one community, this means that any new animals need to be integrated into the group. The integration methods have been successful as most of the chimps have accepted each other and live similarly to their natural social system. The time it takes to integrate a chimp depends on a variety of factors, including: age, sex, level of trauma experienced and time spent in captivity before coming to the sanctuary.
The integration is done in 3 stages:
-Getting the new individual used to the new environment in the indoor facility
-Getting them integrated with others in smaller groups in the outside enclosure
-Integrating them with the main group in the forest.
Visitors can participate in the outside enclosure integration. You will be part of the team going into the enclosure with the infants. You will be able to give them support by holding them and also help to teach them that the forest is a good and safe place to live. You will be in the company of several chimps aged up to 9 years and you will have direct contact with the animals.
Uganda used to be home to thousands of rhinos, but due to extensive poaching during the years of civil unrest, the last rhino was killed in 1982. Today, with much effort and support, Rhino Fund Uganda is working to reintroduce the rhinoceros to its native lands. There are three types of rhinos in Africa; the Southern White, the Northern White, and the Eastern Black. All of these species are currently endangered. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is currently home to six adult Southern White Rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum) and three baby boys
Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls National Parks once had both black and white rhinos; however widespread poaching during the Idi Amin era resulted in the disappearance of these majestic animals from the wild. Founded in 1998, Rhino Fund Uganda works to reintroduce black and white rhinos into Uganda and runs a breeding program, as well as work to educate communities on endangered rhinos, poaching and environmental conservation.
The first six rhinos were translocated in 2004 and 2005 and in June 2009 a healthy calf was born, named Obama. There were two reasons that he was named Obama; 1) he made history by being the first rhino born in Uganda in approximately 30 years and 2) his mother hails from the United States and his father from Kenya.
Five more were born in regular intervals, with the last one on the 10th of January 2012. Of the six calves, three are male and three are female, making up a total of six males and six females on the sanctuary.
The Islands are an archipelago of 84 Islands situated on the world's second-largest freshwater lake and are one of Uganda's touristic destinations with BUGALA Island being the biggest, developed and most visited.
The Island is a splendid place for honeymooners, Bird lovers, Photography, holiday relaxation and tourists. Ssese islands are also home to a few primates like Vervet monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys plus bird species that include Jewel pygmy kingfisher, hornbill, paradise flycatcher, barbets, Turaco, Palm nut vultures and African fish eagle. Their being distinct has attracted very many visitors there!
The Ssese Island is the biggest island of Bugala boast of the Lutoboka Central Forest Reserve gazette in 1948 consisting of 378 hectares which is a home to a variety of animals including primates like birds over 300 species and a number of tree species, which are not easily accessible on the mainland. This has led to the evolution of a nascent but growing tourism industry on the islands. Infrastructure is still rudimentary but is slowly improving.
– Uganda’s Secret Tropical Islands provide the perfect backdrop for many activities of which chilling out is foremost but there is so much more – these hidden and to most secret islands are a paradise largely undiscovered yet treasured by those who visit here as one of Pearls in the Pearl of Africa.
Here on the Ssese Islands you can visit local Fishing Villages and meet Ugandans, learn their culture and ways. Activities you can go quad biking, paddling yourself or with a guide, nature walks, motorboat to various islands etc. Good for hooney mooners