Lying
in the south west of the country, 414 kms from Kampala,
on the border with The Congo, the park covers an area
of over 330 sq kms. As the name dictates - this park real
African jungle area, with dense undergrowth, vines and
a wide variety of flowers and aphrodisiac plants.
Most visitors come to the park to catch a glimpse of
the Mountain Gorillas, but the park is home to over 120
species of mammals, including chimpanzees, black &
white colobus, blue monkey, bushpig, duiker, leopard,
jackal and elephants in the south east of the park. There
are also over 350 species of bird , 202 species of butterflies
and over 200 species of trees found within the park
A 4 wheel drive vehicle is recommended to get around
the park. Gorilla tracking is limited to small groups
and it's advisable to book well in advance of your intended
visit. Bookings can be made through most tour operators
or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Located in western Uganda, covering an area of over 760
sq kms, Kibale Forest National Park lies 35 kms south
of Fort Portal and adjoins with Queen Elizabeth National
Park.
Kibale is the perfect place to experience the the true
diversity of wildlife and flora found in a tropical rainforest.
The park contains the largest population of forest elephants
found in Uganda but they are rarely sighted. Rich in wildlife
and particularly noted for is primate population, of 11
different species, including the red-tailed money, blue
monkey, olive baboon, chimpanzee, black, white and red
colobus and white cheeked mangabey. Other mammals found
are bushbuck, red and blue duiker, Uganda kob, Scaly-tailed
flying squirrel, tree pangloin, buffalo, waterbuck and
hippo as well as a large number of birds.
Located in the extreme North of the country bordering
with Sudan and Kenya, Kipedo Valley National Park covers
an area of 1,344 sq.km. Due to it's remote location this
park is less visited, but it has the most spectacular
scenery of mountains and vast savannah landscapes.
The park is home to the Karimojong pastoralists. Animal
species found in the region include; giraffe, ostrich,
elephant, cheetah, leopard, kudu, zebra, buffalo, amongst
others.
It is 840km from Kampala and although the journey can
be tough, taking up to two days, the diverse landscape
past makes the journey worthwhile. There is also a light
aircraft airstrip at Akopa
At times of unrest in Sudan, the north section of the
park is closed.
Lake Mburo National Park covers an area of 260 sq km and
is located 420kms south west of Kampala. It is one of
the more popular parks, due to its relatively close location
to Kampala, being particularly busy with city weekend
visitors.
The landscape consists mainly of savannah and the area
contains four lakes. The open valleys on the western side
of the game offer the best game viewing opportunities,
with large herds of elephants and buffalo roaming the
land. Other wildlife encountered include; leopard, hyena
hippo and a large variety of antelope including the rare
Impala. It is the perfect destination for ornithologists,
a huge variety of birds are found within the park particularly
round the lakes, including Bronze-tailed starling, Marabour
stork, Crowned Crane and bee-eaters.
Boats are available for hire on the Lake Mburo Swamp
from the Park Office in Rwonyo
Uganda's smallest park, covering an area of just 34 sq
kms, located on the south western tip of the country on
the border with Congo (Zaire) and Rwanda, 510km from Kampala.
Mgahinga is the second home to one of the last remaining
habitats of the mountain gorilla found on the slopes of
the Virunga Mountains. Access to visit the gorillas is
strictly controlled , with only small groups being allowed
at any one time and always accompanied by a ranger. Booking
to see the gorillas must be made well in advance. Other
wildlife found in the park include bushbuck, elephant,
leopard, aardvark, honey badger. jackal and a wealth of
birdlife.
Three extinct volcanos rise within the park, Mt. Muhuvura,
Mt. Gahinga and Mt Sabinyo. The peak of Muhavura has a
small crater lake and is the highest point in the park
rising to 4,127 metres. A selection of Volcano Tours is
available from
Lying along the western border of Uganda and covering
an area of over 995 sq kms, named "Mountains of the
Moon" for its mist-shrouded, snow-capped peaks.
The mountain range has six peaks, carrying permanent
snow and glaciers and offering spectacular scenery. In
the centre of the range is Africa's third highest mountain,
Mt. Margherita reaching a height of 5,109 mtrs. This is
an excellent destination for keen hikers and climbers,
although the higher slopes are demanding and require some
mountaineering skills. The best time of the year for hiking
is during the dry seasons from mid December to end of
March and from June to mid August.
Wildlife encountered in this park includes, elephant,
genet, Vervet Monkey, Rwenzori Colobus, Chimpanzee and
Duiker.
Lying
256 kms north east of Kampala, bordering with Kenya in
eastern Uganda, Mt. Elgon covers an area of 1155 sq. kms.
If offers a diverse variety of scenery, vegetation and
cultures. Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano with gradual
slopes to the crater rim, lying at 4,321 metres above
seal level. Mountaineering skills are not required. The
whole region is excellent for hikers and climbers, with
caves, rock painting, gorges, waterfalls providing excellent
scenery. Sipi Falls, at the foothills of the mountain
is a favourite destination.
The parks has a variety of small game including, duiker,
hyena, leopard, chimpanzee, buffalo and elephant and numerous
species of birdlife.
The largest park in Uganda covering on area of over 3,840
sq kms, Murchinson Falls park is also one of the most
famous for its scenic beauty, magnificent falls and high
concentration of game. It is situated approximately 350
kms north west of Kampala.
The mighty Nile River divides the park into the north
and south sections with the spectacular Murchinson Falls
dropping some 40 meters through a narrow crevice. The
river attract large numbers of game, and a boat ride up
the river provides the perfect opportunity to see and
photograph the animals. Wildlife viewed in this park include
elephant, giraffe, hippo, lion, leopard, buffalo, Nile
crocodile, monkeys, and over 450 species of birds. Including
the magnificent shoebill stork.
There are plenty of activities in the park including
river trips. Game drives, forest walks, fishing and bird
watching.
The park has two light aircraft airstrips operating air
charter services from Kampala.
The park covers and area of almost 2,000 sq kms and lies
between the Rwenzori Mountains to the east and Lake Edward
to the west., approx 470kms from Kampala.
This parks wildlife once suffered from heavy poaching,
but recent conservation efforts have restored much of
the game and it now claims to be one of the best places
on the continent to see high concentrations of hippo.
Other animals found are elephant, buffalo, Uganda kob,
variety of antelope, baboons and chimpanzees and the famous
tree-climbing lion. There are also over 500 different
specifies of bird making it an excellent destination for
ornithologists.
A boat trip along the Kazinga channel between Lake George
and Edward is a rewarding methods of game viewing. The
best time of the year to visit the park is just after
the rains, between October and November and March and
April when high concentrations of animals roam the whole
area.
Africa
Sights & Sounds
