Wildlife

History about Lake Mburo National Park This park was initially gazette in the year 1933 as a controlled hunting Area and it was later up graded into a game reserve in the year 1963.  The Bahima Banyankole residents also continued with grazing their own cattle with in the reserve till it was up graded into a national park status in 1983. The government of Oboteput up a decision of up grading the park which was a part that was intended to weaken the Banyankole, who were supporting the anti Obote rebels.  Since the pastoralists that were evicted were not compensated for the lost grazing land and were not also helped with resettling, many of these remained very hostile to the formation of the park. The rangeland that is found outside that is park and was then divided into small ranges as well as the subsistence farming plots. In the year 1985, which was the second regime of Obote fell and the past residents of Lake Mburo also re occurred in the park land and expelled the park stuff, as they destroyed the infrastructures as well as the wildlife. More so, less than half of the park land was re gazzetted by the NRM government in 1986. About the Climate & Geography The pre Cambrian rocks also trigger Lake Mburo Area, with the rocks that comprise a mixture o Cenozoic Pleistocene to the recent rocks, solely granitized –granitoid as well as the highly granitized rocks plus the Karagwe ankolean system.  The argillite rocks also dominate more arenites as well as the silty rocks that are usually distributed as a thin band throughout the whole area. This area is also dominated by the erratically soils that are so sandy loam as well as sandy clay loam. Lake Mburo wetland system is a huge socio- economic value and it’s a source of water or the domestic usage, wildlife and livestock.  This system is also a source of the pasture or the local herds in the drought period, a source of fish as well as materials off crats and the thatching. The location of the park is near Masaka- Mbarara highway that makes it so easily reachable from Kampala. Lake Mburo national park has got a tropical climate and is situated in the Ankole southern climatic zone. The lake also lies with in the rain shadow area that is between Lake Victoria and Rwenzori Mountains. The park has got two seasons including the dry and wet seasons that receive the bi- modal low rain fall that ranges between 500 and 1000mm. the rainfall also tends to be so erratic as well as unreliable, that causes the low pastures which affects the wildlife behaviors that includes the birds and creates the demand on the park by the known local pastoralists. The temperatures here also range between 23-25 degrees and evapotranspiration of the areas in the northwest, north and in the north east to east that ranges from 450 to 1600mm. Also the areas in the south and in the south west of the national park always experience lower evapotranspiration that ranges between 1300 to 1450mm.  About the Biodiversity The lake is also home to over 350 bird species including; the zebras, eland, impalas, oribi, buffalos, water buck, hippos, leopard, reedbuck as well as the hyenas. With over 13 lakes in the area, this lake also forms part of the 50km long wetland system that is linked by the swamp. It’s known that five of these lakes lie in the park’s border. It was once covered with the open savannah and it contains woodland since there are no elephants to tame the unique vegetation. Within the western part of the park, the savannah is also spread with the rocky ridges as well as the forested gorges as the patches of papyrus as well as narrow bands of the lush riparian woodland line in many lakes. The park also supports the many endangered species of the birds including the endangered cichlid fish species which have reduced with in the main lake and is the only area were you can find the impalas.  The park gives refugee to over 22 species of palaearctic as well as the afro tropical migrant birds in the adverse conditions in the wooded savannah with the acacia thicket and the grasslands. The flora is also acacia hockii that is one of the main tree species. There are also five species of the wetland plants that belong to 5 genera that has been recorded in Lake Mburo area.

Mountain Elgon National Park is an ancient large solitude volcanic Mountain situated along the Uganda-Kenya border in East Africa. It has the largest volcanic foundation in the world at approximately 4,000km².  Its large outline extends to about 80 km in diameter elevating to 3,000m over. At Mountain Elgon the higher you go the cooler it becomes from the hot plains and flora and fauna in the slopes to the high skies in the clouds. The National park inhabits more than 300 bird species including the rare Lammergeyer as well as wildlife animals like the small antelopes, forest monkeys, Savannah Elephants and buffalos. A hike to the top of this magnificent Mountain enables one to encounter experience and have beautiful views of the surrounding neighborhood as well as beautiful deserted moorlands. The final objective for hikers along Mountain Elgon is not the ascension to the prominent Wagagai peak at 4321m but instead the descent into the wide caldera of 40km². Transfer to this tremendous destination to experience the best encounters while on safari holiday in the pearl of Africa-Uganda. Geography and Climate The Climate around the park is humid to moderate dry receiving annual rainfall of more than 1,270 mm. The dry season takes place from the month of June-August then December-March despite the fact that sometimes it rains anytime of the year due to the location of the Mountain along the Equator. The wettest season takes place from April-October with mean annual rainfall that ranges from 1500 mm on the Eastern and Northern slopes to 2000 mm along the Southern and the Western slopes. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures range from 23° and 15 °C throughout the year. Bio-diversity The biodiversity and vegetation of Mountain Elgon includes the altitudinal illicit regional straps usually connected with vast mountain massifs and these are subdivided into four different expansive communities and these include the combined montane forest that goes till an elevation of 2500m studded with the giant lobelia and groundsel plants, bamboo and low canopy montane forest from 2400-3000m and moorland which is above 3500m. The botanical diversity of the park comprises of gigantic podocarpus, pillarwood Cassipourea malosana, juniper and Elgon olive trees cedar Juniperus procera, elder Sambucus adnata, pure stands of Podocarpus gracilior etc. Various wildlife animals can be spotted in the park like the elephants and buffalo that are always residing along the lower slopes where as small antelope, duiker. Forest monkeys like the blue monkey, black and white Colobus are endemic for they can be spotted around the park. In the late 1990’s the park is known to have been occupied by the leopards and hyenas. There are atleast 300 different species of birds that can be found around the park and these include the Jackson’s francolin, Hartlaub’s turaco, eastern bronze-naped pigeon,  Tacazze sunbird and the rare lammergeier, due to their restricted range. What to bring A Tent A sleeping bag Warm clothes Gloves A hat Sturdy hiking shoes A flashlight A water bottle Rain gear First aid kit Cooking equipment

  Where Is Queen Elizabeth National Park Located? One would wonder where Queen Elizabeth National Park is Located. Well, it is found in the western part of Uganda laying between Lakes Gorge and Albert with the Kazinga Channel crossing through its 700 sq mile land area. The park was named after the Queen of England in 1954 following her visit. Wildlife In Queen Elizabeth National Park The park is home to 618 bird species which is the 6th highest diversity in the world and the highest in Africa making it a perfect destination for Uganda Birding Safaris, in addition to 10 primate species like chimpanzees and 95 mammals including big game. Attractions In Queen Elizabeth National Park Tree Climbing Lions: with just two populations of these unique lions in the whole world, explore the southern Ishasha sector to track these lions commonly seen up in the fig and acacia trees. The Kazinga Channel: this natural water channel connects Lakes Albert and Gorge and is home to a large number of hippos, Nile Crocodiles, elephants and hippos which can easily be seen on the thrilling Kazinga Boat Ride Kasenyi Plains: these plains are popularly visited by tourists on a Uganda Wildlife Safari as they are home to a very large number of antelopes, the Uganda Kobs, lions and several large predators Kalinzu Forest: this is offers very rewarding chimpanzee tracking experiences and it is located on the southeastern corner of the park     The Kyambura Gorge: this verdant forested 100 meter deep valley with peculiar is home to a large number of primates and popular for Chimpanzee tracking tours in Uganda. Mweya Peninsular: this is a stretch of land that protrudes into Lake Edwards is commonly visited during game drives as it offers perfect game views  while exploring the various game tracks. Lake Katwe Salt Works: within the alkaline Lake Katwe, salt mining works have been ongoing for several years since that is the main economic activity in the area. Consequently a large number of tourists visit here to learn and observe the traditional method of salt mining The Katwe Explosion Crater Lakes: these lakes found in the northern part are found on the highest elevation of the park. from here tourists enjoy sweeping views of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, the western rift valley escarpments and lakes George and Edward. How To Get To Queen Elizabeth National Park the park is located about 389 km from the capital Kampala and can be accessed wither by road on a 6h 30min drive via Masaka Road or by a charter flight. Where To Stay | Accommodation With a wide variety to lodges, campsites, hotels and tented Camps, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers accommodation for everyone like the Ishasha Wilderness Camp Queen Elizabeth National Park irrespective of your budget and these range from luxury, mid-range to budget facilities. checkout our most recommended Accommodations in Queen Elizabeth National Park for a more information on each facility Best Time To Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park The Dry season that runs from January to February and from June to September is considered the best time to visit with the peak safari time in Uganda being from June to September, while Migratory species arrive in August to December, and March to May offering the best birding time What More Does Uganda Offer? Most tourists who come to Uganda visit more than one destination. You can combine your Queen Elizabeth safari with gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi, or tour Murchison Falls National Park. For relaxation after your wildlife safari, you can visit Ssese Islands but if you are more interested in adventure, take on rafting on the Nile, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, Rwenzori Mountains climbing and Mount Elgon hike. Uganda Safari Tour Operators To best enjoy your Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you are highly advised to book your tour through a good tour operator. Check through our list or recommended Tour Operators who will help you handle all your safari related reservations like accommodation, transport and activities. Popular Safari Packages In Queen Elizabeth National Park 3 Day Queen Elizabeth Safari 3 Day Murchison Falls Safari 3 Day Gorilla Safari 5 Day Uganda Safari 7 Days Uganda Safari 12 Days Uganda Safari You will find Queen Elizabeth National Park featured in Forbes Magazine, Huffington Post, African Safari Geographic, CNN and other prominent magazines.

SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK Semuliki National Park is situated in the distant part of Southwestern Uganda in Bwamba County found in Bundibugyo district on Uganda/Congo border. The park is bordered by Lake Albert in the North and the Rwenzori mountains in the South-east; it is one of Uganda’s newest National Parks and covers 220 square kilometers of the valley that connects Uganda to the rain forests of Central Africa. This makes it an extension of the vast Ituri tropical rainforest found in Congo. It is approximately 340kms around 6 hours drive from Kampala the capital of Uganda. Semuliki is among the most bio-diversified forests and mainly well-known for its bird population. It is one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests that remained after the last ice age 18,000 years ago. The valley has a lot of vegetation making this forest so thick and a habitat for many animals. Initially it was a forest reserve managed by colonial government in 1932, and was later established as a national park in October 1993 to conserve forests and protect wildlife managed by Uganda wildlife Authority. The park receives an average amount rainfall of 1,250mm; this is in the months of March-May and from September –December. During the wet seasons most places flood with water. The temperature rate in the park usually changes from 18°C to 30°C. The park has Hot springs famously known as the Sempaya Hot springs, giving it a nice scenic look. The Hot springs bubble water up from the lowest point under Sempaya this is an amazing feature to watch.      . Around the park Semiliki River The Semuliki River forms an international boundary as it makes its way in the park covering a journey of around 140 kilometers; it is shared by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It flows from Lake Edward and pours in Lake Albert; there are various vegetation types along the river, various bird species, animals like Hippos and they can be seen while on a boat ride along the river and on the Eastern shores of Lake Albert. Flora and Fauna Generally Semuliki National Park has a more distinctive ecosystem in the Albertine rift valley. The park is situated in different ecological and climatic zones, this has caused a high variety of animal and plant species in the park and these are also found in the Congo basin. It is endowed with spectacular scenery starting with the bamboo forests, the tropical lowland rainforests, savannah grasslands and swampy vegetation that has a variety of fauna. The park is home to various animals with over 60 mammals such as forest elephants, pygmy flying squirrels, civets, hippos, leopards, forest buffaloes and bush babies, around 8 primate species like chimpanzees, De Brazza’s monkeys, the Red tailed monkeys, over 400 bird species such as the white crested, black dwarf, white dwarf, Abyssinian ground hornbill, shoe bill stork and about 300 butterfly species among others.  Most of these animals can be seen during the night game drive, Semuliki is a place where you can clearly take a night game drive where you can see different things like Owls, bats, bush babies among others. The major activity in Semuliki National Park is birding, and this is why it is regarded to as the “True Birders’ Haven “with over 400 bird species, it is the best place to view most of Uganda’s beautiful  birds, most birding trails are around the Sempaya hot springs. The different bird species to look out for include; the African Turacos, crested Malimbe, Black dwarf Hornbill, the Piping Hornbill, Leaf-love, the Red-billed and the Blue-billed Malimbe, Red-thighed and Great sparrows, African wool owl, shoe bill stork and many more. The other activities that can be done in Semiliki unlike birding are Chimpanzee tracking , nature walks, boat rides, games drives(also at night), visiting the hot springs, community walks/visits. Local people There are two major groups of people living in this area such as the Bakonjo and the Bamba. Others include the Batuku who are pastoral cattle keepers whose animals get water and pasture along the river Semiliki and the Batwa (pygmies) also live in the valley. The Batwa are an indigenous group of people that used to stay in the Semiliki forest and all they used to do was to gather fruits and do hunting in the forest. So while in the park you cannot miss out on a community walk or visit to their villages. The other locals in the area also practice subsistence farming where they earn a living from; they also use the forest as a source of certain things they need such as fruits, herbal medicines, bush meat, building materials like wood and vegetables. There is also a small group of people that still leaves in the forests called the Basu they still depend on hunting and gathering of fruits, so touring this park also adds own their well being and also tourists who visit their community can learn a lot from them like how they make hand crafts like baskets, mats among others. Accommodation There are various lodges or hotels around the park that range from up market to budget, such as the Semiliki safari lodge, there are some cottages in        Bumaga and they are located around 2.5km from Sempaya gate. In general all hotels and lodges are accessible; there is nothing to worry about accommodation. Tariffs Concerning the tariffs especially those for activities and park entry fees, it important to contact UWA on their tariff sheet concerning such information since the charges vary over time. Please note that of the funds collected 20% is shared in the communities that stay in the park, this helps to show them the benefits of tourism and also it supports the local’s at large.  

A complete guide to climbing Rwenzori Mountains, when to go and climb, the tourist activities around the mountains, where to stay during after your trek, the climbing routes as well as tour operators specialized in mountaineering in Uganda. This is also known as the mountains of the moon and are mainly found in south western Uganda on Uganda- Congo border. These are the tallest mountain ranges found in Africa, and are the highest mountains in Uganda. These mountains are higher than the Alps and are also ice capped. Mount Stanley is also located in the park, Margherita peak is one of Mount Stanley‘s twin summits and is also Africa’s third highest peak with a height of 5,109m. Africa’s fourth and fifth highest peaks that is Mount Speke and Mount Baker are also located in the park. So a visit to these mountains as well as a hike up to the slopes is one of the most exciting experiences you can ever have. You can also combine the birding safari with the hiking tour in case you are interested in Hiking. About Rwenzori Mountains National Park Location This mountain is located in south-western Uganda on the eastern side of the western Albetine Rift valley. Rwenzori lies along the border of Uganda with the Democratic Republic of Congo and also edges the DRC’s Virunga National park. The park is also located in Kabarole, Bundibugyo, as well as Kasese districts. This national park was also started in 1991 and then designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 due to its exceptional natural beauty. It’s about 1,000km in size it has got the third highest mountain peak, waterfalls, glaciers as well as lakes. It’s also known for its fantastic plant life. Composition of the Park The national park comprises of the eastern and central half of the Rwenzori mountains. This mount is the highest mountain range in the whole of Africa, with over 6 glacial peaks including; Mount Speke, Mount Gessi, Mount Stanley, Mount Emin Pasha, Mount Luigi da Savoia as well as Mount Baker. The major peaks can also be compared to those of Kilimanjaro as well as Mount Kenya. This park has also got glaciers, waterfalls, the snowfields, as well as lakes and this is considered to be Africa’s most fantastic mountain areas. This national park has over 70 mammal species, 217 species of birds, 19 Albertine rift endemics plus the world’s rarest vegetation species. These mountains also lie in western Uganda near the border of Uganda- Congo border. Its equatorial snow peaks includes the third point with Africa and its lower slopes are covered with bamboo,   moorland, the moist montane forest.  There are also large tree heathers as well as the colourful mosses that are covered throughout the mountainside with the giant lobelias as well as the endless flowers that create a charming fairy-tale scene. Mountain Rwenzori is also mountaineering and hiking destination and its known that a 9 to 12 day trek can get a skilled hikers to the summit of Margherita which is the highest peak, though the non-technical hikes are  likely to scale the nearby peaks. This mountain is a great range that is located in Africa along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mountain range is not volcanic in nature though consists of the crystalline rock that moved upwards from the earth’s crust. The past people called these ranges, the mountains of the Moon. Ptolemy, the Alexandrian geographer first used this name on the map. These mountains were also thought to be the source of the Nile. The melting snows from these ranges do feed some of the farthest tributaries of the Nile. This range is 80 miles and contains one of the most dramatic diversities of the ecosystems in the whole world and here there is a few miles from each other and are also heat of the tropical jungles as well as the glacial ice that is cold. There are also five distinct zones of the habitation that generates a world of amazing biodiversity. These ranges were named Rwenzori by the European explorer Henry M Stanley immediately after a native word that means rain maker. For real, this mount is a rain maker for up 250 days a year rain always falls on the mountain hence feeding the dense foliage. Just at the base, there is the African Savannah crowded with the animals including the zebras, elephants as well as birds. This zone is also between 3000 and 5000 to 7500 feet. There are wild banana trees, lianas as well as the ferns. Again above the jungle, you will find the bamboo forest that reach up to over 9500 feet. The bamboo is a type of grass that can grow to over three feet and will reach over a hundred feet in two months’ time. The forest type is also one of the most exceptional habitant to walk through. And above the bamboo, there is Heath zone, this zone also extends to around 12,000 feet and is a land that drips lichen covered heather tree that loom over the ground cover of the mosses and the liverwort. The trees are 40 feet tall and are relatively of low shrub that grows in the Scottish moorlands. At the higher altitude, we shall reach Alpine zone which is above 12,000 feet and it’s a land which is in its lower sections that are filled by the giants. The plants here are so unique only to the Afro Alpine zone that includes the tree groundsel and the giant lobelia. The upper point also reaches at the zone that extends to over 14,500 feet that consist of rocky terrain that is covered with black lichens and the brown mosses. And finally, above 14,500 feet, there is the Margherita peak at 16,763 feet and it’s the highest point in the mount range. At the top, there is mount Stanley, this rwenzori mountains are covered in snow and storm swept glaciers.  The fisrt ascent of the highest peak was also made by Luigi di Savoia, who was the duke of Abrussi that was accompanied by J, Petigax, J. Brocherel and C. Ollier in 1906   ABOUT RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK The land scape and Climate Rwenzori is certainly one of Africa’s most fantastic natural environments. The Rwenzoris are mainly identified as one of the most unique and these have got alpine climates though found in an equatorial location. This also means that it receives higher levels of rainfall that anywhere else in the world. This exciting combination of both heavy rain fall as great exposure to the sun which has created the most basic land scape, wrapped in the giant tree heathers, the lobelias, the groundsel, the colorful lichen as well as the deep moss. It’s also an account of the luxuriant vegetation which the Rwenzoris have been described as the home of Africa’s botanical big game. This park is also home to some of the few tropical glaciers remaining in the world on mount stanley, speke and baker. It’s also only when you climb to the top of the Rwenzoris to its snowcapped peaks that keep over the rain forest below that its detachment below from the equatorial Africa will really become so apparent. Though these glaciers are rapidly retreating and have decreased from a total area of over 2.5 qm to less than half a square mile with in the last century and now it can be climbed with it.

About Mgahinga National Park Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest but most scenic national park. Located in South Western Uganda, Mgahinga sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. It is an important habitat to the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. At 33.7 square kilometers, Mgahinga National Park is the smallest National Park in Uganda. It is located in the remote South-western district of Kisoro. It lies close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, another home to the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda. Mgahinga National Park forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. It is bordered by is bordered to the south by the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and to the west by the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery. Things to See in Mgahinga There are lots of things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. From the endangered mountain gorillas to scenic volcanoes, there is a lot to see in this amazing national park, a place where gold meets the silver! Here are the top attractions; Mountain Gorillas Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to critically endangered mountain gorillas, the major reason as to why the park was created. The park protects these endangered apes that roam through the Virunga ranges that are spread through Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo. Wild Animals Mgahinga National park is a home to over 39 mammal species including more than 10 primate species and the stars of the show are the endangered mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys that are easily seen on guided wildlife tours within the park. Virunga Volcanoes Mgahinga is also known to shelter 3 of the 8 Volcanoes in the Virunga Massif that include Mount Gahinga (3474 meters/11,400 feet above sea level), Mount Sabinyo (3674 meters/12,180 feet above sea level) and Mount Muhabura (4127 meters/13,540 feet above sea level). Garama Caves There are numerous caves but the most significant of all is the Garama cave located 4 km from Ntebeko visitor center. The 200 meter long caves are sacred places for the BaTwa who were evicted from their ancestral forest in 1991. Read More Golden Monkeys There are numerous caves but the most significant of all is the Garama cave located 4 km from Ntebeko visitor center. The 200 meter long caves are sacred places for the BaTwa who were evicted from their ancestral forest in 1991. Read More Local Culture Visit the Batwa People of Bwindi. Originally, these minority people were inhabitants of the rainy forests on which they heavily relied as their source of food & medicine for years. They’re also excellent hunters & fruit gatherers. Read More Virunga Volcanoes The Virunga Volcanoes are a chain of East African Mountains along the Southern Border of Uganda, Northern Rwanda and Eastern Congo. Mgahinga National Park proudly hosts three of these eight volcanoes found in the Virunga Region. Mount Gahinga Mt. Gahinga (3,473) meters above sea level is the lowest and easy to hike about 6-8 hour loop trail leads to a 180 meters wide swamp that covered up the Crater Lake on top. Bird Watching Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has an alluring list of over 180 species of birds including some Albertine endemics. Read More Golden Monkey Tracking Golden Monkey Tracking is a must do to travelers visiting Mgahinga. This amazing adventure is done in the morning hours and can be done all year round. Read More

Kibale Forest National Park Uganda is one of the best safari destination in Africa for chimpanzee tracking. See advice, sample Uganda safari packages, how to get a chimpanzee tracking permit and so much more information on Uganda tours. Location Of Kibale National Park The Location of Kibale National Park is in the western part of Uganda about 348km (5 hrs drive) from Kampala and about 26km south-east of the beautiful Fort Portal town – one of Uganda’s most lovely places to explore. The park is located close to the serene Ndali Kasenda crater area and it takes a half day’s drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains & Semuliki National Parks and the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Southern Kibale borders Queen Elizabeth National Park and collectively these conserved areas protect a 180 km long migration corridor for wildlife that stretches from the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in “Ishasha”, to “Sebitoli” in northern Kibale. Vegetation Areas In Kibale National Park Kibale’s varied vegetation offers different varieties of wildlife habitat, ranging from the moist evergreen forest (wet tropical forest) along the Fort Portal plateau, then through the dry tropical forest (moist semi deciduous), and then to the woodland and savanna along the rift valley floor. In the central part of the park, around Kanyanchu, the high forest consist of a mixture of evergreen trees and deciduous with the evergreen species being dominant. The vegetation rises to over 55m and establishes a semi-closed canopy of massive stratified tree crowns. With shade tolerant herbs, a variety of ferns, shrubs and broad leaved forest grasses, the undergrowth is sparse. 351 tree species have been registered in the park. Wildlife In Kibale National With 13 different species, the number and diversity of primates in Kibale National Park is the highest in the whole of Africa. The most popular of these are the chimpanzees with over 1450 individuals living here making it the best destination to enjoy a Chimpanzee Tracking Tour. A Uganda safari will enable you to see all these primates. In addition Kibale is home to the uncommon L’Hoest’s monkeys, East Africa’s biggest population of the endangered red colobus monkeys, the black & white colobus, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabeys, bush babies as well as potto among many others. There is a number of other wildlife in Kibale National Park however they are hardly seen. These consist of buffaloes, leopards, bush pigs, elephants, and duikers. A keen viewer may also be able to spot some amphibians, reptiles and a variety of colorful butterflies. When To Visit Although Kibale National Park is accessible throughout the year, the Best time to Visit the park is during the dry season when the trails are dry and passable. This runs from December to February and then from June to September. The wettest area in Kibale is the northern area, receiving an average annual rainfall of approximately 1700mm, mainly during March to May and September to November. The climate is usually pleasant with an average annual temperature range of 14C to 27C. The southern part of the park experiences the maximum temperatures and lower amounts of rains where the terrain drops onto the hot rift valley floor and forest provides way to open grassland. Other Activities In Kibale National Park Kibale Forest Hikes | Walking Trail The Kibale Forest walk trail is 12km long and the hike is usually done in the dry season from the month of June to September are mid-November to February, taking between 5 and 6 hours. Hiking Tours offer you an opportunity to discover the park’s assorted habitats such as river line forest, swamp, grassland and tropical rainforest. Birding In Kibale The park is a home to 325 different bird species, including 6 that are native to the Albertine Rift area like the dusky crimsonwing, black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared apalis, red-faced woodland warbler and purple-breasted sunbird. Other Kibale specials are the green breasted pitta, African pitta, black bee-eater, Abyssinian ground thrush, yellow spotted nicator, little greenbul, black-eared ground thrush, brown chested alethe, yellow rumped tinker bird, blue-breasted kingfisher, along with the crowned eagle. The Bigodi nature walk offers the best bird watching opportunities in the park as the swamp alone has approximately 138 bird species. It’s also famous for wildlife such as chimpanzees, red colobus, black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, bushbuck as well as mongoose. Cultural Tours Around Kibale Led by a local guide, you will get a chance to meet the native Batooro people as well as the Bakiga immigrants (from the densely populated southwestern part of Uganda) who stay around this park. During the Kibale Cultural Tours you will visit a traditional village to see the traditional lifestyle of the Batoro, visit the local church, primary school, traditional healer and get a closer encounter with these natives. You will also enjoy some energetic traditional dances and songs by the Bakiga. Crater Lakes Tour The Kasenda area found in Fort Portal is home to more than 50 different crater lakes which are surrounded by steep sided volcanoes. a visit to this picturesque are will give you an opportunity to appreciate the unique landscape of this area. Cultural Trails The nature walk begins from Kanyanchu or Sebitoli and it takes about 2 to 6 days. The enroute will help discover the forest and late rest in the community-run campsites close to the villages of Kikoni, Nyakalongo and Nyaibanda. Combining Chimpanzee Tracking With Other Uganda Safaris You can combine your chimpanzee tracking safari with gorilla trekking tours, or Uganda Wildlife Safari Tours to other parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki, Murchison Falls or Climb Mount Rwenzori. Holidaymakers with more safari time can combine this with Rwanda Tours and Kenya Safaris Popular Chimpanzee Tracking Tours 3 Days Chimpanzee And Bigodi Uganda Safari Day 1: Arrival Day 2: Chimpanzee Trek Day 3: Departure Cost: $800 pp in Mid-range Accommodation 5 Days Chimp And Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari Day 1: Arrival Day 2: Chimp Trek – Kibale NP Day 3 to 4: Gorilla Trek – Bwindi Day 5: Departure Cost: $1700 pp in budget Accommodation 7 Days Chimpanzee, Wildlife And Gorilla Trekking Safari Day 1: Arrival Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking Kibale Day 3 – 4: Wildlife Adventure – Queen Elizabeth NP Day 5-6: Gorilla Trek – Bwindi NP Day 7: Departure Cost: $2100 pp in Mid-range Accommodation Cost Of A Safari In Kibale National Park When we talk about the cost of a safari in this park, It will be determined by a number of factors like the Kibale National Park entrance fee which is about $40 for foreign non-resident adults and $20 for children, the cost of the various activities that you will be engaging in such as chimpanzee trekking $200, birding at $30 the Bigodi Swamp Nature Walk at $30 and then the type of accommodation you will be staying at ranging from the luxury to budget facilities among which is the Crater Safari Lodge, Isunga Lodge Kibale, Ndali Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge among others

Little visited and unexplored, Kidepo lies in the far northeast of Uganda, and as such is the most isolated of parks in the country. Dominated by rugged mountain scenery and savannah it is traditionally considered the only national park where cheetah is present. With a significant bird checklist, including 60 species recorded in no other national park, birders are richly rewarded. Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya, some 700km from Kampala. Gazetted as a national park in 1962, it has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well as around 475 bird species. Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges. During the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley the park’s prime game viewing location.

Size: 3,840km2 Murchison Falls became one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952 At Murchison Falls, the Nile squeezes through an 8m wide gorge and plunges with a thunderous roar into the "Devil's Cauldron", creating a trademark rainbow The northern section of the park contains savanna and borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland. The south is dominated by woodland and forest patches The 1951 film "The African Queen" starring Humphrey Bogart was filmed on Lake Albert and the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. First gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area, hosting 76 species of mammals and 451 birds. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centerpiece of the park and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river's energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda's most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes and buffaloes; while hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents. Notable visitors to the park include Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway and several British royals. ganda’s most popular safari destination provides classic big game. A total of 95 mammal species can be found in Queen Elizabeth, the highest of any Ugandan national park, including ten primate species and more than 600 bird species. The park itself is divided into three major sectors: Mweya Peninsula, Kyambura Gorge, and Ishasha. Mweya is the main tourist focus of the park and offers excellent game viewing by vehicle or boat on the Kazinga Channel. Kyambura Gorge is most notable for the habituated chimpanzees that visitors can track within the forested river gorge. The Ishasha Plains is a natural route between QENP and Bwindi, providing varied wildlife sightings including tree climbing lions.

Size: 321km2 Altitude: 1,160m - 2,607m above sea level. Bwindi was gazetted as a National Park in 1991 and declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994. The Mubare gorilla group was the first to become available for tourism in Uganda in April 1993. Nine groups are now habituated for tourism, and one for research. Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys, Bwindi is the source of five major rivers, which flow into Lake Edward.   Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which can be tracked. This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. The neighboring towns of Buhoma and Nkuringo both have an impressive array of luxury lodges, rustic bandas and budget campsites, as well as restaurants, craft stalls and guiding services. Opportunities abound to discover the local Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy cultures through performances, workshops and village walks.  Download Park Brochure