Category: Uganda National Park

Rwenzori mountain also known as the Mountains of the moon happens to be with the third tallest mountain summit in Africa standing on approximately 16763 feet tall (5109 meters). Mountain Rwenzori is also considered to be among the sources or starting point of the longest river in the world (River Nile) and Rwenzori National Park happens to be home to this amazing attraction which is the reason to why the park was gazetted in the year 1991 and later on was declared as a UNESCO World heritage Site in the year 1994. Mountain Rwenzori National Park is located in the south western part of Uganda approximately 375 kilometers away from Kampala which is the capital city of Uganda which means it takes roughly about 6-8 hours to get there depending on the route used and the accessibility. The Park is located along the Albertine rift valley bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and below is the basic information you need know about Mountain Rwenzori National Park before you decide to visit for an adventure.

What are the attractions of Mountain Rwenzori National Park?

Mountain Rwenzori National Park has a number of attractions which are a reason to why most tourists visit. With the major attraction being Mountain Rwenzori (Mountains of the Moon), there are various attractions that you should look forward to seeing or spotting once you visit and these are

Wildlife in Rwenzori National Park

Rwenzori National Park is home to a variety of wildlife species (over 70 mammal species) of which about 6 mammals are endemic species to the Albertine Rift Valley and some of these include elephants, chimpanzees, Rwenzori otters, leopards, back and white colobus monkeys, tiny antelopes, brushbacks, and reptiles such as the three horned chameleon. although spotting these animals is quite difficult, but while hiking the mountain the chances of encountering some of them is higher.

Vegetation cover in Mountain Rwenzori National Park

The vegetation cover on the slopes of Mountain Rwenzori is quite interesting and eye catching while hiking Mountain Rwenzori and walking in the park. The vegetation cover varies depending on the zone or altitude you have reached while hiking and these are Savannah zone (covers from about 680m to 1800m), Afromontane Forest zone (covers from about 1800m to 2600m), Bamboo Forest zone (covers from about 2600m to 2900m), Heather / Rapenea zone (covers about 2900 m to 4000m), Afro-alpine moorland zone (covers about 4000m to 4500m), and Rocky / Glacier zone (covers about 4500m to 5109m).

Birds in Rwenzori National Park

Rwenzori National Park is home to over 217 different bird species of which about 17 are endemic species which makes it one of the bird heavens or birding destinations in Uganda. the forest zone which covers approximately 1800m has a variety of birds to be spotted which include Blue headed sunbird, Cinamon- chested -Bee eater, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Turaco, long eared owl, Greenbuls, Strange weaver, Golden winged sunbird, barbets, Apalises, Fly catchers, to list a few. These birds can easily be spotted flying around in the forest zone of Mountain Rwenzori.

Rwenzori snow peaks in Rwenzori National Park

Mountain Rwenzori has about 6 ranges which are located few miles south of the equator with the highest being Mount Stanely (Margherita standing on about 5109 meters), Mount Baker (stands on about 4,844 meters), Mount Speke (stands on about 4890 meters), Mount Luigi di Savioa (standing on approximately 4637 meters), Mount Emin (standing on about 15742 ft high), Mount Gessi made up of twin peaks (Lolanda standing on about 15,470ft and Bottego standing on about 15,418 ft).

Lakes in Mountain Rwenzori National Park

Mountain Rwenzori National Park has about 20 lakes which are all a result of melting glaciers of the mountain. These lakes are a source of water to different rivers like River Nyamwamba (in Kasese district) and also support floods plains and human activities. Due to the coldness of the water in these lakes, there is no aquatic life (fish, frogs, crocodiles) found there. Some of the lakes found Rwenzori National Park include Lake Mahoma, Lake Bujuku, Lake Katandara, Lake Irene, to name a few.

Activities/ what to do in Rwenzori National Park

There are a number of tourists activities that you can carry out or do when you visit Mountain Rwenzori National Park, and these include

Hiking Mountain Rwenzori

Being the major attraction in the park, also Mountain Rwenzori hiking is the major tourist activity or the main reason to why most tourist visit this park. Hiking or climbing mountain Rwenzori takes to approximately 6 to 12 days which are determined by different factors such as fitness of the climber or hiker, the hiking trail or route used, the weather conditions and the hiking tour package of a client.

Community tours/ visits

You can also do a community tour in the nearby communities such as the Bakonzo/ Ruboni community (main occupants of the nearby community to the park, Bikone community, Mihunga community, Kilembe, and Bikone Parish. When you visit any of these communities, you will get to learn about their history, way of life, interact with them, also get to watch them perform their cultural dances.

Other travel activities that are done or can be carried out in Mountain Rwenzori National Park include birding, guided nature walks, primate watching, research study, photography, to name a few.

What is the best time to visit Mountain Rwenzori National Park?

Mountain Rwenzori National Park is always open for tourists or visitors to visit but the best time or recommended time is during the dry season of the year (June to September and December to February). The dry season is the best time to visit Rwenzori National Park because during this time of the year because the hiking trails are dry and more accessible which makes the activity easier than during the wet season when the trails tend to be filled with mud and slippery which makes the hiking more difficult that it already was.

What to pack for hiking mountain Rwenzori?

There are essential items that you should consider packing for your Mountain Rwenzori hiking safari or tour and some of these include waterproof hiking boots. Waterproof Jacket, long sleeved shirts, long sleeved trousers, sleeping bag, hiking socks, a pair or wool gloves, backpack, first aid kit, insect repellant, to list a few.

Mountain Rwenzori is very challenging and needs healthy and physically fit individuals to hike for those that do not trust their fitness but would like to have an experience of hiking Mountain Rwenzori, we can customize for you a short hiking package of about 3 to 4 days where you will not get to the higher summits of the mountain but will have a great experience to tell a bout.

Pian Upe Wild Reserve is located in the northeastern part of Uganda (situated in the Karamoja region) approximately 416 kilometers away from Kampala the capital city of Uganda which takes about 8 to 9 hours to get there by road transport. Ater Murchison Falls National Park, Pian Upe happens to be the second largest conservation area in Uganda covering an area of approximately 2,275 square kilometers which covers about 8 districts which include Amudat, Moroto, Napak, Kumi, Kween, Bukedia, Bulambuli, and Katakwi. This conservation area is under the management of Mount Elgon Conservation Department. Pian Upe National Reserve was originally before turning into a reserve was known to be a battle ground for cattle wrestling between for the Karamojong people and it was latter on gazette as a Debasien Animal Sanctuary though by then the boundaries of the reserve were still under threat when the agricultural produce project was established by the government in the south of Girik River. The threats of this area forced the government of Uganda to expand it northwards and named it a Pian Upe Wild Reserve and it also shows interest in upgrading it into a National Park. The name Pian means (calm hearted people and Upe means enemy, when combined together this name means friendly enemies due to the peace that came along with the tourism that was introduced to this area.

What attractions can I see in Pian Upe?

There are a variety or a number of attractions that you can see or spot in Pian Upe Wild Reserve when you visit there and these include

Land scape in Pian Upe Wild Reserve

Pian Upe is made up or mostly covered woodland savannah plains which are made of short trees, lemon grass, bristle species, beard grass, thatching grass, to mention a few and are surrounded by mountains giving it a good back drop.  Photographers or tourists who love unique and beautiful photos of beautiful sceneries, Pian Upe is the way to go.

Wild life in Pian Upe Wild Reserve

Pian Upe has a number of wildlife that you can spot on a Uganda safari while doing a game drive or a guide nature walk. Some of the animals you should look forward to spotting include, cheetahs, the only remaining Roan antelopes, wildcats, jackals, spotted hyenas, Civets, Serval cats, common Eland, Oribis, impalas, hartebeest, duikers, to name a few. Pian Upe is also a home to primates like baboons, pattas monkeys, and vervet monkeys. You can also spot reptiles there such as rock pythons, monitor lizards, geckos, water snakes, chameleons to name a few.

Birds in Pian Upe Wild Reserve

When it comes to bird life, Pian Upe is called home by approximately 250 different bird species which include ostriches, fox weaver, secretary birds, white headed buffalo, superb sterling, yellow billed shrike, Karamoja apalis, Jackson’s horn bill, green bitta, to name a few. You can spot these bird flying around during game drives and guided nature walks in Pian Upe Wild Reserve.

Community tours near Pian Upe Wild Reserve

Being close to homes of the nomadic pastoralists tribes which are Karamojong’s and the Kalenjin’s who are both known for being cattle keepers and their rich culture which you should not miss out on experiencing during your Uganda Safari. You can also visit the Karamojong’s Museum which is filled up with their art crafts telling their stories, heritage and history to tourists or visitors who visit.

Mountain Kadam in Pian Upe Wild Reserve

Mountain Kadam is one of the stunning attractions in Pian Upe Wild Reserve standing on an elevation of approximately 3,063 meters above the sea level offering hiking opportunities to tourists or visitors who happen to visit the reserve. The visitors or tourists who hike Mountain Kadam are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the wild reserve.

Activities to do / carry out in Pian Upe Wild Reserve

Just as the attractions, there a number of tourist activities that you can do or carry out when you visit Pain Upe Wild Reserve and these include guided community tours, game drives, birding, hiking Mountain Kadam, to list a few.

What is the best time to visit Pian Upe Wild Reserve?

Pian Upe is open to tourists or visitors throughout the whole year but the best time to visit or recommended time to visit is during the dry season of the year (June to September and December to February). The dry season is the best time to visit Pian Upe because during this period or time of the year the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities like game drives, birding, guided nature walks and community visits. Also, during the dry season the walking and driving trails are more accessible than during the wet or rainy seasons where the trails are filled with mud and are slippery.

What to pack when visiting Pian Upe Wild Reserve

There are a variety of items or things you should consider packing or bringing along for your visit to Pian Upe Wild Reserve include, hat or cape, raincoat or jacket, a pair of binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, light clothes with neutral colors, refillable drinking water bottle, bag pack, to list a few.

Despite the fact that Pian Upe is a newly discovered or recognized tourist destination, this travel destination offers the best safari experience with its raw attractions that have not yet been discovered as much by many tourists. Why don’t you book now with us and be among the few lucky people to explore this travel destination in Uganda.

Semuliki National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Uganda, and it is well known for the hot springs found there, which are a must-see attraction for tourists and visitors. Apart from the hot springs, Semuliki National Park also boasts a diverse array of bird, plant, and butterfly species, to name a few. Semuliki National Park was first established as a forest reserve in the year 1932 and was later upgraded to a national park in the year 1993. Covering approximately 220 square kilometers, the lowland tropical rainforest is located along the base of the Albertine rift valley, west of Fort Portal city, bordered by Lake Albert in the north and the Semliki River in the west, which also acts as a border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  As you continue reading, below are some of the frequently asked questions about Semuliki National Park.

Where is Semuliki National Park located?

Semuliki National Park is located in the western part of Uganda in Bundibugyo district, along the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, along the western arm of the Albertine rift valley.

What is the major attraction in Semuliki National Park?

Semuliki National Park is famous for the abundance of different bird species found there, which also happen to be the major attraction in the park. Semuliki National Park is also known as the ‘’ Birder’s nest due to the high number of different bird species that call it home. With over 410 different bird species, this makes Semuliki National Park a perfect travel destination for bird lovers who would love to tick off different birds from their birding list. Some of the birds that you should look forward to spotting in Semuliki National Park include weaver birds, colorful sunbirds, Guinea Congo biome birds, different types of hornbills, Great Blue Turaco, White Billed Kingfisher, Hartlaub’s duck, to name a few.

Other attractions in Semuliki National Park

Apart from the variety of bird species, Semuliki National Park also happens to have several other attractions, which include,

Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is home to the famous Sempaya hot springs, which are made up of Nyasimbi hot spring, which is on the other side, considered to be the female hot spring with its water boiling to approximately 103 degrees, which spurts with bubbling water, which is always about two meters high. The male hot spring is known as Bintente hot springs, which covers approximately 12 meters having a wider pool that is mostly used by tourists to boil eggs and bananas, for about 5 to 10 minutes. On your way to the hot springs, you be able to spot a variety of attractions like plants, different bird species, to name a few.

Wildlife in Semuliki National Park

A variety of wildlife animals also call Semuliki National Park home. These can be spotted wandering around the park, though the best way to spot them is by embarking on a guided game drive in Semuliki National Park. These wildlife species or animals include forest elephants, monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, and some nocturnal animals, to name a few. For better views of spotting wildlife, tourists always opt to visit Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, which happens to be the oldest wildlife reserve in Uganda.

Semuliki River in Semuliki National Park

Home to some mammals, the Semuliki River is one of the attractions in this park is also a hot spot for wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and other wild animals that come to drink water from it. The Semuliki River is about 140 to 160 kilometers long and about 35,087.6 square kilometers wide, with fresh water flowing through the Rwenzori mountains to Lake Albert, which continues and pours into the River Nile.

The Batwa community near Semuliki National Park

For cultural encounters or experience, tourists visit the Batwa people, who are dependent on the forest in the park for food since they happen to be food and fruit gatherers. Tourists who visit the Batwa community always get a chance to interact with the Batwa people, learn about their lifestyle, learn about their culture, watch them perform their cultural dances, and learn about their history.

What to do in Semuliki National Park

Just as the different attractions, there is also a variety of tourist activities that can be done or carried out by visitors or tourists who visit Semuliki National Park, some of these include

Community tour/ visit

Community tours or visits are one of the activities that are done on tours or safaris to Semuliki National Park. Community tours or visits give tourists a chance to interact with the local people, learn about their way of life, history, culture, and customs. And in the case of Semuliki National Park, the most visited community is the Batwa community, since they depend on the forest in the park for their lifestyle or daily life.  

Game drives in Semuliki National Park

Mostly conducted in the oldest game reserve in Uganda, which is Toro-semuliki National Reserve, guided game drives are also conducted to enable tourists and visitors spot a variety of wildlife such as forest elephants, primates like monkeys, hippos, warthogs, waterbucks, kobs, to name a few.

Birding in Semuliki National Park

Being called the birders’ nest, birding is the most popular activity in Semuliki National Park by different tourists or visitors who have love for birds and have birds they are looking forward to ticking off their lists. With a variety of birds and in high numbers, Semuliki National Park happens to be one of the best spots in Uganda to carry out or do birding.

Other tourist activities that are done or carried out in Semuliki National Park include guided nature walks, visiting the hot springs, photography, and research studies, to name a few.

What is the best time to visit Semuliki National Park?

Semuliki National Park is always open to visitors or tourists throughout the whole year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season of the year from June to August and December to February.  The dry season is the best time to visit because during this time of the year the weather is more friendly and favors a lot of outdoor tourist activities. Also, during the dry season, the walking trails are dry and more accessible than during the wet or rainy season, when they tend to be slippery with limited access.

For more information, feel free to inquire or get in touch with our team of experienced consultants, or book with us today for an affordable, custom-made Authentic Uganda safari package, which includes Semuliki National Park as a travel destination.

Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda in Kamwenge district, established in 1993, and forms a continuous forest that adjoins Queen Elizabeth National Park, and it covers an area of approximately 766km2. The park is popular for its high population of habituated chimps and a high concentration of primates in Africa. Kibale National Park boasts a diverse vegetation, characterized by tropical rainforests dominated by mahogany, ironwood, and fig trees, moist semi-deciduous forests with a closed canopy and abundant epiphytes, and swamp forests along waterways with unique plant species.

Small areas of grasslands and savannas are also present, supporting an incredible array of flora and fauna, including approximately 1,450 plant species,  about 335 bird species like African grey parrot, blue-headed coucal, black-billed turaco, long crested eagle, great blue turaco, red fronted tinkerbird, yellow stopped nicator, yellow billed barbet, purple breasted sunbird, red chested sunbird, collared sunbird, scarlet chested sunbird, blue breasted kingfisher, green breasted pitta, black-bee-eater, Abyssinia ground thrush, dusky crimson wing, black headed gonolek, little greenbul, double toothed barbet, yellow rumped tinkerbird and the majestic crowned eagle, and about 60 mammal species such as olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys, leopards, servals, elephants, buffalo, bushbucks and duiker making Kibale one of Africa’s most biodiverse national parks.

What to see / Attractions in Kibale Forest National Park

Wildlife in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National Park is renowned for its incredible wildlife diversity, boasting over 1,500 plant species, approximately 350 bird species, and about 70 mammal species. The park is most famous for its chimpanzee population, with over 1,500 individuals, making it one of the largest and most accessible chimpanzee populations in Africa. Other primates include olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys. The park is home to different primates apart from chimpanzees, like different monkey species, along with a few other wild animals. Its habitat, ranging from tropical rainforests to grasslands, supports a wide range of wildlife.

Birds in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting an incredible number of over 350 different bird species, recorded also home to nearly 6% of Africa’s total bird species. The park’s diverse habitats, ranging from tropical rainforests to grasslands and wetlands, support a wide range of birdlife. Some of the notable bird species found in Kibale include the African grey parrot, blue-headed coucal, black-billed turaco, long crested eagle, great blue turaco, red fronted tinkerbird, yellow stopped nicator, yellow billed barbet, purple breasted sunbird, red chested sunbird, collared sunbird, scarlet chested sunbird, blue breasted kingfisher, green breasted pitta, black-bee-eater, Abyssinia ground thrush, dusky crimson wing, black headed gonolek, little greenbul, double toothed barbet, yellow rumped tinkerbird and the majestic crowned eagle. Kibale National Park is also a key habitat for various waterbird species, such as grey herons, little egrets, pied kingfishers, reed cormorants, and malachite kingfishers, which can be spotted along the park’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands. With its rich birdlife, Kibale National Park is a must-visit destination for any serious birder or nature lovers.

What to do / Activities in Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is a guided adventure that lets you observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. With experienced rangers, you will trek through the tropical rainforest, learning more about chimpanzee behaviours, habitat, and social structures. Get a close encounter with these intelligent creatures as they forage, interact, and climb trees, eat fruits and roots. A moderate level of fitness is required, and strict guidelines are in place to ensure safety and conservation of the park. After your tracking adventure, you will be awarded a certificate as a token of appreciation for your participation in your visit and as proof that you had a one-on-one encounter with the Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park.

Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale National Park involves chimpanzee trekking as well, but it is only different from chimpanzee trekking in terms of the time or period given to tourists or visitors to spend in the presence of these amazing creatures. The time given for chimpanzee trekking is about 1 hour, and for chimpanzee habituation is approximately 4 hours.

Birding in Kibale Forest National Park

Birding in Kibale National Park is a thrilling experience, offering a chance to spot over 350 species of birds amidst lush tropical rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands. Expert guides will help you identify rare and endemic species, such as the African grey parrot and blue-headed coucal, as well as tropical rainforest specialists, wetland, and grassland birds. Making Kibale a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Nature walks in Kibale Forest National Park.

Nature walks in Kibale National Park offer a serene and immersive experience, allowing you to connect with the park’s stunning natural beauty. Guided by expert rangers, you will explore the park’s lush tropical rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands, discovering diverse flora and fauna, scenic landscapes, and intimate wildlife encounters. With a relaxed and flexible pace, expert guidance, and unique photography opportunities, nature walks in Kibale provide an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking relaxation through connecting with nature.

What to pack for Kibale Forest National Park

When visiting Kibale National Park, pack wisely to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Bring comfortable hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts and pants, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and essential personal items like insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, and a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget health and safety items like a first-aid kit, personal medications, and malaria prophylaxis. Additionally, pack a backpack with snacks, energy bars, a map, a guidebook, and a flashlight.

 Where to stay in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National Park offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences. Luxury lodges like Ndali Lodge and Primates Lodge provide luxurious rooms and fine dining, while mid-range options like Kibale Forest Lodge and Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse offer comfortable rooms and easy access to the park. Budget-friendly options like Kibale Forest Camp and Bigodi Hotel provide simple but clean and comfortable rooms, and for the adventurous, camping sites like Kibale Forest Campsite are also available. When choosing, consider proximity to the park, amenities, and activities offered, and book in advance, especially during peak season.

How to get to Kibale Forest National Park

Getting to Kibale National Park is relatively easy, with several options available. By road, Kibale is approximately 320 km west of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, and the drive takes around 4-5 hours via the Kampala – Mubende -Fort Portal, Kampala – Homa – Kyenjojo route. Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kasese Airstrip.

When to visit Kibale National Park

The best time to visit Kibale National Park is during the dry seasons, from December to February and from June to September. These periods offer dry trails, which make trekking easier, hiking, and walking, clear skies, better visibility for wildlife viewing, and photography. However, the park is open year-round, but the rainy seasons, March to May and October to November, may make trails more challenging and wildlife viewing more difficult.

Are you planning a Uganda safari, and chimpanzee trekking is one of your bucket list activities? Kibale National Park is the best travel destination in Uganda that will give you the best experience, and all you have to do is book with us now and let us be the pilot of your safari.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the gentle giants (Mountain Gorillas), which are under a threat of extinction due to certain factors, including poaching. Uganda, as a travel destination, happens to have the highest population of mountain gorillas, approximately half of the remaining gorilla population. Covered with mist, Bwindi Forest is called impenetrable due to thick vegetation cover, which makes the searching of Mountain gorillas more interesting, tricky, and adventurous. Are you planning a Uganda safari that includes visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Do you have a dream of trekking and seeing Mountain gorillas (the Gentle Giants) face-to-face, experiencing the best, and gaining fulfillment? Here are the basics you should get to learn, or the frequently asked questions about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Where is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located or situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a backdrop of Virunga National Park on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley covering approximately 321 square kilometers, made of both lowland and Montane Forest.

What to see or Attractions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is blessed with several attractions that tourists or visitors from different parts of the world come to and appreciate nature in Bwindi. Some of these attractions that you should look forward to seeing in Bwindi include,

Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Mostly made up or covered with montane vegetation cover, which includes forests that have fruits, making it the ideal or perfect home to a high number of birds. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 351 different bird species, which also include about 21 bird species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. Some of the birds you should look forward to spotting and ticking off your birding list when you visit Bwindi include African Green Broadbill, Great Blue Turaco, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Giant Kingfishers, Redheaded Hornbill, Green-backed Herons, African Wood Owl, strip-breasted tit, African green pigeon, Blue Wooded Owl, Dwarf Honeyguide, White- headed Saw-Wing, Montane oriole, Handsome francolin, to list a few.

Cultural experiences near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Cultural encounters or cultural experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offer deep immersion with the Bakiga and the Batwa (pygmy), who are known to be the original inhabitants of Bwindi. Carrying out or going for a cultural encounter in either the Batwa or Bakiga communities only means that you are going to learn about these people’s cultural heritage, ways of life, history, interact with them, and watch them perform their cultural dances.

Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Mountain gorillas, also known as gentle giants, are fascinating creatures that are believed to share approximately 98% of human DNA, making them our closest living relatives. Bwindi is home to approximately 495 mountain gorillas, with around 25 habituated gorilla groups that can be tracked and observed by tourists or visitors. To see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi, you have to carry out or do Mountain gorilla tracking activity or a mountain gorilla habituation, and the only difference between the two activities is the time spent with or in the presence of mountain gorillas. With Mountain gorilla trekking, you get to spend not more than an hour in the presence of mountain gorillas, while for Mountain gorilla habituation activity, you get to spend more than an hour in the presence of mountain gorillas.

How is Mountain Gorilla Trekking done in Bwindi?

Just like any other travel activity that has procedures to be followed, in the same way, Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has procedures that you are expected to follow, and they are as follows,

Mountain gorilla trekking activity is done or carried out during morning hours, so you are expected to head to the park headquarters for a briefing, where the dos and don’ts will be given to you. After the briefing, you will be divided and allocated to different groups of not more than 8 people having different tour guides and game rangers. In the same way, you will also be allocated to different trekking trails, which will lead you to different mountain gorilla groups. After all that is done, you will start or begin your mountain gorilla trekking activity. Mountain gorilla trekking activity takes approximately 30 minutes to 8 hours of searching for gorillas in their natural habitat; the time is determined by different factors, such as the location of a mountain gorilla group, the trekking pace, and others. In most cases, lunch is packed for tourists or visitors while heading for this activity, a lunch break is always given to you so that you get what to eat. On allocation or encountering a mountain gorilla group, you will be given not more than 1 hour to spend in their presence. From there, you will either head back to your lodge or head for a community tour or do any other activity, depending on your tour itinerary.

Other attractions or what to see in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Mountain gorilla hiking trails that have different attractions, such as the bamboo forest, River Ivi, Mubwindi swamp, to name a few.

What to do or activities done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Just as there are a variety of attractions, there are also several travel activities that can be done or carried out when you visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and some of these include,

Mountain gorilla tracking

This is an activity that tourists do or carry out with the help of tour guides and game rangers to search for mountain gorillas in their natural habitat while tracking on foot. The tracking activity takes about 30 minutes to 8 hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorillas, the tracking pace of the tourists or visitors, the weather conditions, and accessibility of the tracking trails, to name a few. On finding or allocating the mountain gorilla group, you will be given not more than 1 hour to spend in the presence of the mountain gorillas.

Other activities to carry out in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include community visits or cultural encounters, guided nature walks in Bwindi, birding, and mountain gorilla habituation, where you will get to spend more time in the presence of mountain gorillas.

Inconclusion Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best destinations in Uganda that you should not miss out during your safari or visit in Uganda and get an amazing lifetime experience with the mountain gorillas (Gentle giants), which is a dream come true for many people. Book now today and let us be your campus direction or guide to your lifetime experience.

Did you know that Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda? Originally, Murchison Falls National Park was gazetted or opened up as a national reserve in the year 1926 and was later turned or upgraded into a national park in the year 1952, which made it Uganda’s first national park. The most outstanding attraction of Murchison Falls National Park is, of course, Murchison Falls, which the park is named after, and also happens to be the strongest waterfall in the world. Initially, this park was known as or called Kabalega National Park and was later named Murchison Falls National Park after the European Roderick Murchison, who was the then president of the Royal Geographical Society. As you continue, below are some of the frequently asked questions about Murchison Falls National Park and the basics you need to know before visiting.

Where is Murchison Falls National Park located?

Murchison Falls National Park is located in northern Uganda along the end of the Albertine Rift Valley, with an area of approximately 3,893 square kilometers covered with vast savannah. Murchison Falls National Park generally covers about four districts within and beyond the Bunyonyi escarpment, which include Masindi, Nwoya, Kiryadongo, and Buyisa.

What to see or attractions in Murchison Falls National Park

Since Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda, this only means that there is a lot to see when you visit, and some of the attractions you should look forward to seeing in Murchison Falls National Park,

Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is blessed with a diversity of wildlife, which also includes the four wild animals of the Big Five (Leopard, Elephants, Buffaloes, and Lions), and the other big five animal (Rhino) can be seen or tracked in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary on your way to or from Murchison Falls National Park. Other animals or wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park include antelopes, primates (chimpanzees, monkeys, and baboons), warthogs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, to name a few. The best way to spot these wild animals is during game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls National Park.

Birds in Murchison Falls National Park

Over 556 different bird species, making Murchison Falls National Park one of the best birding destinations in Uganda. Some of the birds that you should be looking forward to ticking off your birding list when you visit Murchison Falls National Park include the shoebill stork, white-crested turaco, Red- winged grey warbler, African fish eagle, saddle-billed stork, Goliath heron, Grey-crested crane, Secretary birds, Vultures, Blue-naped Mousebird, Red-throated bee-eater, Black- headed lapwing, Rock pratincole, white-faced Whistling-Duck, to name a few.

Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls is the major attraction in this park and also happens to be the strongest waterfall worldwide, as mentioned above. This makes it very outstanding and unique that a very high number of tourists or visitors are drawn to it, hence their visiting Murchison Falls National Park to have a fulfilling experience of witnessing this amazing attraction.

River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda is such a blessed country with nature and among the beautiful unique attractions it has is the source of River Nile known to be the longest river in the world, it is found in Jinja and from there it flows through Murchison falls National Park where its water come in contact with big rocks, clashes and forms its way through hence forming the rapids, mist and the beautiful rainbow. From the waterfalls, the River Nile continues gently and flows to join Lake Albert.

Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park

Budongo forest is one of the best primates (chimpanzee) trekking destinations for tourists who hate crowded places. Budongo Forest is famous for chimpanzee trekking in Murchison Falls National Park. Other attractions in Budongo forest include different bird species, different tree species, and different monkey species, to name a few.

Cultural experience in Murchison Falls National Park

Visiting cultural villages and groups like Bubako Village / Homestead to have a cultural experience where you will get to learn about the ways of life for the local people, interact with them, watch them perform their cultural dances, listen to stories, and also learn about their history.

What to do / Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Just as there are a variety of attractions found in Murchison Falls National Park, in the same way, there are a lot of travel activities to carry out or do on a Uganda safari in Murchison Falls National Park, and these include,

Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park

Game drives are one of the good ways done or used by tourists or visitors to spot the wildlife and appreciate the beautiful scenery of Murchison Falls National Park. These game drives take approximately 3- 4 hours of driving around different routes or trails in the park with the help of a guide who also helps out in pointing out different animals and other attractions and also tells you all the information you need to know about them.

Hot Air Balloon in Murchison Falls National Park

Having a Hot Air Balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the amazing experiences that you will have to last a lifetime and also the second-best way to spot the different wildlife and attractions in the park from the ariel view. If you are planning to have a Hot Air Balloon ride in Murchison Falls National Park, it will be better to book as early as possible to avoid inconveniences, since Murchison Falls National Park is the only travel destination in Uganda that offers this experience.

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Being home to a variety of bird species, birding is one of the many activities that are carried out or done in Murchison Falls National Park.

Other activities done in Murchison Falls National Park include Sports fishing on the Nile, hiking to the top of the falls, Boat cruises on the Albertine Nile, Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, Community / Cultural tours, and campfires, to name a few.

Are you planning a Uganda Safari and would like Murchison Falls National Park to be included in your travel destinations? Say no more and just send us an inquiry or visit our website, and we shall be glad to help you with all you need.

Also known as the ‘’Medley of Wonders’’ Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest and one of the most popular or most visited national parks in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park was originally founded in the year 1952 as Kazinga National Park and was later renamed to Queen Elizabeth National Park to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II of England. Blessed with a variety of attractions and good climatic conditions that favor outdoor activities, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a Medley of Wonders, and below are some of the facts and frequently asked questions about Queen Elizabeth National Park that you should get to know before visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Where is Queen Elizabeth National Park located / Found?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located or found in the western part of Uganda, made up of or covering part of Kasese district, Rubirizi district, Kamwenge district, and Rukungiri district, with a land coverage of approximately 1,978 square kilometers.

What to see / attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Indeed, the Medley of Wounders, Queen Elizabeth National Park, happens to have a variety of attractions, beginning with the landscapes, wildlife, lakes, crater lakes, and birds, to name a few.

Lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Lakes are some of the many wonders that make up Queen Elizabeth National Park, which happens to attract several visitors or tourists, and these include Lake Katwe, which is known for salt mining, Lake Munyanyange, which is known for hosting flamingoes along with other migratory birds, Lake Nyamunuka, known as the animal clinic Lake Edward, which is joined with the famous Kazinga channel to lake Gorge which is famous for boat cruise in this park. Along the shores of these water bodies or within their waters, you will be able to spot different wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, different bird species, elephants, and antelopes, to name a few.

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

When it comes to wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a variety of the with the major attraction being the tree-climbing lions, which are a unique species and are only found in two travel destinations worldwide, and Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of them. Apart from the famous tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector of the park, other wildlife you can see in Queen Elizabeth National Park include buffaloes, antelopes, leopards, hippos, elephants, warthogs, spotted hyenas, side-striped jackals, primates (chimpanzees, monkeys, and baboons), to name a few.

Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura Gorge is located or found in the southwest of Uganda, bordering the southeast of Kazinga channel and the southern shore of Lake Gorge. Home to approximately 80 chimpanzees, with about 20- 30 habituated chimpanzees.

Birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park

There are a variety of bird species found or that can be spotted in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Over 900 bird species call this park home, making it a perfect birding spot for bird lovers. Some of these bird species include the Gray crowned crane, Great Blue Turaco, long crested Eagle, flamingoes, little Egret, Cattle Egret, Black Heron, African Scared Ibis, African Spoon Bill, Glossy Ibis, Eastern Plantain Eater, African Fin Foot, Black Crake, African Cuckoo Hawk, Lappet-faced Vulture, Hooded Vulture, Black-chested snake Eagle, Brown snake Eagle, Martial Eagle, Pingping Hornbill, white-headed- barbet, Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird, Double toothed Barbet, Nubian Wood packer, African Jacan African Skimmers, White- Winged Terns, Water Thick Knee, Black- Winged Stilt Crested, Blue Quail, Red-Winged Francolin, Common Waxbill, Black-Headed Gonolek, Red-Headed Sunbird,  Bronze Sunbird, Little Green Sunbird, Beautiful Sunbird, Compact Weaver, Red-collard Widowbird, Southern Red Bishop, Crested Malimbe, Forest Weaver, Little weaver, to name a few.

Kalinzu Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kalinzu forest is one of the perfect travel destinations in Uganda for tourists or visitors who would love less crowded travel destinations for primate tracking (Chimpanzee, Baboons, and Monkeys).  Located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, approximately 10 kilometers away from Ishaka. Apart from primates, other attractions can be spotted or seen in Kalinzu Forest during your visit, and these include different bird species, different tree species, and different butterfly species, to name but a few.

Cultural experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park

  Queen Elizabeth National Park offers cultural experiences in different communities, which include the Bakonzo community, the Basongora community, and the Banyabindi community, which give tourists or visitors a chance to experience cultural dances being performed, listen to stories, and learn about the historical background of these communities, learn about their ways of life, and also get to interact with the local people as well.

Breathtaking landscape in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Are you a photogenic person love appreciating nature and its beauty? Well, Queen Elizabeth National Park has very beautiful scenery to begin with, the vegetation cover made of open grassland, moist and woody trees, thorny acacia woodlands, and Candelabra shrubs, to the beautiful Kyambura gorge, along with the hills. All these beautiful physical features give you a perfect backdrop or background for taking photos.

The Equator in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Located at the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kikorongo, offering tourists or visitors a perfect spot for photography and a chance to carry out the equator water experiment for both the south and north poles.

What is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is always open for visitors or tourists to visit throughout the whole year, though the best time or most favorable time to visit is during the dry season. The dry season is from January to February and from June to September. This is the best time to visit the park because during this time of the year, the weather is very favorable for outdoor activities, and accessibility to different destinations within the park is easier than during the wet season, where the routes tend to be slippery, hence limiting accessibility. Also during the dry season, spotting of wild life is easier than during the wet season because when it rains these wild animals seek for shelter in bushes and under tress which makes it hard to spot, plus when it rains the park is filled with a lot of water ponds where the animals drink water from while in the dry season the only source of water in the park tend to be the big water bodies and each animal is expected to drink water from them hence their gathering during afternoon hours giving visitors and tourists a chance to spot them easily.

For more information or questions about Queen Elizabeth National Park, feel free to inquire from our group of experts or consultants who are always ready to help you in any way possible. For bookings or free custom-made itineraries that include Queen Elizabeth National Park as a destination on a Uganda safari, you should also feel free to contact us. We shall be glad to help.