Murchison Falls National Park

Located in Northwestern Uganda (Masindi District), Murchison falls national park is the largest and oldest conservation area in Uganda. Covering an area of over 3,800 km², the park is named after one of its top attractions – The Murchison falls. The Murchison falls is formed at a point where the river Nile passes through a narrow gorge before going down about 42 meters in a mighty roar. Because of past insecurity in the country and unrestricted poaching, the park is not as it used to be. The park has however recovered because of more recent conservation efforts.

The waterfall may be a top attraction but the park is teeming with wildlife. The park has the largest population of the now endangered Rothschild Giraffes in East Africa – numbering over 1000. Visitors on a Uganda Wildlife safari should expect a memorable cruise up and down the river Nile to see elephants, lions, giraffes, Nile crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes and birds feeding along the river banks. The Budongo forest in the park is famous for chimpanzee trekking as you can see in our Murchison falls safari package. The park is also famous for white water rafting at the Karuma falls – A collection of rapids just before the Murchison falls. 

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda covers 2,056 sq. km and is located near the border with the DR Congo. It is the most visited park in Uganda and famous for the tree climbing lions in Ishasha and the Uganda Kobs. Visitors on a Uganda wildlife safari love the park for the beautiful green scenery and collection of plant, animal and bird species. The park has over 500 bird species among which include the King fisher, flamingos, eagles and storks. The endangered Shoebill Stork is also found in the park. The park contains different species of trees, craters, savanna grasslands, swamps, lakes and other volcanic features.

A 3 Days safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park provides the best chance to spot four of the big five while on a wildlife safari in Uganda. The park has buffaloes, hippos, baboons, elephants and various species of antelope. One can spot Nile crocodiles in Lake Edward and Lake George, birding and game viewing at the Kazinga Channel or track chimpanzee in Kyambura Gorge or Maramagambo forest. If you are planning on a Uganda safari, the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry season.

Kidepo Valley National Park

The spectacular Kidepo valley national park is located in the remote north eastern corner of Uganda and covers about 1,440 km2. The park receives fewer visitors on a Uganda safari because of its remote location but is second to none for variety and sheer abundance of flora and fauna. This hidden gem is in many ways a great reflection of how Africa used to be before greater human interference. It has been described by CNN Travel as among the top three parks in Africa. Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda is a collection of stunning mountains and un-spoiled Savannah. On a safari in Uganda, one can view wild dogs, lions, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, Oryx, buffalo and hippopotamus. The park is also home to bush babies, elephants, ostriches, baboons and about 220 bird species. One can also spot the Kanangorok hot springs at the northern part of the park. The animals share space with nomadic pastoralists like the Karamojong and the Ik people living high up the Morungole Mountains. Visitors on a Uganda wildlife safari should expect a special treat during their safari to Kidepo National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park is found in the south western corner of Uganda and neighbors the Dr Congo’s Virunga National Park. Because of its landscape and biological diversity, Bwindi is considered a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and has often been referred to as the Switzerland of Africa. The breathtaking green and beautiful forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park contain half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The rest can only be found in Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorilla tracking is considered among the top three activities worth considering while visiting Africa and on a Uganda safari. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see the endangered mountain gorillas is a once in a lifetime experience and cannot be compared to anything else. Apart from Gorilla tours, Bwindi is home to Colobus monkeys and is a birders paradise. Some of the bird species include bee-eaters, chap-ins flycatchers, black billed Turaco and African green broadbills. The best time for birding while on a Uganda tour, is during the wet season when all resident and migratory birds gather to feast on the abundant forest fruits and insects.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and famous for gorilla tourism. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga involves visiting one habituated mountain gorilla family found in the park. In Uganda, Golden monkeys can only be found in Mgahinga. One would need to cross over to Rwanda to view more golden monkey groups. The park is not all about monkeys and gorillas. Jackals, woodland elephants, buffalo, leopard and a few antelope species roam the park. Visitors on a Uganda safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda can also hike one of the three Volcanoes (Mount Sabinyo, Mt. Muhavura and Mount Gahinga) found in the park or go for the Batwa trail and cave exploration. If you are targeting the gorillas specifically, then you may find the 3 days Mgahinga gorilla safari package interesting.

Kibale Forest National Park

The Park is found near the Rwenzori Mountains and shares a border with Queen Elizabeth national park. The forest is famous for chimpanzee tracking – The best place to track Chimpanzee in East Africa. Chimpanzees can be found in other parts of Uganda and Africa but the sheer numbers (1500) in Kibale forest guarantees you a close interaction with them while on a Uganda safari. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest can be combined with nature walks and a visit to the Bigodi swamp.  Other than chimps, the park contains 13 other monkey species like the red Colobus, L’Hoest’s and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Giant forest hogs, antelopes and over 100 butterfly species are found in the park. Kibale National park in Uganda has sections covered by swamps and grasslands and is a good location for birding – Over 290 species.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest but most accessible park from Kampala. Lake Mburo is the main water body among 12 others found in the park. In Uganda, impalas are only found in Lake Mburo National Park. The park is a birders paradise with over 300 species that congregate at the lake and its swampy shores. The massive woodland benefits from the absence of elephants in the park. The parks Savannah grass teems with antelopes, zebras, buffaloes, leopards, jackals and hyenas. The dry season provides the best time to spot animals while on a safari as they gather to drink water at the lake Mburo. You might be interested in our 3 Days Lake Mburo Wildlife Tour and Safari Package.

Mount Elgon National Park

The Park is found in Mbale district in the Eastern part of the country and lies on the border between Uganda and Kenya. Mount Elgon is the key attraction in the park. The mountain is an extinct volcano with a caldera spanning about 42km2.  The Wagagai summit is a favorite among hikers as are hot-springs and other features that make Mount Elgon National park so captivating.  The mountain slopes are littered with natural forests, bushes, waterfalls, caves, gorges and canyons. The park is also filled with different bird species and primates (Colobus Monkeys, blue monkeys and vevert monkeys among others). A safari in Uganda should include a visit to this park.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This is a Rhino reserve along the way to the Murchison falls national Park. The objective of the sanctuary is to protect the country’s rhinos and eventually restock the larger parks. Rhinos have succumbed to poaching for their valuable horns in many of Uganda’s parks. The sanctuary helps protect rhinos from poachers and human interference hence giving them a safe place to reproduce. The park has over 60 rangers and guards and visitors can see the Rhinos up-close and interact with conservationists to gain knowledge about the project and Rhinos. Most tour companies include a stop-over at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary when organizing Uganda safaris to Murchison Falls national park.

Apart from Rhinos, rangers can help one spot monkeys, antelopes, crocodiles and hippos. The sanctuary is a great place for relaxing, nature walks and canoeing while spotting about 240 species of birds.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is found in western Uganda in the district of Bundibugyo which lies on Uganda’s border with DR Congo. The park is bordered by Lake Albert in the northern side and the Rwenzori Mountains on the south Eastern side. Two rivers, Lamia and Semuliki are found at the parks borders. Semuliki National Park lies on relatively flat land making it prone to flooding when the Park Rivers receive too much rain during the wet season. Semuliki begun as a forest reserve in 1932 and was made a national park in 1993 mainly to curb deforestation. Semuliki National Park is often confused with the Semliki Wildlife Reserve which is adjacent to the park. The forests in Semuliki are an extension of the great Ituri Forest that stretches all the way to the River Zaire. This extension implies that many of the tree and animal species found in Central Africa can be found in the park.  The conditions in Semuliki are completely different from any other national park in Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania but instead similar to those in central Africa.

Semuliki is well known as a top birding destination in Uganda. The park has over 410 species of birds. About 67 percent of the species are forest birds like the Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, Capuchin Babbler, , Dwarf Honey guide, Forest Ground Thrush, , orange weaver, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Sassi’s Olive Greenbul and White-tailed Hornbill. Because the forest joins with that from DR Congo, some species unique to central Africa like the Black-wattled Hornbill, Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Lyre-tailed Honey guide and Nkulengu Rail can be found in the park.

There are 60 species of mammal in the park among which include the bay duiker, Beecroft’s Anomalure, flying squirrels, bush babies, bush pigs, civets, Dwarf Antelope, forest elephants, fruit bats, Fire-footed Rope squirrel, forest buffalos, pygmy hippos, leopards, Little collard fruit Bat,  mona monkeys, pygmy flying squirrel, Red-legged Sun Squirrel, Sitatunga, target rats, water chevrotains, water bucks, warthogs, Uganda Kob, White-bellied Duiker and the Zenker’s Flying Mouse. About 300 species of butterflies (like the charaxes and forest swallowtails) and 8 of primates can be found in the park forests like blue monkeys, chimpanzees, De Brazza’s Monkeys, Guereza Colobus, vervet monkeys and olive baboons. There are also night primates like the pattos and galagos.

There is no shortage of what to do in the park. Tourist interested in visiting Semuliki can choose to go for forest walks, bird watching, primates watching, visiting the two hot springs, hiking and game drives. A cultural visit to one of the local tribes living outside the park should not be missed for a complete safari in Semuliki National Park.

Lake Bunyonyi

With its 29 islands, Lake Bunyonyi is widely regarded as the most beautiful lake in Uganda. The lake is located near the border with Rwanda and close to the towns of Kabale and Kisoro. Although the lake is one of the deepest in Africa, it is the sheer scenic beauty that sets it apart from others and makes it attractive to both visitors on a Uganda tour and locals. It offers great romantic spots to relax and watch the day pass by as you plan your next activity while visiting Uganda on a safari. One can also go watch the traditional dances of the Batwa Pygmies or hop from one island to another spotting the different island villages, schools and settlements by boat. The lake is close to Bwindi Impenetrable forest and visitors enjoy stopping by on their way to track mountain gorillas. You can find out more from our 3 Days Lake Bunyonyi safari package.

The source of the Nile

A trip safari in Uganda should be completed with a two day visit to the source of the Nile in Jinja involving whitewater rafting. River Nile is one of the three longest lakes in the world and passes through several countries as after leaving Uganda among which includes Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt. Jinja is a small, quiet, relatively well planned former industrial town with beautiful scenery. You can visit the Bujagali falls or go boat riding along the river Nile as you spot several large crocodiles. The river Nile also provides spots for camping, fishing, rafting, kayaking and the now popular bungee jumping.

Ssese Islands

The scenic Ssese Islands are an archipelago of 84 islands found in Lake Victoria.  Locals and visitors on a Uganda Wildlife tour love to take their vacation in the islands’ quiet sandy beaches.  The journey to the islands from Entebbe takes 3 hours by ferry or 45 from Bukakata. The route through Entebbe by ferry will take you through the beautiful Lake Victoria and fishing villages. The largest island is Bugala in Kalangala town. Other islands worth visiting while on a safari in Uganda include Bulago and Bukasa which all have excellent white sand beaches. Fishing and tourism are the main economic activities in the islands. Visitors on Ssese Islands will have opportunities to spot several bird species, monkeys, crocodile, hippos and a few antelope species.

Uganda Wildlife Education Centre 

The centre is located in Entebbe and set up by the Uganda government for education and wildlife conservation purposes. The centre was recently revamped and has grown considerably in recent years. The population and variety of animals, birds and reptiles has increased. Those visiting Uganda for short workshops and conferences can find the Entebbe zoo a perfect place to get a taste of what Uganda has to offer in terms of both flora and fauna.

The Rwenzori Mountains

Uganda is blessed with several mountains but the Rwenzori mountains stands out. Located at the border between Uganda and DR Congo, tourists love hiking to the top of the snow-capped Margherita peak. The mountain slopes are covered with dense forests that are inhabited by primates, forest hogs and several bird and butterfly species. While visiting Uganda on a safari, a stop by these beautiful mountains will reward nature lovers with amazing scenery.

Sipi Falls

Sipi falls is located in the East of Uganda approximately 277km from Kampala Uganda’s capital in Kapchorwa district. These falls are found on the foothills of Mountain Elgon just at the edge of Mount Elgon National park nearing the Kenyan border to Uganda. The name sipi was derived from the word ‘sep’ which is a name of a wild banana-like indigenous plant that grows along the banks of the Sipi River, this plant can be used as medicine for treating fevers and measles by local people in that area.

The Sipi falls is comprised of 3 waterfalls each flowing from a different altitude. The highest fall drops from an altitude of 100m referred to as the main fall since it is the last fall in the series, this fall is a little bigger than the other two falls, but all give Uganda a beautiful scenery. In fact most people say that sipi falls are the ‘most romantic falls’ in Uganda which is evidenced by the wonderful falls. This area is majorly where most hikes to Mt. Elgon are started from. Hiking up to these falls gives a beautiful scenic view, like Lake Kyoga, the Karamoja low lands, coffee plantations and other surrounding areas.

The climate in this area is cool since it’s a hilly area and sometimes as individuals are hiking there are rains, which makes hiking a bit hard but it is also an experience of its own, generally it is a place available for chilling, loosening up and relaxing from the congestion around cities.

The nearby communities have hospitable people and majorly the Sabiny and Bagishu live around this area and do farming such as growing of Arabica coffee which is the major cash crop in this land, this coffee is grown on altitudes between 1600metres and 1900metres above sea level. While there individuals can engage in visiting these plantations, these visits can be organized by local guides in the area.

There are no worries of where to stay or how much to pay and all other things because all types of accommodation are available for you while in Sipi such as the luxurious lodges, mid range hotels and budget hotels and also campsites are available for those interested in camping.

Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba Bay Swamp in Uganda is a prime wetland birding site famous for the Shoebill which is Uganda’s most sought after bird by Uganda birding tourists as well as by nature lovers. Mabamba Swamp is located west of Entebbe on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, covering 2424 ha with thick marshes of papyrus, water lilies and other wetland grasses.

Mabamba swamp is a Ramsar site and Important Bird Area (IBA). The wetland hosts over 300 bird species that include many globally threatened species, 7 of Uganda’s 12 Lake Victoria biome restricted species (notable is the Papyrus Gonolek) and plenty of wetland specialties. The wetland also hosts huge flocks of Palearctic migrants every year from October to March.

Mabamba Swamp can be reached by a number of routes. From Kampala or Entebbe, the easiest route is via the Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe where you take a 10 minutes ferry crossing to Kasanje landing and from there drive for about 20 minutes to Mabamba passing through cultivations and open fields that will provide plenty of garden birds.

Birding in Mabamba swamp is done from a motorized wooden boat by riding through a maze of trails cutting through the thick marshes. Mabamba wetland is popular for the Shoebill which is the most sought after bird by birdwatchers in Uganda. The Shoebill is also on the wildlife list of non bird watching tourists that are intrigued by its peculiar looks and massive size. The rare bird is found in few places in Uganda and Mabamba Swamp is the most accessible and reliable with the best chances of seeing the Shoebill in Uganda and arguably in Africa.

Mabamba Swamp is rich with lungfish (called “mamba” in native language) which is the favorite food for the Shoebill. However the lungfish is also one of the most sought after fish by the local fishermen, creating competition with the Shoebill. The fishermen had long held a superstition that seeing a Shoebill (locally called ‘Boolwe’) resulted in a poor catch that day. But this is not farfetched because the Shoebill feeds on lungfish and where the Shoebill is the fish will go into hiding. For the fishermen it was a bad omen to see a Shoebill when one set out to fish in the wetland. They hunted the Shoebills and killed them, leading to a decline in the numbers and almost rendered them extinct in the wetland. Designating the wetland a Ramsar site in 2006 provided some protection to the Shoebill. However bird watching on the wetland brought about enlightenment to the fishermen and community. The fishermen rent out their boats to birdwatchers and make a lot of money, and even some fishermen have been trained in birding and guiding. The fishermen now protect the Shoebill, so that when they set out to fish and see a Shoebill they do not move too close not to disturb it and will gladly inform the tourists of where to see it. There are about 12 Shoebills said to be resident in Mabamba wetland.

The best time to see the Shoebill in Mabamba swamp is early morning, say 7am, before there is more activity on the wetland BUT also by this time the Shoebill is hunting for lung fish which it does by standing in one place for a long time or even hours looking out in the water waiting for fish to cross so it scoops it with the big strong shoe-like bill that breaks the fish instantly.

Some of water birds not easily missed include: Purple Swamphen, African Marsh Harrier, African Darter, Common Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Long-tailed Cormorant, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Yellow-billed Duck, Malachite Kingfisher among others

Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe Game Reserve is one of the largest wildlife conservation areas in Uganda – second only to the Murchison Falls National Park. It is located in the Karamoja region in the northeastern part of Uganda. The reserve covers an area of about 2,788 square kilometers and is found between Kidepo National park and Mount Elgon National Park. Pian Upe is bordered by the Bokora Wildlife Reserve and Matheniko game reserve in different directions. Unlike Matheniko and Bokora, Pian Upe game reserve is part of the Mount Elgon Conservation Area. Pian Upe is very close to the Eastern town of Mbale. It takes about 2 hours to reach the reserve from Mbale town and 6 from Kampala city. The area started as an animal sanctuary in 1958 before being upgraded into a wildlife reserve in the 1960s.

Pian Upe Game reserve experiences semi-arid conditions with one major wet/rainy season in a year. The plants and animals found here have evolved to survive without water for long periods during certain days of the year. The vegetation includes vast untouched grassland and woodlands. The main tree species are desert date and red acacia. Other species include Harrisonia abyssinica, red spike-thorns and bushwillows. Shrubs like woolly caper bush and butterfly plea dominate much of the reserve. Other vegetation species found in the vast plains include lemon grasses, thatching grass, beard grass, red nut sedge and bristle grasses.

The most striking thing about Pian Upe wildlife reserve is a landscape that consists of vast plains, rocky outcrops and mountains. Pian Upe Wildlife reserve is home to a respectable collection of large mammals, birds and reptiles. Visitors to the reserve should expect to see giraffes, zebras, elands, gazelles and oribi. Other animals include spotted hyenas, civets, jackals, serval cats, cheetahs, leopards, topi, wildcats, buffaloes, roan antelopes, reebucks, Duikers, Dik-dik, the Ugandan Kob, waterbucks, hares, porcupines, the rock hyrax, aardvark and hedgehogs. The primates include Olive baboons, Patas monkey and Vervet monkeys. Pian Upe game reserve is also home to reptiles like rock pythons, puff adders, water snakes, skinks, geckos, chameleons and monitor lizards. The most attractive bird here is the ostrich.

Two main tribes live near this vast wilderness – The Pian who is a sub-division of the Karamojong and the Upe who are a mixture of both the Karamojong and Kalenjin. Pian Upe Wildlife reserve derives its name from these two indigenous African tribes.

Given its remoteness, Pian Upe game reserve may not get the same attention like the other more known national parks in Uganda. However, those who want to discover something different will find visiting the reserve very rewarding. The game reserve allows for privacy and an opportunity to explore a true pristine African wilderness – away from the crowds.

A guided game drive along the vast plains of the Pian Upe game reserve presents opportunities to spot rare animals like cheetahs, ostriches and the Roan antelope. This is the only place where you can see the roan antelope in Uganda. Game drives in Pian Upe Wildlife reserve are great during the dry season but can get nasty during the rainy season as already noted earlier. You need a good 4 Wheel drive vehicle to maneuver through the muddy roads during the rainy season or one with good air-conditioning during the dusty/dry season. Roads within the reserve are not well maintained and you often have to create your own if you want to reach certain areas of the reserve. Other activities include cave exploration, cultural encounters, mountain and rock climbing, nature walks, and biring among others.

Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda is a little known jewel, hidden in the mountainous landscape of southwestern Uganda, in Kisoro District. It is one of the most scenic lakes in Africa, located in a dramatic landscape of lush and verdant sprawling highlands.

Its fresh clear water is dotted by at least 15 islands lush trees & shrubs, and the lake is ringed by beautiful scenery of sprawling highlands clad with green vegetation, plantations, and terraces of crops along the slopes. This amazing scenery is set against a stunning backdrop of cloudy peaks of the Virunga Mountain Volcanoes. The chain of volcanoes of the Virunga Mountain Range spans the boarders of Uganda, Rwanda & Congo, and Uganda shares 3 of its prominent 8 Volcanoes. The 3 are Mts. Muhavura, Gahinga & Mt. Sabinyo which makes up Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These are very visible, rising in the background over Lake Mutanda & the sprawling highlands, with white fluffy clouds floating across their peaks. In the morning, thick clouds of mist shroud the lush highlands, and create mystic scenery over Lake Mutanda and such an awe-inspiring view!

The 15 islands of Lake Mutanda are barely touched, with only one inhabited by a local community and few have been tiled to grow crops & tree plantations. A number of the other islands are virgin with only overgrown vegetation that’s rich with wildlife.

The biggest island, named after the lake, is Mutanda Island. This is inhibited by a local community of the “Abagesera” clan. These grow crops, such as peas, bananas, and sugar canes. A good portion of this island is covered by trees and shrubs. There is a church built on top of the island and local worshipers from the mainland canoe to this island to attend service at this church.

There are two islands that earned the name Punishment Islands for being the places where criminals & misfits of the society were taken and dumped as a punishment. Unmarried pregnant girls, the elderly with no one to care for them, criminals such as thieves, and unwanted people from the region would be tied & taken to the island and left to die there. Others would be killed and dumped at these islands. Caves with skeletal remains are found at the islands. These two islands are feared by the locals & actually no one walks on them because of the belief that they are haunted by the dead. Another intriguing island is the Python Island, which is home to pythons. The pythons are however rarely seen.

There are few bird found here, and this is because of the high elevation and cold weather that’s unfavorable to many species. Some of the common birds include Pin-tailed Whydah, Great Cormorant, Pied & Malachite Kingfisher, & sunbirds. Otters are common in the lake; meanwhile there are few fish species, about 3, including Cat & Mad Fish. Pythons inhabit some of the islands, and the Python Island is said to harbor many.

Canoeing is the best experience on Lake Mutanda. To ride on the calm waters feeling the cold breeze and tranquility, go around the islands & enjoy beautiful views of the landscape and the amazing scenery while observing some wildlife such as birds and otters is unforgettable experience. Other activities include Island tours, Hiking and Mountain Biking among others.