National Parks

Most of Uganda’s wildlife is concentrated in its protected areas, of which there are three
main categories: National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, and Forest Reserves. The
conservation and management of these areas falls under two principal agencies, the
Uganda Wildlife Authority under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry and the
National Forest Authority under the Ministry of Natural Resources. Uganda has
established 10 National Parks, enabling tourists to enjoy the pristine wilderness
environment.

Murchison Falls National Park – This is the largest National Park in Uganda –
covering 3,877 sq km – and one of the most spectacular in Africa. At the Murchison
Falls, the river Nile plunges through a narrow crevice and over a 40-metre drop. In the
eastern sector of the park, before the Murchison Falls themselves, are the Karuma
Falls, where the Nile cascades over a breathtaking 23 km of rapids, creating some of
the most exciting white-water rafting opportunities in Africa. A cruise upstream the Nile
to the Falls is an unforgettable experience. On the banks, prolific wildlife including
elephant, crocodile, hippopotamus, lion, giraffe, buffalo, and countless antelopes and
birds can be observed.

Queen Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Queen Elizabeth National
Park has been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO
auspices. The park, in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley, covers
2,056 sq. km and includes a remarkable variety of ecosystems, from semi-deciduous
tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps. It is the home of the famous
tree-climbing lion as well as the Uganda Kob, other antelope species, elephant,
baboons, hippos, buffalo and chimpanzees. Over 500 species of birds have been
recorded, making the park a magnet for bird watchers. The bird species include the
black bee-eater, 11 types of king fisher, Shoebill storks and several species of falcons,
eagles and other raptors. In the crater lakes to the north, flocks of flamingos can be
found. A favorite way to view the game is by launch trip on the Kazinga Channel
between Lakes George and Edward.

Bwindi Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – The Park with its dense ground cover of vines
and shrubs is home to the world famous mountain gorillas, of which they are less than
600 still left in the entire world. Gorilla permits are required for tracking the gorillas and it
is, therefore, advisable to make reservations at least three months in advance. Bwindi is
one of the richest areas for flora in Eastern Africa. The forest is also sanctuary for
Columbus monkeys, chimpanzees and many bird types including some endangered
species.
Mgahinga gorilla Mgahinga Gorilla – This is yet another haven for the persecuted
mountain gorilla. Located on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, in the extreme
southwest corner of Uganda, the park has been set aside to provide a secure habitat for
the gorillas. However, besides the gorillas, other wildlife may also be viewed including
the leopard, giant forest hog, bushbuck, buffalo, and golden monkey. The summit of
Mount Muhavura (4,127 m) has a small crater lake.

Kibale Forest Kibale Forest National Park – The rainforest is situated to the north-
east of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In addition to forest, there are also areas of
grassland and swamp. The park is noted for its primate population – 13 different
species inhabit the park including many families of chimpanzees and several types of
Columbus monkeys. Bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and giant forest hog may also be
seen. The forests and the grasslands support abundant bird life – almost 300 species
have been identified and 144 types of butterfly.

Kidepo Kidepo National Park – The Park is located in North East Uganda and covers
1,436 sq. km. It is inhabited by various wildlife including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard,
cheetah, giraffe, various antelope species, baboon, bush baby and over 200 species of
bird. Two game viewing routes connect the rest camp with the prime wildlife areas near
the Winwing River and the rock escarpment to the southwest. On the park’s northern
borders are the Kananorok Hot Springs.

Semuliki Mount Elgon – This is an extinct volcano located on Uganda’s eastern

border. The mountain boasts numerous interesting features including gorges, ancient
caves, waterfalls and hot springs. Birdlife is abundant on the mountain although various
wildlife may also be encountered.

sumulika Semuliki National Park – This is the only park in Uganda to be composed
primarily of tropical lowland forest. The forest is very dense and quite flat, creating a
startling contrast to the rugged Rwenzori Mountains nearby. The Semliki River attracts
many animals. The park is home to eight species of primate, 400 birds and 300 butterfly
species. Elephant, buffalo, leopard, civet, bushbaby and flying squirrels are also found.

Lake Mburo National Park – Situated between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara, this
comparatively small park (371 sq. km) is composed primarily of grassland, wetland and
acacia woodland. At the centre lies the Lake Mburo, which together with 14 other lakes,
forms part of an extensive wetland area. Animals to be found in the park include the
impala, eland, rock hyrax, zebra, waterbuck, buffalo, warthog, leopard, civet, hyena,
hippo, and crocodile. There are also over 357 species of birds including the marabou
stock and the crowned crane.

Rwenzori Rwenzori Mountains –The mist-shrouded peaks of the Mountains of the

Moon provide a stunning backdrop to this magnificent park, located on Uganda’s
western border. In the centre of the range, some of the peaks are permanently covered
in snow and glaciers, while the lower slopes are covered with dense forests. Here is the
third highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Magherita, which rises to 5,100 metres above sea
level. Walking tours in the foothills are a feature, although only the experienced and fit
should attempt an ascent on the peaks, which rival the Alps in difficulty. Some of the
wildlife to be found in the mountains includes the chimpanzees, along with the blue
monkey, hyrax, giant forest hog and many unique bird species such as the Rwenzori
touraco, the francolin and the olive pigeon.

The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC). The Uganda Wildlife Education
Centre in Entebbe was created by the Government of Uganda with the help of the
Wildlife Conservation Centre in New York. The Centre has grown considerably in recent
years and hosts a variety of wildlife. UWEC is not a zoo as the centre environment has
been designed to be as close as possible to the wild. At the centre, visitors are able to
observe many of the indigenous species to be found in Uganda and also to receive
comprehensive information on the species, their natural habitats and the complex
ecologies of Uganda.

People and Culture. Ugandan society is still predominantly rural with 80% of the
population living in rural areas. Traditional customs and lifestyles are still alive in many
parts of the country, which adds spice to the tourist experience. Ugandans generally
have a reputation for openness, and a friendly attitude to visitors. There are various
peoples that make up Uganda and each group have their own traditional customs and
ways of life. These customs are kept alive by many colourful ceremonies marking
specific historical events or celebrating the seasons of the year. Spontaneous dancing
and music are typical of life in Uganda and visitors are often welcome to observe these
ceremonies. In addition to the rich cultural experiences, tourists can choose souvenirs
from countless local traditional art pieces and handcrafts. These are sold in most
villages, along the roadsides, and also at specific tourist curio shops within the capital.
Besides, there are also a number of cultural sites, which tourists will be able to visit.
These include the Kasubi Royal Tombs and a host of other historical sites in many
different parts of the country.

Lakes and Rivers. Uganda has been called a land of lakes because almost a third of
the country is covered by water. Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa, dominates the
southern border of the country while Lakes Edward and Albert lie to the west. Linked to
Lake Edward is the Kazinga Channel, Lake Mburo, 230 km to the west of Kampala, is
the only lake entirely within a National Park. In the centre of Uganda, Lakes Kwania and
Kyoga are fed by the waters of the River Nile. Other lakes include Lake Bunyonyi near
Kabale and Lake Bisina in the shadow of Mt. Elgon, as well as tiny crater lakes high in
the mountains. Uganda’s fresh water lakes offer opportunities for water activities and
sports. An example is white water rafting, pioneered by Adrift, which has caught on as a
popular tourist activity, especially on the River Nile. The country now attracts 500 rafters
every month. Lake Victoria is now also being increasingly used for lake cruises. Other
popular activities include sport fishing and sailing.

Flora and Fauna. Uganda is a country of exceptional diversity. It lies at the overlap
between tropical East African savannah and the West African rainforest zones. Seven
of Africa’s 18 plant kingdoms are represented in Uganda, which is more than any other
country on the continent. The tropical rain forests of Western Uganda have unique flora
and fauna, some of which are endangered species. As part of the emphasis on eco-
tourism and in response to increasing demand from tourists, new nature trails have
been developed in virtually every protected area. These trails offer an unhurried way of
exploring the wilderness and getting near to nature.

Bird Life. The birding opportunities in Uganda are impressive. With over 1,000
recorded already, Uganda has almost half the species known on the African continent
and over 10% of those on record throughout the entire world. Uganda’s equatorial
location, combined with the altitude and great variety of terrain types provide an
overwhelming array of opportunities for keen birders. The Queen Elizabeth National
Park alone has 550 avian species.

The Ssese Islands. Consisting of 84 islands in the north-western section of Lake

Victoria, the Ssese Islands have, for a long time, only been visited by local people and
campers because of lack of tourist facilities. Now three campsites have been opened
which can be booked through local tour operators. Nevertheless, many of the islands
are uninhabited except for a few fishermen so their forests and swamps are ideal
habitats for birds. The wildlife on the islands includes hippos, crocodile, waterbuck,
sitatunga antelope, chimpanzees and monkeys. The islands can be reached by a nine-
hour steamer trip from Port Bell or a 45-minute ferry trip from Bukakata.