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When it comes to assisting clients in selecting their flights and finding the best discounted airfare possible, Tujane Travels is the best agency to contact. We book both domestic and international flights and this is because we have the most up to date technology to access airlines inventory giving you options that you may have missed by searching for yourself.
We offer tour packages to all the National parks and reserved areas in Uganda. Uganda is the pearl of Africa with 10 National Parks displaying the best of East Africa with over 1,000 species of birds, 13 types of primates including over half the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and our closest relative –Chimpanzees.
We offer car hire services for up country safaris as well as within Kampala. All our Vehicles are insured and manned by professional driver guides. Besides that we also offer airport transfers upon request.
Please ask us about the secrets each one has and we shall be happy to arrange a trip to any of them for you
Near and yet seems far. Don’t think of going too far, Zanzibar Island has what it takes to have a great holiday. Are you planning for an anniversary, wedding, birthday or just a relaxed holiday? Would you like to tour the spice gardens? How about walking through an old town with the narrowest streets? Allow us to organise an unforgettable trip to Zanzibar for you….
Planning a trip to Mauritius?
Allow us to introduce you to the most
toured and visited Island in the Indian Ocean. Are you travelling as
a family, couple, group, as an individual or planning a wedding?
We cater for any of your interests, from a three star to a five
star hotel with all ground transportation and activities on this
beautiful Island. Mauritius, the next item that should be on
your to do list. We highly recommend it.
Seychelles Map showing Praslin Island and other smaller islands Looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday on white sandy beaches? Seychelles is the place to go. While at their main Island, Mahe, you can also visit most of other smaller Islands too. Please contact us to arrange for you and your loved ones.
How about exploring Maldives Island? Travel the world and
come back with memories.
We are a premium tour and travel management company. Contact us for; flight booking, holiday packages, safaris, hotel booking, visa arrangements, travel insurance, car hire, airport transfers.
With experience of over 18years and dedicated staff, we ensure that our travel offering and services are of the highest quality. Our commitment to our clients is a dedicated and flexible service that has earned us good reputation in the market.
We have had cases where clients travel and decide to continue on their own maybe by adding another route/destination but in the process, realize that they cannot do it on their own, without thinking about the time differences, they do contact us and because of our flexibility, we have been able to assist – service beyond expectation.
To provide a warm, quick, professional and knowledgeable service to all our clients as well as to our potential clientele.
We want to be a leading example of a tour and travel company, demonstrating sustainable and responsible tourism in Uganda. We want to grow by offering more and a wider range of unique tours, holiday packages and develop from a travel agency to tour operator and expand our visibility on the web.
Whether you come to us as a client or supplier, our honesty, dependability, flexibility is what sets us apart. We know that reputations are hard to win but very easy to lose, that’s why we only deliver what we promise.
Brief coverage
Kampala is about 41Km from the main entry Entebbe situated on historic seven rolling hills
though the modern metropolitan Kampala would cover more.The notable land mark hills Nakasero hill,
Kololo hill, Old Kampala, Lubiri, Namirembe, Rubaga and Kibuli Mosque.
Kampala derives its name from the local dialect translated as home of Antelopes.
The City tour will start from the National theatre neighboring the parliament building of Uganda,
Radio Uganda( National Radio station) and visiting craft shops at the
As we roll out to old Kampala hill, the Independence monument on Nile avenue is another point to stop
for a group photo.
Old kampala hill was the site of the original fort capital founded by captain Lugard in 1890.
Old Kampala is most notable today as the focal point for Kampala’s Islamic community and an imposing
new Mosque named after the late Gaddafi.
Notable around old Kampala are Namirembe Cathedral ( The Anglican- now Church of Uganda) on Namirembe Hill.
The original Cathedral was completed in 1903 it also offers superb views over the city center and suburbs.
The Bulange building – traditional seat of the Buganda parliament. It’s one of the most impressive colonial
era building in Uganda. Also close to this site you will find Kabaka’s Twekobe Palace on the lower Lubiri Hill.
Kasubi Tombs situated on Hoima Road – In 1882 Kabaka Mutesa relocated his palace to Nabulagala hill,
briefly the capital of his father Suuna11 some 30 years earlier and renamed it Kasubi hill.
Kasubi was chosen as the burial place of Kabaka Mwanga in 1910. It also houses the tombs of his successor Daudi
Chwa11 who ruled between 1897 and 1939.
National museum of Uganda – situated on Kira Road about 2 km from the city center is the oldest in East
Africa and perhaps the best, rooted in an ethnographic collection first exhibited in 1905 in a small Greek
temple near Lugards fort on old Kampala hill. Formally established in 1908 and relocated to its present site
in 1954. For those with an interest in precolonial African history, look out for stimulating displays on the
Nakayima tree, Ntusi and Bigo byamugenyi etc
Bahai Temple – opened on January 15 1962, situated on Kikaya hill, 6 km from Kampala on the Gayaza road
is the only place of worship of its kind in Africa. It’s the spiritual home to the continent’s Bahai.
A faith founded by the Persian mystic Baha u llah in the 1850s born in Tehran in 1812 and devoted his life
to philanthropy. The Temple is set in a neatly manicured gardens extending over 30ha atop Kikaya hill.
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine – situated about 12km from central Kampala along the Jinja Road,
Namugongo an established place of execution in pre- colonial Buganda, is remembered today for the massacre
that took place there on 3rd June 1886 at the order of Kabaka Mwanga. 26 individuals known to have been
baptized by the church and didn’t renounce their adopted faith/religion were burnt and roasted alive.
The Martyrs were from both catholic and Anglican-protestants faith.
We thank you for coming with us for this wonderful and educative Kampala city tour.
Allow us to arrange your visit to the mentioned areas, we can also tailor make an itinerary suitable
for each individual’s or groups schedule.
Brief coverage
Game drives – Gorilla Tracking,
There are 4 locations for tracking gorillas in BINP these are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. The 4 locations have a total of about 18 families as of December 2018. Tracking permits need to be bought prior to tracking. Only 8 visitors are allowed to view the gorillas for one hour per day, participants must be aged 15 or over. and they will be accompanied by UWA guides while with the Gorillas.Tracking the gorillas can last from a few hours to a whole day, depending on how far the group has moved since it was observed nesting up the previous evening.
Guided Nature Walks,
There are six main nature trails in Buhoma for those who wish to explore the “impenetrable forest”,
including waterfall walks, forest walks, primate encounters, mountain views and impressive birdlife.
Muyanga Waterfall Walk departs from Buhoma along the River Ivi-Nkuringo trail and culminates in the sensational
sight of the falls plummeting 33 meters.
Rushura Hill Walk passes through one forest shared by two countries. On a clear day you can view Lakes Edward and
George and the Rwenzori Mountains as well as the conical peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Muzubijiro Loop is a 6km walk around a hill, where you will encounter primates and birds and enjoy a view of the Virungas.
The Ivi River Walk is 14km and takes around seven hours. The trail passes a place known as Mukempunu – meaning “a place of pigs” –
where wild pigs can often be found.
The Buhoma-Nkuringo Trail takes three to four hours, and crosses right through the park, connecting the two villages and
offering impressive views of the misty hillsides as you ascend the hills towards Nkuringo. This trail can also be completed as
part of the Ivi River Walk.
The Habinyanja (Railegh) Trail takes 4-6hrs. After crossing the Munyaga River, it takes in a fairly steep ascent of the Habigorogoro
and Riyovi Ridge overlooking Buhoma River. Found along this trail is the legendry “African Corner” named after a rock piece depicting a
map of Africa. Following the steep ascent, keen hikers can enkoy a more relaxed gentle slope to the mighty Habinyanja swamp. Birders on
this trail should watch out for the Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Black Duck and Black Bee Eaters, among others.
Batwa community encounters – Cultural visit,
Overlooking the imposing hillsides of Bwindi Impenetrable forest, with mist swirling over the summits, Buhoma is a truly
dramatic setting for your cultural tour!
The three-hour village walk begins with a visit to the handcraft shop – selling handmade artefacts such as fabrics, beeswax
candles and wood carvings, all produced by talented local craftsmen and women. The neighboring Batwa community performs songs and
dances about their former life in the forest, introducing you to another unique local culture. You will also meet the traditional healer
who treats the sick with medicinal plants, and the teachers and pupils of the local primary school. Finally, you can learn how bananas are
used to make juice, beer and gin – and taste the results!
Proceeds from the tour support community development projects such as a secondary school, maize mill and microfinance circle, and
the Batwa receive all proceeds from their performances.
Good walking boots if attempting any hikes or climbs, wet weather clothing and warm layers for the evenings – it gets cold and damp at this altitude. The sun is still fierce during the day – even when overcast – so be sure to still wear sunscreen and a sun hat. You may also want to bring waterproof bags to protect cameras and other equipment when hiking.
The park is located in western Uganda. The distance between Kampala and Kibale national park is approximately
314 or 373km depending on the route one takes either via Kyenjojo or Masaka respectively and it’s a 5-6 hour
drive. It is 795sqkm in size and was founded in 1932 though gazette in 1993.
Kibale national park is predominantly a forest park of low land tropical high forest, medium altitude
tropical rain forest. It’s well known as the “world’s primate capital” its climate favors the growth of
adequate food for the primates. It accommodates 13 species 9 of which are diurnal and 4 nocturnal.
It has the biggest number of chimpanzees (1450) which attracts the most percentage of the tourists.
ATTRACTIONS
Chimpanzees. Its referred to as the primate capital of the world and it’s a habitat to about 1450 chimpanzees
making them the main attractions in the park which include the red and blue tailed monkey, the rare heist’s
monkey.
Birds. There are about 375 bird species in Kibale national park and the include African pitta, green
breasted pitta, crowned eagle, red chested owlet, western nicator, white Naped pigeon etc
Butterflies. The park has more than 250 butterfly species which some tourist find interesting.
Elephants. These can also be found in the park as they go on about their business.
The estimated number is about 500.
Other animals likely to be seen in the park include, buffaloes, warthogs, bush pigs,
golden cats and Dikers.
ACTIVITIES
Chimp tracking. The most famous activity in the park to see he chimpanzees hanging in the trees.
Nature walks and hiking. He trails in the park meant for tourists to walk through the park and take in
fresh air from the beautiful atmosphere created by the green vegetation.
Birding. The environment is ideal for birds to be hence it is a wonderful activity to take park in.
Chimp habituation experience. The tourists who prefer to be with the chimpanzees and study there way of
life take more time than those who go for chimp tracking.
Night walks. These can be done through the park in the night for tourist who want to see the nocturnal
animals (these are active only in the night)
Cultural encounters. Getting to interact with the people in the local community and seeing their way of
life, as well as supporting them by purchasing some of the handmade items by the locals. Entertainment
through cultural performances and storytelling.
Bulago Island is one of the several scenic islands on Lake Victoria, located east of Entebbe International
Airport.
Bulago is just over 500 acres. From tip to tip it is nearly 2 miles long. There are about 6 kms of sandy
beaches and about 10km of shoreline altogether, the balance of the shoreline is made up of rocky outcrops
and low cliffs. Around the shore the soil is highly fertile and is in places tree covered. The north-east
tip of the island contains a small portion of rain forest. The interior of the island is less fertile and
is covered with savannah-like grassland. It is intended that Zebra and some antelope be brought to Bulago
where they may exploit the savannah-like environment in the interior of the island.
LVSC is aiming to make the island as self-sufficient as possible. A number of local farmers are able to
provide a range of fruit (Bulago pineapples are heavenly) and vegetables. Ducks, chickens, suckling pigs
and goats are also available and the prices are very reasonable – a whole suckling pig for £8, for example.
The fish – Nile Perch and Tilapia – can be caught by line or bought from the fishermen and is quite
delicious. LVSC has established a small farm and various European vegetables such as courgettes, green
beans and aubergines can be bought when available. Other goods, such as wines, meat and luxury items can
be bought in Kampala. Basic essentials are cheaper than UK but luxury goods are more expensive.
Bulago, a ‘Luganda’ word to mean neck because of their neck-like formation, is the first island in Lake
Victoria to be developed exclusively for leisure use. The Island has some of the excellent beaches owned by
local and expatriate residents and professionals.
Activities
Sailing on the lake is great fun, and a laser is available free of charge for the use of club members.
A small sailboat or a windsurfer is highly recommended for owners and can easily be launched from the beach.
Waterskiing and tubing is available through the Lodge or an owner could invest in a speedboat.
One of the great pleasures of Bulago is the sheer range and diversity of walks available and with two
dominating hills on the island, the views can be magnificent. The size of the island means that walks can
range from quick strolls through to full-blown hikes.
Bird watching is another great past-time on Bulago and the range of birds is dazzling – even to
non-twitchers.
Access To Bulago Island
By Air. A grass airstrip which is currently being built on Bulago will allow owners to access Bulago directly from Entebbe airport. The flight time in a Cessna 210 is approximately 8 minutes.
By Boat
Entebbe is located on the lake. There are three locations for boarding a boat to Bulago: the Entebbe Sailing
Club, the Botanical Beach Hotel and Entebbe Pier. Each of these locations is less than ten minutes from the
airport. Entebbe is located 10 miles from Bulago Island. It takes about 30 minutes by speedboat from Entebbe
to Bulago, depending on the condition of the lake.
The journey from Kampala to Bulago takes about forty minutes and many private boats are now based at the
newly opened Speke Resort and Country Club marina which is located in the lakeside suburb of Munyonyo, ten
minutes from the city centre.
Written by Philip Briggs
Ngamba Island is set in the tropical Ugandan waters of Lake Victoria. The formerly uninhabited island, which extends across 38.5ha/95ac was established in 1998 as a sanctuary for orphaned and other chimpanzees rescued from poachers. It was chosen because it supports a lush cover of near-pristine tropical rain forest including more than 50 plant species utilized by chimps in the wild. Ngamba is less than an hour by boat from Entebbe, Uganda’s main international airport. Today this island is one of the country’s most popular and rewarding tourist attractions. Here are five reasons why we think it should be included on any safari itinerary through Uganda.
Access
Speedboat travel from the dock in Entebbe to Ngamba Island is approximately 45-50 minutes; travel by
traditional motorized canoe takes approximately 90 minutes and by air it’s approximately 20 minutes from
Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Air strip.
1. The chimps…obviously!
Ngamba provides arguably the best opportunity anywhere in Africa to observe chimpanzee behavior and
interaction at close quarters. More than 95 per cent of the island is set aside as a forested sanctuary.
Here, a community of 50 chimps roams and forages freely. Separated from this by an electric fence is the
compact visitors center. An elevated viewing platform allows visitors to observe and photograph the chimps
twice-daily feeding times.
Watching these fascinating black-coated apes is an absorbing experience. They feed, groom, squabble, play
and generally carry on like seasoned players in an unscripted soap opera. Humans and chimps are more closely
related to each other than to any other living creatures. This close genetic relationship makes so many of
their actions, mannerisms and facial expressions instantly recognizable. While there are several other places
in Uganda where chimpanzees can be tracked in the wild, none is quite so reliable as Ngamba.
2. Bird watching and other wildlife
The jungle island forms a natural sanctuary for plenty of other wildlife. Despite its relatively small area,
Ngamba Island is home to more than 150 species of forest- and water-associated birds. The handsome African
fish eagles perform their rousing high-pitched duets in lakeshore trees. And many different species of
(mostly yellow) weaver nest in the reedbeds. Less conspicuous but more dazzling still are the African
paradise-flycatchers, brightly marked turacos, loud hornbills and various other colorful species.
Patient photographers can try to capture images of some of these birds from a lakeshore hide. Often there
are also sightings of the hefty Nile Monitor lizard and endearing spotted-necked otter.
3. Overnighting in Ngamba is a fabulous back-to-nature alternative to Entebbe or Kampala.
Entebbe is the site of Uganda’s only international airport. Therefore, almost all safaris start and end
with a night there or in the nearby capital Kampala. For nature lovers, the small but luxurious Ngamba
Eco-Lodge forms a far more appealing alternative. It has four cottages and 15 standing tents perched right
on the water’s edge. Enjoy a hearty outdoor dinner, followed by a lively cultural experience of Ugandan
music and dancing around the campfire. Then fall asleep to the sound of lapping water and chirping frogs,
interrupted by the occasional pant-hoot calls of the island’s resident chimps.
4. A thrilling 45-minute boat trip across Africa’s largest lake.
The boat trip from Entebbe to Ngamba traverses Lake Victoria. This vast freshwater lake has a surface area
of 60,000km2/23,200mi2. This is comparable to the US state of Georgia and twice as large as Belgium. Lake
Vic is also the primary source of the Nile, the world’s longest river. It flows out from the northern shore
at nearby Jinja. What’s more, the lake’s equator-straddling location means that the short boat trip from
Entebbe actually crosses from the northern hemisphere to the southern. Once at the island, overnight
visitors can go on a tranquil sunset cruise or a more energetic angling excursion trying to hook a giant
Nile perch.
5. Tourist visits to Ngamba help fund other conservation efforts and environmental education.
The chimp sanctuary on Ngamba Island is essentially an animal orphanage. It provides comfortable living
conditions, an amenable social environment and world-class medical care to its inmates. But it is not a
breeding facility. All adult females are given a contraceptive implant that prevents them from reproducing
without disrupting normal sexual behavior. It also does not attempt to reintegrate the chimps back in the
wild. Despite this Ngamba plays an important role in the broader conservation of chimpanzees. It is the
flagship project of a conservation trust affiliated to the Jane Goodall Institute. The sanctuary funds an
ongoing census of wild populations countywide in Uganda and operates snare-removal programs. It also
provides education and other outreach initiatives to local communities.
Murchison Falls National Park is about 3,840km2 in size and 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 rainbowThe 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.
Access
By Road
Southern Entrance Gates
Two southerly approaches to Paraa lead out of Masindi town, which is a 4 hour drive (305km) from Kampala.
Along the way to Masindi is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary - home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda.
The main route from Masindi enters the Conservation Area through Kichumbanyobo Gate to pass through Kaniyo
Pabidi Forest to Paraa (85km).A longer but more scenic alternative runs for 135km from Masindi to the park’s
Bugungu gate, The route includes a passage through Budongo Forest and a memorable descent of the rift valley
escarpment with views across Lake Albert towards the mountains of the Congo.
Northern Entrance Gates
Murchison Falls National Park can also be entered via the Chobe, Wankwar, Mubako and Tangi gates north of
the Nile. These are reached from the Kampala-Pakwach Road which crosses the Nile at Karuma Falls Bridge in
the northeastern corner of the park, 260km from Kampala.
By Air
Pakuba Airfield, 19km from North Paraa, can be reached using chartered aircraft from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield near Kampala
Activities
Launch Trips
The launch trip upstream from Paraa presents an astonishing display of wildlife and culminates with the memorable frontal view of the Falls.Recommended for birders is a morning cruise downstream to the Nile-Lake Albert Delta, providing the best chance in Africa of sighting the elusive Shoebill. This four- to five-hour return voyage also takes in a variety of other wildlife, including hippos, elephants and many birds. A tranquil sundowner boat cruise at 5.30pm offers the classic view of an equatorial sunset reflected on the river
Birding
Both the game drives and the launch trips offer an opportunity for one to come across distinct birdlife, including savannah forest birds, water birds and Albertine Rift endemics. The park’s main birding attraction is the Shoebill, best sighted in the dry season from January-March. The commonest species found in the plains include the Marabou Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretary Birds, Black-bellied Bustards, Open-billed Storks and Widow Bird. Closer to the river where there are more thickets and woodlands, the commonest bird varieties include the Swallow-tailed and Red-throated Bee-eaters – particularly in the Nyamusika Cliffs; Woodland, Pied, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers; Francolin; Hornbills, Grey heron; Hamerkop; Shrikes; Flycatchers; Cuckoos; Woodpeckers; Crombecs and Warblers. The riverbanks are also home to ducks, geese, stilts and plovers.
Game Drive
In Murchison Falls National Park game viewing can be enjoyed while on a game drive in several designated game
drive areas. The main areas are the Delta where there are great chances of seeing the Lions in wait for prey as
they go to drink, the Buligi Peninsula and the southern sector famoulsy known as the heart of Murchison.
1. BULIGI PENINSULA
The park’s prime game viewing area lies on the Buligi Peninsula, a triangle of grassland bounded by the
Victoria Nile entering Lake Albert, and the Albert Nile flowing out if it. Expect to see elephant, buffalo,
antelopes and giraffe and keep your fingers crossed for lion and leopard. The game track network converges at
Delta Point where the Nile flows north out of Lake Albert; this is a convenient place to stop for refreshments
and view waterbirds offshore and distant hippos.
2. HEART OF MURCHISON
While much of the southern part of MFNP is covered by bush and forest, a delightful tract of savanna rolls
down to the river from the Rabongo road in the very centre of the park. Vehicle tracks have recently been
opened in this area, which thanks to substantial herds of Uganda kob, is becoming known as a prime location
for lions. The ‘Heart of Murchison’ lies 20km east of the Masindi-Paraa road.
Hiking Top of the Falls and Nature Walks
The vast landscapes and varied scenery of Murchison Falls National Park and the surrounding Conservation
Area can be explored on foot. Trails through Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo Forests provide sightings of many
primates and birds, while around the Nile-Lake Albert Delta, two- to four-hour guided swamp walks offer
possible sightings of the Shoebill when the water level is low. After an afternoon boating upriver, you can
also hike 45 minutes through woodland to the top of Murchison Falls for a completely different experience of
this magnificent waterfall.
This is an experience that brings all the senses into play: watch waves of white water tumble hypnotically
through this six-meter chasm, listen to the roar, taste the spray on your face and feel the rock shake
beneath your feet. Sheer sensory overload!
Cultural encounters at Murchison Falls
Energetic dancers from Mubako perform around campfires, making for a magical African experience at dusk, a craft shop and village tours, revealing the realities of life in this rural community.
Sport Fishing
Sport fishing in Murchison falls National Park is quite rewarding for the avid angler. There are great
opportunities to land a large Nile Perch "mputa" or Cat-fish "semutundu". Other fish include Tiger fish,
Electric cat-fish, Tilapia, "Ngara" (Genus Alestes).
The record largest Nile Perch was 113 Kgs landed at the water gauge opposite the crocodile pool, and the
largest cat-fish was 45 Kgs landed near the Nyamusika Cliffs.
A fishing permit is required
Size: 220km² with an altitude of 670-760m above sea level
Semuliki Forest Reserve was created in 1932 and upgraded to national park status in 1993.
It is the only tract of true lowland tropical forest in East Africa, hosting 441 recorded bird species and
53 mammals.
Large areas of this low-lying park may flood during the wet season,a brief reminder of the time when the
entire valley lay at the bottom of a lake for seven million years.
Four distinct ethnic groups live near the park – Bwamba farmers live along the base of the Rwenzori while the
Bakonjo cultivate the mountain slopes. Batuku cattle keepers inhabit on the open plains and Batwa pygmies,
traditionally hunter gathers, live on the edge of the forest.
Semuliki National Park sprawls across the floor of the Semliki Valley on the remote, western side of the
Rwenzori. The park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin.
This is one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age,
12-18,000 years ago.
The Semliki Valley contains numerous features associated with central rather than eastern Africa.
Thatched huts are shaded by West African oil palms; the Semliki River (which forms the international
boundary) is a miniature version of the Congo River, the forest is home to numerous Central African wildlife
species, and the local population includes a Batwa pygmy community that originated from the Ituri.
As a result, this park provides a taste of Central Africa without having to leave Uganda.The Semliki Valley
contains numerous features associated with central rather than eastern Africa. Thatched huts are shaded by
West African oil palms; the Semliki River (which forms the international boundary) is a miniature version of
the Congo River, the forest is home to numerous Central African wildlife species, and the local population
includes a Batwa pygmy community that originated from the Ituri. As a result, this park provides a taste of
Central Africa without having to leave Uganda.
While Semuliki’s species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park contains evidence of even
older processes. Hot springs bubble up from the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that
have been shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years.
Semuliki National Park, is located in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District, in the
Western Region of Uganda.
Semiliki National park from Kampala-Fort Portal via Mubende is about 180km, or a 4-5 hour drive.
While Semuliki’s species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park contains evidence of even
older processes. Hot springs bubble up from the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that
have been shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years.
Semuliki National Park, is located in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District, in the
Western Region of Uganda.
Semiliki National park from Kampala-Fort Portal via Mubende is about 180km, or a 4-5 hour drive.
Activities
Birding in Semuliki
Birders who make it to Semuliki will be rewarded with some of Africa’s best forest birding. Sempaya and Ntandi provide excellent viewing of the birds including the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, Great blue and Ross’s Turacos. The area around Kirumia River is another top birding spot. The shoebill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert and forest walks are good for tracking water birds.
CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
The Batwa’s hunter-gatherer lifestyle means they have always been dependent on Semuliki forest for food,
shelter, medicine and tools, though this is beginning to change as a result of interaction with other local
communities.Tourism offers an alternative source of income for the Batwa, and gives them the opportunity to
maintain and display their rich cultural history through music and dance performances at Ntandi. They also
produce intricate handcrafts for sale.
A boma, or cultural village, is currently being built so that the Batwa can demonstrate how they used to
live in the forest
HOT SPRINGS IN SEMULIKI
Hike through the monkey-filled forest to these boiling, gushing springs, and cook your eggs and plantain in
the bubbling waters!
The hour-long trail to the outer, “male” spring leads through a patch of forest where red-tailed monkeys,
grey-cheeked mangabeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys are common. A tree house en route provides an
aerial view.
A 30-minute hike through palm forest from the main road leads to the inner, “female” spring, dominated by a
boiling geyser. Eggs and matooke (green plantain) can be cooked in these boiling waters and enjoyed by
hungry hikers!
GAME DRIVES IN SEMULIKI
Three tracks cross the savannah grassland of Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Smaller forest and larger savannah elephants are regularly seen, along with buffalo, waterbuck, crocodile, warthog and Uganda kob. With luck, you may even see pygmy hippopotami, leopards and elusive bushbabies. Game drives in the Wildlife Reserve can take place in the morning, afternoon and at night; after dark, visitors may come across curious nocturnal species such as the white-tailed mongoose.
HIKING AND NATURE WALKS IN SEMULIKI
The 13km KirumiaTrail runs through the heart of the forest to the Semuliki River. This 8 hour round trip starts at 8am and is perfect for birders. The 11km Red Monkey Track follows the park’s eastern border – a stronghold of the rare deBrazza’s monkey – to the Semliki River.Along the 8km Sempaya Nature Trail, you can view the hot springs and primates. This 2-4 hour hike can take place in the morning or afternoon.
Right at the western side of Lake Victoria is the spectacular Mabamba wetland in Mpigi district. This is a
wide marshland that stretches through a long narrow bay and it’s considered to be one of the best birding
spots in Uganda for predominantly encountering the rare Shoebill stork, but also many other important bird
species.
Mabamba swamp is one of the sites where birders can see the elusive shoebill storks, plus other awesome &
remarkable bird species. This is the right place to discover Africa while using unique treks.
The wetland is approximately an hour drive from the Murram roads of Entebbe to the shoe bill habitat,
approximately 50km from Kampala. This swamp is explored through local dugout canoes with a local guide who
takes visitors as they trek this wetland.
This wetland is a perfect place for travelers who have limited time for exploring the Ugandan birds and also
for one day tour of Entebbe and some sites around Kampala. To experience the best of the Mabamba wetland, the
perfect time is late morning hours and in the afternoon after lunch. Some of the items that you can carry
along while exploring the wetland can be packed lunch if it is a day tour, bottled water, pair of binoculars,
hat, sun protection, insect repellent, light rain jet and a long-sleeved shirt and pair of trousers
(preferably track suits).
Mabamba swamp is one of the RAMSAR sites in Uganda and it’s a community project with most people employed as
boatmen and site guides. This is a spot with large tract of marshlands with various channels which provide
habitat for numerous water-birds other than the shoebill stork.
Some of the birds sighted on Mabamba wetland are African purple swamp hen, Swamp flycatcher, African jacana,
African water rail, Papyrus Gonolek, Pallid Harrier, White-winged Warbler and the Blue Swallow Common moorhen,
lesser jacana, African pygmy Goose, White-faced whistling duck, Squaco heron, Blue Breasted Bee-eater, Winding
cisticola, Goliath Heron, among others.
Due to the presence of diverse vegetation on the wetland, it has maintained its status as a prime destination
that inhabits over 100 individual birds every year including the Blue Swallow and other migratory species.
Similar to other wetlands around Lake Victoria, Mabamba is home to the Sitatunga which is a swamp antelope
rarely encountered during a search for the shoebill. The wetlands also have rare plant species such as the
sandboxes species.
Other than Mabamba wetland, the elusive Shoebill stork can also be seen in Murchison falls park at the
downer side of Nile where it merges with Lake Albert , in Queen Elizabeth national park in Ishasha sector,
along Lake Edward flats, in Lake Mburo National park, at Ziwa Rhino and wildlife Reserve, Lake Kyoga and
Semuliki wildlife Reserve, among other sites.
It is recorded that Uganda as a whole has over 1000 individual shoebill storks left, hence the need for
their protection and conservation.The Shoebill Stork is a predominantly solitary species, in which adults
come together only to breed. A female shoebill stork lay’s from one to three eggs and both parents share
incubation duties for a month before the young ones start to hatch. Baby shoebills are fed for several
months before they can start searching for their own food. A Shoebill Egg can measure 90 mm x 60 mm. The new
hatched chicks are able to fly after approximately 3 months, while it takes three to four years for young to
become sexually mature and it can live up to 36 years when in captivity.
Shoebill stork feeds on all kinds of fish so long as it’s of manageable size as well as Turtles, Water
Snakes, Lizards, Frogs, young Crocodiles, young water birds, Snails, Rodents and also muddy waters. They
often stand in water, waiting for prey pass. It is a light bird that can stand still, with beak pointed down
and may sometimes stand on floating vegetation, watching out for the prey.
The most interesting activities of Mabamba wetland are the birding watching excursions, mainly focused on
trekking the elusive Shoebill stork. The shoebill tracking is done on a canoe ride in the interior of the
swamp as visitors can encounter other various inhabitants of the wetland.
Location
The park is located in the western part of Uganda and is approximately 410km from Uganda’s capital city,
Kampala road through kasese. It’s bordered by districts Kasese, Bushenyi, Rukungiri, Kamwenge. In size,
it is 1978sqkm.
Queen Elizabeth is one of the largest national park in Uganda. It was founded in 1952 and first named
kazinga channel national park but was changed two years later in remembrance of the queens first visit to
the country. It’s also Uganda’s most visited park. It’s known for its pristine wildlife as it is home to
95 mammals, over 600 bird species and h wild vegetation.
ATTRACTIONS
The big five; the park only has four of these; that is the African bush elephant, African buffalo, lion, leopard. The mighty African bush elephants. These have the largest contribution in the eco system of the park. They a have quite an interesting life style as well. The park is home to about 2500 elephants. The African buffalos that thrive on the shorelines, move in groups and cause stampedes in the wilderness creating quite a dangerous but marvelous sight.The lion (tree climbing lions) rest on the limbs o fig trees. What is interesting about these is watching them hunt for prey. Queen Elizabeth national park has Lake Edward and Lake George, these two are connected by the kazinga channel best known for accommodating approximately 5000 hippopotamus. Ten primate species among which are the chimpanzees, black and white Columbus monkey, vervet monkeys and the rowdy baboons the notorious food thieves. All these can be seen hanging on the trees in the park. The birds; these keep migrating every year. Some move in groups while others move solo. Usually there movements depend on weather or search for food. Volcanic cones and craters formed as a result of volcanic eruptions.(katwe explosion craters)
ACTIVITIES
Game drives; best done in 4 wheel drive and vehicles that allow proper viewing of the animals in Ishasha sector, northern kazinga plains and Kasenyi. Boat cruise along the kazinga channel to view the hippos and the crocodiles sun bathing on the banks of the channel, the aggressive buffaloes and elephants lingering on the shore line. Birding; the park is classified as an important birding area making it idea for the birders. Birding can be done on Kazinga channel, Maramagambo forest, Katunguru bridge, Mweya peninsula. Guided nature walk and hiking in areas that are safe for tourists to walk like Maramagambo forest, Mweya peninsula, Ishaha river. Chimp tracking in the Kyambura gorge. Community visits or encounters. Tourists get to interact with the locals with in the community, are entertained with cultural dances and fascinated by stories. They also support these communities when they but items made by local people.
FACILITIES
Accommodation. Queen Elizabeth has comfortable accommodation facilities ranging from budget or high end like safari lodges eg Mweya safari lodge, Simba safari camp Ferries. These are used by tourist for the boat cruise on the kazinga channel. Mweya and Kasese airstrips. These are especially for the tourists who prefer luxury travel to the park or those who can’t handle long hours on the road.
Size: 1,121km²
This extinct volcano is one of Uganda's oldest physical features, first erupting around 24 million years
ago. Mt Elgon was once Africa's highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Millennia of
erosion have reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on
the continent. Mt Elgon is home to two tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabiny, with the marginalized Ndorobos
forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet.
The Bagisu, also known as the BaMasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father
Masaba and refer to the mountain by this name. At 4,000km² Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the
world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in
East Africa. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. The
mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a
refuge for flora and fauna. Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the
endangered Lammergeyer. The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda and Kenya, creating an
extensive trans-boundary conservation area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.
A climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the
summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not
the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40km² caldera.
Access and location
Mount Elgon National Park lies 235km east of Kampala. A tarmac road runs through Jinja to Mbale town at the western base of Mount Elgon, before climbing to Kapchorwa on the mountain's north-western flank. Dirt roads lead off the Mbale-Kapchorwa road to reach the various trailheads.
Activities
• MOUNTAIN/VOLCANO CLIMBING IN MT. ELGON
Many travellers find Mt. Elgon an exciting alternative to the more strenuous climbs in East Africa. It is
easier to access throughout the year, less congested and has many of the same attractions, with a milder
climate and lower elevation. Climbing the peaks requires no special equipment or technical experience.
a. The Sasa trail is the shortest but toughest route to the peaks, traversing the community land and
allowing you to explore BaMasaba farming settlements and culture. The round trip takes four days and starts
at Budadiri town at an elevation of 1,250m. The toughest climb of over 1,600m is completed on the first day,
before crossing the park's largest area of bamboo forest and passing Jackson's Pool on the way to Wagagai
Peak.
b. The Sipi trail (four to six days, 56km round trip) starts at 2,050m at the Kapkwai Forest Exploration
Centre. It is the longest trail to the peaks, passing through the northwestern mountainside through Tutum
Cave to enter the caldera and reach Wagagai Peak. The trail begins gently, but becomes tougher on the third
day from Kajeri Camp.
c. The Piswa trail (seven days, 49km round trip) is long and the most gentle trail. Starting at the village
of Kapkwata on the north side of the mountain, it traverses the soft wood plantation to the Podocarpus forest.
It’s notable for its rich wildlife and spectacular views of the Karamoja plains in Uganda and the Nandi and
Kapeguria hills in Kenya. The Piswa trail also passes the hot springs on the way to the caldera and the
peaks.
• BIRDING IN MT. ELGON
Excellent birding opportunities exist around Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre, in particular in the secondary forest and thick shrub along the loop trails extended to cover Cheptui Falls. It supports the African Goshawk; Chubb’s Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catcher, Chinspot Batis, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Dohertys and Luhders Bush-shrikes, Baglafecht Weaver, Cinnamon Bee Eater, Moustached Tinkerbird, Hartloub`s Turaco, Tacazze Sunbird, Olive- and Bronze-naped pigeons, Black Kite and Black-collared Apalis.
• HIKING/NATURE WALKS IN MT. ELGON
Lucky hikers in Mt Elgon will enjoy being amongst the parks primates, birds and rare tree species. Trails lead past caves, viewpoints and waterfalls, with the option of camping overnight on the mountain slopes. The 7km (four-hour) mountain bamboo trail to Kapkwai Cave passes through tropical and bamboo forest. Along the trail are many primates, birds and rare trees such as Elgon teak and Elgon olive. The 5km walk to the Chebonet Falls and 3km walk to the Kapkwai caves follow the ridge view trail. There is also an 11km hike to the Tutum Cave, with the option of camping overnight beside the cave. In Wanale, a visit to Khauka Cave takes three to four hours. Alternatively you can go to the viewpoint through Nabuyoga loop where you can see Jackson’s Summit and Wagagai peak. In Budadiri, short day hikes are available covering the Mudagi Cliffs, Sasa River Camp and Drigana lower falls. These are great for bird watching, nature walks and overnight camping.
• CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS IN MT. ELGON
Find out where your coffee comes from! Grown on the mountain side of Mt Elgon is Arabica coffee - also named
Sipi or Bugisu by the farmers - who have a reputation for producing some of the finest washed Arabica in
Kenya and Uganda.
SIPI WIDOWS’ GROUP
BUDADIRI COMMUNITY WALKS ECOTOURISM EXPERIENCE
Are recommended for visits.
• MOUNTAIN BIKING IN MT. ELGON
Mountain biking trails run from Sipi trading centre to Chema hill in Kapchorwa town. It should take 1.5 hours and provides views of various waterfalls
ROCK CLIMBING IN MT. ELGON
Rock climbing takes place outside the park at Sipi. There are 14 routes requiring various levels of rock
scaling techniques. The toughest is a 35m climb while the easiest is 15m. The best time to climb Mount
Elgon is during the dry seasons between June-August and December-March. However, it should be noted that
climbing Mt. Elgon can be done all year round.
Areas of Interest
1. FOREST EXPLORATION CENTRE
The Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai, 13km from Sipi town, doubles as an educational centre
for schools and the trailhead for climbers using the Sipi trail to the caldera.
CAVES
Mount Elgon’s slopes are riddled with caves left by moving lava and erosion of soft volcanic deposits.
The most accessible are Kapkwai Cave, near the Forest Exploration Centre, and Khauka Cave on Wanale Ridge.
2. JACKSON’S POOL AND JACKSON’S PEAK
Jackson’s Pool stands at 4,050m and is a natural pool with shallow waters. This pool lies in the shadow of
the 4,165m high Jackson’s Peak, a free-standing volcanic plug rising from the western flank of the mountain.
These features were named after the explorer Frederick Jackson, who in 1889 was the first European to climb
Mount Elgon. The peak is used by the locals as a spot to communicate with their ancestors
3. THE PEAKS AND THE CALDERA
Mount Elgon’s highest peaks are formed by high points around a jagged rim enclosing one of the world's
largest calderas, at 40km long and 8km wide. The tallest peak is the 4,321m Wagagi, followed by Sudek
(4,303m), Koitobos (4,222m) and Mubiyi (4,210m).
The Caldera was formed as a result of magma being drained from the chamber.
4. VEGETATION
Mt. Elgon’s vegetation is banded into broad zones whose characteristics are dictated by altitude and
rainfall. The lower mountain slopes are covered with dense forest and regenerating forests, hung
with vine-like lianas, epiphytes and lichens. The floor is covered with a carpet of ferns, orchids and
flowering plants. Common tree species encountered in the tropical montane forest (1,500-2,500m asl) are
olive Oleahochstetteri, prunus africanas, Elgon teak, podocarpus, cedar, Cordia, Neoboutania, allophyllus
tombea and Aningueriaadolfi-friedericii. The zone changes to mixed bamboo at 2,500-3,000m. The bamboo merges
into open woodland dominated by hagenia abyssinica and African rosewood interspersed with hypericum – a
giant form of St. John’s wort. The heath zone (3,000-,3500m) is characterized by giant heather interspersed
with grassy swards of blonde tussock grass dotted with pink and white everlasting flowers (ericriceum
brownie and jonstonii) , flame-colored gladioli, blue delphiniums and red hot pokers.
The moorland or Afro-alpine zone (3,500-4,321m) contains senecio elgonensis, Erica tree, giant lobelias
with hairy leaves and plumes of tiny blue flowers, ladies’ mantle tussocks (archimilla elgonesis) and pink
and white everlasting flowers.
The summit of the mountain is vegetated by rare Afro-montane species that include giant forms of lobelia
and groundsel.
5. NKOKENJERU RIDGE AND WANALE
Nkokenjeru Ridge is a distinctive finger of forest extending outwards from the main massif of Mount Elgon.
It lies at an elevation of 2,347m and covers a 25km-long tongue of lava that flowed out of the side of the
volcano after the cone collapsed to block the main vent. Nkokenjeru Ridge culminates at the superb Wanale
Cliffs which tower above Mbale Town; the seasonal Nabuyonga and Namatyo Waterfalls are located here.
A trail at this western end of the ridge leads you to Khauka Cave where petrified wood can be found.
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.
Access
By road
Routes passing west of Lake Kyoga through Acholiland
Kampala - Karuma - Gulu - Kitgum - Kidepo = 571km (10 hours)
Kampala - Karuma - Lira - Kotido - Kaabong - Kidepo = 705km (12 hours)
By air,
Charter flights to Kidepo may be arranged from Kampala (Kajjansi), Kampala Aeroclub, or Entebbe with Eagle Aviation. Flights take about
two hours. The Civil Aviation Authority plans to make Lomej airstrip near Apoka, an international airport to enable visitors to fly direct to
Kidepo from other countries.
There are currently no scheduled flights to Apoka.
Activites
Game drive
Wildlife is most active in the Narus Valley during early mornings and late afternoon. 6am and 4pm are optimum times to set off on game drives
Birding
Apoka Rest Camp is a great spot to begin your Kidepo birding experience. Birding can also be done on the fringes of the Narus and Namamukweny Valleys. Among the birds seen are the Abyssinian Roller, Purple Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and Clapperton’s Francolin, which is found only in Kidepo. The activity can be arranged both in the morning and evening.
Hiking
The Lomej Mountains can be reached on foot in four hours, the hike starts at 7am. Shorter guided walks of around two hours can be taken through the Narus Valley extending over a 5km radius from Apoka Tourism Centre.
Cultural Encounters with the community.
Lorokul Cultural Group
The cattle-herding Karamojong occupy the north-east of Uganda, in an area covering one tenth of the country. Discover the unique culture of
this remote tribe with the Lorukul Cultural Group, located just outside Kidepo Valley National Park