Kampala City Tour

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.

Bwindi

Brief coverage

Activities

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.

What to bring

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.

KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

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

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.

Bulago Island

Ngamba Island Lake Victoria

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

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

SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK

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.

Mabamba Wetland

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.

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Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK

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 National Park

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