Uganda: Game Parks

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK:

Murchison is one of the largest parks in Uganda covering 3,480sq km and is split into two parts by the famous River Nile. As you enter the park, a view of Budongo forest, rugged terrain of the western Rift valley provides visitors an opportunity to discover the real taste of Africa Safari.

This is the largest national park in Uganda

TOURIST ACTIVITIES

•  Game viewing.

•  Nature guided walks.

•  Launch trips.

•  Viewing the top of the falls.

•  Sport falls.

•  Bird watching.

At Murchison falls, and one of the most spectacular in Africa, the river Nile plunges through a narrow crevice and over a 40-metre drop. In the eastern sector of the park, before the Murchison falls themselves are the Karuma falls where the Nile cascades over breathtaking 23km of rapids, creating some of the most exciting white-water rafting opportunities in Africa . Cruise upstream the Nile of the falls in unforgettable experience. On the banks, prolific wildlife including Elephants, crocodiles, hippopotamus, lion, giraffe, buffalo, and countless antelopes and birds can be observed.

Paraa safari lodge, Nile Safari lodge and Sambiya River lodge offer descent, up market accommodation. Budget travelers are accommodated at Red Chilli
Hideaway.

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

The park, in the western arm of the great east African rift valley, covers 1978.km and includes a remarkable variety of eco-syestem, semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps. The park extends its horizons to the foothills of magnificent scenery of Mt Rwenzori in the North to Ishasha sector southwards famous for rare tree climbing lions.

Tourist activities

•  Game viewing.

•  Nature guided walk.

•  Bird watching.

•  Lunch trip.

•  Scenery viewing.

It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lion as the Uganda Kob, other antelope species, elephant, baboons, hippos, buffalos and chimpanzees.Over500 species of birds have been recorded, making the park a magnet for bird watchers. The bird species include the black bee-eater, 11 types of king fisher and several species of falcons, eagles and other raptors. In the crater lakes to the north, flocks of flamingos can be found.Afavarite way to view the game is by launch trip on the Chazinga channel connecting Lake George and Edward.

Mweya safari lodge adjacent to Kazinga channel and Jacana safari lodge beneath spectacular Maramagambo forest scenery offer the best accommodation. Budget travelers are accommodated at Mweya Hostel.

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST

A park with its dense ground cover of vines and shrubs. Located amidst magnificent forests in the extreme end of South west Uganda , across the steep escarpments of the western rift valley, Bwindi is the only park in the world which is famous for harboring half of the world's endangered gorillas. It is worthwhile for you to encounter one group of habituated gorillas believed to be the origin of mankind; the hottest attraction in Uganda today!

Tour activities.

•  Gorilla tracking.

•  Nature guided walk.(3trails)

•  Village walk.

•  Butterfly watching.

•  Bird watching.

Home to the world famous mountain gorillas of less than 650 still left in the entire world. Gorilla permits are required for tracking gorillas and it is there fore advisable to make reservations at least three months in advance. Bwindi is one of richest areas for flora in East Africa . The forest is also sanctuary for Columbus monkeys, chimpanzees and many bird types. Including some endangered species.

The visitors have a choice of accommodation to stay. Gorilla Forest camp, Bwindi Resort, Volcanoes are up market accommodation facilities. Buhoma homestead and Mantana tented camp provide medium accommodation. Buhoma local community association (budget) offer travelers comfortable style of African accommodation.

MGAHINGA

Located on the slopes of the Viruga Mountains in the extreme south west corner of Uganda .

Tourist Activities.

•  Gorilla tracking

•  Nature guided walks

•  Volcano climbing (3 peak) of the virunga mountain)

•  Caving

•  Bird watching

This yet another haven for the persecuted mountain gorilla. The park has been set aside to provide a secure habitat for the gorillas however, besides the gorillas other wildlife may also be view including the Leopold, giant forest hog, bush buck, buffalo and golden monkeys. The summit of mount Muhabura (4,127m) has a small crater lake.

Volcanoes, Kisoro Tourist Hotel and Travelers Rest Hotel are good comfortable accommodation facilities.