Wondering why it is called 'The Pearl of Africa'? Where else can you see lions prowling across the open savanna as day breaks before white water rafting down the Nile, then the next day set off into the misty mountains in search of the majestic mountain gorillas before settling in to watch a local cultural evening around the camp fire?

 

ECOTOURISM;

Tourism in Uganda is built on the concept of ecotourism and the main focus is placed on sustainable use of the natural and cultural attractions which are the foundation of Uganda’s tourism, as well as empowering the local communities to benefit from tourism.

 

Uganda has ten national parks offering a diversity of attractions and activities. This makes the country a one stop destination for all your adventure expectations. The national parks are rich in flora and fauna with some endemic species of birds, wild animals, butterflies, aquatic life and vegetation.

 

The forests in Uganda are mainly managed by the National forest Authority (NFA) together with other stakeholders such as the Ministry of water and Environment, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage (MTWH) among others.

In which sites can I enjoy eco-tourism activities?

Mabira Central Forest Reserve

 

One of Uganda’s largest surviving natural forests covering an area of 306 sq km. The forest is a habitat of over 312 species of trees including the endangered Cordia Milleni, Mililia Exclesa and the vulnerable Prunus Africana which cures Prostate Cancer and boosts the Human Immune System.

Accessibility

 

Mabira Central Forest Reserve is located on the main Kampala – Jinja Highway in Mukono District, 54km from Kampala and 26km from Jinja town.

Lutoboka, Kampala and Bunjazi Central Forest Reserves

 

Described as medium altitude moist forests, they are found on the legendary Ssesse Islands, with a gentle slope from the shores of Lake Victoria to the center.

 

There are 31 gazetted Forest Reserves in the Islands with a total of 7,324 hectares. Lutoboka Forest reserve is 378 Ha; Kampala Forest Reserve is 139 Ha; and Bunjazi Forest Reserve is 80 Ha.

Accessibility

 

The Islands can be accessed by ship departing from Nakiwogo landing site near Entebbe, usually at 14:00 daily. Its return journey from Lutoboka Landing site is at 8:00am. Alternatively, you can use the ferry from Bukakata/Kachanga landing site near Masaka.

Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve

 

A natural forest teeming with terrestrial Bio-diversity located in Bushenyi District (Western Uganda). Famous for 414 species of trees and shrubs including the Ficus, Prunus Africana while harbouring over 378 species of birds.

Accessibility

 

Approximately 375km, a five (5)hours drive from Kampala City Centre. It is only 30km from the District Headquarters.

Mpanga Central Forest Reserve

 

Mpanga Central Forest Reserve is a natural forest with unique tree species like the Celtis with large buttresses; the Ficus family; and Mahogany.

 

The forests boasts of a number of primates especially the Red-Tailed Monkeys; an array of birdlife including the Ross’ Turaco, Weaver-birds, the Grey Parrot, Owls and Cuckons.

Others include:

 

Budongo Central Forest Reserve, straddling across three (3) districts of Masindi, Hoima and Buliisa, covering over 825 sqkm.

 

Busingiro Eco-tourism site, located in the south-western part of Budongo Forest Reserve. It inhabits several primate species including Chimpanzees, Monkeys and Baboons.

 

Bugoma Eco-tourism site, located in Hoima district covering over 41,144 Ha.

 

Kaniyo – Pabidi- Ecotourism site

Kasyoha- Kitomi Forest Reserve

 

The forest eco-tourism reserves in Uganda are endowed with an abundance of wildlife and ever green vegetation. The key attractions include apes, birds, butterflies, unique vegetation, reptiles, flowers and wild animals like elephants, warthogs, bush backs, bush pigs, buffaloes and cool fresh air among others.

 

The sites also provide luxurious accommodation facilities especially high class lodges, hotels and guest houses.

 

NATIONAL PARK HIGHLIGHTS

 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- Apes/Gorilla tracking,

- Village/pygmy walk,

- Nature walk and

- Water fall viewing

 

10-12 hours drive from the capital city

 

This is Uganda’s prime Gorilla trekking park set in a mountainous region with dense tropical forest covering valleys and peaks.

 

There are family groups of the famous mountain gorillas as well as bird watching and spectacular nature walks.

 

This park is more accessible than Mgahinga. Permits for Gorilla Tracking must be booked in advance.

 

KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- Chimpanzee tracking,

- Nature walk,

- Primate/wetland walks

 

3-4hours from the capital city

 

This is situated in high rainfall area where temperatures are cooler than in other places.

 

Large tracts of pristine forest covered in ferns and epiphytes harbour one of the highest primate diversities in Africa. Activities in the park include the following: night walks, primate walk, nature walk, bird watching, eco tour trails which last up to 3-4 days where the elusive forest elephant and giant forest

 

 

 

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- Game Driving,

- Horse riding,

- Boat ride,

- Nature walk.

 

3-4 hours drive from the capital city

 

Mburo, home of the Impalas, also found are Topi, Zebra, Eland, Waterbuck, Buffalo, Leopard, Hippos and friendly grey-cheeked Mangbay.

 

Boat trips on various lakes in the Park and guided walks / drives are other options. Chance sightings of the rare African Fin Foot are high when on bird watching on the lake in this game park.

 

MURCHISION FALLS NATIONAL PARK

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- Game drive,

- Boat ride,

- Scenery viewing of the falls.

- Fishing

 

5-6 hours drive from the capital city

 

This national park is famous for the magnificent waterfalls from which the park derives it's name. Here the river cascades through a 7 meter wide gorge into a 40 meter chasm of pulsating water.

 

Other features of the park include the Karuma Falls situated higher up the river.

 

Activities of the park include game viewing, guided nature walks, viewing of the falls, bird watching, launch trips and fishing.

 

A cruise up the Nile to the falls is an unforgettable experience, on the river banks prolific wildlife including elephants, crocodiles, hippos, lions, giraffes, buffalos and antelopes can be observed. For birding enthusiasts you may be rewarded with a sighting of the rare Shoebill Stork.

 

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- Launch cruise,

- Game viewing/driving,

- Chimpanzee tracking,

- Viewing climbing lions,

- Caving,

- Forest walk

- Crater Lake viewing

 

5-6 hours drive from the capital city

 

This park is set in western Uganda, lying in Africa’s Great Rift Valley, with the Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains) lying to the North.

 

One of the most interesting aspects of this park is the unique 'Tree climbing lions' of Ishasha.

 

Other interesting wildlife to be seen are the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Uganda Cob, Bushbuck, Lions, Leopard, Mongeese, Warthogs and Giant Forest Hogs. Regular boat trips along the Kazinga Channel to view the many aquatic bird species such as Pink Flamingoes, Saddle Bill Storks, Pelicans, and Herons in addition to sightings of Hippo and Crocodiles .

 

 

KAMPALA TOUR / JINJA/SOURCE OF THE NILE / SSESE ISLAND TOUR.

 

I DAY KAMPALA TOUR / KABAKA TRAIL

 

What to see/do while here

- Kasubi toms,

- Bahai/Hindu temples,

- Namugogo martyrs shrine,

- Shopping malls.

- Cultural and exhibition experience

 

JINJA/SOURCE OF THE NILE

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- White Water rafting,

- Bungee Jumping,

- Quad bike riding,

- Bujagali and Sezibwa falls and

- Source of the Nile and

- Horse ride

 

SSESE ISLAND TOUR

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- Boat ride,

- Forest/village walks

- White sand basking,

- Camp fires

- Birding,

- Fishing

 

KIDEPO NATIONAL PARK 3 DAYS

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- Game drive for big 5, caving,

- Karamojonjo cultural experience.

 

12-13 hours drive from the capital city

 

For Details, visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority

 

Day 1: Kampala- Kidepo:

After your very early break fast we depart for Kidepo, on this day the visitors should expect to drive 740kms from kampala to Kidepo.

 

Night and dinner at Apoka lodge (luxury)

UWA cottages (budget)

 

Day 2: Kidepo National park

The park has a variety of activities, you can decide to choice any of the activities in the park to engage in for the two rest days you will be having in the park.

 

The activities include: arranged visits to Karamojonjo homesteads to see traditional customs, stools spears, head dresses, knives, bows and arrows and jewelry.

 

Game drives within the park, such as to Narus valley which provides three loop circuits explore the valley around a Poka. At the southern end of Katurum the site provides a superbviews across the valley to Murumguru mountain. This mountain can also be explored in a day.

 

You can as well visit the Kidepo valley which stretches for over 50m which is a seasonal river and it attracts animals like ,bat eared Fox. Striped hyena. Caracal and cheetah, leopard, spotted hyena, klipspringer Burchells Zebra and so may other.

Birders are not left out, birds like Ostrich, Kori bustard, Jackson’s hornbill and eagles among others are the high lights.

 

Night and dinner at Apoka lodge (luxury)

UWA cottages (budget)

 

Day 3: Kidepo national park.

Do any optional activity according to your interest,

 

Night and dinner at Apoka lodge (luxury)

UWA cottages (budget)

 

Day4: Kidepo national park- Kampala.

On this day we return to Kampala reaching late in the evening if we use road or a bit earlier if you fly back.

 

 

Mgahinga National Park

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- Gorilla, golden Monkey tracking and

- Hiking,

- Visit and relax at Lake.Bunyonyi.

 

8-10 hours drive from the capital city

 

Uganda’s second gorilla park close to the borders of Rwanda, DRC and on the Northern slopes of the Virunga Mountains.

 

Gorilla Tracking Permits must be booked in advance.

 

Other activities include volcano climbing such as Mt. Gahinga 3474m and Muhavura 4127m this can be done with our experienced guides.

 

MT. ELGON AND MT RWENZORI

 

 

MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK 3 DAYS

What to see/do while here

- 1-3 days Hiking,

- visit the Caves,

- Cultural walk,

- Sipi falls.

MOUNT RWENZORI

What to see/do while here

- 7day Circuit Hike,

- 2 day climb peacks: Stanley 5109, Speke 4890m and Margherita peak being the highest

 

BIRD WATCHING

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- In all protected areas

- Wetlands of Uganda

- Islands

- Cities of Uganda

Dependes where!!

 

Uganda is home to over 1000 recorded bird species, there are many different habitats ranging from alpine grassland to tropical forests, wetlands and savannah.

 

Our experienced guides can take you to the habitat of your choice.

 

Rare bird species include the Shoebill Stork, the Rwenzori Turaco, African Fin Foot, African Green Broadbill, Green-Breasted Pitta, Nahan’s Francolin, Brown –chested Plover, Karamoja Apalis Black Bee Eater, Red Fronted Ant Pecker.

 

PARC DES VOLCANOES N.PARK- RWANDA

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- Gorilla Tracking

 

9-10 hours drive from the capital city

 

Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) lies in northwestern Rwanda and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

 

The national park is known as a haven for the mountain gorilla. It is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo), which are covered in rainforest and bamboo. The park was the base for the zoologist Dian Fossey.

 

NGAMBA ISLANDS

 

WHAT TO SEE / DO WHILE HERE

- Feed Chimpazees

- Chimpanzee walk

 

1 hour Kampala to Entebbe, 45 minutes boat ride

 

The Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 1998, when 19 orphaned chimpanzees rescued from poaching were relocated from the Uganda Wildlife Education centre and the smaller Isinga Island in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

 

The sanctuary exists to provide the best facilities and care to captive chimpanzees. Ngamba was chosen as a sanctuary because it was formerly uninhabited and its rain forest environment is almost identical to that of wild chimpanzees, with more than 50 plant species known to be utilized by free-ranging chimps in Uganda represented. The sanctuary is supported by Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Born Free Foundation, Jane Goodall Institute, among others.