A Glance at Uganda’s National parks
Uganda is one of the countries on the African continent that is well gifted by nature! It is this fact that it compelled the British premier to declare it the pearl of Africa in 1908. Uganda has ten national parks that are gazetted to protect its flora and fauna. These parks are suitable for wildlife safaris.
The most amazing safari experience starts with Lake Mburo National park which is the smallest savannah park in Uganda. Located along Masaka-Mbarara road in the western part of the country, Lake Mburo is well known for its populations of the impala, Zebra and the eland.
In the South Western part of Uganda lies the most popular gorilla safari Destination; the impenetrable jungles of Bwindi impenetrable park. This is the home of the endangered mountain gorillas and it is the favorite destination for gorilla trekking.
Another fascinating park for perfect Uganda Safaris is Queen Elizabeth National park. This is a world biosphere reserve well known for being home to tree climbing lions of the Ishasha. There is more to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park. During your holiday, take a boat ride along the Kazinga channel and enjoy interesting game drives along the Kasenyi track.
Mount Rwenzori famously known as the mountains of the moon is another amazing destination suitable for the adventure seekers most especially those looking to mountain climbing in Uganda.
There is the primate capital – Kibale National park which is also a vast destination known for its populations of habituated chimpanzees. This haven is most famous for the chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
The journey in Uganda continues to Murchison falls National Park- the largest protected area in Uganda. It is most famous for the powerful Murchison falls, the big five, large mammals that include giraffes and the Nile River that bisects the park into two.
In the north, there is Kidepo National park which is one most interesting wilderness parks in Africa. On your visit to Kidepo, you will encounter various endemics like the cheetah, Kayirondo bush baby, and the ostrich among others. The vistas and rewarding landscapes of the Karamoja region will be a bonus to your Uganda safari.
Mount Elgon in the eastern part of Uganda is another thrilling destination. This the dormant volcanic mountain is suitable for hiking, viewing sipi falls, the caves and the paintings on the mountain side.
There are several national parks in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls National Park is the largest park in Uganda and the most visited. It is commonly known because of its falls that flows down through the Nile gorge 8 meters high from the cliff. Murchison falls national park is perfect for game viewing where you will be able to see large concentration of different mammal species like hippos, water bucks, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopard, giraffes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees, and many bird species including the rare shoebill. The flora and Fauna at Murchison is characterized by savannah, riverine forest and wood land. Read More
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth national is the second largest national park in Uganda. The park has a diverse rich eco system in western Uganda dotted with acacia wood lands and savannah grassland. Queen Elizabeth national park hosts thousand of hippos in kazinga channel where Lake Edward meets Lake George, herds of buffalos along the banks of the lake. Other mammal species to spot include Waterbucks, giant forest hog, topi, hyenas, and crocodiles are among the many animals distinguished frequently in Queen Elizabeth national park. The park comprises of kyambura gorge and kariju forest where many chimps and reptile species in the forest are. The park is also famous for its volcanic features, comprising volcanic cones and deep craters, many with crater lakes such as Lake Katwe, from which salt is extracted. The southern part of the park, Ishasha sector is famous for the tree climbing lions which one is likely to spot in the fig tree.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale forest national park is home to 13 species of primates including chimpanzees. There are several groups of chimps that are habituated, making the park one of the best chimpanzee tracking safari destination. Guided chimp walks allow visitors to see chimpanzees and also spot several species of primates.
Bwindi Impenetrable national parks
Bwindi impenetrable national park lies in southwestern Uganda and is the richest area with the best flora and fauna in East Africa. The park is famous for over 400 mountain gorillas which have increased steadily for the past years and can be seen with the access of gorilla permits for gorilla tracking in the park. It’s advisable to book for gorilla permits at least three months in advance to avoid the delays for the trip. The park also has other species like 90 species of mammals which includes 10 different primates, birding and many others.
Rwenzori mountains national parks.
Rwenzori mountains national park is located in western Uganda at the boarder of Congo. It’s also known as the mountains of the moon. The Rwenzori mountain national park is a home for 70 mammals like chimpanzees, giant forests, 217 bird species, olive pigeon, francolin and vegetables which attract tourists.
Semuliki National Park
Uganda’s Semuliki National Park is one of the stretches of protected area in western Uganda–A vast land of dense jungle and low mountains; it contains several unique mammal species that are not seen anywhere else, endemic avian species and hundreds of other types of mammals and birds. Lowland rain forests dominate the park Semuliki is, undeniably, a very wild place. Nonetheless, guided tours, from daylong jaunts to multi-day expeditions, are available through tour companies and led by local jungle guides. The Semuliki is a cultural destination as well with native tribes living in small villages scattered around the forest including Bamba.
Mount Elgon National Park
Located in Eastern Uganda, Mount Elgon National Park is another interesting sight visited by tourists. If you love hiking and sightseeing, this is one of the best destinations you can ever travel in Africa. Explore the well developed Mount Elgon hiking Trails that range from short strolls like 5km walk to the Chebonet falls and 3km walk to the Kapkwai caves to the long strolls. If you are looking for a more authentic experience, a 4-5 days trekking to the Wagagai peak (4321 m), which traverses through the Park’s largest area of bamboo forest-explore a vast Podocarpus forest and an excellent place for wildlife viewing as you are enjoying a steep and rugged climb.