Rwenzori Mountains National Park Safari Information - Uganda

 

Mountains and Mountains and lots more mountains, snow covered peaks, glaciers on the equator, yet there are two factors that prevent many people from visiting this fantastic, tallest mountain range in all of Africa - Time and Money. In most cases people take a 8 day journey through the mountains can cost just for the hike and fees over 800 dollars USD per person. That does not include the transport and extra things needed. We get many requests for the Rwenzori Mountains but the price and the time factors involved limit people from enjoying this fabulous region of Uganda, plus you will need a lot of less equipment and supplies.

The Rwenzoris – the legendary Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are well covered with moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.

The Rwenzori is not volcanic like other East Africa’s major mountains but is a block of rock up-faulted through the floor of the Western Rift Valley.The explorer Henry Stanley placed the Rwenzori on the map on 24th May 1888. He labeled it ‘Ruwenzori’, a local name which he recorded as meaning “Rain-Maker” or “Cloud-King.”The park hosts over 70 mammals including six Albertine Rift endemics; four are endemic to the park and three are rare species Other mammals include the elephant, chimpanzee, Rwenzori otter and leopard. Though wildlife is difficult to spot in the dense forest, do look out for primates such as colobus (Angola and black-and-white varieties are both present) and blue monkeys; small antelope such as bushbucks; and unusual reptiles such as the three-horned chameleon.

About 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics...- The forest zone at 1800m contains a diversity of birds including the Rwenzori Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Archers’ Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Batis and many more, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.

The mountains are a world-class hikingdes tination. A nine to twelve-day trek will get average skilled climbers to the Margherita summit – the highest spot with 5,109m above sea level on Mt. Stanley. Shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks.

Conditions in the Rwenzori mountains are quite challenging even to an experienced hiker, as mountain is known for its steep and slippery trails with frequent rainfall and cold temperatures, fog and muddy terrain.Despite all the challenges, people still arrange trips and get to the Margherita peak. It's worth a try due to the exciting experience you will attain. The dry season covers the months of July-August, December-February and so its relatively dry for inexperienced hikers.

No matter the season, its recommended that you should bring a raingear, sleeping bag, warm clothing and hat, pairs of gloves, heavy socks, gum/rain boots, gaiters and a walking stick for easy balance and support , and plus a basic first aid kit.

Porters stay around the mountain thus help visitors carry their heavy equipments and food, leaving you with a little pack, rain gear, warm clothes, camera, water and any other light luggage for an enjoyable experience. You can purchase your own food, and Rwenzori Mountaineering Service can provide cooking kit and cooks to help in preparing it.

Mount Elgon National Park - Uganda, Information

Mount Elgon Hikes and Climbing, wildlife, Nature walks, birding and Cave exploration

If you want a satisfying climb/hike that doesn’t require expert skills or equipment and is closer to home. Look no further than Mount Elgon. It's the 7th highest mountain in Africa at 4,321m and the summit is readily accessible for climbers with limited experience. It's the largest extinct volcano in the world that first/last erupted more than 24 million years ago, with a surface area of 50 km by 80 km. Mount Elgon is the fourth highest mountain in East Africa, with the second-highest peak in Uganda (Wagagi Peak – 4321 metres). It contains crater covering over 40 kms at the top of the mountain, surrounded by a series of rugged peaks.

Mount Elgon National Park is 140km North East of Lake Victoria and 280km from Kampala with estimated driving time of about 6hrs. The Park can be reached quickly by car or bus. You then drive to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) base outside Mbale town the day before you intend to climb. Payment has to be made before you climb. Entry into the national park is $90/person/day for foreign visitors (2013) but you may want to  Car parking at the base of the mountain is secure.

There are two main trailheads (starting points) which lead to the mountain's peaks. The simplest, and fastest, way up the mountain is the Sasa trail leaving from Mbale, Budadiri, and is the most direct route to the peaks. On the way is Rose's Last Chance which is worth the visit in itself. It is a cheap stay, but the cost is not included in your park fee. The trail goes through the Park's largest area of bamboo forest. The first morning's climb is steep and quick, so you can go up to over 1600m on the first day. But it involves the "wall of death" – so named for the frayed local ropes that, in previous years, was the only way to climb it. Fortunately, the UWA installed sturdy staircases up the cliff face several years ago, so porters can almost run up the mountain and you'll feel the name is no longer deserved.

For a more moderate/calm climb of about 650 – 700m first day, you may choose to ascend via Pisa trail (Kapkwata trailhead ). Along this route you can explore a vast Podocarpus forest, an excellent place for wildlife viewing. The full trekking loop to the peaks may take 4-5 days to complete.  It’s recommended that visitors should consider talking with the Information Clerk at the visitor centers of either Budadiri or Kapkwata, depending on trail choice.

Basic camping is possible at designated strategic points along the trekking at 15,000 – 25,000 UGX per night and around 15,000 – 25,000 UGX per day per porter. Each of those is actually 15,000 UGX but we just felt things change over time and perhaps its works good if you are planning not to take any chances. Carrying your own equipment is not recommended. Porters carry cooking equipment and cook for you, but they don’t provide the food so remember to bring this with you! A fuel-efficient camp stove is perfect if possible as it helps to reduce pressure on MENP firewood resource. You will also need to bring your own warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots, tent, and sleeping bag. Things like tents and sleeping bags can be hired through the Park office in Mbale. Porter/guides will also help you carry up to 18 kg of your gear as well setting up/bringing down your camp, and collecting your water.

Good idea to support local community members and encourage them to continued conserving Mount Elgon’s valuable resources if you hire local guides and porters. They are all certified guides and have received training in natural/cultural histories, emergency first aid and communication. They are great people and you would love and enjoy it with them. The wages cover the guide or porter's park visitation fee and the cost of sufficient food and supplies. Be sure to see a guide's license before hiring. For additional safety reasons, a Park ranger escort must be hired when visiting the calderas or ascending the peaks. You will meet your ranger escort at Sasa or Piswa patrol hut where you must present your park receipt before proceeding upwards.

Lodging and Accommodations
Mount Elgon Park lodging and accommodations simply basic. There are five designated campsites at Sasa River, Mude Cave, Hunters Cave, Piswa Patrol Hut and Kapkwata Rest House. Kapkwata Guest House has three main rooms with a sleeping capacity for seven people and offers kitchen services, but visitors have to bring their own food supplies or provide money to buy on arrival. You may need to make arrangements ahead of time with the Mt Elgon Park office in Mbale as these facilities do not accommodate large numbers of visitors. 
Also, there is a Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai inside the park, but this is more dormitory style and it takes up to 30 people. And of course there are several more decent lodging options in Mbale town. 

Other interesting things to do and see in the Mount Elgon Park Area

Several trails in the area allow for intriguing day hikes through friendly local villages and beautiful farming country. Pleasant campsites and lodge facilities, including meal services and hot showers are available at Crow's Nest located just before the Sipi trading centre. More decent but basic accommodation is available at the  Sipi falls Resort, Lacam lodge.

Mt. Elgon supports a variety of wildlife, Elephants and buffalo can be found on the lower slopes. The park is also home to a variety of small antelope, leopard and spotted hyena and forest monkeys, including the Black-and-white Colobus and Blue Monkey. Over 300 birds can also be found in the area, including the endangered Lammergeier, African Goshawk, and Baglafecht Weaver. However, due to the dense forest vegetation, it is easier said than done to see all this abundant wildlife. Chanler's mountain reed bucks can be spotted near the caldera rim. The ancient cave paintings near the trailhead at Budadiri also add great beauty to the park.

Mt. Elgon's slopes support a rich variety of vegetation ranging from montane forest to high open moorland studded with the giant lobelia and groundsel plants.The vegetation varies with altitude. The mountain slopes are covered with olive Olea hochstetteri and Aningueria adolfi-friedericii wet montane forest. At higher altitudes, this changes to olive and Podocarpus gracilior forest, and then a Podocarpus and bamboo Arundinaria alpina zone. Higher still is a Hagenia abyssinica zone and then moorland with heaths Erica arborea and Philippia trimera, tussock grasses such as Agrostis gracilifolia and Festuca pilgeri, herbs such as Alchemilla, Helichrysum, Lobelia, and the giant groundsels Senecio barbatipes and Senecio elgonensis.

Semliki National Park- Uganda

Facts, Information and Guide - Semliki National Wildlife Safari Park - Uganda, East Africa. Found in a remote corner of southwestern Uganda, Semliki National Park protects an eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest and forms part of a forest continuum that stretches across the Democratic Republic Of Congo to the Zaire River. Being a relatively stable forest "refugium" during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene, this is one of the richest areas for forest birds in Africa.  A large number of predominantly Central African species reach the eastern limit of their distribution here and cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa. These include some of the continent's most spectacular and sought-after birds such as; Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, Black-wattled Hornbill and Lyre-tailed Honey guide. Although it lies a bumpy three hours' drive from Fort Portal, birders who take Lifetime Experience Safaris, Semliki National Park will be richly rewarded with some of the very best forest birding in Uganda.

About Semliki Safari Park

It is found in  Bundibungyo, with Size : 220 km sq.  and  Altitude Range : 670m-760m a.s.l 
Habitat : Moist semi-deciduous forest, mostly ironwood- dominant(Cyanometra alexandri) with patches of swamp forest, and aquatic habitat represented by forest streams and oxbow lakes with adjacent swamps. Timing : Rain falls year round and birding is good anytime although the peak breeding season is just after the Jan- Feb "dry " season. Time required : 3-4 days. 
Birds Recorded : 400 species. 

Things to see at Semliki National Park

Common species in this area are:- Spot-breasted Ibis, Hartlaubs's Duck, Chestnut-flanked Goshawk, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed Hawk, Forest Francolin, Nkulengu Rail, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Black-collared Lovebird, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Red-chested Owlet, Bates' Nightjar, Chocolate-backed, White-bellied and African Dwarf Kingfishers, White-crested, Black Dwarf, Red-billed Dwarf, Piping and Black-wattled Hornbills, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Spotted, Lyre-tailed and Zenker's Honeyguides, African Piculet, Gabon Woodpecker, Red-sided Broadbill, White-throated Blue Swallow, Green-tailed Bristlebill, Sassi's Olive, Xavier's, Swamp, Simple and Eastern Bearded Greenbuls, Yellow-throated Nicator, Capuchin Babbler, Northern Bearded Scrub Robin, Forest and Grey Ground Thrushes, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Brown-crowned Eremomela, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, Ituri Batis, Red-billed Helmet -Shrike, Red-eyed Puff-back, Black-winged Starling, Maxwell's Black Weaver, Blue-billed, Crested and Red-bellied Malimbes, Pale-fronted and Chestnut-breasted Negro finches, Grant's Bluebill. 

Nocturnal Bird Watching

The area around the geothermal hot springs at Sempaya is not only very scenic but also offers some great birding. The cliffs behind the ranger post are home to the crepuscular Freckled Nightjar and these can be seen gliding around the clearing with Black-shouldered Nightjars. In the lush rainforest around here listen for the bizarre dawn and dusk duetting of the elusive Nkulengu Rail. Other nocturnal callers include Buff-spotted Flufftail and African Wood Owl. Around the cleaning and through other light gaps in the area, it is possible to glimpse African Goshawk, Red-thighed and Great Sparrows, Ayres Hawk-Eagle and Cassin's Spinetail. 
From the ranger post, head north ( right ) along the " Boundary Trail " . Crested Guinea fowl skulk in the undergrowth and the hollow hooting of the White-spotted Flufftail is commonly heard near forest creek in this area. Turn left where the trail forks and continue to the " Female" Hot Springs with boiling hot water squirts and bubbles out of the ground. 

Other Wildlife

53 species of mammal have been recorded from the park, many of which are shy, rare and nocturnal. Conspicuous species include Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Vervet, Red-tailed and Mona, Gentle (Blue) Monkeys, Olive Baboon and Guereza Colobus, De Brazza's Monkeys are rare and Chimpanzees may seldom be heard than seen. While nocturnal primates include Pottos and Galagos. You are also lucky if you glimpse Elephant, Bush pig, Water Chevrotain, Buffalo, Sitatunga, White-bellied Duiker or Dwarf Antelope, Beecroft’s Anomalure or Zenker's Flying Mouse. You are far more likely to spot the lively and agile squirrels such as Fire-footed Rope or Red-legged Sun Squirrel. Little collard fruit Bat and Target Rat. 30 species of butterflies have been identified, including 46 species of forest Swallowtails and Charaxes (75% of Uganda’s total) and at least 235 species of moths have been classified as restricted. 
There are also 305 species of trees recorded, of which 125 species are restricted to this park alone.

Lodging and Accommodations at Semliki National Park

There is an observation tower and boardwalk to view the geothermal hot springs at Sempaya. Otherwise, there is not much in the way of visitor facilities in the park and trail maintenance has been neglected for couples of years; a machete (" panga") can be useful. Bring all your supplies and camping equipment if you plan on spending time in the forest. There are three new but abandoned and unfurnished shelters at Sempaya ranger post that could accommodate a few uncomplicated travelers. Fresh drinking water can be obtained from the creek 0.6 km from Sempaya towards Bundibugyo and a swim in the Mungilo Waterfall here is also highly recommended. It is definitely advisable to boil or purify the water from the oxbow lakes and the Kirumia River prior to consumption. Recommended campsites in the forest are at the first oxbow lake and at the second Kirumia River crossing, and outside the forest at the Sempaya ranger post. Some local produce and drinks can be bought at Ntandi. Porters can be hired at the village of Kirumia at a rate of $ 2-3 per person. 

Semliki Park Access

Semliki National Park lies along the main fort Portal to Bundibugyo road, 52 km from Fort Portal. The road can become treacherous, particularly after heavy rains, requiring a 4 WD or a sturdy 2WD with sufficient clearance. The ranger post at Sempaya is well signposted but the park headquarters have been moved to the village of Ntandi, a further 4.4 km along the road to Bundibugyo. The usual National Park fees apply. from Sempaya it is 10.6 km to the village of Kirumia and start of the Kirumia River trail into the forest. It is possible to hitch a ride between Sempaya and Kirumia but bear in mind that most vehicles head towards Fort Portal in the mornings; traffic in the direction of Bundibugyo passes mainly in the late afternoon and evening. 

Kidepo Valley National Park information – Uganda

The park is found in North East of Uganda bordering Kenya and South Sudan.Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the North East Region of Uganda, home of the Karamajong pastoralists.  A tribe that dances to the beat of its own drummer, defying a changing world and living in its ancient ways. 

Kidepo Valley National Park reflects the nature and character of the people who call this area as their home. Driving to this park means covering a distance from Kampala of at least 705 kilometers and if you take some different routes as many as 792 kilometers.  In other words most people choose to fly instead since it would take a good days at least and the roads go through some rough country.  Most people fly here, which at the present petro and diesel prices might even be a lower price than driving, and once you are here, arrangements are made for transportation at Kidepo Valley Park.

Only two places to stay, Up-Market at the Apoka Lodge, a relatively new lodge and absolutely fantastic, or the Apoka Rest camp run by the Uganda Wildlife Service where you have to bring your own food.  Don't get discouraged, the park is well worth it any trouble getting here or bringing in your own food. Imagining a fabulous Savanna landscape ending up in Mountains and you have Kidepo Valley.  People say it looks more like Kenya than Uganda, but it is Uganda and the park is filled with wildlife, birds and many are different than in other parts of Uganda.

The climatic conditions vary in the park and therefore you have a wide variety of flora in these 1,442 square kilometers that make up this very unique park called Kidepo Valley National Park.

80 different kinds of mammals are found here, 28 of which are found nowhere else in Uganda.  Tree Climbing lions are found here during the day as they tend to roam at night, Herds of Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, 5 kinds of primates, bat-eared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, cheetah and hunting dog, eland, bush buck, bush duskier, defassa water buck, bohor reed buck, jackson's hartebeest and oribi.

There is nothing such as Kidepo and one other thing, you are alone, there are not many people around.  One of the quietest game parks in Africa, only you and Nature

Mgahinga Gorilla Park Uganda

The Mgahinga Gorilla National park- Uganda, safari Information

Mountain Gorilla tracking (trekking) in the African Rainforest of Mgahinga, Mountain Hikes and Climbing, Golden Monkey tracking (trekking), Nature Walks, Birding, Alpine Mountain Swamps, Cave Exploration, or simply relax at Lake Mutanda with a ride in a boat at sunset.

Mgahinga is the smallest National Park in the country - about 38 square miles and yet it is one of the most stunningly beautiful places in all of Uganda. This area is the oldest part of the Western Rift Valley and from here the Virgunga Chain of active and inactive volcanoes stretch over three countries, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In fact when you climb up Mount Sabinyo you can step into the Congo,into Rwanda and back into Uganda. The volcanoes begin on the dry Rift Valley floors with all of its human bustling hustling about up and up through the bamboo and Hagenia-Hypericum Forests and into the high Afro Montane Region of the park with its windswept moorlands where you will find giant heathers, lobelia and groundsell. Simply awesome to the visitors who have never climbed a Mountain in East or Central Africa.

Mgahinga Gorilla Park is not only a place where you can find Mountain Gorillas but the endangered, beautiful and striking Golden Monkeys and a special Golden Monkey Tracking Walk is available.

One of the most fantastic possibilities at Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the climbing of the three Volcanoes including Mount Sabinyo meaning "Old Man's Teeth," referring to the ring of stubby peaks, Mount Muhavura is translated "the Guide," because of its towering cone which is a landmark in the region, Mount Gahinga is translated "Little Rocks." This name comes from the practice of farmers having to gather the volcanic rocks on their fields and creating piles of stones which are from Mount Gahinga.

Lifetime Experience Safaris offers Volcano Climbing of all three Mount Mgahinga Volcanoes...A 5 day Safari with three days of climbing and hiking up some of the most fantastic Volcanoes in this part of Africa.Mgahinga Gorilla Park is also home to a group of Mountain Gorillas who move between Rwanda and Uganda It is located near Rwanda's Volcano Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park. In essence Mgahinga Gorilla Park is part of a much greater regional park that allows the gorillas and other wildlife to move in between the parks.

Most Gorilla tracking (trekking) is done at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, since there is only one group in Mgahinga and that frequently crosses over into Rwanda and DRC, so one must have the latest information as to the location of the group. However the scenic beauty of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is simply stunning and considered the most beautiful in all of Uganda. You can explore caves, go climb the volcanoes, track the blue and golden monkeys that are both quite rare and discover the birds of Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Birding has been an underrated activity here because there has never been a real search of the kinds of birds that are here and the present list is about 160.

The Park came into existence in 1991 when people living there were relocated to nearby villages in the surrounding area of the park. It has been a major park for Gorilla tracking (trekking), but that can become a problem due to the movement of habituated gorillas into Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. (Habituated simply means that they are accustomed to have humans around them). Not tame, but not hostile to humans).

People living in the area have controlled and sustainable access to the park and there are the Bafumbira who are cultivators and the Batwa (Pygmies) who once lived in the park area and fed on wildlife and use many plants to make traditional medicine and supplement their diets.

The majority of the staff are from the surrounding area. The community receives 20% of the Park entrance fees for development projects.

Mgahinga like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a mountainous area and a cool climate for Uganda. Animals found in the park are Mountain gorillas, Buffaloes, Elephants, bushbucks, the threatened golden monkey, and many others. Bird species include the Rwenzori Turaco, Crowned hornbill, Black kite and Crowned Cranes, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike and Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird.

Mountain Climbing: There are 3 extinct volcanoes to climb for the physical fit, the longest climb takes a nine hour round trip up Mount Muhabura, while Mount Gahinga is 6 to seven hour round trip and the easiest of the three climbs, the toughest one even uses ladders in some instances, Mount Sabinyo is an eight hour hike-climb. People find them very rewarding with views of the Virungas as far as the eye can see. The Virungas are not a mountain chain as such but a number of volcanoes that are dotted across the landscape.

Golden Monkey tracking (trekking): If the mountain gorillas have shifted to Rwanda, Golden Monkey tracking (trekking) should definitely be on the list of things to do. It has a bright orange-gold colored body, tail, black limbs, crown and tail end. They are an endangered species and they are 3 to 4,000 in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

Mountain Gorilla tracking (trekking): Presently there are Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park that returned in the first week of October 2009. A splendid area to track the Mountain Gorillas in the shadows of Volcanoes. Nature Walks & Birding: There is certainly a variety of them and birdwatchers will have a field day here. There is the Sabinyo Gorge Trail winding its way into bamboo forest, along a stream into a forested gorge.

The Bamboo Forest provides an opportunity to see the Golden Monkey and you might also see the Handsome Francolin, Kivu Ground Thrush and Regal Sunbird. The forest made up of evergreen trees is an area where you can find Rwenzori Turaco, Western Green Tinkerbird, Olive Woodpecker, African Hill Babbler, Archer's Ground Robin, Rwenzori Batis, Montane Sooty Boubou, Lagden's Bush Shrike, Strange Weaver and others.

Rugezi Swamp: Here you have an good opportunity to see Elephants, and the Giant Forest Hog on your return in the late afternoon. This is an all day trail with lots of birds to be seen on it.

Garama Cave: It used to be used by the Iron Age People of the region and then by the Batwa as a hiding place from warring neighboring tribes who did not like the little people of the forest. You an go in about 300 meters, but need a good flashlight and extra batteries. It is rumored that the cave extends and comes out in Rwanda, well you can find out.

Lake Mburo Wildlife Safari National Park- Africa, The Home of the Elegant Zebra in Uganda.

Things to see and do at Lake Mburo Wildlife National Park. Find Zebras, leopards, Jackals, Hyenas, Buffaloes, Antelopes, Hippos, crocodiles and over 300 kinds of birds The Park is nearest park to Kampala 41/2 hours courtesy of Ebenezer Elder treks. Lake Mburo is not often found in Safari brochures as part of a Ugandan Package, yet this Park has a long and varied history as a conservation area and as a park.

The area has long been considered a prime grazing area by the Bahima pastoralists with their giant horned Ankole cattle.  Man and his cattle lived alongside the animals in the area of what is now the park but hunted down animals such as Lions since they threatened their herds and at times themselves. It has been a see-saw battle back and forth but finally people came together and formed a conservation group that took in the interests of the surrounding communities and they in turn had an opportunity to air their grievances.  Today those communities receive a percentage of the proceeds from the park which goes to build infrastructure such as schools, medical clinics and more.

 Lake Mburo National park has been graced by Lake Mburo, 5 other smaller lakes and various areas that swampy in nature and provides a good place for birds to be found.  About a 5th of the park is covered by lakes and wetland, there are rock covered bridges, plenty of savanna graced by several species of Acacia Trees.

Things to see at Lake Mburo Safari park.

Mammals:  Here are some of the major ones you will find in Lake Mburo National Park.

Leopard:  A good guide with you or simply be fortunate to see one since they are quite elusive.

Lions:  In January of 2009 Lions have been spotted once again in Lake Mburo Park after an absence of 12 years.  They are being tracked to see if they will remain the park.  This is good news.

Burchell Zebra: Thousands are found here and not at in most Wildlife Parks except Kidepo that is not too accessible for most unless you fly in.

Kidepo  is not too accessible for most unless you fly in.

• African Golden Cat:  Wide spread in Western Uganda, but rarely seen
• Antelopes:  Kampala, Topi, , Common Duiker, Oribi, Bushbuck, Defassa Waterbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, and the Eland which is the largest antelope to be found migrates through the park at times.  The elusive sitatunga antelopes can be found if you are poking around in the swamps areas of the park.
• Buffalo:  Often found near water.  If you find a solitary male buffalo, he has been ejected by the females in the group for someone better.
• Hippopotamus:  Hippos are found grazing on land and can actually move quite fast and can run over most anyone or anything.  During the day you will find them in water of the lakes.
• Warthog:  Usually seen in groups and found in most Ugandan Parks .
• Bush Pig:  Probably not to seen unless you are driving around at night in the Park.
• Spotted Hyena:  You can see them in the evenings and sometimes at night not too far from your lodging, at least you can hear their cry piercing the stillness of the night.
• Otters:  The Cape Clawless Otter, the DRC Clawless Otter, Spotted Necked Otter.  Lake Mburo is one of the areas where all three are present.
• Side Striped Jackal:  small dogs that are founded in most of Ugandan Parks.
• White Tailed Mongoose:  You might spot a few at dawn or dusk.
• Vervet Monkeys:  Those are those grey monkeys you see almost anywhere.
• Baboons:  Often move in large groups and their teeth can seem threatening but for the most part they leave humans alone.

Reptiles: 

• Crocodiles:  You find them on the shores of the lake and submerged like a log in the water.
• Various kinds of snakes:  Most likely you will not come across any since they usually move at the sound of vibrations in the ground created by people walking.
• Savanna Monitor:  Can be over 2 meter long and some people might think that they are a crocodile.

The is from Kampala is   4½ hour drive time from Kampala’s Uganda’s capital city. There are also 315 species of birds recorded as being in Lake Mburo National Park.  That is almost a third of all the birds that have been recorded in Uganda.  You will find swamp birds, those that prefer acacia trees since there 5 kinds of acacia trees at the park.

Best information about Kibale Forest Safari park in Uganda.

Best information about   Kibale Forest Safari park in Uganda.

Kibale is the best place to see Chimpanzees in Uganda & Africa. The 795km2 Kibale National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. This is home to a host of forest wildlife, most famously 13 species of primate including chimpanzees. Forest cover predominates in the northern and central parts of the park on the elevated Fort Portal plateau. Kibale is highest at the park’s northern tip which stands 1590m above sea level. Northern Kibale is the wettest area, receiving a mean annual rainfall of up to 1700mm, mostly during March-May and September-November. This pristine environment has pleasant with a mean annual temperature range of 14-27°c. Temperatures are highest (and rainfall lower) in the south where the terrain drops down onto the hot rift valley floor and forest gives way to open grassland.

Southern Kibale adjoins Queen Elizabeth National Park and together these protected areas maintain a 180km-long migration corridor for wildlife which extends from  Ishasha, the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, to the Sebitoli forest in the north of Kibale. The Kibale-Fort Portal area is one of Uganda’s most rewarding areas to explore. The park lies close to the tranquil Ndali crater area and within a half day’s drive of the Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori Mountains and Semliki National Parks and the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species, chimpanzees being the chief attraction here. Most visitors come for Chimpanzee Tracking (Trekking) and you can actually spend some days here with chimpanzee habituation experience of one, two days or three days. The perfect treat for the chimpanzee enthusiast. There are 13 kinds of primates found here include of course Chimpanzees which are closely related to human beings, but also such as Red Colobus Monkey, Kibale Forest is the last place in Uganda where a large concentration of the Red Colobus Monkey can be found. You can also find L'Hoest's Monkeys, Black and White Colobus, Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboon, Grey Cheeked Mangabey Monkeys, the nocturnal primates such as bushbaby and potto, and others. You can have do a nocturnal walk here with spotlights that is fabulous.

There is about 335 species of birds here and of course there is nearby  Bigodi wetlands where you can find more monkeys, more birds and take a 4 hour birding walk, you can extend it if you are a serious birder. At Kibale Forest, you can find Turacos, Red-winged Francolin, Green-breasted Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Woodland Warbler and Orange-tufted Sunbirds, Prirogrine's ground thrush and countless other birds. Many wetland species can be seen alongside most of the same forest species living in the national park. There are also an incredible 250 species of butterfly that live here.

There are many mammals found here at Kibale forest including the hairier and a bit smaller forest elephants, bushbuck, duiker, bush pig, buffalo and others that you might encounter along the way.

Kiabale Forest primate National Park Accessibility.

Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda, 26km south-east of Fort Portal town. Kanyanchu River Camp, the primary centre for tourism activities, can be reached from Kampala either from the north, via Mubende and Fort Portal, or the south through Mbarara and Kamwenge. The northern approach is shorter and quicker, with a 300km paved roadway running to Fort Portal followed by 36km on graded road to Kanyanchu. Sebitoli Forest Camp, a secondary tourism centre, is even easier to reach. This stands directly on the Kampala road, 16km before Fort Portal. Public transport runs throughout the day between Kampala and Fort Portal (passing Sebitoli) and Fort Portal and Kamwenge (passing Kanyanchu).

Kibale National Park Accommodation

The park (Kibale Primate Lodge) provides mid range accommodation at Kanyanchu including stone cottages, tree houses and tented camps. Simple cottages are found at Sebitoli. Both sites provide campsites and canteens that provide basic meals to order.Basic and mid range accommodation is available in the nearby villages of Bigodi and Nkingo while a wider choice is to be found in the Ndali Crater Area. This ranges from the up-market  Ndali Lodge and Primate Lodge Kibale to  good budget options at Chimpanzee Guesthouse and Lake Nkuruba. Accommodation can also be found in Fort Portal town.

   

The Queen Elizabeth National Park- Uganda

The Queen Elizabeth National Park- Uganda

Discover Uganda Safaris with Ebenezer Elder Treks safaris when it comes to safari.

Queen Elizabeth National Park "Lakes and Mountains in an extraordinary setting". At the size of the 1,978 square kilometer, the park is Uganda’s second biggest national park after Murchison falls national park. Queen Elizabeth is Uganda’s second biggest park after Murchison falls National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park being a World bio-sphere reserve with a RAMSAR wetland site, is sometimes referred to as the pearl of Africa. The park is situated astride the equator and located in southwestern Uganda lying on the base of the rift valley between Lakes George and Edward and borders Democratic Republic of Congo on its western side.

The Park History

The Park’s conservation can be traced back in 1925, when a department was setup to stop Elephants from raiding villages and destroying cultivation with the overall aim being protecting both Elephants and people within to keep the certain boundaries. At the same time series of game reserves, sanctuaries and national parks were established over the years across the border in Zaire, Parc national des Virunga by the Belgian colonial authorities. This resulted in pressure to protect the adjoining ecosystem in Uganda hence the establishment of L. George game reserve and L. Edward game reserve in the in the late 1920’s later in 1952 it was gazetted into a national park known as Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park together with the Kyambura and Kigezi wildlife reserves covers 2475 square kilometers. Its temperatures range from 18ºc to 28ºc. The wettest seasons in this Park are usually incurred in March to May and September to November receiving rains ranging from 750mm to 1250mm with an altitude of 910m above sea level at Lake Edward vicinity to 1,390 m above sea level in the crater area.

How to get there

This park can be accessed most easily from the south from Kampala via Mbarara town-Bushenyi via Katunguru covering a distance of 420km while the north through Fort Portal-Kasese via Katunguru covers a total of 410km. The park can also be accessed from the south from Kabale or Bwindi Impenetrable National park via   Kihihi via Kihihi to Ishasha gate. Charter flights can be arranged to a choice of airstrips at Kasese, Mweya and Ishasha. You will get  En-route to Queen Elizabeth, visitors have the chance to enjoy short stopover tours to lake Mburo National Park, Kibale Forest National park renowned for chimpanzee  tracking and Bwindi Impentrable National park via Kihihi to Ishasha gate.

The things to see at queen Elizabeth National park

 The park (Queen Elizabeth National Park)  is basically known for the big four animals that is the Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes and the Leopards. Other animals in the park include warthog, giant forest hog, topi, bushbuck, civet, hyena, aardvark, Uganda kob, bush babies, chimpanzee, baboon, Columbus monkeys, hippo to mention. It is also classified as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birdlife International with 500+ species of birds including fish eagle, bee eater, 11 kingfishers, shoebill stork, falcons, eagles, vultures, flamingos and glorious butterflies are everywhere.

Imagine a terrain that includes a myriad of lakes of all types and sizes, from great freshwater lakes and inland salt lakes to mirror surfaced crater lakes. A terrain that includes marshland and broad savannah, mountains and mysterious unexplored wooded valleys. A terrain that provides a magnificent home for a breathtakingly wide variety of exotic creatures of all kinds, in the air, on the land in the water. Set in the west of the Great East African Rift Valley and bordered by mist-capped “Mountains of the Moon”, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is all this, and more.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is sometimes referred to as the pearl of Africa. Sir Andrew Cohen wrote about it that; “the grandest view I have ever seen, looking north from Ankole escarpment, with lakes Edward and George and the Kazinga Channel in the foreground and the whole snow capped range of the Rwenzori as a backdrop.”

Things to do at Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda
Launch trip or Kazinga Channel

This is the most popular activity to the mouth of the Kazinga Channel. The 40km-long channel that connects Lake George to Lake Edward provides the park’s prime wildlife spectacle and its shoreline attracts large numbers of birds, mammals and reptiles year round. These can be seen from two covered launches, Topi and Simba that cruise between Mweya Jetty and the channel’s entrance into Lake Edward. The launches run at 1500 hrs and 1700hrs, Additional voyages run at 1100hrs and 1300hrs subject to demand.
Game Drives
These are usually done very early in the morning and late in the evening hours. Over 200km of well maintained tracks give visitor access to the park’s game and slower you drive the more you will see. Some tracks pass through large mating grounds of great herds of Uganda Kob. There are basically three game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park including: The Northern crater area game drive, Kasenyi area game drive and the Ishasha sector game drive.

Nature walks

One of Uganda’s largest tracts of tropical forest, Maramagambo is notable for its primate and bird populations. Trails explore the forest around Lake Nyamusingire. Wildlife sightings vary from day to day, but guaranteed events include the Bat Cave with a resident bat-hungry Python, and the copper-rich Blue Lake.

Chimps Tracking in Chambura Gorge

Habituated Chimpanzees live in the 100m deep gorge carved by the Kyambura River that flows across the rift valley floor towards the Kazinga Channel. Guided walks to search for Chimpanzees start at Kyambura’s Fig Tree Camp at 0800 hrs and 1400 hrs.

Bird watching
Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts 606 bird species. You can encounter them by using experienced guide and they know the most interesting bird spots around swamps, lakes and other interesting habitat of the park.

Around the park and Trail Accommodation:

Mweya Peninsula and the Northern Circuit

Mweya Peninsula: Queen’s focal point contains the Visitors Centre, a luxury lodge, hostel, campsite, and budget food option and also the departure point for the Kazinga Channel launch channel     l launch trip and is still jam-packed with birds and animals. Its elevated position commands gorgeous views of the Kazinga Channel and surrounding savanna. The Peninsula is also in proximity to make an ideal departure point for wildlife-filled morning or evening game drives to northern circuit.

Kazinga Channel: The Kazinga channel launch cruise is the most relaxing way to enjoy a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ready with your camera or binoculars expect to see hippos, elephants, buffalos and water birds, along with caimans, monitor lizards, marabou storks, weaver birds and elegant pairs of fish eagles along the banks of the Kazinga channel.

Katwe and Explosion Craters: There are a number of must-see huge round volcanic basins scattered across the National Park for those with a particular interest in the region’s fascinating geological history. The 27km drive between Kabatoro gate and Queen’s Pavilion takes in views of the enormous craters, circular lakes, the Rift Valley escarpment and the Kazinga channel all in front of the mighty backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The Katwe-Kabatoro community on Katwe Salt Lake where for century traditional salt mining is practiced is one of the most famous lookout points while at the park. The neighboring Lake Munyanyange is a bird sanctuary, as well as a migratory location for the lesser flamingo from August to November.

Kasenyi Plains and Lake George: Kasenyi Plains stretches from the Kasese road towards Lake George. The vast savannah of Kasenyi is the perfect setting for a classic African safari experience with dream photographic opportunities of the Uganda kob breeding ground that attract prides of lions, warthogs grazing bent down on their knees, guinea fowl scuttle through the grassland and huge dark elephants, buffalo, more skittish pairs of bushbuck, hyenas and grassland birds.

Between Lakes George and Kikorongo lies a track of swamp. The papyrus swamps included on the Ramsar wetland site is home to the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope. It is also spot for the elusive Shoebill plus other native birds on the lake and papyrus endemics including white winged warbler, papyrus gonolek and papyrus warbler and during the northern winter large concentration of migrant waders and waterfowl. Also the Hamukungu fishing village is worthy visiting.

Mweya Peninsula and the Northern Circuit Lodging options

A variety of accommodation caters for all budgets in this part of the park.  Mweya safari Lodge and   Hippo hill cam offer up market up market accommodation while Queen Elizabeth  Bush Camp, samba safari camp which is just outside the park  outside the park offer moderate accommodation and the Mweya Hostel at Mweya Student camp, Rwenzori Salaam lodge and Excellent lodge provide budget accommodation. Ishasha Plains

The remote Ishasha Plains is 100km southwest of Mweya and is ranked with the most alluring game viewing areas in the country with two main game circuits the northern and the southern loops. It is most famous with the tree climbing lions. It is also home to many buffalos and elephants, herds of Uganda kob as well as the rare shoebill. The region is convenient to pass through on the way to  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Ishasha Plains Lodging choices

A variety of accommodation that caters for all budgets in this sector of the park provides a true wilderness experience. Up market accommodation include Ishasha wilderness Camp and Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp while Savanna Resort Hotel, providing moderate provides moderate accommodation and Ishasha Campsite and Simba Miti Camp offers budget and camping accommodation.

Maramagabo Forest and Kyambura Gorge

The southeastern section of the Queen Elizabeth National Park is strikingly different in character from the southwest and the north dominated by the extensive Maramagambo Forest.

Maramagambo forest: The forest harbours primates including chimpanzees, baboons and several monkey species. The forest is also alive with numerous birds including the rare Forest Flycatcher, White-naped Pigeon and the striking Rwenzori Turaco. One can also visit the ‘cormorant house’, a large tree that has been turned white by the birds that roost here at night, crater lakes and a “Bat Cave” with a specially constructed viewing room.

Kyambura Gorge:This is the most popular tourist draw in this part of the park with habituated Chimpazees that can be tracked with in the confines of the forested river gorge carved into the surrounding flat savannah. East of Kyambura Gorge is Kyambura Wildlife Reserve with beautiful crater lakes that offer excellent opportunities to observe many water birds including greater and lesser flamingoes and the great egrets.

Maramagabo Forest and Kyambura Gorge Accommodations

A variety of accommodation caters for all budgets in this part of the park.  Katara Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge and  and Kyambura Game Lodge all offer up market accommodation  while Kingfisher, Kichwamba lodge and  offers moderate accommodation and Abbey Guesthouse and Maramagambo Campsite provides budget accommodation.