There is no way you will enjoy the pearl of Africa without adventuring its nature exhibited in its wildlife, culture, mountains, lakes and other natural resources distributed in the different regions of the country.
Visiting the western parts of Uganda will make you enjoy the country since the place has got the best land forms suitable for nature viewing, in the extreme ends that’s the south western parts is Kabale and Kisoro districts. These have got an unsurpassed biodiversity and the scenic beauty of the regions with highland tropical rain forests and mountains. Amidst this natural beauty lies the farmlands of the local people and all these gives the visitors a nice pictorial view.
Hiking within the greatest and unique parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga enable you to learn how great Uganda is gifted by nature since this is where the greatest numbers of the endangered mountain gorillas with over 500 individuals being habituated in these two parks. As one hikes within the trails, one goes through a variety of plants and ridges up to where these apes stay on the mountains.
Though one enjoys the park’s beauty, you cannot leave the park minus interacting with the local people within the park, these are known as the Batwa Pygmies and they are said to be the first people to stay in the forests, these are hunters traditionally, story tellers. The rolling hills around the parks plus the cold weather conditions offers the best experienced to the visitors most especially to those whom are used to winter seasons. This part is regarded as the Switzerland of Uganda.
A travel to the eastern parts of Uganda offers you another more experience about Uganda, one cannot access this region minus crossing the great River Nile which is the longest river in Africa, this separates central region from the eastern region and these are part of the four regions of Uganda. Exploring the source of the Nile is greater than everything since it’s only found here and no any other part of the Uganda except here.
This is makes your Uganda nature tour a blended one. Also, in the east is the Elgon Mountain which is the eighth tallest mountain in Africa, this is found in the areas of Mbale and this forms the Mountain Elgon National Park with a number of nature adventure activities. This mountain has got the world’s largest caldera found on its top of the Wagagai peak. One cannot leave the park minus taking a hike around the park, here one is capable of exploring the Sipi falls, these are formed by the flowing rivers from the top of the mountain and they form part of the great Elgon Mountain.
In the north eastern part of the country is the Karamajong region, this part is mostly known for the nomadic pastoralists who occupies the region in a communal way of owning land, this part is more of savannah region and therefore anybody visiting the place may see these local people enjoy grazing their herds of cattle around the parts of the rolling hills. These adds on the beauty of the region since the local people here are largely distinct from the rest of the tribes distributed in other parts of the country starting with the way how they spend their entire life, their ways and codes of dressing and their movement characters in search for pasture for their herds.
Also to note is that the region is where the nature reserve of Kidepo valley national park is located, this is the most isolated national park. Any visitor who makes an expedition to the park must be captivated by the unique beauty of the landscape and significantly impressed with the abundance and diversity of local wildlife.
Also in the western part of Uganda is Queen Elizabeth National Park and this is among the most liked and preferred national parks in the whole world with savannah plains and acacia woodland which is full of craters plus lakes. The Kazinga channel launch cruise, a visit to the blue lake, visiting the crater lakes on a drive and a hike to the Kyambura Gorge renders the best nature experience. All these offer the best viewing of wildlife within the park.
Besides this national park, standing aside offers the best view of the rolling hills of the Rwenzori hills with the snow-capped mountains. This part is located in a dense tropical rain forest with a number of craters, tarns. Also to see is the Bunyaruguru craters with numerous volcanic upheavals, all these are the fruits of the Uganda’s nature and for sure these Bunyaruguru craters are mostly known as the “pearl of Uganda”.
Commonly known as “The Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is a naturally endowed country. It is among the East African countries forming up the Great East African community. It is a landlocked country, however blessed with various unique natural resources, tourist attractions and centers as well as activities. A visit to Uganda usually fills visitors with such great happiness from viewing her bio diversified ecosystem to mention. This tends to make it hard for travelers to choose on which natural attractions to engage in since all of Uganda’s natural resources and activities are unique and very rewarding.
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.
List of Uganda National Parks
There are several national parks in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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.
Kidepo Valley National Park
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.
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.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
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.
Mgahinga National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kibale National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Mount Elgon National Park
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.
Mount Elgon is in fact an extinct volcano, which is situated along the borders of Kenya whose tallest peak Wagagai lies within Uganda and is best reached from the side of Uganda as well. The great scenery along the hike is the key attraction for this park. Another factor that is attractive is that this park is not so popular and if you are looking for an undemanding walk with lesser crowds this destination is great. As you go along the hike you would see various varieties of monkeys, elephants and monkeys. This region is also home to some 300 species of birds.
Lake Mburo National Park
Semuliki National Park
Katonga Wildlife Reserve
Ssese Islands