Uganda is a country of exquisite beauty and natural abundance. Given its size, Uganda is compacted with a lot of more plants and animal species than any other single area in Africa. As a result there are a number of wildlife reserves, national parks and protected areas throughout the country that offer both local and international tourists fantastic retreats in which to enjoy the natural splendor of Uganda. Less known to tourists, Uganda is an upcoming destination attracting many tourists interested in gorilla safaris, game viewing, bird watching and other adventurous holidays. The history of tourism and conservation dates back to the colonial times.
In 1952, Uganda stamped itself as a leader in east Africa conservation, having one of the first national parks in Africa getting gazetted. 50 Years down the road, the country remains at the forefront of environmental protection efforts, with tropical forests, sprawling savannah grasslands and woodlands, swamps, Rivers and lakes. But in a place where eco credentials are so readily evident, Queen Elizabeth National Park – the countries first– continues to be a relatively hidden treasure, with biodiversity that is just as dramatic as famous wildlife population living here. Explore the park hoping to see how one of the country’s greatest symbols of environmental achievement continues to reflect its legacy.
There are many outstanding places where you can go during your holiday in Uganda. These include national parks, game reserves, natural landmarks and more.
National Parks
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is one of the superb game viewing destinations in Africa. Before the onset of the civil war in the 1970s and 80s, it was considered one of Africa’s finest parks, with large populations of herbivores and predators. Though the Murchison’s game populations were hugely affected by the troubles (political turmoil) that Uganda suffered in the 1970s to mid 1980s, the park animal populations are on recovery. Today the ecosystems are highly diverse, dotted with savanna grasslands, tropical rain forests of Budongo, wetlands, and thickets on termite-built mounds.
Murchison is already an interesting park that is well off the beaten track, and so perfect for those looking for a great wilderness experience. It is a home to good populations of Oribi, Jackson’s heart beasts, Waterbuck, Warthog, Buffalos, Elephants and Giraffes. Predators are also recovering slowly, with a number of lion prides and a few male coalitions within the Park. The elephant herds and bulls are regularly encountered, with the bulls being particularly relaxed providing great opportunities for photography. Within the Nile, a river that divides the park into two, there are good populations of Hippo and crocodiles, whilst on the savannah plains you will encounter large troops of monkeys and Baboons can be found. If you love birding, Murchison Falls National Park is one of the best sites with a very good number of birds including special and endemic birds such as the collared palm thrush, the green Coucal, Narina trogon and spotted creeper.
Game Reserves
- Game Reserve
Lakes & Rivers
- Lake Victoria
- Lake Bunyonyi
- River Nile – the Source of the Nile
- River Sezibwa
The Ssese Islands
The Islands of Ssese, located in Lake Victoria, are noticeably less developed than its tourism-happy Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary peer. That’s a good thing for eco-tourists, who flock to the island’s low-key, Earth-friendly resorts to dive, swim and trek across the undeveloped interior forests and highlands. Jungle trails, many leading to scenic sights with eco-tourism in mind, so it is ideal for people who want to avoid the city scene altogether and focus on jungle treks and nature-themed attractions.
Bahai Temple
Address:Kikaya Hill, Kampala
Situated on top of Kikaya Hill, just a few kilometers ouside Kampala, the Bahai Temple is one of just eight Bahai Houses of Worship in the world, and the only one in Africa.
Historical sites Kampala
Entebbe Botanical gardens
Close to both the Airport and Lake Victoria beaches, the Botanical Gardens are a perfect place to relax before going back home, but also nice for a daytrip.
Nature Entebbe
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Visitation Fees, per 24 hours:
National Park Bwindi impenetrable forest
Equator
Historical sites
Kasubi tombs
Historical sites Kampala
Kibale National Park
Visitation Fees, per 24 hours:
Kidepo Valley National Park
Lake Mburo National Park
Mabira forest
Located between Kampala and Jinja, Mabira forest is reachable for a daytrip from both places.
Things to do in Mabira:
– Hiking, guided tour
– Bike rental
Nature Jinja
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Visitation Fees, per 24 hours:
Mount Elgon National Park
Website:http://www.uwa.or.ug/
Visitation Fees, per 24 hours:
National Park MbaleMurchison
Falls National Park
Visitation Fees, per 24 hours:
Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine
Address:Namugongo, Kampala
Website:http://www.ugandamartyrsshrine.org.ug
Historical sites Kampala
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Visitation Fees, per 24 hours:
Rwenzori Mountains National Park