MURCHISON FALLS
NATIONAL PARK
Murchison Falls N.P. is
the largest park in Uganda, covering over 400 sq. kms
since the inclusion of the adjoining game reserve. It
is one of the most spectacular parks in Africa. Renowned
for its scenic beauty and the spectacular waterfalls from
which it gets name. MFNP has abundant Flora and Fauna
to delight the visitor. From rolling savannah and tall
grasslands to thick bush and woodlands, the diversity
of this park never ceases to amaze.
No visit to Murchison Falls would be complete without
a visit to the magnificent waterfalls. They can be viewed
from the top where the Nile River narrows from 50 metres
to crash through a 7 metre gorge, falling 45 metres to
the rocks below. The three-hour cruise to the base of
the Falls is unforgettable. One can experience the majesty
of the Nile while onboard, viewing exuberant wildlife
along the banks.
The more adventurous traveller
may want to hike the trails around the waterfalls, while
the avid birdwatcher will want to seek out some of the
424-species identified in the park. Fishermen can test
their skills above and below the Falls, waiting patiently
for 20-7kg. Nile Perch. Other game fish found in the Nile
include Barbel, electric Catfish and Tiger fish. On game
drives Cape buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffe, Uganda kob,
hartebeest and waterbuck are commonly seen. You may also
spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, shy sitatunga, bush
duiker, warthog and bushpig.
Large carnivores include
lion, leopard and spotted hyena. Chimpanzees head the
list of six species of primates found in the park. Crocodile
and hippo will be seen along the banks of the Nile. Some
of the more common birds that can be included Goliath
heron, Egyptian geese, pelican, bee-eaters, kingfishers,
hornbill, cormorant, saddle-bill stork and the rare shoebill
stork. A boat cruise to the delta is a highlight for the
avid birdwatcher. White water rafting above the Falls
and flat water canoeing on the placid Nile below the Falls
may be of interest to the adventure traveller.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
NATIONAL PARK
Queen Elizabeth N.P. is
one of the outstanding treasures of Uganda. QENP has recently
been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under
UNESCO. The park covers 2,000 sq. kms and includes a remarkable
variety of eco-systems; from semi-decidious tropical forest
to green meadows, savannah and swamps. It is the home
of the famous tree-climbing lions, the Uganda kob and
other antelope as well as elephant, buffalo, hippos,
baboons,
and chimpanzee. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded
here making it prime target for birdwatchers. Species
recorded include the shoebill stork, black bee-eater,
11 types of kingfishers and a variety of raptors including
several falcons and eagles. In the crater lakes, spectacular
flocks of flamingos gather, creating the image of a moving
pink carpet.
The launch trip along
the Kizinga Channel between Lake George and Edward is
a memorable way to view the variety of game in Queen Elizabeth.
North of the main gate is the crater area, one of the
most scenic parts of the park. To the East, in Kyambura
Gorge, visitors can climb through tropical forest and
catch a glimpse of a variety of primates, including chimpanzee.
In the more isolated Ishasha sector of the park, search
the woodlands for the tree-climbing lions perching on
the boughs of ancient fig trees. To the Southeast, travellers
can explore newly opened trails in Maramagambo forest.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE
NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi is located in south-western
Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley covering
331 sq. kms. It is one of the largest natural forests
in East Africa, supporting large number of plants and
animals not found elsewhere. About half the world's population
of 600 mountain gorilla reside in Bwindi. The vegetation,
as the park's name implies, is composed of tropical rainforest
with dense undergrowth. This rugged terrain makes hiking
in search of gorilla strenuous work. Visitors who trek
should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking. Good physical
condition is required. A maximum of only 6 permits per
day are available for advance booking, so confirmation
4 - 12 months in advance is required to avoid disappointment.
Along with the gorillas,
there are nine other species of primates including chimpanzee,
blue monkey, redtail monkey, L'hoest's monkey, black and
white colobus, potto, demidoff's and needle - clawed galago.
Three hundred and forty-seven species of birds have been
recorded in Bwindi; seven species are listed as endangered.
Species of particular interest include the Kivu ground
thrush, white-bellied robin chat, red-throated alethe,
collared apallis, short-tailed warbler, yellow-eyed black
flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, blue headed sunbird, strange
weaver and the Shelley's crimsonwing. Over 200 species
of butterflies have also been recorded here.
Many visitors also enjoy
the hiking trails in the park. The most popular are the
Munyaga River Trail, the Waterfall trail and the Rushuura
Trails.
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS
NATIONAL PARK
The Rwenzori Park is a
splendid world of ice and snow, with its massive ice-rime
sculptures and mind-boggling vegetation, and arguably
surpasses other afro-alpine areas in its beauty, wonder
and interest to mountaineering enthusiasts. This park,
covering 996 sq. kms. provides a magnificent environment
for both experienced climbers and casual day hikers. These
legendary mountains exhibit spectacular scenic beauty
and provide a unique habitat for many rare and indigenous
plants and animals. The Highest mountain in the range,
Mt. Stanley, is the third highest in Africa after Mt.
Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. Its highest peak, Margharita,
rises 5,109 m above sea level. The giant lobelia and the
groundsell are hallmarks of the Rwenzori. All of the above
make this park an unforgettable visitor destination.
Decreasing temperature
with increasing altitude have resulted in marked zoning
of vegetation, which is of great interest to scientists
and a delightful
experience for visitors. In fact, more
people visit the Rwenzori to explore and experience the
fascinating vegetation than to climb the peaks and glaciers.
The usual trip lasts not less than 6 days, just long enough
to hike the Central Circuit Trail. Longer and shorter
trips can be arranged. No special climbing equipment is
necessary unless you intend to climb one of the summits.
However, hiking the trails is arduous work, and weather
conditions are unpredictable and rainy. The driest months
are July, August and December, January and February. Hiking
should be undertaken only by the physical fit.
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Lake Mburo National Park
(260 sq. kms) lies along Mbarara road within easy access
of Kampala. It is ideal for a transit stop to / from the
gorilla sanctuaries or QENP. It is an attractive park
of rolling hills and open grassy valleys, interspersed
with thickets, woodlands and rich wetlands.
Find here herds of Zebra,
Cape buffalo and eland. Oribi and topi are easily approached.
Along with a game drive, many visitors enjoy a boat trip
on Lake Mburo. Self-guided nature trails are also available.
Birdwatchers will enjoy the more than 250 species of birds
found in Lake Mburo.
