Kibale Forest National Park
District : Kabarole.
Elevation : 1110 metres to 1590 metres
Size : 560 km 2
Situated to the northeast of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park is an extensive equatorial rainforest noted for its primate diversity. It is an enchanting park full of lakes, grasslands, marshes and forests on the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. Kibale is best known for its healthy population of approximately 500 chimpanzees, though it’s also home to at least 60 mammal species such as several types of colobus monkeys, bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and giant forest hog, and a few elephant. Around 350 bird species have also been recorded and the park is a lepidopterist’s dream with over 140 species of brilliantly coloured butterflies floating through the air.

FOREST REGULATIONS
1. Please note that this is not a Zoo so it is a tropical rainforest and sightings depend on factors such as time of the day fruit availability, weather and how quite the primate group is.
2. The maximum number of people in a group is 4 visitors per guided walk
3. The maximum time allowed with the chimps is one hour; however, the time might be shortened under the guide’s discretion to eliminate stressful situations for the chimps
4. When trekking you are advised to remain in a tight group and follow the guides directions at all times.
5. Please remain at a distance of 8 meters from the chimps or the distance that your guide recommends
6. Under no circumstance shall you chase while they descend or to or walk on higher ground.
7. You are advised not to enter the forest if you are sick as this can put the animals at serious risk
8. Please refrain from eating near the chimps and other primates
9. Please do not shout in the forest
10. It’s advisable to wear long boots that cover your toes and long trousers as there are red ants and slippery trails, also carry along water proof clothing in the rainy season.
11. Children less than 12 years are not allowed to view the chimps for safety reasons
12. If you need to urinate please do so off the trail system.
13. If you need to defecate, please do so off the trail system and bury in a hole all waste.

Access and Accomodation: Kanyanchu River Camp is 36 km away from Fort Portal town. Public transport is available from Fort Portal in a matatu from the Kamwenge stage to Kanyanchu bus stop (vehicles are available all day up to 6 pm). As there are several sites in Kibale National Park, ensure that you ask the driver to drop you at the right site.
Kanyanchu River Camp offers 4 ordinary bandas, including one elevated one which is self catering. Food can be provided on order at Kanyanchu River Camp. Evenings can be cold, so bring warm clothes.
A Kibale Forest Safari offers an excellent opportunity to see chimps; though once you have found them, keeping up can be quite a challenge if they decide to move on through the branches at high speed.

The fabled ” Mountains of The Moon ” lie in Western Uganda on the Congolese border, with snow-covered, equatorial peaks rising to height of 5110 m and lower slopes blanketed in moorland and rich montane forest with bamboo on the lower slopes and heath and moorland on higher slopes. They cover a total area of 996 sq. km. Most of the park is accessible to hikers with magnificent scenery and 19 Albertine Rift endemics.

The most popular activity is mountaineering closely followed by nature guided walks and birding. One must however keep in mind that high altitude and wet conditions can adversely affect un experienced visitors, leading to ailments such as dehydration and hypothermia
There are over 190 bird species to lookout for among which include:- Albertine Rift endemics like; Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Montane (Rwenzori) Nightjar, Dwarf Honeyguide, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Kivu Ground Thrush, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Montane Masked and Collared Apalises, Stripe-breast Tit, Rwenzori Batis, (Grauer’s Cuckoo-shrike ), Blue-headed, Regal and Purple-breasted Sunbirds, Strange Weaver, Dusky and Shelley’s Crimsonwings.
ACCESS
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is accessible by road from Kampala via Mbarara to Kasese, or from Kampala through Fort Portal and then 75 km south on the Fort Portal / Kasese road. The park is 25 km from Kasese town.All hikes need to be arranged through the Rwenzori Mountain Service ( RMS ), an organisation that works in conjunction with the Ugandan Wildlife Authority to control hiking in the area and to maintain trails and facilities-huts.
Good behaviour at the huts and on the trail is appreciated. It is very helpful to always ask your guide on how to conduct yourself.

Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago. With the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world (50 km by 80 km ), Mt. Elgon is the fourth highest mountain in Eastern Africa, with the second-highest peak in Uganda (Wagagi Peak - 4321 metres ). Mt. Elgon contains crater covering over 40 km’ at the top of the mountain, surrounded by a series of rugged peaks.
The secondary forest and thick scrub along the Chebonet River near camp supports,a variety of bird species such as the African Goshawk, Chubb’s Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catchers, Chin-spot Batis, Mackinon’s Fiscal, Doherty’s and Luhder’s Bush-Shrikes and Baglafecht Weaver.
FLORA AND FAUNA
While ascending Mt. Elgon’s enchanting slopes, you will pass through dense montane forest and mixed bamboo belts teeming with birdlife. You will then enter the fascinating heath and moorland zones containing several interesting endemic plant species such as Giant lobelia and groundsels. Wildlife enthusiasts will be pleased to spot primates such as the Black and White Colobus Monkey, Blue Monkey, and hundreds of fascinating bird species, including Golden Winged and Tacazze sunbirds, Ross’s and Hartlaubs Turacos, Black and White Casqued and Crowned Hornbills, the endangered Lammergeier and the Jackson’s Francolin which is found nowhere else in Uganda. If you are particularly observant you can also see buffalo, duiker, hyena or even the elusive leopard.
TOURISM ACTIVITIES
Visiting Mount Elgon National Park ( MENP ) presents an exciting setting for extended hikes. In addition to the interesting and unique flora and fauna, you can expect to experience magnificent waterfalls, enormous caves, scenic peaks and gorges, and hot springs which bubble up at 48′C. The best times to visit are during the drier seasons from June to August and December to March. However, even in the wetter months trekking is manageable. No technical climbing equipping or skills are required, and all major peaks are accessible to hikers.
TREKKING TRAILHEADS AND ROUTES
There are two main trailheads ( starting points ) which lead to the mountain’s peaks. Salsa Trail ( Buddukiro trailhead ) is the most easily accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks. It passes through the Park’s largest area of bamboo forest. However it is also a steep and rugged climb of over 1600m on the first day. For a more gentle climb ( 660m 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 circuit to the peaks takes 4-5 days to complete. All visitors are encouraged to discuss options with an Information Clerk at the Male, Budadiri or Kapkwata Visitors’ Centres.
CAMPING
Five basic campsites are located at strategic points along the trekking circuit. Please respect Park regulations by camping only at designated campsites. No camping is allowed within the caldera. MENP camping is primitive, and all necessary camping equipment must be carried with you. Some items such as tents and sleeping bags can be hired through the Park office in Mbale. Make sure not to forget a warm jacket and rain gear, as extreme weather conditions will add to your Mt. Elgon adventure! Also please take a fuel-efficient camp stove if possible to avoid placing additional pressure on MENP firewood resources.
GUIDES PORTERS AND RANGER ESCORTS
Please support local community members and encourage continued conservation of MENP’s valuable resources by hiring local guides and porters. All certified guides have received training in natural/ cultural histories, emergency first aid and communication. Porters will assist you by carrying up to 18 kg of your gear as well as preparing meals, setting up/taking down your camp, and collecting your water. Fees are set at Ush 8,000 (guide) and Ush 7,000 (porter) per stage. The wages cover the guide or porter’s park visitation fee and the cost of sufficient food and supplies. Make sure to ask 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.
DAY HIKES
The Forest Exploration Centre has three ” day ” trails ranging between 3 and 7 km. These trails offer an excellent opportunity to experience Mt. Elgon’s unique plants and wildlife in shorter time period. A fourth trail has recently been opened to reach the enormous Tutum Cave, 11 km from the centre. This trail also passes through a range of vegetation types and offers opportunities to see wildlife such as Black and White Colobus Monkeys and a variety of birds.
ACCOMMODATION
Simple accommodation facilities are available inside the Park at the Kapkwata Rest House and the Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai. Prior arrangements through the MENP Visitors’ office in Mbale are necessary as these facilities do not accommodate large numbers of visitors. Kitchen services are available, but visitors should bring their own food supplies or provide money to buy food on arrival . The Forest Exploration Centre also conducts a four-day environmental program for school groups of up to 30 students which allow children to experience a living forest ecosystem while learning the importance of conservation. It has dormitory - style rooms and bathing facilities with running water .
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE THE PARK
The magnificent Sipi Falls are located 66 km from Mbale, en-route to the Forest Exploration Centre and Kapkwata. 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 expensive accommodation is available at the Sipi Falls Resort. Please enquire about guides to escort you on the gradual 1.5 hour walk to the Forest Exploration Centre. Seven rock-climbing routes are open at Nagudi rock, half-way between Mbale and Budadiri. The routes are bolted, but climbers must bring their own rock-climbing equipment. Each climber pays to the local Parish treasurer. More information and directions are available at the MENP Visitor’s Centre office in Mbale.
WHAT TO BRING
Tent, Sleeping Bag, Warm Clothes Gloves/ Hat, sturdy Hiking shoes Flashlight, water Bottle, Rain gear, first aid kit, Cooking equipment, sufficient food supplies

Semliki National Park

Covering 220 sq. km in a remote corner of southwestern Uganda in Bundibugyo district, Semliki National Park is composed of primarily of tropical lowland 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 refuge during the climatic upheavals,

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 make it to Semliki National Park will be richly rewarded with some of the very best forest birding in Uganda.

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.
Common bird 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.
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.
ACCESS
Semliki National Park lies along the main fort Portal to Bundibugyo road, 52 km from Fort Portal. There are two main roads from Kampala t Fort Portal: Kampala to Fort Portal via Mubende ( 300 km,4-5 hours drive) while the Kampala to Fort Portal via Masaka, Mbarar and Kasese is about 510 km ( 7-8 hours. While the Kampala to Fort Portal via Mubende is much shorter,the Kampala to Fort Portal via Masaka, Mbarara, Kasese gives you opportunity to see or visit Lake Mburo National Park,Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, Queen Elizabeth nional Park and Rwenzori Mountains national Park. 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.

Location : Mbarara District 3.5 hours drive from Kampala
Size: 256 sq. km
Every part of the park is alive with and contains an extensive area of wetland, one of the only two such habitats to be included

within a National Park in Uganda.

It harbours about 68 species of mammals; Zebras, Impala, Buffaloes, topis and elands that are herbivores, and leopards, hyenas and jackals that are predators, and birds. comprising bill storks which are found nowhere else in the country. Its sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and idyllic lake shore has a varied mosaic of habitats forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps and rich acacia wood valleys which all support a wealth of wildlife.
The park is the smallest of the Uganda’s savanna National Parks Its mosaic habitat, dry hillside, rocky outcrops, bushes thickets, open and wooded savanna forests, lakes and swamps are home to a surprising diversity of plants and animals.
The park has about 313 different bird species including the rare Shoebill stork and White-winged Warbler. other species to lookout for are; Crested Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Barefaced Go-away bird, Rednecked Spur, common Quails, Black-billed Barbet, Greenwood Hoopoe, Blue-napped Mousebird, Lilac-breasted Roller,African-grey Hornbill, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola a drive towards Rwonyo camp may reveal;.Coqui Francolin, Rednecked spurfowl, Black Bellied Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, African-wattled Plover Rufous napped and Flappet larks, Rufuos chested Swallow ,Yellow-throated Long claw and Southern Red Bishop.
Activities

Forest walk in the Rubanga Forest which offers a variety of conducive habitat for birds therefore a very attractive place for bird watchers with over 40 bird species recorded; Boat trips that enable one to properly view The crocodiles, Hippopotamuses and birds like Pelicans, Black Crake, Heron, Cormorant, Fish Eagle. The duration of each boat cruise is negotiable with the park management; Nature trail which offers the visitor a chance to admire nature while they have an opportunity to walk in the circuit at their pace in company of an armed guide; Fishing where one can expect about six species of fish are found on Lake Mburo the common one being Tilapia (Oreoclcroomisleacosti) but others include lung fish, mud fish, Haplochromes. using hooks visitors can spend some time catching fish, a shade is provided at the campsite to ensure maximum relaxation for visitors while at the lake.
Accomodation: the park has accommodation facilities which include 6 tents at Rwonyo park headquarters and 3 public camp sites, all strategically located to facilitate easy game viewing and access to water.

Lake Mburo restaurant provides meals on order, Mantana Tented camp( 3.5 km from Rwonyo park) caters for up market tourists.

At 3840 sq km, The Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest protected area. At the Murchison Falls, and one of the most spectacular in Africa, the river Nile plunges through a narrow crevice and over a 40 metre drop. In the eastern sector of the park, before the Murchison Falls themselves, are the Karuma Falls, where the Nile cascades over a breathtaking 23 km of rapids, creating some of the most exciting white water rafting opportunities in Africa. These spectacular Murchison Falls, were’discovered’ by Sir Stanley Baker in 1864. It’s the most powerful natural flow of water anywhere on earth and the rock actually shakes from the force of the water. You may catch a glimpse of a Nile perch being spat from the river. These huge fish weigh up to 100 kg and are strong enough to withstand the pressure.

There’s much more to a Murchison Falls Safari than a frothing river. The forests are home to chimpanzees and the palm-dotted hills offer rewarding game drives. A]Activities popular here are game viewing, nature guided walks, launch trips, viewing the atop of the falls, sport falls and bird watching.
Bird species commonly seen between Paraa Rest Camp and Ferry crossing are; Blue-napped Mousebird, Spotted Mourning Thrush, Silver Bird, Bluff-bellied Warbler, Black-headed Batis, Black-headed Gonolek, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Vitelline Masked Weaver, And Green-winged Ptyilia, this is probably the best site for the localised White-rumped Seed-eater.

Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park. It was established to protect the mountain gorillas of the Ugandan sector of the Virunga Volcanoes that are located in the southwest corner of Uganda. Of the 650 mountain gorillas left in the world, 300 are found in the Virunga Volcanoes, whilst the other 300 are in the nearby Bwindi National Park. Although it is only 35 sq km, its volcanic landscapes are breathtaking and it harbours a wealth of animals and birds such as leopard, giant forest hog, bushbuck, buffalo, and golden monkey. No mountain gorillas live in Mgahinga permanently, but several troops move freely between the park and those in Rwanda and the Congo.

Mgahinga is a dense tropical rainforest on the lower slopes of the volcanoes where the vegetation includes bamboo and lots of lichens and mosses: delicacies to a mountain gorilla. There is only one group of mountain gorillas in Mgahinga that is habituated to humans. Known as the Nyakagezi group, these gorillas can be visited on a gorilla track.

Most popular activities are Gorilla tracking, nature guided walks, village walks, butterfly watching and bird watching.
Examples of bird species include Rwenzori turaco, Fiscal shrike, Crowned hornbill, Black kite, Augur Buzzards, Crowned Crane.

Mgahinga National Park offers three extinct volcanoes for physically fit hikers although they do not require special Mountaineering gear

MT SABINYO [3669M] Like an old man, time has eroded Mt. Sabinyo’s crown. This volcano offers 3 challenging peaks to climb.
MT MGAHINGA [3474M]
On your way to the Park, look out for small piles of stones in the garden fields. The local people call such a pile a ‘Gahinga’. Mount Gahinga is quite bigger than the average ‘Gahinga’ but sitting next to Mount Muhavura does make it look small. Gahinga once had a crater on top but over time it has changed into a lush swamp.

MT MUHAVURA [4127 M] Seen from all over Kisoro, this volcano acts as a guide. The typical cone-shaped Mountain provides some of the best views in the country such as the other Virunga Volcanoes, Bwindi Impenetrable forest and the peaks of Mt. Rwenzori..

GORILLA TRACKING REGULATIONS
For Conservation reasons, visits to the gorillas are tightly controlled. The following rules apply and must be strictly adhered to:
1. No one with a communicable disease ( eg. Flu, diarrhoea ) is allowed to enter the park.
1. Stay together in a tight group while with the gorillas, don’t surround them.
2. Don’t get closer than 5 metres ( 15 feet ) to the gorillas .
3. Don’t use camera flashes while photographing.
4. Don’t eat or smoke when with the gorillas or within distance of 200 metres from the gorillas.
5. Bury all human faeces a minimum of one foot deep and ensure that the hole is properly covered.
6. Don’t leave litter. All litter must be carried out of the park and disposed of properly.
7. No person under 15 years is allowed to track gorillas.
8. Don’t make loud noise or move suddenly.
9. You are allowed a maximum of 1 hour with gorillas.
10. Don’t spit on vegetation or soil while in the park. Use your hankie or other garment.

Gorilla Tracking permits cost $500. and are to be booked not less that three months in time.  We advise you to make your booking as early as you possibly can. Access and accomodation: Kisoro is about 540 km from Kampala and it takes abput 8 hours via Kabale. A wide range of accommodation facilities ranging rom camp-sites to luxurious hotels.
An Mgahinga Safari will take you to the richly forested Virunga Volcanoes for an audience with a mountain gorilla.

The park, in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley covers 1,978 sq km located in Rukungiri, Bushenyi and Kasese districts. It includes a variety of eco-systems; from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps, with crater-dotted hills and open grassland. It supports an abundance of wildlife, including elephant, the tree-climbing lion, leopard, the unique Ugandan antelope, the kob, baboons, hippos, buffalo and man’s closest cousin the chimpanzee. The park’s dominant feature is the 32km long Kazinga Channel that links Lake Edward to Lake George. The Kazinga Channel is said to contain the world’s largest concentration of hippos and numerous Nile crocodiles – all easily viewed from a boat cruise.

The park is home to more than a quarter of Africa’s total birdlife. With more than 500 species of bird within its borders including the black bee-eater, 11 types of king fisher, and several species of falcons, eagles and raptors, the park is a bird watcher’s paradise! Flamingos can also be found in the crater lakes to the north.

Popular tourist activities are game viewing, nature guided walks, bird watching, launch trip,scenery viewing.

A Queen Elizabeth Safari offers the opportunity to see game in unusual landscapes and the park is one of East Africa’s best kept secrets. The animals here aren’t being hounded by dime-a-dozen minibuses.

Timing : December - February.
Time required : 2-3 days.

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