Exploring Uganda Tourism : Uganda is a welcoming country which is utterly replete with the beauty of her Mother Nature and many other fascinating attractions. This offers unique feature that create the seemingly ceaseless count of potential safari destinations, starting from the stunning parks, wildlife reserves, mountains and rich cultural heritage. All these spectacular attractions offer uncharted experiences starting from wildlife safaris, bird watching, mountain climbing and cultural tours. Uganda’s most sought tourist attractions can be can be explored by any traveler who choose to spend his/her holiday in this scenic country with Explore Africa Safaris
Top National Parks in Uganda
Uganda encompasses 10 national parks situated within its borders in various locations. A visit through these parks will meet you with over 342 animal species as well as over 1100 bird species. Uganda is also home to all the Big Five animals, and the remaining mountain gorillas along with other 13 primate species. To get familiar with the Ugandan wildlife, let’s see some iconic parks which are best known to have incomparable experiences.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Its name came from the Late Queen Elizabeth II of England who visited it in 1954, hence facilitating its rename from Kazinga National Park. This park is spectacular for its unique tree-climbing lions. They are a unique species of lions with the ability to climb on trees for cooling during hot weather or camouflaging for the next prey.
The equator crosses Queen Elizabeth National Park marking a good spot for photography. Visitors usually stop by on this point and take photos to commemorate their visit. The Kazinga Channel boasts the largest population of hippos in East Africa. This water bodies attracts large groups of animals alongside with some iconic birds.
Animal viewing is exciting in Queen Elizabeth National Park as this park is home to over 96 species of mammals which include the spotted hyenas, chimpanzees, warthogs, stripped jackals, Uganda kobs, serval cats, topis, civet, waterbucks and the rare sitatunga antelope.
Speaking of birds, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home over 600 bird species, which makes it majestic destination for birding safaris. Birders will also enjoy the views of migratory birds especially during the wet season. Other species that can be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park are reptiles, insects and bats.
Murchison Falls National Park
It is well known as the oldest and largest park in Uganda. It was established in 1952 and spans area of 3893 square kilometers.
Murchison Falls is home to over 75 animal species. These animals make it a stunning spot for wildlife safaris. All animals making the Big Five can be spotted within Murchison Falls National Park. The African elephants, leopards, buffalos and the king of the jungle can be easily encountered on a game ride while the rhinos can be viewed on a special rhino viewing trip in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to a large population of chimpanzees. These primates make it an excellent destination for chimpanzee trekking. This park has over 10 habituated chimpanzee families, and therefore, making it easier to learn more about the lifestyle of these intelligent primates. There are over 610 chimpanzees in Murchison Falls National Park, which can be tracked by anyone interested.
About 23 bird species found in Murchison Falls National Park are Albertine Rift Valley endemic. This park is also home to 451 bird species including the yellow-footed flycatcher, the rare shoe-billed stork, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Goliath heron, African jacana, malachite kingfisher and many others.
Lake Mburo National Park
If you want to explore a small park in a short time but full of magical views, Lake Mburo National Park is your perfect destination. It is the smallest park in Uganda with an area of 370 square kilometers. It is rich in attractions that make it a favorite destination for many travelers.
What to see in Lake Mburo National Park
Wild animals: With over 95 species of mammals, Lake Mburo National Park is a fantastic destination for wild animal viewing. Game rides will reward you with the views of zebras, reedbucks, Rothschild’s giraffes, elands, impalas, warthogs, hippos, jackals, buffaloes, topi, and hyenas.
Birds: Whether you are a birder or not, you will be amazed with over 350 bird species which live in this alluring park. The birds can be seen in the lush forests of acacia trees and in the swampy areas. Other special birds such as Mosque swallow, Southern ground hornbill, Ruppell’s starling, Black-bellied bustard, Black-throated barbet, and Barefaced do-away bird can also be encountered.
Landscape: Lake Mburo National Park has an eye-catching landscape which is mainly dominated by swamps taking about twenty percent of the whole park. You will also explore 13 lakes in Lake Mburo National which are seemingly touristy.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is an incredibly perfect tourist destination especially if you are interested in watching the colorful birds, which are highly concentrated in this park. This park is situated to the west of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, within the Bundibugyo District on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was established in 1993 with a total area of 219 square kilometers. It is neighbored by other stunning destinations such as Rwenzori Mountains to the southeast and Lake Albert to the north.
Things to see in Semuliki National Park
Birds: When it comes to bird watching safaris, Semuliki National Park exceeds other parks in Uganda. Over 440 bird species reside this park, and about 67 percent of all bird species are true forest birds which include the dwarf honey guide, blue-crested flycatcher, Sassi’s olive greenbul, white-tailed hornbill, forest ground thrush, and purple-breasted sunbird.
The forest of Semuliki National Park extends to the Democratic Republic of Congo. So, some wonderful bird species from the DR Congo can be spotted in this park. They include the lyre-tailed honey guide, Congo serpent eagle, long-tailed hawk, and black wattled hornbill.
Other birds include thrushes, francolins, swallows, honey guides, kingfishers, ibises, hawks, helmet shrikes, robins, finches, weavers, malimbes and many other bird species.
Wildlife: Semuliki National Park is inhabited by over 63 species of mammals, 8 primate species and over 370 butterfly species. Some wild frequently encountered animals in Semuliki National Park include warthogs, elephants, bush pigs, waterbucks, leopards, hippos, civets, duikers, bush babies, water chevrotains, as well as small animals like squirrels, bats, mice and rats. Several species of primates are also found in Semuliki National Park including Mona monkeys, chimps, vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and olive baboons.
Hot springs: Semuliki National Park hosts two splendid hot springs, the Sempaya Hot Springs which are the icons of this park. The springs has a diameter of 12 meters, and release hot water and steam (geysers) which can be seen from at least one kilometers away. The views of this stunning feature can be enjoyed on tower built special for viewers of Sempaya Hot Springs. The springs attract several wildlife such as birds and primates, which offer an interesting view.
Semuliki River: Semuliki River and Lamia River are amazing features found which cross through this park. The rivers boast a stunning riverine forest, which hosts various animals such as crocodiles and hippos as well as birds.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You are not done with wildlife safaris in Uganda if you haven’t seen Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This park spans an area of 331 square kilometers. It is famous for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, as it hosts over 600 mountain gorillas.
What to see in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Stunning vegetation: Bwindi’s vegetation is very idyllic as it looks green throughout the year. This attractive forest consists of trees and ferns. Trees are found in dry land while ferns cover the swampy areas of this park.
Mountain gorillas. If you want to be familiar with mountain gorillas, the highly endangered primates in the world, you are in the right place. The thing is, you wake up early in the morning and prepare for the trek. The trek is somewhat challenging but very rewarding. A walk through the wilderness of Bwindi will also give you some outstanding views of flora, insects, and small animals.
Fauna species: The dense impenetrable forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are home to various species of fauna including primates, mammals, birds, amphibians and insects. About 120 mammal species are encountered in this astonishing park. They include African elephants, vervet monkeys, yellow-backed duikers, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and blue monkeys.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also the home of small animals and insects. Over 220 species of butterflies reside this green park, all of which are colorful and eye-catching. Due to its swampy nature, Bwindi is home to more than 27 frog species.
The birdlife is amazing as Bwindi hosts more than 348 bird species including the Albertine Rift endemic birds. Some commonly encountered birds include great blue turaco, francolin, black bee-eaters, African green hornbills, black-billed turacos, Cassin’s grey flycatcher, African bush ducks and many others.
It is very difficult to write about all parks found in Uganda. You can learn about these parks by visiting them. These parks include Kibale National Park, Kidepo Valley National, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and Mount Elgon National Park.
Ugandan tribes
Ugandan tourism is not only about Uganda wildlife safaris but also cultural exploration with its vibrant ethnic groups. They include the Bantu, Nilotic, Hamites and the Nilo Hamites with the largest group being the Bantu. The Baganda are the famous among the Bantu ethnic group, famously known for their unique rulers called the kabaka which prevailed in the colonial era. Other famous tribe include the Bagisu, Bakiga, Basoga, Jie and the Lango.
You can get to know other enchanting tribes such as the Batwa Pygmies, who still live wild, feeding on wild fruits and raw meat. The Banyankole are famous pastoralists in the Ankole region. Their amazing long-horned ankole cattle are very impressive.
Cultural tours in Uganda are always amazing, as you will get to know various traditional things including cuisines, cultural dresses, language and traditional performances from the locals, especially during the initiation ceremonies.’
