This
is the largest National Park in Uganda - covering 3,480 sq km -
and one of the most spectacular in Africa. At the Murchison
Falls, 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. A
cruise upstream the Nile to the Falls is an unforgettable
experience. On the banks, prolific wildlife including elephant,
crocodile, hippopotamus, lion, giraffe, buffalo, and countless
antelopes and birds can be observed.
Queen Elizabeth National
Park:
The
Queen Elizabeth National Park has been designated a Biosphere
Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO auspices. The park, in the
western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley, covers 1,978
sq. km and includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems, from
semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and
swamps. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lion as well
as the Uganda Kob, other antelope species, elephant, baboons,
hippos, buffalo and chimpanzees. Over 500 species of birds have
been recorded, making the park a magnet for bird watchers. The
bird species include the black bee-eater, 11 types of king
fisher, and several species of falcons, eagles and other
raptors. In the crater lakes to the north, flocks of flamingoes
can be found. A favourite way to view the game is by launch trip
on the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
The park with its dense ground cover of vines and shrubs is home
to the world famous mountain gorillas, of which they are less
than 600 still left in the entire world. Gorilla permits are
required for tracking the gorillas and it is, therefore,
advisable to make reservations at least three months in advance.
Bwindi is one of the richest areas for flora in Eastern Africa.
The forest is also sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees
and many bird types including some endangered species.
Mgahinga Gorilla:
This is yet another haven for the persecuted mountain gorilla.
Located on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, in the extreme
southwest corner of Uganda, the park has been set aside to
provide a secure habitat for the gorillas. However, besides the
gorillas, other wildlife may also be viewed including the
leopard, giant forest hog, bushbuck, buffalo, and golden monkey.
The summit of Mount Muhavura (4,127 m) has a small crater lake.
Kibale Forest National Park:
The
rainforest is situated to the north-east of Queen Elizabeth
National Park. In addition to forest, there are also areas of
grassland and swamp. The park is noted for its primate
population - 11 different species inhabit the park including
many families of chimpanzees and several types of colubus
monkeys. Bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and giant forest hog may
also be seen. The forests and the grasslands support abundant
bird life - almost 300 species have been identified and 144
types of butterfly.
Kidepo National Park:
The
Park is located in North East Uganda and covers 1,344 sq. km. It
is inhabited by various wildlife including elephant, buffalo,
lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, various antelope species,
baboon, bushbaby and over 200 species of bird. Two game viewing
routes connect the rest camp with the prime wildlife areas near
the Winwing River and the rock escarpment to the southwest. On
the park's northern borders are the Kananorok Hot Springs.
Mount Elgon:
This
is an extinct volcano located on Uganda's eastern border. The
mountain boasts numerous interesting features including gorges,
ancient caves, water falls at Sipi and hot springs. Birdlife is
abundant on the mountain although various wildlife may also be
encountered.
Semliki Valley:
This is the only park in Uganda to be composed primarily of
tropical lowland forest. The forest is very dense and quite
flat, creating a startling contrast to the rugged Rwenzori
Mountains nearby. The Semliki River attracts many animals. The
park is home to eight species of primate, 400 birds and 300
butterfly species. Elephant, buffalo, leopard, civet, bushbaby
and flying squirrels are also found.
Lake Mburo National Park:
Situated
between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara, this comparatively
small park (256 sq. km) is composed primarily of grassland,
wetland and acacia woodland. At the center lies the Lake Mburo,
which together with 14 other lakes, forms part of an extensive
wetland area. Animals to be found in the park include the
impala, eland, rock hyrax, zebra, waterbuck, buffalo, warthog,
leopard, civet, hyena, hippo, and crocodile. There are also over
357 species of birds including the marabou stock and the crowned
crane.
Rwenzori Mountains:
The mist-shrouded peaks of the Mountains of the Moon provide a
stunning backdrop to this magnificent park, located on Uganda's
western border. In the center of the range, some of the peaks
are permanently covered in snow and glaciers, while the lower
slopes are covered with dense forests. Here is the third highest
mountain in Africa, Mt. Magherita, which rises to 5,100 metres
above sea level. Walking tours in the foothills are a feature,
although only the experienced and fit should attempt an ascent
on the peaks, which rival the Alps in difficulty. Some of the
wildlife to be found in the mountains include the chimpanzees,
along with the blue monkey, hyrax, giant forest hog and many
unique bird species such as the Rwenzori touraco, the francolin
and the olive pigeon. |