Uganda Tourism Destinations

Uganda Tourism Destinations
Uganda is a beautiful destination blessed with both Natural and Man made resources, with 10 National Parks, 12 Game reserves, beautiful lakes, Mountains, Rivers, abandant wild and bird life makes it one of the multi gifted destination in Africa. among the 10National parks, 2 of them homes the endagered mountain Gorillas. high numbers of chimpanzees in Kibale forest, Africa’s second depested lake, Bunyonyi, World’s longest river Nile, Africa’s 3rd Highest Point Magherita, Wide spread wilderness of Kidepo in The Karamoja region and the world’s strongest water falls in Murchison Falls National Park. Explore the beauty bound the unique and tasty cuisnes of the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda’s National Parks

1.MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK. (The World’s Greatest Waterfall)
It is located in northwestern Uganda, and is surrounded by 4 districts and these are Masindi, Kyiryandongo, Nwoya, and Bulisa. It is 305km from Kampala and it takes approximately 5 hours.
It can be accessed through Kampala via masindi route which is 280.9km, Kampala via matuga route which is 288.6km and Kampala via Hoima route is 321.5km. It is the oldest, protected area in Uganda. It is comprised of Murchison falls national park, Bugungu wildlife reserve and Karuma wildlife refuge. The National park its self encompasses 3,893 sq. the park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority and it is also known as Kabalega falls national park, Murchison falls national park is grouped as part of the great Murchison falls conservation area (MFCA) which consists of bugungu wildlife reserve, karuma falls and Murchison falls national park.
History: initially protected as a game reserve in 1926, Murchison falls national park was declared as one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952 and now making it the largest protected area in the country.
Murchison falls national falls has two sectors that is northern wing and southern wing sector, the northern sector is characterized by savannah and borassus palms, acacia trees and marshy woodland, while the southern part of the national park is dominated by woodland and forests.
Attractions
Murchison falls. The falls are characterized by water gashing violently through a narrow gorge, thus creating a permanent rain bow. From bakers point on the southern side of the national park, visitors can view famous Nile River split into smaller Uhuru falls, the Uhuru were created in 1962 when the river burst tis bank.
Wildlife. There are over 76 wildlife species that reside in the park and these include elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, topi, waterbucks and others. And also over 451 species of birds such as the giant kingfisher, the giant heron, marabou stock, nightjars and the shoebill stork.
Paraa. Is a tourism hub in Murchison falls national park, the word means home of the hippo in the native luo language, this is where all boat trips and nature walks in the park start from, using passenger ferry to link visitors to the northern and southern river banks.
River Nile. Can be explored by a boat cruise, it takes visitors to the base of Murchison falls rewarding them with lovely sights.

The Nile delta-lake Albert, the Nile delta marks the point where Victoria Nile flows into Nile flows into Lake Albert, it is a key sport for birders, with its papyrus banks graced with abundant birdlife such as Goliath herons, great egrets, African fish eagle shoebill and others.
Game drive tracks in Murchison falls National Park.
Game drive racks are used while on a game drive safari, these game tracks lead you to various regions of the park and offers sights of many attractions in the park. These tracks include;
Buligi tracks. Is the prime game drive track of 7km in the park, the track converges at the delta point where river Nile flows north out of Lake Albert, the track runs around the triangular buligi peninsular which is dominated by grassland and bounded by Victoria Nile as it enters Lake Albert and Albert as it flows out of lake albert.
Other tracks in Murchison include Albert tracks and Victoria tracks
Activities
Bird watching ,with over 450 birds species, the Nile corridor of the Murchison of the water birds such as rare shoebill stork and other popular species including the goliath heron, African Quail-Finch, the elephant Grey Crowned cranes and others
Game drive; the prime game viewing lies on the buligi peninsula, it takes a maximum of 3 hours to see the hyenas, hippos, warthogs, giraffes, zebras and many more, Nocturnal game drive; here you can get a chance to see the predators of the night such as leopards, lions, hyenas, serval cats, among other. It can take 2 hours to see nocturnal in their habitats.
Boat cruise on the Nile River; there are two boat cruises in Murchison for example the boat cruise upstream to the bottom of the falls and the boat cruise downstream to the Nile delta ,where u can see hippos, elephants, as they bath in water, antelopes, water birds and many along river Nile.
Hiking and nature walks, guided walks to the top of falls, kaniyo pabidi and Rabongo forests. It can take 2-4hour walk
Sport fishing. It is carried out in designated arrears along the Victoria Nile and its mainly done at the bottom of the falls by use of catch and release methods, fishing methods such as casting lures, use of live bait like worms, spinning methods where you can catch fish types like Nile perch, tiger fish, cat fish among others.
Cultural encounters, energetic dancers from Mubako perform around lodge campfires, Boom women’s group offers accommodation, a craft shop and village tours, revealing the realities of the life in this rural community.

2.BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

Situated in the south western part of Uganda on the slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The forest is known to be the most biologically diverse in Africa with over 120 mammal species, making it second in mammal numbers to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The name Bwindi comes from a local word “mubwindi bwa Nyinamukari” which was commonly referred to the mubwindi swamp in the southeast of Bwindi. It all started when parents asked for help and guidance from the swamp spirit so the spirits told the parents if they would only sacrifice their most beautiful daughter who was called Nyinamukari. After they threw the girl in water so they crossed safely to other side. When the news spread, people stopped going to the swamp calling it “Mubwindi bwa Nyinamukari”

Mountain Gorillas are Uganda’s premier attraction and one of the world’s most exceptional expedition is an encounter with these gentle giants on the secluded slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Not only does Bwindi Impenetrable National Park harbour more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population (over 450 members) but also 11 other primate species which include: the black-and-white colobus, chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Red-tailed, Greater Potto, Demidoff’s galago, Blue monkeys and baboons to mention a few. Other residents of the park include forest elephants and a variety of other antelope species. The park also boosts of about 200 butterfly and over 400 bird species which include: grauer’s broadbill, Handsome francolin, strange weaver, yellow-eyed flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori nightjar, grauer’s rush warbler, Bar-tailed trogon, Jameson’s , Vanga flycatcher, dwarf honey guide, white-tailed crested mantled flycatcher, Newman warbler to mention a few. Its altitude ranges from1, 160m and 260m above sea level. In 1991, the 331 sq. km forest was gazetted to a national park status and later in 1994, declared a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in order to protect its biodiversity. The park has about 19 habituated mountain gorilla groups, open for tourism in the four tracking sectors which are; Rushaga in the south, Nkuringo in the southwest, Buhoma in northwest and Ruhija in east. All these offer unique mountain gorilla trekking experiences.

Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking
This is undoubtedly Bwindi’s foremost activity which involves walking through the thick forest under the guidance of an armed ranger and guide in search of these gentle giants. The first gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi happened in 1993 when the Mubare family was tracked. This activity can take between 2-7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. In order to undertake this activity, tourists require a permit which costs USD 700 per person and it is advisable to purchase the permit six months to the tracking date due to its high demand. About 19 families are opened for tracking and a maximum of 8 adult visitors allowed for each of the habituated groups each day.

Gorilla habituation
Gorilla habituation is a unique experience which involves gently making wild mountain gorillas familiar and comfortable to human presence. Worldwide, this activity can only be done in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where only two gorilla families are open for habituation. These families are: Bikyingi and Bushasho and this experience takes between 3-6 hours in the presence of the gorillas, costing USD 1,500 per person and allowing a maximum limit of 4 people per group per day.

Bird watching
Holding up to 400 bird species of which 25 are endemic to the Albertine rift, Bwindi is definitely a birder’s haven. With about four trails for birders, Bwindi provides an excellent spot for ticking off the forest rarities. The river Ivi trail which lies between Buhoma and Nkuringo is as rich as the Buhoma forest-edge Munyanga River trail. Leading to the 2607m Rwamunyonyi peak and the Mubwindi swamp trail is the Ruhija Bamboo trail.

Nature walk
Carefully developed trails in the park provide a more relaxed way of exploring the luxuriant rain forest as you get to learn more with the help of a guide. The Munyanga river trail leads to the scenic waterfalls. The nature walk also provides an opportunity to see the abundant and amazing flora and flora, making your trek even more interesting. These nature walks can take between 3-6 hours depending on the interest on the visitors.

Batwa Forest Experience
The Batwa were the first people and believed to have lived in the forest for about 60,000 years, hunting and gathering fruits for survival. However, upon acquiring a national park status in 1992, the Batwa were evicted from the park and today, live in the communities bordering the park. To give visitors an insight into the lives of these people, the cultural experience provides a demonstration of how they hunted, cooked, made fire out of sticks, collected wild honey and also sharing their knowledge about the different plants in the forest. The highlight of this experience is watching the Batwa performing and dancing their cultural songs.

Mountain Biking
Mountain biking experiences are best done in the Buhoma sector. This activity is organized by Ride 4 a Woman community group who hire out bikes as well as providing guiding services to the bikers where the guides share their rich knowledge about the places visited as well as the community. Some lodges in the park can also arrange this activity upon prior booking.

Community Tourism/Walks.
Community visits by visitors interested in making a visit to the villages on the edges of the forest can be arranged with the help of a guide who will take you through the Batwa and Bakiga communities.

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
By Road
The park can be accessed from Kampala through Mbarara, a drive that takes about 7-8 hours. A daily bus service leaves Kampala for Butogota via Rukungiri and Kihihi. From Queen Elizabeth National Park, the journey takes about 3-5 hours, passing through Ishasha.
By Air
3 airstrips serve Bwindi at Kihihi and Nyakabande in Kisoro. Planes can be chartered from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield.

3.MGAHINGA GORILLA NATINAL PARK (where gold meets silver)
Located in south western Uganda in kisoro district. It covers the Ugandan slopes of three of the virunga volcanoes; muhuvura, gahinga and sabinyo these three parts form the Trans boundary virunga conservation area which protects half of the world’s 780 mountain gorillas.
It is 524km from Kampala via mbarara and kisoro, and air from Entebbe to kisoro airstrip.
Activities and attractions
Gorilla trekking; following a trail of trampled and snapped vegetation across the slopes of the virunga to spend an hour in the company of a family of mountain gorillas, Learning about the different members of the Nyakagezi family and general gorilla behavior. Carry along sleeved shirts, trousers, garden cloves, sun hat, rain pocho, and insect repellant and sturdy boots.
Volcano hiking; the way to the summit of Sabinyo is filled with mushy vegetation whose uncomfortable can be reduced by dressing appropriately in hiking work proof boots, hiking mount gahinga requires a hike through a bamboo forest.
Golden monkey trekking; the volcanoes are strong hold of the golden monkeys which can be tracked through bamboo habitat on the slopes of Mt. Gahinga, and it is the only place where you can track golden monkeys, which are also endangered and endemic t to the Albertine Rift Valley. There is an estimated 3000-4000 individuals in the Virunga area of which 40-565 are habituated in Mgahinga gorilla National Park.
Bird watching; it is an excellent bird viewing opportunities with different trails. The gorge trail lies between Gahinga and Sabinyo takes about 3 hours for birders it is said to have 180 bird species which include the dusky turtle dove, cape robin chat, brown crowned tchagra, bronze sunbird, regal among others, .
Cave exploration. Caves are found on some of the steep slopes of the mountains and you can visit some while on hiking adventure. The most famous is Garama cave found near the park headquarters, it was a home to Batwa and acted as a fortress in times of war protecting them and their loot from their enemies.
Batwa trail. The Batwa lived in forest for centuries, as hunter-gatherers, they depended on forest for food, medicine and shelter, the Batwa trail takes you into the forest where you experience life as it was for Batwa.
Nature and hiking walks, hike up Gisozi hill and experience great views of Kisoro and Bunagana town as well as Lake Mutanda, can also view the calderas while a top this hill, walk along Congo border and transcend different vegetation zones.

4.QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. (A medley of wonders)
Found in south western Uganda along fort portal –mpondwe road, Rubirizi, It is approximately 410km from Kampala and it can take 46km from Entebbe
It is accessed through Mbarara-Masaka highway and the drive takes approximately 6hours depending on the road amount of time spent on stop overs.
By air transport, it means one should schedule a flight from Entebbe international airport or kajjansi airfield to Mweya or kasese airstrips and then connect to the park headquarters by road.
Attractions and activities
Wildlife; queen is gifted with 95 mammals, over 600 bird species, bats, reptiles, and a lot of insect species
It has over 300 hippos, over 4000 elephants and 2000 buffalos
Tree climbing lions: in ishasha south of Queen Elizabeth national park
Kazinga channel: which harbors most of the wild animals of Queen Elizabeth during dry season and it is where launch cruise is operated.
Game drives; during game drive you can spot elephants, lions, antelope, warthogs, hyena, buffalo herds, cobs, leopards among others.
Bird watching; it’s a haven of over 600 birds including sedge warbles, papyrus canary, the martial eagle, pink back palicon, yellow throated cuckoo ,all these inhabit grasslands ,forests and wetlands in queen Elizabeth national park. And there is also flamingos at katwe and Bunyampaba salt lake.
Boat cruise; which takes place on kazinga channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George, during cruise, there is enjoying sights and sounds that the park rich aquatic life offers, there is hippos, Nile crocodiles at the banks and different kinds of birds.
The tree climbing lions in ishasha; lions are found perched on acacia and fig trees which is an enchanting sight, this place is also a home of buffalos, large number of elephants, antelopes, warthog which make the trip more memorable.
Chimpanzee trekking; in kyambura Gorge also known as valley of Apes and these chimpanzees are habituated meaning they have been accustomed to human presence.
Maramagambo forest nature walk; the nature walk is guided by armed ranger guides to protect tourists from dangerous animals. During this nature walks can come close to different kinds of species like monkeys, baboons, elephants, cobs and birds and also feel coolness of the environment of the mental wellbeing and relaxing the minds.
Ishasha wilderness camping
Culture experience.

5.KIBALE NATIONAL PARK. (Primate Capital of the World)
It’s located in western Uganda which takes about 5 hour drive from Kampala (348) km, it’s fairly situated south of fort portal, from fort portal to kanyanchu the park headquarters of kibale national park. Kibale national park can be accessed through Kampala-fort portal through Mubende town
Kibale national park is the best destination for chimpanzee trekking and It is a home of 13 primate species.
Attractions and activities in kibale national park
Primates; it has the highest population of chimpanzee, it is covered with thick forest with big tall trees where primates habit, feed and build nests to sleep.
Kibale national park is a habitant for 13 primate species which is chimpanzee, black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey, grey cheeked mangaby, Ugandan red colobus monkey, central African monkey among others and chimpanzee with largest population of 1450 individuals.
Wildlife species; apart from being a home of primates, it also a habitat of other wildlife species in the thick forests and these include elephants, golden cats, lions, leopards, serval cats, Harvey’s duiker, giant forest hog, statunga, marsh mangoose, warthog and others.
Birds; kibale national park is a home of about 375 attractive colorful species with Ground Thrush birds which are endemic to kibale national park,
It harbors forested bird species and migratory bird species which occasionally migrate from Queen Elizabeth and other neighboring areas
These birds include tinker bird, African grey parrot, olive long-tailed cuckoo, blue breasted kingfisher, yellow rumped tinker bird, brown crested alethe, red-chested owled and others.
Spectacular vegetation. Kibale national park features a thick most evergreen forest and semi deciduous forest covers which consist of approximately 250 tree species and some of them are endangered timber species such as cordia millenii and other species like eucalyptus and pine trees.
Butterfly species; there are approximately 250 species of butterflies seen in kibale national park.
Chimpanzee trekking; the main activity in kibale national park, it is a home of about 1500 chimpanzees and trekking starts in the morning with a briefing at kanyanchu visitor center, it takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where the chimps are located.
Chimpanzee habituation experience; it is where chimpanzee are trained to get used to human presence for trekking, it can take 2 years process to complete.
Nature walks; through forests of kibale where one can get to feel the natural air and learn about different flora and fauna. With company of a well-trained park guide passing through grasslands, swamplands where you can get a good spot of wildlife species like forest elephants, duikers, bushbucks, primates like black and white colobus, blue monkeys, and plant species, birds.
Bird watching; kibale national park is a home of more than370 recorded bird species including forest birds, endemic birds and migratory birds which make it ideal destination for bird watching.
These bird species include the great blue turaco, black billed turaco, yellow spotted barbet, purple headed starling, black bee eater, cassins spine tail, winged francolin, black crowned waxbill among others.

6.MT .ELGON NATIONAL PARK. (The world’s largest caldera)
It is located in eastern Uganda with 1145 square km. It lies above Mbale town, with 235km east to Kampala, you can reach the park from Kampala –mbale-kapchorwa at approximately 231km, and it can also be accessed from kidepo valley national park in north east Uganda with 420km.
Alternatively, taking a charter flight from Entebbe international airport to land to soroti airstrip.

Attractions and activities
Caves, mount slopes are comprised of various caves, the most accessible of these caves are kapkwai cave which is near the forest exploration Centre and khauka cave on wanale ridge.
Jackson’s pool and Jackson’s peak. Jackson’s pool is a natural occupied by the shallow waters and Jackson’s peak is a free standing volcanic plug rising from the western flank of the mountain.
The peaks and the caldera. The tallest peak is the 4321m Wagagi, followed by Sudek with 4303m, kitobos 4222m and mubiyi with 4210.
Vegetation. The lower mountains are covered with dense forest and regenerating forests, hung with vine like lianas, epiphytes and lichens, the floor is covered with a floor of ferns, orchids and flowering plants
Mountain climbing; most activities done here, where travelers engage in the exciting climbs and it a rewarding activity
Hiking or Nature walks, done by help of tour guide who leads hikers to trails with magnificent views, it covers 7km and takes 4hours hike into the mountain bamboo trails, you will be able to see the parks birds and the unique trees like Elgon tick and Elgon Olive.
Birding bird watching opportunities exist around the kapkwai forest exploration Centre and around secondary forest and thrubs along trail to cheptui falls and these include African Goshawk, African blue flycatcher, cinnamon bee Eater among others.

7.KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARKS. (The African Wilderness)
It is found in north eastern corner, close to Kenya and south Sudan. A home of variety of wildlife species and support 86 mammal species and 475 bird species.
The quickest way is via Gulu and Kitgum with 571km and also by air, charter and schooled flights fly to Kidepo airstrip from kajjansi or Entebbe International Airport.
Activities and attractions
Narus valley game drive; the southerly Narus valley contains the parks only permanent water points and wildlife congregates in this area for much of the year, you can look at buffalo and elephants in the swamps along the valley floor, giraffe and eland on the drier slopes above and scan the rock outcrops for lions.
Kidepo valley drive; it is short on big drive but massive on scenery, mammals are rare in the area but ostriches and secretary birds are often seen
Nature walks; opportunities for guided walks range from short nature walks around Apoka Rest Camp to longer walks through open grasslands of east Kakine.
Bird watching; experienced ranger guides are available at Apoka to help locate and identify birdlife in the parks various habitats.
Community walks; outside the park provide an opportunity to learn about life in the local Karamojong manyattas at kawalakol, lorukul and karenga.

8.RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK. (The Mystical Challenge)
The Rwenzori Mountains lie along the Uganda-Congo border in western Uganda.
It is accessed from the tarmac fort portal- kasese road, it is 375km from Kampala via fort portal and 450km passing via Mbarara.
Activities and attractions
Mountain trekking, best done activity because the peak hosts the third highest peak in Africa called margarita where u can be challenged with a 7 day climb until the top.
Hiking and nature walks. Through the trails which provide panoramic view of creatures like Muhooma, and Buraro chimp forest
Birding in Rwenzori Mountains, it’s the best spot for birders
Wildlife viewing in Rwenzori

9.SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK. (A true birders haven)
It is located in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in Western region of Uganda.
It can accessed through Kampala- Fort portal via Mubende which is 290km and it takes 4-5hours, and also Kampala-Fort portal via Mbarara and it is 465km and it takes 7-8 hours
Chartered flights can land at an airstrip on Toro Semiliki Wildlife Reserve.
Attractions and activities
Birding; the birders will be reward with some of the Africa’s best forest birding. The best part for birding are Nandi and Sempaya, they provide good viewing of birds for example piping hornbill, white crested hornbill, great blue and ross turacos, , the shoebill can be seen around the quarters of lake Albert and nature walks are best for tracing water birds.
Hot springs; the most famous attraction is the pair of hot springs male and female, the female spring is called Nyansimbi. Visitors can buy eggs locally to cook in boiling pools that surround the central spout.
On the trail to male spring visitors can get to spot grey cheeked monkey, red-tailed monkey, mangaby, and black and white colobus.
Nature walks; a number of short trails around Sempaya cater for nature lovers and birders, nature and birding walks are available, as well as night walks to seek nocturnal primates. You can spot vervet monkey, blue monkey and olive baboon.
Game drives; it can be done in three tracks across the savannah and grassland of Toro Semiliki Wildlife Reserve. Savannah elephants, buffalos, Uganda cob, crocodiles, waterbuck, and warthog are regularly seen.
Primate/forest walks; the 4-6 hour guided walks through the Mugiri River forest provides the opportunity to find the habituated chimpanzees and other primates plus a wealth of birdlife.

Some of the Wildlife Reserves

1.KALINZU FOREST RESERVE
Located in Bushenyi District in the southwestern part of Uganda near Queen Elizabeth National park and the Maramagambo forest.
The reserve is situated along Mbarara-kasese highway and it takes like 5 hours from Kampala to reach the reserve and the distance of 375km away from Kampala city.
The reserve is known for its 414 species trees and shrubs including prunus African ficus and parinari, and also famous for the 6 different primates species that include chimpanzee, blue monkeys, bloc and white colobus monkey, vervet monkey, lhoest guenon and baboon.
Activities and attractions
Chimpanzee trekking, top most activity in the reserve that draws visitors, Kalinzu is a home to about 320 endangered chimps and 50 of these are habituated with in the forest reserve, chimpanzee trekking takes about 3-4 hours.
Nature walks, there is guided natural walks which help understand the dense forest filled with memorable scenery of the waterfalls, the bird species and the primate calls, it has four nature trails and these are the waterfall trail, the river trail, the valley trail and the palm trail.
Bird watching, the reserve is filed with a great number of bird species about 378 bird species which have been recorded in kalinzu such as Great blue turaco, sunbirds, black and white casket among others.
Wildlife viewing, the reserve is near Queen Elizabeth National park some of the wildlife such as the leopard, warthogs and antelopes can be viewed when you visit kalinzu.
2.TORO SEMULIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE
It protects the large number of Uganda Cobs in the area, located in western Uganda, within Ntoroko and Kabarole districts. And there are four communities living around the reserve.
It can be accessed from Kampala –fort portal via mubende which is 290km and Kampala –fort portal via masaka-mbarara-kasese which is abour465km.
Primate walk fee
Foreign nonresident and foreign resident 30 USD, EAC 20,000
Activities and attractions
Primate walks. This walk takes 3-4 hours and it is conducted near semiliki safari lodge where you will meet the experienced guides. Key primates on this walk include chimps, red tailed monkey, vervet monkey, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, angulates encountered are waterbucks, warthogs, bushbucks, buffalos, Uganda cobs and elephants
Game drive. They are 3 tracks across the savannah grassland of Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, smaller and larger savannah elephants are regularly seen, along with buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs and Uganda kob, even leopard.
Boat ride. Conducted on Lake Albert and the main attraction is shoebills, African pygmy goose, blue-breasted and blue-cheeked bee eater and blue-headed coucal.
3.KATONGA WILDLIFE RESERVE
It is a savannah grassland ecosystems located within kyenjojo and kamwenge districts, the journey is a 3 hour drive from Kampala to kyegegwa town council.
Activities and attractions
Game viewing and it gets you the best views over diverse wildlife species such as waterbucks, bushbucks, reedbuck, sitatunga, elephants among others.
Birding, make it sight some of the birds that make up a total of about 150 and there is also guided walks also in the park.
KARUMA WILDLIFE RESERVE
It is found in northern Uganda in kyiryandongo district, adjoining Murchison falls national park in the north, it is located about 110 km northern of Masindi town and about 70 km south of Gulu town.
Activities and attractions
Animals in Karuma Wildlife game, some of the notable animal species to see in Karuma Wildlife Reserve includes the cape buffaloes, the elephants, the Uganda kobs, the Rothschild giraffes, the vervet monkeys, the olive baboons, the black and white colobus monkeys, the topis, the hippos, the oribis and occasionally lions and leopards.
Birds in Karuma Game Reserve, it is the best places for seeing aquatic birds such as kingfishers, swamp flycatcher, yellow throated leaf love, grey crowned cranes and sunbirds.
Karuma falls, besides wildlife and bird species, the reserve is known for the roaring Karuma falls on the Victoria Nile, the fall comprises of a number of naturally cascading interlocking rock formations that appear like series of steps all the way to the bottom of the calm Victoria Nile.
Birding, bird species include the shoebill stock the most thought by birders, other unique species include Abyssinian ground hornbill, the swamp flycatcher and the giant heron among others.
Game viewing. Here you can see a variety of wild animals within the surrounding areas, among the common animals include the Uganda kobs, monkeys, girafes, elephants, baboons, buffaloes and lions plus leopards occasionally.
Viewing the Karuma falls, sightseeing along Karuma falls with naturally cascading interlocking rock formation gives wonderful memories with waters play making it adventurous.

4.KIGEZI WILDLIFE RESERVE
It is located in Rukungiri district in the southwest of Uganda close to Maramagambo forest, Kigezi Wildlife Reserve is about 318km drive southwest of Uganda, you can access it through Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara then to Ntungamo and Rukungiri then you can get to the reserve.
Activities and attractions
The reserve is a home of herds of elephants that transerve to the vast Rwindi savannah plains in DRC and the southern side from Queen Elizabeth National Park by the beginning of the rainy season,
Other popular wildlife species in the reserve include lions, defassa, waterbucks, bushbucks, hippos, topics, Uganda kobs, oribis, bush duikers, warthogs, giant forest hogs, buffalos and occasionally leopards from Queen Elizabeth national park among others.
Bird species and they include; red-faced barbets, the verreaux eagle owl, hammertop, marabou storks, the peregrine falcon, the grey- crowned cranes and the saddle-billed stork among others.
Vegetation, the moist deciduous forest and grass savannah are similar to the sector of Queen Elizabeth National park south of Maramagambo Forest with dominant trees of acacia and Albizia spp and grass such as imperata, cymbopogon, hyparrhenia and beckeropsis
The safari activities that are conducted include game viewing or game drive, nature walks and birding among others

5.KYAMBURA WILDLIFE RESERVE
It is located in the northeastern corner of Queen Elizabeth national park. It has a high concentration of primates species and is also known as the valley of apes, these primates include the chimps, monkeys, baboon and other wildlife species like the giant forest hogs.
Attractions and activities.
Primates. This reserve is a home of 12 primate species including chimps, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, blue monkey among others, the baboons are seen during chimpanzee trekking and nature walks.
Birds. It is also known as birders paradise in that it harbors 332 bird species which can be viewed during bird watching, chimpanzee trekking and nature walks, the bird species include blue-headed bee eater, African skimmer, papyrus canary, pink backed pelican, white tailed lark, African fin foot and others.
Vegetation
6. EAST MADI WILDLIFE RESERVE
It is found in northern western Uganda, north of Murchison falls, Amuru District
It is a home of 50 mammals, 181 bird species and 374 plant species making nature walks, wildlife viewing and birding are some of the activities, there are number of primates that can be seen including the blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and red tailed monkey.
7. PIAN UPE GAME RESERVE
It is the second largest conservation area after Murchison fall national park, it is situated in Nakapiripit district in north eastern Uganda.
Activities and attractions
Guided wildlife safaris, in the plains of the reserve where you expect to see the Roan antelope, other animals include cheetahs, the zebras, greater kudu, dik dik, buffaloes, black backed and side striped jackals, eland and Harte beast.
Bird watching, there are massive number of birds, with about 242 confirmed, and 11 unconfirmed bird species, mostly you can see the lands ostrich.
Mountain climbing and guided nature walks for sightseeing, look out for zebras, antelopes, baboons and different birds.

8.MATHENIKO WILDLIFE RESERVE
Found in Karamoja sub region north east Uganda
Game drives, the reserve is a home to the respectable collection of wildlife including large cats and antelopes, sports hunting is common in this reserve, large game hunters find the terrain suitable for hunting antelopes for sports and to control over population in the reserve.
Mountain and rock climbing, the karamoja is marked by countless massive rocks and mountains
Cultural visits, visiting the amazing Karamojong people, with their culture, values and traditions which are unique and unspoiled.

9.BOKORA CORRIDOR WILDLIFE RESERVE
Is located in north eastern Uganda in the Karamoja sub region and derives its name from ethnic group of the Bokora people, it sits on 2056 square km, birding at the Loporokocho swamp, hikes to Mount Kadam and nature walks are the activities available at this reserve given the abundant wildlife species and bird species, the most sought wild animals include the Rothschild’s Giraffe, Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, The Topis, Oryx, Oribis, Cheetas, Reedbucks, Striped Hyenas, The Uganda kobs, the lesser kudu, buffalos, lions, zebras among others.
Some of the birds include the ostrich, dusky turtle dove, eastern bronze napped pigeon, grey cuckoo-shrike, lemon dove, and African hill babbler among others.

10.BUGUNGU WILDLIFE RESRVE
It situated in the north western region of Uganda between Bulisa and Masindi, it is part of Murchison falls conservation area. It is accessed from Kampala –Hoima route of 292.5km taking over 5-6 hours and also Kampala –Masindi of 313km taking 5 hours.
Attractions and activities
Wildlife. It hosts huge population of Uganda kobs, oribis, lions and leopards, other animals include herds of buffaloes, waterbucks, topic, eland and others
Birds, it has more than 240 bird species and these are shoebill, black headed batis, dark chanting goshawk, black bellied bustards and others.
Activities include game viewing spotting the wildlife and bird watching, primate tracking mostly lHoest monkeys the petas monkeys, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys and olive baboons, nature walks.
11. AJAI WILDLIFE RESERVE
Is found in north eastern Uganda Arua district on the western backs of the Nile. It can accessed from Kampala-Gulu road taking about 6 hours’ drive, and from Entebbe international airport to Gulu, It was established to protect the white rhinos which are extinct,
There is an activity of game viewing where you can spot antelopes, red monkeys, black cobras, the common duiker, puff adders, zebras, pythons, foxes and also there is birding with about 12 bird species recorded in the reserve

Uganda’s Cultural and Religious Sites

Besides the Natural tourism resouirces Uganda has rich cultural heritage, with over 52 tribes. The cultural diversitry is rich within Uganda. Each Culture is Unique, with a centralised setting, admistration, social welfare and a language which connects the people of that specific tribe. Some of the iconic and historical cultural sites of Uganda are listed.

Kasubi Tombs. Located on Nnabulagala hill 3km to the west Kampala city Centre It is UNESCO World Heritage site and it is a burial for four Kings of the Buganda and other members of the Buganda royal family making it an important spiritual and political site for Baganda as well as important example of traditional architectures.
Some of the buildings were destroyed by fire in March 2010, this place on about 64 acres on Kasubi hill about 5km northwest of the city Centre.
Kabaka Mengo Palace. This is the official residence of the current King of Buganda and it is hereditary for all the kings, it was constructed by Ssekabaka Mwanga 11, 1885, in this palace, there is the kabaka house called Twekobe which derives its name from the efforts of the subjects in putting up the magnificent master piece, the word means uniting for a cause.
Wamala tombs. This is Ssekabaka Suuna resting place situated in Nabweru Wakiso district, from the hill on which the tombs are located, one can see Kagoma hill top where Ssuna built a home for his mother, set in a beautiful and spectacular view, the impressive grass thatched tombs are a 30 minutes ‘drive from Kampala, originally the hill is called Wamunyenye.
The Katereke Prison Ditch. Today , this ditch is a peaceful shaded site comprising of a circular ditch enclosing an area of 70meters in diameter, it takes only 30 minutes from Kampala passing Buddo on Masaka road about 1km from Nsangi trading Centre.
It is said to have been dug by former King of Buganda, Kabaka Kalema in the late19th century. In 1888, strange people claimed to be Muslims and removed Kabaka Mwanga from the throne who was then succeeded by Kabaka Kiwewea though his reign was short lived , after kabaka Kiwewa and Kabaka Kilema was enthroned, Kabaka kalema felt threatened by his siblings who would easily become his political rivals, he ordered his clan chiefs to construct a prison and imprisoned all princes and princesses which is present day Katereke Prison Ditch and he still felt threatened so he ordered for their execution.
Katereke Ditch is one of the most significant cultural sites in Buganda kingdom as well as perfect birding destination with a number of bird species.
Naggalabi Coronation Site. Is a 20 minutes’ drive out of Kampala along Masaka road located on Buddo hill 14 km south west of Kampala. Naggalabi Buddo is the site where the Kabakas of Buganda are crowned since 14th century.
Kabaka Lake. Located 500mters from Lubiri palace is an important land mark in Buganda History. The lake has important birds living in the papyrus vegetation and some cultural rituals are performed annually.
Buganda Music, dance and drama, art and crafts which include mats, baskets, drums, beadworks and necklaces and bark cloth.
Ndere cultural Centre. Where you can go and enjoy various cultural performances in Kampala. Ndere means flute, it is located in Ntinda and it also offers accommodation services
Kagulu Rock. It is situated between two roads branch at foots one leading to Gwaya and another to Lyingo. You can enjoy the spectacular view of Busoga region on top of this Rock. It is one of the cultural tourist attraction in Busoga region.
Budhumbula Palace Shrine. Located about 2km from Kamuli-Jinja high way, it has various shrines and it is a home of the late Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope who passed away in 1976.
The Buswiikira site. Found in Mayuge, its where that the legendary icons Kintu and Nambi the ancestors of the Baganda are believed to be buried.
The rocks of kyando. A memorable site for Bishop James Hannigton, were he was murdered while preaching the gospel.
Waluumbe caves located in Mayuge, they are believed to be the free stage for soldiers of WW1
Kyabazinga Royal Palace in Jinja. On the Igenge hill in bugembe town council.
Busoga cultural dances.
Semei kakungulu tombs and the Mutoto circumcision sites are the most important cultural sites in Mbale district, semei kakungulu tombs are located about 5km off the Mbale-Soroti road while the Mutoto circumcision site is located within Mbale municipality.
Nyero rock paintings situated 8km west of Kumi town on Ngora road in Eastern Uganda, Nyero rock paintings are so amazing for sight-seeing. This is an early Iron Age stone site and the paintings on the rock are found in three rock havens. Apportion of the paintings symbolizes animals, canoes and concentric circles, they are believed to have been modelled by early people who settled in the area.
Mparo tombs along Hoima road in Mparo division in Hoima district, Mparo holds significant value to Bunyoro kingdom, these tombs are the burial grounds for kings of Bunyoro kingdom and its royals.
Nakayima tree found in Mubende district, the Nakayima tree is over 400 years old, one of the oldest and biggest at the moment in Uganda, the tree was planted by Nakayima a wife to Ndahura by then, it is claimed to be a source of blessings.
Igongo cultural center, positioned about 13km from Mbarara town on the Mbarara-Kampala high way. The cultural center lays on the grounds of a former palace of the Ankole kingdom.
Bigo bya Mugenyi is located in Ntusi in Mubende district. It holds numerous earthwork and cultural values of the ancient, the first Bachwezi people who lived in the area, this place holds the treasures of the Bachwezi and it is referred to as the abandoned treasure.

Namungongo Martyrs’ shrines. Is mostly widely known of martyrdom and pilgrimage in Uganda, every 3rd June, each year, thousands of people trek from all corners of the country including international pilgrimages and visit Namugongo to celebrate the Uganda martyrs day.
22 martyrs were killed between 1885 and 1887 by Kabaka Mwanga, 13 of them were burnt to death in Namugongo and these include Charles Lwanga, Mattias Mulumba K, Kizito, Joseph M Balikuddembe and others.
Baha’i temple. Also known as the Bhai Mother Temple of Africa, it is one of the 9 that exist in the world and the only one in Africa, Bahai faith started to grow in Uganda in 1951, it occupies more than 52acres with a recreational garden that attracts many for prayers, relaxation, and meditations and also to look at its architectural structure.
Gadaffi mosque. The Uganda national mosque and another key destination for religious tourism in Uganda, it is located at Kampala hill in the old Kampala area, it seats up to 15000 worshipers and can hold another 1000 in the gallery , while the terrace will hold 3500, Colonel Muammer Gaddaffi of Libya commissioned the mosque as a gift to Uganda.
Kibuli mosque. It is famous for its history and architecture. The first mosque at the site was set up in the 1800s and current mosque was established in 1951.
St Mary’s Rubaga cathedral. The oldest Roman church in Uganda built by the French catholic missionaries who were known as white fathers. It is situated on top of the Rubaga hill. Tourism activities include prayers, sightseeing, prayer celebrations and meditations.
Namirembe cathedral. This church is referred to as the biggest and the oldest Anglican Church in Uganda and was founded in 1890 and rebuilt in 1892, it has a very beautiful scenery and calm environment for meditations, prayers and wedding photographs.
Bishop Hannington Memorial site. Located in Mayuge district in Kyando village and it said to be the place where the First Anglican British missionary, Bishop Hannington was murdered by the orders of the then king of Buganda. It has a resort Centre with accommodation rooms for pilgrims and tourists and a commemoration church that hosts prayer celebrations and church services.