Exploring Uganda’s Tourism Potential

The distinctive attraction of Uganda as a tourist destination arises from a variety of its game stock and its unspoilt scenic beauty. Generally, the country has substantial natural resources for tourism, with a variety of landscapes, ecosystems, climates and cultures. Some of its features are outstanding by international standards, such as the sheer variety of bird species, while others are simply unique. The focus of Uganda’s tourism drive into recent years has been the rare mountain gorilla. This has been very successful with demand for viewing permits currently far in excess of existing supply.

The response of the government has been to create alternative tourist products. The Uganda Tourism Board, with assistance of the European Union, is leading this effort and has already identified several tourist products that are felt can attract visitors to Uganda in their own right. They include:

• Avi-tourism (bird watching);

• Sport fishing;

• Boating;

• Primate tracking (gorillas, chimps and others)

• Game viewing;

• Walking and trekking;

• Mountaineering; and

• White water rafting

Most of Uganda’s wildlife is concentrated in its protected areas, of which there are three main categories:

• National parks;

• Wildlife reserves; and

• Forest reserves.

The conservation and management of these areas falls under two principle agencies; the Uganda Wildlife Authority, under the Ministry of Trade Tourism and Industry, and the Forestry Department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources. Uganda has established 10 national parks, enabling tourists to enjoy the pristine wilderness environment.

Murchison Falls National Park:

This is the largest national park in Uganda, covering 3,877 sq. km and one of the most spectacular in Africa. At the Murchison Falls, the R.Nile plunges through a narrow crevice and over a 40 metre drop. On the Eastern sector of the park before the Murchison falls themselves are the Karuma falls where the Nile cascades over the breath-taking 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 – large numbers of hippos and birdlife, chimp tracking in Budongo forest, fishing below the falls, walking safaris and game drives in the Victoria Nile delta. On the banks, the prolific wildlife including elephants, crocodiles, hippopotamus, lions, giraffes, buffalos, countless antelopes and birds can be observed.

Queen Elizabeth National Park:

The Queen Elizabeth NP is one of Uganda’s oldest national parks, home to a large array of wildlife and has been designated as a “biosphere reserve for humanity” under UNESCO auspices. The park, in the western arm of the great E. African rift valley, covers 2,056 sq km and includes a remarkable variety of ecosystems from the semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savanna and swamps. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lion, as well as the Uganda Kob, other antelope species, elephants, baboons, hippos, buffalos and chimpanzees.

Over 500 species of birds have been recorded, making the park a magnet for bird watchers. The bird species include a black bee-eater, eleven types of kingfisher, shoebill storks and several species of falcons, eagles. In the crater lakes to the North, flocks of flamingoes can be found. A favourite way to view the game is by launch of the famous “Kazinga Channel” trip between lakes George and Edward.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

The Park, with its dense ground cover of vines and shrubs (i.e. “impenetrable” as the name suggests) is home to the world famous mountain gorillas, of which they are less than 600 still left in the entire world. It is a 10 hours-drive from Kampala, and famous for gorilla trekking. Gorilla permits are required for trekking the gorillas and it is therefore advisable to make reservations at least three months in advance. Bwindi is one of the richest areas of flora in E. Africa. The forest is also sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and many bird types including some endangered species.

Mgahinga NP:

This is yet another haven and one of two places in Uganda for gorilla viewing. Located on the slopes of Virunga mountains, in the extreme south west corner of Uganda, the park has been set aside to provide a secure habitat for the gorillas. However, this particular group of gorillas moves between the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. Besides the gorillas, other wildlife may also be viewed including the leopard, giant forest hog, bushbuck, buffalo and golden monkey. The summit of Mt. Muhavura (4,127m) has a small crater lake. Situated near Kisoro town, overlooking lakes Mutunda and Bunyonyi, the park offers some fantastic scenery, awesome volcano treks and some unique birding opportunities (Rwenzori Turaco and Red Tufted Malachite Sunbird).

Kibale Forest National Park:

The rain forest is situated to the North-East of Queen Elizabeth NP. In addition to forests, there are also areas of grassland and swamp. The park is noted for its primate population – 13 different species inhabit the park including many families of chimpanzees and several types of colobus monkeys.

It is home to the largest community of wild chimpanzees and Kanyanchu Tourist Centre is the flagship site for wild chimpanzee trekking. Bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and giant forest hog may also be seen. The forests and grasslands support abundant bird life – almost 300 species have been identified and 144 types of butterfly.

Kidepo National Park:

The Park is located in N.Eastern Uganda and covers 1,436 sq km. It is extremely remote in the very north of the Uganda, bordering Sudan. Yet, it is inhabited by various wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, cheetah, giraffe, various antelope species, baboons, bushbaby and over 200 species of birds, set in the picturesque Karamoja plains. Two game viewing routes connect the rest camp with the prime wildlife areas near the Winwing river and the rock escarpment to the south west. On the park’s northern borders are the Kananorok, Hot Springs.

Mt. Elgon National Park:

This is an extinct volcano located on the Uganda’s Eastern border. Mt. Elgon is the 4th highest mountain in Africa and has the 2nd highest peak in Uganda (4,321m). It boasts of numerous interesting features including gorges, ancient caves, magnificent waterfalls and hot springs. It is excellent for hiking, with incredible views of Karamoja and Kenya. Bird life is abundant on the mountain, and various wildlife may also be encountered.

Semliki National Park:

This is the only park 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. Elephants, buffalos, leopards, civet, bushbaby and flying squirrels are also found. The park is home to 8 species of primate, 400 birds and 300 butterfly species.

Lake Mburo National Park: Situated between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara this comparatively smaller park (371 sq km), is composed primarily of grassland, wetland and acacia woodland. At the centre, lies the L. 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 stork and the crowned crane.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park:

The mist shrouded peaks of the mountains of the moon provide a stunning backdrop to the magnificent park located on Uganda’s western border. In the centre 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, Magherita, which rise 5,100 metres above sea level. Walking tours in the foothills are a feature, although only the experienced and fit should attempt to ascend on the peaks which rival the Alps in difficulty. Some of the wildlife to be found in the forest in the mountains include the chimpanzees, along with blue monkey, hyrax, giant forest hog and many unique bird species such as Rwenzori touraco, the francolin and the olive pigeon.

Other Attractions – City and / Towns

• Fort Portal: The town you drive through before getting to Kibale. There are lots of lovely places to stay and wonderful views of the Rwenzori Mountain range (or “Mountains of the Moon” as they are also known)

• Jinja: The Source of the Nile, a short drive from Kampala, lots of places to stay. Activities include white water rafting, quad biking and bungy jumps.

• Lake Bunyonyi; For camping, relaxing, canoe rides on the lake and a good place to stay on the way, either to/from the gorillas.

• Sipi Falls (not far from Mount Elgon): Stunning falls with amazing views of the Karamoja plains.

• Ssese Islands: Situated in L. Victoria. Camping, site seeing and relaxing.
  Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Solution when gorilla permits are not available in Uganda on the dates clients want to trek.

• Birding Itineraries: There is much to see and do in Uganda. TATT is able to prepare flexible custom-made itineraries to meet your needs. Contact us by email outlining your requirements or use our online booking form .

• Namugongo matyrs Shrine

• Kasubi Royal Tombs

• Hotsprings in the West

• Kampala and its Vast lifestyles

• Cultural heritage Extravaganza
   

TATS is involved in provision of services listed below which are geared at making your travel as convenient, stress-free and enjoyable as possible:

• Ticketing – Local and International;
• Hotel Reservations;
• Tours and Safaris;
• Car Hire and Rental Services;
• Airport Transfers;
• Incentive and Cultural Excursions; and