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Main: Flora, Geography, Important Areas, National Parks, Protected Areas, Ramsar Sites, UNESCO Sites, Urban Areas, Wildlife
Detail: Bigodi, Bwindi, Entebbe, Kampala, Kibale, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, Lake Victoria, Mgahinga, Mount Elgon, Murchison Falls, Ngamba Island, Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori Mountains, Semliki, Semuliki
Admin: Travel Tips, Entry Requirements/Visas

Geography

Uganda is a landlocked country located in Central Africa in what is known as the Great Lakes Region, bordered by five countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) in the west, Rwanda in the southwest, Tanzania in the south, Kenya in the east, and South Sudan in the north. Lake Victoria covers a large portion of southeast Uganda. The equator passes through the the country about one-quarter of the way north from its southern border.

Much of Uganda lies on a plateau, which is actually an elevated portion of the basin between the eastern and western branches of the East African Rift, which runs from the Red Sea in the far north to Mozambique in the south.  The plateau is mainly flat, with elevations that slope gently from around 5 000 feet (1 500 meters) in the south, to around 3 000 feet (900 meters) in the north. Uganda's plateau is flanked by mountains and lakes that fill the valleys.

Uganda's southwest border is defined by mountain ranges that include the Virunga Mountains (on the shared borders between Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC) and the Rwenzori Mountains (on the border with DRC). The Rwenzoris are the highest mountain range in Africa, with its highest peak on Mount Stanley (16 760 feet/5 109 meters) only exceeded in altitude on the continent by Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro (both free-standing volcanos). On the country's eastern border with Kenya is Mount Elgon (14 177 feet/4 321 meters), a massive extinct volcano.

Uganda is a mostly fertile land, receiving ample rainfall over much of its area. About 20% of Uganda's surface area is covered by lakes, the most notable of which is Lake Victoria, Africa's largest and the world's second largest freshwater body (by area). Lake Victoria is shared by Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Uganda's other major lakes include Lake Albert, Lake Edward, and Lake George, which occupy the valleys of the Albertine Rift on Uganda's western boundaries. The vast, swamp-filled marshes of Lake Kyoga lie roughly in the center of the country.

There are several major rivers flowing through Uganda, the two most prominent being the Victoria Nile in Central Uganda and the Albert Nile in the northwest. Both of these are the southernmost extensions of the White Nile River, a major tributary of the main Nile River. Uganda's other significant rivers include the Ojok, Pager, and Achwa in the north and the Katonga, Mpongo, and Kafu in the west.

Uganda's southern rivers flow into Lake Victoria, which drains northward via the Victoria Nile River into Lake Kyoga. From there the river traverses north and then west, flowing over the Murchison Falls, before emptying into Lake Albert. Lake Albert drains north via the Albert Nile, which become the Mountain Nile after crossing into South Sudan. Rivers rising in the southwest flow into Lakes George and Edward, which empties north via the Semliki River into Lake Albert. The northern rivers flow south into either Lake Kyoga or north as tributaries of the Nile.

Flora

A defining feature of Uganda is that it receives substantial rainfall over much of its land. Uganda's healthy local rainfall, combined with its location straddling the equator, makes for a moist and tropical climate that supports year-round vegetation growth. In fact, Uganda is one of the greenest and most fertile countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The southwest portion of the country is dominated by several mountain ranges, the lower elevations of which are covered closed-canopy forests and rich grasslands. This region has remnants of what was once an expansive lowland and montane forest that spanned from Lake Albert, all the way south into Rwanda and Burundi.

Most of Uganda's forests were cleared for agriculture over a century ago, but the remaining pockets of forest are now protected and include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Semuliki, which is an extension of the lowland rainforests in the Congo Basin to the west.

The southern region, particularly around Lake Victoria, boasts extremely rich soils that originally supported forests and swamps. These forests have mostly been cleared for agriculture, specifically bananas.

Central Uganda is dominated by savanna grasslands, interspersed with open woodlands that support acacia, candelabra, and euphorbia trees. There are large swamps around the fluctuating edges of Lakes Kyoga, Kwania, Bisina, and Opeta, supporting papyrus and rich floodplain grasslands.

Northern Uganda is the country's driest region, with semi-arid desert along the border with South Sudan.

Wildlife

In the late 1960s, Uganda was visited by over 100 000 tourists per year, but this ended during the political instability during the tumultuous 1970s and 1980s (read more in the History section below). During this difficult period, Uganda's once wildlife-rich national parks were abused, with significant loss of wildlife and rampant encroachment into protected areas. The loss of its wildlife during these two decades put Uganda at a significant disadvantage in terms of wildlife tourism versus competing countries like Kenya and Tanzania.

Beginning in the 1990s, Uganda began re-focusing on conservation of its natural resources and today, although not at the levels of the 1960s in terms of wildlife numbers and diversity, the country's national parks and resident wildlife are again a major draw for international tourists.

The advent of mountain gorilla trekking in the late 1980s was a major driver in rebuilding Uganda's wildlife tourism, as roughly one-half of the world's population of these animals resides in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda has recently developed its chimpanzee trekking industry (most notably in Kibale National Park) into arguably the best in Africa.

Uganda's wildlife is protected in 10 national parks, which cover a wide range of habitats and species. Four of Africa's Big Five animals (only rhinos excluded) can be seen in several of its parks, while the forested parks offer over a dozen species of primate. Lions are found rather easily in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley. Cheetah are rare in Uganda and only seen regularly in Kidepo Valley.

Roughly 30 species of antelope can be found in Uganda, which equates to around 30 percent of the total for Africa. Commonly seen species in Uganda's four savanna-based national parks include Eland, Defassa waterbuck, Ugandan kob, Jackson's hartebeest, bushbuck, and Bohor reedbuck. Burchell's Zebra, common throughout most of southern and East Africa, are notably absent from most of Uganda and can only be seen in Lake Mburo and Kidepo Valley.

Elephant are found widely throughout Uganda's national parks (except for Lake Mburo), including the 'forest' race in parks such as Bwindi and Semuliki. Both species of rhino are locally extinct in Uganda. Hippos are very common, especially in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo.

Buffalo can be reliably seen in nearly all of the national parks, except sin forested areas, where they do exists but are harder to locate. Giraffe (the localized Rothschild's sub-species) were once common throughout in Uganda, but are now only found in Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls.

Birding in Uganda can only be described as outstanding. Uganda is one of Africa's top destinations for birders, offering relatively easy access to avian species not easily seen elsewhere on the continent, as well as a huge number and diversity of species overall.

Over 1 000 avian species are on the Uganda list, an incredible number owing to the country's diversity of habitats, including savanna, rainforest, montane forest, wetlands, and highlands. While the country has only one endemic species (Fox's weaver), there are over 150 species found in Uganda that can not be seen anywhere else in East Africa. The highly sought-after shoebill stork is reliably seen in several wetland areas in Uganda.

Protected Areas

Uganda's rich diversity of ecosystems, which includes lakes, swamps, mountains, forests, and savanna, is protected by ten national parks and numerous other wildlife reserves and forest reserves.

National Parks

Following are Uganda's ten national parks (with the type of ecosystem shown in parentheses). Additional information on each is included further below this list:

• Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Forest) - Uganda's top wildlife destination protects rich forest and 11 species of primate. Mountain gorilla treks are the main attraction. Outstanding for birds.
• Kibale NP (Forest) - Protects rich forest and is home to 13 species of primate. Chimpanzee trekking is the main attraction. Excellent birding.
• Kidepo Valley NP (Savanna) - Uganda's most remote wildlife destination, bordering South Sudan. Classic savanna ecosystem with big cats, elephants, buffalo, and a multitude of plains game. Tree-climbing lions. Authentic cultural visits to the Karamojong people.
• Lake Mburo NP (Savanna) - Small park positioned between Kampala and the western parks, with large wetlands habitat. Diverse antelope and great birding. No large predators nor elephants.
• Mgahinga Gorilla NP (Montane) - Small park in the Virunga Mountains bordering Rwanda and DRC. Home to mountain gorillas and other primates. Gorilla trekking, but Bwindi is more often chosen.
• Mount Elgon NP (Montane) - Protects the extinct volcano straddling the border with Kenya. Once Africa's tallest peak, now 4th highest. Great hiking and birding.
• Murchison Falls NP (Savanna) - Uganda's largest and oldest protected area. Four of the "Big Five", big herds, more than 450 bird species. The Famous "Murchison Falls" on the Victoria Nile River.
• Queen Elizabeth NP (Savanna) - Large and diverse ecosystem with multiple 'sectors' bordering Lakes Edward and George. High diversity of mammals and birds. Straddles the equator.
• Rwenzori Mountains NP (Montane) - World class hiking and multi-day mountain trekking in a spectacular setting. Margherita Peak (16 795 feet) is third highest in Africa. Excellent birding.
• Semuliki NP (Forest) - Lowland rainforest bordering DRC. Exceptional birding with several dozen species found nowhere else in Uganda. Cultural visits to Batwa pygmy people.

Important Areas

Other areas of interest in Uganda include:

• Bugungu Wildlife Reserve (Savanna) - Adjoins Murchison Falls NP and offers good wildlife, including lion, elephant, buffalo and a good variety of antelopes and other plains game. Well-known for chimpanzees.
• Kyambura Wildlife Reserve (Savanna) - Bordering the Kazinga Channel, which is productive for diverse wildlife and birding. Similar wildlife to Queen Elizabeth NP, including lion, buffalo, elephant, and a variety of plains game. Habituated wild chimpanzees can be visited. Good birding.
• Lake Victoria - Africa's largest lake, shared by three countries (49% is in Uganda). Various islands and wildlife/birding areas along its shores.
• Semliki Wildlife Reserve (Savanna) - Grasslands with open acacia woodlands. Game drives will provide views of elephant, buffalo, and other plains game. Nature walks and boating (Lake Albert). Primate walks and excellent hiking. Cultural visits to local communities.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites 
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations whose mission is to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the arts, the sciences, and culture. The Convention concerning the Protection of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage was signed in November 1972 and ratified by the 189 UN member "states parties".

A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area which is geographically and historically identifiable and has special cultural or physical significance. To be selected as a World Heritage Site, a nominated site must meet specific criteria and be judged to contain "cultural or natural heritage of outstanding value to humanity". An inscribed site is categorized as cultural, natural, or mixed (cultural and natural). As of 2021, there were over 1 100 sites across 167 countries.

Uganda has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (since 1994, Natural) - Synonomous with the national park, which protects the home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park (since 1994, Natural) - Synonomous with the national park, which protects diverse flora and fauna, as well as glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and pristine montane habitat.
• Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (since 2001, located in Kampala city, Cultural) - Site of former palace of the Kabakas (kings) of the Buganda Kingdom. The site is a culturally significant spiritual center for the local people.

Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It was the first of the modern global nature conservation conventions, negotiated during the 1960s by countries and non-governmental organizations concerned about the increasing loss and degradation of wetland habitat for birds and other wildlife. The convention is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed in 1971.

Presently there are some 75 member States to the Ramsar Convention throughout the world which have designated over 2 300 wetland sites onto the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Uganda has 12 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites) as follows.

• Lake Bisina Wetlands - Shallow freshwater lake with papyrus swamp forming part of the Lake Kyoga Basin. Crucial habitat for wading birds, including the shoebill stork, as well as numerous fish species that have become extinct in the large lakes of Kyoga and Victoria. The lake is important for surrounding communities for fishing, and water for domestic use and livestock. (209 sq miles/542 sq kms)
• Lake George - Network os rivers flowing from the Rwenzori Mountains supplies permanent swamps on Lake George. Crucial habitat for numerous large mammal species and important site for resident and migratory birds. Threats include mine water seepage, agricultural runoff, and effluent inputs. Partially protected by Queen Elizabeth National Park. (384 sq miles/150 sq kms)
• Lake Mburo-Nakivali Wetland System - Open and wooded savanna and combination of seasonal and permanent wetlands, including five lakes (Lake Mburo by far the largest). Habitats have a high biodiversity, including globally threatened resident and migratory species of bird, such as shoebill stork, several threatened fish species. Immense socio-economic value as a water source for people. Threats include hunting, over-fishing, habitat destruction. (104 sq miles/169 sq kms)
• Lake Nabugabo Wetlands - Situated directly north and contiguous with the Nabajuzi Wetlands. Lake Nabugabo and 3 smaller freshwater lakes separated from Lake Victoria by a sand bar 1.2 miles (2-kms) wide. No surface outflows from the lakes, just seepage via the sand bank. The lakes have been separated from L Victoria for ~3 700 years. Several endemic fish remain that are now extinct in L Victoria due to the introduction of the Nile perch. Lakes are important for migratory birds, some globally threatened, and are also habitat and breeding grounds for shoebill storks. (85 sq miles/220 sq kms)
• Lake Nakuwa Wetlands - Permanent wetland associated with Lake Kyoga system. Dominated by papyrus swamps, with a number of satellite lakes and pools of water containing floating papyrus. Habitat for sitatunga antelope, crocodile, and a large diversity of cichlid fishes no longer found in Lake Kyoga or Lake Victoria that were protected by thick aquatic vegetation around these lakes, which prevented the introduced Nile perch from spreading here. One of the most pristine wetlands remaining in Uganda. (352 sq miles/912 sq kms)
• Lake Opeta Wetlands - One of the most important intact wetland marshes in Uganda, with aquatic hippo grass to the east and dry grassland savanna to the south. Provides important habitat for numerous birds, including breeding ground for Uganda's sole endemic species, Fox's weaver. Also provides crucial refuge for numerous fishes that have gone extinct in the larger lakes, including Kyoga and Victoria. Provides wthe only dry-season water for animals in the Pian-Upe Reserve. (266 sq miles/689 sq kms)
• Lutembe Bay Wetlands - Located between Entebbe and Kampala at the mouth of Murchison Bay on Lake Vocyoria. Shallow swamp cut off from the main body of L Victoria by a papyrus island. Habitat for globally threatened birds, endangered cichlid fishes, and over 100 species of butterfly. Breeding grounds for lungfish. Threatened by the large population of people living in close proximity. (0.4 sq miles/1 sq km)
• Mabamba Bay Wetlands - Extensive marsh and long, narrow bay fringed with papyrus on Lake Victoria shore very close and southwest of Kampala. Shoebill storks are fairly easy to locate and habitat supports 190 000 birds, including several globally threatened species. Poaching, over-fishing, agrochemicals used for nearby flower farms, and over-utilization of papyrus are main threats. (9 sq miles/24 sq kms)
• Murchison Falls-Albert Delta Wetland - Site spans from top of the Murchison Falls to the delta of the Victoria Nile River as it enters Lake Albert. Important habitat for waterbirds, including the shoebill stork, pelicans, darters, various herons. Spawning and breeding grounds for indigenous fishes. Feeding and watering refuge for wildlife, especially in dry season. Threats include livestock grazing, illegal hunting, and over-fishing. Fishermen-crocodile conflicts are common. (67 sq miles/173 sq kms)
• Nabajuzi Wetlands - Long, narrow stretch of swamp along Lake Victoria shoreline due east of Masaka town and extending to Katonga and Nabajuzi Rivers. Crucial spooning grounds for mudfish, lungfish and supports globally threatened birds. Protects good numbers of sitatunga antelope. Pollution and over utilization of fish and water by surrounding towns are threats. (7 sq miles/18 sq kms)
• Rwenzori Mountains - High annual rainfall and snowmelt creates various wetlands in these "Mountains of the Moon", including peatlands, lakes, and tundra. Habitats are crucial for protecting 21 species of small mammal, numerous species of indigenous fish and bird. Protected as a national park and is also a World Heritage Site. (58 sq miles/995 sq kms)
• Sango Bay-Musambwa Island-Kagera River Wetland - Mosaic of wetlands, including swamp forest, papyrus swamp, herbaceous swamp, with palms and seasonally flooded grasslands, rocky and forested shorelines, and three rocky islets just offshore in Lake Victoria. Rich biodiversity. Habitat for huge numbers of waterbirds, as well as elephants and primates. (213 sq miles/551 sq kms)

Urban Areas

Uganda has only two substantial urban areas, both of which are located along Lake Victoria. See details below.

• Entebbe - The smaller of two notable cities in Uganda, both of which are located on the shores of Lake Victoria in close proximity to one another.
• Kampala - Uganda's capital and by far its largest city, though most international visitors fly into Entebbe, where the main airport is located.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Bwindi Forest covers 124 square miles (321 sq kms) and is one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems, protecting more than 1 000 flowering plant species, more than 200 species of tree, and over 100 species of fern. Bwindi dates back 25 000 years, making it one of the oldest forests on earth.

Bwindi is Uganda's top wildlife destination for one reason: the mountain gorillas that live in its rich, Afro-montane rainforest. Gorilla trekking has become very popular in both Uganda and neighboring Rwanda. These treks involve hiking with expert guides to visit one of the "habituated" gorilla families in the forest. Participants are able to spend time on the ground with wild gorillas, often only 10 feet from these incredible animals. The experience is unlike anything else offered in Africa or the world.

Besides the main attraction of mountain gorilla trekking, Bwindi is also home to 10 additional species of primate, including a healthy population of some 400 chimpanzees.

Bwindi also offers spectacular birding, especially with a local guide. There are around 350 species to be found in Bwindi, including two dozen range-restricted species. Nature hikes in the forest will also provide a good chance of seeing chimpanzees, monkeys, and some of Bwindi's 200+ species of butterfly.

Read full details on the gorillas, gorilla trekking, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park here.

Kibale National Park

Kibale offers Uganda's "other" great primate experience: chimpanzee trekking. Some 1 500 chimpanzees are protected in the Kibale Forest and guided treks, sometimes with researchers, but always with expert guides, allow visitors to see our closest extant species (chimps are 98% genetically identical to Homo sapiens) in their natural habitat.

The Kibale Chimpanzee Project, established in 1987, is an ongoing, long-term study of the behavior, physiology, and ecology of Kibble's chimpanzees. The revenue earned from chimpanzee trekking supports the research project and helps protect the forest habitat. The chimps in Kibale are well-habituated due to the long-term presence of the researchers and now tourists. The chimps are mainly very relaxed and, when on the ground, provide incredible up-close observation.

While gorilla trekking (in Bwindi or in Rwanda) is certainly described as incomparable, the full-day chimpanzee experience in Kibale rivals or even exceeds that of gorilla trekking. A gorilla trek can take the better part of a day, but the actual interaction time with the gorillas is limited to one hour, while the full-day chimp trek (called "chimp habituation experience") involves following and observing chimpanzees for the better part of the daylight hours.  

Besides chimpanzees, Kibale is home to 60 mammal species, including twelve additional species of primate. Primates that are regularly seen in on a hike or chimpanzee trek in Kibale include red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey, red colobus monkey, L'Hoest's monkey, blue monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, and olive baboon. Bush baby and potto are nocturnal primates, so are infrequently seen except on a guided night walk, which almost assuredly will provide views.

Other mammals in Kibale include elephant (forest race, seldom seen), lion and leopard (both are rarely seen), buffalo, bush pig, hippo, warthog, red, blue, and Peter's duiker. Butterflies are abundant and incredibly diverse, with over 250 species recorded. Birding in Kibale is sensational, with over 375 species possible, including many regional endemics.

Bigodi Wetland
A must-do for birding enthusiasts or keen nature lovers is a guided walk at the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which protects the Magombe Swamp. The four-hour trail is laid out to cover a good portion of this rich swamp habitat and the expert guides will gladly point out a large variety of birds (30-40 species easily), many of which will be "specials" at the eastern limit of their range.

In addition to birds, Bigodi will almost surely provide views of several monkey species, the most likely being red-tailed, L'Hoest's, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabey. There are myriad butterflies, flowers, and fish that the guides can point out. If you're lucky, you may see a sitatunga antelope or one of the mongoose species that live here. Fees charged for the trail are used for community projects in Bigodi.

Weather and When to Go
Kibale experiences a moist tropical climate all year, with stable temperatures averaging 78-83°F (26-28°C) during the day and dropping to 57-61°F (14-16°C) at night. There is no actual dry season, with rain possible throughout the year, but Jan/Feb and Jun/Jul are the driest months. Waterproof clothing is recommended for chimp trekking regardless of the time of year.

How to Get There
Kibale is best reached via flight (scheduled or charter) from Kampala/Entebbe to Fort Portal. The flight duration is around 1.5 hours, with a short 40 minute drive to the park. The trip from Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale by road will take 4.5 hours.

Overall, the experience at Kibale, including a visit to Bigodi, is something that should not be missed. Combining a few days in Bwindi with a few days at Kibale will give a forest exploration experience that is arguably unmatched in Africa.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Uganda's most remote national park is the 552-square-mile (1 430-sq-km) Kidepo Valley, located in the far northeast corner of the country, on the border with South Sudan and a stone's throw from the Kenya border. This is the Karamoja region and home to the Karamojong people, whose villages offer an authentic cultural experience for visitors to the park.

Kidepo's remote location means it is much less visited than the parks on Uganda's western side, but for those that take the time, it offers one of the best wilderness experiences anywhere in Africa. The park offers excellent wildlife viewing, with an astounding diversity of species, plus raw mountain scenery, and outstanding birding.

The park's rugged terrain includes several substantial peaks, including Mount Morungole, which rises 9 022 feet (2 750 meters). Two river valleys define the park's main game-viewing regions, with the Narus River Valley in the southwest and the Kidepo River Valley in the northeast. Both rivers are seasonal and stop flowing during the dry months, but leave behind crucial pools that sustain the wildlife.

Kidepo's predominant habitat is open grassland savanna, interspersed with sparse woodlands, thick stands of miombo woodland, and rocky outcrops. The river valleys support riparian woodland and towering borassus palms. The higher elevations support montane forests.

There are 77 species of mammal in Kidepo, including twenty species of predator. Lions are fairly easy to locate and this is the only place in Uganda where cheetah are found. Other predators found nowhere else in Uganda include black-backed jackal, caracal, bat-eared fox, and aardwolf. Both spotted and striped hyena are here, as well as leopard, side-striped jackal, genets, several species of mongoose and sometimes African wild dogs are seen.

Antelopes are well represented and several, including both greater and lesser kudu, mountain reedbuck, and Guenther's did-dik are found nowhere else in Uganda. Other antelopes found in Kidepo include eland, bushbuck, Defassa waterbuck, Grant's gazelle, Jackson's hartebeest, klipspringer, oribi, common duiker, and bohor reedbuck.

Elephants are common, especially during the rainy season when Kidepo's grasses are a favorite food for them. Large numbers of buffalo can also be seen, with groups of bachelor bulls spending time away from breeding herds that can number several hundred.

Other plains game includes zebra, Ugandan kob, warthog, and a small population of Rothschild's giraffe. There are several primate species found in Kidepo, including the localized patas monkey. Both black and white rhinos once roamed Kidepo, as did roan antelope, but these are now extinct due to hunting years ago.

Kidepo's bird checklist is outstanding, which, at around 450 species, is only rivaled in Uganda by Queen Elizabeth National Park. Many of Kidepo's "specials" are dry-land species that are not found in any other region in the country.

Weather and When to Go
Kidepo is located in a semi-arid region and experiences only one wet season, which spans from April thru August, when afternoon showers are common. The dry season is from September thru March and during the months of December, January, and February, there is virtually no rain. The dry season is an excellent time to visit, as most of the wildlife congregates in the Narus River Valley for water, as the Kidepo River becomes dry.

Temperatures are warm all year, averaging 80-86°F (27-30°C) during the day and dropping down to 60-65°F (16-18°C) at night. Daytime temps can reach as high as 105°F (41°C) during the dry months of January and February.

How to Get There
Visiting Kidepo Valley is best done on a chartered flight from Kampala. The flight takes 2-2.5 hours. Driving is possible but not recommended, as the roads are not great and the trip will take between 7-10 hours. It is possible to fly from Kidepo to Murchison Falls if one is doing a circuit of Uganda (a great experience and highly recommended).

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is Uganda's most popular savanna-ecosystem safari destination. The park covers 764 square miles (1 978 sq kms) with a number of natural and man-made barriers dividing QENP into various "sectors".

Originally protected as two separate game reserves (Lake George and Lake Edward Game Reserves declared by the Belgian Colonial Administration) in the 1920s, it became a single protected area dubbed Kazinga National Park in 1952.

The park was renamed in 1954 to commemorate a visit by the British Queen. QENP was then briefly renamed as Rwenzori National Park (during the Idi Amin regime), which is confusing, as in 1991, the upper slopes of these nearby mountains were also declared as Rwenzori National Park!

QENP is primarily dominated by an open grassland, savanna habitat, but is incredibly diverse, with lake front, extensive wetlands, dense acacia woodlands, and vast tracts of forest. There are over ten crater lakes in QENP (some 35 in the region, as well as numerous dry calderas), caused by volcanic activity in the region several hundred thousand years ago.

QENP Wildlife
Owing to its extremely high level of habitat diversity, QENP is home to some 95 mammal species, the most for any park in the country. Predators are well represented, with more than twenty species, including lion, leopard, spotted hyena, and side-striped jackal. Some of QENP's lions (in the Ishasha Sector) are "tree-climbing" and spend their time during midday relaxing on the limbs of sycamore figs and albezia trees.

Antelopes are also here in abundance, with the most common species being Ugandan kob, topi, Defassa waterbuck, and bushbuck. The sitatunga, an aquatic species can sometimes be found in the papyrus swamps around Lake George. Other herbivores include buffalo, which can be found in healthy herds throughout much of the park. Several species of duiker are found in the Maramagambo Forest in the south. Elephants are commonly seen throughout the park.

Wildlife in the park suffered greatly during the Amin presidency. Elephants were especially hard hit, with ivory poaching reducing their numbers in QENP from some 4 000 in the late 1950s, to only 100 or so individuals by 1980. Buffalo numbers were reduced by 50% from around 20 000 during the same period. Wildlife has since recovered, with elephants now numbering around 2 500, buffalos numbering over 10 000, and hippos at around 5 000. There are an estimated 200+ lions in the park.

There are ten species of primate in QENP, including chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, L'Hoest's monkey, vervet monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, and black-and-white colobus.

Notably absent from QENP are several iconic species, including giraffe and zebra, both of which were poached to extinction during Uganda's long and tumultuous civil war years. Also missing are rhinos, which were also poached out. The lack of rhinos is the main reason that many areas in the park are dominated by candelabra trees (Euphorbia candelabrum), which are inedible to most animals, but are a favorite of black rhinos. 

Interestingly, one species that was, until quite recently, notably missing from QENP, is the nile crocodile. The crocodiles' absence during the colonial times, as well as any archeological evidence of their existence in the area seemed unexplainable, especially since the region had near-perfect habitats for the crocs.

It was later determined that during the most recent period of heavy volcanic activity around Lakes George and Edward (some 7 000 years ago), the entire region was decimated in terms of animal and plant life. Most species were subsequently able to recolonize the region, but crocodiles faced impassable barriers, including large tracts of forest, as well as rapids and gorges along the waterways leading to the lakes.

In the 1980s, widespread destruction of riparian forests along the Semliki River allowed crocodiles to migrate along the cleared banks of that river and the first appearance of crocodiles in Lake Edward was in the late 1980s. Today, nile crocodiles are common in both Lake Edward and Lake George, as well as in the Kazinga Channel that connects the two lakes.

As would be expected in a national park with a diversity of habitats, QENP is spectacular for birding. Over 600 species have been recorded, which it the most for any protected area in Uganda. QENP's large number of birds is a reflection of its varied habitats that include lakes, wetlands, rivers, forest tracts, and grasslands.

A boat trip on the Kazinga Channel is a particularly great way to get good views of waterbirds, while the Maramagambo Forest will yield excellent results for rarer species and 'specials'.

QENP Sectors
Queen Elizabeth NP is partitioned into several sectors by a series of natural dividers. The Kazinga Channel is the most obvious barrier, effectively dividing the park into a northern and southern sections. The two main parts of the park are linked only by a bridge over the channel along the road connecting Kasese and Mbarara.

Within the two main park sections (north and south) are several more focused 'sectors', each of which is discussed below with regards to habitat, wildlife and activities.

Ishasha Sector
The Ishasha Sector is located in the far southwest of QENP, and although commonly overlooked and the least visited, its plains are some of the most beautiful in the country and they offer good wildlife viewing. There are two excellent game-drive circuits, one to the north of Ishasha Camp and the other heading south, and each covering around 12 miles (20 kms). The southern loop passes thru productive plains use by big herds of kob (which means good chances to see lions), while the northern loop is generally more productive overall, with floodplains and wetlands.

Ishasha is perhaps best known for its 'tree-climbing' lions. Lions do not typically spend any time in trees, except perhaps in an effort to steal a leopard's food, and tree-climbing lions are only found in a few places in Africa (Lake Manyara is another such location). The reason that some lion prides habitually spend time relaxing in trees is a topic of speculation, with theories including evasion of biting insects or to stay cool, but one thing seems clear: it is a learned behavior that is passed down and prides exhibiting this behavior continue to do so over time.

The banks of the Ishasha River, which feeds into Lake Edward, provide good wildlife viewing and the river supports a healthy hippo population. The riparian forests along the river are also home to good numbers of bushbuck and black-and-white colobus monkey, as well as diverse birds. East from the river are the Ishasha Plains, which are popular with large herds of Ugandan kob, buffalo, waterbuck, and topi. Elephants are also common, especially during and after the rains.

The Kigezi Game Reserve borders the Ishasha Sector to the east, forming a buffer for wildlife between QENP and the heavily populated public lands further east.

Maramagambo / Kyambura Sector
The southeast section of QENP is dominated by the incredible rich and biodiverse Maramagambo Forest. Guided walks in the forest are the best way to experience the birds and animals, but trails can be walked without a guide. There are plenty of primates, including chimpanzees, L'Hoest's monkey, black-and-white colobus, vervet monkey, and red-tailed monkey.

Other forest mammals include yellow-backed duiker, Bates' pygmy antelope, and giant forest hog. The forest birding is incredible and only exceeded in terms of elusive Central African species by the Semuliki Forest. A birding guide is highly recommended for identifying the myriad shy and elusive forest species in Maramagambo.

North of Maramagambo Forest is the Kyambura Gorge, which is carved out by the Kyambura River and forms the border between QENP and the Kyambura Reserve to the east. The gorge is home to a habituated community of chimpanzees and guided chimpanzee treks (permits required) in the forested river gorge are the major tourist draw for this sector of the park.

East of the gorge is the Kyambura Reserve, which is primarily a savanna ecosystem, but not especially notable for its wildlife. There are several crater lakes in the reserve that provide good birding, especially for waterbirds and often flamingos.

Mweya / Northern Sector
North of the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George, is QENP's Northern Sector. This region of the park can be further divided into two popular sub-sectors: the Mweya Peninsula and the Kasenyi Plains. Mweya was once the site of the QENP headquarters (which has now moved) and the Northern game drive circuit between Mweya and the Kasenyi Plains is still the most visited tourist area of the park.

The Mweya Peninsula is a small, wedge-shaped bit of hilly land jutting out into northeast Lake Edward from the northern side of the mouth of the Kazinga Channel. The views from the peninsula are spectacular across the channel and lake and to the north, the Rwenzori Mountains. The network of game-viewing tracks leading from Mweya along the northern banks of the Kazinga Channel will provide abundant game and good birding.

Mweya's location at the confluence of the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward is very popular with wildlife, and species such as elephant, buffalo, Defassa waterbuck, and warthog are a near certainty. Hippos are also common at Mweya. Lion and spotted hyena sightings are a good possibility at Mweya and along the game drive roads north of the channel and west of the main Kasese road.

East of the Kasese Road, which bisects the Northern Sector, is the most popular game drive area in QENP: The Kasenyi Plains. These plains stretch from the road all the way to Lake George, and are home to large concentrations of plains game. Large herds of Ugandan kob use this grassland savanna as their breeding grounds, with thousands congregating here at times. Buffalo are also fond of this area for its rich grazing.

Reaching the Kensenyi Plains takes about an hour from the Mweya Peninsula, and exploration as early as possible in there morning will provide the best chance of seeing Kasenyi's lions, which do well here with all the prey species. Spotted hyenas are also resident in good numbers. Birding in Kasenyi is also very good, with numerous grassland species.

North of Lake George is an extensive wetland that is almost totally inaccessible to tourists. The main attraction in the swamp is the incredible shoebill stork, which thrives in this remote area. Sitatunga antelope, an aquatic species, are also found north of the lake and waterbirds are prolific. It may be possible to reach the southern end of this swamp in a good 4x4 vehicle, depending on the time of year and how much water exists.

Weather and When to Go
QENP is a year-round destination, but rainfall can occur at any time throughout the year. The months with the least chance of rainfall are June/July and January/February. The heaviest rains occur from March thru May and again mid-August thru November. The climate in QENP is tropical all year, with static temperatures year round, averaging 82-88°F (28-30°C) during the day and 60-68°F (16-20°C) at night.

Wildlife viewing in QENP is best, especially around the rivers and lakes, during the dry periods, but the park is most scenic during the rainier months. Chimpanzee trekking and forest hiking are also much better when the trails are dry versus after heavy rains.

How to Get There
QENP is reachable by either road or air. Those on a circuit of Uganda's wildlife regions often arrive from the north, after visiting Murchison Falls National Park and head to Bwindi after visiting QENP. Driving to QENP from Kampala takes a minimum of six hours, while a flight from Kampala takes 1-2 hours depending on the aircraft.

Murchison Falls National Park

Covering an area of 1 505 square miles (3 898 sq kms), Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP) is Uganda's largest protected area. The park straddles the Victoria Nile River as it approaches Lake Albert just to the west. The famous waterfall, which gives the park its name, is the main attraction for most tourists, but the park also offers excellent game viewing, as well as boating on the river.

Bordering MFNP on the south and east are three buffer reserves: Bugungu Wildlife Reserve (183 sq miles/474 sq kms), Karuma Wildlife Reserve (262 sq miles/678 sq kms), and the Budongo Forest (318 sq miles/825 sq kms). Together with the national park, this Greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area protects a significant area with diverse habitats and wildlife.

History of MFNP
The first foreigners to visit the MFNP region were John Speke and James Grant, who arrived in 1862. The famous explorers Samuel and Florence Baker arrived in 1863 on their expedition to discover the source of the Nile River. The Bakers became the first Europeans to see the narrow waterfall plunging thru a gorge on the Victoria Nile, which they named the Murchison Falls after the then-president of the Royal Geographical Society, Sir Roderick Murchison.

During the period between 1907 and 1910, the local human population of a huge area (some 5 000 sq miles/13 000 sq kms) that includes present-day MFNP were evacuated due to an outbreak of "sleeping sickness" (African trypanosomiasis), which is caused by the tsetse fly. In 1910, the land south of the Nile River was declared as the Bunyoro Game Reserve and in 1928, the boundaries were extended to include the land north of the river.

In 1952, the British Colonial Administration established the National Parks Act of Uganda and the Bunyoro Game Reserve was renamed as Murchison Falls National Park. During the Idi Amin regime in the 1970s, MFNP was renamed as Kabalega Falls, after the former Omukama (King) of the Bunyoro Kingdom, but this name fell into disuse after the ousting of President Amin in 1979.

The Waterfall and Nile River
The Murchison Falls are an impressive sight to see, as the water of the 165-foot-wide (50-meter-wide) Victoria Nile River is forced through a narrow gap in the rocks spanning a width of only 23 feet (7 meters) and then falling 141 feet (43 meters) to the continuing river below. The rush of the huge volume of water crashing thru such a narrow gorge causes a deafening roar and copious rising spray.

The waterfall was famously featured in the 1951 British-American adventure film The African Queen, which starred Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. The falls were even more powerful in those days, but in 1962, massive flooding cut a second channel into the river above the falls, creating the smaller Uhuru Falls that is situated 650 feet (200 meters) to the north.

MFNP is divided into a northern and southern sector by the east-to-west flowing Victoria Nile River. The northern section is defined by tall-grass savanna with sparse acacia scrubland, isolated patches of borassus palms, and riparian woodland. The southern section is dominated by more consistent woodlands that become denser as one moves further south from the river, eventually becoming closed-canopy forest.

Wildlife in MFNP
In the 1960s, MFNP was one of Africa's most popular wildlife destinations, with huge numbers of animals and several outstanding tourist lodges. Elephants in particular were abundant, with herds of several hundred not uncommon and a total population of some 12 000 in the park. In the late 1960s, a park census revealed 10 000 Ugandan kob, 30 000 buffalo, 12 000 hippo, 16 000 Jackson's hartebeest, 11 000 warthog, and healthy populations of Rothschild's giraffe and both black and white rhino species.

Shortly after the 1971 coup that gave Idi Amin complete power in Uganda, foreign visitors were banned from the country, and soon afterward, conservation efforts in Uganda's national parks essentially halted. This lack of protection subjected Uganda's wildlife to heavy poaching, which decimated wild animal populations in its national parks, including those in MFNP.

By the end of Amin's regime in 1979, the situation in MFNP was critical, with elephant numbers reduced to an estimated 1 500 and hippos to 1 000. Buffalo and other large herbivores were reduced by 50% or more, and rhinos were nearly reduced to extinction. During the ensuing turbulence in the early 1980s, wildlife persecution continued unabated, and by 1984, wildlife in MFNP was almost gone, with estimated populations as follows: elephant 250, buffalo 900, kob 6 000, lion extinct, giraffe nearly extinct, rhino extinct.

After the ousting of the Obote regime in 1985, rule of law was restored in Uganda and national park protection was again enforced. The country re-opened for eco-tourism and wildlife numbers slowly began to recover.

A 2010 census of wildlife numbers in MFNP (including Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves) funded by CITES, revealed wildlife populations as follows: buffalo 9 200, Rothschild's giraffe 900, hippo 1 000, Ugandan kob 36 600, elephant 900, Defassa waterbuck 6 400, warthog, 2 000, Jackson's hartebeest 3 600. While these wildlife numbers are a far cry from the numbers in the 1960s, the data do show that the park's wild animal populations are indeed recovering.

Lion numbers in MFNP are healthy, with a population of 150 in some 15-20 prides. Other species often seen on game drives in MFNP include spotted hyena, leopard, side-striped jackal, Bohor reedbuck, bushbuck, oribi, olive baboon, vervet monkey, and the localized patas monkey. Forested regions in the south of the park and in Bugungu and Budongo provide good chances to see chimpanzee, black-and-white colobus, and several other species of monkey.

A 2015 biodiversity survey of MFNP (including Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves) conducted by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) revealed a list of 144 mammal species, 556 bird species, 51 reptile species, and 51 amphibian species.

Birding in MFNP is very good, with plenty of the more common dryland species seen on both side of the river, as well harder to find 'specials' in the very productive forests in the south. There is a popular red-throated bee-eater colony that nests in the Nile River bank downstream from the Murchison Falls and the highly sought-after shoebill stork can sometimes be seen near the estuary of the Nile as it enters Lake Albert.

Activities in MFNP
Game drives are the best way to experience wildlife in MFNP, especially on the northern side of the Nile River. The area near Paraa and the Victoria Nile delta is particularly good for game viewing. Lions are seen often in this section of the park, as are herds of buffalo, kob, and other plains game. The area south of the river is much less productive for game viewing, as the denser vegetation is less suitable for plains species.

Nile River Boating
The boat excursion from Paraa to the base of the Murchison Falls is the most popular activity in MFNP. The waterfall cruises have been running since the 1950s (except when the park was closed in the 1970s), with several departures daily. Smaller boats seating around 5 passengers are available, as well as the 40-passenger double-decker boat, and mid-sized boats seating groups of up to 16 passengers. The round trip adventure takes around 3 hours.

Game viewing from the river on board the boat is usually superb, with lots of hippos, large crocodiles, buffalo, Defassa waterbuck, kob, and sometimes giraffe and bushbuck. Elephants are occasionally seen drinking on the banks or in the water swimming and playing. Birding from the boat is also excellent.

Another boating option from Paraa is the Nile Delta Cruise, departing from Paraa and heading downstream towards Lake Albert. This scheduled excursion departs early morning and lasts 4-5 hours. Birding is exceptionally good, with a good chance of spotting the shoebill stork.

All Nile River boating trips may also be booked privately, as well as tailored towards special interests, such as birding or photography.

The Falls from Land
Visiting the Murchison Falls on foot is another very popular activity in MFNP. A road leads to a picnic site on the south bank of the Nile River, and from there, a short hike brings you to a spectacular viewpoint the the edge of the waterfall. The vantage point permits one to get a true feel for the power of the water as it rushes thru the narrow gap into the gorge.

A second walking path leads to another viewpoint that gives excellent views of both cataracts: the Uhuru Falls and Murchison Falls. A third pathway leads down to the bottom of the small gorge at the base of the main waterfall. Visiting all three viewpoints will take at least two hours. The afternoons are best for photographing the waterfalls.

Weather and When to Go
Like much of Uganda, MFNP's location near the equator means it enjoys a warm, tropical climate all year. This park is also uniformly lower in elevation (2 000-3 900 feet/615-1 190 meters) than the parks to its south, and it therefore experiences warmer temperatures than any other park in the country. Temperatures in MFNP are uniformly warm all year, averaging 86-90°F (30-32°C) during the day and only dropping to 62-66°F (17-19°C) overnight. 

MFNP experiences a short dry season that runs from December thru February, when rainfall is uncommon (though still possible) and the days can be stiflingly hot. The lack of humidity does moderate the feel of the heat somewhat.

The wetter season runs from March thru November, although the region is comparatively dry and does not receive a large amount of rain (average annual rainfall is only around 40 inches (1 000 mm). The rainiest months are April/May and August thru mid-October. Heavy storms are possible.

As in most savanna ecosystems, game drives are most productive during the dry season, especially along the Nile River, where herds of elephant, buffalo, and kob congregate to drink. Scenically, the wet season is spectacularly beautiful, and the the slightly lower rainfall in June/July make this period a great time to visit.

How to Get There
MFNP is reachable by road from Kampala in 4-5 hours and from Fort Portal (if on a circuit traveling from the southwestern parks) in around six hours. Scheduled and charter flights are available from Kampala/Entebbe and from all of Uganda's other protected areas, including from the remote Kidepo Valley.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda's smallest national park is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP), which covers a mere 15 square miles (38 sq kms) and forms a portion of the much larger trans-frontier area protecting the Virunga Mountains.

The Virungas are volcanic mountains that straddle the shared borders between Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC and are afforded protection via three contiguous national parks (MGNP in Uganda, Virunga NP in the DRC, and Volcanoes NP in Rwanda).

Mgahinga was originally established by the British Colonial Administration in 1930 as the Gorilla Game Sanctuary, but it only received national park status much later, in 1991. The new national park status resulted in the forced eviction of over 2 000 Batwa people, who had lived in the forests of the Virungas for centuries.

MGNP protects portions of three volcanic peaks: Gahinga (11 398ft/3 474m; shared with Rwanda), Muhabura (13 540ft/4 127m; shared with Rwanda), and Sabyinyo (12 037ft/3 669m; shared with Rwanda and the DRC).

Gorilla Trekking
Guided hikes to visit habituated family groups of the endangered mountain gorilla are the main attraction in the Virunga Mountains and Mgahinga National Park. The 'gorilla trek' experience is unlike anything else in Africa and although most gorilla treks in Uganda take place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga also offers this amazing experience.

Mountain gorilla tourism became very popular after the release of Gorillas in the Mist, a 1988 major motion picture adaptation of the autobiography of Dian Fossey. Fossey lived and worked with the mountain gorillas for 18 years in the Rwandan section of the Virungas (Volcanoes National Park). Fossey's book and the movie brought global attention to the plight of these great apes, which share over 98% of the human genetic code.

Mgahinga's small size has meant that Bwindi, and to a larger extent Rwanda, have become the main destinations for mountain gorilla tourism. There has historically been only one habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga, while Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) each have over ten habituated groups. Moreover, Mgahinga's gorilla group, known as the 'Nyakagezi group' sometimes crosses over into Rwanda, which means that trekking in Mgahinga is not possible until the gorillas cross back into Uganda.

Other Activities
Besides gorilla trekking, MGNP offers a guided forest hike to visit Garama Cave. The cave was used by early humans during the late Iron Age, and later by the forest-dwelling, hunter-gatherer Batwa people. The cave can be explored for around 330 feet (100 meters). The Garama hike takes around 3 hours round-trip.

Other activities in MGNP include guided day hikes to any of the three volcanic peaks. A level of physical fitness is required for these mountain treks and each will take the better part of a day to complete.

The Gahinga hike is the least challenging, taking roughly 6-7 hours, while Sabinyo takes a minimum of 8 hours, and Muhabura at least 9 hours. All three ascents offer incredible views and pass through interesting montane habitats, offering chances to see elephant, duiker, and bushbuck, as well as birds in the incredible Afro-montane and moorland habitats.

Treks to see and photograph the beautiful golden monkeys are offered daily in MGNP. Golden monkeys live in the lower-elevation bamboo forests in large troops and are typically encountered feeding up in the trees, rather than on the ground.

Cultural visits to a Batwa community, which may also include a visit to Garama Cave, are available on request.

Wildlife
Besides the mountain gorillas, MGNP is home to the golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti), an endangered primate that lives in the bamboo forests of the Albertine Rift Mountains, (which includes the Virungas). Other species in the park include black-and-white colobus, bushbuck, buffalo, black-fronted duiker, elephant (rarely encountered), bush pig, giant forest hog, and various bats, rodents, and small predators.

Weather and When to Go
Rain can fall on the forested slopes of the Virungas Mountains at any time throughout the year, so bringing rain gear is essential for any hiking in the park. Gorilla trekking in MGNP is available year-round (provided that the gorilla group is spending time in the park and hasn't crossed into Rwanda), but the short dry season from June thru August provides the best chances for a rain-free experience.

The montane climate in MGNP is defined by regular rainfall throughout much of the year, with misty and chilly air common in the upper elevations of the volcanoes. Air temps are relatively constant through the year, with daytimes averaging 58-63°F (14-17°C) and dropping to 40-45°F (4-7°C) overnight.

Temperatures will drop as you ascend to higher elevations, and sudden weather changes, including rain and cloud cover, are common and impact the temperatures. Dressing in layers is crucial to moderate your body temp. Please read our Gorilla Trekking Clothing and Gear section on the Bwindi Details tab for info on what to bring.

How to Get There
MGNP is located only 8 miles from the small town of Kisoro, but the road to the park is slow going, so allow an hour to reach the park. Most visitors to MGNP will arrive via road from one of the Ugandan parks to the north, including Bwindi (~2 hours) or Queen Elizabeth (~6 hours). Flights to Kisoro from Kampala/Entebbe take about 90 minutes, and although driving from Entebbe/Kampala is possible, it will take around 9 hours.

Semuliki National Park & Semliki Wildlife Reserve

The Semliki River, which drains Lake Edward north into Lake Albert, gives its name to two of Uganda's most extraordinary protected areas: Semuliki National Park and the Semliki Wildlife Reserve (formerly the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve). The lower reaches of the Semliki River form part of the international border between Uganda and the DRC, as it flows through a valley at the base of the Albertine Rift.

The low-lying tropical rainforest of Semuliki National Park is located along the river and country border, while the savanna-based Semliki Wildlife Reserve lies just to the east, with the northern foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains separating the two protected areas.

Semuliki National Park 
Semuliki National Park (SNP) was first given protection as a forest reserve by the British Colonial Administration in 1932 (then known as the Bwamba Forest Reserve). It remained a forest reserve until 1993, when it was declared a national park. SNP is an extension of the DRC's Ituri Rainforest, which covers a massive 24 300 square miles (63 000 sq kms) of mostly unspoiled lowland forest that extends from the Uganda border all the way west to the Congo River Basin. This forest, including SNP, is considered one of the richest areas of floral and faunal diversity in all of Africa.

Semuliki NP covers 85 square miles (220 sq kms) of rainforest at elevations ranging from 2 200-2 490 feet (670-760 meters). It is a true rainforest, receiving an average annual rainfall of around 50 inches (1 270mm), which peaks from March thru May and again from September thru December.

Semuliki is home to an astounding diversity of birds, with 441 species recorded to date (40% of Uganda's total species), including 216 true forest species (66% of Uganda's forest species) and numerous "tough-to-see" specials associated with the Congo Basin. SNP's bird list includes some 50 species found nowhere else in Uganda. In essence, SNP is a birder's paradise. Besides birds, the park has a list of over 450 known species (and counting) of butterfly, including over 50 species of forest swallowtails.

The park is also home to 53 species of mammal, including buffalo, leopard, hippo, elephant, African civet, bush pig, sitatunga, pygmy antelope, eleven species of primate, nine species of duiker, and an assortment of smaller species, including various squirrels and bats. Primates in SNP include chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, vervet monkey, blue monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, black-and-white colobus, olive baboon, Dent's mona monkey, De Brazza's monkey, and two nocturnal primates - potto and bushbaby (galago).

One mammal species of note found in SNP is the water chevrotain (also called mouse deer), a tiny nocturnal ungulate similar to a duiker, that is associated with permanent streams or rivers. Crocodiles and hippos are found in good numbers in the Semliki River.

Activities in SNP center around forest walks, but one interesting attraction is a collection of natural hot springs at a mineral-encrusted swamp called Sempaya. The site attracts a large number of shorebirds and provides a natural salt lick for forest mammals. Cultural visits to a local Batwa pygmy village can be arranged.

Semliki Wildlife Reserve
First protected in 1929 and situated just to the east of Semuliki National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve (SWR) occupies 209 square miles (542 sq kms) of the Albertine Rift Valley floor between Lake Albert and the Rwenzori Mountains. The nearest town is Fort Portal, which is 6 miles (10 kms) south of the the reserve (but 20 miles/32 kms driving distance).

To the west of SWR is the western rift escarpment and the vast rainforests of the Congo Basin (of which Semuliki National Park is a part), which is mainly located across the Semliki River in the DRC. The steep eastern slopes of the valley, which are located inside the reserve, rise up 6 200 feet (1 900 meters) and are home to SWR's chimpanzees.

Most of SWR consists savanna grasslands on the Rift Valley floor, with elevations between 2 000-2 950 feet (620-900 meters). Portions of the reserve are quite different though, with steep hills and valleys. Southwest of SWR are the northernmost peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, which continue southward for 75 miles (120 kms). The northern boundary of SWR is Lake Albert, the northernmost of the Great Rift Lakes.

A 1969 wildlife census of SWR revealed some of the highest plains game densities in the country, with nearly 20 000 Ugandan Kob, 650 Jackson's hartebeest, over 500 Defassa waterbuck, 700 buffalo, and healthy populations of elephant, lion, leopard, hippo, reedbuck, warthog, and more. Unfortunately, as with all of Uganda's protected areas, SWR was adversely impacted by the effects of war and neglect during the country's turbulent 1970s and 1980s and wildlife was decimated by poaching.

It wasn't until after the opening of Semliki Safari Lodge in 1997, that wildlife numbers in the reserve slowly began to recover. Today, SWR is carefully managed and protected and wildlife have recovered dramatically, although not to levels seen in the 1960s. Jackson's hartebeest were eliminated completely, but other species populations have stabilized or are increasing.

The center portion of SWR is dominated by an ecosystem of grasslands, acacia/combretum woodland, and stands of borassus palms, which supports herds of kob, buffalo, elephant, reedbuck, and warthog. Lions and spotted hyenas are sometimes seen. The riparian forests in the east support waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, duiker, giant forest hog, bush pig, forest elephant and various primate species. Hippo and crocodile are found in the far north, along the Lake Albert shore.

Other species sometimes seen include banded mongoose, civet, and pangolin. SWR's primates include chimpanzee, red-tail monkey, blue monkey, vervet monkey, black-and-white colobus, olive baboon, two species of galago (bushbaby), and potto. There is an ongoing chimpanzee research project conducted by the University of Indiana in SWR.

The reserve also boasts an impressive bird list, with over 450 species recorded. The much sought-after shoebill stork can sometimes be found in the marshes at Lake Albert.

Activities in SWR include game drives on the savanna plains, primate walks to see chimpanzees and the various monkey species, nature walks, and boat rides on Lake Albert to see hippos, crocs, and water birds.

Weather and When to Go
The Semliki region has a hot, tropical climate, with consistent temperatures all year that average 84-90°F (29-32°C) during the day and 62-70°F (17-21°C) overnight. In terms of rain, it can occur any time in the rainforest of the national park, as well as in the wildlife reserve and as such, there is no true wet or dry season. Given the consistent temperatures and unpredictable rain, Semliki can be visited at any time.

How to Get There
Semliki is accessed from Fort Portal, which has a small airstrip and is a reasonably short drive from both the national park and wildlife reserve. Reaching Fort Portal from Kampala takes 7-8 hours by road or 1.5 hours by air. Most visitors arrive on a circuit from other destinations in Western Uganda, which would mean a much shorter drive.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains were created three million years ago by tectonic upheaval along the western branch (Albertine Rift) of the Great East African Rift. The uplift that created the Rwenzoris also segmented the great paleo-lake Obweruka into three smaller lake (Albert, Edward, and George).

The Rwenzori range traverses around 75 miles (120 kms) in a roughly north-south direction along the western border of Uganda and the DRC and is the highest range of mountains in Africa. The range consists of six massifs separated by deep gorges: Mount Stanley, Mount Soeke, Mount Baker, Mount Emin, Mount Gessi, and Mount Luigi di Savoia (all six peaks are in the top ten tallest in Africa).

The highest peaks in the Rwenzoris are Margherita (16 762ft/5 109m) and Alexandra (16 677ft/5 083m), the twin peaks on Mount Stanley. The only African peaks higher than Margherita are Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, both of which are freestanding extinct volcanes and not part of a true mountain range.

The Rwenzoris are usually associated with the legendary "Montes Lunae" (Mountains of the Moon), which in ancient times were described as being the source of the Nile River, particularly by the Egyptian mathematician Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD. While it is true that the Rwenzoris are the source of some of the Nile's waters, it is only a small percentage of the total.

The origins of Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP) began in 1937, when the boundaries of a reserve were demarcated. In 1941, all terrain above 7 200 feet (2 200 meters) was officially designated as the Rwenzori Mountains Forest Reserve (RMFR). During Uganda's war with Tanzania (1978-79) and Civil War (1981-86), all of Uganda's protected areas suffered, including RMFR, as hunting and encroachment ran unchecked.

In 1989, the upper elevations of the reserve were gazetted as Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP); Bwindi and Mgahinga were also declared national parks at this time. In 1991, the lower-elevation montane forests were added to the national park. RMNP was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Today, RMNP protects 385 square miles (996 sq kms) of steep and extremely rugged terrain covering the central and eastern side (Ugandan portion) of the Rwenzori range. The park is contiguous with Virunga National Park across the border in the DRC. Approximately 70% of the park's area is at altitudes above 8 200 feet (2 500 meters) and an additional 28% at altitudes between 6 500-8 200 feet (2 000-2 500 meters). The Rwenzori range contains 23 peaks above 14 750 feet (4,500 meters).

The range's three highest peaks, Mounts Stanley, Speke and Baker (the third, fourth, and fifth highest peaks in Africa), are permanently covered by snowfields and retreating glacial ice. The ice is shrinking with climate change and the remaining glacial ice is only around a quarter of what it was 100 years ago. The lower peaks (Emin, Gessi and Luigi di Savoia) also retain more or less permanent snowfields.

Flora
The slopes of the Rwenzoris can be divided into five distinct altitudinal 'zones', each having its own flora, fauna, and microclimate. The Rwenzori zones are: Montane Forest, Bamboo Forest, Heath/Heather, Afro-Alpine Moorland, and Rock/Glacier.

In the low-lying foothills from around 5 600-7 900 feet (1 700-2 400 meters), the vegetation is described as montane forest. These forested areas contain few large trees, with characteristic species including Albizia, Symphonia, Dombeya, Prunus, and others. The forest canopy is typically open, except along valley floors and on ridge tops with a gentle gradient.

The next higher zone, which covers elevations between 7 900-9 800 feet (2 400-3 000 meters) its dominated by African alpine  bamboo (Yushania genus), which forms pure, dense stands in many areas.

Above 9 800 feet (3 000 meters) and extending up to 13 000 feet (4 000 meters) is the Heath/Heather vegetation zone. Here there are giant heather (Phillipia) trees and tree groundsels, with their lower trunks, stems, and the ground covered in thick Sphagnum moss and tree limbs draped in Usnea beard lichens. Colorful orchids, impatiens, and balsam flowers are common. Valleys at this elevation are often filled with bogs, covered in various sedges.

Above 13 000 feet (4 000 meters) and continuing up to the snow-line at around 14 400 feet (4 400 meters), is the Afro-alpine moorland zone, which is dominated by the giant groundsel (Senecio adnivalis) that can reach 30+ feet (10 meters) in height. Other flora includes the giant lobelia (Lobelia wollastonii), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum becquaeritii), and the silvery-leafed Alchemilla.

Above 14 100 feet (4 300 meters), the vegetation becomes thin, until nothing can grow except moss, black-colored lichens, and everlasting flowers. Above 14 750 feet (4 500 meters), no vegetation grows and the terrain is just rocks that are sometimes covered in snow and/or ice.

Wildlife
The montane forest zone supports the greatest variety of wildlife. Here you can find several primates, including black-and-white colobus, chimpanzee, and blue monkey. If you're lucky, you may see other mammals, such as elephant, one of the duiker species, bushbuck, and giant forest hog. Animals such as leopard, elephant, and chimpanzee are more often heard than seen. In the early evening or at night you may hear the strange and unearthly call of the tree hyrax.

In terms of birds, 217 species have been recorded in RMNP, but it has never never been comprehensively surveyed, so further additions are expected. The park is home to the second-highest number of Albertine Rift endemics of any Important Bird Area (IBA) in Uganda (after Bwindi).

Mountain Trekking
Today, RMNP is best known as a mountain trekking destination. There is a wide assortment of multi-day trails and overnight huts in the mountains, but the snowy summits are only for experienced climbers.

Guided summit expeditions in RMNP take 8-10 days on average, but most visitors to RMNP do not come to summit the high peaks, but rather to traverse the routes that wind through the mountains. These mid-altitude routes allow trekkers to take in the spectacular scenery and natural beauty of the mountains, valleys, lakes, flora, and fauna. Guided non-summit treks generally have a duration of 6-9 days. Shorter duration hikes that explore the lower elevation montane forests are also possible.

Two climbing routes traverse into the high Rwenzoris; the traditional Central Route begins at Nyakalengija (13 miles/22 kms northwest of Kasese), and the more recently established Kilembe Route, which begins further south at Kilembe (9 miles/14 kms from Kasese).

Hiking in the Rwenzoris is physically challenging and certainly requires trekkers to have good fitness and endurance. Guides and porters are practically essential. The conditions are typically cold, wet, muddy, and foggy, and the terrain is steep and boggy. Expect frequent, but short rain showers, often accompanied by thunder. Altitude is always a factor above the forested zone.

Compared to the ever popular Mount Kilimanjaro, the Rwenzoris are only slightly lower in altitude, but the prime advantage is the Rwenzoris' pristine environment and lack of crowds. Some 50 000 hikers climb Kilimanjaro every year, while the Rwenzoris, which cover a much larger area, only receive around 1 000 visitors per year. Trekking in the Rwenzoris is widely considered more difficult than the summit ascents of Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya, but the payoff in terms of lack of crowds and incredible scenery is certainly worth it.

Weather and When to Go
The Rwenzori Mountains are located less than one degree north of the equator, putting the range squarely within the tropics. Temperatures in the mountains are chilly to cold, fluctuating from above to below freezing as day becomes night. Due in part to the frequent cloud cover and fog, daytime temps vary only slightly.

At altitudes between 9 800-13 000 feet (3 000-4 000 meters) temps average 50-59°F (10-15°C) during the day and 35-43°F (2-6°C) at night. At higher elevations, temps can drop to 28°F (-2°C) during the day. In the open areas above the forest zone, wind also causes colder conditions.

In terms of precipitation, the plains below the foothills are located in a rain shadow and receive only 30 inches (750 mm) of rain per year. The mountains themselves receive far more rain, as humid air flowing from the Congo River Basin is trapped by the higher ground and rain falls on an almost daily basis, even in the dryer months.

Above 8 200 feet (2 500 meters), annual precipitation averages almost 100 inches (2 500 mm) per year, with two peak rain periods: March thru May and September thru December. Monthly rain during these wetter periods can exceed 15 inches (375 mm). Despite being located virtually on the equator, snow is common above the snow-line at 14 400 feet (4 300 meters).

The months receiving the least rain are July thru October and December thru February. July thru September are the most popular months for climbing in the Rwenzoris.

How to Get There
The small town of Kasese is the main access point for RMNP. Kasese is located on the northern border of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Climbing routes begin from two locations: Nyakalengija (13 miles/22 kms northwest of Kasese), which offers the tradition Central Route, and Kilembe (9 miles/14 kms from Kasese), which uses a newer southern route. Kasese is easy to access by road from any of Uganda's western parks or by air to Kasese Airport (1.5 hours from Kampala/Entebbe).

Lake Mburo National Park

Originally designated as a controlled hunting area in 1933, Lake Mburo was upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. The Ankole people continued to use the reserve for grazing their cattle until 1983, when Lake Mburo was gazetted as a national park. The move to make Lake Mburo a national park was made during the Obote regime, and was done for political purposes to weaken the Banyankhole (Ankole kingdom citizens), who supported anti-Obote rebels at the time.

In 1986, when the second Obote regime was ousted, the previously evicted Banyankhole re-occupied Lake Mburo, evicted the park staff, destroyed infrastructure, and began poaching wildlife. Later in 1986, a revised Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP) was confirmed by the new Ugandan government.

Today, LMNP covers 143 square miles (370 sq kms) of open, hilly savanna, sparse acacia woodland, and a network of small lakes that are surrounded by papyrus swamps and thin riparian woodlands along the Rwizi River. Elevations in the park range between 3 950-6 000 feet (1 200-1 850 meters).

The park was historically comprised almost entirely of grasslands and swamps, but the absence of elephants has resulted in the expansion of the woodlands. Wetland habitat occupies roughly 20% of the park, including Lake Mburo itself and another five lakes lying within the park. The western side of the park contains rocky outcrops and small forested areas.

Wildlife & Activities
LMNP is somewhat unique in terms of its wildlife, as it is home to several species not easily found in Uganda's more popular protected areas. Lake Mburo is one of only two places in Uganda with populations of impala (Katonga Wildlife Reserve is the other). LMNP is also home to good numbers of Burchell's zebra, which can otherwise only be seen in the much more remote Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.

Other plains game in LMNP include buffalo, eland, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, topi, bushbuck, common duiker, oribi, warthog, and bush pig. Roan antelope, once common in the park, were unfortunately poached to extinction. The wetlands are home to hippo, crocodile, and the shy sitatunga antelope.

In 2015, a group of highly endangered Rothschild's giraffes were relocated from Murchison Falls National Park to Lake Mburo National Park. Additional giraffes were subsequently moved, adding to the population in LMNP and the first offspring were seen soon after.

Predators in the park include leopard, spotted hyena, and side-striped jackal. Lions, which were once common in the park before the 1970s, have only been seen sporadically since then and are not resident. Primates are restricted to olive baboon and vervet monkey.

Birding in LMNP is very good due to its variety of habitats. Over 300 species have been recorded, with good numbers of drylands species in the acacia woodlands and savannas. Waterbirds are common in the lakes and papyrus swamps.

LMNP offers game drives, boating on Lake Mburo, fishing, guided walking safaris, and two activities not offered in any other national park in the country: quad-biking and horseback riding.

LMNP is seldom included on Ugandan safari circuits, mostly because it lacks some of the "Big Five" (only leopard and buffalo are resident), but it provides a very good stop-over for those driving from Kampala towards the various national parks and reserves in Western Uganda.

Weather and When to Go
Lake Mburo's location very near the equator gives it a mild, tropical climate. Daytime temps are static all year, ranging between 78-84°F (25-29°C) and dropping to 54-60°F (12-15°C) overnight. Rain is possible at any time, though the months of June and July are usually quite dry. January and February are the next driest months. The rainiest periods are March thru May and September thru mid-December.

During the drier periods of June thru mid-August and mid-December thru February, game viewing is at its best in LMNP, as wildlife tends to congregate more around the lakes and wetlands. The roads in the park can become difficult during the wet periods.

How to Get There
Lake Mburo is best reached by road from Kampala and is a good place for a day or two stopover en route to Bwindi or the other western parks and reserves. The drive from Kampala takes roughly five hours. Driving from LMNP onward to Bwindi or the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park takes another six hours. Flights to the nearby town of Mbarara are possible.

Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon, Africa' eighth tallest peak, is a long-extinct shield volcano rising on Uganda's eastern border with Kenya. Elgon is estimated to have first erupted around 24 million years ago and remained active for some 14 million years. During its active period, it would have been taller than Mount Kilimanjaro is today. Elgon's caldera is mostly intact and has a diameter of 5 miles (8 kms), which makes it one of the world's largest (Tanzani's Ngorongoro Crater is the biggest).

Mount Elgon consists of five major peaks, which form a circle around the caldera rim:

• Wagagai - 14 177 feet (4 321 meters) on the southwest caldera rim in Uganda;
• Sudek - 14 114 feet (4 302 meters) on the Kenya/Uganda border;
• Koitobos - 13 852 feet (4 222 meters) a flat-topped, basalt column in Kenya;
• Mubiyi - 13 816 feet (4 211 meters) in Uganda;
• Masaba -13 652 feet (4 161 meters) in Uganda.

On the Ugandan side, Mount Elgon National Park (MENP) protects the mountain at elevations above 6 560 feet (2 000 meters), effectively covering an area of 429 square miles (1 110 sq kms). MELP is contiguous with the national park and reserves on the Kenyan side of the massif.

Kenya protected the mountain in 1968 and the Ugandan national park was proclaimed in 1992. The first European known to have seen Mount Elgon was the explorer Henry Morton Stanley in 1875, but only from a distance.

Mount Elgon has similar vegetation zones to other East African massifs, with tall evergreen forests below 8 200 feet (2 500 meters) and African alpine bamboo (Yushania genus) above this, extending up to 9 800 feet (3 000 meters). Higher up is the heather/moorland zone, which reaches to 11 500 feet (3 500 meters) and then gives way to the high-altitude Afro-montane zone, with its incredible giant-sized lobelia and groundsel vegetation.

The low-elevation forests once extended much further down the mountain, but the land outside the national park has now been completely cleared for agriculture.

Wildlife
Large mammals living in the mountain's forests include elephant, leopard, buffalo, common duiker, bushbuck, bush pig, giant forest hog, black-and-white colobus, blue monkey, and De Brazza's monkey. The primates are often encountered by hikers, while the other mammals are shy and not often seen.

Birding in the lower elevations is very good, with a species list topping 300 and including numerous species at the westernmost edge of their range seen nowhere else in Uganda.

Activities
Mount Elgon offers guided, multi-day treks to any of the summits. Like any high-altitude adventure, the treks do require physical fitness and endurance, but no specialized skills or equipment are required to reach the peaks. Moreover, the summits are not so high as to cause any major risk of altitude illnesses that can be a problem on higher climbs.

Several routes are available, with most summit treks taking between four and six days. Tents, sleeping bags, and other gear and supplies can be arranged at the national park's headquarters, along with guides and porters. Day hikes in the foothills and lower-elevation forested sections are also available, starting from various spots, including the Mount Elgon Exploration Centre at Kapkwai (near Sipi Falls).

Sipi Falls is a very popular attraction and easy to reach. The Sipi River originates high up on the mountain, and at an elevation of 5 825 feet (1 775 meters) in the northwestern foothills, forms a series of four waterfalls, the last of which drops 325 feet (99 meters). This area is also great for day hikes in the forest, including trails that lead to a network of caves, some of which can be explored.

Weather and When to Go
Hiking and summit treks on Mount Elgon can be undertaken at any time, but the drier months (December thru March and June thru August) will provide the best chances for clear weather and dry hiking conditions. The profusion of highland wildflowers that bloom during November/December make this a prime to to visit.

How to Get There
Mount Elgon can be reached by road from Kampala via Jinja and Mbale towns. The drive will take around 7-9 hours.

Lake Victoria

History and Geology
Lake Victoria is one of Africa's Great Lakes (along with Lakes Malawi and Tanganyika) and, like most of the continent's large lakes, is situated in the Great Rift Valley. Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa by surface area; it is also the world's largest tropical lake and the second-largest fresh water lake on Earth. Approximately 45% of Lake Victoria is in Uganda and the remainder lies in Tanzania (49%) and Kenya (6%).

The lake's name was given by John Hanning Speke, the British explorer who, in 1858, became the first European to see the lake. Speke was told of the lake and made a side journey while leading an expedition with fellow explorer Richard Francis Burton to discover the source of the Nile River.

Note: Years after the Speke/Burton expedition, it was determined that the headwaters of the Nile River was the Victoria Nile River (also called the White Nile). The Victoria Nile is the only outlet from Lake Victoria, beginning at Jinja, Uganda on the northern shore of Lake Victoria. The Blue Nile River, which originates further north in Ethiopia's Lake Tana, is the other main source of the Nile River.

Ongoing discussion as to the most distal source of the Nile River is still inconclusive, but it is certainly one of the tributaries to the Kagera River (exactly which one is still not clear), which begins in Burundi or Rwanda and flows into Lake Victoria.

Africa's largest lake by area, Lake Victoria covers 23 145 square miles (59 947 sq kms). Victoria is also the second-largest freshwater lake (by area) in the world, exceeded only by Lake Superior in North America. If measured by volume of water, Lake Victoria is the world's ninth-largest lake (not including dam-created reservoirs).

Note: Interestingly, the much deeper (but smaller by surface area) Lakes Tanganyika (3rd largest in world by volume) and Malawi (5th largest in world by volume) hold more water than Victoria. Asia's Caspian Sea is the largest lake on Earth by volume of water.

Lake Victoria reaches a maximum depth of 276 feet (80 meters) and has an average depth of 130 feet (40 meters). Like the other Great Lakes of Africa, Victoria's waters hold an astounding diversity of fish, the majority of which belong to the diverse and much studied (for their clues to evolution) Cichlidae family of bony fishes (known as cichlids).

Geologically speaking. Lake Victoria is a young lake, formed 400 000 years ago when an uplifting of the Earth's crust occurred along Africa's Great Rift, effectively blocking westward flowing rivers, which then emptied into the depression which was formed to the east. Based on evidence obtained from core samples taken beneath Victoria, the lake has completely dried up on at least three occasions. These drying cycles are believed to have happened during past ice ages, when the Earth's precipitation was dramatically reduced. The most recent historical dry period for Lake Victoria started some 17 300 years ago and lasted until 14 700 years ago.

The majority of Lake Victoria's water (about 80%) is obtained via direct rainfall. The other 20% of Victoria's water arrives via rivers and many smaller streams. The most substantial river flowing into Lake Victoria is the Kagera River, which enters the lake on its western boundary. The Kagera River originates to the south and has tributaries in Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The solitary outflow from Lake Victoria is the Victoria Nile River (sometimes called the White Nile), which exits the lake on its north near the small town of Jinja (in Uganda).

Nile Perch
The controversial and ecologically disastrous introduction of the highly predacious 'Nile perch' (Lates niloticus) to Lake Victoria in the 1950s has resulted in the extinction of hundreds of its indigenous cichlids fishes, many of which were endemic. The idea was to kick-start the fisheries industry around the lake by increasing exports and providing a source of protein to locals. The Nile perch is also a prized sporting fish.

Prior to the presence of the Nile perch, Victoria's indigenous cichlid fishes were traditionally sun-dried before consumption by the local villagers around the lake, but this is not possible with the Nile perch. Because the Nile perch grow to a substantial size, some attaining a length of 6.5 feet/2 meters and weighing up to 450 pounds/200 kgs, and also have a high body-fat content, the fishes must be smoked locally before exporting in order to avoid spoiling. This requirement increases the need for collection of firewood around the lake, which has greatly increased deforestation around the Victoria.

Commercially fished Nile perch are exported in large number (mostly to Europe), which brings in millions of Euros in revenue each year, but ecologists and conservationists rue the decision to introduce these predators, which eat anything they can swallow, including their own kind.

Those interested in learning more about the social and environmental impacts of Nile perch introduction to Lake Victoria can do so by watching the 2004 documentary film "Darwin's Nightmare".

Although the Nile perch introduction to Lake Victoria resulted in the loss of hundreds of species of fishes (almost all of which were endemic cichlids), Lake Victoria is still home to an estimated 500+ species of fish, which makes it the world's second-most diverse in terms of fish species (after Lake Malawi).

Kampala

Uganda's capital city and largest urban area (by far) is Kampala, with a population of around 1.35 million people. The country's next largest town is Gulu, with only 147 thousand residents.

The city is located in the historic kingdom of Buganda and the various hills onto which the city has grown were once the site of the political centre for the kingdom. The land surrounding the palace of Buganda's Kabaka (king) were reserved as the royal hunting grounds and stocked with various species of antelope, the most abundant of which were impala.

When the British Colonial authorities were allocated one of the hills in the reserve (Old Kampala Hill), they referred to it as the "Hill of the Impala". In the local language, this translated to "Akasozi ke'Empala", which was eventually shortened to "K'empala", and finally Kampala.

In 1890, Frederick Lugard, a representative of the Imperial British East Africa Company, built Fort Lugard on Old Kampala Hill. The fort was the first British structure in the country and Lugard proclaimed the site as the capital of the British Protectorate of Uganda. A short time later in 1894, the British decided to relocate the capital from Kampala to Entebbe. It was not until Uganda gained its independence from the British in 1962, that the capital reverted back to Kampala.

Today, Kampala is a sprawling city, covering 73 square miles (189 sq kms) of rolling hills and valleys. The city's southern borders are on the banks of Lake Victoria. Kampala is not exactly a city geared for tourism (like Cape Town for example), but it does offer some things to see and do if you are here for a day or two. The National Museum of Uganda, Kasubi Tombs, and Wamala Tomb are all worth a look for interesting historical perspectives on Uganda.

For most visitors to Uganda, Kampala is not a destination, but rather an overnight on the front end, and perhaps another on the way out of the country. The city and suburbs have a wide range of accommodation, from budget to ultra-chic.

Entebbe

Entebbe is best known as the site of Entebbe International Airport, Uganda's largest commercial airport and the entrance point for nearly all international tourists to Uganda. Entebbe is located only 23 miles (37 kms) southwest from Kampala and was the capital city for many years (Kampala has been the capital since 1962).

Like Kampala, Entebbe is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, but the similarities between the two cities ends there. While Kampala is a huge and busy, with an established city centre and sprawling suburbs, Entebbe feels more like a resort town than an African city. Entebbe's population is just over 60 000 residents.

Many international tourists stay in Entebbe for a night, before heading out by road or air to Uganda's various national parks, and the city has a wide range of accommodation to choose from. Generally speaking, Entebbe's hotels are on the upmarket side, but offer the convenience of being close to the airport if flying onward the next day.

The Entebbe Botanical Gardens are worth a visit if you have the time. Entebbe also offers an 18-hole golf course.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary 
A worthwhile day trip from either Kampala or Entebbe is the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Located on a small island in Lake Victoria, some 14 miles (25 kms) southeast of Entebbe, the sanctuary is open to the public (prior booking required).

The Chimpanzee Trust, which operates the sanctuary, was founded in 1998, with a mission of conserving chimpanzees in the wild and providing care and welfare for rescued chimps that can no longer survive in the wild.

The sanctuary is home to around 50 orphaned or confiscated (from illegal pet and bushmeat trade) chimpanzees, giving the animals a safe and semi-natural environment in which to live out their lives. The island habitat offers 95 acres of natural forest, where the chimps roam and forage daily. The chimps are free to overnight in the forest or return to the sanctuary.

Half- and full-day experiences are offered, as well as overnight accommodation in a tented camp. Visitors can reach the island by speedboat (45 mins), traditional motorized canoe (90 mins) or helicopter (quick flight).

More information about the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary can be found here.

Quick Facts & Travel Tips

• Uganda is considered part of East Africa (but is sometimes grouped with Central Africa). It straddles the equator and has a tropical climate that is somewhat moderated by its elevated altitude.
• Uganda receives plentiful rainfall (except in the semi-arid far north), with most of the country receiving 40-80 inches (1 000-2 000 mm) of rain annually. There are generally two "rainy" seasons: the long and more regular rains fall from March thru May, while the short rains fall from mid-September thru November. Rain can fall at any time in most regions, especially in the mountainous western highlands.
• There are over forty languages in Uganda, most of them being dialects of three main families: Bantu, Nilotic, and Central Sudanic. The official languages are English (which was introduced during the colonial period) and Swahili.
• The national currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US Dollars (old bills often not accepted) are widely accepted in the cities and hotels. US Dollars are also preferred as gratuities, especially for gorilla trekking and safari guides. 
• Uganda uses 240v electricity and type G plug adapters.
• Uganda time is GMT+3 and it does not observe daylight savings time (DST); 8 hours ahead of New York (7 during DST).
• The population of Uganda is around 47 million, with about 1.35 million living in its largest metro area, Kampala/Entebbe. About 26% of the population is urban.
• Uganda's land area covers 77 147 square miles (199 810 sq kms) with around 593 people per sq mile (229 people per sq km).
• Uganda's main ethnic groups are the Baganda (16.5%), Banyankhole (9.8%), Basoga (8.8%), Bakiga (7.1%), Iteso (7%), Langi (6.3%), Bagisu (4.9%) and numerous others. These ethnic groups are broadly defined based upon the historic kingdoms that existed for centuries before the arrival of Europeans.
• Asians, which numbered around 80 000 in Uganda by the late 1960s, were expelled from Uganda by the Amin regime in 1972. There are some 10 000 whites of European descent and several thousand Arabs living in Uganda.
• The majority of Ugandans are Christians, accounting for 84% of the population. The largest minority group is Islam (14%).

ENTRY / VISA REQUIREMENTS

• Passport holders from USA/Canada/Australia/UK/EU can obtain a visa on arrival, from their local embassy, or online.
• Passports must be valid for six (6) months from the date of entry.
• Passports must have one (1) unused (blank) page labeled Visa.
• Note: Visa pages referred to above do not include pages reserved for Endorsements, Amendments or Observations.
• To save time at the airport, it is recommended to obtain a visa in advance.
• Multiple-entry visas must be obtained in advance.
• Single-entry visas are valid for three (3) months. Multiple-entry visas are valid for six (6) months. East African Tourist visas (see below) are valid for ninety (90) days.
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required on arrival if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.
• Children under five years require proof of Polio vaccination.

Note: Entry/visa requirements are subject to change without notice, so please check with the official government pages shown below.

EAST AFRICAN TOURIST VISA

• Travelers who will visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda can apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows entry to all three countries on a single visa.
• A tourist using the East Africa Tourist Visa must start travel from the country that has issued the visa.
• Travelers must stay within only Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda to continue to use the visa; entry into a different country will terminate the validity of the visa.
• East Africa Tourist visas may be obtained online or on arrival at the first port or entry into Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda.
• To apply for the East African Tourist Visa online, use the consulate website for the FIRST COUNTRY you will visit.
• East African Tourist Visas are valid for ninety (90) days.

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PAGES

• US Department of State info: click here.
• Uganda Consulate - USA: click here.
• Uganda eVisa application: click here.
• Uganda Home Affairs: click here.
• CDC information: click here.

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Main: Flora, Geography, Important Areas, National Parks, Protected Areas, Ramsar Sites, UNESCO Sites, Urban Areas, Wildlife
Detail: Bigodi, Bwindi, Entebbe, Kampala, Kibale, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, Lake Victoria, Mgahinga, Mount Elgon, Murchison Falls, Ngamba Island, Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori Mountains, Semliki, Semuliki
Admin: Travel Tips, Entry Requirements/Visas