UGANDA:
Surface area: 236,040 sq km- (area under water-363,30sq km, land- 199,710sq km)
Population: 32 million
Tribe : 35
Dialects : 77
Language: English (official) Luganda main language and Swahili.
Religion: 70% Christian, 25%Moslem 5% traditional and other.
Average temperature: 23oC country wide.
Pre colonial intercastrine kingdoms of Bunyoro, Buganda, Ankole, Tooro and Busoga, Chieftains of Acholi, Alur, Atesot, Bamasaba, Japadhola and karamajong, where brought together to form The African pearl.
Uganda is a true African birding destination. Located at the center of the continent, Uganda attracts migrants from the North and South. Uganda is the richest country for birds in Africa. It has almost half the species known on the African continent and over 10% of those recorded throughout the entire world.
Over 1,000 species of birds have been recorded to exist in the country. Some of the exciting species you will view include birds of water and land shore, birds of scrub and woodland, forest birds and birds of the open plain.
Most of our National Parks have a diversity of bird species; however, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Bwindi Impenetrable, Semliki, Kidepo, Kibale, Lake Mburo, national parks and Budongo Forest Reserve, are the most famous for birding.
If you are a bird lover, then Uganda is the destination that will make your dream come true. Our excellent guides will add flavor to your own experience on birds. Be our dear guest!
Queen Elisabeth National Park
From open savannah to rainforest, from dense papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward, it is little wonder that QENP boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world.
Almost 100 mammal species and a remarkable 606 bird species makes this superb safari territory, with elephant, a profusion of hippos, the elusive giant forest hog and handsome Uganda kob all regularly sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Peninsula - which also boasts a marvelous waterfront setting in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Elsewhere, the remote Ishasha Sector is famed for its tree-climbing lions, the Kyambura Gorge harbors habituated chimps, the Maramagambo Forest is home to an alluring selection of forest monkeys and birds, and flocks of flamingo are resident on the crater lakes.
WHAT TO DO: WHEN TO VISIT: WHERE TO STAY:
A magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, this ancient rain forest - one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age - is home to roughly half of the world's mountain gorillas. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of these gentle giants is surely the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer - but we should not let it distract from Bwindi's broader biodiversity, a result of its immense antiquity and an altitude span from 1,160 to 2,607m.
The national park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent.
The forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemics present.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park SIZE: LOCATION: GETTING THERE:
WHAT TO DO:
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Mt Elgon National park
Elgon is a 4,321m high extinct volcano which in prehistoric times stood taller than Kilimanjaro does today. Although the mountain straddles the Kenya border, its loftiest peak, Wagagai, lies within Uganda and is best ascended from the Uganda side.
Elgon is an important watershed, and its slopes support a rich variety of altitudinal vegetation zones ranging from montane forest to high open moorland studded with the other-worldly giant lobelia and groundsel plants.
Spectacular scenery is the main attraction for hikers on this oft-neglected and relatively undemanding mountain, but there is also a variety of forest monkeys and small antelope, along with elephant and buffalo. A checklist topping 300 birds includes many species not recorded elsewhere in Uganda.
Other attractions include ancient cave paintings close to the trailhead at Budadiri, and spectacular caves and hot springs within the crater.
SIZE:
Launch trips on the Kazinga Channel offer great game viewing, as do game drives around Mweya.
Also available are chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge and guided walks in Maramagambo Forest
Any time of year.
At Mweya there is an up market lodge, a campsite and budget hostel. Another up market lodge fringes a crater lake in Maramagambo Forest. A low key camp is found in the Ishasha Sector. Accommodation is also available in Kasese.
331 sq km
Southwest. The closes large town is Kabale.
(Uganda map)
Bwindi can be reached from QENP in the north (2-3 hours), from Kabale to the south (1-2 hours), or from Kampala via Mbarara (6-8 hours). The roads meet at Butogota, 17km from the Buhoma entrance gate. 4x4 recommended during the rains.
Gorilla tracking is the main attraction; permits must pre-booked at the UWA office in Kampala. Other guided forest walks are available: one popular trail leads to a pretty waterfall, others focus on birding and monkey-viewing.
Any time, though conditions are more challenging during the rainy season.
Two up-market tented camps, a lodge, community-run budget rooms and camping are available near the Buhoma entrance gate.
1,145 sq km
LOCATION:
Near Mbale on the east border with Kenya.
(Uganda map)
GETTING THERE:
Mbale lies 3-4 hours from Kampala along a good tar road.
The trail head at Budadiri, 20km from Mbale, is accessible by public transport
WHAT TO DO:
Day walks from Budadiri or within the Mount Elgon Forest Exploration Centre; hikes of four days or longer traverse the peaks.
WHEN TO VISIT:
The lower slopes are fine throughout the year. The drier months (June to August, December to March) are best for hiking.
WHERE TO STAY:
Up-market lodge at Sipi Falls. Midrange hotels in Mbale. Budget lodging at Sipi Falls, Mbale and Budadiri. Within the park, camping only.
Well worth visiting is the lovely Sipi Falls.
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Size 776 sq km
The most accessible of Uganda's major rainforests, Kibale is home to a remarkable 13 primate species, including the much localized red colobus and L'Hoest's monkey.
Kibale's major attraction, however, is the opportunity to track habituated chimps - these delightful apes, more closely related to humans than to any other living creature, are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees.
A network of shady forest trails provides much to delight botanists and butterfly lovers, while birders are in for a treat with 335 species recorded including the endemic Prirogrine's ground thrush.
The elusive forest elephant, smaller and hairier than its Savannah counterpart, moves seasonally into the developed part of the park, while other terrestrial mammals include buffalo, giant forest hog and a half dozen antelope species.
LOCATION: GETTING THERE:
WHAT TO DO: WHERE TO STAY: WHEN TO VISIT Any time of year
Lake Mburo National Park
LOCATION: Lake Mburo is the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope, as well as zebra, topi, impala, and several acacia-associated birds.
The five lakes within the park attract hippos, crocodiles and a variety of water birds, while fringing swamps hide secretive papyrus specialists such as the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek.
Where to stay There are also 3 public campsites, all strategically located to facilitate and enhance scenic viewing and easy access to water. Lake Mburo dining shelter provides meals on order.
Meals: Getting there: WHAT TO DO: Boat Rides Guide walks Salt Lick Rubanga Forest Birding This Park has Open water birds, Lakeshore and papyrus swamp birds, Seasonal swamp birds, Woodland birds, Grassland birds and Forest birds.
Birds of the Open Water in this Park include; Pink-backed pelican, Darter, White pelican, Yellow-billed duck, Long-tailed cormorant, White winged black tern and Greater cormorant
Lakeshore and papyrus swamp birds
MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK
SIZE: LOCATION: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m). The Park is about 10 km south of Kisoro and is bordered to the south by the Republic of Rwanda and to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each of these countries protects its own portion of the Virungas, in the Parc National des Volcans and Parc National des Virunga respectively. The three parks together form the 434-sq. km. 'Virunga Conservation Area' or VCA. Mgahinga is 33.7 sq. km, just 8% of the VCA. The entire Park is in Bufumbira County of Kisoro District.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 33.7 sq. km and consists of the partly forested slopes of three extinct volcanoes. From far away, the huge cones of the Virunga volcanoes dominate the landscape and beckon you as you approach. When you reach the park you can get a great overview of the area by walking up the viewpoint, just 15 minutes from Ntebeko Gate. Mgahinga Park has great biological importance because throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages, mountains such as these provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals, which moved up or down the slopes as climate became warmer or cooler. The Virungas are home to a large variety of wildlife, including about half the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Where to stay Kisoro Town which is 14 km to the gate of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from the basic Camp-site to the luxurious full board hotels, these include Traveler's Rest, Sky Blue, Mt. Gahinga Rest Camp, Virunga Hotel, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Rugigana Campsite and Mubano Hotel among others. Be rest assured that you have big choice here.
Getting there: What to do
Gorilla Tracking Gorilla tracking is an intensive experience that can take the whole day. The guide leads you through the gorilla's world, explaining aspects of their ecology and behavior along the way.
We must stress that, while you have a very good chance of seeing gorillas, success is NOT guaranteed. They are wild creatures with no fixed routine, and finding them requires the skill and experience of your trackers and guides, as well as luck. Good Manners for Gorilla Watchers Hiking: Mt. Gahinga (3474m) Mt. Muhavura (4127m) Cave Exploration Viewing Platform: Border Trail - Visa Not Required Birding Free Birding
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda's largest national park protects a chunk of untamed African savannah bisected by the mighty river Nile.
It is named for the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the world's longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. Wildlife populations have largely recovered from the poaching of the 1980s; in the lush borassus grassland to the north of the Nile, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a variety of antelope are regularly encountered on game drives, while lion are seen with increasing frequency.
In the southeast, Rabongo Forest is home to chimps and other rainforest creatures.
The Nile itself hosts one of Africa's densest hippo and crocodile populations, and a dazzling variety of water birds including the world's most accessible wild population of the rare shoebill stork.
SIZE: LOCATION: GETTING THERE: WHAT TO DO: WHEN TO VISIT: WHERE TO STAY:
Semulik SIZE: 998 sq km
The 120km Rwenzori chain is regarded to be the legendary snow-capped Mountains of the Moon, described by Ptolemy in AD150. Reaching an elevation of 5,109m, it is also Africa's tallest mountain range, exceeded in altitude only by the free-standing Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro.
The distinctive glacial peaks are visible for miles around, but the slopes above 1,600m are the preserve of hikers, who rate the Rwenzoris to be the most challenging of all African mountains.
A variety of large mammals inhabits the lower slopes, but the Rwenzoris are notable more for their majestic scenery and varied vegetation. The trails lead through rainforest rattling with monkeys and birds, and then tall bamboo forest, before emerging on the high-altitude moorland zone, a landscape of bizarre giant lobelias, towered over by black rock and white snow, looking for the entire world like the set of a science fiction film.
LOCATION: GETTING THERE: WHAT TO DO:
WHEN TO VISIT: WHERE TO STAY:
Semulik Wild life Reserve
Formerly called the Toro Game Reserve, this large reserve abutting Lake Albert and the northern base of the Rwenzoris is a rich mosaic of grassland, savannah, forest and wetland habitats.
The fauna is correspondingly diverse: Uganda kob is the commonest large mammal, but there are also forest elephant, chimpanzees, buffalo, leopard and various monkeys and antelope.
Of the 400 bird species recorded, the shoebill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert.
SIZE: LOCATION: GETTING THERE:
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WHEN TO VISIT: WHERE TO STAY:
Kaniyo Pabidi is 29 kms north of Masindi in Murchison Falls National Park. Busingiro is located at the western edge of the Budongo Forest 43 kms from Masindi along the inside Budongo Forest near the village of Nyabeya. Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro sites are best visited by private transport although access via public transport is possible from Masindi
Bundongo Forest Reserve
Bird Watching safari ½ day (KP & B): A guided walk for up to 3 hrs either in the morning or afternoon is available for viewing the birdlife of Budongo. All the guides in Budongo are keen birders, both Joshua and Vincent have exceptional talent. Budongo is famous for its biodiversity in birds and is home to the rare Puvel’s illadopses which is an endemic species to Budongo forest. Bird Watching safari full day (KP & B): A full day guided walk taking in lunch in the field is available for keen birdwatchers for viewing the birdlife of Budongo. All the guides in Budongo are keen birders and Budongo is famous for its biodiversity in birds. It is also home to the rare Puvel’s illadopses which is an endemic species to Budongo forest. Forest Experience Walks: For those who only want to have a quick look in the forest and really just want to break up the journey into Parra from Kampala, we suggest the forest walk experience that can be as short as 30 mins or as long as 1 ½ hours. You will see the beautiful old mahogany trees of Budongo, the oldest trees of this species in east Africa. You are likely to see some primates and other wildlife, including the spectacular number of butterflies. Pabidi Hill (KP only): This walk is best done mid morning, taking a pack lunch for sitting on the hill and overlooking the forest and Murchison falls national park. It is a unique opportunity to take a walk through tropical rainforests and savannah in the same walk. There are lions in the area, so an armed guide will be present on this walk. Chimpanzee Habituation (KP only) Habituation of chimpanzees is a slow process. This is where we follow the chimps and stay a distance of 10 metres, getting them used to the presence of humans. Normally, chimpanzees will flee when they see humans, as they are normally considered as predators to chimpanzees. It can take as long as 10-15 yrs to fully habituate a community. Currently, our staff goes out in the forest at 7am in the morning and stay until just before nightfall. Two guides/habituators are dedicated to this process. We are offering a unique opportunity for no more than 2 people per day to join our team. This is an all day event and people have to be prepared to stay in the field all day, as the team does not come out until the end of the day. So in general you can expect to be out for a minimum of 5hrs and up to 10 hours. Pack lunch will be provided. Good walking boots, raingear and good backpack is recommended. This activity will not be available from July to end of September. Birding on the royal mile.
For birds a visit to the Royal Mile is a must. This spectacular wide forest avenue was first enjoyed by King Kabalega of Bunyoro earning its name ‘The Royal Mile’. It is a 15 km drive from the eco-tourism site and visitors must pay a forest entry fee before entering the forest reserve. On an early morning visit visitors cannot fail to see some spectacular forest birds such as the Chocolate Backed Kingfisher and Paradise Flycatcher. A visit to the Royal Mile can also be combined with a trip to Lake Kanyege where water birds and clouds of butterflies enjoy a sunny forest edge pond.
Mabamba Swamp The best place in Africa to easily see the shoe bill in the wild. It's home to many water birds including the rare pyprus gonelek Lake besina in soroti It's associacieted with permanent & seasonally floodedwetlandsupporting globally threatened birds, its where the fox's weaver Uganda's endemic bird breeds
In the west, near Fort Portal
(Uganda map)
Fort Portal lies 320km from Kampala along a mostly surfaced direct road, or an hour's drive from Kasese (near QENP). Kanyanchu Visitors Centre, 35km from Fort Portal, is reached via a dirt road and is accessible on public transport..
Chimp tracking and other guided forest walks, even night walks. Birders shouldn't miss Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a superb community development fringing the park. A field of beautiful crater lakes lies between Fort Portal and Kibale Forest.
Primate Lodge (former Kanyanchu rest Camp), with a luxury tented camp and upmarket lodge nearby. Budget lodges at Bigodi, the crat er lakes, and Fort Portal
260 sq km
In the south, near Mbarara
(Uganda map)
Lying in the one part of Uganda covered in extensive acacia woodland, Mburo has markedly different fauna to other reserves.
Lake Mburo National Park has 4 tents at Rwonyo park headquarters.
Neither the Rest Camp nor hostel stock food, visitors are therefore advised to carry sufficient food and drinks for the duration of their stay in the park. The Rest Camp staff can arrange for the cooking. However other supplementary diet such as chicken and goat meat can be arranged from the nearby community for visitors who intend to stay longer.
Road Transport:
Lake Mburo National Park is found in Mbarara district, 3.5 hours drive from Kampala on Mbarara Kampala highway. Turn left at 13 km (Akageti) past Lyantonde, which then brings you to Sanga gate. Both junctions have clearly labeled signposts. It is 13 km from Sanga trading center of Sanga gate, 5 km from the main road to Nshara gate and about 20 minutes drive from Rwonyo Park Head Quarters.
Game Viewing
is the major tourist activity in this Park, it is famous for its richness in biodiversity. It has about 68 different species of mammals. The common ones are Zebra, Impala, Buffalo, Topi, and Eland as herbivores not to leave out the rare slightly of Roan antelope and leopard, Hyenas and jackals as predictors.
The presence of Lake Mburo within the park is a blessing worth mentioning. The lake is rich with a diversity of animal and plant species which can only be viewed clearly if you take a boat trip. The crocodiles, hippopotamuses and birds like Pelicans, Black crake, Heron, cormorant, fish eagle, you may also sight the rare Shoe bill Stork and all these will furnish your visit with pride. The duration of each boat cruise is negotiable.
The nature trail offers the visitor a chance to admire nature insitu. Visitors have the opportunity in walk in the circuit at his / her pace although in company of an armed guide. The trail is interpreted in form of a brochure in both English and Runyankole.
A walk to the near by salt is a summary of it all. Strategically located wooden hide (Observation point) offers a chance to see at least 4 different species of animals at any one time while they lick the salty soil. Most interesting to note is that this is done without the animal's conscience. Visitors may also walk to area of their own choice.
Note: Walks inside the park must be in company of an armed park official.
You can also explore this forest by making arrangements with the Park Management to have a Ranger accompany you. The Rubanga Forest is very small but a true forest with a closed canopy in places. A common tree is Markhamia platy calyx (grey-brown truck with irregular flaky patches, divided leaves, yellow flowers stripped and spotted with red; brunches of extremely long (up to 1.3 m pod like fruits). Palms, figs, sapium (a tall tree whose leaves turn red before falling) and the flame tree Erythrina abyssinica occur towards the edge of the swamp.
First-time visitors to Lake Mburo National Park are fascinated by the variety of large mammals and colorful birds. For many people, birds are the most interesting to watch. As common species become familiar, you will begin to notice smaller, less spectacular birds; the real experts seem to get most excited by 'Little Brown jobs' ('LBJs') which are the hardest to identify. Although many birds are wild spread, others are fussier in their choice of habitat. For example, most of the park's 310 recorded species are 'generalist' and can be seen almost anywhere. However, they are 5 species of bird, which are found only in the forest, and 60 specialist water birds. Others prefer short or tall grasslands, or are found mainly in woodlands.
They are over 26 species of lakeshore and papyrus swamp birds recorded in this Park. Some of them include; Fish eagle, Pied kingfisher, African fin foot, Great white egret, Night heron.
33 sq km
Far southwest, bordering Rwanda and Congo, 14km from Kisoro town.
(Uganda map)
If you are the 'go camping tourist', then there is ample space at the park gate and Mt. Gahinga Rest Camp for 'Do it Yourself Camping', besides that, there is also excellent traditional Bandas managed by the local community.
Road:
Kisoro is about 540 km from Kampala (Uganda's capital city), it takes about 8 hours via Kabale by car.
For public transport, there are daily buses/minibuses, which set off at 7.00pm from Kampala. Once in Kisoro Town, you can hike to the park if you are strong enough or hire a cab to the park gate.
This is the most thrilling tourist activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The habituated gorilla in this park is called the Nyakagezi, which consists of 9 members, 2 silver-backs, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.
The trackers and guides have helped to habituate the gorilla groups and know them intimately. They will take you to the area where they left the gorillas the day before. Before leaving they may be able to suggest how long the hike might be. While walking, please feel free to ask guides to slow down if they are going too fast and if you need a rest. Feel free to stop and look at birds or flowers, the guide will ensure that you don't get left behind.
Gorilla Tracking can be strenuous walk, so go prepared. It is advisable that you:
Wear shoes with good traction, suitable for steep muddy slopes
Carry rain gear, sunscreen and a hut, as the weather is unpredictable.
Carry water and food
Carry binoculars, you will see much more, you can hire from the park office
When taking photos, remember your subjects are black animals in dim light, and flash is not allowed.
· Keep your voice down or be quiet. You will see and hear if you do.
· Don't point or waive your arms- this can be seen as a threat. Move slowly.
· If approached by a gorilla, back away slowly to keep 5m separation.
· Don't use flash, this could threaten the gorillas and bother other visitors.
Volcano Climbing
Mt. Sabinyo (366m)
'Old man's teeth'
Like an old man, time has eroded Mt. Sabinyo crown. This volcano offers 3 challenging peaks to climb. A climb up the mountain takes one up a ridge along the eastern side of the climb to peak. If you are to continue, the climb to the peak 11 involves walking a ridge with breath-taking drops into gorges of Rwanda and Uganda, a dual experience you will achieve here.
Finally, the hike up to the peak 111 is steep with several ladders and mush scrambling. You are guaranteed to get your hands dirty en-route to peak111! Once on top, you will be in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, what a triple experience this is!!! The journey takes about eight hours round trip to cover the 14km stretch.
On your way to the park, look out for small piles of stones in the garden fields. The local people call such a pile a 'Gahinga'.
Mount Gahinga is quite bigger than the average 'Gahinga' but sitting next to Mount Muhavura does make it look small. A hike, which takes you about, six hours round trip, goes through a good example of a pure Bamboo forest. Gahinga once had a Crater Lake on top but time has changed it into a Lush swamp. Distance to the swamp is 8km.
'The Guide'
Seen from all over Kisoro, this volcano acts as a guide. The typical cone-shaped Mountain provides some of the best views in the country. Much of the climb passes a rocky surface covered by grasses and small shrubs. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with the view of the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward in queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi and the peaks of Rwenzori Mountain. The hike takes approximately 8 hours round trip covering 12km.You are advised to camp at the Muhavura base camp the night before the site has no facilities so you need a tent, water, food and sleeping gear.
Garama cave
This is one of the caves where once the crafty Batwa (who were warriors) lived and fought their neighbors, the Bantu. The distance to the cave entrance from the park headquaters is 3 km long and it takes about 4 hours. Your guide will show you how the Batwa lived and fought out of the cave. The cave is 342m in length and 14m deep, and is now inhabited only by bats.
This is about 800 metres from the Park gate. Once on top, you will have a good view of the Park and the surrounding areas. A guide is not necessary and the activity is free. Displaying panels at the hill point will give some information about what you can see.
This hike takes you first toward Sabinyo. The trail climbs up the base of Sabinyo for a while through fine montane forest before turning toward the Congo. Along the way you will get a great view of Sabinyo's gorge and peaks. Upon reaching the Congo you cut back along the international border. The return leg to the Park Head Quarters is a great section for birding. The two rest huts along the way are good places for a break. Look closely for the golden monkeys and signs of elephants.
Hiking time is 5 hours and distance 10 km.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is blessed with a unique bird fauna; 79 bird species have thus far been recorded within the park, including several species endemic to the East Congo Montane region.
For the Virunga Conservation Area as a whole, over 295 species in the Virungas are endemic to the Albertine Rift Afromontane region representing 59% of the total of known endemic species.
Remember to contact the Park Management for a guide who will take around for a good viewing of birds, do not forget your binoculars!!
Free birding along the edge of the park is now available on request. The guides are happy to take you out from 5-6 p.m. if you book by 10 a.m. that morning. You can choose where the walk will take you, or simply relax in the campground. A stroll a long the buffalo wall toward the Congo takes you through a wetland area where Ibis, Whydah, Speckled Mousebird, and Fire Finch are found. Stonechat, Grey Capped Warbler, Waxbills, and Yellow-Vented Bulbul are often seen around the campground. Ask your guide where the best spots are. Feel free to take your time and go at your own pace, there is no hurry when birding.
In the northwest, approximately 90km from Masindi
(Uganda map)
A long day's drive from Kampala, with a possible overnight break at Masindi. There is only public means of transport from Kampala to Masindi town.
Regular launch trips to the base of the falls offer fine game-viewing and bird watching. Boat trips to the Lake Albert delta provide the best chance in Africa of sighting shoebills.
Chimp tracking at Rabongo Forest, and en route from Masindi in the Budongo Forest. Game drives on a good network of road
Any time of year.
Two up market lodges and a luxury tented camp. Simple but comfortable chalets run by Red Chili. Camping is permitted in designated locations
On the Congo border close to Kasese.
(Uganda map)
The Nyakalengija trailhead lies off the Fort Portal road, 22km from Kasese. Transport can be arranged in Kasese.
The seven days/ six nights loop is a tough but rewarding hike taking in all vegetation zones bar the glacial peaks.
Shorter hikes can be arranged.
The high peaks should be attempted only by experienced mountaineers.
Any time, but the dry seasons are December-February and June-August.
Hostel and campsite at the trailhead, basic hiking huts along the loop trail. Nearby Kasese has a midrange hotel, several budget, and a campsite and lodgings.
500 sq km
In the west, near Fort Portal.
(Uganda map)
Follow the road towards Semulik National Park for 30km, then take a right turn which after about 35km leads to the lodge.
Game drives, guided walks and boat trips on Lake Albert can be arranged from the lodge.
Any time of year.
There is an excellent up market lodge, but no other accommodation
This is generally a 2-4 hr walk in the forest. Two viewing times per day are allowed, in the morning, with walks normally starting around 8am and then afternoon around 2pm. Maximum of 2 groups of 4-6 people per morning and afternoon will be allowed to track chimpanzees with our experienced guides. The tracking will include one hr with the wild community of chimpanzees that we have habituated. This community is known as the southern community and consists of around 45-50 individuals. The walk will include viewing of other wildlife in the forest and also seeing the oldest mahogany trees in East Africa. Other diurnal primates that may be seen during this walk are black and white colobus, red tail monkeys, blue monkeys and olive baboons.
