Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, with fantastic natural scenery. Half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population is in Uganda. It also offers world-class white water rafting at the source of Nile and some of the region's most peaceful national parks. The natural attraction are among the best in the region – without the crowds often associated with east Africa. Take your pick from the highest mountain range in Africa, the Rwenzori Mountains; one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, Murchison Falls; or perhaps the highest primate density in the world, in Kabale Forest National Park.
Places of Interest
 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
One of the largest (331 sq. km) natural forests in East Africa and contains both montane and lowland forest. It supports a large number of plants and animals endemic to the region, but most notably half of the world's population of Mountain Gorillas. The more than 300 Mountain Gorillas, divided into a dozen groups, make up the largest surviving population. The other half is split between Zaire and Rwanda, where they used to roam freely until they were separated by encroachment and farming.
Hide this <<
Kibale Forest National Park
Home to eleven different species of primates, including Black-and-White and Red Colobus, L'Hoest's Monkeys and Galagos. The main attraction, however, are the 500 Chimpanzees. More than likely, the Chimps will be found on one of the huge figtrees where they spend the day, feeding on the sweet ripe fruits. Compared to montane forests, the trees here grow much higher and reach incredible circumferences. Broad roots support the giants, small streams find their way through the dense undergrowth, and once in a while, the forest opens into swampy clearings, where buffalos and antelopes graze. The forest is also home to Uganda's third largest population of Elephants. With its varied flora providing a plentiful habitat to many species of butterflies and birds, including Hornbills and Turacos, it is a paradise for botanists and ornithologists alike.
Hide this <<
Murchison Falls National Park
At 3,840 square kilometers it is Uganda's largest National Park. The park is cut in half by the Nile and its landscape varies from dense rainforest on the hilly ranges in the South-West, to undulating savannah in the North-West. The forest shelters many primate species, including Chimpanzees, while the river attracts various Antelopes, Buffalos, Rothschild-Giraffes and Elephants. The prime area for game-viewing is the peninsula between the Victoria and the Albert Niles, known as the Buligi Circuit. The concentration of animals is highest in this area, and the lush patches of forest along the waterways and the conspicuous Borassus Palms, dotting the ridges and valleys in-between, add to the attraction of the park's landscape.
The world-famous Murchison Falls are a must for any visitor. The most impressive view is at the top, where the Nile forces its way through a 20 ft gap in the rocks and tumbles 120 ft down.
Hide this <<
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is a wonderful National Park, sometimes dubbed 'the Pearl of Africa or Switzerland of Africa'. Quite simply this fertile equatorial area is especially scenic, with two lakes connected by a channel overlooked by a high peninsula. You will also find volcanic craters, grassy plains and tropical forest. As a result it has one of the highest biodiversity ratings in the world.
Hide this <<
The Nile River
The source of the Nile is 48 miles from Kampala at Lake Victoria. It is from here that it starts its great journey all the way to north Africa and is the longest river in Africa and the world with a surface area 5 times this size of France.
Hide this <<
|
