Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park. is one of the outstanding treasures of Uganda. QENP has recently been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO. The park covers 2000 sq. kms and includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems; from semi-decidious tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lions, the Uganda kob and other antelope as well as elephant, buffalo, hippos, baboons, and chimpanzee. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded here making it prime target for birdwatchers. Species recorded include the shoebill stork, black bee-eater, 11 types of kingfishers and a variety of raptors including several falcons and eagles. In the crater lakes, spectacular flocks of flamingos gather, creating the image of a moving pink carpet.

The launch trip along the Kizinga Channel between Lake George and Edward is a memorable way to view the variety of game in Queen Elizabeth. North of the main gate is the crater area, one of the most scenic parts of the park. To the East, in Kyambura Gorge, visitors can climb through tropical forest and catch a glimpse of a variety of primates, including chimpanzee. In the more isolated Ishasha sector of the park, search the woodlands for the tree-climbing lions perching on the boughs of ancient fig trees. To the Southeast, travellers can explore newly opened trails in Maramagambo forest.

Bwindi is located in south-western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley covering 331 sq. kms. It is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa, supporting large number of plants and animals not found elsewhere. About half the world's population of 600 mountain gorilla reside in Bwindi. The vegetation, as the park's name implies, is composed of tropical rainforest with dense undergrowth. This rugged terrain makes hiking in search of gorilla strenuous work. Visitors who trek should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking. Good physical condition is required. A maximum of only 6 permits per day are available for advance booking, so confirmation 4 - 12 months in advance is required to avoid disappointment. Along with the gorillas, there are nine other species of primates including chimpanzee, blue monkey, redtail monkey, L'hoest's monkey, black and white colobus, potto, demidoff's and needle - clawed galago.

Three hundred and forty-seven species of birds have been recorded in Bwindi; seven species are listed as endangered. Species of particular interest include the Kivu ground thrush, white-bellied robin chat, red-throated alethe, collared apallis, short-tailed warbler, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, blue headed sunbird, strange weaver and the Shelley's crimsonwing. Over 200 species of butterflies have also been recorded here. Many visitors also enjoy the hiking trails in the park. The most popular are the Munyaga River Trail, the Waterfall trail and the Rushuura Trails.

Mt Rwenzori National Park

The Rwenzori Park is a splendid world of ice and snow, with its massive ice-rime sculptures and mind-boggling vegetation, and arguably surpasses other afro-alpine areas in its beauty, wonder and interest to mountaineering enthusiasts. This park, covering 996 sq. kms. provides a magnificent environment for both experienced climbers and casual day hikers. These legendary mountains exhibit spectacular scenic beauty and provide a unique habitat for many rare and indigenous plants and animals. The Highest mountain in the range, Mt. Stanley, is the third highest in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. Its highest peak, Margharita, rises 5109 m above sea level. The giant lobelia and the groundsell are hallmarks of the Rwenzori. All of the above make this park an unforgettable visitor destination.

Decreasing temperature with increasing altitude have resulted in marked zoning of vegetation, which is of great interest to scientists and a delightful experience for visitors. In fact, more people visit the Rwenzori to explore and experience the fascinating vegetation than to climb the peaks and glaciers. The usual trip lasts not less than 6 days, just long enough to hike the Central Circuit Trail. Longer and shorter trips can be arranged. No special climbing equipment is necessary unless you intend to climb one of the summits. However, hiking the trails is arduous work, and weather conditions are unpredictable and rainy. The driest months are July, August and December, January and February. Hiking should be undertaken only by the physical fit.

Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon is the shell of an ancient volcano. Its highest peak, Wagagai, reaches 4321 m, making it the 4th highest peak in Africa. Though much erosion has taken place, the remaining oval shaped caldera now measures roughly 7 by 8 kms, one of the largest in the world. This 1145 sq. kms park shares its eastern border with Kenya. One of the primary goals of the park is to conserve and restore the valuable natural resources of the areas including the water shed and the bio-diversity. Conservation of this land provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the wonderfully wild and exciting scenery of this mountainous area. Its main attractions are its waterfalls, caves once used by indigenous people, Hot Springs, the mountains vegetation, the various peaks, the Suam Gorge and the cladera itself.

Many animals are found in the park, but because of earlier harassment by poachers, they are shy of humans. You may spot Cape buffalo, bushbuck, black-fronted duiker, tree hyrax and bushpig. Leopard and hyenas also live in the park, and elephants have recently been returning to the areas from neighbouring Kenya. Primates that are found there include blue monkey, baboon and black-and white colobus. Some interesting birds that are often sighted Ross' touraco, casqued hornbill, gregarious hornbill, crowned eagle and lammergeyer.