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Uganda Wildlife Authority, (UWA) is Uganda's Government agency responsible for the management and protection of Wildlife in and outside protected areas. The agency is supervised by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. Uganda Wildlife Authority, (UWA) manages 10 National Parks; 12 Wildlife Reserves; 5 Community Wildlife Management Areas; and 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The ten National Parks include Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale, Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, Semuliki, Mgahinga Gorilla, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. These parks display the best in East Africa. Their Rift Valley landscapes and tropical forests make dramatic backdrops to an extensive variety of flora and fauna.
Situated in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BIFNP) is one of the most biologically diverse reserve in Africa owing to its antiquity (over 25 years old – Pleistocene Era) with an altitude range between 1,160m – 2,607m above sea level. The Bwindi impenetrable rainforest is at the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley a stop center for Uganda gorilla safaris and is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the whole world. It has an average rainfall of approximately 1,500mm, and it is a vital catchment area to five major rivers, which flow into Lake Albert. Bwindi, before the encroachment of agriculturalists 500 years ago, was part of a much larger belt of forest stretching south to the slopes of the Virunga Mountains.
Bwindi is a tropical montane forest spanning for 331 sq.km at the edge of the Albertine rift valley in south west Uganda known as Kigezi highlands region including the districts of Kabaale, Kisoro and Kanungu. The altitude of the Bwindi ecosystem ranges between 1,160 and 2,607 meters with steep mountains covered by thick afro-montane and lowland vegetation including bamboo. Due to high altitude, the forest is known to have survived the last Ice Age about 12,000 – 18,000 years ago during the Pleistocene era when most forests shrunk. Thus, both Bwindi forest in Uganda and Udzungwa Mountains National Park in Tanzania remained as refuge for unique afro-montane flora and fauna of the Albertine Rift Valley Region. The vegetation in Bwindi comprises montane primary tropical forests, bamboo and lowland swamps. In particular, there are 220 species of trees including endangered ones such as brown Mahogany. (Which loggers selectively removed for valuable timber before the park was gazetted). In the Ruhija sector south east of the park, there’s a huge Mubwindi swamp – the largest mountain swamp in East Africa. The swamp is found in the valley beneath Rwamunyonyi peak (2607m) the highest point of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with large tracts of bamboo. This is a key birding trail with the Albertine Rift Endemics such as the strange weaver (not easy to find in other parts of Bwindi). The water in the swamp comes from some of over 5 streams and several waterfalls in the forest. That’s why some parts of the forest may stay wet even during the dry season. Therefore, Bwindi is an important water catchment area for the surrounding local communities who depend on natural resources and tourism for livelihood.
The Uganda National Biodiversity Data Bank (UNDB) estimates that over 10,000 flowering plant species including 200 trees, 104 ferns, shrubs, lianas, epiphytes and medicinal plants can be found in Bwindi impenetrable forest. There are at least 10 tree and plant species that occur only in Bwindi and DR Congo such as Maesobotrya purseglovei, Allanblackia kimbiliensis, Croton bukobensis, Strombosiopsis tetrandra, Brazzeia longipedicellata, Ocotea kenyensis, and Melchiora schliebenii. Furthermore, some of these are endangered species due to several reasons such as unregulated extraction of plants for medicinal purposes. According to the National Forestry Authority (NFA), these are classified as minor forest products, which also include those used for basketry and bamboo for building beehives and granaries. There are over 91 herb species recorded in Bwindi of which 22% are harvested for medicinal purposes and 40% for weaving, particularly papyrus reeds and thatch grass. For instance, the stems, bark, and leaves of Prunus Africana (African cherry) contain antimicrobial properties used in treating several ailments such as fever, diarrhea, prostrate and so forth. Other important plants include Ytigynia kigeziensis used for treatment of parasites in livestock, Smilax anceps – a climbing plant used for making baskets and Cape beech (Rapanea melanophloeos) for carved sticks. This necessity compels local people often to encroach on the park, however. Multiple Use Zones (MUZs) were created in Nkuringo and Buhoma to enhance development through conservation. Thus raw materials are acquired to supply the workshops for manufacturing arts and crafts. Visiting a herbalist for his stunning metaphysics is a unique cultural experience to add to your gorilla safari.
There are also major forest products used for hardwood and fuel including the brown mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Other small hardwood trees include Drypetes (drypetes sepiaria) for beer boat and canoe making and bean sticks. Unlike medicinal plants users who have open access, the usage of hardwood is either seasonal or restricted. This is due the high demand and time it takes for the trees to grow after harvest. As a result, the locals are encouraged to plant alternative hardwood tree species such as eucalyptus.
The immense forest is rich in biodiversity including 459 gorillas which is almost half of 1063 world’s mountain gorilla population according to the 2015/2016 gorilla census by Dian Fossey International Gorilla Fund International (DFIGF). Besides gorillas, the protected area is home to 120 mammal species including forest elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, golden cats, large-eared free tailed bat and black fronted duiker; 10 primate species of Bwindi including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, Spectacled lesser and Thoma’s galagos; 357 species of birds of which 23 are Albertine Rift Endemics, 7 are on the IUCN Red List, and 14 are unique to Uganda including the African Green broadbill, white-bellied robin chat, African black duck, Brown-necked parrot, Dwarf honeyguide and Chapin’s flycatcher. There are 310 butterfly species of which 3 occur only in Bwindi including African giant swallowtail (Papilio antimachus), cream banded swallowtail, Kigezi swordtail (Graphium gudenusi) and Charaxes fournierae; 51 reptile species such as three horned chameleon, African hairy bush viper, Kivu four-toed skink, common slug-eater and western forest file snake; 27 amphibians including Rugege forest squeaker and Kivu banana frog and several threatened dragonfly species such as Papyrus wisp and exquisite jewel (Chlorocypha cancellata).
Probably, Bwindi is one of the most critical spots for tropical scientific research and conservation. The Ugandan government deserves praise for taking the initiative to set up an efficient system to protect and conserve Bwindi biodiversity that now acts as a model in several disciplines for other tropical forest wildlife conservation projects in Sub Saharan Africa through the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC).
The multitude of plants and animals in Bwindi is a marvel to behold for nature lovers. Efforts to protect the forest were first brought out in 1932, a time when Roosevelt began the conservation movement in the United States of America. Initially, there were two separate forest reserves spanning 207sq.km: Kayonza and Kasatora which were then combined to form Bwindi Impenetrable Central Crown Forest Reserve (298 sq.km) in 1942. Not until after the independence of Uganda was the park turned into an animal sanctuary in 1964 to protect gorillas. Ugandans awoke to a precious aspect of Uganda safaris – mountain gorilla trekking experience would soon become a goldmine. However, the human population increased with poaching and encroachment becoming a threat to wildlife. Yet, there was little control of illegal activities. The mountain gorilla project had begun in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda in 1979 and remarkably put protection of gorillas and their habitat a priority over anything else. The plan, having intentions to open gorilla tourism in Uganda, got Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park established in 1991 and UNESCO designated it as a world heritage site in 1994. The new conservation status, for a while, set a frightening living experience for the Batwa pygmies who primarily survived by hunting and gathering wild food. They were evicted and access to the forest restricted as well for the general local communities. This occurred across the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area (BMCA) including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Echuya Forest Reserve. Fortunately, a series of steps were taken to involve the locals in conservation and tourism that has since gone better than the harm the eviction had caused. First off, as soon as Uganda gorilla trekking safaris opened doors to international travelers in 1993, gorilla tourism revenues quickly gained momentum.
Gorilla trekking started at Buhoma sector (park headquarters) where three gorilla families had successfully been habituated. In time, more groups were added and 3 Bwindi gorilla sectors created in the south including Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. By the year 2011, when the first Bwindi gorilla survey was carried out, a total of 15 gorilla groups were habituated. Now, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is famous for harboring the largest number of habituated gorilla families with 22 groups available for tracking. There are 2 ways to visit gorillas including the regular 1 hour tracking and the 4-hour gorilla habituation experience.
Gorilla trekking has been safe and secure overall, with the exception of the unexpected 1999 rebel attack on Buhoma in the north of Bwindi, which is nearer the DR Congo border Sarambwe Nature Reserve. Since then, there has never been insecurity in Bwindi. Thus, gorilla tourism has evolved into a tool for both economic growth and conservation, producing $25 million in the 2018–2018 fiscal year, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Travelers who return early from the gorilla trek can explore the local community at any of the four Bwindi gorilla trekking centers including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. This can be done either through a tour operator, a local site guide or your accommodation provider. Doing so offers the opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Batwa pygmies, Bakiga, and Bafumbira. No restrictions on your travels or activities you can do. From Bwindi, you can go further for game viewing in Ishasha Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo National Parks. But those intending to visit nearby places can leave Bwindi immediately after trekking and go to Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda and Lake Chahafi. There are lovely camps and lodges to stay for a couple of days with lots of opportunity to unwind by the pool or even participate in canoe and boat riding, island walking, birding and zip lining.
As indicated above, people living within 115 sq.km from the park boundary are entitled to the direct and indirect benefits of gorilla tourism revenues. Given that locals were restricted from using natural resources from the park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority gives back 10% of each gorilla permit sold to those communities to foster better livelihoods. The revenue sharing initiative supports small scale enterprises for both households and local nonprofit organizations through sustainable farming, arts and crafts making and village walks. Not only that, locals are also included in management and conservation of natural resources. For instance, Multiple Use Zones (MUZs) were created outside the primary forest to allow regulated harvesting resources. This helps mostly women to build their handicraft workshops including medicinal plants for herbalists, honeybee, weaving and building materials. You really have to visit the local projects for unique cultural experiences and volunteering opportunities. Volunteer work at Bwindi is wide ranging from working at Bwindi Community Hospital, giving charity to children and women through the Gorilla Organization to research and conservation with the Institute of Tropical Forest and Conservation (ITFC).
Furthermore, there are several partners including nonprofit local and international organizations working with Uganda Wildlife Authority to achieve gorilla conservation by promoting coexistence between wildlife, people and their domestic animals. This helps in mitigating human gorilla conflicts as well monitoring the possible risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Oftentimes, gorillas tend to move into the community gardens therefore come into contact with livestock. Recent research findings by the public health expert Gladys Zikusoka Karema who founded Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), indicate that gorilla fecal samples that were collected and analyzed contained human and livestock parasites. As a result, several interventions are routinely carried out to monitor and prevent zoonotic disease transmission including deworming livestock.
Despite that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is effectively managed, there are several challenges including expanding tourism, lack of reliable access to safe and clean water and sufficient trained staff.
The increasing number of gorillas is associated with frequent tourist visits and the potential risk of gorilla disturbance. Now the number of people allowed to visit a gorilla family per day is 8 of which there are over 20 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi. The human interaction with gorillas lasts 1 hour during regular tracking and 4 hours during habituation experience. Understanding the potential risk of disease transmission according to Gorilla Doctors indicates that gorillas are susceptible to influenza, covid-19 and Ebola. Given that the primates share 98% of their DNA with man. Notice that the work it takes to undertake daily monitoring to assess the health of gorillas requires serious scientific research and logistics to equip rangers. The need for sufficient trained staff at different managerial levels of the park therefore poses a challenge.
Over 100,000 people live in the settlements within 5 kilometers of the border of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, indicating a significant population density there (Working Paper No. 4 on People and Plants, UNESCO, 1996). People living higher on top of the hills have little access to reliable water sources. They must walk long distances to collect water from the valley streams. Oftentimes, they are tempted to encroach the park looking for nearby water sources. Eventually, they end up collecting wood or even setting snares to trap small antelope species which could injure gorillas. In that regard, providing access to reliable clean and safe water is an important aspect of gorilla protection and conservation. This has to some measure been done through the water development project founded in 2012 by Bakiga Community Lodge in the Ruhija sector. The lodge itself is sustainable using rainwater and solar power to generate electricity therefore has supported several households in the Kigezi region to set up over 50 tanks to harvest rainwater and constructed up to 280 springs.
There are 4 Bwindi gorilla sectors which are Buhoma (park headquarters), Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Those planning to visit for several reasons should think about which sector best fits for both lodging and activities to do. To get the exact match though depends on availability, especially of gorilla permits among several factors such as accessibility.
Buhoma, the park’s headquarters is located in the northern part of Bwindi, close to the border with the Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the DR Congo. That’s about 460 kilometers (9 hours) by car from Kampala capital city via the Mbarara-Rukungiri-Kanungu road. The sector is also located 160 kilometers south of Mweya in Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha wilderness which offers the opportunity to look for the tree climbing lions. You can also reach Buhoma by plane (fly in gorilla safaris) via the Kihihi airfield. There are a total of 6 gorilla families in Buhoma, and 3 of them including Mubare (12 individuals), Habinyanja (17), and Rushegura (19) were habituated in 1993. Three other groups — Katwe, Muyambi and Binyindo—were added in 2019. With a maximum of 8 people allowed to visit each group per day, a total of 48 gorilla permits are available for purchase daily at Buhoma through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a tour operator. Gorilla treks in Buhoma, particularly those that visit the Mubare and Rushegura groups, tend to be less strenuous due to lower altitudes (1106m). However, this isn’t always the case. Due to the nature of terrain, hiking might still be challenging in general, therefore you should plan to hire a porter.
Given that Buhoma’s tourist industry has a long history, it has attracted upscale accommodations as well as distinctive natural and cultural experiences. For instance, a visit to a Batwa homestead for their prehistoric fire making activity, visiting a herbalist for his stunning metaphysics and a banana beer brewing activity are available for booking after gorilla trekking.
For nature walks, three series of waterfalls in the middle of the forest are accessible via the waterfall path. A 6-hour walking safari is also available, starting at Buhoma through the forest and ending in Nkuringo and vice versa.
Gorilla trekking
Visiting gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can be done throughout the year, however. The best time for gorilla trekking, unless you intend to travel off season, is the dry season between December to February and June to September. Planning your trip in this regard should be at least 3 months in advance due to high demand for gorilla permits available for booking through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or tour operator. Uganda gorilla permit cost is $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens. This allows you to spend an hour with gorillas in their natural environment. The permit should be kept safely because it will be compared to your passport’s information on the day of the trek. Another important consideration is the gorilla trekking packing list including sturdy hiking shoes, long pants and sleeved shirts and T-shirts or undershirts. A daypack to carry the camera, a rain jacket, snacks, drinking water and toiletries such as insect repellent and hand sanitizer. Gorilla hiking is now prohibited without a PCR-test, which you must obtain on arrival.
In addition to possessing the right equipment, a gorilla trek in Bwindi requires average physical fitness due to the nature of terrain. This is especially for those intending to see gorillas in the sectors of Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo which are the highest in elevation at 2000 meters above sea level. Hiking on foot in search of gorillas can be challenging, however. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers and trackers guarantee you to see gorillas. Sure anyone, regardless of age or fitness level can visit gorillas. An emergency airlift to carry those who might encounter difficulties whilst hiking is available at all Bwindi gorilla sectors. Keep in mind that even if you’re allocated to a gorilla family on easier trails, the time it takes to search and find gorillas is hard to predict. That’s why the rangers emphasize hiring a porter even if you think you don’t need help. Porters come from the adjacent local communities. The role they play in gorilla conservation and tourism development is recognized. A porter will carry your bags and give you a helping hand whilst hiking not to slip and fall. The cost of hiring a porter is $20, which doesn’t only help individuals but their families. Given that there are about 200 of them at each of the 4 gorilla centers, the chance for all to work in a month depends on the demand available. Alternatively, you really should look at other local community experiences including village walks, besides, getting a porter.
For those intending to spend more time with gorillas, gorilla habituation experience offers 4 hours to track semi-habituated gorilla families including Bikingi with 10 individuals and Bushaho with 9. Gorillas must first spend three to five years becoming habituated, before they are ready for routine tracking. Visitors will be accompanied by habituators including trackers, gorilla doctors and researchers to explore the scientific techniques used including imitations by vocalizations, chewing on vegetation, and walking on knuckles. Because the gorillas are unaccustomed to being around many people, gorillas might exhibit strange behavior. They may frequently move away therefore following them can be challenging. But the 4-hour count begins once gorillas are located. This experience is available only in the Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. There can be a maximum of 4 participants. Gorilla habituation permit cost is $1500 and it’s an essential tool for continued research, conservation and tourism.
Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda is one of the best places to go bird watching because it has 348 species of birds, including 23 Albertine Rift Endemics. Although birding can be done anywhere, those intending to spot some of the endemics, should go to Buhoma and Rhija. Top birding trails in Bwindi include the bamboo trail along Rwamunyonyi peak in Ruhija sector where you are likely to spot the African green-broadbill, stripe-breasted tit and strange weaver. Furthermore, the short-tailed warbler, Red-throated Alethe, Shelly’s crimsonwing, Dusky crimson wing, purple-breasted sunbird, Chapin’s flycatcher, red-faced woodland warbler, Ladgen’s bush shrike, and Grauer’s warbler may all be found along Ivi River trail in Buhoma. The line between birding inside the forest and in the community is evident only in the checklist.
Community visits are a great way for your gorilla safari to make a positive impact and get an opportunity to explore the culture of the local people of Kigezi region including the Batwa pygmies (keepers of the forest) and the Bakiga. For instance, you can see how the Batwa once lived in the forest, such as their prehistoric ancient fire making style. This isn’t a real traditional Batwa living but rather a cultural performance in the Buhoma and Nkuringo sectors to ensure they benefit from tourism given that they were evicted out to conserve gorillas. Often they have been subjects of marginalization by other members of the community and there are several interventions helping them so that you can still offer your support through the Batwa Development Organization (BDO). Probably, the Batwa trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the most authentic Batwa project where the Gahinga purchased land for them to live a better life. The 4-hour walk along the park boundary on the slopes of Gahinga and Sabinyo volcanoes takes you to Garama caves — their original place where they will perform their traditional dances. Besides the Batwa, there are other unique community experiences in Bwindi including visiting a herbalist for his stunning metaphysics in Buhoma, visiting local schools, farms and nonprofit organizations such as Ride 4 a woman in Buhoma and Bakiga Lodge water development project.
Nature walks are available at all Bwindi gorilla sectors including the waterfall trails in Buhoma and Rushaga sectors. In addition, Buhoma also offers several hiking trails such as the Munyanga River (self-guided) which starts at the visitor center through the river valley on the edge of the forest to the community. The Muzabajiro and Rushura trails take you to the top of the hill where Bwindi Forest merges with Sarambwe forest in the DR Congo. The long distance hiking trail in Bwindi forest is a 15 km walking trail through the forest from Buhoma to Nkuringo and vice versa.
In the Ruhija sector, the bamboo trail offers an opportunity for birding in search of Albertine Rift Endemics such as strange weaver. This is at Bwindi’s highest point known as Rwamunyonyi hill (2607 meters ). In the valley beneath the hill lies the Mubwindi Swamp accessible on foot via a 600-meter steep descent into the valley. Probably, along the trail, you might see fresh tracks of forest elephants or even spot mammal species including black-fronted duiker, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkey and blue monkeys.
Bwindi Impenetrable national park is famous for gorilla trekking and seeing mountain gorillas is the most done activity. More than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas reside in Bwindi. About 320 individuals live in 15 troops. This list includes 11 primate species including a healthy population of chimps and a reasonable number of L’Hoest’s, red-tailed and blue monkey, as well as black-and-white colobus and olive baboons. Of the big five, only elephants can be seen.
Presently, Bwindi has 17 gorilla families habituated for trekking split in the four sectors(Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo) of the national park. The gorilla groups in Bwindi are Mubare gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla group,Nshongi gorilla family, Nkuringo gorilla family, Mishaya gorilla family, Bitukura gorilla group, Oruzogo gorilla group, Rushegura gorilla family,Kahungye gorilla family, Bweza family, Busingye family and Kyaguliro family.
Each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight people for an hour’s interaction. Interestingly, gorilla tourism in Uganda is relatively cheaper at a cost of 600usd compared to 1500usd in neighboring Rwanda.
All Uganda gorilla tours to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the sister Mgahinga Gorilla National park can be done through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government body responsible for wildlife conservation and tourism in Uganda. Alternatively, gorilla safaris can be booked through any trusted tour operator offering related gorilla safari packages.
A total of 350 bird species have been recorded, a remarkably high figure since it includes very few water-associated birds which make Bwindi the best spot for a Uganda birding safari. Of particular interest to birders are 23 species endemic to the Albertine Rift and at least 14 species not yet recorded anywhere else in Uganda. The most seen bird species include white-tailed blue flycatcher, African green broadbill, brown-necked parrot, Frazer’s eagle owl, and white-bellied robin. The park is also home to 200 butterfly species, including 8 Albertine Rift Endemics. A serious butterfly watcher may be able to identify more than 50 varieties in a day.
In addition to mountain gorilla trekking and birding, Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park offers a variety of activities. These include forest walks, cultural tours to Batwa communities, waterfall hiking and caving among others. These activities complement each other making your Uganda safari a lifetime experience.
Each gorilla family is visited by 8 people each day at a cost of $600 for a gorilla permit
Gorilla Trek Africa offers you tailor made gorilla tours to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for a close encounter with the endangered gorillas. Contact us for bookings and inquiries!
The Murchison Falls National park is the best all-rounder in Uganda, with wildlife in plentiful supply and the surging Murchison Falls easily accessible by boat. Sir Samuel Baker named the Murchison Falls in honor of a president of the Royal Geographical Society, and this Uganda’s largest park was named after the falls.
With 3,840 sq km, the Murchison Falls National Park is the largest protected area in Uganda and lies at the core of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which also embraces the Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves and the Budongo Forest. The Victoria Nile, flowing in the westerly direction between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert, bisects the park into 2 equal halves.
In total 76 mammal species have been recorded in Murchison Falls National Park including Defassa waterbuck, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, Roschild’s giraffe, oribi, warthog, side-striped jackal, leopards, spotted-hyena, localized pattas monkeys, etc. The Rabongo Forest harbors black-and-white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and a variety of other forest primates.
A variety of unique habitats and lots of superb birds make a tour to the Murchison Falls National Park a must for Spot Fishing Uganda trips every birder. The birding experience in this park is enhanced greatly by the abundant wildlife and scenic landscape, not least the spectacular falls for which the park is named. The bird checklist of 460 confirmed and 19 unconfirmed species is headed in desirability by the shoebill, most common along the stretch of river between Nile Safari Camp and the estuary into Lake Albert. A variety of water-associated birds are prolific along the river, while raptors make a strong presence on the checklist with 53 species recorded. Situated just outside the national park boundary downstream from Paraa, Nile Safari Camp offers superb idyllic setting. The lodge commands superb views over the Victoria Nile and this is one of the few places where a shoebill may be seen from a swimming pool. The shoebills live alongside Goliath Heron, Grey-crowned Crane, Saddle-billed Stork and long-toed Plover whilst African Skimmer and African Fish Eagle patrol adjacent stretches of the river. An exciting recent discovery was that of a Fox’s Weaver, Uganda’s only endemic bird, in waterside vegetation near the camp.
Tourist activities available
Sport Fishing – Uganda Tour
Nile Perch and tiger-fish are among the fish species that excite anglers. Sport fishing is more convenient in the river sections above and below the falls. Normally the number of people carrying out spot fishing has to be regulated on the different designated spots and this requires those interested in this activity to make an earlier booking.
Game Drives: Uganda Wildlife Safaris
An early morning game drive following the Buligi, Albert and Queen’s tracks north of River Nile is highly rewarding with high concentrations of wildlife.wildlife safaris Big herds of buffaloes and elephants can be seen grazing in this grassland. The most convenient time is between 0700hr and 1600hr. Situated about an hour’s drive from the Paraa ferry jetty, almost 20 sq km of grassland fringing the delta formed by the Victoria Nile as it flows into Lake Albert is the focus of most game drives north of the river. This happens to be the most impressive area in terms of wildlife concentrations, especially around the delta. The area offers some excellent bird watching including then majestic grey-crowned crane, eye-fluttering Abyssinian ground hornbill, saddle-billed stork, the localized Denham’s bustard, the handsome black-headed and spur-winged lapwings and the Senegal thick-knee. The 3 Days Murchison falls National park tour is a suitable package to explore the beauty of this park
Nature Walks
Walking on foot with a guide is interesting in the Murchison falls protected area. This offers you an opportunity to view a variety of animals and birds at a close range. Nature walks are common in Rabongo Forest, Top of the falls and Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo Forest.
Launch Cruise on the Nile
A launch cruise on the Nile is one of the highlights of Murchison Falls National Park safari. This launch cruise takes off from Paraa to the foot of Murchison Falls (17 km). The banks of River Nile are congested with Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks and a variety of birds like herons, cormorants, ducks, bee-eaters, fish eagles, kingfishers and at times the rare shoebill. You may enjoy a boat trip from Paraa to the Delta (28 km) and back which may take you between 4 to 5 hours. This boat trip is scheduled from 0900hr and 1400hr every day. The park management can enter special arrangement with a client over this trip.
The launch trip from Paraa to the falls (17km) and back takes about three hours. A boat trip from Paraa to the Delta (28km) and back takes about four to five hours and you can see a similar variety of animals and birds. The boat trip is scheduled for 0900hr and 1400hr every day. Any special time arrangement can be made with Park management.
The Top Of The Falls Trail
This trail takes you around the top of the falls and proceeds right up to the water’s edge. You may hike to the top of the falls from the boat landing and get close to the narrow gorge through which the river explodes into the falls. Campsites, picnic sites, and walking safaris are provided here.
Other activities include chimpanzee tracking in Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo Forest. For birders, look out for many forest birds, including the chocolate-backed kingfisher, the white-thigh hornbill and puvel’s illadopsis found nowhere else in East Africa.
Access
To access Murchison Falls national park by road from Kampala through Masindi (via Kichumbanyobo gate), Paraa is a 41/2hours drive, 2 hours on tarmac and 21/2 hours on murram roads. A four-wheel drive is more suitable. The ferry at Paraa operates on scheduled time between the southern and northern bank of River Nile.
By air: Charter services are available to all-weather aerodromes at Pakuba about 19kms northwest of Paraa and Bugungu 13kms from Paraa.
Distances (km)
Rabongo…………………………………… 67
Nyamusika………………………………… 14
Top of falls(by road)……………………. 34
Top of falls (by water)…………………. 17
Kichumbanyobo Gate…………………… 69
Bugungu Gate ………………………….. 15
Tangi gate ………………………………. 25
Bottom of the Falls ……………… …… 14
The Delta ……………………………….. 28
Bottom of falls to Albert Delta …………55
Red Chilli Rest camp……………………. 0.6
Paraa Safari Lodge ……………………….02
Sambiya River Lodge …………………….25
Nile Safari Camp ………………………… 22
From Paraa to Masindi via
Kichumbanyobo Gate …………………..86
Bugungu Gate ………………………….136
From Paraa to Kampala via
Kichumbanyobo Gate …………………304
Bugungu Gate …………………………353
Accommodation
Campsites are available at the Top of the fall, Rabongo Forest, Paraa and delta area with luxury lodging is available at Nile Safari Camp, Sambiya River Lodge and Paraa Uganda safari Lodges.
and beautiful scenery including over 52 volcanic crater lakes. The protected area is part of the greater Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area, which contains Kyambura and Kigezi game reserves. The park is located in western Uganda encompassing 4 districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Bushenyi and Kamwenge. The main entrance gate is at Katunguru, which is 115 sq.km (2-hour drive) from Fort Portal city and 101.2 km (2-hour drive) south of Kibale forest national park.
The protected area covers 1,978 sq.km (764 sq.miles) and is 5 times larger than Lake Mburo national park. As part of the western arm of the Great East African rift valley, Queen Elizabeth national park has a wide range of ecosystems, including tropical forests, lake George and lake Edward, swamps, volcanic crater lakes, long and short savanna grassland plains.
The park is divided into two sectors including the Kasenyi plains in the north containing several volcanic crater lakes, Kazinga channel, a 48km tropical water way linking Lake George and Lake Edward and Kyambura gorge. The southern sector called Ishasha wilderness lies in the rift valley and adjoins Virunga national park in the DR Congo. The flat landscape interspersed by savanna and woodlands. Both sectors are linked by the Maramagambo forest reserve, creating a corridor for movement of large mammals including elephants and lions. Elephants in particular are known to migrate between Uganda and Virunga national park.
Due to its variety of habitats, the park has remarkable biodiversity including 612 bird species, 95 mammal species, and 10 primate species including chimpanzees. The Ishasha wilderness area is famous for harbouring tree-climbing lions, the Congo buffalo and topi which are difficult to find in the northern sector of Kasenyi. Leopards and spotted hyenas are also present in the park’s Acacia trees in the Kasenyi plains around Mweya peninsula. The population of lions in Queen Elizabeth national park is estimated at 200 individuals, the park was designated a Lion Conservation Unit (LCU). The experiential lion tracking research experience is available as a conservation activity dedicated to saving lions in the park. There are over 2000 African elephants, making Queen Elizabeth one of the best parks to visit for elephant watching on game drive safari in Uganda. The Kazinga channel attracts most of the elephants along with hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, and water bird species such as African fish eagle, kingfishers and pelicans. Giraffes, zebras, and impalas are absent from the park.
The park is home to around 612 species of birds including the Shoebill stork and several birds of prey such as the martial eagles, African fish eagle, white-headed vultures and snake-banded eagle. Lesser flamingos and other water birds frequently reside in Lake Munyanyange, a salt lake found next to the lake Katwe.
Boat cruise safaris in Queen ELizabeth national park are conducted on the Kazinga channel. The 48 sq.km water body linking Lake George and Lake Edward attracts African elephants, buffaloes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, waterbucks, and water birds. The activity is done in the afternoon when it is most likely that the mammals will come to the water to drink. There are two large double-decked vessels including the MV Kazinga and UWA boat which can take up to 35 visitors. Alternatively, visitors may go for the small motorized canoes that depart at any time of day. The smaller boats navigate the waterways from one end to the other based on wildlife observations.
Lion population in Queen Elizabeth national park is estimated at 200 individuals and it has been declining due increasing human wildlife conflict. Over 10 lions have died between 2018 and 2022 due to suspected poisoning, according to Uganda Wildlife Authority, the incidents happen when lions escape from the park and attack domestic animals. So the local people reiterate by poisoning the carcasses. The Uganda Carnivore Program (UCP) in partnership with UWA are conducting research on the lions in the entire park to ascertain the threats and carry out measures to intervene and save lions. The lion tracking experience was therefore created through which the lion population in Kasenyi plains are being monitored on a daily basis. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in lion monitoring activity which lasts for 3 hours. Rangers are able to determine the locations where lions move by crossing park borders to the community lands.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to 612 species of birds and was designated an Important Bird Area. The protected area is a must-visit site for any bird watching safaris in Uganda. Birding in the park can be done in several ways including game drives, boat safaris on Kazinga channel and nature walks. Keen birders should select a particular activity depending on the kind of birds. For instance, the Kazinga channel boat is better for spotting water species including pelicans, African fish eagle, hamerkop, kingfishers and storks. Evening game drives tend to be ideal time to encounter herons hunting. Birds of prey in the park include martial eagle, white-headed vultures, Verreaux’s eagle owl and Wahlberg’s eagle (Hieraaetus wahlbergi).
Queen Elizabeth national park offers both day and night game drives, which offer opportunity to spot mammal species including the big four which are lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. These animals can be dangerous, so visitors must be accompanied by a guide or ranger in a 4×4 vehicle. Night game drives in particular are available only in the Kasenyi plains along the Mweya peninsular, the leopard loop is a great trail to spot leopards. Some lodges, depending on the area, do provide night wildlife drives and will take guests on them anytime a sighting is reported closer. In the Ishasha area, lodges such as Ishasha river camp and Enjonjo lodge offer nature walks and bush dining experiences along the Ishasha and Ntungwe rivers.
Uganda’s Albertine rift valley has over 20 times been profiled among the 10 places on earth by National Geographic with the most beautiful crater lakes. There are three volcanic crater lake fields in the vicinity of Queen Elizabeth national Park, which are a must-visit gem in East Africa. These include the 52 Bunyaruguru crater lakes, 32 in Rubirizi district and the Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes found along the route between Fort Portal and Kibale forest. These crater lakes were formed as result of a violent volcanic eruption 8000 – 10,000 years ago that caused the core of the earth crust to collapse forming over 100 crater filled lakes.
Bunyaruguru county alone in Rubirizi district, south of Lake George has 52 crater lakes including Lake Nkugute created in a shape of the map of the African continent. Next to it, there are twin lakes of Murambi and Katinda that are described by the local people as a place where God started the process of creation. Others say it depicts them as a living room of the creator. Among the 32 lakes, there’s a transparent lake known as lake Kamunzuku where you can see living things beneath at the bottom of the lake, making a natural wonder of the world. Rubirizi district is 48 km (1-hour drive) south east of Mweya visitor center, making these lakes easy to access whilst on safari in Queen Elizabeth national park.
Well known for salt mining, Lake Katwe is situated in Kabatoro village Kasese on the northern arm of Lake George. The lake is 15.9 km from Mweya visitor information center, you can spare some time and visit it for a salt mining experience or simply follow the track around the lake. Lake Katwe contains rich deposits of saline water with higher concentration of sodium chloride than other lakes in the area and its waters don’t support wildlife. This is due to the fact that the lake is fed by streams but with no outlets, resulting in too much mineral salt concentration. According to the Global Nature Fund (GNF), Lake Katwe contains 12 million tonnes of salt and has since the 14th century supported the salt mining industry. The local people have created several ponds, where the water crystallises into different types of salt including black mud salt, white/transparent crystals (table salt) and hard salt rocks. Women mostly do the extraction by hand and rudimentary tools and men carry the heavy loads after drying. Witnessing the process of salt mining is interesting, though you will have to bear with an egg-like stench that fills the air. Visitors can also get more information at the Katwe tourism information centre and also visit the nearby Lake Munyanyange which attracts flamingos between April and October.
Known as the ‘Valley of Apes’, Kyambura gorge extends in a zigzag way for 11 km from Kichwamba escarpments to the Kazinga channel. The gorge lies 100 feet beneath the earth crust and contains tropical forests, creating a spectacular scenery over the savanna plains. Kyambura gorge is home to 6 primate species including chimpanzees, blue monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys. The gorge’s main attractions for primate lovers are the chimpanzees. Additionally, the river that meanders through the gorge attracts hippos and elephants, which can be seen during a guided nature walk with a ranger.
Situated in Bushenyi district 22 km south east of Mweya visitor center, Maramagambo forest is an ideal eco-tourism destination for nature walks. Visitors can reach the site with the UWA outpost, Jacana lodge and campsite through the Nyamusingiri Road from QENP. The tropical forest connects the northern Kasenyi plains to the southern Ishasha wilderness, therefore serves as a migrating corridor for large mammals including elephants and lions. However, the attractions to see in Maramagambo include bat caves, Kiryantama waterfalls, Bates’s pygmy antelope and over 100 species. The forest is also home to chimpanzees but they’re not easy to see. There are 5 nature trails to choose from including the Kajojo river which offer an opportunity to walk through different vegetation types of the forest such as raffia palm trees. Hiking is easy due to the medium altitude range of 1,231 – 1,380 meters above sea level. Two blue crater lakes of Lake Kyasanduka and Lake Nyamasingiri encircle the forest and offer spectacular views for keen photographers.
Kalinzu forest is 73 km (1 hour 45 min drive) south of Mweya visitor center and can be accessed through the Mbarara-kasese/ Ntungamo -Katunguru road. The main reason for visiting Kalinzu is chimpanzee tracking and the permit cost is $60 per person available for booking through UWA and tour operator. Additionally, Kalinzu forest offers opportunities for forest walks, research and conservation. The forest covers 147 square kilometers providing home to 6 primates species including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys and vervet monkeys, 378 bird species and 414 tree species. Situated at 1,400 meters above sea level, hiking in Kalinzu can be easier but it requires physical fitness due to the nature of terrain.
Queen Elizabeth has the highest number of lodges of the 10 national parks in Uganda. There’s a wide range of accommodations in the park from luxury to budget, campsites and hostels at Mweya visitor center. Most of the lodges are located inside or on the edge of the protected area crater lakes with spectacular views of the rolling savanna, lakes and the distant snow capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountain Range.
Mweya, the UWA visitor information center of Queen Elizabeth national park is 411 km (6-hour drive) west of Kampala capital city. It is a relatively shorter route via Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal-Kasese Road. An alternative route is 422 km (7-hour drive) via Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Rubirizi road. Those coming from Bwindi Rushaga and Ruhija gorilla sectors can also reach the park via Ishasha-Katunguru route (229 (4-hour drive) or Kabale-Mbarara-Bushenyi road 278 km (5-hour drive).
The park can also be reached by air through Mweya airstrip within the protected area next to the visitor centre.
Volcanoes national park was the first protected area in Rwanda, established in 1925, it covers 160 sq.km in Northern Province. It lies in the Virunga Massif, a chain of 8 volcanic mountains along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo, of which the park contains 3 dormant volcanoes including Karisimbi, Bisoke and Sabinyo The tallest volcano in Rwanda is Mount Karisimbi 4,507m (14,787 feet), which is relatively younger along with Mount Bisoke 3,711m (12,175 feet), which has a crater filled lake on the summit. Mount Sabinyo, which straddles the borders of both countries, is the oldest volcano having been formed during the early part of the Pleistocene Epoch about 2,600,000 years ago. Due to its early formation, its summit has a jagged peak that resembles an old man’s teeth. The park enjoys a cool tropical climate year-round with day temperatures ranging between 18 to 23 degrees Celsius. Due to higher elevations, nights can be cold with 11 to 14 degrees during the rainy season from April to May and October to November.
Volcanoes national park is made up of three dormant Virunga volcanic mountains including Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke and Mount Gahinga. The vegetation on the lower volcano slopes between 1,800 – 2,400 meters contain woodland and mixed forests, followed by a large tract of bamboo zone (2,500 m – 2,800 m) and a sub-alpine hagenia-hypericum zone occurs above 3,600m. In this zone, there are Volkensia shrubs and rare afro-montane flowering plant species such as giant lobelias, dendrosenecio, hypercum, erica arborea, rubus (red raspberry) and helichrysum, which contains essential oils that are widely used in the mediterranean regions. Those intending to hike to the summit of Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes with a guide can identify these plants along the trails. There’s a swamp crater lake filled with water on the summit of Mount Bisoke.
These habitats contain rich biodiversity including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and blue monkeys, which are endemic to the Virunga massif. The park is also well known for bird watching with over 178 species of birds of which 16 are Albertine rift endemics including Ladgden’s bushrike, Rwenzori apalis and brown woodland warbler. Of all the birds, probably the rarest is the Scarlet-tufted sunbird, which can be spotted along the Bisoke volcano hike. There are 34 mammal species in Volcanoes national park including forest buffaloes, bushbucks and black-fronted duikers. Large mammals aren’t easy to spot due to the nature of terrain.
Volcanoes national park is well-known for mountain gorillas, but the park offers several attractions including golden monkeys, volcanoes and birds. Those looking for ideas to plan their trip to Rwanda can book their activities through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or tour operator.
Volcanoes National Park is home to over 200 mountain gorillas, which are part of the 603 Virunga mountain gorilla population. Those intending to see gorillas on safari in Africa, Rwanda offers one the best experiences with over 20 habituated families of which 12 are accessible by travelers. The gorilla trekking experience is highly responsible with only 8 tourists allowed to visit a single group of gorillas for 1 hour per day. The census of gorillas in Volcanoes national park indicates that their numbers have increased, yet the habitat doesn’t expand. For that reason, Rwanda has embarked on a conservation project to expand the protected area by almost 32% thereby creating more space for gorillas. Tracking gorillas in Rwanda helps to contribute to the further success of this conservation project.
Visitors in Volcanoes national park can visit Karisoke research center and learn about Dian Fossey’s efforts to save gorillas from extinction. Fossey established the center in 1967 in a saddle between Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes, where she lived in a cabin and conducted comprehensive studies of mountain gorilla behavior. While George B. Schaller had earlier studied the ecology of Virunga gorillas, Fossey is credited for being the first person to habituate gorillas to human presence and tourism. She also introduced active conservation techniques including ranger monitoring which were adopted by the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP) in 1991 and have been useful in protecting gorillas against poaching and encroachment, making Fossey a great conservationist hero. In her book “Gorillas in the Mist”, gorillas were described as more gentle and peaceful animals than previously thought. Fossey was brutally murdered in 1985 because of her dedicated anti-poaching attitude to save gorillas, however. She had established Digit Fund in 1972 through which gorilla tourism would help to finance conservation activities in order to conserve gorillas and protect their habitats. The Digit fund later evolved into the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DGFI), the world’s leading organization using scientific research to help communities and save gorillas. Fossey was buried right at the center along with other gorillas and the abandoned structures are almost covered by moss in the jungle. Hiking to Karisoke and Dian Fossey Tomb is like traveling back in time! You will walk in her footsteps and learn about the life of the primatologist. Additionally, don’t forget to see the brand-new Ellen DeGeneres Campus, which was built to keep the legacy of Fossey.
Golden monkeys are endemic to the Albertine rift valley with a population of over 5,000 individuals thought to be living in the wild. They’re endangered species due to habitat loss and being conserved through tourism. In Volcanoes national park, the monkeys have been habituated, allowing tourists to visit them in their natural habitat. The main home range of golden monkeys is the bamboo zone between 2,500 m – 2,800 m, where they spend most of their time eating bamboo shoots. This makes locating them easier when compared to mountain gorillas. The trails from Kinigi visitor center wind through the mixed forests straight to the upper volcano slopes. Depending on their location, the golden monkey trek can last for 2-5 hours. These monkeys usually live in troops of 30 to 80 individuals led by an alpha male, which determines its group home range. The behavior of golden monkeys is interesting to watch for keen photographers, the primates are highly social but move very swiftly as they feed and swing in trees.
Mount Karisimbi is the tallest volcano in Rwanda and in the entire Virunga massif with an elevation of 4,507 meters (14,787 feet). It’s located to the south-west of Volcanoes national park and takes 2 days trek to reach its summit with overnight camping. The Karisimbi hike doesn’t require any technical equipment, instead visitors should bring camping gear. All arrangements are planned from Kinigi visitor center including hiring the RDB guide and porter or cook. The hike usually starts early in the morning, passing through the mixed forest and bamboo and lasts for 6 hours to reach the campsite. You will spend the first night on the lower slopes of the volcano at 2,800 meters in the subalpine zone and the following day continue to the summit through the afroalpine zone with plant species such as giant lobelias and dendrosenecio. There’s a nice view at the top, which is often covered in thick mist. The descent back to Kinigi takes 6 hours and is much shorter than ascending up.
Bisoke volcano ( 3,711 m (12,175 feet) contains a crater filled lake on its summit and is the most spectacular volcano for hiking in Rwanda. Hiking from the trailhead to the top lasts 4-5 hours depending on the pace of hikers and can be challenging due to the nature of terrain. Getting a porter can be helpful. The trail winds through crop fields, mixed forest and bamboo zones. Along the trail, there’s a chance to spot golden monkeys and sometimes unhabituated gorillas, though getting off the track isn’t allowed. But, the guides can allow you to stop for any possible wildlife encounters. Making it to the top offers a view of the crater lake given that the weather is clear. Once at the top, visitors can spend about 15 minutes and then descend back, which lasts for 4 hours.
Whether you hike Bisoke or Karisimbi, it’s worth preparing for either. Visitors should arrive at Kinigi visitor center by 7:30 am in the morning. Hiking permit cost is $75 for each volcano available for booking through RDB or tour operator.
Accommodations in Volcanoes national park range from eco luxury to budget lodges of which most are located in the natural greenery at the base of the volcanoes. You can choose between where to stay depending on your travel style and budget. Booking should be done in advance through a tour operator especially during the high season rooms can be limited.
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
