Visit Uganda UK Destination Guide

YOUR UGANDA Introducing

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YOUR UGANDA Introducing T H E

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If you are reading this booklet, its probably safe to say that you have been captivated by at least one of the many unique attractions that draw so many people to Uganda, the pearl of Africa, each year.

those seeking specialist activities as well as travellers lucky enough to have more time to spend in country.

The contents here are just our opinions. We’ve included our own personal views on various locations, suggesting why you should consider visiting them, what interesting activities can be enjoyed there and how long it is best to stay in each place.

Whilst famous for its awe-inspiring Mountain Gorilla encounters, Uganda has a wealth of other wildlife, cultural, birding and adventure attractions to appeal to a wide range of visitors. We hope that includes you!

But do speak to your travel professional who should be able to give you fare more information, inspiration and advice… and if they need the help of Kamageo (Uganda’s tourism partner in the UK) they’ll know how to find us for even more information.

This booklet was designed to give you just a taster of what’s available. Inevitable, we’ve majored on the main destinations and the wildlife, but there are many, many other tourist delights to be found across the country. These will appeal to 2

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CONTENTS GORILLAS CHIMPANZEES PRIMATES OTHER WILDLIFE BIRDING ADVENTURE CULTURE RWENZORIS & MT. ELGON KIBALE / FORT PORTAL BWINDI MGAHINGA MWEYA

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ISHASHA KYAMBURA MURCHISON FALLS KIDEPO SEMLIKI LAKE MBURO JINJA & THE NILE LAKES & ISLANDS KAMPALA & ENTEBBE OTHER PLACES PRACTICAL INFO

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Map kindly supplied by Bradt Guides

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GORILLAS Time spent in the company of an awesome male by definition silverback, accompanied by his harem of females and youngsters is understandable the highlight of most trips to Uganda. It remains firmly as the No. 1 “Most Desirable Wildlife Moment” for many travelers, as our major UK research programme in 2017 showed.

start point, as there can be time/travel implications. Treks can take anything from one to six hours or even longer dependent upon the family’s location. But, the chances of encountering the gorillas is very high… and the thrill of seeing them soon cancels out the effort taken to get there!

Following successful conservation efforts, aided by tourism permit fees, endangered Mountain Gorilla populations are actually rising and are believed to be nudging 900. Just over half of these are resident in Uganda and 16 families have been habituated for tourism purposes.

There is also the opportunity to participate in a Gorilla Habituation Experience where visitors can spend up to four hours in the vicinity of a family. Due to the nature of the programme, sightings may not always be to the level of standard treks but the time spent with the gorillas is often far longer.

Booking permits as early as possible is key, as only eight people can trek to see each family, per day. Permits cost US$600 per person and allows visitors one hour in the presence of the gorillas.

WHAT YOU NEED Walking boots, firm trainers or wellies are ideal.

Gators and gardening gloves can prove useful.

Walking sticks are available at the start point.

Hiring porters ($15) supports the community and avoids you having to carry bags.

The specific family to be tracked is allocated prior to commencement, dependent upon fitness level and preferences.

Treks start at 08h00 from 4 different locations across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Buhoma) as well as in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

WHERE TO SEE GORILLAS Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (15 groups) Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (1 group).

Ideally your accommodation location should match the trekking

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CHIMPANZEES Often heard long before they are sighted, over 5000 of man’s closest relatives are believed to live within Uganda’s forests. There are habituated communities in a number of parks and reserves, where you are able to spend an hour in their company.

Their distinctive cries can be heard through the trees, helping to lead trackers to their whereabouts. With smaller groups splintered away from a larger community, it’s usual to encounter anything from a solitary individual to around 10 or 12 chimpanzees as they rest, feed, forage or fornicate.

It’s usual for the chimps to be fairly mobile, so even when they are found it’s likely that they will continue to move through the undergrowth or up in the tree canopy.

There is also the opportunity to join the Chimpanzee Habituation Project at Kibale, whereby guests stay with the apes from nesting to nesting, following their behaviours throughout the day.

Kalinzu is a much talked about new destination, close to Maramagambo Forest with 40 habituated chimps to be found.

WHERE TO SEE CHIMPANZEES Kibale National Park Kyambura Gorge (QENP) Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls) Kalinzu Forest Reserve Semliki National Park

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PRIMATES Uganda has a greater diversity of primates than anywhere in Africa, with 13 species to be found. Some are fairly widespread, others more localised. Nocturnal species such as galagos and pottos are best seen on guided night walks. We’ve listed them here, along with the best locations to see them.

WHERE TO SEE VARIOUS SPECIES Black & White Colobus - widespread (Uganda) Red Colobus - Kibale & Semliki Olive Baboon - widespread Patas Monkey - Murchison Falls & Kidepo Vervet Monkey - widespread Blue/Sykes Monkey - widespread except Lake Mburo & Murchison Golden Monkey - Mgahinga Red-Tailed Monkey - Kibale, Bwindi, Semliki & QENP DeBrazza’s Monkey - Semliki & Mt. Elgon L’Hoest’s Monkey - Bwindi, Kibale, QENP & Kalinzu Grey-cheeked Mangabey - Kibale & Semliki Galagos (Bushbabies) - widespread Pottos - Kibale, QENP & Bwindi

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GAME VIEWING Many visitors visit East Africa primarily to see wildlife and within Uganda there are 10 national parks and other wildlife reserves.

Uganda uniquely offers the “Big 7” (the usual Big 5, plus Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee, with Rhino present at the Ziwa Sanctuary).

It has at least five outstanding “big game” destinations including QENP, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, Kidepo and Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

Of the large cats, a healthy lion population exists in QENP, Murchison Falls and Kidepo, whilst the frequency of leopard sightings in QENP and Lake Mburo reflects continued success by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Cheetahs are traditionally only present in Kidepo.

Elephants, buffalos, zebras and giraffes are seen in various parks and a diverse set of antelopes are present – including Uganda Kob, Eland, Kudu, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Waterbucks, Sitatunga and Impala.

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BIRDING Uganda is arguably Africa’s richest birding destination, with an impressive 1063 species identified. The high density of species is due to the country’s location: it is a transitional zone between the rainforests of Central and West Africa, the savannah of East Africa and the arid conditions of South Sudan to the North.

Each of the country’s national parks provides an impressive list of both residents and visitors, with most life-lists capable of being increased by 100 or more species in each. Mega-ticks (the fraternity’s name for prized sightings) include Shoebill Stork, Rwenzori and Great Blue Turaco, African Finfoot and African Green Broadbill, amongst many, many more.

For the enthusiast, Uganda’s diverse environments from the snowcapped Rwenzoris, to the Albertine Rift Valley, from the montane forests of the Virunga mountains to the desert plains in Kidepo – all provide outstanding and varied birding. Uganda’s species are visible, varied and colourful enough to excite even the most “occasional” birdwatcher and add enjoyment to a more general safari.

Whilst most tour companies are able to access excellent birding guides, there is a select set of true birding specialist operators who offer exceptional trips focused on the activity.

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ACTIVITIES

ADVENTURE For many people, simply visiting Uganda is adventurous enough, but for adrenalin-fuelled activities designed to set the pulses racing then Uganda has them in abundance!

From mountain trekking to white-water rafting; from bungee jumping to quad biking; from horse riding to speedboat trips Uganda has them all.

The centre for many of Uganda’s adventure activities is in and around Jinja but there are plenty of other places offering exhilarating activities. Your tour company will be able to provide you with further advice.

WHERE TO GO Treks and hikes: Rwenzoris, Mount Elgon & Mgahinga White-Water Rafting: Jinja Speedboat trips: Jinja, Lake Bunyoni, Ssese Islands & Lake Victoria Horse Safaris: Lake Mburo & Jinja Quad Biking: Lake Mburo, Jinja & Ssese Islands Zip line canopy trails: Mabira Forest Bungee Jumps: Jinja Balloon Trips: QENP & Murchison Falls

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ACTIVITIES

CULTURE

The Kitagururo is characterised by energetic stamping of the feet and swirling arm movements, performed by the Banyankole and Bakiga tribes in the southwest.

Uganda has 30-plus different indigenous languages belonging to five distinct linguistic groups, and an equally diverse mosaic of music, art and handicrafts. To promote this there are numerous cultural centres across the country which your tour operator can incorporate into itineraries.

RELIGIOUS TOURS Launched in 2014, The Uganda Martyrs Trail travels through places where the first Christian missionaries preached, and where in 1886, 45 were killed and later burnt, on the orders of King Mwanga II. The Catholic Church canonised the Martyrs in 1964, whilst pilgrims from around the world descend on Uganda on 3rd June (now a public holiday in their honour) to commemorate Martyrs’ Day.

The country’s most ancient inhabitants, confined to the southwest, are the Batwa and Bambuti Pygmies – the hunter-gatherer communities that once occupied the forests.

COFFEE & TEA

Buganda is renowned for distinct ceremonial occasions – some of their best known include the initiation of twins (okwalula abalongo), and last funeral rite (okwabya olumbe.

This niche activity is a growing tourism sector, and visitors to the country can include a tour of tea or coffee plantations to learn of the processing of these products. Fort Portal is a region with numerous tea plantations while Arabica coffee plants can be seen growing in various parts of Uganda.

The Basoga tribe dance the Tamenhaibunga – “friends drink together but do not fight in case they break the cup”, used to express the value and fragility of love and friendship.

When the finished product is to the high standard achieved in Uganda, it is no wonder that visitors are keen to give this a taste, as well as see how this fair-trade industry positively affects local communities.

The Entogoro is danced by Banyoro and Batooro of western Uganda.

This takes its name from the pod rattles that boys tie on their legs to make different rhythms as they dance.

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LOCATIONS

RWENZORI

MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK Sitting on the Uganda / Kenya border, Elgon’s highest peak – Wagagai – reaches 4231m making it Africa’s 8th highest.

M O U N TA I N S N AT I O N A L PA R K

MT. ELGON NATIONAL PARK

It is not a difficult mountain to climb and whilst accessible year round, June to August and November to March are best. Several different trails are available of varying lengths, the most popular being a day’s hike to and from Sipi Falls with its impressive 99m drop.

RWENZORI MOUNTAINS With permanently snow covered peaks reaching over 5100m, the Rwenzoris (or Mountains of the Moon) are one of East Africa’s most stunning hiking destinations.

WHAT WE SAY Uganda has two stunning areas for treks, both of outstanding beauty and far less visited than elsewhere. For the enthusiast, they are reputedly exceptional. For the more general visitor, there are shorter but highly rewarding hikes.

Unlike some of its more famous neighbours, such as Kilimanjaro or Kenya, the Rwenzoris see far fewer visitors.

The higher areas should only be attempted by experienced climbers, but most treks stay below the snow line at 4500m which removes the likelihood of altitude sickness.

HOW LONG TO STAY A series of day or overnight hikes can be arranged through most tour companies, although specialist operators offer longer treks.

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Chimpanzee trekking Chimpanzee habituation Bigodi Wetlands walk Birding Night walks in the forest Numerous stunning crater lakes in the area Tea plantations in the Fort Portal area

WHY VISIT? Arguably Africa’s premier chimpanzee encounters are the obvious highlight at Kibale – either via “standard” morning or afternoon chimp treks, or the full-day “nest-to-nest” habituation programme, but Kibale also offers outstanding birding and primate walks in the nearby community-owned project at Bigodi. The walk lasts around two to three hours on a 4.5km circular trail. During our last visit we saw an impressive 8 of the 13 resident primate species, which is not unusual. The area is Africa’s most diverse primate location.

HOW LONG TO STAY We’d recommend two to three nights.

WHAT WE SAY One of our favourite parts of Africa - due to those amazing chimp encounters.

With over 120 chimps in the main habituated community, the chances of memorable encounters are very high at Kibale, whilst entertaining night-time nature walks into the national park give the chance to glimpse pottos, geladas and chameleons.

The Bigodi walk is also a must-do activity, with fabulous birding and so many different primates on show. It’s also nice to interact with the local community, too.oo.

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LOCATIONS

KIBALE / FORT PORTAL KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

ACTIVITIES

LOCATIONS

BWINDI

ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA Gorilla tracking Gorilla habituation experience Bird-watching walks Batwa encounters Forest walks Village walks Canoeing on Lake Mutanda

IMPENETRABLE FOREST

N AT I O N A L PA R K WHY VISIT? This dense, ancient forest, is home to half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas, as well as an impressive 350+ species of bird.

The area also offers the chance to encounter the Batwa forest tribe and other community orientated activities.

HOW LONG TO STAY Two to three nights.

Visitors track gorillas from a variety of start points, including Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Buhoma itself – dependent upon their allocated group from one of 15 habituated families.

WHAT WE SAY Ensure you don’t just trek for gorillas; explore Buhoma on a village walk visiting the amazing community hospital or Batwa experience and enjoy sitting on the verandah of your lodge taking in the views and spotting numerous colourful bird species.

Treks vary in length and physical demand, with visitors allocated different families, just ahead of their trek, according to the visitors’ capabilities and requests. Visitors will be put into groups of eight.

The most frequently visited part of the forest is Buhoma, where there are numerous international standard properties, but accommodation is available in the vicinity of all tracking start points.

WHEN TO GO Gorilla trekking is available all year round.

Before booking accommodation, ensure your tour company has gorilla permits available for the specific dates.

GETTING THERE It’s possible to fly by light aircraft to Bwindi, while the road transfer from Kampala takes around 9 hours (so include an overnight stay at Lake Mburo en route), and allow yourself to enjoy the vibrant Ugandan countryside.

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G O R I L L A N AT I O N A L PA R K WHY VISIT? The name says it all, Mountain Gorillas, although it should be borne in mind that the single habituated family – Nyakagazi – does wander into Rwanda from time to time. Mgahinga’s Batwa Trail provides visitors with an insight into the existence of these former forest dwellers and the park is also the only place in Uganda where visitors can see the rare Golden Monkey.

This 38km2 park is essentially Uganda’s portion of the Virunga Mountains, adjoining both Rwanda and DRC offering magnificent views southwards towards three extinct volcanoes, as well as northwards towards the Bwindi forest. It sits at between 2230 and 4127m high and, due to its location, can be easily accessed from Rwanda.

ACTIVITIES Mountain gorilla trekking Golden monkey trekking Batwa experience Birding Nature walks Mountain treks

HOW LONG TO STAY We’d recommend a stay of at least two to three nights.

WHAT WE SAY The area is simply breathtaking and the landscape reminiscent of neighbouring Rwanda. Mgahinga’s gorillas’ reputation for crossborder excursions mean that the park is often a better option for travellers seeking last-minute permits.

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LOCATIONS

MGAHINGA

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MWEYA QUEEN ELIZABETH N AT I O N A L PA R K WHY VISIT? Historically, this is the main tourist area in QENP. In this northcentral sector, the most popular attraction is a scenic boat trip through the Kazinga Channel which separates Lakes Edward and George. This is an amazingly game-rich experience with impressive herds of elephants, hybrid forest and cape buffalos and hippos, alongside large numbers of bird species. There are 610 bird species in the entire park.

The area, especially the Kasenyi Plains, also offers rewarding game-viewing, whilst visitors can now also drift over the area in a hot-air balloon.

ACTIVITIES Game-drives Boat trips on the Kazinga Channel Birding (including shoebills at Lake George) Balloon safaris Queen Elizabeth Predator Project (tracking lions and leopards) Visits to the Equator

Joining the researchers on the Predator Project is an excellent activity, especially as lion sightings are all but certain, and closeup leopard encounters are also very likely (albeit both species may be radio collared). Permits are limited so early booking is recommended.

HOW LONG TO STAY We’d recommend two to three nights in this sector.

GETTING THERE Flights are available to the Mweya Peninsula, although most visitors access the area by road.

WHAT WE SAY The boat trip on Kazinga is an undoubted highlight with much game and birdlife to enjoy… along with close up views on some huge crocodiles.

Game drives in the area can be great and the option to do a balloon safari adds another element to the experience.

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LOCATIONS

ISHASHA QUEEN ELIZABETH N AT I O N A L PA R K WHY VISIT? The Ishasha Sector runs South from Lake Edward along the Congo border and is most famously home to a population of tree-climbing lions (who clamber up into their favourite fig trees during the heat of the day reputedly to avoid biting insects - but don’t be put off by that).

There is generally good and varied game in Ishasha and pleasingly it retains a “less visited” wilderness feel, where visitors will encounter few other vehicles whilst in the park, which in itself can justify spending a night or two here.

ACTIVITIES Game viewing (especially tree-climbing lions) Birding

HOW LONG TO STAY One night, but many clients simply stop-off for a few hours en route between QENP’s more northerly regions and Bwindi.

WHAT WE SAY The lions really are worth a visit and are quite often seen from the road that runs through the park.

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LOCATIONS

KYAMBURA GAME RESERVE WHY VISIT?

HOW LONG TO STAY

The only habituated chimpanzee community in QENP inhabits an isolated strip of forest in the 100m-deep Kyambura Gorge, which runs for 16km on the park’s eastern boundary with Kyambura Wildlife Reserve.

One night, but you can access from other parts of QENP

GETTING THERE Flights are available to the Mweya peninsula, but most client arrive by road.

The confined nature of the forested gorge makes it quite easy to locate the chimps by sound. Other primates regularly observed include black and white colobus, vervet monkey and olive baboons.

WHAT WE SAY

ACTIVITIES

The story of the “trapped” chimpanzees of Kyambura makes the location fascinating, although the success on chimp treks is not as high as other parks. The climb can be tough, especially during rainy season, but the sounds and sights make it well worthwhile.

Chimpanzee trekking Birding Primate viewing Forest walks

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LOCATIONS

MURCHISON FA L L S N AT I O N A L PA R K WHY VISIT? The national park has returned to being Uganda’s finest game viewing area. Its 3840km2 are split by the River Nile, with the gamerich northern side accounting for a third of the land, but 80% of the animals. Healthy populations of Ugandan kob, elephant, giraffe, lion and other plains game make it a great safari destination, which can now be enjoyed by boat, vehicle and hot-air balloon.

The 45m waterfalls are impressive to see from both top and bottom, with the latter coming at the end of an enjoyable boat safari along the game and bird filled banks of the River Nile.

One of Africa’s largest Shoebill populations is resident in the swamplands around Lake Albert which can be reached by vehicle, or better still by boat.

ACTIVITIES Game-drives Birding (especially Shoebills) Boat trips on the Nile Hikes to the top of Murchison Falls Fishing

HOW LONG TO STAY We’d recommend at least two if not three nights. Visitors can use scheduled flights from Entebbe to Murchison which eliminates a 7-hour road journey, although this can be broken up with a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

WHAT WE SAY Our most recent trip to Murchison changed our perspective – game numbers have dramatically increased under Uganda Wildlife Authority’s expert control. It’s a fabulous area with sweeping vistas and much to enjoy.

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LOCATIONS

KIDEPO

VA L L E Y N AT I O N A L PA R K

WHY VISIT?

ACTIVITIES

Located in Uganda’s far northeast, the park boundaries are close to the boarders with both Kenya and South Sudan.

Game drives Birding Culture (Ik and Dodoth Karamajong tribes)

Kidepo’s 1442km2 park offers sweeping savannahs unlike anywhere else in the country. Much of the game-rich plains become parched during the dry season and are home to a healthy lion population along with elephant, buffalo, Rothschild giraffe, Uganda kob and both species of kudu.

HOW LONG TO STAY We’d recommend three nights in this remote park.

WHAT WE SAY

There are also over 470 bird species; 60 found nowhere else in Uganda. The rugged mountainous terrain is dominated by the Kidepo Valley to the North and the Narus Valley to the South which is the prime game viewing area.

The logistics of reaching Kidepo (2 hour flight from Entebbe) means that this is one of Uganda’s less visited regions. Those that do visit are rewarded by its beauty and great game viewing.

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NATIONAL PARK WHY VISIT?

The Semliki National Park protects an unspoilt 220km2 of rainforest along the DRC border into Lake Albert. The tropical lowland forest supports a wealth of wildlife unseen elsewhere in East Africa, and more than 35 species out of its total of over 400 - including 11 mammals (the Water Chevrotain deer, two species of flying squirrel and six types of bats) and more than 35 bird species out of its total of over 400 are only found here.

ACTIVITIES Sempaya Hot Springs Scenic drives Birding Game drives Chimpanzee tracking Boat trips on Lake albert

The park is far less visited, even by birding groups, who should also be drawn to the Red Monkey Trail and Kirimia River Trail. The popular Sempaya Hot Springs are accessed via a short guided walk, to a geyser that sprays water up to 2m high and at over a temperature of 100 °C.

HOW LONG TO STAY Two nights,

WHAT WE SAY

The Semliki Wildlife Reserve’s setting is truly awesome, with the sheer Rift Valley Escarpment rising sharply from the eastern shore of Lake Albert, the 2500m high Congolese Blue Mountatins on the western horizon, and the glacial peaks of the Rwenzori visible to

Being off the beaten track and offering such faunal diversity is part of the attraction of Semliki to us.

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LOCATIONS

SEMLIKI

the southwest. Wildlife numbers in the reserve are on the rise and visitors can enjoy sightings of leopard, buffalo, Ugandan kob, elephant and hippo. It is also one of the most reliable sights to see shoebill, often at close quarters, and a family of habituated chimps can be visited too.

LOCATIONS

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

ACTIVITIES Boat safaris on the lake Bird-watching Horse safaris Walking safaris Quad-bike adventures Mountain biking Day and night game-drives The Igongo Cultural Centre, which focuses upon the Ankole tribe, is a nearby attraction

WHY VISIT? There’s a diverse range of activities in this small, but perfectly formed national park (260km2). Especially rewarding are boat trips on the lake itself and terrific walking safaris in the picturesque environments.

The lake is especially good for birdwatchers, with almost guaranteed views of the African finfoot, whilst a breeding pair of shoebills reside in the swampier areas.

HOW LONG TO STAY We’d recommend a stay of at least one night, ideally two at Lake Mburo.

The park is home to Uganda’s only population of impala, large numbers of zebra, plus plenty of other plains game species, including eland and newly re-introduced giraffe.

WHAT WE SAY Too often seen as just a stop-off between Kampala and Bwindi or ‘gorilla trekking areas’. Lake Mburo offers more than enough delights to justify a proper visit.

Due to the lack of lion, the plentiful game is very relaxed which helps explain why the walking safaris are so good. Horseback safaris are also available.

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LOCATIONS

JINJA & THE NILE WHY VISIT? Back in 1862, explorer John Speke declared the (now submerged) Ripon Falls to be the source of the mighty River Nile, making Jinja an instant tourist attraction!

Ejjinja was the local Luganda name for the falls and the village which today, with its anglicised name, is the centre of adventure tourism in the country. It’s less than 3 hours from Kampala.

THINGS TO DO Source of the Nile White-water rafting Bungee jumping Boat trips Birding Quad biking Horse safaris Kayaking

WHAT WE SAY As the falls are now submerged, there is less to see at Jinja... and lots to do instead!

Don’t think of this wider area as only for gap-year backpackers, as a number of stylish upmarket properties have sprung up of late, offering plenty of R&R in amazing locations.

HOW LONG TO STAY This will be largely dictated by your reason for being there: perhaps just one or two nights for R&R; but up to 3 nights or more for adrenalin activities.

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LOCATIONS

LAKES & ISLANDS

SSESE ISLANDS The Ssese Archipelago comprises 84 separate islands, some large and densely inhabited, others small and deserted, but all lushly forested teeming with wildlife, delightful empty beaches, friendly hosts and a peaceful environment for fishing, walking, boating, birdwatching or simply enjoying beautiful unspoilt surroundings.

LAKE BUNYONI Translated as “place of little birds” because of the many weaver colonies along the shoreline, there are numerous larger birds present too. For many years now, Bunyonyi has been Uganda’s most popular waterfront R&R, as it is easily visited after gorilla tracking. There are 20+ islands, some containing fascinating historical sites, craft centres and colourful markets.

MABAMBA SWAMP Just 12km from Entebbe, the 100km2 Mabamba Swamp is on the northern shore. Some 300 bird species have been recorded, with its most famous inhabitant being the shoebill. Dugout canoe trips are available from the community-based project.

ACTIVITIES R&R Kayak safaris Birding Cultural activities

CRATER LAKES Within the Albertine Rift Valley, over 30 jewel-like crater lakes sit in the 10km route between Kibale and Fort Portal, offering breathtaking scenery. With a host of high-end properties, they provide an excellent alternative to staying close to the national park and even within their own grounds there are often good wildlife viewing opportunities and countless scenic walking trails. The area contains a lush mosaic of verdant cultivation, forest, grassland and swamp.

ACTIVITES R&R Scenic walking trails

LAKE VICTORIA NGAMBA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY Ngamba is home to 49 orphaned chimps rescued from throughout Uganda. There are day trips and overnight trips, which provide a great opportunity to closely observe and interact with these fascinating great apes.

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LOCATIONS

KAMPALA & ENTEBBE

BOTANICAL GARDENS Entebbe’s botanical gardens, on the shores of Lake Victoria, is an attractively laid-out mix of indigenous forest, cultivation and horticulture, and a highly attractive destination to birdwatchers. The botanical gardens offer an excellent introduction to Uganda’s birds.

KAMPALA

UGANDA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE This has played an important role in the protection of rare and threatened animals. Residents include a few lions, a pair of reintroduced black rhinos, and a variety of smaller predators seldom seen in the wild. The aviary also allows for close-ups with a shoebill. A popular half-day ’Behind the Scenes’ tour and a new Chimpanzee Close Up Experience allows visitors to assist zoo staff.

Kampala offers all the amenities of a modern African city, plus the National Museum, the Kasubi Tombs and various craft and arts markets, as well as an excellent cultural performance at the Ndere Centre. But, deciding on whether to stay in Kampala is probably more about logistics than attractions, as being on the northern side of the city allows for quick exiting to the major tourism areas.

ENTEBBE

Note that construction is underway on the Kampala – Entebbe Expressway, which will ease the traffic congestion between the two conurbations. The new motorway is proposed to open in May 2018.

Despite being increasingly populated, Entebbe retains an unusually green feel. With a couple of attractions of its own, Entebbe is also a start point for lake activities.

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LOCATIONS

OTHER PLACES Simply deciding which other locations should be included on this page was a tough task as many places are deserving of a mention.

But we’ve included just a few that we’ve experienced for ourselves and feel that they could easily be added to your trip.

ZIWA RHINO & WILDLIFE RANCH This Rhino re-introduction project is jointly run by Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority, and is located 176km North of Kampala, towards Murchison Falls. Ziwa is the only place to see rhinos in the wild in Uganda. At present the sanctuary is home to 22 southern white rhinos.

The sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists; for rhino trekking, bird watching, nature walks and relaxation en route to Murchison Falls.

BUDONGO FOREST RESERVE Officially part of Murchison Falls National Park, but hugely different to the majority of it, Budongo has two key attractions: The Royal Mile, one of Africa’s finest birding locations with 366 species including plenty of endemics and rarities.

Secondly, chimpanzee trekking from a former Jane Goodall Institute research centre in a beautiful part of the forest.

MABIRA FOREST To the East of Kampala en route to Jinja, this rainforest provides good primate viewing as well as excellent birding – including African grey parrots. The forest reserve offers a variety of tranquil walking trails and for those looking for a more exhilarating route through the forest the Mabira Canopy Super Skyway is a zipline system connecting six canopy platforms near Griffin Falls.

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YOUR UGANDA

Extend

THE PEARL OF AFRICA

Our biggest tip for Uganda trips? If you can, slow down. Uganda has a host of premier activities, but there is a strong supporting cast of really worthwhile attractions to add even more magic to a Ugandan trip of a lifetime.

VISAS

QENP’s three sectors Mweya, Ishasha and Kyambura can justify two night stops, due to the diversity of their activities, whilst either Bwindi or Mgahinga almost demand 2+ night stays to enjoy more than just a gorilla trek.

UK passport holders need to apply for their $50 tourist visa online prior to arrival. The form, which needs to be printed out and taken to Uganda is at https://visas.immigration.go.ug. Payment is made at Immigration.

Lake Mburo provides an ideal one - two night stop, whilst places such as Lake Bunyoni, Jinja and Mabira offer visitors a “chill-out” after their trips. Of course that’s assuming they’re not en route to Jinja for its adrenalin charged adventure activities!

AIRLINES Although negotiations are ongoing, there is currently no direct flight from the UK to Entebbe. In the meantime, plenty of high quality international carriers do offer connecting flights including:

And then there are the more specialised trips, where the likes of Kidepo, Semliki, Mount Elgon and the Rwenzoris come into their own.

Ethiopian Airlines Kenya Airways Qatar Airways Emirates Etihad KLM Turkish Airlines Brussels Airlines

As our marketing slogan says its “Your Uganda”. No two itineraries need to be the same, but the longer you stay, the more you’ll come to love the country!

WHEN TO VISIT

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Uganda is a year-round destination due to its fairly consistent equatorial warm climate. April, May, October and November are the wettest months and therefore this can make primate treks somewhat more arduous.

Whilst the country can be compressed into an action-packed eight to ten days highlights itinerary, every day that can be added allows visitors to enjoy even more of Uganda’s attractions.

For example, Murchison Falls can easily provide three to four days worth of activities, plus Kibale at two nights, and that’s before you’ve even reached QENP and Bwindi.

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UK Office : www.visituganda.com 01664 823750 @VISITUGANDAUK #MYUGANDA 32