Murchison Falls National Park
This is arguably, the hottest cake on Uganda’s tourism plate. It is in this park that the magnificent Murchison Falls are found. The falls are a thing of beauty, a mixture of beauty and ferociousness that sees the River Nile plunge down 43 metres, in a narrow seven-metre gap in a rift valley escarpment, splashing against itself in a show of steamy wildness.
But that is not all. The park offers a sanctuary for the giraffe, buffalo, lion, hippopotamus, elephant, lions, buffalo, antelope, crocodile, shoe bill-stork, water buck, the Uganda kob, leopard in a list that simply cannot be exhausted here. It is Uganda’s biggest game park. It’s found in Masindi District, five hours and over 300 kilometres away from Kampala.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This vast expanse of savannah grassland in South-western Uganda is a habitat to over 95 mammals along with 612 bird species. Its boundaries stretch all the way to the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, creating such a fine view of the mountains. The animal range here will not miss the buffalo, elephant, lion, and antelope, among others. Views of rift valley escarpments add even more flavour to an already spiced scenery.
It is easily accessible by public transport, on a five to six hour drive through Mbarara from Kampala. It boundaries span Kasese, Kamwenge, Bushenyi and Rukungiri districts. While at the park, you can also launch trips on the Kazinga channel, track chimpanzees, view birds, and take guided walks through Maragambo Forest. The Equator crosses right through the park. The lakes George and Edward and the interconnecting Kazinga channel are attractions as well. Tree climbing lions also feature in the South of the park.
Bwindi Impenetrable forest
Perhaps more than any other place on earth, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest possesses half of the world’s total world mountain gorilla population. And that is for an endangered species. But that is not all. On top of other wild animals, Bwindi boasts over 300 species of birds, over 200 species of butterflies, over 200 species of trees. It is located near Kanungu district and takes between six to eight hours to drive from Kampala. Permits for gorilla tracking can be got from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala.
The Source of the Nile in Jinja
The source of the world’s longest river is in Jinja. The River Nile and Lake Victoria are so central to life in Jinja. After struggling the ruins of it’s the miscarriage in its industrial growth, the town now has a second lease at life, with tourism offering the new promise, according to a recent report by the East African newspaper. The source of the Nile, the Bujagali falls, the Kalagala falls, among other scenic sites, offer beautiful scenery and ideal spots for holiday and picnics. Bungee jumping, game fishing and white water rafting are other attractions.
Mount Elgon National Park
Apart from the mountain, the dense network of trees that surrounds it offers a habitat to a range of wildlife and offers opportunities for bird-watching and mountain climbing. It is found in the East, in Mbale and Kapchorwa. The Sipi falls, in Kapchorwa district on one side of the mountain, are such a wonder to behold. This is also accessible by public transport and is only about three to four hours away from Kampala.
Rwenzori Mountain Ranges
In Kasese, lying right along the equator is a spot that snows all year round, Mahgerita, the peak of Mountain Rwenzori. Anybody that loves mountain climbing would find the challenge of scaling the heights of Mount Rwenzori a very worthy test of their resolve. But there’s more. The mountain’s slopes are blessed with a unique blend of Moorland and Montane vegetation. Bird watching is also possible at some spots on the ranges.
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Ssese Islands
Inside Lake Victoria are the Ssese Islands that will provide you the closest you will ever come to white sand beaches in Uganda. The islands are located in Lake Victoria and accessible by ferry from Entebbe and Bukakata in Masaka. Visitors to the island can take guided forest walks, bird watching on top of enjoying such incomparable serenity.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary
This island is located in Lake Victoria, approximately 23 kilometres from Entebbe. The sanctuary on the island was established in 1998 as a home for orphaned chimpanzees, and those that had been saved from poachers. The wealth of scenery at the island, plus the spectacle and getting up-close to the chimpanzees, makes Ngamba a site worthy of a visit.
Sezibwa falls
The Sezibwa falls in the newly formed Buikwe District are little talked about and yet burst forth with so much life and beauty they could leave you mesmerised for long spells. The falls are about seven metres high, with trapped in the middle of some dense vegetation cover in which a wide range of bird species is found. Those interested in rock climbing, camping, nature walks and canoeing could find this an ideal spot.
Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo
The Uganda martyrs, and the annual pilgrimage every June 3, have become such a central feature in the life of Christians in East and Central Africa. This is one place where the heights of spirituality and history merge to create a sacred tourism site that unfortunately only rises to the occasion in June.
Mabira forest
For now, Mabira forest still stands, in defiance of the sugarcane that had threatened to eat into its share. Mabira forest offers you the definition of equatorial rainforest, with an-all-year round rain cycle and such a concentration of greenery as you can imagine. It’s got some of the rarest tree and bird species in the region. The vegetation setting offers such an apt environment for camping, forest walks and bird watching.
Entebbe Wildlife Education centre – zoo
Formerly just a zoo, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre does more than just keep and show off wild animals but acts as a learning centre about conserving wildlife and as an entertainment centre, on top of the animals on show. It’s located in Entebbe and houses a wide range of carnivores, primates, reptiles, birds and hoofstocks.
Nyero Rock paintings
These paintings, found in Kumi District in eastern Uganda, are a sign that ingenuity preceded us and came long before we did. The paintings are an essential fabric of Ugandan heritage. They are also a world heritage site. It’s a collection of rock paintings dating back to the iron ages, believed to have been made by light skinned bushmen.
Uganda Museum
The museum, located in Kitante, Kampala, makes a narratology of Ugandan history, culture and heritage, trying to sum up thousands of years in a single exhibition.
By Joseph
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