Why Impala spices up Wildlife Viewing on a Uganda Safari

Facts about Impala

The Impala whose scientific name is ‘Aepyceros melampus’ weighs between 100-140 pounds and in East Africa it’s mainly found in the savannah and light woodland usually very close to water. A mature Impala is between 27-38 inches tall its life span is 13 years. They have a reddish-brown body with white hair inside their ears, on the chin and over the eyes. Along their middle of the lower bottom runs a narrow black line and black stripe on the back of each thigh. This makes the Impala look so attractive and if found grazing on grass on the plane, one may wonder how God decorated this browser animal. The gestation period of an Impala is between 6-7 months.

Lifestyle of an Impala

An Impala is one of the most social, humble mammals in the wild and easily adapt to the prevailing environmental conditions. Unlike other animals, Impalas can survive in times of famine since they have two stomachs and can store food in one of the stomach for future use. Usually while they are in planes, males set up territories and control them, this is common when food is in plenty. These territories are made out of dung heaps and the male Impalas are seen standing with erect postures, rubbing scent from face glands in these territories. The female Impala and the young ones just follow the males and don’t go beyond their specific territories. The females form herds and wander in and out of the male territories but still the males try to herd them back to the center.

It’s very hard to distinguish between a male and a female Impala because of their body shape. Their bodies are almost the same and the only difference is that the females don’t have horns.

Giving birth

When its time for mating, the males make a lot of noise, making a sound like that of a lion’s roar or a dog’s bark. After the activity, the males look exhausted in that they cannot hold their territories for nearly a month. After about 7months the female gives birth and this is done through pain. The female leave the herd when they are about to give birth and seeks a secluded spot to bear her fawn. She eats the afterbirth and cleans the fawn after giving birth. The mother stays with the fawn for a few days or even leaves it lying out for a week before returning to the herd. If there are other fawns in the herd she may take her fawn to the others and live together and form a nursery group. This is done because it’s very hard for predators to pick from the nursery group. The young Impalas grow very fast and suckle for about 6 months after which they start to graze on grass.

Although Impalas keep themselves in territories, they are always attacked by their predators such as; lions, hyenas, hunting dogs, and leopards. This has led to a great depletion of Impalas in East Africa.

Semuliki National Park - Uganda Safaris

Semuliki National Park is found in the extreme west of Uganda in Bundibugyo district.The park sprawls across the floor of the Semuliki Valley and it's along the Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo border.

A bird at SemulikI National Park

The Ituri forest acts as an eastern extension for the Park. Ituri forest is one of Africa's most bio-diverse and ancient forest that has survived for more than 18,000 years.

The Park contains various features that are hard-to find in other parks and this explains why tourists enjoy making trips to this remote park.

Facts about the Park
Semuliki National Park was gazetted in October 1993 and it covers an area of about 220km squared.The park's topology is flat with gently undulating land form,that is 760m above sea level.
The streams and rivers that flow from the surrounding areas drain through the park.This is the reason why many areas in the park are flooded during the rainy season.

Attractions at the park
Birding Safars:The park is a wonderful destination for tourists due to it's diverse small animals,butterflies and birds.The recorded number of bird species is 445 and this is about 35% of Uganda's total.Some of theses birds at the park are hard to find elsewhere in East Africa like the horn bills and lyre tailed honey guide.

The park has 63 mammal species and among these there are 9 diurnal forest primates including the Chimpanzees (chimpanzee safaris/tracking),vervet monkeys,olive baboons and blue monkeys.
Other mammals found in the park include the buffaloes,beecroft's flying squirrels,blue duikers,pigmy squirrels, target rat,water chevrotain and fruit bat,elephants,leopards,sitatungas and crocodiles.

The park is said to have over 374 species of butterflies and months plus 47 species of forest swallowtails and charaxes.

A hotspring at the Park

Activities at the park
Making a journey to Semuliki National Park exposes you to splendid views of nature.The moment you get to the park,there are numerous activities that one can opt for including;
-Spot fishing.this is done along the river  Semuliki. Visitors are expected to come with their fishing facilities.
-Game drives-Both day and evening game drives are arranged at the park and this goes through the park.The visitor gets a chance to have a close glance of the wild animals plus taking photos.These drives are guided.
-Boat trip.Have a chance to see the magnificent hot springs situated in a tract of hot mineral swampland.Still on this trip,different birds are seen flying both high and near the water.
-Birding.The presence of numerous rare birds at the park makes it an ideal place for birders.
-Cultural walks.Meet and greet the local people known as the Batuku and the Batwa people,who occupy the area.These people have unique cultures that are interesting.

Accommodation
There are a number of accommodation places specifically in Fort Portal and Bundibugyo town where a visitor can stay and relax.The campsite at Bugama (about 3km from Sepaya gate) is another place where a visitor can stay.

How to get there
Semuliki National Park can be accessed by travelling from Kampala to Fort Portal via Mubende.This is about 300km.Alternatively,one can opt to pass through Masaka ,Mbarara and Kasese which is about 515km.This is a longer route but it enables one to view Kyambura Wildlife Reserve,Lake Mburo National Park,Queen Elizabeth National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Mount Rwenzori National Park - Uganda Safaris

The Park is also referred to as "Mountain of the moon"and it's bisected by Uganda and DRC.The beautiful sceneries of the Rwenzori mountains are one of the key attractions that the Park has to offer.

A splendid view of mount Rwenzori

Location
Mount Rwenzori Na

tional Park is located in the south- west of uganda bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.The Park covers an area of about 120 km long and 48 km wide.
The Park's location in the region of great views,Lakes and waterfalls,makes it one of the most beautiful Parks in Africa.

What are the attractions at the Park?
The Park's fauna is well known with over 70 mammal species and over 184 bird species.Some of the interesting mammals include the blue monkeys,colobus monkeys, Rock Hyrax,Leopards,Elephants,Chimpanzees and the three horned chameleon.
Get a chance to climb and see the different peaks on the mountain such as Speke and Margherita.

Tourist attractions
Most of the Tourists opt for central circuit trail that takes 7-9 days to complete.This trail exposes the visitor to all the great peaks on the mountain.However,there are other shorter trails that can be arranged on request.

Comfortable Lodges at the Park

Accommodation
There are numerous options as regards to accommodation at Rwenzori NP.One can decide to stay at Mweya Lodge and Jacana Lodge,for up market facilities.Alternatively,one can opt for mid rate Margherita Hotel or Rwenzori Base Camp.There are also African-styled huts at the mountain where guests can spend a night.

How to get there
From Kampala,one can either opt for air or road.By road,from Kampala head to Kasese through Mbarara town or through Fort Portal.Reach Nyakalengija (the park's headquarters) which is 25 km from Kasese town.
By air,book for a flight to Kasese Airstrip from Entebbe and then use the road to Nyakalengija.

Lake Mburo National Park - Uganda Safaris

Where id Lake Mburo National Park located?
The Park is located in western Uganda in a district known as Kiruhura.The Park stands out about 30 km from Mbarara district (largest city in the sub-region).The Park's location is approximately 240 km from Kampala.

Buffaloes and Zebras of Lake Mburo National Park

Facts about the park
Lake Mburo National Park is a magnificent place with all its part splendid with variety,interest and the colour that reflect the beauty of the Lake and the green surrounding.
The Park has sculptured landscapes with rolling grassy hills that are easily seen from different angles of the park.
The Park has permanent swamps and rich acacia woodlands that act as a play ground for some of the birds, that keep on meandering about the whole area.The Park is known for harboring hard-to find birds such as the white-winged warbler and the shoebill stork.
The Park is 26 sq.km and it is the smallest savannah National Park in Uganda.The park has different types of plants, surprising rocky outcrops,mosaic habitats and animals.

Attractions at the Park
Lake Mburo National Park is blessed  with a wide collecting of wild animals and birds.Among the animals that the Park harbors include;beautiful zebras,Kobs,Impalas and buffaloes.

The Crested Crane 

One of the greatest attraction at the Park is the wide diversity of birds.The Park has  surprising species of birds both local and Migratory birds.Some of the bird species at the park are;Black-billed  Barbet,Barefaced Go-away bird,Brown Parrot,Black bellied Bustard,Crested Crane,Emerald-wood dove,Nubian wood pecker,Rufuos chested swallow,Souther Red Bishop,white-winged warbler, shoebill stork Couser,Flappet larks,African-wattled Plover Rofous and Yellow-throated Long claw.

What are the activities carried out at the Park?
.Nature walks-Visitors can enjoy an adventurous walk through the Park and they admire the beauty.They are escorted by an armed guide.
.Boat trips-Taking a boat ride on Lake Mburo is one of those activities that will always reflect back in the visitor's minds.While on this trip,you can see a wide variety of animals and great views of the highlands.
.Forest walk-Through Rubanga forest and have great views of over 40 bird species and wild animals.
.Fishing-on Lake Mburo

Accommodation 
Some of the places where a guest can spend a night or two are;
.Lake Mburo Safari Lodge-
.Mihingo Lodge-
.Arcadia Cottages-
.Mantana Tented Camp-
.Rwoyo Rest Camp-has Tents and bandas plus a camping site at Mazinga Camp site

Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda Safaris

What is Murchison Falls National Park?

This park came into existence in 1926 when it was gazetted by the Ugandan government with an aim of protecting a Savannah. The Park's falls are one of the greatest attractions that tourists come to have a glance at.The Park is bisected by the Victoria Nile and this causes a white water rapid that is so magnificent to look at.

Where is it located?
Murchison Falls National Park is found in the northwestern Uganda spreading inland from Lake Albert around Victoria Nile,where the Bunyoro escarpments merge into the vast plains of Acholi land.

What are the main Tourist attractions at the Park?
The unique Murchison Falls and the River Nile are the main attractions in this park,having a wide collection of aquatic animals such as the Hippos and Crocodiles.These are best seen when they come to drink water in the afternoon from the Nile.
The waterfalls offer a dramatic view to the tourists.The most appropriate site to view these falls is at the top where the site and sound of the crashing water make an unforgettable assault on the senses. 
Pabidi and Kaniyo Forests are other interesting attractions where visitors go for a nature walk,and get an opportunity to track the chimpanzees.
Birding is another activity that the park offers with over 100 bird species including the Ituri batis,white thi hornbill and yellow-footed catcher.
Consequently,the visitors can enjoy the Park's prime views of the Savannah Game area.This grassland wilderness is between the Victoria Albert Nile with splendid views.

Where to stay while at Murchison Falls National Park?
There are numerous lodges where visitors can stay while at this Park and these include;Red chilli Rest Camp,Kaniyo Pabidi Rest Camp,Nile Safari Camp,Para Safari Lodge and Simbiya River Lodge.
These Lodges are organised with modern facilities and are strategically located to offer great views to the guests.
In the neighboring town (Masindi town) there are also comfortable places to stay like the Masindi Hotel and Court View Hotel.

How to get there
When travelling by road,it is approximately a 5 hours drive from Kampala.This is about 306km from Kampala.Alternatively,one can use the route that passes through Budongo forest and get a chance to get see the splendid Lake Albert.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda Safaris

Why Bwindi Impenetrable?

The park was named "Bwindi Impenetrable" because of the dense cover hubs,shrubs and vines that cover the ground of the Park.These make penetration through the park hard in that one cannot see where he/she is putting his/her next step while walking.The Park is fairly dark even during times of day making it to look like it's hard to go through.Bwindi is mostly known for the rare Mountain Gorillas that have led to an increase in Gorilla Safaris in Uganda.

Where is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park found?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found in Southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley.The park is in the Kigezi highlands adjacent to Democratic Republic of Congo boarder.The Park's location in Uganda's "milk Area" is an advantage to the Tourists as they are exposed to the long-horned cattle.

The Park is on a raised platform,all covered green which makes it so attractive from a distance.The fauna and flora of this 328km squared Park stands out from a long distance.

What are the attractions at the Park?

The Park is full of wonders of the wild due to its diverse collection of wild animals that roam about the area.The Park has one of the richest fauna communities in Africa with half the total population of Gorillas in the World.Apart from the Gorillas,there are over 250 bird species,7 diurnal primate species,200 butterfly species and over 120 mammals.

The Gorillas are mostly found in greener corners of the park as they try to look for food.They spend most of their time on trees jumping from one branch to another.

What is the climate and the best time to visit the Park?

Bwindi is always cold in the morning and at night with moderate temperature ( between 7-20 degrees Celsius). The coldest months are June and July ,while the wet season is from March-May and September-November.

Where to stay while at the park?

At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,there are numerous accommodations where visitors can spend nights including;

-Bwindi Lodge;this is on the edge of Buhoma village near the Park in the west of Uganda.

-Gorilla Forest Camp;this is a luxurious permanent tented camp found in the forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

-Buhoma community bandas and campsite-This is an attractive complex found in the woodlands facing a gallery near the Park's entrance.

-Volcanoes Bwindi Camp-this is located at about 500 meters inside the park.

Other accommodations include;Montana luxury tented camp,Bwindi travelers Motel Campsite,Bwindi view bandas and Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite.

How to get there?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is in the Southwestern part of Uganda about 545km fro Kampala.Travelling by road is the easiest way to access the Park.
Travelling by air,board a plane to Kihihi and then proceed to the Park.

TRAVEL TO UGANDA AND RWANDA - Uganda and Rwanda Safaris

Uganda and Rwanda are both found in East Africa and these are one of the few countries in the World where mountain Gorillas are found.The hard-to find wild animals that are found in these countries are one of reasons of the frequent reception of both Uganda Safaris and Rwanda Safaris.This also leads to an increase in both Uganda Gorilla Safaris and Rwanda Gorilla Safaris.

In the past two years,these East African countries have experienced a rapid growth in the Tourism industry due to their serene environment,birds and wild animals.These animals are found in the in National Parks and reserves.

The political climate in these countries is stable and calm, instilling confidence in the visitors who travel from different parts of the world to come and look at the "human like"animals (gorillas).
Apart from the gorillas,there are other wild animals in these countries including;the Lions,Leopards,Elephants,Monkeys,Chimpanzees, Buffaloes,Crocodiles,Hippos,Antelopes,Snakes, Giraffes, Warthogs and many more.These countries are also habitats for different species of birds.

An unforgettable Safari to Uganda and Rwanda enables visitors to tour the following National Parks;

UGANDA
.Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
.Queen Elizabeth National Park
.Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
.Murchison Falls National Park
.Kibale Forest National Park
.Lake Mburo National Park
.MT Rwenzori National Park
.MT Elgon National Park
.Semliki National Park
.Kidepo Valley National Park

RWANDA
.Volcanoes National Park
.Akagera National Park
.Nyungwe Forest

A visit to Uganda and Rwanda can never be forgotten.