Akagera National Park - Rwanda Safaris

Where is it found?
Akagera National Park is found in the East of Rwanda near Kibungu city.Covering an area of about 2500 square kilometers of Savannah the park has a magnificent view of the Kagera River that denotes the frontier with Tanzania.
The park is on Rwanda's border with Tanzania in the east and it is the most standing out site at the place.The park has rolling sandstone hills in the west that are cut by a narrow,deep valley.In the east,there are predominant swamps and flood-plains that are breathtaking.

What a visitor should expect at the Park?

Hippos in Akagera River

Akagera National Park is composed of wonderful touch of the wild life due to the presence of rare mammals that roam about the whole area.These mammals and birds are easily seen and a visitor can take clear photos with them.
Some of the wild animals that one cannot miss out on a Safari to this park include;elephants,zebras,buffaloes,bush babies,crocodiles, hippopotamus and many more.Sometimes visitors get a chance to see hiding animals at the park such as lions,leopards and the black rhinos.

Birding is another adventure that the park has to offer with over 150 bird species.These birds are well seen in the morning and evening as they fly few meters from the ground.The park is also known for harboring waterbirds that are rare to find.Some of the birds include;black-headed gonalek,heuglin's robin-chat, gorgeous lilac-breasted roller,giant horn bill,crested barbet, Ross's turaco and many more.

What are some of the activities carried out at the Park?
There are numerous activities that the park can offer and this include the following:
-Game drive:Get a chance to get close to the wild animals and even take photos with them on your game drive at the park.These game drives are guided and are organised both in the morning and evening.While on the drive,many wild animals are seen as they graze and pay in the Savannah.
Strong vehicles are used to get you through this East African wild.

-Birding;Presence of a wide variety of birds at this park offers birders a paradise to embrace.The rare birds that are seen flying and sailing on River Kagera,spices up the safari.

Other activities at the park include;Evening walks,cultural walks,nature walks and boat cruising.

Akagera Lodge

Where to stay 
-Akagera game Lodge:This is the only accommodation in the park.The Lodge is magnificent with great views of the park.At the front of the Lodge,there is a pool where visitors go for sunbathing and relaxing.The Lodge has comfortable rooms and modern facilities.

Alternatively,one can decide to camp at Akagera Camp site.This site overlooks the Akagera River and one can have a wonderful view of the Lake while at his/her tent.

How to get to the Park
The park can be accessed from  Kigali and this is about 12km which takes about 2 hours while using the road,while from Kibungo,it takes 1 hour.
It is advisable to use 4  by 4 vehicles while travelling to this park.

Kidepo Valley National Park - Uganda Safaris

Kidepo Valley National Park is found in the North Eastern corner of Uganda in Karamoja region ( remote region).The park is East Africa's most beautiful park.The park is on the border of Uganda and Sudan and Kenya.

Located about 700km from Kampala,Kidepo Valley National Park was gazetted as a national park in 1962 and today it is a home to over 85 mammal species and 476 species of birds.

Zebras grazing at Kidepo N.P

The park is isolated in the far North of Uganda but visitors that make that long journey through the wild frontier region,have an adventurous story to tell.The magnificent look and the profusion of big game has led to the world ranking of the park as one of the Africa's finest wilderness.
The Park's nomination as the Africa's leading national park 2013 by World Travel Awards,led to an increase in the number of tourists who visit the park.


Attractions at the Park
The diversity of both the mammal and the birds at the park,is the main reason for the great record of an increase in the number of visitors to the park.
The park has over 85 mammal species of which 25 are restricted to the park and Karamoja areas,such as the localized carnivores Bat eared fox,striped Hyena,Aardwolf,caracal,cheetah and hunting dog.Other special mammals at the park are;leopards,Black-backed and side-striped Jackal,Lions,and Hyenas.
The park also protects 5 primate species such as the Kivirondo bush baby that is endemic to the park.The park is also boasted with large mammals including the elephants,Giraffes,Zebras,Defassa water bucks,Elands,Cape Buffaloes,Jackson's hartebeest and the rare Klipspringer,Mountain Reedbuck,dikdi,lesser and greater Kudu.

The park is also a paradise for birding with over 476 bird species including 56 prey birds like the ostriches,Karamoja Apalis,Kori bustard,Abyssinian roller,Jackson's horn bill Egyptian vulture,Verreux's eagle owl and Pygmy falcon.Presence of these birds has led to an increase in Birding Safaris in Uganda.

Accommodation

Stunning Apoka Lodge

-Private Apoka Lodge:This Lodge is has comfortable rooms for guests who wish to have a wonderful time at the park.
-National Park Bandas:The bandas at Apoka lodge have beddings,hot shwers,mosquito nets,clean drinking water and a magnificent view of the park.
-Kakine Campsite:This has modern facilities that offer comfort to guests.

How to get there
The park can be accessed by using any of the 4 road routes  that are between 570 to 795 kilometers from Kampala, depending on the route used.
However,the park can also be accessed by charter flights.

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 Elgon National Park - Uganda Safaris

Mount Elgon National Park is found in Eastern Uganda in The "Masaba Region".The Elgon mountain that stands magnificently about 4,321meters  above sea-level,is one of the greatest attractions at the site.

Sipi falls

Mount Elgon first erupted more than 24 million years ago but at the moment,it stands as a dormant volcano.The 50km by 80km wide mountain is also referred to as the "Masaba" Mountain because of the neighboring local people called the "Masaba".
The Park is a great tourist destination in Uganda and it posses the largest surface area of any extinct volcano  in the world.The Park is fourth highest in East Africa.
Mount Elgon straddles to the Kenya border.
Wagagai is the highest peak on this Mountain with 4321m above sea level.

What are the great attractions at the Park?
The presence of a magnificent flora and fauna at this park has led to the increased number of Tourists that visit the Mountain.The mountain's slopes support  a rich variety of splendid vegetation zones.These Vegetation zones range from lush Montana,mixed bamboo belt forest, to open moorland.
The vegetation contains rear endemic plant species that are breathtaking from both short and long distances.This is accompanied by the everlasting wild flowers that make the place look adorable to guests.

Activities at the Park
Trekking:
For those visitors that are interested in trekking,mount Elgon offers an unforgettable adventure as you climb past the big rocks and caves.There are 3 trailheads leading to the mountain's peaks.One trail starts from Budadiri,the second trail starts from Sasa and the last one starts from Kapkwai.

Cultural Walks:
Meet the Bagisu and Sabiny people around this park.These people are generally subsistence farmers and they are well know for practicing annual circumcision ceremonies.These ceremonies are carried out to initiate men into adulthood.

Hiking:
Hiking at this Park exposes a guest to a variety of unique forest monkeys and small antelopes plus elegant buffaloes and elephants.

The beautiful Sipi waterfalls offer a unique touch to the hike as you watch the beautiful waters drift from upper to lower levels.

Camping:
The Park has 9 basic campsites to offer.These campsites are strategically located along the trekking routes.Visitors are expected to carry there own camping equipment.


Accommodation at the Park
A tourist can opt for any lodge or hotel that he/she wishes to spend a night.Some of the accommodations at the park include the International standard hotels found in Mbale town (Mount Elgon Hotel,Country home,Mbale Resort and Sunrise Inn) and up-market lodges within the 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

Kibale Forest National Park - Uganda Safaris

Where is the Park located?

Kibale Forest National Park is found in western Uganda in the south of Fort portal town.The Park is in the middle of the Congo basin wet Rain Forest and the drier East African forest.This location supports a rich array of tropical plants and animals from both areas.

What are the great attractions at Kibale Forest National Park?
The Park is a great concentration of different species of monkeys and the hard-to-find Apes in Uganda.
The Park has a wide variety of wild animals including the chimpanzees,elegant elephants,colobus monkeys and buffaloes.

The Park is also a home to numerous bird species including the great blue turaco,narina's trogon,scalt francolin,naped pigeons,blue throated roller and many more.

Both the animals and the birds are easily seen while in the park depending on the timing.Some birds are hard to see during day time because they travel for long distances in search for food.
Wild animals like the chimps and monkeys always hide in leaves of tall tress and keep on jumping from one branch to the other.
The beautiful grasslands at the park are breathtaking all day with birds meandering about the whole place.

What are some of the activities at the Park?
A guest at Kibale Forest National Park is exposed to numerous adventurous activities including;Nature walks through the forest,cultural tours,chimpanzee tracking and game drives.
Meet and greet the local people,and see how they are organised.
You can also take a scenic walk to and visit the Karambi Royal Tombs. Tooro kingdom's royal place.

Where to stay while at the Park?
There are may accommodations near and inside Kibale National Park,where a visitor can stay and at the same time enjoy the great views of the park.Some of the accommodations include;

Ndali Lodge;

This has 8 strategically located comfortable cottages.These cottages are well equipped with modern facilities,an airy bedroom,en-suit bathroom and an a private veranda that offers wonderful views of the park.

Primate Lodge

This Lodge has 8 unique safari tents with African styles.The tents are on raised platforms and a guest can stand at the veranda and have a complete view of the park.

Kibale Tented Camp

It is found just outside the park.It offers tents with en-suite facilities to offer comfort to guests.The tents are also eco friendly. A bar and a central dinning are other facilities found at the Camp.

Other Lodges at the Kibale National Park are;Mid Range Camps and Lodges,Montana Luxury Tented Camp and Rwenzori view guest house.

How to get there
From Kampala,you can take the road to Fort Portal and then to Kamwenge. From here,the park is just 12 km away.