UGANDA: General Information: During the Fifties and Sixties, Uganda was the most important tourism destination in East Africa. The civil wars in the Seventies and Eighties not only destroyed the once impressive infrastructure, but also caused a drastic reduction in wildlife. Since 1986, when the current government returned the country to peace and prosperity, the important roads and hotels have been rebuilt. The animals, however, need more time to regenerate, but the rehabilitation of the National Parks has taken huge steps (with the assistance of various donor countries).

While the numbers have not yet risen to the levels known in Tanzania and Kenya, it is the incredible variety of species (Uganda is No. 2 in Africa and No. 9 in the world in terms of mammal species) and birdlife (the country is home to half of Africa's bird species) that enthralls the visitor, along with moving encounters with Chimpanzees and Gorillas

NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES

Murchison Falls National Park:
The waters of the Nile storm turbulently through a narrow crevice 7m in diameter, to crash into a series of foaming, roaring cascades on rock 45m below. It is the largest park in Uganda and all the wildlife can be viewed from a vehicle, or the comfort of a motor launch on the river, adding to its unique features.

Queen Elizabeth National Park:
In the southern part of the park is the Ishaha area with tree climbing lions and the Maramgambo, one of the largest natural forests in Africa. The northern part is dominated by breath taking crater lakes. A launch trip along the KizingaChannel joining Lake Edward and Lake George is an added attraction.

Bwindi National Park :
Known as the "impenetrable forest" because of its dense vegetation, it is the most recently created park in Uganda. It covers 331 square kms and lies on the border of Congo (former Zaire). The park contains one of the last remaining habitats of the mountain gorilla. Bwindi's 120-plus species of mammals make it one the richest ecosystem in Africa. Although visitors are mostly drawn to park in the hope to catch sight of gorillas, other primates can be observed such as chimpanzee, blue monkey, or black & white colobus. Elephants can be found in the southeast of the park. Other mammals include the bushpig, black fronted druiker, golden cat, side stripped jackal as well as many species of bats and rodents. The park is also home to 163 species of trees, some of which are unique to the forest.

Lake Mburo National Park :
The 260 square km park encompasses not only Lake Mburo but four other smaller lakes. Its easy accessibility from Kampala makes it a favorite destination for the city's residents. Though mainly composed of savanna, the park features rolling hills, open grass valleys, woodlands and also rich wetlands. The best game viewing opportunities are in the western side of the park with its open valleys. Impala, eland, roan antelope, reedbuck are a common sight along with herds of zebra and buffalo.

Kibale National Park:
Contiguous with Queen Elizabeth National Park, the park covers 766 square Kms. The frequent rains that befall it provide a unique moist forest habitat with a great diversity of wildlife and flora. Home to chimpanzee, baboon and red & white colobus, it is said to have the largest density of primates in the world. The star attraction being the chimpanzees. However, seeing them is no guarantee. The park also supports a rich wildlife including bushbuck, red druiker, buffalo and elephant (Kibale now contains the largest population of forest elephant in Uganda). About 325 species of birds inhabit the area as well as many beautiful butterflies.

SUGGESTED UGANDA PROGRAMS:

1. TOUR CODE: ESL/F/105-MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK 3 DAYS

• DAY 01: Morning pick up from your overnight accommodation in Kampala. Start 4 - 5 hour drive to Murchison falls National Park. Transfer to the Magnificent Top of the falls where you will enjoy your picnic lunch as you marvel at the Mighty Nile forced into a seven Metre crevice to thunder 45 metres below in a series of cascades. The Nile can be viewed at different points up to the Baker's Summit. Dinner and overnight either at Inns on the Nile Camp or Paraa Safari Lodge.
  Meal Plan - Lunch and Dinner. Transit time 5 Hours.
  
• DAY 02: After an early morning breakfast, embark on a half-day game drive on the northern bank of the river Nile. Escorted by game ranger, you may opt for a game walk while trailing animals and studying animal spoors. Game in this area includes Giraffe, Elephant, Harte beest, Lion, Uganda Kob, Oribi and a variety of Savannah and woodland birds.
  After lunch, take a Nile Cruise for game viewing at close quarters. This is a paradise of the Hippo and Crocodiles. Dinner and Overnight either at Inns on the Nile Camp or Paraa Safari Lodge.
  Meal Plan - Lunch and Dinner.
  
• DAY 03: Breakfast early, then transfer to Budongo forest for a half day Primate walk in search of primates. On the walk, you may see Black and white colobus monkey; Red tailed monkey, Baboon, Grey cheeked mangabeys or the chimpanzee. After lunch in Masindi, transfer to Kampala.
  
  

2. TOUR CODE: ESL/F/106: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK GORILLA TREKKING 5 DAYS FOUR NIGHTS

• Day 1: On arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide who will then transfer you to Kampala to the Grand Imperial Hotel or Hotel International Muyenga.
  
• Day 2: After breakfast, your guide will drive you through the rolling green hills of the Switzerland of Uganda (Kabale) with beautiful and dramatic scenery and terrace farming, to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Best known for its mountain gorillas, the montane forest also attracts spectacular birds. There are 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics including the African green broadbill, bar tailed trogon and other beautiful forest species here. The nature walk will lead you to the Munyaga waterfall and a chance to see primates such as the grey cheeked mangabey and blue monkeys. Spend the night at Gorilla Forest Camp or the Uganda Wildlife Authority Community Bandas.
  
• Day Three: Gorilla tracking, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences, there are now only 650 left in the world. The tracking may take between 2 and 6 hours with park guides interpreting the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the gorillas in the forest. In the afternoon relax at the Camp or take a forest walk. Over night at Gorilla Forest Camp or the Uganda Wildlife Community Bandas.
  
• Day Four: After breakfast, depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for Kampala having lunch en route and arriving in the evening. Over night at Grand Imperial Hotel or Hotel International Muyenga.
  
• Day Five: After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Entebbe to catch your flight back home.
  
  

Uganda Tourist Information:
Uganda Tourist Board, PO Box 7211, Parliament Avenue, Kampala, Uganda, Tel: (41) 242 196 fax: (41) 242 188 Uganda National Parks and Wildlife Authority Office, Tel: 232 971.

Passport Information:
Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.