Print this articleAnew face has eventually egressed allover capital of Uganda. The urban centre's skyline has been remolded and is looking attractively different ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is an understatement.
Within a small radius are hotels, guest houses, motels or inns. Mid-century architecture that has for long symbolised Kampala is fast giving way to futuristic constructions; whose beauty has complemented the equatorial lushness.
On Acacia Avenue alone are two landmark buildings within adjacent to one another. The Kampala Protea Hotel and Metropole Hotel, some yards down the road have added to the magnificence of the already elegant and serene Kitante Golf course.
The illusionary Kampala Protea Hotel with 70 deluxe Suite Hotel may not be that tall to hug the sky, but icovers acres of space, making it hard to pass unnoticed.
The hotel has an gratifying architecture that is more than the usual concrete blocks. It exposes a creative design that uses cutting-age technology. It has brown, smooth and bronzed exterior walls that can only leave you speculative about the interior.
If the golf course's lush greenery is not dazzling enough to warrant one's attention as they drive by, the stylish 60-room Metropole Hotel will do. Not only does the hotel have the space and flexibility to accommodate large numbers of people, but also its design and roofing provides fresh air and natural light that filters through the corridors and the washrooms.
"We intend to establish a reputation for comfort, charm and friendly efficient service and we believe our guests, after getting a feel will return to our delightful retreat," Rahul Sood, the manager, says.
The decor is a clever mix of old and new; art-deco furniture poses comfortably beside stunning modern pieces. Rooms are contemporary, bright and welcoming, a sure way to provide relaxation that can soothe any stress.
Sood reckons that the hotel is the first in Africa with the Voice over Internet Protocol telephony for the guests. The hotel has Internet Protocol phones installed everywhere. It is wireless and guests can browse the high speed Internet anywhere.
That said, the Golf course Hotel is another marvel. The hotel is one of the grandest and historical landmarks.
I believe even some environmentalists who went up in arms during the hotel's infancy days would get impressed by what greets them today.
Pointed and cylindrical roofs, large fountains and an expansive swimming pool in the middle of a canopy of trees all spell a 'cool atmosphere' befitting a queen.
Chinese architecture is most famous for the Great Wall of China. However, The Nanjing restaurant and Motel, on Impala Avenue in the plush Kololo suburb is an architectural marvel. It is proof that there is so much more to Chinese architecture than just that huge Chinese wall.
An aquatic theme runs through the hotel and its design is both visually and functionally cascading. It has a transparent glass 'waterfall' that lights the building as night falls. Calling it 'large and extravagant', 'a pleasure to look at' 'breath-taking and 'detailed to the last drop' best describes, the Nanjing Motel.
In city centre is yet another awesome sight - the Royal Imperial Hotel.
Though said to be built in the road reserve, the hotel is really a spectacle.
It has no extraneous clutter, but the attention to detail is superb. The colours used on the hotel are beguiling and encourage the much clamoured for natural light.inations/mabira-forest-uganda.html
From impotent men looking for the liggwalimu plant (Citropropsis Artituculata) which is believed to fire up potency, to birders, campers, conservationists, students and eco-tourists, Mabira Forest seems to offer something for everybody. Locals from Buvunya village, are likely to warn the Youth Forum delegates from the Commonwealth countries who are scheduled to visit the 312sqkm forest today (Sunday), not to tamper with the liggwalimu unless they have a prescription from the village herbalist. They claim that the western viagra is no match for the thorny plant.
The plant is one of the many highly-valued medicinal plants in Mabira Forest, the only remaining tropical jungle in central Uganda. Neighbouring communities, in collaboration with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) are trying to conserve it. The forest is located about 50km east of Kampala. Mabira is home to many plant and animal species, including 312 tree and shrub species, 199 species of butterfly, 287 species of birds which constitutes about 30% of the country's birds and about 20 small mammals.
The forest plays an important role as a water catchment area because it is located between two international lakes - Victoria and Kyoga and two rivers - the Nile and Ssezibwa. Lake Victoria, measuring 68,800sqkm, is the second biggest fresh water lake in the world and the largest in Africa, while the Nile is the longest river. Mabira has a diversity of plants some of which are used by the community to treat impotence. Other plants like the Prunus Africana are used to treat prostate cancer that is prevalent among old men. In addition, Mabira helps in sinking waste gases from the atmosphere. The forest stores carbon that is worth $315m per year. The forest contributes to the heavy rains that are experienced in the surrounding areas throughout the year.
According to testimonies from farmers, when the forest was encroached upon during the 1970s and 1980s, the amount of rainfall in the area greatly declined, but when they were evicted in 1989, there was a significant increase in the amount of rainfall in the area.
Mabira Forest is an important eco-tourism destination and is one of the most important attractions between Kampala and Jinja, where the River Nile begins its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea.
Hundreds of bird and butterfly species call the forest home. Notable among the endangered bird species are the Nahan's Francolin and the Papyrus Gonolek. The most common birds, which are a must see in the forest, are the Great Blue Turaco and the Black and White casqued hornbill.
The forest also hosts a wide range of animals, including endangered primates. A primatologist working in Mabira Forest announced in February that monkeys in the forest previously thought to be Grey-cheeked Mangabey (Lophocebus albigena) were in fact a new species. There are leopards, antelopes and snakes. Elephants and buffaloes were once plentiful and roamed the forest but became extinct about three decades ago as human intrusion started taking its toll on the forest. The forest is beginning to recover after the current government evicted encroachers.
Former Ugandan President Idi Amin encouraged Ugandans to settle in the forest and grow crops in what was termed "double production." They not only settled here but also built their own capital city known as London in the heart of the jungle. 'London' was razed to the ground when the encroachers were evicted by the Government.
It is claimed that one of its inhabitants - a drunkard - burnt alive in his house. Ironically, Mabira is still the only forest in the country where one finds legal settlements. When it was officially gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932, some people had already got titles for big chunks of land inside the forest. Today, these people's land forms the 27 enclaves (settlements) inside Mabira Forest. Most people mistake, or for political reasons, brand these settlements as encroachment.
Recently, there was a proposal to give away part of the forest to the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (Scoul), a sugar company owned by the Mehta Group, to increase cane production. The company was established by Indian immigrant Nanji Kalidas Mehta. Asian immigrants formed a prosperous trading community in Uganda before they were expelled by Idi Amin in 1972. Many returned following Amin's downfall. One of the arguments the Government fronted was that Mabira had already been heavily encroached upon. The plan sparked off mass demonstrations in which three people lost their lives. The debate continues.
However, the manager of Mabira Forest, Leo Twinomuhangi, does not agree with the encroachment argument when he explains how the forest is managed.
Mabira Forest is nature's seventh heaven. Because of its beauty, location and biodiversity, the jungle is now one of the most visited eco-tourism spots in the country. It is because of this that the Rain Forest Lodge was born. The $2m lodge is a tropical jungle paradise whose owners market it as the place where honeymooners have a high chance of producing twins. Its self-contained cottages blend with natural beauty. The paved walkways evoke a magical spiritual-like charm that points to romance, while the lodge's swimming pool and heavenly beds make it a combination of many centuries. Nights in the forest are marked with the melodious chirping of crickets, hooting of owls and the forest's trademark wails from the tree hyrax. In addition, the NFA also runs an eco-tourism centre with accommodation facilities located in the forest.
The main tourist activities include, bird watching, camping and nature walks. One of the most beautiful sites in Mabira is Griffin Falls, deep inside the jungle. The falls are as exciting as they are dangerous to reach. There is a good camping area near the beautiful waterfalls. If you visit Mabira, you will not have a story to tell if do not see the trees that devour other trees. These deadly trees, known as stranglers, develop around the trunks of their victims and suck life out of them. Over time, they swallow the victim and inherit its size and shape.
As the debate about whether to give away part of the forest for sugarcane growing continues, the proponents of the idea insist that the forest has been overdegraded and what remains is only a strip of trees along the road.
To prove whether the 312sqkm forest is nothing more than a strip of trees along the highway, armed with a compass and a hand-held Global Positioning System device (GPS), we trekked through the forest for 11 days. We got lost on the sixth night inside the forest because of the density of undergrowth in the strict nature reserve zone. Some villagers mistook us for ghosts and nearly brought us offerings.
Locals believe that ghosts of small stature but large heads known as Nakalanga roam the forest. They probably mean the pygmies that once lived in the forest. They claim that whenever these spirits are angry, they emerge from Mabira, cross the road around Najjembe leaving fatal accidents on the highway in their wake. During our trek, without food and water, we had contemplated drinking our own urine. Fortunately, we were rescued by NFA officials and our adventure through Uganda's most controversial forest continued uninterrupted.
Alpahbets S and T
Safari Eye
Plot 26C Lumumba Avenue, Kampala
PO Box 2972
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 253414
Fax.
Mobile. +256 (0)772 443012
email. info@safarieye.co.ug
Website. safarieye.co.ug
Managing Director: Ronald Mulenzi
Silver Back Safaris
861B Kalungu Road, Bunga, Kampala
PO Box 29769
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)312 270778
Fax.
Mobile. +256 (0)772 874685, (0)772 456366
email. tours@silversafaris.co.ug
Website. silversafaris.co.ug
Managing Director: Immaculate Irumba
Sinai Tours and Travel
Plot 28, Suite 16, Jinja Road, Kampala
P.O Box 11312
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)312 841182, +256 (0)392 841132
Fax.
Mobile. +256 (0)752 931576
email. info@sinaitoursandtravel.com
Website. sinaitoursandtravel.com
Managing Director: Caroline Lwanga
SwanAir Travel and Safaris
Plot4 Kimathi Avenue, Kampala
PO Box 11206, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 235608, (0)414 250966
Fax. +256 (0)414 250965
Mobile. +256 (0)772 750965
email. swanair@swanairtravel.biz
Website. swanairtravel.biz
Managing Director: Eugene Nsubuga Windt
The Far Horizons Africa Limited
Uganda representative office
Plot 2409 Tank Hill By Pass Road, Kampala
PO Box 9034
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)312 264894/5/7
Fax. +256 (0)414 230254
MObile. +256 (0)772 786999
email. info@thefarhorizons.com
Website. thefarhorizons.com
Managing Director: Patrick Shah
The Uganda Safari Company
17 Kyadondo Road, Nakasero, Kampala
PO Box 23825
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 251182
Fax. +256 (0)414 344653
Mobile. +256 (0)772 489497
email. tusc@africaonline.co.ug
Website. safariuganda.com
Managing Director: Jonathan Wright
Travel Dot Com
Plot 1 Kimathi Avenue United Assurance Bldg
Kampala
P.O Box 33522
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 344221
Fax. +256 (0)414 232977
Mobile.
email. travelcom@spacenet.co.ug
Website.
Managing Director: Sanjay Gokadas Tanna
Travel World International
Baumann House Plot 7,
Ground Floor Suite 209,
Parliament Avenue, Kampala
PO Box 70009
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 261990, (0)414 576243
Fax. +256 (0)312 261991
email. travelworld_international@siticable.co.ug
Managing Director: Albert Ofong
Travelust African Safaris
2244 Buziga road, Buziga Hill, Kampala
PO Box 27943
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 578209
Fax. +256 (0)414 255288
Mobile. +256 (0)772 419238
email. james@travelust.com
Website. travelust.com
Managing Director: James Kateeba
Tropical Link Tours
Plot 12 Luwum street, Kampala
PO Box 22511
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 312 281 233
Fax.+256 41 345803
Mobile. +256 782 207 136
email. info@tropicallinktours.com
Website. tropicallinktours.com
Managing Director: Mr.Magada Moses
Trust Tours &Travel
Wilson Rd, 2nd Floor Room 7,
Kampala
PO Box 1302
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 507689
Fax.
Mobile. +256 (0)712 430804
email. bjoseph@trusttours.co.ug
Website. trusttours.co.ug
Managing Director: Joseph Byamuka
Uganda Tour Operators listed in Alphabetical order
Alphabets U, V, W, X, Y and Z
Ultimate Safaris
345 Makay Road, Kampala
PO Box 21827
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)41 373476
Fax. +256 (0)41 373476
Mobile. +256 (0) 772 512779
email. info@ultimate-safaris.com
Website. ultimate-safaris.com
Managing Director: Ms Harriet Kyomugisha
Uganda Africa Adventure
Plot 127 Albert Cook Road
Mengo, Kampala
PO Box 27645
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)41 270071
Fax.
Mobile. +256 (0)772 414866, (0)772 488778
email. info@ugandafricadventure.net
Website. ugandafricadventure.net
Managing Director: Emanuel Nduwayo
Volcanoes Safaris
27 Lumumba Avenue
Nakasero Hill, Kampala
PO Box 22818
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 346464/5, 0312 263823
Fax. +256 (0)414 341718
Mobile. +256 (0)772 741718
email. salesug@volcanoessafaris.com
Website. volcanoessafaris.com
Managing Director: Praveen Moman
Whistling Duck Tours and Travel
Plot 16 Kisinja Road, Jinja
PO Box 53
Jinja, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)434 122168
Fax. +256 (0)434 122168
Mobile. +256 (0)772 767605
email. whistlingduck@utlonline.co.ug
Website.
Managing Director: Helmut Buttner
Wild Frontiers Uganda
Plot 3 Nsamizi Close, Off Nsamizi Road Entebbe
PO Box 619, Entebbe, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 321479
Fax. +256 (0)414 321479
Mobile. +256 (0)772 502155
email. wildfront@icon.co.za, info@wildfrontiers.co.ug
Website. wildfrontiers.com, wildfrontiers.co.ug
Managing Director: Jane Goldring
World Adventure
UMA Show Grounds, Kampala
PO Box, Kampala, Uganda
Mobile. +256 (0)77 509784
email. worldadventurestours@yahoo.co.uk
Website.
Managing Director: Victor Baitwa
Xplore World Ltd
Property Services Building, Plot 65, Yusuf Lule Rd,
Opposite garden City Complex, Kampala
PO Box 16732, Kampala, Uganda
Tel/Fax. +256 414 236 233
Mobile. +256 752 648 684
email. xploreworld@utlonline.co.ug
Website. xploreworld.ug
Managing Director: Annet Kajubi
Abacus African Vacations
Kimathi Avenue Plot 4
P.O.Box 34944
Tel: +256772331332, +2567013331332, +256752331332
Email:info@abacusvacations.com
Website: www.abacusvacations.com
www.gorilla-safari.com
Uganda Tour Operators listed in Alphabetical order
Alphabets M O P Q R
Magic Safaris / Concord Group
Raja Chambers 1st Floor,
Parliament Avenue, Kampala
PO Box 9805
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 342926
Fax. +256 (0)414 342995
Mobile. +256 0752 742908
email. info@magic-safaris.com
Website: magic-safaris.com
Operations Manager: Mugema
Mantana Africa Safaris
17 Nambi Road, Entebbe
PO Box 11060
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 321552
Fax. +256 (0)414 320152
Mobile. +256 (0)772 525736
email. mantana@africaonline.co.ug
Website: kimbla-mantana.com
General Manager: Simon Wood
Merit Vacations Ltd
Plot 31 Kanjokya Street, Kamwokya, Kampala
PO Box 8512
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 256690
Fax. +256 (0)414 256698
email. meritsafaris@utlonline.co.ug
Website: meritsafaris.com
Managing Director: Recbecca Mugume
Nalubale Rafting
Nakawa Division, Bandali Rise
Bugolobi, (Plot 3 at Catch the Sun Restaurant)
P.O.Box 99999
Kampala, Uganda
Mobile. +256 (0)782 638938
email. bookings@nalubalerafting
Website: nalubalerafting.com
General Manager: Jane
Namirembe Touring Services
Plot 1085 Willis Road ,
Namirembe, Kampala
PO Box 14127
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 273778, (0)414 273981
Fax. +256 (0)414 273904
Mobile. +256 (0)772 434506
email. ngh@utlonline.co.ug
Website: namirembe-guesthouse.com
General Manager: Suzan Tenywa
New Jack Tours and Travel
Suite 5 Airways House,
Plot 6 Colville Street,
Suite 5 Airways House, Kampala
PO Box 27139
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 230460
Fax. +256 (0)414 230464
Mobile. +256 (0)772 230464
email. info@newjack.co.ug
Website: newjack.co.ug
Managing Director: Jack Wada
Nile River Explorers
Plot 41 Wilson Avenue, Jinja
PO Box 2155
Jinja, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)434 120236
Mobile. +256 (0)772 422373
email. rafting@starcom.co.ug
Website: raftafrica.com
Managing Director: Jon Dale
Nissi Holidays
Plot 2A, Opposite Commercial Plaza
Kampala Road, 3rd Floor, Kampala
PO Box 2866
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)312 280182
Mobile. +256 (0)772 609131
email. info@nissiholidays.com
Website: nissiholidays.com
Mangaing Director: Dorothy Nasozi
O Sole Mio Ltd
Kyabuima point
Kalangala, Ssese Islands
PO Box 5622
Kampala, Uganda
Mobile. +256(0)782 691562, (0)782 756810
email. info@ugandasafari.it
Website: ugandasafari.it
Managing Director: Giulio Molfese
Paradise Excursions Tours & Travel Ltd
Plot 4 Johnson Street, Kampala
PO Box 24997
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 236740
Fax. +256 (0)414 236740
Mobile. +256 (0)774 444848
email. paradiseexecu_safari@yahoo.com
Internet: paradiseexecu-tours.co.ug
Managing Director: Florence Nekesa
Pearl Afric Tours and Travel Bureau
Plot No:3 pilkington Road,NIC Building Phase 111 Annex
Kampala
PO Box 1102
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 346168
Mobile. +256 (0)752 504301
email. pearlafric@yahoo.com
Website: pearlafric.com
Tours Manager: Innocent Manda
Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel
Plot 13/15 No 2,
Kimathi Ave Impala House, Kampala
PO Box
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 346766, (0)414 236255
Fax. +256 (0)414 236255
Mobile. +256 (0)772 403614
email. pearlatt@africaonline.co.ug
Website: pearlofafricatours.com
Managing Director: Kelly MacTavish-Mungar
Pearl Tours and Travel Ltd
Plot 8 Luwum Street, UNIVERSAL HOUSE
Kampala
PO Box 619
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 255906
Mobile. +256 (0)712 493779
email. nsylivia@pearltoursug.com
Website: pearltoursug.com
Tours Manager: Sylivia Namugenyi
Real Africa Excursions
2nd Floor, Room 2:4, Suzie House
Annex Building
Plot 1001 Gaba Road, Kampala
(Adjacent the American Embassy)
P.O Box 25395,
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 268421
Fax. +256 (0)414 268421
Mobile. +256 (0)712 884041
email. realafrica@utlonline.co.ug
email. web.info@real-africa.co.uk
Website: real-africa.co.uk
General Manager: Ivan Kakooza
Uganda Tour Operators listed in Alphabetical order
Travel Directory of Uganda - free online catalog of relevant and useful web sites. Free submit a site to Uganda web directory and link exchange.
A-B, C D E F, G H I J K L, M N O P Q R, S T, U V W X Y Z
Great Lakes Safaris
Susie H'se Rm 5, Ggaba Rd
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414-267153
Fax. +256-414-267153
Mobile. +256(0)782-282791
email. info@safari-uganda.com
Website: www.safari-uganda.com
We offer Uganda safaris, birding, mountaineering, mountain gorilla tracking, trekking, wildlife tours
Managing Director: Amos Wekesa
Great Lakes Safaris: Mountain Gorilla Safaris
Susie H'se Rm 5, Ggaba Rd
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414-267153
Fax. +256-414-267153
Mobile. +256(0)782-282791
email. info@safari-gorilla.com
Website: www.safari-gorilla.com
We offer mountain gorilla tracking, trekking, wildlife tours, primates tours
Managing Director: Amos Wekesa
Great Lakes Safaris
Susie H'se Rm 5, Ggaba Rd
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414-267153
Fax. +256-414-267153
Mobile. +256(0)782-282791
email. info@safari-uganda.com
Website: www.safari-uganda.com
We offer Uganda safaris, birding, mountaineering, mountain gorilla tracking, trekking, wildlife tours
Managing Director: Amos Wekesa
Great Lakes Safaris: Mountain Gorilla Safaris
Susie H'se Rm 5, Ggaba Rd
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414-267153
Fax. +256-414-267153
Mobile. +256(0)782-282791
email. info@safari-gorilla.com
Website: www.safari-gorilla.com
We offer mountain gorilla tracking, trekking, wildlife tours, primates tours
Managing Director: Amos Wekesa
Alphabets G H I J K L
Green Break Company
Topher Road, Mbuya, Kampala
PO Box 548
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 267153
Fax.
Mobile. +256 (0)772 200337
email. ignaki@greenbreaks.co.ug
Website: greenbreaks.co.ug
Managing Director: Ignatius Nakishero
Gorilla Tours
Plot No 17, Mugula Road, Entebbe
PO Box 29333
Kampala, Uganda
Fax. +256 (0)414 267055
Mobile. +256 (0)772 445805
email. postmaster@gorillatours.com
Website: gorillatours.com
Managing Director: Bart Munting
Global Interlink Travel Services Ltd
# 52 Grand Imperial Hotel Mall
Grand Imperial Hotel
Nile Avenue, Kampala, Uganda
PO Box 21600
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 235233
Fax. +256 (0)414 231858, (0)414 254999
Mobile. +256 (0)772 227722
email. global@global-interlink.org
Website: global-interlink.org
International Travel Consulatant: Mohit K. Advani
Great Lakes Safaris
Suzie House, Annex.1st Floor,
Ggaba Road, Kampala
PO Box 33024, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 267153
Fax. +256 (0)782 260948
Mobile. +256 (0)772 426368
email. info@safari-uganda.com
Website: safari-uganda.com
Managing Director: Amos Wekesa
Great Value Safaris Ltd
Plot 1 span House,Suite 108
Kampala
PO Box 70191
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 347501
Fax. +256 (0)414 347520
Mobile. +256 (0)752 692286, (0)772 919818
email. gvsafaris@africaonline.co.ug
Website: greatvaluesafaris.com
Contact persons: MS Maria Kalinga and MS Grace Baite
Hamlet Birding Tours and Safaris
Plot 802 Mitala Road, Kansanga, Kampala
PO Box 26436, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 576336
Mobile. +256 (0)772 607267
email. info@hamletbirdingtours.com
Website: hamletbirdingtours.com
Tours Manager: David Bakeine
Managing Directors: Hamlet Mugabe and Lily Vercruijsse
Harmony Safaris Ltd
Plot 2 Nsambya,Kansanga, Kampala
PO Box 24013
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +1 314 8496759 (USA)
Mobile. +256 (0)772 399824, (0)712 411314
email. info@harmonysafaris.com
Website: harmonysafaris.com
Contact Person: Lydia Tebyasa (UG)/ Simon Tebyasa(USA)
Hog Safaris
Plot 31 Kanjokya Street, Kampala
PO Box 8084
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 534134, (0)312 261693
Fax. +256 (0)414 534134
Mobile. +256 (0)752 656142, (0)752 997852
email. hog@hogsafaris.co.ug
Website: hogsafaris.co.ug
Managing Director: Ben Katumba
Into Africa Safaris
Plot 28 Hannington Road, Kampala
P.O.Box 10382, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)312 271758, +256 (0)414 373966
Fax. +256 (0)414 438018
Mobile. +256 (0)772 430338
email. info@intoafricasafaris.net
Website: intoafricasafaris.net
Managing Director: Joseph
Jewel Safaris
P.O. Box 26029
Kimathi Avenue Plot 4,
Kampala, Uganda
For your: Gorilla tour
info@jewelsafaris.com
Uganda office:+ 256-772-867943
Irish office:+ 353 85 7311353
Uganda fax no:+ 256-772-767943
Ku Tunza Travel
P.O.Box 1346, Jinja, Uganda
Mobile. +256 (0)772 456303
email. info@kutunza.com
Website: kutunza.com
Managing Director: Chris Higginson
Lake Kitandara Tours and Travel
St Bruno Road, Luzira, Port Bell
PO Box 40360
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)312 277204, (0)312 276878
Fax. +256 (0)312 278250
Mobile. +256 (0)772 525672, (0)772 417165
email. kitanda@infocom.co.ug
Website: lkttsafaris.co.ug
Managing Director: Boniface Byamukama
Lets Go Travel
Garden City, Kampala
PO Box 22851
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 346667/8/9
Fax. +256 (0)414 346666
Mobile. +256 (0)772 222225
email. uganda@letsgosafari.com
Website: letsgosafari.com
General Manager: Marinka Sanc-George
Uganda Tour Operators listed in Alphabetical order
Great Lakes Safaris
Susie H'se Rm 5, Ggaba Rd
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414-267153
Fax. +256-414-267153
Mobile. +256(0)782-282791
email. info@safari-uganda.com
Website: www.safari-uganda.com
We offer Uganda safaris, birding, mountaineering, mountain gorilla tracking, trekking, wildlife tours
Managing Director: Amos Wekesa
Great Lakes Safaris: Mountain Gorilla Safaris
Susie H'se Rm 5, Ggaba Rd
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414-267153
Fax. +256-414-267153
Mobile. +256(0)782-282791
email. info@safari-gorilla.com
Website: www.safari-gorilla.com
We offer mountain gorilla tracking, trekking, wildlife tours, primates tours
Managing Director: Amos Wekesa
Alphabets C D E F
Calabash Holidays
1st Floor Raja Chambers,
Parliament Avenue, Kampala
PO Box 4401
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 235288
Fax. +256 (0)414 342995
Mobile. +256 (0)772 438111
email. calabash@spacenet.co.ug
Managing Director: Hamadi Matofu
Chico Tours
Plot 8/10 Entebbe Road, Arcade F12,
Metropole House , Kampala
PO Box 2184, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 234955
Fax. +256 (0)414 235563
Mobile. +256 (0)752 622701
email. chico@starcom.co.ug
General Manager: Gemina Kintu
Churchill Safaris and Travel
Kisozi House, ground floor
Plot 6/8 Kyagwe Rd
Off Nakasero Lane, Kampala
PO Box 28170, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 341815
Fax. +256 (0)414 346076
Mobile. +256 (0)772 671285
email. caasafairs@africaonline.co.ug
Website: www.churchillsafaris.com
Managing Director: Ether Jennifer Birungi
City Cars & 4x4's
20 Tank Hill Parade, Muyenga, Kampala
PO Box 151, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)772 412001
Fax.
Mobile. +256 (0)772 651433
email. citycars@bushnet.net
Website: driveuganda.com
Managing Director: Paul Volrath
Classic Africa Safaris
Ground Operations
77 Erica Magala Road, Entebbe
PO Box 524, Entebbe, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 320121
Fax. +256 (0)414 320121
Mobile. +256 (0)772 642185, (0)772 989540
email. classic@classicafricasafaris.travel
Website: classicuganda.com, classicafricasafaris.travel
Sales Office
361 Meadowland Way
WV 25430, USA
Tel. +1 (0)304 724 8235
Fax. +1 (0)304 724 8341
Cell. +1 (0)304 268 0033
email. phil@classicuganda.com
Operations Director: Mel Gormley
Sales & Marketing Director: Phil Ward
Country Safaris
Plot 1 Portal Avenue, Span House, Kampala
PO Box 11244
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 41 237 450
Fax. +256 41 237 450
Mobile. +256 712 433 744
email. countrysafaris@countrysafaris.com
Website. countrysafaris.com
Managing Director: Kenneth Nuwagira
Credit Uganda Tours
Plot 3 Wilson Street
Sunset Arcade, Floor 2, Kampala
PO Box 307888
Nakivubo, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)312 281547
Mobile. +256 (0)772 663066
email. info@credit-uganda.com
Website: credit-uganda.com
Managing Director: Miraim Magada
Crystal Safaris
Plot 6 Colville Street,
Airways House, Kampala
PO Box 9698
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 345742
Fax. +256 (0)414 235798
Mobile. +256 (0)772 470260
email. info@crystalsafaris.com
Website: crystalsafaris.com
Managing Director: Christine Mwinike
Desa Tours and Travel
Mitchelcotts Building, Buxton Street, Kampala
P.O.Box 1841, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 346208
Mobile. +256 (0)772 519798
Operation Manager: Gloria Obbo
East African Explorers Safaris
Plot No. 29. 2nd Floor,
Kampala Road, Entebbe
PO Box 687, Entebbe, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 322789
Fax. +256 (0)414 322789
Mobile. +256 (0)772 873106
email. info@explorerssafaris.com
Website: explorerssafaris.com
Managing Director: Frauke Simon
Edsa African Safaris
Span House, Plot 1 Portal Avenue. Suite 308. Kampala
P.O. Box: 27871 Kampala
Tel. +256 (0)414 252647
Fax. +256 (0)414 252647
Mobile. +256 (0)772 882844
email. info@edsatours.com
Website: edsatours.com
Managing Director: Sarah Mugabi (Mrs)
Equator Touring Services
4th Floor Kirumira Towers,
Plot 14 William Street, Kampala
PO Box 1655
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 236229
Mobile. +256 (0)752 645026
Managing Director: Matia Mujuzi
Escape Tours and Safaris
Cynthia House (Offices and Appartments)
Kauku (10 kms along Kampala - Entebbe Highway from Entebbe.
P.O Box 25543, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)312 280584
Fax. +256 (0)312 280584
Mobile. +256 (0)772 407816
email. safari@escapeuganda.com
Website: escapeuganda.com
Managing Director: Medi Lwere Kafuku
Executive Investment
Plot 7/9 Clement Hill Road, Nakasero, Kampala
PO Box 23121
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 233963
Fax. +256 (0)414 251412
Mobile. +256 (0)752 650067
email. hillview@utlonline.co.ug
Managing Director: B.C. Jan
Explore Uganda Travel Management Company Ltd
Pan Africa House, 5th Floor,
Plot 3 Kimathi Avenue, Kampala
PO Box 23550
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)312 284669
Fax. +256 (0)312 284669
Mobile. 0772 436391
email. henry@explore-uganda.com
Website: explore-uganda.com
Managing Director: Henry Okecho
Farout Expeditions
Plot 700, Butembe Block3
Buwenda / Butembe, Jinja
PO Box 1433, Jinja, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)332 260022
Mobile. +256 (0)772 342643
email. info@farout-tours.com
Website: farout-tours.com
Managing Director: Abraham Lotenberg
Uganda Tour Operators listed in Alphabetical order
Great Lakes Safaris
Susie H'se Rm 5, Ggaba Rd
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414-267153
Fax. +256-414-267153
Mobile. +256(0)782-282791
email. info@safari-uganda.com
Website: www.safari-uganda.com
We offer Uganda safaris, birding, mountaineering, mountain gorilla tracking, trekking, wildlife tours
Managing Director: Amos Wekesa
Great Lakes Safaris: Mountain Gorilla Safaris
Susie H'se Rm 5, Ggaba Rd
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414-267153
Fax. +256-414-267153
Mobile. +256(0)782-282791
email. info@safari-gorilla.com
Website: www.safari-gorilla.com
We offer mountain gorilla tracking, trekking, wildlife tours, primates tours
Managing Director: Amos Wekesa
Alphabets A and B
Aaron Safaris and Tours
Plot31 Kanjokya Street, Kamokya, Kampala
PO Box 72308
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 373530
Fax.
Mobile. +256(0)772 482603
email. info@aaronsafarisandtours.com
Website: aaronsafarisandtours.com
Managing Director: Jovino Akaki
Acacia Safaris
Plot 4 Kimathi Ave, Kampala
PO Box 29493
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 253597
Fax. +256 (0)414 347067
Mobile. +256 (0)712 800004, (0)772 331332
email. tours@acaciasafai.co.ug
Website: acaciasafari.co.ug
Managing Director: Connie Tumusiime
Access Uganda Tours
PO Box 26286
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 414 344347, +256 (0) 312 284659
Fax. +256 (0)414 255037
Mobile. +256 (0)772 455423, +256 (0)752 455423
email. tours@accessugandatours.com , accessug@utlonline.co.ug
Website: accessugandatours.com
Managing Director: Mutebi Hassan
Adrift - The Adventure Company
Plot 34 Kintu Road,
Nakasero, Kampala
PO Box 7681
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 252720
Fax. +256 (0)414 252720
Mobile. +256 (0)772 723837
email. raft@adrift.ug
Website: adrift.ug
Managing Director: Cam Mcleay
African Secrets Ltd
We offer: Uganda & Rwanda Mountain gorilla tracking, trekking safaris, Wildlife tours, birding, sport fishing, Uganda Tour
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 782525699
Mobile. +256 (0)712926762
email. info@toursgorilla.com
Website: www.toursgorilla.com for your Uganda Safari
African Greenwich Safaris
Sunset Arcade Wilson Road
2nd Floor Suite No.17
Kampala
PO Box 9881
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)41 574145
Fax.
Mobile. +256 (0)77 479260
email. tours@agsgorilla.com
Website: agsgorilla.com
Managing Director: John Mukasa
African White Rhino Safaris
Plot 474, Block 4, Butikiro Road, Kampala
PO Box 843
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 370912
Fax.
Mobile. +256 (0)772 403766
email. info@afriwhiterhinos.com
Website: afriwhiterhinos.com
Managing Director: Dan Lule
Afri Tours and Travel Ltd
13 Buganda Road
Daisy's Deli Arcade, Kampala
PO Box 5187
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 233596
Fax. +256 (0)414 344855
Mobile. +256 (0)733 730503
email. info@afritourstravel.com
Website: afritourstravel.com
Director: Debra Schoenherr Malik
African Nature Conservation Expeditions
Plot 504 block 269 Lweza Entebbe Road
PO Box 3978, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 201928
Fax. +256 (0)414 201926
Mobile. +256 (0)712 225399, (0)772 361170
email. office@africannaturesafaris.com
Website: africannaturesafaris.com
Contact Person: M. Kronemann, J. Sekkaza
African Pearl Safaris
Ground Floor, Impala House,
Plot 13, Kimathi Avenue, Kampala
PO Box 4562
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 233566
Fax. +256 (0)414 235770
Mobile. +256 (0)752 975961
email. aps@africanpearlsafaris.com
Website: www.africanpearlsafaris.com
General Manager: Geoffrey Baluku
Alpha & Omega Tours & Travel
Lower Muyenga, Kampala
PO Box 886
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 266858
Fax.
Mobile. +256 (0)772 509798
email. alom@infocom.co.ug
Website: adonaiguesthouse.com/ExploreUganda.htm
Managing Director: Robinah Lubwama
Amazing Safaris Ltd
Plot 12, Suite BH3, Bakwanye Hse, Opposite Hotel Africana, Kampala
PO Box 9444
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 236852
Fax.+256 (0)414 534973
Mobile. +256 (0)772 407147
email. info@safaritouganda.com
Website: safaritouganda.com
Operations Manager: Catherine Rop
Asyanut Tours and Safaris
Plot 2 Parliament Avenue
M1.3 Jumbo Plaza, Mezanine Floor, Kampala
PO Box 27707
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 503065
Fax. +256 (0)414 503064
Mobile. +256 (0)712 187411
email. sales@asyanuttours-safaris.com
Website: asyanuttours-safaris.com
Managing Director: Babra Adoso Vanhelleputte
Brovad Tours & Travel
Plot 2, Colville Street, Communications House
PO Box 9174
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 237477
Fax. +256 (0)414 237477
Mobile. +256 (0)772 886642
email. info@brovadtoursandtravel.com
Website: brovadtoursandtravel.com
Contact Person: Kiyimba Rashid
Bunyonyi Safaris Ltd
Ground Floor, Crusader House
3 Portal Avenue, Kampala
PO Box 26905
Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0)414 347460, (0)414 342482, (0)312 261001/2
Fax. +256 (0)414 345605
Mobile. +256 (0)772 707311
email. info@bunyonyisafaris.com
Website: bunyonyisafaris.com
Managing Director: Charlotte Kamugisha
Uganda Tour Operators listed in Alphabetical order
Choosing the best Uganda Tour Operator or Safari Company
There are loads of Tour operators in Uganda specializing in provision of tour services in Uganda. The services range from tours, to flights and hotel booking. While planning for your safari, it is very important to interact with the tour operators before you can make up your mind over which safari company will take care of your tour.
To start with, you need to find out the area of expertise of the tour company in relation to you preferred safari option. Some are experts in luxury holiday tours well as others specialize in tailor made safaris, camping, mountaineering, lodge safaris or overland vacations.
A little research in necessary to establish the reputation of the Uganda tour operator you choose to take care of your vacation. Take time to discover the membership of that operator in different Tourism organizations such as AUTO, Africa Travel Association, ATTA, Nature Uganda and so much more.
Any of the Uganda tour operator should be able provide any travel information you need regarding your Uganda safari; including visa, flights, hotels, travel and health insurance, security, communication and so much more.
Get a written copy of the terms and conditions from the Tour operator. In fact, you can probably have each company mail you a copy of their policy. After receiving a copy of each company’s policy, review the policies carefully. In doing so, you will be able to find the best deal for you and you will also familiarize yourself with all of the policies.
Avoid as much as possible, brief case tour operators. The list of tour operators on this page has been carefully selected basing on the credibility, Association membership, customer care and service provision. We are however not responsible for any loss or damage or dissatisfaction regarding any travel guide or travel agent listed on this very page. We try to ensure that these companies don't default. Under such eventualities, you should contact us and have them removed accordingly.
Uganda Tour Operators listed in Alphabetical order
A-B, C D E F, G H I J K L, M N O P Q R, S T, U V W X Y Z
ADS: Gorilla safaris |Gorilla tour
Red Chilli Rest Camp is at the south-bank of the Nile at Paraa in the bush. The accommodation has facilities like the bar and restaurant that are fully stocked. The other facility is the camping facilities with modern showers and toilet that are newly built, provision for disabled visitors, cooking area and security lights.
All bandas have beds, beddings, towels and mosquito nets, but the tents do not have mosquito nets and are not provided with towels.
For your Murchison falls tour visit the Mountain gorilla and chimpanzee tour operator
The eco-friendly lodge is situated 500m from the main road, between Masindi and Paraa near the turn-off to the Top of the Falls. Sambiya River Lodge has solar water heaters, which provide hot water in the showers.
The lodge has twenty thatched cottages and the Bandas. The cottages are equipped with rechargeable emergency lights and they have 26 self-contained bedrooms, each having its own private bathroom facilities as well as a verandah.
The Bandas are ten thatched, but the bathroom facilities are shared. The swimming pool is at the Sambiya River lodge and serve International cuisines bar, restaurant and guided walks, through the bird-rich riverine forest.
Paara Safari lodge is situated on the north bank of the Nile. It consists of large luxurious and self contained rooms with mosquito nets and private balcony that face the river. The bath or showers are spacious and they also cater for the disabled people in that they do have 2 rooms for them.
They do prepare International cuisines and the daily choice for vegetarians, but besides that, they have good snacks for casual, which are not expensive. They also have a curvaceous swimming pool, which is well maintained and cleaned on a daily basis,
giving you an opportunity to relax along day.
Access to Paara Safari Lodge
By Road Transport
A 3 hour drive from Kampala to Masindi, 217 km on tarmac and 40 km on high grade murram. The Masindi-Paraa road through Kichumbanyobo gate is the direct road to Paraa Rest Camp. All the roads in Murchison Falls National Park have been recently upgraded as have the park access roads. The scenic approach from Masindi to the park is to use the escarpment road along Lake Edward.
By Air Travel
Bugungu airfield is located only a few kilometers from the park headquarters at Paraa on the Southern side of the River Nile to cater for safari tourists visiting the park and staying at Nile Safari Camp, the Red Chili Rest Camp and Sambiya River Lodge. It is the second major field in the park after Pakuba airfield, which is partly tarmacked located on the North bank providing access to Paraa Lodge.
It’s a luxury-tented lodge with wooden chalets and luxury tents personalized with a compelling bush character. Nile Safari Lodge has a class of its own because of its uniqueness, you are brought closer to nature. It has air-conditioning, giving you an opportunity to experience this ultimate bush adventure and its situated in a short distance west of the park boundary on the Southern bank of the Nile.
Nile Safari Lodge facilities include; an ambient bar/lounge, a restaurant and a superb extended deck. The crystal clear swimming pool offers the best reprieve from the hot equatorial sun after a day of activities in the National park and surrounding areas.
The lodge has ten self-contained rooms including 5 wooden chalets and 5 luxury tents. The en suite toilet and shower plus a private veranda over looking the Nile. The balcony of each room gives you an opportunity to enjoy an early morning tea and coffee served by your personal waiter.
For your Murchison falls tour visit the Mountain gorilla and chimpanzee primates Safari Company
Accommodation Facilities
Murchison falls has a variety of accommodation facilities ranging from luxury safari lodges to basic campsites. Campsites are available at Top of the Falls, Rabongo Forest and Paraa. Toilets or pit latrines/showers or bathing shelters are provided at these sites.
Luxury Safari Lodges
Nile Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge
Medium Accommodation
Sambiya River Lodge
Budget and Camping Accommodation
Red Chilli Rest Camp
Accommodation en-route to the park
Karuma Falls Campsite
Busingiro Ecotourism site
Lake Albert View Tourist Campsite
Masindi Hotel
Lake Albert View Tourist Campsite
Karuma Falls Campsite
For the benefit of both the travellers and wildlife, parks have set up rules and regulation to follow when on a holiday tour. The rules help in the conservation of the endangered wildlife in their natural environment without being disturbed.
Dos and Don'ts While in Murchison Falls Park
§ Enter the Protected Area through Kichumbanyobo, Bugungu or Tangi gate.
§ Retain all official receipts issued for park activities.
§ Drive only on designated roads.
§ Drive only between 6:30 am and 6:30pm.
§ Firearms or ammunition are not allowed in the protected area.
§ Do not pick flowers, do not cut plants nor destroy any vegetation.
§ A guide should accompany visitors on nature walks and game drives.
§ Walk only on designated trails.
§ Do not litter.
§ Camp only at designated campsites.
§ Dogs or any other domestic animals are not allowed the protected area.
§ Light fires only at the fire rings at the campsites.
§ Do not sound your horn.
Birding is one of the main activities in Murchison Falls wildlife safari park. A diversity of birds have become residents to this park due to its diversity of vegetation, land scape and features. To bird lovers, this is perfect.
Birds viewed on a Murchison Falls field trip
Herons
These birds are found in wetlands and feed on fish, frogs and other aquatic species. Others like the Cattle Egret and Clack-headed Heron take large insects and are less tied to watery environments. Herons fly with their necks retracted, not outstretched and they have powder down, making them different from the other birds that they resemble, like the Ibises, storks and spoon bills. They are sometimes called the Egrets or Bitterns and are in the family of the Ardeidae and known as the Wading birds.
Bee-eaters
They live in burrows tunnelled into the side of sandy banks and they produce 2-9 eggs per clutch and are white in colour. They have monogamous families with bi-parental care of the young ones. They eat and feed on insects for example bees, wasps and hornets. They feed by removing the sting and hitting the insect on a hard surface. And they catch them in the air by sailies from an open perch.
Shoe Bill
Its name was derived from its massive shoe-shaped bill and lives on the Nile, below the Murchison Falls. Its a very large grey swamp-dweller and ranges from 1.2m (4 ft) tall, 5.6 Kg (12.3 lb) and 2.33m (7.7 ft) across the wings. The show bill nests on the ground, laying 2 eggs and feed on Lungfish and similar fish.
Cormorant
These are medium-to-large seabirds and the name was derived from a Latin one known as Corvus marinus, which means “Sea raven”. Their scientific genus name is Latinised from Phalakuos and Korax. Their skins are coloured with red, bright blue, yellow, orange and they become more brightly coloured in the breeding season. In the 16th Century, the Cormorants were related to ravens.
Their feet are four-toed and webbed, with long bill, thin and sharply hooked. They feed on small eels, water snakes and fish. They get their food by diving into the water where they propel themselves with their feet.
Fish Eagles
These stay near fresh water lakes, reservoirs or rivers and coast, at the mouths of rivers or lagoons. They breed during dry season when the water levels are low.
Fish Eagles are large birds, but the females are usually larger than the males in such a way that the females have wingspans of more than 2.4m (8 feet) and are distinctive with a large brown body and powerful black wings. The males have a wingspan of about 2m (6 feet). The breast, tail and head are snow white in colour, with the hook-shaped beak which is yellow in colour and a black tip.
Female fish eagle lays white eggs, but few are reddish speckles from the number of 1 to 3 eggs. The females do the incubation and lasts for 42 to 45 days, the male can come in when the female leaves to hunt. When the eggs hatch, the younger chicks will be killed by the eldest chick. These chicks feed themselves after 8 weeks and will begin to venture outside of the nest 2 weeks later. Meanwhile, the fish eagle feeds on the fish.
King Fishers
The habitats of the King fisher are in the woodland and in the wetland. Those that live in the wetland hunt for small fish, Cray fish, frogs and insects as their prey, by diving for them. While those that live in the woodland eat reptiles.
King fishers have short legs, heads, pointed sharp bills, large and stubby tails and they have three families which are Alcedinidae the river King fishers, Halcyonidae the tree King fishers and Cerylidae the water King fishers.
Uganda birding safaris and tours
These are the different safari activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Nature Walk / Forest Walk
This avails you an opportunity to explore the wild birds, animals and plants at close range. These walks are done in Rabongo Forest, Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo Forest and top of the Falls. There is a Forest walk in Rabongo Forest in the far south west of the park, where the forest is surrounded by savannah grassland. The forest is most suited to those with a soft spot for watching birds, though red-tailed monkeys, baboons, occasionally chimps, black and white Colobus are to be seen.
You will also see a variety of birds, butterflies and a number of medical plants and trees. Another nature walk is the Top of Falls, where the trail around it goes right up to the water’s edge. And also Kaniyo Pabidi, which is an undisturbed area of natural forest within Budongo Forest Reserve. Here chimpanzee tracking is the most famous activity though you will also spot the forest birds and walk beneath imposing mahogany and iron wood trees.
Game drives
The best time for the game drive is at 0700hr and 1600hr in the early morning before the sun rises too high, and you are accompanied by a guide for a four-hour game drive. You will have an opportunity to view plenty of game on the Buligi, Albertine and Queen’s track north of the River Nile. At Nyamusika cliffs, you can picnic, enjoy the view and watch the animals on the grassy hill sides.
Top of the Falls
You will have the chance to climb to the Top of the Falls from the boat landing and to get close to the narrow gorge through which the river explodes into the falls. There are plenty of campsites and walking safaris. At the falls, the waters of the Victoria Nile are forced through a narrow gap in the rock about 6m (about ft) wide. The river drops 122m (400ft) in three separate cascades and flows westward into Lake Albert.
Sport Fishing
There is good fishing from the banks and Tiger fish offering the main challenge. The fishing is possible in the river sections above and below the falls.
Launch Trips on the Nile
The launch trip begins from Paraa to the base of the Murchison Falls and is done daily at 1900hrs and 1400hrs, lasting for 3 hours. Visitors will have the chance to see waterbucks, hippos, elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes and a variety of birds like ducks, herons, cormorants, bee-eaters, fish Eagle, King Fishers and the rare and endangered shoebill. The launch trip follows a stretch of the Nile with a compelling atmosphere, ringed by borasses, palms, acacia woodland and mahogany.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Once at Murchison Falls, do not forget the encounter with the chimpanzees. These apes are exciting as you watch the adults playing around with young ones while other jump from one tree branch to another. The natural environment offers various activities for both the trekkers and chimps themselves.
This park is located in the northwestern part of Uganda, sprawling inland from the shore of Lake Albert around the Victoria Nile. It derives its name from the Murchison Falls water fall, where the mighty River Nile explodes through a narrow gorge and flows down to become a placid river whose banks are patronized by hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, and buffaloes. The vegetation is mainly savannah, riverine forest and woodland. Wildlife includes; Lions, Leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees and many bird species including the rare shoebill.
It is comprised of Murchison Falls National Park, Bugungu Refuge and Karuma Wildlife Refuge. This park is believed to be the oldest protected area in Uganda. It covers a total area of 3,893km2, with Bugungu Wildlife Refuge, Karuma Wildlife Refuge and Budongo Forest Reserve covering 510Km2, 678Km2, and 591Km2 respectively. While the National Park and the two wildlife reserves are under the auspices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Budongo Forest Reserve is managed by the National Forest Association.
Sleeping sickness decimated the inhabitants of an area of approximately 13,000Km2 during the period of 1907 and 1912.
This paved way for the establishment of the Bunyoro Game Reserve in 1910, which is now part of the National Park in Masindi District. With time, the boundaries were extended into Gulu district, north of the river, and the resulting protected area became known as the Bunyoro-Gulu Game Reserve in 1928.
Established in 1932, Budongo Forest Reserve became the first commercial logging concession in Uganda and is one of the most intensively studied “working” Forest in the world to date.
The frontiers of this forest continued to expand over the next thirty years until their reached the current size of 825Km2. As the locals continued to lose hand, a lot of animosity was created as people never quite knew where the boundaries ended due to the frequent changes. Because of the reduction of hunting in the Bunyoro-Gulu Game Reserve, the animal population increased, which justified upgrading the reserve to Murchison Falls national Park. In 1952, the British administration established the National Parks Act of Uganda. By the mid 1960’s, Murchison Falls had become the prime safari destination in all of East Africa, with well over 60,000 visitors annually.
When the sleeping sickness outbreak was put into check, people began to populate the areas around the new park. It was deemed prudent to establish a buffer zone of controlled-use lands around the park, to mitigate encroachment and poaching pressures. In 1963, the Karuma and Bugungu Controlled Hunting Areas, which were later upgraded to game Reserves, were established. Karuma was upgraded in 1964 while Bugungu in 1968. The establishment if the National parks Act led to the forced eviction of come of the villages and new moratoriums on hunting.
From the late 1970s to the mid 1980s, the increasing number of mammals came to an abrupt end as Amin and later Milton Obote’s armies started shooting animals either for target practice or for food. A combination of political mayhem and decreasing numbers of animals in the 1970’s and 80s, led to a sharp decline in the number of visitors. But the numbers are now steadily increasing due to political stability.
Murchison falls is a park, which is surrounded by lands that are not suitable for farming, which has availed less chances of converting the protected area to farmland except in the Karuma Wild Reserve. This gives it a unique position. Since the population around here is still low, a pro-active and inclusive approach can be devised to involve the locals in wildlife management.
The park is a viable breeding population of many rare mammals and bird species which will continue to draw tourists and yet the populations are still well below the carrying capacity of the land. There has been a period of over 20 years of very low impact by animals on the ecosystem due to political mayhem. This means that the park will grow and at the same time create an excellent laboratory to study the resilience of faunal species after a rapid decline, as well as vegetation succession patterns.
This is necessary because almost no ecological research is being done in the conservation area currently.
This immensely stunning camp is set in wooded grounds inside the park entrance and is ru by the local community who clean and look after it. It s locally built hut with the local materials that provide communal accommodation. There are self-and non-self contained rooms. The facility also provides budding, a restaurant, which serves basic but freshly prepared food and a bar.