Silverback Lodge @ Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

                 SILVERBACK LODGE

Silverback Lodge is located in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in western Uganda, Silverback Lodge is only a 5 minute walk to the national park and has sweeping views of the valley and forests that surround it. The lodge is 478 km around 8 hours 30 minutes drive from Kampala.

The lodge has sweeping views of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - a 124-square-mile site home to approximately 350 mountain gorillas (half of the world's remaining population), non-habituated chimpanzees, more than 100 other species of mammals, 346 species of birds, 200 butterfly specie, 50 Amphibians and Reptiles and 163 species of trees

The lodge

Silverback Lodge is perched on high, a top the valley overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The view is absolutely stunning and the best place to enjoy Apes-tracking cocktails. Bird watching and sometimes primate viewing is possible right from the front door of your room. With 12 rooms, we are the largest lodge in the area and will remain one of the best value properties in the region, whilst keeping the Marasa Africa standards of comfort and hospitality.

The tilled rooms, big enough, have modern feel, with nets, en-suite hot shower and private balcony the beat deal for comfort- conscious visitors.

Silverback Lodge is perched high above the valley overlooking beautiful flora and fauna. From the Summit Bar you can enjoy après-trekking cocktails with friends and family. Bird watching and primate viewing are possible right from the front door of your room.
The lodge has beautiful gardens, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the magnificent landscape of the Bwindi forest after a long day’s hike.

What to do and see at the Lodge 

• Gorilla trekking:

Tracking the Gorilla in Bwindi ranks among the absolute highlights in Africa travel. The exhilaration attached to first setting eyes on a wild mountain Gorilla is difficult to describe. These enormous animals, up to three times as bulky as the average man and their size exaggerated by a shaggily luxuriant coat.

• Bird watching:

Bwindi impenetrable forest holds over 346 species of birds and contains 90% of all the Albertine Rift endemics, difficult or impossible to see in any part of East Africa. For the ornithologist,  close to 100 bird species can be identified in a day birds like Abdim’s stork, Sacred Ibis, Spur-Winged Plover, African Jacana, Eurasian Roller, Woodland Kingfisher, Cape Rook, African Paradise Flycatcher, Red-billed Oxpecker and many more

• Hiking:

Nature walks into the national park can arranged at the lodge, the steep nature of the descent and ascent makes it a less appealing prospect than at the other trailheads.

• Day and night trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park (2 hour drive to Ishasha)

• The Batwa Trail

Lake Kitandara Camp @ Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

                    LAKE KITANDARA CAMP

The Lake Kitandara camp is located just outside Bwindi Forest Impenetrable National park gate adjacent to the good –looking Forest with great primates. The camp favors luxurious guests with entertainment that is got from the sweet birds. The environment is so conducive and friendly to all tourists.

Accommodation
The camp is designed with over 20 simple tents with standard facilities. The tents are named after the Ugandan bird species. The construction of the camp has a natural setting that is liked by many tourists. The tents have well furnished beds that look to give the best sound sleep once you are in the park. The facilities include bathrooms and toilets with warm and cold water for the visitors.

Lake Kitandara camp is 475 km around 8 hours and 30 minutes from Kampala via Mbarara – Kabale road.

Activities

·         Gorilla Tracking at Bwindi impenetrable National Forest

·         Chimpanzee Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest

·         Cultural interactions with the Batwa community

·         Birding

·         Nature walks

Facilities

·         Restaurant with both international and local cuisine  

·         Reception with an amazing customer care to all visitors

·         Security

·         24hour electricity

 

Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge @ Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

                                        MAHOGANY SPRINGS SAFARI  LODGE

Nearby the Munyanga River, Mahogany Springs overlooks the immense and beautiful Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This forest lodge provides simple yet stylish accommodation, which is ideal as a base for gorilla trekking. Gorillas aren't the only species in the area however as there is a phenomenal number of birdlife at Bwindi, with more bird species per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world. The lodge itself is set on an open stretch of land and has been built using locally sourced natural materials, which provides the property with an edge of authenticity and a minimalistic flair.

The lodge is set in a tract of wooden farmland on the northern edge of Buhoma Village about 2 km outside the park entrance gate.

The lodge is ideally situated near the beginning of the gorilla trekking and birding routes and excursions on offer to guests. The lodge's main area is ideal for all fresco dining, with a quaint wraparound patio; however whether this is possible is largely dependent on the weather. Guests can expect 8 stone and thatch suites, all of which provide large en suite bathrooms and a balcony terrace that looks out upon the Bwindi treetops, affording guests excellent forest views. There is also a presidential suite on offer, which provides views of the river. In all rooms there are power sockets and beds are protected from unwanted guests by mosquito nets which wrap around the entire bed.

How to get to Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge

1 hour 40 minute flight by light aircraft to reach Bwindi, followed by a road transfer to the lodge and a full day's drive from Entebbe or Kampala around 9 hours (455 km) via Masaka to Mahogany springs safari lodge.

Activities at Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge

Gorilla trekking:

Buhoma is the trailhead for tracking three habituated gorillas groups, all of which currently have one silverback. These are the Habinyanja group (18 individuals), Rushegura group (14 individuals), Mubare group (13 individuals).

Nature walks:

This stroll through Buhoma and its margins immerses visitors in the customs and practices of the Bakiga and Batwa people. The tour takes in varied activities such as dispensing traditional medicines, farming brewing local beer and concludes with dancing displays by members of the Batwa.   

 Bird watching:

The open road provides better birding opportunity than a narrow forest path and on good morning visitors can see 30-50 species a high proportion of which more easily seen here than any similarly accessible part of Uganda. Among the common remarkable birds seen along this road include the great blue turaco, barred long tailed cuckoos, bar tailed trogon, black bee-eater, grey-throated barbet, red tailed bulbul, narrow tailed starling, McKinnon’s grey shrike, the road supports a dazzling array of colorful butterflies and the lovely L’Hoest’s monkey is often encountered.

 Cultural interaction with the Batwa Pygmy tribe and tree planting

 The most authentic and best regulate Batwa visit is provided by the Batwa experience, a day-long encounter that takes place in a patch of private forest contiguous with the national park and provides a fascinating insight into the forest life and lore of this hunter-gatherer culture.  

Facilities:

International and Local cuisine

King-size or twin double beds

Bar and Restaurant

Massage

Laundry Services and many more

Uganda Safari

Kidepo Valley National Park

About

The vast, semi arid plains of Uganda’s north east are home to one of the country’s real treasures: Kidepo National Park.  Indeed part of the park’s appeal is its remoteness guaranteeing that the visitor won’t be fighting off mini buses in an attempt to see wildlife. Gazetted in 1962, Kidepo Valley National Park is truly one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks, offering some of the wildest and most magnificent scenery to be found in East Africa, relatively un-spoilt by development.

The Kidepo Basin lies in a mountainous country side at an altitude of between 900 and 1200 meters and in encircled by wooded hills. It is dominated by 2750 meter Mount Morongole on its eastern flank and by the forested Lotuke in Sudan with peaks rising to more than 2700 meters.

The park covering 1,442 sq.kms is in the far north eastern horn of the country and it borders South Sudan and near Kenya.  This part of the country is generally referred to as Karamoja district where the famous Karimojong pastoralists graze their cattle across the plains.

Getting there

The ideal way to Apoka where the park headquarters and rest camp are located, is by air charter although the accessing the park by road is also possible though gruesome. Apoka is 504 kilometers from Kampala, 162 kilometers from Kitgum, and 255 kilometers from Moroto.

When to go

The best time to visit kidepo is during the dry season between December and early April. During the Kidepo rainy season from April to September travel is not easy and game is difficult to locate because of long grass.

Where to stay

The growth of the tourism sector in Uganda has led to the establishment of some luxurious and budget accommodation facilities in Kidepo Valley National Park. Facilities like Apoka Safari Lodge and Nga'Moru wilderness camp offer accommodation services within the park.

Sight Seeing

From Mbale head out of town on the Kumi road. You can take a couple of side trips along the this road to see the rock painting at Kakoro and Nyero . But to drive to Kidepo, turn right a few kilometers of town on the main gravel road heading north.
After the turnoff, you pass through the village of Sironko and soon afterwards the turnoff to Sipi. After about 50 kilometers you come to the village of Chepsikunya. Shortly after this the road passes through the lower part of the Pian-Upe Game Reserve one of the three large adjoining reserves in Uganda’s north east . The 2314 sq.km of rolling plains of black cotton soil run from the river in the south of Napak on the boundary of Bokora Game Reserve in the north.  The area which includes Pian-Upe, Matheniko and Bokora reserves is known as the Bokora corridor. 
From Chepsikunya village, its about 140 kilometers before the Moroto turn off which is 10 kilometers east of the Main road. There is an airstrip there as well as petrol, police, a hospital and the Mount Moroto hotel making it a good place to break your journey.

Back on the main road at the Moroto turn off head north once again.  After about 30 kilometers you pass through Lokichar, and shortly thereafter the road travels directly across the corridor linking the Matheniko Game Reserve and the Bokora Game Reserve. The Matheniko to the right of the road covers about 1,605 sq.kms but there is not much game left. To the left of the road is the tip of the huge Bokora Game Reserve a large dry flat plain where several species of antelopes still roam.

From Lokichar its about 55 kilometers to the town of Kotido, where there is a police station, and another 41 kilometers before the main road takes a sharp bend to the west.  Shortly after this bend you come to the village of Koputh where you turn right to continue north on the main gravel road. After about 24 kilometers you pass through the town of Kaabong and then 69 kilometers later you eventually reach your destination: Apoka.

The park consists of two shallow valley systems with rugged, dry, mountain terrain. The area’s remarkable variation in altitude has created a profusion of habits within the park including montane forests, grassy plains, open tree savannah, dry thorn bush, thick woodlands; borassus palm forest, and Koppies.

During the six dry months of the year in Kidepo, wildlife is attracted to water sources that remain in Narus Valley in the South West of the park. There is great diversity of Wildlife: 80 species more than in any other park in Uganda. 

You can expect to see Zebra’s, large herds of elephants, elands, lesser kudu and buffaloes. Visitors can get a good look at this bountiful wildlife and bird life from several game viewing loops in the Narus Valley where most of the game is concentrated.

In addition the park nature exhibit at the Apoka headquarters is open to visitors and contains Specimens of Lions skins, giraffe skulls, butterflies, scorpions and photographs of the rare albino buffalo. 

If you’re interested in a taste of the local life a visit to the local Manyattas (Karimojong homesteads) can be arranged for up close experience of see the traditional clothing, stools, spears, headdresses, bows, arrows, knives and jewellery.

Bwindi Jungle Lodge

                  BWINDI JUNGLE LODGE

With the breathtaking views of Lake Mulehe near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Bwindi jungle Lodge. As you enter into the gates, you are ushered into the Lounge with cool breezes of the Lake.

Bwindi jungle Lodge is located on Lake Mulehe about 10km from Kisoro town along the road to Rubuguli, about 20km from the Southern gate of Bwindi National Park in Rushaga and Nkuringo. The lodge was constructed using the local volcanic stones and timber. On the entry into the lodge is the restaurant and bar as well as the fire place. The main building also has a verandah overlooking the Lake and the design and architecture utilize the local tradition of volcanic.

Accommodation

The lodge has 4 cottages, all en-suite and on raised platforms overlooking Lake Mulehe. Out of the 4, one is double while other three are twin cottages. The lodge is not planning on having the family rooms at the moment and they intend to keep it small and homely.

All the cottages have drinking water in the rooms, flash lights, rechargeable lamp just in case the power goes off with bedside lamps and reading tables.

In all the cottages, the bathrooms have showers, one sink, and flash toilet, cold and hot running water. The food is good as well as the service and management.

Bwindi Jungle Lodge uses a clean source of energy. Solar systems give hot water to all cottages. All bulbs are of low energy consumption. Cooking is provided with clean sources like gas and alternative charcoal. The lodge is built using the local materials and local knowledge of volcanic stones.

Our visit at the lodge coincided with World Forest Day and we were able to plant the trees around the lodge as well as flowers. The exotic trees are being replaced with indigenous trees.

Activities

Gorilla tracking: The lodge is close to Nkuringo, Rushaga and Rushaga gorilla families. The drive takes any where between 1 hour to 1 hr 20 minutes.

Golden Monkey tracking: With less than 30 minutes drive from Kisoro, clients here can as well track golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park.

Currently the lodge is still working and developing the activities which still need to be developed more. There are canoe excursions taking you to River Mucha that connects Lake Mulehe and Lake Mutanda spotting few birds there. Once fully developed, the community walk will go to the projects that they are about to identify. The time we were there, we were entertained by Bakiga cultural dances in the evening.

Hiking:  Nature walks into the national can be arranged at the usual rate, but the steep nature of the descent makes it a less-appealing prospect than at the other trailheads. Nkuringo is a superbly scenic area with great potential for hiking outside the forest, though the possibilities for haphazard exploration are pretty limited. The steep nature of the Nteko Ridge means that the main alternative for the pleasant stroll are either west along the ridge-top road towards DRC or east towards Rubugeri.

Getting there:
Aero link Uganda operates daily flights from Entebbe to Kisoro. The lodge is 20 minutes drive from Kisoro Airstrip. Either from Kisoro Airstrip or Kisoro town, drive on the road  to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and take your right after Mucha River to Lake Mulehe.

If you are using public means, you can also take a bus from Kampala Bus Park to Kisoro and from there you can get a taxi to the lodge following the above directions.

The lodge also offers pick-ups to and from Kisoro, in case you need one, you can contact the us and the arrangements will be made.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge @ Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

   CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE

It is remote. It is beautiful. It is intimate. And at over 2,000 meters above sea level, it is Uganda’s highest lodge.

Bedroom With Double-sided Fireplace

Since it opened, this small, remote lodge continues to win prizes, awards and accolades both internationally and locally.

Picture this: You are sitting up on a ridge, above the clouds, looking across to the Virunga volcanoes. Behind you is the primordial, mysterious and impenetrable forest that is Bwindi. As you sit there, drinking your chilled wine, or your freshly brewed coffee, or your freshly squeezed juice or your amber colored whisky you smile. You smile because you know that your personal butler is lighting the fire in your cottage and setting out your freshly laundered clothes. In the kitchen a gorgeous meal is being prepared, and tomorrow after breakfast you will walk from the lodge to the Nkuringo trailhead and track the gorillas.

Guests at Clouds stay in their own cottage. Built of local volcanic stone, every cottage has a large sitting room with fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets. Each individual cottage features the work of one of Uganda’s most respected artists (we call them the ‘Clouds 9’). Their work has been so highly regarded by guests that they have commissioned their own pieces and now the work of these artists graces the walls of homes and offices in New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and London. Tracking gorillas is high on the agenda for many tourists to Uganda. By all means, come to Clouds to track gorillas…but while you’re here, why not stay on a bit and immerse yourself in the relaxed vibe of the lodge, partake in Community activities, indulge in massage and beauty treatments and just enjoy the rarity of being pampered in such a spectacular setting.

The main lodge feels like someplace else – soaring ceilings, massive exposed wooden beams, big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes and mountains. It feels like a ski chalet in the Alps or a stone palace in the Rocky Mountains. But with the gentle and warm welcome, the quiet dedication of the personal butlers and the smiles on the faces of virtually all the staff, this can only be in Uganda.

Come and stay awhile in the Clouds…                                   

Why Clouds?

• Award-winning lodge

• Your own personal butler

• UNESCO World Heritage Site

• One of the world’s most stunning views

• The highest lodge in Uganda

• The sight of the volcanoes, glowing red through the night sky

• Great afro-alpine bird species (Including at least 10 Bwindi endemics)

• Steps away from the Nkuringo trailhead for gorilla tracking

• Community partnership and involvement

• Fireplaces in every room

• Cozy duvets to ward off the chill

• In partnership with Africa Wildlife Foundation and International Gorilla Conservation Project

• Probably the most comfortable lodge in the Bwindi area

• Great, fresh food, much of it grown in our own organic garden

Buhoma Lodge @ Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

                                                             BUHOMA LODGE  

Buhoma Lodge, a top quality and intimate property, commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. One of only two lodges situated within the National Park, we’re a short walking distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking and other activities in the area. An elevated central lounge area, complete with bar, dining and spa facilities, offers a cosy, comfortable environment to discuss the day’s activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evening Buhoma’s Chalets with a View.

Our ten comfortable chalets have been individually designed and carefully built using locally sourced materials wherever possible, without compromising levels of comfort. Each of your own private verandas allows wonderful views and vistas of the forest canopy of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Inside the spacious chalets you will find large, comfortable beds and everything you need to make yourself at home.  The well-appointed and roomy en-suite bathroom with flush toilet contains a rain shower with a copious supply of hot water and equipped with locally produced natural ranges of complementary bathroom amenities. Some chalets also offer a bath-tub for relaxation and enjoyment after the day’s activities.

Each Chalet is fitted with insect proof window screens, eco-friendly solar lighting, and a secure safe. Our family / honeymoon chalet, in addition to all of the above, also features a separate lounge room with open fire place.

Restaurant and Bar

Our open air lounge and bar area offer uninterrupted views, and whether the eerie mists of the forest envelope you, or your views are crisp and bright, Buhoma offers its own special magic.

After a hard day tracking gorillas, relax around our open fireside, or enjoy a few drinks at the bar. Our four course meals are freshly prepared from local produce, ensuring you take away warm homely memories of your time with us. Our bar has a selection of local and imported beverages and our friendly local staff will attend to your needs. Free WiFi internet and recharging facilities are available in the bar.

Hot beverages are available throughout the day on a self service basis, but, are delivered to your chalet with early morning wake up calls as required, allowing you to awake gently and savour the early morning sounds of the forest.

Other Services

Spa treatment room is available to all overnight lodge guests whom are entitled to a complimentary massage by trained in-house masseuse.The Lodge also offer a complimentary laundry and hiking-boot cleaning service, all invaluable after a day of gorilla trekking!

Buhoma Lodge offers arrangements for special occasions; including birthday and other celebrations, private dining, cultural dancing and interaction as well as room service as required which is communicated through our in-house private telephone service available in each chalet.

As part of our commitment as an organization with a responsible tourism policy we have designed the lodge using sustainable local materials wherever possible, with the emphasis being on natural, eco-friendly products, which has in turn given support to the local communities and businesses. Supplies are obtained from as nearby as possible from local sources and staff are also generally recruited locally and trained on site. Our water supply is gravity fed and solar power is used for lighting and power points which are hence limited to the central area for recharging electronic equipment. A curio shop is on site with a range of locally made crafts

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Buhoma Region

                                     SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP

Located within Bwindi National Park, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers guests an unrivalled location, including the best bird and wildlife viewing in the Bwindi area.

As the only concessionaire luxury camp within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is the perfect base from which to track the park's most famous resident - the mountain gorilla. The main area features a comfortable lounge and bar area as well as the main dining area while the mini spa offers a wide selection of treatments. Located within the National Park, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers guests an unrivaled location, including the best bird and wildlife viewing in the Bwindi area. In fact Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp often receives regular visits from the gorillas themselves. For the lucky guests in camp at those times, they may have the chance for a gorilla encounter without even leaving Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.

Relax in the Rain forest
The eight tents at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp are stylish and spacious, each featuring two queen sized beds. In addition to the comfortable warm beds, each tent has a huge bathtub that looks straight into the jungle canopy ideal for soaking tired muscles after a day spent observing and meeting gorillas. Observe rare forest species while soaking in the tub, followed by a cocktail on the private viewing deck served by your personal attendant. Facilities of Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.

   Facilities

• Massage

• Spa

• International and local cuisine

 Activities

• Hiking

• Library

• Gorilla trekking

Gorilla Safari Lodge @ Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

                             RUHIJA GORILLA LODGE

Ruhija Gorilla lodge Bwindi is set in the heart of the jungle of Gorilla land, Kabale region. The Lodge is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful, hospitable and comfortable lodges to stay before visiting one of Uganda’s premier safari attraction.

Gorilla lodge is a unique luxury hotel for both upper class and medium classes Ruhija Gorilla Lodge invites you to surround yourself with the splendor of beautiful calm natural environment and forest-fresh air, while experiencing the luxury and serenity of our lodge with a breath taking scenery of the forest, peace and tranquility enjoy the melodies of insects and birds, butterflies, enjoy the surprise visits of monkeys or even gorillas.

The lodge has carefully designed rooms to blend the natural environment which provides with luxury and hospitality. Each of the eight en-suite rooms faces the Forest and allows views of the forest canopy, with breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountain ranges.

The lodge offers superb chalet accommodation, fine dining, an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities, a well-stocked bar, traditional entertainment, a mini library with magazines and books on the beautiful continent of Africa beds with en-suite bathroom, flash toilets, overhead shower that supplies hot and cold water, an extra blanket and a hot water bottle for those cold nights; all rooms are serviced daily by housekeeping.

Guests can also enjoy and relax at the restaurant and bar area as they delight in local and International dishes. Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are served.

The hotel offers a variety of activities such as Mountain gorilla tracking, Village/community walk, Birding, Forest walk, Mountain biking and Scenic viewing.

The hotel is within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Several activities can be done around Ruhija;

Forest and Nature walks

As the only concessionaire luxury camp within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the walk will expose visitors to the forests broad biodiversity with variety of mammal species; primates like L’Hoest’s monkey, black and white Columbus, Chimpanzees, Blue monkey  baboon. The trail will expose you to butterfly and moth species; like African blue Tiger, African monarch Tiger, Green Veined Emperor, White Barred Charaxes, Wandering Donkey, Diadem, Forest Mother-of-Pearl, Scarlet Tip and many more. The walk also exposes you to reptile species; like Battersby’s Green Snake, Cape Wolf Snake, East African Garter Snake, Red Backed Frog, Bocage’s Burrowing Tree frog, Southern Foam Nest Frog, Marcarene Rocket Frog, Galam White-Lipped Frog. Tree species and bamboo forests like Mountain Bamboo, Apple Ring Acacia, Candelabra Euphorbia, Crotons, African Pencil Cedar and many more. Wild Flowers like Pavonia, Abutilon, Buttercup Bush, Giant Morning Glory, Daisy / Wild Marigold, Pom Pom Lily and many more. Visitors can also climb through the bamboo zone to find afro-montane vegetation and a good view of Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest

Bird Watching

Ruhija being the highest peak of the forest offers rear species of birds like gery cuckoo shrike, banded Prinia, Brown chested Alethe, yellow streaked Greenbul, white browned Crombec, mountain Illadopsis, Ludher’s bush shrike and many more other among the 340 species in the park.

Village Walks

Ruhija is great place for these walks, visitors can visit local schools, traditional healers Banana brewery and a combined nature tour towards Kisiizi waterfall.

KISIIZI WATERFALL

Available Rooms

Standard Rooms

Deluxe Rooms

Superior Rooms

Services and Facilities

Parking

Security Guard

Airport Shuttle, Safety Deposit Boxes, House Keeping, Room Service 24 hrs.

A Trip To Mount Elgon National Park

MOUNT ELGON

Mount Elgon National Park is the largest volcanic caldera on the planet Earth and is located in western Uganda straddling the Kenyan border. Mount Elgon was the tallest mountain in East Africa, today this inactive mountain is the fourth tallest in East Africa with 4,321 meters above sea level it boasts the largest base of any extinct volcano in the world, covers a total area of 1279 square kilometers, 69 of which are in Kenya. Mount Elgon was formed many years ago it was formed as a process of vulcanicity. The mountain is divided into four vegetation zones and each vegetation zone has its own attractions, very beautiful. You reach the mountain forest you hear the birds singing in the morning they wake you up. At mount Elgon there about 273 trees and shrub species namely; whistling thorn acacia, wait a bit thorn, grewia, giant cactus, African pencil cedar, spiny tree fern, broad leaved croton, flat top acacia, river acacia, red thorn acacia, black thorn acacia, white-galled acacia, umbrella acacia, red thorn acacia, large leaved albizia, red-hot poker tree(lucky bean tree, flame tree, casuarinas, sycamore fig, teclea, giant heath, large leaved gardenia, gardenia, giant groundsel, giant lobelia, sausage tree, jacaranda, African wild date palm and many others so the eco system is very, very rich.

The major issues affecting Mount Elgon National Park stem from the population pressure, the population density around Mount Elgon is about 600 people per square kilometer and the population is highly dependent on land. So you find that the landholdings per person is very small, so the population look at Mount Elgon National Park as alternative land that can be availed for farming. And therefore the park  has a big problem of encroachment, communities because of land shortage have invaded the national park, cut down the trees and they have established plantations of bananas, cassava maize and many other food crops.

Mount Elgon is a rain forested park and has got very good trees.

Flora and Fauna

Mount Elgon vegetation zones are similar to those of other large East African mountains. The contour of the mountain supports a contagious belt of ever green forest extending over roughly 750 km2 with in Uganda. The forest belt is divided into two broad strata. A tall Afro montane forest below 2500m,  low canopy montane and bamboo between 2500m to 3000m the slopes below the 2000 contour.

The most common species visible to hikers are blue monkey and white and black colobus. A small number of elephants are residents in the forest, animals like Zebras, Buffalos, sitatunga and common duiker(antelopes) and lions. The bird checklist stands at more than 300 species like mustached green thinker bird, red throated, wryneck, hunter’s cisticola, alpine chat, marsh widow bird, weyn’s weaver.

 To Things to Do and See around Mount Elgon and Sipi falls.

     Rock Climbing:

Rock climbing takes place outside the park at Sipi falls. There are 14 climbs requiring various levels of rock scaling techniques, the toughest is a 35m climb while the easiest is 15m. This is guided and supervised activity that is the most enjoyable adventure.

    Birding:

Since a high proportion of the 300 species is highly rewarding for birders. The lovely bronze mannkin, African cuckoo, black and white casqued hornbill, montane oriole, mountain greenbul, golden winged  sunbird, greater honeyguide, taita fscal, barn swallow, red rumped swallow, hunters cisticola and black collared apalis.

Birding at Mount Elgon is remarkable to visitors with a variety of colorful birds and by their relative tameness 

     Sipi falls:

This pretty waterfall is visible for miles as it plunges over a cliff from the direction of bulago village. Tourists focus on the trading centre which lies at an altitude of 1,775monly 40km from Mbale along a good surfaced road.

    The Abayudaya Jews of Uganda:

The isolated community of the Ugandan Jews known as the Abayudaya. The most prominent of these religious dissident was Malaki Musajakawa whose Aficanist Christian sect called Malakities managed to attract up to 100,000 ugandans away from more convectional denominations during its short lived heydays.

      Bagisu Circumcision rights:

The bantu speaking people who live on the slopes of Mount Elgon. Circumcision of the  bagisu takes place in August and December , a man can not married without being circumcised. Travelers who visit Mbale, the Sipi and Kapchorwa during the circumcision are welcome to attend any local ceremonies that take place. Females also come looking at the newly bachelors.

    Wanale cliffs:

The waterfall streaked cliffs of wanale ridges dominate Mbale’s eastern skyline, making the end of the 2,348m Nkokonjeru arm a ridge of lava extruded through a parasitic vent on the western flank of Mount Elgon. A 20 km road  from Mbale climbs up on the ridge through a cleft in the cliffs, meandering through superb mountain scenery.

    Fishing:

A stretch of the sipi river above the top of the waterfall near Kapkwai about 20 minutes drive from the Sipi trading centre trout fishing is practiced. the Nile Perch and the cat fish are among the more alluring fish that inhabit sipi river.

     The Nyero Rock Painting:

The finest of several rock art sites scattered around eastern Uganda. The site comprises six discrete painted panels set within a few hundred meters of each prominent granite outcrop called Moru Ikara. The age of the rock is a matter for conjecture, as is the identity of the artist, the Iteso people who have inhabited the region for the last 300 years  reckon that the art has always been there.

Where To Stay

Upmarket

Sipi River Lodge

Set with I the grounds of a unique restored former residence, sipi river lodge consists of main house and seven detached accommodation for the guest. Set I lovely wooded grounds at the foot of the middle waterfall the terrific little lodge is comfortably the best in the Mount Elgon region. The main lodge occupies a transformed bungalow with a cosy lounge, bar and excellent library. Activities include sipi walks, mountain biking, coffee tours, archery ascents of Mount Elgon and fly fishing in the river.

The Sipi Falls region is a hiker’s paradise! Choose from among a series of popular waterfall walks or talk to our guides about custom options to craft the ultimate scenic

Moderate

Lacam Lodge

It’s built on the slopes of mountain Elgon in Eastern Uganda. Enjoy a place of sublime natural beauty and rustic charm. Staying amongst the friendly Sabine people, Perched on the cliff edge with unparalleled views of Sipi falls. So close to that the waterfall is mostly heard than seen. Though the steep cliff below the site will give visitors the willies, the sudden drop makes the view down sipi valley to the Kyoga Basin particularly dramatic   

Services

Accommodation

Restaurant and Bar

Adventure

Relaxation

A place for relaxation or adventure

• Stay in one of our wooden bandas or in your tent.
• Enjoy a four course candle-lit dinner.
• Go hiking, abseiling and rock climbing

Accommodation is provided in;

Wooden Bandas

• Made of local Timber
• Grass thatch is extracted from the plains below.
• 2 double beds in each Banda
• Spacious Verandahs
• En suite shower and toilet

Lacam Lodge also has 3 non self-contained Bandas with shared facilities and are cheaper than the self-contained. The lodge allows self-camping where the guests are allowed to pitch their tents. Lacam Lodge also features a restaurant and bar.

Budget

Noah’s Ark Resort

Noah’s Ark Hotels located on the Mount Elgon Slopes present all category accommodation ranging from Luxury to Midrange and Budget accommodation the Uganda safari undertakers. The Hotel features three branches with the capacity to take more than 100 clients with the price range of $10 – $100 depending on the client’s preference.

Noah’s Ark Hotels offers mid range accommodation to travelers and is situated along the slopes of Mt. Elgon and this varies from luxury-midrange as well as budget depending on how much one has prepared to spend. The hotel has three different divisions and these have the capability to accommodate more than 100 clients from different destinations and fall into the price range of $10 – $100.

The Main Hotel includes;

• Bedroom with Living Room
• DSTV
• Living room
• Bath

Single Bed

• Television
• Bed
• Bathroom

Twin Bedroom

• Bathroom
• 2 beds
• DSTV

Discover the second deepest lake in Africa Lake Bunyonyi

LAKE BUNYONYI

Lake Bunyonyi is in south western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale and it is close the border with Rwanda. The distance from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi is around 486 km. The lake has an area of about 60 km squared with a maximum  depth of 900 meters. The lake was formed about 10,000 years ago when a river was dammed by lava. This is a place of many little birds in one of the safest lake in Africa and has a great number of islands some of them are historical namely;

 Islands on lake bunyonyi

1.     Akampene (Punishment Island)

On this island unmarried pregnant women were left here to starve to death or drown trying to swim to the shores, they were often saved by poor men who could not afford to pay bride price. Sometimes these women were rescued by canoeing fishermen at the lake.

2.     Bwama

In 1914 it was an anti colonial rebel base of a famous leader Katuregye. In 1921, Dr Leonard Sharp, a missionary, founded a leprosy hospital here. After anti leprosy drug were introduced in the 1980s it become a boarding school.

3.     Njuyeera

Dr Leonard‘s family lived on this island when he was not on duty in Kabale hospital. The island’s name itself (white cottage), originates from the house the family built. The island had a boat house, guest cottage tennis court, windmill and garden with guava and lemon trees.

Things to do at Lake Bunyonyi

1. Swimming 
2. Canoeing and Boating
3. Nature walks and hikes 
4. Relax and chill out
5. Birding
6. Mountain biking 
7. Cultural village visits

Some of the bird species at Lake Bunyonyi

1.     Great White Egret

Largest of the white egrets and almost as large as grey heron. This egret is all-white, slender-bodied and long necked. It has along, strong yellow bill and distinctive, thin, black line extending from the gape to the behind the eyes. The legs are all-black. During breeding the bills turn black, the lores become green and long nuptial plumes grow down the back

1.     Red-Chested Sunbird

Male is metallic blue-green on the head, neck and mantle, with a deep-red chest band, a black belly and long, elongated central tail feathers. In good light, a metallic-violet band can be seen across the chest and the rump and upper tail coverts. The female is dark brown above and buffy below, the central tail feathers are not elongated. Habitat; waterside vegetation near lakes, rivers and swamps. 

1.     Water Thick-Knee

A brown plover like-bird with a large head and distinctive large yellow eyes. Plumage streaked grey brown, with a conspicuous, black-edged, pale grey bar across the wings. Feeds in the early evening, at night and in the early morning, singly or in small groups. Spends the day sitting in any available waterside shades. Habitat; river banks, lake shores beaches and mangrove swamps.

Where to stay 

1. Bushara Island camp
2. Heritage Lodge
3. Arcadia Lodge

5 Days Kidepo National Park Wildlife Safari

This five days wildlife safari takes you through kidepo Valley National Park located in the magnificent North Eastern part of Uganda and South Sudan to the northwest and only 5 km from the eastern border with Kenya. It’s one of the country’s alluring safari destination, rugged mountain scenery and a wilderness atmosphere with good gem viewing in the Narus Valley with its dense population of lions, buffaloes, elephants, deffasa water buck antelopes, spotted hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, and many small mammals. Five primate species have been recorded including the localized Patas Monkey

Patas monkey

Southern Ground Hornbill

An unmistakable, black, turkey – sized hornbill with a large, black bill, distinctive, bare red skin on the face and the throat and bright red eyes. Sexes similar but female has an additional small, blue patch of bare skin below the bill. Immature is brown-black with a shorter bill. Usually found in pairs or small family parties, walking through the open, looking for snakes, lizards and large insects   the southern ground hornbill is a rare bird species can survive in arid areas and wooded grasslands

RUFOUS- TAILED WEAVER

A very conspicuous and noisy weaver.  The upperparts are brown, with pale edging of the feather, giving it a distinctive, mottled effect. The upper parts are pale, with brown mottling. The eyes are pale blue. Sexes similar, locally occurs in noisy flocks, feeding on the ground. Habitat in dry woodlands and grassland wih scattered trees.

What to see and do at the park.

1.     Self drive game drives.

2.     Narus valley;

Apoka safari lodge and Rest Camp both lie in the prime game viewing territory of the Narus valley.

3.     Kidepo valley;

It is completely dry for 95% of the year and its 50m wide course in a swathe of white sand. The Karatarok hot spring on the south Sudan border  is a key event

4.     Guided hikes;

Guided walks around the Apoka area in hope of seeing more common species like Elephants, Zebras, Waterbucks and Hartebeest.

5.     Game drives;

Game drives led by highly knowledgeable driver / guides from Adyeri Creations.

 Where to stay

1.     Apoka Safari Lodge

2.     Nga’moru wilderness camp

3.     Apoka resort camp

On a quest for the Shoebill Stork at Murchison Falls National Park

Most of the visitor to the Nile Delta will cruise on the boat in search for mainly the Shoebill Stork which is usually seen in water weed searching for fish to feed on from the moving water in the swamp. The Shoebill Stork stays in the papyrus. Some other birds seen in swampy areas are the Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Pied Kingfisher, Little Stint,  the African Pygmie Goose, African Wattled Plover, Grey Crowned Crane(crested crane) and grey (eastern) white pelican.

In search for Shoebill visitors will be able to see Elephants, Warthogs, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Defassa Waterbuck Antelope, Crocodiles and Hippopotamus.

The bird life is extraordinary, with over 460 species recorded in the park including numerous raptors and the Shoebill stork.

Kabalega Wilderness Lodge

 Kabalega Wilderness Lodge
Kabalega wilderness lodge stands along the southern boundary of Murchison Falls National Park. The name of the lodge comes from the great heritage roots of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom with its famous king omukama Kabalega who resisted against British colonial rule. The accommodation offers luxury that is spread across 7 acres of typical African savannah wilderness that stretch up to the banks of the Nile.                                       
All the lodge structures are made from an architectural balance of mud and wood, and the roof  is thatched with handpicked grass from the rolling plains of the neighboring villages. The walls are plastered African style with mud and wattle with a contemporary twist. The lodge is tastefully decorated with rustic safari furnishings and fixtures handcrafted from carefully selected local and natural materials. The cabins and dinning all feature an open design to offer you a feeling of oneness with nature and breathtaking uninterrupted views of the magnificent and wild surroundings ensuring that your unique Safari experience continues even when at the lodge.

The safari cabins are fitted with timber deck balcony that offers good views of the wilderness .The rooms are self contained with a bathtub and toilet. The lodge has a restaurant and a lounge on the highest point of the River bank with views of the wilderness areas. 
Facilities at Kabalega Wilderness Lodge 
    Bar and Restaurant
    Spacious Thatched Safari Suites
    Swimming Pool
    Bird watching
    Bush Dining
 

A trip to Uganda, is not complete without visiting the River Nile, Bujagali and Upper Nile

Located on the northern shores of lake Victoria above the Ripon falls, the town is one of Uganda's largest towns and lies about 80 km east of Kampala overlooking the point where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria, and probably, it is the Nile that is attracting more people other than the town itself.

It will take us about 3 hours to get to the Source of the Nile due to the various stops. Explore the Nile and later drive up to Jinja Nile resort hotel for a hearty buffet lunch.
Relax at the hotel and have a quick swim if desired, before driving to the Spectacular Bujagali Falls.
With the biggest rafts on the river, you will see how those who are rafting are able to safely conquer the most challenging rapids, watch the local fishermen and the fantastic bird life. The journey is not complete without a brief tour around Jinja town to have a look at the old beautiful colonial buildings and Jinja market.

In the evening, you can depart for Kampala which is ideally a one and a half hours journey.

https://www.adyeri.co

A Trip down the Kazinga Channel

Lake George or Lake Dweru is a lake in Uganda. It covers a total surface area of 250 square kilometres (97 sq mi) and is a part of Africa's Great Lakes system, although not itself considered one of the Great Lakes. Like the other lakes in the region, it was named after a member of the British royal family, in this case Prince George, later to become King George V of the United Kingdom. Lake George drains to the southwest into Lake Edward through the Kazinga Channel.

Explore Mgahinga National Park for a once in a lifetime Gorilla Tracking experience

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. As its name suggests, it was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey.

As well as being important for wildlife, the park also has a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. This tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivalled.

Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery. https://www.adyeri.co/gorilla-tracking-4d3n

Uganda Safari

Kibale National Park

About

Although it’s contiguous with Queen Elizabeth National park to the south west, the 766 square kilometer Kibale National Park is much wetter and contains a unique moist forest habitat with an extremely high diversity of wildlife and flora.

Gazetted in October 1993, Kibale contains what is probably the most accessible of the country’s large forests.

The Park includes what used to be the Kibale Forest Corridor Game Reserve, established in 1964 to allow additional habitat for the then large herds of wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park.  It also served as an important stop to the migratory routes to game reserves and Murchison Falls National Park further north for the huge herds of elephants that once roamed Uganda’s western frontier.

The altitude ranges from 1590 meters in the north to 1110 in the south, and to a large degree is responsible for the differing vegetation within the park.  It is a medium altitude transitional moist ever green forest occurring at elevations between montane forest and mixed tropical deciduous forest.

Getting there

Kanyanchu, where the park’s visitor centre is located is 35 kilometers south of Fort Portal, 357 Kilometers from Kampala and six Kilometers north of Bigodi village.

When to go

Kibale National Park can be visited at any time of the year, but expect cool nights particularly during the rainy seasons of April-May and October-November.

Where to stay

A wide range of accommodation options exist ranging from budget to luxurious accommodation. Crater Safari Lodge and Kibale Safari Lodge are some of the accommodation facilities on offer at the park.

Sightseeing

From Fort Portal head north east on the Lugard road, turning right on Kamwenge road immediately before you cross over the Mpanga river. The Kamwenge Road follows the river in an easterly direction from a short stretch before it dips sharply south. About 35 kiolmeters from Fort Portal, after crossing through a section of Kibale National park, you arrive at the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre.

From Kanyanchu guided walks can be arranged along well marked tracks in search of many types of primates found there including chimpanzees.  The walks last anywhere between two to three hours.

The primates of Kibale have been the object of much research with the forest supporting the highest number of primates in Uganda and one of the highest primate densities in the world. There are twelve species of primates of which three are nocturnal. Red colobus monkeys, as well as the white and black colobus can be found at the park. The red colobus monkey is a rare species in Uganda and is exclusively found in Kibale National Park where it exists at very high density and can usually be seen of the forest walk from Kanyanchu. Guenon’s present include red tailed, blue and L’Hoest’s monkeys with the red tailed most commonly seen in Kanyanchu area. L’Hoest’s monkeys are mainly seen along the Kibale main road.

The most anticipated sighting by visitors to the park however is the chimpanzee.  Several communities of the fascinating primates have been habituated and can often be seen.

The park also supports a huge diversity of other wildlife including bushbuck, red duiker, blue duiker, bush pig, Civet Buffalo and giant forest hog.

About 325 species of birds are reported in Kibale, a number of which are endemic. In addition there are more than 144 species of butterflies and a large number of moths and insects.

Uganda Safari

Murchison Falls National Park

About

This park owes its existence to a serious outbreak that decimated Uganda’s human population between 1898 and 1915. As the only effective way known to combat the disease was to evacuate the region between 1907 and 1912.

Murchison falls was gazette in July 1952, a few months after the National Park’s act was passed. The spectacular 3840 sq. km park, the country’s largest is known for its scenic beauty and abundant flora and fauna although it suffered considerably during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, which had a disastrous impact on its once abundant game.  However, with animal population consistently growing, and Murchison falls may soon regain its reputation as one of Africa’s favorite destinations.

Take note that the park was briefly renamed Kabalega Falls National Park, and remains as such on some maps.

Murchison Falls National Park offers some of the wildest and most pristine scenery in Africa. Lush plains are scattered with palms, rich forest and growing herds of animals.
And, of course there are the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the mighty 50 meter wide River Nile squeezes through a six meter cleft in the rocks to drop 43 meters in a cascading thunder of water forming an inevitable mist and beautiful rainbow. The River Nile, in fact is the most prominent feature of the park, bisecting it from East to West. The north most tip of Lake Albert forms western boundary of the park, so the area is extremely well watered and fertile.

Getting there

Using the most direct route, Paraa where Murchison Falls is located is 303 kilometers from Kampala, 86 kilometers from Masindi, 142 kilometers from Hoima and 109 kilometers from Gulu. It is served by road from Kampala most of which is tarmac and can also be reached by air charter, using the all weather airstrip of Pakuba, about 10 kilometers northwest Paraa.

When to go

The park is lovely at any time of the year, but most visitors choose to avoid the rainy seasons of April-May and October-November.

Where to stay

Murchison Falls has experienced an enormous development of accommodation facilities in recent years. At Paraa, the Paraa Safari Lodge is equipped with all that a visitor would ever ask for. There is also the Sambiya River Lodge on the southern bank of the river not far from Paraa. There are also some rustic campsites near the top of the falls, for which you must totally be self sufficient.  Paraa Safari Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge are some of the luxurious lodges on offer at the park.

Sightseeing

From the Old Kampala Road roundabout that circumvents the Gaddafi Mosque, head north on boundary close which becomes Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road. As you travel out of town on this road (which is signpost to Bombo, Luwero and Gulu), you pass the extensive grounds of the prestigious Makerere University on your right. There is nothing much to see of note along the way, although you pass through numerous small towns, each with its own colorful ambience particularly on market day.  After about 119 kilometers you get to the town of Nakasongola where the main tarmac road veers left, following the meandering contours of Lake Kyoga.

The River Nile flows Northwards from Owen Falls Dam into this shallow papyrus and water lily girt lake, which is 100 kilometers long and covers a total area of 4,427 square kilometers. Much of it is Swamp; its one of Africa’s greatest wetland ecosystem with prolific bird and lacustrine life. To take a closer look at the lake, you can make a 23 kilometer detour on the dirt road that leads north of Nakasongola to the Lake’s edge of Lwampanga village
From Nakasongola it is a 98 kilometer drive northwest to Masindi but take care: after 58 kilometers the road forks just after you cross the Kafu River, with a right fork the main tarmac road, north to Gulu and left to Masindi.          
A worthwhile side trip, only 31 kilometers away, is to take the right fork and stay on the tarmac until you get to the village of Rwekunye where you turn right to the town of Masindi port on the banks of the River Nile. The town has a colorful open market, full of hundreds of friendly locals.
To reach Masindi, return to the main road and take the left fork.  You will reach Masindi after driving for 40 kilometers. The land to the west of Masindi known as West Nile region is Uganda’s main tobacco growing area.
While Masindi has nothing much to speak of; it’s a base from which you can visit the historical sites in Hoima and the Budongo Forest Reserve that’s boast of a high density of primates. The Masindi Hotel about a kilometer out of town on the road north to Murchison Falls is the “upper range’ hotel although there are several guest houses. Only five kilometers out of town is the Bunyoro kings palace on Kihande hill which is worth a visit.

The Hoima historical sites and the Budongo Forest Reserve may be visited separately or as part of a circuit drive. To do the latter head south west out of Masindi Town towards Hoima, some 56 kilometers away. About four Kilometers before you reach Hoima town, on the left of the road are the Mparo Tombs, where the Bunyoro King who died in 1923 and several of his successors (including his son Sir Tito Winyi) are buried. The burial site is a large enclosure made of natural materials, while Kabalega’s grave is housed in domed construction similar to that of the Kasubi tombs in Kampala although much smaller. The grave is surrounded with many of King Kabalega’s personal effects. Outside the main enclosure is a plaque where Kabalega met Emin Pasha in 1877. Remember to take off your shoes before entering the main tomb.

It was from Mparo that Kabalega led his raids into the neighboring kingdoms of Tooro and Buganda, although he was driven from his capital by the British in 1891and turned to guerilla warfare. Eventually the British captured him after a series of forts were built in the Lake Albert Region in 1984. You can see of the main fort travelling to Hoima town and turning north on the road leading to Butiaba. After only 3 kilometers you reach Katasiiha where the main fort was. All that remains today is an 8 meter deep trench, now filled in and a cave that was used as an arsenal. The fort like the others the British used in the area was built by General Colville.
Continue your journey north on the Butiaba road. About 32 kilometers west of the town of Kigorobya on the shores of Lake Albert are the Kibiro hot springs and salt works where traditional methods of extracting salt are quite evident. A boat can be hired for a tour of Lake Albert on request.  The Lake particularly the northern near Murchison Falls National Park is a real fishing center with plentiful tilapia, Nile perch and tiger fish.

Uganda Safari

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

About

Close to Mgahinga National Park is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you may even have an even better chance of seeing the rare mountain gorilla, as seven groups are habituated there. As it's name "impenetrable" implies, this park is not quite accessible as Mgahinga, but its well worth the effort of going there.

Like Mgahinga, Bwindi which was gazetted in 1991, is one of the country's newest national parks. It covers 331 square kilometers which makes it the third largest forested area in Uganda and lies on the Democratic Republic of Congo border, adjacent to Parc National des Virungas of Democratic Republic of Congo. Situated on the edge of the western Rift Valley on the highest block of the Rukiga highlands, its one of the largest natural forests in East Africa containing both montane and lowland forest vegetation.

Bwindi ranges in altitude between 1,160 and 2,607 meters. The highlands on which the park sits consist of old (Precambrian) rock, much eroded and altered. Like Mgahinga, much of the vegetation is typically tropical rainforest, with a very dense thick undergrowth hence the name "impenetrable". Make no mistake about it tacking gorillas in this area is strenuous work.

Bwindi's 120 plus  species of mammals make it one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. Primates are particularly abundant and include the mountain gorilla, chimpanzee, blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, L'Hoest's monkey, black and white colobus monkey, baboon, potto and  Demidoff's galago. Other mammals present include the bush pig, giant forest hog, clawless otter, golden cat, side stripped jackal and many species of bats and rodents.

Bird lovers will take delight in the fact that some 346 species are found there of which 184 are typical forest species. In addition Bwindi is home to more than 14 species of snakes , 27 species of frogs and toads, six chameleons and 14 Lizards, skinks and Geckos. You're also bound to notice the incredible variety of butterflies in the park: more than 202 species ave been identified so far.
If  you're more into flora than fauna, you'll be interested to note that there are more than 163 species of trees in Bwindi, 10 of which occur nowhere else in Uganda and 16 of which show a very limited distribution elsewhere in Uganda.

Getting there

Bwindi is located in the South Western part of Uganda with Buhoma from where the gorilla is viewing is conducted is 120 kilometers from Kabale district (through Bulema and Butogota) , 550 kilometers from Kampala city and 267 kilometers from Mbarara district.

When to go

Like Mgahinga, Bwindi National Park is a rainforest and thus is wet all year round, although the course of the rains increase during the seasons of April - May and September - October. Ideally the best time to travel would be during the dry seasons of May - August and December - February.

Where to stay

There is a wide array of accommodation facilities on offer at Bwindi National Park ranging from budget camps to luxurious lodges depending on the Gorilla group that you would like to track.

At Buhoma, visitors can stay in simple bandas or camps using their own tents in a community run campsite.

How much does a Gorilla permit cost?

The prices of Gorilla permits in Uganda are normally fixed and vary depending on the time of the year you wish to track the Gorillas. Peak season Gorilla permits cost 600 USD for foreign non-residents and 400 USD for foreign East African residents.
During the Off Peak season which covers the months of April, May and November; Gorilla permits cost 450 USD.

Gorillas and more

Mountain Gorilla Tracking is the major attraction in Bwindi National Park. There are seven groups and these include;

1. Mubare Group: Habituated in 1991, this group is found in the Buhoma area of the park
2. Rushegura Group:  This group is found in the Buhoma area
3. Habiyanja Group: Habituated in 1997, this group is found in the Buhoma area
4. Mishaya Group: This is is found in the Rushaga area and was originally part of the Nshongi group
5. Nshongi Group: This group is found in the Rushaga region and consists of 25 gorillas
6. Nkuringo Group: This group comprised of 19 gorillas and is found in the Nkuringo area of Bwindi
7. Bitukura Group: This group is found in the Ruhija area

Hiking

As in Mgahinga, there are other things to see in Buhoma area of Bwindi beside the gorillas. There are a number of hiking trails in the park, but visitors must arrange a day in advance for a guide to accompany them. Three trails begin in Buhoma, including the Muyanga River Trail which is an ideal short walk for visitors with little time to spare.
Alternatively, try the Waterfall Trail, which follows the Muyanga River upstream as it tumbles down the steep slopes south-east of Buhoma, flowing through a series of waterfalls before entering the camp area.
The Rushuura Trail will afford you some fantastic views across the western Rift Valley floor with the Democratic Republic of Congo's Park National des Virungas providing a particularly spectacular back drop.

Buhoma is an ideal place from which to watch primates and birds. You'll see many monkeys along the roads, around the periphery of the park, and at the forest edge.
This is also the richest site for birds in the park, with some 190 species on record. Of particular interest are the Kiva ground thrush, white-bellied robin chat, red-throated alethe, collared apalis, short tailed warbler, yellow-eyed black fly catcher, Rwenzori Batis, blue-headed sunbird, strange weaver , and Shelley's crimsonwing.

The Mubwindi swamp in the centre of the park is a three hour hike from Ruhija. The scenic walk passes through a beautiful forest and affords fine views of Virunga volcanoes.