Continued from page 1
The game you come across in park includes elephant, hartebeest, leopard, lion, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodiles and many species of antelopes. Upstream of Murchison Falls are Karuma Falls, where Nile cascades over 23 kilometres of rapids. Here you have some of most exciting white water in Africa. Murchison Falls is located 330 km from Kampala.
The Queen Elizabeth National Park is another outstanding treasure. It is a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve for Humanity. The recognition arises from tropical forest, green meadows, savannah and swamps that constitute park. In terms of wildlife, you find elephant, buffalo, hippos, baboons, chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds. The park occupies 2,000 sq km and is situated 440 km from Kampala. At northern end of Queen Elizabeth, you find Kibale. This park has a unique forest habitat and has an excellent diversity of animal and plant life. It is at Kibale that you find highest number of primate species in Uganda, and one of highest primate densities and diversities in world.
Traveling from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth or Bwindi, most visitors break at Lake Mburo National Park. The park is 230 km west of Kampala along Mbarara road and is most accessible in country. It is a very attractive park of rolling hills, open grassy valleys, interspersed with thickets, woodlands and rich wetlands. In addition to viewing game including zebra, cape buffalo and eland, you can relax by taking a boat trip on Lake Mburo.
The fairly flat terrain of country is interrupted to west by Rwenzori Mountains and to east by Mount Elgon. Rwenzori, otherwise known as "Mountains of Moon" has third highest peak in Africa after Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro. The Rwenzori is part of national park of same name and contains 6 snow-capped peaks. You can hike trails of this mountain without any special climbing equipment unless you want to go for peaks. The mist covered mountain range stretches for about 100 km.
Mount Elgon sits by Kenyan border and is shell of an ancient volcano. The main attractions here are waterfalls, caves that were once used by indigenous people, hot springs, mountains vegetation, various peaks, Suam Gorge and caldera itself. After millions of years of erosion, oval shaped caldera now measures roughly 7 by 8 kms, one of largest in world.
The traveler with a sense of history will want to visit Source of Nile at Jinja. Jinja is 60 km to north east of Kampala and is easily accessible by road. This is where White Nile begins, as it exits Lake Victoria on its 5,600 km journey to Mediterranean. The source of Nile was a thousand year old mystery that was decisively settled by explorer John Speke in 1862.
If you are keen about culture, go for The Kabaka's Trail. This is a unique journey through a part of Uganda's rich heritage that has been shaped by region's kings over years. The Kabaka is ceremonial king of Baganda and his lineage goes way back to 14th century. The Trail combines a series of cultural sites, all within easy reach of Kampala. You can easily combine Kabaka Trail with your Search of Nile excursion to Jinja. The Trail offers much more than sightseeing and you will learn about hidden and forgotten history of Uganda. You will also experience an authentic tribal culture - with traditional dance, music, craft making, spiritual healing and storytelling.
There are international standard hotels in Uganda, especially in main towns of Entebbe, Jinja and Kampala. The quality is variable in smaller towns and rated accommodation is scarce. All of major national parks offer accommodation in game lodges and tented camps.
If you want to drive around Uganda, you need to show an international drivers license to hire a vehicle. Rental cars in Uganda are available in Entebbe and Kampala. Roads radiate from Kampala and are of varying quality. In north of country security situation is still doubtful and so are roads. Its is a good idea if you are on self drive to get local advise about condition roads you intend to use.
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate tempered by altitude. The hottest period of year is from December to February when temperature rise to 29 degrees Celsius. For rest of year, temperatures range between 21 to 25°C.The country experiences two rainy seasons: April to May and October to November, with April being wettest month. The best times to visit are December-March and June-September. Light informal clothing is generally adequate. But you need warmer wraps and sweaters for evenings and early mornings. You are also advised to carry some rainwear, just in case.
Copyright © Africa Point
Andrew Muigai is the editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on Uganda safari and tours at the website.