MURCHISON FALLS NP (3840 sq km)
Uganda's largest national park protects a chunk of untamed African savannah bisected by the mighty river Nile. It is named for the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the world's longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. Wildlife populations have largely recovered from the poaching of the 1980s; in the lush borassus grassland to the north of the Nile, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a variety of antelope are regularly encountered on game drives, while lion are seen with increasing frequency.
In the southeast, Rabongo Forest is home to chimps and other rainforest creatures. The Nile itself hosts one of Africa's densest hippo and crocodile populations, and a dazzling variety of water birds including the world's most accessible wild population of the rare shoebill stork.
Getting There
A long day's drive from Kampala, with a possible overnight break at Masindi. There is only public means of transport from Kampala to Masindi town.
What to Do
Regular launch trips to the base of the falls offer fine game-viewing and birdwatching. Boat trips to the Lake Albert delta provide the best chance in Africa of sighting shoebills.
Chimp tracking at Rabongo Forest, and en route from Masindi in the Budongo Forest. Game drives on a good network of roads.
When to Visit
Any time of year
Where to Stay
Two upmarket lodges and a luxury tented camp. Simple but comfortable chalets run by Red Chilli. Camping is permitted in designated locations.
SEMULIKI NP(220 sq km)
Semuliki National Park is an eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest and forms part of the forest continuum during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene, this is one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa (Especially for birds). Semuliki National Park is situated in the remote corner of extreme west of Uganda, in bundibugyo District. It lies on Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border within the western arm of the East African Rift Valley. The geographical coordinates are 0o 44'- 00 53' N - 290 57-30o 11'E. To the southeast are the Rwenzori Mountains, to the west is DRC and to the north Lake Albert.
Semuliki National Park (220 km2) gazetted in October 1993, is one of Uganda's newest National Parks. The Park occupies a flat to gently undulating landform ranging from 670 -760 metres above level. As all streams and rivers from the surrounding areas are flooded drain into the Park plus the poor drainage and topography, many areas are flooded during the rainy season. The average annual rainfall is 1250 mm with peaks from March to May and September and December. The temperature varies from 18o C - 30o C with relatively small daily variations.
Where to Stay
There is a camp site being developed inside the Park at Bumaga, about 3 km. From Sempaya Gate. You will be able to spend a night in one of the two Executive bandas, hire a tent or come with your own tent for camping. The canteen at the site is reasonably stocked with both African and European food and beverages but preparation of meals shall be on order. There is also provision for one to bring and prepare his/her own food at the site. Cooking utensils shall also be available for hire. Another camp site to be run by a private organization is located in Sempaya adjacent to Sempaya Gate. There shall be small thatched shelters for cooking and eating. Cooking utensils will be for hire, but you must bring your own tent and food.