A perfect composition of undulating hills, lush forest, unique mammals, and magnificent moorland define what Aberdare National park is; one of the famous national parks in the Republic of Kenya in the continent of Africa. Flora and Fauna, breathtaking landscape, primates, ridges, and captivating waterfalls among others, make each moment at the park unforgettable. The park’s climate is breathtaking, very conducive both day and night, except when the rains arrive with a strong coldness that calls for warm clothing.

Aberdare national park is situated about 100km north of Nairobi city; one of Kenya’s top cities; sprawling through approximately 766sqkm of land and about 4,000metres above sea level. Most of its land is occupied by the Aberdare mountain range, and V-shaped valleys, overlapped by waterfalls, bamboo forests, rivers, and moorlands among others.

In 1950, a vacant space by the names; Aberdare game reserve was gazetted and given a national park status, with the primary reason of protecting Aberdare mountains, its occupants namely; mammals, birds, plants, and the entire ecosystem. Though smaller than the rest of the other parks, Aberdare national park prides on a diversity of wildlife species such as the rare black rhinos, its volcanic ranges that run from Ol Donyo Lesatima to the summit of Kinangop, but not forgetting the scenic rising moorlands at 9,842 feet. The park’s fertile volcanic soils enable the plants and vegetation to thrive in all seasons.

There is no age limit of accessing the park because everyone needs to make history and explore. You can have your game drive, bird watching experience, guided nature walk, summer or winter break, photography; camping, research, honeymoon, and nature walk among others, for one to more days.  It might be as an individual, group, or family among others.

What to see across the park include; Kereita waterfall and cave, Lake ol Bolossat, the graveyard of the famous scout; Lord Baden Powel Grave, Solio Ranch, Solio Game reserve, Thomson’s Falls, sweet waters chimpanzee sanctuary, Kikuyu village, and the variety of wildlife species.

Access the park by either using a road or the air.  On-road, you will run on tarmac and Maram from your departure point, through Naro Moru on the eastern wing, to the lower slopes of the moorland. If not from Nairobi that is approximately 150kms, then access the park through Naivasha. . The park Headquarters is approximately kilometers from Nyeri town, at the endways of Nyeri-Nyahururu road.

On air, you can chatter a plane from Jomo Kenyatta international airport in Nairobi, to the Mweiga airstrip located a few kilometers from the Park Headquarters. Nanyuki and Mweiga are the two airstrips serving the park.

Aberdare National Park entrance fees.

To access the park for your wildlife safari or any other activity, a charge is attached, to a tourist, company, vehicle, plane, and tour guide. Park entrance fees last for Just 24 hours, with an option of extending if the stay gets more exciting, or when what has brought you has not been accomplished. However, there is also an option for the annual entrance fee, as indicated by the Kenya wildlife service 2020-2021 conservation tariff.

Daily park fees; Adults at 1,030 KSHs, Children and students at 515Kshs for residents, Non-residents, and foreigners pay 52Usd for Adults while 26 Usd for children and students.

Vehicles with less than six persons pay 300Ksh, 6-12 pax pay 1,030ksh, 13-24 pay 2,585ksh, 25-44 pax pay 4,050ksh, and more than 45 pax are charged 5,000ksh. These fees are reserved by the park authority on arrival, or through the tour operators, and directed to the conservation efforts, payment of the park rangers, and contribution to the wellbeing of the communities living by the communities. The mode of pays can be through the MPESA, Direct deposits to Kenya Wildlife Bank Accounts at any of the gates in the park and the VISA. Physical cash is also accepted.

Note; the park entrance fee is independent of any other fee, such as for activities, accommodation, and transportation among others. One thing to note is through paying for park entrance, conservation efforts are boasted, and the park made a better place to relax, adventure, and make memories. You may find other charges at the Kenya Wildlife service 2020-2021 conservation tariffs online.

ATTRACTIONS IN THE PARK.

Animals in the park.

Aberdare national park, with its forest cover and wide space, offers asylum to a wide range of animal species; both prey and predators, of all sizes, colors, and ages. Some of those to mention include; the giant forest hog, warthogs, lions, Cape buffaloes, the African civet cats, leopards, the blue duiker,  the golden cat, bush backs, spotted hyenas, spotted hyenas, African wild cats, and the black Rhinos among others, primates such as the olive baboon, white Columbus monkeys, and many.

During the game drives, picnic experience, nature walk, birding among others is when one encounters the different not residents in their territories hunting, resting, or grazing. If not a full-day game viewing, then you can spend approximately 3-4 hours game drive, traversing the wilderness since these animals are not enclosed in one specific place. However be informed that no matter how far the animals are, avoid over speeding unless permitted because that can endanger other park inhabitants.

Landscape.

At Aberdare national park, only the layout of the landscape takes up visitors’ attention and time. Side by side lye a line of rolling hills marked by green vegetation and unique plant species. Visitors tend to get more of this while on a photo moment, guided nature walks, and game drives among others.

Water makes it even more unique are the water bodies at the boundaries which give it the most magnificent outlook. You need to visit for a personal experience.

Birds in the park.

Research indicates a presence of over 250 rare bird species in the park; asylum seekers, endemic and non-endemic, thus a reason giving you a perfect destination for spotting your favorite bird species, and learning their unique characteristics. Some of the most notable ones include among others; eagles, Jackson’s Francolin, plovers, sparrow hawks, sunbirds, goshawks, Aberdare cisticola, the endangered Sharpe’s Longclaw, Hindi’s Babbler, Abbott’s starling, orange ground thrush, the red-chested owlet,  and the long-tailed cuckoo among others.

Birding watching is best done in the morning when they have just risen or in the afternoon hours as they rest or quench their thirst. Nonetheless, experts are at the park to lead you through the designated trails, offering asylum to a variety of bird species known and unknown to you.

Cultural diversity around the park.

Cultural enthusiasts can find their experiences enhanced after exploring the park, in the surrounding communities. The local natives entertain visitors through dance, local village tours, stories, and drama among others. One of those cultures you will not want to miss is that of the Kikuyu people, and the Maasai warriors; famous herdsmen in the region, with an unbroken bond of cattle. Rise into the occasion as the first voice releases the first native words or song among others.

It is also important that while you are with these locals, you fully appreciate their culture, engage in the activities where need be, interact freely, and support them through funding their activities or purchasing souvenirs.

ACCOMMODATION IN AND AROUND THE PARK.

If you want to experience the park exclusively, and even spend a night or more. The available accommodations range from Luxury, mid-range to Budget hotels, treetop lodges, ark-like facilities, and campsites among others, though the campsites tend to be a season, or offered on order, with most of the services provided by you such as food, and bedding.

The notable lodge facilities include among others; Fishing lodge Aberdare, Reedbuck campsite, shamata campsite, PC Hajis campsite, Honi Campsite, Bill Woodley campsite, and Muringato. It is recommendable that once you intend to lodge at the park, book for accommodation at least three and so months in advance because, in high seasons, the demand beats the available space.

BEST TIME OF VISITING ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK.

Though the climatic condition of Kenya is one of the best in the continent of Africa, it is wise to pick its most suitable months for a safari to the park. Aberdare national is hilly, with a large chunk of land occupied by forest covers which greatly influence the weather patterns. However, we recommend the months of June to October and December to February because the park is relatively dry, allowing for many activities with no interruptions.

However, Budget travelers, can pick the months of March to May and then November because of the discount offers in both the park and tourist facilities.

Even though the dry seasons aren’t the best, they come with the advantage of having countless chances of spotting the mammals producing, capturing the beautiful green pastures, enjoying less congested parks and also enjoying the beautiful green scenery rolling across the Park.

Aberdare national park is all about adventure, uniqueness, and surprises. As the name; the park is a hidden treasure, which makes tourists also make return visits, and perfectly celebrate their lives. The park offers value for many, with each direction having one or more attractions be encountered. Book for your safari today and enjoy each moment.

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Chyulu Hills National Park is one of Kenya’s most picturesque parks located in Makueni, South-Eastern Kenya. This park lies just close to Tsavo city in Kenya and it is popular for its remarkable landscape which comprises of endless hills plus an ever-green vegetation making it a true Green Hills of Africa.

Chyulu Hills National Park has existed as a national park since 1983 when it was established and like most protected areas in Kenya, it is also governed by Kenya Wildlife Services. It is one of holidaymakers’ most favorite destination while on Kenya safari tour. It is an expansive protected area occupying 741sq.kms of land area. Chyulu Hills National Park takes its name from Chyulu Hills (2188m).

Location

Chyulu Hills National Park is located in the Eastern part of Kenya, Makueni County. It is situated between Tsavo National Parks and Amboseli National Park, 200kms from Nairobi Capital City and 150kms East of Kenya Rift Valley and from Kibwezi Town about 30kms.

History of Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya

The history of Chyulu Hills National Park dates back to 1983 when it became a national park. It joins Tsavo West National Park in the north-west, and its western flank hills it extends to West Chyulu Game Conservation which is managed by Masai ranchers.

Wildlife species

Chyulu Hills National Park is blessed with diversity of wildlife mostly comprising of mammal species. The park’s iconic species of wildlife to expect to explore include the Maasai giraffes, Eastern black rhinos, Grant’s zebras, bush bucks, elephants, Steinbok, buffaloes, leopards, elands, bush pigs, cheetahs, reedbucks, monitor lizards.

Bird species

An estimated population of about 300 bird species are confined within the various habitats of Chyulu Hills National Park with Lake Jipe being its significant bird watching site. These include African grey flycatchers, white eyed slaty flycatchers, bronze sunbird, scarlet chested sunbird, ruppell’s robin chat, Thrush nightingale, francolinus shelleyi, olive sunbird. Others include lemon dove, African green pigeon, Eurasian nightjar, white backed vulture, pearly spotted owlet, purple crested coucal, alpine swift, crested guinea fowl, helmeted guinea fowl, great egret, tambourine dove, African harrier hawk, speckled mouse bird.

The spectacular sceneries

Chyulu Hills National Park is one of the spectacular protected areas in Kenya most popular for its breathtaking sceneries. The park is blessed with diversity of natural features such as the barren lava, volcanic ash cones, and caves beneath the hills, black rocks and many more.

Chyulu Hills

The Chyulu Hills comprise of a chain of hills and includes the Eastern flank of the hills and several small flows and cones. These formed due to volcanic eruption dating back to about 1.4million years. These hills last recorded their eruptions in 1856 but they are still listed among the active volcanoes.

The Chyulu hills are generally steep, dusty and offer challenging trekking experience to enthusiastic hikers on Kenya hiking safaris. The hills consist of acacia trees that become dominant and to the south, trekkers can enjoy the breathtaking view of park’s vast plains and Kilimanjaro.

Levithan cave

The Levithan cave is one of the amazing natural features holidaymakers on Chyulu Hills National Park safari shouldn’t miss to explore. It is one of the longest and deepest lava tubes on earth. This cave is also called Kisula cave and consists of different sections; the upper and lower Levithan.

Levithan cave separated due to tectonic plate movement, the hot lava that flowed beneath a cooled crust that resulted into creation of the Lower Levithan. Levithan cave comes in a cone shape and features hanging stalagmites.

Vegetation

Chyulu Hills National Park features a distinct vegetation ranging in its varied parts. On the lower slopes of the hills, there exist grasslands and thickets. On the top part about 1800m it is dominated by the montane forests comprising of tree species like oleo capensis, prunus Africana, stapfiana and others.

WHAT TO DO IN CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK.

Wildlife viewing

Chyulu Hills National Park is one of the best places in Kenya visitors can visit to enjoy game viewing. Some of the park’s interesting species of wildlife to expect to come across on game viewing/game drive (in the morning or afternoon) include leopards, zebras, elands, bush pigs, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, birds, elephants, lions.

The best months of the year to visit Chyulu Hills National Park for game viewing is from January to February and June, July, August, September and October.

Birding

Chyulu Hills National Park is one of Kenya’s birder’s haven. Bird watching in this park is interesting as you come across amazing bird species. The park’s notable bird species to expect to sight include purple crested coucal, Eurasian nightjars, African green pigeon, scaly francolin, helmeted guinea fowl, black crake, grey heron, cuckoos, brown snake eagles, alpine swift, lemon dove and great egrets.

Expect also to sight for the scarlet chested sunbirds, African grey flycatchers, white slaty flycatchers, francolinus shelleyi, and stephanoaetus coronatus. These incredible species of birds range from the park’s forests, Lake Jipe and savanna plains. Birding in Chyulu Hills National Park is best as a solo activity or combined with game viewing or game drives.

Hiking safaris

Hiking in Chyulu Hills National Park is remarkable. Hikes are conducted starting from the base of Chyulu Hills up to its summit. You take on the existing trails with opportunity to also sight other interesting creatures such as the Skye monkeys, baboons, bird especially the Eurasian nightjars, purple crested coucal, African green pigeon, brown snake eagle, grey heron, black crake, alpine swift, crowned lapwing and others.

Bush walks/cave exploration

When it comes to nature, Chyulu Hills National Park truly blessed with a lush green vegetation, birds, wildlife. These can be explored on bush walks or cave tours. The unique plant species this park is endowed with include woodlands, acacia trees, orchids and others.

The guided bush walks or cave tours are conducted with the park guide on lead. The cave consists of the upper and lower sections.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is an exciting experience and exceptionally, the best way to indulge yourself into the wilderness of Chyulu Hills National Park. It is a unique way to see the park’s diverse species of wildlife while on the horseback rather than in a vehicle. You ride via the park’s plains while spotting creatures like giraffes, cheetahs, birds, antelopes, zebras and others.

Cultural experience

Chyulu Hills National Park safari holiday also includes cultural visit to the Maasai Community for a thrilling cultural experience. It is a perfect way to interact with the Maasai, learn about their traditions, norms and enjoy their dances.

Camping

Camping should be a must-do on safari in Chyulu Hills National Park. This is an exceptional opportunity to get close to nature, explore and experience what this park has to offer the world when it comes to nature.

When to visit?

Chyulu Hills National Park Kenya is open to holidaymakers on Kenya safari all year-round. But wildlife/game viewing experience is best done during the following months of the year; June, July, August, September to October-the long dry months of the year or during the short dry season starting from January, February.

The advantage of visiting Chyulu Hills National Park Kenya during the dry months is that these are months most of parts of the park remain dry since it records the least rainfall amount. This is one reason why most holidaymakers prefer them for game viewing as it is easier to navigate through the park game tracks. Traveling during the wet months (March to May or November to December) is also good but these are the months when there is plenty of rainfall. Most of the park’s game trails get muddy and traveling to enjoy a game drive/game viewing becomes a little challenging. This is when the park’s vegetation also becomes dense which makes it hard to have clear sight of wildlife and also to take photos of wildlife.

While on a safari to Chyulu Hills National Park, it is essential to park the right gear no matter the season. First, have a rain jacket, daypack, camera, safari clothes, insect repellents, snacks, bottle of drinking, safari hat, sunscreen, sun glasses, sanitizer, toiletries and others.

Accommodation

Chyulu Hills National Park doesn’t have plenty of accommodation choices but it has a few comfortable ones for your overnight stay. They include Kathisayo Campsite, Ol Donyo Lodge, Kiboko Campsite, Shushan Palace, Kanzi House, Savanna Paradise Hotel and others.

Access to Chyulu Hills National Park

Chyulu Hills National Park is reachable by road or by air. By road, it is 250kms from Nairobi capital city and Mombasa. If you are at Tsavo West National Park, it is easier to get to Chyulu Hills National Park. Visitors can drive through Kibwezi and then access the park using 4WD vehicle. By air, fly from Jomo Kenyatta Airport or Wilson Airport up to Ol Donyo Lodge airstrip.

Entry fees to Chyulu Hills National Park Kenya

There are 3 categories of visitors that are charged for accessing Chyulu Hills National Park for a safari holiday. They include citizens, foreign residents and foreign non-residents. The entry fee paid by adult Kenyans/Citizens is Kshs300, children pay Kshs. 125. Adult foreign residents pay Kshs 600 and children Kshs. 255; foreign non-residents pay $22 and children $13.

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Arusha National Park is one of the most breathtaking yet overlooked Protected Areas in Tanzania. It is characterized by gem of varied ecosystems as well as jaw-dropping views of Mount Meru (5th highest mountain in Africa), the stunning Crater from which the park derived its name.

This park is a renowned destination for visitors interested in day tours along the northern circuit and is the multi-faced treasure in addition to being the nearest protected area to the town of Arusha.

Size of Arusha National Park.

Arusha National Park extends for only 552 square kilometers (212 square miles) and covers the jaw-dropping Mount. Meru, a protrusive volcano with an altitude of 4,566 meters above sea level and the second highest peak in the country after Mount Kilimanjaro.

Location of Arusha National Park.

The national park of Arusha is located within the Arusha region of North-eastern Tanzania and only 25 kilometers north-east of Arusha City. To the west of the Park is Meru Crater that feeds into River Jekukumia while the Peak of the Mountain is found on its edge. To the north-east is the shallow alkaline Momella Lakes characterized by beautiful algal colors and popular for shoreline and mud-dominating bird species.

To the south-east of Arusha National Park is the stunning Ngurdoto Crater characterized by lush grasslands. These incredibly magnificent and varied landscapes make Arusha National Park one of the most beautiful places in Tanzania. The Park is also on a 186-mile axis of the Continent’s most popular National Parks including Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti in the west to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park in the East.

History of Arusha National Park.

Arusha National Park was gazetted in 1960 and is currently managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority.

BEAUTIFUL ATTRACTIONS WITHIN ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK.

Arusha National Park is home to several spectacular attractions that range from wildlife, birdlife, slopes and summit of Mount Meru, the verdant highland forests, Ngurdoto Crater, Momela Lakes to the savannah grasslands.

Animals

Arusha National Park hosts a wide array of wildlife species and visitors to this Park expect an exceptional wildlife viewing experiences. Regardless of its small size, this National Park is haven to Cape buffaloes, African bush elephants, Reedbucks, common warthogs, blue monkeys, Rothschild giraffes, pythons, herds of Burchell’s zebras, Suni, leopards, black and white colobus monkeys, the shy bushbucks, Defassa waterbucks, red duikers, Dik-dik and spotted hyenas in the scrubby bush lands.

Birdlife

Arusha National Park boasts of prolific birdlife with numerous savannah, forest and aquatic bird species that include Kingfishers, little bee-eaters, flamingos, Cormorants, long-crested eagles, Narina trogon, starlings, silvery-cheeked hornbills, bar-tailed trogon and many others.

Spectacular sceneries

Spectacular sceneries also include views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain which is only 60 kilometers from Arusha National Park. This Mountain forms a backdrop to views from the National Park to the East. Lush rolling hills surround the serene beauty of Momela Lakes to the North and shelter a rich diversity of animals-giraffes and waterbucks across the grassy hills. Ngurdoto Crater enclosed by a verdant rainforest is a smaller version of the Ngorongoro Crater with a diameter of only about 3 kilometers with steep sides as well as grasslands around its Crater. It features several viewpoints around its edge for watching the wildlife especially Cape buffaloes and common warthogs.

The seven beautiful alkaline Lakes of Momela mark the northeast of Arusha National Park and are characterized by varying brilliant colors because of alga that grow in them. Several bird species live in these Lakes and survive on them.

There is also Lake Longil, the only freshwater Lake in the National Park and is frequently visited by Defassa waterbucks and Cape buffaloes.

Tululusia Hill is another spectacular landscape in Arusha National Park and is a famous camping and hiking area with visitors guaranteed of jaw-dropping views of the Park. The area is also home to elephants, monkeys, pythons and duikers.

INTERESTING TOURIST ACTIVITIES WITHIN ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK.

Climbing Mount. Meru.

Visitors to Arusha National Park can climb Mount Meru through the well-maintained hiking trails that crisscross its lower and upper slopes. A 3-day trek ushers climbers/hikers to Mount Meru’s Crater summit and offers a challenging and quieter option to the nearby Mount Kilimanjaro.

Trails along the lower slopes lead to waterfalls and rivers as well as ancient fig tree forests, a chance to spot primates such as the black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys as well as crystal clear waters streaming from the different mountain Rivers.

Birding.

Bird watching is another exciting tourist activity for visitors to Arusha National Park and birds are sighted during canoe rides, walking safaris and game drives. Expect to see the flamingos, Cormorants, long-crested eagles, Narina trogon, starlings, silvery-cheeked hornbills, bar-tailed trogon and many others.

Walking Safaris.

The spectacular landscapes of Arusha National Park make walking safaris more exciting and rewarding. For visitors interested in coming close to the moss-covered trees as well as the unique wildlife species of the Park can take part in walking safaris. The most sought-after wildlife species during these guided walks include Rothschild giraffes, common warthogs, Cape buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks as well as unique bird species that include the bar-tailed trogon, silvery-cheeked hornbills, long-crested eagles and many others.

Guided nature walks towards the Momella Lakes introduce visitors to the Defassa waterbucks, mountain reedbucks and wide range of bird species such as Kingfishers, flamingos, cormorants and many others.

Game drives.

Undertaking game drives in Arusha National Park reward visitors with unmatched wildlife viewing experiences with animals such as elephants, Masai giraffes, common warthogs, Defassa waterbucks, bushbucks, Cape buffaloes and spotted hyenas to be expected. The best time for game drives is morning and afternoon when animals are very active.

Camping and picnics.

The landscape of this Park makes it possible to camp and experience the wilderness closer and given the closeness of the Park to Arusha Town, day trips with picnics are also possible in Arusha National Park. It is overlooked but is one of the most beautiful places for visitors interested in camping and picnics.

Canoe rides.

Canoe rides in Arusha National Park can be undertaken on the small Momella Lakes (El Kekhotoito, big Momella, Kusare, small Momella, Rishateni, Lekandiro and Tulusia) introduce visitors to several bird species especially the long-crested eagles, cormorants and kingfishers among others.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK.

Arusha National Park is a wonderful all-year-round destination for game drives, birding tours, canoe rides, walking safaris and mountain climbing among others. Game viewing and walking safaris are best done in the dry season-June to October and late December to February. Best experiences from birding tours are achieved during the rainy season-especially in November and April when numerous migratory bird species from North Africa and Europe flock the alkaline Lakes. These months are also breeding time for birds in this Park.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN EXPLORING ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK?

Arusha National Park and surrounding areas offer outstanding places for visitors to stay while exploring the beauty of this wilderness Area. The accommodation facilities cater for the needs of all visitor categories-budget, midrange and luxury, and they include;

Kiboko Lodge.

This beautiful Lodge borders Arusha National Park, strategically located at the foot of Mount Meru and is only 4 kilometers from the Park’s main entrance. It features 14 self-contained rooms and 5 family rooms with each having spacious verandas, fireplace, private toilets, showers and large mosquito-covered beds, a cozy restaurant with roofs made of palm leaves, open kitchen and many other facilities.

Arumeru River Lodge.

This Safari Lodge is incredibly located outside Arusha National Park and offers 21 spacious rooms, a family cottage and 6 suites. It has a large main Lodge area, beautiful lush gardens for visitor relaxation while admiring the beauty of Mother Nature.

Arusha Coffee Lodge.

The Arusha Coffee Lodge is beautifully located within an old coffee plantation outside Arusha National Park and made up of an old plantation house sheltering a lounge area, restaurant and well-stocked bar. There are a total of 30 luxurious plantation houses with en-suite rooms and suites with indoor fireplaces and vast seating areas. The property also has several coffee shops for delicious coffee, restaurants and Boutiques.

Other magnificent accommodation facilities within or around Arusha National Park include Palace Hotel Arusha, Hatari Lodge, Kutoka Lodge, Mount. Meru Game Lodge, River – trees Country Inn, Lake Duluti Lodge and many others.

HOW TO GET TO THE SPECTACULAR ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK?

The beautiful Arusha National Park is found in north-eastern Tanzania and its main entrance is only about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) east of Arusha City. The park is also only 58 kilometers/36 miles from Moshi City (Capital of Kilimanjaro) and approximately 35 kilometers/21.7 miles from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

The park is only 30-40 minutes’ drive from Arusha and only half an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Besides Arusha National Park, Tanzania is home to other endowed National Parks that include Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, Gombe Stream National Park, Saadani, Ruaha, Udzungwa Mountains, Mkomazi, Katavi, Lake Manyara, Mahale Mountains, Tarangire, Mikumi and west Kilimanjaro National Parks as well as Game Reserves that include Selous and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

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This is another unique tourist attraction but not so popular with the mountain itself being the main attraction for hiking. Mountain Elgon National park is found at the eastern border of Uganda and Kenya and is an extinct volcanic mountain that last erupted more than 24 million years ago. This is also one of Uganda’s oldest physical features and was at one point ranked the highest mountain in Africa at 6,895m above sea level, higher than Rwenzori and Kilimanjaro at 5,109m and 5,895m above sea level respectively.

However the era of erosion and denudation didn’t leave it the same as it is now ranks the 8th highest mountain on the African continent and 4th in the whole of East Africa region while standing at 4321m above sea level. The highest peak of this mountain is Wagagai which is on the Ugandan side and Kenya owns the smallest portion of this mountain at 169km only. The other peaks on the mountain include Jackson’s summit standing at 4165m, Mubiayi summit at 4,210m and Kiongo at 4,321m above sea level. The mountain is home to a series of rivers that form the famous Sipi falls, a very famous romantic spot in the eastern region of Uganda.

The Ugandan side of administration under Uganda wildlife authority first gazetted it as a Forest reserve in the year 1929, a status that was later changed to National park in 1992. The park covers districts of Mbale, Kapchorwa, Suam, Manafwa, Bududa, Budadiri and Sironko on the Ugandan side of it.

Mountain Elgon national park has got 2 annual rainfall seasons of April-June as well as between September – November with average temperatures remaining chilly due to its altitude and thick vegetation cover.

Mount Elgon National Park covers an area size of over 1,121sq.km with the main and unique tourist attraction on this mountain is caldera on top of this mountain which is the largest in the whole world and it takes about 7 days of hiking to reach the top. The park also has got a rich avian life of over 300 bird species and among these the Lammergeyer eagle being the most sought after by most birders. The other bird species include Jackson’s francolin, Hunter’s Cisticola, Moorland Francolin, among others. The park also boosts of over 23 mammal species and these include elephants, buffaloes, among others as well as over 300 indigenous tree and other plant species

The Bagishu and Sabiny are the main 2 native tribes of this region and they are locally referred to as the Bamasaba people. They Bagishu mainly depend on small subsistence farming with coffee being their major cash crop and also do believe in male circumcision.

How to get there?

Mountain Elgon national park can be accessed by road from Kampala through Jinja to Mbale, a 240km journey that will take you about 5-6 hours of drive on smooth paved roads.

The other transport option is to fly from Entebbe on a chartered flight offered by Aerolink to Soroti and then drive for about an hour to the park headquarters.

Attractions and Activities in Mount. Elgon National park.

Wildlife Experience.

The national park is home to quite a big count of wildlife species with it being home to big herds of forest elephants, waterbucks, hyenas and buffaloes. The park is also home to some primate species like the Colobus, Red-tailed and Blue monkeys and while on your walk up to the peak, stay rest assured to spotting some.

Sipi Falls hike.

Sipi falls are a series of waterfalls at the edge of Mountain Elgon in Kapchorwa district eastern Uganda. This is a series of rivers flowing high up from the mountains and these are truly unique and magnificent in their own way.

There are daily guided nature walks on to the top of these waterfalls offered by local guides and these present to you majestic views of the dry Karamojong region in the North eastern direction of Uganda. There are three phases of waterfalls with the first one standing at 100m above sea level which is Sipi itself, second one is Ngasire at 87m and the third waterfall is Simba at 69m above sea level.

Mountain Climbing.

When you compare it to the other mountains across East Africa, Mountain Elgon offers less strenuous hikes but with one of kind scenic views as you go up. There are different trail heads to be explored daily and these range between day hikes to several days of hiking and camping depending on your interests and experience. Sasa trail in Mountain Elgon national park is the shortest one and at the same time the steepest one to the peak as it could only take 4 days for an experienced hiker to reach the peak through it.

There are local people at the national park headquarters always waiting to work as porters. This is a government initiative through different park administrations to involve the local people into conservation and promotion of tourism. These porters are always there to help tourists in carrying luggage, cook food, pull and push you as you climb up the mountain.

Bird watching tours.

Mountain Elgon national Park boosts of over 300 species of birds and this activity is mainly done along the Kapkwai forest exploration centre trail and also along the waterfalls of Cheptui river.

The Lammergeyer eagle is the most sought after bird by most birders bird watching Uganda Safaris. The other bird species include Jackson’s francolin, Hunter’s Cisticola, Moorland Francolin among others.

Local Coffee Tours.

Mountain Elgon region has proved to have the best coffee experience in Uganda mainly because of its rich and fertile volcanic soils that favour its growth. While on this activity, you will be through the process of coffee production – how it is planted, harvested, dried and brewed, until it’s ready in the cup for drinking. Endeavour to support these local communities by buying some of their coffee and other products as it is a way of giving back to them.

The type of coffee in this region is mainly Arabica Coffee which is locally referred to as Bugishu coffee or Sipi coffee.

Abseiling.

This is mainly for the adventure seekers looking to discover new things on the other side of the world. Tourists do abseil or rappel from top of a 100m above sea level Sipi falls up to below where the water pours.

The bubbling sound of the waterfalls and panoramic views of the area will give you a forever lifetime memory. This activity is currently costing 50$ and handled by professionally trained adventure guide who have all the necessary equipment in place.

Cave Tours

There are a number of caves on Mountain Elgon and the most visited ones are the Khauka cave in Wanale on the slopes of mountain Elgon in Mbale district. These caves originally acted as shelter to the local people and their livestock especially on bad weather days like heavy rainfall.

Guided Nature walks

There are so many hiking trails on both outside and inside the mountain Elgon national park. While outside the park, local guides especially in the Sipi region do walks  through the local communities to high up on top of the Sipi falls and while there you will be presented to stunning views of the dry Karamoja plains in the north east.

Whereas inside the park, you can as well take on a guided nature walk to the Mudange cliffs also known as the walls of death while spotting different monkey species especially the Black and white Colobus monkeys.

The Kapchorwa Runners Experience.

Kapchorwa region and Mountain Elgon region at large has become so famous to the world for breeding first class and elite athletes. You could opt to join the runners of that region early in the morning as they go about their training as well as this experience could be tailored to meet your interests though this will come at an extra cost.

Mountain Biking.

There is a boom in the biking and cycling experiences in this region, especially around Kapchorwa and the entire Elgon region and this activity will keep your adventure spirit high if you are a bike lover. The activity starts from Sipi town and goes up to Chema hill in Kapchorwa and enroute you will have a chance of visiting the falls plus scenic views of the dry Karamoja plains.

Accommodation options in Mount. Elgon National Park.

The Accommodation facilities around Mountain Elgon national park apply to all kinds of tourists whether upmarket, midrange or budget, there is something that matches your interests and budget.

All the lodges in this region have got beautiful scenic views of Mountain Elgon itself, clean and tidy rooms as well as views of the Sipi falls and Karamoja plains especially for those around Sipi falls region.

Up market/Luxury Accommodations

Mountain Elgon Hotel

Mbale resort Hotel

Sipi River lodge

Midrange/Standard Lodges

Wash and wills Country Home Mbale

Rafiki Sipi Lodge

Budget Lodges

Lacam Sipi Lodge

Mountain Elgon View Hotel

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Visit Semuliki Valley National Park in Uganda for an authentic birding and wildlife safari experience. Also see accommodation/lodges, location, map & more. Semuliki National Park is located in the furthest part of western Uganda along the edge of great western rift valley in Bundibugyo district lying on the Uganda/Congo border. The park is bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains in the South-east and Lake Albert to the North. It is arguably one of Uganda’s recently established and smallest national parks, covering 220 square kilometers of the valley that links Uganda to the rain forests of Central Africa.

The game park is located approximately 340km south of Uganda’s capital, Kampala and 6 hours’ away by road. It is an extension of the vast Ituri tropical rainforest in DR. Congo and due to this fact, the park shares some of Ituri forest’s endemic flora and fauna that have strong resemblance to the Congo Basin species. Semuliki Forest is a category of moist semi-deciduous and is dominated by the Ironwood tree as well as Cynometra alexandrii, while 7% of the park is wetland forest dominated by the palm Eliaeis guineensis, Mytragyna rubrostipulosa and the Ficus vogeliana. See some of our safaris to Semuliki Valley National Park below.

Semuliki has got a rich biodiversity likely to be part of the Pleistocene refugium harboring fauna characteristic of the ‘Gunea-Congolian’ plus the Lake Victoria Regional Mosaic’ centres of endemism in Africa.

Semuliki National Park is home to at least 331 unique species of trees and 441 bird species have been recorded here so far, of which 2 are restricted range species.

It has about 86 mammal species with 9 species or subspecies threatened. Some of them include the Bates’s pygmy antelope (also known as the dwarf antelope), only found in this park in the entire region of East Africa.

The park is also particularly important for its population of mona monkeys (Cercopithecus pogonias denti) which is not found elsewhere in Uganda and de Brazza monkeys (Ceropithecus neglectus).

Resident in this park also include larger mammals such as forest elephants, hippos, forest buffaloes, leopards as well as a few chimpanzees (only about 50 individuals) and up to 8 species of diurnal primates found in Semuliki reserve.

Semuliki is primarily important for conservation of species whose range is restricted to this part of East Africa and Congo Basin.
Viewing the Sempaya Hot Springs

The hot springs are one of the most popular attractions and a highlight of Semuliki National park; containing magnificent views of boiling water effusing out from beneath to form a cloud which can be seen with in a distance of 2km.

There are two hot springs; one is referred to as the male and the other as a female hot spring.

Male hot spring is called Bitente and is about 12 meters in width, while the female hot spring is known as Nyansimbi that gushes out water approximately 2 meters above the ground.

These hot springs are a convergence point for numerous animals as well as many wetland birds which are drawn to the hot springs due to the presence of salty minerals.

There is a path that leads from the park ranger station to hot springs. These hot springs are encompassed by palm trees, forests and a huge fog that forms due to steam.

This makes the entire place look magnificent offering visitors an unforgettable experience. Visitors are advised not to move closer to the two Sempaya hot springs since the water is too hot and boiling temperature can raise up to 100°C.

The path to these hot springs passes through lush forests availing opportunities of viewing numerous primates including the grey-cheeked mangabeys, white & black Colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys as well as several bird species like blue-breasted kingfisher, yellow throated tinker bird and eight forest hornbills.
Chimpanzee Trekking

Semuliki national park is home to approximately 250 chimpanzees; most of these are under research by the Indiana University, but only about 50 are habituated for trekking, and a number of others still under habituation.

Chimpanzee trekking in Semuliki National park is not as arduous as trekking mountain gorillas, since Semuliki’s landscape is quite flat and not so rugged.

Hence tracking them doesn’t require any previous experience or fitness, though there are instances when fast movements in the forests might be necessary in order to catch up with these naughty restless primates.

Semuliki has the lowest population of chimpanzees compared to other destinations like Kibale, Budongo and Kalinzu forests; but nevertheless with the help of knowledgeable and experienced ranger guides, chances of viewing these endangered apes remain as high as 90%.
Community Visits

There are two ancient groups of people living in this region, namely Bakonjo and Bamba.

Other minor communities include the Batuku who are pastoralists living in the nearby Ntoroko district, and the indigenous Bamburi Batwa (pygmies) who dwell in the valley.

The Batwa are a traditional group of people that were relocated from the interior of Semuliki forest where they inhabited for generations, and they survived by fruit gathering and hunting wild animals in the forests.

When you make it to the park never miss out an opportunity to carry out a community walk to discover, learn more about the Batwa and pay a visit to their homes.

The Basu. This is a small remote group of people that still dwells within the Semuliki and Ituri forests.

This tribe still depends on traditional hunting and fruit gathering, plus a little revenue they share from the national park entrance fees.

They also earn income from repetitive visits by tourists, where they sell to them crafts, paid performances, food, among others.
Nature Walks

Nature walks in Semuliki national park are done through numerous designated trails which offer magnificent access to the fertile wetlands, scenic savannah plains and lush forests.

Nature walks are guided by skilled, professional rangers who are well informed about the ecosystem and entire biodiversity of the along each trail.

Some of the trails include the Sempaya Nature trail, Red monkey and Kirumia trails.
Accommodation

Lodging facilities inside and near Semuliki National Park are not quite many, though there are a number of lodges and hotels in Bundibugyo and Fort portal towns which are about 15km and 35km from the park respectively.

Types of accommodation here range from luxurious/up market to Budget and camp sites.

Options include Semuliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko game lodge, the basic Kirumia guest house and for campers and backpackers, Bumuga campsite is the best option.
When to go?

The park is situated at the intersection of several climatic and ecological zones, therefore tours can happen at any time of the year, though dry seasons are highly recommended; this is the time nature trails are dry and less slippery and forests are easy to navigate.

The wettest months of Semuliki are March – May and Late September to Mid-December with average rainfall of 1250 mm. Annual mean temperature ranges from 18°C minimum to a maximum of 30°C.
Group tours to Semuliki National Park

Given the nature of activities and experiences in Semuliki national park, group tours are a great option to better explore this soft spoken treasure in the pearl of Africa.

With numerous campsites in and out of the park, and luxurious lodges, travelers will never fail to find where to slumber at least for a night to explore Africa’s authentic wilderness!

This park is one of those least visited destinations in Uganda, so a group tour, whether small or big will not pause any environment threat or mass tourism.

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With a total area of only 33.9 km², Mgahinga remains Uganda’s smallest national park. It was first declared a game sanctuary in 1930 during colonial time by the British and was later gazetted into a national park in 1991. It was established to protect the rare mountain gorillas plus other endangered primates like the golden monkey. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shares part of the Virunga Conservation Area, an area that shelters the 8 Virunga Massif.

Mgahinga’s varied eco-system is of great cultural importance especially to the indigenous Batwa pygmies with their hunting and gathering life together with their history and knowledge of this place. Here you can enjoy activities like trekking gorillas (gorilla trekking), golden monkeys, watching birds, hiking mountains, nature walks and visit the Batwa Pygmies. Despite having few accommodation facilities, you’ll always find a place to stay in Mgahinga. See some of our gorilla trekking safaris below and start planning your visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mgahinga national park is one of the two parks where the rare mountain gorillas can be found in Uganda. Visitors to this park purposely come for gorilla tracking.

This adventurous activity normally starts at 8:00am after being briefed about the dos and don’ts while trekking at Ntebeko gate.

Tourists are then led by the park guides and the trackers through the forest to find the gentle giants after which they are allowed to spend up to an hour with them seeing their way of life and taking pictures to capture memories of this mind blowing wildlife experience.

With over 80 mountain gorillas, the park has only one habituated gorilla family, known as Nyakagezi group with 9 members and this means that there are only 8 permits available for trekkers on any given day.
The rare golden monkeys

Another unique experience is golden monkey tracking which is always combined with gorilla trekking to make a trip to Mgahinga more fun.

Uganda and Rwanda are the only places where you can track these golden bodied, black limbed-crowned primates.

What makes the experience more phenomenal is that these golden monkeys are also habituated meaning they won’t shy away from people while tracking them.

You can also spend more time with them during the golden monkey habituation experience and more to that this activity is not as hectic as gorilla trekking as they are found in the lowland bamboo sector.
Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga gorilla national park also offers to her guests another tourism experience of bird watching.

This is due to the existence of about 180 different bird species that normally line up along the Gorge trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo volcanoes.

Some of the bird species that can be watched here include; regal sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, chubb’s cisticola, grey capped warbler, wax bills, Blue-headed sunbird, among others.

A birding expedition in Mgahinga will also take you to the most spectacular spots in this park and encounter the most scenic views you can ever imagine.
The Batwa Cultural Trail and Garama Cave

Feel the forest through the eyes of the first inhabitants while doing the Batwa forest trail.

This is a must do activity in the park because it combines both the nature and cultural experiences to see how this indigenous tribe moved about with their life in the forest including how they hunted, gathered food, herbs, honey, medicine, made clothing and many others.

The Batwa people will be the guides themselves. The sacred Garama cave is also attached to this group of people because it’s where their king lived and where they would hide in times of war.

The sacred Garama cave is one of the prime sites that ought not be missed during a tour to Mgahinga Gorilla National park.

The Garama caves were the ancient home of indigenous Batwa people who lived there for several years until they were resettled a decade ago.

These are 342m in length, lying beneath a plateau in the north of the park, 3km from Ntebeko gate.

The caves are located in a former farmland zone though previously, it lied within a forest which was used by the Batwa periodically as council chambers and a retreat point and hideout during conflicts with their neighbors.
Mountain Climbing

Volcano climbing is yet another typical adventure for those intending to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The climbing can make you even access all the three countries on top of mount Sabinyo, as well as the other two volcanoes, Gahinga and Muhabura which are shared between Rwanda and Uganda.

Climbing any of these mountains requires minimum level of fitness, strength and stamina plus agility to make it a complete success in this wonder land.

Being small as it is, does not necessarily mean that it is limited with activities and experiences offered, because there are very many things you can do while in this gorilla land of Mgahinga.
When to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

There is no completely dry season in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and two distinct rainy seasons happen in Mgahinga National Park every year; the first season starting from mid – February to May which marks Mgahinga’s longest rainy season while late September to November is the park’s shortest rainy season.

Mgahinga National Park is open for visitation all year round. However, dependent on one’s travel needs and preferences, Mgahinga National Park is best explored during a dry season which occurs from June to early September and December to February.

During this period, most hiking trails in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park tend to be drier, less slippery and mud-free thus making it ideal for visitors to trek mountain gorillas and golden monkeys through dense, steep vegetation.

The dry season is also perfect for hiking to top of any of the three volcanoes – Gahinga, Sabinyo and Muhabura.

Due to this variation in weather conditions, one is advised to pack appropriately depending on their travel interest and if planning to undertake mountain gorilla trekking; waterproof hiking boots are required, as well as garden gloves, waterproof daypack, rain jacket/poncho, long sleeved shirts and so much more.

During dry season, the average temperatures experienced here range from 20 degrees’ Celsius during day and 8 degrees’ Celsius night time.

Where to Stay in Mgahinga Gorilla N.P

Looking for exceptional accommodation options in Mgahinga National Park? There are quite excellent properties within and outside of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park ranging from budget, midrange / standard to upmarket (luxurious) safari lodges and hotels offering well-appointed guestrooms and suites for comfortable stay at reasonable prices.

All budget, Mid-Range and luxury lodges boast a wide array of customer-oriented services and amenities aimed entirely at delivering nothing but total satisfaction.

Accommodation in Kisoro Town

A wide choice of lodging is also available in Kisoro, a home town of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

This is located 14 km from the Ntebeko gate – main entrance to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

For those looking for quite affordable but standard lodges, Kisoro offers a wide array of accommodation facilities ranging from basic self-catering camp sites to ultra-modern luxurious hotels all at pocket friendly prices.

Joining a group tour to Mgahinga NP

Group tours are excellent options for anyone travelling to Mgahinga national park due to a profusion of adventure experiences present in this park, such as Volcano climbing, mountain gorilla trekking, Golden monkey trekking, cultural and nature walks and more activities.

Trekking to the top of rugged Sabyinyo mountain is made even more easy when you are in a group.

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With its 37,000 size, at an altitude ranging from 1,220m to 1,828m above sea level, Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest Savannah park in Uganda, and is easily accessible by the Mbarara-Masaka highway from Kampala; about 240 km/3.5- hours’ drive to the western region. It is a rich park in terms of animals and birds and culture with a dry and rocky environment in the west and vast wetlands in the eastern part. With such a good location and very affordable entrance fees, Lake Mburo offers so many activities to travelers; some of which include game viewing, horseback riding, biking, boat safaris, night game drives, walking safaris, cultural encounters, bird watching, sun-downers and so much more.

Some 50 km of creeks and canals, connect thirteen lakes in the area, five of which lie within the boundaries of the park, with the largest being Lake Mburo. Some of the safari lodges in Lake Mburo National Park include Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, Arcadia Cottages, Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Eagles Nest Lodge, Mantana Luxury Tented Camp, and Mihingo Lodge among many other more.

Lake Mburo National Park has a difference in landscapes, ranging from golden Savannahs, rolling hills, ancient rocks, lush forests and swamps as well as the five lakes, with the largest lake within the park boundaries being Lake Mburo and another 14 lakes surrounding the park.

Towards the west, the savannah plains are traversed by forested gorges and rocky ridges.

While the park’s savannah areas were much more open in the past; however vast sectors of the park are now covered with shrubs and pockets of lush forests, due to the absence of elephants and other burning controls.

The eastern wetlands make up 20% of the park’s total area; along the lakes and creeks in the East, pockets of papyrus and riparian shrubs on the shores of open water.

Small patches of full-grown tropical forests on the western side of Lake Mburo gives an impression of semi-humid tropical high forest with a closed canopy which can be seen up-close from a viewing platform.
Wildlife in Lake Mburo

While hunting and farming had almost totally eliminated wildlife in the past, it has now made a remarkable recovery. Large herds of Eland and Cape Buffaloes roam the Western park.

It is the only park where Impala can be found and one of the three parks with Burchell’s Zebra. Common savannah species are Oribi, Defassa Waterbuck, Topi, Common Duiker and Bofor Reedbuck.

The top predators are the Leopard and Spotted Hyena; midsize predators include the Side-striped Jackal and various smaller predators like the white-tailed mongoose.

Only 2 species of monkeys are present in the park: the Vervet Monkey and Olive Baboon.

The park’s wetlands are inhabited by Cape Buffaloes, Bush-pig, Hippos and Sitatungas, Warthogs, Topis, elands; aquatic predators include the mighty African Crocodile and up to three Otter species.
Boat cruise on Lake Mburo

A boat trip along lake Mburo exposes you to extremely rich in fauna and flora species that line the lake shores and spotted flawlessly on an afternoon launch.

Hippopotamuses, large crocs and birds like black crake, pelicans, heron, Fish Eagle, Cormorant and the elusive shoebill stork among others.

This is a two-hour experience, and visitors can either be arranged in a small or large boat, each with different rates.
Walking safaris in Lake Mburo

Get a more personal and up-close encounter with nature and explore Lake Mburo National Park on foot!

This 2-3 hours walking safari begins from Nshara Park Gate and visitors are guided by an expert UWA Ranger into the savannah plains for epic game viewing.

There’s plenty of time to go at your own pace and enjoy great profusion of animals. Remember to carry some strong shoes and the camera to capture every moment.
Game drives & cultural experiences

Lake Mburo National Park is a hub to fantastic game drives through its vast panoramic savannah plains.

The game tracks in the middle of the park contain spectacular viewpoints and picnic spots to offer unbeatable game viewing opportunities.

Ranger guides are available to escort you and narrate the rich story behind the park’s immense beauty.

As a way of appreciating and encouraging conservation of local traditions and cultures of the Bahima people, a visit to explore and enjoy their peculiar norms is worthwhile.

Visitors are taken to a local family, close to the park, that has opened their doors to give guests a typical insight into the way of life for the Bahima pastoralists.

While here, visitors learn about making various milk products such as local ghee while listening to the old women narrate about their traditions and the cultures.

Depending on the time of the tour visitors can even have the opportunity to engage in local milking and grazing the majestic Ankole long-horned cattle.
Night game drives in the park

Night game drives, also known as nocturnal game drives are extremely exciting encounters. Visitors have excellent opportunities to spot some of the more elusive species of the park such as leopards, porcupines, spotted hyenas, pangolins and so much more.
Bird Watching in Lake Mburo

With more than 350 recorded bird species, Lake Mburo National park is a paradise for bird watching. This park is Uganda’s excellent spot in for acacia-dwelling birds.

Other bird species present in the park include the forest species in Rubanga Forest. The wetlands form a bonus for birders where the 6 papyrus specials can be sighted, including the magnificent papyrus gonolek and blue-headed coucal.

Lake Mburo is also a place to find southern species at the northern limit of their range, including the bare-faced go-away bird and black-collared barbet.

The months of November – April are appropriate for viewing migratory birds.

Forest and savannah birds in Lake Mburo national park include the Harrier Hawk, Grey-backed Green Pigeon, Double-toothed Barbet, Cameroptera and Narina Trogon.
Joining group tours to Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo National park can be visited all year-round, though dry season months (June to August) and (December – February) form the most appropriate time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around the waterbodies during sunny days.

Nevertheless, wildlife viewing is still possible during short wet seasons, that is from March – May and from September – November. During this time, the park’s vegetation is ever green and scenic.

Possible activities / experiences in dry Season (June to August and December to February) – Great wildlife viewing as vegetation thins and animals congregate around waterbodies; however, there are sunny days and the air is clouded by mist, which makes the views less impressive.

During wet Seasons, that is March to May and September to November; Game viewing is still better when animals can be spotted within open valleys.

There are fewer visitors and therefore hotel and park activity rates might be discounted, presence of migratory birds, clear and cleaner air, and landscapes are green.

However, wet, muddy roads may be slippery and become hard to negotiate, occasional heavy rains may as well interfere with game drives.

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Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda in the beautiful Kabarole district, 299km from Kampala city and barely 25kms north of Fort portal town along Kamwenge highway. The best chimpanzee trekking safaris in the world take place here, but there are lots of other safari activities that you can engage in and so many species of animals to see. When you are visiting for chimpanzee trekking, the entrance fee is already included in your permit.

The park is one of the famous moist and lush tropical forests in East Africa covering an approximate area of 795 Sq-km. It also has a diverse array of landscapes due to its position in relatively high elevation of 5200ft, and one of the remaining forests covering both lowlands and mountainous areas. When you look at the map of the park, you will be wowed by its diversity. Some of the accommodation facilities, lodges and hotels in the park include; Primate Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest Lodge, Isunga Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge and Kibale Guest Cottages among the rest.

Kibale Forest National Park is also known as the primate capital of Africa because of the presence of numerous species of primates ranging from the rare chimpanzees, Uganda mangabeys, L’Hoest’s and Red Colobus Monkeys which are some of the rarest and endemic to the Albertine rift. In total, Kibale Forest National Park is home to 13 different primate species including over 1500 chimpanzees, with five troops well habituated for daily visitation, 372 bird species, 250 butterfly species and other small and big mammals that reside in this park.

Though the park is well known for the primates, it is also diverse in other terrestrial mammals that can be seen in the park, including; the Red and blue duikers, bushbucks, forest elephants, bush pigs, common giant forest hogs and so much more.

Some of the daily sighted species of birds, include olive long-tailed cuckoo, great blue Turaco, Patas grey parrot and the ground thrush which is endemic to Kibale forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

The varied flora and a huge forest canopy has made Kibale forest a perfect home for chimpanzees that everyone on a chimp hunt is recommended here.

Chimp trekking in Kibale forest gives a unique experience that no other forest reserve can give in Uganda and East African region.

An all day trip to this place can do you better than expected. Walking through the lush vegetation while dodging, ducking and pushing your way through the thick branches, damp dirt and leaves.

Trekking through a thick fog, burrs and wet undergrowth plants, proceed to move up the steep terrain, while grabbing on to tree branches and strong vines to help you pull up, step by step as you try to reach out to the direction where the sounds of chimps are heard.

The reward in the end of a chimp trek in Kibale forest is definitely worthwhile, with safari ants under your shirt and crawling at their pace, pale face and wet shoes, these humble apes will finally come into sight and proceed to have an up close encounter with the gentle, intelligent creatures.

Meeting these chimps face-to-face is a completely rare and special treat that no one should ever miss.
Nature Walks in Kibale Forest

Due to the diverse nature of this park, interesting nature walks have been constructed and are always there to offer memorable nature-friendly treks for any visitor.

The park offers both day and nocturnal guided nature walks to expose trekkers to diverse experiences.

A day nature walk is favorable for carrying out chimpanzee treks and some other rare residents of the park and as they go to rest, the nocturnal walk begins after dinner, usually at 7:00 – 7:30 pm and lasting for about 2 – 3 hours.

A day nature walk is also ideal for butterfly viewing and as well important for birding expeditions, to explore Kibale forest’s 372 varied bird species.

Birding can also be done in the Bigodi wetland sanctuary, which is a popular home of the great Blue Turaco as well as magical community encounters, biking and other cultural experiences.

A night walk is an interesting adventure, particularly for spotting rarely seen nocturnal animals such as the Potta, bush baby, nightjar, cricket, tree hyrax, and the occasional serval cat and leopards.

The strong spotlights offer clear sights of such nocturnal creatures.

Night nature walks are a ‘must do’ while in this tropical forest; Beginning after dinner, visitors undertake the amazing nocturnal walk not just to view the sleeping jungle life, but to experience the remote African rain forest life.

Beyond viewing the nocturnal creatures of Kibale forest, it is the feeling of the jungle with its night echoes, plants and trees that seem to take a different expression at night.

An outstanding feature of the walk is experiencing the jungle echoes in the night on your Nocturnal Forest Walk in Kibale Forest, which is an out-of-ordinary experience.
Accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park

There are numerous lodging facilities that serve Kibale forest ranging from back packers camp sites, basic lodges and safari tents, midrange and standard lodges, and super luxurious lodges.

These are well distributed across all corners of the forest; in the north (the crater lakes region), Southern part (the Bigodi sector) while others are located inside the park offering firsthand forest experience.

Whether you stay in the up-market Kyaninga lodge, Primate Lodge or choose to slumber at the basic Rweteera Safari camp; the experience you find in each of them is worthwhile.

Don’t let your budget be the hindrance to a great group tour in Kibale national park.

What makes lodges in Kibale specifically unique is that each has been designed and built intentionally on a prime spectacular location overlooking the crater lakes, forests, conical hills or evergreen vegetation, all furnishing their visitors with extra ordinary scenic views.
When to visit Kibale forest for group tours

The wettest sector of Kibale is its northern side (crater lakes region) which receives an average annual rainfall of around 1700mm, mainly during months of March to May and September – November.

Rainfall is lower (Temperatures are highest) in the south (Bigodi sector) where the terrain is more flat at a point which intercepts with the rift valley floor and where the thick forest begins to give way to open grassland.

However, Kibale’s climate is generally pleasant with average annual temperatures ranging from 14 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Joining a group tour to Kibale forest

Group tours to Kibale forest are perfect for intrepid travelers, researchers, students, and those who really need a completely off-the-beaten path experience in an African jungle.

Though chimpanzee trekking is restricted to only 8 people per troop per trek, but Kibale can still be visited by more than 100 people per day due to the increased number of habituated troops of chimpanzees.

There are numerous activities in Kibale forest which can best be done in groups including Crater Lake hikes, tea plantation tours, cycling, community walks, nature walks and more.

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, was gazetted to protect Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda’s most popular mountain gorilla home, and one of it’s most sought after tourist destination.

Despite the various animal species in this park, most visitors are drawn by just one animal; the mountain gorilla.

To minimize disturbance to these endangered great apes, only eight people are permitted to track an allocated group of habituated mountain gorillas on any single day, while viewing time is strictly limited to one hour.

As wildlife viewing goes, it is difficult to convince how or where on earth 60 minutes could be more rewarding.

Gorilla trekking offers the privilege of encountering one of the world’s rarest animals in its natural habitat and, by doing so, helping to fund its continued survival.

Although mountain gorillas are undeniably intelligent and impressive creatures to watch – a giant Silverback that weighs over 200 kg but still keeps its calm, and these creatures are obviously one of our closest relatives and few observers emerge from the magic hour without feeling an unfathomable and often profoundly moving connection.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

The wildlife experience in Bwindi impenetrable National Park is truly out of the ordinary.

Biologically, this impenetrable forest is one of Africa’s richest, which is why it was listed a UNESCO World heritage site, owing to its great age, cultural and nature diversity and an altitudinal range spanning 1400 meters ASL.

It also contains an impressive list of bio diverse species, including 200 different trees, 350 birds, 120 mammals, 51 reptiles, 310 butterflies and 88 moths, including several primates, among them chimpanzees, black and white colobus, blue monkeys, grey checked Mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkey and as well as the park’s prime attraction – mountain gorillas.

Bwindi has over 17 habituated Gorilla groups, which are tracked from four sectors – Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.

A typical gorilla trekking excursion takes 1 to 8 hours depending on the location and daily movements of the group you are tracking, the weather and speed of the visitors.

This adventure also requires a reasonable level of fitness as this is an impenetrable forest which at times experiences heavy rains and paths become slippery and treks go through rough steep slopes which are hard to navigate.

The Batwa cultural experience

The Batwa, also known as the “Twa” are the original inhabitants of the Virunga region in the forests beneath the Virunga mountains.

They were later displaced from the forests in the early 1990s when gorilla conversation began to take shape, and now they reside on the outskirts of the Bwindi and Mgahinga forests in south-west and some in northern Rwanda.

When you visit Bwindi, never forget to take a visit to explore these amazing group of people.

Meet them and get to know how they lived in the forest as well as learning more about their activities including bee keeping, hunting, mushroom gathering, making crafts and fruit gathering.

In the evening, stories from the Twa legend will be told as well as traditional songs coupled with energetic dances.
When to visit Bwindi

A tour to Bwindi impenetrable national park can leave any time of the year; though it may depend on your tolerance for mud and slippery grounds, but there is a little variation in how comfortable you might feel during the gorilla trekking experience.

Bwindi is generally cold, but the coldest season is usually June and July, while heavy rains are experienced between March to May and short rains from September – Early December where long hours of drizzle are experienced.

Mornings in Bwindi are quite chilly, while night time is generally cold with temperatures averaging from 7 degrees celcius to 20 degrees celcius.

In general, the best gorilla trekking season in Bwindi is from Mid-June to early September which also doubles as the best time to undertake a safari elsewhere in Uganda.

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Nyungwe National Park is the best preserved montane rainforest in the central Africa; it is located in southwestern region of Rwanda boarded by Burundi in the south, Lake Kivu and Democratic Republic of Congo in the west and the nearest town is Chyangugu in Rusizi district.

Uwinka being its main park headquarters and a reception center as well, it takes a distance of 218 kilometers approximately 5 hours’ drive from Kigali – the capital city of Rwanda to the Park and Gisakura being a reception center in Nyungwe National Park.

Nyungwe National Park is surrounded by five districts i.e. Karongi in the North of, Nyarugugu in the south east, Nyamagabe in the North east, Nyamasheke in the North West and Rusizi in the south West, all these districts make your safari in Nyungwe National Park simple and enjoyable in terms of accessibility, accommodation and physical features.

Nyungwe National Park is one of the biggest national parks that have boosted tourism in Rwanda. It was established by the German Colonial government as a reserve in 1903 with huge chunks of land in thousands of square kilometers but later poachers, deforestation and fires led to the decrease of the forest to only 150 square kilometers between 1958 and 1973.

Research facilities were setup at Uwinka in 1994, however it was destroyed during the Rwanda genocide in 1994, the restoration of research facilities started in 1995 until 2004 when the park was declared a national Park.

The large number of chimpanzees in this montane rainforest make Nyungwe National Park the best place to visit while on your Rwanda Safari. The park has two chimpanzee groups where the smallest group has a total number of 30 chimpanzees in Uwinka sector and the big group has a population of 60 habituated chimpanzees trekked in Cyamudongo – an area inside the park as a fragmented forest. There is a third group that is still under habituation in Gisovu in the northern sector of the park.

What to do in Nyungwe forest?

Chimpanzee trekking has been the main activity carried out in Nyungwe national park since its establishment; it is therefore not surprising that this activity is the favorite and the most enjoyed by tourists while on a safari to Nyungwe National Park.

Before you kick off to the trekking expedition, you are assembled at the park headquarters for a briefing and be divided into groups of 8 people and each group is assigned to a different park ranger guide to trek a different chimpanzee family.

Visitors not only enjoy a memorable chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe national park but also enjoy a unique activity which cannot be found anywhere in East Africa, that is canopy walk beginning from Uwinka. This thrilling activity is not common in the whole of Africa and one can experience it only on a Safari to Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Canopy walk in this park enables a tourist to have a great view of the montane rainforest since the canopy walk way is 160 meters and 70 meters from the ground. The activity is in 3 sections – the first canopy at 45 meters, second at 90 meters and third at 25 meters and this creates a great view for the tourists to see a clear day, monkeys playing can be clearly spotted, close encounter with birds and Lake Kivu can be clearly spotted while on a canopy walk.

Before you join the canopy walk, one is advised to carry a rain coat since rainfall is frequently expected in the forest, strong boots and walking sticks should also be packed. However, if you tend to forget them, there are some for rent at the starting point.

Another activity that one should not miss out while on a safari in Nyungwe Forest national park is Bird watching since the park accommodates over 300 bird species. Hiking trails are divided into three geographical groups and these include; a trail that begins from Uwinka and Gisakura reception and the trail between Kitabi and Uwinka, all making it possible to do bird watching easily.

When to visit Nyungwe Forest N/park?

Enjoy a safari in Nyungwe national park when you visit it during the long dry season; that is from June to September, they are the best months to enjoy your group safari since least rain is expected.

You can as well visit the park during the short dry season from mid-December and mid-February however you expect some rainfalls during this short dry season because rain is expected.

Where to stay in Nyungwe forest?

Nyungwe national park also has nice and confortable accommodations which favor any number of tourists and offers Bed, breakfast and lunch according to the lodge that matches your budget.

The park is surrounded with a handful of accommodation facilities that range from luxury and these include; One & Only Nyungwe located in Gisakura at the edge of Nyungwe National Park, Nyungwe Top View Hotel located along the Ruhengeri-Gisakura Road near Nyungwe National Park, and then Nyungwe Forest Lodge which also offers Luxury accommodation while on a safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

When it comes to Midrange accommodation while on your safari in Nyungwe, this park offers to the fullest and one of these pleasant accommodations include; Gisakura Family Hotel, Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge located in Nyamagabe district in the northeast of the park, only 32 kilometers to the park headquarters that is 40 minutes’ road transfer and Kitabi eco-center in Nyamagabe district, only 33 kilometers – approximately 45 minutes’ road transfer to the park headquarters in Uwinka.

When it comes to Budget accommodation, this park offers various facilities and these include; Peace Guesthouse, located in Rusizi district and it covers a distance of 49 kilometers that is approximately 1-hour drive on road to Uwinka reception center in Nyungwe, while a transfer to Gisakura reception center covers a distance of 35 kilometers.

Other budget accommodations include; Regina Pacis Kibeho hotel, Norte Dame Kibeho Rest house, Home Saint Jean, Comoran Lodge to mention but a few.

Visiting Nyungwe national park with evergreen nature and Ice age, fabulous lodging and hotels on a safari is worthy a journey measured in friends rather than miles.

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