4 Best Uganda National Parks to See Amazing Wildlife
Here are four national parks in Uganda that offer great wildlife viewing opportunities: Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo. Murchison and Queen turn out to be the most popular and have the highest concentration of wildlife so far. Lake Mburo and Kidepo are less visited compared to the rest but offer equally good wildlife viewing experiences.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is apparently the most popular national park in Uganda and has the highest population of mammals and bird life. Murchison Falls comes next to it and has larger mammals inclusive of the Rothschild Giraffe – a specie that cannot be found in Queen.
These destinations equally contribute to Uganda’s status of being a great wildlife viewing destination on the African continent. It might not be among the best, but does have the kind of experience every tourist would expect from a wildlife safari.
One of the national parks – Kidepo Valley National Park was named the 3rd best safari park on the African Continent by Cable News Network (CNN) in 2013. This milestone turned out to be a cornerstone to a virgin isolated national park that was always known for insecurity. Kidepo sits on the wild frontier region of North-Eastern Uganda and turns out to be one of the best spots for wildlife viewing in Uganda. If you are brave enough to take on the 12 – 14 hours drive or have the capacity to opt for scheduled / chartered flights, you should definitely visit this park. The park is very secure to visit.
Kidepo Valley National Park
The remote and less explored Kidepo Valley National Park is a 1,442 square kilometres national park in the Karamoja region in northeast Uganda. Kidepo is rugged savannah, dominated by the 2,750 metres Mount Morungole and transected by the Kidepo and Narus rivers. This park harbors a lot of big cats and some species of wildlife that cannot be found else where in Uganda. Ostriches can only be found here and cheetah’s on rare occasions.
The main reason why few people visit the Kidepo National Park is the distance. The journey usually lasts for about 14 hours by road and at times you will have to divide it into two days. The best way to access this park is by using chartered flights. You will spend roughly two hours flying ans cut your distance short. Truth be told! Safaris to Kidepo are one of the best you will ever experience in Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park
The popular Murchison Falls National Park sits on the shore of Lake Albert, in northwest Uganda. It’s known for Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile River surges through a narrow gap over a massive drop. Park wildlife includes elephants and hippos, and there are chimpanzees in the Kaniyo Pabidi mahogany forest. The Lake Albert Delta is home to rare shoebill storks. There are game fish in the cascades of Karuma Falls.
The Murchison Falls Park is home to 76 species of mammals including four of the “Big Five”, with huge herds of buffaloes and elephants, well-camouflaged leopards and a healthy population of lions. It is also known for its giraffes; in Uganda these can only be viewed here and in Kidepo Valley. Other species viewed regularly along the game tracks include Jackson’s hartebeest, bushbucks, Uganda kob, waterbucks and warthogs. Resident crocodiles and hippos as well as other, visiting wildlife are found along the river.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is in southwest Uganda. Leopards roam the Mweya Peninsula, which lies beside Lake Edward. Nearby Lake Katwe is a huge volcanic explosion crater. Boats on the Kazinga Channel float past hippos and Nile crocodiles. Chimpanzees inhabit the Kyambura Gorge. Trails lead to bat caves in the central Maramagambo Forest. The Ishasha area is home to tree-climbing lions and shoebill storks.
With an astonishing 5000 hippos, 2500 elephants and over 10,000 buffalo thriving in its grasslands and shorelines, Queen Elizabeth National Park guarantees sightings of some of Africa’s most iconic species. Hearing the elephants’ calls reverberate around Queen’s crater-filled valleys is a magical experience. Other common herbivores include warthogs, waterbuck, Uganda kob and topi, as well as the sitatunga antelope.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda. It is the smallest of Uganda’s Savannah national parks and underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks which date back more than 500 million years.
The small in size Lake Mburo National Park has varied habitats support 68 mammal species. Rarities include impala, which, in Uganda, only lives in Lake Mburo, and Burchell’s zebra and eland which are found only here and in Kidepo. Other species include warthog, buffalo, oribi, Defassa waterbuck and reedbuck. Leopard and hyena are also present while crocodile and over 300 hippos are found in the lake. Previously extinct in the park, lions have recently been sighted again.
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12 Unique Hotels in Kampala – check them out!
Looking for where to stay in Kampala? Here are my 8 unique hotels in Kampala that i think you will love to stay in during your holiday in Uganda! – I thought choosing this shouldn’t be a problem and indeed it isn’t but the trouble is keeping it to 8. I am afraid I have got to say right from the start that this will be broken – no promises here!
What to Know about Kampala Hotels
Not different from Paris and London of this world, Kampala has got some of the finest to be proud of and by any standard these 8 or so hotels will leave their mark. The beauty; the surrounding, the layout and the type of rooms (not different from what you would find in Chicago or New York) is what makes them unique – the bonus is; they are crowned with a Uganda touch!
OK then, here we go with my 8 unique hotels in Kampala and with out following any order of merit;
Speke Hotel
First on my mind is the Speke Resort and Conference Centre. Right at the shoreline of Lake Victoria, it is the ideal place to chill out. It’s got a thrill that will grub you and particularly about Uganda’s beauty with a detailed touch of precision. Its Olympic size swimming pool is a plus (try it if you think you are good enough to represent your country). This resort simply graces the shore of the lake and for me, its very much a top 10 in Africa. You probably wouldn’t take your eyes off this one… and what a way to kick off these unique hotels.
It offers a range of facilities; A 5 star restaurant, excellent conference facilities, luxury cottages and the Speke equestrian Centre that will offer you a horse riding holiday including lessons if you wish which you could round off with a boat ride on Lake Victoria. Still looking for places for your honeymoon?
Protea Hotel Kampala
… While you are still at that, you can make your way to the Protea Hotel Kampala. Set in Kololo – an upscale suburb of Kampala, this 4 star hotel will gracefully give you 5 star services at no extra cost. 59 luxury rooms plus 11 lavish en-suites and a modern hi-tech gym will provide you with an amazing way to spend a night or two.
Serena Hotel Kampala
And then the hotel for Mother Nature lovers – kept to the thyme of depicting Uganda’s greenery and beauty, the Kampala Serena Hotel.
Right in the heart of Kampala with an artistic impression that brings out Uganda’s lakes and rivers, this 5 star hotel blends the African flair, social style and business consistency that will keep you coming back for more… It has a rock sculptured pool deck and water falls with over 150 world class rooms that will guarantee your memorable stay in Uganda.
Emin Pasha Hotel Kampala
Finding its way into my 8 unique hotels is the Emin Pasha hotel – have you been there? Yah right! You could be one of the ‘been there done that’ but wait a minute; this little cosy, with a rich ambience hotel will take you by surprise.
It’s got no attributes to the big chains and yet has a character of its own. Its Fez Brasserie and Wine bar is probably the finest to eat and drink in Kampala.Try it…
Hotel Le Petit Village
With exactitude, the Hotel le Petit Village is a piece of class. Someone has called it the ‘charming oasis’. This lovely family-friendly hotel is the perfect way to escape from the rush of Kampala. Lovely food too and the out door pool adds to the flair.
Sheraton Hotel Kampala
Then comes the controversial one – Yes! In a sense that you will have to prove me wrong on this. The Sheraton Hotel Kampala certainly squeezes its way through to my 8 unique hotels. It’s stood the taste of time! One will say it’s passed its glory days but wait a minute, you won’t beat its location (right in the heart of Kampala) and just when you step in, it welcomes you with that ever relaxed ambience.
It’s with in reach of the central business centre of the Capital and as a meeting point; it will give you the ideal atmosphere to crack that business deal.
Lake Victoria Serena Resort
Oh, and here comes probably my best; The Lake Victoria Serena Resort – right at the shoreline (am I just obsessed with the lake view? – hmm!). They say; ‘it’s styled to replicate the lines of a classically rustic roman villa’. This luxury residential complex is magnificent. Lovely poolside and great service! …
…I however have my reservations on the roads that lead to the complex – they are in serious need of some TLC but don’t let that kill the excitement, once you over come the bumpy roads, paradise will break loose!
Grand Imperial Hotel
And while you are pampered at the Serena Resort, you can make your way to Grand Imperial Hotel – its history stems way back to the colonial times as one of the first hotels to be built in Kampala. With over 100 elegant rooms, the grand imperial is right in the heart of the central business centre of Kampala. Look no further if you are looking at a stay for business – it’s quite ideal.
Mosa Court Apartments
Does that make my 8 unique hotels? Sorry there is just one more; Mosa Court Apartments – thought I should say something about this little paradise. For business or pleasure and particularly if you are looking at a long stay – this is the ideal place which will save you a few $s too. Its location is very central to the Capital.
Hilton Garden Inn Kampala
Little known by tourists, this is one of the new hotels to watch in Kampala.
Conclusion
…Did I say one more? This list will go on and on irresistibly but last but not least, the Speke Hotel in Kampala. The Bar at the Rock Garden is certainly my best – you will love the ambience there. And talking about Kampala nightlife, if you are the kind that loves a bit of dancing, you can catch some music here at the weekends. Nice place to entertain your clients/visitors!
My 8 unique hotels in Kampala are not cast in stone and a lot of things could have changed as I finish writing this. A lot of new hotels are also coming up. You will see lots of reviews and stories about these places and more here, make you choice – I trust for most of it, you will agree with me.
Go on and tell me what you think about my 8 unique hotels in Kampala – you could have a thing or 2 to share about your experience at these places or any other – any thing that you think will help the other visitors OR have you discovered Kampala’s new paradise?
Write Your Story
Do you have a story about my Unique Hotels in Kampala? OR do you want to tell about your new found paradise in Kampala? Go on then, any thing but imagination and fiction… Share it
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Best 10 Religious Sites to Visit in Kampala
For faithbased travelers, Uganda also features as one of the best destinations for faith tourism. Within Kampala alone, there are many religious sites that are all worth visiting. In this article, we highlight the best religious touristic sites that are worthy visiting in Kampala. This list is growing and and we are still adding more sites onto the list!
Rubaga Cathedral
The Rubaga cathedral is one of the most visited sites. Also known as St. Mary’s Cathedral, this is the seat of the catholic church in Uganda. It is located within one of the most stunning hills in Kampala, the Lubaga Hill. It is famous for its memorials of the first African catholic bishop who was martyred for introducing Catholicism to Uganda. This is also the headquarters of Catholic Church in Uganda and there is a rich history to go through if you take a guided tour around the cathedral! The building is also stunning since it was built in the gothic style!
The Bahai Temple
You can also pay a visit to the Baha’i temple which features as the only Baha’i temple for the whole continent of Africa. It comes in stunning domed cathedral on Kikaaya hill off the Gayaza road. It features beautiful green gardens where you can relax and meditate during your visit. There are also some birds that include brown parrot, palm nut vulture, pied crow, black and white casqued hornbill, hadada ibis, double toothed barbet, speckled mouse bird, laughing dove, blue spotted wood dove, ring necked dove, black kite, great blue Turaco, woodland kingfishers, stripped kingfisher, scarlet chested sunbird, fort tailed drongo, ruppels long tailed starling, red billed fire finch and many more.
The Gaddafi Mosque
Gaddafi mosque is another area that you should consider visiting for the excellent views of Kampala as a whole. The mosque is spectacular on its own way and visitors can walk around while taking photos. It was established by the former Libya leader Colonel Gaddafi and it is the biggest in Kampala.
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo
Don’t miss paying a visit to the Uganda Martyrs shrine in Namugongo. This is a world class attraction and the most known religious site in Uganda. From here you can explore more about faith tourism in Uganda and the Uganda Martyrs who were murdered for denouncing the Kings powers at a time.
The shrine is situated about 15 kilometers east of city centre along Jinja road. It from this place that about 14 out of 22 Uganda martyrs sacrificed their lives to Christ on the orders of King Mwanga in 1886 when they refused denounce their Christianity. The site has become an incredible tourist attraction and thousands of pilgrims from different region gather here every year on 3rd June to pay pilgrimage in this area.
Would you like to tour these sites? There are many sightseeing tours in Uganda that are available.
Going on a Self Guided Trip:
You can also plan a self guided tour with a rental car from Self Drive Uganda, a local car rental agency based in Kampala.
Guided Tour:
See Kampala in a new perspective by booking a guided tour today!
5 Must See Landmarks in Kampala
Kampala doubles as the major town and capital city of Uganda where all people from walks of life meet. For the very first time with in the city you will meet vast number of land marks ranging from the magnificent building structures, monuments and so many features. Most notable land mark in Kampala include;
The parliament of Uganda
It is located on the on-Parliament Avenue the junction which intersects Kampala Road at Nando’s. Parliament building was built between 1956 and 1961 housing the legislative arm of Uganda’s government. The building can be Identified and visible in a distance, it’s from this building that the legislators pass the constitutional laws.
Ghadaffi mosque
Standing upon one of the Kampala seven hills a visible dome is recognized and that it is the old Kampala mosque commonly known as Ghaddafi mosque in remembrance of his hand of support upon its construction. The magnificent mosque is on old Kampala hill with a sitting capacity of more 4000 people. The mosque is open for tourists for viewing but the only condition is long skirts or covering for ladies and removing shoes as you walk into the mosque. The beautiful views usher you to the top of the mosque where you will view Kampala at 360 angle degrees.
Independence monument
Kampala holds a number of monuments each symbolizing something different but one independence monument stands out to hold a lot of meaning attached to it. Uganda was colonized by the British and held slaves that the common man had no say for the future not until Uganda gained their freedom from the British rule on the 9th October 1962. The monument symbolizes a woman standing on ground while lifting a baby in air, the woman with a roping around her body looks at a little boy in her hand who raises his hands in jubilation that is free from the bondage of colonialism.
Rubaga cathedral
The two-tower roman catholic church is not outstanding because it’s on one of the seven hills but the architecture alone is beautiful. The land on which the church sits was formerly Kabaka Mutesa I palace not until it was burnt down by fire and he relocated to Mengo hill. His son kabaka Mwanga 11 donated the land to the French missionaries who had come to preach the gospel and they set up the church. In 1914 the missionaries began constructing a modern cathedral at Rubaga and Construction was completed in 1925 consecrated on 31 December 1925. Inside the church building the remains of the first African Catholic Bishop and Archbishop of Kampala Diocese lie.
Kasubi royal tombs
These are the recognized burial grounds for the Kabaka’s in Buganda and other royal clan members. In Buganda they believe the Kabaka doesn’t die but thus disappear in the forest. The kasubi tombs were built towards the end of the 19th century, the Kasubi Tombs site is a notable Kampala landmark and well worth a visit, particularly if you are interested in Buganda cultural history or traditions. The tombs themselves are housed within ‘kabakas’, buildings made from reeds and bark. Buried here is Kabaka (King) Muteesa I and his royal descendants, Sir Daudi Chwa II and Edward Muteesa.
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