Uganda

See also Gorillas in Rwanda.

Uganda is a true paradise - a rich fertile land and a warm friendly people. I visited Uganda often in its tourism heyday, the early seventies, but Idi Amin precipitated 20 years of civil war which destroyed all the tourist infrastructure and much of the game. However he never destroyed the will of it’s people - they are still smiling and the game is recovering well, and you will see very few other tourists there. Human pressures have kept the game in Uganda to the 7 parks and 15 reserve areas in this fertile country. Murchison Falls to the North, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable forest, Kibale forest and Kidepo make up the main sights.. but to see all these would take more than 3 weeks, so a planned cross section will have to suffice for most people. Travel, particularly flying, is relatively expensive, and the lodges are distinctly variable! However there are a number of well run small camps in each area. The weather is generally wetter than Kenya, with the same rainy seasons in April, May, October and November. If you are interested in reading more depth on Uganda please read the diary entry of a recent trip of mine.

Highlights:

Murchison Falls: The entire Victoria Nile thunders through a 20ft wide gorge crashing 150ft down in one of the most spectacular displays of water power in Africa. A highlight of this area is the 7 mile launch journey up close to the base of the falls. The birdlife, in addition to the hippo are spectacular, and one of Africa’s highest concentrations of Nile crocodile feast on the fish dazed by their white water ride! The surrounding 1500 sq mile park features excellent views of elephant, buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe and Uganda kob.

Mating lions in Queen Elizabeth Park: Lions mate every 20 minutes for up to 24 hours - not surprising this lioness is looking somewhat fed up! Lions have made a good comeback in this area, along with their prey species. This varied 770 sq mile park borders Lakes Edward and George and teems with game. A trip along the Kazinga channel which links the two is well worthwhile, and on the floor of the nearby spectacular Chambura Gorge, good sightings of chimpanzees are often to be had.

Mountain Gorillas at the Bwindi Impenetrable forest: There are few wildlife experiences that can rival the excitement of sitting and exchanging stares just a few feet away from 98% of your own DNA!! The famous "M" Magahinga group can normally be found, though the hiking to get to them can be very tough, as one has to hike straight across country through the forest. A newly habituated group has just become available to the public as of Feb 99.