Uganda Kampala Hotels, Accommodation, Gorillas, Safaris

CENTRAL UGANDA
KAMPALA
Kampala is the capital city, commercial, and administrative centre of Uganda. Kampala is also known as the city of seven hills; Impala, Nsambya, Namirembe, Nakasero, Kibuli, Mengo and Kasubi.

HISTORICAL SITES IN KAMPALA

Uganda Museum

The museum is located in Kampala and was founded in 1908. It carries a display of Uganda’s cultural Heritage including ethnological and natural historical exhibitions. All cultural backgrounds in Uganda are represented, and the displays show the different developmental stages they have gone through. The museum holds approximately 3000 volumes of maps, periodical photographs and artifacts, sociology, travel and science pieces.

The shrine is located 12 Km out of Kampala off Jinja road and is a monument to the place where 22 Ugandan Christian converts were burnt to death on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga in 1886. On the visit of Pope Paul VI to Uganda in 1969, the victims were canonized and since then the shrine has been an important site for Uganda’s Christians who gather there every year on June 3rd to celebrate the lives of the martyrs. On the site there are two churches one built by Catholics and other by the Church of Uganda. The steel structure built in traditional style has artistic work on its interior, depicting scenes from the episode and in the centre preserved in glass are some of the remains of one of the martyrs named Kaloli Lwanga. There is also a man-made lake in the compound of the shrine believed to have belonged to one of Kabaka’s soldiers.

Bahai Temple
The temple also called Marsriqu l’-Adhukar, is located on Kikaya hill on Gayaza road about 4 miles from Kampala, and was built 40 years ago on nine big pillars. It belongs to the Bahai religious group, believed to have began by the messenger called Bha’u’llah born n Tehran Iran 1817-1892. The temple was opened to the public on 15th January 1962, and attracts many tourists since it’s the only one in Africa.

The Kasubi tombs are situated a few kilometers out of Kampala on Nabulagala hill, off Kampala-Hoima road. The tombs are the burial site for the “Kabakas” (kings) of Buganda kingdom. Tombs of legendary kings like Muteesa I (1856-84), Mwanga II (1884-1897), Sir Daudi Chwa (1897-1939) and Edward Muteesa II (1939-1966) can be found here. Mwanga II and Muteesa I died in exile and their bodies were brought back. Artefacts of the kings like the leopard skin, spears, drums, and furniture are on display.

Kabaka’s administration palace and Lake
Bulange Mengo is the official palace of the Kabaka, Buganda’s King. It’s located on Nateete road off Rubaga road and is built with high walls, beautiful gardens and a large statue of King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. It is where the king meets his council and it serves as an assembly and an administrative centre for Buganda. It’s the pride of Buganda and some of their occasions are held there.

The site is located on Buddo hill a few kilometers from Kampala on Masaka road. It is here that the ‘Kabakas’ (kings of Buganda) have been crowned for the last 700 years. It is therefore an important site in Buganda culture. The Kabakas are crowned on this hill because it’s believed that the first Muganda thus first Kabaka Kintu killed his brother Bemba on this hill. It is here that the current Kabaka king of Buganda kingdom Ronald Muwenda Mutebi was crowned on 31st July 1993.

Other cultural sites include;
Katereke Prison Ditch, Kabaka Kalema’s prison
Wamala tombs, sacred burial place of Kabaka Suuna II
Namasole Kanyange tombs, where queen mother of Kabaka Suuna II is buried
African cultural galleries and Art and carft exhibitions, e.g National Theatre

ENTEBBE

Entebbe derives its name from the time when it served as a judicial seat, administrative and commercial center for Baganda chiefs, ‘Entebbe’ means ‘Seat’ in Luganda. Entebbe is located on the Lake Victoria shores with a population of over 90,000 people, has tropical climate all year round and is the location of Uganda's international airport, Entebbe has other attractions.

EASTERN UGANDA

JINJA
Jinja is one of Uganda’s largest towns, and is found 80km east of Kampala. The town’s major attraction lies in the fact that the source of the Nile is located there and views of the river can be seen from several places in the town. Other attractions of Jinja include; Bujagali falls and Lake Victoria.

Mabira Forest
It’s the biggest natural forest reserve in Uganda and is located in Mukono District 54km from the city center of Kampala along the Kampala - Jinja highway. It covers an area of more than 300 square kilometers and is located along Kampala –Jinja road. It has about 312 tree species including the strangler fig tree, and a variety of primates among which are the red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, blue duiker monkeys, and white Colobus. Mabira Forest is home to 315 bird species some of which are the African Grey Parrot, Cassin Hawk Eagle, Tit Hylia, and so many more.

Accommodation:

The Rain Forest Lodge Mabira

Source of the Nile
River Nile is believed to be the longest river in the world. It has two major tributaries including the White Nile and Blue Nile. The river flows through Uganda, which is believed to be its source, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Sudan Ethiopia, and Egypt. British Explorer Sir John Hannington Speke discovered the fascinating source in 1859 on Lake Victoria, which he named after the Queen of England. Explorer Henry Morton Stanley confirmed his discovery after much debate and since then the River Nile and its source have become a major tourist attraction.

Activities at the Nile;

WATER FALLS

Sezibwa falls
Located in Mukono on Jinja road, the thunderous falls burst into huge waves of dark brown water, dropping into a small lake below. The falls got their name from the locals who believed that the rock was trying to block the river but because of its might it found a way of bursting through giving it the name ‘Sezibwa’ meaning cannot be closed out or blocked. It is a cultural & spiritual place for the Ganda culture where two of its Kings, Mwanga II and Muteesa II gave respect to the falls and planted trees there. . Locals go there seeking for blessings like love, children, success in business while others go to thank for what it has given them with sacrifices.

Bujagali Falls
The Falls were named after the spirit called Bujagali believed to sit on a backcloth on the falls. There is a belief that the spirits protects the falls and they are the ones that regulate the flow of water on the falls. Its 9 Km from Jinja town to the falls and the falls are about 10 Km down river Nile. It’s believed to be the busiest tourist site in the country. There are rapids with names like; Hair of the dog, Kula shaker, Nile special, Malalu and the last one Weleba. Various activities are carried out on the falls like white water rafting, Bungee jumping, Cruises, all terrain adventures like biking trips around the banks of the river.

Jinja has got various historical sites. Its cultural kingdom is called Busoga and thus dominated by Basoga tribe. Some of the historical sites include, Bujagali falls where the Busoga spirits reside, the royal palace at Igenge, Mpumudde hill where Bunyoro’s Omukama Kabalega died. Some of the notable cultural attractions include;

Accommodation in Jinja;

The Haven Lodge Uganda
Jinja Nile Resort
2 Friends Guest House Jinja
Gately Inn Entebbe
Hotel Triangle Jinja

WESTERN UGANDA

Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area: The conservation area is made up of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which covers 321 sq. km and Mgahinga Gorrilla National Park which covers 33.7 sq. km.

Bwindi Impenetrable Park: Having Flourished throughout the ice age, the park plays host to

the infamous endangered mountan gorillas and is famous for gorilla tracking. Close to 90 mammal species including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white colobus with its lovely flowing white tail is one, call the park home. The forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localised Albertine Rift endemics present.

Accomodation: Upmarket camps, a homestead, community run budget rooms and camping are available.

Bwindi Lodge
Silverback Lodge
The Gorilla Resort
Cloud Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Engagi Lodge
Buhoma Lodge
Kimbla Mantana Camp
Gorilla Forest Camp

Mgahinga Gorrila National Park: The park covers the northern slopes of the three Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474m) and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645m), collectively known as the Virungas. The park hosts a habituated gorilla family called Nyakahezi consisting of 9 members: 2 Silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants. Activites include gorilla tracking, Virunga Volcano mountain hiking, bird watching and cave exploration.

The park is 510 km or 9hrs drive from Kampala and can be reached by road through Kibale and Kisoro.

Accommodation: Upmarket lodge in Kisoro town, community run bandas and camping are available.

Mt. Gahinga Lodge

Kibale National Park

The park which covers close to 795 sq. km, was formed from the Kibale Forest Reserve and the Kibale Forest Corridor Game Reserve. It is home to a remarkable 13 primate species (including the chimpanzee, red colobus, vervet, red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus). Chimp

Although Kibale national park's major attraction is the opportunity to track the chimpanzee, other activities include bird watching, and nature walks. The Kasenda Cluster to the west of Kibale Forest National Park, consists of some 60 permanent and seasonal freshwater lakes, which are accessible to visitors.

The park can be reached by road either through Kasese or Fort portal. It is 322km or 6hrs drive from Kampala to Isunga the park's headquarter's.

Accomodation: Affordable bandas, campsites, luzury tented camp, cottages, and budget lodges.

Primate Lodge
Kibale Forest Camp

Rwenzori Mountain “Mountains of the Moon” and Rwenzori National Park

The snow-capped mountain is located in the western part of Uganda near the border of Uganda and Congo. The lower slopes are covered with a forest reserve providing an added bonus to climbers. Activities: Hiking, animal attraction, bird watching

Accommodation:

Hotel Magherita _ Kasese
Rwenzori Mountains Safari Lodge
Several Camps available

Semliki National Park

The park covers 220 sq km and is located 27km from Fort Portal off the road to Semliki National Park. Semliki is one of Africa’s most diverse forests and boast a varied bird population enhanced by the fact that it is one of Africa’s oldest forests. The park has 441 recorded species that represent 40% of Uganda’s total of 1007. The forest is also home to 53 mammals, several of which are unique to the area. Uganda Kob, Buffalo, Leopard, Antelope, chimps are among the several animal species found here. Semliki river also has hippos and crocodiles.

Accommodation:

Semliki Safari Lodge

Activities; Game drives, boat trips, nature walks, hot springs, bird watching

NORTHERN UAGNDA

Kidepo National Park

It is located in the North Eastern part of Uganda 700kms from Kampala near the border of Sudan and Kenya. It is Uganda’s most isolated park, although a visit to it is extremely rewarding. The park has a semi-arid climate with one rainy season; the Narus valley in the park receives 623mm of rain. There are two seasonal rivers in the park, which dry up during the dry season, the only permanent water is found in wetlands and remnant pools along the southern Narus valley near Apoka and as a result wildlife is concentrated in this area. This consideration, combined with the valley’s open tree savanna habitat, makes it the park’s prime game viewing location.

Of the 80 or so species found here, 28 are unique to the Kidepo and Karamoja region not known to be found in other Ugandan National parks, some of these include, Cheetah, Bat-eared fox, Striped hyena, Aardwolf, Caracal, others include Lions, Leopards, spotted hyenas, there is a great chance of seeing tree-climbing hyenas.

Activities: Game viewing, nature walks, hiking and scenery viewing, picnicking, bird watching with a variety of about 463 species, Visits to the Karamojong

Accommodation:

Apoka Safari Lodge
Tourists circuits could be Inter-zonal where tourists spend their time in more than one zone or Intra-zonal where they circulate for different parts of their time within the zone. Excursions are essentially day or part-day visits to attractions from the place of stay.

Inter-zonal Circuits

It is assumed that all circuits start and end in Kampala, which is normally the base for all visits to tourist attractions. Therefore, the estimates of the duration of the circuits include journey times to and from Kampala. The duration in practice will of course be decided by the inclinations of the tourists but the periods put forward are a minimum.

A traveler could visit Lake Mburo for one night and then proceed to the Rift Valley for a couple of nights depending on the number of sites one wishes to visit. If the latter was confined to a single visit to Queen Elizabeth the total duration of the circuit could be as low as four days. On the other hand, if the attractions of the Rift Valley were to be explored more thoroughly this could be extended to ten days or more.

Again one could spend a night at Lake Mburo before proceeding to the southwest zone, which may be simply for a visit to Bwindi. In such a case the circuit may take four days. On the other hand, a single visit to Mgahinga or the lakes would take a similar period of time, while incorporating all these destinations might go for a period of nine to ten days.

One could take a complete tour of the whole west and southwest, moving from Lake Mburo, through Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha, Bwindi and the lakes of Kigezi in a total of ten to twelve days.

These two principle tourism zones could be linked over a period of seven to 10 days, depending on the number of days spent in the Rift Valley. It is also possible to add Lake Mburo if one extended by an extra day.

This circuit could go to Paraa via Budongo Forest or direct to Chobe Safari Lodge and continue to Kidepo Valley via Gulu/Kitgum (one night here). Taking an alternative route for the return journey could be via Moroto(one night) and then Mountain Elgon. The whole circuit would be some 10 to 11 days.

This would really be a grand tour of most of Uganda’s tourist attractions and could take as much as 3 weeks. The first stop could be at Lake Mburo followed by the Lakes and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Kabale and Kisoro and then through the fine scenic area of Kigezi to Bwindi. One would then go through Ishasha, Mweya and Rwenzori. From Fort Portal the route would go to Paraa before visiting Kidepo Valley via Gulu/Kitgum and finally through Mountain Elgon, ending in Kampala.

Intra Zonal Circuits

These are circuits that are confined within a particular zone (mainly the large zones) where one stays a night or so in different places within the same zone.

1. Circuit of Rift Valley Zone

The total duration of the above circuit would be approximately 9 to 12 days if all places are visited. The routes from Fort Portal to Semliki and to Queen Elizabeth are considered to be outstanding in their scenic attraction.

2. Circuit of South-Western Zone

This circuit could be completed in six to nine days depending on the length of stay in each place. The scenic routes linking Buhoma to Ikumba and then to Kabale or Kisoro are probably the finest in the whole of Uganda.

A full day’s excursion is only considered to be reasonable if it involves a journey time of not more than about two hours each way to the destination unless it is an attraction in which case it could be longer.

1. Rift Valley Zone

2. Murchison Falls Zone

Intra-zonal excursions in this zone are limited. Murchison Falls are an obvious excursion by boat or vehicle from Para. The Rabongo Forest is also attractive. Tourists staying in Budongo could find an excursion to Hoima worthwhile to see Katasiha Fort and Mparo Tombs and the Hot Springs.