Page 34 - April-May-2019 Edition

NATIONAL PARKS

Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari
Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Hideaway, Sambiya River Lodge, Shoebill
Campsite, Murchison Treehouse.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist
destination. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady,
humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic
big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds.
Set against the backdrop of the jagged Ruwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent
vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills,
panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and
elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce
on herds of unsuspecting Uganda Cob. As well as its outstanding wildlife
attractions, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history.
There are many opportunities for visitors to meet the local communities and enjoy
storytelling, dance, music and more. The gazette of the parkhas ensured the conser-
vation of its ecosystems, which in turn benefits the surrounding communities.
ACCOMMODATION: At the River Ishasha, Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Isha-
sha Ntungwe River Camp, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Jacana Safari Lodge, Kasenyi
Safari Camp, Katara Lodge, Kingfisher Lodge Kichwamba, Little Elephant Camp,
Mweya Safari Lodge, Simba Safari Camp, Tembo Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Bush
Lodge, Irungu Forest Safari Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp, Marafiki Safari Lodge,
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
RUWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The Ruwenzori’s – the fabled Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the
Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in
Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist
montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the
mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting,
fairytale scene. Ruwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the
120km-long and 65km-wide Ruwenzori mountain range. The national park host’s 70
mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some
of the rarest vegetation in the world. The Ruwenzori’s are a world-class hiking and
mountaineering destination. A nine to twelve day trek will get skilled climbers to the
summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are
possible to scale the surrounding peaks.
ACCOMMODATION: Camp Norway, Ruboni Community Campsite
SEMLIKI VALLEY WILDLIFE RESERVE
Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve sprawls across the floor of the Semliki Valley on the re-
mote, western side of the Ruwenzori. The reserve is dominated by the easternmost ex-
tension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. This is one of Africa’s most ancient
and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago.
The Semliki Valley contains numerous features associated with central rather than
eastern Africa. Thatched huts are shaded by West African oil palms; the Semuliki River
(which forms the international boundary) is a miniature version of the Congo River, the
forest is home to numerous Central African wildlife species, and the local population
include a Batwa pygmy community that originated from the Ituri. As a result, this park
provides a taste of Central Africa without having to leave Uganda.
ACCOMMODATION: Semliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko Lodge

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