7 Best Places to Visit in Western Uganda
Western region consists several districts including Mbarara, Bushenyi, Kasese, Kiruhura, Kabarole, Rubirizi, Mitooma among others. When it comes to tourism, western Uganda out competes other regions due to its tourist attractions and activities that offer memorable experience.
A combination of beautiful land scape, rivers, lakes, variety of bird and primate species and many other wild animals offer you a fascinating experience when you visit western Uganda.
Western Uganda attracts many tourists because of its major tourist destination below:
Queen Elizabeth National park.
It is located in western Uganda spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi and Rukungiri, extending from Lake Edward and Lake George separated by Kazinga channel. It is located along Mpondwe road in Rubirizi district and Uganda’s second largest National park covering a land of 1978 square kilometers.
Queen Elizabeth National park is the most popular destination well known for its concentration of wild animals, bird species and primate species. The activities in Queen Elizabeth National park include game drives in the Kasenyi sector, Mweya peninsular, Katwe salt mines, Bunyaruguru Crater Lake, Munyanyanga Crater Lake, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge, nature walks, cultural encounters to Kikorongo community village, leopard village, the Equator, launch trips on Kazinga channel.
Queen Elizabeth National park shelters over 600 bird species and more than 95 mammal species including elephants, lions, leopards, warthogs, antelopes, buffaloes, water bucks, bush bucks, chimpanzees, monkey species, hippos, Uganda kobs, Elands, Topis, tree climbing lions which are only found in Ishasha sector, birds like whited winded, swamp nightjar, Africa fish eagle, African kingfisher, white egrets, African morning dove, weaver birds among others. There are chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge in Maramagambo forest.
All these wild animals can be viewed during day and night game drives, boat cruise on Kazinga channel, guided nature walks, birding and cultural tours.
Queen Elizabeth National park has beautiful accommodations which exceptional and wonderful services where visitors spend their time when they visit the park including; Mweya safari lodge, Queen Elizabeth bush lodge, Buffalo safari lodge, Ihamba lake side lodge, Kyambura game lodge, park view lodge, Enganzi lodge, Katara lodge among others.
Kibale National park.
It is located in western Uganda in Kabarole district characterized of lowland, montane and rain forest type of forests. Kibale National park is the most popular destination for chimpanzee trekking, however there other areas where chimpanzee trekking is done including Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National park, Toro Semuliki game reserve in the west and Kalinzu forest close to Queen Elizabeth National park but Kibale National park is the leading chimpanzee destination with over 1500 chimpanzees that consist of habituated and non-habituated chimpanzees. Besides chimpanzees, Kibale National park also hosts several wild animals like forest elephants, warthogs, bush pigs, duikers, African buffaloes among others, then monkey species like black and white colubus, olive baboons, blue tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, Red tailed, L’Hoests monkeys among others.
Kibale National park also hosts over 325 birds species which include yellow potted nicator, African King Fisher, weaver birds, African grey parrot, pigeons, little greenbul and so on which can be viewed Kibale forest and others in Bigodi swamp sanctuary during nature walks.
Kibale National park has several accommodations including crater, safari lodge, Kyaninga lodge, Ndali lodge, primate lodge, chimpanzee safari lodge, Isunga lodge, Rweteera safari park among others which offer fascinating services.
Bwindi impenetrable National park.
Bwindi impenetrable National park is situated in south western Uganda in the district of Kanungu covering an area of 321 square kilometers. It is characterized with a thick tropical rain forest which shelters mountain gorillas which are Uganda’s major tourist attractions.
Bwindi impenetrable National park is well known destination for gorilla safaris in Uganda done in 4 sectors; Buhoma sector in the north, Ruhija sector in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector in the southern part of the park.
Bwindi impenetrable National park consists of 18 habituated gorilla families that are being trekked. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National park is the major tourist activity in western Uganda and in Uganda generally due to its highest population of mountain gorillas. Bwindi impenetrable National park shelters over 449 mountain gorillas which are half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas which attracts the biggest number of tourists from all parts of the world.
Mountain gorillas are endangered primate species that are found in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo in the whole world. A trip to western Uganda offers you the breath taking and memorable experience of gorilla trekking that you will not encounter anywhere else in Uganda. Gorilla trekking starts from the park headquarters with briefing in the morning guided by the ranger guides then they lead you to the forest for trekking, depending on how far the gorillas are, trekking may take 1-8 hours though not predictable.
Trekkers are advised to go with their trekking gears like rain jacket, trousers, long shirts and blouses, hiking boots, insect repellant, hut to protect from direct sun and rain, warm sweater and they should be above 15 years.
Lake Mburo National park.
Lake Mburo National park is located in Kiruhura district few kilometers from Mbarara city. Lake Mburo National park was formerly a hunting area but later gazette in to National park in 1963.
There are tourist activities done in Lake Mburo National park which attract travelers include game drives both day and night game drives, boat trips, nature walks, horse riding, fishing among others.
The park is the smallest savannah National park with a variety of animals like Antelopes, Zebras, Giraffes, hyenas, warthog, Eland, Uganda kob, impalas, Jackal and many others with over 300 bird species that attract travelers.
The park also has a variety of accommodations including Mihingo lodge, Arcadia lodge, Mburo safari lodge, Mantana tented camp, Rwakobo rock resort, Rwonyo rest camp and so on.
Mountain Rwenzori National park.
Mountain Rwenzori National park is located in western Uganda situated within the mountains of the moon in the East African Rift valley bordering Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain Rwenzori is the third highest mountain In Africa with 5,109 meters high and its highest peak Margherita which is snowcapped.
Rwenzori National park and also a conservation area of the mountain is a UNESCO heritage that covers of 995 square kilometers shared by the districts of Kabarole, Bundibigyo and Kasese. It can be accessed via Fort Portal Kasese road to Rwenzori National park for 5-6 hours.
Rwenzori National park consists of several activities like mountaineering which is the major activity that attracts a number of travelers that come from different countries to hike mountain Rwenzori. Over 7500 travelers each year visit mountain Rwenzori especially to the highest peak of mount Stanley Margherita.
There is also hiking and nature walks done around Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimpanzee forest, Bundibugyo area through Bwamba pass where you come across wild animals like forest elephants, giant forest hog, duikers, leopards though rarely seen, the three horned chameleon which is only found in Rwenzori because it only stays in places which are 3000 meters above sea level, it is always fascinating on sighting it. Cultural encounters with the Bakonzo people and learn more about their cultures, daily activities, traditional dances, storytelling among others, the visitors also enjoy birding in Rwenzori National park with over 217 bird species that can be traced in the montane forests on the slopes of mountain Rwenzori.
Semuliki National park.
Semuliki National park is located in Bwamba County in Bundibugyo district in western Uganda on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of Uganda’s newest National park and second last smallest National park covering an area of 220 square kilometers.
Semuliki National park has a variety of plant and animal species with ever green vegetation for game viewing activities, the park has over 40 mammal species and 600 bird species mostly enjoyed by birders.
Semuliki National park consists of wild animals including leopards, elephants, civets, hippos, forest buffaloes, primate species like chimpanzees, monkey species like olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, de brazzas monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, black and white among others.
Semuliki National park has variety of activities that travelers enjoy while on your safari to western Uganda including game drives which are done in the savannah grasslands of the park which offers views of wild animals like elephants, leopards, bush pigs, warthogs, birds and so on, then the sempaya hot springs which is the most popular tourist attraction in Semuliki National park. It is also said a safari to Semuliki National park with a visit to sempaya hot springs is incomplete, the hot water at sempaya hot spring is more than 100 degrees Celsius that is boil eggs until they are ready. Hiking and trails through the red monkey trail where you spot the monkeys buffaloes, elephants on the river and kirimia trail where you see a variety of bird species.
Cultural encounters to the Bambuti community where you learn more about their life style as the people of the forest, hand craft making, enjoy their music and dances and the birding at sempaya and Ntandi sites which offer excellent views of the white crested horn bill, pipping horn bill, yellowed throated nicator, great shoe bill among others. Semuliki National can be accessed via the shortest distance from Kampala Fort Portal via Mubende for 4-5 driving hours. It can be accessed via Kampala Masaka Mbarara Kasese Fort Portal for 7-8 hours which is quite long.
Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is located in western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale districts and close to border with Rwanda. It is also referred to as a bird paradise where it derived its name Lake Bunyonyi meaning a lake of small birds in the native language. It is the second deepest Lake in Africa.
Lake Bunyonyi is close to Kabale town in south western Uganda, it is about 6-7 hours drive from Kampala to Kabale and around more 8km from Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi on your way to Bwindi forest.
Lake Bunyonyi is also known to be with over 29 islands with 5 major ones that include Bushara island, Akampena (punishment) island, Kahungye island, Bwama and Njuyeera (sharp’s) island and Bucuranuka (upside down) island and each island has its history attached to it for example the punishment island is where the girls who got pregnant before marriage were thrown to die.
There are several activities at Lake Bunyonyi while on your safari to western Uganda and after hectic activities like gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable like canoeing and visit the different islands to see wild animals, birds, swimming since the lake is bilharzia free, relaxing at the beach, visiting the batwa village among others which offers travelers with experience of breath taking nature of Lake Bunyonyi.
Western Uganda is naturally blessed with exceptional tourist attractions worthy visiting like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi impenetrable forest, Kibale National Park, Mountain Rwenzori National park, Semuliki National parks, Lake Bunyonyi and many more that attract a number of travelers to Uganda each year which offers remarkable experience.
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Hiking in Uganda: A Few Reminders to Know
Uganda has a lot of mountains and forest lands with different trails and hikers from natives who first explored the terrains to those that were discovered and developed for urbanization and commerce. Uganda has a variety of hiking destinations for all sorts of hikers.
With all the hiking options Uganda has to offer, it is wise to be prepared too. You may find that this area has a lot in common with other areas popular for hiking but you would also discover lots of differences that are both wonderful and mystifying.
There are a few reminder guidelines you could follow to help you get prepared for the hike. See to it that your back pack is complete with all gears and items you would need during the hike. Unnecessary items must be left behind. As a rule of thumb the following should be found in your bag before you leave the camp:
- First aid kit which includes an insect repellent, sunscreen lotion and toilet paper.
- Food and drink enough for the entire trail and camp. Estimate your supply according to the length and distance you would be hiking.
- Pocket knife, flashlight, water-proof matches or lighter, candles, a whistle, duct tape.
- Enough clothes for the entire tour and extra clothing appropriate for both sudden rise and drop of temperature.
Refrain from going off the trail. Switching to a new trail might help increase erosion while detouring on a muddy trail would likely destroy the surrounding vegetation. Always stay in the company of your guides. Uganda highlands or forests are home to a variety of wild animals which may attack you in case you are alone and with no help.
Always travel in three or more. This will ensure that there are enough people to act on different circumstances. Say in case of accident, the injured person could be attended to while someone goes for help.
Never drink untreated water, always boil the water you get from streams and lakes. For most Uganda hiking tours, water is mostly got from the streams and hikers are expected to travel with some water purifiers.
Be sure that nothing is left behind, including your garbage and other materials you have brought with you.
Do not feed wildlife, interfering in their natural food chain might disturb the balance of nature. Monkeys can be expected along the trails and trekkers are forbidden from giving them food.
Always have these in mind each time you are on a hiking trip to make sure you are safe and also sustainability of the destination.
Read MoreGuide to Self Driving in Uganda
It’s really sometimes not easy to do a self drive safari when in strange country this applies to both Africans who go to foreign countries and the reverse is true. In most cases many avoid diving themselves in a country they don’t know very well and the traffic roles in that particular country. However you can still go for a self drive in Uganda if you’re a careful driver.
Things to Know
You can drive in Uganda using a foreign driving license for up to 3 three months after which you will need to get a Uganda driving license from the Uganda Revenue Authority or an international driving permit.
Since Uganda is one of the gifted nations in the world with very many interesting things waiting for you to discover when on a Uganda safari, perhaps in a self drive vehicle, national parks and games with a abundant wildlife, plants and various species of birds, mountain hiking activities, lakes and rivers which provide memorable activities like fishing and rafting on the longest river Nile indeed the self drive adventure is worth it, explore the pearl of Africa as it’s sometimes referred to as. When you are in a self drive car service with us, we will offer you a friendly price that will fit your budget and in fact you won’t fail to have a breathtaking safari. Considering many activities that you may enjoy on yourself drive safari /car rental the following below is the list among others.
Upon your arrival at Entebbe international airport, that’s when you will be handled yourself drive car however this depends on what we agreed upon you can rent a car with a drive or self drive. You may decide to first visit the botanical gardens in Entebbe upon your arrival date then after set off from Entebbe to Kampala which is about 40kms around an hour drive to Kampala Uganda’s capital and its largest city, however you should not that Entebbe highway is a very busy road with very many traffic jams so some patience is needed.
When you arrive in Kampala there very many things which you can do, (Kampala city tour) visit the Uganda Museum to get more information about the history of Uganda, visit the Ba’hai temple, why not also the Kasubi Tombs where over 4 kings of Buganda where buried, it’s a respectful place most especially to the Baganda tribe who contributes the highest percentage of the Ugandan population over 15%. You can also decide to visit the Makerere art Gallery, the Uganda martyrs shrine at Namugongo where over 22 Uganda martyrs where burnt arrive for failure to renounce their religion on the orders of Kabaka (king) Mwanga , other places include craft village and local markets. With a self drive car you can’t fail to visit all these places and all of these places are within 15 kilometers drive from the capital city Kampala.
From Kampala set off to the south western part of Uganda a gifted place with very many attractions and it’s not less congested with traffic jam like in Kampala, you will have a stopover at the equator crossing for photography and snacks, from here you will continue to Uganda national park and the nearest park Lake Mburo national park with spectacular wildlife. A car rental is worth it as there is no means from the main road to the park. You will enjoy game drives for an opportunity to come across several species of animals like impala, buffaloes, zebra, elephant, worth the list is endless. Boat cruise is also rewarding with several species of animals like schools of hippos and birds, enjoy horse riding and a natural walk at the park
Still with your rental car in Uganda you can connect to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park with rolling hills of kibale up to the park to have a memorable experience. the park activities including the most done activity that’s gorilla tracking, you will park your car at the park headquarter and then after briefing at the park headquarters embark on a search for our close relatives, possibly the activity is unpredictable it can go from 1-8 hours depending on where they spent their last night from, so a reasonable degree of fitness is needed , and you are required to go with tracking gears such as sturdy pair of walking shoes , long sleeved shirts bottled water since tracking is done in the forest expect a lot of difficult in the forest like muddy and stinging plants. You can decide to enjoy other activities at the park like canoe ride on Lake Mutanda or on Lake Bunyonyi the second deepest lake in Africa after lake Tanganyika, enjoy the batwa cultural experience, this is a group of people whose men grow up to 4inc they will entertain you through their cultural songs and dance and they will also explain to you how they have managed to live in the area for over 500 years. All these places can be reachable with a courtesy of our car rental.
Still you can transfer from Bwind impenetrable national park to Queen Elizabeth national park which is a drive of just about 70km. This is one of Uganda most bio-diversity parks as it hoses a very big number of wildlife. When at queen Elizabeth national park you can enjoy very many activities including game drives to watch very many species of animals including various species of antelopes, buffaloes, elephant, lion and leopard just to mention but a few, still you will also enjoy a boat drive along the Kazinga channel that connects lakes kyoga and Edward. Among many other optional activities which you can enjoy at the park, how do you see watch the tree climbing lions at the famous part of the park Ishasha sector of the park. And with our 4×4 vehicle you can still connect to Kibale forest national park to track chimpanzee or to enjoy a habituation experience. To connect to Kibale from queen is about 130kms, on your day of chimpanzee tracking you need to drive up to the park headquarters /Kanyancu to receive a short briefing about the dos and don’ts while with chimps before 8am.
With yourself drive car, you can still connect to Murchison falls national park Uganda’s largest national park located in the north western part of Uganda. You will fast drive up to the top of the fall where the mighty rive Nile crosses plunge 45m creating the dramatic Murchison falls it is a very fantastic view. You will also enjoy other park activities like game drive for opportunity to see different species of animals like giraffe, elephant, buffaloes, various species of antelopes, and elephant among other, also a boat cruise at the Nile River is also rewarding with various species of animals like hippo, crocodile and several species of birds include the rare shoebill
With your car rental either chuffer or self driven you can still reach the far northern part of Uganda the remote areas of Uganda to Kidepo valley national park. Transport in this region is difficult but with yourself drive car you can’t fail to get there. Visit the cultural Karamojong villager to learn more about the African culture, they will entertain you through their cultural dance and music, and they will explain to you how they have managed to live in the area and you can visit many interesting areas in the north region of Uganda. Indeed much can be seen on a Uganda safari with your car rental service, you can reach every corner of the country. We have a variety of cars for hire just book with us a car and enjoy many interesting activities for a memorable experience on your safari.
Read MoreMost Popular Uganda National Parks
Many travelers look for safaris in Uganda. However travelers wonder about the best safari parks where they can enjoy an unforgettable adventure! There are ten national parks in Uganda and here are the five most popular parks to visit in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular national park in Uganda. Located in western Uganda, this UNESCO world heritage site is a sanctuary for almost half of the remaining population of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Kibale Forest National Park
Many tourists travel to the Kibale forest a national park in Uganda mostly loveed for its primates. Regarded as a tropical rain forest, the area is blessed with diverse wild life. Lots of primates exist in the wilderness with chimpanzee as the main source of attraction. Vervet monkeys and the olive baboon can be found in the natural ambience attracting the tourists from all over the world. Dense vegetation and the thick canopy make it an enticing option for the visitors who are able to hear the sweet and intriguing sound of the chimpanzees all over the forest.
Kidepo National Park
Located in an inaccessible terrain, the Kidepo valley national park is very popular but the visitors are unable to reach, due to the hostile terrain. It is quite far away from the capital, a total of around 800 km for the tourists, however majority of travelers prefer to visit by air to save time.
If one is looking for a hotel, Apoka lodge could be the answer because it is amazingly constructed and equipped with modern amenities including climate control options. People can view cheetah, Buffaloes and the amazing elephants in their natural habitat accompanied by striped hyenas as well.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is the best savanna national park to visit in Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park
The Uganda game reserves are very famous due to the presence of the bamboo villages and the large crater lakes formed because of the old volcanic formation. Wetlands accompanied by the Mabamba swamp and Budongo forest are the chief attractions of the country. Watching the Majestic lions feasting on wilder beast is a magical site cherished by the people arriving in the national parks.
Travelers can also relish the presence of the glacier near the equator with the dense jungles as the back drop. Golden monkey considered to be one of the endangered varieties is also found in Uganda and people can track them through the rocky forests.
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