Attractions in Uganda

Attractions in Uganda.
Uganda is gifted by a variety of tourist attractions, The National Parks and Reserves, Lakes, Rivers, Mountains, the cultures, the food, the Art, the Museums, Recreation centers and many  more which all draw people from all over the world to come and Witness the Beauty of the ” Pearl of Africa.”

LAKE BUNYONYI

About Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is one of Uganda’s iconic landmarks and most beautiful lakes. It is little wonder it features on the “two thousand Uganda shilling bill.”
Located in the South-Western part of Uganda, 7 km west of Kabale Town lies the most beautiful Lake in the country. Dotted with 29 islands, Lake Bunyonyi is about 25 kilometers long, 7 kilometers wide, and 35,000 feet deep putting it top of the list as the deepest Lake in East Africa.
It’s wreathed by steep Kigezi terraced hills, and lush green foliage and is located in the remote beautiful set with a quiet atmosphere to chill out, nest, and enjoy the perfect South-Western climate.
It Is believed to have been formed 10,000 years ago when the River Ndego was blocked by lava flowing from the volcanic Virunga Mountains covering up the valley around this area. It resulted in a stagnated water body. Over the years, It developed into a beautiful island clustered Lake with fresh waters and fish.
There’s quite a lot to do while in the calm west, the top on the list being soothing and chilling the entire time you’re there. The view is calming and the activities daring, rest assured to leave this place rested and with a different view of the world.

Activities around Lake Bunyonyi.

Canoeing/ boat riding.
It Is one of the most fascinating activities to do at Lake Bunyonyi. Imagine sailing on the calm waters of Africa’s second-deepest lake, it’s such a memorable experience. Travelers boat ride to any of the 29 islets on Lake Bunyonyi awarding them with a memorable experience. Each island has a different fascinating story about its conformation hence worth visiting. Ensure to visit the punishment island where pregnant unmarried Bakiga girls would be taken and left to die in isolation. Tourists can choose to paddle themselves or otherwise hire someone to paddle them.
Canoeing can be a full day of a few hours depending on the choice of a guest. Plies are the commonest mode of transport on Lake Bunyonyi. The locals are constantly making journeys across the lake from island to island and on different sides of the hills to do their private business.
To have a better sense of what it feels like to live the way they do, a canoe ride is a perfect option, giving you excess time on the lake, and a chance to stop right in the middle for a little serenity and panoramic view. You can choose to be paddled or even do the paddling yourself as long as you have a guide with you. This service is available any time of the day including evenings for lovers that want to watch the sunset as they glide with the lake. The lake isn’t infested with any dangerous water creatures like hippos and crocodiles making this evening and possibly romantic experience memorable.

Community visits Hikes

Basking at the numerous resorts is relaxing enough, but to experience the Switzerland of Africa, a hike in the surrounding hills is thrilling and refreshing. Tracks along the terraces, banana plantations, and lush green vegetation offer a clear view of the 29 islands. It gives quite a great picture-perfect spot from all angles.
For a more fortified experience, a walk around the communities opens your eyes to the traditional way of living, cultural beliefs, history, and fabulous stories that have been told from generation to generation. The local people are so welcoming.

Bird watching
It’s also called the ‘Place of numerous little birds’ for a genuinely good reason. It’s a home for over 200 bird species like the grey-crowned cranes, red-chested sunbirds, flycatchers, white-tailed blue Monard, slender-billed ball fetch, weavers, egrets, herons, woodpeckers among others all over the banks of the lakes. However, Bunyonyi is the perfect place to experience this, If you’re a bird lover but also in dire need of a quiet getaway.

Swimming
The Lake is filled with fresh water and is Bilharzia-free. There’s no shore but safe structures have been put in place to allow easy deep dives into the open waters. A change from the swimming pools is just what you need on vacation and Lake Bunyonyi is open for this all time of the day. Take time to chill on the banks of the lake, sunbathe, and deep dive any time of the day.

Local market Experience

The African Market experience is something you should. Markets around Lake Bunyonyi possess about anything you can think of ranging from African crafts, vegetables, shoes, clothes, and electronics. The people move around swiftly as they deal for cheaper prices, others stand around and catch up with each other, and others ride in with more merchandise to vend. A local market is a place where people come to connect and catch up with others.

Visiting Batwa pygmies

This is an interesting activity where you’ll be able to interact with the Bakiga and Batwa/ pygmies who live in the surrounding communities. During the cultural tour, you’ll be able to learn about the local people’s culture, and way of living, visit their homesteads, schools, local markets, and farmlands, learn how to cook their traditional meals, listen to their ancient stories, enjoy their traditional songs and drama among others.
The Batwa pygmies are a very small group of people found on the border of Kabale and Kisoro in the ‘Echuya Forest Reserve’ who are believed to have been originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s a lineage of hunters who used to live in the DRC rain forests until they migrated to Western Uganda after being removed from their land as a result of industrialization.
Almost 4000 Batwa live in this area. The Batwa possess a charming history containing their own creation story and a unique relationship with the forest but have been marginalized for quite some time now. They live in small grass and stick houses and generally keep to themselves. The Batwa experience was set up by the Kellerman Foundation and being a part of this largely benefits this endangered group of people.

Mountain biking
Adventure Lake Bunyonyi on a mountain bike. now you ride through local communities, farmsteads, and centers around Lake Bunyonyi. Mountain Biking is one of the most done tourist activities in Lake Bunyonyi. The experience offers you a close interaction with local people, kids waving at you on the roadside, and a factual feeling of Africa. The lift also offers you spectacular views of beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, local farms, and the endless hills of Kigezi. Mountain biking can be done full day or partial day depending on the tourist’s choice. Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort has bikes for hire at affordable rates. Also, mountain biking is done along with a local guide who tells you further about local life around Lake Bunyonyi hence a memorable experience.
There are several roads/ tracks around the Lake and uphill on the surrounding hills. The entire ride provides a clearer and clearer view of the magical islands and allows you to get up close and personal with lots of the local people. Some of the lodging arrears give bikes for hire. This can be arranged by your tour guide – to make sure everything is well prepared in advance.

Zip lining
The recent addition is Zip lining. Sturdy ropes are connected between trees on the opposite banks of the Lake. You get to swing over the calm waters of the lake and even make half-somersaults to touch the waters and feel the breeze on your face.
It Is a fun, exhilarating experience to loiter over the lake and splash the water as you drift from one end to another. Safety equipment is provided for this activity on-site. The equipment used is well-tested to guarantee the safety of everyone on the zip lines.

Discover the islands

Explore the islands of Lake Bunyonyi during your stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort. A cruise to different islands that make up this beautiful lake is a lifetime experience that you’ll live to remember. The lake is comprised of 29 islands each of which has a different story and features. You’ll meet and interact with local people who live on some of these islands. Also, a nature walk on the island gives you a fresh feeling of being in the middle of Africa’s second-deepest Lake.
The islands of Lake Bunyonyi are 29 islands each one more fascinating than the other. With your preferred mode of transport, you get a chance to visit every island on the lake and explore it. The most usually visited are;
• Akampene (Punishment Island) is Regarded as the smallest island on the lake and yet one that’s most memorable. Akampene Island holds a morbid history of a tradition that was upheld for quite a long time by the local people. Young girls who got pregnant before marriage were taken to this island and tied to the one tree that sits on the islands to atone for their transgressions. As times changed, this tradition was ignored and regarded as an outdated ancient tradition.

• Kyahugye Island Considered one of the most exciting islands, here there are several animals you can see. The Island is home to Zebras, Waterbucks, Impalas, and a lot more. For a mini version of a game drive, with a view of the sparkling sun-kissed waters at a distance and fresh breaths, an hour’s ride will be a perfect addition. These animals were introduced to the area.
• Bushara Island for a closer look at the birds around this area, you have to check out Bushara Island. Carry your binoculars and long-lens cameras to be suitable to get the best of the experience.
• Bwama Island This is the largest of the islands and happens to be inhabited by people. Dr Leonard Sharp was a Scottish missionary that came to Uganda in the 1920s and in 1931 started up a sanctuary for people suffering from Leprosy. He set up a Leprosy treatment Centre where people would come to be treated without feeling mistreated or neglected. This is strongly rooted in the island’s history. presently, these medical center structures are being used as schools for the Island inhibitors.
• Bacuranuka Island The legendary story about this island is quite a tale. Long ago, 20 men were making a local beverage(Obushera) when an old woman came upon them and requested a sip of the drink. The men refused to offer her a sip of the drink in an ungentlemanly manner. The old lady requested them to offer her a ride to the mainland which they accepted gladly for they wanted her out of the way. One of the men was sent with her to the mainland, out of frustration, the old lady cursed the island which turned upside down and swallowed the men brewing ‘Obushera’ on the island.
With 29 small islands, you can be sure that each island has a special tale that ties to the local history and cultural beliefs.

GAME RESERVES

1.Pian Upe Game Reserve

At the extreme North eastern Part of Uganda lies a precious jewel Pian Upe Game reserve. It is the second largest conservation area in Uganda after the Murchison Falls National Park and it is located in the Karamoja sub-region in Nakapiripirit District, northwest of Uganda. It also covers an area of 2788 square kilometers.
This wildlife reserve is under the Mount Elgon Conservation Area Management and is home to two main pastoralist tribes that include the Karamojong and the Kalenjin-also known as the Pokot in Kenya.
Uganda is endowed with numerous attractions which draw different people from all walks of life. Among these are National game reserves which are outstanding because of their uniqueness

Pian Upe game reserve can be accessed via road from Kampala city via Mbale to Soroti road, and this will take you approximately 8 – 9 hours and about 5 – 6 hours from Kidepo national park to arrive at the beautiful scenery of the Pian Upe game reserve.
While visiting the Pian Upe game reserve you need a particularly favorable time that will enable you to enjoy your trip to this amazing place, therefore the best time to visit this wildlife reserve is from January to March when the vegetation is dry so that you can have a clear view of the animals and birds in this place. Pian Upe harbors several wild animals that are amazing and unique in sight, the animals are categorized as Primates, carnivores, and Ungulates.
Among the Carnivores there are cheetahs, the fastest animals that are the most populated in this game reserve, Roan antelopes, wild cats, spotted hyenas, jackals, serval cats, and civets.

The Ungulates on the other hand include Topi, Cape buffalo, Common eland, Roan antelope, Blue and common duiker, Günther’s dik-dik, Klipspringer, Waterbuck, Ugandan kob, and Hare among others.

The reserve’s ecosystem has also attracted several Different bird species that live in this place like the rare Ostriches, superb sterlings, Green bita, secretary bird, the rare shoebill stock, Abyssinian ground horn bill, and the fox weaver bird that will leave you in awe
Pian Upe is one of the most fascinating game reserves because it is dominated by bristle species, thatching grass, short trees and shrubs, lemon grasses, and beard grasses among others.
Pian Upe is blessed with savannah plains, Acacias, sausage trees, and rocky ridges. These are surrounded by three mountains which are Mount Elgon, Mount Napak, and Mount Kadam. The presence of these Mountains and activities like Hiking to the Nepedet cave is such wonderful experience.
The interesting background about the Nepedet cave is a popular ancient recreational place for the first inhabitants of this place who used to gather some paintings of different animals, and some paintings like the roan antelopes, and baboons are still visible when you visit the cave.
The community around the Pian Upe game reserve comprises the Karamojong people who have a unique culture and are majorly pastoralists, if you have a cultural tour in one of the local communities of Karamojongs, you will be offered some traditional music and their famous Edonga Dance.
When it comes to accommodation, Pian Upe game reserve is still under development therefore it has one mid-range accommodation facility called karamoja overland camp, this facility is self-contained with electricity and showers. However, tourists can camp around the park with their tents or hire some tents from the park.

FUN FACT
Pian Upe acquires its name from the community Pian stands for the clan among the Karamajongs of North-eastern Uganda, while Upe stands for the Kalenjin-speaking pastoralist community of the Karamajong who are said to have originated from the Pokot tribe in Kenya.
Pian means “calm-hearted people” while Upe means “Enemy”. Therefore, the two words combined, you get “Friendly enemies”.

The south of the reserve was designated as Debasien Animal Sanctuary in 1958. A government-led project to convert land just south of the Girik River for agriculture threatened the viability of wildlife conservation in the whole area. In 1964 the area was expanded northward and renamed Pian-Upe Game Reserve.

2. Bokora corridor wildlife reserve

About the Reserve
Bokora Corridor wildlife reserve is a neighbor to the two-game reserves, the Pian Upe Game Reserve and Matheniko game reserve. Impressively, these three wild reserves have ethnic groups that set them apart. They are the Pian, Matheniko, and Bokora.
This wildlife reserve is part of the wider semi-arid Karamoja wildlife conservation region and covers 794 square miles.
It was Gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1964. This unique nature land consists of mainly dry plains, and the distinct features are Mount Napak and Mount Kadam. In Bokora Corridor wildlife reserve, you will find shrubs, savannah grasslands, bush, and short trees, and these are home to the different wild animals that are eye-catchy.

Animals in Bokora Wildlife Reserve
Bokora corridor wild reserve, has different wild animals like Buffalos, Leopards, Bright’s gazelles, spot cheetahs, Lesser kudu, Lions, Reedbucks, Oribis, Oryx, striped hyenas, Roan antelopes, and Zebras.
This reserve is also home to different bird species worth your visit, like the Dusky turtle doves, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, thick-billed honeyguides, the lemon dove, and Jackson’s hornbill. It is one of those few places in Uganda where you can see and interact with the ostriches in the wild.

Activities in Bokora wildlife Reserve

Game Drives
The main activities in Bokora corridor wildlife reserve are game drives. You will have beautiful memories as you view the spectacular wild animals like Roan antelopes, and Zebras Buffalos, Leopards, Bright’s gazelles, spot cheetahs, Lesser kudu, Lions, Reedbucks, Oribis.

Bird Watching
This wildlife reserve is home to different bird species worth your visit, like the Dusky turtle doves, Ostrich, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, thick-billed honeyguides, the lemon dove, and Jackson’s hornbill.

Community visits
While visiting this Game Reserve, you will meet the Karamojong people who stay in the communities. They have a rich culture that will entice you with their music and dances that are enjoyable. The Karamojong are mainly pastoralists who depend on their cows which give them milk, meat, and skin hides.

Best Time to Visit the Reserve.

The best time to visit Bokora Corridor wildlife is during the dry season June – September, December – February. This is because the grass and roads are all dry. This will give you a wonderful experience and a clear view of the animals, birds, and landscape while on your safari. In the other months, it’s usually the rainy season, and not favorable when visiting this wildlife reserve. The roads tend to be slippery therefore it is a challenge to access the Reserve.

3. Karuma Game Reserve

Karuma game reserve is located in the Northwestern region of Uganda, in the district of Kiryandongo. It was established in 1964. The main aim for its establishment was create a buffer zone so that there could be less conflict and minimal poaching of animal land that was part of the Murchison falls national park and the neighboring villages.
Karuma wildlife reserve is 902 meters above sea level and is within the greater Murchison conservation area consisting of Murchison falls national park, the Budongo Forest Reserve, the Kaniyo-Pabidi Forest, and the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. The reserve covers an area of 820 kilometers.
The main attraction in this reserve is the breathtaking Karuma waterfall, situated at the Victoria Nile.
Different wildlife animals roam the plains of Karuma wildlife reserve. They include the Buffalos, Giraffes, hippopotami, bush duikers, hyenas, water bucks, Topis, Uganda kobs and many more.
Just like other wildlife reserves, Karuma wildlife reserve also is home to several primates, these include olive baboons, vervet monkeys, Blue monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, and others.
Karuma wildlife reserve has different bird species that are mostly viewed near the waterfalls, these lovely birds include swamp flycatchers, kingfishers, yellow-throated leaf love, sunbirds, and grey-cheeked crane, among others.
There is an interesting history of the Rocks that form these Waterfalls, it is said by the locals that they were contrived by a powerful traditional spirit called “Karuma”, and it is from it that the waterfalls acquired their name.
However, people have encroached on this reserve and the Kiryandongo refugee settlement camp which was established in recent years, has made the barrier role impossible, this settlement camp host over 7,000 people from different countries.

Where to stay on your visit to Karuma game reserve.

Karuma game reserve gives you several options when it comes to accommodation. The main accommodation facilities within Murchison Falls National Park can as well work for Karuma Wildlife Reserve.
Some of the campsites available include the Red chili rest campsite, Karuma Falls Campsite, and shoebill campsite among others. There are also lodges available that will give you comfort and a beautiful view as you admire nature. Some of the lodges you can spend a night at include Chobe safari lodge, Paara safari lodge Pakuba Safari Lodge, all giving comfortable stay and accessibility to the reserve. Another one you can choose from, and others.

How to reach Karuma game reserve.

The Wildlife Reserve is found on the Masindi-Gulu highway that crosses the River Nile, at about 110 kilometers/68 miles drive North-west wards from Masindi Town and only 70 kilometers/43 miles drive south of Gulu Town.
Traveling from Kampala to Karuma game reserve will take you approximately 4-5 hours if you’re traveling by road, the distance is about 236.3km via the Kampala-Gulu highway route.
If you want to travel by air, you can use domestic chatter flights at Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba Airstrip.

4. Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve
About the Reserve
The Toro Semliki wildlife reserve is a conservation-protected area located in the western region of Uganda. This reserve was established in 1926 which makes it the very first protected area to be gazetted. It is also believed that the reason to protect this area was to protect the large number of Uganda kobs that were roaming in this particular area.
The wildlife reserve covers an area of 542 km in the district of Kabarole and Ntoroko districts of Uganda.
Unique features like the great rift valley and Lake Albert surround the Toro Semliki wildlife reserve.
The reserve is endowed with a large number of bird species, which majorly attract tourists to this place. The Sempaya hot springs and the pygmy village in this reserve make it outstanding for tourists.

Vegetation

The vegetation in this reserve is majorly woodland and savannah, with many rivers that pass through and are surrounded by patches of Borassus palms. The Ugandan iron wood is the frequent main canopy riverine tree species, followed by Milletia duria, and Kigelia Africana.

Communities

Toro Semlike wildlife reserve is surrounded by four amazing communities, these include the Rwebisengo community, Karugutu- the Kyabandera community, Ntoroko community, Kasesenge-kyakabaseke community.
The Rwebisengo community is located in the west and also on the northwestern edge of the wildlife reserve. The community comprises the Batuku tribe who are majorly pastoralists and they are also believed to be the descendants of the Abarusala who were the royal army of King Kabalega of the Bunyoro Kingdom.

The Karugutu- Kyabandera community, on the other hand, is located in the south of the reserve at a distance of 18 km from Fortportal town. The tribe of people who occupy this community are the Bakonjo and these are known for being cultivators. Their main cash crops are cassava, maize, beans, and rice which they sell to their nearby communities.
Another interesting community is the Ntoroko community, it is located on the southeastern tip of Lake Albert between the estuaries of Wasa and Muzizi rivers and the people who reside in this community depend mainly on fishing.
The Kasesenge-kyakabaseke community is located on the eastern side of the rift valley. The people who live here are Bakiga migrants and it is believed that they came in the 1960s, they are also farmers, and their main crops are maize, bananas, beans, and groundnuts.

Activities are done in Toro Semliki Wildlife reserve

Toro Semliki wildlife reserve prides itself on a variety of wild animals that live within. While visiting this lovely reserve, you will notice several wild animals like the Uganda kobs, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, giant forest hogs, chimpanzees, Buffalos, and Elephants, however, these are rarely seen, Leopards also are most times spotted roaming at night and lions that are more heard than seen.

This wildlife reserves a specialty in harboring a variety of bird species, and bird lovers can not miss visiting g this place because it will fulfill their heart desires when it comes to birds. The reserve has about 460 Bird species and these include the shoebill, red-throated bee-eater, African open bill, Malachite kingfisher, Great white pelican, Abyssinian ground bill, and black-billed barbet among others.
Bird watching can be done all around Toro Semliki wildlife reserve, however, March to May and August to October is the best time to carry out this activity, after the dry season of December to February.
The rainy season will interfere with Birdwatching especially due to slippery roads in this area.
Another notable activity in Toro Semliki wildlife reserve is hiking, this can be done on the Nyabugogo Gorge which is about 7km with passes through a variety of ecosystems which include the open acacia combretum forest and the grassland.

The climate condition in Toro Semliki wildlife reserve
The climate in Toro Semliki wildlife reserve is hot, the daytime temperature is approximately 30° c/ 86° F while night temperatures are approximately 18° C / 64° F. Therefore, while visiting this place you are e expected to carry light clothes to prevent yourself from heating up so much.

How to travel to Toro Semliki wildlife reserve

You can travel to Toro Semliki wildlife reserve by road, using the Kampala-Mubende-Fort portal route, the distance is 290 KM and that’s approximately a 6 to 8 hours’ drive and you need to drive with a 4×4 vehicle for easy navigation of the remote areas of the reserve.

Accommodation in Toro Semliki wildlife reserve

The accommodation in this wildlife reserve gives you a variety of options right from luxury lodges to camping. Among the lodges, you can find the Semliki safari lodge and this one is a luxury lodge that will give you the comfort that you truly deserve, giving you a beautiful view of nature in this wildlife reserve.
Another option is the Aramaga rift valley lodge found situated in Kabarole district and it is friendly and convenient.

5. Bugungu Game Reserve

Bugungu game reserve is a small wildlife reserve that was established in 1968. It is also under the Murchison Falls area just like the Karuma game reserve, which is all found in northwestern Uganda.
This game reserve is relatively small compared to other game reserves and it is not mostly crowded by many tourists, and this makes it a perfect getaway for you if you are the kind of person who needs privacy.
Bugungu game reserve consists of savannah grassland and seasonal wetland at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment of the western side of the most powerful Murchison Falls National Park, which is indeed the largest protected area in Uganda.
This game Reserve is situated between Bulisa and Masindi districts. It covers an area of 501 square kilometers. This area is home to numerous wildlife species, over 600 Uganda Kobs, over 1200 Oribis, a large number of Lions and Leopards, herds of Buffalos, and Elephants, stay in Bugungu game reserve you will encounter the big five animals here.
The place also harbors other wildlife animals like Hippopotamus, Oryx, Topis, waterbucks, warthogs, reedbucks, Rothschild’s Giraffes, bushbucks, and sitatungas.

In Bugungu game reserve, you will also encounter different primates that will amaze you, these include vervet monkeys, Olive Baboons, black and white Colobus monkeys, patas monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
The game reserve is also home to about 240 bird species some of which you might not find in other game reserves and these include, Black –the headed Batis, Dark chanting Goshawk, the white-browed sparrow weaver, the shoebill stork, Black-bellied Bustards, the Eastern grey plantain-eater, Black-billed barbets, the Speckle-breasted woodpecker, yellow-throated greenbul, the Black-billed wood dove, the Giant kingfisher, the double-toothed barbet, the swamp flycatcher, the black-headed Gonolek among others.

Activities are done in the Bugungu game reserve.
With the amazing animals and birds mentioned above, visiting Bugungu game reserve will be fun, as you will enjoy bird watching, carry out nature walks in the scenic landscape, and do Game drives as you view the spectacular wild animals.
When to visit Bugungu game reserve.
Bugungu game reserve can be visited throughout the year, however, it is best to visit this reserve in the dry season which is normally from late June to mid-September and December to February. Then from late February to May and mid-October to November, the reserve receives a rainy season and this makes the roads slippery making it difficult to be penetrated.

Accommodation in Bugungu game reserve.
Bugungu game reserve itself has no particular accommodation or lodges, however, the place provides camping sites for those who have an interest in camping around the reserve.
For lodges, tourists can sleep in the nearby areas of Murchison falls national park, and these include, Paara Lodge, and Bwana Tembo safari lodge, shoebill campsite among others.
How to get to Bugungu game reserve.
Two routes can be used to go to Bugungu game reserve, by road you can use the Kampala – Hoima route which is about 292.5 kilometers, making it around a 5- 6 hours’ drive, you can as well use the Kampala –Masindi route which is about 313 kilometers, making it approximately a 5 hours’ drive.
If you prefer air transport, you can use domestic flights offered by Aero Link Uganda from Kajjansi Airstrip and Entebbe international airport, up to Bugungu Airstrip.