Tourism in Uganda’s Northern Circuit
The northern circuit in Uganda has consistently been a topic of discussion. Nevertheless, the majority of individuals remain unaware of the location of Uganda’s northern circuit and the associated tourist attractions and activities. The northern circuit is essential for tourist enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive Uganda safari. For those who have experienced it, the circuit is inherently endowed by nature with an infinite array of remarkable sights and activities. A safari in Uganda’s northern circuit provides an unparalleled experience that endures for a lifetime. The prime tourism destinations in northern Uganda comprise:
Kidepo Valley National Park
Northern Circuit of UgandaKidepo Valley National Park, situated in the Karamoja region of Northern Uganda, is an essential destination on the northern circuit. Kidepo Park is the most remote and least frequented national park in Uganda, providing guests with an unparalleled experience. Kidepo Valley is an authentic wilderness characterized by a dense population of fauna and avifauna that inhabit the area. Daytime game drives in the Narus Valley provide excellent views of wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, elephants, cheetahs, and Topis, among others. The national park is renowned among birders for its diverse avifauna, including ostriches, tiny bee-eaters, Drake chanting goshawks, Kori bustards, Abyssinia ground hornbills, African Swallow-tailed kites, White-faced scops owls, Red-winged larks, Black-breasted barbets, and Singing bush larks, among others. The park serves as a cultural hub for tourism in Uganda. Explore the Manyata cultural village to immerse yourself in the traditions, customs, and beliefs of the indigenous populace. The park features the Kanangorok hot springs, which you should explore.
Budongo Forest
Covering 825 square kilometers, Budongo Forest is the largest natural forest in Uganda. The forest hosts more than 465 tree species, 36 bird species, 130 moth species, 24 animal species, 290 butterfly species, and 9 primate species, rendering it an essential destination in northern Uganda. The forest contains four natural streams: Waisoke, Kamirambwa, Sonso, and Siba, which serve as permanent water sources for the flora and fauna within the ecosystem. Chimpanzee trekking is the predominant tourist activity in Budongo Forest for most visitors.
Murchison Falls National Park
Excursion to Murchison Falls National Park in northeastern Uganda. The park is Uganda’s oldest and largest national park, with thousands of animals and birds eager for your visit. This park is renowned for the formidable Murchison Falls, created when the Nile River constricts through a 7-meter valley, cascading 43 meters into a devil’s cauldron. During your game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, you may encounter lions, leopards, giraffes, waterbucks, oribis, topis, elands, hippos, buffaloes, and warthogs, among others. Additionally, the park hosts a variety of avian species, including the African Darter, Osprey, Abdim’s Stork, Goliath Heron, Shoebill Stork, White-faced Whistling Duck, Secretary Bird, Great-headed Kingfisher, Veracious Dove, and Black-bellied Bustards, among others. A boat journey to the base of Murchison Falls provides a refreshing experience of tranquil waters, accompanied by excellent vistas of avian and terrestrial wildlife along the riverbanks. Ascend to the summit of the falls for enhanced vistas of the waterfall, the park, and adjacent settlements.
ZZiwa Rhino Sanctuary
Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, situated in Nakosongola on the way to Murchison Falls National Park, merits a visit. This location is the sole rhino destination in Uganda, providing an intimate experience with the critically endangered rhinos that have become extinct in Ugandan national parks. Explore the refuge, observe the renowned rhinos, understand their behaviors, and enjoy interactions with this uncommon species.
Pian Upe Game Reserve
The Pian Upe game reserve, situated in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda, is the country’s second-largest protected area, following Murchison Falls National Park. The game reserve encompasses 2,788 square kilometers, situated between the Matheniko and Bokora wildlife areas. The primary activities and attractions at Pian Upe Game Reserve are game viewing, birdwatching, nature walks, rock climbing, cave exploration, and cultural interactions, among others. Recently, the Uganda Wildlife Authority relocated 15 giraffes from Murchison Falls Park to Pian Upe Game Reserve to enhance tourism in the area. Additional fauna in the game reserve including zebras, blue duikers, waterbucks, bushbucks, common elands, oribis, vervet monkeys, patas monkeys, crested porcupines, and Uganda kobs, among others.
Northern Uganda comprehensively fulfills and surpasses your vacation expectations for a safari in Uganda. Engage in game viewing, boat cruising, cultural excursions, and birdwatching in northern Uganda for an unforgettable experience.
