We have always heard about the northern circuit in Uganda. However, most people actually do not know where the northern circuit of Uganda lies and what it entails in terms of tourist attractions and activities. For the tourism enthusiasts, the northern circuit is a must-visit if you want to have a complete Uganda safari. For those who have been there, the circuit is naturally blessed by nature with an endless list of exceptional beauties to see and do. A Uganda safari to northern circuit offers you the unbeaten kind of experience, which lasts for a lifetime. The top tourist attractions in northern Uganda include:
Kidepo Valley National park
Located in Northern extern Uganda in the Karamoja region, Kidepo Valley National park is a must-visit in the northern circuit. Kidepo Park is the most isolated and less visited national park in Uganda that offers travelers with unbeaten kind of experience. Kidepo Valley is a true wilderness with a high concentration of animals and birds, which call it home. Day game drives through the Narus valley offer you great views of animals which include lions, leopards, giraffes Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, elephants, cheetahs and Topis among others. For birders, the national park is home to the famous ostriches, little bee-eater, Drake chanting goshawk, Kori bustard, Abyssinia ground hornbill, African Swallow-tailed kite, White-faced scoops Owl, Red-winged Lark, Black-breasted barbets and Singing bush lark among others. Also, the park is a cultural center for Uganda tourism. Visit the Manyata cultural village to experience the traditions, norms, and beliefs of local people. Also, the park is home to the Kanangorok hot springs, which you ought to visit.
Budongo Forest
Spreading over 825 square kilometers, Budongo forest is Uganda’s largest natural forest. The forest is home to over 465 tree species, 36 bird species, 130 moths, 24 mammals, 290 butterflies, and 9 primates which make it a must-visit destination in northern Uganda. The forest has four natural streams namely, Waisoke, Kamirambwa, Sonso, Waisoke, and Siba, which are the permanent water sources for the plants and animals in the forest. Chimpanzee trekking is the most done tourist activity in the forest for most travelers to Budongo forest.
Murchison falls national park
Visit to Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda. The park is Uganda’s oldest and largest national park, a home to thousands of animals and birds all awaiting you. This park is also famous for the mighty Murchison falls formed when the Nile River squeezes through a 7-meter gorge to fall down 43 meters into a devil’s cauldron. Among the animals you will see on your game drives in Murchison falls National park include lions, leopards, giraffes, waterbucks, Oribis, Topis, Elands, Hippos, buffalos, and warthogs among others. Besides, the park is home to numerous bird species which include 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 cruise to the bottom of Murchison falls gives you a fresh feeling of the calm waters with great views of birds and animals spotted on the river banks. Hike to the top of the falls for greater views of the falls, the park, and neighboring communities.
ZZiwa Rhino sanctuary
Located in Nakosongola en route to Murchison falls National Park, Zziwa rhino sanctuary is worth visiting. The place is the only rhino destination in Uganda, which gives you a close encounter with the critically endangered rhinos that got extinct in Uganda national parks. Visit the sanctuary, trek the famous rhinos learn their lifestyles and have fun with these rare species.
Pian Upe Game Reserve
Located in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda, the Pian Upe game reserve is Uganda’s second-largest protected area after Murchison falls national park. The game reserve spreads over 2,788 square kilometers in the borders o Matheniko and Bokora wildlife reserves. The top things to do and see in Pian Upe game reserve include game viewing, bird watching, nature walk, rock climbing, cave exploration and cultural encounters among others. of recent, Uganda Wildlife Authority transferred 15 giraffes from Murchison Falls park to Pian Upe game reserve aimed at promoting tourism in this region. Other animals in the game reserve include zebras, blue duikers, waterbucks, bushbucks, common elands, Oribis, Vervet monkeys, Patas Monkeys, Crested Porcupine, and Uganda Kobs among others.
In general, northern Uganda offers it all to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectations on a Uganda safari. Go game viewing, boat cruising, cultural tours and bird watching in northern Uganda for a lifetime experience.
