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Flora and Fauna of Uganda

At the beginning of the 20^th century Winston Churchill, a British colonial officer on a visit to Uganda said "...for magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life - plant, bird, insect, reptile, and beast - for the vast scale... Uganda is truly “the pearl of Africa. Uganda, in the heart of East Africa, is full of the wonders of nature. With landscapes ranging from snow capped peaks, through broad savannah and tropical rainforests to arid deserts, as well as significant wetlands, Uganda is undoubtedly a special place. Nestling in the western arm of the African Rift Valley, Uganda has flora and fauna species found in East and West Africa, as well as an amazing range of its own endemic species.

In the west, the mountain ranges of the Rwenzoris and the Virunga are dramatic backdrops to some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa. On the eastern border, Mt. Elgon the last vestige of one of Africa's oldest, but extinct, volcanoes.

Uganda is a land of shimmering lakes and turbulent rivers, with over a third of the country covered by water. Lake Victoria, on the southern boundary is the largest lake in Africa and the source of the River Nile.

In the north, the arid lands of the Karamoja and Kidepo valley bordering the Sudan provide an even more spectacular contrast. The dry rugged terrain, with hot north-easterly winds, has bred special types of flora and fauna, as well as the hardy Nilo-Hamitic pastoralist people of this region.

The wildlife is sensational and, because of current conservation programs, stocks are increasing annually. Ornithologists come from all over the world to see some of the more than 3,463 species of birds. These are complemented by stunning clouds of butterflies and moth. In all areas of the country the flora is impressive: whether it is the high montane forest or grass covered river banks, the beauty of the plants and flowers will overwhelm you.

To discover Uganda is to experience Africa at its most spectacular. With a sizeable part of the country now protected through national parks and conservation areas, visitors have the choice of great safaris, trekking in the mountains, or just walking by the river banks. Whether you are out to explore or simply to relax, Uganda's natural attractions will leave you touched by Africa's magic spell. The animal and plant life in Uganda is a diverse lot. The cooler western highlands contain a higher proportion of long grass and forest. In the extreme southwest, however, cultivation is intensive even on the high mountain slopes. In the drier northern region, short grasses appear, and there are areas of open woodland; thorn trees and borassus palms also grow. The flora of Uganda is divided mainly between dense forests of Mvuli trees and expanses of tall elephant grass. Fauna in Uganda comprises of animals, birds, insects and also fishes. The inventory of animal fauna is almost endless; however, the chief of them are the gorillas, chimpanzees and the black rhinoceros. Some of the other animals that form a part of that list are leopards, elephants, lions, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, various species of antelopes, gazelles and topis. The Uganda kob is a specialty of the country. At least 6 mammal species are found only in Uganda. Birds are equally plenty. The birds of Uganda include the crowned crane (the national emblem), bulbul, weaver, crow, shrike, heron, egret, ibis, guinea fowl, mouse bird, lourie, hornbill, pigeon, dove, bee-eater, hoopoe, darter, lily-trotter, marabou stork, kingfisher, fish eagle, and kite. There are relatively few varieties of fish, but the lakes and rivers contain plentiful stocks of tilapia, Nile perch, catfish, lungfish, elephant snout fish, and other species. Crocodiles, too, are found in many areas and are particularly evident along the Nile between the Kabalega (Murchison) Falls and Lake Albert. There is a wide variety of snakes, but the more dangerous varieties are rarely observed.

Lakes, Wetlands & Rivers

One third of Uganda's land area is under water. From Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the second largest in the world, to tiny crater lakes high in the mountains, Uganda can truly be called Africa's land of lakes. Twelve major lakes provide Uganda with much of its charm and reflect the infinite variety of the country.

The lakes provide different attractions and play an important role in the local economy. Among the lakes are those with papyrus and reed beds, and those with swamp forests (such as at Sango Bay). They offer excellent fishing and provide water for irrigation.

To the visitor, the lakes provide a tranquil backdrop for leisurely activities or exciting adventure. Many of Uganda's lakes provide excellent fishing with the Nile Perch in Lake Victoria reaching weights of 100 kilos. Sailing and other water sports are popular on Lake Victoria, but are not yet well-established elsewhere. Many of the lakes are great for swimming, but local advice should be sought before diving in. The smaller crater lakes in the mountains sparkle in the sunlight, and those in the Rwenzori can be refreshingly cold.

For their beauty, their rich birdlife, the islands and the fishing, the lakes are the gems in Uganda's crown.

Some of these lakes are relatively shallow, or have extensive flood plains. Ten per cent of Uganda's land can be considered 'wetlands' with their own distinctive plants and wildlife (particularly birdlife).

Trips can be made on most of the lakes - in particular lakes Victoria, Edward, Mburo, Albert and George. On Lake Bunyonyi a special trip is made by canoe among its 13 small islands with a picnic on Sharp Island.

The Nile, the world's greatest and longest rivers, starts its 6,600km voyage to the Mediterranean close to Jinja, on Lake Victoria. The mood of the river (first as the Victoria Nile and Albert Nile, then as the Blue Nile) changes regularly - from tranquil pools where fisherman can catch tilapia, to the churning surge of the Murchison Falls. Giant Nile Crocodiles can be seen sunning themselves along its banks, while in other areas herds of hippo wallow in the mud.

Nevertheless, the Nile is not the only river. There are many: some are seasonal, while others flow year round. Rivers such as the Semliki, the Kidepo, the Kanyanchu, and many smaller streams, provide water for farming, watering holes for game, riverine habitats for birds and butterflies, sport for fishermen, and dramatic waterfalls and scenery. All this is part of the magic of Uganda.