Situated within the western region of Uganda is the spectacular Masindi district, one of the top tourist destinations in the country. It is found at about 220 kilometers (140 miles) north-west of Kampala, the Capital City.
When someone tells you this Town is one of the best tourist destinations in the country, you may never believe and keep wondering what it offers but when you read through this article or even visit personally during Uganda safaris, it will shock you with what it offers. Masindi district offers the following attractions;
The Murchison Falls National Park
Part of Uganda’s oldest and largest National Park-Murchison Falls National Park lies within Masindi district although also straddles across other districts that include Kiryandongo, Nwoya and Buliisa. It boasts of over 75 species of mammals including antelopes (Uganda kobs, Oribis, waterbucks, bushbucks, bohor reedbucks, topis and elands), four of the big five animals (lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes), Rothschild giraffes, warthogs, primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys in addition to Uganda’s largest population of Nile Crocodiles. Not only that, more than 450 species of birds call the Park home, and the common ones include the shoebill storks, great-blue turaco, Goliath herons, white-thighed hornbills and dwarf kingfishers among others.
Also within Murchison Falls National Park is the lush Budongo Forest Reserve with Kaniyo-Pabidi and Busingiro Ecotourism sites that are famous for chimpanzee tracking as well as the popular “Royal mile (constructed by one of Kings of Bunyoro-Omukama Kabalega) that offers opportunities of sighting several primates and bird species.
Nyabyeya Polish Catholic Church
Nyabyeya Polish Catholic Church used to be a former Camp constructed in 1942 for the Polish refugees during the World War II and is said to have hosted more than 3635 polish. This Church was built from 1943 to 1945 and the King-Omukama Sir Tito Gafabua Winyi IV of Bunyoro Kingdom occasional paid visits to the site.
There are currently over 60 gravesites of Polish Nationals who passed away from between 1945 and 1948. After the Second World War ended, majority of the Refugees were resettled within Australia, England and Canada and until today, the graveyard as well as the Church are well maintained by the Catholic Community in Nyabyeya.
Buliisa Escarpment and Hot springs
These two magnificent sites are situated within the western rift valley in the Lake Albert basin and offer perfect chances of viewing some of the features of faulting especially the western arm of the rift valley.
There are several white sandy beaches within Buliisa that offer opportunities for developing several water sports and beach activities as well as Resorts. Not only that, there are a number of hot springs that extend for around 50 square meters.
Omukama’s Palace
There is a Palace or residence of the King (Omukama) within Masindi district much as it is sometimes difficult to access the Palace except when you get permission in advance. While here, you will learn about the past Kings of Bunyoro as well as their Royal regalia.
Other interesting attractions within Masindi district include Wanseko Community Campsite, Masindi Lagoon, Butiaba Port, Kinyara Sugar Works as well as other Picnic Sites within Lake Albert.