Uganda is a fast growing tourist destination in East Africa. It is gifted with nature that makes it a unique destination to visit for an African safari. This country is one of the safest on the African continent yet thrilling that you should consider; when planning your next African holiday. With its hospitable people, Uganda offers competitively priced and great value safaris, an experience that is worth a sharing.
With its mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, the country remains the top destination for primate safaris in Africa. The country also boasts of a rich biodiversity and you will definitely get a chance to discover the beauty of the “Pearl of Africa” on your African holiday to Uganda. From serene natural beauty to interesting wildlife that includes but not limited to the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and monkeys you will experience the best of Africa in this small East African country.
The incredible beauty of Uganda is what the British Premier Sir. Winston Churchill called the “Pearl of Africa” and today lets share the major reasons why you should consider visiting this country soon;
Spectacular Beauty
When it comes to spectacular beauty, Uganda beats all odds. When it comes scenic attractions that are well protected and ready for exploration; Uganda offers great reward to those looking for nature based tourism. Hikers can endeavor to visit the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains (also known as the mountain of the moon), one of the few UNESCO heritage sites in the country. According to the National Geographic, the Rwenzori Hike is one of the best-rated hikes in the whole world. ‘
The county is also home to source of the second longest river in the world; the great Nile. The same River emerges out of the Lake Victoria, the largest fresh water lake in Africa. Its location in Jinja city; Uganda’s adrenaline capital offers amazing adrenaline adventures that include white-water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking etc.
The west of Uganda is characterized with areas of intense beauty that include shimmering crater lakes, rivers and mountains.
Uganda Wildlife
When it comes to wildlife, Uganda is endowed with ten national parks that protect unique wildlife. Its conventional savanna national parks that pull tourists include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and the adjoining wildlife reserves. On your safari enjoy game viewing in the savanna plains, meet the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha sector, see large herds of buffaloes and watch hippos playing in the lakes and rivers.
Uganda is also blessed with over 1,000 bird species and birding is a fast growing niche that can supplement the traditional safaris. The country hosts some of the rarest birds that include the shoebill, the great blue turaco and many more.
Uganda’s national parks not only encompass the occasional savanna – mesmering tracts of African bush teaming with elephants, antelopes, buffaloes and big cats but also the tropical rain forests that protect mind-boggling biodiversity that include primates. The tropical rain forest of Kibale National Park has the highest concentration of primates including chimpanzees, man’s closest cousins. Chimpanzee tracking is one of the must do adventures that you should not miss on your next trip.
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks
The mountain gorillas remain the pinnacle of Uganda’s tourism. The country boasts of about 1000 mountain gorilla that are protected in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park.
Uganda protects almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas and you can see the gentle giants on a short gorilla trek through the tropical rain forests. Elsewhere, the mountain gorillas can be found in the Virunga National Park of DR Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Of all destinations that host the mountain gorillas, Uganda offers the safest yet most affordable option to track the mountain gorillas. Uganda sells its gorilla tickets at US$700, which is quite affordable if compared with US$1500 for Rwanda.
Ecotourism Experiences
Yet untouched by mass tourism, Uganda is gifted with untapped natural resources of the world. Uganda’s parks and reserves are ideal retreats for the discerning Eco tourists. The country is the premier primate-viewing destination with amazing populations of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and a dazzling variety of smaller monkeys.
For birders, the country is practically peerless since it is one of the few African countries with a record of more than 1000 bird species. Some of these are indigenous while others are migrant. It is also important to understand the birding seasons in Uganda for the most rewarding birding safaris in this beautiful destination.
The country also boasts of a cultural diversity that instead of being a root of division simply fuels the effortless warm welcomes of the Ugandan people remarked upon by all those who visit the country. The money you will spend in Uganda will also help in improving the living standard of the local people that live around the parks, reserves and any hidden optic treasures Uganda has to offer.
The Most Hospitable Country
To travel means to change the environment and meet with new people. Ugandans are known to be a warm and friendly people who will make you feel at home during your African holiday in Uganda. They are welcoming, curious about their visitors, and will go out of their way to make anyone feel at home.
Every traveler knows that connecting with the local people will guarantee a very great travel experience, as they will teach you give you a broader insight into their culture. You can enjoy a village stay or a home stay within several communities so that you can get first-hand experience with the lifestyles of the Ugandan people.
Multi-Cultural Country
Uganda is a multi-cultural country with over 50 different tribes dispersed in five regions; Central, East, West, North and South. Each tribe has its own unique language, customs and norms. There are over 50 languages spoken in Uganda though English is the official language.
Uganda’s cultural diversity offers curious travelers an authentic and enjoyable experience. There are responsible tour operators who will help you craft a unique tour that will enable you interact with the local people and get to learn about their traditions, norms and way of life.