This is the question that one caring mum asked to me on one of the travel markets that I has gone to. It was a great day on the second day of the ITB (International Travel Market Berlin) in Germany and a potential visitor approached me and asked about what is so special about Uganda. After this lady approaching me, we had a chat and here is a concise answer to this interesting question.
What’s so special about Uganda?
Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its beauty has earned her different names; the Pearl of Africa which was nicknamed by the Sir Winston Churchill at the early start of the 20th century. It has also been referred to as the “land gifted by nature” and it truly deserves this.
The question of “what is so special about Uganda” sounded to me as any other question that I had answered earlier with a lot of enthusiasm but the expression on her face reveal the curiosity a lot of unanswered questions in her mind. Before I would phase an answer she said to me. Before I traveled to Africa, I looked as the whole of Africa as one nation and above all a dark continent. I have now traveled to a number of African countries to south Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. To me this looked Africa and from what I experienced it seemed like I had seen the whole of Africa but of late my daughter traveling to Uganda and on coming back she Frankly told me, “Mum I am going to live in Uganda permanently” This raised a number of answered questions in my head when I had of the ITB I decided to come and inquire more about Uganda and see if I can personally figure out what took my daughter.
“Mum what you should know is that Uganda is a less known but a loved tourism destination in Africa”, I answered her. It is a country that welcomes everyone. Uganda is a very hospitable destination. Her daughter may have been attracted by the hospitable nature of citizens and the ease with which one can find settlement. But what you should know is that Uganda is presently politically stable which has boosted her tourism sector exponentially with Entebbe Airport, Uganda’s international airport registering more arrival than before. Uganda has the most hospitable atmosphere compared to her neighbors where by the tourist feels like the whole country is to her attention.
Therefore Uganda may be a small country with less tourist attractions yet loved by everyone who sets his foot on her soil, do you know why? They are a number of reasons but below are some of the major and common reason;
Green Tourism
Uganda is one of the greenest destinations. The nature of Uganda’s country sides punctuated by large forests, green grasslands, wetlands are the first impression to tourists visiting the country. The country has several amazing national parks and game reserves that are worthy visiting. Notable national parks include the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site in South Western Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park in the north western part of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park etc.
Incredible Wildlife
Uganda protects an impressive array of wildlife. From the big five animals that are sought for by tourists to mountain gorillas in the Bwindi jungles, there are lots of wild animals to look for in Uganda. Some of the animals to see in Uganda include the tree climbing lions of Ishasha, Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, etc.
World Landmarks
Uganda has several world known landmarks. The World’s longest River (The Nile) traces her source in the Lake Victoria in Jinja. This great attraction has contributed greatly to tourism sector of Uganda as people from all place of the world have come to see the source of the River that has supported lives in one of the driest areas.
Uganda is also one of the three countries that share the Lake Victoria. The Lake Victoria is not only the largest lake in Africa but also the second largest in the world.
