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Known as a land of beauty, Uganda is a unique destination whose wonders of nature astonish all travelers that visit this country. This article introduces us to some of the major attractions found in Uganda not only in the national parks but also the cities, countryside and protected areas.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks
This is one of the major reasons as to why people visit this country. Uganda holds more than half of the remaining gorilla population on earth. On your way to the south western part of the country, you will come across some amazing scenery such as the rolling hills of Kisoro and plenty of amazing landscape that led to this region being noted as the pearl of Africa. Much as gorillas are wild animals, they are so gentle and interesting to watch unless perturbed. In their natural habitats, tourists will be accompanied by a trained guide who will help them throughout the entire activity. Before going to the jungle, you will be taught about the trekking dos and don’ts. This is indeed an incredible experience because you will watch the silverbacks watching over their families, the females care for the little ones and the juveniles playing around. You ought to carry your cameras and take photographs to keep memories of this awesomeness. With both parks having 13 habituated gorilla families, trekking them requires a permit that goes for 600 USD from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through your trusted tour operator.
Bird watching
Noted as a birder’s paradise, Uganda is indeed a one stop destination for bird lovers. The country has got plenty of birding destinations including Queen Elizabeth national park with over 600 bird species, Bwindi impenetrable, Kidepo valley, Murchison falls, Mabamba bay, Lake Mburo and so much more. Some of the most common bird species include the Shoebill, Green-breasted Pitta, African Green Broadbill, Great Blue Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Standard-winged Nightjar, Short-tailed Warbler, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Bar-tailed Trogon, Black-breasted Barbet, Red faced barbet, Blue headed sun bird and more. Some of these birds are endemic to the rift valley region. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you will have fun on your birding safari as he will be taking you through the different bird species as you enjoy listening to their sounds.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Noted as a prime destination for primate concentration, Uganda hosts a good number of Chimpanzees in different habitats. Some of these primates are captivated in Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) which is famously holding the oldest chimpanzee called Zakayo and Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary found on the shores of Lake Victoria holding a good number of orphaned chimps. Although chimps can be found in Budongo forest in Murchison falls and in Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, Kibale forest national park is the best place to visit in case you need a chimp tour. This is so because the park holds man’s closest relatives in large numbers. Much as these primates are mobile, you will be assured of spotting them while in Kibale forest. During your chimp trekking safari, you will come across other primates such as the L’Hoests, Olive baboons, Black and White colobus monkeys. It is very interesting to watch chimps play, interact and care for the little ones. You will indeed enjoy the timespent with them.
Wildlife Viewing
The country has got plenty of wildlife distributed in all its parts. The vast national parks all have wildlife, some of which is only found in that particular park. Queen Elizabeth national park is noted for its unique tree climbing lions and large herds of elephants. Zebras, antelopes, giraffes, elands, topis, buffalos, Uganda kob, leopards, hippos, crocodiles are some of the wildlife Uganda has got. National parks are not the only areas that have got wildlife but places like the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary with plenty of Rhinos, the Uganda wildlife Education center which has got a variety of animals captivated in cages to ensure safety of visitors have also got these animals in large numbers.
Watching Waterfalls
Want to experience the force of nature? Visit some of the falls found in Uganda and enjoy watching water thrive with immense force. The Murchison falls found in Murchison falls national park are some of the most common falls from where you will see water squeezing itself into a narrow gorge and at times the top of the falls is covered by the rain bow adding on the spectacular view. Other waterfalls include Sipi falls in Mbale, Itanda falls in Jinja, Kisiizi falls in Rukungiri, Ssezibwa falls in Mukono, and Sisiyi falls in Mbale.
Kampala City Tour
This is Uganda’s capital city and it is the most densely populated city in the country. Not only is it a business center but also an adventurous capital. The fact that Ugandans are very hospitable compliments the niceness of touring Kampala. Plenty of attractions are found in the city including places of worship i.e Rubaga cathedral for Catholics, Namirembe cathedral for Anglicans, Gadafi mosque for Muslims, Namugongo martyrs shrine where the Uganda martyrs were burnt to death under the Buganda king’s order and the Bahai temple. Other places to visit include cultural centers like the Kasubi tombs where some of Buganda kings were buried, the King’s palace (Lubiri) which is Buganda’s parliament and Ndere centre from where you will be able to experience a mixture of all cultures in Uganda including lessons about preparing traditional Ugandan meals, traditional dance classes, and amazing performances. The Uganda museum that holds items of Uganda’s memories is another place you should never miss out during your adventure in Kampala. During your tour to this place, you should also take time and visit the craft markets where you can buy a souvenir. A visit to one of the local restaurants from where you can have a taste of the local food for example the “Luwombo” famous among the Baganda should also not be left out.
Visiting Lake Victoria And The Source Of River Nile
This is Africa’s largest fresh water Lake shared by countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. It is the source of Africa’s largest River i.e the Nile and this very significant part is found in Uganda in Jinja. The Lake features plenty of amazing scenery including a number of islands such as Ssese islands from where you can relax on the white sand beaches whist viewing monkeys swinging on trees. The Lake also harbors a variety of birds. During your visit to the source of the Nile, you can also do bungee jumping and white water rafting.
Stand At The Equator
This is one of the most popular landmarks in the country. At this point, the earth is divided into two equal parts i.e the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This region receives more sunlight compared to any other and it’s because of this that Uganda is noted for its equatorial climate with plenty of rainforests. Stand at the equator mark and take photographs for your memories. On this tour, you can also stopover in Masaka town and have a look at the local drums plus the locally made crafts such as hats, shirts and bracelets which you can buy and keep as a souvenir.
