From the Rwenzori snow-capped highlands to River Nile, enormous fresh water lakes like Victoria, Edward and Albert, lush vast forests and savanna plains, a friendly nation with a diverse population and rich cultures that welcomes all kinds of individuals with open arms. The “Pearl of Africa,” is without a doubt naturally endowed. Several tourist destinations are widely spread across the country including over 10 national parks.
Pristine destinations like Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley, and Murchison Falls National Parks, among others, provide unique African safaris where one is able to spot big five safari animals which include lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalos.
Despite being a landlocked nation in the interior of East Africa, Uganda has managed to compete with its neighbors in the tourism sector though initially the industry is still growing. More effort has recently been made with the launch of the “Explore Uganda” campaign, which aims to encourage even citizens to travel and enjoy Uganda’s beauty with a strong emphasis on promoting culture, wildlife and natural landscapes.
Majority of national parks, including Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, were not used for game drives in the early 1970s because they were regarded as dangerous zones. Additionally, there were no designated trails for chimpanzee and gorilla treks and infrastructure was really bad.
It was unsafe to enter war zones in the North, where people had experienced war and poaching was rampant.
Uganda’s interesting history can be explored through visiting various historical features such as the Nile’s source in Jinja and the Kasubi tombs, where you get to learn about the country’s largest culture of Buganda. Visits to the different Palaces in the country can be made like the Tooro, Busoga Buganda palaces where you get to learn and appreciate their differences.
When it comes to Ugandan culture, there is a lot of diversity, with different ethnic groups. You’re likely to meet Baganda in the central region, Basoga, Bagisu and Itesots in the east and Ankole in the west which is also known as the Land of Milk.
Just like pearls, the country has a gem of resources to explore and adventure.
Activities one can enjoy while on a safari in Uganda.
Carried out in Uganda’s south-western based park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Mountainous and thickly covered in mist and lush vegetation, the park is ideal for mountain gorillas’ survival. It is one of the only two parks in Uganda where the critically endangered mountain gorillas can be found.
One can also trek these endangered species at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a more steep and challenging experience. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $700 for foreigners.
Families of habituated chimpanzees may be found in Kibale National Park; while they are hostile in nature, they give tourists the opportunity to see how comparable to people they are in terms of genetics, social dynamics, emotions and character. You get to spend the day with habituated chimpanzee troops while on the trek.
This is mostly done in national parks with low elevations and expansive savannah plains like Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo and Murchison Falls National parks. These parks provide a relaxed wilderness experience during game drives, which are always slow-paced to allow clear observation of Big 5 animals, small mammals and birds.
You may take relaxing boat rides either on Victoria Nile or Kazinga channel while visiting Murchison falls NP and Queen Elizabeth National parks respectively. While on a cruise, visitors can observe various creatures the park has to offer, including cape buffalos, huge African elephants, waterbucks, and other species of antelopes.
Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale, Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, Semuliki, Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks are Uganda’s 10 national parks that are rich with fauna and flora.
The big 5 safari animals which include lions, leopards, buffalos, African elephants and rhinos that are only found collectively in northern Uganda, may be seen in these parks, which showcase the best wildlife in East Africa. After going extinct in Uganda in 1970s, rhinos were brought back in 2005 at Ziwa rhino sanctuary, which is close to Murchison Falls National Park. On the way to Murchison Falls National Park, one can go rhino trekking.
Although some hikes are done in south-western region, which includes the Volcanoes Mountain ranges that sprawl across Rwanda, D.R. Congo and Uganda, the most well-known and daring hikes are done on Mount. Rwenzori and Mount. Elgon. Some of these hikes are challenging, particularly the one up Mount Rwenzori’s peak, which takes 7 – 9 days to complete. Most hikers reach the summit, however others opt to stop at particular heights.
Cultural tours entail traveling and experiencing various cultures and spending time in their communities as you learn about how their daily routines are. The Bakonzo, who were the original inhabitants of Mount. Rwenzori and still maintain their prehistoric way of life, the Bagisu / Bamasaba found on the slopes of Mount Elgon, and Karamojong people of north-eastern region near Kidepo national park are just a few of the varied cultures in Uganda that are fascinating to learn about.
Majority of tourists who have visited Uganda say that it has the most incredible weather. Since it is located in the tropical region and crossed by the equator, it experiences great weather with only two seasons, the dry and rainy season hence making it possible to carry out different activities all year round.
We have proper understanding of the local context of Safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, DRC and Burundi which helps us secure pleasant, safe, and memorable experiences for our clients from the time they arrive into the country, to the time they depart.
