Uganda is one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa. This East African country has a diverse wildlife as well as impressive people. This is one the favourite countries to visit Africa. To animal lovers, Uganda is one of the only three countries where mountain gorilla trekking can be done! The country protects nearly half of the world’s remaining population of the mountain gorillas within two of its 10 national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Winston Churchill was so besotted by the country that he gave it the name that has endured: the “Pearl of Africa”. His observations about Uganda remain true today and travelers who have gone on Uganda safaris can confirm this: “The scenery is different, the vegetation is different, the climate is different, and, most of all, the people are different from anything elsewhere …in the whole range of Africa”.
Where is Uganda?
Uganda is a small landlocked country located in the east of Africa. Uganda is under looked by travellers searching for the usual safari encounter but it has something very unique and exciting to offer to its visitors that are getting up close with the mountain gorillas one of man’s closest cousins in the animal kingdom.
Why Visit Uganda
Uganda was named the pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill a British explorer in his book my Africa journey in the early 1900s. It has not changed up to date as there are lots of natural green wonders one encounters while visiting Uganda. May visitors have named East Africa’s greatest destination.
Travelers to Uganda are drawn by its stunning landscape – green rolling hills, snowcapped mountains, rainforests, majestic rivers and massive lakes. There are also a number of outstanding national parks for your safari encounter with the wildlife for which Africa is renowned. Unfortunately, I have to advise you to skip Kidepo Valley -a well-resourced park in the north, as it is not considered safe. The country’s edge as a worthwhile destination is further enhanced by its endowments for white water rafting and sport fishing. Tour operators have on offer a variety of Uganda safari and tour packages.
Primates Adventures!
It is in Uganda that you find the highest number of primate species anywhere in the world. Opportunities for tracking rare mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are unrivaled elsewhere. The primate conservation efforts the country has followed are bearing fruit. A survey carried out by the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Jane Goodall Institute in collaboration with the Uganda government, revealed that there were 4,950 chimpanzees in the country in 2003. Previously, scientists guess for this number was between 3000 and 4000, but nobody knew for sure. The chimp is our closet living relative, sharing 98% of our genes and much of our behavior. Uganda is the best country in the world to view chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Great Scenery
Uganda is a game changer when it comes to the common topography in Africa; it has something very unusual that is very fascinating and fertile landscapes. Many of its parts hold savannah vegetation painted with exotic animals, flowing streams and large lakes and also high forest hills and green valleys. Albeit it countries around the equator receiving a warmer climate, Uganda relatively experiences a cooler climate compared to others and it experiences snow on one of its highest mountains Rwenzori.
Highlights of a Uganda Safari:
- Tracking the Mountain Gorillas in the southwest part of the country Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Virunga region
- Explore Kampala’s historical, religious and great architectural sites, the capital city of Uganda
- Take all your stress away as you relax at one of the islands of lake
- Trekking other primates that is the chimpanzees and the different species of monkeys in Kibale forest national park. This is the largest hub of primates in east Africa.
- Watching the unusual tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth national park at Ishasha sector.
Places to Visit in Uganda
Cities & Towns
- Entebbe
- Kampala
- Jinja
- Fortportal
- Mbale
- Mbarara
- Kabale
National Parks
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Mount Rwenzori Natoional Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Semuliki National Park
Game Reserves
- Pian Upe in Eastern Uganda
- Kagera Game Reserve