Uganda is an African country located in the eastern part of Africa, a country which holds such unique beauty that it was named the pearl of Africa by the early explorers back in the 1870s. Although not yet well discovered by the world, travelers who have had a chance to visit Uganda consider the experience worthwhile and tell the tales of their adventures for a lifetime.
The mountain gorillas
You’ll never forget the moment you first lay eyes on a gorilla in the wild in Uganda. Rise at dawn to trek through the humid jungle. Anticipation builds as you battle through the aptly named Impenetrable Forest, scaling steep paths and trudging through muddy ravines in search of these majestic creatures. Then, as if out of no-where, the ranger reveals a family of gorilla chewing bamboo shoots, scratching their heads and climbing trees. Time seems to stand still as you observe these gentle giants relaxing in their natural habitat – a mystical experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Variety of Wildlife
When it comes to wildlife, there’s more to Uganda than just mountain gorillas. Its 10 national parks and several game reserves are also home to the likes of elephants, hippos, zebras, lions, leopards and over a 1000 species of birds. One of the best places to see Uganda’s other wildlife is Queen Elizabeth National Park in the south west of the country. Established in 1952, it boasts a high level of biodiversity and a wide variety of landscapes including savannah, bushland, wetlands and lush forests. The remote Ishasha sector, in the far south of the park, is also home to tree climbing lions!
Bird viewing
Uganda is a paradise of birds and a variety of bird species are found in different locations in Uganda. Both indigenous and migrant birds can be seen in Uganda and over 1000 recorded species. You don’t have to be an avid birdwatcher to appreciate Uganda’s avian wildlife. Uganda’s birding is very accessible with many species sunning themselves on power lines along the roads.
Uganda’s major birding spots include Lake Victoria Island and shores, Mabamba swamps, Kazinga channel, Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, River Nile shores and Mabira Forest among others. Some of the bird species include Ostriches, Ducks, geese, waterfowl, Guineafowl, New World quail, Pheasants, grouse, allies, Flamingos, Grebes Pigeons, and doves among others.
The Ugandans are very friendly
The people in Uganda are incredibly friendly and open, and welcome visitors with a wave, big smiles a great sense of fun. Local children look impeccable in their school uniforms as they walk along the dusty roads towards Bwindi, and they feel a sense of pride sharing their home with gorillas who occasionally stroll into the small village. The younger generations are taught about conservation and understand the importance of protecting these incredible creatures for many years to come.
You will enjoy the cultural diversity
Uganda is made up of a number of ethnic groups from the central and south, east, west, and north, each with its own language, distinctive customs and norms. There are over 50 languages are spoken in Uganda. It’s this cultural diversity that offers curious travelers an authentic and enjoyable experience.
Visiting cultural and historical sites like the Buganda kabaka’s palace, Kasubi royal tombs, Uganda museum, Tororo king’s palace, and the Namugongo shrine, will give you a real feel of the African culture and way of life, the local people through cultural dances, folk songs, poems, and storytelling take you through this interesting cultural experience. The Kampala city tour is one of the best and most exciting cultural and historical experiences among other cultural tours for it not only gives you cultural history but also the political history of the country right from colonial rule to independence.
Amazing food and delicious cuisines
Uganda has a variety of foods and delicious cuisines to explore, right from the famous street food, rolex, muchomo, samosa, roasted maize and chapatti, to the staple foods specially prepared with local Ugandan recipes, the steamed matooke (plantain) from the central, kalo (millet), eshabwe from the west, marakwang from the north, malewa from the east and so many other foods like posho, Irish, etc. These are usually supplemented with sauces like beans, chicken, pasted fish, beef, etc., all these are prepared with Ugandan recipes with less spices and seasoning but are finger licking good. The tropical fruits like papaya, pine apples, bananas mangoes, guavas etc, are another discovery. Enjoying Ugandan food is an experience on its own.
Safety
Uganda is now a safe destination for any tourists who would wish to come and experience the amazing beauty that the country offers. Its past history was marred by corrupt leaders which saw the country suffer for years in political turmoil; however, it has come a long way from the ugly past to become one of the politically stable countries in Africa. The country has seen development in trade and commerce and Sustainable Tourism has become a priority as the country views it as a tool for development from the grass root levels much effort is on Ecotourism and sustainable tourism.
The breathtaking scenery, and landscapes.
When it comes to landscape and scenery, Uganda is that destination that will leave you in awe.
Uganda’s landscape varies, the west and southwest are hilly and give the best scenic views, while other parts of the country are composed of mainly flat and low land. Uganda’s scenery is comprised of green vegetation, beautiful hills, famous mountains like Rwenzori & Elgon, thick ancient tropical rain forests like Bwindi impenetrable & Mabira forests, large water bodies like Lake Victoria, rivers, crater lakes, and waterfalls.
The best time to visit Uganda
June, July, August and September are the best months to visit Uganda. These peak months are generally dry (although rain can fall at any time). Book well in advance if tracking gorillas, as permits sell out months in advance. Really, though, this is a year-round destination.
Uganda sits squarely on the equator so there are no true seasons, plus an average altitude of around 1,000m tempers the heat. March-May and October-November see the highest rainfall, but gorillas are still lurking in the mist – although trekking to find them will be slippery and slower. Accommodation and gorilla permits can be much cheaper at this time.
In Conclusion
Uganda has a diversity of attractions, and the tourism industry of Uganda over the years has evolved and become better than ever before. Many beautifully designed safari packages have been made to ensure the ultimate African experience for tourists who visit the country. Service providers like hotels, lodges, car rentals, tour guides, and tour operators are putting up their best work to deliver the best services to their clients while on trips within the pearl of Africa. Plan and book your trip to Uganda to experience the most adventurous African safari of your life.