Visit Uganda for Wildlife and Adventure
Visit Uganda for Wildlife and Adventure: Uganda also known as the Pearl of Africa, gained its independence from the UK on 9th October 1962. Therefore, this is when it became a landlocked country. The country lies within the Nile basin and has a varied but generally a modified equatorial climate. Uganda also takes its name from the Buganda kingdom. This encompasses a large portion of the south part of the country, including the capital Kampala.
The people of Uganda were generally hunter gatherers until 1,700 to 2,300 years ago. English and Swahili are the most common languages used however, Christianity is the most practiced religion. People in rural areas of Uganda depend on farming as the main source of income. More so, the beauty is reflected by numerous things and some of these include; wildlife, lakes, rivers. People, culture, historical, archaeological & religious sites, not leaving out the beautiful weather among others.
Tour Experiences in Uganda
Mountain Gorillas
Uganda is basically among the only three countries on planet earth with the only remaining population of endangered mountain gorillas. Did you know that Mountain Gorillas are found nowhere else expect the 3 destinations; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Therefore, Uganda has half the number of mountain gorillas remaining in the whole world. Above all, gorilla trekking here gives you an exhalation moment with the delightful great apes in their natural habitants. In addition, a daily total of 144 gorilla trekking permits issued, tourists here are able to move in the dense tropical rain forests. These include; Bwindi and Mgahinga parks where they meet different troops depending on the allocated habituated family.
Chimpanzee tracking
Uganda is marked a primate country whereby chimp tracking can be done in different places in the country. Some of these include; Kibale Forest National Park “the primate capital of the world”, Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kyambura gorge, etc. However, doing this activity, you will need a permit which can be obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority. You can also participate in chimpanzee habituation experience and get to learn more about our closest cousins.
Unique National Parks
As a matter of fact, Uganda has got 10 parks but each is quite unique and different from the other. Murchison Falls National Park with the “World’s strongest waterfalls”. Additionally, this park also hosts 4 of the big 5 i.e lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, “The Ultimate gorilla experience” with the endangered mountain gorillas. Lake Mburo National Park, “Whispers of the wild” also known for its abundance of Burchell’s zebras and Impalas. Semiliki National Park “The birders’ haven” and having the hottest hot springs in the country.
Kidepo Valley National Park “The true African wilderness”. Mountain Elgon National Park “The world’s largest mountain caldera”. Mgahinga National Park “Where silver meets the gold”. In addition, its another park in Uganda where you can do gorilla trekking. Mountain Rwenzori National Park “The mystical challenge”. Kibale Forest National Park, “The primate capital of the world”, also hosting the highest number of primates in the country. Queen Elizabeth National Park, “Medley of wonders” also famous for the tree climbing lions.
Source of the Nile
This is generally the second-longest river in the world, whose largest source is in Lake Victoria. Visit Uganda and make sure you take a boat cruise to the source of the Nile. While here, you will be able to see the river starting its epic journey out of Lake Victoria. There have been many claims that the source of the Nile is in Rwanda but the truth remains that it is in Uganda.
Tree climbing lions
Travelling with Great Nest Image Safaris is one of the best ways to discovery the tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is basically done during a game drive in Ishasha sector of the park. This is however a rare behavior in lions which is mostly seen in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Manyara in Tanzania. Surprisingly, these lions climb trees due to different reasons. Some of these include; to clearly spot their prey, lazily rest on the branches, hiding away from the scorching sun on the ground, etc.
Rhino tracking
This activity is basically done at Ziwa rhino sanctuary towards Murchison Falls National Park. As a matter of fact, this is the only place in Uganda where you are able to do on-foot rhino tracking. You are led by an experience ranger in search for these rhinos in their natural habitants. However, other activities can also be done here like natural walks, birding, canoeing, etc.
Mountain climbing
Ruwenzori generally scoops the 3rd position of the highest peak on the African continent. On the other hand, this activity is one of best experience to check your fitness levels. This can be done as you discover the montane inhabited by the rare Afromontane botany up to Margherita peak on Mt. Stanley. In fact, some of its striking peaks are covered with glaciers.
Culture
Uganda is basically made up of a number of ethnic groups from the central, south, east, west and north. However, each has its own language, distinctive customs as well as norms. As a matter of fact, you will find Ugandans are the best and lovely people to visit. More so, Uganda has many different tribes practicing age old cultures, customs and traditions. Some of these include; the Batwa in Bwindi, the Banyakole famed for their magnificent long horned cattle. The nomadic Karamojong living in the remote, semi-arid North East bordering Kenya and South Sudan.
Conducive climate
Uganda lies astride the equator but its climate is not truly equatorial due to several factors. These include; water bodies, relief, vegetation not to mention but a few. Uganda’s sun blazes all the year which therefore means that Uganda can be visited all year round. Because of this climate, the country is able to grow enough fresh food and fruits that you will enjoy while on your visit to Uganda.
Uganda’s taste buds rich cuisine
Uganda’s food is as rich as its culture since each tribe has its own staple food. Then there is the street food, the most notable being the Rolex. While a rolex is a time piece in most countries, in Uganda it’s a popular street food that can be eaten any time of the day. It’s an omelet that is rolled with a chapatti and some onions and tomatoes. Its also a bonus point if the tomatoes are raw and if you eat it by the stall.
Lake Bunyonyi
Meaning “lake of small birds,” its located in south western Uganda. It is also the second-deepest freshwater lake in Africa with its stunning view when seen from one of the hills around it. In addition, because of its beauty it once printed on one of Uganda’s currency notes. Furthermore, it has a total of 29 beautifully dotted islands that provide an authentic tropical island experience. These include; Akampene Island also known as punishment, Bwana island and many more. In fact, these islands hold interesting myths and legends that tourists enjoy listening once they are visited. On the other hand, its a haven of birds with different water bird species to spot.
The bird paradise
With over 1000 bird species, this makes Uganda a country with the highest concentration of birds on the African continent. Additionally, it is one of the best destination for the birding experience. Furthermore, the country hosts migratory birds from North African, Europe as well as Asia. Therefore, don’t forget to practice the birding ethics for an amazing birding experience, spotting different bird species.
Best time to visit Uganda
Because of the favorable climatic conditions Uganda experiences, the country can be visited all year- round. Nonetheless you should also understand and consider that there are two major tourism seasons each offering different safari prices, that is; peak and low season. During the peak season that starts in December to February as well as from June to September, gorilla trekking permits plus accommodation prices are high. For the best views of wild animals, we recommend that you take the savavnah Game viewing Safaris, in the dry months January to February, and June to September as the animals frequently converge around the various water-holes in the parks. Also bird watching is an all-year round activity however best views are from November to April when migrant species have arrived to Uganda due to the winter season in search for the summer seasons.
Where to stay / accommodation on a Uganda safari
During your stay in Uganda, there are different choices of accommodation in which one chooses from. These are generally categorized into three: the Budget, Mid-range/moderate and the Luxury Accommodation. Therefore, there is something for everyone that suits their budget. Among the various accommodation facilities are; beach Resorts, Hotels, Lodges, Safari camps, Cottages, Guest Houses and Inns.
Our Special Safaris
