Uganda

Welcome to Uganda

A world of adventure awaits you in Uganda. This East-African country has a lot to offer travelers: visits to endangered mountain gorillas in their forest homes, encountering lions from up close, rafting parts of the Nile river, volcano tours, tons of national parks and the welcoming smiles on the face of every Ugandan you’ll meet. When it comes to landscapes and scenery, Uganda is one of the most diverse countries in Africa and a dream destination for adventurers. You’ll be surprised by the variety of the country. It is home to a large amount of wildlife and has tons of safari options. From lions, elephants and buffaloes, to the Ugandan kob and the famous mountain gorillas that inhabit the rainforests. It is also a country rich in birdlife with over a 1000 different species.

The Pearl of Africa

Even though a trip to Uganda, is mostly focused on nature and wildlife, there are still a few cities that are worth visiting as well. On arrival in Entebbe, where the international airport is located, you have the opportunity to acclimatize and visit the nearby Lake Victoria before exploring the rest of the country. The views on and from the shores of the lake are incredible. You can also make a trip to the nearby city of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and experience the bustling chaos of honking minivans, busy traffic and street markets for yourself. Be sure to indulge in some local food as well. A visit here will make for an interesting contrast to the calming nature you’d encounter later on your trip.

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Uganda Highlights

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

The main reason for travel travelling to Uganda for many people is to visit the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to look for the rare mountain gorillas that live here. It is considered the absolute highlight of any trip to this country. At first glance the rainforest on these steep mountain flanks seem impenetrable, but together with a guide and park rangers you’ll be able to track them. Once encountered, the peace and tranquility that these endangered animals radiate is very special and rewarding. The trek to find these wild gorillas can be very challenging, especially in the rain season when paths turn muddy, but it is worth it. Along the way you can also spot other animals and lots of interesting flora as well.

Jinja

The town of Jinja, located on Lake Victoria, is also called the source of the Nile which is one of the largest rivers in the world. From the lake, the Nile continues to flow all the way to Egypt where it ends up into the Mediterranean Sea. Jinja used to be a fishermen’s village, but over the centuries has grown bigger and bigger. These days, this is a popular and beautiful destination famous for its springs and the Bujagali Falls, a number of rapids and waterfalls in the Nile. As strange as it may sound, the rough river here is also known as a good place for some adventurous outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking. If you want to take it a bit easier, you can also float down parts of the river where you can watch a beautiful sunset or spot colorful birds and other animals.

The Murchison Falls National Park

At the Murchison Falls National Park, the Nile plunges through a gorge with incredible power and deafening noise. One of the best activities to do here is to take a boat ride on the river to the bottom of these spectacular falls. Not only will you see the waterfalls from up close, but you’ll also encounter many hippos and crocodiles in the water and along the banks. Buffaloes and elephants are also often seen here crossing the river. This is also a paradise for birdwatchers as the Delta of the Nile has a large variety of bird species, including the prehistoric-looking Shoebill stork.

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Lake Bunyonyi

In the south-western part of Uganda you’ll find Lake Bunyoyui surrounded by mountains covered with forests and volcanoes. Loosely translated, Bunyoni means “the place of many little birds”. Unsurprisingly, this area is a fantastic destination for the birdwatchers among us. It is a fairytale beautiful lake, with small villages and plantations along its coast. There are several smaller islands in the lake which you can visit. If you’re brave enough you can make the journey by hollowed-out tree trunk and a paddle. The views of the hills, green terraces and the lake itself are not to be missed as well. It’s a great place for hiking and enjoying the scenery as well.

The Kidepo Valley National Park

The isolated and remote Kidepo Valley National Park is considered by some people to be the most beautiful park in all of Uganda. It has a landscape that varies from mountain ranges to forests, grasslands and savannahs. It is diverse in its wildlife as well with elephants, lions, zebras, many different primates and a large variety of bird species. This is a park with a classic safari landscape and without the crowds of other tourists. You can also get a glimpse here of the Karamojong people, an ethnic nomadic group that inhabit these lands. They are a colorful tribe with a proud and rich history. Their costumes, decorations, culture, and language make then unique from other tribes in Uganda.

The Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Uganda. It consists of Lake Mburo in its center and is surrounded by wetlands and savannahs. The park bursts with wildlife, including a large population of zebras, antelopes and birds. There are no elephants or giraffes, but if you’re lucky you might spot a rare leopard. It is the only safari park in Uganda that can be explored on foot, horseback or even by bike. You can get quite close to the animals. The views in the park are spectacular and with clear weather you can get a good view of the Virunga volcanoes, where Diane Fossey researched mountain gorillas. Trips on the lake are also possible and you might spot a hippo or crocodile on the water.

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park

On the border with Congo you can find the Rwenzori mountain range with its snow-capped peaks. This national park has unique vegetation and excellent off-the-beaten-track hiking opportunities. The highest peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains are permanently covered with snow. Together with Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, these are the only mountains in Africa to have permanent snowy peaks. Hiking here will give you incredible scenic views and challenges and will bring you from dense rainforests to the snow.

The Ssese Islands

The Ssese Islands are a group of islands located in Lake Victoria that offer peace and quiet in a relaxed environment. In total there are about 84 islands. While some islands are large and densely populated, others are small and deserted. The largest island is Buggala, which also has the largest city of the islands, Kalangala. The islands are wooded and hilly, but also have a tropical appearance due to the beaches and palm trees. The inhabitants of the islands are very friendly and they belong to the Bassese tribe. The best way to explore this island is by motorcycle. You can visit the small traditional villages and eat delicious local Ugandan meals. Or venture into the jungle to spot birds and animals.

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