Uganda has a lot to offer in terms of hospitality, leisure, accommodation and its abundant wildlife. There are several unique and attractive places that you should not miss going to while in Uganda. Am sure you will have great and everlasting memories.
It is truly an amazing country! Statistically this is one of the poorest countries in the world, but it is rich in so many other ways! The biggest and most valuable treasure are its people, who have nothing, but getting to know them, talking to them and spending time with them, you realize that the poorest person is yourself.
Below are some of the places you should not miss going to while in Uganda.
Visit Jinja town and explore River Nile
Jinja is the adrenaline pumping adventure capital with lots of choices when it comes to exciting adventures, especially on the River Nile. This glorious river, which flows through eleven countries, is the longest river in the world and you will encounter it few more times during your travel in Uganda. Along River Nile just east of Kampala is home to must do experiences for visitors to Uganda such as white water rafting, Kayaking, bungee jumping, but also biking, horseback riding, ATV Quad Biking, Sunset Cruises on the Nile, Nile Perch Fishing and more.
Visit Bwindi Impenetratable Park
At the edge of the Western Rift Valley in highest part of what is referred to as the Kigezi Highlands-Bwindi. The altitudes of the park range from 1,190 to 2,067 meters, though Bwindi has a tropical climate which can range from 7 degrees Celsius at night to 27 degrees Celsius during the day.
Here at Bwindi you can find over 120 species of mammals including Primates such as the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus, Red-Tailed Guenon,Vervet Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Guenon, Baboons, Nocturnal Prosimians, Forest Elephants (hairier, smaller, smaller tusks, 1 extra toe on each foot), small antelopes such as Duikers, Bush pigs, Giant Forest Hogs, several small species of Cats, 348 species of birds including African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimson wing. Other birds include the Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee eaters, Green Tinker bird, Mountain and Yellow –streaked Green buls, Mountain Masked and Chestnut –throated Apalises, Red faced Woodland Warbler, White-browed Crombec, Ruwenzori Batis and White tailed fly catcher among others. , 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos – there is simple a lot of Discovery awaiting you at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
There are four areas at Bwindi Impenetrable where activities take place – Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each area brings out unique aspects of the ancient Rainforest and many visitors stay at one or more areas to do the various activities that are unique to the area.
Gorilla tracking is the major activity that visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest engage in.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest provides an incredible backdrop for this once in a lifetime adventure. There are four trailheads from which one tracks one of the gorilla families for which we have obtained permits for you. More Gorilla Families have been habituated for visitors. That means that there are over 100 daily gorilla permits available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga
It is only in Uganda that you can be with a Mountain Gorilla Family for 4 hours on a Gorilla Habituation Experience along with researchers in Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest – this amazing experience – to be with a Mountain Gorilla Family as it is being habituated is a one of a kind experience in Africa.
There are presently two family groups being habituated, meaning that they becoming used to human contact and will not run away from visitors trekking them.
You can fly into Kigali Rwanda and 3 hours later be in the Rushaga Region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You have the choice of budget, moderate and upmarket lodging and can stay either in Rushaga or scenic Nkuringo area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Hike to the 100 meter high Sipi waterfalls
If you like water and intensive green colour, you should never miss out on this beautiful and powerful waterfall. Get yourself a local guide, who will cost you almost nothing and find out all about the local life in the nearby village. While hiking down the waterfall, you will be challenged by the steep leather, shaking knees and sweat, but as soon as you take your eyes on the waterfall you will know, why you are here.
Visit the largest Manyatta in East Africa
The region in Uganda with most manyatta is called Karamoja and not long ago, it was known as a very dangerous part of the country. Most of the travellers around Uganda still avoid it. The Karamoja region is a bit hard to reach if you don’t have your own transport, but if you can spare few extra days, you should not have any second thoughts. Instead of violent people, the Karamajongs are now curious, friendly and hospitable. Not many people visit them, so prepare yourself to get a very, very big attention maybe for some, an unpleasant one, but this will definitely be one of the most unforgettable experiences, you will do on your Uganda trip. I would recommend you to hire a local guide, who speaks their language, so you will be able to ask them something and find out more about their life.
Explore and enjoy Uganda’s landscape
Uganda has different land scapes including the jungle, savannas, lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, and plateaus among others. The only thing it is missing is the desert and the sand dunes. All the above beautiful sceneries are a habitat for different wildlife including mammals, aquatic species, birds, snakes and human beings.
Have a tour or safari around Kidepo National Park
Safaris are probably one of the most recognizable things in Sub-Africa and I can happily say Uganda also has some amazing national parks, which are perfect for safari s and vacations which are even cheaper but interesting .The most popular and visited national park in Uganda is Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth.
If you prefer less visited places, don’t miss out on the Kidepo national park. It is far northeast and just below the Sudan border. Seeing all the animals in their natural inhabitant is one of the best experiences of the Uganda travel.
You will observe elegant giraffes, big Elephant’s families, hunting lions, playful antelopes, lazy water-buffalos, curious monkeys among other species.
Visit Murchison falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is not just an average African Wildlife Park, it is a Wildlife with a river that runs through it, not just any River but the historic River Nile, and the most powerful waterfall in the world – Murchison Falls..
Murchison Falls National Park is the best all-around Park in Uganda. It is best place to see large herds of the endangered Rothschild Giraffes, large Elephant and Buffalo herds, many antelopes, a savanna with Borassus Palm Trees unlike other wildlife parks in East Africa.
Murchison Falls Park needs to be on your must do and visit list for Uganda – you will be delighted by the wide variety of wildlife, birds, reptiles found here. the lions, leopards, other cats that you can see on day and night game drives on the savanna at Murchison Falls. On your boat ride safari up the Nile you will see countless of the large Nile Crocodiles, pods of Hippos, Nile Monitor Lizards, and even the elusive Shoebill Stork on occasions.
See the tree climbing Lions
Lions are an easy find while on safari in Africa but there are only a few places in the entire continent where you can find tree climbing Lions. The Ishasha Plains of Queen Elizabeth Park, Uganda is the best place to see these beasts climbing and sleeping in trees..
Visit the tea plantations
Not only countries in Asia are famous for their tea plantations, but you can spot many also here in Uganda. The best starting point to visit them is a town called Fort Portal. The vivid green bushes are so photogenic you would never want to leave. You can also go to Jinja before you reach Mabira forest, Am sure you will spot big chucks of land with tea plantations.
Do Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Even though you will not be able to see the Rhino in Uganda’s national parks. You will not miss them in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where more than 15 white rhinos are living in a big walled area. Yes, the area is unfortunately behind the fence, but that is only to protect them from the wild hunters, which killed the very last rhino in the country in 1982. Almost 20 years went by, before Uganda got its first male and female couple from Kenya again. From then on, Uganda Wildlife Authority started a breading program, in which they want to revive the white rhinos in Uganda again. When there are many, they will be released in the wilderness again.
Have a boat ride at a Bilhazia free Lake Bunyonyi
When arriving at the Bunyonyi Lake you will think you are in some kind of a fairytale. The landscape is just unreal here. The big volcanic lake, which has more than 29 small islands, is so charming you would want to stay here longer than first planned. Rent a wooden canoe and enjoy the peace. The good news is, this lake is bilharzias free, so it is supposed to be safe for swimming. The only down side of the Bunyonyi lake is its altitude, as it can get pretty chilly and rainy.
Visit the Ssese Islands
The Ssese Islands, which are actually an archipelago of 84 small islands in the middle of Victoria Lake. The biggest island and also the easiest to reach is Buggala. You can reach it with a ferry from Masaka or from Kampala or Entebbe with a small local boat. The people on Ssese islands are extremely friendly and smiley!! I was always asking myself how this is even possible, as majority of them are poor, have HIV and are struggling day by day. Apart from fishing,
There other activities that can be carried out at the islands including nature walks, bird watching, beach activities from the many beaches surrounding the islands. These are comfort zones for honey mooners.
Watch the craft / drum makers.
Many people connect the African continent with rhythm and drums. When travelling around Uganda, especially around Entebbe and Masaka road, you will soon know why. There’s a special region in the country, which is famous for drums making. If you pass it, stop and see how they are being made. You can even try to play and buy one for yourself. Apart from making drums, Ugandans also make different other unique crafts that are good looking at affordable prices. Try visiting the craft galleries and witness how talented Ugandans are.
Try visiting any of the above places and you will witness how Uganda is endowed naturally!
