Uganda is less known destination on the African continent but its sheer variety of national parks sets it apart from other safari destinations in East Africa. Located just astride the Equator, Uganda is a growing travel destination. With a wide range of unique places and attractions, if you are looking for an exotic destination for your African safari, look for no further! The Ugandan Web lists some of the best things that make Uganda, a unique destination that you should consider while planning your next holiday.
The Source of River Nile in Jinja
The River Nile, notably the world’s second longest river is not only the lifeline of many nations in the world but also a remarkable unique feature that puts Uganda on the world map. Located in Jinja, the quest for the Source of the Nile ended in Uganda in 1862 when John Speke, one of the British Explorers reached the point where the Nile emerges out of the Lake Victoria. The Nile has made Jinja famous! Lots of adventure activities adventure have been developed basing on the Nile. These include white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, etc.
Visitors to the source of Nile can enjoy superb boat trips around Lake Victoria and visit to the hydroelectric power plant at Owen falls dam, indulge in the adventurous bungee jumping experience, white water rafting and Kayaking in the rapids of the Nile.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park
Mountain Gorilla trekking is one of the rarest encounters in the world and this can be done right in the wild jungles of Western Uganda. Uganda protects a healthy population of the endangered mountain gorillas within two protected national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National park. Almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population is found in Uganda. This year, Uganda is the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking and it is the most popular adventure that visitors crave to do on their visit to this amazing country.
Bwindi Impenetrable National park alone consists of up to 14 habituated gorilla families that are accessed from four distinguished sectors of the park. These include Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma and Nkuringo region. Mgahinga National Park on the other hand is home to only one gorilla family called the Nyakagezi Group.
Climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth national park:
The Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s world biosphere reserve. It is home to one of the most elusive species including the tree climbing lions, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, leopards, etc. Looking to a wildlife safari, include Queen Elizabeth National Park in your tour itinerary and encounter these rare species! The search for the tree climbing lions that are known to lie flat on fig trees in a chilly afternoon, is one of the things you should not miss.
Queen Elizabeth National Park in addition to being home of the ‘Big 4’, also hosts interesting features! It is also an amazing destination for bird watching given that it boasts of over 605 bird species. A launch trip along the famous Kazinga channel is interesting given that you it takes you past the capital of hippos in Uganda. Other interesting animals you can see on the lake shores are solitary buffaloes, elephants that come for a drink during a hot day etc.
The Rwenzori Mountains – “mountains of the moon”:
Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains is one of the unique tales of Uganda. Located in the south western corner, the Rwenzori Mountains are shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is an adventure world of its own. Labelled the mountains of the world, the towering Rwenzori raises to height of 5,109m above sea level and presents some of the rarest adventure encounters in Africa and beyond.
The remote Rwenzori Mountains offer opportunities presents a great opportunity to hikers. The hike takes you through stunning landscapes and varied montane vegetation. Once on the top of the mountain, you will have clear views of Africa’s third-highest summit, which is one of the less explored peaks.
Equator
Uganda is home to this popular landmark, the equator! This is one of the most famous and remarkable attractions in the country. The country lies astride the Equator and there are two permanent monuments; one in Kasese and another at Kayabwe along Masaka Road. The Equator divides the earth into the southern and northern hemispheres!
The Kayabwe landmark is much developed and it is the most common in pictures. It is located 70 km away from Kampala towards the south west direction, taking about one hour to reach from the city. This point offers a perfect stopover while en route to the south western based national parks, including Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Ugandan culture:
Uganda is a culturally diverse country with over 56 different tribal groups, featuring a variety of customs and ancient traditions that combine to make Uganda a remarkable destination.
There are over 52 tribal groups in Uganda with some organized in respective monarchical kingdoms and chiefdoms. Notable popular kingdoms include the popular Buganda Kingdom, Bunyoro kingdom, Tooro kingdom, Busoga kingdom etc. Some chiefdoms include Acholi, Lango, and Rwenzururu among others.
These tribal groups are centers of amazing culture, unique heritage and a rich history, which can be portrayed through dances, norms, languages, appearance, dressing and behaviors. Despite of this tribal diversity, Ugandan people are one of the most warm and hospitable in the world. For years they have been living in harmony with each other regardless of their cultural and language, and also they are so friendly to outsiders.
All the diverse cultures in Uganda present special and unique cuisines that are both tasty and interesting to explore. Baganda’s Luwombo is a traditional delicacy in the central Uganda, Eshabwe is a treasure for Banyankole, Atapa (local millet bread) synonymous with the Iteso; and Marakwang is a sauce for Acholi and Langi.
Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda between Kabale and Kisoro. It is encircled by 29 separate islands. The lake is also surrounded by terraced hills and magnificent natural landscape that protrudes from the neighborhood.
Lake Bunyonyi is believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa after Lake Tanganyika. The lake enjoys moderate temperature all year round; the lake is situated 1,962m above sea level and this makes the weather around it cool both in the morning and evening hours.
Lake Bunyonyi is thought to have been formed about 8,000 years ago due to the lava flow from the local craters which blocked off the Ndego River in the present day Muko to create a natural dam. The lake covers a total surface area of about 60km sq. but forming the core of 180km sq. wetland ecosystem. Dotted with about 29 islands of various shapes and sizes across the water, it is encircled by steep terraced hills; Lake Bunyonyi is a magical spot that deserves to be on bucket list for your safari in Africa because the place ought to be considered one of the natural world wonders that one ought not to miss encountering.