Although Uganda is the smallest country in East Africa, it certainly has a lot to offer. Known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ the country is popular for many reasons, one of them being the mountain gorillas.
Here are some of the ‘must sees’ when you come to visit what can only be described as the richest country when it comes to culture, beauty and friendliness:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in south-western Uganda. It’s here that visitors come to track gorillas. In fact, half of the gorilla population on the planet is found in Uganda. If you want to track them, then this thick impenetrable forest is the place to do it.
The Murchison Falls National Park is a truly beautiful location where you can see animals such as elephant, leopard, giraffe, lion, buffalo and antelope. There are also many species of birds and the falls themselves to see.
Jinja is located just 54 miles east of Uganda’s capital, Kampala. It’s the source of the river Nile and offers some exciting activities such as horse riding, jet cruising, white water rafting and horse riding. Be sure to visit the Ishasha Plains to see one of the two places in the world where it’s possible to see climbing lions.
When it comes to chimpanzees, you mustn’t miss Kibale National Park. The thick forest of Kibale is home to this fascinating primate and just as long as you follow the rules laid down by the Ministry of Tourism, you can track them through the forest.
Another one of your itinerary inclusions should be the Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can find all manner of animals and over 600 species of birds. Look out for leopard, buffalo, lion, elephant, hyena, jackal, bush buck and the Uganda kob. You may also see crocodiles, turtles, python, spitting cobra and puff adder.
As you visit the national parks you’ll mingle with the local Ugandans and will find yourself learning more about their culture and traditions. You may even want to head over to the Kasubi tombs which is a well-respected world heritage centre and a spiritual centre for the Buganda people. You’ll see one of the largest huts in the world.
And one last recommendation is to make sure you see the 84 individual Ssese Islands which are situated to the north west of Lake Victoria. As the largest freshwater lake in Africa, it’s shared by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda and provides much water and food. Great to enjoy more nature or even just relax.
Tyler Musk
