Uganda is a small land locked country located in Eastern Africa, west of Kenya, south of South Sudan, east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and north of Rwanda and Tanzania. It is properly situated in the heart of Great lakes region and it is surrounded by Lake Edward, Lake Albert, and Lake Victoria. The country is mostly plateau with an outer edge of mountains. Uganda’s climate is tropical and generally bearable with alternating dry and wet seasons throughout the year.
With a wide range of activities at the exposure of the tourist, anyone who visits Uganda can’t help it but to just have a wonderful and memorable experience. Where else in this world can you trek through the dense jungles, meet face to face with the iconic mountain gorillas, climb the snowy mountain peaks, visit interesting cultures, enjoy adventurous activities like bungee jumping, or canoe past crocodiles and hippos, enjoy breathtaking views of different landscapes, sight the three horned chameleons and watch a wide range of bird species in one single country? It is only in Uganda. There is more to Uganda than meets the eye. The spectacular landscapes across the country, wildlife species in the national Parks including an encounter with the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas and the Big five animals among others, water resources with endless adventurous activities, a wide range of compelling cultural values and practices, over 1061 bird species that make the country a true bird watcher’s paradise and other vastly unexplored destinations. The list of attractions is endless. No wonder the country is referred to as “the Pearl of Africa”
Despite the fact that Uganda is pocket sized, it is blessed with a tapestry of landscapes, excellent wildlife and hospitable natives, it really envelopes a lot of unimaginable features that make it the true pearl of Africa. Uganda hosts Africa’s tallest mountain range; mount Rwenzori ranges, source of River Nile which is the world’s longest river and Lake Victoria – the continent’s largest fresh water lake.
Uganda’s most iconic activity is gorilla trekking in Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks, but rafting and bungee jumping adventure on the Nile also offers another world-class adrenaline experience. Cultural encounters in the local communities, chimp trekking in the most prominent destinations and nature walks are one of the things one shouldn’t miss while on their Uganda safaris.
The country has faced several challenges which include economic crisis, political unrests due to demonstrations from the opposition among other challenges. Never the less, tourism has continued to flourish due to commitment from the conservationists and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. Uganda was ranked the fourth in top 10 “must see” countries globally in 2017 by Rough Guides. This is not a surprise with the variety of natural wonders that the country offers.
If you participate in any of the following activities while on your safari holiday in Uganda, you will appreciate the country with a true African beauty and understand why she was referred to as “the pearl of Africa and was also ranked as the 5th best tourism destination in the world in 2017 by CNN. The interesting things include;
Top Things to Do in Uganda
There are lots of adventure activities that visitors enjoy in Uganda. From leisure activities to active holidays that are abound for every fitness and skill level, there is a lot to choose from so that you can have an experience of a lifetime!
Here are the top adventures that one can enjoy while in Uganda
- Bird Watching
- Bush Walking
- Horse Riding
- Rock climbing
Top Uganda Adventures
When thinking of an adventure safari to Africa, Uganda, the Pearl of Africa should be number one on your list. The Pearl of Africa combines countless of Adventure safari activities that are simply amazing, fantastic, memorable and life changing. We have come up of the list of Uganda safaris you can opt for and yet there are many others. Looking to adventuring through Uganda, the land of awesome scenery? Here are some of the best things to do;
The Nile River Trail
Winding its way between the Rwenzori Mountains to the West and the Rift Valley to the East, is a river like no other: River Nile – a river with constant high water and warm all-year-round temperatures.
Gorilla Trekking
Uganda is home to more than half of the mountain gorillas. Therefore a gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga is the one of the privileged adventure options you can take in Uganda. Visit the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park. These great apes are only found in two other countries in Africa; Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
White Water Rafting
Very fantastic experience, imagine Level 5 on any river in the world! Uganda offers rafting up to level 5 rafting on the famous river Nile. There simply is no other place in the world where you raft like you can in Uganda on a river that flows south to north and is one of the longest rivers in the world – there is no other place in Africa you can do that and in Uganda you can raft from mild to wild.
Kayaking
The Pearl of Africa doesn’t only offer marvelous white water rafting, but also kayaking in ways that go unrivaled in East Africa and once again on the historic River Nile at Jinja. Once again you can choose kayaking from mild to wild.
River Surfing
You probably did not know such an activity existed – but it does in Uganda on the River Nile with its fabulous rapids that certainly would be a most adventurous challenge even to the more experienced ocean wave surfer.
Jet Boat up the Wild River Nile: Speed through rapids in a 450 horsepower jet boat.
Horseback Riding Safari
Have an amazing experience riding a horse through of the open savannah of Lake Mburo National Park – viewing the wildlife such as zebras, buffaloes, eland antelopes and others.
Sports fishing for Nile Perch
Enjoy a private safari where you will catch fish (up to 300 plus pounds) in the second largest lake in the world – Lake Victoria – or even more spectacular just below one of the most powerful falls in the world – Murchison Falls. (Often fish over 300 pounds are caught here)
Hike in the Jungle
Not only can you go chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Rainforest Jungle but you can also hike through the jungle for several days – a very different activity that can easily be organized and participants find it most thrilling.
Climb the Volcanoes of Uganda
Uganda has four extinct volcanoes to climb – all of them offer you the fabulous Afro-Montane vegetation with its Lobelias and Giant Heather – bamboo forests on the way up and fabulous views in the case of Mgahinga Gorilla Park of Rwanda, Congo and vast portions of Uganda. You can also climb what was the tallest mountain in Africa before it blew its top and was a bit shortened – majestic Mount Elgon.
Climb and Hike the Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains – the tallest mountain range in Africa – climb to its peaks or hike in the foothills – simply an awesome adventurous experience and found only in Uganda.
Wildlife Safaris
Enjoy wildlife safaris in Uganda’s national parks including Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and more.
