Uganda known as ‘The Pearl of Africa’, offers many exotic, un-exploited travel opportunities, unique biodiversity, an impressive birding experience with over 1000 recorded bird species, national parks, wildlife, forest reserves, the source of the mighty Nile, and of course gorilla tracking opportunities.
Avid mountaineers will find that Mt Elgon and The Rwenzori “Mountains of the Moon” are dream destinations. For dedicated ornithologists, Uganda is the place to be to catch a glimpse of the shoebill, the raucous black & white casqued hornbill as well as the gem-like green broadbill.
Explore Uganda
Uganda is one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa. This relatively tiny country is found in the heart of Africa. It is crisscrossed by the Equator into two. Despite its past image that was characterized by Dictator Idi Amin Dada and the notorious rebel Kony in northern Uganda, the country is becoming one of the best places to visit on the African continent.
For the visitor, Uganda’s reputation as “Africa’s Friendliest Country” offers exceptional diversity combining some of the best features that Africa has to offer. The country lies at the overlap between the tropical East African Savannah and the West African rain-forest zones.
Uganda is a country blessed with contrasting physical features ranging from extensive plains with undulating hills to snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, meandering rivers and spectacular flora and fauna. Seven of Africa’s plant kingdoms are represented in Uganda, which is more than any other country on the continent.
In addition, Uganda ranks among the top ten in the world in terms of the diversity of its mammal groups. For example, by comparison with the UK, Uganda supports five times more bird species, six times as many mammals, ten times as many reptiles and amphibians and three times the number of plant species.
Uganda is also the source of the Great River Nile and Africa’s largest fresh water lake, the Lake Victoria. Such is Uganda’s potential in Africa that the former British Premier, Sir Winston Churchill after his many journeys across the length and width of the African continent, concluded that the country (Uganda) was indeed the Pearl of Africa. His verdict did not only describe the wealth of Uganda’s resources, but also the peaceful environment and social system in which the people of Uganda lived. Uganda welcomes you.
Safaris in Uganda
Uganda is a a land locked country geographically located in East Africa. The Official language is English and it has a population of 36 million people as of the 2012 national census. The country of Uganda is landlocked. Despite this fact, there are several massive water bodies. Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga, and Lake Edward are the famous lakes of Uganda. Uganda is located on the East African plateau. The country is 900 meters above sea level.
Uganda is tropical in nature. However, the climate varies between different parts of the country. The place is famous for several offshore islands off Lake Victoria. The important cities of the country are located toward the south. The capital city of Kampala and Entebbe are two popular cities.
The rivers are central to the development of the country. The White Nile is by far the most important of all. It is one of the longest in the country. Lake Victoria serves as its source while its destination is the great Mediterranean Sea.
The flag of Uganda has three primary colors: red, black, and yellow. Red is the symbol of brotherhood. Black stands for the African race, and yellow is the symbol for sunshine.
Why Visit Uganda
Uganda is the Pearl of Africa. Home to almost half of the world’s remaining population of the mountain gorillas, Uganda is an amazing destination where you can enjoy a traditional safari. Uganda is one of only three countries where it is possible to visit mountain gorillas. The others are Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorillas are Uganda’s prime tourist attraction. This is the main tourist attraction although the country is busting with more and diverse wildlife. There are several tour operators offering gorilla safaris in Uganda. These range from 2 days trips to longer trips that feature multiple gorilla treks in the wild.
Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plain antelopes. Besides the wide biodiversity, Uganda is also blessed with a vast bird population of more than 1,000 species.
Quick Facts
Capital: (and largest city) Kampala
Official language(s): English
Government: Democratic Republic
President: Yoweri Museveni
Area: Total 236,040 km²
Water (%): 15.39
Population: 2009 estimate 32,369,558
Currency: Ugandan shilling (UGX)
Time zone: EAT (UTC+3)
Drives on: the left
Internet TLD: .ug
Calling code: +2561 (006 from Kenya and Tanzania)
Where to Go on Safari in Uganda
Uganda is renowned all over the world for its game parks. They offer some of the best viewing of the game species. If you want to be part of the African jungle experience, there is no better place than Uganda. The Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Bwindi National Park are three famous parks in Uganda. The wildlife is not just restricted to games; it also includes lions, elephants and the giant forest hog.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The diversity of the wildlife and ecosystems is a feast for the eyes. Once in the park, you can indulge in boat trips, game drives, or walks. Alternatively, you simply enjoy the picturesque views. The ecosystems support a wide range of species.
Murchison Falls National Park
The park is home to riparian forests, swamps, and broad Savannah. Traveling upstream to witness the falls is one of the best experiences. Some of the common species of animals include the elephant, giraffe, buffalo, and crocodiles. The hartebeest, antelope, and shoebill stork are other species found in large numbers.
Bwindi National Park
The Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi has been granted world heritage status. It is considered to be the safest place to view habituated gorillas of Africa. Also popular are chimpanzees and many bird species. Some of the activities that you can indulge in include guided gorilla treks. The tropical rainforests are home to thousands of bird and butterfly species.