Amazing things to do in Uganda vary according to the traveler’s preferences, choices, and bucket list. Uganda is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations and has attracted thousands of travelers around the world. Winston Churchill referred to Uganda as the Pearl of Africa during his African travels in 1907. This was due to the stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, natural resources, and her people.
Although most tourists visit Uganda to have encounters with wildlife, the country has more to offer other than game drives, trekking gorillas, and other primates. The country goes beyond these and offers unforgettable experiences to all types of travelers.
Uganda is a renowned destination for the Gorilla trekking experience, being home to more than half of the world’s populattrekking experiencentain gorillas. Travelers looking for a profound and personal encounter with the gorillas may visit either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mghahinga Gorilla National Park. Both parks offer unique vegetation, and landscapes making the experience more fun. To participate in trekking or habituation experience, a permit is required, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Tracking chimpanzees is another highlight for primate lovers who visit Uganda. With about 5500 chimps living in the dense tropical forests around the country, Uganda boasts the highest success rate of encountering chimps than any other place in the world thus earning the title the “primate capital of the world.” Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Bugoma Forest, and Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary are the primate areas to track chimpanzees. One must acquire a permit before engaging in the activity and these permits are issued by UWA. The money collected is used for conservation efforts and helping communities that coexist with these species.
Lion tracking involves taking a closer look at one of Africa’s great predators. This activity gives s glimpse at lions’ behavior, way of living, and social life. This activity is mainly done in Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially in the Ishasha sector known for tree-climbing lions, or the open savannah of Kasenyi plains where lions roam freely. Most times lion tracking is limited to researchers and education purposes however tourists can get a chance to see lions during game drives within the park. Tracking lions enhances the standard game drives, allowing visitors to participate in conservation efforts through research.
Murchison Falls also known as Kabalega Falls are ranked as the world’s most powerful waterfalls. They are located in Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls National Park which is. At the top of the Murchison Falls, the Nile forces its way through the 7-meter gorge before flowing into Lake Albert. The sound of the water tumbling through the rocks is one of a kind, this is one of the experiences every traveler should encounter during their stay in Uganda. Boat cruises to the base of the falls offer a unique experience and hiking to the top of the falls gives panoramic views of the park.
5.Rhino trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary plays a crucial role in Uganda’s conservation efforts, particularly in protecting the endangered rhinos. Trekking rhinos involves walking on foot for over a distance of 7 meters, this is usually in the company of a trained guide and ranger. Rhinos had become extinct in Uganda due to poaching, however, in 2005 Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established to conserve and protect the rhinos. The sanctuary is a key stopover en route to Murchison Falls and provides other activities like natural walks, birding, and exploring the diverse ecosystems.
Kazinga Channel is a waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George, and it is one of the most beautiful places to have a boat cruise. This cruise is usually considered the highlight of visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. During the boat cruise travelers can see the largest concentration of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and animals that graze at the banks like elephants, buffaloes, kobs, and many more. The leisurely pace of the cruise allows for stunning photography and enjoying views of beautiful landscapes.
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are conducted in different sectors each offering unique experiences. The areas to conduct game drives within the park include the delta area, Paraa area, Bugili peninsula, at the top of the falls, and around the northern bank. This is the most carried out activity giving travelers a chance to spot lions, elephants, and giraffes among others. Morning and evening game drives provide different perspectives and can be conducted with the guidance of a trained guide or ranger.
The Nile River, the longest river flows for about 4000 miles into the Mediterranean Sea and has its source in Jinja, Uganda. A visit to the source of the Nile should be on a bucket list for every adventure-seeking traveler. There are many activities to do on the Nile River like tubbing, grade 5 white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, boat cruising, and many more. Getting to the source of the Nile is done by boat which can be reached at the bank of the river.
The Rwenzori Mountains often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon” are located at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Climbing to the top peak Margherita takes about 8 days, this peak is found on Mount Stanley standing at an elevation of about 5,109 above sea level. Other ranges can be hiked like Mount Speke which is at an elevation of 4,890 meters, Mount Emin at an elevation of 15,742 meters and Mount Baker at an elevation of 4,844 meters. Hiking this mountain is the ultimate adventure as you pass through unique flora and fauna to the top where glaciers can be found.
Lake Mburo National Park is the only park in Uganda where travelers can explore the park on bicycles. Tourists get close and personal encounters with the wild species in their natural habitat as they keep a safe distance. Guided biking safaris are available; bikes are hired from tour companies or lodges within the park. Alternatively, travelers can visit the park with their bikes. The park’s open savannah landscapes offer sightings of zebras, impalas, giraffes and various bird species.
Ssese Islands are a collection of 84 islands on Lake Victoria, travelers get to enjoy the white sand beaches and relax away from the city chaos. Bugala is the most visited and developed island, many activities can be done on this island like swimming, quad biking, sport fishing, bird watching, nature walks, and many more. Getting to the Ssese is by a private boat or MV Ferry Kalangala.
Kampala is the largest city in Uganda with a population of over 4 million people, it has a lot to offer including historical sites, museums, parks, shopping malls, restaurants, local markets, and many more. A city tour offers an understanding of Uganda’s past and present. The places to explore include the Bahai temple, Namugongo martyrs shrine, Uganda National Museum, Kabaka’s palace, Gaddafi national mosque, Buganda Road Craft Village, Ndere Cultural Centre, Extreme Adventure Park, and many more.
Lake Bunyonyi located in southwestern Uganda, is one of Africa’s deepest lakes and a place of great beauty. The lake is surrounded by hills and dotted with 29 islands. Travelers can explore the different islands found on this lake and this can be done after a gorilla trekking in Bwindi Park. Numerous activities like canoeing, zip lining, boat cruising, bird watching, community visits, nature walks, and biking can be done when visiting.
Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located in Kapchorwa district at the foothills of Mountain Elgon. Each waterfall flows from a different altitude and is a popular destination for hiking. Different activities can be done during a visit to Sipi Falls like abseiling, coffee plantation visits, birding, cultural encounters, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many more.
Semuliki National Park is famously known for its hot springs especially the Sempaya hot springs where water reaches a boiling temperature of 100 degrees celsius. Travelers usually visit this park to have amazing nature walks since the park has great vegetation with a mix of tropical rain forest and savannah. The park hosts some primates like mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, and bush babies among others. There is a wooden walkway through the swampy areas which makes the nature walk more interesting.
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