These days it seems that everyone has that one country that they continuously rave about and can’t wait to visit again, and in recent years it seems that for more and more people that country is Uganda. Located in East Africa, nestled between Rwanda, DR Congo, Tanzania, Kenya and South Sudan, Uganda is home to some spectacular natural wonders as well as being the home of some truly unique, albeit endangered species such as the common chimpanzee and the mountain gorilla. If you’re looking for the best way to experience Uganda, here are a few things you need to see there, including a Uganda safari that you need to see to believe.
Murchison Falls National Park and Safaris
A number of safari lodges litter this stunning national park in the north of Uganda. One of the highlights of this national park is the Murchison Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that is an absolute must see while you’re in the area. The region is teeming with wildlife of all kinds and safaris can include boat trips out into waters rife with crocodiles and hippos, an unforgettable experience getting up close and personal to these water lovers. Animals in the region include some lions and leopards, hartbeast, elephants, giraffes and your other typical big African game. Well worth a visit, and situated right along the Nile river means you have a close up view of animals attending watering holes.
Gorilla Trekking
Due to Uganda’s proximity to DR Congo and Rwanda highlands, both prime spots for seeing the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This can be a difficult excursion to do as it’s heavy on the conservation efforts and only a handful of tourists per day are permitted to go and get in close proximity with these majestic and impressive animals. Permits are required and need to be purchased in advance, usually months in advance due to the small number of tourists allowed each day. Permits are handled by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and range from $600USD and up. Mgahinga National Park is the best place to be able to track and see one specific band of gorillas which make their home here.
Adventure Activities
It can be easy to be overwhelmed with the huge amount of activities that Uganda has on offer for visitors to take part in. Whether you want to partake in safaris, hiking, or whitewater rafting trips, the world is truly your oyster in Uganda. From Kampala you can get an excellent package that can either be one or two days and costs only around $120 USD with all food, transport and guiding included. Jinja is another great location to partake in watersports, being right on the shores of Lake Victoria and the source of the Nile makes it a unique spot for doing anything from rafting, canoeing, fishing or sailing and more. In the western highlands it’s easy to find hiking trails that take you along stunning and breathtaking mountainsides with unrivalled scenery. For those who love forests, most of Uganda’s interior is forest-laden, and makes a great day out exploring these natural regions.
So if you’re looking for a great vacation the whole family can enjoy, consider Uganda. With so much to see and do, endangered animals to take in and view as well as adventure waiting at every turn, it’s no wonder so many people today are raving about this gem of a nation.
