Africa is still a dark continent to many people. Even many of the fellow Africans have not had the opportunity to cross their country borders to any of their neighbors. Whatever Africa has to offer is a mystery to many people.
Countries like Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana among several other premier wildlife destinations remain the faces of what Africa has to offer in terms of holidays and adventures. Countries like Uganda and Rwanda are just starting to make their presence felt in the world of safaris.
It is therefore important to differentiate a destination like Uganda from what other popular African countries have to offer. The best way to do that is to bring to your attention the things you can see and do while on a Uganda tour.
Explore the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
In the world of mountain gorilla trekking, there are mainly four major destinations; that is Virunga national park in DRC, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Mgahinga national park in Uganda and Bwindi impenetrable national park again in Uganda. Many people who choose Uganda for gorilla trekking often miss out on the journey of exploring Bwindi impenetrable forest beyond the experience of gorilla trekking.
Bwindi offers amazing hikes through the impenetrable forest. Some parts of the forest remain unexplored thus not open to tourism but the accessible parts offer majorly birding and butterfly exploration adventures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site remains one of the top must visit destinations in Uganda.
Discover the Murchison Falls National Park
The map of Africa glimmers with a blue stream that has come to be known as the Nile for many generations. There is still a none concluded debate on whether it is the longest river in the world however what has been settled once and for all is River Nile is the longest river on the African continent.
Among the other unsettled debates include the unconcluded discussions on what must be the source of Africa’s longest river. To some Rwanda is home to the source of the Nile. To others Burundi is the source of the Nile while to many; Uganda is home to the source of the Nile.
Considering Uganda as the source of the Nile sets you on the journey where the Nile parts ways with the largest fresh water lake on the African continent; Lake Victoria. On this journey of following the Nile northwards, encounters with a series of waterfalls are inevitable. Among those many waterfalls is the Murchison falls located in the northern part of Uganda.
These great falls are one of Uganda’s greatest marvels and are protected with the Murchison Falls National Park in north western Uganda. The gentle Nile loses it into a mighty flood-like stream forcing its way through an 8-meter gorge. The roar, and the views are simply magnificent to be watched from a far. Photos and videos can never do justice. Murchison falls is a must visit for anyone considering to visit Uganda.
Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the major four savannah wildlife destinations in Uganda. Like many savannah parks in Uganda, elephants, Buffaloes, and herds of antelopes garnish the savannahs with their stay. But water makes Queen Elizabeth national park stand out are the tree climbing lions.
There is no other national park in Uganda where you may encounter tree climbing lions. Though Murchison NP and Kidepo Valley are also popular destinations to encounter lions, Queen Elizabeth national park stands out because of the tree climbing lions.
A boat trip at the Kazinga channel, and chimpanzee treks in the Kyambura gorge all add up to the unique experience Queen Elizabeth national park has to offer. The park is located not far from Bwindi impenetrable national park making it very possible to spend part of your day in the same park without missing out the opportunity of trekking the gorillas the following day.
Discover the Rwenzori Mountains
Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya are the face of mountain climbing in East Africa. Thousands flock these two destinations in an attempt to summit these two mountains. Rwenzori Mountains is still a less popular destination with a turnover of less than 7,000 people in the whole year.
Anyone that is interested in a less congested destination; Rwenzori Mountains is a highly recommended destination. Similar to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the mountains of the moon are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park offers both short and long treks.
If you are considering to visit with a minor, it is possible to trek to up to three days. Summiting the Rwenzoris is not allowed for minors. Prior training is also recommended to avoid the challenges that often arise due to failure to acclimatize. Altogether, Rwenzori mountains remains one of the least visible gems in Uganda’s crown.
Experience the Cultural Heritage
Uganda is a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities, each with its own distinct traditions and customs. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Uganda by visiting local communities and participating in traditional ceremonies. Explore the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which serves as the burial ground for Buganda kings and offers insights into the kingdom’s history.
The Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala provides captivating performances of traditional dances and music from various ethnic groups. This experience is worthwhile given the fact that it is also accompanied with a number of Uganda’s cuisines.
A Karamajong community tour as well as a visit to the IK tribe in northern Uganda all add to Ugandan’s cultural experience that you may never get a chance to experience until you are more than 300km away from Kampala.
The herding experience that is often related to the Ankole long horned cattle is another way to add to your Uganda cultural experience. Though there is a lot more to explore in Uganda, it is very recommended to keep your trip short or relaxed to avoid ending your trip very exhausted.
Always consider the services of a professional tour operator to help you plan your trip in more relaxed way to avoid the disappointments that often arise due to poor planning. You might not necessarily have to book tailor-made Uganda tours; you can simply hire a car from a car rental agency and then ask them to help you polish your itinerary.
Uganda remains one of the most recommended destinations not just because of the sights and sounds but also because it is the least congested destination if compared to Kenya and Tanzania.
