Uganda is situated in Eastern Africa and it is remarkably that most lovely destination to explore. It is blessed with lots of natural treasures right from historical sites in Kampala capital city, the majestic mountains to outstanding wilderness areas. For any plans to visit Africa, Uganda should be a must to visit if you love adventure. It is that one stunning country in Africa with off-beaten natural beauty and a Uganda safari will be a trip of a lifetime.
Things to see in Uganda
Uganda is naturally endowed with not only unique wildlife but also majestic mountains worth exploring while on an adventure holiday in Africa.
Uganda is home to half of the total population of mountain gorillas that still thrive on earth today. There is also a huge concentration of wildlife that can be seen on a wildlife safari through the top national parks. If you would like to try out adrenalin adventures, Uganda provides the world-class white-water rafting adventures along the Mighty River Nile. An expedition to the source of the Nile in Jinja is worth taking so that you can marvel at the long sought-after mystery of the world.
If you love hiking or mountaineering then a visit to the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain ranges should be one of the interesting adventures not to miss. A complete hike through this remarkable mountain may take you 7 Days Central Circuit Trail to reach the Margherita Peak that towers to 5109m above sea level. There are also some short hikes within the mountains but each trip will reward you with travel endeavors characterized with lots of thrilling moments.
Other mountains to hike in Uganda include Mount Elgon which is set in the eastern part of the country as well as the three of the eight Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; Mount Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura.
Where to go in Uganda
Uganda has many amazing places worth spending a holiday. They include its ten pristine national parks (Kibale Forest National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kidepo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), wildlife reserves (including Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Katonga Wildlife Reserve and others), cities (Jinja-the capital of adrenaline adventures in East Africa; Kampala-with significant number of cultural and historical sites worth exploring while on city tour; Fort Portal-with the best climate and breathtaking view of Rwenzori Mountain ranges) and many others.
Things to do in Uganda
There is a lot to do while on holiday in Uganda. For adventure lovers, a visit to Uganda is worth it given the amazing adventures that you can engage in. The most exciting adventure activities not to miss in Uganda include;
Gorilla Trekking
Go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Meet some of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas in the tropical rain forests in South Western Uganda. This incredible experience can be enjoyed only in three countries; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Trackers will be put in small groups of eight tourists and hike through the forest on foot to look for the habituated gorilla family.
Hiking
Hiking through the mountain national parks of the Rwenzori and Mountain Elgon is one of the must-do adventures that you should not miss. Hike to the top of Africa’s third highest peak in the Rwenzori Mountains of western Uganda. Climbing the Volcanic ranges of the Virunga is an additional adventure that you can try out in Uganda. These shorter hikes range from day trips to 2 Days treks with an overnight in the mountains.
Explore Jinja – The Adventure Capital of Uganda
Visit Jinja in Eastern Uganda and engage in adrenaline adventures that include white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, jet boating, boat cruise at the source of the Nile in Jinja, zip lining to mention but a few.
Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda
Meet the canny chimpanzees of Uganda on a primate safari through Kibale Forest National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Kyambura Gorge and Budongo Forest. Uganda protects a large population of the chimpanzees, man’s closest relatives. To some travelers, chimpanzee tracking offers a better experience than even gorilla tracking given that they exhibit human-like qualities that are almost human!
Golden monkey tracking
Meet one of the old world monkeys in Mgahinga National Park in South Western Uganda. Sadly, the golden monkeys that are characterized by the striking golden color are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These monkeys used to live in the broader areas of Uganda and Central Africa but are now endemic to the Albertine Rift. Elsewhere the golden monkeys live in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda as well as the Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park of DR Congo.
Visitors to Mgahinga have a chance to see these magnificent monkeys in the elevated bamboo forests. Hikes to meet these primates are conducted in the morning and a pass costs only USD50 per person.
What is the best time to visit Uganda
Uganda can be visited at any time of the year depending on what your travel needs are. But most importantly, it is best to visit Uganda-the pearl of Africa during the dry season which starts in the months of June, July, August, September and December, January, February.
However, it is also possible for you to pay a visit to Uganda during the rainy/wet season which begins from March-May and from October-November. There are low season discounts for tourists who go for safaris during the low season.
Getting to Uganda
There are many ways to get to Uganda. You can take a flight or by road and water depending on your location. But preferably, Uganda is best reached by air and Entebbe International Airport is the only entry point so far to Uganda. Alternatively, you can fly and land at Kigali International Airport and then get to Uganda by road. From Kenya, you connect to Uganda by road using the bus from Nairobi or from Dar-es-salam-Tanzania.