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
There are ten national parks that can be visited by tourists in Uganda. These include forest reserves, savanna game parks and montane parks.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: This tropical rain forest is found in South Western Uganda. It is arguably the best destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Central Africa. Compared with Rwanda, Bwindi hosts almost half of the remaining population of the mountain gorillas.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: This park is part of a much larger conservation area including the Ruwenzoris, Kibale Forest, Virunga National Park and Kigezi/Chambura. Almost included as part of a more encompassing Uganda safari through various national parks. The park protects impressive wildlife including the famous tree climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector, buffaloes, elephants, and more.
Kibale Forest National Park: This is one of the best places to see endangered chimpanzees. Kibale forest has the highest density of chimpanzees in the world. The park is very popular to those looking for primates tours most especially those looking for chimp trekking in Uganda. The park also protects 13 primate species and is also renowned for some specialist guides whose penchant is for birds, orchids, butterflies and more.
Semliki National Park: This magnificent national park lies at the base of the Albertine Rift. It is hemmed in by the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Albert and the Semliki river. The park is excellent for birding, scenic viewing, chimpanzee tracking and night game drives. Game viewing in this park is very impressive given its wild nature and lack of crowds.