When it comes to safaris in Africa, most travelers still think that South Africa, Ethiopia and Kenya are the only destinations with established tourist sites. However, if you wish to get out of the usual experiences then Uganda should be a must to visit in Africa. It is best described as the Pearl of Africa the fact that it has all that Africa has in offer.
The cities
Uganda is not popular only for its distinct wildlife but also for its vibrant cities especially Kampala which is the capital city. While here, you have a chance to explore a number of things especially on city tour which takes you to cultural and historical sites including Kasubi tomb site, Uganda museum, Kabaka’s Lake, Lubiri Palace, Uganda martyrs shrine in Namugongo and many others; local markets and many more. While in Kampala, you can also get the best of experiential night life in most of the happening places that are distributed in and around the city.
The magical countryside and vibrant towns
Uganda’s countryside is incredibly beautiful and features mostly subsistence farms, villages and towns. Some of the big towns that you need to explore while on Uganda safari include Jinja which is base of Nile River. At the source of the Nile, you have a chance to take part in a number of activities including bungee jumping, white water rafting, quad biking, kayaking or visit the local markets especially Jinja market. Others include Mbarara-best explored while on trip to Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park and other; Fort Portal-best explored while on trip to Kibale National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park, Gulu to mention but a few. Currently, some of the towns have got city status especially Jinja, Mbarara, Gulu, Arua, Fort Portal with more due to get.
Safaris
A safari to Uganda means a great opportunity for you to take part in number of safari activities in different destinations. Safaris in Uganda are conducted in the ten national parks, reserves and other unique tourist sites. The parks to visit in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park for mountain gorilla trekking; Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kidepo National Park for game viewing; Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking and chimpanzee habituation experience; Mount Elgon National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park for mountaineering adventures and other exciting safari experiences.
Safaris in Uganda take you through wildlife exploration where you will catch a glimpse at wildlife species such as mountain gorillas, elephants, buffaloes, lions including the tree climbing lions, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, birds, hippos, crocodiles and many others.
National parks and reserves
Uganda is blessed with ten pristine national parks and many reserves. The parks to explore while on Uganda safari include Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda; Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Semuliki National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kidepo National Park and the reserves include among others Katonga Wildlife Reserve, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and others.
Other incredible tourist sites to explore in Uganda include the hot springs especially the Sempaya hot springs; waterfalls such as Sipi falls, Ssezibwa Falls, Murchison Falls; Lakes and rivers such as Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Victoria, Nile River; Ssese Islands that make up about 84 magical islands in the scenic Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island; cultural sites such as Nakayima tree in Mubende, Wamala tombs, Kasubi tombs, Ndere cultural center to mention but a few.