Uganda is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding Africa’s destinations for a safari holiday. Like other countries, Uganda is committed to ensure spread of covid-19 is minimized by putting in place a number of safety measures. Following the outbreak of covid-19, Uganda went under lockdown for about 3 months after the first case was recorded and this led to suspension of tourism activities in Uganda safari parks.
However, Ministry of Health has stipulated different standard operating procedures to be observed and some sectors have re-opened. Currently, Uganda safari savanna national parks were re-opened for tourism and there are proposals to also re-open Entebbe International Airport around early October.
Uganda is still a peaceful and magical country in Africa tourists should expect to explore post covid-19 crisis because there is plenty for you to enjoy from wildlife, majestic mountains, unique primates, birds to cultures. Why visit Uganda post covid-19 for a safari? Below some of the amazing reasons Uganda is an excellent post covid-19 safari destination;
Gorilla trekking
Uganda is still an ideal destination to enjoy ultimate mountain gorilla trekking adventures in Africa. There exist 2 spectacular gorilla parks tourists can get up close with habituated gorilla families in the wild in Uganda and they include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwest.
Compared to other safari destinations, Uganda still stands out as a relatively affordable gorilla trekking destination. A gorilla permit in Uganda is obtainable at $700 compared to $1500 in Rwanda. This is for foreign non-residents and foreign residents pay $600 and East Africa community citizens can purchase gorilla permits at Uganda shillings 250000. Gorilla habituation experience is also conducted only in Uganda and only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at $1500 per person.
Chimpanzee tracking
Uganda is a true primate paradise! About 5050 chimpanzees all dwell in the country’s different forested areas making it the best chimpanzee tracking safari destination in Africa. Uganda’s premier chimpanzee tracking sites include Kibale Forest National Park which shelters 1500 chimpanzees, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest and Kalinzu Forest. There is possibility for you to engage in chimpanzee habituation experience while on Uganda safari holiday post covid-19 and this is best done in Kibale Forest National Park or Budongo Forest.
Golden monkey tracking
While on Uganda safari, if you don’t find mountain gorillas, at least don’t miss to see golden monkeys. These endangered primates can be tracked in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park at $100 per permit per person. It is such an exhilarating experience you shouldn’t miss to be post covid-19 pandemic.
Visiting the source of the River Nile
The River Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world and its source exists only in Uganda. Tourists on Uganda safari can easily explore the source of the Nile in different ways but most importantly taking part in bungee jumping, kayaking, boat cruise, white water cruise, jet boating and others.
Game drives/wildlife safaris
Uganda shelters more than just primates. There are huge volumes of wildlife to expect to enjoy great sight on Uganda safari holiday post covid-19 lockdown. Most of these can be spotted in the country’s savanna parks especially Murchison Falls National Park which derives its name from the world’s powerful waterfalls-Murchison Falls; Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.
Uganda hosts diversity of mammal species that are easily spotted on a game drive/game viewing. These include the Rothschild giraffes, African bush elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos (these can be tracked at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary) en-route to Murchison Falls National Park; zebras, lions (these include the tree climbing lions that you can find in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park), birds (these make up a total of 1080 bird species).
Mountain climbing
Test your physical fitness with challenging hikes/mountaineering adventures offered in Uganda’s stunning Rwenzori Mountain ranges also best known as The Mountains of the Moon. This lets you hike to the scenic Margherita peak (5109m), the highest point on Rwenzori Mountain. Alternatively, you can also tryout hiking other volcanoes like Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Gahinga in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Mount Elgon while on Uganda safari holiday in Mount Elgon National Park.
Bird watching
There is no better place to go for birding than Uganda. Over 1080 bird species all exist in Uganda’s diverse birding areas including parks, forests, water bodies, reserves, wetlands and many more. Bird watching in Uganda is all about identifying variety of birds in their habitats and some of them include flamingos, ostriches, Rwenzori turacos, African green breasted pitta, African green broadbill, pelicans, Great Blue turaco, dusky crimson wing, nightjars, Rwenzori batis, yellow eyed black flycatchers, shoebill stork, short tailed warblers, sunbirds, kingfishers, fish eagles and a lot more.
Cultural tours/encounters
Uganda is best known a boiling pot of cultures making it the best destination to get refreshed with authentic African cultural experiences. It is the best place to visit to enjoy thrilling cultural dances, music, explore different cultures, traditions, norms, practices of Ugandans and a lot more. If you are interested in trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there is no better place to experience Uganda’s unique cultures than Batwa community.
Other cultural sites in Uganda include Kasubi tomb site or visit IK/Karamojong community in the Northeastern side of the country or explore more about the Imbalu circumcision/cultural ceremony that is conducted after every even year.