Usually recognized internationally and given accolades in the tourism area, Uganda is the pearl of Africa and very gifted by nature. Uganda is located in east Africa and most people do not know much about it except the Idi Amin rule when he expelled the Indians and other foreigners in the country.
Have you ever wanted to experience what a safari in Africa is like? Have the time of your life on are safaris? Explore the exotic beauty of the wilderness with what nature has to offer on a safari you have never experienced before! Well if you haven’t all you have to do is let go and explore and experience what a safari is like, the most interesting destination is to explore a destination that Sir Winston Churchill referred to as the Pearl of Africa in his 1902 Journey through Africa. This country is called Uganda, a true safari destination which is located right in East Africa.
The people of Uganda began to discover that a large number of visitors from all around the world are very delighted to explore the many safari and tourist attractions. For many years now, Uganda is brought up to be the most popular tourist attraction of Africa. Today, there are a tremendous amount of travelers taking a Uganda safari to see different types of animals such as lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, leopards, the primates mans closest relatives; chimpanzees, gorillas, baboons, the birds, and many more.
Other tourists visiting the Uganda Parks, to exploring the Gorilla Parks like; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga gorilla rain forests, venturing through the jungles, bonding with nature, as well as viewing the beautiful and exotic landscape, rain forests, and intriguing wildlife consisting of the big five. With all of these features that Uganda has to offer, it has definitely made this destination in Africa one of the most incredibly fascinating places to experience a safari.
Safaris in Uganda
Looking to starting your adventure journey in this beautiful country? There are a lot of safaris to take in Uganda ranging from day trips, mini safaris to long safaris that include tours in Uganda national parks. Notable special interest safaris include gorilla trekking, bird watching, mountain climbing, cultural interaction tours, white water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling, etc.
The truth is that Uganda has a lot and so much more to offer to those interested in exploring more about this beautiful country. On a safari in Uganda, you have a lot to see from the rare mountain gorillas to small unique wildlife! Here are some of the facts you did not know about Uganda.
Why You Should Go on Safari in Uganda
It’s A Home To The Rare Mountain Gorillas
The mountain gorilla population in the world today is estimated at 900 but half of that population resides in Bwindi impenetrable forest located in southwestern Uganda. Mountain gorillas are apes with about 95% of their DNA similar to human beings meaning that their major characteristics are similar to human beings. Going for mountain gorilla safaris in Bwindi impenetrable offers unforgettable wildlife experiences. A tourist to Bwindi is assured of seeing the mountain gorillas as well as other major wildlife attractions in the forest. Mountain gorillas in Uganda can also be trekked in Mgahinga gorilla national park also located in southwestern Uganda.
It’s The Source Of The Great River Nile
The Great River Nile the longest river in the world starts its journey to the Mediterranean Sea from Uganda at Jinja. The Nile at Jinja moves out of lake Victoria, the third largest lake in the world and flows over hard rocks forming a number of rapids, which are used, as grounds for white water rafting one of the most adventurous tourist activities. Those interested in exploring more about this river can go for boat cruises to the source of the Nile which also gives them an opportunity to encounter some wildlife species especially the birds.
River Nile forms a number of magnificent tourism attractions like the great Murchison falls that forms a permanent rain ball as well as the Nile delta as the Nile pours into lake Albert. Both the falls and the Nile delta are situated in Murchison falls national park and can be toured by tourists on boat cruises.
Diverse Cultures
Uganda is among the countries on earth with diverse cultural practices among the people. The country has over 56 tribes each tribe having its own unique customs and practices. Learning about the different cultures in Uganda introduces one to unique cuisines, traditional dances and ways o dressing. One of the most unique tribe in Uganda is the Bagishu tribe whose members annually engage in circumcision ceremonies to transform boys to manhood. The circumcision is done in a public gathering and the one being circumcised is expected not to show of fear as a sign of courage. While on a tour in this beautiful country, learning about the local people’s culture is something incredible you should not surely miss.
It’s A Birder’s Number One Destination
The pearl of Africa has a number of bird species in wetlands and all of the 10 national parks the country has. One can easily sight various birds while on nature walks, on boat trips and even while on game drives. Some of the birds sighted in Uganda include the shoebill stork that usually live in the swampy areas, hammer kops, skimmers, fish eagles, king fishers, Turacos, African blue flycatchers, hadada ibis, crown cranes and many others.
Birders can never regret having visited Uganda as they come across some of the bird species that are endemic to the country.
It’s A Home To Various Savanna Wild Animals
Uganda has a number of savanna wild animals that include the elephants, white rhinos, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, hippos, zebras, Johnson’s hartebeests, Oribi, giraffes and many others. Tourists on game drives and boat cruises and many others can see most of the animals.
Suggested Uganda Safari Circuits
Uganda is proud to share part of its land with the world’s largest range of primates, from the tiny galagos or bush babies to the rare, and endangered mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei). In many parts of the country, and on any day, visitors can enjoy a forest trek to view families of primates on gorilla safaris, chimpanzee tracking or primates nature tours. Something rarely available elsewhere in Africa, it is one of Uganda’s greatest tourist attractions; the opportunity to see the mountain gorillas on a Uganda safari is an experience that you will not easily find elsewhere in Africa.
Primates Safaris
Chimpanzees abound in many regions and several national parks have facilities for guided nature walks to meet them in their natural habitat. In Murchison Falls National Park, Semliki, Kibale and Bwindi, families of chimpanzees (as well many colobus and other monkeys) can be encountered. Many conservation programmes ensure their protection, and all local tour operators can include primate trekking in their itineraries. The Isinga Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Isinga Island in Lake Edward is particularly exciting.
Only around 600 of the magnificent mountain gorillas are said to exist in the wild, although intense conservation programmes have succeeded in arresting their decline. About 300 are said to live in the Virunga Conservation Area which is made up of linked national parks, including Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Park National des Volcans, and the Parc National des Virunga in Zaire. Here, in the Virunga Mountains, in the southwestern corner of Uganda, there are integrated conservation programmes.
Some 45 of these gorillas live in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, although all of the groups have home ranges that extend into all the three countries.
The rest of the mountain gorilla population lives in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, about 25 km north of Mgahinga, where further international conservation programmes have been instituted.
Deep in the forests, the primates live in family groups that are very protective of their home ranges. Each group usually consists of a dominant male, with several females and their young, and some non-adult males. To watch them in their natural habitat is certainly one of the most inspiring experiences available to the serious safari-goer and tour adventure seekers.
Limited gorilla tracking tour is available daily (in Mgahinga only when the gorillas are in the park), but no guarantee of gorilla sightings is given. Numbers of visitors are restricted to eight, with only one group in each park a day. Advance safari and tour booking is, therefore, essential. In Bwindi there are two groups of habituated gorillas: Mubare (24 animals) and Katengegyere (16 animals). To protect the gorillas from human diseases no children under 15 or sick people (even with just a cold), may go trekking or tracking.
In Mgahinga National Park, be prepared for a 13-km walk or by 4WD vehicle from Kisoro and then strenuous walking and scrambling through thick undergrowth. A good physical condition is vital . In Bwindi conditions are slightly easier, but it is still a strenuous experience. To prevent behavioural disturbances, strict rules are explained to the group by the ranger in charge of the gorilla tracking/trekking expedition.
Strong walking safari shoes are essential, together with light waterproof long trousers to protect the legs.
Uganda Safari and Gorilla tour offers
3 Day Gorilla Trek safari
This Gorilla safari takes to Bwindi Gorilla park
3 Day Queen Elizabeth Tour
The three day tour allows you to see wildlife and chimpanzee tracking in kyambura gorge.
7 Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari
The safari includes gorilla trekking in both bwindi and parc de volcanoes and wildlife safaris in Uganda parks.
12 Day Best of Uganda and Rwanda
Track the endangered mountain gorillas on a gorilla trek in uganda and rwanda combined with wildlife safaris that takes you to the best tour spots in these two countries.
25 Day Combined East Africa tour
The East Africa tour takes you for gorilla safari and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda, wildlife safaris in Kenya,Tanzania and Rwanda as well as other thrilling adventures. This is the most for memorable vacation offering the best East African safari experience!
For Other safaris for gorilla trek and chimpanzee tracking tours visit the tour operators page of the Uganda Travel guide