Visiting Uganda soon and you aren’t certain of what to do? Uganda is one of the Africa’s leading safari destinations, a home to world’s unique attractions -mountain gorillas and abundant birdlife. Named the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill, Uganda is truly a slice of paradise on its own way. No destination beats this magical country when it comes to off-the-beaten-track places to visit. It presents bucketful of adventures the entire African continent does offer. With plenty for you to experience, here are the top 10 best things to do in Uganda;
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Mountain gorilla trekking is with no doubt the world’s extra-ordinary primate experience and it is done right in Uganda. Embarking on Uganda gorilla trekking, you get a chance to meet with mountain gorillas while in their natural environment. A total of 25 habituated gorilla families are all open for gorilla trekking in Uganda alone the largest number of gorilla groups compared to any other mountain gorilla destination.
The country hosts the mountain gorillas in two national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda comes at pocket-friendly rates with each gorilla permit costing USD800 per person for the foreign non-residents, USD700 for foreign residents and US$500 for African passport holders. This is far lower than USD1500 per gorilla permit in Rwanda where mountain gorilla trekking is also conducted.
- Camping in the Wilderness
Camping is amazingly the best way to experience the most of African wilderness. Soak yourself up the wilderness and enjoy inspirational whispers of the wild. The main places to consider for camping safaris in Uganda include UWA special campsite in Kidepo Valley National Park, UWA Mweya public campsite in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bush camping at the Uganda Wildlife Authority special campsite located at the Nile Delta Murchison Falls National Park.
- Boat Cruise
Boat or launch trips offer excellent sights of aquatic life. From hundreds of hippos submerged, Nile crocodiles to aquatic birds, a boat cruise in Uganda provides a special treat altogether. The best areas worth visiting for boating trips in Uganda: Queen Elizabeth National Park along the beautiful Kazinga Channel, along the River Nile as well as Lake Victoria.
- Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is a lifetime experience, a unique primate adventure that allows you to meet, interact with chimpanzees while in their natural habitat. Over 5050 chimpanzees are estimated to reside in different parts of Uganda and the key areas to see them in the wild include Kibale National Park, the primate’s capital of East Africa that hosts over 5000 chimpanzees. Other amazing places where you can see chimpanzees include Budongo Forest, Kalinzu, Kyambura Gorge and Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.
- Bird Watching
Uganda is a home to more than 1080 bird species, these include resident, migratory and Albertine rift endemic species. A birding tour in Uganda is a remarkable opportunity to look out for unique birds such as shoebill storks, starlings, African green breasted pitta, kingfishers, pelicans, standard winged nightjars, shelley’s crimson wings, Doherty’s bush shrikes, red-necked francolins, etc.
- Game Drives
Meet the big 5 game in Africa perfectly on a guided game drive in Uganda. A guided Uganda game drive allows you see a range of wildlife but the main interest is on the Big 5 and most parks here have 4 or 3 of these special creatures: elephants, cape buffaloes, leopards, lions (tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park); rhinos are found at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary making Uganda a complete Big 5 game destination.
Best places for game drives in Uganda: Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
- Rhino Tracking
The only way to see rhinos in the wild on Uganda safari is by undertaking a guided rhino tracking tour. In Uganda, rhino walking is done while at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located in Nakasongola district. This is also the best area, a stopover spot for most tourists visiting Murchison Falls National Park for wildlife safaris.
- White Water Rafting
Go rafting the Nile, Jinja a renowned adrenaline adventure capital of East Africa. On white water rafting, get to conquer the finest Grades 3 to 5 with company of the expert and this is possible for half day or full day. 1, 2, 3 days or more can be designed for you to enjoy white water rafting at the Source of the Nile or combine rafting with game viewing. Or visit Murchison Falls National Park, enjoy game drive plus white water rafting experience.
- Go Mountaineering
Uganda is a hikers’ paradise, a home to mystical mountains from snow-capped block mountains like Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon to magical volcanoes. The key volcanoes in Uganda worth considering for hiking adventures include Mt. Elgon in Eastern Uganda, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura in Mgahinga National Park.
- Cultural Encounters
Uganda is one of the best places in Africa that is worth considering for cultural safari tours. Over 56 tribes, 9 indigenous communities all exist in Uganda and it is with no doubt that this is a true boiling pot of cultures. Different tribes offer unique cultural experiences, from traditions, norms, dances to music performances.
Conclusion
The above are just a few of lots of things to do in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Your adventurous journey into the Pearl of Africa will be unforgettable and memorable!