6 Reasons to Visit Uganda this Summer
Written by Miriam Liebermann
Uganda is a unique country that combines various distinctive elements that make it stand out and be considered the pearl of Africa. Located in East Africa, it is home to wildlife such as chimpanzees, tigers, zebras, and over 1,000 rare bird species. However, wildlife is not the only fascinating aspect of Uganda since the natural sights there are certainly breathtaking. For instance, the Nile River and the Rwenzori Mountains.
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There are various sights, activities, and locations that can be visited in Uganda. Therefore, planning a trip to Uganda will grant you the chance to experience the unique food, culture, activities, and tropical climate. Here is a list of the best thrilling activities you can do on your trip to Uganda:
Murchison Falls National Park
Sitting on the shore of Lake Albert, in Northwest Uganda, is the location of the Murchison Falls National Park, which is one of Uganda’s oldest protected areas. Spreading inland from the shores of Lake Albert, around the Victoria Nile, up to the Karuma Falls. The park is best known for its most powerful waterfall in the world, with the equivalent of 200 bathtubs' worth of water emerging from a gorge less than seven paces wide. Resulting in the ground around the waterfall to tremble. However, it is also home to various wildlife such as elephants, hippos, chimpanzees, and many more. Therefore, visiting this park will give you the chance to experience unique wildlife and natural sights.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a large forest that is located in south-western Uganda. It is mostly known for its exceptional biodiversity since it has over 160 types of trees and over 100 types of ferns. In addition, it is one of the primary tourist attraction due to the remarkable wildlife encounters you are able to experience. Tracking mountain gorillas and other apes who are both rare and endangered is what makes the impenetrable forest the world’s leading mountain gorilla tracking destination. Beyond the gorillas, there are 350 birds, 120 mammals, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, and 51 reptiles. Therefore, if you are looking to have a unique experience with wildlife, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the greatest destination you should have at the very top of your list.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is one of the African Great Lakes. The most distinguishing aspects of the lake are the cruises and fishing trips since the lake is home to more than 200 species of fish. There are several rivers that flow into the lake. However, the Kagera River can be described as the most important one among them. Furthermore, the lake’s only outlet is the Victoria Nile, which is the beginning of the Nile River. There are various activities tourists can do at Lake Victoria such as visiting the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Horseback riding along the Nile River, and visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Visiting this destination is the only way to see how remarkable and magnificent it is since you will be able to see nature in the most fascinating way.
Rwenzori Mountains national park
Known as Montes Lunae or Mountain of the Moon, Rwenzori mountains national park has been established as one of Africa’s primary mountaineering adventures. The park contains Africa’s third highest mountain peak and various waterfalls, glaciers, and lakes. Upon visiting the Rwenzori Mountains, you will be offered the chance to ascend snow peaks, walk on equatorial glaciers which are the highest and most fascinating aspects of the mountain, view unique types of plants, and practice bird watching. The Rwenzori mountains national park consists of six unique mountains, Stanley, Speke, Baker, Emin, Gessi and Savioa. Therefore, visiting this remarkable destination will open a huge gate to discover various nature aspects.
People & Culture
The culture and heritage of people in Uganda are diverse and unique. With more than 50 different indigenous languages belonging to two diverse linguistic groups, with an equal level of diverse musical culture. However, this is not the only unique cultural aspect that enlightens the African culture experience in Uganda, since it is remarkably welcoming to the idea of diversity that contains rich cultures and lifestyles. Each tribe has their own unique cultural values that represent them through traditional activities that surround all aspects of life such as traditional dances, clothes, food, and so much more. Activities that include the people and culture could be highlighted in cultural performances, community walks, the Batwa experience, and the IK people. Visiting Uganda is the most accurate way to unveil these traditions and different cultures.
Jinja City
Known as “The Adventure City,” Jinja truly can’t be described with just words. It is a magnificent masterpiece that has the source of the longest river in the world located in its heart. Being an incredible tourist destination isn’t the only perk it has since it is also Uganda’s economic heartbeat and owns some of Africa’s enormous dams and various industrial parks that approximately reach 100 industries. Be prepared to have your breath taken by the activities and adventures you can participate in such as water rafting on the Nile River, bungee jumping, and sunset cruising. However, the shopping experience in Jinja is on another level. Including, bazaars, shopping malls, and local markets. You will be able to find unique pieces that are exclusively found in Uganda’s vibes.