Uganda receives millions of visitors each year in search of its exquisite magnificence from its beautiful people and culture, rich national parks sprawling with all types of fauna and flora, rolling valleys, thunderous waterfalls and best climate in the region. All these are relished on various Uganda safaris, which are tailored to meet each individual’s taste. These safaris are usually fashioned with a close link to its colonial and natural history, wildlife and cultural systems of the country.
The pearl of Africa is a multicultural destination with over 56 recognized ethnic tribes with each having a different dialect. Baganda make the largest percentage of up to 16.7%. Uganda derives its name from this tribe. The name Uganda was adopted by the colonial masters who used “Uganda” the Swahili version of Buganda and it was first used in 1884 when the country became a British protectorate. The country’s tourism industry has been steadily growing since independence even with a few challenges over the past 3 decades but with the current regime focusing on safety and peace it has seen a great boost as statistically portrayed from the past ten years.
The country prides itself in conserving nature as evidenced through a history of protecting its natural resources like tropical rainforests -Mabira and Bwindi, Budongo, etc.; extraordinary national parks from Kidepo in the north to queen Elizabeth in the west, amazing rivers like the great Nile and lakes for example the largest fresh water lake in Africa[L. Victoria] not forgetting the fascinating diverse culture.
Uganda’s charms go beyond mere viewing of game like the big five or mountain gorillas in their natural environment but extends to beautiful climate and people in the land where the West African jungle meets the eastern wild savannah.This phenomenon has made it an ideal place to visit in the region by offering numerous exciting activities to visitors throughout the whole year.
Visitors have a number of interesting activities to choose from with all the attractions Uganda is endowed with. From adrenaline stimulating adventures like bungee jumping to recreational events like sun-downers at the bottom of the most powerful falls. A look at some of these activities will give you a better insight of what to expect on a Ugandan safari.
Regarded as the most prominent activity for visitors coming on a Uganda safari, wildlife safaris encompass both game and bird viewing in different national parks and protected areas. Guests are presented with chances to view Africa’s big five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) in their natural habitats in addition to other game including the celebrated and endangered mountain gorillas, giraffes, various antelope species, Nile crocodile and fascinating birds like the shoebill stork, secretary bird, Karamoja apalis to mention only a few.
This ranges from gorilla trekking to chimpanzee trekking which are one of Uganda’s eminent pulling factors with over 80% of guests who visit the country having intentions of doing either one of them. Gorilla trekking is only done with in 3 countries in the world and Uganda being one of those three. It is done in the Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park. Ugandan gorilla permits are the most ideal when compared to the other countries basing on price and safety.
The pearl of Africa offers countless opportunities for hikers of all levels. From tough trails like Rwenzori Mountains-hiker’s favorite in the west and Mount Elgon in the east known for its biggest caldera in the world. These two are favored because of their intriguing montane vegetation like giant lobelia and giant groundsel.
Moderate peaks also cater for modest hikers in Mgahinga national park’s surrounding volcanoes - Mountain Sabyinyo, Mount. Gahinga and Mount. Muhabura.
Visitors can indulge in cultural tours by visiting several cultural sites; for example the Kasubi tombs which is a UNESCO world heritage site where Buganda kings (kabakas) are buried like Muteesa I who invited the first missionaries into Uganda. You can also visit other sites like Ndere cultural site or the Isunga community for an extraordinary Ugandan cultural experience.
While on a cultural safari you can experience diverse ways of life of several tribes from ways of dressing, dances and folklore, culinary and how people live day to day in this beautiful country.
With Uganda being strategically positioned in the African great lakes region a number of water bodies from rivers to lakes are available which has led to the creation of some of the best water adventures in the region.
Renowned adventures include white rafting, bungee jumping and kayaking on the amazing Nile in Jinja - the adventure city of east Africa.
In addition to these adventure sports boat cruises mainly carried out on lake Victoria, Bunyonyi, Mburo, kazinga channel and river Nile offer a flawless way to view different aquatic residents like crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and hippos not forgetting bird species that flock around these water bodies.
Sport fishing can also be arranged in some sports like Murchison falls national Park, Lake Victoria and Lake Mburo - an expedition to absolutely give a try when on a Ugandan safari.
This is another activity that has grabbed the interest of many visitors to the pearl of Africa. This has seen a steady growth with guests visiting ancient places like the Namugongo martyrs shrine where 22 catholic youths were martyred for their faith, notable religious sites include the Gadhafi mosque, Baha’i Temple, St. Mary’s Rubaga cathedral and those interested in traditional religion. With more effort directed towards religious tourism in form of being recognized as an important segment, it will live to flourish just like other activities.
A golden encounter with the magnificent mountain gorillas in the misty tropical rainforests of Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Bungee jumping on the great river Nile at Jinja -East Africa’s adventure capital city.
Witnessing the mighty Nile forcing its way through Murchison falls, arguably the most powerful falls in the world.
Navigating the tricky rapids on the river Nile through white water rafting adventures.
Unforgettable equator visit at Kayabwe or Kikorongo.
Uganda is blessed with one of the best climate in the region making it an all year tourism destination. Though visitors can come any time of the year, the period from early June to August and December to early February is the most recommended being the dry season. Primate trekking is a grand activity to partake on a Uganda safari and basing on their[primates] natural habitat which is tropical rain forest, guests can’t escape rain on certain days but even when it rains the skies are quick to clear and the experience isn’t even interrupted by rains.
Uganda safaris offer better private experiences as compared to its neighbors due to a good low number of tourists and impressive wildlife making it a preferable destination for intrepid travelers than its neighbors.
Visitors can be guaranteed some of the top notch accommodation services during their Uganda safari. From the best hotels to receive you when you land in the pearl of Africa in Entebbe or Kampala the capital city of Uganda, to amazing lodges that take care of you while on your safari in the wild. These facilities strive to make you feel home while away from your home at any budget – whether shoestring, mid-range or luxury; there are options for everyone. Guests shouldn’t worry about accommodation when planning a safari to Uganda because you got covered by the best.
When planning for your next African safari include Uganda as your number one option and wait to experience the most coveted safari on the African continent. Whether traveling in search for adventure, recreation, educational or business purposes a Uganda safari is ready to cater for all your desires at any time of the year.
© Copyright Bujo Safaris All Right Reserved | Privacy Policy
