Uganda is a country whose beauty is in abundance throughout the year, ranging from fascinating landscapes to Africa’s heritage cast across the 241,038 square Kilometers of land. The country’s location along the equator gives a conducive humid climate which is favorable for tourism. Far south of the country experiences fair tropical climate given its closeness to the Virunga ranges that spread into D.R. Congo.
In this article, we discuss Uganda’s to five safari destinations.
Murchison Falls National Park.
Along the great River Nile and the shores of Lake Albert in the northwestern region of Uganda, is an expansive natural habitat of over 76 animal species, 500 bird species, 250 butterflies, 450 tree species and an array of landscapes whose effect on upon sight is truly memorable.
The most fascinating piece of attraction is the dramatic struggle of huge volumes of water struggling between rocks, only 7 meters apart to form the most powerful waterfall on earth, which plunges 40 meters down to form a 50-meter radius pool, as the Nile proceeds northwest to Southern Sudan. The falls roar, and the grounds upon which they plummet tremble all to the awe of tourists. Many find accommodation near the falls to sleep off the roars of the falling waters.
Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated in the Southwestern region of Uganda, cast between lakes Edward and George. This park is the most visited game reserve in Uganda. The variety of flora and fauna here is astonishing, with over 30 climbing lions in Ishasha sector. Ancient trees with branches spread vastly, harbor tree-climbing lions waiting stealthily to pounce upon unsuspecting kobs.
Kazinga channel is another catchment of hippos, and elephants that come here to cool and quench thirst. A boat cruise on the calm channel gives the tourist an enviable view of the water shores and drinking holes from which many animal bonds are created. To observe the abundantly present animal life is exceptionally rewarding.
The savannah plains form the floor of much of the park, which is situated within the Great Rift Valley, the landscape carefully escalates into mosaic, and forestlands of Maramagambo cast upon raised hills. At the summit of hills, breathe taking views of Mountain Rwenzori unfold. Every minute spent here is momentous.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is another natural masterpiece of immense beauty that is found on the edge of the Great Rift Valley that spreads into Democratic Republic of Congo. Much of the park is comprised of the impenetrable Bwindi Forest which is an ancient vast thick forest that dates back more than 25,000 years. The forest is one of the last natural habitats of the endangered mountain gorilla, endemic to the Albertine region. Over 400 mountain gorilla individuals, almost half of the entire world population live in this tropical rainforest.
The gentle and exciting primates are the biggest attraction of the park. At least 20 gorilla families are fully habituated and are thus available for a one-hour trekking expedition. The park offers a long trekking experience of the gorillas through the habituation experience where tourist accompany specialists and guides on a four study of the gorillas as they get accustomed to human presence. The habituation experience is a uniqueness of Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest and can be found nowhere else on the continent. Other primate species that are a common encounter, include the black and white colobus monkey, baboons, chimpanzees and the L’Hoest’s monkey.
Birding is a complimentary experience of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as this ancient forest is host to over 346 bird species, which include the shoe bill, the cinnamon-chested bee- eater, crown horn bill, the giant king fisher, the African green pigeon. Other endemic bird species include, the Rwenzori batis, the stripe-breasted tit, the blue-headed sunbird, the chapins flycatcher, among others.
Other mammal species that can be sighted in the forest include the forest elephant, the forest buffalo, bushbucks, duikers and many more.
Away from the wildlife adventure, one should visit Uganda’s capital for a city life expedition.
Kampala City.
The heart and hub of nightlife in Uganda is the Kampala City, the lights will inspire you, and the dances are electrifying while the smiles are infectious. The people are a delight of their own, warmly mingling on the go. Local and international cuisines are readily available in almost all major restaurants that are patronized by foreign tourists and expatriates.
The daylight reveals all too much for all that is lost to darkness at night. Kampala is socially divided into two, the upscale City that is organized, has less traffic and a neatly gated community. The other side is the town area, characterized by heavy traffic of both humans and motorists bordered by large slums and general commodity markets.
Trekking down town is a popular experience as it reveals the true nature of urban life, shopping and haggling with vendors over commodity prices. Markets St. Balikidembe and Kikuubo are a beehive of activities, and one could easily fail to find their way out as every lane is so similar to the other. A knowledgeable guide would come in handy and even make the experience more thrilling.
Jinja City
Jinja City is home to the source of River Nile. Where the 6,600-kilometer river exits Lake Victoria and descends northwards, making a grand entry into South Sudan at Nimule, furthering its journey through Sudan and Egypt, before draining into the Mediterranean Sea. Jinja city is characterized by ancient Asian structures, as it was the first business capital of Uganda. Its nightlife is equally fascinating, but while there catch a cold Nile beer straight from the source.
