The Republic of Uganda is located in East Africa. Its geographical location establishes it as a land-locked country. It is bordered by South Sudan in the North, Republic of Tanzania in the south, Republic of Rwanda in the southwest, Kenya in east and Democratic Republic of Congo in West.
Uganda, just like its counterparts Kenya and Tanzania, has a fair portion of Lake Victoria, which is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and second worldwide. This country is located in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Uganda has a population of about 44 million citizens. Kampala is the country’s official capital city. Recently, the government of Uganda established more regional cities including Jinja, Mbale, Mbarara, Arua, Gulu, Hoima and Fortportal. The largest population concentration is in the country’s capital city of Kampala and official languages of the country are English and Kiswahili.
Christianity still ranks as the most popular religion accounting for about 85% of the devout, Islam with about 14%, and the rest for other religions. Citizens from Uganda are known as “Ugandans.” The country covers an area of 93,065 square miles and 16% of that is covered by water. Uganda has rich drainage system, since it is located in the Nile basin.
The world’s longest River Nile starts its drainage from Uganda in Lake Victoria. Other major lakes include lakes Kyoga, Edward, Bunyonyi (the 2nd deepest lake in Africa), Opeta, Wamala, Edward, George, and so much more. It is located in the tropical region of Africa and is among the few countries on the continent, crossed by the equator. It has a vast composition of fauna and flora that makes each one of the most sought tourist destinations on the African continent.
Common tourist activities in Uganda.
- Gorilla trekking.
This is one of the major tourist activities in Uganda. The major attraction is the mountain gorillas that only exist in the Virunga region of East Africa. Gorillas are located in the South Western part of Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Uganda’s mountain gorilla population accounts for about half of the surviving mountain gorillas in the region. These species are endangered and a lot of conservation work has been so far done successfully by the Ugandan government.
Apart from gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation is also another experience that is enjoyed by visitors. With gorilla habituation, tourists get an opportunity to have extensive time of study and viewing of gorillas for the whole day.
To take part in a gorilla trekking tour, visitors are required to purchase gorilla trekking permit costing 700$ each. This can be procured at the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- Chimpanzee trekking.
Chimpanzees are interesting creatures to watch. Uganda has a fair share of chimpanzees that are estimated at a population of about 5,000 individuals. The activity of trekking these primates is carried out in Queen Elizabeth National Park at Kyambura Gorge, Semliki Valley, Kalinzu Forest, Kibale Forest and in Budongo Forest.
Kibale Forest National Park has the highest number of chimpanzees. While in these areas, tourists enjoy close experiences of interpersonal relations of the chimpanzees. The average cost of a trekking permit ranges from about $40 in Kalinzu forest to $200 in Kibale national park.
- Mountain climbing.
Uganda has a couple of mountains on which mountain climbing is a popular activity. Among those include Mountain Rwenzori, Elgon and the Mufumbiro ranges in south western Uganda. The highest point of Uganda is at Stanley peak of Mountain Rwenzori. It stands at an elevation of 16,720 feet above sea level. Others include Speke, Margherita, Gessi, Baker and many more.
- Game safaris.
Game safaris involve driving with in the wilderness and Uganda has many such areas in which this activity can be done. It is common in national parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semiliki National Park, among others. During the game drives, tourists are able to view and have photographic moments with wildlife such as leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, lions, Uganda kobs, zebras, among other animals.
Best time to visit Uganda.
As for the majority of countries in tropical Africa, the best time to visit Uganda is during the dry season that runs from July to late September, and another similar season from December to February. During this season, there is limited precipitation and less interruption that comes along with rainy seasons.
