There are lots of things to do in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Things to do in the pearl of Africa stand as one of the most unique things to do in the world. You will not miss to participate in most interesting activities like gorilla trekking which the country is mostly known for. The activity only is also found in three countries which are all found in Eastern Africa. Uganda has also hidden gems that most people do not know about which include; best African safaris and great lake region. This is one of the reasons why Uganda is referred to as the pearl of Africa.
Uganda is gifted with all kinds of wildlife both fauna and flora and many people have not realized all what the country has to provide unless you visit the country. In the capital city Kampala, will make you feel like you are in outside countries such as Asia or any Arab country because you will be in position to see many electronic shops in every corner of the city. The Ugandan people who belong to different ethnic groupings including; the Baganda, Basoga, Ankole, Banyoro and the people of Tooro are too friendly. To the Eastern part we have the Bagisu, Basamia, Banyole, Bagwere and the Itesots. The integration of Uganda within the Eastern community that is Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda has made a great deal for tourism development in the country.
Gorilla Trekking
A safari in the pearl of Africa would not be complete without trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National park. These two parks have make Uganda to become the best place to go gorilla trekking since it has the greatest number of gorillas in the world are found in these two parks. Gorilla tracking is the most popular adventure activity done in Uganda.
Gorilla Permits are required here and should preferably be booked very early, as only a few permits are available. To prevent the gorillas from being disturbed, only a few tourists are allowed to go close to the animals each day. A permit allows you to spend an hour observing a group of the endangered mountain gorilla in their natural environment. The UWA manages the sale of permits, each of which costs several hundred US dollars.
Trekking of Chimpanzees
Are you after primates? If so, Uganda has something for you. It is recorded with abundant primate species including Chimpanzees, the closest animals to human being features. Tracking Chimpanzees is somehow strenuous, but rewarding once you make it to the exact location of these active creatures.
Trekking of Chimpanzees is an additional activity to gorilla trekking in Uganda. These chimpanzees can be tracked in most forest within the country including Kibale forest national park, Kyambura gorge in queen Elizabeth National park and Budongo forest.
Like gorilla trekking, while in the jungles for chimpanzees, you are exposed to a range of Wildlife species including monkeys, birds, reptiles and more. The only places to go for Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda are Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s primate hub, Budongo forest, Kalinzu Forest reserve and Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Cultural Tours
Though a small country, Uganda has different tribes with varying cultural traditions, customs, beliefs, and backgrounds. The various regions of Uganda have kingdoms such as Buganda Kin, Bunyoro kingdom, Tooro Kingdom, and the Busoga Kingdom. The Baganda is dominant.
The recent restoration of kingdoms in Uganda has boosted up cultural sites…for example Kampala which is Uganda’s capital city where we find the royal tombs (Kasubi tombs). Because of the different cultures, it involves a number of attractions, ceremonies, and historical events. Music, dancing, visit of traditional sites like Mparo tombs, Kasubi tombs, the Nakayima tree, local traditional beliefs, handcrafts, kabakas lake, and experiencing circumcision ceremonies among the Bagisu.
The rich cultural traditions have led to the development of community tourism which has helped in the improvement of the local communities in Uganda. All the cultural activities are eco-friendly and culturally respected.
It will be hard for you to understand the culture of the Uganda tribe as every tribe has its own taboos and totems.
Kampala – The capital City
Kampala City is Uganda’s capital city and when in the city, one feels like he/she is in Africa with an Asian flare. The capital is the center of everything to do in the country. Kampala has a variety of restaurants which always try new things and are very pleasing to tourists. Other things to experience while in the city include; boda boda ride or motorcycle ride. Do not to forget to check out the churches while in Kampala, The Bahai Temple and the museums in the city.
White water Rafting
River Nile which is the longest river in the world starts in Uganda and offers opportunity for white water rafting to tourists. When you are in Uganda, make sure that you check out for white water rafting and opportunities which last anywhere from the from the afternoon for 3 days.
The longest river in Africa and the world at large provides rafting opportunities at Jinja. Information on rafting as one of Uganda’s safari attractions has been gathered here…The source of the Nile is located in Uganda, Jinja, and the rapid waterfalls make it a famous destination for rafting and bungee jumping.
A combination of Bujagali falls with roaming rapids; good scenery attracts many for relaxation. White water rafting can take half-day, full-day, or two days. Click here to enjoy yourself with rafting and other safari attractions that accompany it.
Mountaineering
One of the most challenging mountains in Africa includes the Rwenzori, having the highest Mountain ranges in Africa.
The Rwenzori Mountains are known as the “mountains of the moon” reaching an elevation, of 5109m. The six snow-capped mountains with unique vegetation provide a lifetime rewarding, adventurous climbing experience. The Italian Duke of Abruzzi, Prince Luigi Amedeo was the first climber to reach the highest peak.
The central circuit takes 7 days, but there is an option to hike for fewer days. Mount Elgon being an extinct volcano with everlasting flowers offers hiking and many other safari attractions through the different trailheads.
The Lake Victoria
The things to participate in Uganda cannot be complete without a little rest and relaxation along Lake Victoria. The lake provides a number of beaches that rest on Islands and will take a take a tourist approximately 8 hours to get there.
Bird Watching
Uganda’s endowment of birds varies from place to place, but rich in variety and species. In fact Uganda is ranked first in the world as an inhabitant of the largest number of rare bird species.
Pairs of saddle-billed stork are sometimes seen in the Africa. Although widely distributed, they need large territories in which to feed and breed and their wetland habitats are shrinking elsewhere due to drainage for agriculture. This huge black and white bird has a large red and black bill with a yellow “saddle” across its base. Males and females can be distinguished by their eyes – those of the females are yellow, while those of the male are brown.
Adrenaline adventures
If you are adventure enthusiast and you are looking for the most breathtaking adventures then Jinja should be a must to include in your bucket list. Jinja is best described as a capital of adrenaline adventures in East Africa. For adventure lovers, Uganda offers variety of thrilling adventures especially at the source of Nile, Jinja and the leading ones include White water rafting. This adventure doesn’t any experience but only requires you to know how to swim and you will certainly fall in love with this adventure of a lifetime. Other thrilling adventures to participate in include bungee jumping which offers you opportunity to kiss the water of the Nile; Kayaking, boat cruise, quad biking, horseback rides and others.
Kampala City Tour
For a blend of culture, history, tradition and culinary adventures, endeavor to be part of the Kampala city tour. With this day tour, travelers get grand opportunities to reach numerous points of interest with in the city suburbs such as historical sites like; Kasubi tombs & Uganda museum, religious sites, Craft shops and local markets. Don’t miss to taste the yummy local dishes; Rolex, Katogo, Matooke, millet, to name but a few.
Boat Cruise
Other than taking in Uganda’s charm in a well-conditioned Safari vehicle or on foot, you can as well attain the same experience from a boat. Nothing is more rewarding, than cruising on the waters while admiring the awe inspiring views of the River or lakeside scenery. If you are up to this experience, some of the best places to have it are Queen Elizabeth National Park along the Kazinga channel, River Nile on Murchison Falls National Park from top to the bottom of the falls, Jinja along River Nile and along the waters of Lake Bunyonyi.
Game Drives.
Uganda is known for its diverse Wildlife, therefore it is no surprise that thousands of Wildlife addicts flock in per year. There are a number of ways to soak up all this, however with a Game drive its exceptional and more rewarding. From the pop up roof of a 4×4 Safari vehicle, you won’t stop appreciating the birds’ eye views of Wild animals, wilderness, sun/rise, bird species and reptiles. The major Parks to consider for game driving in Uganda include Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National park, Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Visit to Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary
Ngamba Chimp is one of the only two Sanctuaries in Uganda. It is located on Ngamba Island part of Koome group of Islands in Central Uganda. It was established mainly to provide habitat to the rescued and orphaned Chimpanzee primates. Currently the estimated number of chimps at this protected area is forty nine. Visitors to the Sanctuary mainly engage in Chimpanzee feeding, care taking and other activities like bird watching, fishing and more.
Jinja White Water Rafting
For those seeking incredible adventures in Uganda or after marine life, White water rafting must be among your things to do. It is offered in Jinja along the waters of River Nile. To most travelers, this is the best way to take in the area’s panorama. Currently only a half day experience is offered starting at 9:00 am until mid-day.
Visit the Ssese Islands
Lake Victoria inhabits 84 beautiful Islands which are still virgin. This offers a great opportunity for relaxation on the beaches while enjoying and feeling the cool lake breeze. While on the islands you can do a forest walk or nature walks and boat rides.
Ssese Islands Forest Walk
The islands can be accessed through public transport from either Bukakata which takes 45 minutes or the Nakiwoogo ship from Entebbe which takes 3 hours. There are possibilities of hiring private boats. Activities include fishing, bird watching, and nature walks. An ideal place for a holiday or vacation.
Sport Fishing
This sport adds much to Uganda safari attractions, it is done using a single rod and reel. The fish caught are not for sale. Uganda is well endowed with a number of lakes and rivers. Sportfishing can be done on Murchison falls national park and Lake Victoria which is the largest fresh water in Africa. Tilapia and Nile perch are common species.
Bungee Jumping
I had never intended to bungee jumping but afterward as the adrenalin pumped through my body and the rush took over, I struggled to contain the excitement. This had been one of the best decisions I had made in some time.
It remains one of the most bizarre and unforgettable experiences of my life; to force myself to leap from a platform at what seemed like an impossible height above the Nile. There is no way I can explain it to you, but in fact, we have made a full page for bungee jumping is you like it down here it is done on the source of the River Nile.
Forest and primates walk
Uganda provides an ideal ground for a true forest walk in over four forest reserves and that adds another soup to safari attractions in Uganda.
The primates are among the most popular features of the Uganda forest which include more than 10 species. The largest yet most peaceful are the gorillas, who share 95% of their genes with humans. The mountains of Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are home to 19 habituated and endangered gorilla troops.
Limited numbers of tourists can visit the gorillas (only 8 passes are issued per day, per gorilla group), so as to cut down on any disruption to the gorillas in their natural environment. The chimpanzees (who are genetically even closer to humans) have been habituated for tourists and can be visited in one of four areas which include; the Kibale and Budongo Forests, the Kyambura Gorge, and Ngamba Island.
