The diverse safari tours in Uganda make it not just a lovely but a preferred destination to explore and experience Africa’s uniqueness. A safari to any part of Uganda leaves a visitor mesmerized by the natural beauty and at the end of it; you will come to appreciate Winston Churchill description of this magical destination as The Pearl of Africa.
The distinct tourist attractions and safari experiences are some of the many reasons why most visitors consider spending a holiday in Uganda. Uganda is largely dependent on nature and offers remarkably unique experiences. This article focuses on the numerous attractions in Uganda and interestingly, the country is known for its unique cultures, wildlife, primates and scenic mountains.
Here are some of the diverse attractions in Uganda;
National Parks & Reserves
National Parks and Reserves are a few unique attractions awaiting you to explore on a safari in Uganda. There are 10 national parks each having distinct attractions worth exploring. These are key habitats to Uganda’s diverse ecological species and they include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Kibale National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.
Bwindi –home to over 120 unique mammal species is with no doubt the preferred destination by primate lovers in need to see the massive mountain gorillas. This park lies in Southwestern Uganda at the border to the D.R. Congo and adjacent to it is the Virunga National Park. Bwindi expands up to 331sq.km and is largely comprised of montane and lowland forest. It is among the few recognized/designated UNESCO sites inhabiting not only varied mammals but also over 310 colorful butterfly species, 27 frog species, 350 bird species and geckos, chameleons plus 1000 flowering plant species.
Mountain gorilla trekking is the epic adventure that awaits you on Uganda safari in Bwindi. The trek rewards primate enthusiasts with magical encounters with the rare mountain gorillas and this is possible on a visit to any of the park’s 20 habituated gorilla families.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park –Lying in Kisoro, Mgahinga is a significant primate destination, home to both endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. This is a compact pack measuring up to 33.7sq.km and also protects other diverse animal species including buffaloes, bush pigs, forest hogs and over 180 species of birds.
Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo, Kidepo and Semuliki offer excellent game viewing experiences in Uganda. These savanna protected areas shelter varied mammals, especially elephants, leopards, lions (inclusive of tree climbing lions), giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and varied antelopes.
Mountain gorillas & other primates
Mountain gorillas are Uganda’s biggest primates and also iconic attraction. These apes survive only in the tropical rainforest of Africa, specifically in the Virunga National Park Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and in Uganda, locate them in Bwindi and Mgahinga NP. The other primates that make Uganda an ideal primate tracking destination include l’hoest monkeys, mangabeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, chimpanzees, galagos, golden monkeys, black & white colobus monkeys.
Wildlife
Uganda’s abundant wildlife are key attractions and these are distributed in the country’s spectacular parks. The notable wildlife to encounter on Uganda safaris include big five game (buffaloes, rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants), Nile crocodiles, hippos, and antelopes (impalas, hartebeest, Uganda Kobs, elands, and others).
Rivers
Beyond primates and savanna wildlife, Uganda is a remarkable destination with scenic rivers. The must-visit Rivers in Uganda include the Nile River whose source lies right in Jinja. At the Source of the Nile River in Jinja, expect to engage in myriad of thrilling adrenaline adventures including white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, boat cruise, jet boating and more. Other rivers worth exploring in Uganda include Kagera River, Katonga River, Pager, Kafu, Achwa, Okok and others.
Equator crossing
En-route to western Uganda via Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara route, the Equator crossing at Kayabwe is a must-visit. At the equator crossing, you can perform a water experiment to determine the main poles/hemispheres (Northern & Southern Hemisphere) or simply have great time taking pictures. This is ideal for visitors on gorilla holiday to Mgahinga or Bwindi National Park.
Historical and religious sites
Uganda’s uniqueness goes beyond wildlife parks and reserves. There are several historical and religious worth exploring on a safari in Uganda. These include Uganda Martyrs shrine, Baha’i temple, Rubaga cathedral, Kibuli mosque, Gaddafi national mosque, Munyonyo martyrs shrines, and Uganda museum.
Lakes
A total of about 165 Lakes exist in Uganda and these iconic attractions on their own while also offer refuge to diverse faunal and aquatic bird species. On a safari in Uganda, Lake Victoria is one place you should consider a must-visit. This is a shared water lake by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. It holds more 198 species of fish plus 355 bird species. The other key sites/attractions on Lake Victoria include Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary on the Ssese Islands and the Source of the Nile River.
Birds
Over 1050 species of birds have been recorded in Uganda and these reside in the different sites in the country. They include the green breasted pitta, Nahan’s francolins, red-fronted antpecker, African green broadbill, shoebill stork, Karamoja apalis, brown chest plovers and secretary birds, etc.
Waterfalls
Uganda’s natural beauty also lies on the numerous scenic waterfalls. The different waterfalls worth exploring on a safari in Uganda include Iborogya falls, Busowa waterfalls, Bujagali falls, Kisiizi falls, Karuma falls, Murchison falls, Ssezibwa falls, Sipi falls, Kamdini falls, Kyansore falls and more.
Mountains
Uganda’s breathtaking landscape is characterized by scenic mountains, rocks and rolling hills that make it a favorite hiking or mountaineering destination. The various mountain ranges worth conquering on Uganda safari include the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, Mount Elgon, Muhabura, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Moroto, etc.
Uganda hot springs
Uganda also boasts of its exceptional hot springs. The top hot springs to explore on a safari in the Pearl of Africa include the Amoropii hot spring, Kitagata hot spring, Ihimba, Kibiro, Rwagimba, Sempaya, and Buranga hot springs.