There are so many reasons to travel to the 'Pearl Of Africa'.
Below we have listed our Top 10 Authentic Ugandan Experiences.
1. Gorilla Tracking
Of course, we have to start with the obvious. This bucket list activity is the main driver of Uganda’s thriving tourism industry. Be prepared for a life changing experience. It’s hard to describe the feeling after jungle trekking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest only to be surrounded by these great apes.
Seeing a 250 kg Silverback Gorilla staring you deep in the eyes will be a memory that will live with you forever.
Tracking Mountain Gorilla's can only be done in The DRC, Rwanda & Uganda.
Reasons to Gorilla Track in Uganda:
Best overall value for money - USD 700 versus USD 1,500 in Rwanda
Uganda is home to more than half of the worlds Mountain Gorillas
The country is safe to travel
There are many lodges that range from budget to luxurious
The country is full of other Authentic African Experiences to combine with the Gorillas
2. Diverse Safari Experiences
Uganda has 10 Proclaimed National Parks offering a diverse safari experience.
The country is quickly being recognized as the ultimate off the beaten track safari in Africa.
The country is not yet faced with the over-tourism like its neighboring countries. When you go on safari in Uganda, you are really immersed in nature and have a truly authentic and natural experience.
Best Safari's In Uganda:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
3. Authentic Tribes and Villages
Uganda has a unique culture and some of the last remaining traditional African tribes. Uganda is enriched with history and culture. The complex structure of Ugandan heritage is still in the heart and soul of the people.
There are two highly specialized tribes, known as the Batwa Pygmies and the Ik Tribe. Both of these tribes are accustomed to living off the land and have survival skills that cannot be matched in the Western Societies.
4. Murchison Falls National Park
A must see! Uganda is home to the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the famous Nile River channels from over hundred of meters wide into a small 6 meter gap in the earth, falling down 45 meters to continue its long course towards Egypt.
The waterfall is truly a spectacular sight. There are very few remaining places on earth where you can enjoy earths raw beauty and have the benefit of very few tourists. This is one of those places!
The National Park is also home to the Big 4, Chimpanzees and the extremely endangered Shoebill Stork.
5. Natural Adventures
Freedom to Explore. Uganda has Savannah's, Lakes, Mountains, Safari and Volcanoes. It is an adventure lovers dream. You can combine all these activities in an adventure filled trip of a lifetime.
Some notable adventure activities:
Multi-day hike to the Rwenzoris Highest Peak - 5,109 Meters
Full day hike up the Volcanic Mount Muhuvura - 4,127 Meters
Cycling safari in the Lake Mburo National Park
Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga National Park
6. Tree Climbing Lions
Uganda is home to the famous Tree Climbing Lions. The lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park are special in the way that they regularly climb up the trees during the hot midday hours. The prides of lions lay lazily up in the fig trees and create the perfect photo opportunity for the lucky visitors.
7. Lakes and Rivers
The small landlocked country is home to the Source of The Nile (the longest river in the world) as well as Lake Victoria (the second largest lake in the world). The country has lakes scattered all over the country and adds to its huge biodiversity.
You may enjoy a boat safari offered in various locations including the Kazinga Channel and Nile River, both of these offering the opportunity to see the Big 4, Crocodiles and Hippos while cruising down these immense rivers.
8. Birding Mecca
The country is home to more than 1,000 birds in its small borders. Most of them very colorful and unique.
Uganda is one of those places that people arrive to see the gorillas and go on safari but leave with a new found love of birds.
The birding in Uganda offers visitors a mix of prehistoric birds (Shoebill Stork), colorful birds (Great Blue Turaco) and even the largest bird in the world (Ostrich).
9. Makes You Feel Alive
The country has been plagued with a troublesome past but has come back stronger than ever. You will see this from the sight of all the children's smiles. The locals are friendly and are all willing to help a ‘Mzungu’ (wandering traveler). The country helps you slow down and forget about worldly problems.
Driving along the rolling hills, tea plantations, mountains, forests, savanna's and countryside, gives you a true sense of freedom.
10. The Chimpanzees
Uganda allows you to visit our distant relatives - the Chimpanzees.
The 99% human animal is an impressive sight. From their strength, intelligence, communities and physique. It is humbling to see an animal, so similar to us, living in harmony, free from technology and modern-day stresses. We are only 1% different genetically but we seem worlds away.
To conclude:
Uganda is the true ‘Pearl of Africa’. We hope the above points has got you inspired.
Trust us, once you truly experience this country, your world will be turned upside down.
For more information and tips please refer to www.afriventure.org