Why Uganda should be on your bucket list

Why Uganda should be on your bucket list

Known for being home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, Uganda is also blessed with a variety of wildlife including 13 species of primates, tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, and more. The country, which is located on the opposite side of the equator, has stunning landscapes, including the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, volcanoes, and rift valley crater lakes. Uganda should be on everyone’s bucket list because of its pleasant people, security, and safety, as well as a variety of trips for any travel need and price point.

Mountain gorilla trekking

The mountain gorillas are the main reason you should visit Uganda as soon as possible. There are 1063 gorillas in the wild and these endangered species cannot thrive in zoos or captivity. So the only chance available to see them is to visit Uganda or its neighbors including Rwanda and DR Congo. Interestingly, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is notable for housing 459 gorillas, which is almost half of their total population. It also contains the most habituated gorilla groups—22 which are available for gorilla trekking as well as gorilla habituation experience.

Chimpanzee tracking

Because Uganda has the biggest population of primates in Africa, it should be on your travel wish list if you want to see chimpanzees in the wild. The 13 primate species found in Kibale National Park include more than 1400 chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheeked mangabays, and other species. Numerous habituated chimpanzee populations exist, providing opportunities for chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation. Additionally, the majority of the monkeys can be seen while strolling around the nearby Bigodi Swamp.

Boat safaris

The serenity of a boat cruise safari on the Nile River in Murchison Falls or Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Parks is hard to surpass. Both of these national parks, which are in western Uganda are situate within the Albertine Rift Valley along the border with DR Congo. They are home to some beautiful waterfalls and rift valley lakes, a wide variety of animals, including herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as predators like the lion, crocodile, cheetah, leopard, and spotted hyena. In addition to game drives, boat cruise safaris offer opportunity to observe wildlife from the comfort of your seat.

Tree climbing lions

Since lions can’t climb, seeing one in a tree branch is an amazing nature sighting. The most well-known tree-climbing lions of East Africa are found in Ishasha wilderness. This area lies in a rift valley area south of Queen Elizabeth National Park and adjoins with Virunga National Park in DR Congo. Mid-morning game drives through Ishasha offer an opportunity to see the big cats resting in fig trees. Though it’s not always a certainty, you might think about spending the night within Ishasha area.

Murchison Falls

Along the Nile River, which is the longest river in the world, Murchison Falls is the most powerful waterfall. This waterfall is located within Murchison Falls, which is Uganda’s largest conservation area. The most breathtaking panorama may be found on the top of the waterfall climb, which is open to visitors. The park, which is home to the big four mammals and more than 400 bird species, provides opportunities for hot air ballooning, game drives, and boat safaris along the Nile River. Additionally, the Budongo forest is located in the region south of the Nile, where you can go chimp tracking and take the royal mile walk to learn about the history of the Bunyoro Kitara kingdom.

Source of the Nile

The beginning of the Nile River is a magnificent site to witness. The Victoria Nile in Jinja, eastern Uganda, is where the source of the Nile can be found. Jinja is conveniently accessible for a day trip because it is only 88 sq. km (three hours’ drive) east of Kampala capital city. The source of the Nile can be reached via a boat cruise that lasts between one and three hours.

Rwenzori Mountain Ranges

Africa’s third tallest peak, Mount Rwenzori’s Margherita, is 5109 meters high. Despite being 25 miles south of the equator, the block mountain has three of its six peaks covered in permanent snow. There are five distinct vegetation zones from the mountain’s foot to its summit. This provides a chance to see rare floral species including groundsels and huge lobelias. There are two routes to reach the summit Margherita. Kilembe which contains Seven Glacial Lakes Valley, is the most beautiful Rwenzori climbing routes. Such physical features make Rwenzori a must visit gem in Africa.

Cultural diversity

Uganda provides a chance to explore authentic African culture with over 50 indigenous tribes. Visit the Ndere Cultural Center in Kampala, the country’s capital, to see live cultural dance performances by dancers from all around Uganda and East Africa. During a tour in Kampala, make sure to see the Mengo hill and the Kasubi Royal Tombs, two significant cultural sites of the Buganda kingdom that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Kidepo Valley National Park in order to observe Karamojong warriors and go on a walk with Ik bushmen. Most parks’ village walks provide an opportunity to partake in traditional cultural experiences such as Batwa fire making, preparing banana beer, or going to see a traditional healer for his amazing metaphysics.

Africa rural travel experience

Most people in Uganda about 75% live in rural areas. Traveling through the countryside you’ll likely see amazing African local lifestyles such as the indomitable head balance carrying, children fetching water at the well or grazing cattle and goat on steep hillside terraces. Just add Uganda to your bucket list to see the real Africa and Why Uganda should be on your bucket list

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