EXPLORE
UGANDA THE PEARL OF AFRICA
The Pearl is blessed with an undeniable natural beauty. In the
west, the Rwenzori peaks reach towards the sky, the perfect challenge for bold
explorers across the nation parks are home to some of the world’s most
exotic animals: Silverbacks, lions and countless others, Uganda is home to
Africa’s big 5.
Winding roads lead to
places of grand beauty and unique cultures for those who dare to explore. There’s a story
at every turn, especially from people, who are renowned for their warmth and
charm.
Uganda is a multicultural country whose diverse landscape
spans from the beautiful snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the intimidatingly
vast Lake Victoria, the source of the great River Nile
Best Places to Visit in Uganda
Uganda could be considered a rather unknown destination for most travellers seeking beautiful places to experience in Africa, given its small size and landlocked position. Although there is no surrounding ocean, 25% of Uganda comprises lakes and rivers, and it certainly packs in many more wonderful places of interest that make those who visit Uganda yearn to come back for more.
Of the top Uganda destinations, the mountainous, forested Bwindi National Park is right up there as one of the best places to visit in Uganda for gorilla treks. But the Uganda tourist attractions don't stop there, as the country is also home to large savannah reserves, lowland rainforests and enchanting lakes which - in combination - make for one of the biggest wildlife experiences in Africa.
1. Kampala: Capital City & Gateway to Uganda
A typical African capital with a compact, high-rise centre
surrounded by sprawling suburbs, busy Kampala is Uganda's commercial, political
and logistical hub but also one of East Africa's most laid-back and friendly
cities. Uganda's only international airport is set next to Lake Victoria in
Entebbe 35 km away. This small town serves as the country's main entry and exit
point and many visitors will spend a night here or in Kampala before and after
their Uganda safari.
2. Bwindi
Impenetrable Forest: Gorilla Trekking & Rainforest Wildlife
Don't be put off by its intimidating name: Bwindi is, in fact,
penetrable and considered one of the best places in Uganda for an unforgettable
gorilla trekking experience. You'll be led into Bwindi by naturalist guides and
trackers and the reward is worth the effort - this majestic forest is a truly
magical experience. Spend an hour with a gorilla family, observing these gentle
giants in their pristine rainforest habitat before slipping away and back to
your comfortable jungle lodge. A gorilla trek is wet, humid, muddy and tough,
but the experience is extraordinary.
Venture Into The Forest.
3.
Murchison Falls National Park: Game Viewing, River Cruises & Birding
With the Nile River neatly bisecting Uganda's largest park, you'd expect a wide range of animals at Murchison Falls and you'd be right. It's where to go in Uganda for classic big game species such as elephant, buffalo, lion and hippo. In addition to a bird count of nearly 500, Murchison Falls also boasts chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in its forests. The piece de resistance, however, is a boat cruise to the spectacular falls themselves where the thundering Nile is squeezed through a 7-metre cleft in the Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
Go Chasing Waterfalls.
4. Queen
Elizabeth National Park: Birding, Game Viewing, Chimps & River Cruises
Combining easily with Bwindi Forest, Queen Elizabeth National
Park is Uganda's most popular and most accessible savannah reserve and is home
to elephant, buffalo, leopard, numerous antelope species and the famous
tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Plains. Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga
Channel to spot hippos and crocodiles and don't forget your binoculars: with a
staggering 600 recorded bird species, Queen Elizabeth NP is one of the world's
premier bird-watching destinations.
Spectacular Safari Sojourns
5. Kibale
Forest National Park: Primates, Birds & Butterflies
Rapidly becoming one of the must-visit places in Uganda,
Kibale Forest offers visitors an accessible and enlightening insight into life
in a tropical rainforest. Large mammals aren't so easily seen but the clouds of
dazzling butterflies and gorgeous forest birds more than make up for it, with
Kibale being most famous for its primates. Go on guided chimpanzee
treks in the majestic forest and see how many of the other 12 primate species
you can spot.
6. Lake
Mburo National Park: Serene Game Viewing & Birding
Halfway between Uganda's capital and entry point Kampala and
the gorilla trekking forests of the south-west lies Lake Mburo, a perfect
overnight stop-over for travellers making their way between the two
destinations. Although the heavyweights such as elephants are missing, the great
mix of wetland and woodland habitats makes for a wide range of mammals and
birds and Mburo's tranquil atmosphere and soothing views provide welcome relief
after a tough journey.