What is Uganda famous for as a Safari destination in Africa?
You are still wondering what Uganda is known for as a safari destination in Africa and if you intend to travel there. Among the smallest but most beautiful nations in the center of the earth is Uganda. Uganda is one of the hippest Safari locations to think about while organizing a safari trip to Africa; named the Pearl of Africa by former UK prime minister Winston Churchill. We include in this post more than ten reasons why Uganda is a well-known safari destination in Africa among Safari heavyweights like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Main factors contributing to Uganda’s reputation as a safari destination.
We market Uganda because we want to show you a nation so special among others; we do not sell Uganda as we want. One needs at least 15 to 20 days to taste the finest Uganda provides as a vacation destination in Africa; a nation blessed by nature. You too may join others eager to explore the beauties of this little but remarkable safari nation among a vast continent of Africa. What then distinguishes Uganda from other well-known safari locations? Kindly find attached.
- Trekking in mountains for gorillas
- Trekking for chimps
- Examining the Equator
- Trekking golden monkeys
- Experiences in culture and the community
- Shoebill stork, a bird viewing paradise
- boat cruises and game drives
- Mountains covered with snow on the moon
- Nile’s sources
- biggest skin water lake in Africa
- Second deepest lake on African continent
- Great East African rift valleys and related lakes
- Lions tree climbing
- Most forceful water falls on Earth.
- Good and friendly individuals
- good temperature
- Good, meaty food
Trekking mountain gorillas
Uganda is well-known as a safari location for hosting endangered mountain gorillas. Thanks to the united efforts of those engaged in the preservation of the once-endangered great apes in the Virunga highlands of Africa, Uganda boasts a record greatest number of mountain gorillas in the entire globe according to the present mountain gorilla census.
Has your dream been of seeing and seeing mountain gorillas in their natural surroundings? Should you not select Rwanda, Uganda is the next best place to have a walk in the natural forest jungles for the shy and massive great apes as they feed, play, and build their nests. Our Uganda gorilla safari tours will take you to Bwindi impenetrable National Park, with more mountain gorillas than any other national park in Africa.
Only in Uganda and Bwindi have you found record 20 gorilla families living and ready for visitors. Four areas of Buhoma in the north—Ruhija in the East, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the north—have these habituated mountain gorilla groups.
One should thus classify Uganda as having all bragging rights since gorilla trekking is among the most sought-after safari activities and Uganda is among the three countries in the whole world to be home for such huge apes.
Still another well-liked destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda is Mgahinga National Park. Including Mgahinga on the list of locations known to be home to mountain gorillas helps Uganda to be the only nation in the world with more national parks where these species reside natively.
Other nations include Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Rwanda only have one park each. Please see the example itinerary below to visit Mgahinga for gorilla treking.
- Before traveling to Uganda, one should be cleared with
- How one should reserve a gorilla permit?
- Guide on organizing a gorilla trip
- A gorilla safari should provide what?
- Age restriction for gorilla treking
- Rules and guidelines for gorilla treking
- What should one bring for a gorilla trip?
- Policy for cancelation of gorilla safaris
- Gorilla experience with habituation
- There are mountain gorillas in which continent?
- Related to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Regarding Mgahinga National Park
One unusual behavior only seen in Bwindi is gorilla habituation experience.
Only Uganda allows one to spend up to four hours with mountain gorillas among nations. Are you fixated on long-term viewing of mountain gorillas engaged in their activities? Are you seeking for a nation where this is possible?
Look no farther than Uganda as it is in the southern part of this tropical rain forest you may experience and spend four hours with mountain gorillas in the wild and inside the UNESCO Heritage of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
One needs a gorilla habituation permit costing $1500 for this tour. Reservation and security of this is reserved and secured on your behalf by encounter safaris and fixers. It comprises a walk in the forest in search of gorillas under habituation, services of rangers and experts in training wild mountain gorillas to get used to the presence of human beings, practical experience about gorilla habituation, park access fees, security while in the forest as well as a certificate of recognition following this experience.
Under habituation, only four persons are permitted to visit a particular gorilla family; gorilla licenses tend to sell fast. Here you may reserve your gorilla habituation permit. The trip to the jungle to search for the gorillas follows a briefing at 6:00 am.
Under the direction of a team of rangers and specialists, you will not only view and interact with these magnificent primates but also participate in activities like identifying, collecting samples and specimens, and of course listening to insightful presentations to experts while with these wild gorillas under training.
Though the likelihood of meeting mountain gorillas is 90%, the behavior of gorillas under training to adjust to human presence may not be expected. For you to have the best experience, kindly follow all directions given by your ranger. See our Sample gorilla habituation kits here.
Unquestionably facts about gorilla trekking in Uganda
- Only nation having two gorilla National Parks worldwide
- Only one nation worldwide having experience with gorilla habituation
- nation most likely to have mountain gorillas
- Nation with the most habituated gorilla families
- Only nation having four distinct areas for gorilla trekking
Experience with chimps hiking and habituation
Uganda is particularly well-known for its fantastic chimpanzee treking adventures. When it comes to chimpanzee trekking, none of East African nations match Uganda. You are free to visit any of the four sites where chimpanzee habituated communities are located while in Uganda.
Top sites for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda are Kibale Forest National Park, sometimes known as the primate capital of Africa; chimps live with other 11 primate species; Budongo forest in Kaniyo pabidi, Karinzu eco-tourism site; Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
You will require a chimpanzee permit to come across a population of chimpanzees on any of the four listed locations. Please book it here. Your chimpanzee permit entitrates you one hour with chimpanzees, services of an English-speaking armed ranger guide who will walk with you in the forest, admission costs, and security while in the forest.
Every one of the sites listed for chimpanzee treking offers two sessions you might participate in. You may decide to see chimpanzees either in the morning or in the afternoon. Click here for further details on whether to hike in the morning or afternoon.
Top and most sought-after chimpanzee trekking site in Uganda and whole east Africa is Kibale National Park, western Uganda, five to six hours’ drive from Capital City Kampala. Chimpanzee permits have to be reserved ahead of time to prevent missing out. If you want assured a place to view our closest kin on any walk in Kibale National Park, we advise 3-5 months in advance.
Anywhere in Uganda, chimpanzee trekking is limited to those fifteen years of age and above. Verify their age before you want to go with your children for chimpanzee trekking; Uganda Wildlife Authority, the guardians of all species both within and outside of all National Parks, strictly enforces this.
See our Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking combinations by clicking this link. Although Kibale chimp trekking is still the most costly but worthwhile, you might also want to take into account Budong woodland, Kalinzu, or Kyambo gorge. Therefore, the day you choose to combine gorilla treking with chimpanzee will be the day you will understand how special Uganda is for an African safari.
Experience of chimps in habituation
While chimpanzee trekking gives you one hour, chimpanzee habituation experience gives half-day experience and longer time with chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and Budongo woodland.
Straddle the Equator not once, twice
The Equator is another outstanding feature that distinguishes Uganda as a safari site. Have you ever dreamed of standing in the midst of the universe? Have you ever stepped in the northern and southern hemesters and posed for pictures? You ought to choose Uganda as your next safari tour if you are seeking this fantastic experience.
On your safari, Uganda has three chances and locations to view the equator crossing. The equator monument will be visible at Kayabwe equator crossing, and you will be able to take part in tests that will show you exactly this is the point separating the northern from the southern hemisphere. An expert does this experiment at Zero degrees and something occurs.
On your route to Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Mgahinga or Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala-Masaka road, Kayabwe is around 80kms away. Every one of our road trips has to stop here for picture, craft buying, and coffee. Other Equator locations are at Lake Victoria and Kikorongo on your trip from Queen Elizabeth National Park. Seeing the sun rising makes riding a boat or canoe to the equator site one of the most satisfying adventures.
Golden monkeys found in the Mgahinga highlands of Virunga
Still, curious about what distinguishes Uganda’s safari scene from other African ones? Among the various primate species that bless Uganda are golden monkeys. Golden monkey hiking in Uganda finds just one place in Mgahinga National Park in the Virunga highlands of Africa.
A society of golden monkeys lives for this reason; one may decide to come in the morning or the afternoon. The age restriction is fifteen years and above; there is no maximum number of persons needed. One unusual feature of golden monkey trekking is that ground bookings for permits may be paid with cash.
Although the one-hour activity is Golden Monkey Trekking, the journey itself might be one to two hours to and from a monkey colony. Those who want to spend more time with these monkeys might get golden monkey habituation experience. Normal treking and habituation have different permission prices. The cost of permits is often fluctuating; hence, it is advisable to have in advance contacts with Katland safaris and fixers.
Going to the River Nile’s source
You may be surprised to learn that Uganda has the longest river on Earth. If so, Uganda has a boasting right as a singular and amazing safari location in Africa. Johne Speke was the first English man to find the Nile’s source; the area he saw has since been built for tourism and crowned with a monument.
Starting its lengthy trip to the Mediterranean Sea via various African nations, the great River Nile flows at this point in Jinja See personally how river water splits itself from Lake Victoria water to begin its journey northwards to Egypt. Visit the River Nile source.
Though weird, this is accurate. One may visit the Nile source as a Day excursion or in conjunction with other activities to the Eastern Part of Uganda. See Mabira forest for Zip line adventure, Sezibwa falls (Buganda Heritage site), and try white water rafting at Jinja on your route to the Nile source. Very few nations in Africa can provide such an incredible water experience and visiting Uganda, will just offer that much-needed unique experience.
Beautiful and perfect temperature all year round.
Uganda has a tropical temperature ranging from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius and is straddling the equator. Most parts of Uganda have not particularly numerous highs and lows. As it is in Europe, Asia, and America, winters and summers are not observed. Uganda is thus among the greatest countries to celebrate holidays all year round.
Two dry seasons and two wet seasons define it mostly. Whereas dry seasons begin in June, July, August, and then December January, and February, wet seasons run March, April, May, November, and October. Uganda is the finest spot for either safari in the bush or sunbathing.
And thanks to this mild temperature, many vegetables and fruits may flourish, which presents chances to savor fresh cuisine on your safari to Uganda. Its unusual temperature allows one to visit the Pearl of Africa all year long. View some of Uganda Safari Packages right here.
the biggest largest lake of flesh
Why Uganda is a well-known safari location in Africa still baffles you? Apart from being the nation from whence the Nile, the longest river on Earth, Uganda boasts second rank worldwide and a portion of the biggest freshwater lake in Africa.
Popular safari and leisure site in East Africa, Lake Victoria is the biggest freshwater lake on the continent shared by three East Africans. You may visit some of the Islands for a little vacation while in Uganda; popular Islands include Ssese Islands, Buvuma, and Ngamba. To see some of these islands, the equator, or orphaned chimpanzees at Ngamba Island, go on a boat ride.
On this lake Sunset and Sundowners are also feasible. With Nile perch and Talapia the predominant catch, sportfishing is yet another past time on Lake Victoria. One or two nights in Entebbe might provide you time for day trips on Lake Victoria.
Murchison waterfall (Most strong waterfall on Earth).
Murchison Falls is another tourist highlight that helps Uganda become a well-known safari spot in Africa. Far the most powerful fall on Earth is Murchison Falls. One of the nicest things you might do while in Uganda is a boat journey to the bottom of these falls or a stroll to Murchison Falls’ summit.
UWA and other private boat companies provide morning, mid-morning, and afternoon boat trips from the dock at Paraa to the bottom of the falls so you may see these amazing falls while visiting Murchison Falls National Park. See Safaris around Murchison Falls here.
Foods derived from flesh and fruits.
Among the food bowls of Africa is Uganda. This is so because of the country’s ideal temperature. Here, the rains and sunlight suit agriculture all year round. Along many roads, fresh fruit stalls are a regular occurrence including tomatoes, mangoes, oranges, pineapples name but a few. Uganda also offers chances to sample bananas and, naturally, the fashionable Rolex.
Snowcapped mountains of the moon, or Rwenzori mountains
The Snow-capped mountains of the moon provide even another reason Uganda is a distinctive safari location. Apart from being the biggest mountain range in East Africa, Ruwenzori mountain has snow on top of its highest point. One cannot picture a tropical nation like Uganda covered with snow. Thought to be the hottest, Rwenzori is on the equator crossing.
One of the most exciting and demanding experiences available to adventure seekers, a mountain climb to the top of Rwenzori Mountain takes around eight days. Still undiscovered, nevertheless, the next great trend for the future is mountain climbing from Rwanda. Other trekking destinations inside the Virunga ranges—at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—Mgahinga, Muhavura, and Sabinyo.
The Ishasha tree climbing l lions
Finding lions in trees is not very remarkable. You may have this and more on your game drive in the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. One must visit Queen Elizabeth National Park and spend at least two to three nights in the southern section of this magnificent National Park to really appreciate it.
Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park is two to three hours’ drive from Buhoma section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mweya. Finding lions in trees is the only amazing thing that exists. Please be advised that you cannot be sure Ishasha will be found in the trees just visiting her. That will rely on your luck.
Untreated areas for boat trips and animal drives
Uganda is endowed with so many national parks where one may find the big five in a pristine surroundings. Finding so many safari cars around a pride of lions is unusual. Uganda is the nation you should search for a safari location with few people on any one game drive. Among the best national parks nationwide for boat excursions and wildlife drives are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Parks.
Any game drive here will provide you chances to see wild cats and other species like buffaloes, elephants, and so much more. While the boat tour to the bottom of falls and delta in Murchison falls National Park is magnificent, the Kazinga channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park is must include activity. We urge you to include any of the four best wildlife National Parks on your Uganda safari while there.
Good and friendly people.
Look no further other than Uganda if you are seeking for a tourist location or nation where you will be welcomed on your visit. When on the streets of Kampala or anyplace else in Uganda, you will always be welcomed with a smile; others will treat you kindly and hospitably.
When you meet children, do not startled if they ask “how are you Muzungu”. As a unique safari location in Africa, visiting a house, community, the smiles, affection, eagerness to serve you, and all nice things defines Ugandans and Uganda.
Eastern African rift valley and related characteristics
Like other nations, Uganda suffered from tectonic upheavals that split the surface of the planet. The outcome was the enormous East African rift valley with its accompanying hills and lakes.
Great panoramic vistas of the rift valley as well as fault lakes and crater lakes in the Bunyaruguru area and Fort Portal will wow you when you explore western Uganda This also produces the Kyambura gorge, home to a tiny population of chimpanzees.
Bird watching paradise
Uganda claims to have more than 1000 different kinds of birds in a limited space. From most of these bird species, they are native Special birds that need at least 60 days or more to explore find home among the kind of vegetation found in the nation.
While Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Park are renowned for aquatic and savannah bird species, some of the best birding sites are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale woodland National Park, Mabira, Maramagambo and Budongo for forest birds. Popular for the shoebill population are the central Mabamba and Makanaga swamps.
Different cultures and local experiences
Over fifty ethnic groups from Uganda show themselves as distinct civilizations. Every ethnic group lives differently, hence Uganda is a center for cultural variety. Make sure your safari designer include a cultural event on your schedule.
You may have to incorporate a community or village walk, undertake a homestay instead of lodging in Lodges, engage in Batwa experience, or milking cows to understand more about the many cultures of Uganda. You could also visit Ugandan museums and explore our cultural paths, like the Buganda kingdom route.