Reasons Why You Should Visit Uganda
Many countries around the globe including Uganda have tourist attractions and are visited by many travelers from all over the world. Uganda is one country you can never miss for a safari. We share some of the most basic reasons why you should visit the pearl of Africa.
Security/ safety
One of the major concerns for every traveler is their safety in a foreign country during their exploration or stay. Uganda is politically stable and safety that has been maintained for the last 30+ years by the current government. This has led to the development of tourism infrastructure and facilities in the country. Uganda as a tourism destination was known as a very turmoil country not until the current President came in and it’s been 30 years of stability now.
Exceptional primate experiences
Uganda is known as the primate capital of Africa boastful of the highest number of chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and other 12 species of primate still living in the wild forests of Budongo, Kibale, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park. All these primates have been habituated and are available for tracking by travelers who wish to have an experience with these endangered primates.
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest is the most thrilling tour activity that attracts thousands of people coming into Uganda to learn about their behavior. Chimpanzee tracking permits are at USD150 per person(in 2020 with effect for July 31st they will be at USD200), Gorilla permits cost USD600 per permit (they will be increased to USD700 effective July 1st 2020). Gorilla habituation is at USD1500 and visitors have 4 hours of face to face encounter with the Gorillas and chimpanzee habituation is at USD200.
Wildlife
Uganda is very rich in wildlife and harbors the big five game animals. The best game viewing spots for wildlife in Uganda include; Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National Park. The big five can be seen in Murchison Falls National Park in North-western Uganda. The tree climbing lions, large herds of elephants make your African trip in Uganda the most memorable safari time. Uganda has one of the most authentic wildlife viewing where you will find very few vehicles surrounding one pride of lions.
Exceptional birding safaris in Uganda
Uganda is possibly the most attractive Africa country to bird watchers. This is not only because of the unusual number of species recorded within its borders but also because it offers easy access to several birding habitats that are hard to reach elsewhere. Many bird species recorded include seven of the 20 horn-bill species recorded in the region, five out of 14 honey guides, five out of 20 bush family and also 13 members of the thrush family, 11 warblers, ten flycatchers, 8 sun birds, eight weavers, eight finches, four tinker birds, four pigeons, 3 kingfishers, 3 sparrow hawks, 3 cuckoos and 3 night-jars.
Lake Bunyonyi
Lying in south-western part Uganda close the Rwandan border, Lake Bunyonyi is believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa. This magic lake enjoys moderate temperatures all year round and is usually cool in both the morning and evening hours. it is one place to stop over after tracking the Gorillas in the Impenetrable forest of Bwindi. Bunyonyi has over 9 islands that can be explored on a boat ride with a local guide. Some of the major tour activities here include; fishing, canoeing, community walks and so many other activities like birding.
Superb cultural experiences
With over 54 multi-ethnic groups, Uganda is still competitive when it comes to cultural and community experiences. Different cultural sites in Uganda like the Ndere cultural center in Kampala, Igongo cultural center in the western parts, Buganda Kingdom palace, Tooro Kingdom palace and the Uganda museum will enrich you with a great cultural encounter in Uganda. The beautiful people in Karamoja, and in Bwindi area will make your safari a great adventure as you learn about the Batwa people and the IK people of the North.
Source of the Nile
River Nile is longest river in the world with its source starting right from Jinja eastern Uganda. It starts from the eastern part of Africa in Jinja and flows from the surrounding areas close to the equator line to the extreme safari desert and then straight to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The river is projected to be about 6600km long and passes through 9 countries including; Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia but is most centered to Uganda and Egypt.
Murchison Falls
Murchison waterfall that lies between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on River Nile. A drive to the top of the falls to watch the Nile as it forces its way through a 7-meter gorge and plunges down before flowing west to Lake Albert. The falls is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Murchison Falls National Park and is what the park was named after.
Affordability
Uganda is one of the three countries that offer gorilla tracking at a very affordable in the whole world. Most travelers visit Africa to do wildlife safaris, community and cultural tours but gorilla trekking is one of the most outstanding and thought after tourism activity in the whole world. Uganda has almost half the number of mountain gorillas still surviving in the world. These live in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can’t miss your travel experience of a life time due to the high and exorbitant costs in other travel destination, Uganda has you covered with the cheapest accommodation and affordable park entrance fees and for most of the tour activities.
Conclusion;
If you are looking for a destination to visit in Africa, there are all reasons to visit Uganda. The pearl of Africa has grown and strategized herself as one of the leading tourism destinations in East Africa.
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