Sports tourism is one of the fastest growing form of tourism world wide where a number of adventurous people move from one place to another to view or be part of a given sports activity. Many countries worldwide have embraced the idea of sports tourism and usually benefit a lot from it especially during extensive sports events like the Olympics, soccer and many other international sports.
When you look at Uganda, it is not just a place for unique wildlife experiences especially with gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris viewing unique wild animals like, the big five in Murchison falls national park or mountain gorillas in their natural homes – the forested mountains. The pearl of Africa has also proven to be a number one sport tourism destination because of the different exciting sports tourists engage in while on their visit. There are a number of tourism sports held in Uganda some of which including the following
Horse Back Riding
This is one of the most enjoyable sports activities in Uganda especially if done while in the national park. Today, lake Mburo national park has taken the initiative to enable tourist’s get up close to the wildlife while on horses. It may sound a little scary but its very safe because the horses used in this sport are very familiar with the major wild animals in the national park and are not usually afraid to take tourists for rides depending on ones preferred time period ranging from 30 minutes to several hours. The horses are managed by Mihingo lodge one of the luxurious lodges offering the best hospitality services in lake Mburo national park. The horse back ride does not require experiences as many first timers usually head for the adventure with the help of horse guides who are very skilled and take photographs of you while in the wild to capture memorable moments. Horse back riding is surely a tourism sports activity you must not miss while in Uganda.
Basketball
This is the most practiced sport today in a number of high schools and universities in Uganda. Every Friday, a number of local Ugandans gather at YMCA comprehensive institute in Wandegeya to cheer and have fun as they watch a number of players compete in what is commonly known as Friday night-lights. Some times bigger basketball competitions are held at the Lugogo indoor stadium that also attracts a number of domestic tourists. Do not hesitate to visit any of the two events to discover the sports skills the Ugandans have and also to have fun as you cheer out some of your best players.
Golf
Usually prepared by the Uganda golf tournament, golf is another sport that can be greatly enjoyed while in the pearl of Africa. Uganda has a number of golf courses for example those around the golf course hotel in Kampala city just near the Uganda golf club while other golf courses are in Jinja and Entebbe. Golf is a very relaxing sport and playing it in Uganda is very unique as it gives one a chance to feel and enjoy the cool climate of the pearl of Africa.
Sport Fishing
This is usually enjoyed by a number of tourists on different water bodies in the country even along the great river Nile – the longest river on the planet. Sport fishing in Uganda introduces tourists to the Ugandan fish species, which include the Nile perch, Tilapia, lungfish and many others. The major sport fishing grounds in Uganda include the Nile in Murchison falls national park which gives tourists a chance to fish as they view a number of unique wild animals along the river banks like the hippopotamus. Sport fishing activities are also done around Lake Victoria the third largest water body on earth and the source of the great river Nile as well as in other lakes like lake Mburo also located in a national park and therefore giving one a double experience of the wildlife and the sport itself. Do not miss to be part of this adventurous sport while in Uganda as you may likely come out with a big catch.
Tourism sports in Uganda can not be fully exploited because they are many most of which are very adventurous like bungee jumping in Jinja, white water rafting along the Nile in Jinja, squad biking, local football usually held at Mandela international stadium or Nakivubo stadium, beach volley ball held at the different beaches along Lake Victoria especially Lido and Speenah beaches and so many others.
Involving in tourism sports is very exciting and is a way of physical exercise and enables tourists to easily connect and interact with the local people therefore while in Uganda, ensure to participate in one sport of your choice.