Uganda is found in east Africa in what is popularly referred to as the richest safari region in Africa. It shares its boundaries with Kenya in the east, Tanzania in the south, Rwanda in the south western mountain borders, DR Congo in the west and southern Sudan for the north. Uganda is a least visited African Safari destination when compared to its neighbors Kenya and Tanzania or even South Africa.
Uganda tourist Attractions
One may wonder why Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa, and for sure this is not a self proclaimed title! This is more to enjoy on Uganda wildlife safaris than you can imagine! Sir Winston Churchhill saw more of Uganda’s diversity and we recommend that you check out some of them as listed below
Kampala is a bustling city at the heart of Uganda, a few kilometers from the shores of Lake Victoria. It is the capital city of Uganda with some of the famous sights and sounds like the Kabaka’s lake, Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine in Namugongo, the world Heritage site at Kasubi Royal Tombs, busy markets and more attraction. You can book a guide to take you around Kampala City. Other famous towns in Uganda include the adventure town of Jinja on the shores on Lake Victoria in the east, Mbale in the East, Mbarara in the south west and Gulu in the hotter northern region.
Uganda’s National parks and reserves are the major tourist draw card. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest Park takes centre stage of Uganda safari and is a favorite for all tourist inn Uganda. Other interesting parks to visit include Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley Park in the semi-arid north eastern Part of Uganda. There are several other Uganda National parks to visit just in case you have a week to explore them all!
Lake Victoria in the southern part of Uganda marks a natural boundary with Kenya and Tanzania. It is the largest Fresh water lake in the world with isolated beaches and some lush forests on the shoreline. Within the lake are beautiful islands like Sese Islands and the famous Ngamba Island for chimpanzee tracking. If you enjoy fishing, Lake Victoria has more than 10 different fish species with record breaking Nile Perch.
Things to Do
Visit the adventure town of Jinja and you’ll be consumed by the wide variety of Uganda safari activities. You may go rafting at Bujagali Falls, dry Bungee jumping, Quad biking, swimming, sport fishing, boating, hiking to the falls like Sezibwa in Mukono district and picnics at Mabira Forest on the kampala Jinja Highway.
Other interesting activities on Uganda tours include Hiking to the snow capped Rwenzori peaks, gorilla tracking in Bwindi, Mgahinga hiking, birding at Lake Bunyonyi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, experience the diverse culture of Uganda people from Ndere Center, eating and dining at the different Restaurant and so much more!
Weather
Uganda is a friendly place to be when it comes to weather. It is in the equatorial belt of Africa with very pleasant conditions. The wet season begins in March to May and the shorter rains come around late October and December. The shores of Lake Victoria receive more rain than any other part in central Uganda with the long rains ending in June. South Western Uganda is a cool place that receives rains all through the year
The dry season is from December to February and later from June to September. The north is quite dry with temperatures reaching 30◦C in towns like Gulu and Lira.
Getting there
Entebbe international airport on the shore of Lake Victoria is the man entry point with Entebbe flights from different destinations in Africa. Fliers to Entebbe include South African Airways, emirates, Kenya airways, Ethiopian Airlines, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, SN Brussels and Egypt Air among others.
You can travel by train from Kenya or Tanzania or come by road on passenger bus via the border at Busia or Malaba from Kenya. There are also buses to Juba in southern Sudan, to Kigali, Bujumbura and Dar es-salaam.
Travelling in Kampala is a lot easy, there are private car and trucks for rent, use the motor cycles used Boda Boda, commuter taxi travel to all destinations in Uganda and there are also buses to the distant parts of Uganda. You never have to worry about schedules are all these means never leave on time.
Hotels and Accommodation
There are several hotels in Uganda not mentioning the safari lodges, Inns, apartments, camps and guesthouses that offer overnight accommodation and diner. Many of the Kampala hotels have friendly rates for overnight accommodation like Kampala Serena, Tourist hotel, Speke Hotels, Imperial Hotels and many others. You can also find hotels and accommodation in Jinja, Kabale and in Gulu. There are several Uganda Safari and tour operators that can arrange your safari, tours and holidays in Uganda with customized Uganda safari packages inclusive of flights, tours,hotels and accommodations and transfers.
