Why are Tourists visiting Uganda?
Here are 14 Reasons why you should visit Uganda
Why visit Uganda? The answer is simple. Uganda is unlike any other Safari Destination on the African Continent. It is the Pearl of Africa, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
Its diverse and stunning landscapes take in Africa’s tallest mountain range, the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains of the moon, the vastness of Africa’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria, with its hidden tropical Ssese Islands. From Lake Victoria, the ancient River Nile begins its journey through the country to the Mediterranean Sea.
Why visit Uganda? With abundant wildlife such as Chimpanzees, Gorillas, the famous Big-5 found in the Savannah parks, and 1600+ rare bird species.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. At the same time, Kidepo Valley National Park contends for Africa’s best destination for wild game drives, named the third-best savannah park in all of Africa.
Uganda is Africa, as you imagined it, only better. Uganda, such as the remote Karamoja region, is “Africa as it used to be fifty-plus years ago. In Uganda, you can still find the Africa that Karen Blixen described, the Africa that Ernest Hemingway had us dream about, and all without the crowds.
Having said all that, let us now give you14 Reasons why you should visit Uganda on a Safari.
Why visit Uganda? Here are 14 Reasons why you should visit Uganda on a Safari
1. Mountain Gorilla Tracking
The Pearl of Africa is the premier destination for those that seek to have a personal encounter with the Gentle Giants of the Forest. Half of the endangered Mountain Gorillas are found in Uganda. Tracking them in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is on most African Travelers’ Bucket List.
It is in Uganda where you can have that once-in-a-lifetime visit with the rare Mountain Gorillas. They are not found in any zoo, only in the wild in East and Central Africa. The Mountain Gorillas are one of the main reasons visitors everywhere come to Africa’s heart, its Pearl, Uganda.
It is here where you can have your own personal “Gorillas in the Mist” experience, which is one hour in the presence of a gorilla family, one of our closest great ape relatives.
You can even spend more time with the gentle giants on the all-day Habituation Experience.
Why visit Uganda? For an encounter with the Mountain Gorillas
2. Chimpanzee Tracking
Primate lovers can have a field day in Uganda. The country is home to about 5,000 chimpanzees, the most in all of East Africa. Kibale Forest National Park is considered the premier chimpanzee tracking destination. Trekking here takes nowhere the effort that gorilla trekking does. The chimpanzee’s sightings while trekking is not hit and miss, but almost a sure thing every time.
You trek through the rainforest in Kibale Forest National Park, led by rangers searching for our closest cousins whose DNA- 98,9% like ours. On the trail, you might see red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, a myriad of tropical birds and butterflies.
Long before you see the chimpanzees, you will hear their screeches echoing through the forest. A troop of chimpanzees all around you is an awesome sight, nothing resembling visiting them in a zoo.
Kibale Forest is the best place for sure sightings in Uganda. There are four other places where you can track them in the wild such as Kalinzu Forest near Queen Elizabeth Park. In the Kyamburu Gorge in Queen Elizabeth Park. In the Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls National Park and Semliki National Park.
Why visit Uganda? For the best Chimpanzee Encounters in East Africa
3. Spend More Time with the Primates
Many Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Golden Monkey wish that they could have more time with the Primates. In Uganda, you can do just that on a Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Golden Monkey Habituation Experience. A habituation Experience gives you more time with the primates, and there are fewer trekkers.
It is only in Uganda that you can be more than a primate observer but be a participant in the actual habituation process where the Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys become used to human beings.
There are a limited number of permits for the Habituation Experience, and one must plan to have more time with the Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those that want longer than an hour with the primates. Photographers prefer to have more time to take that perfect photo of the primates. Others appreciate the hands-on and learning experience that takes place during the Habituation Experience.
Why visit Uganda? Spend more Time with the Primates
4. Awesome Wildlife Encounters
\Uganda is more than primates. It home to the Big-7. That is the Big-5, Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards, Rhinos, Mountain Gorillas, and Chimpanzees. You will have incredible encounters with the Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees and the abundant wildlife found in the Pearl of Africa.
Encounter the Tree-Climbing Lions in the fig trees of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the largest number of Nubian (Rothschild) Giraffes in Murchison Falls Park. The growing number of Elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley Park.
Spot numerous Leopards on a nocturnal or track Rhinos on foot. See the enormous Nile Crocodiles along the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park or the highest concentration of hippos along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth Park.
A Safari in Uganda means more than primates. It truly is the Big-5 plus—a Safari destination not to be missed.
Why visit Uganda? Incredible Wildlife Encounters
5. Stunning Scenery
Uganda has been truly gifted by nature. It is unlike any other safari destination in Africa. It is no wonder that Winston Churchill, a seasoned traveler wrote Winston Churchill wrote in 1908, “The Kingdom of Uganda is a fairy tale. The landscape is different… from anything elsewhere to be seen in the whole range of Africa.”
Uganda is a country jam-packed with breathtaking scenery, natural wonders that will amaze you. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was named the most beautiful place in the world by CNN-Travel. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was named the third “Must-Photograph” place in the World.
Those who have visited here are surprised by what they find. An evergreen landscape with scenery befitting any coffee table picture book. Scenes such as the gorilla-highlands of southwest Uganda with its terraced hillsides are a sight to behold. The Virunga Volcanoes in the southwest of the country, Mount Elgon in the will delight you. Taking a savanna game drive in the shadows of the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon cannot be replicated elsewhere. You have to come and see Uganda for yourself.
Why visit Uganda? The scenery that you do not find elsewhere in all of Africa
6. Top Birding Destination
Uganda is one of Africa’s favorite and richest Birding destinations, with well over 1,060 plus species of birds recorded. A country the size of the US State of Oregon is home to ten percent of all the bird species recorded in the world.
Home to over 1,6o0 plus, bird species can be found across many habitats from forests, swamps, lakes. Savannahs to cultivated lands. There are native to regions and Uganda birds plus the seasonal migrating birds such as the lesser flamingoes that can be seen in the country. Additionally, there are seventeen globally near-threatened and five threatened species.
Even those that are not into birdwatching will enjoy the feathered creatures that you see here. You will most likely come across the gray crowned crane, called the crested crane in Uganda. It is the national bird of Uganda and is found in its crest and on the flag. When you are flying with Uganda airlines, flying with the crested. Even the national football team is called the cranes.
You will definitely see the Marabou Stork, which is seen almost everywhere in Uganda, and we call it the unofficial bird of Uganda. Lastly is the most sought-after bird in Africa, the Shoebill Stork.
Why visit Uganda? It is one of the best Birding Destinations in Africa.
7. Adrenaline Pumping Adventures on the Nile in Jinja
Young or older, there are those looking for Adrenaline Pumping Adventures. Uganda is the best country in East Africa for that and the town of Jinja on the Nile in particular. It is known as the Adrenaline Adventure Capital of Africa. Adventurists come from far and wide to the town for challenging extreme sports such as the famous white water rafting on the wild side of the Nile.
The River Nile near Jinja is where those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures will find some of the best white water rapids in all of Africa. Extreme Kayakers from all over the world head here in their quest for more challenges.
There the ultimate daredevil deed of bungee jumping into the Nile day and night for the bold and brave. For those wanting something gentler on the Nile, there is the family float. Or a Sundowner Cruise on the Nile.
You can also enjoy quad biking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, birding along the Nile. Jinja on the Nile has something for everyone.
Why visit Uganda? Adrenaline Pumping Adventures on the Nile
8. Hitting the Trails-Climbing the Peaks
Uganda is much more than Primates and wildlife but a hiking and climbing Destination that beyond the wildest dreams of those that want to hit the trails and climb the peaks found in the Pearl of Africa. There are the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, where you cannot climb the peaks of the tallest Mountain Range in Africa but hike in the foothills. A mountain range that is taller than the Alps of Europe and where you can climb for a lot less the third highest peak in Africa, Mount Margherita.
Take a day to climb one of the three Virunga Volcanoes, called the Mufumbiro Mountains, the Mountains that cook in Mgahinga National Park, or do a three to four-day climb an extinct massive volcano in the east of the country, Mount Elgon.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was named on CNN Travels Best Hiking Trails in the world list. Here you cannot track the Gentle Giants of the forest. Take one of the countless trails in and around the forest. Every national park has trails that will delight seasoned hikers that want to hit the trails in Africa.
Why visit Uganda? Hitting the Trails-Climbing the Peaks
9. Authentic Cultural Encounters
Ugandan Culture – Rich and Diverse. Culture, Traditions, handed down from generation to generation, not in books, but underneath the Village Elders’ Mango Trees. The Legends and ways of old shared again in Proverbs, legends, tales, and stories, keeping them alive in the hearts of the young.
Those Legends, Tales, Proverbs passed on to younger generations, to their hearts and minds, are still practiced in their various forms and make up the Culture of Uganda, making others call Authentic Africa.
The Ugandan Culture, Rich and Diverse, embedded in the lives of Ugandans. There is more to Uganda than Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Primates, Wildlife, and Scenic Wonders. There is another, its People with their Culture, an enriching and unforgettable experience in Uganda.
Thousands of visitors per year come each to visit Uganda – most of them miss the rich cultural diversity of the Ugandan people – something to be experienced during your visit to the Pearl of Africa.
Why visit Uganda? Authentic Cultural Encounters
10. Best Weather and Climate in East Africa
The Weather and Climate in Uganda – the Pearl of Africa is unlike any other East African Country. The Evergreen African County can boat Holiday Weather all year long since even during the Rainy Seasons. The sun comes out Each Day.
Though the equator runs through the country due to its elevation, Lake Victoria and its effects on the weather, milder Climate Conditions prevail, making it a perfect Holiday Destination.
Warm but rarely too hot, the temperatures do not fluctuate but are consistent year-round. Add to that Uganda’s Tourist Attractions from Mountain Gorillas to the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the sandy beaches of the Tropical Ssese Islands – Uganda is a great weather Safari Destination as more and more are finding out.
The Best Times of the Year to track Mountain Gorillas would be the dry seasons – but you can save a lot of money during the off-season when luxury lodges discount their rates, and we pass it on to you.
Why visit Uganda? Holiday-Weather all year long
11. Relax and Chill Out
Uganda is known for Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzee Tracking, Volcano, or Rwenzori Mountain Climbing, for adrenaline rush producing White Water Rafting – but places to relax and chill out at the end of a Safari, a Gorilla Trek?
Yes, Uganda has those places where you can unwind. They are just waiting to be discovered by you. The list of places is endless. Below are only a few that will give you an idea of finding the best places to relax and chill out in Uganda.
Our hidden tropical Islands are on Africa’s largest lake, the second largest lake in the World, Lake Victoria. Sandy Beaches on a Lake as vast as a small Ocean. Here you can relax and enjoy it since it is off the beaten Tourist Path.
You will enjoy our relaxation places where you can chill out and unwind at the end of your Safari.
Why visit Uganda? Relax and Chill-Out
11. Friendly – Welcoming – Hospitable -Safe & Secure
Uganda is unlike what many think it is like. To begin with, it is one of the friendliest countries in all of Africa. There is a genuine welcoming attitude that is not found elsewhere. People enjoy meeting people from other cultures. Always have some pictures of your family, home, and country to share with those you meet.
The concept of African Hospitality is deeply ingrained in Ugandan culture. A culture that not only welcomes guests but takes responsibility for their well-being while here.
Uganda is safe, secure, and stable. We just finished a rather vibrant election in January of 2021. Emotions ran high, words were exchanged, tempers flared, arrests were made, and in November, some Ugandans protesting were killed. Something that is still being investigated today.
Now, after the election, Ugandans are once again focused on survival, especially during the pandemic. Life has become normal, though election feelings are lingering on. Uganda today is safe for tourists, it is friendly, welcoming, and hospitable, plus it is the best English-Speaking country in all of Africa.
Why visit Uganda? It is a friendly, welcoming, hospitable, and safe country.
13. Affordability
Uganda is one of the most affordable countries for a safari, especially a primate safari in East Africa. Affordability is still an important factor, especially when it comes to a safari that includes Gorilla Tracking.
Uganda is the only country that offers safe, affordable mountain gorilla tracking safaris without compromising the quality of the experience,
In fact, a gorilla safari in Uganda will cost you half the price that it costs in neighboring Rwanda. Permits alone are $1,500 while they are $700 in Uganda.
Affordability is the reason that Uganda has become the Premier Mountain Gorilla Tracking Destination in Africa.
If you use a Ugandan Tour Operator such as ourselves, you cut out the middleman. There is no go-between, and you save even more.
We do our all to keep Safaris in Uganda an affordable experience.
Why visit Uganda? Affordability without compromise.
14. COVID-19
2020 was a year that the world stood still. The harsh winds of the COVID-19 pandemic swept around the world. Travel, including travel to Uganda, came to a screeching halt. Most of us lived under the shadows of one lockdown or another. Many of us developed a severe case of cabin fever which only will be cured as we travel again.
Most of us are being vaccinated. We are starting to dream again of an encounter with the forest’s gentle giants, the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda.
We never had the full assault of the virus here in Uganda. Now one year later, we had 345 that died during the past year. Tragic for the families affected but nowhere near what took place in Europe, North and South America, and parts of Asia.
To keep everyone safe, tourists, those in tourism in Uganda, and the gorillas and chimpanzees who are susceptible to the virus, the Ministry of Health, together with the World Health Organization, has together COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures intended to keep you well on a Safari in the Pearl of Africa. We suggest that you read them, and it will help you decide whether you can feel safe on a safari in Uganda. Here are theCOVID-19 guidelines.
Why visit Uganda? We keep you well with COVID-19 Protocols.
