Why You Should Visit Uganda, the Pearl of Africa The 20 top reasons why you should visit Uganda the pearl of Africa. She is gifted by nature, boasts her variety of wildlife and over 1000 bird species. Uganda has diverse and stunning landscapes in Africa’s tallest mountain range, the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the vastness of Africa’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria, the River Nile that begins its journey through the country to the Mediterranean Sea. Uganda has a rich culture of lovely flora and fauna among others. Uganda Is The Pearl Of Africa | Reasons To Visit Uganda Because of her natural beauty, natural wonders, and her welcoming people while on a tour of Winston Churchill to Uganda with magnificent features and creatures, Winston Churchill in his book “My African Journey” concluded declaring Uganda as the Pearl of Africa in the year 1908. He emphasized this when he talked of Uganda’s magnificence, color and bird species, reptiles, insects, beasts, mammals, and vegetation. He critically looked into all this and analyzed and described it as a fairy tale, with unique environmental attributes and a moderate climate due to the country’s location at the equator. Words are not enough to describe Uganda but you need to see the country yourself. Winston was so amazed by what he saw and found in Uganda while on his journey as he had not seen it elsewhere before hence uniquely identifying it as the Pearl of Africa. Uganda has diverse and stunning landscapes in Africa’s tallest mountain range, the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the vastness of Africa’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria, the River Nile that begins its journey through the country to the Mediterranean Sea. Best Places To Visit In Uganda Uganda has a rich culture of lovely flora and fauna among others. Flora And Fauna Of Uganda Uganda, the Pearl of Africa has a biodiverse flora and fauna and is known for its splendor, natural wonders, and amazing people. Uganda has a wealth of unexploited natural resources. It showcases a varied collection of habitats, landscapes, and vegetation from open wooded savannah forest and acacia woodlands, tropical forest, riparian forests, montane forests, rocky outcrops, grasslands, marshes, sweeping valleys, craggy hills, bush thickets, and extensive wetlands—all these varied vegetation hosts abundant wildlife, primates, and birdlife. Being close to the equator and its location on the great African plateau gives it a remarkable biological and physical flora and fauna. Uganda has a consistently tropical hot climate, and the temperatures are relatively uniform throughout the year. Temperatures are also affected by the wide variation in altitude across the country. The presence of Lake Victoria provides moisture to the south, thus induces precipitation in the western shores. Without this lake, it would be dry and arid throughout the year. However, most regions receive between 1000mm to 2000mm of rainfall annually. Uganda is a country of diversity in her people, natural inheritance, lands, foods, weather—name it. It is pretty tough getting what is unique to Uganda because there are many products and services to fit that profile. Mountain Gorillas Uganda has 54% of all the mountain gorillas in the world. Considering that there are only 880 or so mountain gorillas, this is a significant contribution to world heritage. The mountain gorillas are found in the world heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (50% of world mountain gorillas) and Mgahinga National Park. Birding In addition, about 11% of the world’s bird species are found here in Uganda—a country about the size of Oregon in North America; or UK in Europe. There are over 1060 bird species in Uganda and one can literary begin birding right after departure from the airport or a step through the border. Mountains Of The Moon | Rwenzori Mountains Africa’s largest and highest mountain range, the Mt. Rwenzoris (Mountains of the Moon as Greek philosopher Ptolemy called them) are found on the western rim of the Great Rift Valley that goes through Uganda. Mt. Rwenzori, the third highest in Africa, has permanent snow and glacier through the year. It has the unique three horned chameleon. River Nile Uganda is the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river that flows from the Lake Victoria, the largest tropical fresh water lake, and the world’s second largest fresh water lake. Cultural Diversity With over 45 languages and dialects, Uganda is a rich cultural mixing pot right in the heart of Africa. The rich cultural diversity means variety in foods, dressing, customs and beliefs. And it is for beliefs that Uganda today is known for the Uganda Martyrs. These 45 young men died for their Christian faith rather than submit to the Kabaka of Buganda between 1885- 1887. Today, over 3 million people from all parts of Uganda, Africa and other parts of Africa travel to pay homage in memory of these Christian martyrs. Historical sites and homes to legendary tribes, most people don’t know about. The Batwa Trail is not only about the Batwa people. While it goes through their former lives in the forests, considering they are believed to be the earliest dwellers in this part of Africa, other people live in the same area. You will find the Bakinga and Bafumbira who live in the same communities. There are several historical sites in Uganda. In Buganda, we have the Kasubi Tombs, a world heritage site that has been the burial place for the kings (Kabakas) of Buganda. The kingdom of Buganda has been in existence for over 600 years. The Bunyoro Kingdom, which has been there even longer, once stretched beyond Kisangani in DRC, all the way to central Uganda and way down to Northern Tanzania and Rwanda. Today, the Omukama of Bunyoro has his main seat in Hoima also the land where Uganda’s largest oil reserves are. In Bunyoro are historical sites of the kingdom with some of the tunnels the Bunyoro forces built in the fight against the British colonialists and their supporters. Fort Patiko in northern Uganda is one of the remaining forts built by colonialists in the bid to take over the people of Uganda. In Kampala, we have the Uganda Martyrs shrine where 45 young men gave up their lives rather than give up their Christian faith. The shrines and the museum are a great attraction for 3 million domestic and international tourists. What is the vegetation of Uganda? Geographically, Uganda is generally a flat plateau with an altitude of above 900m in most parts of the country with numerous small hills and valleys and extensive savanna plains. Vegetation in Uganda is exceptionally diverse, a result of the different microclimates of the country. Vegetation zones can be roughly classified according to the rainfall/ climatic zones; Lake region Northern Region Highlands of the Southeast Vegetation is heaviest in the south and typically becomes wooded savannah in central and northern Uganda. In the highlands southwest, however, cultivation is intensive even on the high mountain slopes. However, there are scattered patches of thick forest or elephant grass and mvuli trees, providing excellent timber. The cooler western highlands contain a higher proportion of long grass and forest. In the drier northern region, short grasses appear, and there are areas of open woodland; thorn trees and Borassus palms also grow. Savannah grasslands cover most of Uganda but vary in different regions depending on the altitude and temperatures. Southwest may be wooded, shrubby to the north, or dry to the northeast. Savannah habitat is dominated by grassland dotted with Borassus palms, woodland with forest patches. The woody vegetation is dominated by acacia-dotted savanna species, Olea, and Boscia species. Forest savannah mosaic vegetation is scattered throughout the country in areas close to water bodies. The forest vegetation has high amounts of evapotranspiration, increasing the rainfall around the region. The forest vegetation lessens soil erosion, flooding and ensures that streams continue to flow in the dry season. Uganda is in the cradle of mountains, which means mountain vegetation covers most of the countryside, like in the Rwenzori mountains and the Mount Elgon region. Budongo forest, in Murchison Falls National Park, is the largest natural mahogany forest with ironwood trees. Hygrophilous vegetation thrives in highly humid areas, lining near the Great Lakes, such as papyrus swamp and narrow lush riparian woodland bands. The Best Time To Visit Uganda | When To Visit Uganda | Best Time To Uganda | Best Time To Go To Uganda The best time to visit Uganda is between June to August and December to February, which is during the Dry seasons. Wildlife viewing is at its peak. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Uganda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet, and one can’t avoid rain completely. However, after heavy rain, the skies often open up to bright sunshine. Best Time: June to August and December to February (All parks) High Season: June to September (It’s rarely crowded, but you’ll need to book your gorilla permits and chimpanzee permits long in advance) Low Season: March, April, May, October, November (Some lodges and camps in high rainfall areas close down; roads and forest trails can be in poor condition) Best Weather: June-July and January-February (Little rainfall) Worst Weather: March, April and May (Peak of Wet season) June to August and December to February –Dry Season This is the best time for gorilla trekking because these are the drier months In the savannah reserves, vegetation is less and animals gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot Even during the high season (June to September) the parks don’t feel crowded The skies are clear; there is less rain and more sunshine Gorilla permits need to be booked very far in advance March to May and September to November –Wet Season The scenery of the savannah reserves is greener – it’s low season, resulting in lower rates Although wildlife in the savannah reserves is easier to spot in the Dry season, you’ll still see plenty There are many newborn animals Some of the roads get very bad and cars often get stuck; forest trails can become slippery and challenging You won’t be able to change your expensive gorilla permit if it pours with rain; departures go as scheduled Best Time to Go to Uganda by Major Park All parks are best visited during the Dry season from June to August and December to February. Want to Visit Uganda? Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Safari Tours Uganda Luxury Gorilla Tours Uganda Gorilla Tours Uganda Chimp Trekking Tours Wildlife Safaris Hits: 959 1. VARIETY OF WILDLIFE2. MOUNTAIN GORILLAS3. BIRDING4. RWENZORI MOUNTAINS The Variety Of Wildlife Uganda has one of the best wildernesses on the continent. Uganda undoubtedly has one of the best and most attractive wildlife in the world. Uganda is very rich in wildlife and is one of the countries that harbor the big five game animals (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes). The best spots for viewing wildlife in Uganda are Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park respectively. A wildlife viewing experience in Uganda is definitely worth the time and money and will leave strong memories in your mind. Unspoiled and raw, Uganda presents a real sense of off-the-beaten-track adventure. Uganda is gifted by so many natural and cultural attractions yet undiscovered by many. Uganda still remains a virgin and most tourists interviewed say that this was their first visit and promised to return with their friends. With an astonishing number of hippos, elephants, and buffaloes that are thriving in Uganda’s National Parks, Surely Uganda is well endowed. Uganda has over 350 species of mammals of all sizes. They range from large mammals like Gorillas, Rhinos, Hippos, chimpanzees, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Zebra, Giraffes, and Warthogs to small ones, like Bats, moles, and shrews. These mammals can be grouped into three categories: Primates (gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, and more), Carnivores (Leopards, African wildcats, Cheetahs, and more), and Herbivores (Buffalos, elephants, Giraffes, and more). 5. MURCHISON FALLS6. CHIMPANZEES7. GIFT OF NATURE8. THE NILE Murchison Falls National Park Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest protected area; home to a wide range of savannah wildlife such as leopards, elephants, buffalos, lions, giraffes, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, and more. At the top of the explosive Murchison Falls, the water of the Nile forces its way through a gorge (gap) in the rocks only 7 m (23 ft) wide, and tumbles 43 m (141 ft), before flowing westward into Lake Albert. The outlet of Lake Victoria sends around 300 cubic meters per second (11,000 ft³/s) of water over the falls, squeezed into a gorge less than 10 m (33 ft) wide. Did you know that Murchison Falls are the most powerful waterfalls in the whole world? It is a park of wild and rugged beauty that deserves your attention. Murchison Falls also referred to as the Kabalega Falls, is a waterfall that lies between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on River Nile. Sir Samuel Bar and his wife, Florence Baker were the first European explorers to find this explosive waterfall. Sir Baker named this waterfall after Sir Roderick Murchison, president of the Royal Geographical Society by then. The falls are the centerpiece of Murchison Falls National Park. 9. LAKE BUNYONYI10. TREE CLIMBING LIONS11. CULTURAL DIVERSITY12. FOOD Lake Bunyonyi Lake Bunyonyi, which means “lake of small birds,” is located in southwestern Uganda. It is the second-deepest freshwater lake in Africa and is a stunning view when seen from one of the hills around it. Its beauty is even such that it is printed on one of Uganda’s currency notes. There are 29 islands in the lake, and it’s a heaven for bird lovers. Lake Bunyonyi lies in the southwestern part of Uganda close to the Rwandan border. At approximately 1,962 meters above sea level, this magical lake enjoys moderate temperatures all year round and the lake is usually cool in both the morning and evening hours. The majority of the tourists visit this lake after gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Activities at this lake that has over 29 islands include fishing, zip-lining, canoeing, community walks and so many other activities that will keep the spark of a safari alive throughout your visit. 13. FRIENDLY PEOPLE14. SAFETY15. BEAUTIFUL WEATHER16. AFFORDABILITY Friendly People (Uganda Named The Friendliest Country) Uganda was described as the friendliest country globally following a survey conducted among expatriates globally, according to the BBC. A global community network (Inter-Nations) conducted their annual Expat Insider survey of more than 14,000 experts from 191 countries, asking residents to rate a number of aspects about life abroad, including how easy it was to settle in, a country’s friendliness, and ease of making friends. The sight of a visitor brings a smile to everybody’s face. They will demonstrate this by saying hello to you and calling out Muzungu wherever you pass. This warm aspect about Ugandans can make any kind of visitor feel at home while in Uganda. Every traveler knows that connecting with the local people will guarantee a very great travel experience as they will teach you to give you a broader insight into their culture and way of living. Ugandans are welcoming and curious about their visitors and where they come from, and a Ugandan will go out of their way to make anyone feel welcome. 17. SEMLIKI18. SIPI FALLS19. CONSERVATION20. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Semliki National Park This is the only park in Uganda to be composed primarily of tropical lowland forests. The forest is very dense and quite flat, creating a startling contrast to the rugged Rwenzori Mountains nearby. The park is home to eight species of primate, 400 birds, and 300 butterfly species. Elephant, buffalo, leopard, civet, bushbaby, and flying squirrels are also found. Areas of Interest Sempaya Hot Springs The Sempaya Hot Springs are Semliki national park’s most famous attraction. The “male” spring, known as Bintente, measures 12m in diameter and is set in a lush swampy clearing. The “female” spring Nyasimbi, meaning “the female ancestors”, is a boiling geyser (103°C) which spurts bubbling water and steam up to two meters high – the steam cloud can be seen from as far as 2km away. Local people used to cook their food in these boiling pools. Sempaya – Ntandi Road This 6km section of public road runs through one of the loveliest tracts of forest in Uganda and provides views of birds and monkeys high up in the forest canopy. Birding walks take place in Sempaya, as well as night hikes deep into the forest. In Ntandi, local Batwa dancers put on traditional performances for visitors. Another local attraction is the Mungiro Falls near the hot springs. Toro – Semliki Wildlife Reserve In Uganda’s oldest reserve, tropical rainforest meets grassy savanna and the flat plains are punctuated by deep river valleys. The unique geography is reflected in the diversity of wildlife, which includes the forest mammals of Central Africa, key East African species, and a variety of birdlife. Chimp tracking commences here.
