If Africa is your next destination, don’t hesitate to include Uganda on your wish list. Located in the Eastern region, this country has a lot for you. Besides the wide range of attractions, Uganda invites travelers with its favorable climatic conditions, stable security, ease of accessibility, welcoming locals, and unmatched hospitality services.
It shares borders with Rwanda in the southwest, Tanzania in the South, Kenya in the East, DR Congo in the West, and South Sudan in the north. Therefore it is no surprise that many travelers connect from one of these nearby countries to explore all that it offers.
If wildlife does not appeal, you still have a lot to partake including local life encounters, culinary adventures, and water-sport activities. The list of remarkable things to do on an Uganda Safari is endless, but below are some of the must-dos.
Kampala city tour
Kampala is known globally as Uganda’s capital. Other than business, this city has plenty of tourist spots that dot its suburbs. Some of these spots are historical sites like Kasubi tombs, Uganda museum, religious sites like Bahai temple, Rubaga and Namirembe cathedrals, Gadhafi mosque to mention but a few. There are many ways to explore these draws, but a city tour is the best. This guided tour takes about a full day in a well-conditioned Safari vehicle and an experienced driver-guide to give an insight about the city with its attractions.
Gorilla Trek
When it comes to naming Uganda’s must-do activities, gorilla trekking is the first on the list. This incredible pursuit grants grand opportunities to meet face to face with the rarely seen species of Gorillas in their natural habitats. A gorilla trek is a wish for every ape’s lover. If you are up to this on your Uganda Safari, there are no other places to go other than Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both Parks are located in the western part of Uganda and welcome thousands of travelers per year. The activity requires a one-day valid permit which costs US$700 per person. This permit issues permission to be among the eight tourists that are allowed to track a gorilla family per day.
White Water Rafting in Jinja
If a Gorilla trek isn’t your thing, Uganda is also famous for the great White water rafting expeditions. This watersport offers endless views of the riverside scenery and other picture-perfect landscapes. While in Uganda, you can do rafting adventures in Jinja along the waters of River Nile. Only a half-day excursion is offered. It starts in the morning up to noon at a cost of US$125 USD per person.
A visit to Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary
This protected area is one of the two sanctuaries in Uganda. Situated on an island that is part of the Koome group of Islands, Ngamba was established mainly to provide a home to the rescued Chimpanzee primates. It is currently a great habitat for over 49 chimp primates. Since it is located on an island, you can only get there by boat or plane. Some of the activities to indulge in while at the sanctuary are caregiving, chimpanzee feeding, food collection, and more.
Rhino Tracking in Ziwa
Listed among the African Big Fives, Rhinoceros is a favorite animal for most Wildlife addicts. If you are among them, these animals in Uganda are found in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This protected area is a few kilometers from Kampala. It was put in place to reintroduce the species of Rhinoceros. It now homes to the white species of Rhinoceros. Some of them were exported from Solio Ranch in Kenya and others donated by the Disney kingdom of animals. Rhino tracking in Ziwa lasts for one hour and costs 50 USD per person.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Uganda is a paradise for primate lovers. It records a number of primate species including the Chimpanzees. For those who would wish to meet face to face with the Chimpanzee, make sure to include Chimpanzee tracking among your must-do activities in Uganda. There are many places to check out for Chimpanzee tracking excursions, but Kibale Forest National Park is exceptional. This park is located in western Uganda. It is renowned as the primate capital of Uganda. The tracking in Kibale is offered in three sessions including morning, afternoon, and evening. Its permit costs 200 USD per person.
Try local cuisine
For foodies, Uganda has something special for you. Its local food is ranked as one of the most delicious in East Africa. There are many dishes, therefore try to taste one of them before you leave. These dishes are served in most restaurants around cities and food stalls in local markets.
Game Viewing
When it comes to Wildlife, Uganda is hard to compare. Its wide range of unique Wildlife species is one of the reasons thousands of tourists are welcomed per year. These species include wild animals, birds, insects, reptiles, and plant life. The best way to immerse yourself into Uganda’s rich Wildlife is to take game drives in numerous parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls National Park to name but a few.
