Uganda has several tourist destinations that will leave your mind blown at the stunning views of the beautiful landscapes and the spectacular wildlife and the beautiful people. Here are some of the major tour attractions in Uganda to make your holiday a memorable one.
Murchison Falls National Park
This is the largest and oldest National Park in Uganda covering over 3,877 sq km and one of the most spectacular safari destinations in Africa. The Nile plunges through a narrow gorge and over a 40-metre drop. A cruise to the falls is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy wildlife at the river banks including elephant, crocodile, giraffe, hippopotamus, lion, buffalo, and countless antelopes and birds can be observed.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Queen Elizabeth National Park in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley covers 2,056 sq. km and has a remarkable variety of ecosystems, from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green fields, savannah and swamps. It is the home for the famous tree-climbing lions, Uganda Kob, other antelope species, buffalo, elephant, baboons, hippos and chimpanzees. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded there, making the park the best spot for bird watchers. The bird species include the black bee-eater, king fisher and several species of falcons, eagles and other raptors. In the crater lakes to the north. Another favorite way to view the game in the park is by launch trip on the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The park with its dense ground cover of vines and shrubs is home to the world endangered mountain gorillas harboring more than half of the world’s total gorilla population. Gorilla permits are required for tracking the gorillas and it’s advisable to make reservations at least three months in advance. Bwindi is one of the richest parts for flora in Eastern Africa. The forest is also sanctuary for Columbus monkeys and numerous bird types including some endangered species.
Mgahinga Gorilla
This is yet another sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas. It is Located on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the extreme southwest corner of Uganda. The park is a secure habitat for the mountain gorillas. Besides the gorillas, other wildlife may be viewed including the leopard, bushbuck, buffalo, giant forest hog and golden monkey.
Kibale Forest National Park
The rainforest is located to the north-east of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The forest is home to the highest number of Chimps in the whole of East Africa. The park is known for its primate population 13 different species inhabit the park including many groups of chimpanzees. The forests and the grasslands there support plentiful bird life almost 300 species have been identified and 144 types of butterflies.
Kidepo National Park
Kidepo is one of the most isolated parks found in North East Uganda and covers 1,436 sq. km. It is occupied by various wildlife including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah various antelope species, giraffe, baboon, bush baby and over 200 bird species. Two game viewing routes connect the rest camp with the major wildlife zones near the Winwing River and the rock cliff to the southwest. On the park’s northern boundaries are the Kananorok Hot Springs.
Mount Elgon
This is an extinct volcano found on Uganda’s eastern boundary. The mountain boasts abundant interesting landscapes including gorges, waterfalls, ancient caves and hot springs. Birdlife is rich on the mountain although various wildlife may also be encountered there.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki is the only park in Uganda to be composed mainly of tropical lowland forest. The forest is very thick and quite flat, creating an astounding contrast to the rugged Rwenzori Mountains nearby. The Semuliki River attracts numerous wildlife. The park is home to eight species of primates, 400 birds and 300 butterfly species. Leopard, civet, Elephant, buffalo, bush baby and flying squirrels are also found.
Lake Mburo National Park
Located between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara, lake Mburo is composed mostly of grassland, wetland and acacia woodland. At the center lies the Lake Mburo, which together with 14 other lakes forms part of a wide wetland area. Wildlife to look out for include the impala, rock hyrax, zebra, eland, waterbuck, buffalo, warthog, leopard, civet, hyena, hippo, and crocodile. There are over 357 species of birds including the marabou stock and the crowned crane.
Rwenzori Mountains
The mist-shrouded peaks of the Mountains of the Moon provide a fabulous background to this magnificent park, found on Uganda’s western border. Some of the peaks are permanently covered in snow and glaciers, while the lower hills are enclosed with dense forests. Here is Mt. Magherita the third highest mountain in Africa, which rises to 5,100 meters above sea level. Walking tours in the bottom are a feature though only the experienced and physically fit should attempt an ascend on the peaks. Some of the animals to look out for include the chimpanzees,
along with the blue monkey, hyrax, giant forest hog and several unique bird species such as the Rwenzori turaco, the francolin and the olive pigeon.
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre was created with the help of the Wildlife Conservation Centre in New York. The Centre has grown considerably in recent past and hosts a variety of wildlife. At this center, visitors are able to watch many of the indigenous species to be found in most national parks in Uganda and also to receive comprehensive information on these species, their natural habitats and the complex ecologies of Uganda.
People and Culture
Ugandan society is still largely rural with 80% of the population living in rural areas. Traditional customs and way of life are still vibrant in many parts of the country adding spice to the tourist experience. Ugandans generally have a reputation for a friendly approach to visitors. The diversity of many tribes in Uganda make it worth getting insight about. These customs are kept alive by many colorful ceremonies marking specific ancient cultures.
The Ssese Islands
Consisting of 84 independent islands in the north-west section of Victoria, the Ssese Islands have for a long time mostly been visited by local people and campers because of lack of tourist services. Several campsites have been opened and can be booked through local tour operators. However, many of the islands are unoccupied except for a few fishermen so their forests and swamps are ideal habitats for many bird species. The wildlife on the islands includes chimpanzees and monkeys.
CONCLUSION
Uganda has some of the best tour attractions not only for the foreign people but also for the local people. A trip to Uganda will give you the best insights of the pearl of Africa.