Although Uganda is small in size compared to some of its neighbours, “the pearl of Africa” has a lot to offer tourists. Its one-of-a-kind landscapes and scenery, incredible wildlife, bird life, culture, and welcoming people truly make it the “Pearl of Africa.” Here are a few reasons why you need to visit Uganda.
The gorillas
In Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks on the Virunga Mountain slopes, Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Mountain gorillas can be seen during Gorilla Trekking experiences. All-inclusive gorilla trekking adventures are widely organized by tour operators and led by rangers. As you watch these gentle giants relax in their natural habitat, time seems to stand still — a mystical experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
The best place to see chimps
Uganda is one of the few countries that can offer such a wide range of wildlife and safari experiences on a single trip. Seeing chimps in the wild is a thrilling experience. Chimps, unlike majestic gorillas, squabble and interact socially, climb up and down trees, and generally keep you entertained. Chimp trekking in Uganda is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on the continent. Kibale Forest, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks are the three main chimp trekking destinations in Uganda. Kibale Forest is the best place for chimp trekking because of its high population density and frequent sightings.
The scenery
Uganda’s scenery is unique, with lush rolling hills, forests, waterfalls, lakes, snowcapped mountains, rivers such as the Nile River, and vast Savannah grasslands. Visiting all of these landscapes exposes you to a wide range of attractions found within. The country punches well above its weight and offers something extraordinary for those keen explorers. The Rwenzori mountain range, romantically known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” lies to the west. Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake and the Nile’s main reservoir, lies to the south. When it comes to the world’s longest river, the Nile runs the length of Uganda, from Lake Victoria in the south to the rolling grasslands in the north, and then across the border into South Sudan.
The variety of wildlife
We’ve already mentioned the pearl of Africa’s gorillas and chimps, but Uganda is also home to a diverse range of other wildlife. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, herds of water buffalo luxuriate in the shallow waters of the Kazinga Channel, while elephants march along trails with their family members. On a game drive in Bwindi National Park’s Ishasha region, safari-goers should look out for elusive tree-climbing lions and elegant antelope grooving through the long grasses.
The friendly locals
As a global population, we are fortunate to live in a time when different cultures can cross and entangle. Knowing how people greet visitors, communicate, eat, and spend their leisure time will make your Uganda holiday trip more rewarding. Uganda is a warm and welcoming destination where any visitor can easily navigate customs, cultures, and communities. Ugandans are incredibly friendly and open, and they greet visitors with a wave, big smiles, and a great sense of humour.
Visit Uganda for the adventure
Uganda — unspoiled and raw — offers a genuine sense of off-the-beaten-path adventure. Here, holidaymakers feel like intrepid explorers as they travel through Uganda’s remote and desolate regions, enjoying the incredible diversity of the landscape. Basic market stalls made of knotted tree branches sell a variety of locally grown produce, while families go about their daily lives in mud-hut villages. Travellers can see expansive vistas of craggy peaks and lush hillsides rising into the blue skies by taking a guided walk in the foothills of the spectacular Rwenzori Mountains. There is so much to see in the pearl of Africa.
Responsible tourism
A trip to Uganda will not only help endemic wildlife but will also help to improve the standard of living for local people. Responsible tourism is one of the country’s core values, and most tour operators support the community by hiring local group leaders, guides, and drivers for any experience.
