Uganda is a true safari destination which is located right in East Africa. It is a landlocked country found in the heart of Africa. It is a great destination with realistic opportunities to tourists – go gorilla tracking in the impenetrable jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, get close to chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, enjoy game viewing in various national parks including Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and more.
The people of Uganda began to discover that a large number of visitors from all around the world are very delighted to explore the many safari and tourist attractions. For many years now, Uganda is brought up to be the most popular tourist attraction of Africa. Today, there are a tremendous amount of travelers taking a Uganda safari to see different types of animals such as lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, leopards, the primates mans closest relatives; chimpanzees, gorillas, baboons, the birds, and many more.
Top Things to Do in Uganda
There are lots of things to do in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Gorilla Trekking
This is the most popular adventure to take while in Uganda. Seeing the gorillas in the mist covered forests of South Western Uganda is a dream come true. Uganda hosts almost half of the remaining population of the mountain gorillas within two national parks; Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On a safari through these parks venture through the jungles, bond with nature, and learn about the mountain gorillas, endangered species found in the wild.
Chimpanzee Tracking
The chimpanzee is another primate found in large numbers in Uganda. The chimpanzee, popularly called as chimp, is the species that is closest in resemblance to the humans. They share 98% of the genes of humans.
The primary area for chimpanzee trekking is the Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. Other species of monkeys too are plenty in number. Ngamba Island Sanctuary is another tourist hotspot famous for the chimpanzee population. The average adult male chimpanzee is three meters tall with a weight between 35 and 70 kg. The female on the other hand is two to four feet in height with a weight between 26 and 50 kg.
The life expectancy of chimpanzees is 40. Those bred in captive centers are known to live till the age of 60. There has been tremendous effort to conserve the species. Support has been garnered throughout the world. In Uganda, the Jane Goodall Foundation is the primary foundation for the conservation of chimpanzees and gorillas. Support is also pooled by the Experience Africa Safaris, a local tour operator based in Kampala.
Game Viewing
Uganda’s natural attractions exceed the opportunity to see the gorillas in the wild. Uganda has ten national parks including savanna parks, forested parks and mountainous areas. According to the Bradt Guide, Uganda in an ecological nutshell is the point where the eastern savanna meets the West African Jungle. This really does offer visitors to the country to experience the two worlds from a single destination.
There are lots of things to do in these parks including superb game viewing, scenic viewing,viewing the beautiful and exotic landscape, rain forests, and intriguing wildlife consisting of the big five. With all of these features that Uganda has to offer, it has definitely made this destination in Africa one of the most incredibly fascinating places to experience a safari.
Primates Watching
There is no other African destination where one can see a comparable variety of primates with very little effort like in Uganda. On a single trip you can see not only the great apes but also over ten monkey species. The tiny wide-eyed bushbaby and the peculiar potto can also be easily seen in Uganda. If you are looking to primate watching, no any other destination will quench your desires like Uganda.
Eco Tours
Unlike destinations that have seen mass tourism, Uganda is a virgin land to tourists. Uganda offers a feel of being intimate, daring and unspoilt. The green counytry side offers a real feel of getting back to nature and a safari through well protected national parks make it the best ecotourism destination in not only Africa but also the world.
Looking to starting your adventure journey in this beautiful country? There are a lot of safaris to take in Uganda ranging from day trips, mini safaris to long safaris that include tours in Uganda national parks. Notable special interest safaris include gorilla trekking, bird watching, mountain climbing, cultural interaction tours, white water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling, etc.