TOP DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN UGANDA
The landlocked East African nation is bordered by Tanzania in the South, Kenya in the East, Rwanda in the South West, South Sudan in the North, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the West. She is still experiencing progress in her tourism and the naturally gifted nation was labeled the “pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill in 1907 depends so much on nature in her tourism. Do you know what the top destinations to visit in Uganda are?
Famous in the world because of the dictator Idd Amin and also iconic features like the world’s most powerful waterfall, the Largest freshwater body lake in Africa the gigantic L. Victoria which doubles as the source of the world’s longest river (R. Nile) and having half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The country has got a number of destinations all with different and unique attractions ranging from the diverse and breathtaking wildlife terrain, landscapes, culture, and adventure in East Africa, Africa, and the world as a whole. Here are the best places in Uganda that should be on your bucket list when planning and exploration to the wonderful country.
Bwindi Impenetrable national Park–South Western Uganda
The forested national park is in southwestern Uganda and is known for its unique and rich biodiversity. The UNESCO world heritage site is home to the endangered mountain Gorillas and other 120 mammals, over 200 butterfly species, and over 350 bird species of which 23 are Albertine endemics. The park is the second most visited national park in Uganda and is famous for gorilla tracking and habituation harboring over 560 mountain gorillas in 19 families/groups.
Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Spread over 1978sqKm, the park is the second largest national park in Uganda and the most visited national park in Uganda. Located in Western Uganda 370km from the capital, Kampala, and was formerly known as Kazinga National park, not until the Queen’s visit in 1954 that it was named after her. Famous for the tree-climbing lions, the Kamengo crater which is the most beautiful crater, and the Kazinga channel that joins two water bodies of L. George and L. Edward.
The park is home to 95 species of mammals of which include four of the big five namely Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Buffalo, and the park is also good for birdlife with over 600 bird species. The park gives the best views of the Rwenzori ranges and also an equator experience in the wild.
Murchison Falls National Park.
Well known for amazing wildlife the national park is also home to four of the big five. The park was also home to the Rhinos though they got extinct in the park but were re-introduced in Uganda in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary that is located along the route to the national park in Nakasongola. Known as the world’s most powerful waterfalls in this park it’s where the Nile River forces its self in a 7-meter gorge where you take a boat cruise on the Albert Nile and take a hike to the top of the falls.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Hidden far in the semi-arid valleys of North Eastern Uganda 700 km from the capital city bordered by South Susan in the North and Kenya in the east the folks since 1962 when it was gazetted call it Kidepo Valley national park but also got by the slogan “true African wilderness”.
A few people and even tourists have made it as far as north to this park but the who have traveled there have been rewarded as the park has over 70 mammals and 475 bird species and magnificent scenery as the park is untamed and far away from modernity.
Kidepo Valley national park is the most isolated park of the 10 national parks in Uganda but the few who have traveled the long journey to the north tell that it’s the most beautiful and it also ranks among Africa’s finest national parks.
Kibale National Park
Also a forested national park in Western Uganda and nicknamed “primate capital of the world” is famous for the human’s closest primate the Chimpanzees and chimpanzee tracking and habituation. The park also contains over 375 bird species, 70 mammals, and famously 13 species of primates. The park also adjoins Queen Elizabeth National Park for the wildlife in Ishasha plains in the south of Queen Elizabeth National park. The Kibale-Fort portal area is one of Uganda’s destinations to explore.
Kampala City
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. It is also the national and commercial city that borders L. Victoria the largest freshwater lake in Africa. The city is divided into five divisions of Kawempe, Rubaga, Makindye, Nakawa, and the Kampala central division. Situated on seven hills of Makerere hill that has the country’s main and oldest university, Rubaga Hill, Kibuli hill, Namirembe hill, Mengo hill, Kasubi and Nsambya hill all covered with red-tiled villas and protruding from the rain forests the city has got a population of over 5 million people. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa.
Kampala city has got a number of attractions that you shouldn’t miss while in the city they include the National Museum, National Theatre, Rubaga and Namirembe cathedrals, Kasubi tombs, Bahai temple, Gaddafi national mosque, Ndere center, Wamala tombs among others. And for the international tourists, it is where it all begins and ends as it is near to the country’s main entry port (Entebbe International Airport).
Jinja
Jinja lies in South Eastern Uganda on the shores of Lake Victoria near the source of the Nile River. The nearby Owen fall dam regulates the flow of the river and generates electricity. Jinja is known as the adventure capital of Uganda and has a lot to offer in a way of sports, adventure, and activities. Having the Nile River the area is good for activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, kayaking, quad biking, canoeing, camping, birding, jet boating, and motorcycling. It is for the sole reason (source of the Nile and Nile) that all these activities take place here.
For adventure lovers and those who would like to test themselves with nature, Jinja is the cluster for you.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo national park is the smallest park in Uganda spread only on 370sqkm and is the closest national park to the country’s capital Kampala about a 4-hour drive. Enjoying the uniqueness of the park where you can interact with wildlife on horseback, foot, and mountain bikes. The park has got diverse and unique wildlife like impalas, elands, hippos, buffalos, leopards, and also enjoying the Ankole long-horned cattle grazing with wildlife. It is also one of the key birding hotspots with over 350 bird species.
If you are planning a wildlife, cultural, and birding safari in Uganda you shouldn’t miss out on these spots on your travel itinerary or bucket list for supreme experiences.