If you are still not sure of the best captivating destination to pack for your next once in a life African Safari vacation, Uganda is here for you. It has a lot of things to make your days in Africa. Not only a plethora of seductions, this country draw travelers with a handful of things including welcoming locals, ease of accessibility, stable security, delicious local food and favorable climatic conditions.
It is geographically located in the Eastern part of the African continent sharing borders with Kenya in the East, Democratic Republic of Congo in west, Rwanda in the South west, Tanzania in the South and South Sudan in the north.
It is part of the East African community with Kenya, and Rwanda, you can get there by air transport means and you will land in at Entebbe international Airport. Without exception, Uganda is a true delight for all travelers of different interests.
It is hard to finish Uganda’s bucket list of top exciting pursuits but we have tried to highlight the must do that are listed as below.
Gorilla Trekking
This is the most popular of all Uganda’s adventure. Going on a gorilla safari in Bwindi or Mgahinga will enable you meet great apes upclose in the wild thick forests of South Western Uganda. You can embark on this adventure for a fee of US$700 (gorilla permit).
White water rafting
This is the main draw for most of water sport enthusiasts to Uganda. It usually includes sailing on the streaming waters by use of inflatable boats. The movement and direction of these boats is influenced by running waters.
While in Uganda, you can only do this excursion in Jinja along the waters of River Nile. It is a half day expedition, starts in the morning like at 9:00am up to 12:00pm in the afternoon. It costs $125 USD per person.
Chimpanzee tracking
One of the most prominent primates are the chimpanzees and thousands of holiday makers flock in to meet them face to face in the Jungle.
This is a must do and one of the most thrilling activities in Uganda. It is done a group and includes treks in the Jungle following the permanently established trails.
While in Uganda, you can go for this experience in Kibale Forest National Park, a hub for chimpanzee primates, Kalinzu Forest reserve, Budongo Forest, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
The prices for chimpanzee tracking vary according to destination, in Kibale it costs $200 USD, Kyambura and Kalinzu costs $50 USD and in Budongo forest it costs $90 USD per person.
Golden Monkey tracking
This activity lets you meet with the species of the old World monkey family in the Jungles. Like gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is done in a group and includes trekking in the Jungle.
Golden monkeys are usually found in mountainous bamboo forested areas; therefore physical fitness is a must. For Uganda, you can only be part of this encounter in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It costs $100 USD per person.
Boat Cruise
There nothing more bewitching than taking in the lush sceneries and picturesque views of landscapes from the waters.
This is a top highlight for adventurers who visit Uganda. You can do this experience in many other African locations but the one in Uganda is more exceptional.
Boat cruise in Uganda is common in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Jinja along River Nile, Entebbe on Lake Victoria and other locations.
Rhino Tracking
Rhinoceros are one of the African big fives; these wild animals draw plenty of Wildlife lovers of Uganda.
Rhinos in Uganda are only found in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. You can visit this location for the tracking experience; it lasts for about one to two hours.
This is a guided experience and you are advised to keep a distance from these animals because there are very dangerous to human life.
Kampala City Tour
This is one of the best experiences not to miss while in Uganda. It includes touring around Kampala visiting its major spots of interest.
Some of the outstanding places to visit include the Kasubi tombs, Uganda museum, Bahai temple, Namirembe and Rubaga Cathedral, Gadhafi Mosque, Namugongo Shrines and more.
Game drives
For first timers, game driving often involves driving around in the National Parks following the well-established trails with interest of sighting different Wildlife species.
With this pursuit, only a car with pop up roof is used. You can do game driving in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo, Murchison, and Lake Mburo National Park.
Mountain Hiking
To adventure lovers, Mountain hiking is exceptional in Uganda. This country differs itself from other destinations with numerous sites for hiking adventures.
These include Mountain Ruwenzori, Mountain Elgon and hiking trails in other places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kibale Forest National Park to name but a few.
Historical Sites
For history buffs about Uganda don’t miss its range of ancient sites like the Uganda Museum, Monuments within Kampala city, Royal palace for Buganda kingdom, Uganda martyrs shrines in Namugongo and more.
Local Food
Uganda is ranked among top destinations with mouthwatering cuisine in the World. Therefore don’t miss to savor its different specialities while on a Safari.
You can find different types like Matooke, Potatoes, and Cassava with dishes like ground nuts, beans, fish, and vegetables in varied restaurants around Kampala and other towns.