While Uganda is considered one of the most sought after safari destinations in Africa, most travelers are still left out confuse with which attractions catch a glimpse while on Uganda safari. However, Uganda is undoubtedly a hidden gem! It is located in East Africa and it is truly the Pearl of Africa, meaning tourists have opportunity to discover and enjoy all that that African continent has in offer to the world. It refuges countless species of wildlife including the big five game; magical mountains like the Rwenzori Mountain ranges that ranks as one of the tallest mountains in Africa, the source of the mighty River Nile –one of the longest Rivers in the world, Lake Victoria-one of the only fresh water Lakes that are left in the world and features among the largest in Africa. Besides, it is one of only 3 countries in the world where you can track the rare mountain gorillas and features all the two national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National in the southwest which refuges the largest number of these critically endangered species in the wild; there are also other species of primates to catch a glimpse in Uganda especially chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoests that make it capital of primates in the world.
There are several things to do while in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. From popular gorilla trekking expeditions to chimpanzee tracking, there are several adventure activities that you should not miss while on a holiday in Uganda.
Here are the top things to do on a vacation in Uganda.
Adrenaline adventures
If you are adventure enthusiast and you are looking for the most breathtaking adventures then Jinja should be a must to include in your bucket list. Jinja is best described as a capital of adrenaline adventures in East Africa. For adventure lovers, Uganda offers variety of thrilling adventures especially at the source of Nile, Jinja and the leading ones include White water rafting. This adventure doesn’t any experience but only requires you to know how to swim and you will certainly fall in love with this adventure of a lifetime. Other thrilling adventures to participate in include bungee jumping which offers you opportunity to kiss the water of the Nile; Kayaking, boat cruise, quad biking, horseback rides and others.
Kampala City Tour.
For a blend of culture, history, tradition and culinary adventures, endeavor to be part of the Kampala city tour. With this day tour, travelers get grand opportunities to reach numerous points of interest with in the city suburbs such as historical sites like; Kasubi tombs & Uganda museum, religious sites, Craft shops and local markets. Don’t miss to taste the yummy local dishes; Rolex, Katogo, Matooke, millet, to name but a few.
Gorilla Trekking.
Gorilla trekking in either Bwindi Impenetrable forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is amongst the top activities that invite tourists from different parts of the World. Gorilla trek often includes rewarding strolls within the Jungle until you locate the allocated Gorilla family. Time taken and distance moved depends on the location of these apes.
Once you encounter them, only one hour is allowed in the presence of these giant apes. You are free as many photos as you can with you your time of viewing.
Gorilla trekking expeditions doesn’t only grant you the one hour session with the Gorillas, but you are as well exposed to different plant species that call the lush habitats of Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla National park home. For anyone to be part of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, you must buy a Gorilla permit.
Boat Cruise.
Other than taking in Uganda’s charm in a well-conditioned Safari vehicle or on foot, you can as well attain the same experience from a boat. Nothing is more rewarding, than cruising on the waters while admiring the awe inspiring views of the River or lakeside scenery. If you are up to this experience, some of the best places to have it are Queen Elizabeth National Park along the Kazinga channel, River Nile on Murchison Falls National Park from top to the bottom of the falls, Jinja along River Nile and along the waters of Lake Bunyonyi.
Game Drives.
Uganda is known for its diverse Wildlife, therefore it is no surprise that thousands of Wildlife addicts flock in per year. There are a number of ways to soak up all this, however with a Game drive its exceptional and more rewarding. From the pop up roof of a 4×4 Safari vehicle, you won’t stop appreciating the birds’ eye views of Wild animals, wilderness, sun/rise, bird species and reptiles. The major Parks to consider for game driving in Uganda include Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National park, Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Chimpanzee Tracking.
Are you after primates? If so, Uganda has something for you. It is recorded with abundant primate species including Chimpanzees, the closest animals to human being features. Tracking Chimpanzees is somehow strenuous, but rewarding once you make it to the exact location of these active creatures.
Like Gorilla Treking, while in the Jungles for Chimps, you are exposed to a range of Wildlife species including monkeys, birds, reptiles and more. The only places to go for Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda are Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s primate hub, Budongo forest, Kalinzu Forest reserve and Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Visit to Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary.
Ngamba Chimp is one of the only two Sanctuaries in Uganda. It is located on Ngamba Island part of Koome group of Islands in Central Uganda. It was established mainly to provide habitat to the rescued and orphaned Chimpanzee primates. Currently the estimated number of chimps at this protected area is forty nine. Visitors to the Sanctuary mainly engage in Chimpanzee feeding, care taking and other activities like bird watching, fishing and more.
Jinja White Water Rafting.
For those seeking incredible adventures in Uganda or after marine life, White water rafting must be among your things to do. It is offered in Jinja along the waters of River Nile. To most travelers, this is the best way to take in the area’s panorama. Currently only a half day experience is offered starting at 9:00 am until mid-day.