Dubbed as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is a rewarding destination. This East African nation is one of the magical travel destinations in Africa and a home to magnificent landscape and majestic mountains shares land borders with five countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Though it has famed to the world as one of the top destination for gorilla trekking, Uganda is the best country to experience several themed Africa safari holidays. The magnificent landscape is picture perfect with incredible green vegetation sweeping down to islands, lakes, hills and rivers. Locals still live traditionally especially in rural areas with pride and happiness of their rich culture. Uganda has always been best for tourism though less explored.
Brief Information About Uganda
Uganda, worldwide, is known as The Pearl of Africa. This title was bestowed upon it by none other than the legendary World war Prime Minister of Britain, Sir Winston Churchill upon being struck by the Country’s beauty. Uganda is one of the countries making up East Africa. It is a land locked country sharing the waters of the mighty Lake Victoria, one of the sources of the even mighty River Nile (The longest River in the World). It is surrounded by Sudan in the North, Tanzania in the South, Kenya in the East, Democratic Republic of Congo in the West and Rwanda in the South West.
The Equator, that divides mother Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, runs through this beautiful country. The Northern part of the country is mostly tropical with diverse beautiful green scenery that includes some parts of semi-arid climate except areas where the Albert Nile runs through. The areas along the equator are extremely fertile as evidenced by the beautiful flora and fauna.
On Arrival to Uganda
The major entry point to Uganda for the international guests is Entebbe International Airport and this is served by several International carriers including; Kenya Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, SN Brussels among others.
For purposes of transfers and connecting within Uganda, we have executive tour vehicles to transfer our guests from the Airport to the hotels and different destinations. For guests who need self drive and exclusive solitude, car hire facilities also exist such as 4WDs, saloon cars and mini buses. In case of the overlanders, Uganda can be reached through Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Places to Visit in Uganda
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Mount Rwenzori National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Semuliki National Park
Kampala -Capital of Uganda
Kampala the capital city is usually a prearranged meeting point for most Uganda safari holidays and later visitors connect to different destinations as per their trip itinerary. Besides, it’s fun to start your Uganda trip with a Kampala city tour and experience the numerous historical and cultural sites, social aspect of the people living in Kampala. Kampala boasts of all the major 5 star hotels, convention centers and also budget hotels so no need to worry while in the city centre. Moving around the city is easy by road using special hires, bodabodas or matatu. Expect to see the Uganda parliament, Bahai Temple, Uganda Museum, National Theatre, kasubi tombs, places of worship (Rubaga & Namirembe cathedral, Gaddafi Mosque, Wamala tombs, Budo coronation site, seen hills among others. The capital also has many shopping centers and markets worth checking out for shopping. However, if you looking for Airline Ticketing Agents, Car & Coach Rental, Hotel Booking Agents, Passport & Visa Services, Tour Operators, Kampala is a city with all kinds.
Jinja –the Adventure capital of Uganda
Travelling to Jinja, the second capital of Uganda and the famous adventure city for water adventures like white water rafting, boat rides, sunset cruise, Bungee jumping, bird watching, fishing among others. The drive to Jinja is scenic with stops in Mabira forest, Sezibwa falls, Owen Falls dam among Others. The Lake and River Nile scenery is a jaw-dropping natural beauty of Uganda which makes nature an exclusive aspect in travel and tourism.Jinja is also known as a place of great happiness, quiet and a home to longest river in Africa-Source of the Nile. Itanda falls, Kalagala falls are the must visit falls that can’t be missed on your visit to Uganda’s second capital.
Uganda National parks and Attractions
Many activities can be enjoyed when you visit Uganda national parks Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Kibale, Kidepo, Mburo, Mgahinga, Mount Elgon, Murchison Falls, Rwenzori and Semuliki. Birding, caves, chimp tracking, game drives, launch cruise, gorilla trekking, hiking, mountaineering, wildlife viewing , cultural encounters among others are some of the most enjoyed in the vast green land in Africa.
Everyone is welcome year round provided you purchase a Uganda tourist visa at only $50 valid for 90 days. These natural wonders are celebrated every day on different Uganda safaris and no visit to Uganda can disappoint. Bwindi & Mgahinga National Park are a home to mountain gorillas, while Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison are fine parks for wildlife excursions, chimpanzee trekking and launch cruise. Uganda can be visited with either prior arrangement with a tour operator or expert for a particular holiday trip program of interest or make last minute Uganda tour booking and explore the beautiful country.
Get more information about Uganda tours and holidays from the following resources;
- VisitUganda.com
- UgandaWildlife.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking a safari is one of the most exciting and memorable activities you can ever do. The thrill of seeing one of the big five is an emotion that one can never forget in east Africa you can take a guided safari with a trained safari guide. These guided safaris can either be a drive through a national park or a game reserve or even guided hikes or horse rides.
While guided Uganda tours may sound the safest option for the new safari goer there are some questions you should ask be asking before you book your trip:
- Does the guide possess a qualification or certification?
There are many different institutions that provide training and certifications for guides. One example would be the USAGA of Uganda whereby other companies train field guides to be able to pass the USAGA exams. Simply asking if the guides taking you are USAGA certified helps you understand if they have the necessary knowledge to safely take you on a game drive.
- Putting the qualification aside, how many years has the guide been working?
Often experience counts more than qualifications but having both would not hurt. The longer the safari guide has been at a company the more experience the guide should have. When it comes to safari guides, experience is the best requirement for a wonderful and memorable trip.
- Will there be more than one guide?
A guided tour will often have more than one guide, if it is a guided walk there could be two guides. On some guided drives there is a safari guide and a tracker on the vehicle to increase sightings of animals. Having two specialist guides can reduce your safety risks greatly. Ask the company how many guides they use and if they say one, ask why?. In most cases the company can liaise with the rangers at the park to be safe.
- What means of communication do the guides have?
If something were to happen on your guided safari how would the guides (or you) contact someone for assistance? Do the guides just have intermittent cell phone signal or do they have a proper radio communication system between safari vehicles as well as central office where help can be reached? The quicker help can be called the safer you will be in case of a bad situation.
- Is the guide linked to a major company?
Going with a big name, well-known safari company is often more expensive but the bigger companies should have proper communication infrastructure, guides that have passed exams and often will ensure there is a second guide with the safari group; they have a reputation to uphold! If you go for a cheaper option with a smaller company, you might be putting yourself at risk. Then again if you do your research, read reviews and ask the right questions, you may be in better hands even in a smaller, more intimate setting. It is all about doing the right research.
