Top 29 Things on Uganda safari
Top 29 Things on Uganda safari is one of the thought after nations for any safari in east Africa. It is also known as a land locked country in East Africa and it has no seaport. Uganda was ranked number 1 destination in the world in 2012 by lonely planet. And this was a result of the very many attractions that exist in the country. Uganda has incredible wildlife, landscape, culture among other things. Uganda only has 10 National parks and quite a number of game reserves.
And all these parks and reserves have various animals and plant species. And below are some of the best National parks and other places one can visit while in Uganda. Top 29 Things on Uganda safari, To mention some include Semuliki national park, kibale forest national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Bwindi Impenetrable national park, Murchison falls national park, Kidepo valley national park, Lake Mburo National Park,
Top 29 Things to Do While on Uganda safari
Uganda is endowed with very many things to see and do while on a safari to the pearl According to many travel experts to have manned to travel to Uganda not once. Placed Uganda in one of the top destinations on every tourist’s budget bucket list. Uganda was named as the pearl of Africa by the known sir church hill. However, this comes as a result of the very many potential rare attractions that inhabit the country some of which can’t be seen elsewhere in the world. So it’s no wonder this country is much loved among holidaymakers. Uganda has received many outstanding reviews. From renowned organizations and websites such as lonely planet, CNN, and the BBC. Uganda’s list of attractions and things to do has housed both first-time and devoted travelers whole over the world.
The extensive list of attractions and things to do in Uganda accommodates both first Time travelers and devoted travelers. It offers various fascinating activities to engage in ranging from meeting man’s closest living relative. The mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park, visiting the source of the Nile – the longest river in the world, whitewater rafting with class 5 rapids. And ascending the snowcapped mountain peak of mountain Rwenzori. In addition to the country’s fascinating wildlife encounters that include views of Africa’s big five animals. Uganda has a great diversity of ethnic groups found within the country which can be explored during the culture tours. Which will give travelers opportunities to engage, meet, Top 29 Things on Uganda safari, interact and even have hands-on experiences with the local people of Uganda. Below we have brought you like top 32 things to do while on Safari in Uganda
Trek The Mountain Gorillas Of Bwindi National Park Or Mgahinga National Park
Each year Uganda receives 1000 and 1000s of tourists who pop in to Uganda purposely to see the mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are considered to be an endangered species with approximately 900 of them remaining worldwide. Mountain gorillas are only found in three African countries across the universe including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic of Congo. With Uganda holding the largest population of them all over 500 mountain gorillas do live in Bwindi and Mgahinga forest national park.
Once deep into the forest during your visit, you will be allowed some time to take pictures as you observe these amazing creatures. Which share about 98% of their DNA with man. Gorilla trekking time is unpredictable and the trek can last between 1-8 hours searching for them since meeting them. Depends on where they last spent their night, and once they are met, Top 29 Things on Uganda safari. You are strictly allowed only one observing their behaviors. Gorilla trekking is considered one of those once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.
Gorilla trekking most selling adventure
No traveler to Uganda misses this great chance of gorilla trekking, gorilla trekking does not matter which month as long as one is interested to meet them in their natural habitat. However, the most loved months for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Is during the dry season which runs from June to September and from December to February. Top 29 Things on Uganda safari, During these months the trails to meet the gorillas are passable than in the dry season. Which runs from March to May and November. During the rainy season, the trails are impassable, they are muddy and very steeply. Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs usd700 per trekking.
Gorilla trekking is the most selling adventure activity in Uganda so you must book the gorilla permit in advance at least 1-2 month prior. To gorilla trekking to avoid disappointments of last minute booking. Go and meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Deep into the forest and have your dream come true!.
Track the Chimpanzees
Apart form gorilla trekking in bwindi and Mgahinga forest national park. Chimpanzee trekking is another thrilling and popular adventure done in Uganda. Uganda only has a population of over 5,000 chimpanzees living within its luxuriant forests. During a safari tour to Uganda, visitors get an opportunity to meet the chimps in their natural habitat deep into the forest. These apes can be seen deep into different natural sanctuaries across the country. To mention some of the key habitat to these apes include Queen Elizabeth National Park which hosts over 1500 chimpanzees that are living there. In queen national park you have a chance to see our closest relatives the chimps. Who shares almost 98% of human DNA make-up.
You will have a chance to observe their behavior, vocal communication, how they socially associate with each other. The amazing way the mothers are able to take care of their young ones. Other inhabit parks for chimpanzees include Kibale forest national park, and Budongo forest found in Murchison Falls national park is the key parks for chimpanzees. Chimp trekking time is also unpredictable since they are wide animals meeting them depends on their movements. Top 29 Things on Uganda safari, although most of the time park wardens knows their whereabouts and once they are met, you are strictly allowed to stay with them only one hour.
Climb Mount Elgon
Mountain Elgon offers a uniquely challenging experience to many hikers who make it to the top. For any hiker who need this kind of experience. Its caldera which is considered to be one of the largest in the world is a nice camping site Mount Elgon offers it all. Mount Elgon is located on Uganda’s border with Kenya and being an extinct volcano is estimated to have last erupted 24 million years ago. The park can be reached in a drive of about 5 hours from the capital city Kampala. In case you need porters to carry your bags and other cooking utensils they are readily available at reasonable fee of 10-15$ per day. Mount Elgon hiking cost $50 per person including entrance fees and it excludes porter and tent fee.
Take a Visit to The Uganda Martyrs Shrine At Namugongo
On 3rd of June in 1886, Kabaka Mwanga the then ruling king of Buganda kingdom killed 45 young men by burning them in dry reeds for failing to renounce the Christian faith. And each year this date is celebrated in Uganda and many pilgrimages all over the world come and cerebrate it from here. These martyrs belonged to the Roman Catholic as well as the Anglican faith. Three popes of the Catholic faith including Pope John Paul II in 1993. Pope Paul VI in 1969 and Pope Francis have managed to visit cerebrated Uganda martyrs shrine. So it’s a must visit place to any traveler on a safari most especially on Kampala city tour.
Tree-Climbing Lions trekking In Ishasha Area
Queen Elizabeth national park is the only park in Uganda where you can trace the rare tree climbing lions. In the ishasha sector an extension of Queen Elizabeth national park. The biggest percentage of tourists that visit the park. Can’t leave minus a visit to the ishasha to spot the tree climbing lions sited on tree balances. Generally lions are known for their inability to climb trees.
However these unique lions are commonly seen resting up in the tree branches of the giant fig trees. Interestingly, to date the reason behind this unique behavior has not yet been known. However some people suspect that they do so to escape from the heat on the ground. Whereas others say they do so to easily see their prey. Some others insist that they do so to run away from the biting insects on the ground. All these factors make many think that it’s the major reasons behind their climbing up on the trees.
Batwa pygmy cultural experience
The batwa cultural experience is one of can’t miss activities. Once a visit to Bwindi national park or Mgahinga National park. The Batwa are known as the pygmy people that lived within the impenetrable forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga. However they are currently staying on the surface fringes of these National Parks. The batwa Pygmy are the kind of people who entirely depend on this forest for survival and ounce a visit to their villages.
Will give you an opportunity to learn more about how they managed to survive. They lived for several years in these parts of the African jungle until when they become used to human presence. You will be entertained by their traditional songs and dances, teach you about their medicines. As well as visit to some of the village elders who will narrate to you interesting stories about the history of these people
Trek the Rhinos in ziwa rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa rhino sanctuary is located en-route to Murchison falls National Park along Nakasongola. And it’s regarded as an interesting activity one should not love to miss. Before reaching Murchison falls in the north eastern part of Uganda. Many years ago the Rhino species was totally extinct from Uganda and the primary cause of this was manly poaching and political unrest within their sanctuaries.
There was inappropriate preservation of these land Giants. However with the establishment of the Ziwa rhino sanctuary these amazing creatures. Were re-introduced into the country and today the White rhinos can be seen there. With an armed ranger guide, you will on foot head and track these giants in their natural habitat which is regarded as a great experience. The guides will also offer you detailed information about the white rhinos as well offer you the best conservation guideline. This activity as steadily become very popular and liked by very many travelers to Uganda.
Visit The Nyero Rock Paintings
For any traveler interested in going to the eastern part of Uganda in Kumi District, a visit to the Nyero rock painting is a must. The Nyero Rock Painting dated back to 1250 CE. The Nyero Rock is assumed that they could have been drawn. By the local batwa what people who lived in this area at the time. They show quite an interesting insight of the way of life that the people who stayed in this area centuries ago lived.
Visit The Rothschild’s Giraffe
On a Uganda tour and safari, you can as well enjoy watching the Rothschild’s giraffe which only live in Uganda and Kenya. Uganda is considered housing the highest concentration of these species, over 1700 live world-wide hence considered. Rothschild’s giraffe can only be found in Kdepo National Park as well as Murchison Falls National Park. They are so interesting to watch in their natural habitat.
Go and Visit The Baha’i Temple
The Bahai Temple was opened in 1962 February, it is located within Kampala city, and many tourists on a Kampala city tour can’t leave minus a visit to the bahai Temple. The Bahai temple is the only Temple that belongs to the Baha’i faith found on the African continent. A visit here will give you an insight of different social religions and traditions. The site also has very beautiful gardens worth exploring. And by the time you will leave this temple, you will be equipped with a lot of informative information.
Shoebill Stork Birds tracking
Shoebill stork is one of the most loved bird to trek while on a Uganda safari, its considered endangered species. They can easily be seen within the muddy swamps where they feast on a variety of prey including small types of fish and insect. Several places in Uganda are habitants to these bird species including Murchison Falls National Park, the Mamba Island on Lake Victoria, Lake Mburo National Park and the ziwa rhino sanctuary. You can spot these rare shoebill stork birds in their natural habitat.
Track Golden Monkeys
Like the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are also considered endangered species, golden monkeys are very amazing to watch them playing in fruitful tress or tree blanches. Golden monkeys have a unique golden-orange color on their coats of far. They can be seen in Uganda, DR. Congo and Rwanda. Golden monkey tracking in Uganda is conducted in the Mgahinga Forest National Park.
Which is located in the southeastern part of Uganda. On the day of trekking, trekkers will be briefed about the dos and don’ts while with these apes and once they are met strictly only one hour is allowed staying with them. Watch them as you observe them go about their day-to-day activities, take as many photos and videos as possible of these highly elusive monkeys.
Tour The Kabaka’s Palace In Mengo
Once you take a visit to the kabaka’s palace, you will be privileged to get informative information the kingdom of Buganda, when it was built you, you will also get to learn about the historical and administrative journey of the Buganda people since the British colonial times of Buganda and what of you. The Bulange is the official residence of the king of Buganda kingdom which was constructed back in 1885. There are a number of sites connecting to this kingdom that you will visit as well for more informative information about the kingdom of Buganda.
Visit The Reptile Village
The reptile village is located along Entebbe road highway, it was primarily established to educate people about different reptile species in the country and how they can be conserved. While at the reptile village, you will have a chance to spot the different species of snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, lizards, and chameleons among many others. A visit to the reptile village will give you a closer encounter of the much-feared reptiles eye to eye and you will have a chance to catch one if not scared. Visiting this reptile village is usually a single-day adventure that is normally included at the end or the start of a safari in Uganda, Top 29 Things on Uganda safari, regarded as one of the very interesting activities while on a safari to Uganda.
Enjoy A Beautiful Getaway On The Ssesse Islands
Ssesse Island is one of the places one should not love to miss visiting and spend some quality time there. The island is surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches and beautiful accommodation. Ssesse Island is a perfect place for holiday makers and those seeking a romantic getaway or on a honeymoon vacation. Not only enjoy those beautiful beaches, you will as well be able to meet the local people who are mainly fishermen that live on the neighboring islands, and they will explain to you their fishing experience and also how they have managed to leave there.
Game drives in Uganda’s top national park
This is one of the most sought-after activities for most travelers to Uganda. Uganda is one of the top parks in East Africa that inhabit a wide variety of animal species. Many travelers to Uganda have a great opportunity to see the big five animals. Which include lions, Buffaloes, rhinos, cheetahs, and elephants with many small and unique animals such as zebras, giraffes, different antelopes, and the unique tree-climbing lions that live only here in Uganda’s ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park. The country has ten (6) different national parks that offer great views to these animal species to choose from. The most popular among which include the Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo national park, the Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki valley national park, etc
Enjoy The Captivating Nightlife Of Kampala
Kampala city is known as Uganda’s biggest city and the capital of Uganda. Kampala offers interesting opportunities especially for travelers who love music, dancing, and partying. Before covid 19 people used to party the all night since there were restrictions hindering people from enjoying and clubbing all night, however by the time of writing due covid 19-night clubs are not allowed due to restrictions SOPs. Kampala has a lot of cinemas, restaurants, nightclubs, and lounges which are found across the city. Kampala is regarded as a safe city, the streets are well-lit and the people are hospitable and outgoing.
Bird Watching experience
Uganda is sometimes regarded as a birders paradise with more than 1000 different types of birds. That have been recorded here in Uganda. Even within the capital city Kampala, you can still spot several species of birds. Regardless of which part of the country you visit you will definitely be pleased with amazing views and sounds of birds that will wake you up in the morning singing sweetly from the high trees. Uganda has a variety of bird species some of which can’t be seen elsewhere in the world. Among the special species found in Uganda are the shoebill storks the blue turaco and the Ibis. To mention some of the best places to view birds in Uganda include Semiliki National Park, Bwindi National Park, kidepo National Park, kibale forest national park and Queen Elizabeth National Park which has more than 600 different species.
Visit The Uganda Equator
A safari to Uganda gives travelers a chance to stand on foot in the southern hemisphere and the other in the northern hemisphere. Then visit the Uganda equator? While here, you will have a chance for photography and informative talks. You will also have to visit the souvenir shops here where you will be able to purchase a number of interesting souvenirs. Take-home gifts for the people you left home.
Enjoy A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Murchison falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National park is one of the few parks in Uganda. That offers this unique safari activity to holidaymakers for a chance to spot various species of wild animals from an aerial view. You will be able to enjoy views of the beautiful landscapes. Top 29 Things on Uganda safari, Photographers normally engage in this exciting adventure. Since it offers the best sighting views to incredible species of animals that reside in the park
Engage In Sports Fishing
The many different lakes Uganda has offers interesting experiences of spot fishing activity. With approximately 90 different species of fish recorded there. Tourists who come to Uganda and they are Interested in fishing. To get a chance to make a number of remarkable catches to many fishes. Including the Nile Perch from the big freshwater lake – Lake Victoria.
Set Out Quad Biking
Quad biking is one of the few methods to explore the park. And have an up-close view of different wildlife in a unique and fantastic way. This activity is mainly done in Lake Mburo national park. Because the park has a very small number of predators that might put the lives of partakers at risk. Lake Mburo national park is mainly a habitat to very many large number of grazers. Such as zebras, the Uganda kobs, buffaloes, elands plus several other types of antelopes and with a very minimal number of leopards and the lions.
Game Viewing On A Cycling Tour
In Uganda it is possible to enjoy game viewing while riding a mountain bike. This kind of adventure brings you closer to Mother Nature and the different birds and animals found in the country. Today this activity is currently conducted mainly in Lake Mburo National park because the park has few grazers. Like different antelopes and zebras with very few predators such as lions which can put the riders at risk.
Boat Cruise To Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth national park
The boat cruise to the bottom of the powerful Murchison falls which make a 43-meter drop to as plunge poll below on the River Nile. Makes this activity very interesting and a must-do while to this park. And it’s one of the activities that makes Uganda Safari Special. You will enjoy uninterrupted views of these falls. The boat cruise also in Queen Elizabeth national park will take you to the Kazinga channel, Top 29 Things on Uganda safari, and the channel joins two lakes which include Lake Kyoga and Edward.
7The boat cruise both in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth national park brings various species of animals just near the boat and viewing various species of animals becomes superb. Species expects to see include the giant Nile crocodiles, several hippos, and different types of water birds, as well as buffaloes and elephants, can be seen along the shoreline. And Murchison falls is a good place to see the rare Shoebill stock.
Hike the Snow Capped Mount Rwenzori
Mount Rwenzori is Uganda’s highest mountain and offers a very challenging mountaineering experience as compared to some of the higher mountains on the continent like Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. Unique about this beautiful mountain is that its peak is covered with snow despite Uganda’s location on the equator. The ascent on the mountain takes about nine days to make a round trip and reaching the Margherita Peak is a dream comes true for adventurers particularly interested
Enjoy White Water Rafting On Nile River
Uganda is privileged for housing the longest river, River Nile. And the river offers a number of adrenaline-filling water sports among which is White Water Rafting. Top 29 Things on Uganda safari, Few activities can be compared to rafting experiences in the world. Its regarded as one of its kind adventures. Its rapids range from Grade I to Grade V making it a perfect destination for both beginners and experienced rafters. It does not need any experience to go rating anybody can do rafting at the source of the Nile. Rafting is one of the most adventurous outdoor water sport activities you can enjoy in Uganda at a no big cost.
Visit The Source Of River Nile
The River Nile is known as the longest river not only on the African continent but in the entire world at large. On the Uganda tour, you will get a chance to explore the source of this long river. While there, you will enjoy a variety of activities including the boat ride to the Rippon Falls where on one side is the massive Lake Victoria, and on the other River Nile begins to flow.
Enjoy Bungee Jumping In Jinja
Uganda is gifted with a variety of activities many can’t be seen/ done elsewhere in the world, Jinja is where this activity is done and the city is regarded as a tourist capital most especially for water sort activities. Bungee jump is perfect for an adventure lovers hopping to go beyond their limits in the name of having fun. There are a number of beautiful sites where this activity is conducted so imagine yourself dropping off a cliff of approximately 40 meters high and plugging down towards the river Nile! Participants will be offered with world-class protective gear and appropriate safety measures have been correctively put in place to guarantee the safety of the participants during this thrilling adventure.
Mabira forest – Zip Lining
This is one of its kind adventurous activity one should not love to miss while on an Uganda safari. Mabira forest reserve is located just a few kilometers from Kampala Uganda’s capital and its largest city. For those having limited time in Uganda, a tour of Mabira forest for zip lining would be a perfect experience. During this activity, you will move through the towering tree and see various primates and bird species. Top 29 Things on Uganda safari, Imagine zip-lining up into the tree moving from one tree to another branch. The zip-line is comprised of a network of five zip lines that cover a distance of 250 meters and comply with global safety standards. Safety is much considered for this activity