Uganda- a must-visit destination for every traveler
Uganda- a must-visit destination for every traveler, Travelers and nature enthusiasts are always starved for choice when it comes to safari destinations throughout Africa. This Continent is well known for its phenomenal wildlife experiences as well as ancient human traditions. Few countries on this Continent of wonders can ever marry these delights so well as Uganda, dubbed the “Pearl of Africa”.
The spectacular “Pearl of Africa” is a kaleidoscope of breathtaking things to see and do. Within a few minutes of flying or 
long hours of driving, it is possible to get up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat before exploring the nearby Batwa pygmy community to learn about their ancient lifestyle as they lived in the forest. In the morning, a visitor can track the mountain gorillas in the wild, to get up close and personal with the Giant Apes as they go about their daily routines. And in the afternoon, you can visit the local community/village.
Add to this the stunning Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls/Queen Elizabeth/Kidepo Valley National Park, and you have a safari destination that is hard to fault. No wonder, Uganda is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Find out exactly why Uganda is a must-visit safari destination for every traveler.
Amazing wildlife species
There’s no doubt that the main reason many travelers head to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa is its wildlife. While it is a mistake to think you will find the mountain gorillas at the zoo or just any National Park, there are still two options when it comes to undertaking a gorilla safari.
With good reason, Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kibale National Parks are perhaps the best-known Parks in the country. Bwindi is home to almost half the World’s population of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, while the other savannah Parks boast four of the Big Five game. Kibale Forest is known as the primate Capital of the World with over 13 primate species to look out for, including the endangered chimpanzees.
Uganda has 10 National Parks dotted across its landscapes. Even easier to access than the four is Lake Mburo National Park which is just three hours from Kampala. This Park is famed for its impala, eland, and Rothschild giraffe populations.
Breathtaking Landscapes
While most first-time visitors to Uganda will be best acquainted with the country’s sprawling savannah plains, the Pearl of Africa has other breathtaking landscapes ranging from towering mountain ranges to verdant Valleys.
Being a photographer’s Paradise, there is probably no better place to begin any discovery of this country’s tourist hotspots than Entebbe. Located on Lake Victoria Peninsula, this Lakeside Town features one of Earth’s most breathtaking natural settings.
Head west from Entebbe through various countryside destinations and you will reach Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Kibale Forest, or Bwindi National Parks. Lovers of the outdoors will be similarly blown away by the panoramas that sweep across Kidepo Valley National Park. The Park may be over 10 hours away but with vistas like sprawling savannahs and towering mountains, you just know it is photography time.
Captivating history
You don’t have to be a history teacher to fall for mind-blowing tales that stem from Uganda’s past. That is just as well, given the country’s heritage that stretches over thousands of years, with evidence of human presence dating back to at least 4,000 BCE.
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kasubi Royal Tombs, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park do a fascinating job of telling the story of our species. The country also has several historical sites that include Fort Patiko, Nakayima ancestral tree, the Uganda Museum, Nyero Rock Paintings, and the Bigo bya Mugyenyi archaeological earthworks, among others.
Wonderful year-round weather
Crossed by the Equator, the imaginary line that separates the Earth into the southern and Northern hemispheres, Uganda generally enjoys a wonderful tropical climate all year round. It is generally warm all year, averaging 25 to 28 Celsius Degrees, frost-free with little or no rainfall during the dry season. This makes it a wonderful time to enjoy most Uganda safaris- gorilla trekking, game drives, bush and forest walks, and mountain climbing.
Even outside the peak season in most of Uganda’s safari destinations, the weather is still good enough to allow for the sort of safari you have been dreaming of. Much as the words “rainy season” put many travelers off, you will face little more than short, sharp afternoon showers which help clear the air of dust hence providing the perfect backdrop for photography.
Jaw-dropping cultural experiences
On the face of it, today’s Ugandans don’t have a lot in common with one another. The Pearl of Africa has no less than 41 indigenous languages and two official languages. The most spoken languages in the country are Luganda, Swahili, and English.
You can discover the uniqueness of each tribe and learn more about their traditions, lifestyles, and customs.
Mouthwatering dishes
Alongside culture comes food, and alongside food comes drinks. The Pearl of Africa has plenty of both to wow your taste buds. While in the country, be sure to sample different cuisines from across the country including Luwombo, and Nsenene (grasshoppers- a seasonal delicacy) in Central Uganda, Malewa in Eastern Uganda, and Malakwang in Northern Uganda.