The Pearl of Africa
UGANDA SAFARIS
Uganda is one of the most exciting countries to visit in Africa. With a multitude of activities and adventures, a Uganda safari ticks many boxes.
Adventures in Uganda include quick, but intensive gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, searching for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a visit with man’s closet cousins while Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park, white water rafting on the Nile River and Big 5 safaris in Murchison Falls and Kidepo.
Bird lovers from around the world flock to Uganda where a whopping 1000 species have been recorded, including the elusive, and slightly strange, Shoebill Stork, on the must-see list for any serious twitcher.
“For magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life — bird, insect, reptile, beast — for vast scale — Uganda is truly ‘the Pearl of Africa’ ” ~ Winston Churchill
UGANDA, THE PEARL OF AFRICA
A young Winston Churchill visited Uganda in 1907, and like other explorers before him, praised the wonders of Uganda. In his book “My African Journey” Winston Churchill regularly called Uganda “The Pearl of Africa”.
Spectacular rolling green hills, lush with tea plantations and subsistence farms dot the landscape in the southern and eastern parts of Uganda. The huge and spectacular Rwenzori Mountain range forms part of the eastern border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. These snow-capped peaks attract mountain climbers and are home to 6 of Africa’s 10 highest peaks.
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, an ancient rain forest, also lies on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and covers the Western Rift Valley mountains and Virunga Volcanoes mountains, Rwanda, in dense forests and rivers. Gorilla trekking takes place in all of these countries, and are all rewarding.
Bwindi Forest is home to mammals, insects, fish, birds and more. Murchison Falls National Park is the place where the Nile River surges through a narrow gap and over a huge drop in a raging cauldron and is one of the most visited places in Uganda. Kibale National Park stretches from Queen Elizabeth National Park, creating a wildlife corridor. The landscapes get dryer as you head north but no less spectacular. Kidepo National Park borders South Sudan and offers a savanna landscape that echos the plains of the Serengeti. Explore all the Uganda Safari Areas
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Read: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
GORILLA TREKKING AND MORE
Primates are Uganda’s biggest drawcard with 20 primate species found in the national parks. Some of the last mountain gorilla’s are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and are carefully protected. Chimpanzees roam the forests of Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge, alongside vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, olive baboons, da Brazza monkeys, blue monkey and more.
Organised Uganda safaris are the best option as the country has a few logistical challenges. Their roads are not great, their air network small and driving distances are long. And it rains, often! Especially in the forested areas of Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga and Kibale areas. Uganda has a range of accommodation from comfortable to luxury, and currently, no premier lodges like their neighbours, Rwanda. Uganda safaris range from 4 nights to do a quick gorilla trek to longer stays of 9-12 nights which cover much more of this lovely country.
If adventure is part of your wish for a trip to Uganda, you will be richly rewarded with incredible views, kind and welcoming people, and moments to remember for a lifetime.
Read: Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
SAFARIS TO UGANDA
Wildlife safaris compliment a primate safari. Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo National Parks offer amazing traditional safaris, in safari 4×4’s, boats and on foot. 4 of the big 5 can be found in these national parks, including the unusual tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth.
Sadly Rhino’s were poached out of Uganda’s national parks many years ago. All is not lost for the rhinos, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a safe haven with 3 layers of fencing and under the watchful eye of authorities. Ziwa Sanctuary’s reintroduction of rhinos to Uganda has over 20 white rhinos and is a favourite with tourists. On the road to Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also has a wetland area for birders and offers activities like On-Foot Rhino Trekking!
Landlocked Uganda has emerged from its tumultuous past and is now relatively stable. Ugandans are friendly and welcoming and there is been a large investment in tourist infrastructure. Locals are proud of their country, their scenery and their gorillas! A Uganda Safari will delight travellers and have them coming back a second time to explore even further.
