Uganda is a landlocked nation in east Africa offering unique countryside and wildlife experiences. From tracking endangered wildlife, over stunning scenery like Lake Victoria to the vibrant city of Kampala, Uganda provides experiences that you will not forget.
Source: www.en.wikipedia.org
Source: www.brilliant-uganda.com
Mountain gorillas’ population has shrunk to below 1000 worldwide and it is therefore a unique experience to go on a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Be aware that you need to be in good physical shape to join a trekking safari as it consists of tracking the gorillas on foot through rough terrain for several hours. By doing a trekking safari you support the structures that ensure the survival of the remaining gorillas and get to experience them as closely as possible.
Poachers have killed all wild rhinos in Uganda about 20 years ago, but you can still visit them in the wild. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary aims at bringing the wild rhinos back to Uganda. Therefore, they have been fostering rhinos since 2005, eventually releasing them into the wild. In the sanctuary visitors can get up close with some of the rhinos that have been living there for a long time.
For a more general approach on seeing wildlife in Uganda the Queen Elizabeth National Park is worth your time and money. Founded in 1952 it has survived a time of blind poaching in the 1970’s and animal populations have recovered since then. On a safari there you will likely spot elephants, buffalos, and warthogs. The scenery is stunning as well and you can book lodges in the national park itself.
In case you are at Queen Elizabeth National Park anyways pay a visit to the Lake Katwe Salt Works, once an economically blessed region due to the early discovery of salt there. There are still salt miners living off the salt production, but it is not as lucrative anymore and the work does not pay off. You can however support them by shopping their other produce, the scenery itself is worth going itself!
Lake Victoria is the second biggest freshwater lake in the world and is shared between Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. Fishing trips, boat trips and bird watching are the most common activities at Lake Victoria as swimming must be done with caution due to the bilharzia disease and Malaria.
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and should only be visited if you are ready to dep dive into the city’s vibrant and busy life. Employing a local guide to show you around is money well spent. You will likely go to the Gaddafi Mosque, officially renamed to Uganda national Mosque, the Kasubi Tombs of Buganda Kings, and Kabaka’s Palace. Engaging with locals on some of the big markets like Nakasero Food Market or Owino Market is worth your time, as well as engaging with students from Makerere University.
Sipi Falls are a stunning natural sight consisting of three waterfalls and formed by the river Sipi, in the east of the country. There are lodges to stay at in the region as Sipi Falls are often used as starting point for the close-by situated Mount Elgon.
