In many ways, Uganda is not in high demand among tourists compared to other East African countries. Even though it is called the “Pearl of Africa,” its neighbors Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania have become more popular safari destinations.
Rwanda is more famous for its primates. Tanzania and Kenya better know in the safari industry. And although Uganda cannot be better than the above destinations, it has one uncompromising advantage – here, you can combine a safari and a trip to the primates in one trip.
Rwanda cannot boast of such a quality safari, and Kenya and Tanzania – the opportunity to meet gorillas in their natural environment. Read on for why you shouldn’t miss traveling to Uganda if you’re planning your dream safari.
1. Lake Mburo National Park
Although not the most famous safari destination globally, Lake Mburo National Park is undeniably popular with locals and tourists alike.
The park boasts three of the Big Five (leopards, lions, and buffaloes). Visitors can also go horseback riding, boating, quad biking, and hiking. Lake Mburo is located between Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is a great place to stop and breathe on a long journey
2. Dark tourism in Kampala
While Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, is famous for its Genocide Memorial, people know little about Uganda’s sad past. The terrible reign of Idi Amin immortalize in The Last King of Scotland, and guests of the Ugandan capital can visit a variety of memorials associated with his bloody power, as well as earlier killings of Christian missionaries.
Of course, Kampala is interesting not only for its dark past. You will also find other popular local attractions here, including the Gaddafi Mosque, the Bahá’í Temple, and the Kabaka Palace.
3. Shores of Lake Victoria
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda share the largest lake in Africa, but no city boasts the same splendid views of Victoria as the former capital of Uganda, Entebbe. Home to Uganda’s only international airport, Entebbe is a green and friendly city with a relaxed atmosphere and many local and international restaurants.
Top attractions in and around Entebbe include the lavish botanical gardens, the nearby Mabamba matches Shoebill for sightseeing and the fascinating Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
4. Extreme sports in Jinja
Jinja is the capital of extreme sports in Uganda; in addition, the town is considered the Source of the Nile River. While a visit to the spring itself is a calm experience, the rough waters of the mighty Nile create a thrilling extreme adventure. White water rallies, kayaking, horseback riding, paragliding, and bungee jumping are all possible in this part of East Africa.
5. Walk with rhinos in the Ziwa Nature Reserve
While you may not see the entire Big Five in the wild in Uganda, you can visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Located between Jinja and Murchison Falls, the reserve is best known for its rhino trekking. Ziwa is home to fifteen southern white rhinos, and visitors can take a guided hike to get as close as possible to some of the rarest animals of the Big Five.
6. Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
Situated in the north of the country, Murchison Falls National Park is a bit out of the way, but it’s worth a long drive. Not only is the park a fantastic safari-driving destination and four of the Big Five (no rhinos), the park also houses the impressive and mighty Murchison Falls – the most powerful waterfall in the world.
In addition to seeing the mighty stream of Nile water rising 6 meters, visitors to the park can also take a river cruise, hike to Murchison Falls, or enjoy a safari. Many elephants, giraffes, antelopes (including the iconic Ugandan cats), lions, crocodiles, and more can be seen during a safari in this park.
7. Spend the night at the Nile
The Nile is most often connect with Egypt, but the river originates in Uganda and offers excellent accommodation along its banks. Wildwaters is famous for one of the most colorful bars and swimming pools in Africa and balconies overlooking the Nile.
8. Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth Park locate between Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Like other parks in Uganda, rhinos are absent here, but other Big Five members can be seen and many animals, including hippos, hyenas, and crocodiles. The most famous treasures of the park are the lions living in the trees in Ishasha, the opportunity to see chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, and many birds to the Kazinga Channel.
9. Hike to gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Rwanda is known for its gorillas in Virunga National Park, but Uganda also boasts these giant primates. Plus, permits to hike gorillas in Uganda are much cheaper. Bwindi bears its name for a reason, and hikers can expect more than a challenging climb through the mountain jungle en route to the gorillas.
10. Kibale Uganda
The best chimpanzee trek can be done in Uganda in the Kibale National Park. Earlier, we said that Uganda could not boast the same safari as Kenya and Tanzania, and Rwanda wins a little in trekking to gorillas. But there is one thing where Rwanda is number one. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is undoubtedly better than anywhere else in the world.
Visitors to Kibale Forest National Park can look forward to an unparalleled chimpanzee trekking experience as they can be seen almost immediately upon entering the park.
