Uganda is known as ‘The Pearl of Africa’ due to the fact that the third largest country in East Africa is endowed by nature. Safari in Uganda is synonymous with gorilla trekking tours. This is because mountain gorillas in the wild are only found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Of the three countries, Uganda has almost half of the mountain gorilla population in the wild, the reason for the popularity of gorilla safaris in Uganda. It would be nice to know that from 2009 to 2011, there has been a growth of more than 30% in the great ape population. There is more to offer than gorilla safaris in Uganda and below are some activities that can go with your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda:
Big Game Safaris
Uganda has several national parks including Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and the rarely visited Kidepo Valley National Parks which are famous for big game safaris. These are the best places to see four of the ‘Big Five’ which include lions, elephants, the elusive leopard and buffalo. You may not be able to see the rhino as they were removed from the parks during the unsettled period. If you are interested in rhinos in Uganda, you will have to go to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. There are also zebras, Uganda kobs, hippos, cheetahs, among other herbivores and carnivores.
Primate Tracking Tours
Uganda boasts of having more than 13 species of primates in addition to the mountain gorillas. This includes chimpanzees, l’hoests, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, among others. This is one of the highest primate populations not only in Africa but in the world. Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo south of Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park are some of the best places to enjoy primate tracking safaris in Uganda. You can also track chimpanzees on Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria.
Birding Safaris in Uganda
With the remnant of the equatorial forest, Uganda is one of the top bird watching safari destinations in Africa. Some unique bird species that can be seen in Uganda include the archaic-looking shoebill. The turaco, ground hornbill, red-billed, black-wattled, black-billed and white-crested hornbill, African piculet, Zenkel’s honey guide, black-breasted cuckoo, red-rumped copperbird, reddish-sided broad-billed, Nkurengu’s rail , white belly, dwarf and pygmy. kingfishers, piping, white thighed, black and white helmeted and African pied hornbills, fire-crested alethe, blue-billed red-bellied malimbe, marsh palm bulbul, scrub robin, green-tailed bristle-billed, Leaf Lover, Red-breasted Hawk, Long-tailed Hawk, Pale-fronted and Chestnut-breasted Blackfinches, Black-winged Oriole are just a few examples of birds that can be seen in Uganda.
mountain climbing adventure
Uganda has two well-known mountains which are Mount Ruwenzori, also known as the ‘Moon Mountain’ and Mount Elgon on the Kenya-Uganda border. Mount Rwenzori is one of the most difficult mountains to climb despite being the fourth highest in Africa. One can climb Uganda’s highest peak in 7-12 days depending on one’s physical condition. Unlike Mount Kilimanjaro, you will need a certain level of fitness to climb Mount Rwenzori with several ups and downs as it is a boulder mountain. Mount Elgon is much easier to climb as it is a volcanic mountain.
fishing tours
Uganda shares the world’s second largest freshwater lake with its two other East African neighbours, Kenya and Uganda. Lake Victoria boasts some of the largest Nile perch species in the world and is a good place to go fishing. Other places to fish include the Albertine Nile in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in the Kazinga Channel.
whitewater rafting
If you are looking for a great adventure activity, then Nile rafting is one thing to consider. This can be done in Jinja for a half day or a full day depending on what you are doing. Whitewater rafting can be combined with bungee jumping, which is also done in Jinja. The full day rafting will include lunch.
Cultural Tours
Uganda is home to several ethnic groups including the Bantu and Nilote. Each ethnic group has its own tradition and culture. From their clothing to daily activities, some of the cultures are quite attractive. You can try this at the Ndere cultural center or go to the region where the ethnicity is located. Some cultural places to visit include the Kabaka Kingdom, the Batoro Kingdom, among others. This will allow you to understand each ethnic group that interests you.
The next time you plan an Africa safari to Uganda, know that you have much more to spice up your Uganda safari experience than just settling for a Uganda gorilla trekking safari. Go and have fun in Uganda.
