Hunting for adrenaline-pumping holidays in Africa? Uganda has just what you need. Referred to as the pearl of Africa , Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa with its exotic wildlife, dense misty forests, rich culture and diverse people, snow-peaked mountains, glassy lakes , sprawling savannas and rich ecosystem. Though hiking through the biodiversity mountain ranges on gorilla safaris is one of the unique offerings of the region, there are several amazing places to visit in Uganda. Thrill-seekers visiting Uganda will find other unmatched adventuring opportunities in many iconic Africa tourist spots. If you dare, raft the Nile, the world’s longest river, or trek the Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s tallest mountain range. A land that’s painted in 1,001 shades of green with fantastic natural scenery and an astounding variety of attractions for tourists. If you would like to spice up your next gorilla safari, here is a brief introduction to some of the great destinations that are worthy including in your trip itinerary;
1. QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
This is the second most popular tourist destination taking Uganda Safaris. It is the most popular destination for holiday makers having a big population of tree climbing lions. Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in the western region of Uganda on the great East African rift valley floor between lakes, George and Edward in kasese district. The park covers 1978 sq. km and includes a remarkable variety of diverse eco-systems, from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, sprawling savannah swamps. A total of 95 mammal species has been recorded here, the highest for any Ugandan national park. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lions, the Uganda kob and other antelope species, as well as elephant, buffalo, hippos, baboons and chimpanzee.
A total of over 600 bird species have been recorded in Queen Elizabeth. This is one of the highest totals in the world and is truly remarkable for such a relatively small reserve. The launch trip along the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward is a memorable way to view the abundant game in Queen Elizabeth and to see an astounding number of bird species.
The park has recently been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO.
2. MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Uganda’s largest park covers over 4000 sq. km, and is one of the most spectacular parks in Africa. This park is located in the northwestern part of Uganda, sprawling inland from the shore of Lake Albert around the Victoria Nile. Renowned for its scenic beauty and the spectacular falls from which it gets its name, Murchison Falls National Park supports an abundance of flora and fauna to delight the visitor. From rolling savannah and tall grasslands to thick bush and woodlands, the diversity of this park never ceases to amaze visitors and residents’ alike.
No visit to Murchison Falls would be complete without a visit to the magnificent fall; one can experience the majesty of the Nile while onboard, viewing abundant wildlife along the banks. The more adventurous traveler may want to hike the trails around the fall, while the avid birdwatcher will want to seek out some of the 424 species identified in the park. It’s also home to four of the big five’s; Buffaloes, Elephants, Lions and Leopards.
3. KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Kibale national park is perhaps one of the most outstanding destinations in Uganda and is highly regarded as one of the best places for a holiday in Uganda. The park is situated in the western side of Uganda, on the outskirts of fort portal town, it covers an area of 795 square kilometers, was established into a Forest reserve in 1932 and into a National park in 1993.The kibale safari experience is simply incomparable and the views are top-notch.
Its best place to go for chimpanzee tracking in Africa with a success rate of over 95% chances of meeting these great apes. It is a home to over 71 mammal species including over 13 primate species, but the most popular one being the Chimpanzees, red colobus and l’hoest monkeys.
This Park is also a bird watcher’s Paradise because it is a home to over 370 bird species and over 350 tree species. Kibale Forest National Park is not only a place of natural beauty but also of Cultural Significance.
4. RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK
A land of diverse landscapes and stunning scenes, The Rwenzori Mountain also known as “Mountains of the Moon” a UNESCO World Heritage Site lying in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation. Rwenzori is a playground adventure-seeker. The best way to capture and experience the surreal landscape and wild terrain is on foot, and there’s certainly no shortage of hiking trails in Rwenzori. With trails ranging in levels of difficulty, there are hikes suitable for all skills and fitness levels.
Uganda is home to the world’s most thrilling activities. The country has the bragging rights of the adventure capital Jinja which boasts mountain biking, bungee jumping, kayaking, and white water rafting which is the best in the world among its many attractions that’ll get the ultimate dare-devil’s blood pumping and heart pounding. The adrenaline stirring waves of the River Nile make White water rafting a bucket list activity and Jinja one of the best places while on your Uganda holiday. This thrilling experience lasts about 6 hours along 25 kilometers of the River Nile. Water rafting is not for the fainthearted people but rather it is for the wild hearts that crave a spectacular exploration of the Nile one rapid immersion at a time. After your thirst for adventure has been settled by this exhilarating activity which attracts the daring from all over the globe, local music, bonfires, barbeque and dancing await you on the banks of the Nile.
5. LAKE BUNYONYI
The popular Lake Bunyonyi is in the south western Uganda located close to Kisoro and Kabale near the border Rwanda and is one of the largest lakes in Africa. Lake Bunyonyi translates as” a place of many little birds”, Uganda has tons of lakes but this beautiful lake turns and twists along a picturesque landscape speckled with 29 islands surrounded by terraced hillsides on the shores reminding travelers of certain parts in Nepal and providing a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of some pretty incredible Uganda sights.
If you are looking for a bit of extravagance, take a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi which will allow your eyes to saunter up the hills and down the water as you listen to the traditional tales about the lake and watching the birds while visiting island to island. You will also get a chance to see the mist rising off its serene waters very early in the morning and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this top spot.