Top 10 Exciting Holiday Destinations in Uganda.
Uganda dubbed the ‘pearl of Africa’ by Winston Churchhill is a land locked country in East Africa bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Uganda, formally the Republic of Uganda is awash with incredible tourist sights which make it an awesome destination to visit. With over 50 tribes, Uganda’s people are known for their hospitality to visitors.
Uganda is also home to the mountain Gorillas and the longest river in Africa – the River Nile; just a few of the top exciting holiday destinations in Uganda.
The country’s population is predominantly rural, and most people live in the southern sections of the country. The official language of Uganda is English although Kiswahili was recently declared the second national language although not yet widely spoken by many.
The best time of year to visit Uganda is June to Sept and December to February which are the months that Uganda has the least rains. Are you ready to start exploring Uganda?
10 Top exciting holiday destinations in Uganda.
Uganda is full of attractions and exciting places to visit and things to do. Here is a list to guide you in your planning for this mile stone journey to Africa – to the pearl itself that is Uganda.
1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
World famed for mountain Gorilla trekking. With over 459 mountain Gorillas by 2018 which is half of the world’s population of these endangered mountain gorillas. This park gets it’s name from the extensive stands of bamboo interspersed amongst the larger forest hardwoods. The bamboo and thick ground cover of ferns, vines, and other plant growth severely hinder direct access on foot and this is the habitat of the much sought after Gorillas. More on Gorilla trekking
2. Queen Elizabeth National park
Calling all the bird lovers! Definitely one of the top exciting holiday destinations in Uganda with over 600 bird species including the African skimmer. As far as diversity of bird species is concerned, Queen Elizabeth National park ranks in the world and the highest in Africa.
The park also has a beautiful combination of forests, grasslands and waterscapes and is home to tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector. At the Kazinga channel a wide range of animals including one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos (around 2,000) and countless Nile crocodiles can be seen.
3. Murchison Falls National park
One of Uganda’s first national parks to be established since 1952. At Murchison Falls, the River Nile squeezes through an 8m wide gorge and drops mightily into the “Devil’s Cauldron”, creating a trademark rainbow that will surely delight you!. Satisfy your love for wildlife with generous sightings of elephants, giraffes, over 500 bird species, and crocodiles.
4. Rwenzori Mountains National Park
A UNESCO World heritage center, Rwenzori national park is located in the western part of Uganda and part of it is shared by DRC Congo and is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, the highest non-volcanic, non-orogenic mountains in the world. Rwenzori mountains national park has awe-inspiring scenery! It also features thrilling attractions, great trekking expeditions. No wonder these mountains are often called the mountains of the moon! Why not venture out to find out why?
5. Kidepo National Park
Apparently the most isolated national park but it stands out as the best virgin place for wild life lovers and also the scene of cultural tourism. Here is a chance to immerse yourself in some Ugandan culture with the famous Karamojong tribe in their uniqueness. If you love the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania, you will love the Karamojong who are quite similar to the masai people. Visit Karamojong Tribe
6. Lake Mburo National Park
Are you looking for a short safari? Or a day trip? Lake Mburo National Park is a little gem just a stone throw away from Kampala and Entebbe. It’s a great spot for birding and in recent years, it has also developed a reputation as a good place to see leopards, especially on night drives. It’s also the only park in Uganda with eland, impala and klipspringer. Up to 5,000 Zebras roam free in Lake Mburo National park, not forgetting Horse back riding which is also a highlight in this park.
7. Source of the Nile in Jinja town
Jinja town nicknamed the ”adrenaline center” and rightly so owing to the adrenaline rising activities that can be done on the River Nile, the longest river in the world. Adrenaline rush seekers flock to Jinja town to experience bungee jumping, canoeing, white water rafting, kayaking, Quad biking and horse back riding. On the other hand if you are seeking historical sites and cultural tourism, Jinja town has interesting sites for you to visit.
Kampala – the city of 7 hills
The city was built on 7 hills (Old Kampala, Kololo, Mengo, Rubaga, Nsambya, Namirembe and Kibuli) initially but has now grown to cover over 20 hills. Do not leave Uganda without a tour of Kampala city the capital of Uganda. Places to visit include Old Kampala, Gaddafi mosque, Kibuli Mosque, Uganda parliament (Bulange), Kabaka’s Palaces in Mengo and Lubiri, Kabaka’s lake, Kasubi tombs, Bahai temple, Uganda Martyrs shrine Namugongo, Independence Monument, Namirembe Cathedrale and the famous local market Owino for some local shopping.
The amazing Equator line.
Want to be in both in the northern and Southern hemisphere at the same time? Step into Uganda and have one leg in each of the hemispheres! Amazing isn’t it? Talk about being in two places at the same time. While the Equator crosses through all of Uganda, the most Iconic spot for the equator crossing is in Kayabwe, just 70 kilometers from Kampala city. Wouldn’t that make a cool a social media post?
Entebbe Town Tour
Entebbe town is the location of Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s largest commercial and military airport also known as’ the airport of the Equator’. Entebbe, Uganda’s beach town is only 40minutes drive from Kampala and even faster via the express highway. Be sure to visit Aero beach in Entebbe right on the lake Victoria front, the Botanical Gardens which also has a beach, the Zoo (Uganda wildlife conservation Education center), Uganda Reptile center in Katabi village, visit to Ssese Island, Take a day trip to Ngamba Island to see Chimpanzees. There is so much to love in this beautiful town.
Conclusion
Have you added Uganda to your bucket list of places to visit yet? Well, what are you waiting for? Do not get left out! Welcome to the Pearl of Africa. Let Uganda inspire and leave you wowed with these 10 Top exciting Holiday destinations, which in truth are only a scratch on the top as there is so much more to see in Uganda.
Uganda dubbed the ‘pearl of Africa’ by Winston Churchhill is a land locked country in East Africa bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Uganda, formally the Republic of Uganda is awash with incredible tourist sights which make it an awesome destination to visit. With over 50 tribes, Uganda’s people are known for their hospitality to visitors.
Uganda is also home to the mountain Gorillas and the longest river in Africa – the River Nile; just a few of the top exciting holiday destinations in Uganda.
The country’s population is predominantly rural, and most people live in the southern sections of the country. The official language of Uganda is English although Kiswahili was recently declared the second national language although not yet widely spoken by many.
The best time of year to visit Uganda is June to Sept and December to February which are the months that Uganda has the least rains. Are you ready to start exploring Uganda?
10 Top exciting holiday destinations in Uganda.
Uganda is full of attractions and exciting places to visit and things to do. Here is a list to guide you in your planning for this mile stone journey to Africa – to the pearl itself that is Uganda.
1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
World famed for mountain Gorilla trekking. With over 459 mountain Gorillas by 2018 which is half of the world’s population of these endangered mountain gorillas. This park gets it’s name from the extensive stands of bamboo interspersed amongst the larger forest hardwoods. The bamboo and thick ground cover of ferns, vines, and other plant growth severely hinder direct access on foot and this is the habitat of the much sought after Gorillas. More on Gorilla trekking
2. Queen Elizabeth National park
Calling all the bird lovers! Definitely one of the top exciting holiday destinations in Uganda with over 600 bird species including the African skimmer. As far as diversity of bird species is concerned, Queen Elizabeth National park ranks in the world and the highest in Africa.
The park also has a beautiful combination of forests, grasslands and waterscapes and is home to tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector. At the Kazinga channel a wide range of animals including one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos (around 2,000) and countless Nile crocodiles can be seen.
3. Murchison Falls National park
One of Uganda’s first national parks to be established since 1952. At Murchison Falls, the River Nile squeezes through an 8m wide gorge and drops mightily into the “Devil’s Cauldron”, creating a trademark rainbow that will surely delight you!. Satisfy your love for wildlife with generous sightings of elephants, giraffes, over 500 bird species, and crocodiles.
4. Rwenzori Mountains National Park
A UNESCO World heritage center, Rwenzori national park is located in the western part of Uganda and part of it is shared by DRC Congo and is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, the highest non-volcanic, non-orogenic mountains in the world. Rwenzori mountains national park has awe-inspiring scenery! It also features thrilling attractions, great trekking expeditions. No wonder these mountains are often called the mountains of the moon! Why not venture out to find out why?
5. Kidepo National Park
Apparently the most isolated national park but it stands out as the best virgin place for wild life lovers and also the scene of cultural tourism. Here is a chance to immerse yourself in some Ugandan culture with the famous Karamojong tribe in their uniqueness. If you love the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania, you will love the Karamojong who are quite similar to the masai people. Visit Karamojong Tribe
6. Lake Mburo National Park
Are you looking for a short safari? Or a day trip? Lake Mburo National Park is a little gem just a stone throw away from Kampala and Entebbe. It’s a great spot for birding and in recent years, it has also developed a reputation as a good place to see leopards, especially on night drives. It’s also the only park in Uganda with eland, impala and klipspringer. Up to 5,000 Zebras roam free in Lake Mburo National park, not forgetting Horse back riding which is also a highlight in this park.
7. Source of the Nile in Jinja town
Jinja town nicknamed the ”adrenaline center” and rightly so owing to the adrenaline rising activities that can be done on the River Nile, the longest river in the world. Adrenaline rush seekers flock to Jinja town to experience bungee jumping, canoeing, white water rafting, kayaking, Quad biking and horse back riding. On the other hand if you are seeking historical sites and cultural tourism, Jinja town has interesting sites for you to visit.
Kampala – the city of 7 hills
The city was built on 7 hills (Old Kampala, Kololo, Mengo, Rubaga, Nsambya, Namirembe and Kibuli) initially but has now grown to cover over 20 hills. Do not leave Uganda without a tour of Kampala city the capital of Uganda. Places to visit include Old Kampala, Gaddafi mosque, Kibuli Mosque, Uganda parliament (Bulange), Kabaka’s Palaces in Mengo and Lubiri, Kabaka’s lake, Kasubi tombs, Bahai temple, Uganda Martyrs shrine Namugongo, Independence Monument, Namirembe Cathedrale and the famous local market Owino for some local shopping.
The amazing Equator line.
Want to be in both in the northern and Southern hemisphere at the same time? Step into Uganda and have one leg in each of the hemispheres! Amazing isn’t it? Talk about being in two places at the same time. While the Equator crosses through all of Uganda, the most Iconic spot for the equator crossing is in Kayabwe, just 70 kilometers from Kampala city. Wouldn’t that make a cool a social media post?
Entebbe Town Tour
Entebbe town is the location of Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s largest commercial and military airport also known as’ the airport of the Equator’. Entebbe, Uganda’s beach town is only 40minutes drive from Kampala and even faster via the express highway. Be sure to visit Aero beach in Entebbe right on the lake Victoria front, the Botanical Gardens which also has a beach, the Zoo (Uganda wildlife conservation Education center), Uganda Reptile center in Katabi village, visit to Ssese Island, Take a day trip to Ngamba Island to see Chimpanzees. There is so much to love in this beautiful town.
Conclusion
Have you added Uganda to your bucket list of places to visit yet? Well, what are you waiting for? Do not get left out! Welcome to the Pearl of Africa. Let Uganda inspire and leave you wowed with these 10 Top exciting Holiday destinations, which in truth are only a scratch on the top as there is so much more to see in Uganda.
