There are so many amazing things to see and do on Uganda safaris that it can be difficult to plan a trip, there is so much to pack! That’s why I’ve compiled these top 10 recommendations for anyone visiting the country. The following is the result, and it is an interesting and varied list that would make a memorable vacation.
1. Mountain Gorilla Tracking
Often described as the most popular tourist attraction in Uganda, gorilla tracking is a spectacular experience that involves walking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park in search of mountain gorillas and observing them for an hour. The tracking is done by a group of people with a tour guide who helps locate the gorillas.
2. Tracking chimpanzees and other primates
Uganda is very popular in terms of primate housing as it is home to chimpanzees, various types of monkeys, apes, gorillas, etc. Popular places to track chimpanzees and monkeys include; Kibale Forest National Park, Ngamba Island and Semliki National Park.
3. Take the ferry to the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria
Take the MV Kalangala boat from Entebbe to the Ssese Island called Kalangala, which boasts of a series of white sand beaches. Sip your beverage overlooking the shores of Lake Victoria while enjoying the peace and quiet except for the sound of running water. Take a look around and enjoy this quaint and quiet town. This is the perfect place for a stress-free vacation.
4. Visit the Nile River for adventure activities
The best way to experience the park is to rent a kayak and allow a guide to take you out into the crystal clear waters, this way you will experience and see all the amazing creatures of the land and the Nile. The Nile is a haven for walkers, kayakers, rafters, bungee jumpers and those looking to relax.
5. Go on wildlife safaris in national parks
Uganda has wonderful wildlife that is amazing to see from its natural habitat. Uganda is immensely endowed with a variety of wildlife that can be observed on Uganda safari tours in National Parks including; Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, etc.. Seeing the animals in the still intact and uncontaminated habitats can be the most rewarding experience to be had at any time of the year.
6. Take a city tour of Kampala
Kampala is the commercial hub of the country with many trading companies, an industrial hub, a political hub, an educational hub with many schools and universities, a transportation hub with many highways connecting to different parts of the country. There are several tourist attractions in the city of Kampala, including the national museum, the National Theatre, Kasubi tombs, Makerere University, St Paul’s and Rubaga Cathedrals, Bahai Temple, Craftsmen’s Village, Kampala Martyrs’ Shrine, Uganda, Lake Kabaka and many others.
7. Visit Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda
Visit the second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi, which is located in Kabale in southwestern Uganda. The islands of Lake Bunyonyi have some pretty interesting stories about them that will blow your mind. The lake is free of bilharzia, which means it is safe to swim in, and there is an opportunity to see birds while cruising the lake. The spectacular scenery of Lake Bunyonyi makes an overnight stay more desirable than staying in Kabale.
8. Go on a bird watching safari
Birding spots in Uganda include the following; Entebbe, Kampala environs, Lake Mburo, Bwindi Rainforest and Queen Elizabeth National Park with an emphasis on the Mweya Peninsula and Kazinga Channel
9. Go on a cultural safari
Uganda has a very rich cultural heritage exhibited by the various tribes in Uganda, some of which formed kingdoms before the arrival of the British. These kingdoms present a rich cultural heritage that Uganda is proud to boast of. On a cultural safari, you can take tours of the King’s Palaces, royal tombs, royal senates, and other historical sites revered by local people.
10. Go hiking in the mountains
The Rwenzori, also mountains of the moon, located in western Uganda, is the third highest mountain in Africa and offers one of the best trekking experiences you have ever wished for. Along with Mount Elgon in the east, whichever you choose, or if you choose to hike both, the safari will not only offer the challenges of trekking, but also give you the chance to see fabulous wildlife as a mountaineer.