Uganda in East Africa is one of the famous places for seeing different varieties of wild animals. This is most evidenced by the presence of national parks which include
- Savanna National Parks that include Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park.
- Forest Parks that include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park famous for mountain gorillas as well as Kibale Forest National Park known for chimpanzee tracking
- Mountain National Parks; the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon National Park
Why Explore Uganda
The truth is that Uganda has a lot and so much more to offer to those interested in exploring more about this beautiful country. On a safari in Uganda, you have a lot to see from the rare mountain gorillas to small unique wildlife! Here are some of the facts you did not know about Uganda.
It’s A Home To The Rare Mountain Gorillas
The mountain gorilla population in the world today is estimated at 900 but half of that population resides in Bwindi impenetrable forest located in southwestern Uganda. Mountain gorillas are apes with about 95% of their DNA similar to human beings meaning that their major characteristics are similar to human beings. Going for mountain gorilla safaris in Bwindi impenetrable offers unforgettable wildlife experiences. A tourist to Bwindi is assured of seeing the mountain gorillas as well as other major wildlife attractions in the forest. Mountain gorillas in Uganda can also be trekked in Mgahinga gorilla national park also located in southwestern Uganda.
It’s The Source Of The Great River Nile
The Great River Nile the longest river in the world starts its journey to the Mediterranean Sea from Uganda at Jinja. The Nile at Jinja moves out of lake victoria, the third largest lake in the world and flows over hard rocks forming a number of rapids, which are used, as grounds for white water rafting one of the most adventurous tourist activities. Those interested in exploring more about this river can go for boat cruisesto the source of the Nile which also gives them an opportunity to encounter some wildlife species especially the birds.
River Nile forms a number of magnificent tourism attractions like the great Murchison falls that forms a permanent rain ball as well as the Nile delta as the Nile pours into lake albert. Both the falls and the Nile delta are situated in Murchison falls national park and can be toured by tourists on boat cruises.
Diverse Cultures
Uganda is among the countries on earth with diverse cultural practices among the people. The country has over 56 tribes each tribe having its own unique customs and practices. Learning about the different cultures in Uganda introduces one to unique cuisines, traditional dances and ways o dressing.
One of the most unique tribe in Uganda is the Bagishu tribe whose members annually engage in circumcision ceremonies to transform boys to manhood. The circumcision is done in a public gathering and the one being circumcised is expected not to show of fear as a sign of courage. While on a tour in this beautiful country, learning about the local people’s culture is something incredible you should not surely miss.
It’s A Birder’s Number One Destination
The pearl of Africa has a number of bird species in wetlands and all of the 10 national parks the country has. One can easily sight various birds while on nature walks, on boat trips and even while on game drives. Some of the birds sighted in Uganda include the shoebill stork that usually live in the swampy areas, hammer kops, skimmers, fish eagles, king fishers, Turacos, African blue flycatchers, hadada ibis, crown cranes and many others.
Birders can never regret having visited Uganda as they come across some of the bird species that are endemic to the country.
Uganda inhabits a variety of bird species that include the Martial Eagle, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Shoebill, African Skimmer, Lesser plus Greater Flamingo, Chapin’s Flycatcher, White-tailed Lark, Corncrake, Pinkbacked Pelican, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Papyrus Canary, White-winged Warbler, African Broadbill, Papyrus Gonolek and the Black Bee-eater are commonly seen. These are actually common in in places of Kazinga channel that connects Lake George to lake Edward, Kyambura gorge. This gorge can be explored on foot so taking a nature walk guided by any of the well trained and highly knowledgeable tour guides will unveil to visitors the natural beauty of the gorge as well as the flora and fauna within the depths of the gorge and almost all forests and trees in queen Elizabeth actually harbor these bird species.
It’s A Home To Various Savanna Wild Animals
Uganda has a number of savanna wild animals that include the elephants, white rhinos, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, hippos, zebras, Johnson’s hartebeests, Oribi, giraffes and many others. Tourists on game drives and boat cruises and many others can see most of the animals.
Cultural Exchanges
You can also enjoy the spectacular dances and entertainment from different cultural groups that include Kikorongo women group (culture and dances) with vibrant performance is a wonderful glimpse of life in Kikorongo, with dance, drama, songs and even fire-making competitions.
Discover the ancient skill of fire making as two villagers compete to create frames and observing how exhaustive the exercise is. One actually learns through music and dance with an interpreter presents each performance, translating the words of the songs and explaining the stories in the drama. Therefore as a tourist, you just have to sit and enjoy watching life in a Bakonzo village unfold in front of you.
Stories of health, spirituality, celebration and romance are beautifully presented by dancers. Several women in the group are widows as their husbands were poachers. The performances give both married widowed women the chance to uplift their social, cultural and economic status.
