I warmly welcome you to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of Africa’ by Winston Churchill, Uganda offers some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. A mosaic of savannas, rainforests, vast crater lakes, hot springs, and snow-capped mountain ranges.
By Her Excellency Professor Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, Uganda’s High Commissioner to New Delhi
Uganda is home to Africa’s Big 7 namely; Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, African Lions including tree climbing lions, Cafe Buffaloes, African Elephants, African Leopards and Rhinoceros. Winding roads lead to places of grand beauty and unique cultures for those who dare to explore. More than half of the remaining endangered Mountain Gorilla species have their abode in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Over 50% of the world’s population of gorillas live in Uganda, and you can head off on guided tracking trips to see them in their natural habitat. You may choose to go white water rafting, mountaineering, learn about Uganda’s 65 tribes and their individual cultures, stand on the Equator, or explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There’s a story at every turn, especially from our people, who are renowned for their warmth and charm.
EXPERIENCE ASTOUNDING NATIONAL PARKS
There is a grand total of 10 National Parks in Uganda, each with its own dramatic sights and varied wildlife.
Uganda’s peak season runs June-August. For a quieter experience, you can also travel January-February during the low season, when there’s very little rain and fewer crowds. See mountain gorillas in their natural habitat on a trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Spot giraffes and cheetahs in picturesque Kidepo Valley National Park, or admire striking alpine scenery in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Birdwatchers will delight in Uganda, with its more than 1090 bird species. In Queen Elizabeth National Park alone there are over 500 types of birds.
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: The Ultimate Gorilla Experience. One of Africa’s oldest forests – being one of few that predate the arid conditions of the last ice age – the 325km² Bwindi Impenetrable has carpeted the margin of the Albertine Rift Valley for some 25,000 years. During this time, it has accumulated a remarkable biodiversity. Species counts include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 moths and 120 mammals. The latter includes several primates, among them chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, and the star of the Impenetrable show: the mountain gorilla. The global population of this endangered ape numbers just 800, half of which live in Bwindi and the remainder on the nearby Virunga volcanoes. With 15 family groups habituated for tourism, and with 4 trailheads, the Impenetrable is the region’s primary gorilla tracking destination. Eight permits are available each day to track each of these 15 groups, giving a daily total of 120 permits.
There is much more to Bwindi than gorilla tracking. Forest trails lead to scenic waterfalls and rift valley viewpoints while Community Walks through local villages provide insights into the lives of the Bakiga and Batwa (Pygmy) peoples living beside the forest. Bwindi is one of Uganda’s top birdwatching destinations with many Albertine Rift endemics present, notably in the high, draughty Ruhija sector.
LAKE BUNYONYI
Lake Bunyonyi (‘place of many little birds, often known as a birding paradise’) is undoubtedly the loveliest lake in Uganda, one of its kinds, a little secret to the gateway to paradise. Its contorted shore encircles 29 islands, surrounded by steep terraced hillsides reminiscent of parts of Nepal.
MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON
Mountains of the Moon’ sounds like something out of a fairy tale, but the magic unfolded right in front of my eyes on a recent climbing trip to the Rwenzoris in Uganda. Balanced on the spine of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Rwenzori Mountains straddle the equator for around 100 kilometres.
In my bid to climb Margherita Peak (5109m) on Mount Stanley, the highest peak in Uganda and the third highest in Africa, I had a punchy 8-day adventure in this remote wonderland. I stepped into another world full of exotic natural wonders; candy floss trees, oversized botanical specimens, towering cactus plants and totem poles set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. It was magical.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Uganda is known as the adventure capital of East Africa, and white-water rafting is one of the most popular activities in the country. Here’s some information to help you plan your white-water rafting trip in Uganda:
Itineraries:
• Half-Day Rafting: This option is perfect for those short on time or who want to experience the thrill of white water rafting without committing to a full day. The half-day trip usually takes about four hours, and you can expect to raft about 11 km down the Nile River.
• Full-Day Rafting: This is the most popular option and allows you to experience more of the Nile River. The full-day trip usually lasts about eight hours and covers a distance of about 25 km. You’ll stop for lunch and have time to relax and swim.
TREE CLIMBING LIONS OF ISHASHA
Tree-climbing lions are a rare phenomenon, spending much of their time in trees, unlike most lions that prefer the ground. The Ishasha lions of Uganda offer one of the country’s unique wildlife encounters. Known as Africa’s most feared predators, lions typically hunt most savannah wildlife. However, tree-climbing lions are a curious exception, exhibiting the same traits as other lions, with the distinctive behavior of climbing trees.
TOURING SIPI FALLS IN KAPCHORWA UGANDA
Sipi Falls, located in eastern Uganda’s Kapchorwa district near Mount Elgon National Park, is a stunning trio of waterfalls. The falls drop from heights of 100m, 85m, and 75m over resistant rock, offering breathtaking scenery. A hike to the falls rewards visitors with misty cascades, rainbows, and a refreshing breeze—making it a perfect spot for photography and peaceful moments with loved ones.
