5 THINGS TO DO IN UGANDA

The activity offers visitors a chance to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is a home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas which live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both located in the southwestern part of the country.

Mountain gorilla trekking starts early in the morning with a short briefing from the park rangers. After that, a small group of 8 people each guided by rangers is led through a thick forest in search for gorilla families. The hike can take between one to six hours depending on where the gorillas are. When the gorillas are found, visitors are allowed to spend an hour with them quietly observing as they feed, play, and interact with each other.

Those doing gorilla habituation spend more hours with them. The experience is safe and well managed as the rangers and guides lead the way ensuring both the visitors and gorillas are protected. To take part in gorilla trekking, visitors must have a gorilla trekking permit, and the money from these permits helps in gorilla conservation and support the local communities.

White water rafting at the Source of the Nile in Jinja, Uganda, is one of the most exciting adventures to do in the country. The Nile River begins its long journey to Egypt from Lake Victoria, and this part of the river is famous for its strong rapids and beautiful views.

Rafting trips starts with short briefing and training from the guides. They explain how to paddle and stay safe. Visitors then get into a large inflatable boats and move down the river where they face rapids and waves of different levels. The rafting can be easy or very challenging depending on what you choose. Between the rapids, there are calm parts where you can relax, swim and enjoy the peaceful nature around you.

Safety is the top priority. Everyone wears a helmet and life jacket and there are trained guides and safety kayakers who help if needed. You can choose a half day or full day trip allowing everyone from beginners to adventure lovers enjoy the experience.

Uganda hosts over 1000 bird species including Forest and Forest edge Birds, savannah grassland and savannah woodland birds, fresh water and salt water birds all falling under resident or migratory birds. Some of the best places for bird watching in Uganda include; Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park.

Mabamba Swamp is especially famous for the rare Shoebill Stork, one of Uganda’s most sought-after birds. Other birds that are commonly seen include African fish eagles, kingfishers, hornbills, sunbirds, weavers, and many forest and water birds. Bird watching can be combined with other safari activities such as nature walks, boat trips and game drives.

The Kasubi Tombs are located in Kampala capital city and it is one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Uganda. They serve as the burial place of the kings (Kabakas) of Buganda Kingdom. The tombs are UNESCO World Heritage Site and hold cultural value for Baganda people.

Cultural visit to Kasubi Tombs offers a chance to visitors to learn about the history, traditions and royal heritage of the Buganda Kingdom. The Kasubi Tombs has a main building called Muzibu Azaala Mpanga which is made from natural materials like reed, thatch and wood. This building portrays a traditional Ganda architecture and represents both cultural pride and craftsmanship. During the tour, the local caretakers explain the meaning of the tombs, history of the Kabakas buried there and the customs followed by the Baganda people. The site also includes smaller huts, royal symbols, and items used by the former kings.

Mountain climbing is one of the most exciting adventure activities in Uganda. The Rwenzori Mountains are also known as the “Mountains of the moon” are located in western Uganda along the border of Democratic Republic of Congo. The  mountains are famous for their snow capped peaks, glaciers and beautiful scenery. The Rwenzori Mountain highest peak is Margherita peak on Mount Stanley  making it the third highest mountain in Africa.

The highest peaks of these ranges are covered in snow all year round even though they lie on the equator and with in the tropics this is what leaves most visitors to these mountain astonished “finding snow on the Equator”. Climbing Rwenzori mountains is a bit challenging as visitors go through different vegetation zones for instance, tropical forests, bamboo forests and alpine meadows. Along the way climbers can spot unique plants, waterfalls, birds and wildlife like colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys among others.

Trekking Mountain Rwenzori takes 3 to 9 days or more depending on the route and how far you plan to climb. Most climbers use Rwenzori National Park as their starting point. Climbers are guided by mountain guides and porters who help to carry supplies.