This year, take a trip to Uganda – here’s why
It is a country often outshone by some of its better-known neighbours yet spending time in Uganda reveals an unpolished gem of scenic diversity, varied wildlife as well as a thriving cultural scene. While Kenya and Tanzania justifiably boast the better savannah experience and Rwanda offers gorilla safaris from ultra-luxurious lodges, Uganda unassumingly offers you both these wildlife must-sees, alongside a host of other unexpected treats.
In the west, imposing mountain ranges are bookended by deep rift valley lakes, flanked to the east by vast forests where primates abound. The White Nile bisects the country from south to north, offering white water rafting as well as plunging waterfalls and frothing gorges along the way. To the far north and east lies a vast wilderness, rewarding those who make the journey with abundant wildlife and few other visitors – the holy grail for the seasoned safari-goer.
So how should you make the most of your time in Uganda?
Kampala
Only a stone’s skip along Lake Victoria from Entebbe International Airport lies Kampala, Uganda’s capital, largest city, and the likely start or endpoint for your time in Uganda. It’s a heady mix of gleaming modernity and low-rise hustle and bustle. Scratch the surface and you will discover vibrant craft villages as well as a thriving art scene, manifest in the city’s many fine galleries. Visit the Uganda Museum and the UNESCO recognised Kasubi tombs to learn more about Uganda’s colourful and at times chequered history.
Gorilla trekking
This is the absolute must-do during any visit to Uganda!
Over the last few decades, conservation efforts to protect the two remaining isolated populations of mountain gorilla have resulted in a resurgence in numbers. Of the total remaining individuals (numbering over 1000), over half can be found in Uganda, the majority of which are located in the aptly named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
In Bwindi, be prepared to roll up your sleeves, strap on your gaiters and channel your inner explorer! Negotiating fallen trees, carving a path through the bush, outrunning a regiment of marching ants– this is all part of the fun and adds to the experience and overwhelming sense of achievement when you ultimately come face to face with the world’s largest primate. If you are asked to pick one memory of your time in Uganda, the chances are that this will be it!
Chimp trekking in Kibale forest
Chimpanzees are found in a number of Uganda’s protected forests but Kibale Forest National Park has the most reliable sightings thanks to its long-established habituation programme. As with trekking gorillas, your permit affords you just one hour of quality time but with chimpanzee troops generally greater in number than gorillas, the action and interaction are often more high-octane.
One hour not enough for you? Why not join in the research by taking part in the habituation process – you get to spend an entire day in the company of our closest relatives.
Experience the Nile at Murchison Falls
The eponymous Falls and the river Nile only cover a fraction of Uganda’s oldest and largest national park. While the surrounding savannah and woodland do serve up some spectacular game viewing, exploring the river itself is an undoubted highlight and complement to your time in Uganda.
Take a boat trip to the base and then hike to the top of the falls for the best – and also wettest – way to fully comprehend its true power. Here millions of gallons of water are shoehorned through a seven-metre wide breach in the rock and dumped 40 metres below. For birders, the area surrounding the river’s outlet into Lake Albert represents perhaps the best chance to view the iconic and elusive shoebill stork.
Ready to get off the beaten track?
The Rwenzori Mountains, forming part of Uganda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, are Africa’s tallest range. Showcasing the continent’s third-highest peak, Mount Stanley, the Rwenzoris offer crowd-free, multi-day treks as well as shorter hikes around the foothills. Think Kilimanjaro without the queues!
Alternatively, take the two-day drive or a private charter flight from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park. Located in the far northeast of the country, the experience is often likened to that of the Serengeti before tourism developed: savannah grassland, an abundance of wildlife to observe and crucially, few visitors.
Get your heart pumping in Jinja
After so much time spent quietly observing Uganda’s fascinating but ultimately noise-sensitive wildlife, you may feel the need to let off a little steam. If so then head to Jinja, Uganda’s self-proclaimed adrenalin centre. White water rafting, bungee jumping and river bugging are just some of the ways to get up close and personal with the River Nile.
Combine this with a stay at one of the new luxury lodges overlooking the Nile and a pampering spa treatment. Quite possibly the best way to rejuvenate and reflect upon your time in Uganda.
Have we missed anything? What have you enjoyed during your own time in Uganda? We’d love to hear.
