Uganda has got a variety of tourist activities that can be enjoyed by the tourists and these have attracted many of the guests to come to Uganda. Some of the tourist activities include; Bird watching, Uganda is famously known as a bird-watching paradise since it has got half of the bird species that are found in Africa, and this has made it the best birding destination in Africa and the world at large. With its vegetation of the tropical rain forest and savannah in the east, the country is among the countries in the world with unique bird-watching sites like Queen Elizabeth National park with over 600 bird species, these are over 100 African forest birds and some of these include; Black and white casqued Hornbill, green broadbill, great blue turaco, Black and white casqued Hornbill, and the 23 endemic bird species within the rift valley of East Africa. It’s only in Uganda where you can view the shoebill stork which is one of the large ancient-looking birds that lives in the swamps and it’s prominent for the clog-shaped bill. While on safari in Uganda, you can do a lot of things. From soft leisurely activities to hard adrenaline adventures, there are lots of things to do in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Gorilla trekking
Half a total population of the world’s most endangered species, the mountain gorillas can be found in two different National parks these are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Walk on the wild side and experience Africa’s once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the rarest animals on Earth, the mountain Gorillas. More than half the world’s population of the most endangered species are found in Uganda. The dense Bwindi Impenetrable rainforest home of these gentle giants is UNESCO’s World Heritage site since 1994. With awe-inspiring biodiversity that lies in the southwest of Uganda. Dotted by forests and lakes, dominated by the dramatic Virunga mountain ranges, just fewer than 350 mountain gorillas live and play among the mossy undergrowth of the forest floor.
Uganda offers the intrepid traveller a chance to enjoy a more adventurous level of safari. Boasting over 1000 species of birds, and wildlife not found anywhere else, it is the original Eden. Rub shoulders with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Only eight visitors are allowed to view each gorilla family every day and our expert guides will explain the etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback.
Go Birding
There are many birding spots in Uganda and some of these include; Bwindi impenetrable National park which has many of the Albertine Rift endemics and they total 320 bird species. Queen Elizabeth National park with over 600 bird species, Kibale National Park with 35 bird species and Bigodi wetland which has 38 bird species, Mabamba swamp in Entebbe to view the shoebill, Ssemliki National park with 400 bird species commonly for the Congo Basin Endemics, Murchison falls national park with 45 bird species, Echuya forest Reserve which has 150 species, Mgahinga National park with 115 species, Lake Bisena found in the eastern part of the country and lastly the Nile River in Jinja with 60 bird species.
Wildlife Safaris
Wildlife safaris in Uganda are also carried out in many different parts of the country. Uganda is a very exceptional and attractive safari destination that is filled with lots of wildlife species. Uganda is located on the equator along the shores of Lake Victoria, it has got prolific wildlife that attracts many tourists who come to experience the wonderful gift of nature in the country. Tourists get a chance to view many animals within their habitants which is so rewarding and this can be enjoyed throughout the year. The wildlife species can be seen in the National parks and the game reserve and these are perfect destinations for holidaymakers. Wild species found here include; zebras, kobs, elephants, hippos, buffalos, forest hops, sitatungas, and birds. These wildlife species also increase year by year which provides an opportunity for the tourists to be able to view all the animals on a particular safari.
Mountain Climbing
Mountain climbing in Uganda is also one of the adventurous activities in Uganda, the activity is mostly done on Mountain Rwenzori located in western Uganda on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The mountain extends an expanse of 988km and was also named after Mountain Ruwenzori known as the mountain of the moon. This mountain also stands at 5109m high and is one of the highest mountain ranges in Africa second to Mountain Kilimanjaro and Mountain Kenya.it has also got 6 peaks which include; Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, Mt Speke, Mt Emin, Mt Savoia, and Mt Margherita which is the highest of all. This mountain is not a volcanic mountain though it has got an ancient quartzite and Genesis. It’s also located close to the equator and it has got many icy peaks that are seen miles away in different parts of western Uganda.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is also an exciting activity in Uganda and it provides a unique experience to the tourists. It’s very magical as well as exciting and Uganda has got 4950 chimps remaining in the wild and some of these are being conserved in the zoo, and others in the forests as well as sanctuaries. This is an exceptional experience of meeting these chimps eye to eye since you can spend time with them and also observe them as they feed, care for the young ones, and also as they climb from one tree to another. The chimpanzee can be tracked in Kibale National park, Queen Elizabeth national park in Kyambura Gorge, and also in Budongo forest near Murchison falls National Park. Chimpanzee habituation can also be carried out from Ngamba Island sanctuary that is located on Lake Victoria. Kibale national park has got the most number of chimpanzees and over 13 different primate species including chimpanzees, monkeys like the L’Hoest Monkey, vervet monkey, and red-tailed monkey.
Waterbased Tourism
There are also many lakes in Uganda that attract tourists and the most common one being Lake Bunyonyi that lies in southwestern Uganda between Kibale and Kisoro just next to Rwanda. It’s also located 1,962m above sea level. This lake is free from Bilharzia and it’s so safe for swimming. This lake is close to the towns of Kyevu and Muke town. It has got many islands including; Bushara, Punishment, Kyahungwe, Bwana, Nyuyeera, and Bucaranuka Island. The lake is referred to as Panorama which leads to the lord of the rings. You can also swim, have a canoe ride, and do bird watching and the Batwa villages. This lake is a place where many Ugandans come and unwind and it’s a wonderful place to view the volcanic eruptions.
Other Adventures:
The other activities to be enjoyed include; white water rafting, bungee jumping, mainly carried out on the source of the Nile in Jinja, Horseback riding, boat cruises on the lakes and rivers, game viewing, nature walks, guided forest walks, and many more to be enjoyed on your safari to Uganda.