Best Travel Activities in Uganda

Uganda is undoubtedly one of a few complete safari destinations offering not only the most exciting tourist activities but also the most thrilling adventures that will get you out of the usual experiences. If you are planning to have your next vacation in Africa this coming season, this is one of the leading travel destinations in the world that shouldn’t miss in your travel plan. Whether you are a first time or repeat visitor, a visit to this splendid country rewards travel endeavors with variety of tourist activities and most of them are rare thus rewarding you with the most exceptional experiences. They include;

Mountain gorilla trekking

Unlike other countries except Rwanda and DR Congo, Uganda is one of a few unusual safari destinations which offer you that golden opportunity to strike your imaginations with the critically endangered mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. Over 480 individuals of these fascinating apes thrive in the jungles of Uganda and only in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in the southwest. This breathtaking adventure is undeniably one of the major safari highlights for most tourists on safari in Africa. To be part of this life changing adventure, you only need $600 to secure your permit in the pearl of Africa and you can book one in advance through a recognized ground tour operator and for this case, you need not to look any further than Maranatha Tours and Travel or alternatively, you can secure your permit through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Besides, you can as well enhance your experience with Gorilla Habituation Experience, a newly launched tourism product which offers you opportunity to spend 4 hours on face to face with these dramatic creatures in the wild and an entire day of exploration to search for them. It is only conducted in Bwindi National Park and only in Bikingi and Bushaho gorilla group. For this extra-ordinary primate adventure, you need $1500 to purchase a permit. Other thrilling primate adventures that you shouldn’t miss to be part while on safari in Uganda include golden monkey tracking, chimpanzee trekking, mangabey monkey trekking and others.

Game viewing

Besides magical encounters with the rare mountain gorillas, Uganda is exceptionally one of the best safari destinations that reward visitors with amazing wildlife experiences especially in most of its extensive savanna grassland national parks like Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest, Kidepo Valley National Park in the extreme Northeast-Karamoja region, Semuliki Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park in the west. While on game drive in Uganda, you will enjoy spectacular views of big game-African elephant, Buffaloes, Leopards, African lions including the tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector-Queen Elizabeth National Park, rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary as well as other remarkable savanna grassland wildlife dwellers such as giraffes, zebras, mongoose, spotted hyenas, warthogs, antelope families and several savanna bird species. This exciting activity is conducted in the morning and in the afternoon.

White water rafting

If you are interested in adrenaline adventures while on safari in Uganda then you should consider white water rafting a must in your bucket list. This breathtaking adventure is mainly conducted in Jinja the renowned capital of adrenaline adventures in East Africa. Interested visitors engage in this exciting activity along the mighty River Nile and the entire day experience takes you through 21 kilometers and while on your adventure, you will be amazed by the water rapids.

Mountain climbing

When it comes to safaris in Uganda, Adventure enthusiasts are never left out. For breathtaking, more challenging and exceptional adventures while on safari in the pearl of Africa, Mount Rwenzori should be a must for you hike to explore its magical snow capped Margherita peak. Other incredible places that you should also consider for hiking experiences include Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda and while on your safari, don’t miss to hike to the Sipi falls. Besides, you can also hike through the spectacular volcanoes like Mgahinga, Muhavura and Sabyinyo that are part of the Virunga Mountain ranges that cover areas of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Birding

With over 1076 distinct bird species, Uganda truly a birder’s paradise! These varied avian species are widely distributed in most of the country’s habitats and there are several important bird areas that are readily available for you to explore while on your African safari. For bird lovers, expect to spot bird species such as elusive shoebill stork and you can spot it while on safari in Murchison Falls National Park, Mabamba wetland and in most of the significant wetlands for bird watching in Uganda, green breasted pitta-the most sought after bird in Kibale Forest National Park, African green broadbill-mostly looked for in Bwindi National Park, standard winged nightjar, the Great Blue Turaco plus the white crested Turaco, short tailed warbler, Bar tailed Trogon, black breasted barbet a mention but a few. Other remarkable birding sites for you to explore in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National Park where over 620 distinct bird species call it their home including the grey headed kingfishers, African skimmer, swamp flycatcher, yellow billed stork, white and pink backed pelicans, martial eagle, pin tailed whydah, white winged terns and others; Kidepo Valley National Park with over 475 bird species, Semuliki National Park with about 200 avian species and many more. Bird watching in most of the Important Bird Areas in Uganda is ideal throughout the year and it is usually conducted while you are on game drive or launch cruise.

In conclusion, Uganda features a wide range of exciting tourist activities that reward visitors on safari in Africa with the most memorable experiences. With variety of activities that are on offer in this country, a visitor has what meets his or her travel interest in the destination. Interestingly, you can incorporate most of these activities and at the end; you will be rewarded with different experiences.