Exploring Uganda
Our Travel GuideAnd if that is not enough, the source of the Nile with Lake Victoria, there is ample reason to visit Uganda. What we found really special is the eternal optimism of the people and how warm and welcoming they are. Even with a troubled past, Uganda will bring all of your senses alive for a safari and holiday destination like no other. In Uganda, the landscapes are incredible and there are still wild places that exist. Besides the mountain gorillas, you can also trek chimpanzees and other primates, check out the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park or fill your days with the culture and people of Uganda.
Uganda is a small, safe country with perpetual spring-like weather being on the equator. Still tribal, Uganda has over 40 languages but most speak English. Kati and I traveled to Uganda in September of 2021. There were many precautions throughout for Covid, but many of the lodges and hotels were virtually empty. But, we think, it is time to go back to Africa and Uganda should be a country that you put on your itinerary.
Uganda at a Glance
Currency: The currency of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling. One rand equals 100 cents. The current exchange rate is $1USD to about $3500 Uganda Shillings.
Visa: To travel to Uganda, you require a valid visa. Visa for tourism is valid for 90 days and can be obtained online. We DO NOT recommend at this time the East African visa.
Language:Â There are two official languages in Uganda, Swahili and English.
- Sight Seeing 95%
- Cost 75%
- Ease of Travel 65%
- Activities 95%
We loved traveling to Uganda and exploring it’s wildlife. The reason we will return is it’s people. Eternal optimists and resilient.  We recommend everyone put Uganda on their to-do list. Â
Top Experiences in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Home to half the world’s endangered mountain Gorillas, Bwindi should be on everyone’s to-do list. Imagine waking up in the morning, having coffee overlooking the incredible misty slopes of Bwindi, and a couple of hours later being face-to-face with these magnificent gentle creatures. Bwindi is in the southwest corner of Uganda and about an 11 hour (with stops) from Entebbe. Other activities in Bwindi besides gorilla tracking is birding, nature walks through the rain forest and visiting nearby villages. The cost for gorilla trekking is $700 per person (2022 price) and you get to spend an hour with the gorillas. It truly is a remarkable experience.
We used African Adventure Travellers during our time in Uganda. They are great to work with, arranged our entire trip including accommodations and got us the permits for the gorilla trekking. We cannot recommend them enough. They made our entire Uganda experience special.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
With over 600 bird species and classic big game and forest primates, it is easy to see why Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular protected area. In the southernmost area of the park is Ishasha with it’s tree climbing lions. Along with buffalos, elephants, topis and other wildlife, the lions spend their days in the shade in the fig trees. We headed to the rift valley which was amazing and went on a forest walk. Though we did not see any chimps on the walk, we were able to experience this ancient forest with hippos, elephant and many bird species. Queen Elizabeth offers everything in regards to the classic safari experience.
Murchison Falls National Park
One of the oldest and largest protected areas of Uganda is Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls lies in the northern end of the rift valley and where the Victoria Nile explodes through a narrow gap of just 20 feet wide. The surrounding area is home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, white hippos, Nile crocodiles, lion, Ugandan cob, and more. Head to the Top of the Falls to see, hear and feel the Nile racing through the narrow gorge. Also, the Murchison Falls boat cruise is a three hour trip where you will see wildlife along the shores of the Nile as you head towards the falls. There is also fishing, forest walks, classic safari and chimpanzee tracking which makes Murchison Falls a special place for everyone that loves Africa.
Kibale National Park
Known as the Primate Capital of the World, Kibale National Park is about 4 to 5 hours from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest by vehicle. It is home Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees as well as red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys. You can do the Primate Walk (chimpanzee tracking) or even take part in the habituation of the chimps with the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. This area is home to a wide variety of birdlife besides the primates and you can take nature walks and even night walks.
Our Final Word
Of course there are other wonderful areas to explore in Uganda like Mgahinga Gorilla National Park along the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes where you can track gorillas and golden monkeys, climb volcanoes and meet and interact with the Batwa Pygmies. There is also the snow capped peaks of Rwenzori Mountains National Park which offers mountaineering trekking. Uganda, though a small country has everything one could want in an African adventure. We loved Uganda and already planning on returning. Uganda is truly the Pearl of Africa.
Again we would like to thank African Adventure Travellers for always making our trips to Uganda special and our wonderful guide Augustine. They truly are special.
1 Comment
Submit a Comment
Uganda
Our Travel Blog
Discovering Kenya’s Natural Wonders: An Epic Safari Itinerary
Embark on a thrilling adventure through Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes and encounter its magnificent wildlife. From the vast plains of the Maasai Mara to the stunning peaks of Mount Kenya, this epic safari itinerary will immerse you in the wonders of nature. Get ready to witness the circle of life unfold before your eyes.
Exploring the Untouched Beauty: 5 Must-Do Activities in Uganda
Embark on a Ugandan adventure and witness the raw beauty of its landscapes. Trek through misty jungles to observe mountain gorillas, cruise the Nile at Murchison Falls, spot tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth Park, marvel at Lake Bunyonyi’s serenity, and hike the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. Uganda’s untouched splendor awaits your discovery.
The Human Connection: Why We Should Care About People We Meet on Our Travels
“The Human Connection” explores the profound impact of human interactions during travels. It emphasizes the importance of embracing local cultures, understanding diverse perspectives, and forming meaningful connections. This post encourages readers to see beyond tourist spots and delve deeper into the heart of the places they visit, through the people they meet.
Uganda is a very rich place in terms of natural environment. Thanks for boosting my enthusiasm to go here.