Uganda – the African Country – Not to Miss Visiting
Find out why Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa in 2012
Why put Uganda on your must visit list of African Countries? The answers are many – Uganda is
Authentic Africa as you imagine it to be – the good –the bad and the ugly – but mostly the good – it is the real Africa that retains its African identity and culture. It is as Lonely Planet says “Africa Condensed into a small country.” You will find lush, primeval rainforest jungles unlike any other countries in East or Southern Africa, the snowcapped mountains of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, pristine crater lakes, waterfalls that make you want to linger for hours, there are the vast savannahs, the color of emerald green everywhere, the historic River Nile, volcanoes to climb and in spite of not being landlocked – the sandy Beaches of the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria.
Uganda is more than Idi Amin, more than Joseph Kony and Lord’s Resistance Army is it the Pearl of Africa – the tales of the past that were so much Uganda casting dark shadows over its image as the Pearl of Africa – however in the past six years – Uganda has been one of the most stable and peaceful nations to visit in all of Africa, Kampala being one of the safest capitals in Africa – Uganda has emerged from its dark past into the spotlight with many potential visitors putting it on the “Must Visit List for African Countries.” Even Lonely Planet has put it on its “Must Visit List” by declaring Uganda as best County to visit in 2012.
Uganda is being restored in the minds of Travelers back to the 1960’s when Uganda was the top tourist destination in Africa – the luster of the Pearl of Africa is being restored – Why is that one might ask?
- Its Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees:
Uganda is home to over half of the Mountain Gorilla in the world – 10 gorilla family groups have been habituated for visitations by tourists – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the scenic Mgahinga Gorilla Park in the shadows of the ancient volcanoes provide the perfect setting for this once in a lifetime experience. Your own Gorillas in the Mist Safari in the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Uganda is also home to almost 5000 chimpanzees in its National Parks – Kibale Forest Jungle having a large population of almost 1500 chimpanzees – you can spend one hour or have an all day Chimpanzee Habituation
- Wildlife in abundance – without the crowds:
One of the beautiful thing about game drives in most of Uganda is that you have the lovely opportunity to see the wildlife without the crowds. There are no 20 vehicles huddled around a pride of lions, normally just you, especially in places such as Kidepo Valley National Park and the Ishasha Plains of Queen Elizabeth Park. Uganda is not only home to the big 5 (Rhinos are found in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and you track them on foot) but it is Big 5 Country Plus Primates such as the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys plus 12 other species of primates – all without the crowds – Uganda is very different in this aspect of an African Safari.
- Uganda is for the Birds:
For the Birder – Uganda is a must for the Birding Enthusiast – Uganda is the birding paradise of Africa – go birding starting in Kampala, on to Entebbe, Mabamba swamp – the list is endless over 1040 species of birds are found in a country the size of Oregon State and ample of opportunities to see the most sought after Bird in Africa – the Shoebill Stork. There are many spectacular endemic species found in the Albertine Rift Valley area that not found elsewhere. Uganda is truly for the birds and the Pearl of Africa is a must for birders being the most Bird endowed destination in Africa.
- Uganda is Africa’s Adventure Destination:
If you are looking for adventure in a tropical setting – Uganda is a must do for you – the Adventure Enthusiast. The Nile that runs through Uganda is the source of many adrenaline pumping activities – level 5 white water rafting – not on any river – but the ancient and historic River Nile. Bungee Diving into the River Nile. Hiker and Climbers can venture up the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Climb three of the Virunga Volcanoes at Mgahinga National Park – traverse the length of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and at the end be rewarded with stunning views of the Virunga Volcano Chain in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo that is just the beginning –There is trek of several days up Mount Elgon – that used to be the tallest Mountain until it blew its top – there are Horseback Riding Safaris, All Terrain Quad Vehicle Safaris – that is just the beginning – Uganda is a must visit country for Adventure Enthusiasts. (You can also do Rwenzori Mountains Foothill Hikes which are easier but still give you the Mountains of the Moon).
- Stunning Scenery to live for:
For all of its adventures, wildlife viewing, gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking – Uganda provides stunning scenery as a beautiful backdrop – there are also lots of beautiful places in Uganda where you can simply relax, chill out, swim, walk on a sandy beach, take a boat ride on beautiful lakes, or the sea like – Lake Victoria – the list is endless – just imagine a sundowner cruise on Lake Mutanda with Volcanoes all around you, or on Lake Victoria at Jinja as the sun drops as a red fireball over the second largest lake in the World…Uganda’s scenery make the Pearl of Africa a must see and must visit country with scenery to live for – simply an amazing to see.
Winston Churchill was right when he wrote these words “For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life — bird, insect, reptile, beast — for vast scale — Uganda is truly “the Pearl of Africa.” No wonder Lonely Planet put it as the Best Country to visit in 2012 – Uganda that should be on your “Must Visit” list for Africa…from Kampala…jon
“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.” John Hemingway – African Journeys
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