Uganda

Uganda-The Pearl of Africa

Magical Uganda – there is no other African Country like it

Uganda – Africa – Condensed into a small Country the size of the state of Oregon, Uganda is – Africa Raw and unadulterated – if you want to experience the real Africa – you visit Uganda and you will be most amazed by the Pearl of Africa, its beauty, its wonders, its wildlife, gorillas, chimpanzees and most of all – some of the friendliest people in Africa.

Uganda’s Location: Uganda is part of what is referred to as the Great Lake Region – Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. Uganda is a landlocked country but shares a large portion of the second largest lake in the world – Lake Victoria. A large portion of Uganda straddles the Equator and yet the climate is pleasant due to the elevation of the country.

Geography: One of the things that makes Uganda unique is its topography – Uganda is made up of what can be called a plateau and that plateau is dotted highlands included the tallest Mountain Range – the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon- the Murchison Falls area is one of the lower areas of Uganda. The southwest of Uganda has a lot of forest while in the north you will find savannah like country. It is the topography of the country that makes it so attractive to visitors.

People and Cultures: There are over 60 ethnic people groups that make up Uganda – in the Central – South and Southwest they are mostly of Bantu origin – Luganda is a common language – and the languages are Bantu in origin – in the North the people are mostly of Nilotic origin and so are there languages – there are over 70 different dialects. Some tribal groups such as Baganda have a traditional cultural leader and in their case he is called a Kabaka – King – he is most well known cultural leader in Uganda. You can visit some of the Buganda Kingdom Heritage site in Kampala and other nearby locations. English is the official language throughout Uganda – Swahili has also been declared an official language but still not commonly spoken in the much of Uganda except the North.

Religion: The Church of Uganda (Anglican) has been the largest church and in the case of Uganda it is evangelical in nature. Catholics also make up a large segment of society, however the Born Again Churches (Pentecostal for the most part) have made great inroads and their churches are filled with vibrant and dedicated worshippers. On Fridays you can see many a Muslim on their way to Mosque – there is a sizeable Muslim population in Uganda – however the various groups live in peaceful co-existence. Kampala is also home to the only Baha'i Temple in Africa – though there is only a small number of Ugandans that are Baha'i. Orthodox Christian Churches can also be found here. For the Indian population there are both Sikh and Hindu Temples found both in Kampala and Jinja.

Uganda the Republic: Uganda gained independence on October 9th, 1962 from Great Britain under which it had been a protectorate unlike Kenya which had been a colony and gained a lot of settlers from UK – Uganda did not. Today the National Resistance Movement has been in power since 1986 and President Museveni was elected to another five years by an overwhelming margin.

Population: There are over 34 million people living in this small country – however over half of the population are children – Uganda is the youngest nation in the world and when you visit here – you will readily see that – children are everywhere.

Other towns include Arua, Entebbe, Jinja, Kasese, Masaka, Mbale, Mbarara, Soroti, Gulu.

Kampala: The city that started out on 7 hills and now has spread to many others – there are over 2.2 million residents in Kampala – Kampala being the capital and commercial center of Uganda. It is 1400 meters above sea level – it is a buzzing city and filled with vehicles and the corresponding traffic. Over the years it has modernized and many modern up-market hotels can be found here, also banks, commercial buildings are all found here – a most amazing city that never sleeps – or seems not to sleep.

Tourist Attractions: The Mountain Gorillas of Uganda found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park, The Chimpanzees of of Kibale Rainforest Jungle, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest and Semliki Forest. The the Golden Monkeys of Mgahinga Gorilla Park, the Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha, the 1040 plus species of birds including the most sought after bird in Africa – the elusive Shoebill Stork, mountain climbing in the Rwenzori Mountains of of Moon, or simply hike the foothills, Volcano Climbing the three Volcanoes at Mgahinga Gorilla Park or Mount Elgon in the East of the Country. There is the historic and ancient River Nile – the Lake Victoria Source of it in Jinja which is the Adventure Capital of East Africa with White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Jet Boating, ATV Safaris and more. Uganda one of the most bio-diverse countries in Africa awaits you.

Accommodations: There are many choices in Uganda from the Bargain Hotels of Kampala to the plus Boutique Emin Pasha Hotel with countless of choices in between such as the 5 Star Serena – the Kampala Sheraton, the Grand Imperial Hotel, Speke Resort at Munyonyo, Kakira Country Club and one could go on. In the National Parks- delightful choices await you including the new 5 Star Chobe Safari Lodge on the Nile in Murchison Falls Park – endless choices from Tented Camps to fantastic lodges – even weekend getaways from Kampala give you the best of Uganda’s accommodations.

Getting Here: There are many choices of airlines to fly to Uganda landing at Entebbe International Airport – airlines flying here include British Airways, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Egypt Air, Air Emirates, South African Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwandair, Air Uganda, Quatar Airlines, Turkish Airline, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways. If you are coming overland from Rwanda you enter Uganda at Katuna, or Mirama, from Kenya at Busia or Malaba, from the Democratic Republic of Congo at Mpondwe or Goli, and from Sudan at Orabo.

Visas: It is best to obtain your visa at the point of entrance such as Entebbe International Airport – the cost is 50 usd for a visa which will be good for your visit and stay in Uganda.

Uganda – the Pearl of Africa awaits you – Uganda – Africa Condensed into a small country is filled with adventures beyond your imagination – Uganda – – Africa as you imagined it to be, only better is one your best choices for an African country to visit – Welcome to Uganda…from Kampala…jon

If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa." John Hemingway?, African Journeys

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