ABOUT UGANDA
Dubbed ‘The pearl of Africa,’ Uganda is remarkably one of a few most stunning African countries that are worth exploring while on safari. Not only will you have a chance to enjoy its breathtaking scenaries but also have a great time exploring its natural wonders, diverse wildlife, ideal climate and interact with the most humble, warm welcoming and friendliest people a mention but a few. This landlocked country covers an area of about 236041 square kilometers and surrounded by many countries. To the west, there is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan in the north, in the east–Kenya and in the south you find Tanzania and Rwanda. It gained her independence on 9th October 1962 from Britain with its flag comprising of 6 horizontal bands of black, yellow and red.
Unlike other African states, Uganda is situated suitably a stride equator thus experiencing mainly tropical kind of climate with less fluctuation in its temperatures. Given its ideal climatic condition, this landlocked country is best known as an all year round safari destination. That said, in 2012 alone, Uganda featured as the best tourist destination in the Lonely Planet and in 2016, it was ranked among the top 16 holiday destinations by CNN then featured among the 19 top destinations to visit in 2019.
Looking at its population, about 44316,309 people are widely distributed in this stunning East African state with 87 percent of them mainly based in the villages. It largely composed of youngest population with nearly half its population made of children. The largest population depend more on agriculture. The official language here is English however, Uganda is diverse country with over 40 dialects of which luganda is equally widely spoken, Kiswahili, ateso, runyakole and others. It is endowed ethnically and culturally with majority of them composing of the Bantu speaking people-the Baganda in central, Bakiga in the southwestern, Batoro, Banyankole, Basoga as well as Lango, Acholi, Karamojong. In terms of religion, Uganda’s population is comprised of Christians followed by the protestants, Roman Catholics, Muslim, Pentecostal, seventh day and others.
Based on safety, Uganda is undoubtedly a few safest destinations although it is not a hundred percent safe just it is a case with other countries. However, there are low crime rates that are registered and its capital city-Kampala equally is one of the safest cities you can visit in East Africa. But note that safety always starts with you the traveler and avoid travel when it dark!
For visitors who are planning for their safaris, note that this is a cash based country and mainly Uganda shilling. However, other currencies are also welcome especially the US dollars, pounds and others. For easy spending in the local market, there are many forex bureaus that you can visit to exchange any foreign currency into Uganda shilling. In case you have an international card, you can be in position to use especially in up-market hotels while Visas can be used at some ATMs within urban areas.
How to get to Uganda
To get to Uganda, you can take a flight and land into Entebbe International Airport which is serviced by airlines such as KLM, Qatar airways, Brussels, Egypt Air, Kenya airways, South African airways, Ethiopian airlines, RwandAir, Etihad airways, Emirates airlines a mention but a few. By road, the border areas include Busia and Malaba in the east that is accessible by visitors from Kenya and others include Katuna.
Landscape of Uganda
Uganda is one of the African states that experienced the uplift impact with several parts especially the southwestern side mainly mountainous. It is around this region that you can find the Rwenzori Mountain range and this features among one of the highest mountains in the continent. Others include the Virunga volcanoes, Mount Elgon, Bufumbira and others. Uganda is generally a greener country with most parts of it comprising of water composing of Lakes, Rivers and swamps. It is also part of the shared Lake Victoria and the source of the mighty Nile, Lake Kyoga, Lake Edward, Lake George, Albert and others.
Attractions in Uganda
Uganda is endowed with natural wonders including 10 national parks where most safaris are conducted. These parks feature unique wildlife species ranging from savanna grassland to forest dwellers. If you are interested in wildlife viewing the notable parks include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park should be a must for you to pay a visit. The best wildlife species for you to catch a glimpse while on Uganda include elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, lions, giraffes, zebras, several antelope families, bird species that make up over 1080 in Uganda where those of you who wish to take explore primate species, the best destinations include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park southwestern Uganda. These two parks are popular for mountain gorilla trekking as well as other amazing safari activities while those of you who wish to track chimpanzees the best places include Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu forest and Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Besides, there are also 3 (three) UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include Kasubi tombs, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Uganda offers refuge to one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa that include Lake Victoria source of Nile. The mighty River Nile crosses about 11 countries which include among others Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt, Tanzania. It is about 6853 kilometers long.
When to visit Uganda
Uganda is known for its ideal weather and climatic conditions that are favorable throughout the year. Its climatic conditions are largely influenced by vast forest cover and waterbodies. Before you embark on actual trip to this landlocked country, you need to put into consideration the 2 seasons-the wet and dry seasons. The dry season is always experienced from June to September and from December to February and this is considered as more favorable to most visitors on Uganda safari. However, the wet season equally features as the best depending on what you wish to take and for birders, it is the best time for you to sight at most migratory bird species. Uganda’s temperatures vary with 26 degrees Celsius during day and 16 degrees Celsius at night.
What to pack for a safari in Uganda
Depending what your travel interests are, for primate adventures like gorilla trekking, the best you need should be good hiking boots/shoes that are water proof and light weight, long sleeved shirt or t-shirts, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, gardening gloves, camera with no flashlight and many others.
