About Uganda

For numerous reasons, Uganda is best referred to as the Pearl of Africa. Ideally, you can locate almost anything you want to see in Africa! You will not only be in awe of the stunning scenery while you are here, but you will also love discovering the area’s natural treasures, a wide variety of species, perfect climate, organic food and interactions with the most genuine, kind, and hospitable people.

This landlocked nation is roughly 241,559 square kilometres in size, of which 37,000 square kilometres are mostly made up of water, while the remaining portion is land. It shares borders with several nations: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the west; South Sudan to the north; Kenya to the east; Tanzania and Rwanda to the south. It gained independence from Britain on October 9, 1962, and adopted a flag with six horizontal bands of red, yellow, and black with a Grey-Crowned Crane in the middle.

Uganda National Parks

Uganda is unquestionably among the safest travel destinations, while this cannot be said of all other countries. Nonetheless, recorded crime rates are low, and Kampala, the capital, is among the safest cities in East Africa to visit. But keep in mind that you, the tourist, are always the first to be safe, so never venture out after dark!

Travellers who are organising safaris should be aware that this is a cash-based nation, with the Uganda shilling being the primary currency. Other currencies, though, are also accepted, including US dollars, pounds, and other currencies. You can visit any of the numerous forex bureaus to convert any foreign currency into Ugandan shillings for simple spending in the local market. Visas can be used at some ATMS in cities, but if you have an international card, you may be able to use it, particularly at upscale hotels.

Landscape of Uganda

Uganda is one of the African states that was affected by the uplift, particularly in its mostly hilly southwest. One of the highest mountain ranges on the continent, the Rwenzori Mountain range, is located in the vicinity of this area. Mount Elgon, Muhabura, the Virunga volcanoes, and other places are among them. The majority of Uganda is made up of water, including lakes, rivers, and swamps, making it a generally greener country. It is the source of the Mighty River Nile and a portion of the common Lake Victoria. Lake Edward, Lake George, Lake Albert, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda, Lake Kyoga, and more lakes.

Tourist Attractions in Uganda

Natural treasures abound in Uganda, with ten national parks serving as the primary safari destinations. These parks are home to a diverse array of animals, including forest and savanna grassland inhabitants. Notable parks worth visiting if you’re interested in seeing animals include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Semuliki National Park. Elephants, buffalo, rhinos, leopards, lions, giraffes, zebras, several antelope families, and about 1090 different bird species can be seen in Uganda. For those interested in seeing primates, the best places to visit are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwest of the country. Mountain gorilla trekking and other fantastic safari activities are popular in these two parks, while the greatest locations to track chimpanzees are Budongo Forest, Kibale Forest National Park, Kalinzu Forest, and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

In addition, the Kasubi Tombs, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park are among the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

One of Africa’s seven natural wonders, Lake Victoria source of the Nile, is protected by Uganda. Over 6,650 kilometres, the powerful River Nile flows through a number of countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.

Best time to visit Uganda

Are you arranging a vacation to Uganda?

Uganda is a year-round safari destination due to its exceptional weather and climatic conditions. Huge water bodies and forests have a major impact on the climate there. Before you leave on your journey, be aware of the two important seasons: the rainy and the dry.

The majority of tourists on Uganda safaris believe that the dry season, which lasts from June to September and from December to February, is the most suitable. But depending on what you want to do, the rainy season is also the finest. For birdwatchers, it’s the perfect time to see the majority of migratory bird species. Uganda’s temperatures vary from 26 degrees Celsius during the day and 16 degrees Celsius at night.

What to pack for a safari in Uganda

Every traveller to Uganda has a different reason for visiting, but if trekking with the gorillas or chimpanzees is your ultimate goal, don’t forget to pack water-resistant, lightweight hiking boots or shoes, long-sleeve shirts or t-shirts, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, warm gloves, a camera without a flashlight, and other necessities.

Getting to Uganda

The most convenient method to enter and exit Uganda is through air travel, landing at Entebbe International Airport. Airlines such as KLM, Qatar Airways, Brussels, Egypt Air, Kenya Airlines, South African Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, Etihad Airways, Emirates Airlines, Uganda Airlines, to name a few, serve Entebbe Airport. The eastern border regions, which are reachable by road from Kenya, are Busia and Malaba. Others are Mutukula from Tanzania, and Katuna and Chanika from the border with Rwanda.