Guide on the top reasons to visit Uganda with Maranatha Tours and Travel! Whereas there are many reasons why you should come to Uganda, some reasons out weight the others . In this article we bring you detailed top reason to visit Uganda the Pearl of Africa, the must do on your Uganda safaris. The country is naturally blessed with a variety of interesting attractions and activities which offers travelers memorable experiences. Among the top reasons to visit Uganda include the magical gorilla trekking experience, the “big five game”, hospitable people and many more others as discussed below.
Top Reasons to Visit Uganda
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is one of the most important reasons as to why you need to visit Uganda. More than half of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas are fortunate enough to call Uganda home. A unique Uganda gorilla safari takes you to Mgahinga national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park in south western Uganda, the homes to the endangered gorillas. Uganda gorilla tours normally begins with a briefing with experienced guides who provide you with gorilla behaviors. Uganda welcomes a lot of foreign visitors every year since it offers one of the unique experiences that include; observing them in the deep lush forest, while climbing trees, scratching their heads, and eating bamboo trees. The cost of gorilla trekking permit is 800 USD for foreigners and 300,000UGX for East African residents.
Chimpanzee trekking
Since chimpanzees and humans are 98% related, it’s amazing to witness them in the wild. Although they are found in other nations, the greatest number of chimpanzees in the world are found in Uganda. By taking a guided walk, you can track and view chimpanzees in kibale forest national park which is the greatest area for chimpanzees with over 510 in the wild. You can also find them in other natural areas including Kyambura gorge in the west, kalinzu forest in the west, Budongo forest in the north east and the Uganda wildlife education center. There is also another option of chimpanzee habituation, which allows you to spend the entire day with the apes. You will definitely witness every chimpanzee displaying their behaviors including playing, feeding, grooming, and mating. The chimpanzee trekking permit costs 250 USD for foreigners and 250,000 UGX for East African residents.
Golden monkey trekking experience
Golden monkey trekking and habituation experiences are also available in Uganda. The golden monkey trekking and habituation take place in Mgahinga national park in south western Uganda, you have a chance to see a group of mountain gorillas since they also live within. This allows you to complete both activities in a single visit. Trekking golden monkeys is easy because rangers can quickly allocate them depending on where they have been staying for the past few days.
The golden monkey trekking permit costs 60 USD for foreigners and 40,000 UGX for East African residents. Additionally, Uganda has over other 20 species of monkeys that include Vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, and baboons that inhabit in the lush kibale forest national park in the western part of Uganda.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing must be one of the reasons as to why you should visit Uganda. It is known for to be the best place for wildlife viewing. Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks are home to the big four (Lions, Leopards, Elephants and Buffalos). The Rhinos at Zziwa sanctaury mke Uganda home to the big five. The other place to se wildlife is Lake Mburo National park, Pian Upe game reserve and Semliki Valley National parks. Wildlife viewing offers you chance to see very many wild animals such as Zebras. Giraffes, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Impalas, Uganda kobs, Elephants, Hippos, Lions, Leopards, Gazelles, Dik Dik, Duikers , Bush pigs, wild dogs, serval cats and Impalas among others
Bird watching
Uganda has more than 1120 different bird species. It’s just a matter of getting the binoculars ready, a camera, and a bird book and enjoying many beautiful birds, which include shoebills, waterfowl, guineafowl, flamingos, ostriches, pigeons, doves, pheasants, flamingos, geese, turacos among others. Some of the best places in Uganda to go bird watching are kibale national park in western Uganda, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in south western Uganda, mabamba swamps in the central region, semuliki national park in the western region, Kidepo valley in the northern region, mabira forest in the central region, lake bunyonyi in the west among others.
Great hiking spots
The best way to experience and enjoy Uganda’s landscapes is through hiking, and Uganda breathtaking scenery provides countless hiking opportunities. The Rwenzori Mountains in the western Uganda are a popular destination for hiking and this offers you a chance to view the country wildlife. National parks like Bwindi in the south western Uganda, provide you with a relaxed hiking experience while trekking mountain gorillas. Other popular spots are sipi in the eastern part, sabinyo in the south western and Elgon in the eastern Uganda
Boat cruise and canoeing
Uganda’s many lakes, rivers and water ways offer you a unique experience for canoeing and boat cruise. Lake Victoria in the central part of Uganda, is the largest fresh water lake in Africa is the popular destination for boat cruise. The kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth national park in the western part, and the Victoria Nile along the Murchison falls in the northern Uganda, is also the best places for boat cruise serves you with an abundance of wildlife. The peaceful waters of lake Bunyonyi in the western part, is the best for canoeing, adventure and leisure.
Sunbathing
Uganda is a popular destination for sunbathing because of its tropical climate, which is characterized by lots of sunshine and moderate rainfall. Uganda’s strategic location close to the equator, makes it the ideal travel location for sunbathing. These dry seasons, which normally run from June to September and December to February gives unforgettable experience. Uganda provides you with a wide range of beautiful beaches, that include the shores of Lake Victoria and Ssese beach I the central region, offer you the perfect setting for sunbathing, that includes comfort sunbeds, and refreshing drinks. For adventurous sunbathing, Murchison falls national park in the northern part offers you breathtaking natural scenery.
While Uganda is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, mountaineering and hiking, wildlife viewing, golden monkey trekking and habituation, There are other more reasons to why you should really visit Uganda, these include the following;
Other Reasons to Visit Uganda
Hospitality of the Ugandan people
People from Uganda are renowned for being hospitable and friendly. It is a must for you to feel at home as soon as you land in the country. They are renowned for their lovely smiles and warm greetings, which instantly put you at ease. They are extremely good at showing respect, particularly to the newcomers. On top of that, Uganda’s guides and rangers are equipped with deep knowledge of understanding the habitats and behaviors of different wildlife.
Rangers are well trained and able to ensure the safety and security of visitors in areas with dangerous animals like lions and elephants in Queen Elizabeth national park and Lake Mburo national park in western Uganda. Additionally, Ugandan guides and rangers speak many different languages which makes it easy for foreign visitors to understand all the activities and enjoy the experience to the maximum.
Culinary tourism
Uganda is renowned for its culinary scene offering you a unique opportunity to explore its rich food traditions. it has more than 50 tribes each offering different diets. Each traditional tribe has its own staple food for example matooke (steamed bananas) and luwombo which is the most flavorful, is the staple food for baganda in the central part of Uganda. Irish potatoes, millet, cassava, sorghum are the staple foods for the itesots in eastern Uganda. You also have a chance to try the local fruits that’s mangoes, oranges, that are sold by the local vendors along the streets of Kampala Street in the central region. The great reason to visit uganda is the quickest perfect lunch known as rolex, which consists of a chapati wrapped in eggs.
Diverse tour operators
Uganda has a variety of tour operators, and each provides unique services that favor visitors’ different interests and preferences. These tour operators ensure that you get the perfect fit for your travel interests and desires. You still have an opportunity to choose any tour operator depending on your ideal tour, whether it is an adventure tour, luxury or a cultural one.
Uganda is a peaceful and stable country.
Uganda, being a peaceful and stable country, provides a calm environment for you to explore and discover a variety of wildlife, culture, and beauty. While on a safari you are allowed to move freely at any time in all parts of the country. Tourist numbers to Uganda have been rising over the years, partly due to political stability.
Uganda is an affordable travel location.
Uganda offers you a chance to enjoy the finest without having to pay high prices. Meals, lodging, and transportation are all provided at affordable costs. Because admission and guide fee to national parks are reasonably priced, you have more energy to engage in both indoor and outdoor activities. The gorilla permit which costs worth 800 USD the most expensive activity, is cheaply priced here in Uganda compared to our neighboring countries like Rwanda and Congo. While most other activities are reasonably priced. Speak with us to find out how to maximize budget travel options.
