Wondering which destination to visit for a holiday in 2020? Well, wonder no more because Uganda features among the top 52 tourist destinations in the world to visit in 202o. Following the New York Times annual 52 places to go list-2020 edition and according to the ranking, Uganda also features as one of the only 5 African destinations in this year’s publication. The move is entirely intended to inspire, delight and motivate travelers to explore the world. For the past few years, Uganda has for long been listed among the best tourist destinations in the world especially by iconic media houses like CNN and several international travel magazines. In the recent ranking, Uganda features in the 30th position and it is best described as a primate capital and birder’s haven, not forgetting its accessibility brought about by the revival of Uganda airlines.
Uganda is a landlocked country and it set within East-Central Africa. It is surrounded by Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and many other states. It is dubbed the pearl of Africa the fact that it is one destination where you can find nearly all that you need to see in Africa. Uganda prides herself as a home to 10 national parks, 12 wildlife reserves, each providing travelers on Uganda safari with distinct experiences. Remarkably, Uganda hosts about half of all the 1063 mountain gorillas that today still exist on planet earth. These world’s magnificent apes thrive in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park making it an outstanding gorilla trekking destination in Africa and the world. The remaining portion of mountain gorillas is shared between Rwanda and DR Congo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone hosts about 459 mountain gorillas and about 20 gorilla families have been habituated and set for gorilla trekking. Compared to Rwanda, Uganda is of no doubt an affordable gorilla destination with each gorilla trekking permit costing $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and East African citizens Shs.250,000. Whereas these charges are effective till 30th June 2020, the new rates still position Uganda as an affordable gorilla destination. Starting 1st July 2020, the cost for a gorilla permits in Uganda will be $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and East African citizens at shs.250,000.
Uganda is also popular for game viewing and the famous safari destinations to visit include Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park (the largest park in Uganda and home to one of the world’s powerful waterfall-Murchison Falls), Lake Mburo National Park. For chimpanzee tracking, Kibale Forest National Park is that one destination you should think of paying a visit. Kibale Forest National Park is home to about 1500 chimpanzees and several other primate species which make it a primate capital of the world. Other national parks to explore on Uganda safari include Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park (known for its diverse bird species) and Mount Elgon National Park. In 2018, Uganda recorded incredible international tourism performance. Over 31 percent of the total international tourist arrivals was recorded an increase of about 10.2 percent from 2017.
In Africa, the other 4 countries that featured include Ethiopia, Lesotho, Kenya, and Egypt. Other destinations include the British Virgin Islands, Greenland, Kimberly Region in Australia and Paso Robles in California, Bolivia’s Rurrenbaque, Washington, Salzburg, Sicily, Tokyo and Caesarea in Israel.
In conclusion, Uganda is by far a premier safari destination and for any plans to visit Africa for a holiday, count it a must-visit and you won’t be left in regrets.
