Travel and Tourism

Uganda “The Pearl of Africa” as referred to by Britain’s World War II prime minister; Sir Winston Churchill is efficiently endowed with magnificent scenery, a variety of habitats plus corresponding Flora and Fauna, with a diversity of culture and friendly people.

There are various activities that visitors will enjoy on their visit to Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking:

The rare mountain gorillas also referred to as Man’s shy cousins are found in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Almost half of the population of these rare creatures live in Uganda. Gorilla trekking is the number one Tourism activity in Uganda and a must do for every visitor to Uganda whether for the first time or not. In Uganda, the activity is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in South-Western Uganda. In Rwanda, the activity is done in Volcanoes National park (Parc Nationale des Volcans) while in the Congo, the activity takes place in the Virunga National Park.

Chimp Tracking:

Chimpanzee tracking is yet another exciting activity. Chimps share a bigger part of their Genetical make up with humans; they are one of the four types of “great apes” also including the bonobos, gorillas and orangutans. Chimpanzees mainly communicate by drumming trees, screaming or hooting and are tracked down by following their unique sounds. The activity is done in Kibale Forest national park, Murchison Falls national park at Kaniyo Papidi and Queen Elizabeth national park Kyambura Gorge area. You will have the opportunity to watch the impressive chimps climbing, playing, mating, feeding, looking after their young, and responding to the presence of human beings, a chance to spend a night in the Kibale Jungle six meters up in a Tree House is an unforgettable adventure.

The Famous Tree Climbing Lions:

Your visit to Queen Elizabeth national park should include a stop over at Ishasha a home to the mysterious tree climbing Lions. Look out in the fig tree branches for the rare cats while on the game drive. These mysterious animals are found in the Lake Manyara region of Tanzania as well. Ishasha Plains with its tree climbing lions, its abundant wildlife, its scenery and unique lodging opportunities is a must on your trip to Uganda.

Wildlife Safaris:

Unlike other countries in Africa, the word “Safari” in Uganda refers to a very close encounter with animals, people, nature and the environment. Uganda is well endowed with a diversity of habitats plus corresponding Flora and Fauna with a range of attractions. The various attractions include; national parks, forest reserves, wildlife reserves, cultural heritage sites, specific natural features for example Mountain peaks and Gorges, Areas of specific scenic interest like Mountains and craters. Activities include; launch/ boat trips in Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park and Lake Mburo national park, game drives in Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks, plus nature walks. Several trail-networks have been created in most of the protected areas to cater for nature walks. You will enjoy the serenity of the wild broken now and again by the charming bird melodies and the cool breeze blowing the leaves atop the tropical trees. Ugandan safaris offer a direct, appropriate and uncontaminated experience with wildlife.

Bird Watching:

Uganda just about the size of Great Britain has over 1,000 bird species recorded, It is a transitional point of the Savannah of East Africa and the western rainforests, making it Africa’s supreme and breathtaking birding destination. With over 10% of the entire world bird species and almost half the bird species known on the African continent, it is the most stunning destination for bird watchers. Uganda's ten most frequently sought after birds include the shoe bill stork, African green broadbill, green-breasted pitta, nahans francolin, brown chested pullover, karamoja apalis, Black bee eater, Rwenzori Turaco, Red fronted anti pecker, Purcell's illadopsis. You will find several skilled guides in birding who will give you all the details as regards birding in Uganda.

Mountaineering, Mountain hiking and Volcano climbing:

A countless number of travelers have the desire to participate in activities that provide them with the challenge, thrill or intense experience. Some of these travelers want to test their physical skills in new or unusual ways with activities such as mountain climbing, hiking and so on. Mountaineering on the snow capped Rwenzori Mountains also known as “Mountains of the moon”, hiking on Mount Elgon, “The world’s largest mountain caldera” and Volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National park. The Rwenzori Mountains are at the border of Uganda and Eastern Congo, they provide a charming variety of terrain (from Rainforest to high altitude glaciers). A 9 days trip to any of these Mountains is highly recommended for those in love with challenging activities.

White Water Rafting:

Uganda offers the best white water rafting on the Mighty River Nile in Jinja as compared to any other place in Africa. This is a must do on your adventure trip to Africa. Other Water sports include Boat rides, canoeing, kayaking, bungee jumping and swimming on the Nile and the various lakes within the country. The river is gifted with many water falls & rapids, making it a popular water rafting place in the world. There are various opportunities to swim, relax and observe the rich wildlife including the red-tailed monkeys and a variety of birds such as the fish eagle, numerous cormorants and otters.

Quad Biking:

Quad biking is an exciting activity where tourists ride on motor bikes while exploring the destination of their choice, the activity is offered mainly at Bujagali falls on ”the great River Nile” and does not need any experience. It is a four wheeled bike and can ride on all terrains and very suitable for all age groups. This is done down the length of the Nile close to the Bujagali Falls. The exciting safari runs for a number of hours as you explore the beautiful countryside up to top view point. Free training is offered to those who cannot ride and it is done before the safari. The various packages offered include: a full day, an evening, 3 hours, two hours exploration, and a one hour trip. The activity is also available for game drives in Lake Mburo National Park where you are able to view game at a very close range and around the “Romantic” Sipi falls on Mount Elgon.

Sport Fishing:

With a third of the Country being covered in water, Uganda offers the finest opportunities for sport fishing and hence the place to be for those who love and want to experience this activity. The most common fish caught is the Nile perch which weighs an average of 60Kgs although there is a recorded great catch that weighed 100Kgs. These are ample in Uganda’s largest Lake Victoria which is also the second largest in Africa, and also in the mighty river Nile. Other species in the Nile include the ferocious fighter and the Tilapia, while the Tiger fish is unique to Lake Albert. The Murchison falls is an additional destination for sport fishermen.

Cultural Tours:

The country is well endowed with different ethnic groups and cultures hence visitors have the opportunity to explore a diversity of cultures from the cultural dress, food, dances and beliefs. A chance to visit the Batwa “Pygmies” a group of people who have lived most of their lives in the forest feeding on wild fruits and raw meat. During the even years, the Opening of the Circumcision season is on in Mbale for the Bamasaba, don't miss the exciting Kadodi (Imbalu) dancers plus the real circumcision exercise including a trip to the romantic Sipi falls and a tour of the Nyero rock paintings.