Uganda made it again to the New York Times’ list of the top 52 places to visit in the year 2020. The pearl of Africa was ranked one of the five African countries which the New York Rimes has recommended as must-visit destinations for every traveler in 2020. While explaining why visit Uganda, New York Times described the Pearl of Africa as the Private Capital, home to the highest population of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas hence the best gorilla safari destination in Africa. Mountain gorillas in Uganda live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks both in southwestern Uganda. Also, Uganda is home to over 1000 bird species some of which cannot be found elsewhere in the world. More so the revival of Uganda Airlines has made connectivity to all tourist attractions in the Pearl o Africa quick and simple. Unlike in the past, travelers can now book direct fights from most African countries to Entebbe International airport without making unnecessary stopovers.
Other Countries That Were Listed by New York Times
Besides Uganda, the Pearl of Africa listed other 51 top countries every traveler must visit in 2020. These include among others:
1. Washington
2. The British Virgin Islands
3. Rurrenabaque, Bolivia
4. Greenland
5. Kimberley Region, Australia
6. Paso Robles, California is widely loved by wine lovers
7. Sicily
8. Salzburg, Austria.
9. Richmond
10. Richmond
11. U Street
How were the top 52 must-visit countries selected
For a period of over 4 months, a team of US travel editors, travel professionals, correspondents and contributors analyses all world countries to choose the best ones. Many things such as unique attractions, sustainability, rich history, stability and accessibility were considered. The question was “WHY THIS PLACE THIS YEAR”
About gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is undeniably the most done tourist activity in the Pearl of Africa. Over 60% of tourist arrivals to Uganda opt to visit mountain gorillas Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Interestingly, short time travelers can also trek gorillas by booking Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking within the shortest time possible. Fortunately, Uganda gorilla tours cost $700 per permit, which is affordable compared to $1500 in neighboring Rwanda. Alternatively, you can do a gorilla habituation experience, which allows travelers to spend four hours with the gorillas. A habituation permit costs $1500 but the experience achieved is worth it. Uganda gorilla families include Mubare, Habinyanja, Rusehgura, Nkuringo, Katwe, Oruzongo, Busingye, Bitukura, Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza and Nyakagyezi among others. Each day, a group of eight people visits one gorilla family for an hour’s interaction hence 144 gorilla permits available every day. For purposes of timely planning and gorilla family allocations, gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance.
Tourism growth in Uganda
Over time, the Pearl of Africa has achieved growth in her tourism industry. National parks have registered an increased number of tourist arrivals coming to do and see different treasures after which Uganda was named the Pearl of Africa. In the year 2018, the high number of tourists in Uganda came from Europe. Increased tourist numbers in Uganda were registered from Europe by +13.8%, Asia +10.2%, America at +9.2% and the Middle East at +9.7%. Also, Uganda registered a 6.1% increase in the number of African travelers in the year 2018. The number of international travelers also increased from 1,402,409 in 2017 to 1,506,669 in 2018.
Check the list of the New York Times’ top 52 countries to visit in 2020, pick the country of your choice, go and explore the world with Africa Adventure Safaris.
