Uganda tourism is celebrating her membership to the African Tourism Board. The pearl of Africa finally managed to qualify as a member of the African Tourism Board, a great achievement that will put Uganda safaris to the next level. The addition of Uganda as an associate of ATB comes 2 years after the BBC described Uganda as the friendliest country in the globe. The combination of beautiful landscapes, favorable climate, wildlife, birds, distinctive culture, excellent hotels, and hospitable people make Uganda an exceptional travel destination. It’s after these stunning beauties that Church Hill dubbed Uganda “ the Pearl of Africa”. African Tourism Board was pleased to recognize Uganda as one for their members whom they promised to support and work with especially in the revival of Uganda airlines. The revival of Uganda airlines will help to make Uganda’s key USBs known to the world. African tourism Board was initiated in 2018 and has since become a catalyst for responsible tourism and travel, ensuring quality tourism services in Africa.
What makes Uganda a special tourism region?
It’s undeniable that the Pearl of Africa is richly blessed by nature. Travelers who have been to this land have enjoyed the beauty of Uganda, which offers travelers a remarkable travel experience at affordable rates. The top travel attractions in Uganda include:
Mountain gorillas
Uganda shelters the world’s highest population of mountain gorillas. The Pearl of Africa is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas inhabited in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks in southwestern Uganda. 18 gorilla families namely Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Nkuringo, Bweza, Nshongi, Busingye, Kyaguliro, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mishaya, Katwe, Christmas are habituated in Bwindi Forest and the one Nyakagyezi family in Mgahinga gorilla national park. These families are split in for regions (Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma), which make up Bwindi Forest National Park. Also, two families, Bushaho and Bikyingi are undergoing habituation experience and will soon be open for tourism. A single gorilla permit in Uganda costs $600 which make Uganda gorilla trips much cheaper compared to neighboring Rwanda @ $1500 per permit.
Chimpanzees
In addition to gorillas, the Pearl of Africa shelters the highest population of chimpanzees in Africa. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda takes place in Kibale Forest (main chimpanzee destination), Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth and Budongo forest en route to Murchison falls national park. Travelers can also do chimpanzee habituation experience, which allows you to spend a half day with the endangered chimpanzees in their native habitats.
Culture
Uganda’s culture is exceptional and worth exploring. The country has a wide range of ethnic groups whose languages, beliefs and norms differ. Some ethnic groups including Batwa pygmies and Karamojong are so indigenous in their dressing, food and cultural practices in general. A cultural visit to any local community in Uganda will not leave you the same. Also, Ugandans are recognized as the most hospitable, friendly and loving people easy to interact and stay with. Visit Batwa pygmies in southwestern Uganda and learn more about their traditional forest life.
Birds
Besides wild animals, Uganda is a leading birding destination in Africa. The Pearl of Africa is home to over 1031 bird species 58 of which are endemic to the country. Among the bird species in Uganda include shoebill, Grey-breasted pitta, African green broadbill, Great Blue Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsoning, Standard-winged Nightjar, Short-tailed Warbler, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Bar-tailed Trogon, and Black-breasted Barbet among others. The top birding spots in Uganda include Mabamba Bay wetland, Bwindi forest, Mabira forest, Kazinga channel, Mgahinga Forest, Kibale Forest, Bigodi wetland, Murchison Falls and Lake Mburo national parks.
Water bodies
The Pearl of Africa is endowed with beautiful water bodies all over the country. Lakes, rivers, and waterfalls across the country support various water activities like water rafting, boat cruising, sport fishing, and waterfall hiking among others. Enjoy white water rafting at the source of the Nile, visit the mighty Murchison falls in Murchison falls national park and Siipi falls in My Elgon national park.
Mountains
Uganda offers travelers with the very best mountain climbing experiences. Hike to Margarita, the highest peak of Mt Rwenzori for a memorable hiking experience. Other Uganda hiking trips include Mt Elgon, Mt Muhabura, Mt Gaginga and Mt Sabyinyo in Mgahinga gorilla national parks. Hiking travelers to Uganda are reminded to be physically fitted and prepare in advance.
The membership of Uganda to the African Tourism Board is a great achievement that will push Uganda’s tourism to the next level. The beautiful landscapes, wildlife, bird, and people make Uganda a premier travel destination in the world.
