In tourism terms, Uganda is commonly referred to as the “The Pearl of Africa,” a name which was given by former Britain Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill in the early 1900s after by impressed by the country’s awesome natural beauty.
Uganda’s natural gifts like good weather which is conducive for all, rich biodiversity, attractive adventure and a good hospitality record make her the perfect tourist destination.
Here is the list of some of Uganda’s outstanding tourist attractions that makes it one of the best destinations in Africa;
Wildlife
By far, wildlife is the major tourist attraction in Uganda and this is as a result of the country’s breathtaking wildlife safaris like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game viewing, bird watching, among others. Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s leading tourists’ attraction with thousands of travelers from across the world visiting the gorilla habitats of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda is just one of the 3 countries in the world with mountain gorillas with DR Congo and Rwanda the other two.
Uganda is also a popular destination for chimpanzee tracking with these amazing primates found almost in every part of the country in large populations. The main chimpanzee tracking centers in Uganda include Kibale Forest National Park which is referred to as the Primate Capital of the world, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, among others.
Other popular wildlife safaris in Uganda include game drives in large savannah parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, among others. some of the popular species commonly seen during game drives in these parks include the “Africa big five” which include lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Others include giraffe, zebra, antelopes, warthog, duiker, among others.
Bird watching is another popular wildlife experience in Uganda with the country having over 1000 bird species including Rift Valley endemics.
Adventurous experiences
Uganda is also an ideal destination for adventure lovers with a variety of experiences including mountain climbing, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, among others. Uganda is blessed with unique physical and drainage features like Mount Rwenzori which is the third-highest mountain in Africa and this is where mountain climbing takes place into the mountain’s snow caped peaks. Mountain climbing experiences also take place at Mount Elgon National Park in the east and in the volcanic summits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. River Nile, the longest River in the world has its source in Uganda from Lake Victoria at Jinja where breathtaking experiences like white-water rafting, kayaking and bungee jumping take place.
Cultural experiences
Uganda has one of the most amazing cultural tours in the region and Africa at large. Some of Uganda’s most outstanding cultural experiences include a visit to the Batwa pygmies of southwestern Uganda near the gorilla habitat of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Karamojong in northeastern Uganda near Kidepo Valley National Park. Visiting these communities gives you a cultural touch after interacting with them through their music, dance, food and stories.
Hospitality
In terms of hospitality, Ugandans are one of the most welcoming and friendly people in the world. Travelers who come to Uganda from all over the world always feel at home the moment they step a foot into the country. Travelers are warmly welcomed and entertained in every Ugandan community they visit with presentation of local food and drinks to the visitors.
Warm weather
Uganda is blessed with a warm weather which is conducive to almost everyone who visits the Pearl of Africa. Uganda’s warm weather throughout the year is not just by coincidence given that the country is crossed by the Equator. This has also hugely contributed to a huge number of travelers who visit Uganda from all corners of the world.
