Home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Uganda also has a fascinating culture, magnificent scenery and the finest birding on the continent with over 1,000 recorded species of birds. The roads in Uganda are good and the easiest way to see the country is by 4 x 4 safari vehicle, travelling with your own private driver / guide. High quality lodges are now found in most of the National Parks and game reserves. Flying by light aircraft between reserves, although expensive, has become increasingly popular as a means of seeing in the country’s highlights in a single trip.
What to see
Entebbe, the international gateway to Uganda located on the shore of Lake Victoria, is dominated by an expansive golf course leading down to the lakeshore. With a botanical garden alive with monkeys and tropical birds, it has a rural rather than urban feel.
The capital Kampala, sprawled across seven hills covered in shady trees and subsistence crops, has a more modern and cosmopolitan feel in the city centre itself. During a visit to the area you may like to visit the Kasubi Tombs and the National Museum or take a walk through the town for a glimpse of the extremes of wealth and poverty, characteristic of so much of Africa.
With 20 national parks and reserves, Uganda has arguably a greater diversity of wildlife and landscapes than any other African country. The scenery varies from the dry savannah lands of Kidepo National Park in the north, to the forests of Semliki, Kibale and Bwindi in the south. Uganda is also home to the rare shoe-billed stork, which can occasionally be spotted around Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile rushes through a narrow cleft in the rock. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to the elusive tree-climbing lion, whilst chimpanzees inhabit Kibale Forest.
Situated at the geographical heart of the African continent, Uganda is a melting pot of cultures. Over 30 different indigenous languages are spoken and the country has a diverse mix of music, art and handicrafts. Driving through rural villages as you traverse the country, there will be opportunities to interact with the local people. These types of cultural experiences often become the most memorable travel experiences.
