Spotlight on Uganda

Written on Sunday, June 18, 2017 by Emma Whiting Travel

 

Uganda is the pearl of Africa. It is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle, where captivating landscapes are surpassed only by life-changing moments shared with forest primates and the continent’s friendliest people. Its incredible natural beauty, rare and highly endangered wildlife, rich medley of tribes and cultures, safety and stability make Uganda one of Africa’s most appealing nations.

Uganda’s Western terraced green hillsides, lush rainforests and misty skies introduce travellers to a very different African-safari experience. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the highest concentration of rare and endangered primates on earth including the majestic mountain gorilla. Here, expert trackers hike small groups of intrepid enthusiasts deep into the mountains for a chance to get close with and perhaps look deep into the eyes of a silverback. To witness such imposing creatures in their natural habitat, nurturing each other, playing with their young and gazing back at you in acknowledgement, is one of the most humbling and soul-enriching encounters imaginable. The magic of such an experience is unquantifiable; no visitor goes away unchanged. East to west, this country’s verdant biodiversity is stunning! Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls and all other national parks and game reserves are home to an extensive variety of animal life and over 1,000 species of birds including the famous Shoebill, Grey crowned crane, Martial Eagle and so many other species. Lions prowl open plains, chimpanzees trawl rainforest undergrowth, hippos and crocodiles bubble beneath tropical channels.

Beyond nature watching, Uganda has even more to offer its visitors. Its capital, Kampala, pulses with vigour and confidence, accentuated by modern buildings, friendly locals and western-styled eateries. The Nyero Rock Shelter’s paintings are relics of the country’s most ancient inhabitants, the Batwa and Bambuti Pygmies, a hunter-gatherer people. In the east, Jinja offers world-class white-water rafting on the source of the River Nile. And with over a third of the country covered in fresh water lakes, there are plenty of opportunities for water play and sports such as lake cruising, canoeing under waterfalls, fishing and sailing.

When To Go

Most of Uganda enjoys the perfect tropical climate so it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Temperatures average about 26°C during the day, with the hottest months being December to February.