Uganda: Uganda is number one, no wonder its named the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Its abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees as well as rare birds. Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as hippos.
Mountain gorillas have become endangered over the past few decades; luckily, Uganda’s nature still provides them with the ideal habitat of the tropical forest. Owing to the source of the River Nile Uganda has a large amount of water, which is vital for the gorillas along with various other mammals and birds.
Although Uganda is small in size compared to some of its neighbors, “the pearl of Africa” has a lot to offer tourists. Uganda is a popular tourism destination and visitors rarely experience crime, especially because most travelers spend little time in the cities where risk is always high.
The country also offers a broad range of activities like traditional art festivals, volcano hikes, kayaking, and rafting.
The phrase Pearl of Africa was created by Winston Churchill an early explore after his visit to Uganda in 1908. He found Uganda with a unique environmental attributes and the moderate climate due to the country’s nearness to equator, color, hospitality of the people among others. Considered Uganda above all the countries in Africa.
During the 1907 Winston Churchill had a trip in Uganda when he discovered that Uganda offers a lot more beyond once imagination. In 1908, he wrote a book entitled ‘’my African journey’’ referring to his trip in Uganda. There are no words to describe Uganda, the best thing to do, is to visit the country and you will clearly understand why Wiston Churchill referred Uganda to the Pearl of Africa.
Some of the Reasons why Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa
Uganda enjoys a unique location in the Tourism area of Africa. Its landscape encompasses the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains, contains the largest body of crater lakes in the world, the western escarpments of the Great Rift Valley and the largest home of primates Kibale National Park. In fact, Uganda also has unique Flora and Fauna, a modified equatorial climate with warm and cold temperatures all year round. This position gives Uganda a strategic commanding base for tourism trade and investment.
Tourism is a fast-growing sector in Uganda supported by the fact that Uganda is ranked among top tourist destinations in Sub Saharan Africa. Uganda due to its tourism city phenomenon will over the years be a unique metropolitan area with a blossoming tourism and hospitality industry holding hundreds of thousands of tourists at any single time from across the world boosting lots of other local businesses. Uganda stands out to be unrivaled as the tourism destination in Africa which provides huge potential for employment of the young workforce hence increasing the per capita income of the local households.Uganda is the friendliest, safe, welcoming and joyous country in Africa Ugandans are welcoming people with rich culture; Ethnic groups such as Baganda, Banyankole, Bakiga, Bunyoro, Batoro, Langi, Acholi, Lugbara, Karamojong, Basoga, Bagisu, among others. The Baganda are considered to be the largest ethnic group in the country
Uganda has fertile soils, good climate; Uganda’s climate is excellent all year around and you can visit the country any time of the year. Due to the fact that the country is located on the equator the climate is conducive but also because of it Elevation, and the natural features, like the Lake Victoria, the Virunga volcano, the Rwenzori mountains, as regulated the weather of the country thus making Uganda one of the best safari destination for your life time experience.
Uganda is a small and locked country but rich in biodiversity it’s among the top ten countries in the world, Uganda is indeed gifted by nature ranging from a variety of attractions to see prolific wildlife distributed in different national parks, Uganda indeed is a home of not only the big five game, but the Big 7 wild game that is the elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, Buffalos, lions and the additional huge number of the mountain Gorillas and the Chimpanzee. There also others like the giant crocodiles, the Nile crocodiles, and over 1,160 different bird species, Uganda is a bird watching paradise. Also, the endangered Nubian Rothschild Giraffes, The tropical forest, the lush savannah vegetation, lakes and rivers, the rolling hills and many more.Tourists from far and wide gracing Uganda’s lands have regularly complimented the fertile soils and fruit-friendly lands as their healthy living encounters have been top-notch across their land tour.
Uganda is really Africa’s Fruit Basket, more than 50 kinds of bananas, pineapples–that is simply the Best, Passion Fruit, Mangoes, Watermelons, Jackfruit, Papayas, Citrus Fruits, Star Fruits, Avocados and even Apples Uganda is Africa’s Fruit Basket. Uganda is home to the finest avocados contained throughout the world, too. This is a big field in which their industry thrives in fruit growing as is the majority of the population. There also different kinds of bananas grown, Uganda is indeed the tropical fruit paradise
Depending on the time you visit the country, you will find fresh fruits, and harvest time in Uganda is always done several times in unlike in many other countries.
Great Historical sites. Uganda has got several historical sites such as the Kasubi Tombs. The Kasubi Tombs is a burial ground for the four kabakas (kings of Buganda) that was first built in 1881 on the Kasubi hill in Kampala. Namugongo Martyrs Shrine. Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru. Nyero Rock Paintings. Source of the Nile, Speke Monument. Baha’i Temple. Walumbe Tanda Pits among others.
Uganda has a diverse culture with over forty languages being spoken. English (official), Swahili (official), Luganda, Acholi, Japadhola, Lugisu, Runyankole, Lusamia,Lugwere, Lugbara, Kumam and numerous other local languages. The ancient traditional kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro-Kitara, Busoga and Toro are still in existence. Uganda is connected to the World through a number of International Airlines.
Uganda has a vibrant nightlife with tasty beers, beautiful women and handsome men.Uganda is a small and locked country but rich in biodiversity it’s among the top ten countries in the world, Uganda is indeed gifted by nature ranging from a variety of attractions to see prolific wildlife distributed in different national parks, Uganda indeed is a home of not only the big five game, but the Big 7 wild game that is the elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, Buffalos, lions and the additional huge number of the mountain Gorillas and the Chimpanzee. There also others like the giant crocodiles, the Nile crocodiles, and over 1,160 different bird species, Uganda is a bird watching paradise. Also, the endangered Nubian Rothschild Giraffes, the tropical forest, the lush savannah vegetation, lakes and rivers, the rolling hills and many diverse array of ecosystems which are fascinating to explore and, untouched and wild, they are stunning to behold.
With amazing whitewater rafting and the serene Lake Victoria also on offer; this lovely country will astound you with all that there is to see and do. Here are the most beautiful national parks in Uganda which should you give you some inspiration as to what you just have to see in this country.Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park
The park is enriched in a number of activities to be engaged for example gorilla tracking as the main activity with an estimated number of over 400 mountain gorillas making it half of the world’s population with the other half being shared among the two countries Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo a clear definition to its uniqueness and as major reason to term Uganda the Pearl of Africa the award that greatly symbolizes its special beauty.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls national park is one of the largest and oldest Uganda’s national parks with diverse wildlife to fulfill your safari visions. Murchison Falls national park being the oldest and largest park, was founded early in 1926 as a reserve and later recognized as a national park 1952 with a total area 3,84km located in the Northern end of the Albertine rift valley districts of paraa and Masindi where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast. The park host about 76 mammal species and over 451 bird species. The park is also bisected by Victoria Nile which plugs into 45m over the rift valley wall that creates the dramatic Murchison falls, the centerpiece of the park and finally an event in 80km stretch of the river from Karuma falls rapids.
Queen Elizabeth national park
This Uganda’s most popular destination with the highest concentration of wildlife such as hippopotamus which floating in Kazinga channel water, and the famous Tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector. The park has also got a diverse of eco-system which include sprawling savanna, humid forests, shady, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands. The diverse ecosystems make it an ideal habitat for the big game animals, ten primate species and a variety of bird species.
Kibale national park
Kibale forest national park is one of the most magnificent protected areas with Uganda’s tropical rainforest and one among the best that you can explore because of its outstanding attractions and the geographical setup itself. It is situated in the western part of the country and mostly known for its 13 primate species majorly Chimpanzees, Red colobus, black and colobus monkeys and L’host monkeys among others
Lake Mburo national park
Despite its size, Lake Mburo National Park certainly has a number of amazing attractions that belie its small stature. With five lakes contained within its boundaries, the most impressive is the lake that gives the park its name: Lake Mburo. The huge lake stretches away in the distance and taking a boat trip on its tranquil waters which is simply delightful
Mount Elgon national Park
The park is an important protected area with a variety attractions ranging from the Calderas found at the top of the mountain, numerous flora and fauna, over 300 bird species including African Goshawk, white chinned prinia, African blue flycatcher among others, particularly in the Secondary forest and thick shrubs along the loop trail to Chepui falls. Bird watching in Mount Elgon is done around Kapwai forest Exploration Centre.
Kidepo Valley national Park
Kidepo valley national park boosts diverse wildlife in its capacity at different locations within and around the park for example prudes of lions that on other occasions appear sited in valleys and on various rocks herds of elephants, buffalos giraffes, zebras, antelopes among other wildlife well spotted on when Kanangorok Hot springs, mount Mount Murungule and while in valleys when they come to drink water.
In addition to the big game animals, Kidepo valley also hosts numerous interesting land ostriches and also rich in hot springs. Attractions in Kidepo are in two valleys of Narus and Kidepo. Narus is enriched in mammals and Kidepo valley popular for hot springs and birds including ostriches which have been hunted by local people and the neighboring Sudanese.
Mount Rwenzori national park
Mount Rwenzori national park is Uganda’s highest and third highest park in Africa with beauty hidden in its raised ground of Western Uganda. The park is enriched with various attractions starting from the unique mountain vegetation cover, the glaciers, beautiful waterfalls, snowfields and numerous bird species including Rwenzori Turacos, blue headed Sunbirds, and sooty Boubou among other bird species.
Mt. Mgahinga Gorilla national park
This park is one of the few places in the world where the endangered mountain gorillas and the rare Golden monkeys live and it attracts people from different countries to come on Uganda Gorilla Safari. There is no doubt that Mgahinga Gorilla national park is one of the leading tourism sites in Uganda since it harbors these rare primates.
The beauty of Uganda can’t be fully described, visit Uganda for lifetime memories and discover far beyond your imagination.
Great Historical sites. Uganda has got several historical sites such as the Kasubi Tombs. The Kasubi Tombs is a burial ground for the four kabakas (kings of Buganda) that was first built in 1881 on the Kasubi hill in Kampala. Namugongo Martyrs Shrine. Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru. Nyero Rock Paintings. Source of the Nile, Speke Monument. Baha’i Temple. Walumbe Tanda Pits among others.
To visit Uganda contact Kitara Foundation for Regional Tourism at https://kitararcc.com/contact/
Other good countries for holiday and vacation in Africa include;
South Africa: South Africa is also an extraordinary African destination because some parts of it look like just another place in the US or Europe. Yet, the country has everything you would expect from a typical African country and more.
Egypt: As the meeting point of Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, Egypt’s significance in the history of mankind is undeniable. Many prehistoric kingdoms once occupied the area, so it is possible to find their traces all around the country. The UNESCO world heritage site of the iconic pyramids is just one example.
Ethiopia: While many African destinations are becoming brimming with tourists, Ethiopia remains unspoiled even today. Its landscape has elements of both tranquility and adventure.
Tanzania: Tanzania always takes the top spot in many tourism-related lists. Its beach destinations like Zanzibar and Pemba are among the best beach and diving spots in the world. Serengeti National Park is often considered the best safari destination in Africa since it witnesses a mass wildebeest migration from surrounding parks.
Madagascar: Madagascar is one of the most peaceful countries in Africa. Surrounded by the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, it is a prime diving destination full of world-class diving facilities and luxurious resorts. Once you leave the touristy areas, you will come across quaint fishing towns, baobab trees lined up for kilometers, and national parks abundant in lemurs.
Malawi: Although Malawi is a landlocked country, it is one of the most popular diving and beach destinations in Africa. The country owes it to the grand lake Malawi that comprises diverse fresh-water marine life. Various beach towns around the lake offer activities like watersports, diving, fishing, and hiking.
Botswana: Botswana has a long-established reputation for having the most stable economy in Africa, which consequently makes it one of the safest in the continent. It is also a prime safari destination with a large area of land dedicated to wildlife.
Zambia: Victoria Falls has been proclaimed as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world for having the largest mass of free-falling water. Because of the political dispute in Zimbabwe, tourists have shifted their focus towards Zambia that also borders the falls.
Morocco: Blending in Mediterranean and Arabic cultures, this northern African country has a different vibe than the rest of Africa. Nestled between the Sahara Desert in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the country offers authentic attractions combining the desert, the ocean, and the cities.
Ghana: Ghana is a country that was born from its ashes. It was under British rule for a long time as the Gold Coast, followed by years of military rule. Today, the gold resources made Ghana the economic power of West Africa. The colonial architecture is still prominent with iconic castles and forts.
Kenya: Along with Tanzania’s Serengeti, Masai Mara National Park in Kenya witnesses a mass animals congregating and migration of wildebeest, which makes it a phenomenal safari destination in East Africa. Yet, Masai Mara is only one of the 60 national parks in the country.
Senegal: With a small but developing tourism industry, Senegal is one of the best-kept secrets of Africa. It is also home to a thought-provoking slave-trade history, which everyone should find out to learn from past mistakes. Goree Island was once renowned as a major slave-trade fort, although it is now an area full of museums and colonial remains.
Namibia: The sheer size of Namibia has much to be desired from the untamed wilderness and rich wildlife of this beautiful country. Unique attractions include large dunes, iconic salt pans like Sossusvlei and Etosha, desert-adapted wildlife, and the Fish River Canyon, which is the largest in Africa.
Cape Verde: Cape Verde is a small archipelago in Northwest Africa. Thanks to Portuguese influence, vibrant beach towns, and volcanic landscapes, Cape Verde is considered the Brazil of Africa. The prominent ecotourism scene provides visitors with lots of hiking and water sports.
Mozambique: ravel and Tourism has been a key priority sector of Mozambique’s diversification plan from the upcoming revenues of the liquified natural gas reserves. The most touristic provinces were Maputo and Inhambane with 148,000 and 103,000 hotel and resort guests respectively, out of a total of 324,000 registered guests in the country. 63% of guests were Mozambican nationals while the other 37% were foreigners.
Seychelles: Seychelles is a popular destination amongst tourists, especially from India. Tourism in Seychelles offers variety of sightseeing and entertainment options. The wide range of Seychelles tourism packages allows the traveller to explore various Seychelles tourist places in comfort.
Mauritius: Mauritius is a popular destination amongst tourists West. Tourism in Mauritius offers variety of sightseeing and entertainment options. Mauritius tourism offers something for every kind of traveller – whether you are planning a honeymoon or a family trip, looking for a relaxed resort stay or an active holiday, you will find exciting options in Mauritius.
To find more about where to go in Africa contact Kitara Foundation for Regional Tourism at https://kitararcc.com/contact/
Kitara Foundation for Regional Tourism 