Despite being smaller than some of its neighboring countries, Uganda, known as “The Pearl of Africa,” has a lot to offer tourists.
Here are five reasons to consider traveling to this amazing country for your next vacation, although there are many more.
The Gorillas
There are only about 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the world, and Uganda is one of only three places where you can see them in the wild.
Uganda’s two gorilla trekking destinations are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Since gorillas do not follow political borders, their populations in the Virunga Mountains are not always stable.
However, Uganda has an advantage because half of the world’s mountain gorillas live in Bwindi alone.
A person can trek twice in Uganda for the price of one trek in Rwanda because, unlike Rwanda, Uganda has not increased the cost of its gorilla permits.
The best time for trekking in Uganda is from December to late February and from June to September, as these are the driest months of the year.
The Wildlife
Uganda’s wildlife is not just about mountain gorillas. The country is home to elephants, hippos, zebras, lions, leopards, and over 1,000 bird species.
There are ten national parks and several game reserves where visitors can see these animals.
One of the best places to see Uganda’s diverse wildlife is Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in the southwest. Established in 1952, the park has different landscapes, including marshes, savannah, bushland, and forests, and is home to many animals.
In the far south of the park, in the Ishasha sector, visitors can see the famous tree-climbing lions.
The Scenery
Uganda has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Africa. To the west, the Rwenzori Mountains, also called the “Mountains of the Moon,” are covered with glaciers. To the south, Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake and the main reservoir of the Nile River, is a stunning sight.
The Nile River, the longest river in the world, flows through Uganda from Lake Victoria in the south, through rolling grasslands in the north, and into South Sudan.
In addition to these natural wonders, Uganda also has vast plains, wetlands, and thick forests, all rich in different plants and animals.
It’s Crowd-Free
Tourism in Uganda is still developing, so you don’t have to worry about large crowds spoiling your trip.
This makes it easier to enjoy the beauty of the country without too many other tourists around.
The People
Ugandans are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you will ever meet. Everywhere you go in this beautiful country, you will be greeted with warm smiles from the local people.
Related Article: Essential Facts About Uganda – Culture, Geography & People
