Uganda [ /uˈɡan.da/ ] “For God and My Country”

If you’ve ever wanted to sit with mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat then a Uganda safari will deliver on your expectations. Boasting a 90% success rate at finding habituated gorilla family groups in the extraordinary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, gorilla trekking in Uganda has become one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife experiences and such is its success that the gorilla population is actually increasing.

But don’t think that a Uganda safari is only about gorillas in rainforests: this landlocked East African country is home to a range of diverse national parks and is a strong contender for one of the world’s best bird watching destinations. Head for Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic big game viewing, chimpanzee trekking and river cruises.

Kibale, in southern Uganda, forms a massive wildlife corridor with Queen Elizabeth National Park that is used by migrating elephants in search of water. A mixture of tropical rainforest, swamp and grasslands, Kibale supports Africa’s biggest population of chimpanzees as well as at least a dozen other primate species. It is a top destination for those wanting to trek primates, including gorillas, and with over 320 recorded bird species, is also a haven for twitchers. A green, hilly and elevated country with many lakes and mountains, Uganda’s appeal lies in its simplicity. Infrastructure is limited but growing and there is now a good range of safari accommodation and city-based hotels. Ideal for seasoned safari-goers, bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, Uganda’s star is on the rise - combine it with Kenya or Tanzania for a holistic East African safari experience.

About Uganda

Annual Rain Fall COUNTRY SIZE: 241,038 sq km (93,065 sq mi) 270 216 CURRENCY: Ugandan Shilling (UGX) 162 108 54 LANGUAGES: English and Swahili 0

ETHNIC: , Banyankole, Basoga, Bakiga, Batoro, Banyoro, Banyarwanda, Bagisu, Bagwere and Annual Temperature Bakonjo

CAPITAL:

AIRPORTS: International Airport, Entebbe Airport, Namulonge

POPULATION: 41.4 million (2016) HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common complaint for visitors to Uganda. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and typhoid.

UGANDA Seasonal Highlights

OCT NOV - FEB MAR - AUG SEP

Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda has beautiful nature and rich wildlife. Kampala is its advancing capital. This small country gathers all the best Africa has to offer. It prides on lush forests, high mountains, plains and many other natural beauties. The country is famous as the habitat of Mountain Gorillas.

Green Season The low season receives the highest rainfall in Uganda. Plains become green and you can see newborn wildlife. Rates are lower and the rains are usually short. So, you will have plenty of time to enjoy safaris and forest tours. All you have to do is to prepare for intense rains. Highlights: Visiting Murchison Falls would be ideal during this season. Unlike in other parks, the rainfall here won’t affect your activities in most cases. Throughout Uganda, tourist rates are lower and bird watching activities (Lake Victoria) are excellent.

Transition Season Each of the high season is the right time for travelling to Uganda. Rainfall determines the seasons here and it is the lowest in these periods. Uganda receives the highest rainfall from March to May. Forest trails become slippery and roads muddy. The low season in October and November features less rain. During these periods, you can benefit of lower rates. February is a transitional month between dry and wet seasons. Less tourists visit Uganda and lodges aren’t fully booked. Besides the high seasons, February is also fine for travelling to the country.

Dry Season December may receive a higher amount of rainfall, but this period is still a dry season in Uganda. The skies are clear and wildlife watching in national parks is excellent. Book your lodging and trekking permits well in advance since the authorities issue a limited number of these. Highlights: This is the second-best time to visit Uganda, since dry season lures animals to waterholes. Vegetation is scarce compared to wet seasons and you will spot wildlife easy in the national parks of Uganda. This period is one of the two best for gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park.

UGANDA UGANDA Places of Interest IN UGANDA

Gorilla-trekking Most visitors to Uganda come to track the endangered mountain gorillas in the south west of the country, in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park. Less than 700 of these gentle giants exist in the world, with half the remaining population living in Uganda, divided into four habituated gorilla troops: three in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga. Despite being the largest and most ferocious looking of the ape family, gorillas are peaceable primates, and the chance to view them from up close is a thrilling as well as awe-inspiring experience.

Hiking

Forming the western border of Uganda lie the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary snow-covered ‘Mountains of the Moon’ as described by Ptolemy in 150 AD. Reaching an altitude of 16,762ft (5,109m), they form Africa’s highest mountain range, lower only than the freestanding Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya, and include Africa’s third highest peak, Point Margherita on Mt Stanley. Protected within a national park, the six peaks and their slopes form a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination.

White-water rafting Uganda’s white-water rafting industry is relatively new - the first descent of the river by a paddler was in 1996, and the grade IV and V stretch of rapids on the Nile have since been developed into a world-class rafting destination boasting some of the most powerful and sustained rapids on earth. The mighty volume of water creates monstrous rapids that provide an unforgettable rafting experience comparable to that of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. Home of the white-water rafting industry is the town of Jinja, situated at the source of the River Nile, the longest river in the world.

UGANDA What to do IN UGANDA

Gaddafi National Mosque Source of the Nile - Speke Monument Independence Monument

Baha’i Temple Lake Victoria Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre The Acacia Mall Social Innovation Museum

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Victoria Nile Forest Park Resort

Entebbe Botanic Gardens Great Adventures Uganda

Uganda Museum Rubaga-Kathedrale Mpanga Central Forest Reserve

Gorilla Bookings Budongo Forest Batwa Cultural Heritage

Uganda Martyrs Shrine Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Mayfair Casino & Club

Itanda Falls Namirembe Kathedrale Nile Reptile Park

Lubiri Palace Uganda Reptile Village Bujagali Falls

UGANDA