Category: Destinations

Uganda is less known destination on the African continent but its sheer variety of national parks sets it apart from other safari destinations in East Africa. Located just astride the Equator, Uganda is a growing travel destination. With a wide range of unique places and attractions, if you are looking for an exotic destination for your African safari, look for no further! The Ugandan Way lists some of the best things that make Uganda, a unique destination that you should consider while planning your next holiday.

The Source of River Nile in Jinja

The River Nile, notably the world’s second longest river is not only the lifeline of many nations in the world but also a remarkable unique feature that puts Uganda on the world map. Located in Jinja, the quest for the Source of the Nile ended in Uganda in 1862 when John Speke, one of the British Explorers reached the point where the Nile emerges out of the Lake Victoria. The Nile has made Jinja famous! Lots of adventure activities adventure have been developed basing on the Nile. These include white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, etc.

Visitors to the source of Nile can enjoy superb boat trips around Lake Victoria and visit to the hydroelectric power plant at Owen falls dam, indulge in the adventurous bungee jumping experience, white water rafting and Kayaking in the rapids of the Nile.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks

Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the rarest encounters in the world and this can be done right in the wild jungles of Western Uganda.  Uganda protects a healthy population of the endangered mountain gorillas within two protected national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population is found in Uganda. This year, Uganda is the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking and it is the most popular adventure that visitors crave to do on their visit to this amazing country.

Bwindi Impenetrable National park alone consists of up to 14 habituated gorilla families that are accessed from four distinguished sectors of the park. These include Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma and Nkuringo region. Mgahinga National Park on the other hand is home to only one gorilla family called the Nyakagezi Group.

The Rwenzori Mountains – “mountains of the moon”:

Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains is one of the unique tales of Uganda. Located in the south western corner, the Rwenzori Mountains are shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is an adventure world of its own. Labelled the mountains of the world, the towering Rwenzori raises to height of 5,109m above sea level and presents some of the rarest adventure encounters in Africa and beyond.

The remote Rwenzori Mountains offer opportunities presents a great opportunity to hikers. The hike takes you through stunning landscapes and varied montane vegetation. Once on the top of the mountain, you will have clear views of Africa’s third-highest summit, which is one of the less explored peaks.

Equator

Uganda is home to this popular landmark, the equator! This is one of the most famous and remarkable attractions in the country. The country lies astride the Equator and there are two permanent monuments; one in Kasese and another at Kayabwe along Masaka Road. The Equator divides the earth into the southern and northern hemispheres!

The Kayabwe landmark is much developed and it is the most common in pictures. It is located 70 km away from Kampala towards the south west direction, taking about one hour to reach from the city. This point offers a perfect stopover while en route to the south western based national parks, including Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth national park:

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s world biosphere reserve. It is home to one of the most elusive species including the tree climbing lions, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, leopards, etc. Looking to a wildlife safari, include Queen Elizabeth National Park in your tour itinerary and encounter these rare species! The search for the tree climbing lions that are known to lie flat on fig trees in a chilly afternoon, is one of the things you should not miss.

Queen Elizabeth National Park in addition to being home of the ‘Big 4’, also hosts interesting features! It is also an amazing destination for bird watching given that it boasts of over 605 bird species. A launch trip along the famous Kazinga channel is interesting given that you it takes you past the capital of hippos in Uganda. Other interesting animals you can see on the lake shores are solitary buffaloes, elephants that come for a drink during a hot day etc.

Rwanda is one of the smallest countries on the African continent; it’s located in east Africa bordered by Uganda in the north, Burundi in the south, Tanzania in the east and DR Congo in the west. Geographically the country is in the Albertine rift valley occupying an area of 26,338 sq km with the larger area being hilly with many undulating green rolling hills and ragged tropical forested volcanoes in the Northern Province. Hence Rwanda experiences a favorable temperate tropical climate.

The country’s population currently stands at 12 million people made up of three major ethnic groups with the original inhabitants of the Tutsi, Hutu and the Batwa pygmies who make only 1% of the population.

Despite the lethal 1994 genocide that killed over 800,000 people within 100 days which led to destruction of the tourism industry and the general economic breakdown, Rwanda has recovered under the new government putting much emphasis on infrastructure development and diversifying its natural tourist attractions. This growing trend coupled with political security is attracting many tourists hence emerging as Africa’s ecotourism tourism hub because of the following 6 reasons;

1. Primates Trekking

For wildlife lovers, Rwanda is highly visited for its mountain gorillas which are found in Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province. The park is part of the Virunga chain of 8 volcanic mountains the only habitat on earth for the remaining 880 population of mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park’s mountain gorilla numbers are estimated to be 250 individuals with 10 families habituated. All these are located in one habitat range which makes them easily accessible by tourists in addition to the short drive time of 2 hours from Kigali airport to the park. Book a gorilla permit with a tour operator for gorilla trekking the main tourist activity in park.

Besides the gorillas, Volcanoes National park is also a home to the critically endangered golden monkeys. Golden monkeys are easily identified by their golden-orange hair on their body, guided nature walks is the only way tourists get to see these primates.

In the southwest of Rwanda, is Nyungwe forest national park a home to man’s closet cousin the chimpanzees hence tourists visit the forest foe chimpanzee tracking. Nyungwe forest is also known for the highest troop of Black and White Colobus monkeys in East Africa which are very attractive primates for tourists who visit the Forest for Colobus monkey tracking.

2. Rwandan Unique Cultural Experience

Rwanda being a tourist friendly nation, it has a great cultural heritage which complement its wildlife. There are designated places around national park which exhibit Rwandan culture hence one can easily incorporate them into their safari. For instance, Iby’Iwacu cultural village near Volcanoes National Park is a place where Rwandan traditional lifestyles are exhibited for tourists.

A great cultural experience of live traditional Intore dance performances, craft souvenirs and local food combined offer a memorable cultural experience. Other great cultural experiences include visiting the Rwandan genocide memorials, museums, ancient caves of the Batwa pygmy and the Kigali city.

3. Beautiful Lakes for Relaxation

Rwanda is located in the great Albertine rift valley hence it makes it a natural paradise by its unspoiled inland volcanic lakes with charming sandy beaches where tourists can relax and chill after strenuous gorilla trekking or volcano hiking. The fresh water Lake Kivu is one a kind situated on the Rwanda’s western border with DR. What fascinates about this lake is that it’s enclosed by picturesque terraced hills and three resort towns packed with luxury to budget waterfront resort hotels. Tourists will always launch their favorite water based activities just by the door step. Some of the water activities include kayaking, swimming, canoeing, speed boating, spot fishing, winds surfing, snorkeling and boat cruises. Lake Kivu is a great place to experience authentic African sunsets and sunrises.

4. East Africa’s Highest Canopy Walk

The highest canopy walk in East Africa suspended over 90 meters above the ground is found in Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest in the southwest. The canopy starts at Uwinka the main tourist centre in Nyungwe forest national park. it offers breathtaking views of Nyungwe forests while walking in the clouds above the trees you also get a chance to view primates and birds on top trees. There are also optional ground hiking trails from which tourists explore the forest on foot. Guided walks take visitors in the interior of the forest where waterfalls, flowers, birds, mammals, butterflies can be seen. It’s an incredible experience to walk on a wet ground even during the dry season.

5. Kigali City

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda; the city is the safest and cleanest on the African continent. You will appreciate the culture of Rwanda, Umuganda is a platform where all Rwandans gather together to clean cities and villages hence the clean environment has come at a price. Do not expect to come to Rwanda with non biodegradable plastics or paper bags.

People in the city are very friendly and like to engage in conversations with tourists a reason why most visitors like to take a safe tour around the city during night or day. The city has got both local and international hotels, cafes, bistros and restaurants serving the most delicious cuisines on the continent. The newly Kigali convention centre with MICE facilities is an answer to the business travelers from around the world.

6. Security and Accessibility

Despite the historical war of 1994, Rwanda is currently Africa’s most politically stable. Even foreign tourists can walk freely on the streets. Rwanda is easily accessible from all its neighbors by both road and air provided you have a visa and passport while getting around within the country is easier due to modern roads connecting the country side.

Kigali international airport is a modern day airport served by more than 7 International Airlines connecting over 30 destinations hence one can fly from anywhere around the world to Rwanda.