6 Interesting Things to Know About Uganda
Dubbed “the Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is surely one of the most beautiful countries by nature on earth. There are many reasons one should visit this country. Taking on a safari to explore Uganda leaves many in awe, despite the factor that it is less known to the world, yet a hidden game of its own.
From the weather that you will start to enjoy once you cross into the country to the diverse wildlife encountered when you get to the most remote part of it, Uganda has a lot to offer to tourists. It has an interesting blend of native and foreign cultures, an array of wildlife including the endangered mountain gorillas and warm climatic conditions among others. Many of the tourists that visit Uganda testify amazing experiences of their trips. Uganda is an all year destination and perfect for all tours; family, friends, couple or honeymoon and solo.
There is more than you can imagine in Uganda that will put the destination on your safari bucket list. In this post, we share the top 6 things for travelers that want to know about the country as they plan to travel this season.
Incredible density of primates
Uganda is home to 20 species of primates which dwell in its rain forests and other gazette areas. Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are the most popular and sought primates. Baboons are easy to spot since they often sit along roads crossing through forests and thickets. Other primate species that call Uganda home include bush babies, golden monkeys, red tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, L’Hoest’s monkey and vervet monkey among others.
Major primate trekking destinations in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for gorilla trekking safari and Kibale national park for chimpanzee tracking.
Numerous wildlife reserves
Uganda is relatively the size of UK but it is incredible how it packs ten national parks and other wildlife reserves within this area. Protected wildlife covers an area more than 23% of its land. The 10 national parks of Uganda protect massive wildlife including big and small game, birds, reptiles, diverse vegetation and water bodies.
A guided Uganda tour will take you to some of the top wildlife parks including Murchison falls park, Queen Elizabeth park, Lake Mburo park and Kidepo valley . Common and popular wildlife in these destinations are the African elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, waterbuck, zebra and giraffe.
Tree climbing lions
Although lions can be sighted in trees, this is a rare behavior. A few places in Africa and the world at large give a high chance to see tree climbing lions. In Uganda, Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth national park is the place for you to add to your bucket list if you want this awesome experience. One or more lions are often spotted relaxing on tree branches of this sector of the park.
Apart from Queen Elizabeth National Park, lions can also be found in the following parks in Uganda; Murchison Falls national park and Kidepo Valley national park.
Bird haven with over 1,000 bird species
Uganda records about 1066 bird species. This number represents more than 50% of Africa’s total bird list and 10%o of the world’s total bird list. The diverse landscapes and ecosystems of Uganda provide ideal habitats for various species that range from exotic forest birds to tall water cranes. Since it is located at a transitional point; at the center of the North’s semi-desert, the West African rainforest and the East African savannah, Uganda shares conditions for the three regions which attract a variety of species hence the variety of bird species.
There are many birding destinations across Uganda but some of those that make the very best are; Semuliki, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National parks and Bigodi wetland.
More than 50 tribes with unique cultures
Ugandans are categorized in four major ethnic groups which are future divided according to tribes. The ethnic groups including Bantu, Nilotics, Nilo-hamites and Hamites have over 50 tribes. Some of these are; the Baganda, Basoga, Banyankole, Bakiga, Batooro, Banyoro, Bagisu, Langi, Itesot, Labwor, Sebei, Kakwa, Acholi, Okebu, Madi, Metu and Japadhola among others. The distinctive groups and tribes have diverse cultural morals, beliefs, art, dress code and other practices giving Uganda a rich cultural heritage.
Exceptionally hospitable people
Uganda has some of the friendliest people in Africa. They are very welcoming, sociable and willing to always render help in required circumstances. Regardless of their differences in culture, beliefs and language as a country, they are generous and welcoming to each other. They also welcome all nationalities and they are quick to make offer a comfortable environment to all people.
With these good things about Uganda, it is not a country where you should expect to be bored. If you were wondering where to go this season, you can add Uganda to your bucket list. For bookings, send us an email on info@mumwesafarisuganda.com or call us on +256-700135510/ +256-414699459.
