8 Interesting Facts about Uganda That You Should Know
You have probably heard so much about Uganda including the good and bad; from the mild weather, hospitable people, a wide range of yummy foods and then the era of the former president Idi Amin to the high level of corruption in the country. Just like any other nation, there is something positive as well as the negative. However in this post, we are focusing on the interesting things about Uganda.
Uganda is a landlocked country in east Africa known for her incredibly growing economy, being fast at embracing new trends and her natural beauty regarding landscape. Want to know more interesting things about Uganda that perhaps you didn’t know? We bring you some of the best facts that will open up more for you about this country and probably you could plan faster for your next Uganda safari to explore these and more;
Uganda hosts the largest population of mountain gorillas
Recently, mountain gorillas have been one of the most sought attractions by tourists on Uganda safaris and tours to the rest of Africa. These great apes are critically endangered and are only found in three countries- Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. Of these three gorilla destinations, Uganda has the largest number of mountain gorillas and is the only one with two gorilla national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. At any time of the year, you can go gorilla trekking in any of these national parks. A gorilla tracking permit in Uganda costs USD700.
Uganda is home to the source of River Nile
Stretching 6650kms, River Nile is considered the longest river in the world. It is a natural watercourse of fresh water flowing from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean. The source of the Nile in Jinja is a landmark that attracts a number of tourists every year. While on your Jinja tour to go see the source of the Nile, you can as well include many other activities on your bucket list including boat cruise, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, quad bike riding, kayaking and bungee jumping among others.
Uganda has some of the most powerful kingdoms
During the times of colonialism, the British adopted the name Uganda from Buganda kingdom which was one of the most powerful kingdoms founded in the late 14th century. Currently, Buganda still stands strong with its culture and traditions preserved. While on a Kampala city tour, you can visit Buganda palace for an insight of their history, culture and practices among other things. For more information about the kingdom, visit Kasubi tombs- the burial grounds for the Kabakas.
Other prominent kingdoms of Uganda include Tooro kingdom, Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom and Busoga kingdom.
Uganda has got some of the world’s fastest long distance runners
While on your Uganda safari adventure, you can visit the land of the champions- Kapchorwa where the fastest long distance runners come from. Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei is the reigning Olympic champion in the 5,000m and silver medalist for the 10,000m and currently holds the world’s record in both races plus the 15km road race.
The region has beautiful landscape which offers the lovely background for photography. Other things to do in Kapchorwa include a visit to Sipi falls.
Uganda has some of the most hospitable people in the world
One of the things that will make you enjoy your stay in Uganda is the hospitality that is ingrained in the cultural tradition and beliefs of Ugandans. Due to this, the locals are friendly and welcoming and this offers peace to foreigners in the country. Tourists feel at home in lodges, on the road and at safari destinations like national parks, communities and places of entertainment.
Uganda offers a great chance to see tree climbing lions
One of the unique attractions in Uganda is the tree climbing lions. These are found in Queen Elizabeth national park which is among the most visited national parks in the country. The tree climbing lions are often spotted lying on fig tree branches as the sun gets hotter in the mid-morning. Game drives to see tree climbing lions are done in Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth national park.
Besides the Ishasha game drive, tourists also enjoy other tourists activities in the park including boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching and nature walks.
Uganda is home to the legendary Rwenzori Mountains
Uganda hosts Africa’s second highest mountain peak- Margherita (at 5,109m) which is among the legendary Rwenzori Mountains. Nicknamed the Mountains of the moon, the UNESCO-listed Rwenzori Mountains are a beautiful and rewarding destination for adventure. Mountain climbing safaris take tourists to the top where they are able to reach snow-capped ranges.
Uganda has the largest fresh water lake in Africa
Lake Victoria is the largest fresh water lake in Africa and second largest fresh water lake in the whole world after Lake Superior in North America. The lake is shared among three countries with the largest part of it located in Uganda. Interesting tourist activities to do on Lake Victoria include visiting Ngamba Island, the sunset boat cruise and going for a fishing trip to catch the giant Nile perch.
Do you have something to add or perhaps want to ask about the above? Feel free to contact us. The above 8 facts are the most interesting facts we at Mumwe Uganda Safaris bring. To arrange a Uganda safari with us, send an email to info@mumwesafarisuganda.com or call our travel consultants on +256-700135510/ +256-414699459.
