Uganda is best described as the pearl of Africa for many reasons. Ideally, it is where you can find nearly all that you wish to see in Africa! While here, not only will you enjoy the breathtaking sceneries but also you will have a great time exploring its natural wonders, diverse wildlife, ideal climate and interact with the most humble, warm welcoming and friendliest people. This landlocked country covers an area of about 241559 square kilometers with 37000 square kilometers of it featuring mainly water bodies and the rest is land. It is bordered by a number of countries-to the west, there is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan in the north, in the east–Kenya and in the south you find Tanzania and Rwanda. It gained her independence on 9th October 1962 from Britain with its flag comprising of 6 horizontal bands of black, yellow and red.
Based on safety, Uganda is undoubtedly a few safest destinations although it is not a hundred percent safe just it is a case with other countries. However, there are low crime rates that are registered and its capital city-Kampala equally is one of the safest cities you can visit in East Africa. But note that safety always starts with you the traveler and avoid travel when it dark!
For visitors who are planning for their safaris, note that this is a cash based country and mainly Uganda shilling. However, other currencies are also welcome especially the US dollars, pounds and others. For easy spending in the local market, there are many forex bureaus that you can visit to exchange any foreign currency into Uganda shilling. In case you have an international card, you can be in position to use especially in up-market hotels while Visas can be used at some ATMs within urban areas.
Landscape of Uganda
Uganda is one of the African states that experienced the uplift impact with several parts especially the southwestern side mainly mountainous. It is around this region that you can find the Rwenzori Mountain range and this features among one of the highest mountains in the continent. Others include the Virunga volcanoes, Mount Elgon, Bufumbira and others. Uganda is generally a greener country with most parts of it comprising of water composing of Lakes, Rivers and swamps. It is also part of the shared Lake Victoria and the source of the mighty Nile, Lake Kyoga, Lake Edward, Lake George, Albert and others.
Attractions in Uganda
Uganda is endowed with natural wonders including 10 national parks where most safaris are conducted. These parks feature unique wildlife species ranging from savanna grassland to forest dwellers. If you are interested in wildlife viewing the notable parks include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park should be a must for you to pay a visit. The best wildlife species for you to catch a glimpse while on Uganda include elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, lions, giraffes, zebras, several antelope families, bird species that make up over 1080 in Uganda where those of you who wish to take explore primate species, the best destinations include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park southwestern Uganda. These two parks are popular for mountain gorilla trekking as well as other amazing safari activities while those of you who wish to track chimpanzees the best places include Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu forest and Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Besides, there are also 3 (three) UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include Kasubi tombs, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Uganda offers refuge to one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa that include Lake Victoria source of Nile. The mighty River Nile crosses about 11 countries which include among others Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt, Tanzania. It is about 6853 kilometers long.
Best time to visit Uganda
Planning to spend a holiday in Uganda? Uganda features the most ideal weather and climatic conditions which make it an all year round safari destination. Its climatic conditions are largely influenced by vast forest cover and waterbodies. Prior embarking on actual trip, take note of the 2 significant seasons-the wet and dry seasons. The dry season is always experienced from June to September and from December to February and this is considered as more favorable to most visitors on Uganda safari. However, the wet season equally features as the best depending on what you wish to take and for birders, it is the best time for you to sight at most migratory bird species. Uganda’s temperatures vary with 26 degrees Celsius during day and 16 degrees Celsius at night.
What to pack for a safari in Uganda
Each visitor comes to Uganda for different reasons but if your dream is to take part in gorilla/chimpanzee trekking, then in your packing list don’t miss to include good hiking boots/shoes that are water proof and light weight, long sleeved shirt or t-shirts, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, gardening gloves, camera with no flashlight and others.
Getting to Uganda
The best way to get to Uganda is by taking a flight and then you land into Entebbe International Airport which is its main entry and exit point. Entebbe Airport is served by a number of airlines including KLM, Qatar airways, Brussels, Egypt Air, Kenya airways, South African airways, Ethiopian airlines, RwandAir, Etihad airways, Emirates airlines a mention but a few. By road, the border areas include Busia and Malaba in the east that is accessible by visitors from Kenya and others include Katuna.
