10 Awesome things to explore Uganda – Discover the Pearl of Africa

There are several things to explore in Uganda to discover the Pearl of Africa. 10 awesome things or activities here offer a great way to explore Uganda with a diversity of what you can see. Safaris in Uganda offer many awesome memories and these 10 things to explore the country will help to discover the pearl of Africa.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga – explore Uganda

Uganda gorilla trekking safaris are done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda. Gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda started way back in 1993 when gorilla trekking was opened to tourists after a gorilla habituation process. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 600 for each permit sold to only individuals above the age of 15.

Wildlife game drives

Uganda is home to a diversity of wildlife ranging from the “Big Five” something that has made Uganda wildlife tours a top choice for tourists that tour Uganda.

Uganda is home to about 345 mammal species found in the 10 national parks, wildlife reserves, and sanctuaries. These mammal species comprise East African and West African species found in forests and especially savannah plains. The top wildlife viewing parks in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Bird watching

Birding Uganda should be a top option for all passionate birders since the country has more than 1,080 confirmed bird species within its boundaries.

This is almost half of the bird species in Africa reason so Uganda birding safaris are the top choice for any birders on African bird-watching tours.

Uganda is home to forest, woodland, water, and savannah bird species. The top bird-watching spots include Mabamba Wetland, Bwindi Forest, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Moaning National Park.

Chimpanzee trekking

One of the most interesting primates to trek while on primate tracking safaris in Uganda are the Chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is almost the second most popular tracking activity after gorilla trekking.

Uganda has a high population of chimpanzees with close to 5000 of them in the county most of them in their natural habitats.

White water rafting

White water rafting is an activity for adventure seekers, adrenaline-pumping and amazing. In case you want to have an adventure tour in Uganda, never forget to include a white water rafting experience on your trip.

White water rafting is done on the Nile River in Jinja. The Nile River is known as the world’s longest river and therefore an amazing spot to raft on the Nile waves.

Hiking – explore Uganda

Hiking safaris in Uganda or Mountain climbing tours in Uganda are mostly undertaken on Mountain Rwenzori in southwestern Uganda, Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda, and volcano climbing in Mgahinga.

Hiking tours offer a chance to see Africa up close on foot and have a real feel of off-the-beaten trails experience rather than viewing the scenery from afar.

Cultural tours

There are several types of culture in Uganda and cultural differences offer diverse Uganda cultural tour experiences. Uganda is comprised of a variety of ethnic groups with over 50 different cultures. These have different traditions, beliefs, norms, and more.

Of the tribes in Uganda, the Bantu tribe has the highest population found in central, eastern, and southern regions, while the Nilotic are mainly in the northern and northeastern regions.

On Uganda tours, any culture can be visited but in most cases, the marginalized groups are the most visited. The most visited cultures include Buganda where different traditional sites are visited including the Kasubi tombs, Ssezibwa Falls, palace, and many more.

Visit the Batwa – explore Uganda

A visit to the Batwa community surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is yet another experience a traveler wouldn’t want to miss.

The Batwa are a small group of pygmies who lived in harmony with mountain gorillas in the Bwindi forest for several years before they were pushed to live outside the forest in the bid for conservation.

From showcasing their culture, housing, food, ways of life, art, and crafts to demonstrating how the fire was made in the medieval ages to tea growing, the Batwa are such a unique group of people.

On a Batwa cultural tour, don’t miss the entertainment from dancing and singing while at the campfire near Bwindi forest.

Sipi falls tour

Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located in Uganda’s eastern district of Kapchorwa at the edge of Mount Elgon National Park. Of the three waterfalls at Sipi, the longest drop is 100m.

The falls are formed by the Sipi River as it cascades downhill from the upper slopes of Mount Elgon into the Kyoga Basin. With a cooler climate, this is a very nice place to unwind, relax, and chill out away from the very busy towns and cities.

The Sipi waterfalls are formed from the Sipi River which is named after “sep” a plant indigenous to the banks of the River. Sep resembles a wild banana plant and is a medicinal plant with a translucent green frond and a bolt of crimson rib used for treating measles and fever.

Abseiling along the side of the main 100m Sipi waterfalls as well as climbing on 14 bolted sports routes with a range of difficulties is such an adventure for intrepid travelers.

Short-day tours – explore Uganda

Uganda is one African safari destination that has something for everyone. To enjoy the bounties of beauty in the Pearl of Africa, tourists are advised to undertake long tours to the different national parks to have a medley of wildlife, primates, birdlife, and different cultures.

However, some tourists come to Uganda for business or conferences and want to have a short Uganda safari before they depart. The other category of people is those who are in Uganda and want to have a short trip or maybe a weekend getaway for fun.

Here are the best short Uganda wildlife tour destinations or tour ideas that can be visited at a very affordable cost especially starting and ending in Kampala – Uganda’s capital. Some of the places to visit include Kampala City, Ngamba Island, Ssese Islands, Entebbe City, Jinja, and many more.

These 10 awesome things to explore in Uganda, can be explored on a good long or day itinerary to help well customize all these activities in the way you would wish.