Places

Top 7 Places to Visit in Eastern Uganda

The Eastern Trail is one of the most interesting trails! There are lots of attractions to see including some of the world landmarks. The adventure activities to engage in are also in plenty.

Source of the Nile

The long search for the Source of the Nile ended in Jinja in 1864 when John Speke reached Jinja. He was the first European to reach Lake Victoria the most popular known source of the Nile.

Mountain Elgon:

Mountain Elgon’s highest peaks are formed by high points around a jagged rim enclosing one of the world’s largest caldera, at 4okms long and 8kms wide. The tallest peak on Mount Elgon is the 4321m wagagi, followed by  sudek at 4303 m, Koitobos at 4222m and Mubiyi at 4210m.

Imbalu cultural festival:

Imbalu festivals involve circumcision which is the legendry ceremony among the Bagisu and the serbins. It is alleged that the Serbians also female circumcision however, the act abuses human rights according to the government and the human rights societies.

In the Elgon region, the ceremonies are accompanied by music, dance and drama amidst plenty of food and alcohol. The opening ceremonies are usually around the month of August every year.

Sipi Falls:

Sipi is a series of three falls in the district of Kapchorwa, northeast of sironko and Mbale.  The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mountain Elgon National Park near the Kenyan boarder. The sipi falls area is the starting point for many hikes up Mountain Elgon. The most popular route starts in Budadiri and follows the sasa trail to the summit and then descends down the sipi trail back into the sipi falls. The hike around the falls off stunning view of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyogaand the slopes of mountain  Elgon.

Sisiyi falls:

Sisiyi falls is found in Buyaga sub- region in Bulamburi district. Sisiyi is found along Mbale –  to sironko , Bulambuli, Kapchorwa and moroto district. The area around the fall is good for camping, picnic, team building activities, relaxing etc.

Semei Kakungulu Historical site and the Jewish Community:

Semei Kakungulu was a Ugandan who founded Abayudaya or Jews community in Uganda in 1917. Kakungulu put much emphasis on New Testament and he adopted the observance of all Moses’ commandments, including circumcision.

Kakungulu passed away on 24^th November 1928 of tetanus. He was buried near the Abayudaya synagogue in Gangama, a short distance from Mbale.

Bududa Bull fighting:

The fights are organized in Namasho village, Bulucheke sub-county, Bududa district every fortnight on Saturdays. The bull fighting tradition in Bududa began in 1956. From the mid 50’s to thethrehold of the 70’s, the fights were not taken seriously. The practice was more of an occasional and casual pastime for an occasional especially in Namasho village.

5 Must See Safari Destinations in Uganda

Uganda Beauty depicted with its attractive landscapes, natural forests, wildlife and culture ready to be explored truly defines its travel tag as the Pearl of Africa indeed. The Country welcomes nature lovers and adventure seekers of all kinds any time of the year around the globe. The Endangered Mountain Gorilla tracking being the main unique tourist attraction in Uganda though the wild still has plenty attractions ,mountains, nature wildlife, crater lakes, Rivers, falls, rocks and hills for hikes, islands plus the country’s amazing culture of the people.

Many destinations around the world seem romantic and good but Uganda offers diversity as compared to most destinations in the world coupled with the positive receptiveness of its citizens which will make you feel relaxed and comfortable in the region. Be one of the million travelers to the country this year on a private or group tour to the pearl of Africa and experience great safari vacation leisurely tour to the main travel destinations in the country. Recent trips to Uganda reveal that it has the best wildlife safari setting in the western region. You can pass whole day in the rain forest and savanna wilderness viewing wildlife, birds and other forest habitats. Also notable are the Uganda lodges and hotels both inside and outside National park plus those in main city centers which make all Uganda safaris a great deal tempting catering for Luxury, mid-range, Budget and backpackers alike with an exceptional touch of service by well trained and competent staff of the various facilities.

Bwindi Impenetrable Rain Forest National park

Often termed as the Gorilla Habitat has everything for every guest, wildlife, culture, forest exposure and honeymoon hence being the best in the wild beauty. Heavenly sent Bwindi lies at the edge of Kabale district with four main sectors each with different habituated mountain Gorillas and a headquarter briefing point for Gorilla tourists. Accommodations differ for each sector depending on the Gorilla family booked. Therefore all Gorilla tracking tourists should book the right accommodation for their Gorilla families which they are yet to track. Make clear inquiries about the Gorilla family location before booking and making payments for the accommodation. The Batwa are the next thought cultural activity after Gorilla tracking and a right place if you really want to embrace Uganda culture. Travelers get unforgettable experience during mountain Gorilla tracking, forest walks, bird watching but for free evening the park cultural tour to see local women projects, the Batwa and children foundations will add more value to your Uganda Gorilla tour. No tourist is allowed to track Gorillas without a Gorilla permit a legal document which is only booked at the Uganda wildlife authority Kampala office at a cost of $600 during high season and 450 during the low season with effect from 2016. Public transport to the park is affordable and easy though private means & private safaris organized by responsible tour operator are recommended for comfortable with knowledgable guides.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Named after the Queen of England and famous for the Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha is widely regarded as one of Uganda’s Wildlife bliss beautifully preserved for the present and future generation. The remarkable Kazinga Channel which connects Lake Edward to Lake George is a sanctuary of hippos, birds and wildlife & one of the best travelers fun spot during the afternoon boat cruise. Game drives in different park sectors both morning and evening expose all the park attractive wildlife, lions, elephants, buffaloes, kobs, plus the chimpanzees in both Kyambura and Kalinzu forest. However the most exciting moment for tourists here is when they spot tree climbing lions playing up close in tree branches along the Ishasha sector one of the park highlight activity for every guest. The park can be visited year round at similar rates during low and high season but the park activities especially chimpanzee trekking and boat cruise need to be booked in advance to avoid inconveniences on the day planned for the adventure. Good-looking accommodations full of wilderness views wait for you at affordable prices. Excursions to explore Queen Elizabeth are a must as witnessed by different guests year round from different corners of the world. Feel free to visit this park on your way from Bwindi or directly from Uganda’s capital and a minimum of three days, two nights is required for one to be able to have fun in Uganda’s finest wildlife park.

Kibaale Forest National park

Home to Primate diversity invites you to participate in its outstanding Uganda primate safaris tour where you will encounter more than 13 primate species including Chimpanzees, White & black monkeys, bush babies, baboons etc. During the drive to the park Baboons are the sharp primates who took up the responsibility of welcoming guests to the park and guests normally appreciate them by throwing them bytes of bananas and other food staffs. Truly this give them energy and courage to take on the role tirelessly every day and less the entertainment role to other park primates. Birds also help primates to entertain guests by singing late evening and early morning a sound which many travellers say its indeed a nice jungle melody. The Chimpanzee tracking permit cost $150 for 3 hours either in the morning or afternoon though guests who feel like exploring the chimps more go in for the full day chimpanzee habituation program. Get close to your cousins and even get a chance to say hello to each other. Everything is elegantly simple and geared towards relaxation from lodging to activities. Bigodi wetland & the crater lakes are other park activities you shouldn’t miss out while at kibale forest National park. Note Humans share almost 97% of our DNA genetic makeup with most primates and have been observed to exhibit human related behavious in general.

Murchison Falls National a park

Located within just Five hours from Kampala Uganda’s Capital is a home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, kobs, birds, chimpanzees and the mighty falls with Rhino’s en route at the Ziwa sanctuary. No travelers can fail to hike to the top of the falls and enjoy the stunning view of the park might falls. Hidden away in western Uganda, the park has the most exclusive luxury lodge ”Chobe safari lodge & Paraa safari lodge which provide travelers with the exceptional relaxing environment together with leisurely services of the highest level. The boat cruise along Nile spotting hippos, birds and wildlife is a fun activity for both children and grown-ups making Murchison the best destination in Uganda for family holiday’s .Combining your stay with a visit to other parks offers the chance to explore most of Uganda attractions on your Africa travel holidays. Other parks include; Kidepo National Park, Lake Mburo National park, The source of the Nile, Ssese Island and Lake Bunyonyi.

5 of the Best Mountains to Hike In Uganda

When you think of a safari in Uganda, expect to enjoy not only its big game or mountain gorillas but also challenge yourself in any of this country’s most magical mountains. Uganda features many mountains both block and volcano mountains making it an ideal area for mountaineering adventures. For those of you who are planning to visit this landlocked country this season for gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest & Mgahinga national park, it is important that you also include mountain climbing onto your travel plan and indeed you will have a complete travel experience. Among many mountains you shouldn’t miss to explore while on mountaineering adventure in Uganda include;

Mount Rwenzori

This is also popular as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and features the highest peak in Uganda and the 3^rd in Africa. This magnificent mountain lies in western Uganda just at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This mountain range expands for hundreds of kilometers and features massifs like Speke, Baker, Emin, Luigi di Savoia, Gessi and Stanley. A hike to the Rwenzori Mountain summit requires adequate time and physical wellness in you. For a complete hike, you need at least 8 days or more to get to Margherita peak which is the highest peak. It stands at altitude of about 5109 meters and while on its summit, you will be amazed by the dramatic views of its surrounding areas and the snowcapped part of this magnificent mountain. There are many trails that take hikers to the summit and each trail rewards you with amazing views but require different physical fitness levels. Before your actual hike, make sure you do adequate exercise so that you complete your hike.

Mount Elgon

This mountain suitably lies in the eastern side of Uganda just at the border with Kenya. It is one of a kind mountains you need not to miss to hike through.

Mount Elgon stands at elevation of about 4321 meters and features as the 8^th highest peak in Africa and 4^th tallest in East Africa. Way back, it featured as Uganda’s highest peak but due to continued erosion, its height drastically reduced. The highest peak of this mountain is Wagagai and features the largest caldera in the world. As a national park, it inhabits variety of wildlife species including forest monkeys, birds, buffaloes, small antelope families, elephants a mention but a few. As you go downslopes, you will find caves of various sizes, waterfalls and many water polls.

Mount Muhavura

Photography by Adam Bacher

This is also usually spelt as Muhabura also locally popular to the Bakiga and Bafumbira as the highest volcano on the side of Uganda and second tallest in the 8 Virunga Mountain ranges. It stands at altitude of about 4127 meters and hiking through this volcano is ideal while you are on the Rwanda side and also Uganda. While at the summit, you will have breathtaking views of the surrounding areas especially Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo.

Mount Gahinga

To hike through this volcano, you need about 6 hours for ascent and descent. It stands at elevation of about 3474 meters and features beautiful Crater and giant lobelia. For those of you who may be lucky enough, you can chance to see golden monkeys as they jump around the bamboo forest in this area.

Mount Sabyinyo

This volcano lies at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is best hiked on the Uganda side and due to its rugged terrain as well as many Crater Lakes on the Rwanda and the DR Congo side, it is more challenging for one to hike through this magnificent Virunga Volcano on these two countries. Given the shape of this mountain, it is however known as the old man’s teeth in Kinyarwanda. It derived its name from Kinyarwanda word Iryinyo denoting a tooth and it is notably an extinct volcano in eastern Africa. Around its slopes, there are a number of wildlife including the rare mountain gorillas. You can hike through these three volcanoes while you are on Uganda gorilla safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National park-one of the 4 only national parks in the world where you can find mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat.

In conclusion, Uganda is a true adventure paradise not only does it reward you with breathtaking wildlife encounters, primate adventures but also take you through challenging and thrilling mountaineering experiences. If you are adventure enthusiast, the above mountains should be a must for you to hike through and you won’t regret in life.

Top 3 Breathtaking Forests in Uganda

Thinking about Uganda a wonderful holiday spot in Africa and its attractions, Rain forests pop to the mind since they house the country’s most remarkable prime attractions that draw hundreds to the country every year. Prepare a week long Uganda safari to some of the breathtaking rain forests for life changing travel experience in Africa. Whether you’re on business visit, ensure to check out one of the fantastic rain forests and experience what it means to hang out in the wild and meet the rare forest habitats. Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, forest walks are some of the expected activities that will occupy your day during your visit to one of your favorite rain forest. You can also do bird watching, game viewing in the close savanna plains which is another added advantage of visiting incredible jungle areas in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Four hundred thirty kilometers south west of Kampala city and twenty kilometers from Rwanda boarder, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the best places in Uganda to see mountain gorillas and know as the finest gorilla trekking destination in Africa. This magical rain forest too impressive not only for gorilla trekking but also bird watching, nature walks hiking and its green vegetation is a home to multiple wild habitats including elephants.

Travelers to this beautiful forest get a chance to experience, learn and cherish the various beauties of this forest to the extent that some dedicate time and money to support its conservation. Besides most Uganda safari holidays go to Bwindi Forest first and later connect to other attractions due to its attractiveness. The main tour activity is gorilla trekking, followed by birding, cultural tours, hikes, nature walks, community visits among others that are open for every guest to the forest. No entrance is paid here but for those on Uganda gorilla trekking tours, a Uganda gorilla permit costs between $450-$600. Remember to dress well for the jungle in long sleeved shirts, T-shirts, Trousers, warm jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Packed lunch and enough drinking water are some of the most carries for the day of your gorilla trek.

Kibale Forest National Park

It’s the best season rain forest for travelers all year round so welcome to the magical natural land of Uganda incredibly if you are  a primate lover, then now it’s time to try this beautiful rain forest as the ground is dry in search for the first moving primates-“the Chimpanzees”. Chimpanzee trekking and habituation are the most enjoyable tour activities beyond doubt. There are other primates to catch up with here including Baboons, monkeys, bush babies, and in total over 13primate species are found in this magical forest.

In Africa, kibale forest is one of the best chimpanzee trekking forests and many travelers would highly testify including adventure travelers. While here one can enjoy exciting bird watching in Bigodi wetland which is an additional experience to your visit. Chipanzee permits for kibale cost $150 with no entrance fee charges. Accommodation is plenty and lodges include primate lodge, chimps nest, Kibale safari lodge, chimpanzee guest house among others.

Budongo Forest

The chimpanzee trekking home in Murchison falls national park one  of the ultimate places to see the Big five ,lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and the Rhino that you meet first on your way to the park at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Unlike other popular parks in Uganda, but trips to Murchison falls offers 99% chances of meeting both the big five and the chimpanzees of Budongo forest. Chimpanzees in this forest are trekked twice a day both in the morning and afternoon for reasons of conservation and every trek is amazing in its own way.

The best way to explore this rain forest is on foot by taking forest walks to search for primates and other forest habitats. One day is enough for one to explore this lovely forest but if you want to engage in other park activities, three days are the best. Remember, you have to pay for entrance fee herein order explore the park and its rain forest of Budongo. Being close to one of the best kept natural secrets the might Murchison falls, this wildlife safari in Murchison falls national park is the most wonderful.