Top 3 Reasons To Visit Uganda: Uganda is home to an incredible array of regions, experiences and activities. From Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – home to mountain gorillas, Kibale National Park- home to primates to Murchison Falls National Park. There is so much to see and do.
There is so much that visitors might not know where to start and what to prioritize. Of all the possibilities, you simply cannot miss trekking with the primates (mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys), cruising the Nile, and visiting the local community initiatives.
Primates
While on a Uganda Safari you have the rare opportunity to encounter three distinct species of primates, chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga and golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park – these primates are very active, so be prepared to not only hike to find them, but follow along as they continue to swing through the forest. The troops spend a good deal of time in the trees, which can make them harder to spot. But their interactions and vocalizations prove unbelievably entertaining.
Gorillas in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga – visitors on a Uganda Safari can also trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas living in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Forest is the best place to see the gorillas as it is home to half of the remaining mountain gorilla population. As the name entails, the vegetation in the park is dense and once the family of gorillas is found, you are able to spend an hour in quiet close proximity of 8 meters. There is nothing more magical than watching them go about their daily routines, their behaviors undeniably similar to those of humans.
Golden monkeys in Mgahinga Forest National Park – Home to the endangered and always charismatic golden monkeys. These primates are often found on the jungle floor and are very social, which makes for an epic primate encounter. The hardest part will be keep up with all their movements and comical interactions. In this park, you can also combine a visit to the golden monkeys with a gorilla trek, as there are one habituated family here.
The Nile
When people think of the Nile, their mind goes directly to Egypt. But Uganda actually offers incredibly unique access to the longest river in the world. While in Murchison Falls National Park, visitors can do a scenic boat cruise to immerse you into the river’s flora and fauna. Hundreds of bird species live along the banks, massive crocodiles patrol the water, and hippos splash through the shallows. The sounds emanating from this marine ecosystem are equally as spectacular as the sights.
The Ugandan stretch of the Nile also home to the world’s most powerful waterfall – Murchison Falls, also known as Kabalega Falls. At the top, the river mush push itself through a gap in the rocks that is just about 20 feet wide, which cause the vast amount of flowing water to cascade thunderously down a series of three drops. The might Murchison Falls is the most powerful water fall in the world, the main waterfall drops roughly 130 feet but it does so with epic force, creating a sight well worth a stop.
Community Visits
On a Uganda Safari visit, there are ample opportunities to learn about and engage with local community and conservation initiatives. Ride 4 Woman, a non-profit organisation based in Bwindi works to support women dealing with poverty, HIV, and domestic violence. Its community centre has become a home based for teaching the locals new skills, such as basket weaving, dancing, and singing. The women are also able to apply for microfinance loans to help them establish their own businesses. All of the services work to ensure they access a reliable income and can take care of themselves and their families.
Visitors to the centre can meet the women, hear their stories, and even learn to sew or cook traditional dishes.
While in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can also tour the community hospital. The site was opened in 2003 and strives to serve, and meet the medical needs of the surrounding villages. Mental health guidance, alcoholics anonymous meetings, sexual and reproductive health resources, and many additional services are made available regularly, both on site and from their satellite clinics. Visiting gives you a deeper insight and understanding of the country’s health care system and the incredible ways this hospital is working to improve the health of Uganda.
Despite its small size, Uganda stands worthy of a full two week adventure. The primate treks bring visitors up-close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating animals. Cruising on the Nile River offers you stunning marine ecosystem. And the community visits are guaranteed to transform your trip into so much more than a standard safari.