12 Things To Do While You Are On A Road Trip In Uganda

Uganda also referred to as the Pearl of Africa is amazingly a destination full of treasures. This is one African safari destination that boasts of her lush and breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife including the rare mountain gorillas and not to forget the friendliest people. Additionally, Uganda comes with a bucket list of thrilling adventures and so much more for enthusiastic nature lovers to enjoy. On Uganda safaris, visitors’ exploration can only be limited by their time and budget.

Here are 12 things to do while you are in Uganda

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is a must-do adventure on any Uganda safari. The beauty of gorilla trekking tours is that tourists get a chance to meet the unique mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Unlike the majority of wildlife species, mountain gorillas live only in 3 areas which include Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo. Looking at gorilla safaris in Uganda, tourists can travel to any of the country’s 2 National Parks to see mountain gorillas that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Chimpanzee tracking

The highest chimpanzee population survives within Uganda and they account for a population of about 5050 individuals. Of these about 1500 of them roam freely in the rainforest of Kibale National Park with over 4 communities available for tracking starting at Kanyanchu. Aside from Kibale, it is possible to visit places to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat that as Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, Semuliki and Budongo Forest. The overall chimpanzee trek lasts for 2-4 hours but this is inclusive of one hour for tourists to closely interact with the chimps in the wild.

Wildlife/game viewing

Uganda is home to abundant wildlife species and includes not only primates but also diverse savanna species. This makes it a preferred wildlife viewing safari destination to find the big five game, huge concentrations of antelopes, Rothschild giraffes, warthogs, zebras, and others. The special places to visit to encounter different wildlife species on a Uganda safari include Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo.

Rhino tracking

On a Uganda tour, there is only one place to locate rhinos and that is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Ziwa is found in Nakasongola and features as the favorite stopover point for most tourists on a safari to Murchison Falls National Park or generally en route to Northern Uganda. About 32 rhinos survive within the lush Ziwa and while tracking rhinos, there is the possibility to also search for other wildlife and birdlife.

White water rafting

White water rafting is a thrilling experience, adventure of a lifetime and perfectly done on the Source of the Nile in Jinja or Murchison Falls National Park. At Jinja, you will be conquering the toughest grades – Grade 4, 5 and more.

Birding

Uganda is blessed with a total of 1080 species of bird species and has several sites for birders to explore. On a birding excursion, the birds to expect to identify include buff-crested bustards, Kori bustards, white-bellied bustards, Denham’s bustards, black bee-eaters, yellow-bellied hyliota, green-breasted pitta, hartlaub’s bustards, shoebills, grey crowned cranes, African barbets, eagles, turacos, and a lot more.

Cultural experiences

Cultural safaris form part of Uganda’s bucket list experiences. These offer travelers a chance to explore more about the country’s unique cultures, traditions and norms. Aside from understanding local traditions, there is a chance to be entertained by traditional or cultural performances. The best way to experience Uganda’s distinct cultures and traditions is by paying visits to the Karamojong communities, Buganda Kingdom, Kasubi tombs, the Batwa pygmy cultural experience or embark on the Batwa trail and others.

Visit the top of Murchison Falls     

Uganda is home to one of the most powerful waterfalls on earth – Murchison Falls. This natural wonder can be observed squeezing itself into a narrow gorge measuring 7 to 8 meters and then falling about 43 m below forming a permanent rainbow.

Golden monkey tracking

Golden monkey tracking is a special primate tour activity you shouldn’t miss to enjoy in Uganda. It offers you a chance to explore more about golden monkeys which make up a list of 20 primate species in Uganda. A golden monkey trek involves exploring how golden monkeys behave and also allows you to take as many pictures as you can.

Nature walks

Nature walking in Uganda is all about immersing yourself into the finest wilderness, the hard-reach spots yet so endowed. It is a close interaction with nature as you look out for your favorite wildlife and avifaunal species.

Conquer the great heights of the Rwenzori Mountains

If you are interested in great adventures, then you have every reason to embark on a thrilling mountaineering expedition to the summits of Mt. Rwenzori. This is Uganda’s highest mountain also a distinct block mountain with glaciers and snow cover at the summits. Rwenzori Mountains rise up to the height of 5109m making it Uganda’s highest point with 6 mountain ranges. Other mountaineering opportunities are available on Mt. Elgon (4321m) and 3 Virunga volcanoes.

Kampala city tour

Kampala city excursion allows you to explore different historical and cultural centers in and around the city. Areas of interest on a city tour in Kampala are enormous but include among others Kasubi tombs, Namugongo martyrs, Uganda museum, Gaddafi national mosque, Baha’i temple, and others.