Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa with fantastic natural scenery, half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, and some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet. It also offers world-class whitewater rafting on the Source of the Nile and some of the region’s most peaceful national parks where wildlife viewing doesn’t involve long lines behind a dozen or more vehicles.
1. Gorilla Hiking: this is one of the main reasons why travelers come to Uganda. It is possible to trek the Mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in the Southwest for a fee of US$500 per permit.
2. Chimpanzee Tracking: Primate tracking is a very popular activity in Uganda and there are several places where it is possible to observe chimpanzees. The most popular are Budongo Central Forest Reserve (part of Murchison Falls National Park) and Kibale Forest National Park. The possibility of seeing chimpanzees in both parks is very high, up to 85%. Kyambura Gorge, part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is also a really impressive setting for tracking chimpanzees, although sightings here aren’t as sure as Budongo and Kibale, but the walk is lovely. Semliki National Park also has a chimpanzee habituation project. To guarantee seeing chimpanzees, the sanctuary on Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria is the place to go, the chimpanzees here live in a semi-tame and protected environment.
3. White Water Rafting: Only in Uganda is it possible to raft to the source of the mighty Nile River, the water here is very big, with four grade five rapids awaiting the uninitiated. Hit the water for a really wild ride! You do not need to be in very good physical shape or have rafted before, but this activity is not recommended for anyone who is not a reasonable swimmer, in case you capsize.
4. Bird watching: Uganda is a twitcher’s fantasy with over 1000 species in this compact country of contrasting terrain and diverse climate. Birding legends such as the shoe-billed stork are found in the west, while the country’s unique geographical position allows visitors to see endemic species from the Albertine rift at Semliki and Kidepo Valley National Park to the northeast. Even amateurs will be captivated by the diverse beauty of Uganda’s birds.
5. Bungee Jump: If the idea of launching yourself from a great height with only a bungee cord saving you from sudden death is your idea of a good time, then look no further. This activity takes place at the source of the Nile River in Jinja.
6. Guided walks: Guided walks are offered in many of the forested national parks and several smaller forest reserves in Uganda. The most popular are the chimpanzee walks, however there are also a variety of other forest walks available in Bwindi Impenetrable, Kibale forest and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks offering the chance to see some of the many birds and monkeys of Uganda. Other areas that provide guided walks are Mabira and Mpanga Forest Reserves near Kampala, Sipi Falls in eastern Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park and walking safari with an armed ranger.
7. Wildlife Units: there are four national parks that offer the opportunity for wildlife drives; Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo. The greatest variety of wildlife can be seen on a trip through Queen Elizabeth, as it has the most species of any park in Uganda. However, Murchison Falls north of the Nile offers larger mammals in greater concentration and rapidly recovering giraffe populations not seen on Queen Elizabeth. At Kidepo, much of the wildlife is within walking distance of Apoka Rest Camp. Lake Mburo is famous for the zebras you see as you drive into the park.
8. Mountaineering: The two main opportunities for climbing safaris in Uganda are the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon. The Rwenzoris presents one of the most challenging mountain experiences in Africa and offers the opportunity for genuine climbing if you attempt one of the peaks. However, Mount Elgon is a more affordable option for the casual climber. It is also possible to climb all three volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Mt Muhavura, Mt Sabinyo and Mt Mgahinga. The views towards Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are spectacular.
9. Launch trips: There are three famous launch trips offered in Uganda; the Victoria Nile River trip to the base of Murchison Falls, the Lake Mburo Cruise and the Kazinga Canal Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. All of these trips offer the chance to see hundreds of hippos, buffalo and often a few elephants up close. Although it is often more common to see predators such as lions and leopards along the banks of the Kazinga Channel, the trip to Murchison Falls is ultimately the most spectacular – the falls themselves are amazing and there is a reasonable chance for bird watchers to spot the elusive. shoebill stork
10. Sport fishing: The Victoria Nile River is the favorite habitat of the huge Nile perch, some of which weigh more than 100 kg. Sport fishing permits are available in Murchison Falls National Park. It can also be done in Lake Victoria.
