Is Uganda all about gorillas? Well, Uganda is an excellent destination for watching wild primates especially the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda offers the most affordable gorilla trekking experiences compared to Rwanda. A gorilla permits in Uganda costs USD700 compared to the USD1500 charged in Rwanda. Tourists often wonder whether Uganda is all about gorillas and if there is something more on offer;
While Mountain gorillas have stolen the show, Uganda was declared by Winston Churchill as ‘’the Pearl of Africa’’. For this reason, Uganda is a naturally beautiful country with important historical sites, waterfalls, lake, rivers, city centers among others. Most of the good things about Uganda can be watched or experience in the 10 national parks and other game reserves. Below are the things that make Uganda the Pearl of Africa- however, Uganda is Beyond Gorillas.
Historical and cultural sites; The independence monument lies at the heart of the capital Kampala along Speke road is a constant reminder about the important event that took place on the 9th of October 1962. On this date, it’s when Uganda got independence and had their first local leaders sworn in. The Kasubi Tombs is also one of the historical site – burial ground for the kings of the Buganda. The four kings of Buganda are buried at the Kasubi tombs.
Kasubi tombs was recognized by UNESCO IN 2001 as a world heritage site of both local and international importance. Those wishing to study about Uganda’s history, visit the National Museum where you will be able to see the important totem from each tribe in the country as you get to learn the important details about Uganda’s culture and history.
Religious Site;
Visit the Baha’i temple; This temple is known as the African mother temple. More so, the oldest of its kind in Africa and one of the tallest building in East Africa. On a typical visit, one can enjoy the quiet serene gardens full of beautiful flowers. The temple is one of the best tourism sites in Kampala City and perfectly for meditation, reflection or getting gainful views of Kampala.
Gaddafi National Mosque
This is a special site gifted to the Islamic community in Uganda by the late Colonel Muamar Gaddafi. The state of the art mosque serves as the headquarters of the Islamic community of Uganda.
Roman Catholic Church;
This is an amazing site where Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo with a group of 22 young men were burnt to death by King Mwanga of Buganda. These brave young men refused to abandon their faith in Christianity, despite the great pain and persecution. Because of their strong faith, thousands of millions of pilgrims from across the globe visit the shrine on the 3rd of June annually. Visiting the shrine, you will be attracted with other attractions like viewing of the Martyrs Lake which is located in the grounds of the shrine, which is the main point where the young men were burnt to death. It is believed that water from the lake has power to heal and release god’s blessing to pilgrim.
Source of the River Nile;
This is an excellent tourist attraction to many tourists who visit Uganda ‘’the pearl of Africa’’. The fact that, River Nile is the world’s longest river and in Uganda it starts right in Jinja town. This mighty river flows from Lake Victoria in Uganda and passes through several countries of Sudan and Egypt before entering the Mediterranean Sea. While in Jinja, you can enjoy sport fishing along the Nile, viewing of beautiful water birds such as water ducks, kingfishers, shoebills storks many more.
You will also have close view of the John Speke monument which is found at the spot where he stood to view the mighty Nile River.
Other activities to do while on Jinja tour includes; Sunset boat cruises, bungee jumping, white water rafting, horse riding and quad biking many more.
Visit one of the National Parks;
You can plan to visit one of the ten Uganda National Parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park a highly recommended place of visit. Because the park is home to big game, located in western Uganda and was named after Queen Elizabeth of England. As a tourist, you can be sure to view the famous tree climbing lions at the Ishasha plains and grazers roaming freely inside the park. While on visit, expect to have a clear view of the Rwenzori mountains. More to that, one can go for boat ride along the Kazinga channel that links Lake Edward to Lake George.
You can take a visit to Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park that lies in far north eastern part of the country. Despite the fact, Kidepo has been listed by CNN a one of the best in Africa. The park is home of 4 of the big 5 animals and other mammal species. On visit, expect to view seasonal rivers flowing through the park. More so, never leave the park minus encountering the Karamojong pastoralists and neighboring IK tribe.
Another park to consider during your Uganda Safari is; Murchison Falls National Park. Through visiting Murchison Falls National Park, you will view the mighty Murchison Falls, go for game drives, camping, chimpanzee trekking, hiking on the top of the falls. You can combine a visit to Murchison Falls National Park with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary a home to white rhino, located on the same route to the park. Visiting these two places, you will be able to see all the big 5 animals of Africa in one area.
Other tourism sites; Sipi falls is a stunning place of memories, located in the eastern district of Kapchorwa. The place offers a mountain hiking experience to view all the 3 water falls.
Visit Bigodi wetland sanctuary which is next to Kibale National Park. While at Bigodi, tourists get the opportunity to view birds and primates. A visit to this sanctuary includes visiting the local village where you can learn a lot about the culture as well as enjoying traditional dances and songs.
We end up by saying that, Uganda is not all about gorillas but also a country that offers lots of other fun places to visit as being mentioned in article above. You can combine your package with a visit to Rwanda’s tourist place or Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
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