Uganda seems to be on everyone’s must see list these days but it’s for a great reason: the wildlife is incredible, the scenery is to die for and the food is out of this world. But what do you need to make sure is on any ‘to do’ list when you’re in Uganda? Here is a roundup of our favourite things and suggestions that you should consider adding to an itinerary – regardless of size.
Jinja
Jinja sits at the base of the Nile on the shores of Lake Victoria. A hot hub for backpackers, this waterside paradise is home to the favourite ‘Nile Beer’ and a great place to base yourself if you like getting wet. Take advantage of some of the offerings by going on water safaris or challenge yourself to some whitewater rafting. If you don’t want to stay in Jinja, it’s easily done as a day trip from Kampala.
Murchison Falls National Park
This little corner of the country in the north is where the White Nile flows and is home to the impressive Murchison Falls waterfalls which draw tourists from all over the world. Riverside safari camps litter the banks of the White Nile and you can lay back sipping your drink of choice while watching animals of all kinds come to the river to drink. The perfect way to relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of this national park.
Safaris
Taking a safari in Uganda is probably one of the main reasons people come to this welcoming and unique country. Safaris here can be as long or as short as you want and can vary in their ratings from very basic tented safaris to five star luxury ones with stunning meals included. Some safaris can offer up different packages even including your own private guide and honeymoon suites as well, so there are a number of great reasons and ways to enjoy safaris in Uganda. One of the most famous and well-loved safaris in Uganda is to visit the western highlands where mountain gorillas make their home in the high canopies and cooler mountain air.
Water Sports
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the number of great rivers in Uganda provide some serious whitewater rafting opportunities as well as other ways to enjoy the water. Various water sports can be done on Lake Victoria either from Kampala or Jinja and angling is a great past time for both locals and tourists alike. So bring your bathing suit – you will definitely want to get wet!
Further Afield
Uganda is fortunate in its location being between DR Congo, Tanzania, Kenya and South Sudan providing visitors a whole host of different countries to visit within a day or two travel. With Jinja being on the main African highway connecting major cities, it’s a great stopping point before taking a long bus ride to the likes of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania or Nairobi in Kenya. So if you have a month or so in the region, why not check out one of the neighbours as well?
So if you’re looking for a great place to check out this year, why not consider Uganda? With such a variety of things to see, do and explore, it’s no wonder everyone and their dog seems to be hitting up this popular African nation with gusto. So be sure to pack the mosquito repellent and sunscreen – you will need it!
