LOVE UGANDA

25 REASONS TO LOVE UGANDA

What is it you should love about Uganda?

Apart from the fact that all Uganda’s tourist attraction are available round the year, here are another 25 of the countless reasons to love the Pearl of Africa.

1. Track the Mountain Gorilla
This endangered species- less than 700 survive in the Bwindi National Park and the Virunga Mountains- is as serene as they come. With 95% of their genes bearing semblance to those of humans, they are genetically one of closest primates to human beings. The pursuit of these gentle giants is sure to thrill.

2. Game Parks Galore
With the kind of game available in Uganda, every village could be a national park.
- Want to savour the unique impala, head to Lake Mburo National Park to contain an entire lake, is the park closes to Kampala.

- If it is the giant forest hog or Uganda Kob you are into, then the Queen Elizabeth National Park is your place.

- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga is one of the two places in Uganda for gorilla viewing, but the gorillas in this park move between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and are as such not always viewable. Never the less gorilla permits are cheaper here than Bwindi, the other park with a collection of gorillas.

- Kibale Forest National Park
With over 13 species of primate, Kibale is a must visit. The park also boasts the largest community of wild chimpanzees.

- Kidepo National Park has the answers to all the questions that bird enthusiasts might pose, as it wonderfully makes up for the challenges it poses in accessibility with its variety of wildlife, especially bird life.

- Mount Elgon National Park
The 4th highest mountain in Africa is one for the adventurous climber. Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano with magnificent waterfalls, caves, gorges and hot springs.

3. Eco-tourism sites
You are thinking of visiting the wild, but have very limited time to travel up country, where most of the wildlife reserves and National parks are found. Don’t call anything off yet, the National Forestry Authority recently declared 11 forest reserves as eco-tourism sites and including Mabira central forest reserve, and all these are within 55km or less of the capital.

4. Visit the Source of the Nile
Fancy checking out the point where the world’s longest river starts? Prepare for a journey to Jinja, an hour from Kampala city center, and you are there!

5. Variety on the Victoria
The world’s largest tropical lake does offer more than just beautiful islands. For one, it is good enough a sight to take in for the water-shy, but the temptation to try and catch some Nile perch could turn out too great to turn down, as could that to sail on its serene waters.

6. Catch some fish
With a third of the country covered by water, Uganda offers a wonderful opportunity for those keen on sport fishing. What are you waiting for?

7. Nyero Rock Paintings
The impressive rock paintings in Kumi near the village of Nyero provide indisputable evidence of artistic ability in this locale from ages past. The rock face is decorated with ornate designs, canoes and zebra.

8. Ssese Islands
Used and often abused, we will ask that you excuse the cliché “perfect get away”, because in truth, there is no better way to describe these islands on Lake Victoria.

9. Go Bujagali jumping
Live life on the wild side- and without breaking any laws. You can only do this if you will try out this enthralling adventure at the Bujagali, but be sure it will send a chill down your spine.

10. Holiday weather all year round
Bad weather is a quality unknown in these parts; it feels like summer everyday in Uganda. Never too hot, never too cold, the balance is just right. And you will love it.

11. Boda-boda
Part of the kick in taking a boda boda ride about town derives from the uncertainty the ride carries. This motorcycle taxi will get you anywhere, anytime, in no time. A good way to beat the traffic jam, and get to your rendezvous on time, and hopefully, in one piece….

12. Lodge inside the Mabira
A lodge right inside a forest! How cool can that be! How about having th wild for your neighbourhood, at the Rainforest Lodge inside the Mabira forest.

13. Lake Bunyonyi
Africa’s deepest lake, as well as its environs, offer a scintillating spectacle no words will sufficiently describe. A good place to go camping, you could also relax courtesy of a canoe ride on the lake.

14. Kasubi tombs
For those longing for historical enrichment, this longing will quickly be quenched at Kasubi hill, location of the Kasubi Tombs where all kings (or Kabakas) of Buganda Kingdom are buried. Four kings namely Mutesa I, Mwanga, Daudi Chwa, and Mutesa II are buried here. There are huge traditional reed and bark-cloth buildings.

15. Embark on a pilgrimage
Join pilgrims on June 3rd of every year as they make their way to the Martyrs’ shrine in Namugongo to commemorate the 20 victims of Kabaka Mwanga’s wrath- burnt alive by Kabaka for hanging onto their faith.

16. Climb the Mountains of the Moon
The Mountain Rwenzori boasts vegetation that varies from tropical rainforest although as you ascend further up, you probably won’t miss the six metre heather of moss and its snow peak.

17. Be a part of Kwanjula
It doesn’t matter whose side you are on prospective groom or bride; the mock battles, teasing and great food that come with a traditional introduction ceremony are an experience worthy of pursuit.

18. Beautiful people
Uganda is not a wild park whose only attraction is the lions and chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras and ostriches- which we do have and adore terribly – it is a country whose people make it what you see and feel when you are in it; A country filled with so much colour and energy and love, it’s contagious.

19. Sezibwa falls
At Sezibwa falls, covered in thick green shrubbery, nature is courteously at harmony with the singing birds, croaking frogs and veering trees. There is also the spectacular view of the violent waters falls.

20. Every time is party time
Uganda is one of the countries with the world’s youngest population.
And you wonder why there is so much energy buzzing in the small towns, villages and the heart of the city? Ugandans need only the flimsiest of excuses to party.

21. Bird paradise
Uganda is host to such a wide variety of birds; there are no less than 1,000 bird species available for your optical nourishment.

22. Rich tradition
Every tribe, every region in Uganda has its folktale, its individual bedtime story to tell children over the many generations – past, current and future. But there are aspects now commonly shared across tribes, and one of those- the gomesi, a lady’s outfit with shoulders that stand in vertical pleats and a sash firmly wrapped around the waist, is sure to add grace to the wearer, any wearer.

23. Ngamba Islands: Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The Ngamba Islands on Lake Victoria, less than an hour by boat from Entebbe, offers the opportunity to delight in a community of orphaned chimpanzees, allowed a new lease of after being rescued from poachers, as Is the case for most of these apes.

24. Stunning Sipi
The thunderous descent of the water at the Sipi falls is a sight to behold, you will be gasping gor breath by the time the Sipi is through with you.

25. Luwombo
This delightful dish is good enough reason on its own for one to keep coming back to Uganda. Usually made for special occasions like kwanjula or reserved for a special guest, the luwombo is chicken or beef boiled in wrapped banana leaves sans oils or additives. A must-try, this one.