Had Sir Winston Churchill visited Uganda today, he certainly wouldn’t have settled for “the pearl of Africa” to describe this glorious nation: “The Crown Jewels of Africa” would be a more fitting moniker. In a country that is visited by 1.7 million tourists, mostly from the UK and US, things to do include spectacular views, exotic wildlife, interesting culture, educational experiences, and fun like no place else on Earth.
1. Straddling the Equator
Paris has the Eiffel Tower, San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge, and no visit to Uganda would be complete without a selfie of a tourist straddling the equator.
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The caption possibilities are limitless:
- North left. South is right.
- Split in half.
- A foot in each hemisphere.
- 0° Latitude with lots of attitudes.
2. Gorilla Trekking
With the mandatory “equator shot” out of the way, tourists can proceed to the next great Ugandan undertaking. One of the most popular reasons tourists cite for visiting Uganda is to witness the mountain gorillas in this safe country. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest provides the backdrop to this once-in-a-lifetime experience for most westerners.
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Recommended seasons are from June to September and from December up to February. Luxury lodges, as well as budget resorts, are available to accommodate visitors with any budget.
3. Lake Victoria and its Ssese Islands
As the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world, is a sight to behold.
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White sand beaches, perfect weather, chimpanzees, rare birds, and more. One of the greatest features of Lake Victoria is the Ssese Islands: 84 islands including Bugala Island and its chief town, Kalangala.
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4. Rwenzori Mountains National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Rwenzori Mountains National Park encompasses most of the Rwenzori mountain chain, including Mount Margherita (5,109 m). The park features glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes, and it is clearly one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas.
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Treks are strenuous, but the region’s exotic wildlife, incredible flora, friendly people, and stunning views make it the hike of a lifetime.
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5. White-Water Rafting on the Nile
Many places offer white water rafting, but doing it on the longest river in the world is an experience like no other.
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The adrenaline rush offered by the exhilarating rapids is matched by the surreal nature: birds, lizards, turtles, and more. The water is warm, and the professional guides are experienced and prioritize safety.
A visit to Uganda offers many unique experiences for the animal lover, nature enthusiast, extreme sportsman, or culture aficionado. These five experiences are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg: there is much more to Uganda to experience, enjoy, and revere.
To learn more about Uganda and the online and mobile payment services available there, check out the useful information that can be found here.
