“The kingdom of Uganda is a fairy-tale. You climb up … and at the end there is a wonderful new world. The scenery is different, the vegetation is different, the climate is different, and, most of all, the people are different from anything elsewhere to be seen in the whole range of Africa … I say: ‘Concentrate on Uganda’. For magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life – bird, insect, reptile, beast – for vast scale — Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa.”
These are the Words of British Explorer Winston Churchill who used them to describe this East African country which he discovered in 1907 and nicknamed “The Pearl of Africa”. Kenya and Tanzania are indisputably some of Africa’s and the World’s leading authentic safari destinations.
Uganda complements her neighbors with what they are not blessed with. Situated on the Equator, It’s in Uganda where West African Jungle meets the East African Savannah.
“Emerging from the shadows of its dark history, a new dawn of tourism has risen in Uganda, polishing a glint back into the ‘pearl of Africa’. Travelers are streaming in to explore what is basically the best of everything the continent has to offer. For a relatively small country, there’s a lot that’s big about the place. It’s home to the tallest mountain range in Africa, the source that feeds the world’s longest river and the continent’s largest lake. And with half the remaining mountain gorillas residing here, as well as the Big Five to be ticked off, wildlife watching is huge.” CNN TRAVEL while justifying their listing of Uganda as One of the TOP 16 Emerging Destinations for year 2016.
With half the population of world’s remaining primates (Gorillas and Chimpanzees), River Nile (World’s longest River), over 1,066 bird species, 10 National Parks with about 300 animal species (including rare Congo rain forest species) breathtaking landscape, diverse culture and warm hospitality found here, plenty awaits the discerning traveler to Uganda.
Although the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi and Mgahinga and the Chimpanzees of Kibale National Park remain the biggest attractions, this is not all that Uganda has to offer. Visitors fall in love with Uganda’s breathtaking Rift Valley scenery, lush countryside and incredible biodiversity. Venture on safari to see the Elephants, Big Cats, among others, prolific birdlife, attempt a climb to the snow capped Mt. Ruwenzori; Africa’s third highest point, or just lie by the poolside overlooking the fabulous River Nile. Ugandans love to meet and greet new people – the country’s crafts, dance and community tourism intrigue and delight the visitor. With new lodges, new activities and improved roads – yet still relatively few tourists.
River Nile which is the World’s longest river begins its 6,670 Kilometer journey to the Mediterranean Sea through Sudan and Egypt in Eastern Uganda and it is at the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park where this river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below.
Murchison Falls National Park which is Uganda’s largest protects a chunk of untamed African savannah bisected by the mighty river Nile (Victoria Nile). Today, its home to about 76 mammals and 451 bird species. A launch cruise remains a favorite to many visitors to this park as it offers an opportunity to view Hippos, Crocodiles and a variety of bird species from close range.
Other notable attractions are Queen Elizabeth National Park, The Rwenzori Mountain – Ptolemy’s fabled “Mountains of the Moon”, Semliki National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park which boasts of untamed African wilderness north of the country.
Kampala which is Uganda’s capital city “sitting on 7 Hills” is located about 36 Kilometres from Entebbe International Airport which is the main gateway to this beautiful country.
In a nutshell, Uganda is a bird watcher’s paradise with 12 per cent of the world’s bird species found here, half of the World’s Mountain Gorillas inhabit Uganda and so does more than 7% of the world’s mammals. Uganda is an adventurer’s paradise, an explorer’s perfect haven and a country where those keen on Eco- tourism will find the ultimate destination.
Just like Winston Churchill, we say……..CONCENTRATE ON UGANDA, THE PEARL OF AFRICA!
At Authentic East Africa Adventures, we dare you to share your Uganda safari dream with us and we will MAKE IT COME TRUE.