| Uganda: A Nation of Many Faces |
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| Written by Bush Expert | |
| Wednesday, 13 August 2008 09:51 | |
 From the mist shrouded mountains to the shores of Lake Victoria, Uganda is a land of many faces. Where else on earth can a visitor play golf on a course that leads to the lakeshore, stroll through gardens while listening to chattering monkeys or trek through the open plains to hear the lions roar? Uganda: Home of Mountain Primates Visitors to Uganda flock to the mountain regions to catch a glimpse of one of the most endangered species on earth; the gorillas made famous by the movie, “Gorillas in the Mist.” We humans share approximately 95% of our DNA with these magnificent creatures and when one stares into the expressive brown eyes of a silverback it is said to be a most humbling experience. There are less than 700 gorillas found in Bwindi National Park with four troops and one gorilla troop in Mgahinga National Park. Up to thirty tourists can visit one of the troops on any given day. Tourists can also visit the chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Budongo Forest and Kibale Forest. On Ngamba Island visitors can get up close to chimps that have been orphaned due to poachers. Ngamba Island can be found on Lake Victoria just 45 minutes from Entebbe by boat. A Birdwatcher’s Paradise The nation of Uganda is the ultimate birder’s destination in Africa. There are said to be more than 1000 species recorded and tours for birding enthusiasts can be easily booked. Expect to see such species as the Green Broadbill, Black and White Casqued Hornbill and the Great Blue Turaco to name just a few. Pulse Pounding White Water Rafting Visitors needn’t look far when searching for adventure in Uganda. Cape Town and Victoria Falls are the launching points for white water rafting safaris. There are several Grade Five rapids where one can experience the thrill of a lifetime. For those that prefer kayaking, Bujagali is the place to go and also offers bungee jumping as well as mountain biking or quad biking. Climb the Highest Mountains Amateur and experienced mountain climbers will find a number of options to challenge their skills. Rwenzori boasts three glacial peaks and will challenge the most experienced of alpine climbers. The 8th highest mountain in Africa is Mount Elgon and is the perfect introduction to the vegetation and climate of African mountain climbing. Where Wildlife is in Abundance Uganda offers no less than 10 national parks where explorers can see a wide variety of native wildlife. Shimmering lakes and rivers, lush savannah and rainforest regions offer visitors a glimpse of elephants, antelope and buffalo. Some of the areas not to be missed are the Murchison Falls National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Safari tours to any of the national parks can be arranged with knowledgeable guides to familiarize the visitor with the habits of the wildlife native to each of the regions. Uganda is a fascinating African destination for adventure seekers, mountain climbers and those that enjoy freshwater activities. Deciding which of the many activities in which to participate will be the most difficult and another trip may have to be planned to see it all. |
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 17 August 2008 21:07 ) |
