Uganda Luxury Adventures
Uganda
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Uganda is Africa encapsulated. While not as geographically large as some of its neighbouring countries, it still packs a lot of punch as an emerging adventure sports destination. The country straddles the equator on the eastern side of the African continent. Uganda is landlocked, but this doesn't mean it has a shortage of water. In fact the country is laced with an impressive network of lakes, rivers and marshlands, offering a multitude of exciting activities for the bold traveller. Culturally, Uganda boasts one of the world's most diverse populations with over thirty different indigenous languages, belonging to five distinct linguistic ... (Read more...)
groups; this makes for a rich blend of tribes and cultures. The Ugandan people are some of the most vibrant, welcoming and patriotic in Africa; so pack your bags and get ready to be embraced by beautiful, smiling new friends and the breath-taking landscapes that make up Uganda. To the north of Uganda lies massive Sudan, in the east is abundant Kenya and west is the enormous Democratic Republic of Congo. South is beautiful Tanzania and south-west is tropical Rwanda. Southern Uganda shares a big portion of Africa's largest (and the world's second largest) lake - Lake Victoria. The lakes' water feeds the second longest river in the world - the River Nile. The river originates at the town of Jinja and freely flows on to Lake Albert before it further meanders across the country to Sudan and eventually in to Egypt.
In western Uganda is Rwenzori National Park. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Africa's highest mountain chain, the tallest peak of which rises to 5,110 metres and is only surpassed in height by the free-standing giants of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Kenya in Kenya. The mountains of Rwenzori are affectionately known as the 'Mountains of the Moon'. They are the territory of avid hikers and mountaineers seeking the thrill of some of Africa's most challenging peaks. Elsewhere in Uganda there is no shortage of compact and stunning national parks from which to base your adventure; seven parks alone are located along the west and south-western edges of the country! The primary purpose of the parks is to protect the habitat and hopefully the population of Mountain Gorillas and other endangered wildlife. The largest national park in the country is Murchison Falls National Park, located in the north-east of the country. This area protects a chunk of untamed African savannah and is bisected by the mighty River Nile.
Although Uganda sits across the equator, its climate is tempered by an above average altitude of around 1,400 metres. Annual temperatures at the savannah level range from 16C to 28C, while being markedly cooler at altitude. The wet season in Uganda is broken into two sections: From April to May the heaviest rains will fall, then later in the year, from October to November, the second, lighter rains come. The remainder of the year does see intermittent rain and the best times of year to visit Uganda is December to March or June to September.
In western Uganda is Rwenzori National Park. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Africa's highest mountain chain, the tallest peak of which rises to 5,110 metres and is only surpassed in height by the free-standing giants of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Kenya in Kenya. The mountains of Rwenzori are affectionately known as the 'Mountains of the Moon'. They are the territory of avid hikers and mountaineers seeking the thrill of some of Africa's most challenging peaks. Elsewhere in Uganda there is no shortage of compact and stunning national parks from which to base your adventure; seven parks alone are located along the west and south-western edges of the country! The primary purpose of the parks is to protect the habitat and hopefully the population of Mountain Gorillas and other endangered wildlife. The largest national park in the country is Murchison Falls National Park, located in the north-east of the country. This area protects a chunk of untamed African savannah and is bisected by the mighty River Nile.
Although Uganda sits across the equator, its climate is tempered by an above average altitude of around 1,400 metres. Annual temperatures at the savannah level range from 16C to 28C, while being markedly cooler at altitude. The wet season in Uganda is broken into two sections: From April to May the heaviest rains will fall, then later in the year, from October to November, the second, lighter rains come. The remainder of the year does see intermittent rain and the best times of year to visit Uganda is December to March or June to September.
Safari
Spoilt for choice might be the best way to think about safari holidays in Uganda. The country is home to an incredible array of national parks that are the abode of some amazing animals, birds and landscapes. In the south-west of the country you might consider a tour through several of the tightly clustered parks. For large animal species such as lion, elephant, hippo, buffalo, monkey, antelope, zebra, impala and crocodiles try Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo National Parks. In the same area, if birds and beauty are your thing then Semliki National Park has over 400 different species and some of Uganda's most impressive hot springs dotted along the southern shores of Lake Albert. In a league of their own, are the densely forested parks in south-western Uganda. These parks have been dedicated to the protection of mountain gorillas; around 50 per cent of the critically endangered, global population lives in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Game National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Further east in Uganda is Mount Elgon National Park. If you want bird species a-plenty then this fascinating, nature-lovers paradise won't disappoint. In northern Uganda is the country's largest protected area - Murchison Falls National Park. The crowning glory of the park is the cascading Murchison Falls, but there's also a selection of large and small species to be spotted along the banks and some awesome geography to be marvelled at.
Trekking
The best place to go for challenging hikes in Uganda is the Rwenzori Mountain National Park. Quite simply, it's tough going but beautiful; rewarding and unspoilt; with the chance to attempt several closely located peaks. The tallest peak is Margerita, which reaches to 5,110 metres on Mount Stanley. The terrain in the park is renowned for being pretty hard work, but if you’re up for getting you boots dirty then it's a great place. Another advantage of hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains is that it's quiet, with hardly any tourist footfall. The main reason for this is that just across the border are the commercially popular sites of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, where the majority of the mountain hiking masses head.
For some Ugandan hiking that is less hard-core, travel to the east and Mount Elgon. This extinct volcano covers approximately 1,864 square miles around its base and summits at 4,321 metres on Wagagai Peak. The hike to the top is not considered tough for a reasonably fit individual. En-route to the summit be sure to stop at Sipi Falls or the hot springs for a refreshing dip or revitalising foot soak!
Kayaking
The word on the street is that Uganda is emerging as one of the best kayaking destinations in the world! There is an abundance of fast-moving, frothy, rolling water in this compact, landlocked country. Adventurous kayakers won't be able to resist the temptation of the White Nile, which is best run from source as it pours out of Lake Victoria in the south. Expect anything from exciting Class II rapids to boiling, kamikaze Class V's! There's even a Class VI rapid referred to as 'Hypoxia' - with a name like that do you really want to go near it in a kayak? Anyway, elsewhere on the White Nile you'll find yourself sedately cruising the river one minute and surfing fast-flowing waves the next. The White Nile's got something for everyone; in short the water is warm, the scenery unsurpassed and the fun-factor through the roof.
Overland Tours
In Uganda there is a good network of sealed and unsealed roads that enable you to get through all the main towns and out to some really remote areas with relative ease. Therefore, whether you are driving your own vehicle, riding with an overland group in a custom rig or patching a journey together via the local minibus taxis, your overland journey will become an amazing adventure. South-west Uganda is the place to find the most amazing natural beauty. Also in the south, your overland journey could swing past Lake Victoria and the charming towns of Jinja or bustling Entebbe. Elsewhere in the country, the eastern National Park of Mount Elgon is stunning and gives you a great chance to hop out the vehicle and do some hiking. Then, heading north you should pass through Murchison Falls and go right up to the seldom visited Kipedo National Park. This park is on the border with Sudan and Kenya, and although the journey can be tough going, once there you'll get the chance to spend time with the local tribes people, sit in awe of the beautiful mountains and spot some of Africa's larger savannah residents.
Classic Itineraries
While travelling through the naturally beautiful south-west of Uganda, take the chance to visit the Mountain Gorilla sanctuaries in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. Then cruise over to the south-east for some adrenalin-pumping fun around Lake Victoria - kayaking, white water rafting and bungee jumping top the list if you want to get your heart racing! Moving north-east, Mount Elgon National Park is great for fairly tame hiking, hot springs and waterfalls. Inland and further north again you could visit Uganda's largest park, Murchison Falls. The actual waterfall is breath-taking but the surrounding land has a lot to yield as well, with safari, hiking and kayaking proving the best ways to get around. If you're feeling intrepid, continue your journey to the extreme northern border with Sudan and search out Kipedo National Park for its solitude and wildlife. This park is off the radar and is the sanctuary of some of Africa's largest mammals. Travel back to the capital city of Kampala and enjoy the colours, sights and smells of a vibrant Ugandan city before jetting home.
Other Activities
If you want a great, rewarding African experience you could try some ecotourism. Uganda has some of the most important natural sites in the world with national parks, game reserves and dense forests. Learn as you travel through these unspoiled havens.
Despite being landlocked, Uganda has an impressive system of rivers and lakes. These can be ideal for activities such as fishing and sailing. Cruises are available in Lake Victoria, and unlike some African nations you don’t need a permit to fish here.
