One thing you’ll notice while in the Pearl Of Africa are the most beautiful sceneries, moderate weather, Gorillas, the Big five, among many more, but did you know besides Gorilla Tracking, there are plenty of other adventures to explore while in the country. There are loads of other ways to manoeuvre around in this amazing country that don’t involve primates.
Uganda serves as home to mountain gorillas, playful red-tailed monkeys, curious chimpanzees, and endangered golden monkeys, actually, our country has become known as the primate capital of East Africa.
So besides doing the Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are several other activities one can enjoy in this beautiful Pearl Of Africa.
01. Experience magical Mist at Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls serves as a pathway to the World’s hugest and longest river, the great river Nile through its slimmest point. A strong outpouring of River Nile flows through a maiden broader than 20 feet before releasing the waters down to the river basin 130 feet beneath.
The upshot creates a unique cool mist one can feel from both at the base of the falls from a boat or while at the top of the falls, accessible by helicopter or via a moderately easy 45-minute hike along a trail that runs from the base of the falls to a stunning lookout point.
02. Explore the Rwenzori Mountains
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains has always seemed fun to most hikers and adventure lovers. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Rwenzori Mountains in southwest Uganda.
The park is famous for its amazing plant life; it is dotted with waterfalls, many small lakes and glaciers. Eco-tourism is rapidly increasing in the park. This mountain has one of the highest peaks – Margherita (16,763 feet), ranks third among Africa’s highest peaks just behind Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. So a guided tour while in this area is a must.
03. Do some White Water Rafting on the mighty White Nile
The White Nile comprises one of the two tributaries that make up the blessed river Nile. Nalubale Rafting runs a white water rafting outfitting just downstream from Bujagali Dam, availing day trips, overnight trips, Kayaking trips and river boarding experiences. In just 11.8 miles, day-tripping rafters will have the chance to conquer upwards of 10 rapids ranging from a grade 2 to a grade 5, starting with Jaws and working their way to the grade 4, two-tier rapid Vengeance.
04. Visit the Kasubi Royal Tombs in Kampala
Uganda has diverse ethnic groups that make up the entire national population, the Baganda people are rated to be the most biggest ethnic group who make up the subnational Kingdom of Buganda led by the Kabaka (King). The Royal tombs seated on Kasubi hill, a 74-acre agricultural zone serve as ancestral burial grounds.
These tombs were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their remarkable use of organic materials and historic significance.
05. Watch Tree Climbing Lions
Uganda has never ceased being so fascinating, besides being home to the big five which comprise the lions, while at Queens Elizabeth National Park, you will witness lions which prefer keeping their paws on the ground.
To some extent you’ll find them climbing trees for either comfort or for something else.
06. Standing on the Equatorial Line at Uganda Equator
While on your way along Masaka road – Kayabwe, one would wish to stop at the Uganda Equator for some photo poses or slay on some selfie shots. The equatorial line is an imaginary line that divides the earth into two hemispheres that is the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere.
This line has set up a monument to mark the spot where the earth splits into two portions, actually – have always heard gossip that when one stands at the Equator, they will lose about a Kilogram off their original weight can’t justify how true is that.
07. Visit Kapchorwa, swim in said to be healing Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa constitutes of three amazing water falls; two smaller upper falls and one eventual show stopping waterfall referred to as the main fall.
Getting to the top of the waterfalls may seem a challenge especially on a rainy weather though the views from the top are worth every once of sweat it takes one to hike there. While at the main waterfalls, you’ll experience some cool breeze and splashes of water dropping from above the mountain, the pool below the falls offers a great chance for a brisk dip, and you’ll find many locals doing the same throughout the year. Named after the Sipi River, which took its name from the medicinal plant “sep,” Sipi Falls is rumored to have healing qualities. Many believe that a quick dive into the icy cold waters can cure a number of ailments.
08. Observe a Shoebill in Semliki National Park
Semliki’s swamps are specially the only habitats around the world for the Shoebill as birders from across the globe make the trek to Uganda for a chance to view the Jurassic looking species.
Not only is the shoebill a rare bird, but it’s also on the critically endangered list due to the dangerously low numbers spotted each year (less than 5,000). The bluish tint of the shoebill’s legs matches its feathers, but the most striking feature is this 55-inch tall bird is its engorged shoe-shaped beak.
09. Zip Line Through the Canopies in Kisiizi Falls
Feel the gentle mist on your face while speeding past Kisiizi Falls at a rapid speed. The Kisiizi Falls Sky Trail course consists of three stages, starting high in the tree canopies and ending back down on the ground below the falls. Any visitors not up for the adrenaline rushed ride can still enjoy the same stunning views by taking a short hike will up to the Kisiizi Falls Suspension Bridge.
10. Explore Birds and Mammals in Kidepo National Park
While on your adventures besides Gorilla Tracking, the tenth adventure you can embark on is a breath taking trip to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Surrounded by two rivers which are Kidepo and Narus, usually they disappear during a dry spell leaving a few pools for the wildlife to sip on. Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged and semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s border with Sudan and Kenya, approximately 700 Kilometres from Kampala – Uganda’s Capital – Kampala.
While here, you can enjoy bird watching of upto 475 species of natural birds and upto 77 species of mammals. Not forgetting the beautiful cattle grazed by our comrades in the region, the Karamojong pastoralists also whose decent culture will keep you wowed. They are definitely similar to the Masai of Kenya.
Kidepo National Park –magnificent in its own kind is abit isolated but the most brave who love adventure won’t mind about the long distances except hitting the road and driving the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja. It’s actually rated the finest wilderness among Africa’s top destinations.
In the dry seasons, the only permanent water in this park can be accessed in the wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus River near Apoka. In a similar context, oases united with open savannah terrain make Narus Valley the best park’s area for viewing the animals and birds.
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