Exploring Western Uganda: 5 Must See Things!
Known as the mother of the pearl of Africa Uganda, southwestern Uganda has a lot to offer clients not to miss out on for the greater and memorable experience. The region host the most varied circuit anywhere in Africa, studded with national parks and other protected areas shielding a range of habitats that embraces everything from the snow capped glacial peaks. The frosty Afro-alpine moorland to marsh-fringed Rift Valley lakes and forest-swathed volcanoes – not some vast tracts of the archetypal African savannah. The southwest is Uganda’s top wildlife-watching region and one of the world’s best places to spot primates some of which are very rare and not found in many other destinations except the few. The very distinctive features to explore include among others:
The mountain gorillas
Found in the Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park in the Virunga conservation area, mountain gorillas are the best wildlife encounter in the whole world recommended for every traveler looking for a greater and memorable experience. South western Uganda is home to over 480 mountain gorillas in the whole world alongside volcanoes national park in Rwanda and the Virunga national park in the democratic republic of Congo. There are 13habituated gorilla families in Uganda with Bwindi having twelve and 1 in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The gorilla permit is sold at 600usd and travelers to Uganda have the greatest opportunity to see the mountain gorilla due to the available permit as compared to other destinations.
Chimpanzees
These are found in the Kibale forest national park also in south western Uganda. Trekking the chimps started as really as 1993 and is done in Kanyanchu village, the chances of locating them are excellent and the guided walks start at 8am and 2pm and last an average of three hours, depending on various factors. In the process of trekking the chimpanzees, travelers also look out for the black & white colobus, red tailed monkey or the grey cheeked mangabey and the many bird and butterfly species.
Game drives
These are done in the open savannah grasslands f queen Elizabeth national park. Travelers view a wide variety of wild anilams among which includes the elephants, buffalos, waterbucks, impala, Uganda kobs and bush babies. As travelers drive towards the southern section of the park, the ishasha sector, they are blessed to see the rare climbing lions which are not found in any other national park except Manyara in northern Tanzania. This is a real great experience as travelers see the big five as they hunt and graze, it is indeed memorable.
The volcanoes
There are there volcanoes in Mgahinga national park which include Mt Gahinga, Mt Muhabura and Mt Sabyinyo both in south western Uganda. Volcano hike/climb can take up to 8 hours and travelers need to have a clear climbing gear and should be physically fit. Each of these peaks has its own amazing view. No matter which volcano you choose to climb the ascent into the afro montane zone which has plants and vegetation covering you have probably never seen before is exciting and worth the trip and the effort.
Lake Bunyonyi
The second deepest lake in Africa with the depth that vary between 44m (144ft) and 900m (2,952ft), the lake is known as a place of many little birds and it lies in south western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale close to the border with Rwanda. It is Located at 1,962 m (6,437 ft) above sea level, it is about 25 km (15.5 mi) long and 7 km (1.35 mi) wide.
In conclusion, therefore, southwestern Uganda is the best tourism destination with many natural, cultural and historical features all of which provide a great and memorable experience.
Read More10 Most Spectacular Birds to See in Uganda
Do you wish to see the world’s rarest bird species? With about 10% of the world’s popular birds, Uganda is undoubtedly the birders paradise in Africa. A trip to a few of Uganda’s remotest national parks to watch birds is incredibly remarkable travel experience of a life time. A few of Africa’s remaining tropical rain forests offer a lively sight at these unique birds and setting into the jungle of Uganda comes with ultimate African experience. For birders, Uganda is ideally the most reputable destination for you to explore more than 1061 bird species that can easily be sighted in any of its stunning savannah, semi-desert, montane tropical rainforests, wetlands, Lakes, Rivers and Afro Alpine zone. Uganda’s birds are the world’s most sought after and incomparably the most rewarding species that are worthy to include while planning for safari to Africa.
Below is a list of top ten birds for you to sight if you are planning a safari to Uganda.
Shoebill stork:
A sight at a Shoebill stork in Uganda’s parks is the most remarkable is real glimpse that describes its humbling size. Shoebill storks are endemic to Africa, a reason why thousands across the world take safaris to Uganda to have a glimpse at these incredible species in the wilderness. These unique bird species were not all that conserved and their eggs were one time and again stolen from their nests till the Uganda Bird Guide Club’s efforts intervened to rescue their lives in the hands of hunters.
Green breasted pitta:
The Green breasted pitta is the only second pitta that is found in Africa. Besides its common status, the green breasted pitta is the rarest species to see in the world. A sight at this specie is the most remarkable experience in Africa’s jungles and particularly in Uganda. The green breasted pitta is the loveliest bird for you to achieve your dreams.
African green broadbill:
With only 2 areas in the world, Uganda is preferably the loveliest destination that you must visit for bird watching. If you are interested in sighting at this magnificent bird specie, you either travel to Itombwe Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. However, these bird species are reducing as result habitat loss from deforestation.
Great Blue Turaco:
The Great Blue Turaco and white crested Turaco are a few of the largest, rarest bird species that you can sight while in your safari in Uganda. They are also the most hunted species especially for their meat and feathers as they are used as commodities.
Shelley’s Crimson wing:
Incomparably Shelley’s Crimson wing is one of the world’s unique birds that are worthy including while planning a trip to Uganda. This bird specie can be found in thin strip of mountains and volcanoes which is famously known as the Albertine Rift just at the borders to Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. It is magical having a glance at these wild beautiful species!
Standard winged nightjar:
Standard winged nightjar is uniquely characterized by the central flight feathers which appear at a time of breeding with males. They are raised vertically during display, it is indeed a life time experience sighting this remarkable bird’s feather’s stretch about 38 centimeters long.
Short tailed warbler:
This bird specie is mainly seen in Uganda’s forest undergrowth. As well, you can also sight this spectacular bird species in the jungles of the DRC and Rwanda.
Doherty’s Bush shrike:
This bird specie can be seen in the subtropical montane forests and moist shrub lands of central Africa. They are brightly colored species that are commonly sighted in Uganda and their population levels are a bit stable in most areas.
Bar tailed Trogon:
This is one of the impressively magnificent medium sized bird species that stays in higher altitude forests and has a big range throughout central and southern Africa.
Black breasted barbet:
This bird specie has been sighted by a handful travelers in the world which makes it one of the most sought after bird by birders. In most cases, these species have been seen in most conflict places but Uganda is offers the safest opportunity for bird lovers to enjoy a glimpse of this beautiful bird.
In conclusion, Uganda is a birder’s paradise, with over 1061 unique species that offer remarkable glimpse of authentic African experience in the wild. With countless bird species, Uganda is undoubtedly the loveliest destination that you must visit to sight the world’s rarest bird species.
Read MoreThe Forgotten Uganda Pyramids
Pyramids are probably one of the most unique architectural endeavors of ancient history that we can still see today. The pyramids of Egypt are very astounding in design and are probably the most known world-wide. However the number of pyramids in Sudan far out numbers those in Egypt by 85. Sudan has a great number of pyramids and is testament to the rich culture the Country had in its history.
There is however a pyramid in Uganda that is little known by the locals even in those living in the District of Maracha where it is located. In 1911, after the signing of an agreement between the then British Protectorate and the Belgian, the latter built a pyramid in Alikua village located in today’s District of Maracha. The Belgians built the pyramid to signify that they were the first white people to settle in the region.
It is believed to have a bottle with a paper in it on which is written the year in which they first settled in the area before the British colonialists. The Pyramid is 5 meters tall and is made of mud and stones. The structure is however now cracking and the plaster around it is worn out with old age. It was well protected about 3 decades ago as it was being funded by the Belgian government but is now rapidly being destroyed due to neglect. Some years back the structure was vandalized by people who thought mercury had been buried in it. Its caretaker is a 34 year old young man Mr. Alikua Oku who is not being paid a cent for his work.
The locals consider this a cultural heritage and one school in the region has it has its emblem. Early during the colonization by the British, the pyramid was heavily guarded by the protectorate soldiers when West Nile became part of the British Protectorate. The West Nile region was initially part of the then Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) which was a colony of the Belgians. According to a local Mr. Gatabua, Weatherheads who was the District Commissioner during the British rule was killed when he and his soldiers attempted to carry out a cattle raid from the locals. He was shot and killed by the locals and buried just about 200 meters from the pyramid.
This is an example of how Uganda has failed to take advantage of its tourism potential. Tourism in Uganda is one of the fastest growing sectors at a rate of 21% and has grown by 50% in the last 10 years. Currently we have put more emphasis on gorilla tour in Bwindi impenetrable forest, with gorilla trekking bringing in over $3m annually.
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