9 Reasons to Choose Uganda for Your African Adventure

by | Jan 1, 2020 | Advice, Africa, Trips, Uganda | 1 comment

If you’re thinking about heading to Africa for an adventure you might be wondering where you should go.  On my recent trip I discovered that Uganda had so much to offer that if you are only going one place that’s where it needs to be.  From adventure sports to seeing rare and endangered animals Uganda has much more to offer than you have ever realized.  Here are 9 reasons why you should go to Uganda over other African destinations:

 

1) Unique Places to Stay

In Uganda it isn’t hard to find unique and interesting places to stay.   From home stays to tree houses there are some very exciting accommodations.  If you’re looking for a quiet and secluded off the grid stay look no further than the resort of Byoona Amagara Island Retreat and their amazing grass huts.  Internet, WIFI, and cell service are very limited on this island which creates an ideal environment for the traveler who wishes to disconnect from the world. If a tree house is more your style after a long day of safari head on over to The River Ishasha .  The large full service tree house offers beautiful river views, exposure to local people, great food, and opportunities to unwind on your private deck. If glamping is your style, there is a great place for you at Little Elephant Camp.  Two large tents will give you not only amazing views but independence.  They provide the food, the beds, the kitchen, the toilet, and shower.  You do the cooking and that’s it!  If you’re more adventurous you can camp in the bush in Murchison Falls campsite. Just you the guard and the animals.  Imagine hearing lions, hyena, hippo, or other animals just outside the canvas walls of your tent.  This is full on camping.  You can also find amazing home stays, local hotels, and beautiful luxurious stays.  What’s the best part of all of these places?  See number 9.

2) Friendly People

There simply is no comparison.  Everywhere in Uganda there are friendly people.  From the owners of hotels and home stays to the people you meet on the streets.  No where is this more well shown than when interacting with the park guards.  They constantly keep track of where the animals are and are always willing to point you in the right direction.  For a small fee sometimes you can even convince one to come with you and show you exactly where to go.  From the trendy restaurants of Kampala to the cafés on the streets of Fort Portal you will find friendly people everywhere in Uganda.  That being said do not be lulled into a false sense of security as situational awareness should always be a priority when traveling.

3) Mountain Gorillas
There are only about 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world.  You can’t see them in zoos or on display anywhere.  They can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.  Of the three of these Uganda remains the most accessible and friendly nation.  In Uganda gorilla tracking and habitation is less expensive than in other places but gives you the same if not a better experience.  Another interesting fact about Uganda’s fight against poaching is their unique approach:  Uganda employs former poachers as guides and trackers.  By doing this they have given the local people a different source of revenue and a reason to protect this amazing natural resource.

(click here to learn more about the gorillas)

Yes, we are in that water somewhere.

4) Uganda has Jinja
Jinja is widely known as the adventure capital of Uganda, and maybe Africa.  If you’re looking for something more than a safari Jinja has a lot to offer.  Mountain biking, quad-biking, bungee jumping, kayaking, and horse back riding are just a few of the adventures offered here.  All of these things pale to the main attraction of Jinja though: White water rafting on the Nile.  Truly an opportunity to test your nerves rafting here is bigger water and larger rapids that just about anywhere else.  Jinja isn’t far from Kampala and completely worth your time if you’re into adventure travel.

(Click here to learn more about non-safari adventures)

5) Tree Climbing Lions
Another very unique fact about Uganda: You can only find tree climbing lions here.  Queen Elizabeth National Park presents you with an exclusive opportunity to see lions lounging in trees.  For some reason lions here have decided that sleeping, sprawling, and scouting is best done from the branches of large candelabrum trees.  Its very exciting to see these amazing animals looking down from the massive branches as you click away taking as many pictures as your SD card will hold.

(Click here to learn more about Safari)

6) Chimpanzees
If primates are your thing then Uganda has an experience you can’t pass up.  Chimpanzees can be found in a few different locations in Uganda.  Both Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks are home to large populations of these fantastically interesting animals.  Sometimes high in trees and other times walking along the ground but always filling the air with their interactive calls chimpanzees find a way make your time with them special.   Its difficult to watch these spectacular animals without wondering if their cognitive ability is more than we give them credit for.

(Click here to learn more about Safari)

7) Improving Road System
Thanks in part to the Chinese, Uganda has made great strides in their infrastructure over the last 10 years.  This is reflected well in the road system developed throughout the country and the ongoing road construction.  Although most of the constructions goal to provide access to Uganda’s natural resources it has the secondary effect of allowing better access to further away destinations.  They have been able to update the road system without compromising the experience of being on safari in the parks by limiting these areas to only dirt roads.  Doing this helps keep large busses and tourist vehicles as well as short cutting tractor trailers from entering the parks and diminishing the safari encounter.
8) It's not as well known
Uganda is not as well known as its counterparts Kenya and Tanzania.  This works to your advantage because there won’t be as many people clamoring for that perfect picture of a tree climbing lion.  Although known as a safari destination most tourist chose the more accessible areas of Kenya or Tanzania.  While these two places do offer amazing experiences Uganda offers similar experiences only without as many tourists to ruin your pictures.  It is much easier to get a personal experience in Uganda and feel more a part of the culture because the offerings here aren’t as commercialized as what can be found in other African nations.
9) Less Expensive
One of the biggest attractions to Uganda is the cost.  When compared to Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa the cost savings from a trip to Uganda will easily offset a more expensive airplane ticket.   You can expect to spend $150-$200 a day in Uganda as opposed to $200-$500 a day in other places for a budget safari (Obviously these numbers depend heavily on your personal travel style).  Because you will be saving money by traveling in Uganda there are affordable opportunities to upgrade your trip weather it is with higher quality accommodations, better food options, adding extras, or perhaps extending your trip.  Uganda remains an exceptional value for your African adventure.
These are just a few of the reasons I think it is a great idea to plan your next African adventure in Uganda.  If you need help planning your trip our contact is not only friendly and knowledgeable but very responsive.  He will make sure that your dream Ugandan adventure becomes an astounding reality!
Our Contact in Uganda
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1 Comment

  1. Valaree
    Valaree on January 1, 2020 at 13:50

    Love the pictures. You make every place you go sound perfect. Can only imagine how wonderful all these places are. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

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