Best Places You Should Visit On Uganda Safari: Referred to as “The Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is one of the best destinations on African continent to visit on an Africa safari. This beautiful country is home to numerous beautiful places to visit, this article takes you through the Best Places You Should Visit on Uganda Safari.
Best Places You Should Visit on Uganda Safari
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Jinja and Lake Victoria; the source of river Nile.
Jinja is a popular tourist destination in Uganda because of its historical source of the River Nile, the region is the starting point of the world’s largest river that flows from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea through the Central and Northern Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt.
Jinja is a capital for adrenaline-based activities including Bungee jumping, Kayaking and other water activities. If you prefer a relaxing experience, you may want to book a private boat tour on Lake Victoria to see the Speke Monument at the Source of the Nile.
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Ssese Islands
The beautiful Ssese Islands is a group of about 84 islands dotted along the northwestern shores of Lake Victoria, each island differs in size, shape and exotic flora and fauna. Here you can relax amid beautiful scenery, see chimpanzees, take a walk on white-sand beaches, enjoy horseback riding and windsurfing as well as interact with the local people and learn about their culture.
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Kasubi Tombs
The Kasubi Tombs is a resting place of the Kings of Buganda Kingdom, the tombs consists of a burial site, 35 huts presenting clans in Buganda Kingdom. Kasubi Tomsbs is a burial place of four of former Uganda Kings and other royal family members.
A tour at Kasubi Tombs allows you to see interesting artifacts and learn about the rituals and traditions of Uganda’s tribal kingdom of Buganda.
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Ndere Centre
The Ndere Centre is a great place to experience the colorful culture and traditions of Uganda through traditions. The centre is opened on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, the Centre has a 700-seater amphitheater where you can enjoy dinner along with a spectacular performance of colorful, high – energy dancing and music that displays the lively culture of the Ugandan tribes.
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Sipi Falls – a hiker’s paradise
Sipi Falls is a hiker’s paradise, the magnificent falls is a series of three impressive waterfalls located in the spectacular green landscape near the border of Uganda and Kenya. Sipi Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Uganda and a perfect place to unwind, the hike takes 7-8 km and the waterfalls are only accessible by foot.
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Kidepo valley National Park – the Serengeti of Uganda
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the best places to visit in Uganda for game viewing expeditions, the park is the most isolated parks in Uganda and still unknown to many tourists but it offers an abundance of wildlife and spectacular savannah landscape.
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in Northern part of Uganda, at the border with South Sudan, its landscape is similar to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Serengeti National Park. It is a true gem and one of the most beautiful places in Uganda.
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Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
As it is well known, Rhinos are critically endangered species because of poaching. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located neaer Murchison Falls National Park is the only place in Uganda to see these endangered animals roaming around in the wild.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a rhino re-introduction project for White Rhinos, you can trek them on foot accompanied by a ranger. The Rhino Trekking Experience last about 1.5 to 3 hours. Rhinos are heavily protected but can roam freely in an area that covers 7000 hectares of land, by visiting the sanctuary, you are contributing to their existence. You also have the opportunity to do more activities like shoebill trek, a night walk or canoe ride.
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Kasenda Crater Lakes Region.
The beautiful Kasenda Crater Lakes Region is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda, the area is filled with stunning crater lakes in the Kabarole district, tea plantations and the Rwenzori Mountains region.
To enjoy the incredible view of the region, take on a three-hour hike that includes three crater lakes, local villages, tea plantations and a great view from the top of the world overlooking al 3 crater lakes and Rwenzori Mountains.
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Bigodi wetlands sanctuary – a bird watchers paradise.
The Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is a community run-initiative situated near Kibale Forest National Park which is home to 13 primate species and over 200 bird species like the Great Blue Turaco. The park is a bird watchers paradise and some of the primates including black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons among others.
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is run by the Kibale Association of Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED) and protects the Magombe Swamp. All the profits from the initiative are used to fund community projects around Bigodi like supporting local schools.
A guided walk in the Bigodi Swamp is enjoyable, it takes on a visit the local community, where you can learn about traditional weaving techniques by the Bigodi Women Group.
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Lake Bunyonyi (Africa’s Switzerland)
The beautiful Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda and the second deepest in Africa at a depth of 44m – 90 m, this lake is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places in Uganda as well as Africa. It is located near the border of Uganda and Rwanda, it is a drive of approximately 2-3 hours from the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the best place for gorilla trekking.
Lake Bunyonyi is known as the “Switzerland of Africa”, because of the surrounding green terraces, hills and valleys. The lake contains 29 islands and is 25 km long and 7 km wide.
The Kampene Island also known as the Punishment Island is one of the most well-known islands in the lake with a notorious history. Unmarried pregnant girls were sent to this island to starve to death in the past, during your holiday you will meet the only living survivor, Ms, Mauda Kyitaragabirwe who will share her story with you. She was only twelve years old when she was abandoned by her family.
Visiting several islands of the lake by boat is highly recommended. There are no hippos, no crocodiles and the waters are bilharzia free, so it is safe to swim in Lake Bunyonyi. Besides relaxing or swimming, you can do canoeing in a dugout canoe or hike through hills and villages.