The Pearls of Uganda
Surrounded by phenomenal volcanic landscapes, visiting the ‘Pearl of Africa’ can feel like a privilege. The untamed beauty of the landlocked country will leave its guests in awe as the misty mountains and open savannahs welcome you home.
Scattered throughout Uganda, travellers will experience the many pearls that make Uganda a magnificent country. The Pearls of Uganda are not only scenic and blissful attractions. Within the beautiful country’s borders are Uganda’s friendly and welcoming people. Ugandans have worked hard to maintain and create a safe, comfortable and hospitable environment for their visitors. We thank the friendly people of Uganda for their role in creating a responsible and sustainable country for all travellers.
During your visit to the East African Country, remember to travel sustainably and responsibly and enjoy the clean and green country.
Covering one of the Pearls of Uganda, the people, we now move on to the scenic and wild pearls of Uganda. Unravel these gems with Pembury Tours.
THE PEARLS OF UGANDA
1. Nile River
Often referred to as the ‘father of African rivers, the Nile River is the longest in the world. The origin of the Nile River is still to be confirmed, although scientists believe it to be a feeder river in Uganda. Leaving Lake Victoria in Uganda, the Nile flows north towards Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt.
In Uganda, travellers can enjoy Kayaking, rafting, river boarding and sunset cruises along the Nile River. Experiences go beyond the water and additional activities include bird watching, fishing, spa treatments, guided mountain bike trails, guided village walks and leisure time at your lodge.
2. Rwenzori Mountains
Going back as far as AD 350, the Rwenzori Mountains were believed to be the origin of the Nile River. Ptolemy, who proclaimed this, was an Egyptian mathematician, astronomer, geographer, and astrologer who wrote about a dozen scientific treatises.
In 1994, the legendary, mist-covered mountains were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for their beauty and biodiversity. Serving as a haven for an extraordinary number of animals and plants, the Mountain range is the tallest in Africa, with some peaks permanently covered by ice and glaciers. Many of the properties in the Rwenzori Mountain are managed by local communities.
3. Ssese Islands
Would you believe it if we told you that Uganda, a landlocked country, has an archipelago of 84 islands within Lake Victoria, an inland lake?
The Ssese Islands are located along Lake Victoria’s northwestern shore. The lush islands boast stunning white-sand beaches and calm turquoise waters. Beneath the waters of Lake Victoria, you can expect to find hippos and crocodiles, so swimming is strongly discouraged for safety reasons.
The Ssesse Islands are perfect for travellers wishing to unwind and enjoy time at leisure while keeping festive with beachside bonfires and great food.
4. Queen Elizabeth Mountain National Park
Welcome to Uganda’s very own ‘Serengeti National Park’. The Queen Elizabeth National Park has (literally) been through the wars and bounced back from an unsettling past to the country’s most visited National Park. The second-largest park in Uganda is 400 km (250 miles) from the capital city of Kampala.
Your safari in the Queen Elizabeth National Park provides spectacular sightings of a range of wildlife and over 611 bird species. One of our favourite highlights of the Queen Elizabeth National Park is the iconic tree-climbing lions. Visiting the park will not only allow you the opportunity to see this fascinating phenomenon.
Chimpanzee trekking, safari game drives and scenic boat cruises are only some of the activities you can expect during your journey.
5. Murchison Falls National Park
Let us continue from the second-largest National Park to Uganda’s largest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison National Park was affected during the war years in the 1990s, similar to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Many wilderness areas in Uganda have been affected by the wars but have since recovered. Animals are plentiful in this green oasis, with iconic species found within the borders of this National Park.
The Rothschild giraffes, Ugandan Kobs (antelope species), lions, elephants and a range of bird species have taken refuge in the safe and protected area of the Murchison Falls National Park. Searching beyond wildlife, the National Park is home to the raging Murchison Falls. The Murchison Falls is where the Victoria Nile descends into Lake Albert and continues north to the Mediterranean Sea.
6. Lake Bunyonyi
The ‘place of many little birds’ is a scenic lake in southwestern Uganda. The misty mornings at Lake Bunyonyi offer a picturesque start to a day of leisure or adventure. Unlike most of the lakes in East Africa, Lake Bunyonyi is predator-free.
Travellers can enjoy the crystal-clear waters as they are safe to swim in. There are many activities to enjoy when you visit the lake. Canoe excursions, zip-lining, hiking trails, cruises and yoga classes are a few of the adventures found along the emerald waters.
Sit back, relax and absorb the clear calm sights of Lake Bunyonyi at Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort.
7. Kidepo Valley National Park
One of the best-kept secrets in Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park offers the most stunning scenery in a remote area of Uganda. The 1,442 sq km of protected wilderness forms in the extreme northeast of Uganda. Covered by short-grass savannah, the Valley National Park is home to animal species that are not found anywhere else in Uganda.
Your animal checklist in the lost valley includes cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, caracals and the antelope species, kudus. If you are an avid safari traveller, you will notice the animal checklist above includes all the same species as you would find in the arid deserts of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
8. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Our final pearl is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
The magnificent National Park has been declared a World Heritage Site. The park is protected by the local government and many conservation organizations. The misty rainforests provide a tranquil and safe home for the Mountain Gorillas and many other species.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular destinations, with an estimated 340 gorillas and over 120 other mammal species exploring the lush region. What makes the rainforest spectacular is the trek to the Gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda provides a less strenuous trek and this, in return, results in a higher cost for the trek. While Bwindi is more difficult, the trek cost is half the price of Rwanda. The more strenuous the journey is, the more you appreciate the sighting at the end.
