CNN the US based television channel has positioned Uganda among the 23 best destinations to visit in 2023. Uganda is among the 4 African states on the list dubbed CNN travel. The three additional African states on the list include Tanzania, Rwanda and Egypt.
Based on the CNN ranking, Uganda has plenty to offer and not visiting it, would be a missed opportunity. The main highlights that made Uganda to the list included its unique traditional staples food & culture, incredible wildlife, the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains and the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as well as the spectacular Craters on the Virunga Mountain ranges. The other remarkable highlight includes whitewater rafting on the Victoria Nile River.
Uganda has plenty of opportunities and incredibly, guests can also have the most of community experience. Nothing is inspirational as visiting the local community on Uganda safaris, have a taste of the local dishes prepared by you together with locals, the music and cultural dances, etc.
Other than having a taste of traditional meals, visitors can also connect with communities through cycling, and amazingly, you shouldn’t miss embarking on a 1600 km cycling trail (Ateker trail). Riders explore the trail with the lead of experienced local guides and there are over 22 unpaved stages.
While on Uganda safaris, visitor exploration isn’t centered in the National Parks alone. There is opportunity to explore more about the expansive and freshest water lake –Lake Victoria which is shared by 3 East African countries: Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Popularly referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is truly a slice of paradise, priding herself of unmatched beauty. Visit Uganda this 2023 and you will definitely agree with Sir Winston Churchill that in deed –this is the true pearl of Africa.
Why Uganda?
According to CNN, there is a remarkable change in the travel offerings in Uganda tourism sector that guests must tap besides wildlife spotting and traditional meals. In Uganda, visitors can have up close and personal with the big 5 game, the rare mountain gorillas and also explore a variety of distinct natural attractions.
Uganda is such an appealing travel destination, home to over 54% of the world’s mountain gorillas. Only 1063 of these endangered species still survive in the wild and only thrive in 3 African countries. In addition to magical wildlife encounters, Uganda is an ideal MICE destination.
Where to visit in Uganda for wildlife encounters?
There are countless wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors on Uganda safari to explore. Visit Uganda for primate encounters such as mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park –the 2 outstanding parks to find the largest number of habituated gorilla groups including Mubare gorilla family, the oldest of all Uganda gorilla families.
Golden monkey tracking or habituation experience conducted in Mgahinga National Park, Southwestern Uganda. Chimpanzee tracking in key areas, especially Kibale National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest and Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.
If you are interested in exceptional game viewing in the savanna grassland, then you have every reason to visit Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Cross to Semliki National Park to explore one of the world’s powerful hot springs –the Sempaya hot springs and also embark on a guided birding tour. Semliki holds up to 441 species of birds and these include the most sought for Shoebill.
Adventures not to miss on Uganda safaris in 2023 include white water rafting, Kayaking, bungee jumping; mountaineering to the summits of Mount Elgon (4321m) Wagagai peak, Rwenzori Mountains (5109m) and the 3 Virunga Mountains (Gahinga, Muhabura and Sabyinyo).
Cultural safari tours –for authentic African cultural experiences, Uganda never disappoints. Book both gorilla tours or wildlife safaris combined with cultural visit/community tour and be guaranteed of thrilling experiences. Cultural encounter opportunities that await you on Uganda safari: the Batwa pygmies cultural tour, Kasubi tombs, Kabaka’s palace visit, Kabaka’s Lake tour, cultural food preparation in Buganda (Central), tour the biggest museum in East Africa –Uganda National Museum located along Kiira Road just next to the head offices of Uganda Wildlife Authority, etc.
