Tour Kampala the Capital City of Uganda
Uganda’s capital city is called Kampala City. Not only is it the capital city in Uganda but also the biggest town in the country with a population which is approximately 4 million people. It is the city where most tourism attractions are found, most offices are found, and above all where you can do your shopping when you are going on the safari or tour in the country. Most the travel Itineraries begin and end in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Upon your arrival at Entebbe International airport, you will be welcomed by your guide or driver who will then drive you to Kampala where you will be accommodate before you start any of your safaris. Of course there are some accommodations facilities in Entebbe, though most people do not prefer staying in Entebbe. They like staying in the capital city of Uganda. The most notable hotels you can sleep in the city are; Sheraton International Hotel. This is a five star hotel and the headquarters are in Boston in the USA. You will get the same services offered in the other Sheraton hotels in other parts of the world. Other hotels you will sleep in while in Kampala are; Serena International hotel. This also belongs to the Serena group of hotels and the services you will be offered are the same like those in other hotels in the same chain.
Why Kampala City?
The city of Kampala is well endowed with many tourism attractions within the country. This range from manmade or artificial to natural attractions. The most outstanding natural attraction is Lake. Victoria. This is natural feature and along this lake, there are many beaches which have been situated along it. They offer great potential for leisure and relaxation during any day of the week, the best days being weekends. The man made or artificial attractions are also many within the city. The most noticeable one is the Kabaka’s lake in Ndeba. This gives also great potential for relaxation and leisure. You can also participate in Bird watching in café you are a birder or a type of person who likes watching birds. Alongside this lake, there are lodges where you can accommodate yourself. The best accommodation I can recommend you to is Lake side Villas. You can pay for a whole month in this villas. Inside this villas, you can cook for yourself and while inside, you will view Kabaka’s lake, in an angle which will give you the best view as you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake. There are also very many entertainment centers with the city. These include; clubs, bars and theatres. The biggest clubs in the city up to date have remained club silk, Governor Club- located in Industrial Area. There are also very new clubs in the city like Ambiance club in Bukesa, a Kampala suburb. These are located all over the city be it in the city center or in the miniskirt of the city. The city is also the biggest commercial center in the town thus in case you are a business traveler, you will do a lot of business within the city.
Why is it good to travel in Kampala with a rented car?
For you to enjoy all the above attractions within the city, you need to be in your own car. This will give you apple time to navigate all these attractions. You will have a lot of freedom when using your own car with the city. In this regard, you can visit natural destinations like lakes for example the Kabaka’s lake and in the night you visit clubs for a dancing and a beer or any drink for yourself. Cars offered for self drive in Kampala are very clean, and it will be up to whether to get the car with the driver or you opt to drive it yourself within the city.
Which other attractions can I visit when am in Kampala City- Uganda’s Capital City?
Apart from the lakes, clubs and other entertainment centers, there are very may other attractions you will visit when you are in Kampala city. These are; The Royal Tombs at Kasubi which have now been under construction but now they are completed, Namugongo martyrs shrine, Ndere cultural center, the Bahai Temple, The Uganda Museum, The national Theatre, Kabaka’s palace, Gadaffi Mosque and historical churches including Namirembe Cathedral and Rubaga Cathedral.
Read MoreWaterfalls To Explore In Uganda
The waterfalls in Uganda -no destination beats Uganda when it comes to natural beauty. From stunning landscapes, savanna, and lush tropical forests to waterfalls, Uganda is naturally blessed. Here are some of the spectacular waterfalls in Uganda;
Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls lies in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, Northwestern Uganda. It is set between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert. Murchison Falls is Uganda’s natural wonder and while at the top, you can hear its powerful roar at a distance. The Murchison waterfall squeezes itself into a narrow gorge measuring 8m and later plunges about 43 meters before it flows to Lake Albert.
While on the Murchison Falls tour, the possible activities to indulge in include whitewater rafting, boat tours (to the base of the falls or delta), sport fishing, and hiking to the top of the falls. Other activities include chimpanzee tracking in Budongo (Kaniyo-Pabidi forest), game drives, hot air balloon tours, nature walks, bird watching, and more.
The Sipi Falls
The Sipi waterfalls consist of 3 scenic waterfalls and they originate from the Sipi River on the slopes of Mt. Elgon. The Sipi Falls is located in Kapchorwa district, Eastern Uganda, and they are observed as they cascade downslope from Elgon Mountain. They are found at an elevation of 1775 meters, and they vary in height of 85 meters, to 75m, and 100m.
A guided hike to the Sipi Falls includes walking through local communities, farmland and the rocky foothills. The round-hiking tour takes about 3 hours and you will experience Uganda’s natural beauty. The three Sipi Falls derive their name from the Sep, a medicinal wild banana tree that commonly grows in this area.
Aruu Falls
Aruu Falls are found along the Gulu-Kitgum highway 47 km from the city center of Gulu and 57 km off from Kitgum. These are some of the little-known waterfalls in Uganda and yet they feature among the charming natural wonders in the pearl of Africa. For guests on Uganda safaris to Kidepo Valley Park and Murchison Falls NP, it is possible to connect to Aruu Falls for a tour and in case you aren’t on a hurry, you will also embark on swimming, rock climbing and guided nature/community walks. There are Six charming waterfalls that make up the Aruu Falls.
Ssezibwa Falls
Ssezibwa Falls is found in Mukono district, East of Kampala about 32km away and they are accessible en route to Jinja. These are some of the most charming waterfalls in Uganda and they are 17m high. They are located at the Ssezibwa River, and they are a cultural treasure in the Buganda Kingdom/among the Baganda.
Itanda Falls
Itanda Waterfalls comprise of a series of rapids and they are located in Jinja, a renowned adrenaline capital of East Africa. This is where adventure lovers can enjoy whitewater rafting, river surfing, kayaking, and more. Itanda is found close to Rippon Falls and it remains a key spot for white water rafting.
Kisizi Waterfalls
Lying in Rukungiri district, Western Uganda, Kisizi waterfalls is set between the lush Queen Elizabeth N/P and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Its water plunges from the Kyabamba River 27 meters high cliff down to a deep gorge. Zip lining over the forest can be done here, plus birding, nature walks and more.
Wanale Falls
Located 6km from Mbale town, Wanale Falls is a thin stream of water plunging 2000m down from a sharp rocky cliff face.
Karuma Falls
Karuma waterfalls are found on the Victoria Nile on the Kampala-Gulu highway. This is where the Karuma power station is located, and this natural wonder forms part of the vast Murchison Falls National Park in Northwestern Uganda.
Miriadua Falls
Miriadua waterfalls are located on River Oluffe and accessible 20km on the Arua-Koboko route. From Arua city, these waterfalls are reachable within 20 minute’s drive and they are found in the Maracha district.
Read MoreSuggestions for an Eastern Uganda Road Trip
The Eastern region is one of the four regions in the country of Uganda. The region boasts some of the tourists’ jewel in the crown. An intoxicating blend of adrenaline adventures and superb scenery makes eastern Uganda a must on any East African journey. Here the mighty Nile begins its epic journey north. White-water rafting the Nile River is the main draw for adventurers seeking a wild ride, but there’s also the subtler, sweatier pleasure of trekking through Mt Elgon National Park or relaxing with a visit to the stunning Sipi Falls.
The regional capital of Jinja offers a charming and friendly base on the shores of Lake Victoria where travelers can spend a few days or more enjoying the chilled atmosphere and top-notch outdoor activities. Going on a road trip to Uganda in the eastern region? Below are some of the key attractions you should not miss to visit:
Jinja City:
Jinja is a city in eastern Uganda and it comprises so many attractions. On your way to the city is the beautiful Mabira Forest which you can visit and engage in so many tourist activities like zip-lining, and so many others. In Jinja, there are also so many tourist activities to be done such as white water rafting (at the source of the Nile), kayaking, visiting the source of the world’s longest River – River Nile, and so much more.
Mountain Elgon:
Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya, north of Kisumu and west of Kitale. The mountain’s highest point, named “Wagagai”, is located entirely within Uganda. It is one of Uganda’s major attractions and it is the second-highest mountain in Uganda after the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. Hiking this snow-capped mountain is an experience to remember. The Mountain is protected in the Mountain Elgon National Park that also boasts so many other attractions like wildlife species and bird species which you will also enjoy viewing during your hike.
The Sipi Falls:
Located close to Mountain Elgon National Park, the beautiful and romantic Sipi Falls is another attraction to fond of in eastern Uganda. The Sipi Falls is so beautiful and eye-catching and once you land in this area, there are so many memorable tourist activities waiting for you.
Nyero Rock Painting:
The Nyero rock paintings are located in eastern Uganda in Kumi District, 8 km west of Kumi town, about 250 km from the capital city Kampala. The Nyero rock paintings are among the most important rock art in Uganda. It is another beautiful attraction you should visit in your self-drive car in Eastern Uganda.
Read MorePrimates Tracking In Uganda
Unlike other East African countries, Uganda is a primate capital. It is surely the best country to see the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons and many other primate species. It is one country where no one can fail to spot a primate.
Uganda’s cool climate and the dense rain forests have attracted several species dwelling in here. Uganda is a home to about 300 mammal species and almost 20 of them are primates, making it a popular safari destination in Africa.
When it comes to primate safaris in Uganda, you have a wide array of where you can go, what you can see and what you can do with these mighty primates. And if found anywhere in or around Uganda, you better be sure of spotting these apes depending on your itinerary.
Mountain gorillas in Uganda. These are the prime attractions in the country, big numbers of tourists come to the pearl of Africa just to trek the gorillas in their natural habitats and have up close encounters with the mighty silverbacks. Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda head to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park, homes to almost three quarters of the world’s total population of the mountain gorillas. A journey to see these great giants of the forests might also expose one to the tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park, the Batwa pygmies, Lake Bunyonyi and other different attractions that are simply beautiful to behold.
Chimpanzees in Uganda. These are our closest cousins in the forest with almost an equal DNA to humans. More than 5000 chimps live in Uganda, it being with vast rain forests that are important homes to these primates. The prime home to Uganda’s chimps in Kibale forest national park also referred to as the primate capital of the world with almost 1500 chimps. Most travelers to this park have trekked or habituated them and had lifetime experiences with these bright primates. Other chimps in Uganda can also be found in Kalinzu Forest reserve, Kyambura gorge and Budongo forest reserve.
The Golden Monkeys. These are only found in Mgahinga national park, the only place where silver meets with gold. Travelers to this park can trek both the gorillas and the golden monkeys. Walk through the bamboo trees of the forest, on the lower slopes of Mgahinga volcano, with a hand stick as the only support, and finally meet the beautiful golden monkeys, watch them play with each other, jumping from one tree branch to the other and also taking many pictures of these impressive creatures.
Olive baboons. These live in savannas, forests and steppes, so they can be spotted in any park of forest reserve in Uganda except the montane region parks like Mgahinga national park, Rwenzori Mountains and Mountain Elgon national park. They usually live in groups and the commonest destination to spot them is Kibale forest national park, though you can still find them in Murchison Falls national park, Kidepo valley national park and many other places.
Still you can find different monkey species anywhere and anytime, as long as it’s a natural place. In Uganda every day can be a primate day. Black and White Colobus and colobus guereza are probably the commonest and widespread forest monkeys in Uganda, on every safari in Uganda, you can never fail to spot one. Whether in Entebbe Botanical gardens, Lake Mburo national park or even Rwenzori mountains, you can meet these monkeys anywhere in Uganda.
Read More7 Top Things To Do In Uganda
Whether you are a backpacker or luxury travelers, Uganda welcomes everyone with open arms on safari Africa. Uganda is that one African state that rewards travel endeavors with variety of exciting adventures, rare experiences that leave lasting memories at the end of the day. Is it hiking/mountaineering, wildlife safari, cultural encounters, nature walks, primate adventures that you need to engage in or city tour? Well, for any plans to visit Africa this coming season, consider this magical country a must on your bucket list. With a lot more that awaits for you to enjoy while safari in Africa, below are the seven amazing things you must do on a tour in Uganda.
Game/wildlife viewing
When you think of a safari in Africa, it is one of the main notable experiences most tourists get involved and Uganda is that one magical country that rewards travelers with excellent views of wildlife while on game drive. It has some most remarkable national parks that are ideal for wildlife safaris and they include among others Murchison Falls National Park in the northwestern side of the country, Kidepo Valley National Park-northeastern Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park in the west, Lake Mburo National Park and others. While on game drive in Uganda, you get a chance to encounter the big game-African elephants, lions including the tree climbing lions, leopards, cape buffaloes as well as numerous savanna grassland dwellers.
Mountain gorilla trekking
With fewer than 1004 mountain gorillas that are left on earth today, a trek to see these forest dwellers in the jungles of Uganda rewards travel endeavors with life changing experiences. About 500 individuals of these world’s critically endangered creatures call this magical country their home and they can be tracked only in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park which are suitably located in the extreme southwestern side. To be part of this lifetime experience in Uganda, you need $600 to secure a permit that offers you opportunity to have magical encounters with these dramatic creatures for only an hour after winding through the tropical rainforest and steep slopes for 2-8 or more hours.
Chimpanzee trekking
This is another most amazing primate adventure you need not to miss while on Uganda safari. About 5000 chimpanzees call Uganda their home and they are distributed in various parts of the country including Kibale Forest National Park-a renowned primate capital of the world that consists of over 13 distinct primate species of which chimpanzees are part comprising of over 1500 individuals, Budongo forest, Kalinzu forest, Semuliki national park a mention but a few.
Cultural encounters
Culture is that one unique tourism product Uganda boasts of and still remains untapped hence guaranteeing you authentic African experiences. This wonderful country boasts of its diverse cultures that make it a true melting pot of cultures. While on cultural safari in Uganda, you get a chance to engage in different aspects right from cultural dances, music performances, have a taste of traditional dishes and many others. Most interestingly, you can cultural encounters on your bucket list while on safari in any of the parks. In Kidepo Valley National Park, make sure that you pay a visit to the Karamojong community and explore the manyattas, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park-consider visiting the Batwa and Bakiga community a must and many adjacent communities in other protected areas of your choice.
Explore the mighty River Nile
If you love exploring then Uganda is that place you need to visit. Visiting the mighty River Nile is one thing you need not to miss out while on safari in this renowned pearl of Africa. While on your vacation in Uganda, head to Jinja just a few kilometers from Kampala city center. Jinja is a source of the mighty Nile and while here, there are variety of adrenaline adventures you have to be part of and they include bungee jumping, kayaking, white water rafting, jet boating, horseback riding in nearby communities, boat cruise a mention but a few.
Birding
With over 1080 distinct species of birds that await to excite you, Uganda is undoubtedly a birder’s paradise. These incredible creatures are amazing, inspiring and widely distributed in various parts of the country. They can be spotted in most of parts of the national parks where most of the safaris in Uganda are conducted and they include Murchison Falls National Park with over 450 bird species, Kidepo Valley National Park with more than 470 avifaunal species, Kibale National Park consisting of 350 bird species including the rare green breasted pitta, Queen Elizabeth National Park with over 620 bird species, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountain National Park; forests, wetlands, swamps, Lakes and others.
Hiking
Uganda isn’t only ideal for game viewing but also for you to embark on thrilling hiking experiences. The main areas that reward with incredible hiking experiences include the Sipi falls in eastern Uganda, the Rwenzori mountain range which may require you to spend at least 7 days or more to have a complete hike, Mount Elgon, Gahinga Volcano, Muhabura volcano and many others.
In conclusion, there are many distinct safari activities in Uganda that you can engage in while on African safari and each of them rewards you with rare experiences.
Read MoreVisit Ngamba Island for Chimpanzee Trip in Uganda
Uganda has remained to be on top of other African countries in tourism, this is so because of the various tourism sights and bio-diversities. Despite of the fact that the country is a land locked one, many tourists regard it has being their first priority while in Africa due to the fascinating features and abundant wildlife. Uganda is bordered by Kenya to the east, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the southwest, DR. Congo to the west and South Sudan to the North and therefore the country is a member of the East African Community.
Visiting Ngamba Island while on your tours in Uganda is one of the best choice since it gives a nice discovery memory, Ngamba Island is located in Lake Victoria and visitors depart from Entebbe, this is a 45 minutes cruise on a private boat. This tour should be organized for you by Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Limited since they have got expertise in transporting tourists to Ngamba Island. This island was gazzeted to protect the endangered and orphaned Chimpanzees including those that are rescued from poachers in the different places.
Visitors to Ngamba Island enjoy a variety of activities and once you are at Ngamba, you become engaged always due to the amazing jokes performed by the different chimps in their cages and trees. Feeding the chimps most especially the baby chimps can be done from this place as visitors witness and participate in milk feeding and banana feeding.
This is another place to hide from stress since visitors have got an option of camping at the island, the conducive air and the environment makes you forget other problems, this island is only for chimpanzees and its one of the best places to be since it unique. While on the Island, there are different chimpanzees that can be entertained since they were all given names. Playing places are available for these chimps to do exercise every day and every time they feel like playing around.
Visitors will witness them slapping each other as a way of dominating the group, getting to this island is easy but leaving will be hard since it was endowed with everything a tourist may wish to see while on the safari. This is where history will become the truth to everyone who is enthusiastic with visiting Uganda for an amazing tour with Nature Adventure Africa Safaris limited.
From there visitors can embark to Kampala and take a visit at Uganda museum and take a look at the different cultural exhibitions representing the different cultures from the different regions of Uganda. Art crafts and sculptures are categorized in the different stalls that enable visitors to have a nice understand of the findings in the museum. Another interesting center is the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo; this is where the martyrs were assassinated from on 3rd/06/1886.
This led to the construction of the shrines for annual cerebration and remembrance the solidarity exhibited by the young people while dying for their religion and this is where pilgrimages converge to remember them every 3rd of June but visitors can tour the place throughout the year and this is one of the most cerebrated events in Uganda.
Kabaka’s Lake found in Ndeeba is another place suitable for a holiday tour, this is the largest man made lake in Uganda and it was dug by the king of Buganda as he wanted to relax on water, this lake has got his seat that was placed at one of the islands found within the lake. The conducive environment including the availability of different social amenities around the lake makes it to be one of the resting places and nice to see place in Uganda.
Another place to be visited while on your holiday is Kasubi tombs where the Buganda kings are/were buried; this is also found in Kampala, while on this tour visitors will get a chance to see the Kabaka’s tombs and the different huts of the Kabaka’s wives surrounding the palace. Here you will be taken through all the activities including giving you the information regarding the tombs and the kings that were buried within.
Best Cultural Safari Tours Uganda
Uganda has got one of the best cultural diversity with over 52 tribes all having different cultural setting all with different kingdom ship and chief doms. This ranges from the pre-colonial era, due to the colonial era that emerged after, this was interrupted hence making some monarchs weak while others were revived after this era and they regained their powers in their territories. Buganda, Bunyoro and Toro are among the kingdoms that regained and up to now are still thriving while chief doms of Acholi and other northern tribes were also restored.
Due to the ancient cultural history that Uganda boost, it has been among the internationally recognized archaeological countries, having a visit to Uganda on tours of Uganda enables visitors to acquire information regarding the ancient Bachwezi who were once believed to be Semi-gods, this was due to their natural super powers shown in their legends including the underground tunnels known as “Akariza Ngumba K’kyabagyenyi”.
Ugandan culture is currently mixing up since different tribes get married to each other due to the trade that has brought the bondage between them. The Acholi and the Langi dominates the northern region with other tribes such as the Karamajong, Pokots and the Dodoths in the north eastern parts of the country. In the north western Uganda is the lugbar and the Alur. To the eastern parts of Uganda, the Bagisu is the mostly visited tribe due to their Imbalu ceremony which is performed after every even year. This is done to introduce young boys to adulthood through circumcision, also to find is the Sabiny, Ndorobo and Benet.
The Basoga who are also situated in the eastern region are separated by the longest river in Africa that’s River Nile, this river separates eastern Uganda and the central Uganda and this forms the boundaries between the Buganda kingdom and the Busoga kingdom. The Basoga are led by their king locally known as the Kyabazinga of Busoga. The Bagandas are united under one kingdom known as the Buganda kingdom and this is seen as the most powerful kingdom in Uganda.
This is also listed as UNESCO cultural sites due to the Kasubi tombs where the remains of the fallen Buganda kings were laid to rest. Visitors may also be transferred to the king’s palace including the Bulange where the Buganda Parliament sits. Within the central region, one may be taken to Ssezibwa falls and its source in Buikwe District; for real this river cannot leave you un amazed since it is a twin born river.
The western parts of Uganda are distributed by the Bunyoro, Toro and Ankole kingdoms though in this region Bunyoro and Toro kingdoms are the strongest since Ankole kingdom is currently un restored. Also, to find in the western Uganda are the Batwa who are mainly forest dwellers staying in the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable and around Mgahinga National Parks.
These take visitors through cultural performances and exhibitions including traditional dances, food cuisines and story tales plus their traditional medicine, the Bakiga also dominates some parts within this region and these cultivates the steep slopes of the mountains found here in the south western part. In central Uganda, also to visit is the Nakayima tree found in Mubende where visitors get a chance to be narrated stories about this tree and also going through the caves and tunnels that are found here.
Not to miss is the “Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru” which is a local language for the Batooro meaning the “Breasts of Nyinamwiru”, this is another cultural attraction feature found in Fort-Portal. This site has got breast like features with water drops from them hence making them an amazing feature and nice to see places, also to see within this region is the Karambi tombs and the King’s palace. A travel with Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Limited will not let you down since you will be traveling with experts who are well conversant with Ugandan cultural.