Best Uganda Safaris, Uganda Tours & Uganda Safari Holidays

About Uganda – The Pearl of Africa

Uganda is a unique country no wonder it is best described as The Pearl of Africa. It is a landlocked country lying in East Africa and crossed by the Equator.

It sprawls in an area of about 241559sq.kms of which, approximately 37000sq.kms of its land area is occupied by water bodies and the remaining portion is land.

Uganda lies on East African plateau about 1100m. Its neighboring countries include South Sudan to the North, Tanzania to the South & Rwanda to the Southwest and The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the West.

The Southern side of Uganda includes some portion of Lake Victoria; one of the world’s largest fresh water lakes.

The people of Uganda

Uganda is a compact nation with diversity of tribes all living in the same country harmoniously. About 80% of Uganda’s population dwell in the rural areas. The country’s population has kept on increasing and from 1969 there was an increase in the number of people from 9.5 million to 24.2 million in 2002.

The different ethnic groups you are most likely to interact while on Uganda safaris include Baganda, Langi, Karamojong, Batwa, Basoga, Bakiga, Banyakole, Banyoro, Acholi, Bahima, Banyarwanda, Lugbara, Bagisu and many more.

The climate.

Uganda is an amazing destination with the most conducive weather and climatic conditions making it one of Africa’s favorite destinations. Its weather conditions range from warm to cool especially in the extreme southwestern side of the country. Uganda is generally sunny with average temperature rise of up to 26 degrees Celsius, maximum temperature rise of 18-31 and minimum 15-23 degrees Celsius although this is dependent on particular region of the country. The rainy/wet season in Uganda exist in two (2) phases; the longest and shortest. The long wet/rainy season commences in the months of March till May and the short rainy period begins in October to November.

There are also 2 phases of dry season which holidaymakers on Uganda safaris which should be put into consideration. The longest dry months of the year begin in June, July, August to September whereas the shortest dry months start from December to February. 34% of Uganda area is mainly occupied by wetlands characterized by network of beautiful lakes, rivers and swamps.

Tourism.

Uganda is one of the most visited countries due to her unique attractions. The country is blessed by nature making it a nature-based tourism destination. Most of the travelers on Uganda safaris come with primary view of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Besides viewing mountain gorillas, Uganda is also endowed with other diverse species of wildlife, distinct cultures and other attractions.

Location.

Uganda is suitably straddling along Equator crossing just within the Nile basin on East African plateau. Its topography is generally gentle but mountainous to the Southwestern side. The country’s attractions are concentrated in the west making it the most explored region by holidaymakers on Uganda safaris. The main cities in Uganda include Kampala being the capital city and newly created cities include Jinja, Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, Soroti & Fort Portal.

History.

Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda derived its name from Buganda Kingdom, the country’s biggest kingdom. Like other countries, Uganda has a unique history to share with the world. The country’s history dates back to 1962 when she obtained her independence from the British protectorate. Uganda obtained her independence under the leadership of the late Apollo Obote who then became the first Prime Minister and head of the state. Currently, Uganda is under the leadership of Yoweri Museveni who has ruled since 1986.

Uganda is notably one of the last countries in Africa to be reached outsiders. The Arab traders who were searching for slaves and ivory arrived to Uganda in the 1840s and later, 2 British explorers followed; in 1862 Speke came and later Stanley in 1875. At the time, Mutesa-the Kabaka/King of Buganda then was visited by Speke and Stanley. Buganda is one of the kingdoms that have been tremendously established within mid-19th century. Others are Ankole, Bunyoro and Toro. The presence of kingdoms had a huge influence on Uganda’s development during the colonial era.