Are there any adrenaline junkies out there looking for a real African adventure that combines exhilarating activities and incredible wildlife experiences? While mountain gorillas are the big draw for many people visiting Uganda, the country offers a lot more. And if adventure activities are your thing, you’re in the right place – because after a gorilla trekking adventure and a visit with tree-traveling chimpanzees, an all-out whitewater rafting experience on the Nile River will really get your blood pumping. Finish that off with what Uganda is especially known for – its people – and you’ll have given yourself a well-rounded first look at the country.
Uganda is one of East Africa’s better kept secrets – it has it all: remote wilderness areas, breathtaking scenery, extraordinary cultural diversity and incredible wildlife. The country’s dominating feature is water: the vast blue of Lake Victoria, the ever-flowing river Nile, Lakes Edward, George and Albert, and the expansive network of wetlands and marsh. Dramatic mountains punctuate the landscape: the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains (Ptolemy’s famous ‘mountains of the moon’), the volcanic ranges of the southwest, and the massive Mount Elgon in the East of the country.
The Main Attraction – Primates & Wildlife
Uganda, however, is best known for its primates: the mountain gorillas endemic to Bwindi National Park & the Virunga Volcanoes are, without a doubt, one of the ‘must do before you die’ experiences for any wildlife aficionado. Home to almost half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas, the World Heritage–listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of East Africa’s most famous national parks. Set over 331 sq km of improbably steep mountain rainforest, the park is home to an estimated 340 gorillas: undoubtedly Uganda’s biggest tourist draw-card. These gentle giants who share 95% of our DNA make thrilling viewing; all the more rewarding after the fairly strenuous hikes to find them!
Chimpanzees are another great ape attraction – their characteristic hoots resonate through the jungle – a truly Tarzan experience. A number of other primates can be found in Uganda — 19 species in total, the most diverse primate population in East Africa. In Kibale Forest National Park, a tropical rainforest recognized as the world’s top destination for chimpanzee trekking, you can spend a fascinating day in the company of our closest genetic relatives. Other fascinating primates found here include the gorgeous Golden Monkey and the endangered Patas Monkey.
As well as its famous primates, Bwindi contains 120 other species of mammal – more than any of Uganda’s other national parks – though sightings are less common due to the dense forest. Lucky visitors might see forest elephants, 11 species of primate (including chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys), duikers, bushbucks, African golden cats and the rare giant forest hog, as well as a host of bird and insect species.
For birdwatchers it’s one of the most exciting destinations in the country, with over 350 species, including 23 of the 24 endemic to the Albertine Rift and several endangered species, such as the African green broadbill. Birders from all over the world flock to Uganda for a glimpse of the ‘mega-tick’ Shoebill Stork. With a good guide, sighting daily totals of over 150 species is possible. On the greener side of the aisle, Bwindi harbours eight endemic plants.
Other Things To Do In Uganda
While mountain gorilla trekking is the big draw and the anchor experience for many people visiting Uganda, the country offers a lot more in terms of atmosphere and experiences. Beyond the critical human & wildlife elements, you have rafting through Nile River rapids, mountain climbing, bunjee jumping, kayaking and so much more. So if you’re wondering which travel experiences in Uganda to consider beyond the primates and wildlife, here are a few thoughts on some of the experiences and treasures to be found in the “Pearl of Africa”.
Rafting On The Nile River Rapids
If you’ve rafted Class V rapids a number of times – New Zealand, Costa Rica, among others – none of your previous experiences will have prepared you for the joy-meets-terror experience while rafting the Nile River rapids near the town of Jinja. These rapids are an intense adrenaline rush, often complete with several raft flips and a fleeting sense of your own fragility. We won’t lie to you: flipping is exciting, but it’s also frightening as the current is strong and you must keep your wits about you. In many ways, it’s life affirming. We recommend it.
Nile High Bunjee Jumping
Leap over the source of the Nile from one of the most spectacular bungee jumping sites in the world. Bungee jumping remains one of the most bizarre and unforgettable experiences in life. A vacation to Uganda without Bungee on the source of River Nile will be incomplete.
Kayak Or Stand Up Paddle-Board The Nile
Uganda has the amazing sport of kayaking in idyllic locations. So let the promise of big volume whitewater at the source of the world’s longest river, a relaxed lifestyle and the perfect ‘eternal summer’ climate draw you in and experience first-hand the adrenaline pumping adventure that awaits.
Tandem Paragliding
Newly added to Uganda’s adventure activities & daredevil sports is tandem paragliding from Mount Wanale in Eastern Province. Paragliding as a commercial activity began in mid 2012, providing a fresh challenge for those looking to enjoy as many of these white-knuckle sports as can be crammed into a visit to Uganda. Enjoy a memorable experience comparable to flying like a bird.
Nile River Boarding
River boarding is the ultimate Nile challenge! This is Uganda’s newest exciting adventure for serious whitewater enthusiasts. You’ll be armed with your riverboard, flippers, helmet, life jacket and you’ll follow the experienced guide into the heart of the rapids.
The trip will challenge you depending on water levels as it entails rafting and river boarding. You will relax during flat sections and safely raft the fewer rapids that are considered unsafe for river boarding. There are a few good waves down the river that will give you a chance to surf.
Top Of The Falls
Once described as the most spectacular thing to happen to the Nile along its 6700km length, the 50m wide Victoria Nile is squeezed here through a 6m gap in the rock and crashes through this narrow gorge with unbelievable power. The 45m waterfall was featured in the Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart film The African Queen. Murchison was even stronger back then, but in 1962 massive floods cut a second channel creating the smaller Uhuru Falls 200m to the north.
There’s a beautiful walking trail from the top down to the river, and the upper stretch of this path offers views of Uhuru Falls, which a boat trip will not bring you close enough to. If you take the launch trip, the captain will let you off at the trailhead and a ranger will meet you there. What makes Murchison falls unique is the various wildlife species in Murchison Falls National Park that include elephants, hippos, crocodiles and number of birds that can be viewed by tourists on the boat trips to view the great falls. Other outstanding wildlife species in the park include the lions, leopards, buffaloes and the rhinos at the Zziwa rhino sanctuary in Nakasongola.
In Summary
Uganda is a fantastic destination for adventure travel whether tracking mountain gorillas or taming grade 5 rapids on the Nile. In one way or another, almost every country you will travel through either awakens or surprises you, but Uganda manages to do both.
About Origins Safaris
At Origins Safaris we are passionate about wildlife, cultural heritage, adventure and exploration. We customize each and every safari to your personal requirements and expectations, ensuring an exclusive, unique and authentic experience every time.
Origins Safaris is a family business, founded in 1963 by Don and Margaret Turner. It is managed today by two subsequent generations of the family, and predominantly by Don’s son, Steve. We are so much more than just a travel broker – our years of experience, professionalism and reliability means that we go the all important extra mile, to make sure your dream safari is safe, memorable, educational and most of all great fun. We are renowned for our meticulous safari planning from start to finish, and the highest standards of natural history.
Origins Safaris provide that crucial “sound advice and impeccable service” so seldom found by other companies. We have 50+ years of authentic African safari experience and the know-how to make your trip run as smoothly as possible.
Let Origins Safaris help you to experience the Pearl of Africa. Contact us on www.originsafaris.com for more information.
Origins Safaris – Authentic African Experiences Since 1963
STEVE TURNER
SELEMPO EDWIN LESOINE
STANLEY KARITHI
ZACHARY METHU MBUTHIA
PETER LIECH ADEDE
FELIX WAMBUGU
JOSHUA SONKOYO
HENRY MIWANI
