WHY UGANDA SHOULD BE A MUST TO VISIT DESTINATION IN AFRICA

For authentic African experiences, consider Uganda a must in your bucket list. This spectacular country is one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa that offer tourists that African touch they deserve in life. There are a million reasons why you need to visit Uganda in your next holiday vacation some of which include the following;

Wildlife and Natural beauty

Like any safari destination in Africa, Uganda safaris are largely supported by the presence of abundant wildlife. Most of its distinct wildlife species are inhabited in the ten magnificent national parks and several game reserves. The mostly visited protected areas in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park for the 4 of the big five game in the country as well as other wildlife species, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and many more tourism sites. Besides, visitors on safari in Uganda can also catch a glimpse of its stunning Lakes, mountains, Rivers, birdlife and many more breathtaking adventures that you will offer you with lifetime experiences. The most sought after wildlife species in Uganda are largely the big five game which include African elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Rhinos and Leopards as well as hartebeests, zebras, giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, warthogs and many more.

Mountain gorillas

Besides the big game, Uganda’s tourism sector is also vibrant largely due to the rare mountain gorillas that thrive mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park in Southwestern Uganda. About 480 individuals of these critically endangered apes call Uganda their home making this stunning destination the most sought after site for lifetime experiences when it comes to Great ape encounters in Africa. Note that there are only three countries in the entire world where these rare creatures thrive and they include Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. And there are fewer than 900 individuals of mountain gorillas that are left in the world today. If you are interested in this life changing adventure in Uganda, permits are obtainable at $600 per person.

Lake Bunyonyi

Located in southwestern Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is remarkably the second deepest in Africa. This magical Lake features moderate temperatures throughout the year. It comes with over 29 distinct islands all of which reward visitors with unique experiences. A safari in Lake Bunyonyi allows you to engage in a number of water sport activities including canoeing as well as visit local communities.

The source of River Nile

Whereas most tourists travel mainly for wildlife safaris, taking a trip to Jinja rewards you with lifetime experiences. Jinja is described as adrenaline capital of the world mainly because of the mighty River Nile. It covers about 6600 kilometers long and crosses over 9 different states but mainly centered in Uganda and Egypt. Other states include Sudan, Burundi, Ethiopia and Tanzania. While on safari to the source of the Nile, do not miss to participate in white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, quad bike, horse back riding, magical sport fishing adventure and many more water sport adventures that will reward you with life changing experiences.

Bird watching

Uganda is famous to be a home to more than 1074 distinct bird species which represents about 60 percent of all the bird species that thrive in the world. Uganda refuges different habitats each of which comes with distinct bird species. They range from wetlands, forests, savanna grassland and many others. The notable birds to sight while on birding safari in Uganda include the shoebill stork, Green breasted pitta, African broadbill and many others including the migrant species.

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking features as one of the most sought after primate adventures by most tourists on Uganda safari. About 5000 chimpanzees are known to thrive within the various habitats in Uganda but Kibale Forest National Park accounts for over 1500 individuals as well as other 12 primate species which makes it the most sought after primate destination in Uganda. Other areas where you can track chimpanzees include Budongo Forest, Semuliki National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest and many more.

Favorable weather conditions

When it comes to African safaris, Uganda can be visited at anytime of the year. Each season comes with its benefits. For the wet season which starts in the months of March, April, May, September and November, this can be the best time for visitors to sight most of the birds and for gorilla trekking, most gorillas can be tracked within the foothills of the park compared to the dry season when they tend to wander around looking for food. The challenge with the wet season is that the gorilla habitat can be muddy and slippery for hikers to track these unique species in the wild which is why most trekkers prefer visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park during the dry season when the habitat is relatively dry and makes hiking through the steep slopes and the thick vegetation easier for them as they look out for a group of these dramatic creatures in their natural habitat. The dry season starts from June to September and December to February.

Murchison Falls

The might Murchison Falls is also known as the Kabalega Falls is remarkably one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. This waterfall is found between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on River Nile. It famous for its powerful roar as it squeezes itself into the narrow gorge of about 7 meters and plunges down prior flowing west to Lake Albert. It is the best spot for you to take photographs and for breathtaking views. While at the top of the Nile, do not miss to see the rainbow that forms as a result of this most powerful waterfall.

In conclusion, there are a million reasons why you should visit Uganda in your next safari holiday. With the above listed attractions, we believe that you will have a wide range of options to choose the best for your vacation in Uganda.

TREKKING TO SEE THE RARE THREE HORNED CHAMELEONS IN UGANDA

Have you ever imagined about chameleon tracking experiences? Have you heard or seen the three horned chameleon? When it comes to wildlife safaris, Uganda is not only for the big five or the rare mountain gorillas but also for a fascinating chameleon experiences. Think about the rare chameleon species and look not further than the three horned Jackson’s chameleon encounters. This unique creature thrives at an altitude of about 1700 meters above seas level. A trek to see these rare species starts from 1800 meters above sea level up to 2022 meters above sea level. The three horned chameleons are listed as endangered species and they can be seen in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where the rare mountain gorillas also thrive. The three horned chameleon is rare from the rest in that it can thrive from 17 to 18 years on a free range, the female gives birth to live off springs compared to the rest of species where a female has to have eggs and once they are mature it bursts for off springs to be born. They are on free range and you get a chance to look out for this spectacular reptile species.

THREE HORNED CHAMELEON

There are several differences between the male Johnston’s chameleon and the rest of chameleons. Firstly, they are distinct using their three horns at the fore head. Like the rest of chameleon species, Jackson’s chameleons take the advantage of their changing color for hiding. Many chameleons use this as away to safe guard themselves from the predators. They usually change color mainly to hunt down their prey especially the insects. They also use take the advantage of their color as a means of communication especially when it comes to encountering the fellow enemy or courtship with females and as away of minimizing the temperatures in their bodies.

They are endemic to the Great Albertine rift and can only be tracked around the Rwenzori region, Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi National Park in Uganda and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. From 6 to 12 months the fully grown Jacksons chameleon can be 30 centimeters. They largely depend on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, bugs, butterflies.

Their tongue consists of rare muscles on the tip which enables them to trap the prey. They also have unique feet compared to other lizards as they are able to catch a grip of the tree trunks while climbing.

Like any chameleon species, the Jackson’s chameleons have eyes which gives them ability to turn up to 360 degrees and this means that they can view at all angles without moving.

In conclusion, the three horned chameleon in Uganda can be viewed in Rwenzori National Park or Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you are planning your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, make sure that you do not leave out chameleon tracking.