Uganda’s national parks are famous for their amazing wildlife, but the country has many hidden treasures to explore a part from the national parks. From the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi to the most exciting rapids at the source of the Nile, Uganda has something for everyone. With 4×4 Africa, you can explore beautiful scenery, unique wildlife, and cultural treasures that make Uganda a must visit place. Attraction highlights;
Lake Bunyonyi
This fresh water lake is found in the Kigezi region (southwest of Uganda) and close to Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Many travellers use it as a resting place after spending time tracking gorillas in Mgahinga and Bwindi. Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda and second in Africa after Lake Tanganyika. It has over 29 islands where different lodges and resorts have been built for tourists to relax and wind. While visiting Lake Bunyonyi, a traveller can go for boat rides, canoeing, birding, island hopping, nature walks and simple relaxation close to the scenic lake. The scenery and tranquillity around Lake Bunyonyi make it perfect for lovers and families.
Source of the Nile in Jinja
The Nile River is famous all over the world because of its role in the earliest civilizations. It is the longest river in the world with its source on Lake Victoria in Jinja city of Uganda. The Nile River starts its long journey from Uganda and continues all the way to Egypt. Like any water body, the Nile River offers many adventurous and adrenaline raising activities. Thousands of visitors go to Jinja each year to see the source of the Nile, take part in white water rafting, sport fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, quad biking and tubing the Nile. A visit to the source of the Nile is a highlight of a tour of Jinja. To get to the actual source, one has to get into a boat which goes all the way to a monumental landmark.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
This is the only place where rhinos can be sighted in Uganda. It is located in Nakasongola district along the road leading to Murchison falls national park. Rhinos became extinct in Uganda’s national parks in the 1980’s and this sanctuary was set up in the 1990’s to ensure pave way for their re-introduction in the wild. The breeding project has resulted into over 20 white rhinos. While at the sanctuary, visitors spend 2 hours watching the rhinos graze as they ask questions from the Rangers. A visit to the Ziwa rhino sanctuary allows tourists to view all the big 5 mammals while on a Uganda safari. The sanctuary sits on a vast piece of land with many other wild animals hence giving visitors a feeling of being in a national park.
Sipi Falls
Three large waterfalls make up what is known as the Sipi Falls. The falls are located on the slopes of Mount Elgon and in the district of Kapchorwa. Each is special in its own way and visitors will be left in wonder as they watch the majestic falls. The waterfalls are surrounded by impressive scenery, landscape and vegetation. As one travels back to Mbale or Kampala, they are rewarded with jaw dropping views of the great Karamoja plains and sheer size of Mount Elgon. The Sipi Falls and surrounding area will reward those who enjoy photography and film-making.
UWEC Zoo
This Uganda Wildlife Centre started as a zoo but was later upgraded to an EXsitu conservation site and rebranded to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC). The centre is located in Entebbe town, along the shores of Lake Victoria. The Centre has almost all the animals found in the country and tigers from India. It is a very interesting place to be and a perfect place to get a glimpse of all that Uganda has to offer in terms of wildlife. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre was designed and built to offer the same feeling of being out in the wild.
Ssese Islands
The Ssese Islands consist of over 80 islands found in Lake Victoria the largest inland fresh water body in Africa. The most visited island is Bugala (Where Kalangala district is situated). Bugala island is often mistaken to be Ssese island yet it is just one of the many islands. Within the islands are different resorts where visitors can go for a weekend getaway. While in one of the beautiful islands, visitors focus on having fun and forgetting about all their worldly problems. The activities to engage in while at the Islands are camping, swimming, quad biking, fishing, canoeing, boat rides, nature walks and sightseeing.
Conclusion:
Uganda is full of amazing experiences beyond its well-known national parks. From Lake Bunyonyi where visitors can relax and enjoy nature, while the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place to see rhinos in the country. In Jinja, adventure lovers can try exciting water sports at the source of the Nile. Sipi Falls offers beautiful waterfalls and stunning views, and the Ssese Islands are great for a fun and relaxing getaway. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre also highlights the country’s different animals. With these hidden places make any Uganda safari a unique and memorable trip.