It’s always effortless and priceless to be swept off your feet by the unadulterated number of spectacular attractions as well as exciting things to do in Uganda. If you ever get spoilt for choice and need help in writing down your long bucket list, just scrutinize through these five experiences not to miss in Uganda and by the end of the day, you will have the most unforgettable trip of your lifetime.

From gorilla trekking to cultural tours, game viewing to chimpanzee trekking experiences, from rafting the ferocious waters of Nile River to simply relaxing on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda is undeniably magical.

Trekking through the impenetrable forest of Bwindi to see endangered mountain gorillas

There is nothing like the magical and emotionally-fulfilling feeling of looking into the gentle eyes of wild mountain gorillas (from a reasonable distance-7meters, of course).

If you ever make it through the long hours (up to 6 hours) of trekking through an impenetrable forest, jumping streams, and hiking misty slopes, you will be compensated by the one-hour encounter in the presence of these Giant Apes.

Even when you get the thought of giving up from these physically demanding treks, just remember that there is no zoo experience for these Great Apes and the face-to-face encounter only happens in the jungle.

For a great Uganda gorilla safari, expect moving deep into the dense Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through numerous hills by getting hold of wild plant branches, leaves, and roots with the help of experienced Ranger Guides who create routes.

Exploring the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi

After trekking and discovering the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, reward yourself with an unwinding experience, which is possible on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi.

Lake Bunyonyi is not only the second deepest Lake in African but also a perfect spot to unwind, rejuvenate and relish the calm waters, swim, undertake a ride in a dug-out canoe, and paddle through the lush Islands filled with history.

Just a guided walk around the nearby hills of this Lake rewards visitors with the jaw-dropping mountaintop views of the Lake as well as the islands below.

Chimpanzees trekking

There is something exceptionally Ugandan about the Tropical rainforests of this small East African country-the wide array of primates and these can be enjoyed in Kibale Forest National Park. Of the 13 primate species in the Park, trekking the chimpanzees just makes it breathtaking to contemplate the hidden beauty of the jungles.

However, Kibale Forest is not the only place to trek our close cousins-Chimpanzees, but other magnificent places that include Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, and Semuliki National Park among others.

However, these special primates are usually outshined by the mountain gorillas yet the experience of trekking them shouldn’t be underestimated. The activity normally begins early in the morning with a briefing before venturing into the jungles where their hoots are heard in the canopy.

Once contact is made with chimpanzees, the one hour of unforgettable experiences begins, and this thrill is further spiced by the chorus of beautiful forest birds and other forest residents.

Whitewater rafting on River Nile

Rafting on the ferocious waters of River Nile (Grade 4 and 5 Rapids) and getting spilled by waters is one of the worldly experiences you should expect in Uganda. As you paddle through the cold waters of the world’s second-longest river, you will experience what cannot be offered in other places of the world.

The true source of R. Nile is in Uganda and you will be able to see it during your visit to Uganda while relishing views of small farm fields. Remember this adventure is not for the faint-hearted and Jinja is one of the places that you must include in your Uganda safari.

Undertake game drives through the sweeping plains of savannah parks

Uganda is one of the best places for wildlife safaris with four renowned Uganda Parks and the most popular for game viewing are; Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. From this savanna, parks expect to see interesting wildlife such as bushbucks, Topis, Defassa waterbucks, elephants, Uganda Kobs, duikers, Cape buffaloes, lions, hartebeests, Masai giraffes, warthogs, and many others.

Do not miss a “hunt with a camera” for the rare tree-climbing lions that are only found in Queen Elizabeth National Park. For visitors interested in exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations, you can endure a long drive to Kidepo Valley National Park. This park is where travelers can see some of the country’s rarest wildlife species such as cheetahs, Somali Ostriches, African wild dogs, striped hyenas, caracals, and side-stripped jackals among others.

Conclusion

Uganda is one of the places that you should not underrate when it comes to true wilderness safaris. Its parks are less visited and the experience of a wildlife safari is incomparable to no other safari destination in Africa. Combine a gorilla trekking expedition with a game viewing adventure and get to experience the best wild safari experience in the world.