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There are a number of reasons as to why Uganda is called
"the pearl of Africa." Most significant is the fact that it is blessed with a wide range of attractions in just a small geographical confine. The contry is generalkly beautiful with natural sceneries.
From the North to the South and East to West, the
country is interesting with various tourist attractions.
Outstanding are Murchison falls on the Nile; the
impenetrable Bwindi forest where an extremely rare and
endangered species of mountain gorilla lives; the
large concentrations of primates in Kibale forest, the
enormous schools of hippos on lakes Edward and
George; the many species of birds that inhabit
Semuliki forest where the pygmies live, the Rwenzori
range "the mountains of the moon" with their alpine
vegetation and impressive snow - Capped peaks.
Lake Victoria is the largest of all fresh water lakes
in Africa. Just an hours drive from the capital city
"Kampala". To the east of the country, you find
the source of the Nile. You can enjoy the cool breeze
of the river while relaxing under a tree, playing
golf or just camping.
Significant of Uganda's tourist attractions is
the source of the Nile,the longest river in the
world. Its about 4.145 miles long. The Nile
begins its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea from
lake Victoria particularly Ripon Falls.
A 15 minute drive from here, you find the Bujagali
falls; a breath taking sight of seven massive rapids
making it the most interesting of all the falls on the
Nile. For rafters, the river has the most interesting
white water rafting at this section. It is also home
to the "Bujagali swimmers", locals who for a fee will
swim down the falls holding onto a mere jerry can.
Camping facilities are available and the place also
provides ice cold drinks, whole grilled tilapia and
fresh fish.
As the river proceeds North you find the Karuma falls
another interesting section on the river. Hereafter
you meet the Murchison falls, where the river
forcefully penetrates through a narrow crack. This
section as well possesses interesting white water
rafting.
Murchison falls National Park is the largest park in
Uganda covering 5072 km. The Victoria Nile bisects
the park and its waters, forced through a rock cleft,
give birth to the spectacular Murchison falls with a
43m drop. Animals to be found include Buffalo's,
Kobs, lions, chimpanzees, leopards, hippos and
giraffes. Birds include about 350 species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park located on both sides of
the equatorial line in the western rift valley. It
includes Lakes Edward and George as well as the
Kazinga Channel, 34km long, that links them. The main
found of the park include; buffalo, elephants,
hippopotamuses, kobs, water bucks, antelopes,
warthogs, giant forest hogs, leopards; and most
outstanding the Kigezi tree - climbing lions. Some
543 bird species have been classified. The park is
also a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO
auspices.
Gorilla tracking is a major tourist attraction in
Bwindi impenetrable national park.The park is located
in south western Uganda and is shared by three
districts ie;Rukungiri,Kabale and Kisoro.The park is
about 331square kilometers and boasts of having 120
species of mammals and about 360 species of birds and
over 200 species of butterflies.
Gorilla groups are available to be visited and one can
also take hiking trails to see and learn about
primates,birds,trees and butterflies.There are also
cultural performances.
In the East, you find mountain Elgon the second
highest in the country and fourth highest in East
Africa, the mountain is known as "Masaba" by the
people in the region with its highest peak above sea level. Most interesting is
the mountains oval shaped caldera which measures about
8 kilometers. Make it a point to climb to the peak
because unlike other mountains you require no
technical skills to get to Wagagai. In October 1993
mountain Elgon was gazetted into a national park where
you can spot various animals and bird life.
Ssese Islands is also one of Uganda's great
attractions they contain varied bird and animal life
on the collection of 84 Islands. The Islands are
located about 55 km South of Entebbe and boast of
relatively undisturbed nature since most of them are
inhabited by small fishing communities.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary established in
1998. Its aim is to care for orphaned confiscated
chimpanzees and Ngamba Island environment. It
provides ideal educational experience for tourists.
Transport to and from the Islands is mainly by engine
powered boats, ferries and dugout canoes.
Kidepo Valley National Park located in North East
Uganda and covers 1,344 sq.km. Main attractions
include the Cheetah, the striped hyena, leopard, lion,
elephant, the Uganda Kob, buffalo and over 200 bird
species.
Lake Mburo National Park located 215 km from Kampala
and situated between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara.
At the center lies the lake Mburo. Animals in the
park include Impala, eland, Rockhyrax, Zebra, Buffalo
and the Hippopotamus in swampy areas. There are also
357 species of birds including the Narina trogen and
marabou stock.
Kasese District, located in the far western part of
the country is remarkably known for the Rwenzori
Mountains, popularly known as "the mountains of the
moon", they are the highest in Uganda and third
highest in Africa with the highest peak Margarita at
5110 meters above sea level.
The peaks are snow capped and only skilled tourists
may attempt to climb. At the footsteps of the
mountain, are dense forests. Animals to be found in
the mountains include; chimpanzee, hyrax and the blue
money including a wide range of bird species like the
olive pigeon.
The Uganda Wildlife Education Center is another
exciting place to visit. Situated in Entebbe just 7
minutes from the Airport and 45, minutes from Kampala,
the place has a collection of all the animals in
Uganda. You learn how they live, eat, play and
communicate so take your time. You also get to meet
other people as you stroll through UWEC's 1000 meter
forest walk, have a picnic in the gardens and stroll
on the beach.
Other National parks you have to visit include; Kibale
Forest National Park, Zoka game reserve and many
others.
PLACES OF CULTURAL INTEREST.
Buganda Kingdom which was the strongest of all Kingdoms
in the country is another important historical
attraction. The Kingdom had strong Kings. "Kabakas"
and was very organized socially, economically and
militarily. It was headed by the Kabaka whose word
was final. All the land belonged to him and so did
the women. He had all rights to any woman he admired.
Naggalabi Buddo Coronation site is also the official
Coronation site where all the Kabakas are crowned
including the current reigning King.
Kasubi Tombs: Houses the tombs of the "Kabakas",
located 5 km north of Kampala. In a large hut tended
by female caretakers, you see four groups of Insignia
which include copper, brass and iron spears belonging
to the "Kabakas" " or Kings who ruled Buganda Kingdom.
Other buildings surround it housing the widows and
some tombs of members of the royal family.
Tanda a village in Mityana which is about 3 hours
drive from Kampala is also significant in Bugandas
history. There is a collection of so many holes which
are large and deep. Walumbe "death" who was a
brother-in-law to the first Muganda "Kintu" is
believed to have disappeared into these holes after a
battle between the two.
Then on to Ssezibwa falls where the river waters
violently flow over rocks into a pool below. A
traditional healer performs ceremonies for those
seeking love, children, a successful business deal or
a good harvest.
All these places, sites and many others offer a
glimpse in the "life" of the Kabaka's and Buganda
Kingdom through activities like music, dance, crafts,
spiritual healing and a guided tour with story
telling. Uganda National Museum: Three kilometres from the
center of Kampala. The Museum houses materials,
archaeological artifacts, natural history specimens
and collection of Uganda musical instruments; that all
reflect history or Uganda's historical memory.
Namugongo Shrines: Located off the road from Kampala
to Jinja;known throughout the world because the shrine
commemorates the martyrdom of 22 men who were burned
alive by "Kabaka" Mwanga in 1886.
National Theatre: Located in the capital Kampala.
This is the main center for activities in drama, music
and dance. Performances are mainly done in English
and sometimes French. Next to the theater is a crafts
village selling drums, carvings and traditional
clothing's.
Parliament Building: The home of the Executive,
Legislative and Judicial bodies; also the seat of the
Government, where most or all of Uganda's laws are
passed. On the metallic doors are; the emblems of
the different districts of Uganda which reflect their
respective ways of life.
Makerere University: The highest educational
Institution in Uganda. Makerere is the pioneer
University in East Africa where many African leaders
were educated.
Independence Monument: It is a cement sculpture of a
woman lifting a child in her arms and it commemorates
the day Uganda got her Independence on October 9th 1962.
just come and look at all the above.
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