Uganda: A Top Travel Destination in 2019

Uganda: A Top Travel Destination in 2019

Uganda has been honoured with a cool spot in 2019 by National Geographic Traveller.

According to National Geographic Traveller’s Cool List 2019, Uganda is one of “19 destinations set to hit the headlines in 2019”. From encountering mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their pristine natural habitat to marvelling at the tree climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s diverse animal, bird and plant life will leave you wanting to visit this East African gem again and again.

Shoebill © Patrick Shah Photography

Why National Geographic Traveller loves Uganda

In 2017, Rwanda doubled the price of its gorilla trekking permits but instead of following suit, Uganda freezed its own rates until mid-2019. It also increased the number of permits with increasing habituated family numbers.

Uganda is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for primate watching, with Kibale Forest National Park being a particularly well-renowned spot as it has the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in Africa.

Black and white Colobus Monkey © Patrick Shah Photography

Walking the high street in Uganda, you’ll be offered anything from steamed green bananas called Matoka to the special delicacy of grasshoppers, known as Nsenene. There’s always something interesting to see, smell and taste in the local markets here.

For thrill-seekers, the Rwenzori Mountains or ‘Mountains of the Moon’ provide the perfect challenge for those interested in taking on an exhilarating adventure.  At 5109 metres above sea-level and with consistently changing landscape and terrain, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will keep you on your toes.

Chimpanzee © Patrick Shah Photography

Along Lake Victoria’s north western edge, the Sesse Islands are an archipelago of 84 islands with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. At the Sesse Islands, you’ll be able to enjoy a well-balanced safari of bush exploration and beach relaxation.

Why we love Uganda

When trekking into the rainforests of Uganda in search of primates, it becomes clear why this country is ‘The Pearl of Africa’. Lush forests carpet the country’s extensive misty mountains, which are populated by numerous family groups of gorillas and chimpanzees.

Uganda offers primate enthusiasts exceptional opportunities to visit mountain gorillas as well as chimpanzees in their untouched habits. In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site found in south-western Uganda, gorilla trekking takes you into thick montane and lowland rainforest to witness the magnificence of the mountain gorilla.

Mountain Gorilla © Patrick Shah Photography

While it may be called a gorilla trekking safari, it is highly recommended that you include a hike to find families of chimpanzees, which can be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Whilst visiting the park, you might even spot a group of lions sleeping in a tree. This strange behaviour by lions has only been noticed in a handful of countries and so it is quite a special sight to see these big cats acting like their more agile cousin, the leopard.

Let’s chat about how to make your safari wish list come true!

Posted by tfhadmin