8 BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO IN UGANDA

Saturday, 04 January, 2025

 8 BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO IN UGANDA

Tourism has been a worldwide phenomenon with modern tourism as a collection of activities that are becoming more and more intense, economically structured, and business-oriented. Demand for immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences will only increase. Travelers will gravitate toward more genuine, off-the-beaten-path experiences over typical tourist attractions, seeking out activities that provide an in-depth exploration of unveiled local customs, cuisines, and civilizations with Ossicones safaris unveiling for you the best 8 activities to explore in Uganda as follows;

Gorilla trekking, Nature walks, Game drives, Cultural experiences, Gastronomy tours, Water rafting and boat cruises, Bird watching, Historical and religious tours.

 

Gorilla trekking 

Hiking through dense forests in search of wild gorillas is known as "gorilla trekking." The experience entails traversing steep slopes, dense forests, rivers, and streams before coming across a gorilla family.  Because the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and other conservation organizations have put policies in place to guarantee visitors' safety while on the gorilla trek, the activity is not hazardous.   A moderate level of physical fitness is necessary for gorilla trekking in Uganda, but most healthy people should be more than capable of handling the challenge. The air will be thinner and the strain on the lungs will be higher because you will be walking at an elevation of 2500–3000 meters.

Bwindi, one of the most visited national parks in East Africa, is situated in the southwest of the country and is well-known for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija are the four main sectors that make up Bwindi. In Uganda, the low season is the most affordable time to visit mountain gorillas. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwest Uganda and Murchison Falls National Park are both excellent trekking destinations. If you're lucky, you might be able to reserve a permit at a reduced price during the off-peak hours.

Nature walks

This refers to a kind of trail tourism that entails exploring the environment and learning about the local wildlife and plants and in Uganda diverse areas support nature walks for the exploration.

Margherita Peak on Mount Rwenzori was recently reclassified as a difficult climb, meaning that while some expertise is required, being an experienced climber in winter conditions is not.

 Boats are unable to approach the bottom of Murchison Falls because of the choppy Nile waters. To experience the full intensity of the falls, depart at the boat's approach limit and walk through riverine woods and down a cliff face to the falls' crest. 

Semliki Valley is a gorgeously isolated park close to Uganda's western border. At Semliki, there are three trails. The 13-kilometer Kirumia Trail, which leads to the Semuliki River through the middle of the forest, is the longest. Be prepared to spend eight hours out. The Red Monkey Trail, which is slightly shorter at 11 kilometers, traces the park's eastern edge to the Semliki River in hopes of seeing the uncommon deBrazza's monkey, which is frequently sighted in this region.

The most biodiverse national park in Uganda is Queen Elizabeth National Park, where visitors may enjoy plenty of walking opportunities in addition to game drives and boat safaris. The Maramagambo Forest is a great area to spend half or perhaps a full day for birdwatchers and those who enjoy traveling far from the usual pathways. Queens is another well-liked location for chimpanzee trekking.

If you have a guide with you, you can explore Lake Mburo National Park on foot. such as the lakeshores, the scenic hilltops, the Rubanga Forest, and the salt lick at Rwonyo. Since the vegetation frequently limits view, walks are the most exciting method to explore the area.

The Ik Trek and Kidepo Valley are the majority of Kidepo Valley National Park's walking routes meander through the Narus Valley and take two to three hours to complete. In search of the Abyssinian Roller, Purple Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and Clapperton's Francolin, which is unique to Kidepo, birdwatchers frequently scout the outskirts of the Narus and Namamukweny Valleys.

For those looking for a greater challenge, a 15-kilometer route follows the ridge line into the hills. While there are many possible trails, it is worth being aware that some may not have been walked for a long time and will be temporarily closed. 

The best opportunity to experience a tropical rainforest jungle unlike any other is provided by Bwindi Forest.

The three conical, extinct volcanoes are Mgahinga's most notable characteristics, and it's a fantastic place to go hiking. The slopes' summits offer a dramatic backdrop to this breathtaking landscape, and they are home to a variety of ecosystems and biological diversity.

Uganda offers a variety of locations for nature treks, including Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and many more. Visitors can feel secure knowing that nature treks in Uganda are safe.

 

Game drives

Given that the majority of Uganda's national parks feature savannah grasslands, game drives are among the most popular activities in the country's wildlife parks. Uganda, a country in East-Central Africa with Kampala as its capital and Entebbe International Airport as its primary gateway, is frequently referred to as the gem of Africa due to its diverse tourism industry. Uganda is a country endowed with numerous iconic landmarks, such as the world's longest river, the Nile, and Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria, which is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. 

Uganda shares borders with Tanzania, Rwanda in the southwest, South Sudan in the north, and Kenya in the east. Uganda is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa because it offers a wide variety of indigenous species and profound flora and fauna attractions. With a variety of mountains, including the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon, lakes, rivers, and several bird species, it offers a safe and secure environment. 

Game drives in Uganda are an amazing way to see the animals in their natural environment while taking pictures. Game drives might take place at night, in the afternoon, or in the morning. When you go on a game drive safari with Ossicones Tours and Travel, you can witness the animals emerging from their sleeping nests in the morning, which makes the mornings ideal for game drives. In the late afternoon, you can witness animals building new homes for the night and the sunset, among other things.

Game drive safaris can be paired with other safari activities that are available during your Ugandan visit, such as bird viewing safaris, mountaineering, chimpanzee trekking and habituation, gorilla tracking, and gorilla habitat experience.

You will go on two game drives a day while on safari, where you will see lions and hyenas hunting, vultures feeding on the carcasses of predators, elephants, giraffes, and numerous antelopes, including the Uganda Kobs, among others. Typically, game drives begin at around 6 a.m. because this is when animals are most active.

In addition to a UWA ranger guide to accompany you on wildlife viewing of the tree-climbing lions, warthogs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo herds, ostriches, hyenas, zebras, and birds, morning game drives begin at 7am, and evening game drives begin at 4pm.

 

Cultural experiences

The people of Uganda are extremely friendly and come from a variety of rich cultures and ways of life. Each tribe has unique cultural values that define them, and the country is rich in historical and cultural landmarks. Tribal traditional practices in many areas of life, such as food and welfare, traditional dances, traditional attire, and social organization, form the foundation of all these principles. There are kingdoms in several parts of Uganda, such as Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro, and Toro. Other areas continue to cherish their traceable and equally valuable chiefdom past. With almost 50 indigenous languages spoken by two different linguistic groups and a cultural mosaic of music, art, and handicrafts that is equally varied.

One of the oldest museums in East Africa is the Uganda Museum. This museum, which is situated in Kamwokya, uses collections of ethnological, natural-historical, and traditional life to showcase Uganda's cultural legacy. It also features a cultural hamlet with traditional lives depicted in the huts. For tourists traveling through the Pearl of Africa, the central region offers a wealth of experiences, ranging from spiritual to cultural and historical monuments. Numerous historical and cultural landmarks, some of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, provide a sense of the region's legacy.

Conventional pursuits such as with its highest leader known locally as the Kabaka, traditional foods, dancing, basketry, bow and arrow shooting, visiting a Batwa homestead, learning about the medicinal benefits of forest flora, hearing old stories, and traditional songs and dances, the Buganda monarchy offers one of the best records of kingship in Uganda.

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  2. Gastronomy tours

Set out on a delicious adventure through Uganda's varied and aromatic food scene. Ossicones Safaris cordially welcomes you to experience the depth of Ugandan food, peruse local marketplaces, and sample genuine dishes that honor the nation's culinary legacy and cultural variety. Allow us to serve as your go-to guide for Uganda's culinary tours.

Beyond Kampala

Experience Uganda's gastronomic capitals, beginning with Kampala's busy marketplaces and street food vendors. We lead you outside of the cities, discovering undiscovered treasures in small towns and villages where ancient dishes are revived.

Classes in Cooking with Local Chefs

Imagine taking part in hands-on cooking lessons taught by regional chefs. In order to understand the culinary methods and cultural significance of each recipe, we encourage visitors to put on aprons, get their hands dirty, and learn how to prepare Ugandan cuisine.

Coffee and Tea Plantations: A Journey Through Coffee

Discover the verdant tea and coffee plantation landscapes that support Uganda's flourishing beverage culture. Enjoy the rich aromas of Ugandan tea and coffee as we take you on a caffeine expedition, following the journey from plantations to your cup.

Street Food Safari

Embark on a street food safari, tasting the eclectic offerings from local vendors. We guide you through the vibrant street food scene, from chapati vendors to roasted maize stands, providing an authentic and immersive culinary experience.

Events & Festivals in Culinary Arts

Experience the energy of food festivals and events firsthand. We bring you to yearly events that honor Ugandan cuisine, offering chances to sample, educate yourself, and establish connections with the local culinary scene.

Eco-friendly Dining

Travelers are encouraged to embrace the richness of Uganda's gastronomic landscape by participating in cooking classes or enjoying street food, which helps to create enduring memories through the shared joy of food. Ossicones Safaris celebrates the country's diverse flavors, culinary traditions, and the warmth of its people.

 

  1. Water rafting and boat cruises

Some of the best grade 5 white water rafting and other adventure sports in the world can be found in Jinja, East Africa's Adventure Capital. With Ossicones safaris towards the lakeside town of Jinja, where the Nile runs upstream out of Lake Victoria, you can discover your ideal white-water adventure whether you're a first-timer, a family, or an extreme adventurer.

There are several lengthy, difficult grade VI and grade V rapids, no prior white-water rafting experience is necessary. This will be the first time most individuals have ever gone white-water rafting. Safety precautions are taken, rescue kayaks and safety boats are close by in case of emergencies.

A 20-kilometer stretch of river is covered by the rapids; certain parts are harsher than others, but all are encircled by breathtaking landscape and the sound of songbirds, and some of the gentler parts offer swimming opportunities.

All rafting trips start in the town of Jinja. The town is a center for white-water rafting as well as other adventure sports including kayaking, quad-biking, horseback riding, and bungee jumping. It is located just downstream from Lake Victoria, one of the most significant sources of the Nile.

 

Boat cruises

Boat cruise in Uganda: With its abundance of attractions, Uganda is a popular travel destination in East Africa and beyond Africa. 

Nearly a fifth of Uganda's geographical area is made up of open water or swamp land; the country is located in the African Great Lakes region. Uganda's lakes are vital to the country's economy and biodiversity, but environmental problems are endangering their survival.

A number of nations, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, and Tanzania, is part of the African Great Lakes region.

Uganda is partially home to Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, and Lake Edward, three of Africa's Great Lakes. All of these lakes empty into the White Nile, one of the Nile's two principal tributaries. Nearly the whole surface of Uganda is contained inside the Nile basin. Speedboats are the ideal mode of transportation for lake transfers, while regular boats and ferries are excellent for sunset cruises and larger fishing parties. Their fiberglass hulls are lightweight and durable enough to withstand any lake conditions while offering all crew members and guests a comfortable ride.

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  2. Bird watching

With over 1073 known bird species—which account for 50% of Africa's bird species and 11% of the world's—Uganda is a birdwatcher's dream. This vast list of birds is found in a relatively small area—just 90041 square miles. When you only cover a small region or bird for a brief amount of time, you can easily spot a large number of birds in Uganda.

About 1,080 bird species have been identified in Uganda, making it one of the world's top birding destinations all year round due to its year-round pleasant climate, abundant water supplies, and varied forest cover. During boat rides and in Uganda's numerous national parks and forests, one can observe birds. 

The best place in Africa to see the Shoebill is at Mabamba Bay Wetland, Lutembe Bay Wetland, a birding hotspot close to Kampala and Entebbe Peninsula, Another Shoebill location with excellent wetland birding is Makanaga Wetland, A great place to observe a variety of local birds in comfort is Lazarus Forest, Bethany Land Institute, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park Busingiro Murchison, Falls National Park, and the Royal Mile trailThe Mpanga and Mabira Forest Reserves 

 

Historical and religious tours   

Shrine of the Namugongo Martyrs One of Africa's most visited religious sites and a well-known cultural destination. In 1886, 22 Catholic Christian converts were murdered there. To honor the converts, pilgrims visit the shrine on June 3rd of each year.

Sites (including archaeological sites), groups of structures, and monuments (such architectural pieces, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions) make up cultural heritage. Natural heritage includes geological and physiographical formations (including habitats of endangered animal and plant species), natural features (including physical and biological formations), and natural sites that are significant from a scientific, conservation, or aesthetic perspective. On November 20, 1987, Uganda ratified the treaty, allowing its historical sites to be included.

            

Uganda Cultural Tours

Greetings from Uganda, a nation renowned for its varied cultural communities and rich cultural legacy. Ossicones Safaris provides customized cultural safaris that let you experience Uganda's genuine traditions and customs while fully immersing yourself in the native way of life.

Our cultural excursions of Uganda take you to traditional communities where you may observe drumming, storytelling, and dances, among other cultural festivities. You'll have the chance to talk to locals and discover more about their distinctive way of life. The Bantu, Nilotic, and Central Sudanic peoples are among the many ethnic groups that call Uganda home; each has its own unique cultural customs. Our cultural safaris offer a chance to discover the many cultural groups and their traditions.

We have a trip for you whether you want to discover the rich musical traditions of the Baganda people or the Batwa community's traditional hunting and gathering methods.

Our cultural safaris give participants the ability to support the local economy in addition to exploring Uganda's rich cultural legacy. By aiding regional communities, With Ossicones Safaris, The Unveiled Experience, reserve your package right away.


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By Ayesiga David


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