Is Uganda the Pearl Of Africa?

Uganda is situated in East Africa. It’s bordered by Kenya in the East, Tanzania in the south, Democratic Republic of Congo in west and Sudan in the north. Uganda is a land locked country but with lots of hidden treasure. In his book entitled “My African Journey” Winston Churchill called Uganda, the pearl of Africa after being amused by the amazing attractions endowed in Uganda. Still in his book, Winston wrote about the magnificence, color, life, birds, reptiles, insects, beasts, mammals, and vegetation among others. Basing on his initiative many people to date, when describing Uganda, the pearl of Africa can not miss mention because of the following reasons:

1. Uganda is called the pearl of Africa because of hosting half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas. Gorillas are among endangered primate species and mountain Gorillas are so rare among others. However, it’s a pleasure to mention that half of the remaining mountain Gorillas are found in south western Uganda; Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The two Gorilla parks are among the most visited parks in Uganda. Today, seeing mountain Gorillas is among the most expensive experience in Uganda. The cost of Uganda Gorilla permit goes up to US$700 but because mountain Gorillas are rare, many people yarn to go to Uganda to enjoy one of the life time events– Gorilla trekking.

2. Uganda is a primates’ haven – The list of primates found in Uganda is endless. To mention but a few include Mountain Gorillas, Ververt Monkeys, Bush babies, Golden Monkeys, Baboons, Chimpanzees, Black and white colobus monkeys, Mona monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, blue tailed monkeys, Grey-checked Mangabey, Red colobuses, L’Hoest’s Monkeys and so on. The popular destinations hiding primates in Uganda include Kibale National park, Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Toro Semuliki Game reserve, Budongo Forest, Ishasha sector among others.

3. Uganda hosts the BIG FIVE – Tourists can find Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Elephants, Lions, Leopards and Buffaloes in most of Uganda’s savannah parks including Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls national Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and so on. Luck visitors can fnd leopards in BINP, KNP, SNP among other destinations. To encounter the big five, it’s recommended to book a long trip in Uganda to be able to explore colonies of the big five mammals.

4. Uganda has the highest number of bird species in Africa. Uganda is a birding paradise boasting a massive bird list of more of than 1073 recorded bird species making up 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world species. This huge bird list is contained within a small territory of only 90041 square miles (about the size of Britain), hence having one of the highest concentration of birds per square kilometers in Africa. Birding in Uganda rewards with easy spotting of many birds by covering just a small area or birding for a short period of time. The incredible diversity of habitats that no other area in Africa can match is the reason Uganda harbors such a huge diversity of birds and collects so many migrant birds during the year. Uganda lies in a unique position where she shares Africa’s major ecological zones (apart from the sea) and each has associated bird species, including many that are range restricted.

Popular areas with many birds include most of the Uganda’s islands and the shores of different water bodies, Semuliki National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Kazinga channel, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Murchison Falls National Park among others.

5. Source of River Nile in Jinja – Uganda. The country is called the pearl of Africa because of hosting the source of the world’s longest River. River Nile originates from Jinja I Uganda and powers its waters (Mouth) in Mediterranean Sea – about 6,600 kilometers from the source (Jinja) to the mouth (Mediterranean Sea).

6. Lake Victoria is shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Lake Victoria is the world’s second Largest fresh water Lake. The Lake is endowed with many islands hosting a large number of birds, smooth stones and beaches around Lake Victoria. Tourists find it inevitable to tour around and on Lake Victoria on boat and cars.  The most popular beaches on Lake Victoria include Butembe beach, Lutembe beach, Spennah beach, Ggaba beach, Nabugabo beach and so on. Islands include Ngamba, Sese, Bugala, Koome among others.

7. The Murchison Falls – Its one of the world’s most powerful waters. Murchison Falls, also known as Kabalega Falls, is a waterfall between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile in Uganda. At the top of Murchison Falls, the Nile forces its way through a gap in the rocks, only 7 m (23 ft) wide, and tumbles 43 m (141 ft), before flowing westward into Lake Albert. While squeezing its way through a narrow gorge boarded by rocks, the moist wind forms a beautiful structure resembling a rain bow with different colours – this is the best of the falls.

8. Uganda is called the pearl of Africa because of its tallest Mountains. Mountain Rwenzori on record is the tallest in Uganda and second in East Africa after Mount Kirimanjaro. Mountain Rwenzori is also known as “Mountains of the moon” with Margherita (5,109 m) as the third highest in Africa. The fabled Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border.  The region’s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas. Mountain Elgon is situated in eastern Uganda and well known for its largest Volcanic base.

9. Suitable weather -Uganda is sunny most of the year with temperatures rarely rising above 29 degrees (84 degrees Fahrenheit). The average annual temperature is about 26 degrees Celsius (78° Fahrenheit). The rainy season is from March till May and October till November. Light rain season falls in November and December. The nature of weather in Uganda favours travels throughout the year and easily predictable.

10. Unique culture in Uganda – There are a wide range of ethnic groups in Uganda with many different languages spoken, namely Luganda (commonly spoken language), English (only a small portion speak it), Bantu, Swahili, Nilotic and Lumasaba. Christians make up 85.2% of Uganda’s population, there are a certain number of Sikhs and Hindus, and 12% are Muslims. In their respective ethnic groups, Uganda a cheerful people are willing to welcome and stay with Guests irrespective of their gender, age, sex and ideologies.