The major tourism attraction and climax of your Uganda safari tour must include the over 400 mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Uganda as a country has 10 National Parks mostly locates on the western side of the country. There are over 1000 bird species making Uganda a major birding destination. The country boasts of over 330 mammals and different primate species. This is your ultimate guide on African safaris in Uganda.
Uganda ‘The Pearl of Africa’
Aptly named the ‘Pearl of Africa’ Uganda is repossessing this gleam after a period of internal conflicts that ended in 1986. There isn’t many African safari country on the continent just as Uganda. This is a country that even stunned the ancient explorers. They were thrilled by her splendor, natural wonders and some of the friendliest and amazing people. This paved way for the first Uganda safari tourists. As modern means of travel became accessible to tourists Winston Churchill who had a Uganda safari tour and was thrilled by what he discovered thus rightfully naming it “The Pearl of Africa,” and that was even before tracking of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
Why Have a Uganda Safari Tour?
Uganda is located in East Africa and shares her borders with Kenya, Tanzania, Southern Sudan, D. R. Congo and Rwanda. This is one of the best African safari destination for any wildlife and bird viewing enthusiast. This is the home to more than half the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. It is also the source of the Nile. Uganda has featured among the top destination in National Geographic and Lonely Planet. Uganda safari tours is not only about mountain gorilla trekking as there are more than 10 separate destinations. You can enjoy Uganda gorilla trekking safaris with a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or the nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for the ultimate gorilla trekking experience.
In Uganda you also have an opportunity to climb the ice capped Rwenzori Mountains. With more than 13 species of primates make chimpanzee tracking tour in Uganda a part of your itinerary. The Nile River gives you an opportunity to enjoy white water rafting when on Uganda safari tour. It also allows you to see the Murchison falls where it squeezes her eater through a 7 meter gorge as it falls 50 meters below. There is so much more including the beautiful and friendly people that is available to make your Uganda safari tour something to look forward to. Other scenic wonders on Uganda safari tour include savannahs, wildlife, lakes and rivers.
Who will be my African safari Tour Operator?
As any other country that has opened a free market, there are several African safari tour operators in Uganda. Some of them include Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel, Insight Safari Holidays, Crystal safaris, Kori Safaris, Kazinga tours, Wild Whispers Africa among others. Most of these safari companies offer wildlife and mountain gorilla trekking safaris in both Uganda and Rwanda. There are some that belong to a professional association such as Association of Uganda Tour Operators, Tourism Uganda, Africa Tour Operators and many others while others don’t. While many have advised on using safari operators that have a link to an association not all the best safari companies in Uganda belong to these or any association. You therefore got to do your research to get the best Uganda safari tour company
Why Should You Choose a Safari in Uganda?
Uganda has been described as the ‘Pearl of Africa’. This is because this East African landlocked country is gifted by nature. This wonderful country has a lot to offer to all the people who come to visit. From the biggest lake on the African continent and the second largest in the world, Lake Victoria that features intimate and heavenly islands to the snow peaked ‘Mountain of the Moon’, you can’t miss an activity to impress you while on Uganda safari tour. Lake Victoria will offer you an amazing place to cool off and relieve the memories of your African safari in Uganda as you watch the waters after a lengthy safari. You can relax under a tree on the sandy beaches along the equator and pleasure in weather with temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius throughout the year. It gives you the perfect weather for a holiday even in 2 rainy seasons.
The snow covered Rwenzori Mountains that standing over most of Western Uganda. Though it does not feature among the top 3 highest mountain in Africa, it is among the toughest African mountains to climb. It enjoys a surrounding of rainforests plus the jungles not seen in any other country within East African. Can you imagine fishing for the elusive Nile Perch that weighs up to 150 kilograms? That is the offer on the Nile just at the bottom of Murchison Falls. The Nile water bisects the Murchison Falls National Park into two giving you the best game drives in the largest of Uganda wildlife parks. Wherever you go the green vegetation offers a beautiful backdrop, this could be referred to as the “Evergreen Country” of Africa. A number of visitors have referred to it as Africa’s banana republic, not due to its kind of government but as a result of countless types of Bananas found in the country. Uganda cultivates more bananas than all the countries of the world countries besides India. Uganda has 506 protected forest reserves covering 6.3% of the total area in Uganda.
You cannot miss to have a taste of different fruit types while on Uganda safari tours. Get yourself the pineapple from Uganda which is unparalleled in flavor. Additionally you can eat the nice, juicy, mangoes, papaya which taste very nice fruity they are full of flavor and also don’t miss out on the Jack fruit, the nearest thing to honey in any fruit.
What to Expect On a Safari to Uganda?
Great Wildlife – from the amazing Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzees that occupy the Equatorial and the tropical rainforests to the 4 of the big five that are in most of Uganda wildlife parks. There are other wildlife living in their natural habitat all in a secure environment. You can also see the last of the big five in Ziwa sanctuary, where they are trying to restore the rhino population as they were cleared by 1985.Uganda has a recorded list of the 330 mammal list in Uganda. In the list 7 are endangered, 2 vulnerable and 17 near threatened. Besides the wild animals such as the lions, zebras, giraffe, rhino, buffalo and others, you can decide to visit the Murchison Falls, or take on white water rafting on the Nile, visit cultural and historic sites or take on bungee jumping and so much more on your adventure trails. There is so much to see and do while on Uganda safaris. This is probably one of the biodiversity endowed of the African country. Uganda has 2 season that runs in line with the long and the short rainy seasons. Among the cash crops here are coffee in plenty and the best mountain cultivated Arabica beans, as well plenty of Robusta beans offer the basis for the majority of instantaneous coffee plus cola drinks in the western world.
Accommodation on a Ugandan Safari Tour?
When booking a safari to Uganda one of the most important question that features in most guests is the type of accommodation they would get in Uganda. It is good to put this to rest today as Uganda as any other destination offers a range of accommodation to suite any budget. From the five star hotels in Kampala to budget camping facilities in the National Parks in Uganda, one has a range of choices when it comes to accommodation here. You can opt to reside in lodges, or tented camps set in traditional style, or the beautiful bandas, enjoy the delicious meals delicately prepared by their professional chefs. In Kampala before you set off for your safari, you can check in at Serena Hotel Kampala, Cassia Lodge and so many more.
In every attraction location you will find Uganda safari lodge accommodation that suits your very needs. In Bwindi, you will find the luxury Mahogany Springs, Clouds Gorilla Mountain Lodge and Gorilla Forest Camp. In Murchison Falls, you will find the Chobe Safaris Lodge, Paraa safari Lodge, Nile river resort, Baker’s Lodge among others. Mweya Safari Lodge is a good option for visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Other accommodation facilities here include Enganzi Lodge, Kingfisher Kichwamba Safari Lodge, Simba Lodge among others. In Buhoma alone where Uganda gorilla trekking takes place, there are 15 accommodation options include Volcanoes safari lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Engangi Lodge, Silver back lodge, l. Kitandara Tented Camps, Gorilla Valley View Resort, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Community rest camp and many more.
Best Time for African safari Tour in Uganda?
Another major question that comes to most people looking for an African safari tour in Uganda is when the best time for an African safari tour to Uganda is. Well, the answer is simple! You can visit Uganda anytime of the year! Uganda lying on the Equator is a warm and there is tropical climate here. Because of the seasonality, the difference could be the cost of safari in Uganda. Most people prefer the dry seasons when the sun is not hot and the rains have ceased. This is why Uganda safari prices are usually higher during the peak season. The average temperatures are in forested area is at 21.5°C and when they drop, it’s usually to a minimum of 12°C. There are two rainy seasons that include the long rains from April to May and the short rains in November and early December. However, as a result of the climatic changes in the world, the patterns have become quite unpredictable. The rains are also not so bad to stop you from traveling and enjoying your safari in Uganda. The rainy seasons act as the low seasons for mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. In April, May and November, you will get a discount on every gorilla permit for trekking during these periods. The same will apply to lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks as they reduce their accommodation rates. We trust that you now realize that this amazing country ‘the Pearl of Africa’ as it is justifiably named is not just a spectacular land, but a place worth your time. Uganda is among the 13 countries that have the equator running through from east to the west, with the magnificent Rift Valley creating its mark from the South to the North and also the source of Nile River here that flows through Uganda northward to the Mediterranean Sea. June, July and August, December, January and Feb are the best months for game viewing in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.
How Much Does a Uganda Safari Cost?
Pricing is one of the major factor of any African safari tour. It would therefore be good to have an understanding of your Uganda safari price. Let us try to do some costing together, right? A gorilla permit during the high season costs US $ 600 per person in Uganda. Accommodation ranges from 50 to 900 per person sharing depending on the Uganda safari lodge you choose. Your cost of transport runs between US $ 200 – US $ 350 per vehicle per day depending on the vehicle type. Therefore a rough estimate for a simple 3 day Uganda gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi should cost about $ 1200 per person sharing. This is when using a mid-range lodge in Bwindi. If you are looking at a budget gorilla trekking Uganda safari then your costs will be slightly below US $ 1000 per person sharing and that should be the cheapest. Other destinations such as Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks could cost as low as US $ 400 per person sharing for budget safari travelers and US $ 700 per person sharing for mid-range accommodation. There are luxury safaris that can be undertaken in Uganda parks, you can also enjoy fly in fly out safaris in Uganda to add color and save time while on Uganda safari tour though this will come at a cost. If you are to travel with other people, the price is incredibly reduced as you get to share the vehicle cost. Remember that the vehicle takes nearly half of the total safari cost. If they are 2 of you, it’s possible to save over $ 400 on a 3 day trip compared to being alone.
Sample Uganda Safari Packages
If you are looking into traveling to Africa and you would like to have a look at some Uganda safari Packages, there are several than you can go through depending on your availability, interest and budget. If you are looking for short safaris because of time, then a 3 – 5 days safari in Uganda would do. There are those who have time and can have a 14 days best of Uganda safari that covers most of the parks within Uganda. For those looking for adventure, a Uganda gorilla trekking safari would be the best offer. They range from 3 to 14 or more days. The safaris in Uganda can also be tailor made to suite your desires and ambition. You can combine destinations or travel to more than one country within East Africa and we will be glad to help come up with a good package for you.
What Makes Uganda Different from any other African safari Destination?
Uganda unlike any other major African safari destination is unique and distinct in a special way. The country unlike any other country in Africa hidden to many is symbolic, most impressive scenic wonders. They include the significant River Nile, the very powerful waterfall – the Murchison Falls, the highest Mountain Range of the Mt. Rwenzori – the Mountains of the Moon, the Virunga Volcanoes among the most wonderful in Africa with Lake Bunyonyi plus Lake Mutanda. You will find sandy tropical beach Islands within the waters of the second largest fresh water lake in the world, the Lake Victoria. There is also the endangered Mountain Gorillas and closest cousin, the impressive Chimpanzees being the lead primates in Ugandan forests. This is the true representation of African wilderness all compacted into a tiny nation. Uganda is where the Western Jungle meets the Eastern savannah grasslands.
Are Ugandans Friendly?
It is believed that Uganda has one of Africa’s Friendliest people! The people welcomes all visitors from all over the world to come and explore this amazing country in accordance with the African Economist Magazine, the ancient explore Winston Churchill published in it after his trip back in 1907. He said that above all, the people of Uganda are very different from everything, and indeed they are. People who visit the country find it among the friendliest countries, gifted with a number of friendly people in Africa. The so much hyped gay bill has portrayed Uganda as unsafe, but that is majorly a press fabrication as they tend to follow a particular norm. You may also ask yourself if you can tip for the service you receive and the answer is a big yes of course though there is no definite amount of money as it is at your discretion. 10 dollars and above should be okay per person per day for a driver guide and 10% of the cost of service in restaurants.
What to Wear on Safari in Uganda?
The conducive tropical climatic conditions prevailing within Uganda is another reason why the country is among the must visit destinations on the African continent. It experiences a temperate climate which makes it possible to enjoy the various safari activities all year round such as game drives, birds watching and gorilla tracking. With this begs the question ‘What to wear on safari in Uganda? Be sure to take the right safari clothing suitable for an African safari, be it a Tanzania safari adventure or Kenya safari tour holidays.
Ensure that you have appropriate clothing especially for women considering the variation. You also want to ensure that everything you buy is culturally sensitive and also weather appropriate. The main thing is to be comfortable and on the whole as long as you are sensible you are unlikely to offend. Just remember, again, as you go through your African safari packing list to Uganda that this country is not a very conservative dressing style country, and peeps tend to mind their own business most of the time. Generally, it is not culturally appropriate for women to show their upper thighs. So skirts/dresses not be so much above the knee, capris, or long pants are your best bet. On top it doesn’t really matter how covered you are for the sake of modesty – you would mostly be considering protection from the sun. With long skirts – be careful that they are not too thick of material. Some skirts people bring are not nearly as ideal as you would imagine, because you can get really hot wearing them. With long pants – consider if they drag/touch the ground. The red dirt will get on anything that it touches, to be forewarned is to be forearmed so don’t say I dint tell you!
I would recommend a pair of chacos to wear around the compound or another sturdy walking sandal for daily use. However, for mountain gorilla trekking, be sure you have some good (and broken in) hiking boots. They don’t call it Bwindi an impenetrable forest for nothing. Also for gorilla trekking consider long water proof pants/trousers and tall socks that you can tuck your pants in to, this works totally great. Though some trackers get fancy hiking gear that includes some sort or sleeve type thing that goes over the pants from the knee to the shoe and prevents ants from getting in. Breathable long sleeve button down shirts are ideal
Uganda Safari Destinations
It is therefore without a doubt just as Winston Churchill described in 1907 that Uganda is the ‘Pearl of Africa’ This is not only as a result of the friendly people he met but also as the country is unfathomable gifted by nature. Uganda is a landlocked country with the equator running across it. The country is blessed with fertile grounds, fine parks with plentiful wildlife, an attractive countryside with mammoth mountain ranges, rivers, lakes and waterfalls thus giving purpose to your Uganda safari tour. Safaris in Uganda can be such a spoiler from the many options you have to explore. Uganda gorilla trekking exploration is a must go to once you arrive here. The beautiful vegetation and scenery will just leave you in awe. It is a very common occurrence yet breathe taking view to find Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees interacting in their natural habitat; the closeness of their activities and genetical make up to human activities is just an affirmation of their close resemblance to human life. Whether your interests are Chimpanzees, gorilla safari, game viewing, bird viewing, primates, white water rafting, mountain climbing, spot fishing, bungee jumping or cultural tours, Uganda has got you covered and still holds most of Africa most prized secrets.
Where to go while on a safari in Uganda?
Murchison Falls National Park
The park falls under the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA) that comprises of Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves. This is where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge and cascades down to become a placid river whose banks are thronged with hippos and crocodiles, waterbucks and buffaloes. The vegetation is characterized by savannah, riverine forest and woodland. Wildlife includes lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kob, chimpanzees, and many bird species. It is the largest conservation area in Uganda covering an area of over 3,840km. The park derives its name from its famous waterfall; the Murchison falls. These falls are formed when the Victoria Nile powerfully forces its way through a narrow cleft as it thrusts 43m down with a thunderous roar. These falls form the center piece and this is the most visited falls in Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. It is a destination of choice for many on Uganda safari tour. The park’s diverse ecosystems includes sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands. This make Queen Elizabeth National Park the ideal habitat for classic big game. The park has ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds. It is set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains with magnificent vistas that include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills. The park enjoys panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob. As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history. There are many opportunities for visitors on Uganda safari tour to meet the local communities and enjoy storytelling, dance, music and more. Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly a Medley of Wonders!
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau. The park is home to a total of 70 mammal species, most famously 13 species of primate including the chimpanzee. It also contains over 375 species of birds. Kibale adjoins Queen Elizabeth National Park to the south to create a 180km-long corridor for wildlife between Ishasha, the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Sebitoli in the north of Kibale National Park. The Kibale-Fort Portal area is one of Uganda’s most rewarding destinations to explore if you are on Uganda safari tour. The park lies close to the tranquil Ndali-Kasenda crater area and within half a day’s drive of the Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori Mountains and Semuliki National Parks, as well as the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park sprawls across the floor of the Semliki Valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. A Uganda safari tour here takes you to one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago. The Semliki Valley contains numerous features associated with central rather than eastern Africa. Thatched huts are shaded by West African oil palms; the Semliki River (which forms the international boundary) is a miniature version of the Congo River, the forest is home to numerous Central African wildlife species, and the local population includes a Batwa pygmy community that originated from the Ituri. As a result, this park provides a taste of Central Africa without having to leave Uganda. While Semuliki’s species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park contains evidence of even older processes. Hot springs bubble up from the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzees are among Man’s closest living relatives that share 98% of human genes. Throughout Africa they are found in 21 countries that includes Rwanda and Tanzania in East Africa. Kibale Forest national Park is very good for those on Uganda safari tour interested in chimpanzee tracking trips. When on Uganda safari tour, you may also trek chimps in Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park, in Semuliki National Park and also in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya, some 700km from Kampala. Gazetted as a national park in 1962, it has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well as around 475 bird species. Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges. During the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley the park’s prime game viewing location.
Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda. A Uganda safari tour here takes you to the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks and underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks which date back more than 500 million years. It is home to 350 bird species as well as zebra, impala, eland, buffalo, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi and reedbuck. Together with 13 other lakes in the area, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp. Five of these lakes lie within the park’s borders. Once covered by open savanna, Lake Mburo National Park now contains much woodland as there are no elephants to tame the vegetation. In the western part of the park, the savanna is interspersed with rocky ridges and forested gorges while patches of papyrus swamp and narrow bands of lush riparian woodland line many lakes.
Bwindi Impenetrable forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 320 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which can be tracked.
This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals. They include several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
The neighboring towns of Buhoma and Nkuringo both have an impressive array of luxury lodges, rustic bandas and budget campsites. For those on Uganda safari tour here, ther are restaurants, craft stalls and guiding services. Opportunities abound to discover the local Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy cultures through performances, workshops and village walks.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzoris – the fabled Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale scene. Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.
The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks. For those who prefer something a little less strenuous, neighboring Bakonzo villages offer nature walks, homestead visits home cultural performances and accommodation, including home-cooked local cuisine.
Mount Elgon National Park
At 4,000km², Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna. Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer. Small antelopes, forest monkeys, elephants and buffalos also live on the mountainside. The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda and Kenya, creating an extensive trans-boundary conservation area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.
A climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40km² caldera.
Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls is home to a series of three spectacular waterfalls, some of the best Arabica coffee in the world, world class mountain biking and beautiful sunsets! Sipi falls sits just outside Mount Elgon National Park which is the home of an incredible number of bird species as well as being the largest volcanic base in the world. Sipi Falls is a place to enjoy the challenges of the mountains, and also a place just to relax and unwind in a cool peaceful climate. Whether you are here to enjoy the challenges of the great outdoors or simply to relax and take in the sweeping views and abundant birdlife, Sipi River Lodge promises you a memorable stay.
Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi also called ‘Place of many little birds’ is located in south western Uganda between two districts of Kisoro and Kabale close to the border with Rwanda. It’s Located at 1,962 m (6,437 ft) above sea level, it is about 25 km (15.5 mi) long and 7 km (1.35 mi) wide. The depth of the lake is expected to vary between 44 m (144 Ft.) and 900 m (2,952 ft), which if true would make the lake the second deepest in Africa. It is one of the few lakes in the region that is rumored to be free of bilharzia and safe for swimming. Geographically Lake Bunyonyi is a body of water seven kilometers or 4.3 miles west from Kabale Town, southwestern Uganda. The lake’s altitude is 1,950m above sea level and it is surrounded by hills that are 2,200 to 2,478 meters high and intensely cultivated. Its 29 islands are concentrated in the central part and have few settlements but instead they are mostly used for tourist facilities and for secondary as well as a primary school study tours.
Lake Mutanda
The lake is located in Kisoro District in southwestern Uganda, approximately 20 kilometers (12 mi) north of the town of Kisoro, where the district headquarters are located. This location is approximately 454 kilometers (282 mi), by road, southwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. The coordinates of Lake Mutanda are: 01 14 06S, 29 40 12E (Latitude:-1.2350; Longitude: 29.6700). It is nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountain Range, at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,900 ft). The three volcanoes within the range, that are partly located in Uganda, namely: Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo and Mount Gahinga, can be viewed from Lake Mutanda. There are several islands in the lake. The lake is drained by the Rutshuru River, which flows northward to Lake Edward.
Ssese Islands
The Ssese Islands are an archipelago of eighty-four (84) islands in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria in Uganda. The islands are coterminous with the Kalangala District in southern Central Uganda, which does not have any territory on mainland Uganda. The islands occupy the northwestern corner of Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. The largest island in the archipelago is called Bugala Island. Its largest town, called Kalangala serves as the headquarters of the district that carries the same name (Kalangala District). Kalangala is located approximately 51 kilometres (32 mi), across water, southwest of Entebbe, in Wakiso District, on the Ugandan mainland. The coordinates of the district are: 0° 26′ 0.00″S, 32° 15′ 0.00″E (Latitude:-0.4333; Longitude: 32.2500).
The islands lie in two main groups. The south west can be referred to as the Bugala Group, after Bugala Island, the largest in the archipelago. The northeastern group can be referred to as the Koome Group, after Koome Island, the largest in that group. The two groups are separated by the Koome Channel. Other islands in the Bugala Group include: Bubeke, Bufumira, Bugaba, Bukasa, Buyova, Funve and Serinya. The main islands in the Koome Group include: Damba, Koome and Luwaji.
Lake Victoria
With a surface area of 68,800 sq km (26,600 sq mi), Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake. In addition, it’s the largest tropical lake in the world, and the planet’s second largest freshwater lake. Only North America’s Lake Superior is larger. An irregular quadrilateral in shape, its shores, save on the west, are deeply indented. Its greatest length from north to south is 210 miles (337 km), its greatest breadth 150 miles (240 km). Its coastline exceeds 2,000 miles (3,220 km). Its waters fill a shallow depression in the centre of the great plateau that stretches between the Western and Eastern Rift Valleys. The lake’s surface is 3,720 feet (1,134 meters) above sea level, and its greatest ascertained depth is 270 feet (82 meters). Many archipelagos are contained within the lake, as are numerous reefs, often just below the surface of the clear waters. Lake Victoria has more than 200 species of fish, of which the Tilapia is the most economically important. The lake’s basin area covers 92,240 square miles (238,900 square km).
The lake’s shores vary in aspect. The lake’s southwestern coast is backed by precipices 300 feet (90 meters) high, which give way on the western coast to papyrus and am batch swamps marking the delta of the Kagera River. The lake’s deeply indented northern coast is flat and bare. A narrow channel leads into the Kavirondo Gulf, which has an average width of 16 miles (25 km) and extends for 40 miles (64 km) eastward to Kisumu, Kenya. The Ugandan cities of Kampala and Entebbe lie along or near the northern coast. At the lake’s southeastern corner is Speke Gulf, and at the southwestern corner Emin Pasha Gulf. Of the numerous islands in the lake, Ukerewe, north of Speke Gulf, is the largest, with wooded hills rising 650 feet (200 meters) above the lake. It is densely populated. At the lake’s northwestern corner are the 62 islands of the Ssese archipelago, some of them of striking beauty.
Uganda offers the best African safari tour options. You will not lack anything to do while on an African safari tour in Uganda. Plan well and enjoy your Uganda safari tour.