About Uganda – The Pearl of Africa
Uganda is a unique country and it is best described as The Pearl of Africa. It is a landlocked country in East Africa and crossed by the Equator.
It covers an area of about 241559 square kilometers. About 37000 square kilometers of this area is water, and the rest is land.
Uganda lies on the East African plateau at about 1100 meters. Its neighboring countries are South Sudan to the north, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the southwest, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
The southern part of Uganda includes a portion of Lake Victoria, one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes.
Uganda National Parks
Uganda has 10 major national parks and these include: Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Mount Elgon National Park.
50 Top Things to do & See in Uganda
The most popular things to do and see in Uganda are: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimp trekking in Kibale, game drives in Queen Elizabeth, boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, visit Murchison Falls, game drives in Murchison Falls, rhino tracking at Ziwa, golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga, birdwatching in Bwindi, shoebill watching in Mabamba, climbing Rwenzori Mountains, hiking Mount Elgon, visit Sipi Falls, explore Lake Bunyonyi, boat trip on Lake Victoria, Kampala city tour, visit Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, explore Jinja town, white-water rafting on the Nile, bungee jumping in Jinja, horseback riding in Lake Mburo, nature walks in Bigodi, lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth, cultural tours with Batwa, visit Amabere caves in Fort Portal, community walks in Buhoma, explore Mpanga Forest, canoeing in Lake Mutanda, hot springs in Semuliki, explore Pian Upe Reserve, visit Ndere Cultural Centre, tour Kasubi Tombs, visit Uganda Museum, agro-tour in coffee farms, visit Igongo Cultural Centre, sunset cruises on Lake Victoria, fishing on the Nile, cycling in Lake Mburo, wildlife viewing in Kidepo Valley, visit Aruu Falls, zip lining in Mabira Forest, explore Zika Forest, hike Mount Moroto, visit Karamoja villages, explore Mbale town, tour Entebbe Botanical Gardens, visit Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary, quad biking in Jinja, explore Ssese Islands, and visit Kabaka’s Palace.
The people of Uganda
Uganda is a compact nation with many tribes living together in peace. About 80% of Uganda’s population lives in rural areas. The population has continued to grow, and from 1969 it increased from 9.5 million to 24.2 million in 2002.
The different ethnic groups you are most likely to meet while on Uganda safaris include Baganda, Langi, Karamojong, Batwa, Basoga, Bakiga, Banyakole, Banyoro, Acholi, Bahima, Banyarwanda, Lugbara, Bagisu and many more.
The climate
Uganda is a good destination with calm weather and suitable climatic conditions, making it one of Africa’s favorite places to visit. The weather ranges from warm to cool, especially in the far southwestern part of the country.
Uganda is generally sunny, with average temperatures up to 26 degrees Celsius, maximum temperatures of 18 to 31 degrees Celsius, and minimum temperatures of 15 to 23 degrees Celsius. This depends on the region.
Uganda has two wet seasons. The long wet season begins from March to May, and the short wet season begins from October to November.
There are also two dry seasons which visitors should consider. The long dry season runs from June, July, August to September.
The short dry season runs from December to February. About 34% of Uganda is covered by wetlands with lakes, rivers, and swamps.
Tourism in Uganda
Uganda is one of the most visited countries because of its special attractions. The country is rich in nature, making it a nature-based tourism destination.
Most travelers on Uganda safaris come mainly to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Besides mountain gorillas, Uganda also has many other wildlife species, cultures, and attractions.
Top Luxury Lodges in Uganda
Below are some of the top luxury lodges in Uganda:
Location of Uganda in Africa
Uganda lies along the Equator within the Nile basin on the East African plateau. Its topography is mostly gentle but becomes mountainous in the southwest.
Most attractions are found in the western region, making it the most visited area by travelers on Uganda safaris. The main cities include Kampala, which is the capital, and other new cities such as Jinja, Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, Soroti, and Fort Portal.
History
Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, got its name from the Buganda Kingdom, the biggest kingdom in the country. Like other nations, Uganda has a unique history.
Uganda’s history dates back to 1962 when it gained independence from the British protectorate. Uganda got her independence under the leadership of the late Apollo Obote, who became the first Prime Minister and head of state. Today, Uganda is under the leadership of Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986.
Uganda was one of the last African countries to be reached by outsiders. Arab traders came in the 1840s in search of slaves and ivory. Later, two British explorers followed.
In 1862, Speke arrived, and in 1875, Stanley followed. At that time, Mutesa, the King of Buganda, met both Speke and Stanley. Buganda is one of the kingdoms that became well established in the mid-19th century.
Others include Ankole, Bunyoro, and Toro. These kingdoms played an important role in Uganda’s development during the colonial period.
Popular Uganda FAQs
Below are some of the most popular FAQs about Uganda.
- What is Uganda known as? Uganda is known as The Pearl of Africa.
- Where is Uganda located? Uganda is located in East Africa.
- Is Uganda a landlocked country? Yes, Uganda is a landlocked country.
- Does the Equator cross Uganda? Yes, the Equator crosses Uganda.
- How big is Uganda? Uganda covers about 241559 square kilometers.
- How much of Uganda is water? About 37000 square kilometers of Uganda is water.
- Which countries border Uganda? Uganda is bordered by South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- What is the height of the East African plateau in Uganda? The plateau is about 1100 meters high.
- Which lake lies in the southern part of Uganda? The southern part of Uganda includes part of Lake Victoria.
- Do many tribes live in Uganda? Yes, many tribes live together in Uganda.
- Where do most Ugandans live? About 80% of Ugandans live in rural areas.
- Has Uganda’s population grown over time? Yes, it grew from 9.5 million in 1969 to 24.2 million in 2002.
- Which ethnic groups can visitors meet in Uganda? Visitors can meet Baganda, Langi, Karamojong, Batwa, Basoga, Bakiga, Banyakole, Banyoro, Acholi and others.
- What is the weather like in Uganda? Uganda has calm weather that ranges from warm to cool.
- What is the average temperature in Uganda? The average temperature is up to 26 degrees Celsius.
- What are Uganda’s maximum temperatures? Maximum temperatures range from 18 to 31 degrees Celsius.
- What are Uganda’s minimum temperatures? Minimum temperatures range from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius.
- When is the long wet season in Uganda? The long wet season runs from March to May.
- When is the short wet season in Uganda? The short wet season runs from October to November.
- When is the long dry season in Uganda? The long dry season runs from June to September.
- When is the short dry season in Uganda? The short dry season runs from December to February.
- How much of Uganda is covered by wetlands? About 34% of Uganda is wetlands.
- Why do many tourists visit Uganda? Many tourists visit Uganda because of its natural attractions.
- Where can visitors see mountain gorillas in Uganda? They can see them in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Does Uganda have other wildlife? Yes, Uganda has many other wildlife species.
- Where are most tourist attractions found in Uganda? Most attractions are found in the western region.
- What is the capital city of Uganda? The capital city is Kampala.
- What other cities are found in Uganda? Other cities include Jinja, Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, Soroti, and Fort Portal.
- When did Uganda gain independence? Uganda gained independence in 1962.
- Who was Uganda’s first Prime Minister? Uganda’s first Prime Minister was Apollo Obote.
