Uganda
Uganda – at one time Winston Churchill called this country the pearl of Africa. And he was right. The unique flora and fauna of Uganda – this one, small in the territory of the country in East Africa, favorably distinguishes it among all the countries of the “black continent”.
And the fact that this is a region of central Africa has recently been opened to tourists, gives it a special attraction. For those who want to see and learn something new, discover a new world for themselves – Uganda is the right place.
These are all kinds of excursions including visits to museums, viewing of cultural monuments. Trips to national parks, where many picturesque mountains, lakes, caves and waterfalls. Safaris, rafting and fishing are very popular.
This country is located on the East African Plateau at an altitude of 900 to 1500m above sea level, surrounded by mountains on all sides, which favorably distinguishes it from the surrounding Kenya, Congo, Algeria, Tanzania and Rwanda. Travel to Uganda is an opportunity to get in touch with wild wildlife so rarely preserved on our land in its natural form. The capital of Uganda, Kampala, is located in the south of the state, near the northern shore of the picturesque African Lake of Victoria, at an altitude of about 1,300 meters above sea level.
The largest lake in Africa – Victoria, is the second lake after Baikal in the world in terms of fresh water. The lake area is 68 thousand km, and its length is 320 km.
Usually, all tours to Uganda begin and end in its capital, Kampala, which is located on the shores of Lake Victoria. This is quite a Europeanized city. The main pastime here is a visit to museums, which contain the most interesting ethnography and archeology of the country. Here you can visit the Cathedral of Rubaga, a sacred place where the tombs of the “tavern”, once the kings of Buganda and some other sights, are located. But mostly in Kampala, this is a vibrant nightlife. There are many nightclubs, restaurants and casinos.
From Victoria begins the most affluent river in the world – the Nile, which in fact is the real breadwinner of the “black continent”. And if on the Nile plain they are accustomed to seeing a rather calm, deep-flowing and very wide river, here Victoria-Nile is a fast and turbulent mountain river (also, check Interesting facts about Victoria).
In general, about two dozen rivers flow through the territory of Uganda and they join to form the Great River of Africa. These rivers are very popular with lovers of rafting all over the world.
Here is one of the highest peaks of Africa – Margherita peak 5109 m high. According to an ancient legend, in the jungles of Africa there are mysterious mountains that are not accessible to man. The moon dwells in these mountains. Every month she is born here and dies. These mountains are impossible to see, as the sun does not exist here. And only once a year, at the full moon, people can admire the snow-white peaks of these mysterious mountains, flooded with moonlight.
Not so long ago, the ascent to the peak of Margarita was impossible for foreigners, they were simply not allowed here. Showdown between tribes did not contribute to tourism in this country. But now the situation in the country is quite stable and many climbers from different countries of the world are happy to come here to conquer this peak.
Mgahinga National Park covers 33.7 km, it is located on the border with Rwanda and Congo. On its territory is the Virunga volcano. The park is rich in nature. It is home to numerous representatives of the wildlife of Africa, including mountain gorillas and various exotic birds.
Rwenzori Park is also very attractive for tourists for its lakes, glaciers and waterfalls. This park is inhabited by many rare animals listed in the Red Book, because they are on the verge of extinction.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda between Lake George and Edward. It is home to the most diverse mammals. In this national park one can meet elephants and buffaloes, giraffes and hippos, lions and leopards, mongooses and spotted hyenas, almost all inhabitants of African savannas.