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Uganda at a glance
Area
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236,580
sq km
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Population
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24,500,000
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Capital
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Kampala
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Largest towns
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Jinja, Mbale, Entebbe,
Fort Portal, Tororo, Mororo, Kasese, Kabale, Mbarara,
Masaka,
Masindi, Hoima.
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Head of State
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President Yoweri Museveni
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Official Languages
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English
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Tribes and Cultures
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52 tribes including
the Buganda, Bugosa, Bagisu, Lango, Acholi, Iteso,
Karamajong
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Currency
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Ugandan Shilling
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When to visit
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January to February & June
to September - drier weather
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Temperatures
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(day) 26-29°C
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Rainy Season
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In the South - April
to May and October to November
In the North - April to October
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| International Airport |
Entebbe International Airport |
| Travel Options |
Railway, Flying, Car Rentals, Bus, Taxis,
Ferry, Boat |
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Travel
Information:
Once described by Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa', Uganda is a lush and rich country split by numerous waterways. The Great River Nile is the biggest of these and was once the main attraction of explorers who toiled into the heart of Africa, racked by malaria fever, to find its source. It is now well known now that the source of the Nile is at Jinja in Uganda.
With the greatest variety of primates in Africa (including chimpanzees and half the world’s famous mountain gorillas), more than 1000 bird species, spectacular scenery and political stability, Uganda is a truly splendid place for a safari. One of the most popular attractions for visitors in this country is the fact that you can view the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. With its rich diversity in birdlife it is also one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world. Add the majestic River Nile which offers world-class white-water rafting, the Ruwenzori ‘Mountains of the Moon’, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world – Murchinson Falls and Lake Victoria-the second largest body of fresh water in the world, and it is easy to see why Uganda is referred to as 'the Pearl of Africa'.
Uganda has its share of diversity with savannah grasslands, dense forests and quiet lakes overlooked by high mountains. Although Uganda does not have the great concentrations of plains game that Kenya and Tanzania have, its national parks are peaceful, where wildlife viewing does not involve long waits in line behind a dozen or more vehicles.
The Kazinga Channel that separates Lake George from Lake Edward is said to have the largest concentration of hippo in Africa and in the impenetrable forests of Bwindi, the rare and almost extinct Mountain Gorilla may be seen, although only a few are accustomed to human contact. Further north on the foothills of the Mountains of the Moon (Ruwenzoris), chimpanzees and other species of primates can be glimpsed in the pristine Kibale forest. In addition, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard are to be found in the various parks across Uganda and a breath taking sight is the mighty Nile pouring through a 6 meter gap of rock at Murchison Falls. For the traveller, the openness and friendliness of the Ugandan people completes this country as a superior destination package. |
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