Uganda alias the Pearl of Africa is Africa’s most naturally gifted country. It is blessed with a range of unique attractions, and now with the much improved tourist infrastructure and stable political atmosphere, Uganda is a haven for adventure. Little wonder Lonely Planet ranked Uganda the best travel destination for the year 2012.

For those seeking an adventure to the Pearl of Africa, here are the favorite places for many travelers that you ought to think about.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest of Uganda’s ten national parks covering about 3,940 square kilometers. It is popular for its diverse game viewing and the breathtaking Murchison Falls. The park has become a favorite destination for many travelers seeking for Safaris in Uganda.

The Breathtaking Murchison Falls

The best wildlife experience in Murchison is via a game drive in a four-wheel drive safari vehicle. This enables one to see lots of animals at closer quarters including lots of giraffes, lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, warthogs, hyenas, Uganda kobs, oribis, Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbucks, bushbucks and spectacular savanna landscape.

Cubs in Murchison Falls National Park

Not to be missed during any safari in Murchison is the thrilling cruise on the Nile. A relaxing cruise of about four hours, you view lots of hippos and crocodiles thronged in the Nile waters and on small islands in the river. There are lots of buffalos, elephants, antelopes along the shores drinking in the water and eating fresh grass. You also see lots of birds and an array of wildlife immersed in a spectacular savanna landscape.

South of the park is Rabongo forest home to the chimpanzees, several bird species and lots of other rainforest creatures. It is a great alternative to the traditional game drive and boat cruise, one can do chimpanzee tracking, birding, and nature walks.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts of one of the highest biodiversity in the world – from open savanna to rainforest, dense papyrus and brooding crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward.

Located in southwestern Uganda, the park is a 7 hours drive from Kampala and is easily accessible compared to Murchison Falls National Park. The infrastructure is more developed compared to most game parks in the country.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions in the remote Ishasha section, the habituated chimpanzees in the gorgeous Kyambura Gorge, lots of monkeys and bird species in Maramagambo Forest and flocks of flamingos in the crater lakes notably Lake Manyanyange.

Tree climbing lioness in Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Lots of animals can be viewed during game drives and the boat ride on Kazinga Channel (natural stream of water connecting Lakes Edward and George) including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giant forest hogs, and the Uganda kob. One can do chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, Birding and Nature walks in Maramagambo Forest.

Hippos in Ntungwe River, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a rich eco system with an immense diversity of species, including 120 species of mammals including 7 diurnal primates, and about 30 forest elephants, about 360 bird species plus more than 200 butterfly species.

The park is home to about 340 Mountain Gorillas, and 10 habituated gorilla families. Gorilla safaris in Uganda, can be fun, and each gorilla tracking permit is $500 for non-Ugandan travelers.

A Silverback Mountain Gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi can be reached from Queen Elizabeth National Park in the north (2-3 hours), from Kabale to the south (1-2 hours), or from Kampala via Mbarara (6-8 hours). All roads meet at Butogota, 17 km from the Buhoma entrance gate.

Lake Bunyonyi

This magical, mystic lake is located in southwestern Uganda. Set amidst rolling hills with breathtaking green scenery, it is a great to spot to relax and unwind after the extraneous gorilla trek in Bwindi. The deepest lake in Africa standing at 25km long and 7km wide, is dotted with 29 islands all covered with lush green. It is bilharzia free and safe from water predator such as hippos and crocodiles – perfect for swimming. One can also do canoeing around the islands.

The Mystic, Magical Lake Bunyonyi

The Lake is surrounded by a range of beautiful lodges including Lake Bunyonyi Safari Resort, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Arcadia cottages, Bushara Island Camp, and Birdnest Lodge among others

Jinja

To travelers, Jinja is best known for the source of the Nile and the river Nile. For lots of travelers to Jinja, there is a lot to experience including white water rafting, quad biking and bungee jumping conducted along the Nile. The Nile has some of the best waters for kayaking and lots of kayakers from around the world flock the waters adventure. One can also do a boat cruise around the source of the Nile and to Lake Victoria and savor the beautiful scenery along the Nile and several Islands.

Rafting the Nile in Jinja