Uganda is one of the most friendly and beautiful countries you will ever visit.
1. Boda Bodas
Kampala city alone is said to have an estimated 350,000 boda boda riders, a sea of which you will have a chance to see when you are in traffic jam in the city center supposedly waiting for the head of state’s convoy to sail past you. A story is told that sometimes, all traffic is stopped in anticipation, while our Head of State is still taking a shower before he embarks on his journey. True or not, 30 – 40 minutes in one spot is the best time for your boda boda rider to regale you with the tallest tales ever told to man. If only to keep the customer happy as you wait for what seem like days to resume your journey. In every other case, these motorcycle taxis weave through traffic like a maze, in an adrenaline packed experience best told from a personal encounter.
2. Birds
Some of the most beautiful birds you will ever see are here in Uganda. Earlier this year, I jumped up to excited screams of a workmate shouting, it’s there, the bird, it’s there. Seeing not one but three Great Blue Turacos perched on a tree right outside my office window in Kampala made my day. In fact, my week was made. Some other notable avian favorites in Uganda include, the Grey Crowned Crane Uganda’s National Bird, the Regal Sunbird, the Shoebill stork, the Dusky Crimson wing, and the Handsome francolin among others. There are over 1000 species found within the country’s boundaries.
3. Bus Trip
I attempted a night Bus trip to western Uganda recently, on a late afternoon and boy or boy was it a treat. My phone battery was dying any minute, but because the newer buses have charging ports, I thought I was in the clear. Then I boarded an older bus where there were no charging ports in sight. I sighed in relief when I realized my seat mate had a battery bank, only to go on a hunt through my luggage to find I hadn’t carried my USB charger. As the bus weaved through traffic and swayed from one pothole to the next in search of the highway to Mbarara, my humble and only prayer was to get to my destination in one piece. My mind tells me, surely, you could have waited another hour and boarded one of the newer buses. 7 hours later (for a journey that usually takes 4 hours), my prayer was answered. My advice: Do not attempt to ask google how long it takes you to get to your destination, Google’s estimate bears no resemblance to how long you will actually take to get there. Putting aside my distasteful ordeal, there is something liberating about a bus trip to the countryside, when the air gets fresher as you drive out of the city and watch the sun rise or set through your bus window as you sweep through vast farms, gardens and forests.
4. Chimpanzees
Waking up to the forest’s sounds of a new day feels like you woke up in a movie setting. The two-tone rich bird song of a lead – colored flycatcher beacons you from your wildest dreams announcing the start of a new day. No alarms required here. Seeing Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park is simply exciting. Their vocalizations, gestures and facial expressions almost make you believe you are the topic of their conversation. These Chimpanzees primarily eat fruits, leaves, flowers, seeds, and occasionally hunt for meat, such as smaller monkeys. They basically eat anything from both plant and animal origin. These primates are known for their use of tools like sticks to extract termites and can form mounds and leaves to soak up water. What a hairy intelligent bunch!
5. Dancing
Uganda’s has a rich culture with over 56 different tribes, each with a distinct traditional dance. Each dance style will often incorporate intricate footwork, rhythmic body movements, and lively music. In Uganda culturally, any occasion was an excuse to dance, be it courtship, celebration, lamentation, or praying to the gods to avert calamity. One prominent dancing style is the “Bakisimba,” performed by the Baganda, which features energetic movements and colorful costumes. Others include ekitaguriro from the Banyankore which mimics the movement of their beloved long horned cattle, the Endoga dance by the Karamajong and the ding dong children’s dance of the Acholi to mention only but a few. A 2-hour cultural experience at Kampala’s Ndere Centre should be able to quell your curiosity after an evening of traditional performances. But just in case, make sure to ask at any of your destinations about their culture and dance, you will be in for a treat.
6. Mountain Gorillas
These are huge, hairy and gentle vegetarians found within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla tracking is awesome. You will know you made the right choice when you walk through the enchanting misty Forest on a chilly morning, Impenetrable save for the paths made for tourists to track the gorillas and coming face to face with these gentle giants with their young. The gorillas spend most of their time on the ground sleeping and farting. An hour with these primates will be an unforgettable experience.
7. Grasshoppers
This is a delicacy albeit not for everyone. These are bright green and occasionally brown insects caught in the months of May and November. These Grasshoppers are eaten fried with an addition of onions and spiced to your liking. They are an important source of protein and play a crucial role in the ecosystem as pollinators and prey for birds and some animals in these parts. Caution: Try not to eat too many on your first tasting or you might be stationed at the toilet for a very long time.
8. Lake Victoria
The biggest lake in Africa and second Largest freshwater lake in the world. It’s shared between the countries of Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. Many rivers flow into it, most notable of all being River Kagera. Lake Victoria has only one outlet, the Victoria Nile. The lake supports diverse wildlife, including numerous fish species, most notably the Nile perch, which is essential for local fishing communities and commercial purposes. It also serves as an important water source and supports agriculture in surrounding areas. If you are looking to kick back and relax, in a serene, natural, and quiet place in Lake Victoria, Ssese Islands is it. A spectacular group of islands 84 in total 43 of which are occupied by humans. The islands especially Bugala Island (the largest) is packed with lots of activities that are bound to keep you on your feet. From bonfires, to night parties, Forest walks, Nature walks, birding, Kalaya caves exploration, to swimming, sport fishing, primate viewing, boat cruises and Island hopping. The list is endless, you will be spoilt for choice.
9. Lions
You haven’t seen Lions, until you see the tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park. There is something about seeing this most feared predator unusually taking a chill in the trees. Little is known why they have adapted to this behavior usually exhibited on hot afternoons. Whether they are escaping from the savannah plain’s heat of the day, or the bothersome tsetse flies below, our looking out for prey, your guess is as good as mine. But man! are they a sight to behold!
10. Mt. Elgon
Located on the border of Uganda and Kenya, Mt Elgon is one of the oldest but extinct volcanic mountains in East Africa with its highest peak rising up to 4321m at Wagagai Peak. It is a vast caldera, largest in the world, measuring 8 km wide. This area harbors an impressively varied flora and fauna, and the mountain’s lower slopes are the site of Sipi falls, a popular safari destination. The mountain is not very difficult to climb and aspirant hikers who are reasonably fit can hike to its peak with no specialized equipment in 4 to 6 days depending on the route chosen. Mt Elgon is awash with other activities such as mountain bike riding, tasting some of the best coffee in the world and if you are lucky to visit in a leap year, you will be treated to Bagisu male circumcision rituals. Fascinatingly, it is believed that the tribe’s (Bagisu) ancestor Masaba emerged from a cave in the mountain about 500 years ago.
11. Muchomo
A roadside special. This is freshly roasted meat such as chicken, goat, beef, offals, Liver, often expertly fixed on a wooden skewer and roasted over open fire until ready for its passing clients. If your vehicle drives up to any one popular location often along the highways, beware as skewers with all kinds of meat will be shoved in your face, with shouts of nkoko, liver, gonja, all calls of locals beckoning you to purchase their merchandise. I always insist on getting my muchomo straight from the charcoal stove (sigiri) to avoid meat that has been recycled for days! Better safe than sorry right?
12. Murchison Falls
This world’s most powerful waterfall is one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders. This beautiful sight located in Murchison Falls National Park is best seen from the Top of the falls viewpoint from where one can appreciate the Nile’s staggering power and deafening roar as it crushes through the narrow gap in the escarpment creating a voluminous spray before it plunges 43m below. There is not much wildlife in the vicinity of the water falls, and its considered safe to walk unaccompanied. Much as the top of the falls is mostly visited by road, there are Lauch trips available that allow you to see the falls from the bottom from which you could choose to disembark from the boat and hike to the top of the falls. The boat usually stops along the way to allow one see wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants and giraffes grazing from the shores.
13. Praise & Worship on a Sunday morning
Oh, how praising God will cause many Ugandans to burst into dance. Trust me you will be enticed to join in if you have the opportunity. The fervency with which Ugandan’s worship their God will leave you seeking to know this God.
14. River Nile
White water rafting on the River Nile particularly near Jinja is a thrilling adventure that attracts adrenaline junkies from around the world. The Nile is known for its powerful rapids, offers a range of challenges, from grade III to grade V rapids making it suitable for beginners like me as well as experienced rafters. Picture the intense excitement, screams of both fear and jubilation as you successfully negotiate the rapids under the watchful eye of your guide of course! And the pictures, high-definition quality type pictures tell it all. This is not a day you will be forgetting anytime soon.
15. Owino market
Owino Market is one of the largest and busiest markets in Kampala, Uganda. Here, vendors sell a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, household items, and local crafts. Owino Market is particularly famous for its food section, where visitors can find an array of traditional Ugandan dishes. With its recent reconstruction to battle sanitation issues, overcrowding and frequent fire hazards, the market remains one of those destinations where you will enjoy an authentic Uganda dish from any tribe at a reasonable price and thereafter go shopping for clothing at amazingly low prices. Don’t be surprised when you go home with more shopping than you planned for because the prices were too good to be true.
16. Rolex
In Uganda, a “Rolex” is a popular street food that consists of a chapati rolled in an omelet filled with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, cabbage and green peppers. This tasty portable snack originating in Kampala, has gained widespread popularity for its affordability and convenience, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Variations made by posh restaurants include additional ingredients like meats or spicy sauces, depending on your personal preferences.
17. Sunrise & Sunset
The consistent equatorial climate in Uganda ensures that these daily spectacles are reliable and breathtaking, drawing both locals and visitors to pause and appreciate nature’s beauty. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the sunrise at 6:30AM in the morning while here, it doesn’t matter where you are, whether in the city, or in the wild, the serenity that comes with the view will carry you throughout your day.
18. Tilapia
Some of the best fish I have ever had. It’s best eaten deep fried with a side of fries! A tasty treat that must be had with your best cold drink by the Lake.
19. Uganda Museum
Uganda Museum is the oldest museum in East Africa, located in Kampala. It showcases a diverse collection of Uganda’s cultural heritage, including traditional artifacts, historical exhibits, and displays of natural history. The museum features significant items such as traditional musical instruments, crafts, and tools, highlighting the rich cultural diversity of Uganda’s ethnic groups. In addition to its permanent collections, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a key resource for understanding Uganda’s history and culture.
20. Entebbe Zoo
The zoo serves as a conservation center and rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned wildlife. What a noble cause! It focuses on education and awareness about Uganda’s wildlife and conservation efforts. The zoo features naturalistic enclosures housing a variety of species, including monkeys, lions, and birds and offers visitors opportunities for guided tours and interactive experiences. It’s a perfect place to go with family and treat the young ones to real life aside from what they see on Tv.
21. Weather
Located across the equator, Uganda experiences a very beautiful climate where most days are sunny with blue skies. Even when it rains, it is for a short while and the sun will be up sometimes even while it is still raining. A leopard is giving birth, my mother said in a cultural tale that was passed along from her great grandmother to describe the phenomenon when it shines while it is still raining. This tropical climate is characterized by two main rainy seasons: the first from March to May and the second from September to November with temperatures typically ranging from 24°C to 33°C while higher elevations such as the Rwenzori Mountains, are cooler. The country’s wide-ranging geography, including lakes and mountains, contributes to variations in weather patterns across regions. Overall, Uganda enjoys relatively stable weather, which makes it a great destination for outdoor activities year-round.