Uganda

about uganda

Uganda – Primate Adventure

A destination still not so explored compared to neighboring countries Kenya and Tanzania, but no means less charming and with the advantage of not being crowded with tourists at the same time. Named “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill, Uganda has a lot of beauty and impressive diversity in the heart of the African continent.

And it is not by chance that it attracts travelers, documentary filmmakers from all over the world, and it was elected the best destination by renowned travel guides. The nation is known for its adventure safari and one of the main attractions is the tracking of gorillas and chimpanzees. Uganda is proud to preserve more than 50% of the remaining mountain gorilla population on the planet, as well as helping to proliferate and recognize this heritage for future generations.

The list of natural beauty includes valleys, national parks, forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls that make up breathtaking green scenery. It is also possible to observe more than a thousand species of birds, go rafting on the historic Nile River, cruise on Lake Victoria (the largest in Africa), view the Big 5 during safari, take trails to track primates and admire one of the highest mountain ranges in the Africa.

Ugandans are considered one of the most hospitable African peoples. The country is a true cultural melting pot, with more than 40 ethnic groups and more than 30 national languages. The capital, Kampala , is modern, bustling, built around seven hills and close to the shores of Lake Victoria , the second largest freshwater lake in the world and known for being the source of the River Nile.

geography

Uganda is located in East Africa, right on the equator and landlocked. It has an area of ​​241,559 km², slightly larger than the size of Great Britain. The country borders South Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, Tanzania and Rwanda to the south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.

Ugandan territory is divided into two mountain regions between the Western and Eastern portions of the Rift Valley. The Upper Nile runs in the center of the country, leaving Lake Vitória (Nilo Vitória), forming Lake Kioga, and proceeding to empty into Lake Alberto, in the northwest. From this lake, the river flows north as Nile Alberto, towards the border with South Sudan, where it is now called the White Nile. Uganda is very fertile, as 25% of the surface area is water.

The nation is located on the East African plateau, averaging about 1,100 meters above sea level. The plateau generally slopes downward towards Sudan, explaining the northern trend of the country’s largest river flow. Uganda is organized into 56 districts and its population is over 37 million, 80% of whom live in rural areas. The main cities are: Kampala , Jinja , Gulu , Mbarara and Mbale .

vegetation

The vegetation in Uganda is extremely diverse, a result of the country’s different micro climates. The vegetation zones can be briefly classified according to the areas of rain, they are: Lake region, North Region and the highlands of the Southeast region. These are defined according to the climate of the specific areas.

Ecologically speaking, Uganda is the place where the East African savanna meets the West African forest. Equatorial forests are in the center and south of the country, while savannas predominate in the north and northeast areas. The vegetation is denser in the south and generally becomes wooded savanna in the central and northern areas. When conditions are less favorable, the dry acacia forest prevails and are interspersed with pastures in the south. Similar components are found in the vegetation of the Rift Valley . The steppes (tree-less plains) and northeastern woods represent Uganda’s driest regions.

In the region of Lake Victoria and the western mountains, forest cover was replaced by elephant grass and forest remnants because of human incursions. Medium elevation forests contain a rich variety of species. The high elevation forests of Mount Elgon and the Ruwenzori Mountain Range occur above 1,800 meters and are different. The vegetation of the Ruwenzori Mountains ranges from the humid tropical forest through alpine prairies to permanent snow, one area is known for its six meter high heaths covered with moss and the other for the giant lobelias.The swampy terrains include both papyrus and seasonal grasses. swamp.

climate and best season to travel

Uganda has an equatorial climate, hot and humid, but it is not uniform due to the altitude. During the day, the average temperature is 26 ° C and at night it is around 16 ° C in some regions. In the higher regions it is cold.

Generally, the rainy season comprises the months of March and May and light rains fall in November and December. The hottest months are in the dry season between December and February and still between June and August.

It is a destination that can be visited at any time of the year. The best time for safari trails and gorilla tracking is in the dry season and usually take place between December to February and then between June to September. However, it can be done in any month of the year, but rains can disrupt road conditions and make forests more muddy.

language

The country has more than 32 different indigenous languages ​​belonging to five different language groups. English and Swahili are the official languages, together with Ganda or Luganda are the most commonly used. The Bantus dialects and Nilotic languages ​​are also very expressive in the country.

English is the language of education and government, although only a fraction of the population speaks English well. Swahili was chosen as another official national language because of its potential to facilitate regional integration.

history

When Arab traders reached the interior of Uganda in the 1830s, they encountered several African kingdoms with well-developed political institutions that dated back several centuries. The most important of these kingdoms were Buganda , located in central Uganda, and the kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara , located to the north and west of Buganda. At that time, Arab traders introduced Islam to Uganda.

In 1860, British explorers arrived in the territory looking for the source of the River Nile. Protestant missionaries entered the country in 1877, followed by Catholic missionaries in 1879. An official document from the British monarchy was signed and guaranteed control of the territory to the Imperial British East Africa Company. An arrangement reinforced in 1890 by an Anglo-German agreement confirmed Britain’s domination over what was to be called Uganda. However, the high occupancy costs caused the company to withdraw in 1893 and its administrative functions were carried out by a British commissioner.

In 1894, the Kingdom of Buganda was placed under a formal British protectorate. In 1896, Bunyoro , Toro , Ankole and Busoga were added to the protectorate and the British signed treaties with other tribes in the northern Nile. As early as 1900, Britain signed an agreement with Buganda giving it autonomy and transforming it into a constitutional monarchy controlled mainly by Protestant leaders. By 1914, the region that is now Uganda came under the complete control of the British administration.

In 1921, Uganda established its first Legislative Council, but its first African member was not admitted until 1945. In 1958, Uganda gained its own internal government and later, in October 1962, gained its independence with Milton Obote as Prime Minister and with Buganda enjoying considerable autonomy. A year later, Uganda becomes a Republic with the king of Buganda, Mutesa, as president.

In 1966, Milton Obote, who was the leader of independence in 1963, ended Buganda’s autonomy and promoted to the presidency. The new constitution, in 1967, gave considerable power to the president. However, in 1971, Milton Obote was overthrown in a coup led by Army chief Idi Amin.

In Amin’s government, Uganda was involved in conflicts on the border with Tanzania. In 1979, Tanzania invaded Uganda, unifying the various anti-Amin forces under the Ugandan National Liberation Front and forced President Amin to flee the country. Yusufu Lule was installed as president, but was quickly replaced by Godfrey Binaisa. But, Binaisa was overthrown by the army in 1980.

Milton Obote becomes president after the elections. In 1985, he was overthrown in a military coup and soon replaced by Tito Okello. In 1986, rebels from the National Resistance Army invaded Kampala and installed Yoweri Museveni as president. In 1996, Museveni remained in office after Uganda’s first direct presidential election.

In 2000, Ugandans voted against multiparty politics and in favor of continuing Museveni’s “partyless” system. In February 2006, President Museveni won the multi-party elections against his rival Kizza Besigye. European Union observers highlighted the intimidation of Besigye and the partiality of the official press as problems. Before the 2006 election, Museveni amended the constitution to remove the previous limit on the number of terms that a president could serve the nation.

Yoweri Museveni has remained in power since 1986, when he took power at the head of a rebel army. Despite making significant changes in the country towards restoring relative stability and economic growth after years of civil war and repression, Museveni is severely criticized for disrespecting human rights, the adoption of the death penalty for homosexuals, the lack of freedom expression in the country. In addition, for the alleged purchase of votes and bribery of officials who worked in the 2011 elections, who reelected him.

visa

Any person intending to enter into Uganda should do so only for lawful purposes and in accordance with national immigration laws, guidelines and formalities.

1.     All visa prone nationalities must obtain Uganda visas to facilitate their entry into the country.
2.     Uganda visas may be obtained at Uganda missions abroad or on arrival at the ports of entry in the country.
3.     All travellers to the Repubic of Uganda MUST have a valid Yellow Fever Immunisation card, Visa & corresponding fees

More info:  www.immigration.go.ug/content/visas-and-passes

national parks and reserves

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is a semi-autonomous government agency that conserves and manages the country’s wildlife. There are 10 national parks and 12 reserves under its jurisdiction, in addition to five community wildlife management areas and 13 wildlife sanctuaries. The challenges for the management and conservation of animals and biodiversity in Uganda are numerous and include poaching, competition in the regional tourism market, conflicts between men and animals and even wild crimes.

Located at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley is the most visited park, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest natural reserve covering 3840 km². It features savannas and forests of rich fauna and flora, in addition to being divided by the Nile Vitória, which dives 45 meters over the wall of the Rift Valley, creating the dramatic Murchison Waterfall, which is a real spectacle. Regular riverbankgoers include elephants, giraffes and buffaloes; while hippos, Nile crocodiles and water birds are permanent residents.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , located in southwest Uganda, on the edge of the Rift Valley, is one of Uganda’s most popular destinations. Better known as “Bwindi Impenetrable Forest”, its dense vegetation with steep valleys occupies an area of ​​321 km² and its altitude varies between 1,160 to 2,600 masters above sea level. This forest is highly sought after by tourists from all over the world because it protects around 320 mountain gorillas – about half of the planet’s population, including various groups that can be tracked. This biodiverse region, more than 25 thousand years old, is home to more than 400 species of plants and 120 mammals, including several species of primates, such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are still about 350 species of birds, 23 of which are endemic. Bwindi was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 and is still the source of five large rivers, which flow into Lake Edward.

In the western part of Uganda, on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of the most popular parks, Queen Elizabeth National Park (or QEII). It occupies an area of ​​2 thousand km² and is considered a mixture of natural wonders. It lies at the foot of the Rwenzori mountain range – the Mountains of the Moon, and has a lush tropical forest, savanna, winding hills, lagoons, rivers, swamps and the incredible Kazinga Canal, which is crowded with hippos and crocodiles. It is home to 95 species of mammals, including 10 varieties of chimpanzees, and even more than 615 species of birds. It is the ideal place for a classic safari, discovering the lions of Ishasha on top of the trees, the chimpanzees of the Kyambura Gorge, taking walks in the Maramagambo forest and trails to see birds.

The Kibale Forest National Park is the best place in East Africa for tracking chimpanzees, as almost 1500 of them live there, divided into 13 species. Not only do primates impress, but also the beauty and diversity of ecosystems, among them: rainforest, woodland , savanna and swamp. Its 795 km² are home to 70 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, over 200 species of butterflies and many rare trees. Visitors can see hippos, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, antelopes, rare birds, among many other animals. The park is close to the Ndali-Kasenda volcano crater area.

With an area of ​​250 km², the Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest of the national parks, but it is worth visiting because it is home to 350 species of birds, many of which are rare. In addition to the diversity of landscapes, which include open and wooded savanna forests, lakes, swamps, rocky outcrops, dry slopes and shrubs. Crocodiles and hippos are permanent residents and buffaloes approach lakes during the dry season. There are also zebras, impalas, leopards, hyenas, several species of antelopes, among other animals. Lake Mburo together with 13 other lakes make up a 50 km flooded system with different ecosystems that are connected by swamps. Five of these lakes are within the park’s borders.

why uganda ?

The country condenses a little of everything that Africa has to offer. A great biodiversity of fauna and flora, the highest mountains of the continent, classic safaris, outdoor adventures, impressive natural beauty, is also the birthplace of the powerful Nile River.

There are only 3 countries in the world with a population of mountain gorillas. Uganda is one of them, along with neighbors Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, Uganda stands out for hosting more than half of the planet’s population of this subspecies in danger of extinction alone.

The experience of walking up to 8 hours a day, for several days with extremely professional guides through a dense, dark and lush forest is tiring but rewarding when faced with a pure and wild look of the gorillas, watching them from a few meters in their habitat Natural. The tours are so organized that they impress by their quality and yield unforgettable moments.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 because it brings together more than 50% of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, in addition to chimpanzees. The Ruwenzori Mountains National Park, on the other hand, received the title of World Heritage by UNESCO, as it houses the highest mountain in the country, the peak Margherita, and one of the highest in the continent. The Ruwenzori Mountains are known as Mountains of the Moon, their snowy peaks contrast with the surrounding greenery.

Uganda also has a large number of chimp, golden Mgahinga monkeys , among other primates. Tourists can track them in Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forests, Mgahinga National Park and Ngamba Island.

The country is considered one of the best bird watching destinations in the world, there are more than a thousand species registered in its territory, many endemic to the country, especially in the Albertine region. This great diversity represents 67% of birds across Africa and 11.1% of the world’s total population. For this reason, the country is a mandatory stop for lovers of bird watching.

Uganda is recognized as the land of the largest lakes and rivers, almost a third of the country is covered by water . Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa, dominates the country’s southern border. These freshwater lakes provide various activities: rafting, cruises on Lake Victoria, sport fishing and sailing.

The origin of the historic and powerful Nile River is in Jinja , 90 km east of Kampala. It is possible to see the source of the Nile and go rafting in crystal clear waters.

There are many options for outdoor activities, from safari, hiking, climbing, boating. But visitors can also relax in accommodation that is surrounded by natural wonders, the scenarios vary according to the region and may feature mountains, hills, valleys, tropical forests, savannah, swamps, extinct volcano craters, lakes, rivers, canals, in addition to the variety of animals.

The nation is a veritable cultural melting pot with more than 40 ethnic groups. Knowing the ancient traditions, customs, dances, beliefs and local crafts is important, in addition to helping with the sustainability of communities around national parks.

Kampala is an interesting city, concentrating 47% of the urban population. It has a lot of green around it, it is close to the shores of Lake Victoria, it is a safe place for walking through the streets and not as busy as other African capitals. Open markets fill the sidewalks, fresh produce from rural areas is displayed in stalls. There are also many restaurants, bars, museums, shopping centers and theaters in the city center. The nightlife is lively with lots of music and dancing.

Ugandans are very friendly, welcome visitors with a wide smile and are always willing to help. It was no accident that renowned travel guides considered Uganda to be one of Africa’s most hospitable destinations.

what to wear ?

Uganda is synonymous with tracking primates in mountainous forests and lots of walking, climbing, wildlife viewing. Therefore, comfortable and not too tight clothing is essential. The best options are long-sleeved shirts and pants in neutral, light and cotton tones. Avoid lots of vibrant colors and tones, the blue color attracts more tsetse flies and should be avoided as well, but jeans are no problem. In addition, take hiking boots that are resistant to muddy trails.

It is recommended to take a light rain coat because even in the dry season it can rain; thin glove (type of gardening) to facilitate during the trails to hold the trees and trunks; back bag to carry water, food; walking stick, which helps on sloping terrain; hat. Also include in the suitcase odorless sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, first aid kit, odorless insect repellent, your camera to record beautiful moments and extra batteries.

transport

Uganda has the advantage of being a small country by African standards and this facilitates travel logistics, as well as being a very safe destination. In the southern part of the country, roads are good between most major cities. In the north, however, the secondary roads are usually potholed and after heavy rains they become impassable without a vehicle with 4 × 4 traction.

In Kampala and most major cities, bicycles and motorcycles are popular and are called Boda Bodas. They are used over short distances and have negotiable rates.

All places in Uganda can be reached by minibuses, which are known as “taxis”. Fares are fixed and the signs indicate the destination of the vehicle. Minibus Taxis start to run when full, from Kampala, and are almost always full.

Ordinary buses also connect the main cities. They are cheaper than minibus taxis and are generally faster, as they do not stop all the time to pick up and drop off passengers. Most cities have a bus station / taxi stop.

Car rental is possible, but a little expensive. Drivers need an international license to drive in cities, moreover, pay attention to the one-way streets, especially in Kampala. Another factor that discourages is the great congestion, which starts at 7 am and lasts until 10 pm. The driver drives on the left side and the direction of the roads follows the English hand. The best option is to plan your trip with specialized tourism agencies that will offer all support regarding transport during the trip with local and experienced guides.

A regular ferry connects Nakiwogo, in Entebbe, and the Ssese islands, on Lake Victoria, and another between Bukakata pier, near the city of Masaka and the Ssese islands. This trip usually takes about 3 hours.

The airline network offers flights to national parks, there are more options for the southern region of the country. The capital Kampala is located 34 km north of Entebbe International Airport, making it an arrival and departure point for tours.

currency

Uganda Shilling (UGX) is the country’s official currency and is considered stable.

The US dollar is easily exchanged at the largest banks and exchange offices (Forex bureaux), even smaller notes offer better conversion rates than the $ 50 and $ 100 notes. It is advisable to change money in Kampala because the rates are many smaller than in other cities. Exchange rates for travelers checks are about 2% lower than cash, so it’s worth taking for the trip too.

Bank hours are usually from 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday and from 9 am to noon on Saturdays. Some banks open later. Forex bureaux are normally open until 5pm.

Credit cards are used, but a 5% fee is usually charged for their use. Visa card is the easiest to use at ATMs, only a few accept MasterCard and forget about American Express in Uganda. Banco Standard Chartered ATMs accept international credit cards and are spread across Kampala, Jinja, Mbale and Mbarara.

During the tours, always take a sum of money for purchases at the markets or at the stands by the road because it makes it easier to negotiate the prices of goods.

vat (value-added tax)

The country has an 18% tax on the circulation of goods (VAT) that is added to the price of most products and services.

important to know

Gorilla Tracking is limited to just 18 people per day and licenses are only available to people over 18. These can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The amounts paid are fully reverted to the maintenance of work and the preservation and proliferation of gorillas.

Ugandan gorillas and primates are not threatened with extinction, they are well monitored and tracked, especially on trails with visitors. Guides and security guards are always on the alert and ready to help in the event of adversity.

Follow all the instructions of the guides correctly during the walking and animal tracking safaris, whether it is the right time to take a picture, how to act in front of the animals, the correct direction of travel, etc.
The adaptation process of animals with human presence can take up to two years. Therefore, follow the guide’s guidelines because mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys are unpredictable in their natural habitat.

Do not swim in rivers and in most lakes, even if they seem calm, as there may be crocodiles, hippos and there is also the risk of contracting the disease schistosomiasis.

Do not drink or use tap water to brush your teeth. Always prefer bottled or boiled water yourself. Also do not accept ice, juices that have added water.

During walking safaris it is possible to rent a “porter”, who is a member of the local community who can help carry bags, food, your belongings along the way. It is very useful because the walks are over 1,500 meters and all the items mentioned cannot be with tourists when approaching gorillas, chimpanzees. Only the camera is allowed without a flash to avoid distracting the animals.

In most places you can also rent a hiking stick. It is primarily indicated for gorilla tracking because the terrain is slippery and sloping.

It is not recommended to walk away from the camp or tents without the guide, as there are often elephants, hippos and predators around the accommodation.

Uganda is a safe destination, but in some areas visitors should double their attention, consult with local authorities before traveling in the north of Murchison Falls National Park and around some cities, such as Lira and Gulu. In addition, in the far northeast of the country.

Avoid night road trips outside major cities, except between Kampala and Entebbe airport.

The dress style in Uganda is very traditional. It is generally not culturally appropriate for women to show their thighs. Skirts and dresses below the knee, capris, or long pants are the best bets for tourists.

The country’s voltage is 240V and the frequency is 50Hz. Take your universal adapter because the socket is “English” type.

If you like to read at night it is recommended to bring a light or flashlight for reading because it is not common to find a lamp in the accommodations even in the most expensive ones.

Internet can be accessed at internet cafes, some restaurants both in Kampala and in most major cities.

travel insurance

We advise you to purchase international travel insurance before boarding. It must cover sickness, accident, theft, air evacuation and hospital expenses.

malaria

Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory for all people residing in regions and countries where the disease is endemic.

Vaccines against Hepatitis A, B, cholera, meningitis, tetanus, rabies and typhoid fever are also indicated for travelers, especially for those who will have close contact with primates.

The country is at risk for malaria, so local authorities recommend prophylactic measures against the disease. Seek your doctor before you travel, he will advise the best option for you. Some precautions are necessary: ​​wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, especially after sunset and at dawn, use insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleep with a mosquito net.

curiosities

Gorillas are the closest relatives of man, with 97% of our biological makeup. Each group of gorillas is led by a huge adult male, known as SilverBlack or “ silvery back ”, due to its hairy silvery gray back.

In the movies, gorillas stand and beat their chests as if to show strength or announce an attack, but in fact, they do it when they are happy. The gorilla looks frightening up to two meters in height, but is, in general, shy and withdrawn, only attacks when it needs to defend itself from threats.

The name Uganda refers to an epic local hero, a great elephant hunter, called Ganda , and means in local dialect ” country of the people of Ganda “.

The national bird is the crowned crane , known in the country for its kind nature and was also the emblem of Ugandan soldiers during British rule. The bird is even represented on the flag of Uganda.

The traditional dress is the Barkcloth , which is worn as a toga by both sexes, but women put a sash around the waist. While ordinary barkcloth is terracotta colored, the kings and chiefs barkcloth are dyed white or black and dressed in a different style to reinforce their status. Ugandan artisans produce their handicrafts using barkcloth , a vegetable fiber originally from the country.

Uganda is known as the “ African Banana Republic ”, there are more than 50 varieties. There it grows more of this fruit than anywhere in the world, with the exception of Brazil.

The country’s typical dishes include both fish and meat. Among the most common are matoke , prepared with bananas, corn bread and pieces of chicken or veal, and also grilled fish accompanied by pieces of tomato.

The favorite and quick snack in Uganda is called Rolex, there is no resemblance to watches, the name is derived from the word “ wrapped in eggs ”. It is a Chapati roll (a thin bread that looks like a Mexican tortilla) and stuffed with eggs, vegetables and / or sausage. Easily found in Masaka and Kampala districts, at busy intersections. It is prepared on a charcoal stove and on a hot round plate.

Uganda’s most popular drink is Waragi , a fermented banana wine.

The 1951 film “The African Queen” starring Humphrey Bogart was filmed on Lake Albert and the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park.