Uganda’s magnificent scenery offers visitors the chance to participate in a range of activities and to view some unforgettable natural spectacles. Activities can all be arranged by Ugandan tour operators.
WalkingThe wide range of ecosystems in the country includes high mountains, lush hills, wetlands and arid lands. Many national parks have extensive nature trails, and several of Uganda’s lakes have trails leading along the banks. Park rangers are available to advise visitors. It is usually best to be accompanied by a local guide; hotels can make recommendations.
TrekkingFor the adventurous
traveller, there is a wide choice of trekking trails. Popular treks include the
Karamoja, the foothills of the mountains (the
Central Circuit trail) and the
Sasa River Trail on Mount Elgon. These treks are suitable for those with experience. For further information, contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Plot 3, Kintu Road, Nakasero, PO Box 3530, Kampala (tel: (41) 346 287-8; fax: (41) 346 291; e-mail:
uwa@uwa.or.ug; website:
www.uwa.or.ug).
MountaineeringMount Elgon, the Rwenzoris and the Virungas attract experienced mountaineers for easy and medium climbs. Special equipment is not necessary unless the climber wishes to attempt the summit.
Whitewater raftingSpecialist operators take groups of visitors to the rapids of the White Nile which provide thrilling rafting. Huge waves surge around heavily forested islands, the volume of water in this area being equivalent to 10 times that of the Zambezi. Hippos, crocodiles and monkeys are among the creatures that can be seen on the way. Bujagli Falls has grade 5 rapids. For more information, contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority (see above)
or the Uganda Tourist Board.
EcotourismThe Uganda Forest Department has set up five forest ecotourism projects at rainforest sites on popular tourist routes around the country. The projects are designed to benefit local communities and to conserve nature in the areas concerned, while giving visitors the opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat. They may be visited at any time of year and there is no need to book in advance. Camping facilities or traditional African
bandas are available to accommodate travelers, and the sites are staffed by rangers and guides who can design programs and provide information (charges are made for these services). Sites developed so far are the
Budongo Forest Reserve, the largest mahogany forest in East Africa, situated near Masindi on the road to Lake Albert; the
Mabira Forest, between Jinja and Kampala; the
Mpanga Forest, containing abundant birdlife and a drum-making village, situated near Kampala; the
Kasyoha Kitomi Forest, 1.5km (0.9 miles) from the main Mbarara to Kasese highway, near the Albertine Rift Valley; and the
Kalinzu Forest Reserve, in the southwest of the country. For further information about these sites, contact the Uganda Tourist Board (see
General Info section).
OtherThere is excellent fishing in numerous inland waters, notably the seven lakes in the vicinity of Kisoro. There are numerous golf courses in the country. Lake Victoria has two sailing clubs which welcome visitors. Rowing boats and canoes can be hired at Gaba resort beach and at villages near other lakes. Many hotels have swimming pools.
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