Uganda Safari Vacations and Self drive Tours

Uganda is a landlocked country bordered by Kenya in the east, Sudan in the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west, Rwanda in the southwest, and Tanzania in the south.

Uganda’s total land area is 241,559 sq km. About 37,000 sq km of this area is occupied by open water while the rest is land. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, which it shares with Kenya and Tanzania.

Uganda is located on the East African plateau, averaging about 1,100 meters (3,609 ft) above sea level. The plateau generally slopes downwards towards Sudan explaining the northerly tendency of most river flows in the country. Although generally equatorial, the climate is not uniform since the altitude modifies the climate.

Uganda’s elevation, soil types, and predominantly warm and wet climate impart a huge agricultural potential to the country. They also explain the country’s large variety of forests, grasslands, and wildlife reserves. Uganda has a total population of about 32 million people.

Ugandan People

Over 80 per cent of the population live in rural areas and directly survive off the environment and natural resource base.

Population: Uganda’s population has continued to grow rapidly over time. It increased from 9.5 million in 1969 to 24.2 million in 2002. Between 1991 and 2002, the population growth rate was 3.2 percent. The population is projected to have increased to 32.9 million by mid 2011

Ethnic groups: Baganda, Banyankole, Bahima, Bakiga, Banyarwanda, Bunyoro, Batoro, Langi, Acholi, Lugbara, Karamojong, Basoga, Bagisu, and others.The Baganda are the largest ethnic group in Uganda and comprise approximately 17% of the population.

Religions: Christian, Muslim, others.

Languages: English (official), Swahili (official), Luganda, and numerous other local languages.

Climate

Uganda’s weather conditions are ideal, ranging from the warmth of the lowland areas to the coolness of the highlands in the South West Kigezi.

For most of the year, Uganda is sunny with temperatures rarely rising above 29 degrees. The average temperature is about 26 degrees C, with a maximum of 18-31 degrees and minimum of 15-23 degrees depending on the part of the country.

The rain season is March-May. Light rain season is November and December. Wet seasons are March –May and October-November; dry seasons are December to February and June to August.

Rainfall ranges between 500mm to 2500 mm and the relative humidity is 70 – 100%. The rainfall regime allows two planting and harvesting seasons a year in most parts of the country, without the use of irrigation.

About 34% of the country is covered in wetlands with a dense network of rivers, lakes and swamps.

Generally, the country is endowed with fertile soils. Uganda has some of the largest lakes on the continent including Lake Albert and Lake Victoria.

uganda safaris
Cultural Experiences

Uganda is very rich in culture and has a strong cultural heritage with a couple of cultural sites split up in different regions of the country. Almost each and every tribe in Uganda has either a kingdom or chiefdom which has been the tradition ever since. Kingdoms and Chiefdoms were first demolished over 40 years ago not until the incumbent president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni revived the idea of Kingdoms in Uganda shortly after taking over power in 1986. The fact that Uganda has always had a strong cultural heritage has left it with so many cultural attractions.

Primate Tracking

Get up close and personal with your hairy relatives during this exciting tour of the marvels of southwestern Uganda. Drive through extensive matoke plantations on your way to Lake Mburo for a walking safari amongst the zebras, before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla tracking. You will have the chance to gaze at elephants in the savannas of Uganda’s oldest national park and watch the curious chimps in the tropical rainforests of Kibale. You can opt for budget, mid-range, or deluxe accommodation.

Watch the chimpanzees playing and the baboons staring curiously at you. An impressive meeting with the gorillas will become an experience of a lifetime!

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular safari destination, offering diverse ecosystems that include savannahs, wetlands, and forests. The park is home to over 95 species of mammals and 600 species of birds. Highlights include game drives to see the Big Five, boat trips on the Kazinga Channel, and chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge.

Discover more about Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is famous for the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges 43 meters through a narrow gorge. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and hippos. A boat cruise on the Nile offers a unique perspective on the falls and the surrounding wildlife.

Explore the wonders of Murchison Falls National Park.

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Toyota-landcruiser-roof-top-tent for Camping Safaris

Travel Tips for Uganda

  1. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, from December to February and from June to August. These months offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing.
  2. Health Precautions: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations before traveling to Uganda. Malaria is prevalent, so take preventive measures, including using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets.
  3. Travel Insurance: It’s essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
  4. Local Currency: The local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). It’s advisable to carry some cash, as not all places accept credit cards.

Car Hire and Travel Services in Rwanda

For a seamless travel experience in Uganda and the surrounding regions, consider renting a car with Go Self Drive Rwanda. We offer a range of vehicles to suit your needs, whether you’re planning a self-drive safari or need a reliable car for city travel.

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Explore Rwanda’s National Parks

While you’re in the region, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Rwanda’s stunning national parks:

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For more detailed travel advice and car rental services, visit our blog and contact us. Plan your next adventure with Go Self Drive Rwanda and discover the best of Uganda and Rwanda.

By exploring the diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures of Uganda, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re trekking with gorillas in Bwindi, exploring the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, or cruising the Nile at Murchison Falls, Uganda offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Let Go Self Drive Rwanda be your trusted partner in this unforgettable journey.

For more travel inspiration and car rental services, visit Go Self Drive Rwanda today!

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