Uganda is a land locked country located in east Africa. Uganda is one tourism wildlife destination where a number of tourists go on wildlife journeys to natural and less disturbed ecosystems to interact with the wild. The country is blessed with diverse wildlife species that are evenly distributed in the various national parks that it has. Though Uganda is most known for gorilla safaris into the Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, Eco tourists have an opportunity to experience many more amazing things in terms of nature and culture. Tourist get the best of their wildlife safaris when they engage in the various wildlife activities that take them close to wildlife that include the following
Mountain Gorilla Tracking And The Habituation Experience In Bwindi Impenetrable NationalPark
Internationally recognized as a United Nations educational scientific and cultural organization (UNESCO) world heritage site, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is a home to half of the remaining mountain gorilla population on earth with 11 habituated mountain gorilla families that are open to tourists (tracking) and other two mountain gorilla families open for the habituation process. Hiking the mountains of Bwindi impenetrable forest to encounter mountain gorillas offers so far the outstanding wildlife encounters in Uganda.
This walk through the tropical rain forest is very refreshing especially with the sightings of the different wildlife species that also live in the forest. Mountain gorilla tracking permits are sold at $600 per person and the gorilla habituation permit is sold at $1500 per person.
Birding
Birding in Uganda is another wildlife ecotourism activity that offers great wildlife encounters while on a wild life safari while in Uganda. There are many birding destinations in the country where birders can view a variety of birds that include; the shoebill stork, king fishers, African fish eagles, Turacos, vultures, egrets, jacanas and so much more. Most of these can be seen in the leading birding destinations that include the Mabamba swamp, Murchison falls national park, Kibale forest national park, the Bigodi swamps among others.
Wild Game Viewing
While on a Uganda wildlife safari, one cannot definitely miss out on game viewing in the major savanna wildlife ecosystems that include national parks like queen Elizabeth national park where tourists can view hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, chimpanzees, tree climbing lions, waterbucks, Murchison falls national park where sightings of giraffes, antelopes, warthogs, semuliki valley national park a home to the forest elephants, giant forest hogs, hippos, Rwenzori mountains national park with the rare three horned chameleon, forest elephants, afro montane vegetation and many others.
Chimpanzee tracking
Kibale forest national park located in western Uganda Is the best ecotourism destination for chimpanzee tracking with the highest chimpanzee population in east Africa. Forest walks in search for the chimpanzees also offer great wildlife experiences especially as tourists see the chimpanzees jump over from one tree branch to another. Other eco tourism sites where chimpanzee tracking can be done include the Budongo forest reserve situated in Murchison falls national park, Kyambura gorge forest, Kalinzu forest, Maramagambo forest all located in queen Elizabeth national park. There are trails in these forests that lead nature lovers to the various parts of the forests as they enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Nature Walks In Mabira Forest
Mabira forest is located along the Kampala Jinja highway. Mabira forest is among the vast natural forests in Uganda and a home to a variety of wildlife species that include birds, vegetation species, insects and reptiles. A nature walk in this forest offers a great experience of a true African jungle with great scenic views and listening to the sounds of nature.
In all the above-mentioned eco tourism destinations are eco friendly accommodation facilities with standard facilities and therefore one can greatly enjoy a nature friendly safari while in Uganda the pearl of Africa.
