Uganda is one of the richest countries in Africa for biodiversity conservation, ranking second for mammals ( the 13th in the whole world), second for birds and seventh for higher plants. It is a land locked country but “Gifted by Nature”as per the 1908 description by Sir Winston Church Hill. Its unique scenery/landscapes, incredible wildlife, bird life, culture together with welcoming people really portray it as truly the “Pearl of Africa” hence this has made Uganda so popular as one of the countries with great African safari tours.
According to the UN, Uganda has an incredible variety of animal, bird and plant species, making it one of the most bio diverse countries in the world. The country has, for example, 53% of the world’s estimated 1,000 mountain gorillas.It is estimated that the country holds 40% of the different types of African mammals (about 345 in number ). In addition, Uganda boasts 11% of the world’s bird species and 4,800 plant species – more than any country. It also has about 142 different kinds of reptiles, 86 types of amphibians, 501 types of fish and 1242 kinds of butterflies. The rich biodiversity has made the country one of the world’s top tourist attractions. International media houses including CNN last year (2022) praised its unique biodiversity as a major attraction for tourists.
Uganda is rightly famous for its mountain Gorillas, and seeing these animals in the wild is an experience unlike any other. Uganda has more than half of the world`s mountain Gorillas.
These are found on the Virunga Mountain slopes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park both Located in South Western Uganda. Visiting thеse еnigmаtiс and beautiful creatures is a life-changing experience. Gorilla trekking In Uganda is is arguably one of the top best wildlife encounters available anywhere in the world.
The big 5 animals are all present in Uganda and can easily be seen in all savanna parks. These animals include African Elephant, Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, and Rhinoceros.
Well, the big five are not the only animals in Uganda to be marvelled at! Below are some of the examples of the animals you will see.
- Primates – mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys,golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, and many more
- Carnivores – Lion, Leopards, African wildcats, cheetahs, hyena, and many more
- Herbivores – Buffalos, elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Rhino, Zebra, Antelope, Uganda Kob and many more
- Reptiles – Crocodiles, pythons, snakes, monitor lizards, chameleons.
- Birds- African eagle, vultures, turacos
- and many more
Uganda has 10 National Parks; 12 Wildlife Reserves; 5 Community Wildlife Management Areas; and 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries where tourists can enjoy the wildlife. These are found within with savannah grasslands. These areas have beautiful vegetation that creates beautiful scenaries. The National parks are ;Queen Elizabeth National Park; Murchison Falls National Park ; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park ; Rwenzori Mountains National Park ;Kidepo Valley National Park; Lake Mburo National Park; Semuliki Valley National Park; Mount Elgon National Park; Kibale forest National Park ; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The greater part of Uganda consists of a plateau 800 to 2,000 m (2,600–6,600 ft.) in height. It also has the beautiful interplay of 6 major mountains namely; Mount Moroto, Mount Kadam, Mount Morungole, Mount Zulia, Mount Elgon and the Rwenzori mountains (5109m) that are the reason why Uganda has such excellent climatic and settlement conditions. Along the western border, in the Ruwenzori Mountains, Margherita Peak reaches a height of 5,109 m (16,762 ft.)
Uganda is one of the 11 countries that share the waters of the River Nile and is also home to a web of 27 other rivers, 8 of which are considered Uganda`s main rivers from which most of the other rivers flow. The other major rivers include, White Nile, River Kagera, River Turkwel, River Katonga, River Kafu, River Sezibwa and River Semliki.
The country has 32 lakes most of them consecrated in the southern and Western part of the country. Some of the main lakes include; Lake Edward, Lake George, Lake Albert, Lake Lake Kyoga, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Victoria one of the world’s biggest lakes.
For many visitors Uganda is considered to be one of the greenest countries in the world. This description is earned from the host of tropical rainforests, scattered across the country. Uganda has 77 forest reserves some of which have never been explored by the modern world and they balance out the vast grasslands found in the Norther part of the country. These forests provide homes for the extremely diverse wildlife in Uganda along with food like wild berries and domestic materials like firewood for rural homesteads.
Uganda is also endowed with craters, stalagmites, hot springs, waterfalls and so many other tourist attractions.
