Uganda: An exotic landscape
Uganda is from a matchless beauty, wild , in which the desert African savannah meets the dense jungle, in a contrast of colors from yellow to green, that amazes anyone. His nickname of the " pearl of africa ” does not come for no reason: this country deserves it thanks to its ten natural parks , to their twelve wild reserves and their fourteen nature sanctuaries.
Uganda is the perfect place for lovers of the best sunrises , always surrounded by exotic vegetation that is more reminiscent of an island paradise than the heart of Africa. A place where there are many things to see unforgettable experiences, such as having breakfast with the lions in the Queen Elizabeth National Park , or visit the silverback gorillas . Take note of the most interesting thing that Javier Fernández, our guide through Uganda, has told us.
Javier looking for gorillas in Bwindi
LAKE VICTORIA AND ITS OVER A HUNDRED ISLANDS
If we are in Uganda, Tanzania or Kenya, something that we cannot miss is the Lake Victoria , also known as Victoria Nyanza (in Swahili language), is the largest tropical lake in the world and one of the main sources of the river Nile . It has numerous islands, with very particular environmental conditions ( Ukerewe, Ukara, Rubondo, Bumbire, mfangano, Rusinga, Kome, bugala ) in the archipelago of I know . These islands have become in recent years one of the most valued tourist attractions in East Africa for its crystal clear waters , its lush vegetation and the constant flapping of its more than thousand different species of birds.
Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world
CLIMB IN WEDDING-WEDDING IN KAMPALA
The boda-boda is the Ugandan taxi . Bikers zip through the city of Kampala 24 hours a day in impossible and almost miraculous ways (like seeing three people riding "package"). Its great advantage is speed, and in cities like the Ugandan capital, with hellish traffic at rush hour, it is essential to resort to the wedding-wedding . But if speed is not what you had planned for your stay, in Kampala there are options that complete the public transport offer such as kill you (urban mini-buses) .
In Uganda it is essential to resort to the boda-boda
RESTAURANTS IN KAMPALA
Kampala flows between seven hills that surround it . The luminosity, energy and dynamism of this cosmopolitan african capital It is the product of the progressive economic growth and political stability that have prevailed in the last thirty years at the source of the Nile. In Kampala there is not everything, but everything can be achieved . Afro-Caribbean, Belgian, Chinese, German, Indian, Ethiopian, Fusion, Iranian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Pizzeria, Turkish, Vegetarian and to a tapas bar . The list is endless. One of the most recommended for its african food As the chicken tikka and nantan is Kati Kati Africa.
Kampala, the cosmopolitan African capital
TEA, TOBACCO, COFFEE AND COTTON
The economic release approved in the year 1986 , was accompanied by large international investments, especially in the private sector, which began to alleviate the harsh mark left by the " almighty ", as he made himself known, the Dictator Idi Amin . The farming , however, still constitutes the cornerstone of the Ugandan economy , with more than sixty percent of the country linked to it. The tea, tobacco, the coffee Y the cotton They are your letter of introduction abroad.
Agriculture is the cornerstone of the Ugandan economy.
HOTELS FOR ALL TASTES
In Uganda, the hotel offer has been able to adapt to all types of tourists, adventurers and volunteers . From the luxurious Emin Pasha Luxury Boutique Hotel, to the bustling and always lively Backpackers Hostel & Campsite (unbeatable value for money) through countless Bed and Breakfasts. A very tempting plan is to travel from Entebbe to Kibale and sleep in luxurious tents adapted as suites or in what was the second residence of Diane Fossey, the Travelers Rest Hotel Kisoro.
In Uganda you can be luxurious
TRACK GORILLAS IN BWINDI JUNGLE
In southwestern Uganda, in the impenetrable forest d and Bwindy , lives one of the largest world mountain gorilla populations . Following their trail through the jungle and spending time with them in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience (the Wildplaces company organizes excursions). In Bwindi, in addition, they live 120 species of mammals, 350 birds and more of 200 tree species.
In the same forest we can stay in one of the cottage with fireplace and butler service of the Clouds Mountain Lodge , built in volcanic stone on top of the mountain range Nteko . Each cottage is decorated with the works of art by a renowned Ugandan artist . Mweya Safary Lodge, surrounded by the magical mountains of Rwenzori, aptly described as the " Mountains of the Moon" , is also a good option for accommodation in Bwindi.
Track gorillas in Bwindi
CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE IN KAMPALA
It is more than necessary to set aside an afternoon to visit the Museum and the National Theater , behind which are hidden hundreds of small stalls of local crafts pigeonholed in small alleys that rather reminiscent of a Tunisian souk . In Kampala itself, Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals and the bahai temple are a must visit, as is the national mosque , built by the sadly known Gaddafi.
Don't miss the Bahai Temple
JINJA, THE SECOND CITY OF UGANDA
Less than 90 kilometers from the capital. jinja It is located in a privileged enclave, on the banks of the Lake Victoria and in the birthplace of the longest river in the world, the Nile River. But not everything is going to be Nilo: Jinja falls in love with his unbeatable adventure sport offer. Gately On Nile and the activities of Wildwater Lodge they are imposed as the most vertiginous options (but also comfortable in the accommodation) with unbeatable views of Lake Victoria.
Jinja, the second city of Uganda
JUMP IN: BUNGEE JUMPING
If you like adrenaline and you consider yourself daring, it is an activity that you will not hesitate to do. The Adrift agency offers the practice of bungee jumping jumping from 44 meters high with a rubber band tied to the feet on the Nile . Is not sufficient? Put on your helmet and life jacket and dare with extreme rafting, in one of the few rapids in the world classified as Grade 5+ (there is also a more relaxed version for the whole family) . Leaving the oars aside, there is the possibility of cruising the calmer waters of the Nile at 90 km/h in a speedboat.
In the words of our guide, Javier, " Ugandan is a great unknown . The joy of its people , the huge generosity of those who with little are able to share a lot , a fauna within the reach of very few places in the world and some dreamy landscapes , have turned the Pearl of Africa into a great little treasure to brag about".
Bungee Jumping, pure and simple adrenaline