Uganda, the pearl of Africa is one stop destination for any one interested in wildlife safaris in order to discover the secrets of the wild and how life goes on in this part of the world however most of these marvelous wildlife attractions are hidden in the countryside. Exploring these wildlife destinations offer classic wildlife experiences to tourists seeking for the real African wildlife experience even though they are not visited a lot by tourists.
The outstanding wildlife destinations in Uganda’s countryside include the following;
Kidepo Valley National Park
This national park is located in northeastern Uganda and it presents tourists with the true African wilderness featuring a number of wildlife species that include the cape buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, lions, striped hyenas, cheetah, African elephants, greater and lesser kudu’s plus countless bird species.
Much as this is the most isolated national park in Uganda, a visit to discover the wildlife here is worth it as one encounters the wildlife on game drives and nature walks. This national park is neighbored by one of the most unique community of people the Karamojong. The Karamojongs are among some of the few tribes in Uganda that still strongly relate to their traditions. They are cattle keepers and hunters and live in small houses called Manyattas. A visit to the Karamojong community while in Kidepo enables one to discover the cultural and tradition side of Uganda.
While in Kidepo valley national park, one can stay at Apoka safari lodge, Apoka rest camp, Kakine self-catering campsite and Nga Moru wilderness camp.
Mount Rwenzori National Park
Located in the western part, Rwenzori national park is another wildlife wonder in Uganda’s countryside. This national park is a home to the famous snow capped mountains of the moon (Rwenzori mountains) that stretch from Uganda to Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Rwenzori Mountains are the best choices for those interested in hiking which is the most tourist activity carried out in this national park.
There are other major wildlife species in the lower slopes of the mountains that include forest elephants, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, colobus monkeys, the rare three-horned chameleon (Jackson’s chameleon) and unique montane vegetation. The major wildlife species in this national park can be explored while on nature walks and even when hiking.
Rwenzori national park is a water catchment area and a source of many rivers, which include river Mubuku, Nyamwamba which are glacial rivers flowing from the Rwenzori peaks.
There are various accommodation facilities for your stay during the Rwenzori hike some of which include Ihamba lakeside lode, hotel Margherita, Marafiki safari lodge and many others.
Mount Elgon National Park
The Mount Elgon National Park is a home to the mountain with the largest volcanic base and caldera on earth. It’s located in eastern Uganda but the mountain (mount Elgon) stretches up to western Kenya. The national park is also a home to a number of wildlife species that include small antelopes, a number of bird species plus primates like monkeys.
Those interested in hiking the mountain to the Wagagai peak experience a lot of adventure with close wildlife encounters. Tours can also be made to the Sipi falls or to the caves in Kapchorwa. Other major tourists activities that can be carried out while in mount Elgon national park include nature walks, birding, sport fishing and cultural visits to the Bagishu community.
Tourists to this area can have accommodation at Suam guesthouse, Masha hotel, Sipi river lodge, Sasa river camp and many others.
Exploring the Ugandan countryside is very enjoyable and gives tourists a chance to get close to the wild without any distraction of city noise.
