Just fill out the form below and be a subscriber today!

Email:

First Name:

Last Name:

Note: We do not disclose any personal infomation of yours to anyone and also do not condone spam or junk email.

Email this page to a friend

Africa Travel Newsletters > Uganda Adventure

1. Uganda - Upcoming Africa Adventure Travel Destination

Uganda is increasingly coming to the attention of travel connoisseurs as an elegant adventure destination. Famously described by Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is gifted by nature in many ways, especially by way of diversity and intensity of fauna. Charles Miller's writing of Uganda at the turn of the nineteenth century, described the country as: "set in a diadem of roller-coaster hills, spattered with the glowing embers of tropical flowers, brightened with clouds of butterflies and sweetened with the conversation of a million tropical birds."

The people of Uganda have survived the troubles of 1967-86 period and emerged standing on their feet. In that short period, the country suffered under the caprice of two despots: one was the indisputably insane Idi Amin and the other, the arguably insane Milton Obote. This is now history - a testament of the dignity and endurance of her people. The transformation of the country in the period since normalcy returned is nothing short of astounding. And today, Uganda dares market herself to international visitors as a worthy safari and adventure destination.

Uganda has made tremendous progress in the development of her tourist assets. The country is mainly known for primates and jungle canopies. And deservedly so, for it is here that you find the largest number of primate species anywhere in the world. In addition, Uganda has a distinctive mix of atypical montane and lake habitats, jungle forests, open savannah and cascading waterfalls that form the basis of its attraction to adventure travellers.

Kampala, the county's capital and business hub, is the suitable base for Uganda tours, a starting point for exploring the country. Like Rome, the city is built upon seven hills and thrives in a mix of cultures that make up its diverse populace. Kampala offers her own unique market and craft village tours, museums and living historic trips, and culture outings. You also have opportunity for golfing on the shores of nearby Lake Victoria.

While still at the lake's shores, canoeing is a popular activity well worth taking. Local villagers occasionally hire out their boats and canoes, giving you an opportunity to canoe the traditional Ugandan way. In addition, you will find cruising, sailing and boating clubs, with good equipment for hire. Beware that dangers of Bilharzia lurk on Lake Victoria and swimming -even for adventurous spirits is not advised.

A little off Kampala is the Kabaka's Lake - another popular canoeing spot. Adjoining Lake Victoria, the lake was excavated in the late 19th century on the orders Kabaka Mwanga, then King of the Baganda. This is Africa's largest man-made lake and is the site for the exciting annual Inter-Clan Canoe Regatta. The event brings together thousands of Ugandans, each representing their clan in contest. The merry event is also open to cross cultural canoeing crews who may have no clan to paddle for.

While setting out on a canoeing adventure, do not forget to bring along some canoeing shoes, plenty of sunscreen, long sleeved cotton-wear, and a pair of gloves. Other spectacular places to go canoeing or boating include Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, and Bujagali Falls.

Jinja is 80km from Kampala, and rests at the source of the Nile. The origin of the Nile intrigued the ancient Greeks, and was one of the great mysteries of the Victorian Age. The explorer John Speke decisively settled this mystery in 1862. Jinja, which overlooks Lake Victoria, is also known as 'place of the flat rocks'. The city has in recent years gained popularity as a base for water sports, and other adventure activities.

At Jinja the White Nile sets off on its laboured 6,500 km journey through Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea. Its first attempt to cascade down the ancient water rocks is arrested at the now submerged Rippon Falls. The falls once echoed the town of Jinja with its roars before the construction of the Owen Falls Dam in the 1950's. The filling of the reservoir raised the water level and eventually submerged the falls completely. The banks of the submerged falls today remain a small explorers' camp.

A little downstream from Owen, the river splits into seven channels as it madly rushes to catch a glimpse of the plummet ahead. The result is the Bujagali Falls. Only 8km from Jinja, this is the first magic of the Nile. The falls plunge with a mighty and angry roar, obviously in protest against the submerging of the Rippon Falls upstream. The cascading waters are surrounded by lush vegetation along the riverbanks and adjacent islands. The spectacular scenery has an abundance of bird life.

For adrenalin activities, the Bujagali Falls are East Africa's answer to the more famous Victoria Falls.
At an average gush of 1.8 million litres per second, the river has some good rapids, excellent for up to grade 5 rafting. This makes a fantastic one-stop location for white water rafting. The wild waters here know how best to toss and turn, giving you an unforgettable thrill. You can take on a two-day challenge -45 km of rafting and overnight camping along the riverbank.

If the spurt of adrenaline is too much for your liking, settle for a safety boat or a family float trip at the headwaters of the Nile. The scenery and wildlife along the banks are a bonus.

Just 2km downstream from the Bujagali Falls, the Nile High Bungee presents you with a chance to conquer any fear of heights you may have. The drop offers an exceptional, breath-taking opportunity for a 44-meter bungee jump. Whether you opt for just being dangled above the waters or being dipped into the river below, the bungee adrenaline is exhilarating. The theme is 'freestyle'; you can jump from the bungee tower alone or with a friend, ride your bike off the top, skip rope, dive, -the choice is yours. It's your creative call for this thrill and excitement; -though you need a nod from the bungee master.

Upriver from Bujagali Falls serves as an excellent kayaking spot. The area is free of crocodiles and hippos and a kayak school is also at hand. Every year, hundreds of kayakers and kayak fans throng the Bujagali Falls to be part of an annual international kayaking contest. The Nile Freestyle Festival is Bujagali's largest calendar event; a 3-day international party that brings together experts and amateurs.

River boarding is a stirring sport recently introduced in Uganda. Closely related to surfing the waves, river boarding is designed for the fittest and most articulate of sportspersons, as this is a test of balance, guts and endurance. There is a camp providing high quality equipment, tutor tips and safety instructions.

In addition, there is plenty of riverside entertainment: barbecues, camping, biking, acrobatic shows, stunts masters, and numerous opportunities for those seeking to make an impression. There is in-fact a group known as the Bujagali Swimmers who spectacularly plunge down the falls for show as their funs cheer on.

Given that one third of the Uganda is covered by water, it is no wonder that water sporting and adventure is becoming a significant tourist product. Fishing for sport in particular is increasingly becoming popular with visitors. The Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) promotes a 'catch and return' philosophy and only issues a limited number of annual angling permits.

Murchison Falls offers unmatched fishing in Uganda and is also a first-rate angling destination. The falls are located at Murchison Falls National Park; about 5 hours drive from Kampala to the northwest of the country. For a long stretch from Karuma Falls, the riverbed declines forcing the water into a torrential rush before the surge down the Murchison Falls.

At the onset of the cascade, the 50 m flow narrows as the waters squeeze through a 6 m gorge, and crushes in great turmoil 43m below. You can thus imagine why anglers refer to the resulting turbulence below as 'devil's cauldron'. The 80 km stretch between the Karuma and Murchison Falls' breeds the meanest, sturdiest and the most prized catches. Fish tough enough to withstand the torrents, presents the most challenging and entrancing angling in Uganda. You can hardly replicate the thrills of your day out here anywhere else in the world.

The Nile Perch at Murchison Falls are huge and are the most sought after catch. Weighing up to an astounding 108 kg, these fish make a prime catch at the foot of the falls. Other fish that can be caught here include: Semutundu Catfish -weighing up to 46 kg, small Tiger Fish and the larger, ferocious Tiger - scaling an average 1.5 and 28 kg respectively; Vundu Catfish, Mali or Mudfish, weighing up to 60 kg; common Squeaker, Tilapia, Electric Catfish -20 kg on scale, the 4 kg Golden Barbel, and the tiny Alestes Baremoze. 

Help and More Information for Uganda!