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Africa
Travel Newsletter > Uganda
Safari - Curving a Niche in Adventure Travel >
Page 2
1.1
Uganda - The Pearl Of Africa Glows Again
The Annual Murchison Falls International Open Fishing Tournament
draws many who relish a superb fishing opportunity. Skill
and experience are paramount and the display is impressive:
fly-fishing, rods and reels, artificial and live baits, end
tackles, and even landing puts every fisher on the test scores.
At the end, the reigning angling lords and ladies are declared;
though everyone participating is considered a winner, and
fun always steals the day.
Fishing is an all year round activity in Uganda,
and is especially viable when the weather is warm and the
skies are clear. The best results are achieved when the water
levels are low and crystal clear. In Murchison Falls, this
occurs between mid January and the onset of April, during
which the weather alter drastically.
If you can tear yourself from the waters,
you can explore opportunities for mountaineering, quad biking,
mountain biking, rock wall climbing, and adventure forest
walks and treks, and trail hiking.
Quad biking is an excellent way to tour the
banks of the Nile and interior lands. For this activity you
use open four-wheel all terrain vehicles (ATV), which are
at ease coursing places other vehicles can hardly track. Off
the beaten track - with or without driving experience, the
ATV's are easy to handle. Along the Nile, some operators now
offer this sport - along with practice circuits for the amateur
quad biker. This is also a good way to go on a camping or
wilderness safari in Uganda.
Mountaineers coming to Uganda have three worthy
options: the Ruwenzori Mountains to the west, Mount Elgon
on the Kenya-Uganda border and the Virunga mountain ranges
that run along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC).
Snow capped Ruwenzori, standing at 5,119 m,
is Africa third highest mountain after Mount Kilimanjaro and
Mount Kenya. The Ruwenzori's are otherwise referred to as
the Mountains of the Moon - the label given to them by Ptolemy,
the ancient Greek scholar, in his African map.
The Ruwenzori is part of the national park
of the same name and contains six snow-capped peaks. The mist
covered mountain range stretches for about 120 km. You can
hike the trails without any special climbing equipment, unless
you want to go for the peaks. Scaling the lunar peaks is a
rewarding and scenic experience that may take up to 7 days.
Mount Elgon -which sits by the Kenyan border,
is the shell of an ancient volcano. The physically fit can
easily endure this climb and no special skills or equipments
are required. The peaks -which you can reach in just 3 days,
rise to 4,321 m. On your climb you will encounter: waterfalls,
caves that were once used by indigenous people, hot springs,
mountains vegetation, wildlife, the various peaks, the Suam
Gorge and the caldera itself. After millions of years of erosion,
the oval shaped caldera now measures roughly 7 by 8 kms, and
is one of the largest in the world.
The Virunga volcanoes form the greatest montane
range in Central Africa. The Viringas' are home to the greater
population of mountain gorillas. Attempting a climb on these
jungle-blanketed steeps calls for utmost skill and experience.
On the Ugandan side, all three mountains are based within
national parks, and are well secured by rangers.
Mountain biking, forest treks, walks and short
and long hikes can easily be organised. On an organised tour
package, you will be provided with climbing equipment, guides,
and permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (www.uwa.or.ug)
if you need to scale the peaks.
Adventure travellers are also welcome to try
rock wall climbing. Courses for beginners and advanced climbers
are on offer next to the Sipi Falls.
Uganda is developing into a worthy location
for adventure and sport activities, all supported by good
accommodation, eateries and a hospitable people. You will
find international standard
hotels in Uganda, especially in Entebbe, Jinja
and Kampala. The quality is variable in the smaller towns,
where rated accommodation is scarce. All of the major national
parks offer accommodation in game lodges and tented camps.
If you want to rent
a car in Uganda pick up is usually in Kampala.
You need to show an international drivers license to hire
a vehicle. Roads radiate from Kampala and are of varying quality.
In the north of the country the security situation is still
doubtful and so are the roads. If you are on self-drive, it
is good ideas to get local advise about the condition of the
roads you intend to use.
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate tempered
by altitude. The hottest period of the year is December to
February when temperatures rise to 29 degrees Celsius. For
the rest of the year, temperatures range between 21 to 25°C.The
country experiences two rainy seasons: April to May and October
to November, with April being the wettest month. The best
times to visit are December-March and June-September.
Light informal clothing is generally adequate.
But you need warmer wraps and sweaters for the evenings and
early mornings. You are also advised to carry some rainwear,
just in case.
New:
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