REASON WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT UGANDA INCASE YOU ARE ON THE RUSH. WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO!

Make Uganda your last-minute safari destination. I will tell you why. Whereas traveling is a nice experience, planning the best travel safari can be challenging especially for first time travellers. There is more to do than just packing your travel bag and boarding the plane. One needs to answer the question of where, when, why, to do what and how to do it. All these might show up not only for travellers who have enough time to Plan for a trip but also travelers on the rush. 

Sometimes we plan for A and we end up doing B. Such changes are not new and sometimes they are inevitable. Imagine you have been planning to travel to one country and all of a sudden, there is a disease outbreak! What do you do? Yes, most of the tour operators refund money but no tour operator will ever refund the time and emotions that you invested in planning your trip. In such a scenario, instead of letting go, why not choose another travel destination option? Of course, everyone would wish to find an alternative destination but the job of choosing one destination from a pool of destinations across the world is usually more challenging than even before. This is why we have designed for you this article so that you discover why Uganda is the best last-minute travel destination of all times.

Why you should choose Uganda as your last-minute travel and safari destination?

1. Easy accessibility
2. Uganda is the Pearl of Africa
3. Easy-to-Combine safari destinations
4. Uganda is the best destination for budget travellers
5. In Uganda, it is easy to get guides that Speak English, German, French and Swahili and other major international languages
6. Uganda has Crowd-free destinations
7. Diversity in Uganda’s food
8. Ugandans are hospitable, social and easy to blend
9. Multiple wildlife, bird and tree species
10. Uganda is best for solo travellers

Now that you have an idea about the reasons why you should choose Uganda as your last-minute safari destination, let's dive into the detailed bit of it. 

Read related articles here. 

1. Easy accessibility

There is no doubt about Uganda being one of the easy-to-reach safari destinations in Africa and the world as a whole. Starting from its strategic location at the heart of East Africa not far away from Indian Ocean to sharing Lake Victoria with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda is also connected to North Africa (Mediterranean Sea) by the longest river in the world – River Nile whose 3-month journey northwards starts from Jinja in Uganda.

Additionally, quite a number of airlines from different parts of the world connect to Uganda’s main airport – Entebbe International Airport. This implies that all you need is booking a flight right from where you are and visit Uganda.

Internally, Uganda has destinations that can easily be accessed both by road or air transport means. For example, if you are going for gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, you can either book a flight from Kajansi airstrip to Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airport. The other option is driving the Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara – Kabale highways while enjoying views of the lush green vegetation, landscape and trading centers. All these are possible even when you are planning a trip while on the rush.

2. Uganda is the Pearl of Africa

Due to her good weather, climate and spectacular geographical features, Uganda was declared “the Pearl of Africa.” This declaration was made back in the days when Winston Churchill wrote it in his famous book – My African Journey. The book was inspired by Churchill’s visit to almost all African countries. Since then Uganda was nicknamed the Pearl of Africa and those that visit her add more chocolate to the name.

The geography of Uganda is generally a combination of beauty and fragrance – whose visit is something that can be fixed on your safari plan even when you are in a rush. Adding Uganda to your travel list would make much sense even when it is on the last-minute.

3. Easy-to-combine safari destinations

Not every Safari destination has got easy-to-combine travel destinations. When it comes to that, Uganda is the best of all. Right from proximity (Distance from one destination to another) to activities offered. In some parts of the world, you find two national parks next to each other but offering the same experience. This is not the case with Uganda’s safari destinations. For instance, embarking on Uganda gorilla trekking and wildlife safari gives a chance to trek mountain gorillas, do a cultural / community tour, boat cruise, tree climbing lion tracking, wildlife safari game drives, guided nature walks, chimpanzee tracking and birding. Imagine all this can be done in Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Queen Elizabeth national park

Click here for more insight on Uganda safari packages.

4. Uganda is the best destination for budget travellers

Last-minute travel usually has a lot to do with financial constraints and thus requires budget destinations. Budget traveling to Uganda is cheap in money but not in experience. Right from accessibility to Accommodation and transportation, Uganda has budget offers. Beyond Travel aims at offering rich experiences at a relatively cheap and affordable cost.

In terms of transport, you can opt to join other travellers and move as a group when you are doing a safari on a rush. In terms of accommodation, you can hire a dormitory or a lodge in the budget category so that you use the remaining money for other expenses such as food and transport. In the event that you have fallen sick during your Uganda safari, you can access medical services at the lowest cost in the shortest time possible which is not common in other tourism destinations.

If you are planning a last-minute-travel, put Uganda into consideration since it offers the best budget destinations. Talk to a Travel and tour specialist now. 

5. In Uganda, it is easy to get guides that Speak English, German, French and Swahili and other major international languages

Every traveller in the world wants to have the best guides during their safaris. You also deserve one – someone who will explain to you why things appear the way they are, give you the history behind the attractions and not making your journey a boring one. All these start with a safari guide who understands your language.

It is in Uganda where you will easily get a guide who knows more than two languages including the most common one – English. Unlike in the past when the tour operators would have a driver and a guide all on your trip, these days it is the driver acting as your guide. Uganda’s guides are experienced and well-qualified to do their job to the best of their knowledge.

6. Uganda has Crowd-free destinations

There is no nightmare worse than traveling to a destination that is ever crowded. The psychological bit of this is that; no human being wishes to have an experience that others have already explored. We all want to look like we are the first to discover something. This sounds a-bit funny, but it is true!

Even when a destination has got something beautiful to offer to its visitors, you may not enjoy it if it is crowded. This is what makes Uganda outstanding. Even the most sought-after activities have a limited number of people to do them at a given time. For instance, only 8 people are allowed to trek with a certain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable national park as Mgahinga Gorillas national park. Travellers who are on the rush should look at Uganda as their primary target for their safaris.

7. Diversity in Uganda’s food

Let us talks about the necessities of life. Uganda is one of the countries in Africa and the whole world with diverse cultures each of which offers a staple food as a tourist attraction. All these foods are affordable and can be tried by people from all parts of the world. Majority of these foods are of an African origin while others trace their origin in the west as well as east.

Hotels and Restaurants offer delicious foods at a price that can be afforded by both budget and luxury travellers. These hotels and restaurants offer both local and international cuisines. This can best fit your food choices on the rush safari plan. It is important to talk to your tour operator about your food special needs while planning your Uganda Safari. 

8. Ugandans are hospitable, social and easy to blend

There is no more life that Uganda offers than diverse people. The indigenous cultures of Uganda are a true reflection of beauty. So welcoming, social and easy to blend people might be the reason why you should add Uganda to your list especially on the last-minute.

In Uganda, you will find the people around the cities and rural areas so friendly and welcoming something that is not common in other countries. The communities neighbouring national parks give tremendous experience as you get to enjoy the local food, traditional dances, local brewed beer and an insight on their traditional ways of style. Fixing such a destination on your last-minute travel safari list is a moment turned into a memory.

9. Multiple wildlife, bird and tree species

When it comes to more conventional wildlife viewing, the country is blessed with diverse wildlife irrespective of her small size. Visiting any of Uganda’s savannah national parks will give you an opportunity of seeing animals easily, something that can fit on your safari plan especially when you are on the rush.

Do not miss out on Kidepo Valley national park, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks which offer good chances of encountering perennial Africa safari favorites such as the big five animals that is lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard. Explore the western circuit and enjoy activities such as horseback safaris, birding, boat cruise, lion tracking, chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, game drives, to mention but a few. For last minute travellers on a limited budget, the western circuit has the most accessible and affordable, comparably worthwhile savanna reserves compared to other African destinations.

Uganda still remains one of those unrivaled African holiday destinations for birding tours. Far from her neighbor states, Uganda amazingly takes up the front mantle to give tourists wonderful Uganda birding tours experience. With a diversity of habitats, beautiful weather that favour and encourages their existence, birds in Uganda can be seen almost everywhere around the country. Meet them in the forest marsh lands, wetlands/swamps and around water bodies. This further makes Uganda a nation with a variety of bird species that have attracted people in and out of Uganda supporting the rich heritage of Uganda. It should be noted that with a list of over 1,000 species. Unique is a rightful and generous token of admiral from different communities there by supporting birding tours across Uganda.

10. Uganda is a good destination for solo travellers 

Majority of the last-minute travellers are the solo travellers. For whatever reasons they travel, Uganda has been the best destination for solo travellers in the past decades. As a solo traveler, you can embark on a hiking safari or the amazing gorilla habituation experience. All these activities can be included on your safari trip plan even on the last-minute. Talk to an expert now for the best Uganda last-minute trip.

Where in Uganda can I do my last minute travel?

Jinja the source of the Nile

The Nile River, vastly regarded as the world’s longest river is the not only the lifeline of Egypt but many other nations. Its rich history from the medieval times, biblical times up to today makes one wonder of its Genesis. Jinja in Uganda is the proud source of River Nile, notably the longest river in the world and the adventure capital of East Africa. Today it attracts various

The sights and sounds of Jinja are breathtaking with tranquility and gush of the thrills. This part of the Nile is also symbolized by waterfalls, rapids, steep gradient and fast moving water. All this give surge to wild adventures like the grade 5 white water rafting that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The Nile High Bungee Jump allows you to take the leap of faith from the cliff and reach down to touch the waters. It is a life time experience one should have while they are on safari in Uganda. It’s also good for team building adventures too while having the adrenaline rush.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria (Nam Lolwe in Luo; Nalubaale in Luganda; Nyanza in Kinyarwanda and some Bantu languages) is one of the African Great Lakes. The lake was named after Queen Victoria by the explorer John Hanning Speke, the first Briton to document it. Speke accomplished this in 1858, while on an expedition with Richard Francis Burton to locate the source of the Nile River. With a surface area of 68,800 square kilometers, Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake by area and the largest tropical lake in the world. Lake Victoria is the world’s second largest fresh water lake by surface area, after Lake Superior in North America. In terms of volume, Lake Victoria is the world’s ninth largest continental lake, containing about 2,750 cubic kilometers of water.

There are quite a number of islands on Lake Victoria which offer tourists the best experiences. Visiting Ssese Island beaches would be the best idea even when you are doing so on the last minute.

Bwindi Impenetrable national park

Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in South Western region of Uganda and is characterized by thick vegetation cover. This trait explains why it is called impenetrable. The thick forest that also lies on a high altitude that gets foggy. However, this experience is what makes gorilla trekking in Uganda worth your investment in terms of money and time.

Apart from the mountain gorillas, Bwindi impenetrable national park is also home to the Batwa community. The Batwa are a group of pygmies that thrive in Bwindi and have been able to amicably live the Mountain gorillas without much interruption and clashes. So if you are out there and looking for a nice way to spend your upcoming summer holiday, the pearl of Africa is just the place to be. While in this jewel, you will experience beautiful sceneries, mouthwatering delicacies and variety of flora and fauna. Whatever you may be yearning for, Uganda has it in all forms and colours.

Kidepo Valley national park

The immense beauty of Kidepo valley national park undoubtedly proves why CNN recommended this incredible park among the eight most beautiful national parks in Africa to be visited on any wildlife safari.

Being the most isolated national park in Uganda, Kidepo Valley national park emerges as the most undisturbed destination that all wildlife trotters must not miss while on a Uganda safari. It is located in the extreme north eastern corner of the country. The park harbors scores of wildlife species summing to more than 75 mammals as well as 475 bird species. This is the true savanna extension to the horizon with beautiful mountains in the background, all making Kidepo one of Africa’s finest parks.

Queen Elizabeth national park

Located in south western Uganda, this park is truly a medley of wonders. With vast sprawling savannas, dotted with awe-inspiring craters, beautiful rolling hills bisected by sweeping valleys, Queen Elizabeth national park doubtlessly offers some of the most uniquely beautiful sceneries you will ever have across the African continent. The park is a home to more than seventy mammal species including 4 of the big five mammals. Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national expose travelers to elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, topi, Uganda Kob, warthogs, lions and many other wildlife species.

Queen Elizabeth National park’s Ishasha sector is one of the only two parts in East Africa with tree climbing lions. One is Lake Manyara national park in Tanzania and the next one is our very own Ishasha sector. While in Queen Elizabeth national park, dare not to miss the amazing Chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kyambura Gorge. The activity is spectacular especially during the hour in which you are given a chance to spend in the presence of chimpanzees upon encountering them.

Lake Mburo national park

Lake Mburo national park is situated in western Uganda covering districts of Mbarara, Kiruhura, Isingiro and parts of Rakai; lies just adjacent to the main highway from Kampala to popular tourist destinations in the Southern and Western parts of Uganda. Extensive acacia woodland covers it and unlike any reserve in the country.

The park is a home to different fauna including the gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topi, Impala, and Buffaloes. It’s also a birding destination were you can view many birds including; the rare Shoebill stork. It has also got grassy hills and the beautiful lake shores with forest galleries, rich acacia tree valleys, seasonal and the permanent swamps which is a combination of which supports a great attraction of different wildlife species. Lake Mburo national park’s easy access from Kampala – the capital city of Uganda is one of the reasons why it should be included on your safari even when it is on the last minute plan.

Murchison falls national park

Murchison Falls Park is the largest and one of the oldest conservation areas in Uganda, spanning to total area of 3,893 square kilometers. It is found in the northern side of Albertine rift valley.

The park came to fame because of the presence of strong rushing waters of River Nile being forced through a small gully hence creating a fascinating scenery of water falls (the Murchison falls). Murchison falls park is a home to a diversity of Uganda wild animals like the big 4 (leopards, buffaloes, elephants, lions), Rothschild Giraffes, zebra, among others. There are various activities to do while in Murchison falls national park that makes it a classic gem compared to other Ugandan game parks.

Game drives and boat cruises are the most enticing encounter among the activities to do in Murchison falls national park. Scenic game drives within the Buligi game tracks on the northern bank is one great way to have a great view of animals and taking great photos of a big range of animals as they graze throughout the Nile valley, leopards are rarely seen in the park and lions can be tracked by game rangers basing on their current location.

Kibale national park

Kibale Forest National Park is located in South-western Uganda protecting the moist evergreen rain forest and other numerous primate species. It is 766 square kilometers in size and is between 1,100–1,600 meters in elevation. The park’s establishment is way back in 1993.

The forest occupies the northern as well as the central part of the park. Kibale in the northern part has a peak of about 1590m above sea level. The northern part is also well known as the wettest area with an annual rainfall of about 1700mm. The rainy months include March-May as well as September-November. However you can do the chimpanzee tracking throughout the year. The bird life of Kibale national park with its varsity, has approved to be one of the major attractions for tourists that visit the park. The bird watching experience in Kibale national park is activity that is felt not elsewhere in the world.

Lake Bunyonyi

Located in western Uganda within the districts of Kabale and Kisoro, Lake Bunyonyi is one of Uganda’s destinations that every traveler would tiptoe to have a glance. The lake was formed 1000s of years ago and it is believed to be the deepest lake in Uganda. No traveler leaves Lake Bunyonyi the way they came, they are blessed and engrossed with mesmerizing melodies of multiple bird species that dwell in the area. The name “Bunyonyi” is a local word which means ‘small birds” which is a brief explanation of what the lake is famous for.

Fort Portal city – Uganda’s tourism city

While planning a safari to Uganda, do not miss do not miss this Magical city – Fort Portal which is a home to quite a number of tourist attractions. These include; Amabere ga Nyinamwiru caves, Karambi Royal tombs, Toro Botanical gardens, Semuliki national park, Sempaya Hot springs, to mention but a few.

Semuliki national park

Semuliki National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest safari destinations covering an area of 220 sq. km. It is an impeccable spot perched at the boarder of Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda in Bwamba County, Bundibugyo district in the extreme west of the country. Lying within the Albertine Rift, the western arm of the Great Rift Valley; it is included within the Eastern Afro-montane biodiversity hot spot. It is one of the most recent national parks in Uganda, gazetted in October 1993.

Being separated from the rest of East Africa and from the Ituri forest of the DRC by the Rwenzori Mountain ranges and Semuliki River respectively, Semuliki National Park forms one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa particularly the birds, making it a prime birder’s haven for Uganda. Due to its richness in Bird species, Semuliki national park was nicknamed – The True Birders Haven.

Other destinations include;

• Mgahinga Gorilla national park
• Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC)
• Ssese Island
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• Ziwa Rhino sanctuary
• Rwenzori Mountains National park
• Mt. Elgon national park
• Kasubi Royal tombs

There has never been the right time to plan a trip to Uganda better than now, whether you feel you are late or you are on the last-minute – Think about Uganda. Her prime safari destinations will satisfy your curiosity irrespective of how long it took you to plan the trip.

Let Beyond Travel Organize for you the best last-minute trip to Uganda, you will never regret.