“The pearl of Africa”- Uganda is among the top tourist destinations on planet earth. Uganda is gifted with 10 National Parks namely: Kibale National park, Mountain Rwenzori National park, Mountain Elgon National park, Bwindi Impenetrable National park, Semuliki National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mgahinga National park, Murchison Falls National park, Queen Elizabeth national park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Each National Park is endowed with a variety of wild animals, birds, drainage, beautiful relief, and unique vegetation among others. On the way to each National Park, there are some of the tourist attractions/destinations you can visit en route. Among them include the following:

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

You can en-route visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary when you are heading to Murchison Falls National park- the largest National Park in Uganda.  Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch located in Nakasongola district is the proud home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda.

Currently, the sanctuary is home to twenty-two (22) southern white rhinos. The sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists; for Rhino Trekking, Bird Watching, Night Walk, Nature Walk and Relaxation.

Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station

On the way still, you can stop over at Karuma dam – The Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station is a 600 MW hydroelectric power project under construction in Uganda. When completed, it will be the largest power-generating installation in the country. View the water flowing at the point where the dam is being constructed. Instruct with the builders- thereafter; proceed to the largest national Park in Uganda- Murchison Falls.

Lake Mburo National Park

As you travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Home of Mountain Gorillas), Lake Mburo National Park (Home of Zebras among other attractions), Queen Elizabeth National Park (Home of tree climbing lions and Kazinga channel among other attractions), Enroute visit the Mpambire drum makers – It is located along Masaka road heading to western Uganda. It makes for a nice stop along the way for anyone interested in buying drums or seeing how they are made or learning how to drum. On the side of the road, you can see the drum maker’s shops selling handmade drums of different shapes and sizes. In the Ugandan culture, the drum plays a big role both in rituals and celebrations.

Ishasha Sector

From Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are the Ishasha sector – a haven of tree climbing, olive baboon, birds, and insects among others. As you go through this sector, expect to see a variety of tree climbing lions swinging on the fig tree.  Tree climbing lions are unique lion species you shouldn’t miss when you visit Uganda. The nearby gorilla trekking sector is Buhoma of Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

Ssezibwa Falls and Mabira Forest

From Kampala to Mount Elgon National park, en-route visit Ssezibwa falls-one of the powerful Uganda waters situated in Buikwe district. The falls are attached to spiritual beliefs and different cultural rituals are performed there. Also, Mabira forest is among the en-route attractions – it’s the largest tropical forest in Uganda. Evergreen forests with tall trees, different primate species, more than 50 bird species, water bodies, and so on are found. You can stopover and enjoy some of the following activities:

Butterfly Identification: Butterfly identification is another activity to engage in with 218 butterfly species found in Mabira, Forest hikes/Nature walk, Mangabey tracking in Mabira forest, birding in Mabira forest, Zip-line in Mabira. Continue with the journey to Jinja to visit the source of the River Nile – the longest river in the world (enjoy a boat cruise to the origin of River Nile). You can as well do Jinja town tour and thereafter, drive to Mountain Elgon National park.

Sippi Falls

While in Kapchorwa district, visit the amazing Sipi falls – The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border. Hikes around the falls offer stunning views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and the slopes of Mountain Elgon.  The clean water flowing downwards from rocks is really amazing.

In conclusion, Uganda remains one of the best safari destinations in Africa, with several attractions, beautiful and friendly people, fantastic views, and unique amazing cultures.