Big Five Reasons to Visit
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Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is the only place in Uganda where visitors can see rhinoceros in the wild . The ranch , a collaborative effort between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rhino Fund Uganda , serves as a sanctuary for 15 southern white rhinos , allowing the animals to live and breed in a protected environment . In addition to the rhinos , more than 40 species of mammals , reptiles , and birds call Ziwa home . Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is located halfway between Kampala and Murchison Falls and is a fun and educational way for those traveling by road to break up the five-hour trip .
Birding In Queen Elizabeth National Park
Big Five Reasons to Visit
Uganda
Classified as an Important Birding Area by Birding International , Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda is home to more than 600 species of birds – more than any other national park in East Africa . Its diverse landscape comprised of savanna , forest , and crater lakes allows visitors to spot species from eastern and central Africa such as the Martial Eagle , Black- Rumped Buttonquail , African Skimmer , Pinkbacked Pelican , African Broadbill , and Shoebill .
Immersive Cultural Experiences
As home to more than half the world ’ s population of endangered mountain gorillas , Uganda often tops the bucket lists of travel enthusiasts seeking to come face to face with a majestic silverback in the wild . Beyond the oncein-a-lifetime opportunity of gorilla trekking , Uganda offers a diverse range of nature , wildlife , and immersive cultural activities that will open travelers ’ eyes , minds , and hearts to the endless beauty of an African experience . Now planning a trip to Uganda is easier than ever with a new online visa application program , and the Uganda Tourism Board invites travelers to plan their trip to experience gorilla trekking , a “ Big Five ” safari , and so much more .
Big Game And The Mighty Nile
The dramatic landscape of Murchison Falls National Park provides a breathtaking backdrop for Uganda ’ s most robust wildlife viewing . Located at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley , an hour northwest of the capital city Kampala by air , Murchison Falls boasts 76 species of mammals and 451 species of birds . Big game in Murchison includes elephants , lions , leopards , and buffalo , along with giraffes , waterbucks , warthogs , and more . The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile , where resident crocodiles and hippos and other visiting wildlife can be found . The river plunges
American World Traveler / Fall 2016
nearly 150 feet over the remnant rift valley wall to create the dramatic falls – the centerpiece of the park – and the mighty cascade drains the last of the river ' s energy , transforming it into a broad , placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert .
Chimpanzee Trekking In Budongo
Primate lovers come to Uganda for the gorillas and stay for the chimpanzees . ( Just ask famed researcher Jane Goodall , whose institute founded and operates Budongo Eco Lodge here .) Budongo Forest Reserve , located within Murchison Falls National Park , is home to nearly 700 of these playful primates including six groups habituated to humans . Knowledgeable guides follow the chimps ’ daily movements and lead trekking groups of up to six people into their habitat . It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day to locate a group of chimps , giving ample time for participants to learn about the forest ’ s ecology before spending an hour watching a chimp family play , swing from trees and interact .
Conservation in Action At Ziwa Rhino And Wildlife Ranch
The culture of Uganda is defined by its colorful communities and more than 50 distinct tribes . Each area of the country offers opportunities for visitors to interact with the locals and learn about their lives , customs , and livelihoods . Activities like The Batwa Experience offer a glimpse into the living history of this pygmy tribe that once called Uganda ’ s forests home . Communities across Uganda that focus on sustainable economic projects such as basket weaving and beekeeping teach visitors about their craft and give them a chance to test their skills first-hand . Many lodges support nearby villages by providing a portion of their nightly rates to help fund community development projects . Because of this close relationship , community organizations often visit lodges to interact with visitors and put on cultural performances featuring dance , music and song .
https :// visas . immigration . go . ug / www . visituganda . com
Photo : Uganda Tourism Board