Uganda is situated in East Africa, approximately 800kms from the Indian Ocean and it is among the very few countries in the world that is crossed by the Equator. Uganda is an independent and landlocked country at the heart of Africa’s great lakes region. It is truly “The Pearl of Africa” for many reasons and remarkably, it is a home to world’s second largest freshwater lake “Lake Victoria” which is shared by 3 States in East Africa-Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Over 85 percent of Uganda is located between 900 and 1100m. Uganda’s lowest point is 612m and this is mainly around Lake Albert Nile Basin. The highest point is 5109m-Margherita Peak on Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon right on Mt Stanley.
Capital city of Uganda
Kampala is the largest and capital city of Uganda, found within Central Region just strategically near the scenic Lake Victoria shores. Kampala is commercial and administrative hub of Uganda extending up to 200sq.kms and sits on over 22 hills. It is also a beautiful tourist destination for holidaymakers on Uganda safari who are interested in city tours, boasting of diverse tourist sites including cultural and historical sites.
From Entebbe, Kampala is 40kms away. There are also many big towns or cities worth visiting while in Uganda for a holiday including Mbarara, Entebbe, Mbale, Masaka, Jinja, Fort Portal and others.
Size of Uganda
Uganda covers a total area of about 241551sq.kms, with about a third of the country largely occupied by beautiful water bodies including lakes, swamps, rivers. It is ranked as the 79th biggest country in the world
People and cultures
Uganda boasts of her distinct tribal groups and cultures which make it a boiling pot of cultures. Over 56 tribes are in Uganda with over 41 different languages all spoken in this landlocked country. As of 2020, the Baganda featured as the most populous ethnic group in Uganda accounting for over 16.5% of the country’s population. Other important ethnic groups or tribal groups in Uganda include Banyankole, Iteso, Langi, Basoga, Acholi, Lugbara, Bagisu, Bakiga etc.
Regardless of the many tribal groups, the people of Uganda are peacefully staying together and it without doubt one of the world’s incredible destinations with friendliest people. In Uganda, there is freedom of worship with Christianity constituting about 85% and one of the smallest churches in the world is all set in Uganda.
Currency of Uganda
The Uganda shilling is Uganda’s official currency with code UGX and sign USH. However, other currencies are all welcome to ease transaction especially for tourists. US Dollars are commonly used by most tour companies, hotels, lodges; and others include Pounds, Euros are all accepted. While on a Uganda safari, you can have your currency exchanged into Uganda shilling while in Entebbe, Kampala or other city in Uganda.
National Parks in Uganda
Uganda hosts some of the world’s most beautiful National Parks. 10 National Parks are in Uganda and they are situated in various parts of the country with the largest number concentrated in the Western region/circuit. National Parks in Uganda feature amazing mix of lush forests, savanna and mountains. The biggest of the 10 National Parks in Uganda is Murchison Falls National Park, sitting on 3840sq.kms, the smallest National Park in Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park straddling on 33.7sq.kms of land area.
Other National Parks include Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.
Wildlife in Uganda
Uganda shelters all the big five game plus half of the world’s 1063 endangered mountain gorillas. The big 5 game worth viewing on Uganda safari include African Cape Buffalo, African Bush Elephants, African Lion, African Leopards, Southern White Rhinos and many other wildlife species including over 1080 bird species.
Ugandan food
Uganda offers a range of dishes from local to international. The main traditional foods worth trying in Uganda include matooke, posho, sweet potatoes, cassava, yams, meat, beans, malewa, luwombo, katogo etc. Fruits to have a taste in Uganda include mangoes, pineapples, watermelons, oranges to mention but a few.
