Idi Amin
Most people remember Uganda for the period where Idi Amin was in charge of the country during the 1970’s. Since then there has been other occasions where political instability has caused conflict with the country, but recently Uganda has settled down into a more harmonious situation. This has lead to a steady increase in national prosperity and relative calm. The Lords Resistance Army (LRA) has been displaced from its stronghold in the north of Uganda into the jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This means that even the northern provinces of Uganda can benefit from the increased prosperity that political stability can bring. Many official sources still give warnings as to travel in parts of Uganda, but the reality is that tourists are badly needed to provide employment and income.
Provisionally, our plan is to spend a short time in and around Kampala checking out the latest information and obtaining local maps and purchasing food and other last minute items for our trip Additionally, this will be an opportunity to check the latest security situation in Uganda and any travel problems / restrictions.
Once we have completed our business in and around the capital we intend to head towards the east of the country. The plan is to make an anti-clockwise circuit of Uganda before crossing the border into Rwanda. Listed below are some of the things we wish to see and do during our stay in Uganda.
Jinga: This town lies on the northern shore of Lake Victoria and is where the River Nile flows out to start its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea. Most people consider this to be the ‘source of the River Nile’, although two other places claim that distinction.
Jinga is one of the best places in the world for water-sport activities and has some of the most exciting white-water rapids around and there is plenty of opportunities to kayak, raft or just enjoy the shear power of the force of nature.
Mt. Elgon
Mt.Elgon National Park:Situated in the far east of Uganda. This park is described as big and wild. It contains Mt. Elgon, which is 4,321m high. If possible I would like to reach the summit of this mountain. With limited cold weather gear and no climbing equipment the trek to the top will have to be undertaken with due regard to the prevailing weather at the time.
Murchison Falls: As we sweep anti-clockwise around Uganda this will be the northernmost part of our journey. The national park is named after the waterfall on the River Nile, which is funnelled through a narrow gap of only 6m. It has been described as the most spectacular thing to happen to the river on its 6,700km travel and is probably the most powerful natural surge of water found anywhere in the world.
In addition to the natural beauty of the surroundings this area is considered to be the best all-round national park in Uganda.
Ugandan wildlife
Queen Elizabeth National Park: An area of almost 2,000sq kms is covered by this wildlife reserve. It sits on the western border of Uganda, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) running along its outermost fringe. Sadly many of the animals were slaughtered during the long periods of instability in the 70’s and 80’s although many are now making a recovery with peace and good management of the environment.
lake-bunyoni
LakeBunyoni: Described as, ‘A magical place. Lake Bunyoni’s beguiling beauty defies description. Undoubtedly the most lovely lake in the country’. This should be a place to take it easy for a while as we take in the tranquil surroundings and laid-back atmosphere of the area.
Bwindi-forest-gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: Situated in the far southwestern corner of Uganda this is likely to be our last objective before we cross the border into Rwanda.
Famous for its primates and mountain gorilla population, it is one of Uganda most recently created wildlife sanctuaries. There may be an opportunity to track these large primates, but this can be expensive and places are very restricted to prevent overexposure. Often tour companies book the slots up months in advance. We will have to see how our luck and budget is at the time.
