Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano that first erupted about 20 million years ago. It has the largest intact Caldera in the world measuring 40km2. It was once Africa’s highest mountain but with erosion it was reduced to its height of 4321m making it 4th highest in East Africa. Mt Elgon has the largest base in the world at 3840km2. It is also the largest solitary volcanic mountain in East Africa located in Eastern Uganda on the border with Kenya. Mt Elgon national park covers an area of 1145km2. The national park was declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve. The main tourist attraction is mountain hiking to the caldera with the highest peak Wagagai at 4321m, Sudek at 4303m, Koitobos at 4222m and Mubiyi at 4210m. Wildlife in Mt Elgon national park Animals of Mt Elgon national park The wildlife is mainly found in the lower slopes but rarely seen in the forest setting; Defassa waterbuck, Elephants, Oribi, Bushbucks, Buffaloes and Spotted Hyena, also black-and-white monkeys, Colobus monkeys. .

The Rhinos tread the grass in majestic grandeur, some are slow lazy steps and others are mini attempts to break into a run. They gather a mouthful of grass and chew on it gently as if to taste every straw, unaffected by tourists that lurk their sanctuary in a single file led by a ranger. You can include Rhino trekking as part of your Uganda safari to Murchison falls national park or on any of the longer Uganda tours that include gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. To think that rhinos in Uganda became extinct because of the incessant poaching is appalling, yet the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary presents to the Rhinos what the sight of each new dawn presents to us; a second chance at life. The sanctuary sits on 70 square kilometers of land located 176 km from Kampala on the Gulu Highway in Nakasongola District toward the Murchison falls national park. Uganda was originally the home of the Black Rhino but the last one was recorded in 1982. Since the sanctuary’s establishment in 2002, the southern white rhinos have been donated by the European Union, Disney world and Kenya in 2005. This began the restoration process with the view to multiply the rhinos until they can be reintroduced into their natural habitat and thrive as they should. There are 20 rhinos so far from the 6 that were donated.

If you are looking for a beautiful relaxed place then Lake Bunyonyi offers just that. Lake Bunyonyi (literally translated as “Place of many little birds”) is a fresh water body located in South-western corner of Uganda near the border with Rwanda. The lake is thought to be Africa’s 2nd deepest lake after Tanganyika and one of the few lakes said to be Bilharzia free. You can request to add a visit to Lake Bunyonyi on your Uganda safari itinerary. Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by beautiful terraced hills. These hills are terraced by the local Bakiga tribe living in this area as they carry out cultivation on subsistence level offering beautiful scenery. Lake Bunyonyi is loved by both local and international tourists and a recommended place to visit if you love water, culture, beautiful countryside scenery and relaxing moments. The lake hosts 29 Islands some of which are uninhabited and others are inhabited by locals and tourist facilities. The Islands with a rich history include; Akampene (Punishment Island), Sharps Island and Bucuranuka (Upside down). 

Uganda is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. It was named the most diverse country on earth by a study from Harvard University. If you want to experience the ‘real’ Uganda then you will have to include cultural safaris on your itineraries or at least a visit to the local community either for over night stay or a few hours to explore their life, join in music and dance or simply enjoy the food. A visit to a community will give you an experience that you can never get reading or watching on TV. You can further ask for opportunities to attend some ceremonies and these can be sought out where possible. Tribes of Uganda Uganda has over 50 tribes from 3 major groups namely Nilotics, Bantu, and Sudanic groups with about 40 languages. The languages spoken are less than the tribes because some tribes share languages e.g Banyankore and Bahororo. Some of these tribes have kingdoms especially the Bantu tribes and others do not have, but operated under chiefdom’s. Currently the Kingdoms do not have political power but are majorly ceremonial. The current ‘active’ ceremonial kingdoms include Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro and Tooro Kingdoms which have a reigning King.

Like a coin, Mabira forest has two sides. There is the side that a passerby may see through their car or bus window; this will usually be the sight of many trees along the Kampala-Jinja highway. Behind this stretch however, is a second side, a whole different world of its own. It is flora and fauna coexisting and bringing forth the largest surviving tropical rain forest that has come to be called Mabira Forest. It has been gazetted for 84 years now since 1932 and sits on 306 square kilometers.

Amamabere-ga-nyinamwiruabere ga NyinaMwiru is a cultural site with remarkable history located in western Uganda in Fort portal town. You can stop by while on your tour to Semuliki national park for birding safari or viewing the hot springs OR to Kibale national park for chimpanzee trekking or to Queen Elizabeth national park for a wildlife safari and boat excursion. This rock is actually as a result of formation of stalagmites and stalactites information which we leave for the geographers and enjoy the cultural stories attached to this cave. It is nestled between several trees and a beautiful water falls.