Quick Links about Uganda
The Pearl of Africa, as Uganda is worldwide known, lies on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, is land-locked and lies at the center of Africa.
The Equator, that divides the globe into the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, runs through the beautiful country. The Northern part of the country is semi-arid except where the Albert Nile runs through whereas the rest of the country is extremely fertile.
Fine parks and wildlife, an attractive countryside with tremendous mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and waterfalls; and a rich cultural background among the people grace Uganda, making it a home away from home for any visitor.
Summary of Uganda Facts
Capital City : Kampala, 1.5 million inhabitants
Total Area : 236,040 sq km's.
Area under water : 36,330 sq km's.
Area (land) :199,710 sq km's.
Population : 30 million people
Languages : English (official), Luganda, Bantu Languages, Nilotic languages and Swahili.
Religions : Roman Catholics 33%, Protestants 33%, Moslems 16%, Others 17% (including Pentecostal which has gained a lot of followers; traditional beliefs are also important).
Average Family Income : about Us $ 200 per annum
Government : Republic.
Independence Date : 9th of October 1962 .
Industry : Brewing, Sugar factories, Coffee and Tea factories, Cotton and Textile, Fish, Tobacco, Cement, soft drinks, plastics, soaps and beauty care, pharmaceutical, wood and housing.
Agriculture : Coffee, Tea, Cotton, Vanilla, Millet, Milk, Poultry, Goat Meat, Fruits.
Minerals : Copper, Cobalt, Limestone, Salt.
Climate : Tropical
History
Uganda's recent history was, however, scarred by a descent into chaos and anarchy from the early 1970s until 1986. Untold numbers died; skilled people of both African and Asian origin fled overseas; residents of towns sought refuge in the country-side eking out a bare survival existence. Institutions of excellence collapsed. Buildings, roads, factories and farms were destroyed, or fell into disrepair.
Under His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda has tremendously recovered. Law and order have been restored; security for travelers is one of the top priorities, the economy is booming, facilities for various tourists are mostly restored and it is once again a fine place to visit.
Climate
For most of the year, Uganda is sunny with temperatures rarely rising above 29 degrees. The average temperature is about 26 degrees, with a maximum of 18-35 degrees and minimum of 8-23 degrees depending on the part of the country. Uganda's weather conditions are ideal, ranging from the warmth of the lowland areas to the coolness of the highlands in the South West Kigezi.
The rain season is April-May and October-November up to December. Rainfall ranges between 500mm to 2500 mm and the relative humidity is 70% -100%.
The best advisable period to travel to Uganda is the dry season from June to September and from December to March.
A country of wetland and rivers
Acacia Safaris Uganda takes you through the land of lakes given that one third of the country is covered by water.
You will not miss the Lake Victoria the largest in Africa, dominating the southern border of the country while Lakes Edward and Albert lie on the western axis of the country.
Linked to Lake Edward is the magnificent Kazinga channel. Lake Mburo which is 230km to the west of Kampala is the only lake entirely within the National Park.
From Lake Victoria has its origin the river Nile, which enters Lake Albert after producing the marvelous Murchison Falls, then proceeding into Sudan. White water rafting has become very common and is one of the most popular tourist activities, especially on the River Nile. Sport fishing and sailing are two other major sports.
At the centre of Uganda are Lakes Kwania and Kyoga which are fed by the waters of the River Nile.
Well known is Lake Bunyonyi near Kabale a south western district, a tourist destination for the stupendous scenery and beautiful panoramic view.
The territory, the biodiversity
Uganda is a country of exceptional diversity. It lies at the overlap between East African savannah and the West African rainforest zones. Seven of Africa's 18 plant kingdoms are represented in Uganda, which is more than any country on the continent. The tropical rain forests of Western Uganda have unique flora and fauna, some of which are endangered species. As part of the emphasis on eco-tourism and in response to increasing demand from tourists, new nature trails have been developed in virtually every protected area.
These trails offer an unhurried way of exploring the wilderness and getting near to nature.
Birds
Acacia Safaris takes you through the birding opportunities amazingly vast in Uganda. With over a thousand recorded already, Uganda has almost half the species known on the African Continent and over 10% of those on record throughout the globe.. Uganda's equatorial location, combined with the altitude and great variety of terrain types provide an overwhelming array of opportunities for keen birders!
Uganda's 10 most commonly sought after birds include:
Shoebill, Africa Green Broadbill, Green-breasted pitta, Nahan's Francolin, Brown-chested Plover, Karamoja Apalis, Black-bee eater, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-fronted Antpecker, Purvell's Illadopsis. |
