Uganda

the Pearl of Africa

Uganda is an East African country located in the tropics and is home to a diverse array of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. It is bordered by Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and its official language is English. The currency is the Uganda Shilling (UGX). The capital city, Kampala, is situated on Old Kampala Hill and was originally built on seven hills, but has since expanded beyond them. The country is known for its friendly locals, who were ranked among the top 10 most welcoming in Africa in a survey by the African Union. In 2019, Uganda was also named one of the top 25 most beautiful places in the world. The country is home to more than 50 tribes and cultural centers representing these cultures can be found throughout the country, including the Uganda Museum and the Uganda National Cultural Centre (formerly the National Theatre) in Kampala, and the Igongo Cultural Museum in Mbarara.

Uganda is home to 10 national parks, including the popular Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable. The country also boasts several mountain ranges, including Elgon, Rwenzori, and Moroto, and is famous for the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the mountain gorilla population in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, which make up half of the world’s total gorilla population. Additionally, Uganda is home to the Batwa Pygmies in the southwest and the Karamojong in the Moroto district. There are also several lakes, including Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, and Lake Bunyonyi, where visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boat cruises. The country’s abundant natural beauty and diverse array of activities, such as chimpanzee tracking, mountain gorilla trekking, game drives, hot air balloon safaris, birding, hiking, volcano and crater lake exploration, cultural tours, and white water rafting, make it a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure or relaxation. AA Safaris offers tours that cater to a variety of interests.