The source of the Nile is one of the most spectacular white-water rafting destinations in the world and for many visitors to Uganda a rafting trip is the highlight of their visit. Here you can expect long, rollicking strings of Grade IV and V rapids, with plenty of thrills and spills. Despite the intensity of some rapids, most people who venture here are first-time rafters; it’s the perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and try something different.

The three most reputable rafting companies are Nile River Explorers, Nalubale Rafting and Adrift, all equal in terms of professionalism and pricing, with an outstanding emphasis on safety (all rafting trips are accompanied by a fleet of rescue kayaks and a safety boat).

They will also shuttle you out from Kampala for free, picking up punters from popular hostels and hotels, and returning in the evening if you just want to make it a day trip. If you want to stick around, they’ll give you a free night’s accommodation in a dormitory. All offer pick-ups from hotels in Jinja.

Besides the standard big water runs, there’s also less-extreme options for those who don’t want to be flung into the raging water. Family float trips are offered, which bypass the big waves and are guaranteed to garner squeals of delight from young kids. Enjoy a full day of white water Rafting at the mighty Nile.

All the companies take on the Big Four – monster Grade V rapids, including Itanda (The Bad Place) – but there is always a safety boat on hand if you decide the rapids are just too big for you. They each also include a host of incentives to lure you over, including meals and beers.

Reserve a safari to Jinja and enjoy this enormous adventure with Trots and Safaris.

Check out for our website for more information and offers.

www.trotsandsafari.com

Kampala City, generally known as the city of seven hills, is the capital city of Uganda, center of commercial life and the seat of government including the Parliament and historical monuments. The City alone offers cultural lovers lots of opportunities to appreciate the country’s cultural diversity. Kampala city tour will give you the opportunity to traverse the major landmarks in this humble city to experience the historical monuments that have shaped the destiny of this great nation. The tour gives you an understanding of the Kampala City folk lifestyle, the unique behaviors of Ugandan people, the culture, the traditions and history.

Kampala City Tour Highlights

The earliest civilizations of the Buganda Kingdom, the Kasubi tombs,the Bahai Temple, the National Museum, the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, cultural entertainment.

Tour Itinerary

We start off with a visit to the Buganda Kingdom. Uganda Monarchies present a rich cultural heritage that Uganda proudly boasts over other safari destinations in Africa and move to the Kasubi tombs where Buganda Kings are buried. From here we shall proceed to Martyrs Shrines at Namugongo, a historical site where 22 Martyrs were set ablaze on the orders of a Buganda King for refusal to renounce Christianity. The Kampala city tour concludes with a visit to the Uganda National Museum to see ethnological and natural-historical exhibitions that represent the country’s colorful past. And if it is a Friday, Saturday or Sunday you have the opportunity in the evening to experience a unique cultural entertainment of the main cultures of Uganda at the famous Ndere Cultural Centre.

As you spend a day in Kampala stay with a memory by reserving yourself a well affordable packaged tour with Trots and Safaris. Lets tour the Seven hills city.

Email Us: info@trotsandsafari.com

Web: www.trotsandsafari.com

The Batwa cultural experience was put in place by the displaced Batwa pygmies to educate their children and to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world. The Experience takes place outside of the park in an old-growth forest on land that is next to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park.  The Batwa experience begins with a nature-walk, hike through the forest seeing the forest in a new way, through the eyes of the original people of the Forest.  Learn how they hunted the small animals they used for food, what things they gathered, how traps and nets were used.

The Batwa Experience will also show you how they lived in huts made of grass, trees, the use of tree-houses, caves.  Experience the Batwa village life of old, the sharing, of living as a community, as a people, learn the things that they revered and cared for and almost lost.
Embarking on the Batwa experience exposes you to:

Hike in the forest with the people of the forest with the help of a Batwa guide and he will provide you with the chance to see the forest and its habitats through their eyes.
See how they lived and hunted in the traditional manner. Enjoy trying out your hunting techniques as the Batwa teach you how to shoot with a bow and arrow.
Visit a traditional Batwa homestead and learn from the women how to prepare, cook and serve a meal. You will also have the opportunity to sample the prepared dishes.

Talk to a medicine men and learn about the medicinal properties of the forest flora.

Hear ancient legends and traditional songs.

Today, that Batwa are mainly living in the districts of Kisoro, Kabale, Kanungu, Bundibugyo, Mbarara, Ntungamo, some in Lwengo and Mubende and other places therefore they are scattered.

On your Safari trip to Uganda with Trots and safaris be ready to encounter the Batwa Cultural Experience.

Email Us: info@trotsandsafari.com

Web: www.trotsandsafari.com

Golden Monkeys are beautiful unique primates found on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes which are shared between Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. In Uganda, golden monkey trekking is done in Mgahinga gorilla national park in south-western Uganda.

Golden monkey trekking is an active tour compared to Chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking in certain instances because it is done in the mountainous area and they are continuously moving which requires you to follow them, they are small and fast in their movements. They prefer to rummage through the bamboo sections of the forest because eating the young bamboo shoots.

They live in groups of about 30 individuals or more roaming over a large territory. You will obtain a golden monkey trekking permit in advance from your tour agency, specify the date for which you would like to trek the golden monkeys.

The golden monkey trekking starts early morning with briefing at 7 am at the park headquarters before trekkers can start the trip into the park. You spend an hour with the golden monkeys after spotting them. The trekking generally takes about 2 hours depending on where they nested the previous night and how far it is from the starting point.

What to Carry

• Insect repellent,
• Day pack for your lunch in case the trek takes longer than expected.
• Water for drinking,
• Wear long sleeved shirts, trousers,
• Waterproof hiking boots and a good mood.
• Remember to pick a walking stick at the briefing point or your hotel, you will appreciate the support on the sometimes slippery paths.

Just like gorilla trekking we highly recommend you go along with a porter to provide an extra support with the day pack and the slippery places.

Visit the pearl of Africa- Uganda for the endless memorable experience with Trots and Safaris.

In this post, you’ll find 22 interesting facts about Uganda. These include wildlife, culture, food, politics, and lots of nature. Let’s get started!

Located in East Africa, Uganda is an independent country with a booming economy, mild weather, and breathtaking landscapes, flora, and fauna. There is no doubt as to why Churchill referred to it as the “pearl of Africa.”

The interesting facts about Uganda below may have you packing to go and see for yourself.

22 Interesting Facts About Uganda

1. Second Largest Lake in the World

Its surface area more than 26,000 square miles, Lake Victoria (named for Queen Victoria) is the biggest lake on the continent of Africa and the globe’s second largest freshwater lake, trailing North America’s Lake Superior.

It’s also the largest tropical lake on Earth. Lake Victoria is also one of the Nile River’s sources and is even said to be where it begins.

2. Rife With Youngsters

Not only is Uganda one of the youngest countries in Africa. The largest age group (48%) consists of those who are 14 and under, making it the second most youthful country. Only 2% of Ugandans are over the age of 65.

3. Rwenzori National Park

Uganda national parks are some of the most fascinating because of their picturesque landscape. Rwenzori National Park is a hiker’s dream. It houses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, which has the third largest mountain peak in Africa. The mountains are known for having varying climates and species.

In Rwenzori, you can see forest elephants, leopards and over 217 species of birds. It also consists of 17 species that are endemic to the park.

Read more about the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda.

4. One of the World’s Smallest Churches

Measuring in at 8 ft tall and 250 centimeters wide, a chapel on Biku hill has just enough room inside for 3 churchgoers – including the pastor. There are points surrounding the church that are designated for meditation, prayer, and worship.

The church boasts an amazing vista of Namrwodho Falls, home to the rarely seen shoebill stork.

5. Where Gentle Giants Roam

Uganda wildlife is among the most majestic in the world. There you can find the largest land mammal, the African elephant. They weigh between 6,000 and 11,000 pounds on average and have huge, multifunctioning trunks that can even serve as another foot. These beautiful creatures are known to be kind and compassionate.

Learn more with these 13 facts about the African bush elephant.

6. Rare Rhino

The northern white rhinoceros is no extinct in the wild – with the surviving individuals all living in captivity. The southern white rhino is the 3rd largest land mammal after the African and Asian elephants.

Like other large land mammals, they are megaherbivores and essential to the ecosystem. Also called the square-lipped rhinoceros, they are known to be quite sociable.

Learn more about the white rhino (northern and southern). 

Uganda Climate Guide: Best Time to Visit (Weather, Rain & Temp by Month…)

7. Fried Grasshoppers, Anyone?

Every society has its idiosyncrasies. Try not to get offended when you’re invited to someone’s home for fried grasshoppers; It’s a sign of endearment because this cuisine is a delicacy in Uganda.

8. Murchison Falls National Park

Out of all Uganda national parks, this is definitely one to add to your bucket list. The famous Nile river runs through it. If you hike to the top of Murchison Falls, you can see where the Nile River rushes through the Albertine gorge heading towards Egypt.

You can enjoy many other activities too, such as a Nile River boat safari to view wildlife and visit the Ziwa Rhinoceros Sanctuary.

Check out our Guide to Murchison Falls: 16 Things to Know

Here are 15 things to do in Uganda – including culture, nature, culinary and adventure.

9. Ssese Islands

The Ssese Islands make up an archipelago consisting of 84 islands, half of which are inhabited. They are located in Northwest Lake Victoria and named for the lake flies that sometimes form huge swarms.

On the Ssese Islands, you can find many things to do, like biking, hiking, enjoying a beach bonfire, drinking at a resort bar, and lying on the beach.

Just a heads up about the water in Lake Victoria. It contains the bilharzia parasite (also known as schistosomiasis or snail fever). So you need to use caution with water-sports on the lake.

10. African Safari: Big 5

You can’t get much more exotic than an African safari. Uganda is one of the best settings for the adventurous spirit seeking first-hand wildlife experience.

During a big five safari, you can track rhinos, take a boat ride in the River Nile and hike to the top of Murchison Falls.

During the safari you can see the Big Five:

1. African Buffalo
2. African Lions
3. African Leopards
4. Southern White Rhino
5. African Bush Elephants

You can learn more about Big 5 Safaris here.

11. Equator Crosses Uganda

Earth’s equator is an imaginary line dividing the North and South hemispheres. There are only a few countries that the equator runs through, including Ecuador and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Uganda, the equator is located 75 km south of Kampala, where you can purchase memorabilia and watch cool equator water experiments.

12. Watch Out for Crocodiles

If you happen to be visiting the Ssese Islands, take precautions before venturing into the waters in certain areas. Too much fishing and too little prey have led to an overabundance of Nile crocodiles. The increased number of crocodiles has led to more human attacks.

13. The Grass is Always Greener in Uganda

Because it rains consistently in Uganda, you will see green foliage year-round. Uganda also has average temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for vegetation. All that rain also makes certain areas very muddy, so be careful when hiking.

14. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

Responsible for the maintenance of 12 wildlife reserves and 10 national parks, the UWA works behind the scenes to make Uganda’s natural beauty available to tourists. The UWA also provides a wealth of information about the parks and activities.

To learn more about national parks, wildlife and activities, visit their website.

15. Uganda’s National Bird

The grey-crowned crane is Uganda’s national bird, a mostly grey bird with white, red and black. The crane’s most prominent feature is the golden crown of feathers on its head. Additional characteristics show why this bird is named the national bird:

• They are monogamous.
• Males and females equally share parenting responsibilities.
• Either the male or female will perform what is known as the nuptial dance when courting.
• They can roost in trees because they can grip branches with their toes.

Don’t forget about the equatorial sun! Here’s how to choose the best sun protection hat for Africa.

16. “The Butcher of Uganda” Dethroned

The infamous Idi Amin ruled Uganda for decades beginning in the early 1970s. His despotism earned him the moniker “The Butcher of Uganda.” He spearheaded ethnic cleansing and it is said that around 300,000 people were murdered under his command.

Amin was defeated by Tanzania in 1978, and he fled to Saudi Arabia. He died in 2003, of multiorgan failure.

17. Kiira Motors Company

Uganda is already a trailblazer, as it is one of the youngest and fastest growing nations. The development of their own vehicle attests to that.

Kiira Motors is a green company that focuses on sustainability. They have already developed and manufactured solar-powered buses, hybrid-electric and electric vehicles.

18. Cover Your Legs

If you’re a tourist, you may get away with a warning, but it’s customary for men to wear trousers. Even in the heat, they wear them because shorts are only for the immature.

Additionally, you won’t see women wearing shorts or short skirts. They cover as much of their legs as possible to avoid being mistaken for a prostitute.

19. Uganda’s Largest Export is Coffee

Uganda’s economy is largely based on agriculture. Their primary export is coffee. The coffee is exported to numerous countries all over the world, including the US and Switzerland.

Uganda exports both Arabica and Robusta coffee.

Here’s how to make strong coffee.

20. Kampala is World’s 13th Fastest Growing City

Uganda’s largest city, Kampala, is the 13th fastest growing city in the world. Kampala contains Makerere University, a museum, a national theater, and the popular Nakasero and Owino markets.

Owino is Kampala’s largest open market, and there you can buy anything from clothes to herbs. The city is also famous for nightlife and its casinos.

21. Eat a Few Rolexes For Breakfast

This street food inadvertently sounds like a famous watch brand. It’s actually a chapati wrapped filled with eggs, tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and peppers.

Chapati is unleavened bread made with atta, a type of wheat flour. Here’s a great rolex recipe.

Check out our Uganda Food Guide (16 Must-Try Dishes for Your Visit)

22. Safety First

Almost 100% of Ugandan tourists leave without having any negative incident. This is evidence that it is one of Africa’s safest countries.

Uganda has no travel alerts and the last terrorist attack was reported in 2010. Since then, security has become even more strict. There are no mass shootings, and most citizens do not even own weapons. Here’s more about safety in Uganda.

3. Rwenzori National Park

Uganda national parks are some of the most fascinating because of their picturesque landscape. Rwenzori National Park is a hiker’s dream. It houses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, which has the third largest mountain peak in Africa. The mountains are known for having varying climates and species.

In Rwenzori, you can see forest elephants, leopards and over 217 species of birds. It also consists of 17 species that are endemic to the park.

Read more about the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda.

4. One of the World’s Smallest Churches

Measuring in at 8 ft tall and 250 centimeters wide, a chapel on Biku hill has just enough room inside for 3 churchgoers – including the pastor. There are points surrounding the church that are designated for meditation, prayer, and worship.

The church boasts an amazing vista of Namrwodho Falls, home to the rarely seen shoebill stork.

5. Where Gentle Giants Roam

Uganda wildlife is among the most majestic in the world. There you can find the largest land mammal, the African elephant. They weigh between 6,000 and 11,000 pounds on average and have huge, multifunctioning trunks that can even serve as another foot. These beautiful creatures are known to be kind and compassionate.

Learn more with these 13 facts about the African bush elephant.

6. Rare Rhino

The northern white rhinoceros is no extinct in the wild – with the surviving individuals all living in captivity. The southern white rhino is the 3rd largest land mammal after the African and Asian elephants.

Like other large land mammals, they are megaherbivores and essential to the ecosystem. Also called the square-lipped rhinoceros, they are known to be quite sociable.

Learn more about the white rhino (northern and southern). 

7. Fried Grasshoppers, Anyone?

Every society has its idiosyncrasies. Try not to get offended when you’re invited to someone’s home for fried grasshoppers; It’s a sign of endearment because this cuisine is a delicacy in Uganda.

8. Murchison Falls National Park

Out of all Uganda national parks, this is definitely one to add to your bucket list. The famous Nile river runs through it. If you hike to the top of Murchison Falls, you can see where the Nile River rushes through the Albertine gorge heading towards Egypt.

You can enjoy many other activities too, such as a Nile River boat safari to view wildlife and visit the Ziwa Rhinoceros Sanctuary.

Check out our Guide to Murchison Falls: 16 Things to Know

Here are 15 things to do in Uganda – including culture, nature, culinary and adventure.

9. Ssese Islands

The Ssese Islands make up an archipelago consisting of 84 islands, half of which are inhabited. They are located in Northwest Lake Victoria and named for the lake flies that sometimes form huge swarms.

On the Ssese Islands, you can find many things to do, like biking, hiking, enjoying a beach bonfire, drinking at a resort bar, and lying on the beach.

Just a heads up about the water in Lake Victoria. It contains the bilharzia parasite (also known as schistosomiasis or snail fever). So you need to use caution with water-sports on the lake.

10. African Safari: Big 5

You can’t get much more exotic than an African safari. Uganda is one of the best settings for the adventurous spirit seeking first-hand wildlife experience.

During a big five safari, you can track rhinos, take a boat ride in the River Nile and hike to the top of Murchison Falls.

During the safari you can see the Big Five:

1. African Cape Buffalo
2. African Lions
3. African Leopards
4. Southern White Rhino
5. African Bush Elephants

You can learn more about Big 5 Safaris here.

11. Equator Crosses Uganda

Earth’s equator is an imaginary line dividing the North and South hemispheres. There are only a few countries that the equator runs through, including Ecuador and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Uganda, the equator is located 75 km south of Kampala, where you can purchase memorabilia and watch cool equator water experiments.

12. Watch Out for Crocodiles

If you happen to be visiting the Ssese Islands, take precautions before venturing into the waters in certain areas. Too much fishing and too little prey have led to an overabundance of Nile crocodiles. The increased number of crocodiles has led to more human attacks.

13. The Grass is Always Greener in Uganda

Because it rains consistently in Uganda, you will see green foliage year-round. Uganda also has average temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for vegetation. All that rain also makes certain areas very muddy, so be careful when hiking.

14. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

Responsible for the maintenance of 12 wildlife reserves and 10 national parks, the UWA works behind the scenes to make Uganda’s natural beauty available to tourists. The UWA also provides a wealth of information about the parks and activities.

To learn more about national parks, wildlife and activities, visit their website.

15. Uganda’s National Bird

The grey-crowned crane is Uganda’s national bird, a mostly grey bird with white, red and black. The crane’s most prominent feature is the golden crown of feathers on its head. Additional characteristics show why this bird is named the national bird:

• They are monogamous.
• Males and females equally share parenting responsibilities.
• Either the male or female will perform what is known as the nuptial dance when courting.
• They can roost in trees because they can grip branches with their toes.

Don’t forget about the equatorial sun! Here’s how to choose the best sun protection hat for Africa.

16. “The Butcher of Uganda” Dethroned

The infamous Idi Amin ruled Uganda for decades beginning in the early 1970s. His despotism earned him the moniker “The Butcher of Uganda.” He spearheaded ethnic cleansing and it is said that around 300,000 people were murdered under his command.

Amin was defeated by Tanzania in 1978, and he fled to Saudi Arabia. He died in 2003, of multiorgan failure.

17. Kiira Motors Company

Uganda is already a trailblazer, as it is one of the youngest and fastest growing nations. The development of their own vehicle attests to that.

Kiira Motors is a green company that focuses on sustainability. They have already developed and manufactured solar-powered buses, hybrid-electric and electric vehicles.

18. Cover Your Legs

If you’re a tourist, you may get away with a warning, but it’s customary for men to wear trousers. Even in the heat, they wear them because shorts are only for the immature.

Additionally, you won’t see women wearing shorts or short skirts. They cover as much of their legs as possible to avoid being mistaken for a prostitute.

19. Uganda’s Largest Export is Coffee

Uganda’s economy is largely based on agriculture. Their primary export is coffee. The coffee is exported to numerous countries all over the world, including the US and Switzerland.

Uganda exports both Arabica and Robusta coffee.

Here’s how to make strong coffee.

20. Kampala is World’s 13th Fastest Growing City

Uganda’s largest city, Kampala, is the 13th fastest growing city in the world. Kampala contains Makerere University, a museum, a national theater, and the popular Nakasero and Owino markets.

Owino is Kampala’s largest open market, and there you can buy anything from clothes to herbs. The city is also famous for nightlife and its casinos.

21. Eat a Few Rolexes For Breakfast

This street food inadvertently sounds like a famous watch brand. It’s actually a chapati wrapped filled with eggs, tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and peppers.

Chapati is unleavened bread made with atta, a type of wheat flour. Here’s a great rolex recipe.

Check out our Uganda Food Guide (16 Must-Try Dishes for Your Visit)

22. Safety First

Almost 100% of Ugandan tourists leave without having any negative incident. This is evidence that it is one of Africa’s safest countries.

Uganda has no travel alerts and the last terrorist attack was reported in 2010. Since then, security has become even more strict. There are no mass shootings, and most citizens do not even own weapons. Here’s more about safety in Uganda.

Read more about mountain gorillas and choosing a gorilla tour in Uganda.

To enjoy bird watching in Uganda you need to be prepared to stay out for long hours and have some considerable hiking is certain areas. For example, while birding in Rwenzori Mountains, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Mt Elgon, Bwindi Impenetrable national park, there is a considerable amount of hiking up and down the mountainous areas.

Uganda is home to over 1050 bird species making it a preferred destination for bird watching in Africa. The number of species make up 10% of all of the worlds bird species. It is also home to 24 of the Albertine rift endemics with the rest found in DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. Birds were protected over the years because of the cultural norms attached like being totems for clans or believed to communicate messages from the gods and seasons.

Uganda spans Central Africa and East Africa making it home to species from both areas. Birding happens both in protected areas and in private areas, with habitats for birds being wetlands and papyrus swamps, forests, Savannah, agricultural lands, woodlands, rocky ridges and Afro-pine moorland. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a great birding spot with 23 of the 24 Albertine endemics found in Uganda. Murchison Falls National Park is one of the best locations for birding in Africa. A birding trip to Uganda is sure to leave you with a memorable experience.

Some of the major sites for birding in Uganda include; Bwindi impenetrable national park, Kidepo valley national park, Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Lake Mburo national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Semuliki national park, Mt Elgon national park, Rwenzori mountains national park and Kibale national park. More birding sites include Maramagambo forest, Mabira forest, Budongo forest, Kalinzu forest, Echuya forest, PianUpe game reserve, Katonga game reserve, Mabamba Swamp, Nyamuriro swamp, and several agricultural lands.

Lets be part of the adventures by visiting the pearl of Africa., Click on;

www.trotsandsafari.com