THE 5 HIDDEN GEMS OF UGANDA

THE 5 HIDDEN GEMS OF UGANDA

Uganda safaris are usually wildlife, culture or nature based and mostly head to the dominant destinations that are almost known worldwide. Perhaps you have been to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park to see the gorillas, or Queen Elizabeth national park for wildlife viewing. Now this is the time to know what Uganda has in secrecy.

These are off the beaten track gems that won’t stay secret for so long due to their blossoming beauties that are good for exploring. The breadth and variety of unique experiences offered are so overwhelming. Sincerely, who wouldn’t love the idea of an eye opening and life changing safari? Visiting areas that have been less explored easily makes you think that you visited a totally different country than others Uganda tourists.

It’s one thing to get a lifetime moment in an area where almost everyone has been to, yes it’s interesting, but not as thrilling as getting uplifted and inspired experiences from a destination that only a few have explored. You always can’t wait to tell everyone back home the mighty and unique features spotted.

However, unearthing these trip making destinations would be hard especially for first time travelers. But if anywhere on a safari in Uganda, consider these hidden gems for an experience that can never be forgotten.

The Aruu falls located in northern Uganda on the Gulu – Kitgum highway. The falls are jetting streams of roaring waterfalls extremely beautiful to behold. Watching the water gush down the rocks is an experience of its own. Moving down to the bottom of the falls is a walk you can never forget. Swim under the beautiful water falls for a once in a lifetime adventure. If it’s a road trip to northern Uganda, it should never leave out the Aruu falls on its itinerary.

Lake Kamunzuku of Rubirizi. Probably when Winston Churchill named Uganda the pearl of Africa did not consider this, because he had not seen it yet, but he had insights that Uganda still had several treasures hidden in the jungle. This is a transparent lake and perhaps the first you will ever see. The fact that it’s a newly exploited destination, it can only be accessed by a motorcycle in the first segment and then walk to the lake. The whole ambiance is just fine, the scenery of the transparent lake with a man-made forest, different bird species, and swarms of beautiful butterflies is simply magnificent to the eyes.

Ngamba island chimp sanctuary. This is one of the 84 archipelago of Ssese islands on Lake Victoria. This chimp sanctuary is a refugee home for orphaned and abandoned chimps. Though the waters and the beach are not so good for swimming, Ngamba is still very suitable for Uganda safaris. Watch our next cousins in the forests play from one tree branch to another and see how they feed and sleep. Seeing the baby chimps is like seeing a real human baby. Rest and wake up to beautiful views of the sun above a huge water body.

Nakayima tree along Kampala – Fort Portal highway. This could be a great enroute destination on the way to see the chimpanzees in Kibale forest national park or Amabere ga nyina mwiru caves in Fort Portal town. The tree is an important cultural site where local people go to worship and also request for what they want and they get it. Nakayima tree dates back to more than 400 years back with very huge buttress roots divided into 18 rooms. Four of these rooms are believed to belong to Ndahura the last king of the Bachwezi.

The world’s tiniest church in Nebbi. Located on Biku hill, just 18km from Nebbi town is Biku prayer point. It is the world’s smallest church with just 8ft tall and 2.5 meters wide, accommodating only three people plus the preacher. Its beauty is simply outstanding that is a perfect reward for the ride through the narrow and bumpy road that leads to the Biku from Nebbi.

After knowing these, don’t be cheated, let your trip in Uganda at least lead you to one of the hidden gems of Uganda. If it’s a Uganda trip, it has to take you to these places.