Uganda straddles in East Africa and it is bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It features as the second most famous landlocked state in the globe after Ethiopia. In the southern side of Uganda, you will find Lake Victoria which is also shared between Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda lies within the African Great Lakes area just in the Nile Basin. It feature numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites most of which are explained below;
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Situated in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi National Park features among the most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. It was designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1994. This park covers an area of about 331 with largely the intense forest cover that describes it as an impenetrable forest park. Previously, its forest had covered the areas of Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This protected area features wide range of floral and faunal species, primates including the rare mountain gorillas that make up about 400 individuals representing about half of all the rare mountain gorillas that thrive on earth today.
Bwindi Gorilla park lies between altitude 1160 and 2706 meters and offers refuge to over 350 species of birds, 200 butterflies, 120 species of mammals, 27 reptile species as well as more than 200 species of trees and 104 fern species. Bwindi National Park features several endemic species. This protected area was designated a national park status around 1991 and besides variety of wildlife species, the park is surrounded by the various communities especially the Batwa pygmies the famous forest dwellers who are believed to have lived within this forest for more than 500000. They peacefully lived in the forest while hunting and gathering but due to conservation reasons, they were evicted and left without any environmental impact.
Getting There
The park is accessed by road from Kampala via Mbarara at this takes 8-10 hrs drive.
By air, you can fly from Entebbe Airport or kajjansi air strip to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips. From the air strip, organise a 4×4 car to transfer you to your pre-booked lodge. Please note, access to park requires a 4×4 car and the popular ones used include Land cruisers, Nissan Safari, Nissan Patrol and those on tight budget especially on self drive holidays can use Toyota Rav4 because it is very cheap and uses less fuel. There are many agencies offering cheap car rental in Uganda with or without driver.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is also one of the incredible UNESCO sites and it was listed among the Natural World Heritage Sites in 1994. This UNESCO Site lies within the alpine area western Uganda and mainly attracts travelers across the world. The heritage site straddles within 100000 hectares and it is proud of its beautiful glaciers, Lakes and spectacular waterfalls.
In addition, the park features snow capped peaks, transparent rivers and rare floral species. The Rwenzori Mountain ranges stands at 5109 meters that features as the 3rd highest mountain in Africa. The protected area also features a permanent source of River Nile. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is also credited for its several floral and faunal species that are endemic to the area. This protected area is under the management of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). This national park offer refuge to over 80 bird species, 4 primate species and 15 butterfly species.
Kasubi Tomb sites
The Kasubi Tombs are located on the hillsides near Kampala city center. The tombs are burial ground for the Kings in Buganda kingdoms. About four (4) Kings of Buganda and other royal family members in the Buganda kingdom were buried in this area. The tombs are of great value as they are major highlight of the architectural work that is done by the Baganda.
The architectural designs were developed around the 13th century and have thrived up to date. The burial site is of religious value for the Baganda as several religious rituals are conducted at the site. It is also from these tombs that the Baganda culture is kept however, around 2010, the tombs were set on fire but there has been on going reconstruction to put back this significant cultural site. Kasubi tombs site is managed by Buganda kingdom and government has also set forth measures to protect the site.
