Western Uganda is an ideal tourist destination. Famously called the ‘Pearl of Africa' by Winston Churchill, Uganda's natural splendour, mountainous terrain and the richness of its flora and fauna make it one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. Now that the political turmoil of the 1970s and 80s is a thing of the past and stability has returned to the country, Uganda's tourism industry is picking up, and its Western Uganda lodges, hotels and myriad attractions are drawing visitors in droves.
An exclusive safari destination, Western Uganda contains a network of game reserves and national parks that showcase the bounteous wildlife, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, zebras, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of antelopes.
The majority of Uganda's highlights and things to see and do are concentrated in Western Uganda, making it the tourist hotspot of the country. In fact, many travellers to Uganda head straight for the west to embark on a tour in Western Uganda. Extending from the Lake Victoria basin right up to the majestic Rwenzori Mountain Ranges along the Congo border, the region boasts large forested areas, spectacular snow capped peaks, lush grasslands, an abundance of wildlife and of course, the rare Mountain Gorilla.
Sitting right across the equator, at an altitude between 1,000-1,400 m above sea level, makes for a pleasant, warm and sunny climate throughout most of the year. Owing to the high mountains and the influence of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, the area gets plenty of rainfall, keeping the countryside lush and green.
Western Uganda boasts one of the highest concentrations of primates in the world. Two of its famous national parks - the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Mgahinga National Park - house almost half of the world's gorilla population (approximately 720). Apart from these highly endangered peaceful giants, nine other primate species including chimpanzees, baboons and colobus monkeys inhabit the lush rainforests of Western Uganda. A Western Uganda tour to view these amazing primates in their natural environment is a highlight of visiting Uganda, if not all of Africa.
For bird lovers, Western Uganda is an absolute treasure trove; Queen Elizabeth National Park itself is home to over 600 species of birds! The Semliki National Park and Lake Mburo National Park are also wonderful bird watching locations and ideal for Western Uganda tours. Semliki is also ideal habitat for butterflies with over 300 species.
The Rwenzori Mountains, or 'Mountains of the Moon', are another great attraction of Western Uganda, which stretch almost 100 km along the western border and rise well over 3,000 m. Margherita peak - the highest point - reaches 5,109 m above sea level. The Rwenzoris are home to an abundance of wildlife, including: elephants, chimpanzees, buffaloes and leopards. The beautiful mountain range with its snow-capped peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and lakes is also a rewarding, though challenging, hiking and Western Uganda tour location.
The largest and oldest national park in Uganda is the Murchison Falls National Park, home to a large number of mammals including lions and elephants, and is one of the few parks in the country where you will spot giraffes. The River Nile flows through this park and the waterfall for which the park is named, and the nearby Karuma Falls are spectacular sights not to be missed. A boat ride along the Nile is an ideal way to spot the profusion of hippos and crocs lazing by the shore as well as the many bird species which nest on the banks. Chimpanzee tracking is also a popular past time in this region.
Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is the main gateway to Western Uganda. A bustling modern city, Kampala is located to the north of Lake Victoria. It is a safe and vibrant city with good restaurants, shopping establishments, Western Uganda hotels, bars and nightclubs. The Entebbe International Airport that serves the capital is about 35 km from the city and handles international flights from destinations across the world.
Be it camping trips and safaris into the wilderness; tracking the gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat; watching and listening to the legions of colourful birds; taking in the hippos cavorting in the Kazinga Channel; hiking trips to extinct volcanoes; or river rafting in the Nile, a tour in Western Uganda is a rewarding and eye opening experience. Furthermore, you will find that the tourist trials are less overrun compared to destinations such as Kenya or Tanzania and the Ugandan people are exceptionally warm and hospitable.
Choose from our wide range of recommended lodges and hotels in Western Uganda, join one of our fascinating Western Uganda tours and then just relax and enjoy your Western Uganda holiday! If you would like to speak with one of our team about an Western Uganda hotel or Western Uganda tour, please visit our Contact Us page. We will happily provide any advice or assistance to you!
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Welcome and the hardworking team from The Far Horizon, your local connection in stunning Western Uganda! We are a local, friendly and experienced team working in South Western Uganda and are ready to provide you with an authentic Ugandan holiday!
