WHY UGANDA IS CALLED THE PEARL OF AFRICA? WHY UGANDA IS A UNIQUE SAFARI DESTINATION IN AFRICA

Why Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa?

Why Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa? Uganda is the truly the pearl of Africa because of its magnificence, variety of form and color, a profusion of brilliant life−bird, insects, reptiles, beasts (Gorillas& Chimps) and for vast scale according to Sir Winston Leonard Churchill in his book “My African Journey” published in 1908. Uganda also has the happiest and most loving people in the whole world.

As you are researching about Uganda during your Uganda trip planning process, you will come across many great tags about Uganda, such as Uganda-gifted by nature. The most popular is Uganda-‘The Pearl of Africa. So; Why is Uganda known as the pearl of Africa? What does the pearl of Africa mean? Who named Uganda the pearl of Africa?
This brand was not created by the Uganda Government, the ministry of tourism, the Uganda tourism board, or a hired marketing agency. It was Sir Winston Leonard Churchill in his book “My African Journey” published in 1908 who named Uganda “THE PEARL OF AFRICA” with regards to a safari to Uganda which he took in 1907.
While touring Uganda, Churchill became quite delighted by what he found and wrote; “For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for the profusion of brilliant life−bird, insect, reptile, beast −for vast scale−Uganda is truly “the Pearl of Africa.”
Winston Churchill’s visit was not to promote Uganda tourism; the purpose of his trip to Uganda was to see how Britain could benefit from Uganda.
Uganda was a British protectorate and Churchill visited Uganda on his role as parliamentary under-secretary for colonies, not an ambassador of tourism for Uganda.

Churchill looked at the beauty of Uganda, analyzed it, and described it as a fairy tale, with unique environmental attributes and a moderate climate due to the country’s location at the equator.
Besides Churchill, several other explorers from the west; including Henry Morton Stanley, Richard Francis Burton, John Hannington Speke, and Frederic Lugard described the wonders of Uganda using ‘praising’ terms.
They were stunned by Uganda’s beauty, her natural wonders, and above all her friendly welcoming people.

Also today, Uganda is continuing to stand out as a key destination on the tourist trail through this part of Africa. This endlessly exciting country in many ways encapsulates what Africa is all about, as you’ll discover during your safari to Uganda.

11 Reasons why Uganda is called the pearl of Africa

More than half of rare and endangered mountain gorillas in the world live in Uganda

The world’s last remaining mountain gorillas have found a safe haven in Uganda’s two national parks;
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which hosts 459 mountain gorilla (nearly half of all the world’s mountain gorilla) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Travelers who travel to Uganda wholeheartedly agree that trekking to see the mountain gorillas is something that every safari-goer should strive to experience at least once in their lifetime;

Primates loom large in Uganda’s Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is often referred to as the primate capital of East Africa and the best area to see chimpanzees in the world.
You will find more than you bargained for. The park is home to about 1500 chimpanzees and 13 species of monkeys including black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys.

Uganda is home to Africa Big 5

Africa Big 5 is a term coined back in the 1800s by trophy hunters referring to what they considered the most challenging and dangerous animals to hunt on foot and these include the African Elephant, Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, and Rhinoceros.
However, Uganda is the Big-Five Plus Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees, making it an African Big-7 Destination.

Uganda has the highest number of bird species in Africa

More than 1,073 species of birds live in this fertile, beautiful country roughly the size of Great Britain.
And, like the Mountain Gorillas, there is the highlight of seeing the rare pre-historic looking shoebills, huge grey birds standing over 1.2 meters tall, with a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters, and weigh up to 7kilograms.

Uganda is home to the source of the planet’s longest river; the mighty Nile

The 6,650 km-long Nile River is also one of the wonders of Africa and it is because of its fascinating history that many people visit Uganda. Rafting grade-five rapids on the Nile in Jinja is a world-class adrenaline adventure.

The world's second-largest freshwater lake is in Uganda

Known in Luganda local language as Nalubaale, Lake Victoria has a surface area of 59,947 square kilometers (23,146 square miles) which makes it Africa’s largest lake, the world’s largest tropical lake, and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake after Lake Superior in North America, although Lake Baikal in Siberia is larger by volume and depth.

Uganda has the world’s most powerful waterfall, the Murchison Falls

The Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park is where the world’s longest, the Mighty Nile, explodes through a 6 meter-wide gorge pushing onwards before making a 45-meter drop to form the most dramatic feature along its 6,650 kilometers to the Mediterranean sea.

Uganda is home to the tallest Mountain Range in Africa

The Rwenzori range is not volcanic and stretches about 110km by 50km wide. It has several peaks that are permanently covered by ice and host an extraordinary number of rare plants and animals, and new examples of both are still being discovered. The 3 highest peaks, all on Mt Stanley, the third highest mountain in Africa are;

Margherita at 5109 meters
Alexandria at 5083 meters, and
Albert at 5087 meters

The amazing cultures of Uganda

Uganda is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Africa with over 56 tribes and 30 distinct languages.
It’s this cultural diversity that offers curious travelers an authentic and enjoyable experience.

Friendly locals in Uganda - The world's happiest and loving people in the whole world.

Uganda has extremely hospitable and warm people you can ever find anywhere in the world.
It’s been said over and over again that Ugandans are the friendliest people in Africa.

Uganda has been gifted with perfect weather

Uganda is located on the Equator, but because of its Elevation, Lake Victoria, tropical rainforest, the Rwenzori Mountains, the Virunga Volcanoes, the weather is excellent all year long, making it a favorite Holiday Travel Destination.

Places to visit in Uganda: Where to go while on a safari in Uganda?

Looking for top tourist attractions in Uganda or for top Uganda safari destinations? Uganda has several exciting places where travelers can have a memorable safari holiday in Uganda.

Below are the National Parks of Uganda/Uganda National Parks that make Uganda the Pearl of Africa:-

Below are the National Game Reserves of Uganda/Uganda Game Reserves that make Uganda the Pearl of Africa:-

Below are the Private Reserves of Uganda that make Uganda the Pearl of Africa:-

Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Mabamba Swamp
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary

Below are the Lakes and Rivers of Uganda that make Uganda the Pearl of Africa:-

Lake Bunyonyi
The Source of the Nile River in Jinja
Lake Victoria and Ssese Islands

Below is a List of Cultural Sites in Uganda That Make Uganda the Pearl of Africa:-

Kasubi Royal tombs−a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Kabaka’s Palace (Lubiri) at Mengo
Buganda Parliament (Lukiiko) building
Wamala Tombs
Naggalabi Coronation Site
Kabaka’s Lake in Ndeeba
Ndere Cultural Center
Uganda National Museum
Uganda National Cultural Center (former National Theatre)
Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine
Toro King’s Palace in Central Uganda
Karambi Royal Tombs
Mparo Tombs
Igongo Cultural Center and Museum in Mbarara
Great Lakes Museum in Kabale
Amabere Caves
Bigo Bya Mugenyi and others
Sezibwa Falls
Nakayima Tree

Detailed Information About Things That Explain Why Uganda is Called the Pearl of Africa?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the home of mountain gorillas is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda. Situated in southwestern Uganda, the park covers an area of 321 km² between an altitude of 1,160m and 2,607m above sea level.

Bwindi was gazetted as a National Park in 1991 and it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of global importance.

By IUCN rating, Bwindi is the richest and most diverse fauna community in East Africa with over:

120 species of mammals, 10 primate species including the rare l'Hoest's monkey and black-and-white colobus and chimpanzees.
360 bird species including 23 birds unique to the Albertine Rift (which is 90% of all Albertine Rift endemics) such as Neumann's warbler and blue-headed sunbird.
27 species of reptiles
220 butterflies species and
1,000 species of flowering plants, including 163 species of trees, and 104 species of ferns.

Although species diversity is a unique feature of the park, in Bwindi, it’s all about the gorillas. The park is home to almost half (459) of the world’s population of mountain gorillas; the rarest subspecies of the largest primates on Earth.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park−1,978 km² in size, is located in western Uganda just south of the famed “Mountains of the moon” which marks the boundary between East Africa plains and central African tropical forests.
Not only it is easily accessible but has one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any nature reserve in the world−an impression backed by an incredible checklist of 612 bird species – reputedly the most of any African safari wildlife park.
All the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalos) are present aside from rhinos. The park is commonly known for its uncommon tree-climbing lions.
Another highlight of a tour here is a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel which is believed to contain the world's largest concentration of hippos. The launch trip on the Kazinga channel is also considered one of the great bird watching trips of the world.

Murchison Falls National Park

Covering 3,840km², Murchison Game Park is the largest of the 10 National Parks in Uganda. Situated in the northwest of Uganda, the park features on most Uganda safari itineraries because of its mix of beauty and wildlife.
Almost all major Africa mammals are here. Four of the Big 5 animals (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes) are present plus an impressive diversity of birdlife (451 bird species) including the pre-historic-looking shoebills.
But, the highlight of a Murchison Falls National Park safari is the Nile River; the world’s longest river, and Murchison Falls; the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Murchison Falls sees the 50 meters wide Nile River funneled through a thundering gorge−6 meter wide, pushing onwards before making a dramatic 45-meter drop; forming a plume of foaming white water.
This is the most spectacular thing to happen to the Nile River en-route from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea. The falls are not only one of the most visited spots in Uganda but in the entire African continent.

Kibale National Park

The 795km² Kibale Forest National Park is a primates’ paradise located near gorgeous Crater lakes in western Uganda. After Bwindi, Kibale is the favorite destination for primate tours in Uganda.

At least 13 species of primates populate this magnificent tropical rain forest where trees of over 351 species rise to form a canopy in some places over 180 feet (55m) high. The main attractions in Kibale National Park are the Chimpanzees.

The park host over 1500 chimpanzees and it is the best place in the world to see them. Kibale is also home to 375 bird species. The avian gems are also here (over 375 bird species) include;

Great blue turaco,
African pitta,
Green-breasted Pitta,
Black bee-eater,
Eastern Nicator,
Yellow Spotted Nicator,
Yellow-rumped tinkerbird,
African Grey Parrot,
Abyssinian Ground-thrush,
Dusky Crimsonwing and
Crowned Eagle

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is famous for its alluring scenery of uniquely formed valleys, the untampered wilderness, and freely roaming animals. The park is situated in the extreme corner of North Eastern Uganda.

With its sweeping plains and valleys that are overshadowed by the brooding mountainscape of Mountain Morungole (Ik people’s sacred peak,) this park has a huge appeal just for scenery alone and according to CNN, it might be the most picturesque of all Africa wildlife safari parks.

This 1,442km² park has a healthy population of the Big Five (except for a lack of rhino) and many species here are not found elsewhere in Uganda such as:

Cheetahs
Hyenas
Caracals
Jackals
Aardwolves
Bat-eared foxes
Ostriches, and
Greater and lesser kudus

As with the mammals, there are plenty of birds exclusive to this park and with nearly 500 species on the checklist.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda and cover an area of 33.7km², Mgahinga National Park, also has Mountain gorillas. Besides gorilla trekking, visitors to Mgahinga have the opportunity to track beautiful and rare golden monkeys. Though it’s hardly an equal substitute for gorillas, it is quite fun.
Another good reason to visit Mgahinga is the stirring setting provided by the Virunga Mountains, a chain of eight massive volcanoes, some still active, that rise to elevations of up to 4,507m.
They’re also great hiking destinations with difficult but fun climbs through the strange afro-alpine moorland at the high elevations.

Lake Mburo National Park

Of all 10 Uganda safari parks, graceful impalas that can jump 10-12 feet (3-4 meters)−high and cover 35-45 feet (10+) in a single broad jump find their specialized habitat only in 370km² Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda.
They join hippos, Cape buffalos, Burchell's zebras, Rothschild's giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, elands, klipspringers, oribi, warthogs, and some leopards plus 350 species of birds including the localized African finfoot in this well-watered (5 lakes) national Park.
Lake Mburo is the closest National park to Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

Semuliki National Park

Situated on the floor of Albertine Rift in western Uganda, Semuliki is one of the finest destinations for birdwatching in Uganda.

Of over 1,073 bird species recorded in Uganda, 41% occur in this beautiful 220 square kilometer park−which is the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin.

Some of the most sought-after birds include:-

Seldom-seen lyre-tailed honeyguide
Long-tailed Hawk
Blue-billed Malimbe
Congo serpent-eagle
Maxwell’s Black Weaver
Black-wattled Hornbill and
Piping hornbill

Among more than 53 mammal species recorded in Semuliki National Park include;

Mona monkeys
Blue monkeys
Black-and-white colobus monkeys
Red-tailed monkeys
De Brazza’s monkeys
Chimpanzees
Forest elephants
Forest buffalos, and
Zenker’s Flying Mouse

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Hiking the Rwenzori range’s mount Stanely; Africa’s 3^rd mountain at 5109 meters above sea level is a prize sought after by many visitors on adventure tours in Uganda.
Claudius Ptolemy, in 150 AD cited the Rwenzori mountains as the source of the Nile calling them “Mountains of the Moon” because it seemed unearthly to have snow-covered peaks on the steamy equator.
They are one of the greatest beauties on earth crowning one of its great wild habitats in the 996 km² Rwenzori Mountains National Park,
However, it is the ‘botanical big game’ of this beautiful Uganda safari park which the Swedish scientist Olav Hedberg named ‘some of the most fantastic… on Earth that most travelers visit Rwenzori during their safaris in Uganda.
Giant heathers, 46 cementers/1.5 feet tall elsewhere, grow over 914 centimeters/30 feet here. Also here, primeval trees of up to 1200 centimeters/40 feet tall can be covered with crimson, yellow, and emerald green mosses and clusters of pink orchids.

Mount Elgon National Park

Mt Elgon National Park is another Uganda mountain hiking destination and it encompasses Mount Elgon; Africa’s 8^th highest mountain and has the largest base of an extinct volcano in the world.
Elgon is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa, believed to have erupted about 24 million years.
From its base which covers over 4,000km², the mountain rises dramatically through a series of gradual slopes punctuated by steep cliffs to a height of 4,321 meters (14,177 feet) at Wagagai Peak.
Elgon’s lower slopes are covered in tropical montane forest with extensive stands of bamboo, while above this lies a vast tract of Afro-Alpine moorland, and this unique vegetation extends over the caldera, a collapsed crater covering more than 40 km² at the peak of the mountain.

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi which literally means the ‘place of many little birds’ is one of Uganda’s best-kept secrets, found in the southwest of the country.

With a surface area of 46 square kilometers, Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lakes in Africa and the most beautiful of all the African lakes−dotted with 29 islands reminiscent of an exotic Lost World.

Due to its location near Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, Bunyonyi is a perfect place to relax after your gorilla trek safaris. There are several luxurious accommodations.

There are also a variety of leisure activities to do at Lake Bunyonyi including;

Swimming
Canoeing
Boating
Birding
Biking
Hiking and nature walks and
Cultural Interactive Village visits

The source of the Nile River in Jinja

The source of the Nile in Jinja is also one of the famous places to visit in Uganda. Found in Eastern Uganda, it is the starting point of River Nile, the longest river in the entire world, and one of the natural wonders of Africa.

The Nile is approximately 6,650 km long flowing through 9 countries. It is because of its fascinating history that many people visit Uganda.

The source of the Nile in Jinja; the adventure capital of Uganda is today stands out as one of the most sought-after fun places to visit in Uganda; a hotspot for relaxation, adventure, and explorations.

Activities at the source of the River Nile in Jinja include;

White Water Rafting, world-class adrenaline on Nile’s grade five rapids
Kayaking
Bungee Jumping
Mountain biking
Jet Boating
Kayaking
Swimming
Horse Riding
Quad Biking

Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Located in Nakasongola district in the Central region of Uganda, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is the proud home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda. It is situated north of Kampala along Kampala – Gulu highway approximately 180km by road. It takes about 3 hours to drive there; this is about half of the journey to Murchison Falls National Park.

Presently the sanctuary is home to twenty-two (22) southern white rhinos.

Ziwa also hosts over 300 bird species including the Shoebill, a dinosaur-like bird, and one of the most sought by birders. At around five feet tall, its massive bill gives it a prehistoric look.

Activities to do at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary include;

Rhino Trekking
Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride
Birding Walk
Nature Walk
Night Walk

Budongo Forest Reserve

Covering an area of 435 km² Budongo is one of East Africa’s most extensive and ecologically diverse tracts of virgin tropical forest. It is situated on the southern fringes of Murchison Falls National Park, northwest of Kampala. It’s a great add-on to your Murchison Falls National Park visit.

Its main attractions include;

Chimpanzees (round 800 individuals), some habituated for tourists
Other primates−red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, pottos, and various bushbaby species.
Over 465 plant species recorded, of which the most impressive is the giant mahoganies that stand up to 60m tall, and whose buttressed bases are often used as drums by roaming chimp.
Over 360 birds of which 60 are considered west or central African birds including yellow-footed flycatchers, Ituri batis, lemon-bellied crombec, white-thighed hornbills, black-eared ground thrush, and chestnut-capped flycatcher.
More than 255 butterfly species

Lake Victoria Ssese Islands

Ssese’s lush archipelago of 84 islands along Lake Victoria’s northwestern shore boasts some stunning white-sand beaches. Lake Victoria is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world and it is the source of the world’s longest river.

Ssese island float like green jewels on the waters of this gigantic lake, located 55km from Entebbe. They are one of the greatest natural gifts of Uganda waiting for you to be discovered. There’s not much to do other than grab a good book and relax.

Most guesthouses on the beach have nightly bonfires, which is a great way to relax with a few drinks after enjoying one of Ssese’s famous sunsets.

To all professional Entomologists, the Ssese Group of islands provides an earthly insect paradise. Guests are required to bring with them bird watching and fishing gear.

Mabamba Swamp

The 100 square kilometer Mabamba swamp is a Ramsar site and Important Bird Area that extends across a shallow marshy bay on the northern shore of Lake Victoria in Entebbe city, Central Uganda.

Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the swamp including, a captivating variety of water birds. It also harbors sitatunga antelopes and more than 250 species of butterflies.

The prime attraction of the swamp is, however, is the most reliable place in the vicinity of Uganda’s capital, Kampala to look for the highly sought-after shoebill or whale-headed stork in its natural habitat.

Regularly featured on tourism brochures, shoebills are among the most amazing Africa birds and they are critically endangered with about 5000 remaining on the Earth.

These massive gray birds are among the tallest birds in Africa standing over 1.2 meters in height, with a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters and a weight of up to 7 kilograms.

When making the shoebills special are their huge, foot-long shoe-shaped bills that resemble a Dutch clog. Tan with brown splotches, the bill is 13 centimeters (5 inches) wide and has sharp edges and a sharp hook at the end, giving an almost cartoonlike appearance.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary

Located about 23 kilometers southeast of Entebbe in Central Uganda, Ngamba is located in Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. Lake Victoria was named after Queen Victoria of England by explorer John Hanning Speke, the first Briton to document it.

Today 49 orphaned chimpanzees, many captured illegally in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo forests and smuggled across Uganda for trade, are residents on Ngamba Island.

Day trips to see the residents are superb. Plan ahead and you can join the overnight experience and a forest walk with the chimps, who'll climb all over you. It's a 50-/90-minute speedboat or motorized canoe ride from Entebbe to get here.

Mabira Forest Reserve

Mabira Forest is located in Buikwe District, between Lugazi and Jinja in Central Uganda. Covering an area of 306 km², it is the largest remaining block of semi-evergreen rainforest in the Victoria Basin forest-savanna mosaic ecoregion.

It is of significant value when it comes to the traditions of the Buganda Kingdom. The Baganda people believe that the forest is home to their ancestors that brings rains and food.

They believe that the forest act as a guard for the Kingdom in case any hurricane coming from the eastern part can be stopped by the forest not to reach the palace of their Kabaka on Mengo hill.

Mabira has enormous biodiversity comprising ;

315 bird species including the stunning great blue turaco, tit Hylia (the only place in East Africa to see it), wood-hoopoe, African pitta, Purple-throated cuckoo-shrike, red-tailed leaflove, Wyn's weaver, and Nahan’s Francolin.
40 species of small mammals including the endemic Uganda mangabeys
312 tree species
218 species of butterflies
97 species of moths

Mabira is the only forest in the Eastern region of Africa where Zip linning is done. This Canopy Super Skyway connects six lofty canopy platforms and offers an adrenaline surge that matches the white-water rafting on the nearby Nile River.

Other activities in Mabaira forest include;

Forest walks
Mangabey monkey tracking
Birding
Mountain biking
Camping

Sipi Falls

Situated in the Eastern region of Uganda on the border of Kenya, Sipi Falls is a romantic destination featuring three pretty waterfalls form by Sipi River as it cascades downhills from the slopes of mount Elgon into the Kyoga Basin.

Sipi Falls is a popular spot for hikers on their way to scaling Mount Elgon. The three falls are consecutively 328 feet; 278 feet; and 246 feet tall.

Cultural and historical sites

From spiritual to cultural and historical sites, Uganda presents a rich experience for visitors exploring the pearl of Africa. The strong cultural and historical heritage of Uganda can be felt in different cultural and historical sites.

Kasubi Royal tombs−a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Kabaka’s Palace (Lubiri) at Mengo
Buganda Parliament (Lukiiko) building
Wamala Tombs
Naggalabi Coronation Site
Kabaka’s Lake in Ndeeba
Ndere Cultural Center
Uganda National Museum
Uganda National Cultural Center (former National Theatre)
Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine
Toro King’s Palace in Central Uganda
Karambi Royal Tombs
Mparo Tombs
Igongo Cultural Center and Museum in Mbarara
Great Lakes Museum in Kabale
Amabere Caves
Bigo Bya Mugenyi and others
Sezibwa Falls
Nakayima Tree

Search This Blog

PRIME SAFARIS AND TOURS AFRICA