The Pearl of Africa
It is easy to see why Winston Churchill described Uganda as "the pearl of Africa". Nestled between the arms of the Great Rift Valley, Uganda is where East African savannah meets West African Jungle. This harmonious situation provides a unique opportunity for safaris.
Where else but in this enchanting country can you venture into open savannah and observe lions relaxing under an acacia tree in the morning, then in the afternoon enjoy the sight of hippos and crocs enjoying the cool waters whilst you cruise down the Nile? The adventure doesn’t stop there, for the very next day a journey into the lush rainforests to track chimpanzees and a guided swamp walk to see the extremely rare and endemic Shoebill stork. The highlight of the safari may be a visit to see one of man’s closest relatives, the mountain gorilla. Staring deep into the eyes of these endangered apes will be a time treasured and not easily forgotten.
The variety of different habitats and environments in Uganda is nearly unbelievable. For not only are there wild, open savannahs and rich, refreshing rainforests, but also shimmering freshwater crater lakes and the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, (or Mountains of the Moon as Ptolemy called them) – a challenge for the more adventurous among us!
The flora and fauna of Uganda is very diverse and of great density, so a safari to this magnificent and charming country will always be rewarding whether you’re a first-time traveller or a veteran of African safaris.
Geographical Features
The Republic of Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, bordered on the east by Kenya, the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda and on the south by Tanzania. The country is located on the East African plateau, and although landlocked, has access to several large bodies of freshwater. Uganda is tropical in nature and the climate differs between parts of the country.Most of the country is over 1,000m in altitude and topography is generally flat. In the southwest of Uganda on the Congo border, the 70km-long and 30km-wide Rwenzori Mountains form the highest mountain range in Africa, only to be exceeded in altitude by Mount Kenya and Mount Kilinabjaro.
The majority of Uganda is well-watered and fertile, except the semi-desert in the extreme northeast. Almost 25% of the country’s surface is covered by water. Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater body in the world and is bordered by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
The Nile flows from Lake Victoria and into Lake Kyoga. Still the Victoria Nile, it cuts a raucous passage west across Karuma Falls and through the narrow pillars of Murchison Falls towards Lake Albert. Finally the Albert Nile meanders along a slow, wide corridor into Southern Sudan. The Nile cuts a verdant and often turbulent median south to north through the country.
National Parks
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Kibale Forest National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
Semuliki National Park
Just Some of Uganda's Treasures
Classic Africa Safaris brings a total of 100 years combined safari industry experience to our travelers. We aim to deliver the experience of a lifetime in Uganda with safety and attention to detail as our top priorities. The country has much to offer with something for every adventurer.