Let’s start with a little exercise, shall we? Close your eyes and try to picture Uganda. Now open your eyes. We would bet our next lunch that you imagined a desert, a dry savanna, and mud huts galore. Well, you’re in for a big surprise when you find out that this African country has some snowy mountain peaks and insane nightlife.
Snow? In Africa?
Yes, Mary. Snow in Africa. Looking at the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda will have you thinking you teleported to the Swiss Alps. Those mountains reach the height of 16,760′ and their snow-caps are the last thing you’d expect to find at the heart of the African savanna. Hikers and adventurers who feel up to the task can even join a trek leading up to the highest peak!
So much water!
The most famous lake in Uganda is Lake Victoria, but the area has even more water than that. Uganda is located in the heart of the African Great Lakes Region, which means there are numerous lakes and other bodies of water in and around it. These incredible amounts of water make for a booming agricultural industry in the area and green farmlands that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Where did this rainforest come from?
Rainforests in south and central America are nothing new. But most people don’t know that Africa is the home of the second-biggest rainforest in the world! It has the same tropical climate you would find in the Amazon and is protected by two nature reserves — Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. There is a wide array of wild animals who call this forest home, most famously the endangered mountain gorilla.
Party people paradise
Uganda is not all safari and wildlife. A quick visit to Kampala, the capital, will show you a nightlife scene like you never imagined. The real party can be found in a neighborhood called Kololo and its many bars, pubs, and clubs. Most events happen on the weekends (especially Friday nights) but you are sure to find a party you like any other day of the week.
Foodie’s favorite
Uganda’s local cuisine is a lot richer than you’d think. Sure, you can find some familiar dishes in the capital, but why would you do that when you can try local delicacies? Traditional Ugandan food has some elements of Asian, Indian and Western influences, which makes for a great mix and intriguing dishes. Matoke, for example, is a popular sweet dessert made of green bananas and is sure to give each meal a sweet ending.
