Kenya and Uganda are neighbouring countries with striking natural beauty that is undisturbed. Their sprawling savannahs, snow-peaked mountains, dense forests, and glassy lakes are simply breathtaking.
Most people who visit these two countries do not know how much beauty they hold. The Great Migration in Kenya Masai Mara National Park and the mountain gorillas are the most common and biggest attractions for many travellers to Kenya and Uganda. However, there are more fabulous places to see.
Let’s unpack some of the most exciting destinations to visit in these neighbouring countries.
- Nairobi National Park – Kenya
Kenya is the only country with a park within its Capital city. Nairobi National Park is located only 6kms from the city centre, and travellers arriving at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport can see its beauty sprawled. It was the first national park ever to be established in Kenya.
This park is smaller than other parks in Kenya, but it is a habitat for diverse species. It has a majority of open plains, grasslands and scattered acacia. Take a day trip to this park to see the leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, lions, buffaloes, black rhinos, elands, gazelles, zebras, hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, among others.
The only missing animal in this park is the elephant. There is also an abundance of bird species with the ostrich and culture commonly seen. Other bird species include the ground hornbill, Egyptian goose, crowned crane, black-necked heron, etc.
- The Source of the Nile – Jinja, Uganda
River Nile is the longest river in the world and a source of life for many countries. In Jinja, Uganda, the Nile downriver offers excellent white water rafting, kayaking, and game fishing.
Jinja is a colonial town positioned at the start of the River Nile. This town is East Africa’s adrenaline, where you can view the world’s longest and most historic rivers of all time.
- Rwenzori Mountain National Park – Uganda
The Rwenzori is popularly known as the Mountains of the moon. This mountain has the third-highest point in Africa, known as the Equatorial Snow Peak. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies in Uganda – Congo Border.
A visit to this park is a breath of fresh air, serene and simply breathtaking. The lower slopes carry undisturbed nature with bamboo, moorland and rich montane forest.
It hosts about 217 bird species, over 70 mammals, and some of the world’s rarest vegetation. Exploring Rwenzori gives you a rare therapeutic opportunity to interact with nature.
- Aberdare National Park – Kenya
Aberdare National Park is located in the central Highlands of Kenya. The Aberdares are volcanic ranges that form the eastern wall of the Rift Valley.
This park is colder than the savannahs offering an entirely different perspective. The park has a hotel – The Ark that allows its guests to watch the wildlife from the comfort of your room as they come to drink water at the water hole.
This hotel provides an elevated position to view the wildlife, including buffaloes, elephants, black rhinos, lions, leopards, black and white colobus monkeys, waterbucks, bushbucks, etc.
This is the only park that allows you to catch a glimpse of wildlife even late in the night. They have an alarm that alerts you to wake up and see the animals at whatever time of the night.
- Kibale National park – Uganda
Kibale National Park is located in southern Uganda and protects the moist evergreen rain forest. It is one of the few remaining parks with a diverse array of landscapes with both lowland and montane forests.
It is home to the last significant expanse of pre-montane forest housing over 70 mammal species, 13 species of primate, including the chimpanzees, and over 375 bird species.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park was named after Queen Elizabeth II and established in 1954. It is located in western Uganda and is one of the commonly visited National Park.
It has diverse ecosystems, including shady, hummus forests, sprawling savanna, fertile wetlands, and sparkling lakes. The undisturbed nature attracts the classic big game – lions, elephants, leopards, etc. It is also home to primates, including chimpanzees and over 600 bird species.
Take home
There you have it! Of course, there are many more exciting places to visit and things to see in Kenya and Uganda. Which destinations are on your bucket list for 2021 and beyond?
