My great Experience while Backpacking Uganda
Nothing is rewarding than backpacking Uganda. The country is secure. Locals are friendly and welcoming. Accommodation is fantastic and found everywhere, transport is easy to get, and there are many thrilling allures to appreciate.
I spent years hearing about Uganda. This tourist spot in the eastern region of Africa is gorgeous and worth to visit. It is not that I didn’t want to go to this country, but I just had limited funds.
My dream was to see the pearl of Africa. So, I decided to save some money for my trip to Uganda. After accumulating funds, I choose to go the cheapest way, and this is backpacking. While planning the holiday, the first step is to organize the travel documents like the passport, tourist Visa, flight ticket and health cards for Covid-19 and yellow fever.
After getting a Uganda Visa and flight ticket, I was more happy and excited to see one of the most appealing destinations in Africa. My reasons for a trip to this nation are Wildlife, Adrenaline adventures, and culture.
It didn’t take long, and the travel date reached. Two days to my departure flight, I arranged everything and packed light, including necessities. Me and fellow passengers onboard enjoyed the flight from my home country and landed at the Entebbe International Airport.
It was not only my first time to use this Airport but also my first time to hear about it. On my ticket, I saw EBB, and little did I know that it’s the code for this aviation facility. From the plane, you go straight to the health tent for mandatory screening. Once no any symptoms detected, you proceed to the immigration customs.
The process is smooth. I cleared without hustle. Make sure to have a valid passport, Visa and health card. The Airport has various service providers like Forex outlets for those who need to exchange money. Telecommunication agents available for visitors who need a Ugandan Sim card. You can buy Airtel or MTN, there are the best.
After my business inside, I moved out and got a taxicab to Jinja. It is less expensive, secure and quick. The driver is friendly and makes the ride to be more comforting. I did not expect to find a taxi driver around, so I decide to reserve a cab (transport service) in advance. The driver was available waiting for me. I was delighted to meet him. I discussed with the reservationist, and told me that they can do transfers to any part of Uganda.
With its unending charms, Jinja was my first priority. It is in the Eastern region of Uganda, and sits along the shores of Lake Victoria.
For the days in Jinja, I enjoyed multiple activities. My highlight was the White water rafting. Besides that, Bungee jumping, boat cruise, zip lining and water sliding at the Nile River Explorers camp left me with no minute to get bored.
Jinja is unmatched, I felt like not leaving this city, but I had to such that I continue with my trip. Using a bus, we traveled back to Kampala and spent some nights at Bushpig hostel. A city tour exposed me to a wealth of impressive attractions in the capital. These include the Uganda museum, Namugongo shrines, Gaddafi mosque, Kasubi tombs, monuments and the Bahai temple.
These allures dot the different corners of Kampala. Walking isn’t possible to reach them all. I made arrangements with a taxicab driver who took me around. The ride is awesome. After Kampala, I continue to the western region and stayed in Mbarara. Nothing much to see here, but the city is worth to stay for a day or two. Lake Mburo National Park is the only draw around.
From here, the journey continued to Queen Elizabeth National Park and stayed at Bush lodge. The place is fantastic. I booked it online before reaching there. The lodge organized a game drive and boat cruise for me. The experience was great. I saw plenty of wild animals.
After Queen, I got a special ride to Kisoro. The views of terraced hills, towering volcanoes in this area are spectacular. Gorilla trekking is eye-catching activity here, but I don’t enjoy it because the permit is too expensive. Volcano climbing in Mgahinga kept me busy, village walks, a visit to the Batwa people and more.
From Kisoro, we crossed to Fort portal, one of the cleanest cities in Uganda. Leaving Fort portal, my next stop was Masindi for the cascading Murchison Falls. I base here, and explored Murchison falls national park. It is another hidden allure. The park has wildlife, pretty views, and the falls. Red chili rest camp is the best pocket friendly accommodation here.
Later, a bus from Masindi (Link bus) led me back to the capital. A drive requires no less than three hours. More two nights spent at Bushpig. The city is tempting and ideal for nightlife lovers. If not Bushpig, there are other backpacker hostels in Kampala. The Airport taxi driver again picked me from Kampala back to Entebbe.
I visited the Uganda Wildlife education center, beaches and after drop off at Entebbe Airport for my departure flight. In conclusion, Uganda is a destination like no other. I hope to return.