Wild Life

The most abundant animals in the Ugandan Murchison Falls are elephants, buffalos, zebras and hippos. Cheetahs and White Rhinos are very rare. The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season which is December-February and June-September. The temperature is usually consistent year around but Kampala has a slightly milder climate because of its proximity to Lake Victoria.

Ecological diversity and Toursim

Uganda is home to a wide range of ecological diversity and serves as an important habitat for a host of species. For example, Uganda is home to 11% of the world's bird population as well as 6.8% of the world's butterfly species. The natural habitats for these animals include the savannahs of Uganda and the Rwenzori Mountains. Another important habitat is the base of Mt. Elgon, where the forests are home to over 300 bird species and 24 mammal species (including elephants, leopards, buffalos, and bush pigs). However, the most famous animals of Uganda are the Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzees. There are only 900 mountain gorillas in existence, and 400 exist in Uganda.

For these reasons eco-tourism, which is visiting areas where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions, is very popular in Uganda. We will also be participating in eco-tourism when we visit Murchison Falls National Park. Have you ever participated in eco-tourism? What do you see as the benefits? What do you see as the drawbacks?

Fun facts!

Want to twist your tastebuds?

Fried Grasshoppers are common in Uganda. You may not see it in a typical restaurant but you can definitely buy them on the street! Grasshoppers in Uganda = Hotdogs in America. They are a good source of protein and may or may not taste like chicken. Also, Uganda is supposed to have the most amazing pineapple you've ever eaten. Eat up!


Uganda is a tree-loving nation.
In fact, there is a rule that if you cut one tree, you must plant three more. I think we should have this rule in America!


Uganda is known as the "Pearl of Africa" because of its beauty:). This name originally came from Sur Winston Churchill when visiting the country under British rule.


So, let's eat up, maybe plant some trees and explore the Pearl of Africa

A Taste Unlike Any Other

Known to some as the fruit basket of Africa, Uganda seems to serve a variety of different types of fruit. In my past study abroad experiences, I can say that one of the best ways to become familiar with a country and its culture is by going to the local market and seeing what the vendors have to offer. For example, in Costa Rica, I had the ability to taste something called a Granadilla. This type of fruit looked like an orange from the outside, but had a hollow shell, and a large amount of seeds with goo inside the shell. I would expect Uganda to have something that we are not used to seeing.

The most common types of fruit in Uganda are bananas, pineapple, papaya, watermelon, passion fruit and mangoes. This is pretty interesting because many people associate these with Hawaii or a tropical rainforest environment. It just goes to show you that fertile soil, lots of rain, and a decent amount of sunlight can create perfect conditions for a world of different tastes. The important thing to remember here is to be open to trying new things that you have never seen before. By being open to culture, and stepping outside of your comfort zone, you may just find a new favorite type of food. What dish or fruit are you looking forward to?