Is Uganda all about gorillas? Uganda is famous as an excellent destination for observing wild primates and especially mountain gorillas. Uganda offers much more affordable gorilla trekking experiences compared to Rwanda. A Gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 compared to the $1500 charged in Rwanda. Travelers often wonder whether Uganda is all about gorillas and if there is something more on offer.
Whereas Mountain gorillas have stolen the show, Uganda was declared by Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa. This was not without reason because Uganda is a naturally beautiful country with important historical sites, waterfalls, lake, rivers, city centers and others. Most of the good things about Uganda can be observed or experience in the 10 national parks and other game reserves. If one is living in Uganda and has time, they need to plan a road trip to see all these national parks. Let’s discuss more about the other things that make Uganda the Pearl of Africa: –
Uganda Beyond Gorillas
Historical and Cultural Sites: The independence monument located at the heart of the capital Kampala along Speke road is a constant reminder about the important event that took place on the 9th 
of October 1962. This was the day Uganda got independence and had their first local leaders sworn in. There is also the Kasubi Tombs which is one of the burial ground for the kings of the Buganda. 4 kings of Buganda are buried at the Kasubi tombs. The site was recognized by UNESCO in 2001 as a world heritage site of both local and international importance. If you want to study about Uganda’s history, visit the National Museum. You will be able to see important regalia/totems from each tribe in the country as you also learn important details about Uganda’s culture and history.
Religions Sites: Uganda is home to the Baha’i temple which is the oldest of its kind in Africa and was at one time the tallest building in East Africa. On a typical visit, one gets to feel and enjoy the quiet serene gardens full of beautiful flowers. The Temple is one of the best tourism sites in Kampala City and is excellent for meditation, reflection or getting amazing views of Kampala. The Gaddafi National mosque is also special and was a gift to the Islamic community in Uganda by the late Colonel Muamar Gaddafi. The state of the art mosque serves as the headquarters of the Islamic community of Uganda. Not to be outshone, the Roman Catholic Church has the amazing Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo where a group of 22 young men were burnt to death by King Mwanga of Buganda. These brave young men refused to abandon their faith in Christianity despite great pain and persecution. Because of their extraordinary faith, over one million pilgrims from across the globe visit the shrine on the 3rd of June every year. Visit the shrine and you can be sure to view the Martyrs lake located right in the gardens of the shrine which is the exact spot where the young men were burnt to death. It is believed that water from the lake has the power to heal and release Gods’ blessings to pilgrims as many have testified.
Source of the River Nile: The River Nile is the world’s longest river and has it source in Jinja town of Uganda. The Nile river flows from Lake Victoria in Uganda and passes through the countries of Sudan 
and Egypt before entering the Mediterranean Sea. While in Jinja, one can take a boat to the very spot where the source of the Nile is. While checking out the source of the Nile, expect to encounter an amazing collection of birds including water ducks, kingfishers, shoebill storks and more. You will also have a close view of the John Speke monument which is found at the spot where he stood to view the magnificent Nile. Other amazing activities in Jinja include sunset boat cruises, bungee jumping, white water rafting, horse riding and quad biking among others.
Visit one of the National Parks: Travelers can also plan to visit one of the various national parks in Uganda like Queen Elizabeth of England did in the 1950’s. Queen Elizabeth National Park is highly recommended for those interested in big game. This national park is found in western Uganda and was named after Queen Elizabeth of England. As a tourists, you can be sure to spot the famous tree climbing lions at the ishasha plains and grazers roaming freely in the park. While at Queen Elizabeth National Park, expect to get a clear view of the Rwenzori mountains. Additionally, one can go for a boat ride along the Kazinga channel which connects lake Edward to Lake George.
Another interesting park to consider while in Uganda is the Kidepo valley national park found in the north-eastern part of the country. This park has been listed by CNN as one of the best in Africa. You can 
spot 4 of the big 5 animals moving around the vast plains. Additionally, you shall view a few seasonal rivers flowing through the park. A Visit to Kidepo is incomplete without encountering the Karamojong pastoralists and neighboring Ik tribe. Another park to consider during your Uganda safari is Murchison falls national park. Here, you will view the beautiful Murchison falls, go for boat ride along the Nile, go for game drives or camping. The Ziwa rhino sanctuary is next to Murchison Falls National Park hence allowing tourists to see all the big 5 animals of Africa in one area. You might be interested in information about planning a trip to Uganda.
Other Tourism sites: These include the Sezibwa falls located in Buikwe district which is a very serene site with green gardens. The Ssezibwa falls are is excellent for picnics, photo shoots and parties. The Sipi falls in the eastern district of Kapchorwa is another amazing destination which also offers Travelers a 
mountain hiking experience to view all the 3 water falls. Then there is the Bigodi wetland sanctuary next to Kibale National Park. While at Bigodi, Tourists get the opportunity to see birds and over 10 species of primates. A visit to this sanctuary includes visiting the local village where one can learn a lot about the culture and how people go about with daily business in a developing country. In
In conclusion, we can say that Uganda is not all about gorillas. The country also offers lots of other fun places to visit including historical sites, national parks and wetlands among others. Uganda is viewed by many as the true gem of Africa. Unfortunately, the government is not as aggressive enough in marketing the country to the outside world. If Uganda follows the example of Rwanda or Kenya in releasing more resources to the Tourism sector, the country would be overwhelmed with Tourists.
