CNN Travel ranks Uganda among the destinations to visit in 2023

Uganda is on the CNN Travel’s list of the best destinations to visit in the year 2023. It is one of the only four African destinations on the list of 23 destinations in the world, which also includes Rwanda, that CNN Travel highly recommends as the ideal vacation places to go to as the world recovers from the trauma of the covid pandemic. Places to heal and enjoy. Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa” is perhaps one of the most underrated destinations in Africa, receiving so few travelers and yet has so much to see and do. With a unique location at the center of sub-Sahara Africa, Uganda is an intersection of Africa’s different landscapes, peoples, wildlife, weather, and scenery. Little wonder Uganda is at times referred to as “mini-Africa” because it has almost everything you will find in the different regions of Africa.

Here are a few of the many reasons why you should visit Uganda in 2023

More than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas

The gorilla trekking is one of the best wildlife adventures in the world, a unique experience that brings you face to face with real life “King Kong” deep in the African jungle. The mountain gorilla recently added to the new big five is found in just three countries in the world and Uganda is fortunate have more than half of the population. How about combining the wildebeest migration safari in Kenya with the gorilla trek in Uganda for your next vacation?

All the African big five can be found in Uganda

Uganda does not have the fame of a big five destination like neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, and yet you stand a good chance to see all the famed big five in Uganda. The big five are; Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino. The Big Five trip to Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be done in just 3 days and you will tick off all the five animals. Travelers that travel to Uganda exclusively to see the gorillas can plan to see the big five here as well without having to travel to the more popular and yet congested destinations.

Best year-round weather

Uganda by far has the best weather in the world with moderate temperatures averaging  23^oC – 25^oC (68^oF – 77^oF). Only in Uganda can you keep your shirt off and not feel cold or too hot. The country is located along the equator receiving direct sun, but has lots of water bodies, greenery and highlands that keep the weather warm/cool.

Surreal scenery

What Uganda may luck in having lots of animals makes up with scenery. Traveling across the country you witness different landscapes and scenery in almost every region of the country. From the northern rugged hills and semi-arid plains, to the western lush hills and crater lakes in the rift valley, to the southern dramatic highlands and volcanic mountains home to the gorillas, to the pristine jungles and wetlands along Lake Victoria. Your scenery will change dramatically every few hours of the drive.

Most diverse cultures and friendly people

Uganda has one of the most diverse people in the world, having cultural groups speaking more than thirty languages. Your travel in Uganda will take you through communities speaking different languages and having different cultures and traditions. If you want to see Africa up close and experience her people’s cultures Uganda is the best place to visit. Her unique location at the center allows her share many cultures of different African regions. The common dominator of all these groups is their friendly nature. Wherever you travel to in Uganda you shall be welcomed and treated well.

Amazing local cuisine – Fresh Food

Uganda’s fertile soils and great weather have made Uganda the food basket of the East African region. The fruits in Uganda such as pineapples, oranges, mangoes, and pawpaws have been hailed as the sweetest by many travelers that have tasted them. If cuisine travel is your thing and want to try out tasty organic food in Africa then Uganda is your next destination this year.

Africa’s biggest lake with sandy beaches

Uganda is landlocked, meaning she has no coastline, but she shares a big part of Lake Victoria – Africa’s biggest lake and the world’s second largest fresh water lake. The lake has several wetlands that are home to lots of birds including the pre-historic looking Shoebill. The lake’s shoreline and many islands have beautiful sandy beaches ideal for relaxation after a safari adventure in the country. After visiting the gorillas or hiking in the mountains you do not need to fly to the famous coastal beaches of East Africa, Lake Victoria has you sorted.

Source of the Nile and amazing adventures on the Nile

Uganda is the proud home to the source of the longest river in the world – the River Nile. The Nile starts its journey at Lake Victoria in Jinja where it creates a series of rapids that have given rise to thrilling adventure such as the white water rafting, kayaking, tubing, etc… Adventure junkies need not look hard to find know where to go for their next adventure, Uganda is here for you.

The best night life in the region

Ugandans have gained a world reputation being some of the happiest people on the planet that love to party. This can be seen by the vibrant night light that cannot be compared to any in the region. The cities, especially the capital Kampala, never go to sleep at night as there are many clubs and bars and a festival taking place every weekend. If you would like to have a good time then do not look any farther, Uganda is the place to go this year 2023.

No crowds!!

The icing on the cake is that there are no tourist crowds in Uganda. If you wish to go on safari and not having to compete for a sighting, then visit Uganda.