Often described as ‘the Pearl of Africa’, Uganda really does have a lot to offer. To compliment the beautiful landscapes, wonderfully people and special culture, there are a number of unique experiences for visitors.
Whether it’s a safari in a National Park, Gorilla trekking through the Rain Forest or White Water Rafting, there are plenty of opportunities to make memories of a lifetime.
And if you’re signed up to the Uganda Marathon this June (or thinking of snapping up one of our final few places), why not add to your marvelous six-day adventure, by extending your trip for a few days and seeing more of what Uganda has to offer…
Safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park (3 days/2 nights)
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Uganda, home to 100 mammals and 606 species of bird. It’s located on the Savannah Plains between the Ruwenzori Mountains, and on your visit here you’ll go for a game drive along Kasenyi and Queens Mile. On the way you’ll have the chance to see: elephants, buffalos, hippos, waterbucks, warthogs and leopards.
The trips also includes a two hour boat ride along the famous Kazinga Channel. Here you’ll get another chance to see some of animals mentioned above, and the opportunity to see water dwelling creatures such as Hippos and crocodiles, and birds who prefer to live near the water.
Seeing all this wildlife free in nature is an amazing experience, made even more special by local guides who share their knowledge and stories.
Gorilla Trekking (3 days/2 nights)
If you want to experience something truly special, then this is the one! You’ll be the envy of many by embarking on a Gorilla trek in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
A trek through a Rainforest is inspiring enough, but at the end of your hike, to come face-to-face with a family of Mountain Gorillas is truly amazing. You’ll witness mothers taking care of their families, infants playing and feeding, and the mighty silverback keeping a watchful eye over the entire group.
After spending a full hour with the gorillas (to protect their peaceful environment) and the chance to take photos, you’ll return back to base camp- knowing you’ve just ticked something truly incredible off your bucket list.
Gorilla & Safari Combo (4 days/3 nights)
Why do one of the above adventures, when you can do both! Experience trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and meeting a family of Gorillas, before embarking on a drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park and boat ride on the Kazinga Channel.
(From personnel experience, I did this option last year, and nothing tops Gorilla trekking, a safari and boat ride in the space of a few days- utterly incredible!)
Safari in Murchison Falls National Park (3 days/2 nights)
An alternative safari adventure for those with different preferences. This National Park takes it’s name from the thunderous waterfall in its midst. Here you’ll have the chance to see: hyenas, leopards, jackals, lions, buffalo, elephants, crocodiles, hippos and many different kinds of antelopes.
On route you’ll travel through the famous Luwero triangle, stay at Redchilli Campsite, have the option of a mini hike to the sister falls of Uluru, drive around the Buligi game tracks (that stretch between the Victoria and Albert Niles) and have a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the bottom of the falls, where you’ll see crocodiles, buffalo, hippos and a variety of birds.
Kayaking or White Water Rafting (3 days/2 nights)
If you prefer the idea of doing something more active, then why not kayak or go white water rafting in the source of the River Nile in Jinja?
You’ll be well looked after by a team of highly qualified professionals who have an excellent safety record. After your adrenaline-fuelled day (and before), you’ll have plenty of time to relax and recuperate, whether you prefer exploring or resting.
Lake Mburo Safari (1 day)
We appreciate some of our International Runners might be short on time, so we have a faster option to experience Uganda’s wildlife. Mburo is close to the Marathon’s location, and you’ll have the chance to see impala, Burchell’s zebra, waterbucks, bushbucks, baboons, buffalo, eland and warthog.
The trip will also include a boat cruise where they’ll be a chance to see crocodiles and hippos.
(Please note: unfortunately this option is only available before Marathon Week on Tuesday 31st May)
Volunteer
You’ll have plenty of chances to volunteer during marathon week, with two volunteer days and marshalling on the Kid’s Run Wild Day.
But if you would like to extent your trip and volunteer for longer in Masaka, there is plenty of opportunity to do so at one of the marathon’s projects. You’ll have even longer to get to know the local people, experience how a charity works in Uganda, and chance to make an even bigger difference to the community!
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the team with details of what you would like to do and we’ll try our best to fulfil your wishes. If you’d like some ideas of where you would like to volunteer, why not check out our project pages for 2015 and 2016– there’s a variety of projects that would value your help a great deal.
Finally, if you would like to participate in one of these amazing adventures…
Please contact Sophie at runners@ugandamarathon.com with details of which extension you’re interested in and any questions you have. Alternatively, we have a handy extensions’ query form you can fill out, which you can access by clicking here.
Our team would love to help, and make you’re Ugandan adventure even more special this summer, whether its helping to arrange a safari, gorilla trekking, kayaking, or volunteering- we want your trip to be as amazing as it possibly can be!
(Please do speak to us before booking your flights or any of these options, as we want to make sure your trip goes smoothly, and your UGM adventure, flights and extensions fit seamlessly together. Thanks!)
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