Especially when taking its size into account, Uganda is probably the most naturally diverse country in Africa. In addition to its natural riches, Uganda’s population is highly proficient in English and among the most welcoming in the world. With 56 indigenous ethnic groups, Uganda is also extremely diverse in culture. Given these assets, many visitors to Uganda feel like they are experiencing Africa at its finest.
Winston Churchill was probably right in coining it the Pearl of Africa. In his book ‘My African Journey’ published in 1908, British secretary for colonies Winston Churchill described Uganda as the heart of the Dark Continent. Winston Churchill’s visit to Uganda in 1907 profoundly impacted the country’s history and reputation as the “Pearl of Africa.”
This week, Bradt Guides, an international tourism agency, ranked Uganda as the fourth place on Earth to visit in 2024. The agency places Uganda behind Switzerland, Antarctica, and the Falkland Islands, and ahead of Madagascar (fifth position) and Zanzibar (seventh), the only African destinations featured in the top 13 destinations of 2024.
Uganda also beats popular global destinations like Greenland, Scandinavia, Iceland, Lithuania, Devon, Miami, Grenada, Hokkaido, and France. This is a significant achievement!
Uganda’s high tourism ranking is in line with many other rankings in recent times: CNN listed Uganda as one of the best tourist destinations in 2023; National Geographic picked Uganda as one of the best travel destinations in the world; and The New York Times listed Uganda as one of the 33 locations in the world to consider when planning travel. Lonely Planet, in 2012, named Uganda as one of the best countries to visit. UNESCO, in 2012, declared Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda as one of the best birding destinations in the world.
The growing recognition, both outside and within Uganda, of the country’s tourism potential, including endorsements of the quality of the nature tourist experience in Uganda by high-profile publications, is a nice acceleration of the country’s leading foreign exchange earning sector. Well, everyone needs to visit Uganda, including local Ugandans and foreign tourists.
The recent development of state-of-the-art infrastructure set up from border to border enables the easy movement of both domestic and foreign tourists to the different sites. The hospitality industry has largely developed with modern, state-of-the-art hotels that make tourists comfortably experience their trips. If you haven’t explored Uganda, you haven’t had any adventure! Therefore, make 2024 the year for adventure in the Pearl of Africa.
