Jinja, Birthplace of the Nile
The birthplace of the mighty Nile river (or one of them anyway…), here the water spills out of Lake Victoria on its journey to the Mediterranean flowing fast from the get-go. It's estimated no more than 5% of water here will end up in Egypt. The white waters of River Nile combine with the lush vegetation along the its shores, on islands and peninsulas, the several bird species and the cool weather to create such fascinating scenery that feels almost spiritual to be amidst. Listening and looking at the gushing white waters, looking at the birds floating across the Nile from Lake Victoria, watching the fishermen spread their nets, and smelling the sweet scents emitted from the surrounding plants is so fulfilling.
Mbale
Mbale, town located in south-eastern Uganda. It lies at the western foot of the extinct volcano Mount Elgon 4,321 metres, 120 km northeast of Jinja. Located in a fertile coffee-growing region, Mbale is an agricultural trade centre and the site of one of Uganda’s principal dairies. The town is the terminus for an improved road offering a scenic route around the north of Mount Elgon to Kitale, Kenya
Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda / Congo
The Rwenzoris – the fabled Mountains of the Moon – lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. Huge tree heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers”, creating an enchanting, fairytale scene. Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation. The Rwenzoris are a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. A nine- to twelve-day trek will get skilled climbers to the summit of Margherita – the highest peak – though shorter, non-technical treks are possible to scale the surrounding peaks.
