Discovering Uganda

For lovers of the most natural places in the world, set off to discovery of Uganda It's an opportunity to admire what Churchill called "the pearl of Africa." A trip to this corner of paradise is ideal for those who love adventure in the most evocative landscapes and for those who wish to discover a land as hospitable as it is fascinating. Not only that, Uganda is a stop that explorers of the coffee lands They really can't lose. Find out why!

Uganda and its unmissable treasures

Located in East Africa and crossed to the south by the Equator, Uganda borders South Sudan, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Landlocked, but boasting numerous lakes and rivers—such as the White Nile—and abundant forests and savannahs, it is a unique land waiting to be discovered.

Nature and its fruits

In the splendid Ugandan setting, you'll be struck by how diverse landscapes harmoniously intertwine, creating a true spectacle of nature. During your journey, you'll observe how coffee plantations are flanked by banana plantations and other shade trees. Furthermore, the coffee plants are interspersed with ginger and lemongrass, which, thanks to their anti-parasitic properties, ensure the plants' healthy growth. Furthermore, just like a perfectly ordered garden, you can observe cocoa and tea crops, expanses of pasture, and a wide variety of wildlife.

Ugandan coffee

Home of Coffea Robusta, Uganda stands out as Africa's second-largest coffee producer, with crops distributed between 900 and 1200 meters above sea level. Ugandan coffee is produced mainly by the dry method and partly by the wet or washed method, like Uganda, the first single-origin bean. 100% Robusta by Caffè Milani.

Hand-picked, selecting the finest beans, it is then processed, first by immersion in water, followed by fermentation, and finally by sun-drying. Available in 200-gram bags, it stands out for its intense and full-bodied flavor, with fruity notes of currant and cherry, and hints of chocolate.

What to see in Uganda

A few kilometers from Entebbe International Airport lies Kampala, the capital city built on seven hills, where you can make a brief stop before setting off for Uganda's pristine nature. Aboard a boda-boda, the typical local motorcycle taxi, you can reach major attractions such as the Bahai Temple, Kasubi Tombs—the mausoleum of the last kings—King's Palace, and the Owino and Nakasero markets.

Now take note of the next destinations, unmissable places where you can admire Uganda in all its charm.

Jinja and Sipi Falls

Located on the shores of the great Lake Victoria, about two hours from the capital, Jinja will surprise you with the source of the Nile and waters perfect for rafting enthusiasts. After a great adventure, you can head to Mount Eigon National Park and witness the spectacular Sipi Falls, three splendid waterfalls nestled in a true corner of paradise.

Crater Lakes of Fort Portal

If you like trekking, you can take a nice excursion among these lakes of volcanic origin Connected by picturesque red earth trails waiting to be explored, the Crater Lakes of Fort Portal are a true oasis of peace surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Not only that, but along the way, there are several villages where you can meet the locals and their traditions.

From Fort Portal you can continue your journey and reach Murchison Falls, featured in numerous American adventure films of the 1950s.

Gorilla Trekking

During your tour, don't miss the chance to have a truly special encounter. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to 350 mountain gorillas, a rare and small species that are very similar to humans. It will be an unforgettable experience—albeit a bit pricey—during which rangers will lead you on the trail of one of the primate families that inhabit the forest.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Located in the western part of the Rift Valley, this park is one of the most evocative stops you can make in Uganda. In fact, in addition to the great variety of landscapes, during one of the Organized safaris, You will be able to observe lions, hippos, leopards, chimpanzees and many other species of wild animals.

Uganda at the table

After so much open-air wonder, it is also worth a taste good traditional cuisine This land is so rich in flavors, boasting tropical fruits, vegetables, and various meats, such as chicken, beef, mutton, and goat. Furthermore, Ugandan cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian, Arab, Asian, and British colonial influences. That's why during your stay, you can savor meat and vegetable dishes accompanied by a delicious chapati, an Indian bread made with whole wheat or corn flour, used as an alternative to rice, or Mugati Naamaggi, of Arab origin, a dough-based fried bread filled with minced beef and egg. But what are the typical dishes of this land? Here are two in particular: Ugali for breakfast and Matoke, a dish with a bold and unmistakable flavor.

Equal or posho for Ugandan breakfast

This dish is made with cornmeal and is prepared very similarly to polenta. It's made by boiling it in water until it thickens, achieving the typical consistency that allows it to be eaten with your hands, dipped in sauces, or served with meat, fish, or vegetable side dishes.

Matoke, the one-dish meal with plantain fruit

When you first encounter this dish, you'll immediately appreciate its color, a distinctive yellow that immediately evokes a warm and pleasant sensation. To prepare it, plantain fruits, similar to bananas, are first peeled and chopped, then immersed in warm water, previously mixed with a lemon. Meanwhile, they are sautéed together with butter, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and chili pepper. Then, the bananas are placed on top of the soffritto and 2 cups of beef broth are added, and the dish is cooked for about 30 minutes. Served hot, it's truly delicious.

Greeting Uganda with a cup in hand

If after enjoying a good Ugandan lunch you ask, "A coffee, please," you should know that in this country, almost all coffee production is destined for export. Fortunately, small-scale growers persist, and there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a cup in peace. You'll smell its full-bodied aroma, with sweet and spicy notes, and you can appreciate it at home, too, drinking Uganda by Caffè Milani .