famous places to visit in uganda

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15 Best Places to Visit in Uganda

Marred in the minds of many a tourist by the ever-present threat of one Joseph Kony and his so-called Lord’s Resistance Army, the nation of Uganda is actually one of Africa’s up-and-coming gems. Yes, you’ll have to be careful, and there are warnings that need to be heeded about traveling to the contested and conflicted areas of the northern territories.

However, Uganda is, for the most part, a safe and enthralling place. It’s a land where hippos humph through the wetlands and lions laze in the acacias. It’s a land of rain-stained forests and misty  hills that house chimpanzees. It’s got the lapping waters of Lake Victoria, and the winding channels of the Victoria Nile to boot. Vistas of rock-ribbed mountains and standalone volcanos conquer the peripheries, shooting up to craggy summits where waterfalls and thunderstorms coalesce. Meanwhile, Kampala is a pulsating city, steeped in tribal ancestry and life. It’s an all-round top African adventure!

Lets explore the best places to visit in Uganda :

The ancestral capital of the Buganda kingdom is modern day Uganda’s capital too.

And for an African first city, it’s got real charm and panache.

You can still see some of the thatched relics of the former glory years at the Kasubi Tombs, or you can taste the frenetic energy of day-to-day Ugandan life between the sun-cracked streets of Central Kampala; a place of throbbing markets (the city’s Owino market is said to be the largest in Central-east Africa) and echoing mosque minarets (that soaring Gaddafi National Mosque is a must!). On the edge of town is the more straight-laced area of Nakasero Hill, where well-to-do villas house the country’s elite and expats chatter in the ramshackle bars.

2. Kibale National Park

Pierce into the dense jungles and wetland forests of the great Kibale National Park and you won’t be disappointed! What awaits is one of the world’s most awesome arrays of wild chimpanzee packs, and you can see these majestic simians of Central Africa trawling through the undergrowth and commanding the canopies on game drives and safari excursions of all different types.

There’s a kaleidoscope of other curious little monkeys to spot too, like the rare L’Hoest’s and the Ugandan red colobus.

It’s also possible to wonder up at ancient fig trees, and see some more recent efforts to create sustainable coffee plantations in the area.

3. Ssese Islands

A cocktail of golden sands worthy of Latin America, sun-kissed beaches and lapping waves, the archipelago of the Ssese Islands is Uganda’s answer to the tropical gems of the East African coast on the Indian Ocean.

Peppering the waters of Lake Victoria, they are considered the country’s premier rest and relaxation spot, with the popular Buggala Island and Bulago coming up top of the menu.

You can either kick-back in one of the lakeside resorts, or wax up the walking boots and make for the hills, where hippo-dotted swamps hide between the ridges.

Kayaks and other watersports are also available on Buggala.

4. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park really does live up to its name! A land of rocky peaks and endless green, it’s covered in some of Africa’s oldest primeval forestry.

The biodiversity – think geckos next to gorillas next to a multitude of curious insects – garnered the spot a UNESCO World Heritage tag, while most safari goers head this way in search of colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.

The breathtaking landscapes are typical of the Albertine Rift.

They rise and fall to untrodden valleys and summits, with quartzite massifs here and teak-shrouded riverways there.

It’s definitely one to write home about!

5. Murchison Falls National Park

Named for the roaring cataracts that carve right through their middle, the wilds of the Murchison Falls National Park are unquestionably some of the most amazing in north-western Uganda.

The protected area is actually the largest national park in the country, with a whopping count of nearly 4,000 square kilometers between its borders.

The biggest attraction is – of course – the point where the Victoria Nile crashes through a tight-knit gorge and over an escarpment of more than 40 meters in height.

However, travelers can also look forward to stalking lions and giraffes and elephants and more!

Entebbe, for most international visitors at least, will be the entrance point to Uganda.

It’s here that the nation’s Entebbe International Airport makes its home; its runways butting up against the waters of Lake Victoria.

Most will also leave promptly, on their way to Kampala or the country’s other far-flung safari destinations.

Those who linger can enjoy a laid-back place that still trundles to the tune of the old British Protectorate – for it’s here that the English colonists made their base in earlier decades.

One of the relics of that age is the beautiful National Botanical Gardens, while there are also charming churches, and the official residence of the president: the Ugandan State House.

7. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Handily named just QENP for short, this huge dash of wilderness that lies close to the banks of Lake Edward and the DRC border in the west is Uganda’s most famous national park.

It’s visited by thousands of tourists each year, who come in search of the lazy Congo lions and the swinging chimps that can be seen mingling between the Maramagambo Forest and the grassy savannah.

The whole area is also scarred by countless volcanic features, going from the awesome Katwe craters to great rifts in the earth, making it an interesting and eye-catching place to go on safari drives and game seeking journeys.

8. Mount Elgon National Park

The rock-ribbed, jungle-topped highlands of the Mount Elgon National Park are peppered with so many natural beauties it can be difficult to describe them all at once.

Cascading down from the extinct caldera of one of Africa’s oldest volcanos, there are waterfalls, dank cave systems, and rugged canyons aplenty.

Visitors can also feel the geothermal activity at a series of hot springs, or wonder upwards, to where African goshawks and elegant bush-shrikes flit through the skies.

Monkey wise, there are the likes of De Brazza’s and colobuses, along with blue monkeys and some other rare simian species.

One of the main transportation and administration hubs of eastern Uganda, tin-shack Mbale hosts its own regional government and a clutch of good hotels and guesthouses.

It’s particularly useful for those on their way to the heights of Mount Elgon and the famous summit of Wagagai – a 24-million-year-old volcano that is the seventeenth highest in all of Africa.

(For the best base of explorations around the hiking trails and glorious mountain’s that erupt around Mbale, be sure to hitch a local minibus out to Bududa.)

Back in the town itself and you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of day-to-day Ugandan life, along with plenty of shops and market stalls.

10. Lake Mburo National Park

Despite being one of the smallest national parks in Uganda, the swaying savannah grasses and riparian habitats of Lake Mburo certainly pack a punch.

They come spotted with buffalo herds and zebras, crossed by prancing reedbucks, and stalked with hyenas.

Today, much of the area is clad in young forestry, which springs up from the swamplands that dominate along the shores of the eponymous lake.

These make for great game viewing during the dry season, when the animals congregate at the watering holes.

What’s more, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the most accessible going, with easy access along the highway from Kampala, the capital.

11. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

You’ll have to go to the far southern depths of Uganda to find the great galumphing beasts of the highlands: mountain gorillas.

The appropriately-named Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the top places to find them too, with its indelibly green rainforests falling down from the windswept heights of cloud-shrouded volcanos.

The area buts up to the famous Virunga Range, and offers game sightings of rare mountain gorillas alongside other awesome creatures – think woodland elephants, golden monkeys, wild hogs and jackals.

Yep, you can see them in the DRC too, but things here just happen to be a little safer!

12. Kidepo Valley National Park

Hidden away in the northern reaches of Uganda (in one of the more dubious and unsafe parts of the country), the Kidepo Valley National Park is a great fly-in visit.

It’s sat a whopping 700 kilometers from the capital, and is known for its remoteness.

Totally undeveloped and untouched by mass safari tourism, the region is the old stomping ground of the Dodoth pastoralists.

These semi-nomads shared the landscapes of savannah and mud plain with oodles of buffalo, hippo, oryx and wild dogs, which can still be seen flitting between the grey-haired acacia groves and wetlands today.

It’s just a short drive along the highways east to the river town of Jinja, which juts out into the waters where the Victoria Nile emerges from its eponymous lake.

Sleepy, sun-cracked and relaxed, the place is the perfect antidote to the energy of life in the capital.

It’s got a clutch of great bars, but is most famed for the wealth of riparian resorts that line the banks.

You’re sure to be able to find something to suit, with everything from pool-peppered boutique hotels to more rustic ecolodges surrounded by monkeys to choose from.

And when you do want to get the blood flowing, be sure to head for the whitewater rapids on the river for some rafting!

14. Fort Portal

Still chuffing after the appearance of tarmacked roads in 2007, the regional town of Fort Portal has a truly enviable position beneath the serrated tips of the mighty Rwenzori National Park.

Chimps and gorillas tread the backcountry close by, giving the place a real feral feel.

However, the center is anything but wild, with human energy dominating the action.

There, it’s all about bustling markets and haggling for local farmer’s produce.

Fort Portal is also a fine base point for launching excursions to the aforementioned Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Edward.

Lira is a little crossroads city in the midst of north-central Uganda.

While it’s actually the fourth-largest in the country, it still manages to retain that charming provincial vibe and sleepiness.

Travelers rarely come here too, adding a dash of off-the-beaten-track character and local authenticity.

Those who do make their way to Lira’s streets get to see a real Ugandan city in action, and even get to hear sobering and visceral stories of the ravaging civil wars of former years – this place was hit particularly badly by the onslaught of Joseph Kony and his private army.

15 Best Places to Visit in Uganda:

• Kibale National Park
• Ssese Islands
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Fort Portal

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Places to Visit in Uganda

• Places To Visit

Uganda Tourist Places

Here is the list of best places to visit in uganda:.

Located in the Buikwe city in Central Uganda on the Kampala-Jinja Highway, this city is locally referred to as Kawelo. It is an important place culturally and is also a hub for educational institutes, sports, and business houses. Lugazi is surrounded by the thick Mabira rainforest that has a rugged yet beautiful terrain and is dotted with several tabletop hills and lush valleys. It is quite fascinating to see Roman architecture in Africa. One such landmark is the Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral, one of the best places to visit in Uganda,for its stunning architecture and scenic gardens. Golfing enthusiasts must visit the Mehta Golf Club for a round or two of golf. To remind you of your Ugandan adventure, head over to the Lugazi Central Market for shopping traditional African dresses, crafts, and food. Enjoy a safari to the Mabira Forest Reserve, one of the few-remaining evergreen rainforests in the area which houses the prehistoric Lophocebus Ugandae, which is an Old World monkey species and almost 300 varieties of birds. Another interesting adventure to enjoy here at Lugazi is leisurely walking through its dense banana and coffee plantations. The weather here is mostly humid with overcast skies. June to September are the lowest rainfall months, making this the best time to visit to explore the outdoor attractions.

This is a compact quintessential African city located in Central Uganda along the Kampala-Fort Portal highway. It is a city buzzing with commercial and administrative activity. Mityana has an impressive as well as interesting plateau landscape that comprises hills with gentle slopes and vast open U-shaped valleys. This is interspersed with some semi-rural settlements that add a beautiful lushness to the city’s landscape. Mityana is one of the few Ugandan places that house stunning architectural landmarks. One of the best such places is The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana known for its beautiful and rustic architecture. If you are looking for natural wonders to explore, you can visit the nearby 4000-year-old Lake Wamala to see its several islands and wildlife like Wild pigs, Hippos, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Guinea fowl, Catfish, Lungfish, etc. People who love unique social experiments must visit the Social Innovation Academy. You can see upcycled fashion exhibitions and see plastic bottle construction, etc. For an offbeat experience, hear the locals tell their stories at the Mityana Central Market. This is also a great place to try traditional delicacies. Weather Mityana has a tropical climate and receives rainfall throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the dry months of July and January-February.

Located in Central Uganda on the Mubende-Fort Portal Road, Mubende is a busy and vibrant commercial and administrative centre where one of the major activities is agriculture. This city has a rich heritage of being a part of the Buganda kingdom till the 1960s. Beauty Mubende has a unique landscape that ranges from 1148ft-4320 ft. This is covered in beautiful tropical forests and barren lands alternatively. One of the most fascinating places here is the Nakayima witch tree, which is a live shrine and is said to house the spirit of a Ndahura, an ancient Bachwezi king. If you are looking for daylong sojourns in the beautiful wilderness, you can enjoy farm tours to see banana, groundnut, cassava, coffee, and tea plantations. For people who want to explore the local way of life, these trails are the best way to meet the locals and enjoy the local foods. For those who are looking for adventures, must trek to the flat-topped Mubende Hill. This challenging trek will reward you with some of the best panoramic views of the surroundings. Those who love trying new foods, must visit the Mubende Central Market. Mubende experiences a warm and humid climate throughout the year interspersed with rains. June-September is the driest month to visit when you can enjoy outdoor activities.

Located in western Uganda, Mbarara is the second-largest city in the country. It is an important transport and infrastructure hub. The name ‘Mbarara’ is a twisted version of the word ‘Emburara’ that means tall grass. It is often referred to as the ‘land of milk and honey’ because of the huge numbers of Ankole cattle here. While the city has more of an urban landscape, the moment you get of its limits, you will be rewarded with stunning natural beauty and a landscape that’s rich in wildlife and offers stupendous experiences. Mbarara is one of the best Uganda tourist spots when it comes to exploring the country’s unique and beautiful history and heritage. Some of the best places to do so are the Igongo Cultural Center and Eriijukiro Museum to learn about the country and its ancient tribes like the Batooro and Bakiga. Another great place that you would love is the Sanga Cultural Village where the ancient artefacts of the Bahima tribe are stored. The lush Mbarara is the perfect place to lose yourself in the wilderness. The city houses the largest cattle farm in Uganda where you can take farm safaris and learn about the elusive Ankole cattle, learn to milk them, and try fresh dairy products. Nature enthusiasts cannot miss visiting Lake Mburo National Park to spot Waterbucks, Impalas, leopards, hyenas, etc. To round off your day and relax, visit the famous Nile Breweries to sample some of the greatest Ugandan wines. The weather in Mbarara is hot and humid throughout the year. The drier months of December- February, June, and August are the best months to visit.

Best of South Africa

Kasese is the largest city in the Rwenzururu region located north of Lake Victoria in Western Uganda. It is one of the most important copper and cobalt mining centres in the country. The city also has its airport. Kasese lies close to the almost 3 million-year-old Rwenzori mountain ranges, one of the top places to visit in Uganda, known as the Mountains of the Moon, which is made up of granite and quartzite stones and covered in tropical rainforests and snowy meadows. Visit the nearby UNESCO heritage Rwenzori Mountains National Park to see Africa’s third highest peak, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes. Another place that will delight you with its local charms is the Kasese Central Market. The place offers delicious food and shops that sell traditional artworks and mementoes. Enjoy safaris at the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, one of the top places to visit in Uganda,to spot forest elephants, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Hyrax, etc., and almost 90 species of birds. Those who love to explore unique things can head over to the mines of Kasese Cobalt Company to see the process of cobalt extraction. Kasese has a tropical climate and experiences heavy rainfall even in the driest months. July and August receive the lowest rainfall and are the best months to visit.

Best of Cape Town

Located in northern Uganda on the Gulu-Mbale Highway, Lira has always been an important place during and after the Uganda-Tanzania War. It is one of the busiest economic and commercial centers in the country and also has an airport. Beauty Lira is bestowed with scenic natural beauty comprising thick woods and fertile valleys, plateaus, and plantations. The landscape here is dotted with several flat-topped hills and vast rugged meadow. Got Ngetta is a fascinating attraction here. It is a solid rock standing at a height of 4,500 ft. that is said to have appeared out of nowhere. Its silhouettes look like faces of beasts and have several caves around them. Enjoy vast expanses of lush wilderness at the Lira Golf course. The place allows tourists to enjoy a round of golf! If you are a nature lover, Lira has some amazing places and activities for you to enjoy. Some of these include the stunning Karuma waterfall and its surrounding forests that house baboons and a variety of birds and the nearby Budongo forest that has an abundance of African mahogany trees and chimpanzees. Those who want to enjoy a rustic experience must take a village safari to the nearby Masindi Village to enjoy African food and meet the locals. It is hot all year round at Lira with the weather varying between humid and hot. June-September is the best time to visit due to low rainfall.

Best of Africa

Entebbe is located on the Lake Victoria peninsula in Central Uganda. The name of the city translates to ‘the chair’, which is quite apt since this is where the President of Uganda lives and the State House is located. The city is a quiet and slow-paced place that’s loved for its natural charms. Its landscape comprises lakes, vast expanses of forests, and national parks. Entebbe has some of the most fascinating attractions in Uganda. These include East Africa’s oldest golf course and pristine beaches, thanks to Lake Victoria. Some of the best beaches to visit include Aero, One Love, Lido etc. One of the best ways to learn about Ugandan culture is to visit the markets here like the ones in Kitoro and Manyago. You can also try tropical fruits and just sit and observe the local way of life. The city is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda and a haven for nature enthusiasts. The best place to explore the enticing nature and spot species like Vervet monkeys, Hammerkop, Swamp flycatcher, Colobus, etc. is the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Another great place for naturalists is the Uganda Wildlife Education Center where you can see leopards, baboons, pythons, DeBrazza monkeys, etc. The climate here is mostly muggy and overcast the whole year-round. The best time to visit is between January-September when the rainfall is less.

Best of Johannesburg

Located in Eastern Uganda, Mbale lies at the foot of Mount Elgon, which is one of the extinct volcanoes here. Mbale is located amidst vast coffee plantations and is a major agricultural trade center. The beauty of Mbale needs to be seen to be believed. Its picturesque landscape comprises mountains, deep caves, valleys, waterfalls, cliffs, and vast expanses of sheer wilderness. If you are looking for amazing natural wonders, Mbale is the place to be in. Here you can see the world’s largest calderas at Mount Elgon National Park. Another great place is the Sipi Falls that offer amazing adventures like hikes, abseiling, and views of the scenic Lake Kyoga, Karamoja plains, and Mt. Elgon. Another must-see attraction is the Tororo Rock, the slopes of which house ancient rock paintings and caves. Mbale offers a glimpse into one of the traditional imbalu ceremonies followed by the Bagisu tribes. You can participate in the tribal dances and share the tribes’ food here. Mbale houses most of the 1000 bird species that live in Uganda. Head to the Kapkwai forest exploration center to see cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Doherty’s bush shrike, etc. Another great adventure here is to see the buzz and entertainment that comes with the extreme sport of bullfighting held at Wanale. You can hear locals singing war songs and betting. Mbale has the typical tropical Savanna climate that’s muggy and hot throughout the year. The drier months of June-September are the best to visit.

Best of Kenya

Njeru is the largest city of the Buikwe city, located in Central Uganda close to the River Nile. It is visited by travellers for its great homestays that offer traditional African experiences. Due to its proximity to River Nile, Njeru is quite lush and has miles of green grounds with hills in the background. Some pockets of the city have houses made in traditional African and Indian architecture, making it a beautiful place to visit. People who want to revel in the natural beauty of Njeru must visit the Bujagali Hydro Plant that harnesses energy from the nearby Bujagali Falls and lies on the Victoria Nile. Another great attraction is the Source of the Nile Bridge, also known as the New Jinja Bridge that connects Eastern and Central Africa to the Indian Ocean in Kenya. Njeru is loved by adventure enthusiasts for the amazing activities that it offers. You can enjoy horseback safaris, quad biking, and white water rafting at the Nile. The place has warm and humid weather almost all year round. The best time to visit is between June to September to see all the beautiful attractions.

Best of Nairobi

Located in Northern Uganda between the citys of Lamwo, Pader, Omoro, etc. Gulu is the erstwhile homeland of the Acholi ethnic group. Though it was synonymous with unrest till a few years ago, it is now quite a popular place to visit. Gulu is primarily an agricultural area and has acres of lush farms. The place also has some old settlements where you can see traditional African huts amidst beautiful rugged trails. Gulu offers a glimpse into the evolution of Uganda over the centuries. One of the best places to do so here is the Taks Centre. This is a great place to see art exhibitions, cultural performances, and enjoy fireside chats with local artists. Gulu houses an incredible landmark in the form of the 1941 St. Joseph’s Cathedral, one of the best Uganda tourist places known for its magnificent architecture. Round of the day with a visit to the Craft Market to pick up traditional Ugandan paintings and crafts. No trip to Gulu is complete without sampling the traditional African food and world cuisine at cafes like Elephante, Iron Donkey Restaurant, etc. Nature enthusiasts must visit the nearby Albert Nile area to see the elusive leopards, Ugandan Kobs, Warthogs, etc. What tops the charts is a visit to the Baker’s Fort, one of the best places to visit in Uganda to learn about the infamous slave trade practices. Gulu has overcast and humid weather throughout the year. The best months to visit are June-September to enjoy outdoor activities.

Best of Zambia

Masaka, lying in the Buganda region, is an equatorial city. The city has a history of being a base for the Uganda Army during the Tanzania-Uganda war in the 70s. This lakeside city has acres of lush plains and thick forests, especially around Lake Nabugabo. These forests have beautiful wildflower patches and several rugged trails that lead one deep into the raw wilderness. One of the best places to visit here is the nearby Lake Nabugabo, one of the best Uganda tourist places,that was formed from sand and was isolated from Lake Victoria almost 5000 years ago. This is one of the few places to see carnivore plants and rare native Haplochromine cichlids, fish, hippos, sitatunga, grey-crowned cranes, etc. If you are travelling to Masaka in June, you can’t miss attending the annual Uganda Marathon held in June here each to see some of the local celebrities and enjoy the infectious buzz of the place. Those who love to shop can visit Masaka Central Market, one of the best places to visit in Uganda famous for its indigenous textiles, paintings, jewellery, etc. Masaka has a tropical climate where the summer months get more rain than the winter months. June to September is the best time to visit to enjoy outdoor activities.

Best of Botswana

Hoima is located in Western Uganda on the Kampala-Hoima Road and was once the capital of the 18th-century Bunyoro-Kitara Empire. The place is important for being a source of oil and gas, the major drivers of the Ugandan economy. It is also an important cultural and heritage center. Hoima’s proximity to Kabwoya Game Reserve and Lake Albert make its landscape lush and scenic due to the thick tropical rainforest, savannah plains, streams, and the stunning Blue Mountains. Hoima is an absolute haven for nature enthusiasts. You should not miss visiting the Kabwoya Game Reserve, one of the best Uganda tourist places,to spot primates like Baboons and other species like Cape Buffalos, hippos, Ugandan Kobs, Waterbucks, Bush Duikers, etc. Another great place to explore the natural beauty of the city is the nearby Lake Albert where you can enjoy boating. Two of the most incredible sites here are the historic Mparo Tombs that are a royal burying site and the Katasiha Fort and Caves that have centuries-old carvings and trenches. Hoima is one of the few places that give you inroads into the ethnic Ugandan tribes at places like the Bunyoro Palace. You can enjoy a cultural safari here to know about the beliefs, customs, and heritage of this powerful empire. Another great experience that shouldn’t be missed is visiting the Kabwoya Game Reserve where you can enjoy fossil hunting, birding, horseback rides, etc. Hoima experiences short summers that are overcast and humid. The winter months are muggy and cloudy. The best months to visit are June-October and December since these are low rainfall months.

Best of Zimbabwe

Kampala, located on the East African plateau near Lake Victoria, has been the capital city of Uganda since 1962 and its cultural and educational epicentre. Centuries ago, it was the hunting ground for the Budanga kings and was referred to as the ‘Hill of the Impala’. Kampala is known as one of the most scenic Uganda tourist places due to its stunning and diverse landscape. The city is nestled between seven hills and its landscape is punctuated by beautiful valleys, slow-moving rivers, and forested plains covered in Elephant grass and evergreen forests of African olive and Natal fig. Kampala’s beautiful diversity of ethnic tribes and faiths is apparent in the iconic places of worship that it houses. You can not only see one of the seven Baha'i Temples here but also the Gaddafi Mosque, the second largest mosque in Africa. The city is also one of the best Uganda tourist spots to see the remains of its ancient tribes like the UNESCO protected Kasubi Tombs, which are a burial site of Buganda Kings. Another very interesting place is the Uganda Museum known for its collection of musical instruments, fossils, and the in-house cultural village. People who love shopping and exploring new cultures must visit the Owino market, which is the country’s largest open market. Here you can meet the locals, shop for clothes and local jewellery.  History enthusiasts cannot miss visiting the Ndere Center to see ethnic tribal dance performances and the infamous torture chambers at the Kabaka’s Palace. After a day of sightseeing, spend some time in solitude listening to the calming hymns at Gurdwara Ramgarhia Sabha. Kampala has two annual wet seasons with warm and muggy weather. December to February is the best time to visit the city since this period is less rainy.

Best of Namibia

Kira is located between Gayaza, Mukono, Kampala, and Lake Victoria and is Uganda’s largest urban center where most of the working-class people live. It is the country’s second most populated city and one of the best places to visit in Uganda. Kira is a quiet and laid back city dotted with marketplaces, residential colonies, and gardens of medicinal plants and trees. One of the best places to visit here is the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, one of the best Uganda tourist places,that’s dedicated to 15 martyrs who were burnt alive in 1886 for their refusal to stop following Christianity. Sports enthusiasts must visit the Mandela National Stadium that’s Uganda’s largest stadium. With some luck, you can even run into the famous local football teams. Those who love trying out indigenous cuisines must visit places like the Marian Gardens, The Address, and Grand Food Tavern, etc. These are some of the best places to try the unique Ugandan dishes like Luwombo, Katogo, Matoke, Kikalayai, Posho, etc. Kira mostly sees warm and humid weather with overcast skies most of the days. December to February are the best months to visit here.

This city is located in central Uganda near the Kampala-Jinja highway and is bordered by Kira and Kalangala. Mukono is visited by travellers to get a quintessential urban African experience of shopping and traditional food. This is primarily an urban city with pockets of rural settlements. These rural areas are the lushest areas that have dirt trails and traditional African thatched-roof huts. This is where you can meet beautiful people and see their famous colourful ethnic attire. Mukono is a haven for people who are out to explore the beautiful charms of Uganda. You can explore the Central Market and its local shops that sell traditional African textiles and jewellery. This is also a great place to try the delicious Ugandan street food and drinks. Nature-lovers should visit the Ssezibwa Falls, one of the most scenic Uganda tourist spots. This waterfall is famous for its roaring waters and the surrounding forests that house the rare Vervets, African Cobra, Green Mambas, Red-Tailed monkeys, etc. Don’t miss to explore the surroundings of the Ssezibwa Falls, one of the top Uganda tourist places,where you can find centuries-old artefacts of the Buganda people including ancient caves and 100-year-old trees. Take a break from the touristy places and head over to the beautiful campus of Uganda Christian University for a leisurely stroll. Don’t miss the ancient Catholic Church on the university grounds. The weather here is overcast and humid almost throughout the year. The best time to visit Mukono is from June to September to enjoy all the outdoor activities.

Other Attractions

Murchison falls.

Lake Victoria

Jinja, Start Of The Nile River

Ssese Islands

Nyero Rock Paintings

Kasubi Tombs

Ndere Centre

Owino Market

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Lake Katwe Explosion Crater Drive

Kazinga Channel

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Lake Mutanda

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Equator

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rubaga Cathedral

Mount Elgon National Park

Semuliki National Park

Ssezibwa Falls

Lake Bunyonyi

Lubiri Palace

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The 15 top tourist attractions in Uganda you need to visit

Aside from all the negative press, Uganda used to get in the past decade, this beautiful but rather small landlocked country in the Eastern part of Africa has emerged as one of the best African safari destinations .

From tracking gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable National park to seeing tree-climbing lions on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National park, there are so many tourist attractions in Uganda that shouldn’t be missed.

Also, known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda has amazing wildlife, incredible landscapes, amazing scenery, diverse cultures, a great climate all year round, and above all the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Whether you’re traveling to the country for a short business trip or a long and adventurous trip, here are the best places to visit in Uganda for an ultimate African safari.

The top tourist attractions in Uganda

1. bwindi impenetrable national park.

Home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas (approximately 400 within the park), Bwindi Impenetrable National park located on the edge of the rift valley in the Southwestern region of the country is one of the best national parks in Uganda.

For travelers that have always wanted to track gorillas, Bwindi offers an impeccable experience of getting up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorillas.

Other than tracking gorillas which is the highlight of visiting Bwindi impenetrable national park (and Uganda as a whole) and enjoying the impressive biodiversity, the park offers breathtaking flora and fauna – harboring over 120 species of mammals, 348 bird species, 220 species of butterflies and over 1000 flowering species. All this and the ecological importance that Bwindi national park posses led it to be enlisted as a Unesco site.

Pro tip* You will be required to purchase a gorilla tracking permit from Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) prior to your safari since only 8 people are allowed to track a specific mountain gorilla group. Also, the gorilla tracking safari can take anywhere between one to eight hours depending on where the gorillas slept the previous night.

But if you don’t want the hustles of planning your trip, here are some of the gorilla tracking tours you can join to experience one of the most incredible adventures in Africa .

2. Queen Elizabeth National park

Spanning districts of Kasese, Rukungiri, Kamwenge, and Rubiririzi in the western region of Uganda and approximately 400km south-west of Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National park is one of the best national parks in Africa and one of the most visited in the country.

A safari in Queen Elizabeth national park never disappoints as it lives up to its reputation of offering an amazing flora and fauna – with an impressive lush of vegetation, a number of crater lakes and the famous tree-climbing lions.

The park has a diverse ecosystem which includes the beautiful crater lakes beneath the park’s hills creating breathtaking views, savanna grasslands, ishaha plains whose trees are the resting places of the lions, views of the Kazinga channel which is filled with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalos on its banks.

In addition to boasting about the 95 mammal species that call Queen Elizabeth home, it also has over 612 species of birds to cater to bird lovers making Queen Elizabeth national park one of the major tourist places in Uganda.

3 . Murchison Falls National park

Harboring the glorious Murchison Falls, Murchison Falls National park is the largest national park in Uganda spanning an area of 3,840 square kilometers. It is located 283 km north-west of Kampala which is Uganda’s capital.

Murchison Falls is a breathtaking sight as the Nile river water gushes through a 7-meter rocky gorge creating a beautiful musical but thunderous sound – a feature that makes it the most powerful waterfall in the world.

The park together with its neighboring surroundings forms the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA) which is endowed with a lot of animals including but not limited to lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda cob, and bush backs. And along the shores of the Nile, hippopotamus, and crocodiles can be spotted.

On top of that, the park also houses over 400 bird species making it one of the beautiful places in Uganda, not only to get a glimpse of the African animals and birds but also the most impressive waterfall in the country.

And Since Murchison falls national park covers a huge part of Budongo Forest, a haven for Chimpanzees, Chimpanzee tracking which is the second exciting tracking adventure after gorilla tracking is possible.

Pro tip* The beauty of the mighty Murchison falls can be enjoyed from anywhere around the falls but to appreciate it even more and get into close proximity with the splashing water of the falls, hop onto a boat cruise along the Nile and your mind will be blown away.

4. The source of River Nile

River Nile is the longest river in the world and seeing it’s origin is a must when you travel to Uganda. A visit to the pearl of Africa is not complete if you don’t see the source of the Nile as it is one of the major Uganda tourist attractions.

Located in the Eastern part of Uganda in Jinja town approximately 80 km from Kampala, the source of the Nile is one of the most visited places in Uganda receiving a number of tourists from far and near to experience this incredible landmark.

One of the incredible features to look out for are the bubbles at the exact spot (source) which indicates that water comes from the underground which later spreads to other parts. And according to John Speke, the first European Explorer, It is believed that actually 30% of the Nile water comes from the underground at the “source”.

And after seeing the Nile and it’s source, explore Jinja town which is like Uganda’s “summer” destination packed with adventurous activities like White water rafting on the Nile, Kayaking, Quad biking, and many other fun adrenaline activities.

5. Kampala city

Located in the heart of Uganda, Kampala comes up as the most diverse city in the country accommodating millions of people from different tribal ethnics. Being the capital, it’s the most developed city in the country and over the years, many western cultures have been adapted making it a fun city to explore and one of the interesting places to visit in Uganda.

The city offers so many places to see that shouldn’t be missed out if you want to learn about Kampala and the locals in-depth. Some of the places to visit in Kampala include but not limited to;

• Kampala downtown: Get the feel of the real-life of the locals, the markets, the taxis parks, the chaos, the liveliness and how local businesses are carried out.
• Places of worship: Gadaffi Mosque also known as the Old Kampala mosque which is the biggest mosque in the country and also the National Mosque, Namirembe cathedral which is the provincial Cathedral for the Church of Uganda ( known as protestants), and Lubaga cathedral which is the provincial cathedral for the Roman Catholics in the country.
• Temples; The Bahai Temple and Shree Swaminarayan Temple.
• The Uganda independence monument;
• Historical places in Uganda like the Buganda kingdom palace, The Kasubi Tombs and so many others

These are just some of the many tourist attractions in Uganda that you can’t afford to miss while exploring this bustling city of Kampala.

6. Lake Victoria

Known as the birthplace of the longest river in the world, the Nile, Lake Victoria is not only one of the country’s landmarks but also one of the top Uganda tourist places.

With a surface area of approximately 59,947 square kilometers, Lake Victoria is not only Africa’s largest lake by area but also the largest tropical lake in the world. It is also the world’s second-largest freshwater lake by surface area just after North America’s Lake Superior.

Lake victoria boats itself with incredible natural beauty from amazing islands, breathtaking sunsets & sunrises, incredible views to the fresh cool breezes. It is also blessed with over 200 fish species and around 350 bird species across the lake region.

Since the lake is spread across the country, there are a number of places to enjoy Victoria but one of the coolest areas is in Entebbe town. A visit to the Entebbe botanical gardens guarantees the utmost relaxation from the cool breeze and a chance to spot some of the Lake’s birds. Other Ugandan locations where you can have a glance at Lake Victoria include Jinja, a town in the Eastern part of Uganda, Ssese islands, a group of beautiful islands on the lake and so many other places.

7. The Equator

Uganda is blessed to be one of the few countries where the equator passes. Located just 72 km from Kampala, visiting the equator can be treated as a stopover activity as it is on the way to some of the tourist sites in Uganda like Queen Elizabeth  National park or Bwindi impenetrable National park along Kampala – Masaka Highway in Kayabwe, Mpigi district.

So you basically get to ticket off a number of places in Uganda on the same trip and at the same time take the iconic photo of you standing right in the middle of the Equator landmark – talk about being in both the southern and northern hemispheres at the same time with just the imaginary line of the Equator cutting across.

While at the Equator, try out the exciting water experiment to see how water swirls in opposite directions when poured at different spots of the northern and southern hemispheres.

8. Kidepo Valley National park

Located in the Karamoja region in NorthEast Uganda, Kidepo Valley national park is one of the most remote and isolated National parks in Uganda and it’s only those that embark on the 700 km journey from Kampala can truly testify that it is one of (if not) the best Uganda wildlife safari.

Spanning an area of 1,442 square kilometers, Kidepo is a rugged savannah in the semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya cut across by the Kidepo and Narus Rivers.

Since the park is very isolated, it still has that wilderness virgin charm that can’t be found anywhere in Uganda. With a combination of the savannah landscape, mountainous features, and flowing water bodies, Kidepo national park is undeniably the best safari in Uganda.

With over 77 mammal species and approximately 475 bird species, Kidepo valley national park not only offers amazing game drives and bird watching extravaganza but also nature and bush walks to get up close with Uganda’s wildlife.

If game driving in the rugged savannah vegetation of Kidepo doesn’t inspire you to embark on this off the beaten path, then the cultural visits to the Karamoja villages should, in order to learn more about the culture, history and the way of life of the Karamajongs plus the IK people whose tribe is one of the oldest in the country.

9. Mt. Elgon National park

Home to the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa, Mt. Elgon National park is popular for the 4,321 m high mountain where it derived its name. It is located in Mbale split between Uganda and Kenya with the Ugandan side covering a surface area of 1,110 square kilometers while the Kenyan part is only 169 square kilometers.

The prime reason for visiting Mt. Elgon national park in Uganda is to climb Mt. Elgon and possibly reach its highest peak of Wagagai which stands at an elevation of 4,321 above sea level.

Mt. Elgon is a great option for hikers since even beginners can step up to the challenge due to the lower elevation and mild climate compared to its counterparts of Mt. Rwenzori or even Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Aside from taking in the incredible views and reaching the highest peak of Wagagai (this is like a moment of victory), Mt. Elgon national park has an impressive landscape that keeps changing for each altitude reached. From the mixed-bamboo forest, lush Montana, the worldly uncommon plant species like the large Lobelia, to the beautiful wildflowers. The mesmerizing caldera, caves, and water bodies (with one shaped in the map of Africa) are some of the other beautiful features to see while trekking your way up the mountain.

While wild animals are rare to spot in Mt. Elgon National park, a few that call this park home (though at the lower slopes) include Elephants, Buffalos, antelopes, many types of monkeys including the red-tailed ones, black and white colobus plus the blue monkeys. The park is also endowed with a number of different tree species which amount to at least 144 and half of Uganda’s butterfly species are recorded to be in Mt. Elgon National park. All this certainly proves that Mt, Elgon national park is one of the best tourist attractions in Uganda.

10. Sipi Falls

Just located next to Mountain Elgon national park, Sipi falls whose named was derived from the wild banana plant that grows nearby is one of the best places to visit in Uganda for spectacular views and a good splash of water.

It is a collection of 3 falls dotted in the Kapchworwa region on the border of Mt. Elgon national park with each flowing at a different altitude.

Hiking up the falls gives spectacular views of the Karamoja low lands, Lake Kyoga and the coffee plantations in the area.

Pro tip*  Since the Falls are located just at the foothills of Mt. Elgon National park, a visit to the Sipi falls can be easily combined with that of Mt. Elgon. This can either be done before or after but since the falls give a more relaxed and calm vibe, it is better to visit them after a great 4 days climb of the mountain.

11. Ziwa rhino sanctuary

Located 176 km (100 miles) north of Kampala on the Gulu highway in Nakasongola district, Ziwa rhino sanctuary is home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda.

With 22 southern white rhinos, Ziwa rhino sanctuary has become one of the popular Uganda destinations to see rhinos in the country. What makes a visit to the Ziwa rhino sanctuary even more exciting is that you get to do an on-foot rhino trekking tour as the tour guides lead you to the African bushes to have a close encounter with the endangered white rhinos.

Ziwa rhino sanctuary is not just about tracking rhinos (do not let the name mislead you), it also has some other smaller animals like Uganda kobs, Bush backs, waterbucks and others. It’s prime location and the landscape is also great for bird watching and taking nature walks.

Pro tip* Since the Ziwa rhino sanctuary is just off the road that leads to Murchison falls, you can combine both of these safaris in just one trip to save time and money.

12. Lake Bunyonyi

Regarded as one of the honeymoon holiday destinations in Uganda, the beauty that Lake Bunyoni offers cannot be compared to anywhere else in the country. Lake Bunyonyi translated as a “lake of many little birds” is located in south-western Uganda between Kisoro and Kibale and it is believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa.

With a collection of 29 islands surrounded by steep terraced hillsides, well – maintained resorts, calm and quiet environment with the only noise coming from the singing birds, no wonder Lake Bunyonyi is where most travelers in Uganda head to get some peace and quiet after jam-packed safaris in the country as it is one of the most beautiful places in Uganda.

In addition to providing spectacular views, a number of activities can be done at Lake Bunyonyi; from boat canoeing, zip-lining across the lake, resort hopping to swimming in the crystal clear waters – it is perfectly safe to swim in since it has no hippos, crocs or even bilharzia.

So if you were looking for things to do in Uganda to get away from it all, then visiting Lake Bunyonyi will serve you just that and more.

13. Mt. Rwenzori National park

Located in western Uganda at the Uganda- Congo border, Mt Rwenzori National park harbors the snow-capped mountain of Rwenzori which is also referred to as the “Mountains of the moon”

Mt. Rwenzori may not be a volcanic mountain like other major mountains in East Africa, but it is definitely one of the Uganda places to visit for an incredible hike.

Standing at a height of 5,109m above sea level, Margherita is the highest peak on the mountain that makes tourists travel from far and near to conquer this Ugandan giant.

Apart from the incredible and challenging hiking trails, Mt Rwenzori national park which is also enlisted as a UNESCO world heritage site offers breathtaking views of the different landscape that changes with the altitude. From the land terrain, plant life of sub-montane vegetation, luxurious tropical evergreen forest to the incredible snowcapped peaks.

Bird watching, lounging on the foothills of Rwenzori, hiking and cultural exchanges are some of the incredible things to do in Mt. Rwenzori national park.

14. Ssese islands

If you’re looking for what to do in Uganda, then a visit to the Ssese islands will be fulfilling and relaxing. Located in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria in Uganda, Ssese islands are an archipelago of 84 beautiful islands that all differ in size and landscape but each remaining incredibly beautiful in each own way.

The Ssese islands are some of the major tourist attractions in Uganda that you can visit to unwind, relax, enjoy the white sand beaches, and participate in a number of water activities. When you want to get away from it all, the crazy noise of the city, the wildlife, Ssese islands will give you that escape route.

15. The wildlife Education center- Entebbe zoo

Having been listed as the best zoo in East and Central Africa,  Uganda Wildlife Education Center is one of the best places to visit in Uganda. It harbors most of the wild animals especially those that may have been rescued from animal traffickers and poachers.

The wildlife Education center is located just outside of Entebbe town perfect for a visit if you want to see the African animals but you don’t have enough time to visit some of the national parks in Uganda for an ultimate safari.

A visit to the Entebbe zoo will guarantee you a close-up encounter with the chimpanzees or even a guided tour to see the lions, white rhinos, leopards, zebras, and many other animals.

There you have it folks – that was the list of the major tourist attractions in Uganda. It is by no means exhaustive but if you were looking for things to do in Uganda, I hope this post gave you a number of options to consider.

Have you been to any of these Uganda attractions? What was your experience? Share with us in the comment section plus other places in Uganda that could be high on your bucket list but haven’t yet visited.

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26 Comments

I HAVE A SCHOOL PROJECT ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES CULTURE AND THANK YOU SSOOOOOOO MUCH

Oh I am glad you got to learn about Uganda and its culture from my post. I hope your school project goes well.

I never knew Uganda offered so much! Now I want to go! Thank you for sharing!

Uganda has so much to offer, more than i could even fit in one post. I really hope you visit one time, you will be amazed

I had no idea that Uganda has so many beautiful attractions. Glad to know that it is blessed with so many splendid National Parks. Adding it to my wishlist!

Yes it has a lot – i might have left out some few but its definitely a must see if you are into wildlife and nature

Wow I have never bee to Uganda. Your blog post made me want to pack my bags and leave NOW! totally enjoyed the pictures too. Keep sharing 🙂

Thank you so much Anna. I am so happy, i’ve given you some inspiration to travel to Uganda. I hope you can travel there some time, you will love it. And i will definitely keep sharing- I hope i can inspire you more and more

I just wonder what I would like more. Seeing the life of locals or wildlife. I think Uganda is one of the best places for wildlife photography. But I am always more interested in people in every place I go.

I just wonder what I would like more. Seeing life of locals or wildlife. I think Uganda is one of the best places for wildlife photography. But

Trust me, you would like both and you would fail to choose the best. But if you are a wild life photographer, you would be so excited to see the wild life, its amazing.

What a great list of things to do in Uganda. Personally, my favourites would be the wildlife (which is most of them to be honest) but who could resist a picture opportunity at the Equator?

The wildlife in Uganda is amazing and enormous. It is not surprising that it is the most tourist attraction in Uganda. And of course who wouldn’t want a picture at the Equator.

Uganda has come a long way!

There sure are so many activities to do, places to visit and experiences to be had right?

Thank you for sharing this with us ?

Thank you for appreciating. Yes right, there are so many things to see and do in uganda

Wow, so much nature and wildlife in Uganda! I’m quite curious about the tracking gorillas… Sounds like it could be an incredible experience. Thanks for sharing this about your country!

Gorilla trekking is an amazing experience – one of the highlights of traveling to Uganda for many tourists.

Uganda is so full of life. The sheer number of national parks bears testimony to that. But I am happy to see that Kampala can be an ideal spot to take things slow and experience some great Ugandan history and culture. Do you have a blog on some of the must-try food in Uganda? Would love to read that too.

Kampala is full of diversity, tops the list in the country. I don’t have any post about food in kampala currently , but you have just given me a great idea. I am definitely going to write one as soon as possible. Thank you.

Very interesting. I never knew all these things about Uganda – that it’s the source of the Nile and about the impenetrable forest. Sometimes I wish humans would leave those poor gorillas alone instead of making them a tourist attraction. Then again, that goes for all wildlife.

Uganda is rich in beauty and magnificent wildlife. I did not know that the Nile started in Uganda. Kampala sounds quite cosmopolitan.

Yes Uganda has the source of the Nile. Kampala is a very interesting city, like a mixture of western and traditional

Uganda sounds like the perfect balance between enjoy nature, wildlife and some local culture in the cities too. It’s a wonder it hasn’t been on my list yet!

It is victor, with so many places to go on safari and at the same time many places to relax and connect with the locals. Indeed it is a perfect balance, there is always something for everyone .You should add it on the list already.

Great start Esy .Made some of our lives easier and challenge to explore the beauty of the magnificent world….

Thanks Ritah. Yes the world is so beautiful not to explore it!!

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34 Best Places To Visit In Uganda

Posted on December 26, 2022 |

Discover the wonders of Uganda – a destination that boasts some of Africa’s most stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Explore the lush rainforests, track gorillas and other exotic wildlife, or immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.

Uganda is a beautiful country in East Africa with some of the best national parks in the world. It’s filled with amazing wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, antelopes, cheetahs, and others.

It’s also home to several volcanoes and lakes, which have white sand and deep blue water. Finally, it’s filled with friendly people who often invite visitors into their homes for tea or lunch. For these reasons, it’s an amazing place to visit.

It’s also full of incredible waterfalls and natural hot springs, and you can enjoy these views while staying in a treehouse or a luxurious lodge. This country has a vibrant culture that’s full of creativity and beauty. On your journey, you’ll encounter friendly locals and fascinating festivals celebrating African culture.

Let’s dive into the best places to visit in this amazing country.

The most affordable and most convenient way to travel in Kampala is to take the boda-boda. The boda-boda is a bicycle taxi that can take you almost anywhere in the city. They are the fastest way to get around town, but they can also be dangerous.

Visitors can experience Uganda’s diverse culture and history in Kampala. For example, you can visit the Kasubi Tombs, the first Baha’i house of worship on the African continent, and the landmark Uganda National Mosque. Also worth a visit are the Namirembe Cathedral and Rubaga Cathedral, early colonial structures. There are also Hindu and Baha’i temples, and the Nakayima Tree, a symbol of religious harmony and peace in the country.

Another place to visit in Kampala is the Uganda Museum. This museum is located in green gardens near the British High Commission and features displays of the country’s rich and diverse heritage. While you’re there, you can also visit the Culture Village, a unique space where local musicians demonstrate their instruments.

Jinja is a town in southern Uganda located on the shore of Lake Victoria. The town is home to a number of attractions. Its Coronation Park marks the source of the Nile and features a monument dedicated to British explorer John Hanning Speke.

Other attractions include the Bujagali and Owen Falls Dams, which span the river, and the Itanda Falls, which offer whitewater rapids. Birdwatchers can explore Samuka Island, which is a popular spot for viewing birdlife, including little egrets.

Jinja offers a wide variety of activities and accommodations that cater to every budget. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Jinja has something for you. Here you’ll find unique hotels, chic restaurants, and a variety of activities and attractions.

Another unique attraction in Jinja is Itanda Falls, which is a popular attraction. This natural wonder was originally known as Bujagali Falls but later became the site of a power plant. Today, visitors can experience the breathtaking beauty of the waterfalls and the wildlife while enjoying a relaxing day out. You can even take a picnic or camping trip to enjoy the beauty of the area.

The Source of the Nile

If you want to experience the splendor of nature and culture, the Source of the Nile in Uganda is an incredible place to visit. Located in Jinja, a town in eastern Uganda, the source of the Nile is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Visitors can also browse through several craft shops. The pieces available for purchase here are mostly African in nature and have historical ties to the region.

The Nile begins its journey in Uganda at Ripon falls near Jinja, flows to the north, and flows for more than 130 kilometers to Lake Kyoga. From the western shores of the lake, the river turns north towards Masindi. From there, it flows through Karuma and Murchison falls. From there, it flows westward until it reaches Lake Albert, where it forms a significant river delta.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a huge primeval forest located in southwestern Uganda. This forest is on the edge of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift, at elevations of 1,160 to 2,607 meters.

There are several activities to enjoy in Bwindi. The main attraction is tracking gorillas. It is a challenging activity and requires a lot of energy. However, the reward of seeing gorillas up close is well worth it. You can also enjoy cultural immersion, including visiting the Batwa Pygmies. You can stay in lodges that offer a breathtaking view of the forest.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the few parks in Africa to receive this designation. It is home to nearly half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas. The park also has more gorilla families and tracking permits. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a wonderful destination for an unforgettable trip to Africa. In May 2017, CNN named it one of the best African destinations.

Bwindi is a prime destination for mountain gorilla trekking. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. There are approximately 400 habituated mountain gorillas living in the park, making it the world’s premier gorilla trekking location. You can also get up close to chimpanzees and other primates during your trip.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is one of the largest lakes in Africa. It is the largest tropical lake and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. Its stunning natural beauty is a must-see for anyone who visits Uganda. The area surrounding the lake is a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

There are many attractions in the region, including the famous Lake Victoria, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park. While there, don’t miss the chance to see a spotted neck otter, a sub-Saharan animal that’s perfectly adapted to life on the lake. You can also visit the Entebbe Botanical Garden, a historic site founded in 1901.

Another highlight is a visit to the famous Mfangano Island, located on the Kenyan side of the lake. The island is home to ancient rock paintings, possibly as old as one thousand to four thousand years. The locals have managed to preserve these paintings largely unaltered. The main site of these rock paintings is located in a cave called Mawanga. A rock shelter is also located further inland.

Ssese Islands

The Ssese Islands are a group of 84 islands in Lake Victoria, northwest of the Ugandan mainland. They range in size from a few square kilometers to forty kilometers and are home to up to 65,000 people. Most of the islands are privately owned, though some are government controlled. They were named for the tsetse flies that frequent the area.

Ssese Islands are filled with activities, including hiking and bicycle riding. The islands also boast a wide range of accommodations to fit any budget. While Bugala is the most popular island, other Ssese Islands may be more private and less crowded. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, the island’s beach circuit is a great place to go.

It’s a perfect location for honeymoons, family retreats, and weekend getaways. The island’s location is also ideal for combining your Ssese Island vacation with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, and wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls national park.

The Ssese Islands are a top destination in Uganda. Located northwest of Lake Victoria, the islands offer a unique blend of relaxation and adventure.

You can also go game fishing on the islands, which is popular with locals and tourists. The Nile perch is one of the islands’ most prized catches. In the 1990s, the Ssese Islands were a popular destination for backpackers. However, due to the suspension of ferry services, their popularity declined. This resulted in increased development of the nearby Lake Bunyonyi.

Semuliki National Park

There are a number of activities you can enjoy while visiting Semuliki National Park, including a visit to the hot springs. The Sempaya Hot Springs is one of the most popular attractions of the park. With water temperatures of more than 100 degrees Celsius, this geyser spurts steam and bubbling water up to two meters in the air. Historically, local people used to cook their food in boiling pools, which makes them an interesting attraction for tourists.

The wildlife in Semuliki National Park includes forest elephants, hippos, and forest buffaloes. You can also see antelopes, black and white colobus monkeys, and many species of birds. In addition, the park contains the Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, which is a great location for chimpanzee trekking safaris.

The Semuliki Valley is home to Central and West African oil palms, and the Semuliki River forms the international boundary. The forest is home to a wide variety of Central and East African species. In addition to wildlife, you can also enjoy a tour of the local Batwa pygmy community.

The Semliki River is 160 km long and flows from the Rwenzori Mountains into Lake Albert and the River Nile. Along the river, you can see a variety of wildlife including chimpanzees, crocodiles, and rare bird species.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary is located in Lake Victoria and is a wonderful place to observe and interact with chimpanzees.

The sanctuary is run by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, an NGO that engages in field conservation and community education. It also works closely with the Ugandan government. The sanctuary also has a well-organized volunteer program. Volunteers help with day-to-day caregiving and enrichment activities. In addition, they help to improve the island’s infrastructure.

Visitors are welcome to feed the chimps twice a day. During the day, the chimps are free to roam in the forest, and they spend the night in a secure holding area. Visitors can stay overnight or take day trips to visit the chimps. You can also arrange to go on a guided walk through the forest to get up close to the chimps.

The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary is located in Lake Victoria and offers a variety of activities. Visitors can feed the chimps, watch informative talks, or take a sunset boat ride. Visitors are limited to three people at a time, so it’s essential to get vaccinations before visiting. 

Visitors can also learn about the chimps’ culture and behavior. Chimps on Ngamba Island live in a fusion-fission society, in which they live in smaller groups during the day. However, they come together in the evening for a communal feeding session. Feedings are conducted from an elevated platform behind the fence, so visitors can observe the chimps in a natural environment.

Lake Bunyonyi

A stunning lake near the border of Uganda and Rwanda, Lake Bunyonyi is a popular tourist destination in Uganda. One of the most beautiful natural water bodies in Africa, this lake is a favorite with honeymooners and travelers alike. Visitors can enjoy the pristine views of the lake from all angles. The lake was formed by volcanic eruptions.

The green hills of the Kigezi range, which rise to a height of 2,200 to 2,478 meters, surround Lake Bunyonyi. It features 29 small islands and is home to many birds. The surrounding hillsides are terraced, making the area a unique setting. The lake is popular with domestic and foreign tourists and offers a wide variety of tourist accommodations. There are also many opportunities for bird watching, canoe rides, and other activities.

The lake is a beautiful destination that has something for everyone. From a serene beach to an array of wildlife, this destination is a great place for a family vacation or for a group of friends to spend a few days exploring the area. There are many places to stay on this beautiful lake, from simple lodges to more luxurious accommodations.

The local community of Lake Bunyonyi is comprised of Bakiga and Batwa people. These native groups are known for their hard work and strength. They live off the land, and visitors are welcome to join them for cultural activities and entertainment.

Nyero Rock Paintings

The Nyero rock paintings are an ancient art form. These paintings, not unlike those in Kenya, were created by the people who inhabited this region. They have been described as geometric in nature and are reminiscent of traditional African artwork. They were painted with red pigment and represented animals, circles, and canoes.

There are six Nyero rock painting sites. The first site is Nyero rock. It consists of six rock shelters with different designs on them. The first shelter is a small rock with a concentric circle design on the outer edge. It also has paintings in the shape of acacia pods. Sacred rituals were performed here for rainmaking and fertility.

The paintings are found in two different locations in Nyero: Nyero 1 and Nyero 5. The paintings on Nyero 2 have been partially covered with mineral salts. The Nyero 5 site is located in a rock shelter on the edge of the outcrop and has six concentric circles. The central image is a shape of an acacia pod.

The Nyero rock paintings are one of the top tourist attractions in Uganda. These paintings were created by early humans living in this area. It is a two-hour drive from the bustling town of Mbale.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a spectacular park in southwestern Uganda. The park borders the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Virunga National Park. Its three-hundred and sixty-six square-kilometer expanse boasts lush, green vegetation, waterfalls, glaciers, and unique species of flora. The park is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Rwenzoris have been climbed by some of the world’s most experienced mountain hikers. There are world-class hiking trails in the park, and many of these routes are highly organized. While the trip to the highest point, Margherita Peak, is very demanding, even for experienced hikers, there are shorter hikes available throughout the park.

These mountains are home to some of the most endangered wildlife species in Africa, including the African forest elephant and the eastern chimpanzee. Other wildlife that can be seen here include the black-fronted duiker and the red duiker. The Rwenzori Mountains are also a vital water catchment for over 500,000 people.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is located on the western side of Uganda, in the midway part of the country. It is the largest protected area in the country, covering about 1,503 square miles. It is easily accessible by road or flight from Kampala. The park is famous for its beautiful and breathtaking Murchison Falls, which cascades over a rocky escarpment on the Victoria or White Nile. It is also home to the largest population of Nile crocodiles.

The park was once one of the only places in Africa where you could see the famous “big five” – lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos. However, rhino poaching reduced their numbers to nothing in the park, so these animals are now only seen at the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located about 2 1/2 hours’ drive from Murchison Falls. Despite this, Murchison Falls is still a great place for game viewing. The Buligi circuit is usually considered to be the best place to see wildlife.

Visitors to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda can also view hundreds of species of birds. Common bird species include the white-thighed hornbill, spotted mourning thrush, and bluff-bellied warbler. During the night, the park’s nocturnal birds will be on display, such as Verreaux’s eagle owl.

The Kasubi Tombs

A visit to the Kasubi Tombs in Uganda is a culturally and historically significant experience. These ancient tombs were used to bury the Baganda royal family and are still an important religious, political, and spiritual place for the Ganda people today. In addition to being important historical sites, the tombs are also important examples of traditional architecture.

The Kasubi Tombs have two courtyards and several traditional houses inside. The first courtyard has a gatehouse and a drum house where the royal drums were kept. A second courtyard is located on the hilltop and surrounded by a reed fence. The entrance to the main courtyard is marked by a wooden gatehouse.

There are four Kabaks buried in the Kasubi Tombs, including Muteesa I and Mwanga II. Another king buried there was Sir Edward Muteesa II. Visitors are not allowed to enter the tomb, as the sacred forest contains the spirits of the kings. There are also traditional ceremonies that take place inside the tombs, including one for welcoming the new moon.

Itanda Falls

The Itanda Falls in Jinja, Uganda, is an enchanting waterfall that offers several activities, including kayaking and rafting. The waterfall is also home to several bird species. This is a popular weekend getaway and can be a perfect way to end your Uganda safari. The falls are located around 100 km east of Kampala.

Itanda Falls is 30 km from Jinja Town and can be reached by car in 45 minutes. However, the road is not well-marked, so you’ll want to ask for directions from locals. Another way to reach the falls is by rafting the Nile River. Unlike other falls, this one is accessible only by water, so you will need to be very fit.

These falls are a hidden treasure located along the River Nile in the Jinja district of Uganda. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, white-water rafting, swimming, and more. This waterfall is the perfect place for those who are into adventure sports. This is an area where you can find the perfect activities for a family or group of friends.

Itanda Falls is one of the most popular spots in Jinja, located near the Nile. While most people don’t know it, white-water rafters and thrill-seekers know about this beautiful waterfall. Visitors will find that the falls are equally beautiful and frightening. You’ll love the roaring waters and the amazing sights and sounds.

Ssezibwa Falls

The Ssezibwa Falls are situated in the Mukono District, 35km east of Kampala. The falls were created by human beings several centuries ago and are considered to be a cultural and spiritual entity. People believe that the falls have magical properties and are a place of good fortune. People hold ceremonies here to seek love, happiness, children, and success.

The falls are open all year round but you should visit during the rainy season. The waterfalls are considered to be sacred by the Buganda people. You can also observe a variety of wildlife at the falls. Among the many species of animals, you may see include the red-tailed monkey, the African cobra, the horned adder, tadpoles, and wild cats.

The Ssezibwa Waterfalls can be accessed by car from Kampala or Jinja. The route is made up of murram, so it is best to hire a 4WD vehicle. The road to the falls is very muddy and requires caution if you are visiting during the rainy season.

Sipi Falls is a series of three prominent waterfalls, the tallest of which measures about 85 meters. The waterfalls also harbor a number of different birds including the African Blue Flycatcher, Sunbird, and Weaver Bird.

It’s a popular tourist destination in Uganda, especially during the rainy season. The falls are beautiful year-round and the surrounding area has a tropical climate. The area has a number of campsites and safari lodges. These lodging options offer cool surroundings far away from dust and the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you’re traveling by car, you can reach Sipi Falls in about 5 hours from Kampala. The highway to Sipi Falls passes through the towns of Jinja and Mbale. Taking a taxi or minibus from Kampala will take you a little more than an hour.

The region surrounding the Falls is ideal for hikers and backpackers. The region offers some of the most breathtaking multi-day trekking opportunities in Uganda. The community surrounding the falls is also a good jumping-off point for further adventures. 

If you have time, you should also visit the nearby Mount Elgon National Park. Mount Elgon is Uganda’s richest birding region, and it is home to more bird species than Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park combined. Birding tours can also be arranged in the Sipi area.

Mount Elgon National Park

The mountain and its surroundings provide a unique habitat for wildlife. In the lower areas, the habitat is dominated by montane forests, while on the higher ground, it is dominated by bamboo forests and alpine moorlands. In all, there are around 400 species of plant life and 143 species of birdlife.

The park is home to half of Uganda’s butterfly species. The park is home to the Maathai’s Lonleg dragonfly and Black and white colobus monkeys. The Park also houses a variety of other animals including buffaloes and elephants.

Mount Elgon National Park is located on the Ugandan-Kenyan border. It is home to an extinct shield volcano with an elevation of 4,321 meters (13,279 ft). The mountain’s surface area covers an area of 1,279 square kilometers. Despite the park’s limited size, it is still home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. The park is home to the black-and-white colobus monkey and the blue monkey.

Visitors can choose from three trails to explore the mountain. One trailhead, the Sasa trail, is located in Budadiri, while the other two trailheads are in the forest exploration center in Kapkwata. This trail is the original route to Wagagai, which takes a two-hour walk. During the trek, you can enjoy stunning views of the Sebei and Karamajong regions.

The Mount Elgon hiking trails are not as crowded as other hiking trails in East Africa, making them ideal for hikers who want to experience the beauty of the landscape without too much distraction. There are three main hiking trails, each with varying difficulty and length.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo is one of the few places in Uganda where you can see impalas. Other mammals in the park include buffalo, defassa waterbuck, elands, and zebra. You may also see African leopards and hippopotami. There is even a lion conservation unit in the park.

The lake is a large part of a wetland system that is 50km long and contains five lakes. Although the park is small compared to other East African parks, it contains a wide variety of habitats, including swamps and rocky outcrops. The park is also home to many different species of birds.

In addition to viewing wildlife, tourists can also engage in cultural activities. The Bahima people of Lake Mburo display their culture and tell stories about the national park. Other activities include hiking and horse riding. Visitors can also take part in night game drives. In addition to these activities, the park offers horseback safaris and boat cruises on the lake.

Sport fishing is another popular activity in the park. There are six different species of fish in the lake, with tilapia being the most common. Fishing permits are required from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You will also need to carry your own fishing equipment.

The Uganda Museum

The museum is located in the capital of Kampala. It was established in 1908. It contains displays of ancient art, music, and archaeology. The collection includes ancient weapons, musical instruments, hunting tools, and other artifacts from different eras of the country.

It’s a cultural center that showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Uganda. The museum’s cultural village exhibits traditional Ugandan lifestyles through various objects and displays, including beaded work, baskets, pottery, horn work, and leather crafts. It also features armories, traditional dresses, and musical instruments.

The museum features displays of various cultures, natural history, and traditional music. The museum is home to a collection of traditional Ugandan musical instruments. Visitors are free to try their hand at playing these instruments. The museum also showcases the history of Ugandan culture and traditional arts. The museum also holds events that showcase the diversity of cultural heritage of the country.

It has helped to archive information on the country’s educational and research needs. You can view objects from different eras, including the stone age and the first fold car. Other exhibits are on traditional life and include traditional clothing, musical instruments, and flint knapping. The museum is a popular stop for school tours. These school tours help students discover the rich historical and practical nature of Uganda.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

For wildlife enthusiasts who are looking to see a rare species up close, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda is the perfect place to go. The sanctuary, established in 2005, has successfully reintroduced endangered Southern White Rhinos into the wild. The sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see these animals in their natural habitat.

In 1983, rhinos were declared extinct in Uganda; this private animal sanctuary in the country was created in response. It’s a 70-km square area and is protected by an electric fence. The sanctuary is managed by rangers and highly trained researchers, and funds are raised from donors.

There are approximately 20 rhinos at Ziwa. The Sanctuary has a breeding program that aims to reintroduce rhinos back into the wild in Uganda’s National Parks. The fees visitors pay go directly to the rhino conservation program.

Unlike other wildlife safaris, you won’t have to wait around for hours for your turn to see the animals. Instead, you can enjoy the experience in the company of knowledgeable guides and get close to the animals.

You can also find many other species of wildlife while at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. It is home to a variety of bird species, reptiles, and mammals. It also features a variety of nocturnal creatures.

Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda is a small freshwater lake. It is located in the western part of the country. It has a beautiful landscape and is worth visiting for a day trip. It is also an ideal spot for birdwatching. The lake is surrounded by rainforests that provide a unique ecosystem.

The lake is home to many species of birds, including the country’s national bird, the grey-crowned crane. It is also home to pin-tailed whydahs and sunbirds. Other animals that are commonly seen on the shores of Lake Mutanda include chameleons and monitor lizards. There are also a number of activities available for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, canoeing, and community walks to the Batwa village.

There are several islands on the lake, including the uninhabited Kyangushu Island. Visitors can explore the island and interact with the locals. The largest of the islands, Mutanda Island, offers views of the Congo border, the Bwindi National Park, and Lake Mulehe. The island is also the location of a church.

Lake Mutanda is a freshwater lake that is home to over 15 islands. During your visit to Lake Mutanda, you can take a canoe ride, take a nature walk through coffee plantations, and relax in a hammock by the lake. 

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mount Gahinga is a dormant volcano in the Virunga Mountains that lies on the border of Uganda and Rwanda. It is the smallest of the three Virunga Mountains. It is one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas.

Mgahinga is the only national park in Uganda that has gorillas and golden monkeys. It is also home to 180 species of birds, including 24 Albertine Rift endemics. You can also see over 76 species of mammals in the park.

You can observe gorillas in their natural habitat on a guided trek. You can meet other primate species, trees, and birds along the way. There are also habituated golden monkeys you can track with a local guide. While gorillas can be unpredictable, you can rest assured that your guide will guide you safely through the rainforest and get close to the gorillas.

Besides mountain gorillas, the Mgahinga Gorilla National park has an abundance of birdlife. It is home to over 80 different bird species, with many from the East Congo Montane region. Some of these birds include the blue-headed coucal, scarlet tufted malachite sunbird, regal sunbird, and Kivu ground thrush.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is considered one of the most biodiverse places on earth. The park has more than 600 different species of birds and mammals. Its habitats include grassland, woodland, moist tropical forest, wetlands, freshwater rivers, and saline lakes. The park also contains large stands of medium-altitude semi-deciduous forest.

You can access the park by road or by charter flight. The park is located about 389 km away from Kampala. Many travelers to Uganda plan to visit more than one destination, and a Queen Elizabeth safari can be combined with a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi or a wildlife viewing safari in Murchison Falls. You can also go rafting on the Nile, visit the Ssese Islands, and climb Mount Elgon.

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is also one of the best places to see lions in Uganda. Other animal species you may see are 95 types of mammals, over 600 species of birds, and many more. The park is also home to many chimpanzees and black and white colobus monkeys.

Kazinga Channel

One of the major natural features of the Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Kazinga Channel, a narrow waterway that connects two lakes. Lake George is a lake that is fed by streams from the Rwenzori Mountains, and the water flows through the Kazinga Channel to reach Lake Edward. The natural greenery surrounding this channel is home to a diverse range of wildlife.

The 32-kilometer-long Kazinga Channe is a natural waterway that links Lake Edward and Lake George. It is a prominent feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park and attracts a diverse range of wildlife. This area is home to the world’s largest concentration of hippos, numerous Nile crocodiles, and a variety of other species.

The best time to visit the Kazinga Channel is during the dry season, between June and August. Animals migrate to water during this time due to the lack of rain. This means the chances of seeing predators and elephants are higher. Tourists can access the Kazinga Channel by road or by air. The most popular route is a 309-kilometer drive through the cities of Masaka, Marara, and Bushenyi.

Boat tours in the Kazinga Channel offer spectacular views of the channel. The tours depart from the Mweya safari lodge and take about two hours. The price of these trips is $30 per person, and they are led by a trained ranger.

Explosion Crater Drive

Explosion Craters provide one of the most memorable sights in Western Uganda. These spectacular landscapes are filled with breathtaking views and incredible climbing opportunities. These craters do not heap cones; rather, they shake and blow slag far away to form huge lakes. These lakes contain sulfur odors, but they are a wonderful place to swim and explore the surrounding nature.

These lakes were formed by ancient volcanic activity in Uganda around 8000 to 10,000 years ago. The eruptions blew rock and ash over a wide area, causing significant damage at the time. While some of these craters still have a sulfur smell, others have been transformed into scenic viewpoints and hiking trails. You can also see monkeys and tropical birds roaming freely.

The Katwe explosion craters are located in Queen Elizabeth national park in Toro, Uganda. The craters are 3 km across and 100 m deep. The explosions were caused by a series of violent volcanic eruptions over the past million years.

The explosions created hollows that later filled with water to create the crater lakes. Some of these craters still stand as dry hollows. There are also a number of other crater lakes that can be visited during the Top of the World tour.

The crater lakes are part of the Uganda Volcanic Craters. The Katwe-Korongo explosion craters cover an area of 210 km2. The Mweya peninsula is also part of the park.

The Equator Line

The equator is a major line dividing the world into two halves: North and south. At the equator, the Earth rotates at a very slow rate, as it is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Because of the low speed of rotation, an object thrown straight at the equator seems to land to the right of your friend.

If you’re interested in visiting the country’s equator, the best way to experience this unique landmark is to plan a day trip. It’s located in Kayabwe, Mpigi District, about 72 km from the capital, Kampala. It’s a nice spot to take photographs and check out the north and south poles.

There are three main places to cross the equator in Uganda. The closest two are Kampala and Kayabwe. If you’re planning to spend a day on the equator, make sure you have an early start. You can begin your journey as early as 7 a.m. and arrive in Kayabwe in about two hours. You’ll meet your tour guide at the equator, and can take part in a fun experiment.

The equator line is a popular tourist attraction in Uganda. It’s a convenient en-route stop for tourists heading to the western national parks. Kayabwe is located about 70 kilometers from Kampala on the Kampala-Masaka highway. The best way to reach this iconic site is by taking a safari through western Uganda.

Owino Market

When visiting Uganda, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit the Owino market. This market is an excellent way to see how local Ugandans shop. Most locals are found here, so you will have a great chance to see how they live. Most people are Ugandans, but you may see foreigners as well. The Owino market is one of the most visited markets in Uganda.

Despite the booming nightlife and Western-style shopping malls, the majority of the people still shop at Owino Market. There, you will find secondhand clothes, jewelry, and other goods. The best part about the Owino Market is that you can bargain! Most people buy their clothes at this market, and you can often get a great deal on them.

The Ndere Centre

The Ndere Centre in Uganda is a cultural and artistic center where the locals can learn and be entertained by the Ndere Dance Troupe. The center also offers art exhibitions and restaurants. It has been in operation since 1894, and the locals have remained loyal to it throughout the years.

The Ndere Centre is the home of Uganda’s cultural ambassadors. Its Ndere Troupe performs traditional dances for audiences and captivates audiences. The troupe has been performing in Uganda for more than 20 years. The performances are energetic, and the troupe performs throughout the country.

Accommodations are spacious and secluded, with a sumptuous breakfast. The center can accommodate up to 3000 people, depending on the menu and type of venue. It charges UGX50,000 for non-Ugandan adults and UGX30,000 for Ugandans. If the conference does not include food, the venue is free.

The Town of Kabale

The town of Kabale is located around 420 kilometers from the capital Kampala. The town is the administrative center of Kabale District, in the Kigezi sub-region. It is a market town and is famous for its many attractions, including the Mgahinga National Park. Visitors to Kabale can also trek to the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see mountain gorillas. Another popular tourist attraction near Kabale is the Ihimba Hot Springs.

Located 8 km south of Kabale town, the Ihimba Hot Springs is known for curing joint pains and illnesses. Several of the popular banks from Kampala also have branches in Kabale, scattered along the Kabale-Kisoro Road.

The district of Kabale has low-to-moderate malaria transmission, although there are periods of intense transmission. The district suffered two major malaria epidemics in 1998 and 2000, both of which were caused by environmental changes. The increased flooding of the valleys led to a higher density of mosquito breeding sites and increased the number of malaria cases. Since then, malaria has become a major cause of death in the district.

Entebbe is located on the shores of Lake Victoria. The former capital of Uganda is a tropical setting with beautiful beaches and many parks and gardens. Tourists can visit a wildlife education center and explore the various plants and trees in the city’s botanical gardens. Those who are adventurous may want to try clifftop bungee jumping and other exciting activities.

Entebbe is home to many beautiful beaches, including Lido Beach, near the Entebbe International Airport. Other attractions include the Entebbe Wildlife Education Centre, which helps to protect the country’s native animals. A nearby Botanical Garden is home to a variety of birds and plants, as well as monkeys. The town is also home to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which protects orphaned chimpanzees.

The Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) was founded in 1994 and focuses on the education and conservation of Uganda’s biodiversity. It also rescues injured or sick wildlife and works with local and international partners to initiate conservation activities. The center is located in the city of Entebbe. This is a great place to go on your next trip to Uganda!

When you visit Entebbe, you should take time to visit the Uganda Botanical Garden. This garden is a great introduction to Uganda’s diverse birdlife. You’ll also get to see a variety of monkeys and tree squirrels here. The gardens are serene and picturesque.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Entebbe Botanical Gardens is a destination for birding, scientific research, and relaxation. Visitors can also visit the nurseries where they can buy Hoerscassia and ornamentals. The gardens also have a medicinal garden that features more than 100 species of plants used for medicinal purposes.

Birdwatchers can spot the African Fish-eagle and the Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, which are common in the gardens. There are also several vultures on the grounds, including the Palmnut and Hooded Vultures. Other common birds include the Angola swallow and the scarlet-chested sunbird.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens is an excellent place to begin your Uganda birding experience. The gardens are conveniently located close to the entrance to Kampala, the capital city, and are open Monday through Sunday. The gardens are free and open to the public but there are some restrictions and hours of operation.

During your stay at Entebbe Botanical Gardens in Uganda, you can also see a variety of species of monkeys. Monkeys in the area include black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.

You can also take a stroll through the beautiful grounds and observe a variety of birds. The gardens also have a nursery where visitors can purchase ornamental plants and flowers. During the weekends, the gardens are open for weekend getaways.

Gaddafi National Mosque

The Gaddafi National Mosque is one of the largest mosques in East Africa. It is situated on Kampala Hill, in the Old Kampala area of Kampala. Approximately 14% of the Ugandan population is Muslim. The building features a grand dome and is one of the most prominent landmarks in the Kampala area.

The mosque in Uganda is open to the general public. Guests are required to pay a small entrance fee and are provided with an English-speaking guide. Dress appropriately – men should wear trousers and women should wear long-sleeved shirts.

The Gaddafi Mosque in Uganda is a must-visit destination for Muslim Ugandans. Built from sturdy concrete, the mosque occupies over 12 acres of land. Its architecture is reminiscent of that of the Libyan National Mosque. A large number of people visit the mosque on a yearly basis.

The mosque is a modern, colorful structure that was created with an African, Arab, and European touch. This mosque is open to all visitors and is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Kampala. A visit here is a must on your Kampala safari tour.

Bahai Temple

The Bahai Temple is a spiritual hub that is dedicated to the worship of the Bahai religion. It is one of seven Bahai temples in the world. Located in Kampala, Uganda, it stands as a towering landmark against the western horizon. It is the mother temple of the Bahai faith in Africa, and one of only seven in the world. The temple is more than just a place of worship; it is a unique architectural masterpiece.

Its dome, which is 38 meters high, is adorned with mosaic tiles imported from Italy and Belgium. The walls and roof are made from local pre-cast stones. The Bahai Temple also features woolen carpets from Turkey. Visitors are invited to pray at any time, no matter what the weather or the time of day.

The Bahai Temple in Uganda is a great location to visit for a family vacation. With its serene surroundings and peaceful atmosphere, it is a nice place to get away from the bustling city. Visitors can also enjoy nature walks and bird watching. The temple offers an all-inclusive tour package. In addition, guests can also enjoy activities such as White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, and visiting the nearby Murchison Falls National Park.

In addition to its beautiful interior, the Bahai Temple in Uganda is also home to the country’s only Bahai temple. Located in Kampala, it is a well-kept temple. Its guides are friendly and helpful and will tell you about the history of the Bahai faith in the country. Though the Bahai faith was banned under the dictatorship of Idi Amin, it was restored after the tyrant was ousted.

Rubaga Cathedral

Rubaga Cathedral, otherwise known as Saint Mary’s Cathedral, is the parent cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala. It is the oldest diocese in Uganda and the seat of the Archbishop of Kampala. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for visitors to Uganda.

Located on the top of a hill, the cathedral is easily accessible by foot or public transport. The main building of the cathedral is seen below. It is a must-see location in Kampala. While you’re there, you should also visit the Kasubi Tombs, where the four kabakas of Buganda are buried.

The Cathedral’s interior features stained glass windows with the names of twenty-two victims of the Catholic religion. It’s located on a hill overlooking the city of Kampala and is surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. It’s also home to the ashes of the late Archbishop Joseph Kiwanka, the first African Catholic Bishop and the first Archbishop of the Kampala Diocese.

Come see the gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. They are classified as endangered and are only found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The gorillas in Uganda are habituated to humans and have been photographed many times. The park is also filled with other wildlife like elephants, lions, and antelopes.

But don’t just visit the gorillas. Experience Uganda’s breathtaking scenery, wildlife, culture, and people.

Have the time of your life exploring Uganda’s breathtaking scenery, wildlife, culture, and people. You’ll love discovering Uganda’s national parks, forests, and mountains. Experience a safari in a hot air balloon or a guided night game drive. Take a trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see gorillas and Queen Elizabeth National Park to see chimpanzees. Visit Uganda and you’ll fall in love!

There is something for everyone in Uganda!

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© AWAY AFRICA | Africa Inside Out | 2024

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25 Best Things to Do in Uganda

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

Categories Uganda

Home » Africa » Uganda » 25 Best Things to Do in Uganda

I have traveled to Uganda twice. On my first trip, I spent two weeks backpacking the country. I fell in love with Uganda from the moment I arrived. A few years later, I returned and ended up spending 5 months living in Uganda. During that time, I visited many of Uganda’s major attractions. Uganda is one of my favorite countries. The people are incredibly friendly and welcoming and the landscape is lush and stunning. It’s also a reasonably safe and affordable place to travel. This guide outlines the 25 best things to do in Uganda.

In this guide, I’ll cover Uganda’s top tourist attractions including nature and wildlife spotting, adventure travel activities, cultural activities, city attractions, foods to try, and more. Whether you’re looking to trek to meet the mountain gorillas, raft down the Nile, explore the local culture, or relax on the shores of Lake Victoria, Uganda offers something for everyone.

If you’d prefer, you can watch my condensed version in my YouTube video below.

Table of Contents

• Lake Bunyonyi
• Mountain Gorilla Trekking
• Visit Sipi Falls
• Hike Mount Elgon
• Hang out in Kampala
• Sample Local Food
• Visit the Source of the Nile
• Adventure Activities in Jinja
• Chimpanzee Trekking
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Stand on the Equator
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Lake Victoria
• Ssese Islands
• Visit Entebbe
• Hike in the Rwenzori Mountains
• Visit the Volcanic Craters in Western Uganda
• Shop for Arts and Crafts
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Mabira Forrest
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Meet the Ugandan People
• Semuliki National Park and Sempaya Hotsprings
• Visit the Batwa Pygmy People
• Uganda Itinerary Recommendation

The Best Things to Do in Uganda

1. Visit Lake Bunyonyi

I’ll start this list off with my absolute favorite place in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi. This freshwater lake is located in the southwest of Uganda near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, just north of the Rwanda border. Interestingly, Lake Bunyonyi is recognized as the second deepest lake in Africa.

Along the shores of this tranquil lake, y ou’ll find farms, campgrounds, eco-resorts, and several small villages. Boating and birdwatching are the most popular activities for tourists visiting the lake. Lake Bunyonyi is a great, laid-back place to just relax and enjoy nature.

The name Lake Bunyonyi translates to ‘Place of Many Little Birds,’ in the local language. Birdwatchers will find themselves in a paradise. A visit to Lake Bunyonyi provides an excellent opportunity to spot some of Uganda’s colorful and diverse bird species.

One of the must-do activities is taking a boat trip on the lake. Experience the lake up close, as you paddle through the calm waters in a dugout canoe, exploring the various islands, each with its unique tale. If you’d rather not paddle, you can book a tour in a power boat.

There are 29 islands on Lake Bunyonyi. One of the lake’s most well-known islands, Punishment Island, holds a poignant history. It was traditionally where unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned to underscore societal norms. Today, it serves as a historical symbol of the area’s cultural past.

For hikers, the hills surrounding the lake offer rewarding trails with panoramic views. Hike up the hills surrounding the lake and take in a spectacular view of the terraced hills, islands, and villages. There are also opportunities for mountain biking.

The cultural richness of the area is another highlight that shouldn’t be missed. While visiting, you can gage with the warm and welcoming locals, and learn about their customs and traditions.

While visiting Lake Bunyonyi, consider staying in one of the eco-resorts dotting the lake’s perimeter. These sustainable accommodations offer a chance to unwind while enjoying the lake’s beauty.

If you’re on a tighter budget, the town of Kabale is the best place to stay. This is a small, quiet town located about 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the lake. The town offers several budget hotel options available. You can take a taxi from Kabale to the lake.

To read my complete guide, check out my article: How to Visit Beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.  Here, I outline how to travel to Lake Bunyonyi from Kampala and list the best things to do on the lake .

2. Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest

Mountain Gorilla Trekking is the most popular activity in Uganda. It’s on every traveler’s bucket list. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species that are found only in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In Uganda, you can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rwanda has gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. In DR Congo, you can go gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.

Getting up close and personal with the mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The entire species has fewer than 1000 individuals remaining. Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. It’s the best place to go gorilla trekking to view them.

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through the lush jungle to find a gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas on the day of your trek. The trekking time varies greatly. Only a handful of gorilla families have been habituated to humans. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have around an hour with them before you return to camp.

Mountain gorilla trekking is an expensive activity. If you book a tour in advance, expect to spend around $1200-$1500 for an average tour. The price of the tour includes your permit, a guide, and transportation. Most tours also include one night of accommodation and food. It’s best to book as far in advance as possible as permits are limited. Permits frequently sell out. Particularly during the busy season.

It is possible to save some money if you just show up and organize the tour when you are there. There are often last-minute deals available. You can save about $400 this way. The Uganda mountain gorilla trekking permit costs $600. The whole gorilla trekking tour should cost $900-$1000 if you book directly with a guide.

It’s important to note that permits are in high demand. There is a chance that tours are fully booked out if you don’t book in advance. There is a possibility that you miss out.

3. Visit Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located in the foothills of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda, near the Kenyan border. The highest waterfall has a drop of around 100 meters. There are also two smaller waterfalls nearby.

Sipi Falls is located within walking distance of the town of Sipi, Uganda. Sipi is a small mountain tourist town with several restaurants, hotels, and campgrounds. In order to view the falls, you must pass through a lodge and pay a small fee of around $1.

The surrounding area is full of lush, green hills which are excellent for hiking. A number of hikes are available in the region. The main hike to see the falls is a loop hike around 7 km long. It takes 3-4 hours to complete. This hike will take you along a river, through farmland, and local communities. You’ll see all three falls. A guide is not necessary for the hike but is recommended.

There are a number of other activities you can do while visiting the falls. If you’re looking for an adventure, it’s possible to repel down the cliff face next to the highest waterfall. You can go rock climbing or hill running in the region. There are also some local coffee plantations that you can tour. The area also offers some excellent birdwatching. It’s also possible to go swimming in a pool at the base of one of the falls. One day is enough to see the falls. There is plenty to keep you busy for a few days.

Sipi Falls is located 170 miles north of Kampala. You can easily reach the falls in half a day with public transportation. Sipi sits in the mountains at an elevation of 1775 meters. It’s a great place to go for some fresh mountain air. A visit to Sipi Falls makes for a great weekend trip from Kampala.

For more info, check out my article: How to Visit Sipi Falls Independently and on a Budget.  Here, I outline how to travel to Sipi Falls from Kampala.

4. Hike Mount Elgon

If you’re looking for a more intense hike while you’re in the Sipi Falls region, consider climbing Mount Elgon. This 4321-meter-tall mountain sits on the Uganda-Kenya border. The summit is on the Uganda side. Hiking up Mount Elgon is often considered to be one of the best hikes in Africa.

Summiting Mount Elgon usually takes around 4 days. You’ll spend 3 nights camping on the mountain. Most travelers spend a night in a guesthouse at the start and end of the hike. Before or after the hike, you can visit nearby Sipi Falls.

The hike up Mount Elgon is a bit shorter and less strenuous than Kilimanjaro. It is still challenging. You will need some good hiking equipment including sturdy shoes, warm clothes, and a warm sleeping bag. It gets chilly at elevation.

There is a park fee of $75 for tourists. This includes park entry, a guide, and ranger fees. You will also need to factor in the cost of food, accommodation, equipment rental, tips, and a porter if you need one.

5. Hang out in Kampala, Uganda’s Capital City

While visiting Uganda, chances are, you’ll end up in Kampala at some point. It’s well worth spending a couple of days exploring Uganda’s exciting capital city. Kampala is the heart of Uganda. It’s a crowded, bustling, and colorful city.

Kampala is a pleasant place to hang out and shouldn’t be missed if you are traveling in Uganda. It’s probably one of the most tourist-friendly capitals in all of Africa. Kampala is affordable, has incredibly friendly locals, and is even fairly walkable. Decent street food is also available.

I spent 5 months living in Kampala and really enjoyed it. Check out my video about living in Kampala to hear about my experience.

Some of the best things to do in Kampala include:

• Experience the nightlife- Kampala is one of Africa’s best cities for nightlife. Ugandans love a good party. There are plenty of bars and clubs to explore. Head to the Kololo neighborhoods. Most of the city’s best bars and clubs are located here. You’ll be sure to make some friends with locals, expats, and backpackers when you go out in Kampala.
• Go on a tour of the city- Hire a boda boda or taxi for a couple of hours and have the driver give you a tour of the city. Most drivers will be happy to show you around. Make sure to haggle hard as they will surely try to overcharge. This is a good way to get the lay of the land.
• Visit the Uganda National Mosque- This impressive mosque was completed in 2006 and can hold 15,000 people. It was originally called Gadaffi National Mosque then was renamed in 2013.
• Visit Uganda National Museum- This is a nice place to go to learn a bit about Uganda. The museum includes exhibits about natural history, archeology, and the culture of Uganda. 
• Visit Mengo Palace (Kabaka Palace)- This is the compound of the king of Buganda. Here, you can learn some history about Uganda and the regime of Idi Amin.
• Visit Central Kampala- Central Kampala is surprisingly compact. Take a walk around and explore the local markets or grab a bite to eat .
• Visit the Kasubi Tombs- This is the burial site for four Buganda kings. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a Walk Along Parliament Avenue- This is a great place to view some interesting colonial architecture.
• Visit the Ndere Cultural Center- If you’re looking for a fun night out, attend a dinner show at the Ndere Cultural Center. While you enjoy your meal, you can watch the performers do traditional dances, play traditional drum music, and sing traditional songs. It’s a unique cultural experience.

You probably won’t want to spend too much time in Kampala. It is a crowded city. It’s also not the easiest place to get around. The city is kind of confusing to navigate. Traffic is a mess. There are also plenty of scammers, hustlers, and pickpockets that you have to look out for. It is worth visiting for 2-3 days if you have time in your itinerary.

6. Sample the Local Food

There are a few local Ugandan dishes that are worth a try. Probably the most famous Ugandan dish is the rolex. A rolex an omelet with tomato, onion, and salt wrapped in a chapatti. They are sold in markets and roadside stands all over Uganda for around 40-70 cents apiece. You can choose the number of eggs and chapatis you want based on how hungry you are. Fancier rolex with other ingredients are also available in restaurants. These are cheap, fast, and tasty snacks. They are also great for a quick meal.

There are also some staple foods that you should try. One of the most popular foods in the country is matoke. This is a type of green plantain that is steamed or boiled until its soft. Sometimes it’s mashed and sometimes it’s served whole. Matoke is usually served with a soup, stew, or sauce made from ground peanuts, vegetables, or meat.

Another common staple food is posho or ugali. This is a type of corn meal made from ground corn. It is mixed with hot water until it becomes a dough-like consistency. Posho is usually served with a sauce or meat.

Another street food to try is muchomo. These are roasted skewers of meat. They are commonly sold on the roadside. Beef, pork, goat, and chicken are available.

Fish is another food to try in Uganda. Particularly around the lakes. The fish is fresh and delicious. For some of the best fish, try visiting Lake Victoria. The local fishermen will be able to provide you with a variety of freshly caught fish.

Also, be sure to take advantage of the abundant fresh tropical fruits and veggies while visiting Uganda. I ate the best-tasting avocado that I have ever eaten in Kampala. The pineapple, mango, and papaya are also excellent. Really, all of the produce is great. Uganda is an extremely fertile country. Everything grows there.

Kampala also has some pretty good restaurants to try. You can find local cuisine as well as Italian, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cuisine. There are dozens of excellent restaurants to try. A few of the highest-rated restaurants in Kampala include Cantine DiVino, Asian Fusion, The Bistro, The Lawns, Cafe Javas, Mediterraneo, and Tamarai.

7. Visit the Source of the White Nile in Jinja

The mighty Nile River starts in Uganda. The White Nile River originates in Lake Victoria and flows north into Sudan, where it meets up with the Blue Nile. The river continues all the way through Egypt and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile is the world’s longest river at over 4000 miles.

The Nile’s origin has captivated explorers for centuries. Its source remained a mystery until it was discovered by British explorer John Hanning Speke in 1858. This expedition took several years. During their search, the party had several run-ins with hostile locals and suffered a range of tropical diseases. The source of the Nile is located just outside the town of Jinja, around 80 km east of Kampala.

To view the source of the Nile, you’ll start in the town of Jinja , which is situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. The best way to view the source of the Nile is by taking a boat tour from Jinja. As you glide along the river, you’ll see the spot where the calm waters of Lake Victoria funnel into the Nile. The boat tour offers an up-close encounter with this natural phenomenon and gives you a unique perspective of the area’s lush landscapes. You can also simply view the source of the Nile from a lookout point on the shore.

A visit to the source of the Nile is a must-do while in Jinja. On the shore, you’ll find a monument commemorating Speke’s discovery and the source of the Nile. This provides an insight into the historical significance of this location. You do have to pay a small fee to view the monument from land.

8. Go to Jinja for Whitewater Rafting and Other Adventure Activities

Uganda is a great destination for adventure activities. The town of Jinja is known as the adventure capital of East Africa. Jinja is a laid-back town located on the shore of Lake Victoria. It sits in southeast Uganda, about 50 miles (81 km) East of Kampala. Jinja is a nice little town that is worth spending a day or two exploring.

The most popular adventure activity in Jinja is whitewater rafting and kayaking. The town is famous for it. Adrenaline junkies travel here to experience the thrilling rapids, which reach grade 5 in areas.

Unfortunately, the Isimba Dam flooded a number of the most well-known rapids in Uganda. The whitewater rafting is still good but it’s not the same as it once was. Luckily, the dam didn’t effect the rapids as much as originally expected.

A number of other adventure activities are also available in Jinja including bungee jumping, whitewater kayaking, quad biking, horseback riding, mountain biking, zip-lining, and tubing. 

Jinja is also worth visiting if you’re not into adventure activities. There are plenty of more laid back activities to enjoy. Jinja and the surrounding area is a really bea utiful part of Uganda. The town has some great colonial architecture to view. Jinja is also located on the shore of the beautiful Lake Victoria. The lake shore is a great place to take a stroll or just relax by the lake. You can also go for a boat ride. Sportfishing safaris are available. There is also some great birdwatching near Jinja.

Jinja is a very touristy city so prices are slightly higher there than in the rest of Uganda. Because it is such a popular tourist destination, you can also find some more upscale restaurants and hotels in town if that is what you are looking for. Jinja is a cool city to visit. It’s definitely worth spending a day or two there during your trip.

9. Go Chimpanzee Trekking

Another one of the most popular activities in Uganda is chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzee trekking is an excellent alternative to gorilla trekking if the gorilla permit is outside of your budget. Some travelers argue that the experience is even better due to the uncanny valley nature of man’s closest living relative, the Chimpanzee. These fascinating creatures share 98.7% of our DNA, after all. 

The best place to go Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is Kabale National Forrest. You can also go chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forrest and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

On your tour, you’ll usually trek with a guide for 1-3 hours to find the Chimpanzees. When you find them, you’ll spend about an hour with them before returning to camp.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get to view the chimpanzees up close. Sometimes they are up in the trees. In this case, your view might not be as good.

The chimpanzee trekking tour costs around $250-$300. The permit costs $120-$150 depending on the season. There are half-day and full-day treks available.  The chimpanzees that you’ll visit have been carefully trained to tolerate human presence.

For a more up close and personal experience, you can also opt for a chimpanzee habituation tour. This type of tour is designed to slowly introduce chimpanzees to humans so they become more comfortable being near humans. The chimpanzee habituation process usually takes around two years.

This tour usually lasts a full day. You’ll start early in the morning and spend the day watching the chimps in their natural habitat. They spend much of their days in the trees.

10. Go on a Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Located in Western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited national park in the country. Some would say it’s the best. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also one of the largest national parks in Uganda at over 2000 square kilometers. You could easily spend 2-3 days here and still not see it all. If you only have time to visit one park in Uganda, this would be a good choice.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can find 95 different species of mammals including 4 of the big 5 . You’ll see lions, elephants, crocodiles, and buffalo. Around 500 species of birds can also be found in the park. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the famous tree climbing lions.

The density of wildlife isn’t as great as some of the other national parks in Africa but there are still lots of animals to see. For some of the best wildlife spotting in Queen Elizabeth National Park, take a boat tour of the Kazinga Channel. This is a 20-mile-long natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Along the shores, you can spot an abundance of animals. Animals come to the shallow river to drink and bathe. You can get closer to the animals in the boat than you can in a vehicle.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its rare tree climbing lions. It’s one of only two places in the world where they exist. The tree climbing lions are the most common in the Ishasha part of the park. You also have an excellent chance of spotting the African Bush Elephant. If you’re looking for wildlife viewing, this is one of the best places in the world.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is also known for its spectacular natural beauty. The region contains many unique volcanic features. You’ll see craters, cones, and beautiful crater lakes.  It’s the best and most scenic place to go for a safari in Uganda.

A number of different types of safaris are available in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can take a standard safari in a vehicle. You can go on sunrise, evening, and night safaris. Walking safaris are also available. As mentioned earlier, you can also take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. It’s also possible to tent camp in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is a great opportunity to star gaze, listen to the sounds of the park, and possibly spot some nocturnal species.

It’s important to note that Queen Elizabeth National Park occasionally suffers from security issues as it is located along the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Before you visit, check travel advisories. A few years ago, a woman was kidnapped in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The national park is generally safe to visit and the guides take security seriously.

11. Stand on the Equator

One of Uganda’s most famous attractions is the equator. Uganda is one of a handful of countries that straddles the equator. Standing on the equator is an interesting activity to check off of your travel bucket list.

On the equator, you’ll find a small monument and a couple of signs as well as a few craft shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can take a photo at the monument and stand in the Northern and Southern hemispheres at the same time. It’s super touristy but kind of fun.

Around the monument, you’ll meet some guys demonstrating how the flow of water changes direction as you cross the equator. This is just a trick that these guys do to earn a bit of money from tourists. It’s not a real physical phenomenon. The Coriolis force is not strong enough to change the flow of water over such short distances. It’s basically a scam.

There are a number of places to visit the equator in Uganda. Pretty much every highway that crosses the equator has a sign. The most popular place to visit the equator is Kayabwe, on the Masaka-Mbarara highway. This is about 45 miles southwest of Kampala. You’ll pass right by here if you’re traveling to Lake Bunyonyi or if you’re going to Rwanda. It’s worth stopping for some photos if you have time.

12. Go On a Safari in Murchison Falls National Park and View the Waterfall

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park at 4,000 square kilometers. The ark is located in the northwestern part of Uganda. Established in 1952, Murchison Falls National Park is also Uganda’s first national park. It is named after a large waterfall in the national park on the Victoria Nile River.

A visit to Murchison Falls National Park wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the falls themselves. Also known as Kabalega Falls, Murchison Falls is a spectacular waterfall on the Victoria Nile River. At this impressive waterfall, the water forces itself through a small 8 meter (23 foot) gap in the rocks and drops 43 meters (141 feet) before flowing into Lake Albert. An incredible 300 cubic meters of water flows through the falls per second. This makes Murchison Falls the world’s most powerful waterfall. It is incredibly loud and impressive. The area at the bottom of the falls is called Devil’s Cauldron.

There are a couple of different ways to view the falls. You can take a boat cruise on the Nile River to the bottom of the falls. You can also hike or drive to the falls to view them from the top. The hike takes around 45 minutes from the trailhead.

After viewing the falls, y ou can take a game drive. In the park, you can find 76 species of mammals including lions, hippos, Rothchile’s giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, leopards, buffalos, hippos, hyenas, antelope, waterbucks, and more. In addition, there are over 450 species of birds living in the park including the famous Shoebill Stork and Uganda’s national bird, the Grey Crowned Crane.

You can stay the night in the national park if you choose. There are a range of accommodation options in the park including camping and luxury lodges.

13. Visit Lake Victoria

At 26,000 square miles, Lake Victoria is the largest African Great Lake by surface area and the second largest freshwater lake in the world.Uganda controls 45% of the coastline of Lake Victoria . The rest of the lake is shared with Kenya and Tanzania.

Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a culture explorer, Lake Victoria caters to all tastes and interests. On this spectacular lake, you can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities including hiking, birdwatching, picnics, kayaking, canoeing, boat tours, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and more. If you’re lucky, you may spot some wildlife native to the area such as crocodiles, turtles, and hippos.

One of the best ways to appreciate Lake Victoria’s grandeur is by taking a boat tour. As you cruise along, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, spot various bird species, and visit the numerous islands scattered across the lake. Boat tours also offer a chance to view the local fishing communities in action.

Fishing is another popular activity on Lake Victoria. Try your hand at catching Tilapia or Nile Perch, two of the lake’s most prevalent fish species. Local guides are often available to provide a memorable and authentic fishing experience.

Bird watching is another popular activity. The lake’s wetlands and surrounding areas also provide refuge for various animal species, making it a fascinating spot for wildlife observation.

After a day of exploration, unwind at one of the many lakeside resorts. Watch the sun set over the vast expanse of water and enjoy some fresh fish for dinner.

One thing you may not want to do in Lake Victoria is swim. The lake contains Bilharzia (also known as schistosomiasis ) . This is a tropical disease caused by a type of parasitic worm that is transmitted by infected snails. It is commonly found in Rift Valley lakes. Luckily, the disease is treatable if you do happen to catch it. To avoid Bilharzia, it’s best not to swim in Lake Victoria or any other lake in Uganda.

14. Visit the Ssese Islands

While visiting Lake Victoria, consider taking a ferry ride out to the Ssese Islands. This stunning archipelago, comprised of 84 islands, is nestled within the expansive waters of Lake Victoria. This tropical paradise offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural experiences.

The Ssese Islands offer a number of activities for visitors. While visiting the islands, you can enjoy leisurely walks along the beaches, marvel at the brilliant sunsets, go for a boat ride, fish, hike, or rent a bicycle and explore. For wildlife enthusiasts, the islands’ forests are home to an array of fauna, including various monkey species and a diverse range of birds. Visiting the Ssese Islands is also a great opportunity to meet the local Bantu people who inhabit the islands.

The heart of tourism in the Ssese Islands is Kalangala on the largest island, Bugala. Easily accessible by ferry from Entebbe, Bugala Island is a haven of lush forests, white sandy beaches, and an inviting local community. The ferry ride itself is a scenic introduction to the archipelago, offering captivating views of Lake Victoria. If you prefer, you can also access the island by plane from Entebbe.

For travelers with a sense of adventure, island-hopping through the Ssese Islands via local lake taxis is a must. These water taxis offer an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse islands. You can hike through the dense forests looking for monkeys on Bugala Island, view vibrant birdlife on Bukasa Island, or enjoy the peaceful seclusion of the smaller islands.

One of the most rewarding experiences on the Ssese Islands is meeting the locals. Known for their warm hospitality, the inhabitants of these islands offer visitors a glimpse into their customs and traditions. The islands don’t receive many foreign tourists so the local culture is mostly intact. Engaging with the local community offers a deeper understanding of the island life.

15. Visit Entebbe

Entebbe is a charming little lakeside town located on the shore of Lake Victoria, about 40 km south of Kampala. Its location makes it a perfect stopover destination for travelers flying in or out of Uganda. The international airport is located in Entebbe. Beyond its role as a transit point, Entebbe offers a wealth of attractions and activities that make it worth a visit in its own right.

One of the town’s highlights is the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. This lush paradise is a haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking tranquility.

If you’re intrigued by the reptilian world, a visit to the Reptiles Village will be an informative experience, where you can encounter a variety of native reptile species.

Animal enthusiasts will also appreciate the Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, which works towards conserving Uganda’s rich biodiversity.

Another animal sanctuary that deserves a visit is the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary located in Lake Victoria. Here, you can observe rescued and orphaned chimpanzees in a semi-natural habitat, contributing to their care and conservation.

Another interesting natural area to visit near Entebbe is Mbamba Swamp. This is a great place to see Shoebills. These large and strange-looking storks live in freshwater marshes throughout East Africa.

Entebbe is also a great spot for those looking for adventure activities. You can explore the area’s scenic trails on a mountain bike or on horseback. You can also engage in thrilling water activities such as boating and fishing on Lake Victoria. Entebbe is also a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake’s serene shoreline.

In the evening, you can unwind in one of the town’s many restaurants, where you can fresh fish from Lake Victoria. A variety of accommodations options are available in Entebbe, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury lakeside resorts to convenient airport hotels.

16. Go Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains

Tucked away in western Uganda, you’ll find the beautiful Rwenzori Mountains. Also known as the “Mountains of the Moon”, the Rwenzoris are a breathtaking range. Its highest peak, Mount Stanley, reaches an altitude of 5,109 meters, making it the 3rd tallest mountain in Africa. This majestic range straddles the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo border, providing a unique blend of diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

Hiking is the highlight of any visit to the Rwenzori Mountains. Options range from day hikes to multi-day treks. The trails are usually pretty quiet as this range is fairly remote and not too well known among travelers. The pinnacle of the Rwenzori experience is a multi-day trek to the summit of Mount Stanley, locally known as Mount Ngaliema.

A trek to the peak of Mount Stanley typically takes around 8-9 days, starting from Kilembe. This expedition takes you through a range of diverse landscapes. There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and breathtaking photography along the way.

This is a fairly demanding trek that requires good physical fitness. Along the trail, you’ll find a range of accommodations, from basic huts to campsites. It’s advisable to arrange your trek through a reputable tour company that provides experienced guides, porters, and necessary gear.

17. Visit the Volcanic Craters and Crater Lakes of Western Uganda

Western Uganda has some really beautiful volcanic craters and crater lakes. These craters were formed through intense volcanic activity thousands of years ago. They dot the landscape, creating a unique terrain that’s as picturesque as it is geologically fascinating.

One of the most beautiful lakes is Lake Nkuruba, which is located near the charming town of Fort Portal. Lake Nkuruba sits nestled within a lush tropical forest. Hiking around Lake Nkuruba is a delightful experience, with trails offering panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes. The area is also rich in biodiversity. It’s not uncommon to spot monkeys and various bird species during your hike.

Another place to marvel at Uganda’s volcanic past is Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is home to a cluster of stunning volcanic craters. The most noteworthy are the Katwe Craters. Interestingly, some of these craters are filled with saltwater lakes. Some have turned into lush grasslands. The best way to view these craters is by taking a scenic drive or joining a guided tour. Be sure to check out Lake Katwe. Here, you can visit a salt mine

Visiting the craters in the early morning or late evening is highly recommended as these times offer the most breathtaking views. The play of light and shadow over the water makes for an unforgettable experience. For the best experience, consider staying in one of the many lodges within or near the craters. These lodges offer stunning views of the craters and the surrounding landscapes, allowing you to soak in the beauty at your leisure.

18. Go Shopping for Arts and Crafts

if you’re looking for artwork or souvenirs, Uganda has a vibrant art scene. Kampala serves as the hub of Uganda’s art, housing various galleries such as Afriart Gallery, Nommo Gallery, Umoja Art Gallery, and AKA gallery. At these galleries, you can marvel at a diverse range of artworks, from contemporary paintings to traditional sculptures.

Beyond the galleries, an integral part of the Ugandan shopping experience is exploring the bustling local markets and roadside stands. These are the perfect places to shop for authentic souvenirs and handicrafts made by local artisans.

Among these markets, Owino Market in Kampala stands out as one of the largest and most popular, offering an endless array of local products. Owino Market is the biggest and best market in Kampala. The market is at its largest and busiest on Sundays. Here, you can buy almost anything including food, electronics, clothes, handicrafts, art, and more. Also, check out the Exposure Africa Market and the African Craft Village.

The vast selection of arts and crafts available in Uganda is impressive. You can find intricate wood carvings depicting local wildlife, vibrant textiles, beautifully woven baskets, handmade jewelry, paintings, and much more.

Even if you’re not interested in buying anything, it’s well worth your time to visit a local market. It’s a cultural experience. You’ll see the locals going about their day-to-day lives buying and selling. You’ll also get to see the types of products that are available. It’s really interesting looking through the foods, clothing, and other items that are for sale.

When shopping at local markets, it’s important to haggle. Prices quoted to tourists are much higher than the local price. It’s part of the shopping culture to negotiate, so don’t be shy to bargain for a better price. Haggling isn’t just about getting a better price. It’s also a way to engage in friendly interaction with the vendors. It’s part of the experience.

19. See the White Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Uganda. Situated near Murchison Falls National Park, this sanctuary plays a vital role in the restoration of Uganda’s rhino population. Poaching led to the extinction of wild White rhinos in Uganda, with the last white rhino reported in 1983.

Today, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the proud home of around 22 white rhinos, with a goal to reintroduce these majestic creatures back into Uganda’s national parks in the near future. The sanctuary was started in 2005. It sits on 7000 hectares of land. The rhinos roam freely throughout the sanctuary.

While visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you can embark on a 2-hour guided walk with a knowledgeable ranger, getting you up close with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The guides maintain a safe distance, but these walks often allow for incredibly close encounters with the rhinos, providing fantastic photo opportunities. During your visit, you’ll also get a chance to learn more about rhinos including their behaviors, feeding habits, and conservation needs. The tour currently cost $45 for foreigners. The proceeds go toward the rhino breeding program.

If you wish to spend more time with the rhinos, consider an overnight stay. The sanctuary offers accommodation options, allowing guests to wake up to the sounds of nature and the chance to spot rhinos in the cool early morning or late evening. There’s also a restaurant on-site, serving a variety of meals to suit different tastes. You can actually view the rhinos from the accommodation and restaurant.

You can read more about the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on their website here .

20. Visit Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda, on the border with South Sudan. This stunning national park is less frequented by tourists compared to other parks in Uganda due to its isolated location. Those who make the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park will be rewarded with an unforgettable wildlife and cultural experience. Kidepo National Park is a great destination for those who want to venture off the beaten path.

One of the park’s main draws is its exceptional wildlife viewing. Kidepo is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including one of Africa’s most endangered giraffe species, the Rothschild’s giraffe. Other animal inhabitants include buffalo, elephants, zebras, leopards, and over 450 species of birds. The relative tranquility of the national park allows for intimate wildlife encounters, offering an authentic and memorable safari experience.

The landscapes of Kidepo Valley National Park are also diverse. The terrain varies from rugged savannah and mountainous regions to expansive grasslands, dotted with acacia and Borassus palm trees. The park also features the seasonal Kidepo River, which is often a gathering spot for various wildlife, particularly during the dry season. The Kanangorok Hot Springs and Mount Morungule are other notable features that enhance the park’s unique appeal.

A visit to Kidepo National Park is also an opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the region. The area is home to the Karamojong people, known for their unique traditions and customs. Many visitors find interacting with local communities to be a rewarding experience that deepens their understanding of the Ugandan way of life.

21. Visit Mabira Forest

Mabira Forest is located just a short drive from Uganda’s capital, Kampala. It’s a great place to visit on your way to Jinja. This tropical rainforest offers a number of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Hiking is one of the main attractions in Mabira Forest. The forest’s network of trails meanders through tall trees. Along the way, you’ll come across various tree species and possibly encounter some of the forest’s resident monkeys, butterflies, and other small wildlife.

Thrill-seekers can zip-line through the forest canopy on the Mabira Forest Canopy Super Skyway. This gives you a bird’s-eye view of the forest and the River Musamya.

Mabira Forest is also a haven for birdwatchers. It boasts over 300 bird species, including several that are endemic to Uganda.

22. Visit Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is a bit of a hidden gem. It is located in Western Uganda, conveniently situated en route between Entebbe and Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Although smaller than other Ugandan national parks, Lake Mburo national park packs a punch with its rich biodiversity. It’s a great stopover on the way to or from Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest.

Unique among Ugandan national parks, Lake Mburo allows for guided walking safaris and bike safaris. This provides a rare opportunity to connect with Africa’s wilderness on a more personal level. You can also take standard driving safaris.

Safari-goers can expect to see a variety of animals, including zebras, impalas, buffalos, elands, and the elusive leopard. The park’s wetland habitats are also home to several bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers.

The park’s game drives are a great way to explore its savannah landscape, dotted with acacia trees and interspersed with wetlands. Though you can visit Lake Mburo national park at any time of the day, morning game drives are often most rewarding when wildlife is most active, and temperatures are cooler. However, an evening game drive can also be a fascinating experience, offering a chance to spot nocturnal creatures and experience the tranquility of the park as the sun sets.

23. Meet The Ugandan People

Ugandans are friendly and welcoming people. Whether you’re exploring the bustling capital city of Kampala or venturing into the rural landscapes, the Ugandan people will be a highlight of your trip, greeting you with a smile, a wave, and often a friendly chat.

Despite the diversity of cultures and languages in Uganda, English is widely spoken throughout the country, thanks to its status as the official language. This makes it easy for tourists to engage with locals. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the people you meet. Ugandans are genuinely interested in getting to know visitors.

Ugandans are also willing to help. If you’re lost or need assistance, you can ask almost anyone. People will go out of their way to ensure you reach your destination safely.

However, as is the case in any travel destination, there can occasionally be instances where individuals might ask for money. But rest assured, the Ugandan people are respectful and will not bother you if you decline. Their courtesy and understanding make the interactions comfortable and enjoyable.

24. Visit Semuliki National Park and Sempaya Hotsprings

Semuliki National Park is located in the remote, western corner of Uganda. This unique conservation area, sitting in the Albertine Rift Valley, offers visitors a unique blend of Central African jungle atmosphere and East African safari experience. Known for its distinctive hot springs, sprawling wetlands, and the winding Semuliki River, the park is an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers.

Among the park’s standout features are the Sempaya hot springs. The springs are categorized into two main areas, known locally as the ‘male’ and ‘female’ hot springs. The male spring, also known as ‘Bintente’, gushes up from a broad, steaming pool. the female spring, known as ‘Nyansimbi’, meaning ‘the female ancestors’, is a boiling geyser that shoots steam up to two meters high. It’s a fascinating spectacle of nature’s geothermal power. Water temperatures reach as high as 100 degrees Celsius.

An approximately 30-minute hike through the forest connects the two springs. This short hike offers a chance to explore the park’s rich flora and fauna. This trail is a treasure trove for birdwatchers, as the park is home to over 400 bird species, including several that are endemic to the region.

Additionally, Semuliki National Park is a great place to view Old World monkeys. 11 different species of monkeys call the park home. A visit here offers the opportunity to spot rare primate species such as the pygmy antelope and flying squirrel. An encounter with the park’s troop of habituated chimpanzees is a highlight for many visitors.

25. Visit the Batwa Pygmy People

Discover Uganda’s rich culture and diversity by visiting the Batwa Pygmy people, an indigenous group with a fascinating history and unique way of life. Once the forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa, the Batwa, also known as the ‘Keepers of the Forest,’ now reside on the edges of Uganda’s national parks.

For centuries, the Batwa thrived by hunting small game and gathering fruits and herbs from the forest. Unfortunately, their way of life was uprooted in the 1990s when their ancestral lands were designated as national parks to protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Forced to vacate their homes with no compensation or adequate alternative housing, the Batwa now live as subsistence farmers. They also make money by offering cultural experiences for tourists.

Despite these challenges, the Batwa have preserved their unique culture and traditions, which they share with visitors as part of community-based tourism initiatives. When you visit a Batwa community, you’ll be welcomed with music and dance. You’ll also learn about their traditional hunting and gathering techniques, medicinal plants, and how they crafted their homes and tools.

It’s important to ensure that your visit benefits the Batwa community. Therefore, it’s best to arrange your visit through official channels like the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Batwa Development Programme. These organizations ensure that tourism revenues go directly to the Batwa, providing them with essential income and helping preserve their unique culture and traditions.

My Recommended Uganda Itinerary

Uganda is a relatively small country. Y ou can easily pair several of the above activities to save travel time. It’s possible to travel to most of these destinations by bus and public transport. There are also tours available to most of the destinations on this list.

If you’re starting in Kampala, you could start by making your way to Sipi Falls. On your way back to Kampala, you can break up the trip by stopping for a couple of days in Jinja.

After spending a few days exploring Kampala, you could go mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After the trek, you could make your way to Kabale and visit Lake Bunyonyi .

Next, you could head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a safari. During your visit, you could go on a Chimpanzee trek. From there, you could head to Murchison Falls National Park and go on another safari and view the falls. You could then return to Kampala.

From Kampala, you can visit Entebbe and spend Lake Victoria and spend some time exploring the city before flying out of Entebbe international airport.

If you travel to Uganda from Kenya by bus , it would make sense to make your way to Sipi Falls first, then Jinja. Next, you would continue on to Kampala. From there, you can easily travel to Kigali, Rwanda by bus.

How I spent my Time in Uganda

On my first trip to Uganda, I traveled from Kenya by bus. Once I reached Kampala, I made the trip to Sipi Falls and visited Jinja on my way back to Kampala. After exploring Kampala, I made my way to Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi before continuing on to Rwanda by Bus. This worked out pretty well and was fairly efficient.

On my second trip to Uganda, I based myself in Kampala for 5 months. I took some day trips and weekend trips to various parts of the country to visit some of the national parks. From Kampala, it’s pretty easy to visit all of the sites on this list. Kampala is Uganda’s main transportation hub.

Chances are, you will pass through Kampala multiple times when you travel to Uganda. Consider leaving some of your luggage in a hotel so that you don’t have to drag all of your gear around. Most likely, you will be staying in the same place when you pass through Kampala so you can easily lighten your load to make travel easier. It is a hassle traveling on minibusses with a lot of gear. Leaving your bag in Kampala makes travel days a lot less stressful.

If you are traveling in East Africa, Uganda shouldn’t be missed. It is one of the most diverse places on earth in terms of natural landscapes and wildlife. You’ll see rainforests, lakes, mountains, savannahs, and hundreds of species of plants, animals, and birds. It’s an incredible country for those who love spending time in the outdoors.

The country is also fairly compact, making it easy to get around. From Kampala, you can travel pretty much anywhere in the country within a day. Even with slow and unreliable African transportation, you could probably see a good chunk of the country in a week or two.

Maybe the best thing about Uganda is the people. Everywhere I went, I met friendly locals who were more than willing to help me out or stop for a chat. In fact, According to the BBC , Uganda is the most friendly place for expats. This is one of my favorite countries. I can’t wait to return. 

Have you visited Uganda? Share your favorite things to do in Uganda in the comments below. 

More Africa Guides from Where The Road Forks

• How to Plan a Cairo to Cape Town Trip
• Living in Uganda as an Expat: Pros and Cons
• Is Travel in Africa Safe? Avoiding Crime, Disease, Injury, and Scams in Africa
• How to Visit Beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
• The Ultimate African Bus Guide
• Why Nairobi is My Favorite African City
• The Travelers Guide to Malaria Prevention, Treatment, and Tablets in Africa

Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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Ryan K Biddulph

Wednesday 23rd of October 2019

Absolutely awesome. The rolex looks delicious and I need to visit Uganda because of all those nature shows I saw as a kid. Long been on my list. Wonderful post.

wheretheroadforks

Thank you! Nature documentaries definitely played a role in inspiring my travels in Africa. Uganda is great.

Top 20 Best Things To Do In Uganda

Home > Uganda

We spent 12 days in Uganda, a country in East-Central Africa, and absolutely loved this up-and-coming travel destination. It’s the best place to experience an African safari, culture and food for a considerably lower budget than its famous neighbours. Here are the best things to do in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, as well as some useful tips to think about before you travel.

Before you travel to Uganda

• Yellow fever vaccination: $ 60 per person (do it at least 1 month prior to departure, but consult in your own country. You must have this when applying for a visa)
• Tourist visa: $ 50 per person (takes max 3 working days, apply on https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ . You need passport valid 6 months from departure, passport photo & yellow fever vaccination)
• Malaria pills: $ 25 per person with a prescription cost
• Return flights $ 470 /person
• Uganda Gorilla permit $ 700 /person 
• Only during the pandemic: CPR test for corona with a travel certificate: $160 per person

Costs per person before arrival: $1465 USD

The prices above are what we paid to travel to Uganda from Sweden. We did all the above vaccinations and tests in Sweden.

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20 Best Things to do in Uganda

1. gorilla trekking.

A real bucket-list experience and an unforgettable adventure. You’ll get up close and personal with mountain gorillas at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and spend 1 hour in the company of a gorilla family. I wrote everything you’ll need to know about this experience in an article on gorilla trekking, here .

2. Lake Mburo National Park

When it comes to seeing a wider variety of animals in a national park, Lake Mburo does not disappoint! We saw a couple of dozen mammal species and lots of interesting birds. Spend a full day or two half-days here.

Planning to head to Lake Mburo National Park? Check out this article:

Lake Mburo National Park – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

3. Visit the Entebbe Botanical Garden

Our trip to Entebbe may have been short, but we definitely maximized it! After checking into our hotel, we booked a car to take us to the destinations we wanted to visit in Entebbe. The first one, and the best one, was the Entebbe Botanical Garden. We saw plenty of interesting species of plants, trees and animals there and would definitely recommend a visit here. This was also the place where they filmed the first Tarzan movie!

4. Eat a Rolex

Your trip to Uganda is not complete if you don’t eat a Rolex. That’s right, eat, not wear. A Ugandan Rolex is a street food wrap, consisting of chapati, eggs and veggie toppings. We had it in three different places and can safely confirm what our driver in Entebbe told us. The best Rolex is at the Entebbe market. They were generous with the toppings, added three eggs and only cost $0.50 each. I know, insanely cheap and super filling!

5. Ishasha Sector

If you want to see the tree-climbing lions, then this is the place to be! The Ishasha sector of the Queen Elizabeth NP is specifically known to be the place where most lions gather to rest in the tree-tops. Most active when the temperatures drop, you’re most likely to see them when the sun is shining and they seek the shade of the trees. If you happen to be unlucky with the sightings (it took us 9 hours!), make sure you have communication with the rangers, who can tip you on lion locations in case they saw them that day!

6. Culture Village Visit

Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll often have the chance to visit a local village near your accommodation. We visited a family who provides milk and yoghurt to a lodge we stayed at and really appreciated seeing their way of living. The tour cost us $10 USD per person.

7. Horseback Safari

One of the more over-priced and hard to get activities in Uganda, but if you happen to be lucky to make a booking, then you’ll absolutely love it! Horse riding safaris at Lake Mburo (where there are no predators) are currently only organized by Mihingo Lodge.

They have a limited amount of horses and prioritize their own guests before visitors. We had no luck reaching them before our trip to Uganda but managed to get a booking via our driver’s phone call to them, the night before our drive there. Definitely, the most terrible place when it comes to communication, but the experience, and price, were worth it! We paid $60 per person per hour.

8. Kidepo National Park

If we had more time in Uganda, we would definitely prioritize a trip to Kidepo. Every person we spoke to on our travels said this is their favourite NP. So, while I can’t speak from experience, I will trust the locals on this one! If you go, then let me know how it was!

9. Boda Boda Tour in Kampala

The best and most fun way to see the capital of Uganda, Kampala. We booked the Walters Tours Boda Boda Tour here and it was super fun! Their drivers were responsible, safe and very informative. We took about 4 hours to see the city with them and love that we didn’t have to plan anything or be concerned about where to take photos (locals are quite upset if they see you take pictures).

10. Visit the Equator

If you plan to go towards the South-West part of Uganda, you will definitely pass the Equator. There isn’t much to do there except perhaps buying some souvenirs and taking a picture while standing on each side of the globe, but it’s fun nonetheless!

11. Make ‘Matooke Katogo’

If you plan on camping somewhere or want to try making a Ugandan dish, then this is the easiest and yummiest dish we made during our trip! Go to a local market and buy 2 red onions, 5 tomatoes and 9 matooke (small green bananas). The matooke are like potatoes here, so don’t eat them like bananas!

Peel the matooke and chop all the ingredients however you want. Boil for about 30 min and it’s ready to eat! This makes enough for 4 people.

PS: buy a couple of avocados for guacamole as well. They’re super tasty in Uganda!

12. Self-drive car rental

One of the best ways to travel around Uganda is by doing a self-drive safari. You’ll be in charge of your itinerary and be able to spend any amount of time, anywhere you’ll want. Rent a car from Roadtrip Uganda and they will even help you out with recommendations on what to see when!

13. See Lake Bunyonyi

One of the most breathtaking sights in the whole of Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest crater lake in Africa and definitely a sight for sore eyes! Since drones are forbidden in Uganda (unless you have special approval from the government), the best view will be from Arcadia Lodges. I wish we had a night there as the hotel seemed absolutely stunning, but if you don’t stay over then at least have lunch with a view, this was a 2 hour stop on our road trip.

14. Murchison Falls National Park

When speaking to the locals, besides Kidepo NP, this was their second favorite. Beautiful falls and a national park. Here you’ll be able to see elephants, hippos, chimpanzees, among other species. And of course a stunning waterfall!

15. Camp in a National Park

The best way to experience a national park is definitely by camping right in it! It’s much cheaper than staying in a lodge and you’ll be able to make an early start and see more wildlife. Be a responsible camper and take all your trash with you and do not disturb the wildlife in any way. 

16. Queen Elizabeth National Park

We might have been slightly unlucky on this one, but it was the one safari we really didn’t see many animals. I would strongly recommend you to get a driver who is calm here and do a full day in the park. It’s huge and there is a lot of drive to if you want to see more diverse wildlife! We did manage to also see hyenas at the start of the tour. Two leopards also showed up here, but only for a split second and at a very long distance.

17. Stay at Mutanda Lake Resort

We stayed in a few nice lodges during our trip to Uganda, but nothing beats Mutanda Lake Resort. It’s not only a resort, but a destination on its own! Swimming in the lake after a long gorilla trek was definitely what our sore bodies needed! I wrote everything you need to know about staying here in this article . 

You won’t regret staying here if you plan on doing a gorilla trek in Uganda:

Mutanda Lake Resort – The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Base

18. visit the reptile village.

This was another point of visit during our stay in Entebbe and while it was quite cool, it was also a little terrifying! We saw many extremely poisonous snakes and lizards here and the guy taking us around was not being cautious at all in handling them! Here you’ll see everything from pythons, vipers, Cobras and mambas. Apart from snakes, they also have a section dedicated to tortoises, crocodiles and chameleons.

19. Get an ‘African Massage’

When I first heard this expression, I had no idea what the person meant. But on the road from Ishasha towards QENP, via Kisenyi Village – I knew exactly what it meant to get an African Massage. Get ready for bumps like you’ve never seen before and strap in for the fun.

20. Bandali Rise club and bar scene

While there a few touristy things you can do in Kampala (we did them on the boda boda tour), going to Bandali Rise street on a weekend, is probably the most fun of them all! Experience how the locals party and get ready to dance!

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15 Incredible Things to do in Uganda [Culture, Nature, Culinary, Adventure…]

Here are 15 things to do in Uganda. They include gorilla trekking and animal safari, adventure sports, cultural events and much more.

15 Incredible Things to do in Uganda

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa” by Sir Winston Churchill, Uganda offers a smorgasbord of impressive attractions and unique things that you can’t see or do anywhere else. Not only can you go mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, but can also stand in two different hemispheres at once in this country.

Amazing wildlife , awe-inspiring waterfalls, grand lakes, vibrant culture, and heart-racing adventures all await you in Uganda. So, if you are pumped and ready to learn more, check out the following 15 incredible things to do in Uganda.

1. Straddle the Equator

The best place to straddle the equator in Uganda is Kayabwe of the Mpigi District where you will find a smattering of souvenir shops and restaurants. You will also find an equator landmark in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Learn more about Uganda’s location on the equator .

2. Go on a Ugandan Safari

Going on a safari trip to see African wildlife ranks near the top of things to do in Uganda. You will discover many expert tour guides and outfits that know exactly where to take you for the best chances to observe the likes of Cape buffalos , elephants , giraffes , lions , antelopes, chimpanzees and more.

Don’t forget about the equatorial sun! Here’s how to choose the best sun protection hat for Africa .

Some of the best places in Uganda to take a safari include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

3. Join a Gorilla Trekking Tour

Of all the many thrilling things to do in Uganda, the number one on many tourists’ bucket lists is going on a trekking tour to see the mountain gorillas.

The mountain gorillas are an endangered species of less than 1,000 total individuals and can only be seen in three places in the world which include Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to the largest number of mountain gorilla families.

More reading: Is Uganda Safe? Guide to Water, Crime, Disease, Sun

These facts alone make gorilla trekking in Uganda a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wildlife authorities in Uganda enforce strict rules for gorilla trekking in order to protect both the primates and tourists, so you will need to first obtain a permit before joining up with an established trekking company that knows how and where to track the gorilla families.

4. See Where the Nile Begins (Test Your Adrenaline with Extreme Sports)

Most people know that the Nile River is the largest in the world, but did you know that it begins in Uganda? When you are in the area of the Murchison Falls National Park, you will be near the town of Jinja where the mighty Nile starts.

If that isn’t exciting enough for you, the town of Jinja and the surrounding area is known as the “adrenaline capital of East Africa.”

You can enjoy the exhilarating thrill of extreme adventures such as bungee jumping, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and quad-biking.

5. Explore the Majesty of Murchison National Park

While you are exploring Jinja and the Nile River, you will be nearby Murchison Falls National Park .

This is the country’s largest national park and one of the best places to see Africa’s Big Five that includes the endangered Rothschild giraffes, which are the tallest of giraffes.

More reading: How Strong is a Gorilla?

This national park is also a bird watching paradise with more than 450 bird species that include the elusive shoebill. Last but not least, you can’t miss the spectacular waterfall from which the park is named. Whether you go by safari or boat cruise, you will see why this enormous waterfall is considered one of the most powerful in the world.

6. See Wild Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

You may find it difficult to see wild rhinos while on safari in Uganda due to their numbers being mostly wiped out by hunters.

However, thanks to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary , seeing these beautiful creatures is still one of the exciting things to do in Uganda.

Located in Nakasongola on the way to Murchison Falls National Park, this wildlife reserve not only offers guided trekking tours to see the rhinos but also hippopotamuses , antelopes, crocodiles , and more than 250 bird species in addition to canoe cruises and scenic nature walks.

7. See the Tree-climbing Lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Among the intriguing things to do in Uganda that you can’t do in other places is see tree-climbing lions. Your best chance of seeing these odd lions is in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Since the lions hunt by night and sleep most of the day in the trees, you may be able to spot them between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

While you’re in this national park, you will appreciate opportunities to glimpse other wildlife species as well as enjoy hot air balloon rides, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and scenic drives to see Crater Lake, Mountains of the Moon, and the Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

8. Experience Traditional Culture of Ugandan Tribes at the Nedere Centre

You can’t go to Uganda and not experience the country’s traditional dance and music. One of the best places to do this is the Nedere Centre in Kampala.

Opened every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening, the Ndere Centre features a 700-seat venue where you will be mesmerized by the high-energy shows displaying the vibrant costumes, dances, and music that represent the culture of local Ugandan tribes. You may even get to try some local foods at the barbecues hosted by the Nedere Centre.

9. Retreat to the National Botanical Gardens

If you find yourself in need of a beautiful place to relax and catch your breath during your Uganda travels, the National Botanical Gardens is the place.

Located near Lake Victoria in Entebbe about an hour outside of Kambala, this sprawling garden complex offers you biking trails and nature walks through lush landscapes of various trees, plants, and flowers while monkeys, squirrels, butterflies, and birds frolic around you.

If your visit is during November, you may enjoy the festivities of the Annual Milege World Music Festival that is held here each year.

How’s your Swahili? Check out our guide to 100+ animal names in Swahili .

10. Get Up Close to African Reptiles at the Uganda Reptile Village

Seeing amazing wildlife is one of the most popular things to do in Uganda, and that includes reptiles. While you’re in Entebbe, check out the Uganda Reptile Village, a sanctuary for endangered reptiles.

You will see 20 different species here that include crocodiles, chameleons, turtles, cobras, monitor lizards, and Africa’s most poisonous snake, the gaboon viper. Spend a little time in the education center to learn more about these reptiles and come away with a better appreciation for African wildlife.

11. Enjoy Outdoor Recreation at Lake Victoria

It wouldn’t seem right to travel to Uganda and not take time out to visit the largest lake in Africa .

Not only does Lake Victoria offer picturesque views and stunning photo opportunities but a wide range of outdoor activities as well.

You can enjoy fishing, water sports, boat cruises, picnics, birdwatching, cultural walks through local villages, and hiking trails that lead to ancient rock art sites. You may also get the opportunity to see amazing wildlife species such as crocodiles, hippopotamuses, turtles, and otters just to name a few.

While visiting Lake Victoria keep in mind that a parasite known as Bilharzia makes swimming in Lake Victoria a risk. It is also becoming more common to hear about attacks from the Nile crocodiles or hippopotamus because much of their smaller pray have been hunted away

12. Escape to the Unspoiled Ssese Islands

You may fall in love with Lake Victoria so much that you never want to leave. If that’s the case, you may want to spend some time on the lake’s 84-island archipelago known as the Ssese Islands .

Looking for the best safari hat? Check out our guide to African Safari Hats for Bush and Jungle Adventures .

A popular tourist destination, the Ssese Islands offers you plenty of things to do in Uganda. You can laze the days away on beautiful, sandy beaches or go sailing, boating, fishing, hiking or horseback riding.

Take a forest walk and count how many chimpanzees you see. Meet the Bantu people who live nearby and learn about their customs and culture.

13. Owino Market

Visiting markets while traveling in other countries is a great way to not only see the various foods and products that are produced by different cultures, but it is also an excellent way to experience the language , customs, and vibe of the local people.

One of the largest and best markets you can visit in Uganda is the Owino Market in Kampala. Browse through a colorful array of produce, electronics, African print fabrics, and handicrafts while watching vendors and customers haggling over prices. Be sure to try some local cuisine at the food stalls.

Learn more: Uganda Currency: 12 Things to Know

14. Tour the Kasubi Tombs to Learn about Uganda’s Royal Kingdom

While you are in Kampala , head over to the Kasubi Tombs where you can delve into the intriguing history of Uganda’s royal family and the Buganda Kingdom, the country’s largest tribal kingdom.

This historic site features the remnants of a 35-building palace and burial grounds of former Ugandan kings and their royal family members. A guided tour of the site allows you to view artifacts, learn about the traditions and rituals of the Buganda Kingdom, and admire remarkable architecture constructed from vegetational materials.

15. Sample Ugandan Cuisine

Trying the local cuisine of a different country only enhances your overall travel experience, so one of the best things to do in Uganda is sample some of the country’s most popular foods.

Roadside stalls and markets offer fresh fruits such as plantains, roasted meat on sticks, and fried breads wrapped around omelets with vegetables (known as rolex ).

Check out our Uganda Food Guide (16 Must Try Dishes for Your Visit)

At restaurants, you are likely to be served traditional dishes such as luwombo (fish, beef or chicken steamed in plantain leaves with peanut sauce) or chaloko, a hearty meal of pinto beans, onions, green peppers, and onions served with posho (doughy cornmeal mixture).

Learn more about the 18 largest cities in Uganda .

We recommend picking up a travel insurance policy before traveling to Africa. It can cover surprise visits to a medical clinic and protect your belongings should they get lost or damaged.

Uganda may be a small country in size, but it packs so many great attractions and unique adventures that you couldn’t possibly experience them all in one trip. This list only covers some of the country’s most popular highlights.

Other exciting things include visiting historic sites, palaces and temples in the capital city, touring tea and coffee plantations, seeing the stars at night like you’ve never seen before, and meeting the Batwa tribe, descendants of Uganda’s first people. So, what are you waiting for? Uganda is calling you!

Hi, I'm Dena Haines . And I'm co-founder of Storyteller Travel . I love to cover food, animals, and destinations around the world.

I also blog about photography at Storyteller Tech .

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Home » Travel » Top 25 the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda

Top 25 the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda

Tourists will find a plethora of reasons to travel to Uganda. Uganda is a landlocked country in the East-Central African region filled with lush forests and an amazing variety of wildlife. It is an ideal holiday destination for people who are seeking adventure and wildlife. If you are a rare bird enthusiast. You will be pleased to know that Uganda is frequented by many unique species of birds that can’t be seen anywhere else on the planet. We advise you to step out and venture into this beautiful African country instead of reading some Trip Advisor reviews. This article will list 25 of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda with your significant other.

1. Entebbe Botanical Gardens

The city of Entebbe is situated just 23 miles away from Kampala, which is the capital city of Uganda.

Entebbe International Airport is a hotbed of foreign tourists who fly into the country through this airport.

The Botanical Gardens are a perfect away for getting rid of your jet lag while you stretch your legs and relax.

This destination is among the most common places to visit in Entebbe, and for a good reason.

The entire garden is filled with different species of birds and trees, all unique to the Central African region.

You can even feed some curious-looking monkeys while you casually stroll through the gardens.

If you are fascinated by trees try to visit beautiful places in Uganda.

You will be pleased to know that you can spot hundreds of different types of trees on this location.

The calm and serene atmosphere will help you to relax your mind.

You have the option of hiring a tour guide to venture through this botanical garden.

Although a self-guided tour can be equally fun and thrilling.

It is truly one of a kind place.

And a destination you must visit if you decide to come to this wonderful country.

2. Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda.

You can access this location with a safari tour or a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile.

The river cruise is more scenic although you have a greater chance of spotting wildlife in your safari tour.

The site of the waterfall is epic.

And the enormous depth will stun you as the water gushes from the falls and onto the ground.

The area around the falls is protected under the law.

And so you can witness some amazing variety of wild animals on your journey.

If you are a fan of the mighty African lion, then this is the place to be!

You can also see elephants, buffalo, giraffes as well as other animals in the Murchison Falls Conservative Area.

Make sure to pack a good camera along your trip as you are bound to capture some truly breathtaking scenery.

3. Ssese Islands

Ssese Islands one of the beautiful places to visit in Uganda is another hotly contested destination that is known to have sandy beaches and calm waters.

The place will make you feel like you are in Latin America.

The weather will give you tropical vibes.

And the golden beaches will make you feel like you are resting your feet in paradise.

This island is situated on the East African coast and meets the Indian Ocean.

The Ssese Islands are Uganda’s most frequently visited beaches, and people love to relax on its shores.

There are plenty of five-star hotel options dotted around the beach.

And the bars and night clubs will help you party into the night when the sunsets.

Buggala Island is the place to be when you visit this destination, where you can find a wide range of water sporting activities.

Or if you are a trekking enthusiast, you can climb up the many hills around the island.

4. Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is where the great Nile River originates from.

They say if you want to know about the roots of a country, you need to visit its rivers.

Lake Victoria is quintessentially the heartbeat of Uganda, and it is the thing that sustains the people of this country.

The total surface area of this lake covers a large chunk of Uganda.

And it is the largest freshwater lake in Africa.

What’s more?

Lake Victoria is incidentally the largest tropical lake in the entire world.

It supports a huge ecosystem of fish and other animals.

Most of the lake is undisturbed and is home to an immense amount of natural beauty.

You can go fishing in this lake or enjoy the wildlife by taking a boat cruise along the banks of this river.

There are also plenty of beaches surrounding this lake where you can kick back and relax with your loved ones.

5. Kampala Craft Shops

Do you want to experience the unique culture of Africa?

There is no better way to do so than to visit the Kampala Craft Shops.

Where you can find traditional Ugandan attire along with gift items and souvenirs of all kinds.

If you want to create new memories of your adventures.

You can simply visit a local craft shop in the city of Kampala .

And witness African art and craftsmanship in its finest.

These are one of the best places to visit in Uganda Kampala.

You can buy some wonderful items and take back with you to your home.

Kampala is home to 5 such villages where all the people are associated with craftsmanship.

So, if you are looking to buy something unique.

Or a gift for your friends and family, these shops present an ideal opportunity for you.

Each item has a unique story, and you will feel blessed to be a part of this.

6. Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island is a place where all the endangered and rescued chimpanzees find a sanctuary.

And, many chimpanzees are trafficked in the illegal wildlife trade in Africa.

And the ones that are lucky enough to be rescued by the authorities end up finding refuge on this island.

This place is very close to Entebbe town.

And so if you are ever close to this area, you should come to visit this special place.

If you love chimpanzees, you should consider visiting this destination as it is home to a lot of researches.

Who have dedicated their lives studying about chimpanzee behaviour and their IQ.

So if you want to find more about these intelligent animals and their complex emotions.

Ngamba Island presents the perfect opportunity for you.

The clear skies mean that you can spot some amazing views of the Milky Way galaxy during nighttime.

7. Ndeere Centre

Are you a fan of African culture?

Ndeere Centre is one of the biggest convention centres in the city of Kampala.

And it is where you can experience several African dances as well as the finest of Ugandan culture.

This is a cultural centre where you can find a lot of information on the tribes that make up the population of Uganda.

It is among the best picnic places in Kampala where you can watch traditional dances and sit back and relax with your mates.

It is a place where you can gain a lot of exposure to the unique culture of Uganda.

And get to meet like-minded people who share the same values as you.

The dance programs are amazing to witness.

And you will get a taste of the true side of Africa when you visit the Ndeere Centre in the heart of Kampala.

8. Kampala Markets

Kampala is home to two amazing markets that you must have to visit before leaving the city.

One of the markets is called Owino market.

Which is home to second-hand clothes as well as off-brand shoes, among other fashion accessories.

The other happening market is called the Nakasero market, which is renowned for selling fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you want to experience the life of a common man in Uganda, then you should visit these markets.

And you will also have the opportunity to go thrift shopping and buy some great items at bargain prices.

These markets are filled with cheap and fresh goods.

And you can save a lot of money if you decide to go shopping in these markets.

9. Ssezibwa Falls

The world is filled with iconic waterfalls such as the Niagara Falls.

Where millions of people throng to visit these stunning locations.

They are renowned for their scenic charms and natural beauty.

And each place has its unique storyline that people can feel connected to.

Ssezibwa Falls is one such location where you will fall in love with nature and reconnect with the planet on a whole new level.

This location can be described as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda.

Due to its scenic charms and a thrilling backstory that you need to discover when you go exploring near these falls.

The community around this location is very friendly to tourists.

And people from many different countries regularly frequent this place due to the amazing hospitality of the local people.

10. Mabira Forest

Uganda is losing forests at an alarming rate.

This is why the government has taken the initiative to save large chunks of forest land by declaring them as national parks and conservation areas.

This initiative will not only preserve the forest like the beautiful places to visit in Uganda.

But also attract many tourists each year which will rejuvenate the local economy.

Thus, the government needs a lot of money for these efforts.

And one such way they are raising funds is by hosting various adventure sporting activities on the Mabira forest such as zip-lining as well as guided walks through the forest.

If you decide to visit this place.

You should know that the money you spend on your forest expedition will go towards saving the forests and wildlife of Uganda.

You can even do mountain biking on the premises of the forest.

So it presents a unique opportunity for you, especially if you are an adventure geek.

The government initially made plans to destroy part of the forest and make room for sugar plantations.

Still, due to the uproar from the local community, the government backtracked from its initial plan.

And now this place sees an increasing number of tourists each year which is spurring the local economy and creating many jobs for the youths living near the forest area.

This forest has a unique vibe, and you will instantly fall in love with the aroma of this wonderful place.

11. Jinja Town

The Jinja town is renowned for hosting various activities for thrill-seekers.

There are lush green forests all around the area.

And an amazing array of biodiversity that will make you instantly fall in love with this place.

Are you a fan of Bungee jumping?

Jinja town is the place to be at.

Are you into white water rafting?

You will get your fix when you visit this place.

Think about any adventure sport such as horse riding or quad biking and chances are that you can do it in this place.

This place is huge, so you may need a week or two to cover all the fun activities at this place.

It is an ideal place to visit with your friends as you can stay preoccupied with some amazing activities throughout the day.

12. Sipi Falls

Uganda is filled with hilly areas where people can go trekking with their friends and family.

The most common places where people go hiking usually lack biodiversity and wildlife, which means that people don’t get to experience the true nature of Uganda on these common hiking trails.

Sipi Falls is opposite of that, and it is filled with lush greenery and a wide range of wildlife.

Hiking was not popular in Uganda before, but this activity is quickly gaining popularity as one of the go-to activities for many tourists who throng to this country, and Sipi Falls is one of the top hiking destinations because of its amazing biodiversity and scenic charms.

You will have once in a lifetime experience when you decide to go hiking in this destination.

The local community is also vibrant, and you can do a lot more things besides hiking.

Many people recommend visiting this place due to its natural beauty, and it is for this reason why you need to put this location into your itinerary plans.

13. Pian Upe Game Reserve

Are you sick and tired of visiting too many touristy destinations?

Some people like to visit undisturbed locations that are not popular enough for regular tourists but still present some breathtaking sights and sounds.

The Pian Upe Game Reserve is one such place, and there is little doubt why people call it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda.

It is a hidden gem as many people don’t know about this place, and if you are visiting the Sipi Falls, then you should visit this place as it is near to the falls.

If you are lucky enough, you can even spot some antelopes on your journey.

14. Kasubi Tombs

Kasubi Tombs is located in the capital city of Uganda.

When you are roaming around the streets of Kampala, you can pay a visit to the Kasubi Tombs as it will make your stay in Kampala even more enjoyable.

It is a very important site that holds historical significance for Ugandans, and the tombs consist of Ugandan kings as well as having burials of other royal family members.

There are a total of 35 buildings on the entire site, and you can sport some interesting artefacts when you are in this location.

If you want to experience a taste of Uganda’s history, this is the place to be at.

15. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is another one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda, and it represents a slice of the African experience.

You can find some amazing wildlife on the park grounds.

Go on a guided safari tour of the national park and get up close and personal with the mighty African lions, or feed the monkeys that may be hovering over your heads.

The diverse habitat means that you can spot some unique animals that can’t be seen anywhere else.

There are plenty of wetlands lush forests dotted around the national park where you can see elephants roaming about.

The best way to experience this park is to take a hot air balloon that will take you thousands of feet up in the air where you will have a bird’s eye view of the entire Queen Elizabeth National Park.

16. Lake Katwe Explosion Crater Drive

The Explosion Crater Drive is famous for having one of the best and scenic drives in Uganda.

If you are visiting the Queen Elizabeth National Park, then you can go a quick detour of this amazing location as it is just a stone’s throw away from the national park grounds.

The entire drive takes about 2 and a half hours, but it is well worth your valuable time.

You can witness the stunning sights of the lake where buffalos and other animals roam about or drive beside the Mountains of the Moon while you are taking your significant other on a long drive that both of you will remember for ages!

17. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to only one family of gorillas.

Although that may be the case, you can go on some stunning trekking trips once you visit this destination.

You can witness golden monkeys while you trek through the forest, and the striking backdrop of the Virunga Mountains and bamboo forests will give you an experience of a lifetime!

You can even spot some volcanos when you visit this park, so there are plenty of good reasons why you need to include this location in your itinerary plans.

18. Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda is one of the crown jewels of Uganda.

It is situated near the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and the entire region is filled with lush islands.

You can take a boat cruise along the lake where you will have the Virunga Mountains on one side and clear blue skies on the other end.

Holding an immense amount of natural beauty, this lake is the perfect place for you to go fishing or canoeing.

You have the option of meeting the Batwa people, which is the indigenous tribe living near the lake.

You can also go trekking or biking near Lake Mutanda.

This is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda where you can witness jaw-dropping sights and sounds of nature.

19. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Are you a fan of rhinos?

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos roaming freely.

It is a pristine habitat filled with lots of greenery and a healthy population of rhinos.

The country faces a problem of illegal wildlife poaching which has decimated the population of wild rhinos in the country, and that is why the government has declared this habitat as a rhino sanctuary where these mighty animals can roam freely.

It isn’t the only attraction to this place.

You can experience nature walks as well as canoe cruises while you are visiting this beautiful place.

There are plenty of crocodiles and hippos dotted around this sanctuary, so if you ever get bored with rhinos, you should know that there are also crocodiles lurking near you!

20. The Equator

Uganda is a unique country where you can be on two sides of the Equator.

It is one of the only countries where both the hemispheres cross a specific line, which is known as the Equator of the Earth.

So, you have the opportunity of standing in the exact middle of the planet if you visit one of the Equator landmarks in this country.

The most popular landmark is the Kampala-Masaka road.

Once you reach this destination, you can relax and unwind in some restaurants dotted around the area or visit a souvenir shop and commemorate your memorable achievement of visiting the Equator!

21. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is another amazing destination that is a must for all the nature lovers out there.

The entire national park is completely undisturbed, and you can come to this place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life.

It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds a lot of significance for many Ugandans.

You can find many waterfalls and rivers in this park as well as rare species of birds who frequently flock to this place.

There are plenty of exciting things that you can do in this national park, such as hiking up the mountains or going biking near the forest trails.

You can also meet the hospitable and kind of village people who will treat you to some amazing local cuisine.

22. Rubaga Cathedral

The Rubaga Cathedral has a unique architectural design and is a hundred years old building that is still standing strong to this day.

This cathedral sits atop a mountain from where you can catch some stunning views of the Kampala city.

You can take a guided tour which is free of charge, where you can learn all about the history of this building and how it came about.

It also houses two tombs where the bishops are buried.

23. Mount Elgon National Park

Uganda is home to some stunning national parks, and the Mount Elgon National Park is another beautiful park filled with exciting activities and a diverse set of landscapes.

The name of this park comes from an ancient volcano that is situated within Mount Elgon.

The bamboo forests present an ideal hiking spot, and you can witness some breathtaking waterfalls inside this park.

The wildlife is unique, and you can find some rare species of birds that are native to this area.

You can also spot some hyenas or African leopards if you are lucky enough.

24. Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a place where people come to relax and unwind.

The scenery you will find you will make you feel like you have stepped onto a parcel of paradise.

There are 29 small islands dotted around this lake, and you can find hills with lush forests when you visit this beautiful place.

You will find a lot of peace and serenity here, and if you are into bird watching, this lake presents an ideal spot for such activities.

You can also experience various water sports such as jet skiing and canoeing here.

25. Lubiri Palace

Lubiri Palace is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda.

It is home to the former king of Buganda.

The palace is located on top of a hillside overlooking the city of Kampala.

RELATED: Best Places to Visit in Africa

If you want to escape the noisy sounds of the capital city, this location presents a great location for a peaceful escape from city life.

Experience the finest of Uganda’s culture and history when you walk through the palace grounds and breathe in the unique story of this

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• Tourist Attractions in Uganda
• TRAVEL TO KENYA: 5 BEST DESTINATIONS YOU MUST SEE
• Oguta Lake – A peaceful, serene and tranquil sight to behold
• TOP 20 RICHEST COMPANIES IN UGANDA

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28 Brilliant Things To Do In Uganda

Uganda! A country of rolling green hills, misty valleys and craggy mountains. Where lions stalk their prey through grasslands, hippos soak lazily in the shallows, and mountain gorillas move purposefully though tangled forests. Where the calm waters of Lake Victoria transform into the thundering rapids of the River Nile as it makes its way across Africa.

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Less well-known, less-well travelled, but no less enchanting than its East African neighbours, Uganda is a country of surprises and highlights .  But you already know that, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this blog. You’re here because you’re thinking of going – or perhaps you’ve already booked your trip – and you want to know what are the top things to do in Uganda . Well you’ve absolutely come to the right place.

If you follow this blog you’ll know I spent four months living and working in Uganda , so I got to know the country pretty well. During that time I took the opportunity to visit as many of the tourist attractions in Uganda as possible, and at the end of the trip I did a big two-week Uganda adventure , taking in all of the country’s main highlights.

And now I’ve compiled them all into a list. I’ve personally visited, experienced, blogged about and photographed every single one of these things , and written about some of them for Lonely Planet , so you can rest assured these recommendations are as real and honest as it gets.

So here, in no particular order, is my list of the 28 Best Things To Do In Uganda.

1/ Chimpanzee Trekking

If you’ve read other blogs about Uganda, you may already know that this is one of the last places in the world where you can see the critically endangered mountain gorillas. But far less well-known is the fact that you can also spend time and hanging out with our closest relatives: chimpanzees. These guys might not get as much of the glory as their larger neighbours, but visiting them is just as thrilling an experience, and costs a fraction of the price.

Several of Uganda’s parks and forests, including Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, have habituated chimpanzee families, which have been gently trained to tolerate the presence of humans. A chimpanzee tracking experience can be a half or full day, during which you’ll hike through the forest to find the group, before spending time observing them in the wild. If you’re lucky enough to get close to them, as I did, it’s truly breathtaking. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Uganda.

Read More:  Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

2/ Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t also visit the gorillas if you’re able to. There are only about 880 mountain gorillas left in the world, of which about half live in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. That means the chance to see them is extremely rare, and is the main reason why this is the number one tourist attraction in Uganda.

Like visiting the chimpanzees, gorilla trekking involves hiking through thick jungle to find your allocated gorilla family – one of just a handful which have been habituated to the presence of humans. Once you’ve found them, you’ll spend a magical hour observing these magnificent creatures in the wild.

The price tag may be eye-watering ($600 last time I updated this blog post) and the going can sometimes be a bit challenging, but when are you ever going to come back to Uganda or have the chance again?

Read More: Gorilla Trekking in Rainy Season

3/ Wildlife Safaris

Uganda may not have the cachet of Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara, but wildlife spotting is still one of the top tourist attractions in Uganda, and there are more than enough safari animals here to delight even the most discerning of connoisseurs. What’s more, because Uganda is less crowded, you’ll more than likely have the animals all to yourself – and it’s cheaper too!

Uganda has 10 national parks, which are collectively home to more than 350 different mammals, including lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas and buffalos, as well as over 1000 species of birds . Safaris can be organised through one of Uganda’s many safari companies, or though a small group travel company like G Adventures .

Read more: 46 Amazing African Safari Animals – A Photo Guide

4/ Queen Elizabeth National Park

The largest and many would say the best of Uganda’s National Parks, Queen Elizabeth is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Uganda. Located on the western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and right on the equator, the park covers nearly 2000 square kilometres and is home to all of Uganda’s wildlife big-hitters. If you only have time to visit one park, make it this one.

You can easily fill a couple of days here with game drives: try an evening drive to spot elephants feeding or big cats on their way out to hunt, and then get up before dawn to enjoy the sunrise and see the hippos returning to the water after a night grazing. At night, sleep in a safari tent so you can hear the sounds of the park at night as you drift off, and if you’re lucky your camp might even receive a nocturnal visitor or two – a slightly terrifying but exhilarating experience.

Read More:  The Amazing Animals Of Uganda: A Photo Guide

5/ Kazinga Channel Boat Trip

While you’re in Queen Elizabeth National Park it would be a mistake not to do a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, a 20-mile-long shallow river that flows between Lake George and Lake Edward. Animals of all shapes and sizes come down to the water’s edge to drink and bathe, so on any given day you’re guaranteed to see everything from elephants, hippos and buffalos, to – if you’re lucky – a pride of lions. 

The beauty of wildlife spotting by boat is that the animals don’t seem to be bothered by its presence, meaning you can get much closer than you might be able to by car. On a sunny day a lazy boat journey down any river is a wonderful thing, but when you add in more wildlife than you’ll have room for on your memory card, this particular journey becomes one the best tourist attractions in Uganda.

Kazinga Channel boat trips last two hours and cost around $30 per person. Top blog tip: if you can, sit on the left hand side, as that’s the one closer to the shore.

Read more:  A Boat Trip on the Kazinga Channel

6/ Great Rift Valley

As well as amazing wildlife, Uganda boasts some of the most stunning landscapes to be found anywhere in Africa. The country sits on the Great Rift Valley, a vast crack in the earth’s crust created as two tectonic plates move apart from one another, creating an enormous 4000-mile long trench that’s widening by a few centimetres every year. Over millions of years, as the continent slowly tears itself in two, these powerful forces have formed dramatic peaks and troughs, creating some of the highest mountains (including Uganda’s Rwenzori mountains), violent volcanoes, and some of the deepest lakes in Africa (Lake Victoria, for example).

You’ll glimpse the effects of the Great Rift as you travel throughout Western Uganda. From the many huge lakes, to the vast flat plain of the rift itself, to the peaks of the surrounding mountains, these are views you won’t forget in a hurry.

Read More:  19 Wildlife Photography Tips for Beginners

7/ Volcanic Craters

Thanks to all that volcanic activity , Uganda is home to some spectacular craters and crater lakes. Millions of years ago all this scenery would have been scorched and black, but today the fertile volcanic soil has given life to rolling green landscapes dotted with sparkling water holes. There’s something extra special about the perfectly round shape and sharp outline of a crater lake, and the way the water, unruffled by  currents and sheltered from the wind, reflects the sky as sharp as a mirror.

There are stunning craters and crater lakes all across Western Uganda, but the best ones are the Katwe Craters in Queen Elizabeth National Park – do a late afternoon crater drive to really see them at their sparkling best. Or, if your budget will stretch, try spending a night at either Crater Safari Lodge in Kibale, or at Kyaniga Lodge in Fort Portal: both are stunning luxury hotels perched right on the edge of crater lakes with views to die for.

8/ Tree-climbing Lions in Ishasha

Another thing that Queen Elizabeth National Park is well-known for is its tree-climbing lions. These are not a unique subspecies of lion – all lions can climb trees – but this particular park happens to have some very climbable trees, and the lions here aren’t slow to take advantage.

The wonderful thing about lions in trees is they’re much easier to spot and photograph. Hidden in tall, dry grasses at ground level, a lion is virtually invisible, but up in a tree he’s on full display, and likely to rest there for several hours. When one is spotted the rangers let each other know, so as long as he doesn’t wake up and head off to hunt before you get to his location, you’ll have a good chance of spotting him.

To see the tree-climbing lions, simply drive to the Ishasha sector of the park, ask every car you pass if they’ve seen a lion, and keep your eyes peeled!

Read more: Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda: Is It Overhyped?

9/ Murchison Falls National Park

Located about five hours’ drive north of Kampala, Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park: a massive 4000 square kilometres. Not only does it boast about 500 bird and 75 mammal species, it’s also home to the most powerful waterfall in the world. Murchison Falls is where the River Nile , the world’s longest river, squeezes its entire force through a tiny 6-metre crack and plunges over a 43-metre drop at 300 cubic metres per second. Which is pretty noisy and impressive to behold, and is what makes it another of the top tourist attractions in Uganda.

There are two ways to see Murchison Falls – and I highly recommend you do both. Take a boat trip along the Nile to see the Bottom of the Falls, front on, and then either hike up, or take the boat back and drive up to the Top of the Falls to see the churning, tumbling water close up. Later you can do a game drive in the park to spot giraffes, antelopes, hyenas or elephants, before relaxing in one of the area’s many safari lodges.

Read more:  What To Do In Murchison Falls National Park

10/ Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

If you’re heading from Kampala up to Murchison Falls, don’t miss Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your way through. Located just three hours from the capital (so it’s also doable in a weekend), Ziwa is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild – and not just see them, but get extremely close to them.

Because of poaching, rhinos became extinct in Uganda in 1983.  Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was set up 15 years later to reintroduce them.  They started with just six animals, but thanks to a successful breeding programme they now have 22, with more on the way.

You can see the rhinos by taking a guided walk with an armed ranger. These last about two hours and cost $45 per person for a non-Ugandan. If two hours isn’t enough for you, you can also stay overnight in the park.

Read more:  A Visit To Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

11/ Go Hiking In Sipi Falls

Situated at 1,775 m above sea level in the foothills of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda close to the border with Kenya, Sipi Falls is a relaxed hill town that makes a great location for a weekend break away from Kampala. Thanks to its fresh mountain air, rolling hills and craggy cliffs it’s popular with adventure enthusiasts, especially hikers, climbers, and hill runners.

The area gets its name from three pretty waterfalls – and a hike to see them, which takes the best part of a day, is the area’s main attraction. But there are plenty of other outdoor adventures to be had too, from tours of the local coffee plantations, to birdwatching walks, to hill running, to rock climbing on one of 14 bolted sport routes and even abseiling down the side of the main 100m waterfall – which I didn’t do because it sounds terrifying!

Read More: What To Do In Sipi Falls

12/ Kampala

Although most people come to Uganda for the wildlife and scenery, most trips will start or end in Kampala, and no guide to things to do would be complete without mentioning it.

Kampala has a reputation for being noisy, dirty and crowded, but it’s also the beating heart of the country: full of vibrancy, hustle and bustle, noise and colour. Originally built on seven hills, and now sprawling out over many more, Kampala can be confusing to navigate, but the centre is compact and well-organised, with plenty to see and do for a day or two.

Learn about Uganda’s history and the brutal regime of Idi Amin at Mengo Palace, also known as Kabaka Palace – where you can see Amin’s chilling former torture chambers – or check out the last resting place of the former Kings of Buganda at the Kasubi Tombs. Stroll along Parliament Avenue to take in some of the best colonial architecture, shop for souvenirs or African art in one of the many craft markets and art galleries, or avoid the traffic by hopping on the back of a boda-boda (moped taxi) and whizzing across the city (not for the faint-hearted, but an excellent and cheap way to get around).

Read More: Top Weekend Trips From Kampala

13/ Kampala Mosque

A popular thing to see in Kampala is the Old Kampala National Mosque . This stately yellow building with its cluster of copper domes is the 5 th largest mosque in Africa, with space for around 16,000 people all praying together. The huge prayer hall is decorated with stained glass from Italy, an enormous blue and red woven carpet, and intricate chandeliers from Egypt. If you’re feeling energetic, try climbing the 306 steps to the top of the minaret for stunning views of the city spread out in all directions – the  perfect way to get your bearings and take in the size of the city from a peaceful vantage point.

Read More:  A Video Producer in Kampala: The Story of Safi and Amir

14/ Kampala Bars and Restaurants

When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, it’s time to enjoy Kampala’s main attraction: its nightlife. The city is known as the party capital of East Africa, so much so that visitors regularly come from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda to party the weekend away.

Kampala is divided into districts, each with its own vibe. The main party area is along Acacia Avenue: here you’ll find popular local favourites including  Bubbles O’Leary’s Irish Pub , Big Mike’s bar and nightclub, Kurb bar which sometimes hosts live music, and a little further up the road is Cayenne , which has a restaurant, a poolside bar, and a dancefloor.

Outside the city centre, Kabalagala is known for being a slightly more seedy area, but it still has a few quirky options including Deuces, and Café Cheri. Or head up the road to Bugolobi for excellent cocktails at The Alchemist .

Kampala also has a reputation for excellent food, with dozens of restaurants to try. Here are some of my favourites: Di Vino for the best steak I had in Africa; try Bistro for excellent chicken or fish; Miso Garden for Korean/Asian fusion in a peaceful garden setting; or Mediterraneo for excellent pizza and pasta.

Read More:  A Perfect Day in Kampala

15/ Lake Bunyonyi

Located in the far west of Uganda close to the border with Rwanda, Lake Bunyonyi is a charming place to spend a day or two relaxing.  This stunningly pretty lake is dotted with dozens of islands, some of which have fascinating dark stories. Take a ride in a small dugout canoe to learn about some of them, from Punishment Island, where girls who got pregnant out of wedlock were abandoned to die, to Leprosy Island, which used to be a leper colony run by a Scottish missionary.

A great place to stay is Byoona Amargara , a peaceful island retreat run as a not-for profit enterprise that supports community development at Lake Bunyonyi. Choose between a budget cabin or one of their amazing open-sided ‘geo domes’ with views out over the lake. Fall asleep to the gentle sounds of nature, wake to birdsong, relax during the day with short walks or swimming in the lake, and stuff yourself silly with the restaurant’s amazing food.

Fun fact: even though it’s relatively small, Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa and the fourth deepest lake in the world, at 900 m at its maximum depth.

16/ Visit the Batwa People

While you’re in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks, it’s worth taking time to visit one of the Batwa communities. The Batwa people are a hunter-gatherer tribe, who for thousands of years lived a nomadic lifestyle in the forests of Western Uganda.

But in 1991 the area they live in was turned into a national park, and the Batwa were forcibly evicted. Now they live in makeshift camps on the edges of the forest, where they survive by subsistence farming and offering cultural experiences to tourists.

Visits to the Batwa include the chance to learn about their traditional way of life and watch displays of music and dancing. It’s a great way to support this displaced and marginalised community who really need our help.

Tours can be organised through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Batwa Development Programme – but make sure you only do an official visit, as these are culturally sensitive and your ticket price goes back to support the community.

Read more: The Batwa People: How To Visit Uganda’s Displaced Community

17/ Stand On The Equator

Another easy and popular thing to do in Uganda is to visit the Equator. Uganda sits right on this magical line, providing a rare opportunity to stand with one foot in the Northern and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere – a slightly surreal but fun experience if you’ve never done it before. 

The points where the Equator crosses major roads are all marked with circular monuments, but the main place to see it is at Kayabwe, on the Masaka-Mbarara highway, about 45 miles from Kampala.

Here there are craft stalls and cafes, and you can watch a demonstration that proves that water does indeed circle down a plug hole in opposite directions on either side of the Equator. I’d heard this but I didn’t know if it was true or not, so it was fascinating to see it for myself!

18/ Lake Mburo National Park

About five hours’ drive west of Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks. It’s mostly home to herbivores like antelopes, zebras and buffalo, but there are no elephants or lions here. This means that it’s a much safer place to roam around than the other parks, making it the ideal spot for outdoor activities like horseback riding, mountain biking or bird-spotting walks, without running the risk of being trampled on or turned into a tasty meal for a big cat.

Lake Mburo is a great place to stop for night on your way back to Kampala from the west. If your budget will stretch, stay at the stunning Mihingo Lodge , one of the Uganda’s most spectacular lodges, which boasts luxury boutique log cabins with private verandas overlooking the park, and a swimming pool with one of the best views I’ve ever seen!

Read More:  Top Weekend Trips from Kampala

19/ Lake Victoria

Uganda may be landlocked, but what it lacks in sea views it makes up for with the mighty Lake Victoria. This huge body of water sits on the south side of the country, across the borders with Kenya and Tanzania, and at over 23,000 square miles is the largest lake in Africa.

The best departure point to see Lake Victoria is Entebbe (about which, more below).  Enjoy a sunset cruise to enjoy the calm waters, or take a trip out to some of the many islands. The main highlight is the Ssese Islands, an archipelago of 84 islands featuring blue waters, soft white sands, and thick forests – which make for a fantastic off-the-beaten-track tropical island experience. The main island,  Buggala Island is easily accessible by ferry from Entebbe, and is a popular weekend destination for Kampala residents, with a string of beachfront hotels and bars.

Read more:  Top 34 African Birds: A Safari Photo Guide

20/ Entebbe

If you’re travelling by plane, Entebbe is where your trip to Uganda will start and end. But the town is more than just a hub for the airport – it’s also a peaceful retreat right on the shores of Lake Victoria just an hour from Kampala, and it’s a great way to spend a day or two at the start or end of your holiday, or as a weekend away from the capital.

During the day, enjoy the peaceful greenery and bird life of the Botanical Gardens, parts of which are so perfectly lush and jungly they were used in the 1940s as a location for the original Tarzan movies. If snakes or crocodiles are your thing head for the Reptiles Village where you can see some of the many poisonous snakes carefully rescued when they show up uninvited in people’s homes across the country. Or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre – about which, more below.

In the evening, wander along the shores of Lake Victoria and have a meal at a lakeside restaurant while enjoying the fresh air and maybe the sound of a local band.

Read More: Things To Do In Entebbe

21/ Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

One of the highlights of my trip to Uganda was my visit to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (or Entebbe Zoo as it’s sometimes known) and the chance to come nose-to-nose with some of the planet’s most incredible creatures.

Far more than just a zoo, UWEC is a wildlife sanctuary where animals rescued from poachers or the illegal pet trade are brought to be cared for until they can be released back into the wild. Those that would be unable to fend for themselves – often because they were only babies when they were found – are kept permanently. These animals have been hand-raised by humans, and that means you can get close to them without fear. Do the Behind the Scenes tour for the chance to feed a giraffe, stroke a cheetah, or make friends with an elephant – at $75 it’s not cheap, but it’s worth it!

Read more: A Day At Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

Or why not watch the short video I made for a taste of the action!

22/ Source of the Nile

The River Nile is the longest river in the world – over 4000 miles long – and runs all the way from Uganda at its most southern end to the Mediterranean sea in the north.

In the 19th century, during the golden age of exploration, a small group of intrepid British adventurers was determined to find the source of this mighty waterway. After several years of searching, punctuated no doubt by run-ins with hostile locals and the occasional bout of one tropical disease or another, it was eventually – and controversially – claimed in 1858 by a man named John Hanning Speke at Jinja, about 80 km east of Kampala.

The historic discovery of the Source of the Nile (or one of them, at least) is commemorated at the Source of the Nile monument just outside Jinja. Take a guided boat ride upstream and onto Lake Victoria, where it’s said you can actually see the bubbles as the water rises out of the lake and begins its journey north.

23/ Whitewater Fun in Jinja

As well as being the place where the River Nile begins, Jinja is also Uganda’s whitewater adventure capital. The foaming waves and thundering rapids of the world’s longest river are a huge draw for adrenalin junkies, who come to enjoy the thrills of whitewater kayaking and rafting on rapids that reach Grade 5 in some areas. Head to the Nile River Explorers base for all the adventures you can eat – from extreme rafting to tandem and solo kayaking to quad biking.

For those of a more nervous disposition, NRE also offers more sedate activities like stand-up paddleboarding or horseback riding. With plenty of places to stay, eat, and drink, and a fun, relaxed vibe, it’s not surprising that Jinja is now the second top tourist attraction in Uganda after the gorillas.

A word of caution though: flowing water is fine, but avoid swimming in still water at the river’s edge as the area is known for carrying the waterborne parasite bilharzia – which won’t kill you but may well ruin several days of your holiday.

Read more: Jinja and the Nile River Kayak Festival

24/ Boutique Lodges

One of the top tourist attractions in Uganda is the chance to stay in one of the country’s many spectacular safari lodges. Far more than just a hotel, these places are experiences in themselves, often featuring sympathetically-designed wood cabins with private terraces overlooking stunning views, and offering delicious three-course meals all included in the price of your stay. While they’re not as cheap as a campsite or a less luxurious hotel, I definitely recommend you treat yourself to a night or two if you can stretch to it.

There are plenty to choose from, but here are a few that I can personally recommend: Kyaninga Lodge in Fort Portal, perched high over a stunning crater lake; Crater Safari Lodge in Kibale, which features luxury cabins with verandas looking out over another crater lake;  Mihingo Lodge with its spectacular vistas over Lake Mburo National Park; Bush Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you fall asleep to the sound of hippos grunting in the nearby river, or Bakiga Lodge , which clings to a hillside overlooking the misty treetops of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Read More:  An Afternoon in Kibale, Uganda

25/ Rolling Green Landscapes

As you travel round Uganda, one of the things you cannot fail to notice is how green the country is. If you’ve only ever seen Africa on the news you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a dry, dusty continent, but that couldn’t be further than the truth.

Uganda is actually about as rainy as the famously damp United Kingdom, with over 1 metre of rainfall every year, so there’s no shortage of water to provide the necessary juice for things to grow. And – wow! – does stuff grow! Bananas, cassava, potatoes, corn, beans, coffee, cotton, tea, tobacco… these are just some of the things they produce, which means you won’t struggle to find delicious fresh fruit and veg with almost zero food miles.

Many people make a living from subsistence farming, each family owning a small plot of land where they grow crops to sell at the local market. As a result Uganda’s rolling landscape has become a patchwork of terraces and squares, each one a slightly different shade of green.

Look out for them particularly as you drive through Western Uganda’s volcanic region – you’ll definitely be stopping the car to hop out and take pictures – and it’s what makes the landscape another one of Uganda’s many tourist attractions.

Read More: Two Weeks In Uganda – A Suggested Itinerary

26/ Ugandan Music

Uganda has a vibrant music scene, which is influenced not only by local and African sounds, but also by the wider international music industry. Two of the most popular traditional genres are Kidandali, which features the use of typical Ugandan sounds and samples, and Kadongo Kamu, which means ‘one little guitar’ and is based around the acoustic guitar. In Kampala especially there are plenty of opportunities to hear live bands performing all kids of music – try Ndere Cultural Centre for local bands, or JazzVille in Bugolobi for really fun and accessible Jazz.

27/ Arts and Crafts

If Ugandan art is what you’re after, Kampala also has a colourful art scene with at least half a dozen galleries representing both local and internationally-known artists. AfriArt , AKA gallery and Nommo Gallery are probably the best-known, but there are several of others, all offering unique and stylish paintings and textiles that’ll look great on your wall back home.

For souvenirs and crafts you’ll find roadside stalls at every tourist destination , but for the best prices and the most choice save your shopping for Kampala. Here there are two main permanent markets: the  Exposure Africa market on Buganda road and the African Craft Village behind the National Theatre.

Everything from carved wooden figures and animals and leather to jewellery and textiles are on offer here – some are imported from Kenya but there are plenty of local items too. On Fridays there’s also a craft market in Nsambiya along Ggaba Road where you can buy items directly from the artisans who made them – and the prices are often better too.

If you prefer not to have to haggle, a great place to shop for unique local souvenirs is one of the three branches of Banana Boat . This carefully-curated store works directly with local artisans to source and sell unique products you won’t find anywhere else, so not only will you come home with something beautiful, you’ll also be helping to support local businesses.

28/ Meet the People

One of my favourite things about Uganda – that makes it such a joy to travel in – is its people. Rarely have I travelled anywhere where the locals are so warm, welcoming and helpful. As I travel I often stop people and ask for photos – sometimes I’m refused, sometimes they ask for money, but in Uganda almost everyone I met was happy to oblige and asked for nothing in return.

Wandering around by myself with my camera I never felt unsafe or threatened, and although a blonde white woman is often the subject of curiosity, people’s glances almost never felt aggressive or intrusive as they have done in other places I’ve visited. It also helps that English is one of the national languages, making Uganda a very easy and enjoyable country to travel in.

So there you have it – my top 28 things to do in Uganda!  Do you think I’ve missed something! Let me know in the comments, or contact me and I’ll add it in!

And if you’re going to Uganda – happy travels!

Read more about the amazing things to do in Uganda

If you enjoyed this, find out more about some of the beautiful places in Uganda here:

7 Best Weekend Trips from Kampala, Uganda

• A Perfect Day in Kampala
• What Happens On A Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Uganda
• What To Do In Sipi Falls, Uganda
• The Rewards Of Visiting Uganda’s Batwa Tribe

Liked this post about Uganda tourist attractions? Why not Pin It for later?

Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

Further Reading...

Uganda Orphanages: The Story of Safi and Amir

An Epic Uganda Itinerary In 2 Weeks

Leroo La Tau In Botswana: See The Incredible Zebra Migration

An unhelpful guide to the rockaways & new york.

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Top 20 things to do in Uganda – the definitive list!

Uganda has so much to offer beyond just trekking to see mountain gorillas. We're talking amazing wildlife, adrenaline activities, hiking and waterfalls, cultural experiences, and more! Here are our top 20 things to do in Uganda.

Uganda is one of the most exciting and beautiful holiday destinations in the world. Whether you are wowed by landscapes, wildlife, culture, or simply seek adventure – Uganda is the perfect destination for you.

But don’t just take our word for it. Read our list of the top 20 things to do in Uganda and see if you don't agree with us! (We're in good company, by the way, in making this claim, as in 1907 Winston Churchill dubbed Uganda the Pearl of Africa !)

1. Go mountain gorilla trekking

Number one on our list of things to do in Uganda is gorilla trekking. If you're looking for adventure, you can't get any better than this! Get up close and personal with mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park . 

Our clients Amber and Scott with their Bwindi Forest trek crew

Only a handful of people get to spend time with wild mountain gorillas in their natural habit, because there are roughly only 720 left on the planet. 

Gorilla trekking is therefore both a fascinating and truly unique experience, one that's understandably at the top of many people's bucket lists! Here are 20 more things to know about mountain gorilla trekking .

There would be a youtube video here.

2. Visit endangered rhinos

Due to poaching (the very last wild rhino in the country was killed in 1982) you won't spot rhinos in Uganda's national parks. But the good news is that there are several white rhinos living happily in the expansive Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

The sanctuary was started in 2005 by the rhino reintroduction project, and profits from visitors go towards the breeding programme and their eventual release into the wild! These endangered, magnificent creatures are free to move around on 7,000 ha of land.

Black rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Watch them at close range on a one- to two-hour trek whilst they roam in their natural habitat. This is a spectacular African experience not to be missed!

3. Canoe on Lake Bunyonyi

Believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi is one of the country’s top natural treasures. Hence why it's also on our list of the top 20 things to do in Uganda!

The lake is framed by lush, terraced hills, but it’s the 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical.

Canoe in traditional dugout canoes

Its the perfect place to relax, explore the neighbourhood on a quad bike or go bird watching. The word bunyonyi in the local language actually means 'birds', and yes, you guessed right – it's thus called because the lake is home to an extremely broad range of bird species! Get your camera ready and check out those stunning views.

Bunyonyi contains 29 islets, giving it a memorably different look to most lakes

Hop on traditional Ugandan wooden boats and paddle to one of the Lake Bunyonyi's many hidden islands, one of which has a small adventure park including a zip line!

And don't forget to bring your swimsuit. Lake Bunyonyi is known as one of the few lakes in Uganda free of bilharzia (a common parasite found in southern Africa), making its waters safe for swimming. Yippee! It’s also free of dangerous wildlife like hippos and crocodiles. Even bigger yippee.

4. Go on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

If you consider yourself a bit of a nature buff, you've probably heard about the Queen Elizabeth National Park . It's the most popular tourist attraction in Uganda and the most visited national park – and we can see why! It's home to 96 species of mammals, including lions, buffaloes, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles and elephants. You can spot them all at close range.

A lion takes it easy in a tree in Queen Elizabeth National Park

What's more, you can see the park's tree-climbing lions! Very few African lions climb trees. Nobody knows for sure why a handful of lion populations in Uganda and Tanzania go up trees when their brethren don't. Some think they climb trees in order to avoid tsetse fly bites. Others believe it's a way of them escaping the heat on the ground. Whatever the real reason, they look rather comfy!

5. Take a boat safari on Kazinga Channel

A narrow stretch of water connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, this channel is among the most important features in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and can't be missed!

Kazinga Channel is always buzzing with wildlife

The park is known for being home to the world’s largest concentration of hippos, who happen to live side by side with Nile crocodiles. Wouldn't want to fall in that water, that's for sure!

Taking a boat cruise down the channel is a great way to keep you distance yet still see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Kazinga Channel is full of hippos

6. Visit the salt pans of Lake Katwe

Lake Katwe is a traditional salt-mining lake known for its high-quality salt. Small salt mines make a pretty pattern on the edge of the lake. We recommend popping by on your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park to see how the local community mines the salt.

FYI, the lake was formed in the aftermath of a violent volcanic eruption.

Pans of water on the edge of Lake Katwe which are being mined for salt | Image: Pérsida Díaz

7. Explore the town of Entebbe and its surrounds

Entebbe is a small, green and laidback town on the shore of Lake Victoria. It's a fantastic hub for adventure sports, exploring nature and cultural pursuits.

And bonus: Entebbe International Airport is just next door! This makes it the perfect overnight stop on your way in or out of Uganda.

Sunset view of Mabamba Swamp just outside of Entebbe

Some of the activities you can go in Entebbe include:

• horse riding
• visiting Entebbe Botanic Gardens
• shopping at the craft markets
• mountain biking
• visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (which protects orphaned chimps)
• exploring the impressive Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre
• and much more!

A resident shoebill stork at Entebbe's Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre

8. Have fun on Lake Victoria

While in Entebbe, you have to make the most of Lake Victoria! This majestic expanse of water is shared by Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Spending time on the waters of Lake Victoria is most definitely on our list of the top 20 things to do in Uganda!

Fishermen on the shore of Lake Victoria

Some popular activities include:

• sunrise or sunset canoeing
• playing volleyball
• swimming at Lido Beach

Sunset over Lake Victoria

Did you know that Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the chief reservoir of the White Nile?

9. Explore the city of Kampala

Northeast of Entebbe, Kampala is a dynamic and engaging city with a rich and colourful history. Visiting the capital city adds yet another flavour to your Uganda experience and you get to see one more side of real Africa!

Selfie time in front of Kampala's famous Baha'i House of Worship

Our local leader can take you to a local restaurant or bar in the evening which can be an adventure in itself! If you've enough time, also be sure to check out the Kasubi Tombs, the resting place of four kings of Buganda and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A view over the city of Kampala, Uganda's capital

We also recommend dinner at Ndere Cultural Centre, where guests are treated to a traditional dance performance.

10. Hike to Sipi Falls

The picture below speaks for itself, right?

The beautiful Sipi Falls

Just a short drive from Kampala, Sipi Falls in Mount Elgon National Park is a series of three tall waterfalls cascading in a 99 m drop along the lower slopes of Mt Elgon.

There are different hikes you can take, all starting from the small trading centre of Sipi. If you're feeling ambitious, it's possible to undertake a day hike from the main waterfall to the three smaller falls that lie upstream, one of which has a beautiful swimming pool at its base. Be sure to pack your bathing suit!

You can also abseil the cliff face alongside the main waterfall – a must for thrill-seeking travellers!

Over the edge we go!

11. Adventure activities in Jinja

Uganda really is the perfect place to get your adventure on, and the small colonial town of Jinja is the country's adventure capital!

Jinja is where the White Nile flows out of Lake Victoria

Many consider Jinja to be the true source of the Nile! It's an incredibly beautiful spot, and we recommend spending at least a couple of nights here, raising your adrenaline in the day, and relaxing by the shore in the evenings.

Some of the exciting adventure activities on offer in or near Jinja are:

• white-water rafting
• bungee jumping
• quad biking

The town itself presents beautiful colonial-era architecture and a buzzing local community.

One of our favourite Jinja-based activities is tubing on the River Nile!

12. Visit Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls became one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. It's the largest national park in Uganda and one of the best destinations for those interested in the country’s wildlife. 

The glorious Murchison Falls from above

Today, you can expect to see elephants, crocodiles, endangered giraffes (more on these below), leopards, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, buffalos, hippos, antelopes and waterbucks. That's a long list!

The park is also home to 460 species of birds, including the shoebill stork.

And of course a visit to Murchison Falls would not be complete without a visit to the falls themselves up close in person. You can do this on an unforgettable boat cruise.

The equally glorious view from below

13. Meet Rothschild's giraffes

Rothschild's giraffes comprise one of the smallest populations of giraffes in the world. It's estimated that there are only around 1,600 of them left in the wild. It's IUCN status is "near threatened". These giraffes can be found in just Kenya and Uganda.

Rothschild's giraffes are easy to identify as they look like they're wearing knee-high white socks

Murchison Falls National Park is home to the largest population of Rothschild's giraffes. Rothschild's giraffes are actually one of the tallest giraffes, able to grow to almost 6 m tall!

Did you know that a giraffe's heart is about two feet long and weighs roughly 11 kg?!

Rothschild's giraffes can be found throughout Murchison Falls National Park

Fun fact: a group of giraffes is called a tower of giraffes. How appropriate!

14. Zip line through Mabira Forest

Mabira Central Forest Reserve is just 44 km east of the capital of Kampala, and on the way to the town of Jinja. This makes it an easy addition to your Uganda itinerary.

Apart from being a beautiful, ancient rainforest that's ideal for hikes and exploratory walks, it has a fantastic zip line that it's dubbed the Mabira Forest Canopy Super Skyway! The zip line grants you amazing views over the canopy, and you'll see the River Musamya as you fly over it.

A white-throated bee-eater perches on a slim branch in Mabira Forest

While you're laughing and whizzing through the air with your pals, keep an eye open for African fish eagles, palm nut vultures and great blue turacos, among others! At the end of the zip line, you hike back to base camp via Griffin Falls.

15. Bike through Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park may be smaller than the others, but boy does it pack in a whole load of wildlife! Its fantastic location, between Entebbe and Bwindi, makes it a good stop over to avoid really long drives or a flight.

A warthog eyes the photographer suspiciously in the park's woodland section

When there, why not do things a little differently and take a bike ride through the park when the sun starts setting? It's the only safari in Uganda were you're allowed to be outside the car! You’ll see zebras, antelopes, baboons, giraffes, long-horn cattle – all from a very close range.

Defassa waterbuck are among the many antelopes you can spot around Lake Mburo

Note that whilst you can explore the national park at any time of day, morning game drives are better for getting photographs.

16. Trek to see Kibale Forest's chimpanzees

It's not only the gorillas that attract animal-lovers to Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking is also a fascinating experience and one you won't forget in a hurry!

On a chimp tracking excursion, you go on a guided hike to through beautiful Kibale Forest to find a troop. Once you find them, you spend about an hour with them, observing them eating, grooming, playing and maybe even swinging from one tree to another if you're lucky!

Chimpanzee tracking is a fascinating and, in our opinion, underrated experience

17. Stand at the Ugandan Equator

Instagrammers at the ready – the Ugandan Equator is one of the most photographed and well-known landmarks in the whole country. And of course it is, since we all love the idea of saying we're in two places at once!

Visiting the Equator is a must when in Uganda!

At the Equator, you're able to stand with one of your feet in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. This effectively lets you stand on both sides of the world at the same time. Mind. Blown.

The challenge is to photograph the sign in a unique way, like this

18. Hike in the Rwenzori Mountains

Another worthy addition to our list of the top 20 things to do in Uganda is visit the mighty, mist-shrouded Rwenzori Mountains !

The scenery of the Rwenzoris is unique and absolutely incredible

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in western Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains are a hiker's paradise. You can embark on short day hikes or tackle more challenging, multiday treks. Mountaineers can have a go at Africa's fourth highest peak: Mt Ngaliema (5,109 m)!

The vegetation in the misty heights of the mountains is unusual and exotic, and the trails are quiet as the range is very remote and little-known. It's an incredibly beautiful corner of the country that's a must-see for anyone who loves the drama of mountains!

The Rwenzoris are a remote, unique and magical mountain range

19. Hike to Sempaya Hot Springs

The Sempaya Hot Springs are powerful geothermal springs that can reach a temperature of 100° C! There are two hot springs, separated by about a 30-minute hike. The locals refer to the the two springs as the male and female springs.

Geothermal hot spring in Semuliki

The hot springs can be found in Semuliki National Park in the west of Uganda. This is an underrated park boasting not only the hot springs but also beautiful wetland. It's also very close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which makes it a great addition to a gorilla trekking trip.

The wetland of Semuliki National Park

Apart from the hot springs, hiking in Semuliki National Park is very rewarding as it's a gorgeous and ecologically rich park. The Semuliki River runs through it before joining with the Congo River.

The park contains many fascinating Old World monkeys, including the mangabey, black-and-white colobus, and red-tailed monkey. Some of the birds to look out for are blue kingfisher and dwarf hornbill.

20. Game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park!

Few people visit Kidepo Valley National Park as it's far from the country's other main attractions. But those who do make the effort to get there are rewarded with fantastic game experiences.

Bush elephants in Kidepo

The park's scenery is gorgeous, and varies from rocky outcrops to wide open grassland, inselbergs and verdant valleys. Importantly, the wildlife spotting is excellent . Many visitors see lions, cheetahs and elephants, as well as enormous buffalo herds. Other animals in the park include jackals, caracals and aardwolfs, mountain reedbucks, dik-diks and kudus.

This quiet corner of Uganda is definitely worth the effort!

The path to Savannah Lodge (our favourite place to stay) in Kidepo

Feeling inspired!? Why not check out our trips to Uganda. Let's explore together!

Top 10 Uganda Destinations Great For Safari

Uganda’s top 10 destinations great for safari include two rainforest jungles popular for primates viewing, three shoreline destinations on two massive lakes, and five savannah game parks—an impressive collection no other Africa safari destination, that size, can dream of having.

From the savannah plains, rainforest jungles to hidden cultural cities, Uganda has many obscure and diverse destinations great for a private or group African safari holiday. In this little country, the size of Britain, there are 10 national parks, 12 wildlife reserves, a multi culture mix, and a bucket-load of breathtaking landscapes; it’s challenging to decide which places deserve the distinction of the best destinations to visit in Uganda.

That’s why we considered a variety of factors, such as the destination’s ttractions, access, bioviversity, accommodation options, as well as popularity and ratings, to determine which are best places for safari in Uganda.

Uganda’s top destinations have become popular with private and small group travelers and what makes them preferred by the new and seasoned travelers is that its tourist numbers are still small and tolerable compared to its famous giant safari neighbors ( Kenya and Tanzania ).

There’s a big chance that an ordinary traveler’s toes will not get stepped on, their lazy evenings will not be disrupted, or even they might be the only one on a game drive in the entire national park. The destination is a giant private reserve that makes private safari an affordable indulgence for an everyday traveler.

Uganda has all the savannah plains, the rainforest jungles, the snow-capped mountains, and the indigenous African cultures to brag about. Having all this travel trove in one giant private reserve, I think, makes Ugandan people the most modest, welcoming, entertaining, and so much caring hosts.

Take a look at our compilation of the top 10 Uganda destinations; use it for your vacation planning, and cast your vote at the end of this post to have a say in next year’s list.

Top 10 Destinations in Uganda

• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Entebbe – Kampala
• Kibale National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Jinja, Source of The Nile
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Kidepo National Park
• Rwenzori National Park

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Few reserves in the world have such high biodiversity, landscapes, savannah plains, bushland, wetlands, and lush forests like this park. Covering 1978 sq km, scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular of all Uganda destinations with animals and tourists.

Uganda’s most famous safari destinations protect the highest number of animals. Some of the best to see on safari include hippos cooling off their massive bodies in the Kazinga channel, elephant parades, lion prides, leopards, hyenas, Uganda kobs, and the chimpanzee troop in the Kyambura Gorge forest.

The park is easy to reach and enjoys a stunning location on the rift valley floor between Lakes Edward and George. Varied habitats epitomize the rift valley vegetative mosaic that tempted our hominid ancestors to migrate from forest to grasslands and are home to 95 mammal and 612 bird species.

Scenically, Queen Elizabeth National Park has everything: thirty miles to the north of the park, the blue Rwenzori Mountains explode from the plains—a composite, jagged mass of mountains, sixty miles long and forty wide. Looking in a certain ever-changing park atmosphere, the mountains seem like you can reach out and touch them.

Across Lake Edward to the west, the Mitumba hills stand sentinel on the Congo border, blue in the long sight, but the closer you get, the green, wooded, steep, and unfriendly epitomize dark Africa.

Mweya Peninsula is the park’s primary tourist hub. Reached by a narrow portage separating Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel. The peninsula enjoys marvelous views in all directions. Mweya is home to the park headquarters, several modern safari lodges , and budget hostels.

The Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel shores provide year-round water for large numbers of birds, reptiles, and mammals. A boat safari (or launch trip) to view this wildlife spectacle is Queen Elizabeth National Park’s most famous and enduring activity. Boat safaris make a 2-hour round trip between the Mweya jetty and Lake Edward, providing marvelous opportunities to view up-close crocodiles, elephants, hippo, buffalo, and a wide variety of waterbirds.

A network of safari game tracks allows game drives to explore the plains north of the Kazinga Channel. Large numbers of animals live here but a patchwork of grassland and scrubby thickets can make game viewing challenging especially after the long rains; you will need more time on your safari drive tocarefully spot them.

The Channel track and the Leopard Loop are probably the most likely of all Uganda destinations to find Leopard and Giant Forest Hog. The area is also memorable for its distinctive candelabra trees (Euphorbia candelabrum) and the African Fish Eagles perch.

Kyambura Gorge

At the foot of the rift’s Kichwamba escarpment, the Kyambura River flows through the deep, cliff-lined Kyambura Gorge towards the Kazinga Channel. The Fig Tree Camp at the gorge’s edge provides a giddy view down into the 100m-deep chasm.

The canyon contains a beautiful riverine forest in which travelers can track one habituated chimpanzee troot with gorge’s forest. Chimpanzee trekking excursions head out twice daily at 8:00am and at 14:00.

Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, the ravine offers a remarkable nature hike that’s a great compliment to savannah game drives on the plains above.

Ishasha Sector

The magnificent and remote Ishasha sector lies in the extreme south of Queen Elizabeth NP , adjoining the Virunga National Park, which lies on the opposite side of the Ishasha River in the D.R. Congo. Few tourists make the long drive from the famous Mweya sector in the north. It is their loss, for the sector enjoys a wilderness character unrivaled elsewhere in the park.

Ishasha is home to a superb variety of animal variety. Hippos are common in the Ishasha River that forms the border between DRC and Uganda. Buffalo, Topi, and Kob roam the Ishasha plains, some of which become prey for Leopard and the sector’s most famous residents, the tree-climbing lions.

These docile felines can be easily spotted draped over the branches of large fig trees and acacia trees. Their motive for tree climbing remains unclear to researchers. Still, whether it is to enjoy the shade, watch for approaching meals, or avoid irritating bugs, Ishasha lions look incredibly comfortable on their high perches.

Best Safari Trips To Queen Elizabeth NP

QENP is the best of all Uganda destinations, excellent for family safari holidays. The park welcomes all ages and is the easiest to access. You can visit it any time of the year, and it’s also a great addition to any of the two primate destinations , Bwindi & Kibale Forests. Nkuringo Safaris , a long-serving trusted operator, runs a promotional trip to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi and visit QENP.

EXCITING EXPEDITION TO MEET UGANDA’S GORILLAS & QENP WILDLIFE

6 DAYS 

From $2,538 pp

2. Murchison Falls National Park

Voted second on our top 10 Uganda destinations is Murchison Falls National Park, which sits on the shores of Lake Albert in northwestern Uganda. It’s known for the rumbling Murchison Falls, the most powerful falls where the Victoria Nile River squeezes through a 7-meter narrow gap to splash out powerful water at 300 cubic meters per second.

Adjacent to Murchison is Uhuru Falls, taking the excess of Murchison Falls water to create a spectacle that has become a Uganda tourism magnet.

Together with the adjacent Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Wildlife Reserve, the park forms the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA), the largest of all Uganda destinations at 3,893 square kilometres (1,503 sq mi).

Murchison Falls National Park is endowed with big game, including elephants and hippos, and you could catch sight of the chimpanzee in the Kanyiyo Padidi mahogany forest. The Lake Albert Delta is home to rare shoebill storks. There is game fishing in the cascades of Karuma Falls.

MFNP lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift, where the valley’s bounding escarpments fade into north Uganda’s anonymous expanses. The Victoria Nile bisects the park for 100 kilometers as it flows west from Karuma Falls to the Albert Nile. Created in 1952, today, it forms the core of the even larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area (5,072 sq km), including the adjoining Karuma and Bugungu wildlife reserves.

The River Nile through that park with its teeming hippo and serried ranks of crocodiles on the sandbanks, coupled with large numbers of other species coming down to drink and bathe, in the highlight of a visit to this magnificent park.

The most dramatic view of the waterfall is at the top of the falls, where the sight and sounds of the Nile crashing through the 6-meter wide chasm makes an unforgettable assault on your neural senses.

The Falls site may be reached either by vehicle or a hot half-hour climb on foot after leaving the Paraa launch in Fajao Gorge. The latter route passes Baker’s point, a peninsula that faces Murchison Falls and a secondary cataract named Uhuru Falls.

Wildlife in Murchison Falls

The Paraa boat safari cruise is undoubtedly the park’s most enduring and famous safari attraction . The safari boat trips that launch off at Paraa jetty cruise up the Nile to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. On the Nile banks, you can spot the Nile crocodiles, elephant herds, lions, lazy hippos, buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe, oribi, hartebeest, and monitor lizards.

Birding is spectacular along the Victoria Nile River to the delta. Hundreds of Red-throated bee-eaters nest in a river cliff near Paraa, while you’ll find many waterbirds along the channel.

The most prized bird sighting in Murchison is the strange-looking Shoebill or Whale-headed Stork, which frequents marshy areas. With luck, you can see the Shoebill from the Paraa boat safari, but opportunities are best in the Victoria Nile’s papyrus delta, Mabamba Swamp, where the river enters Lake Albert.

The best safari game viewing opportunities in this top Uganda destination are found north of the Nile in the savannah plains of Buligi Area. This stunning grassland wilderness is sandwiched between the Victoria and Albert Niles with panoramic views towards the rift valley escarpment in the West Nile districts and DR. Congo.

Murchison Falls wildlife collection lucks the Rhino to complete Africa’s famous Big 5 game animals list (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Rhino). Unfortunately for safari enthusiasts, the fifth of them, the White Rhino, lives in the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, is closed off for tourism due to misunderstandings between the private sanctuary’s owners.

However, the Buffalo and elephant are ubiquitous among Murchison Falls NP wildlife. A very healthy lion population likes to prey on the abundant Uganda kob on the expansive park’s savannah plains. Several antelope species roam the plains, including oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest, Defassa waterbuck, grey duiker, and bushbuck.

On the Victoria Nile banks, which bisect the park, are crocodiles and hippos busking under the savannah heat. You’re also most likely to see large herds of the localized Rothschild’s giraffe in the park, but the leopard is far from showing up randomly. The most likely place to see the leopard is in the vicinity of Pakuba Lodge.

Troops of the rare Pata’s monkey sometimes hand around the grassy plains and are easy to spot on a Uganda safari game drive . The neighboring Budongo Forest offers chimpanzee tracking excursions to compliment your game drive. It’s fun watching these distant habituated cousins showcase their native behaviors.

Other notable areas north of the river are a parkland-like expanse of Borassus Palms near Tangi and the Nyamsika Cliffs viewpoint, overlooking a river valley used by wildlife as a corridor to reach the Nile. Game is more scarce in the bushier habitats south of the river. However, you can find forest species, notably Chimpanzee, in the Kanyiyo Padidi Forest in the southern part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area.

Murchison Falls Safaris

For Big 5 enthusiasts , Murchison Falls Route is a perfect bucket list-lickers choice. Lion, elephant, leopard, and Cape buffalo roam the massive park plains. Trips in Murchison feature a boat launch on the Nile to the foot of falls and early morning and evening game drives in the Delta.

Murchison Falls Big Game Safari Journeys.

Customize your own trip with expert help.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi would have taken the number one spot on the top 10 Uganda destinations because it protects the world’s most precious jungle jewels, the mountain gorillas. Alternatively, it took the third because it’s only popular with international tourists and not the locals. And this is mostly because it’s the most expensive of all places to visit in Uganda.

The name Bwindi comes from the local word “Mubwindi” meaning place of darkness. The thick forest canopy blankets the forest floors creating an environment for plants to highly compete for light and an impenetrable jungle for humans. Thus the name Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

This swath of steep ridges covered in the thick, steamy jungle is just as magnificent as it sounds. The 32,092 ha (320 sq km) UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s prehistoric habitats that scientists date back to have survived the last Ice Age as most of the continent’s other forests disappeared. The tropical forest is one of the largest areas in East Africa, which still has Afromontane lowland forest extending to well within the montane forest belt.

Located in a mountainous area in southwest Uganda (near the border with Rwanda in the south), Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is most famous for its giant primate inhabitants , the mountain gorillas.

See Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi

Home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, the property represents a conservation frontline as an isolated forest of outstanding biological richness surrounded by an agricultural landscape supporting one of the highest rural population densities in tropical Africa. Community benefits arising from  gorilla trekking tourism  and other  ecotourism  may be the only hope for the future conservation of this unique site.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the best place in the world to see mountain gorillas up close. Spending a once-in-a-lifetime moment up close with these critically endangered forest giants is an unforgettable experience any traveler should include on their travel bucket list.

However, restricted numbers of viewing permits are issued at a hefty price of USD 700 ( Discounted at $400 ) to help protect the endangered gorilla groups. So make sure you book your gorilla permit months way before your planned safari trip to one of the top 10 Uganda destinations to get a chance to view these cousins.

Hiking Trails in Bwindi Forest

Even if you can’t afford gorilla tracking, Bwindi is a rewarding place to visit just for a chance to explore the lush virgin rainforest. Several 3 to 7-hour hikes run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) penetrate the Impenetrable Forest between Buhoma and Nkuringo sections of the forest. The walks, conducted by the premier Nkuringo Walking Safaris , begin at 9 am and 2.15 pm and cost US$30 per person (not including your park entry fee).

The Waterfall Trail leads to a magnificent 33m waterfall on the Munyaga River, but just as impressive is the rich forest ecosystems it passes through. It is the best trail for spotting both orchids and primates.

If you visit during the good weather seasons , the Muzabijiro Loop Trail and Rushura Hill Trail offer excellent views south to the Virunga volcanoes and the Western Rift Valley in the DRC. The latter, which is a more challenging climb, also serves up Lake Edward’s views and, on an exceptionally clear day, the Rwenzoris can be seen.

A longer but much easier trek is along the River Ivi Trail, which follows a planned but never-built road between Buhoma and Nkuringo. It’s a 14-kilometer walk through the forest and then another 6km uphill to join the Nteko-Nkuringo road; some travelers brave the last 10 kilometers to Nkuringo, and others hitch a boda-boda or have their driver pick them up. If you’re moving between Nkuringo and Buhoma, this is the most rewarding way to go. It is also the best bird-watching trail in the forest.

Seasoned hikers start from Kisoro town and take the 18km trek to Lake mutanda (which the walking guide can shorten to 10 km with some driving). You’ll pass through primitive communities with children dashing out hellos and cheering like it’s a July parade.

When when you reach Lake Mutanda, take a 2.5-hour paddle (life jackets provided) in a dugout canoe across to Mutanda Lake Resort. From here, it’s another 4km on foot to Kisoro or drive 36km (1 hour) to Nkuringo Sector .

Call Nkuringo Walking Safaris on +256 702 805580 or email [email protected] for pricing and other details.

Gorilla Trekking Experiences

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest protects about half of all the mountain gorillas globally, with four sectors well positioned on the park boundaries to make sure you don’t miss any opportunity to see the mountain giants.

You’re guaranteed 98% to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi because it has more habituated gorillas than Rwanda or DR Congo and with the most a ffordable gorilla permit (USD 700/400). The Southern Section (Nkuringo & Rushaga Sectors) offers the best trekking and habituation experiences.

Although the low season offers the best lodging prices, the best time to see gorillas is between June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months. This might result in a better experience, and photography will be easier.

AN ADVENTURE TO SEE GORILLAS IN THEIR WILD HABITAT

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4. Entebbe – Kampala

Entebbe town and Kampala City make the top 10 destinations in Uganda list mainly because one is the nation’s cultural and business hub (Kampala) while the other (Entebbe) is the only hub connecting Uganda to other international cities.

Established on rolling hills some 10km off northern Lake Victoria shores, Kampala is the conventional African capital. More verdant than many of its regional counterparts, not relatively so populous or chaotic as others —but practically the familiar contrast of a bustling compact high-rise city center rising from a leafy suburban sprawl, increasingly organic as one reaches its rustic periphery. It has a contrasting atmosphere of modern urban bustle and time-warped tropical languor.

Kampala is linked to Entebbe’s international airport by a smooth-surfaced highway passing through a lush cover of broad-leaved plantains that make for a fascinating introduction to Uganda.

Coming by air, you’ll land at Entebbe International Airport (EBB, 3km from the town center, and if your main interest is natural history, then you’d be well advised to stay over in Entebbe rather than heading on to the capital.

Kampala is the pulsating heart of Uganda’s cultural and intellectual life, nightlife. It also lies at the international and domestic long-haul bus network hub, making it an attractive base for independent travelers seeking a taste of urban African cultures .

Because Kampala is extensive to cover in the top destinations in Uganda list, please read a great piece we wrote on Exploring Kampala City, Uganda’s Economic and Social Hub.

Entebbe’s attractions to see include Uganda Wildlife Edication Center, commonly known as the Zoo, which will give you a great introduction to most of Uganda’s wildlife you’ll find in the countryside.

Lake Victoria, the largest lake on the continent is a good place to start your visit to Uganda. Birders will find the shores rich with unique bird species in places like Botanical Gardens and Mabamba Swamps (for the Shoebill Storks). Ngamba Islands on Lake Victoria protects orphaned chimpanzees and tourists can visit via a speed boat and even spend a night or two on the island.

Near the airport are a great many places to stay that are a walking distance to shopping malls, local open markets, golf courses, and quaint suburbs for sunset walks and biking experiences.

Entebbe Town

Introducing You To Uganda

5. Kibale National Park

Stepping into Kibale Forest, you will immediately be welcomed by the dew freshness, endemic flowers’ fragrance, and primates’ musty scents. The alien sounds that bounce off your eardrums echo from distant red colobus hoots and exotic birds’ tweets.

In the distance, the sound of forest elephants felling branches along its path gives you an image of what surprise inhabitants you could encounter in this ancient tropical forest. Unexpected visitors leave trails around your forest camp or cottage to inform you that someone is watching when you’re not.

Guttural belches from warthogs remind you of the clumsy Pumba and Timon escapades of the ‘Hakuna Matata’ juggles. Gaze up, and a single scene might capture the iconic and unique as an olive long-tailed cuckoo flies above a small buffalo herd. The spirit of this jungle will make you feel more alive than ever before.

This 795-sq-km national park just outside Fort Portal comprises dense tropical rainforests, within which dwell enormous numbers of primates. If you can’t afford the lavish cost of mountain-gorilla tracking, then visiting one of the five habituated troops of chimpanzees here is a very worthy substitute, not to mention a far less financially draining one. Also regularly seen here are the rare red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

Beaming with an alluring combination of exquisite landscape scenery and various remarkable tourist activities, Kibale Forest National Park, together with the nearby Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes, is close to being an independent traveler’s dream.

Kibale Forest is highly powerfully and mysteriously attractive to nature lovers who come to view a wide range of forest birds and track chimpanzees and other twelve primate species (the highest concentration on the continent) that find refuge within the park.

Kibale National Park’s scenic appeal, chimp tracking cost, and the rising number of safari lodges make it one of the top destinations in Uganda and a great alternative to the southern gorilla destination Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The most popular activity in Kibale National Park is the guided chimpanzee tracking excursion out of Kanyanchu almost as popular is the guided walking trail through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is probably better for general monkey viewing and one of the finest birding trails in the country.

There is also plenty of potential for unguided exploration in the area, both along the main road through the forest and around Bigodi trading center and Kanyanchu Camp. If time is limited, it’s advisable to do the activity that most interests you in the morning — this is the best time to see chimpanzees and when birds are most active.

Guided forest walks in Kibale cost USD 30/40 Day/Night, excluding park entrance.

A highlight of any visit to Kibale Forest will be the chimp tracking hike that leaves Kanyanchu at 08.00 and 14.00 daily. Chimp sightings are not guaranteed on these walks, but the odds of encountering them have significantly improved in recent years and now stand at around 96%. The chimpanzee community, whose territory centers on Kanyanchu, is well habituated, with the result that visitors can often approach within a few meters of them.

While in the forest, you can expect to see at least two or three other types of primates, most probably grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkeys .

You will hear plenty of birdsong, but it’s challenging to see any birds in the heart of the forest. You’re better off looking for them in the rest camp and along the road. The guides are knowledgeable and will identify various medicinal plants, bird calls, and animal spoor.

For dedicated chimp enthusiasts or aspiring researchers seeking field experience, join a chimpanzee habituation experience , which involves staying with the chimps all day with habituators and taking notes on their behavior. A one-day chimpanzee habituation experience for foreign non-residents and residents costs USD 250 per person, and East African Nationals cost UGX 250,000 per person. The cost includes guide fees and park entrance but not accommodation.

Kibale Forest stands out as one of the top Uganda destinations because of its exciting guided night walk with spotlights. The guided night walk runs from 19.30 to 22.00 daily, costs US$40 per person, and offers a good chance of sighting nocturnal primates such as the bushbaby and potto.

6. Lake Mburo National Park

With exciting African wildlife watching in arm’s reach of the capital, the 370-sq-km Lake Mburo National Park is an increasingly common stop on the southwestern Uganda safari circuit. It’s the only one of the top 10 Uganda destinations in the southern region where you’ll see zebras, giraffe, and the only park in the country with impalas, slender mongoose, and giant bush rats.

Lake Mburo is an underrated Uganda safari destination, dominated by the eponymous lake, which — with its forest-fringed shores hemmed in by rolling green hills — is scenically reminiscent of the more celebrated Lake Naivasha in the Kenyan Rift Valley.

Despite its relative accessibility, Lake Mburo National Park is historically bypassed by most Uganda safari trips and independent travelers, presumably due to the low ‘big five’ count, particularly the lack of elephants and lions.

Even in the absence of wildlife heavyweights, however, Lake Mburo offers some excellent safari game viewing. Stay for two or more nights, and you’re as likely to see as many different large mammal species over a day as you would in any Ugandan national park. Some recent developments have raised the profile of the park.

With some desperation, safari operators have promoted Lake Mburo National Park as an ideal overnight stop along the long drive between Kampala and the other top destinations in southwestern Uganda. Amazingly, the number of travelers accepting the invitation has risen sharply since exemplary lodges opened up in the park, like the luxury Mihingo Lodge.

Wild Game in Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo is also the only protected area of the top 10 destinations in Uganda where visitors can view game animals on foot and horseback. The park harbors several species you may not see easily elsewhere in Uganda.

It is the only reserve in Uganda to support a large population of impala, and one of only three protected areas countrywide where Burchell’s zebra occurs—the other two being the far less accessible Kidepo Valley and Pian Upe.

Other antelope species casual visitors can spot are topi, bushbuck, common duiker, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, and Bohor reedbuck. At the same time, the lake and lush fringing vegetation support healthy populations of buffalo, warthog, bushpig, and hippopotamus.

Roan antelope , once common, are now locally extinct, but large herds of the majestic eland still move seasonally through parts of the park. The sitatunga antelope is confined to swamp interiors, and the klipspringer is occasionally observed in rocky areas. Only two diurnal primates occur at Lake Mburo: the vervet monkey and olive baboon.

The eerie rising nocturnal call of the spotted hyena is often heard from the camps, and tourists less frequently observe individuals crossing the road shortly after dawn. Leopard, side-striped jackal, and various smaller predators are also present, most visibly white-tailed mongoose (at dusk and dawn) and three otter species resident in the lakes.

Bird experts have recorded about 315 species of birds in Lake Mburo National Park. It is probably the best place in Uganda to see acacia-associated birds. Rwonyo Camp is as good a place as any to look for the likes of mosque swallow, black-bellied bustard, bare-faced go-away bird, and Ruppell’s long-tailed starling.

A handful of birds recorded at Lake Mburo are essentially southern species at the very northern limit of their range, for instance, the southern ground hornbill, black-collared and black-throated barbets, and green-capped eremomela.

Of particular interest to birders are the swamps where six papyrus endemics are resident, including the brilliantly colored papyrus gonolek, the striking blue-headed coucal, the highly localized white-winged, and papyrus yellow warblers; recorded nowhere else in Uganda.

Lake Mburo Safaris

For locals, Lake Mburo is the cheapest and most accessible of the top 10 Uganda destinations. The park offers excellent family safari holidays and bush walking experiences for Kids.

For tourists, the park offers excellent complementary to the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest ( see above ). It also acts as a buffer for the long voyages to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.

This small park is located 107 km from Masaka City and 67 km before Mbarara City.

7. Jinja, Source of The Nile

One of Uganda’s largest towns, Jinja, just about 80km east of Kampala, overlooking the point where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria (the Source of The Nile), makes it to our top 10 destinations in Uganda because of its overwhelming popularity with local and international travelers. And it is the source of the mighty river rather than the moderately interesting town that attracts visitors to Jinja.

The thrilling series of grade-five rapids below Bujagali Falls, a magnet for adrenaline tourists, has emerged as perhaps the single most popular tourist activity in Uganda, arguably surpassing even the mountain gorillas of the southwest. The rapids attract several adrenaline adventures concentrated in a small radius. It is one of the most spectacular white-water rafting destinations in the world.

There is also a certain poignancy attached to standing on the slopes from where Speke first identified that geographical Holy Grail which, less than a decade earlier, had lured an obsessed (and hopelessly misdirected) Livingstone to a feverish death near Lake Bangweulu in Zambia.

No less impressive is the knowledge that the water flowing past these green slopes will eventually drain into the Mediterranean, following a 6,500km journey through the desert wastes of Sudan and Egypt.

Jinja has an attractively lush location on the northern shore of Lake Victoria above the Ripon Falls, identified by Speke in 1862 as the source of the Nile , but submerged following the construction of the Owen Falls Dam in the 1950s. The colonial town was formerly the industrial heartland of Uganda, with a current population of 300,000 people.

Although its population makes it one of the largest urban centers in Uganda, Jinja is far from a metropolis that straddles the source of the Nile.

First-time visitors wandering around Jinja’s compact, low-rise town center might reasonably reflect on the colonial times the Europeans made this place their economic center.

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The town center proliferates with abandoned colonial architecture. Some fine colonial-era Asian architecture — epitomized by the restored 1919 Madvhani House on Main Street — complemented by a spread of thickly vegetated residential suburbs carved from the surrounding jungle, does give Jinja a compelling sense of place.

A great selection of accommodation choices sprouts around the city, allowing any traveler to spend a night in this colonial town. From hippie hostels to luxury travel lodges, you can’t fail to get where to spend your night in Jinja. A trip to any of the top Uganda destinations without visiting the source of the mighty Nile river will leave you with unfinished business guilt. It would be best if you extended your stay in Uganda to visit Jinja city.

8. Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi’s exotic landscapes that are a magnet for local and international travelers place it on this list of top 10 destinations in Uganda. Dotted with at least 20 small islands and encircled by steep terraced hills, Bunyonyi is a magical spot. It has been a popular day trip out of Kabale for decades. Over the past few years, the lake has further gained popularity thanks to a proliferation of budget and other campsites and resorts around the small fishing village of Rutinda (also known as Kyabahinga) and nearby islands.

Bunyonyi is a local name translating to “little birds,” which references the prolific weaver colonies along its shore. Larger birds are also represented by grey-crowned cranes, African harrier hawks, and various herons and egrets. Other common sightings include the levillant cuckoo, white-tailed monad, slender-billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpecker, and the African kingfisher.

The lake is large and irregularly shaped with numerous islands and the surrounding hillsides, which locals have beautifully cultivated like parts of Nepal. The area is vibrant with activities like canoeing, cycling, or hiking.

Also in its favor is the high-altitude location, which ensures a moderate climate (often becoming quite chilly at night) and a relatively low incidence of malaria. Health authorities have reliably reported the absence of Bilharzia and crocodiles and hippos, which means the lake is very safe for swimming adventures.

Active travelers will be excited that the easy availability of canoes, kayaks, and mountain bikes for hire, and enough potential excursions to keep one busy for days.

Things to do around lake Bunyonyi

One primary reason to include lake Bunyonyi on the top destinations in Uganda is the endless opportunities for activities available at the Lake Bunyoni region . Many villagers around the lake, several of the guesthouses, and campsites have boats for hire. It isn’t challenging to arrange a canoe trip on the lake. Canoeing is a popular activity, and you can rent dugouts from most of the camps. Charges are pretty reasonable but practice for a while before heading off on an ambitious trip around the islands, as many tourists end up going round and round in circles, doing what’s known locally as the mzungu (corkscrew).

There are endless walking opportunities in the area, and for those who want a challenge, you can boat across the lake before trekking down to Kisoro. Guided walks are also popular, and these can usually be arranged through camps here. However, if you want a relaxed amble along the shores of the lake, it is straightforward enough to find your own way.

You can hire a Mountain bike (per day USD 10) from Bunyoni Overland Camp and are a great way to get along the lakeshore, although getting to Kabale would require a king of the mountains, Tour de France style effort.

Wednesday and Saturday are Kyenvu open market days, drawing villagers from all over the region. It is a long way from all the camps around the lake and involves a three-hour trip by the dugout. However, most of the camps can arrange a rower to help out or secure a motorboat for rent. The people out here are pretty shy, so be sensitive with a camera.

There are also several Batwa villages in this part of the region, and if you can link up with a friendly guide at the market, you might be able to arrange a visit to a Batwa community. Nearer to the camps is Punishment Island, located midway between Bushara and Njuyera Islands; so named because it was once the place where unmarried pregnant women were dumped to die. Tragically, most of them did die trying to swim for shore because they usually didn’t have the stamina to make it. It is easy to spot – it has just one small tree in the center.

9. Kidepo National Park

Nestled in the extreme northeastern corner of Uganda among rugged hills and valleys and off the beaten track, Kidepo National Park is a destination hidden so far away that its beauty has mostly gone unnoticed. Sprawling with expansive savannah plains, soaring mountains, spectacular landscapes, and great buffalo herds, Kidepo Valley offers one of Africa’s most attractive picturesque safaris. It sits on a massive 557 sq mile (1,442 sq km) rocky semi-arid Karamoja province.

Of all the top ten destinations in Uganda, Kidepo Valley is the most remote and unusual. It is crammed in the northwestern corner of Uganda’s border with Kenya and South Sudan, which would take approximately 10 hours to drive 292 mi from Kampala to Kidepo on the newly paved road.

Kidepo National Park offers breathtaking savannah scenery that ends on a rocky horizon. The park harbors outstanding landscape scenery unrivaled by any other national park in the whole of East Africa, and it features a wide latitudinal array that offers a variety of climatic conditions which support remarkably different vegetation.

The diverse vegetation facilitates the different assortment of animal species within the park which are equally plentiful, among which are not seen in other parts of this country. The wildlife and vegetation in the park are rather more characteristic of Kenya than Uganda.

Over 77 animals inhabit Kidepo National Park. Among the resident Carnivore species only endemic to Kidepo are the hunting dog, bat-eared fox, cheetah, striped hyena, caracal, aardwolf, Beisa Oryx, Lesser Kudu plus Grant’s gazelle, elephant, Orbis, Burchell’s zebras, Jackson’s hartebeests, bush pigs, cape buffaloes, bohor reedbucks, warthogs, defassa waterbucks, Rothschild giraffes, bush duskier and elands, bushbucks, in addition to lions, common zebras, leopards, plus several small cats such as the side-striped jackal, Kongoni, black-backed jackal spotted hyena, lions are seen to rest on the rocks.

The park has five primate species, including the endemic Kavirondo bush baby, numerous Orbis within the Narus Valley, Guenther’s Dik Dik, the Senegal Galago, and the White-tailed Mongoose. However, they comfortably come out for a good show on a night game drive.

Kidepo Valley has the second-highest population of birds than any of the top destinations in Uganda, led only by Queen Elizabeth National Park, showcasing an impressive bird list of over 470 species. Sixty of the bird species on its list haven’t been recorded anywhere else in Uganda. Kidepo is especially good for spotting raptors, with 56 species on record. You can spot migratory birds in Kidepo from November to April.

Kidepo National Park is home to one of the smallest ethnic groups in Africa: the Ik. With a population of just above 10,000, the small tribe struggles to preserve their unique culture and language , which no rival tribes understand. A visit through Kidepo will immerse you in their raw cultural practices that even a historian would marvel at. You’ll learn about their fascinating way of life, meet the village elders and enjoy a fun-filled activity with the community children.

Hike into the Morungole Mountains within the park to engage with the enchanting Ik people. This remote community of subsistence farmers has kept to their traditional way of life, with villagers only traveling to the lowlands to trade grain.

Not far from the Ik are the interesting Karamojong pastoralists. Initially, it isn’t easy to distinguish between IK people and Karamojong due to their similar lively jump dancing, specific hut building, and unique dressing . The difference between these two tribes is that the Ik people speak the Teuso language and practice subsistence farming and are not nomadic pastoralism, like the Karamojong.

The Karamojong people are also an intriguing tribe that has seen much attention from tourists due to their authentic cultural experiences and activities. They are a Nilotic tribe for whom cattle form an essential part of their culture. The cattle are assembled collectively and provide cow blood and cattle blood for food, just like the Maasai in Kenya.

Now that UNRA has paved major roads further north of Uganda, it puts Kidepo Valley National Park comfortably on the top 10 destinations in Uganda list. Have the honor to visit this outstanding destination.

10. Rwenzori National Park

We couldn’t talk about the top 10 destinations in Uganda without including something for the adventure seekers. Uganda has something for every kind of traveler, even extreme hikers too.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park encompasses the legendary Rwenzori mountains dubbed the mountains of the Moon, where the highest snow-peak in the country (third-highest on the continent) pervades the East African clouds. The ranges are a combination of beautiful peaks, glaciers, Valleys, Rivers, Lakes, and various species of flora and fauna, making the Rwenzori scenic. The stratified vegetation is one of the main attractions for visitors.

The Rwenzori is the highest mountain range in Africa. Its loftiest peaks, Margherita (5,109m) and Alexandra (5,083m) on Mount Stanley are exceeded in altitude elsewhere in Africa only by Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Both of which are extinct volcanoes standing in isolation above the surrounding plains. In addition to Mount Stanley, there are four other glacial peaks in the Rwenzori: Mount Speke (4,890m), Mount Emin (4,791m), Mount Gessi (4,715m), and Mount Luigi da Savoia (4,627m).

The Rwenzori Mountains are unique among east Africa’s major peaks in that they are not volcanic in origin. Still, they do rise directly from the Rift Valley floor, and their formation, like that of Kilimanjaro and Kenya, was linked to the geological upheaval that created the Rift.

The Rwenzori makes our top 10 destinations in Uganda because they hold three of the continent’s five highest peaks. The summits are spectacular, the routes are uncrowded, and the high-altitude forest teems with life. The ranges contain six of Africa’s ten highest mountains, most of them more elevated than the tallest Alps. Yet, to most bucket-list hikers, they are largely unknown, overshadowed by Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, Africa’s two highest mountains.

The fabled ‘Mountains of the Moon’ are now a protected World Heritage Site within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and considered to be the source of the White Nile.

Rwenzori Mountains range also supports a diversity of animals, including 70 mammal and 177 bird species, several of the latter being Albertine Rift endemics. It is the only national park in Uganda where you’ll find the Angola colobus, though sighting it will require careful search. Nevertheless, you can easily spot the similar and more widespread black-and-white colobus monkey, small antelope such as bushbucks, and unusual reptiles such as the three-horned chameleon.

Like other large east African mountains, the Rwenzori range has several altitude zones, each with its own distinct microclimate and flora and fauna. It is known for its distinctive flora rather than its fauna. On the route to the peaks, hikers climb through a series of distinct altitudinal vegetation zones, including montane forest, bamboo, tree heathers, and afro-alpine. With its giant symbolic forms of Senecio (groundsel) and lobelia, the latter is one of the world’s rarest botanical communities, limited to East African mountains above 3800m.

The vegetations present a beautiful land terrain and plant life of sub-montane vegetation in the Afro-montane zone covered by luxurious tropical evergreen forest with a high richness in color and species.

On the foothills of the mountain, you will witness farmlands and on top of the distinctive mountain flora, which has attracted a great deal of fauna and delivering a fantastic picturesque to the travel enthusiasts. Arrive at the top of the mountain and behold the majestic snow-capped peaks that will leave you breathless.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is situated in Western Uganda in the East African Rift Valley and also straddles to the Democratic Republic of Congo and its conservation area known as Virunga National Park.

The top 10 Uganda destinations are just a pick from so much that the country brags about. The destination is arguably undiscovered, with very few numbers of travelers flocking in. That makes Uganda an attractive destination for private journeys and authentic African experiences. The plethora of cultures concentrated in major towns and every corner of the country will introduce you, so some never heard before tribes, people, food, languages, colors, and everything in between. Uganda should be on your bucket list. When you’re ready to travel, send us an email at [email protected], and we’ll connect you with local experts to help you plan your custom trip to Uganda. For now, follow our media channels below or leave a comment to let us know what you think.

Beautiful national park found in Kasese

Beautiful. You shldve have mentioned the several crater lakes ard the mountain area esp fortportal

Uganda is amazing, queen elizabeth is the best

Because that’s where I went and it was fun

Rwenzori Mountains. One can walk around there for week’s. It’s the best hike I’ve been on on this planet

i don’t see Lake bunyonyi, i think it should be among the best

lake bunyonyi is my fevourite

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• Experiences

Tourist Activities You Can Experience in Uganda on Safari

An Unforgettable Nature Escape at Mount Gahinga Lodge

Packing List, What To Pack for Uganda Safari

Top 6 Luxury Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• People & Culture

7 Ugandan Snacks You’ve Just Got to Try

Planning a Uganda Safari in 10 Easy Steps

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Tariff Guide

Predators That Rule Uganda’s Wilderness

Discover The Various Types of Travel in Uganda

Uganda Travel Restrictions & Country Declared Ebola Free

A Solo Safari In Uganda’s North Wilderness

Lake Bunyonyi — An Adventurer’s Guide

Visit Entebbe, Uganda’s Charming Peninsula Town

17 Incredible Things To Do in Uganda

Last Updated: April 2023

I LOVE Uganda. I first went there in 2009, and have visited several times since then and now run Uganda group tours there!  

Named the ‘Pearl of Africa’ by Winston Churchill (and quite rightly so), Uganda is an incredible and special country with beautiful lush, green landscapes and even more beautiful, friendly people!

Plus, it has some of the bucket list-worthy adventures on the whole African continent, being one of the only places in the world for mountain gorilla trekking , and it’s a bit less touristy than some of the surrounding countries.

Uganda, is in my opinion, one of the best countries in Africa and I fell in love with it the second I crossed the border from Kenya on my first visit in 2009 – no joke, I was smitten. The light was incredible, the people were waving and smiling and the landscape was all kinds of orange and green hues.

There was just (and still is) something special about this place. It’s a great place to visit and can easily be combined with trips to Kenya , Rwanda , the DRC and Tanzania . Go and see for yourself!

There are so many things to do in Uganda that you will be spoiled for choice… here are a few of my favourites!

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Table of Contents

The Best Things To Do in Uganda

Hike and Canoe Around Lake Bunyoni

Lake Bunyoni is literally a dream. Imagine a tranquil and beautiful lake, surrounded by green hills, dotted with islands and filled with beautiful birds. That’s Lake Bunyoni.

The lake lies just south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is a great place to rest before your climb or recover after it!

Lake Bunyoni means ‘place of little birds’ so it’s great for bird watching, as well as boat trips on the lake, local interactions and hiking. The views are pretty spectacular wherever you go, but get yourself to an elevated position for the best ones and visit Arcadia Lodge for lunch with a view.

Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Top of my list of things to do in Uganda is going mountain gorilla trekking (sometimes called gorilla tracking) in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Mountain gorillas can be found in the area known as the Virunga Mountains, and live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I’ve been lucky enough to go gorilla trekking twice now (I am aware of how lucky I am), once in Uganda and once in Rwanda. And I would do it again in a heartbeat. By far one of the best (if not the best) travel experiences of my life. And definitely my favourite wildlife encounter (closely followed by swimming with whale sharks in Mozambique, getting groomed by a baboon in Namibia and tracking white rhino, also in Uganda – see below).

With the price of gorilla trekking in Rwanda now being so high (double the price of Uganda at the time of writing) and the DRC being a volatile region, gorilla permits in Uganda are in high demand, so you should book as early in advance as possible. I’m talking 6 months to a year in advance to secure your permits in the location and day that you want.

Have a read of my guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda for more info!

Hike the Rwenzori Mountains

Straddling the border with Congo, are the Rwenzori Mountains, known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and home to Uganda’s tallest mountain, Mount Stanley. The snow-capped mountain is the 3rd tallest in Africa at 5,109m.

This is an absolutely stunning part of Uganda, I’ve not yet climbed Mount Stanley, only seen it from a distance – but it’s on my list (the pic above was when I climbed Mount Nyiragongo in the Congo , but kind of fits the bill)! I’ve climbed Kilimanjaro twice now , probably time to try another mountain!

Most people base themselves at a hotel/guesthouse in Kasese prior to the trip, and the hike starts from Kilembe. There are lots of different trekking options from short day hikes, to multi-day, but to reach the summit, known as Margherita Peak, you will usually undertake a challenging 8 or 9-day trek.

See the Tree Climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

I’ve been to Queen Elizabeth National Park twice now… and I’ve seen lions, but never seen tree-climbing lions. That’s not saying you shouldn’t go though!

We did see lions mating which was pretty cool and I would definitely advise hiring a tracker to help you find them (the lions here are collared).

The land part of the park is nice, however, there isn’t an abundance of wildlife compared with other safaris I’ve done, we did see quite a few elephants but my favourite thing to do is to take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel where I guarantee you will see a lot of animals, often including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, birds and buffalo.

Just be aware of safety warnings in the area, as it’s close to the border with the DRC.

Hang Out With the Chimpanzees

One of the most popular things to do in Uganda is to go chimpanzee tracking. There are two different options for this, where you can either spend an hour with them (chimpanzee tracking) or a full day with them (chimpanzee habituation day).

Both options are great, but if you can spend the full day, you may get a bit more out of it as the chimps are wild (although used to humans – aka habituated) and often up in the trees, so if you spend a full day with them, you are much more likely to see them on the ground which usually makes for a better experience (and photos).

The main locations (that I’ve been to and know of) are Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest (the full-day experience is seasonal here).

Tour the Crater Lakes

Uganda’s crater lakes are simply beautiful. Located around Fort Portal, this area is a great place to explore, either by car, foot or bicycle.

Lake Nkuruba is known as the ‘most beautiful’ of the lakes. The Top of the World viewpoint, overlooking Lake Nyamirima is a popular hiking destination and Lake Nyabikere has a lone hippo living in it… so maybe avoid that one for a swim!

See them at sunrise and sunset for the most stunning views! I took the picture above whilst enjoying the sunrise (and a cup of tea) over Lake Nyamiteza. We were staying at this budget to mid-range lodge  which was really nice.

Go on Safari in Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls National Park is a wonderful national park, once described by my friend Heather as the ‘African Jungle Book’ and definitely needs to be on your list of things to do in Uganda.

The park is named after the waterfall, which you can also visit – seeing it from above, as well as below on a boat trip on the Victoria Nile.

There is loads of wildlife within the park, including lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, plenty of bird species and Rothchild’s giraffes which (in Uganda) are only found in Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo National Park in the very far north, near the Sudanese border.

Venture North to Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park lies on the border of Uganda and Sudan. This lesser-discovered park is a great place to go if you want to get off the beaten path.

As well as seeing the famous Rothschild’s giraffes, intrepid adventurers can explore the Kidepo River, visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs and see Mount Morungule and visit the Ik people who live in the region.

I haven’t made it this far north yet, but am planning to go next year… 😉

Visit the White Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Another one of my best wildlife encounters and favourite tourist attractions in Uganda is visiting the white rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, near Murchison Falls National Park.

We stay at the sanctuary on the Rock My Uganda, Rwanda & DRC Adventure .

The last time I was there, we were sat in the bar having a well-earned afternoon beer when, 3 white rhinos sauntered past, without a care in the world (check out the pic in my Pinterest pins).

The following morning when we woke up, there was a male white rhino, chilling on the grass, right outside our rooms, having spent the night there. He had an extreme case of morning glory (which you can find on my Uganda tab on Instagram Stories).

We sat giggling carefully observing him, David Attenborough-style throughout breakfast, before heading out on our actual trek, where we saw the three from the previous afternoon. My friend Maddie’s face says it all in this picture (I’m behind the camera) – it was also her 30th birthday! What a treat!

Party and Get Your Culture On in Kampala, the Capital City

The Ugandan capital, Kampala, is known as being one of the biggest party cities in Africa. Ugandans know how to party and the city extracts a big crowd of backpackers and ex-pats who are more than willing to join in.

But as well as hitting the clubs, you can also immerse yourself in Ugandan culture and visit some amazing restaurants, museums, art galleries and malls too – so you can stop up on anything you need.

Plus, there’s usually good internet, which is always welcome after a few days in the bush. Or maybe not…

I’d highly recommend taking a Ugandan food tour with ImmersionUG. They also do bar crawls if you want to go out and experience the city’s nightlife but don’t have anyone to do it with.

The only thing I don’t love about Kampala is the traffic. Urgh, it’s just as bad or maybe even worse than Nairobi.

Visit the Ndere Cultural Centre

For a great night out, visit the Ndere Cultural Centre , where they have a dinner show. Whilst you eat, the talented performers with show you traditional dances, drumming and singing.

This is a really fun way to spend an evening and a great introduction into Ugandan culture.

Get Adventurous in Jinja

Oh Jinja, how do I love thee, let me count the ways.

Jinja was one of the places I really fell in love with on my very first trip to Africa (along with Livingstone, Zambia and Bagamoyo, Tanzania), and the first place I went back to when I returned to Africa. It’s the adventure capital of East Africa, with loads of activities on offer such as white water rafting on the Nile , bungy jumping, kayaking, SUP, horse riding, quad biking and mountain biking.

There’s less rafting than there used to be since the dams were built and pretty much ruined much of the white water, but it’s still fun!

Jinja is the town, but my favourite place is the small village of Bujagali, a few kilometres away on the River Nile where you’ll find most of the backpacker action and where my Ugandan family live.

Try a Rolex

You can visit Uganda without trying the famous Rolex. No, not the watch… it’s a Ugandan street food which is basically a rolled chapati filled with an omelette and other ingredients (onion, tomatoes, avocado etc). It is to Uganda what the Zanzibar Pizza is to Zanzibar.

You can find them at pretty much every street food stall and they are ridiculously cheap! 

See the Shoebills at Mabamba Swamp

The shoebill is an unusual bird.

Huge in size, with a face only a mother could love (and sometimes not even then) and probably one of the cruellest birds in the animal kingdom and famous for the fact that they often have two chicks, but favour one over the other (usually the stronger or older one) and then let the other one die.

They’re assholes and I’m pretty sure they want to kill us all and take over the world. Despite this, they are very interesting to watch.

There are a number of places in Uganda where the Shoebills can be seen, however the most famous is the Mabamba Swamp, near Entebbe and Lake Victoria.

Strike a Pose at the Equator

Another of Uganda’s famous attractions is the equator. It’s nothing more than a couple of signposts, some shops and restaurants, but it’s a good photo stop nonetheless.

There’s usually somebody around who can show you how the water swirls one way in the north and the opposite way in the south! 

Relax on the Ssese Islands

If you are looking for a super-relaxing getaway in Uganda, head to the beautiful Ssese Islands on the northwestern part of Lake Victoria in Uganda. There are 84 islands in total, about half of which are inhabited.

You could stay in one spot or go on an island-hopping adventure. The main tourist spot is Kalangala on the island of Bugala which is easily accessible by boat or plane from Entebbe. Once there, you can make your way around using lake taxis.

The Ssese Islands are relatively untouched, compared to many other places in Uganda, so they’re a great place to get a real feel for the culture.

Climb Mount Elgon & See Sipi Falls

Lying on the Ugandan/Kenyan border, Mount Elgon is known as one of the best hikes in Africa . The peak of the mountain is 4321m high and lies on the Ugandan side.

The trek itself takes around 4 days, staying on the mountain for 3 nights, with people usually tacking on a day either side in a guest house close to the start and endpoint, depending on where you are coming from.

It’s not as high as Kilimanjaro and also non-technical but is still a good challenge and you will need good hiking equipment (warm clothes, a sleeping bag and good boots etc). The park fees are $75 for tourists and this includes the ranger and guide fees. But you will need to factor in accommodation, food and porter costs too.

Once you’re done with the mountain, you can take a dip in nearby Sipi Falls!

I hope you enjoyed this post about the best things to do in Uganda and that it helps you plan your own trip! Anything you’d add to the list?

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I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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16 Comments

What a post! You had me convinced with the first two ideas, hiking at Lake Bunyoni and trekking to see gorillas. Then, the ideas just keep coming. I love how much wildlife you got to see. Then the Mount Elgon hike sounds truly fantastic.

Thanks so much – glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

Your photos are stunning!! I’ve always dreamt of going on a gorilla trek in Rwanda but didn’t realize the prices had gone up so much! Going trekking in Uganda seems like a much more affordable option. Although it does take a lot of commitment and planning if you have to plan 6-12 months in advance to get a permit. I never have my life together enough to plan that far in advance. Haha.

Thank you so much! Yeah, they put them up overnight with no warning! Crazy!

What a great post! You always hear of mountain trekking for gorillas in Uganda (which is top on my bucket list) but you don’t hear much of the rest of Uganda so this post is wonderful. Looks like an incredible landscape and an unforgettable time!

Thank you, glad I was able to offer some new info and inspiration! 🙂 You’re right, most people talk about gorilla trekking!

Fab list. You didn’t mention the source of the Nile?

Thanks for adding it to the radar! 🙂

Wow! Uganda looks amazing. It’s so high on my bucket list and I’m definitely keeping this blog post handy for when I eventually go.

Thank you! I hope you get to go asap!

Wow! I’ve been wanting to go to Uganda for so long, and this article has convinced me even more! It seems like such a beautiful country with lots to do. Your hike to Mount Elgon looked incredible!

It is such an incredible place – you have to go!

Uganda is great- and I totally recommend that you visit Kidepo next time- it’s amazingly beautiful! Combine it with a visit to Moroto, where you can go hiking, as well as lots of different cultural experiences that are truly unique! I was there last year and I just want to go back as soon as possible 😉 Also, I have a farm about five hours drive from Kidepo, please get in touch if interested in knowing more before your next Uganda trip!

Thank sounds great! I would love to visit! Thank you!

It seems like a great place with an even greater community. I enjoyed reading it since I love nature and stuff, it’s amazing to see that you are just surrounded by these animals in the wild it feels like I’m in there too. More power to you and keep on doing what you are doing.

Thanks so much!

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Places to Visit in Uganda: Unlocking Must-See Destinations

Posted by Journey Index | Aug 15, 2023 |

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. From its breathtaking landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, this East African country has plenty to offer. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Uganda has a plethora of must-visit places that will leave you in awe. Join us as we embark on a journey through this enchanting land and unveil the hidden treasures that await.

Unveiling the Wonders: Places to Visit in Uganda

When it comes to places to visit in Uganda, the options are endless. From national parks teeming with wildlife to serene lakes and majestic mountains, this country has something to suit every wanderer’s taste. Let’s explore some of the top must-visit destinations in Uganda:

The Breathtaking Beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park

One of Uganda’s most iconic national parks, Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a nature lover’s paradise. Home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and hippos, this park offers unforgettable safari experiences. As you venture through the vast plains and lush forests, keep your eyes peeled for rare bird species and elusive leopards. Don’t forget to embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you can witness the spectacular sight of hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun.

The Majestic Mountains of the Rwenzori National Park

Nestled in the western part of Uganda, Rwenzori National Park is a haven for mountaineers and nature enthusiasts. The park is home to the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” which offer a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience. As you ascend through the mist-shrouded peaks, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of glaciers, waterfalls, and unique alpine vegetation. The adventure seekers among you won’t want to miss the opportunity to conquer Africa’s third-highest peak, Mount Stanley.

Exploring the Cultural Heritage of the Kasubi Tombs

Step back in time and immerse yourself in Uganda’s rich cultural heritage at the Kasubi Tombs. Located in the capital city of Kampala, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the burial ground of the Baganda kings, the traditional rulers of the Buganda Kingdom. As you explore the intricate architecture and learn about the customs and traditions of the Buganda people, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Uganda’s history and cultural identity.

Discovering the Pristine Beauty of Lake Bunyonyi

Nestled amidst rolling hills in southwestern Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is a hidden gem that will capture your heart. Known as the “Place of Little Birds,” this tranquil lake is dotted with lush islands and surrounded by terraced farmlands. Take a canoe ride or go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, and witness the vibrant birdlife that calls this place home. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect destination.

Unveiling the Untamed Wilderness of Murchison Falls National Park

Located in northern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is a testament to the raw beauty of Africa’s wildlife. As you traverse this vast wilderness, you’ll encounter a diverse array of animals, including giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, and the iconic African lion. The park is also home to the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River plummets through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Take a boat cruise to the base of the falls for a truly immersive experience.

Witnessing the Chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park

For nature enthusiasts and primate lovers, Kibale Forest National Park is a must-visit destination. This lush rainforest is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in East Africa. Embark on a trek through the dense jungle, led by experienced guides, and observe these charismatic creatures in their natural habitat. As you listen to their calls and witness their playful antics, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the animal kingdom.

The Cultural Melting Pot: Exploring Uganda’s Cities

While Uganda’s natural beauty is undoubtedly a major draw, the country’s cities also offer a unique insight into its vibrant culture. Let’s take a closer look at some of Uganda’s cities that are worth exploring:

Kampala: The Vibrant Capital City

As the capital and largest city of Uganda, Kampala is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Explore the colorful markets, sample delicious street food, and visit historical landmarks such as the Uganda Museum and the Uganda National Mosque. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the lively nightlife scene, where you can dance the night away to the rhythm of Afrobeat music.

Jinja: The Adventure Capital

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Nile River, Jinja is known as the adventure capital of East Africa. Thrill-seekers can enjoy activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping. For a more relaxed experience, take a boat ride to the source of the Nile or visit the Jinja Market, where you can browse for local crafts and souvenirs. Jinja is also a great place to learn about Uganda’s colonial past, with historic buildings dating back to the early 20th century.

Entebbe: The Gateway to the Pearl of Africa

Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is often the first stop for visitors to Uganda. This charming town offers a peaceful retreat with its botanical gardens, sandy beaches, and a picturesque waterfront. Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, where you can get up close and personal with rescued animals, or take a boat trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees.

Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems in Uganda

While the aforementioned destinations are undoubtedly popular, there are also lesser-known places in Uganda that are equally captivating. Let’s venture off the beaten path and discover some hidden gems:

Ssese Islands: A Tropical Paradise

Escape to the idyllic Ssese Islands, located in Lake Victoria, for a true tropical paradise experience. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests, these islands offer a tranquil retreat away from the crowds. Go on nature walks, spot rare bird species, or simply relax by the shore and soak up the breathtaking views. The Ssese Islands are the perfect destination for those seeking serenity and natural beauty.

Mount Elgon: A Hiker’s Paradise

For those seeking an alternative to the crowded trekking routes of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Everest, Mount Elgon offers a refreshing change. This dormant volcano, located on the Uganda-Kenya border, offers stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a sense of solitude. Embark on a multi-day trek to the summit and be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views and the opportunity to soak in natural hot springs. Mount Elgon is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by intrepid hikers.

Kidepo Valley National Park: Remote Wilderness

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is a remote wilderness that has remained relatively untouched by tourism. This hidden gem is home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes, roaming freely across vast savannahs. Discover the true essence of adventure as you traverse the rugged landscapes and witness breathtaking sunsets over the Narus Valley.

Conclusion:

Uganda is a country that offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the breathtaking landscapes of its national parks to the vibrant streets of its cities, this East African gem is packed with things to do in Uganda that will suit every traveler’s taste. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful retreat, Uganda promises to dazzle and inspire. So pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable adventure to discover the must-visit places that this beautiful nation has to offer. The Pearl of Africa awaits! For more, visit JourneyIndex .

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20 Best things to do in Kampala | Uganda Travel Tips

Kampala is the heart and soul of Uganda ! Also known as the City of 7 Hills, this vibrant capital city is a must-visit when you travel to Uganda . Bordering Lake Victoria (the largest freshwater lake in Africa ) and surrounded by many rolling hills, Kampala offers a variety of things to do and places to see that will make your visit truly memorable.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll share the  20 best things to do in Kampala and take you on an unforgettable virtual sightseeing tour of Kampala that showcases the best of this African gem, including fun activities, must-visit tourist attractions, and Kampala's lively nightlife scene.

Kampala Fact: Did you know that Kampala derived its name from the many impalas that used to live on the surrounding rolling hills? Sadly, the Kampala region used to be a designated area for hunting impalas.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, foodie, souvenir hunter, or looking for an authentic cultural experience, Kampala has something special in store for you. Expect a vibrant culture, friendly locals, and rich history in the densely populated capital city of Uganda - only 70km from the Equator!

Kampala City Tour

How to spend a day in Kampala? If you only have 1 day to see Kampala, I highly recommend a one-day Kampala City Tour with a guide that can tell you everything about this capital city of Uganda and its history. On this tour, you will visit most well-known monuments and top tourist attractions in Kampala . Along the way you can taste Kampala's streetfood on the colorful markets and submerge yourself in Uganda's vibrant culture.

I like to support women in tourism, so we did the city tour with a local Ugandan and woman-owned travel agency, called Sites Travel . We met Jemima (CEO) & Shivan in person during the Pearl of Africa Tourism Exhibition organized by the Uganda Tourism Board. Jemima is a wonderful woman with over 15 years of experience.

Grace, our knowledgeable female tour guide, made us feel safe walking around the chaotic city and told me when it would be better to put away my camera gear .

Is Kampala safe for tourists?

I honestly felt safe in Kampala all the time; even on the busy markets. Just be aware of pickpockets and use your common sense. Is Kampala safe at night? I suggest to avoid traveling after dark outside the main towns. It's also safer to avoid driving at night as roads can be in bad condition (potholes, badly signposted). Want to go out for dinner at night? Taking an Uber in Kampala is very safe.

What is the price for a city tour in Kampala?

Prices for a city tour in Kampala vary from $30-$100 depending on the hours of exploring (half-day or full-day) and mode of transportation. You can opt for a motorized tour or a simple walking tour in Kampala . A combination of these options is advisable to cover more of all the top sights Kampala has to offer. Sites Travel Ltd can customize the tour to your personal wishes and advise about what to do in Kampala or organize your safari in Uganda.

Now it’s time to discover the best things to do in Kampala (Uganda). Did I miss an important, fun, or unique thing to do in Kampala? Please leave a comment in the comment section below!

1. Uganda National Mosque with 360° city views

With its impressive architectural design, the Uganda National Mosque - also known as the Gaddafi National Mosque or Kampala Central Mosque - is a prominent landmark in the city on Kampala Hill in Old Kampala. This iconic Old Kampala Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Kampala as it's the largest mosque in East Africa offering a wonderful blend of Islamic culture and architectural grandeur.

The mosque (initially built by Idi Amin Dada) got its nickname Gaddafi Mosque because the former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi funded various infrastructure projects, including the mosque, which became a symbol of the historical ties between Libya and Uganda during Gaddafi’s rule. Following Gaddafi’s fall from power in 2011, the name of the mosque became a subject of controversy and got renamed to Uganda National Mosque .

360° Panoramic views of Kampala on top of Minaret

Explore the mosque's premises and admire the panoramic views of Kampala on top of the minaret. It’s a 300-steps climb to get a 360-degree view over Kampala city from the top, but it’s 100% worth the ascent. Also, don’t forget to look down the winding staircase inside the minaret, one of the Instagrammable photo spots in Kampala .

Entrance Fee Gaddafi Mosque

The entrance ticket for the Gaddafi Mosque is about 5 US Dollars (20,000 UGX) for foreign internationals. That includes a guide and a scarf to cover the women's head, arms, and legs. If you book a Kampala City Tour with Sites Travel, they already included the ticket in the walking tour.

The Uganda National Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Kampala as it provides a glimpse into the Muslim community's vibrant cultural practices, and it offers some of the best views of Kampala city . A good beginning of your Kampala Walking Tour as you get to know the city and its surrounding ‘seven hills’ from a birds-eye perspective.

There's also another mosque in Kampala that is worth visiting, called Kibuli Mosque . It's the second most popular mosque in Uganda after the Gadhafi Mosque. It's located in Kibuli, a place with the largest population of Muslims in Kampala.

2. Visit the UNESCO Kasubi Tombs

Kampala hosts one of the 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Uganda, the famous Kasubi Royal Tombs . These royal burial grounds hold great cultural significance for the Buganda Kingdom. Observe the traditional architecture, learn about the kingdom's history, and gain insight into the traditions of the Buganda people, including their spiritual beliefs & rituals associated with the last resting place of the kings and royals.

3. Explore the Uganda Museum

Learn about Uganda’s past at the Uganda Museum, the oldest museum in East Africa. The museum offers an impressive collection of artifacts, exhibits on traditional crafts, and displays of Uganda's diverse cultural heritage. The Uganda National Museum offers a captivating journey through time and offers a unique opportunity to learn about Uganda's pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history, as well as the country's ethnic groups, traditions, and customs. A must-visit for our history lovers and everyone who wants to learn more about Uganda.

The National Museum also hosts the annual Amakula International Film Festival in Kampala where visual content is celebrated and promoted with a focus on African cinema.

4. Kabaka's Palace & Idi Amin's Torture Chambers

When you visit Kampala, make sure to explore the historic Kabaka's Palace , also known as the Lubiri Palace. Situated on the Royal Mile in the heart of Kampala city, the Lubiri Palace served as the residence of the Kabakas. The Kabakas were the traditional rulers of the Buganda kingdom, dating back to the 19th century during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II. Today, the palace also houses the Buganda Parliament (Lukiiko), where the Lukiiko convenes to discuss and deliberate on matters related to the Buganda kingdom's governance, culture, and development.

The Kabaka palace complex showcases traditional Buganda architecture, like thatched roofs and intricate woodwork. You can take a guided tour including the royal residences, courtyards, ceremonial spaces, and Idi Amin's prison.

Idi Amin's Torture Chambers

Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers , also known as the Haunted Mansion or Amin's Haunted House is one of the most sad but interesting places to visit in Kampala. It is a building with a dark history associated with the regime of former Ugandan President Idi Amin. During Idi Amin's presidency, Uganda witnessed widespread human rights abuses and political repression. Many individuals were subjected to torture and violence under Amin's regime.

The Haunted Mansion is believed to be one of the places where Amin's security forces carried out their brutal activities. Stories and rumors of paranormal occurrences, ghostly apparitions, and lingering negative energies have emerged over the years, contributing to the haunted reputation of the site.

When you visit the site, you will encounter a dark concrete tunnel with prison cells. These cells used to be separated by an electrified body of water to prevent prisoners from escaping. Each torture cell had over 100 people with no ventilation, water, or food.

Unfortunately, over 200,000 people died in these torture chambers. When you visit Idi Amin's Torture Chambers you can still see heartbreaking messages on the walls of the torture cells written by former prisoners. Other signs you can find are bullet holes and scratches of resistance. I found the torture chambers impressive and ominous. It gave me goosebumps all over.

You'll also find the remains of Mutesa’s Rolls-Royce which was destroyed by Idi Amin. Nowadays, the palace is called Mengo Palace due to its location on (Nkaawo) Mengo Hill, one of the 7 Kampala Hills.

5. Royal Mile of the Buganda Kingdom

Travelers should add a walk along The Royal Mile to their list of things to see and do in Kampala. The Royal Mile is a historic road connecting important sites, and landmarks associated with the kingdom and holds significant cultural and political importance for the Buganda people.

Walking the Royal Mile is one of those tourist activities in Kampala you can't miss as it features the following important landmarks:

• Lubiri Palace or Kabaka's Palace (no. 4 in this Kampala article)
• The Bulange Parliament Building (or Bulange Mengo) serves as the administrative and cultural headquarters for the kingdom's affairs. Here, you can learn about the political system of the Buganda Kingdom and witness the cultural ceremonies and events that take place. It also houses the offices of the Katikkiro (Prime Minister).
• Naggalabi Buddo Coronation Site where Buganda kings get traditionally crowned.
• Kabaka's Lake also known as Luggard's Lake, was created during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II. The lake not only adds to the beauty of the area but also holds historical and cultural importance within the Buganda Kingdom.

By exploring this historic activity, you learn more about the Buganda people's identity. So, take a stroll along The Royal Mile and let the stories of the Buganda Kingdom unfold before you.

6. Stroll the colorful Owino Market; the best place to visit in Kampala

Officially (re)named St. Balikuddembe Market, no visit to Kampala is complete without experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the Owino Market , the largest market in Kampala!

Second-hand market in Kampala

This bustling market, commonly referred to as " Kampala's second-hand market " is a treasure trove for thrift shoppers. They have everything from unique clothing and shoes to accessories; all at affordable prices. So, unleash your inner fashionista as you browse through second-hand items, giving them a new life and adding a touch of individuality to your wardrobe.

Labyrinth of alleys

Visit Kampala and get lost in the many small alleys that feel like a labyrinth filled with stalls offering colorful fabrics, traditional crafts, clothing, traditional Ugandan food, and lots of souvenirs. Engage with friendly vendors, bargain for unique finds, and embrace the lively atmosphere of this bustling open-air Owino Market. I was happy our guide Grace knew exactly what alleys to go through and what stalls to show us to learn some interesting facts about certain products. 100% one of the best outdoor activities in Kampala!

Open-air St. Balikuddembe Market

They renamed Owino Market into St. Balikuddembe Market in honor of a prominent Ugandan martyr named Charles Lwanga, who was canonized as Saint Charles Lwanga Balikuddembe. Balikuddembe is a local term that means "the one who brings peace". The name change pays homage to this important figure in Ugandan history and to emphasize the market's connection to the local community.

7. Eat Local Ugandan Cuisine (Rolex tasting)

When in Kampala, you can’t miss out on tasting some flavors of the  Ugandan cuisine . Things you must taste and eat in Downtown Kampala are local dishes like matoke (cooked banana), luwombo (stewed meat wrapped in banana leaves), and Rolex (a popular street food comprising a rolled chapati with eggs and vegetables).

So when you buy a Rolex in Uganda, you don’t get a watch but a rolled chapati with eggs! A Ugandan Rolex is a great street food that you find along the road. We did Rolex tasting on our Kampala City Tour, where we got to see how they make this fresh local Ugandan dish.

We also tasted freshly made Banana pancakes and some G-nut sauce. Head to local restaurants and Kampala street food stalls to experience the authentic tastes of Uganda.

If you have more time, you can also opt for a Ugandan Cooking Class with authentic Ugandan dishes or do a half or full-day food tour in Kampala . A food tour is one of the cool things to do in Kampala because it's very interactive and a great way to support the vendors and their families.

Are you a lover of coffee? Check out 1000 Cups of Coffee , at PRISM Mall on Buganda Road - opposite the East African Craft Village. They also offer Coffee Safaris and options to experience their Roastery.

8. Ugandan Coffee Experience Class

Life is too short to drink terrible coffee! The Coffee Experience and Home Brewing Class in Kampala is an interactive and fun thing to do in Kampala if you want to learn more about Uganda's rich coffee heritage. The class delves into the progress (or lack thereof) in being recognized as a coffee giant and growing & processing methods. It also focuses on price transparency and the dynamics between coffee growers and coffee consumers.

You will analyze roast profiles, grind size, and various brewing methods, plus you will sample specialty Robusta and Arabica coffee. Interested in this coffee class? Check out One Tribe Coffee at Motiv or visit their Instagram .

9. Buy fresh fruits at Nakasero Market

In the heart of downtown Kampala, Nakasero Market is Kampala’s major food market; a bustling hub where locals, visitors, and businesses come together to buy and sell fresh food like colorful fruits, vegetables, grains, spices, meats, fish, and livestock like chickens.

It is the oldest and most iconic market in the city, offering a unique cultural experience for visitors. It’s also the place where most hotels buy their food.

So, the foodies among us will be in for a treat at Nakasero Food Market. Take a stroll through the food section and engage with the vendors to learn about traditional Ugandan ingredients and recipes.

Eat fresh fruits and sample some of the local street food, such as roasted plantains, grilled meats, and savory samosas, for a true taste of Uganda's culinary delights.

The lively atmosphere, bustling crowds, and eye-catching displays make it a photographer's paradise. Capture the essence of everyday life, and the friendly faces of the vendors as you document your visit to Nakasero Market.

📷 Kampala Markets Photography Tip: Don't forget to ask permission to photograph people or to capture a portrait as not everyone likes to be photographed; especially not without asking permission.

  Like to have a panoramic view of the Nakasero Market to photograph the food market from above? Go up the stairs at the nearby mall! If you're with a guide he or she can show you the way!

What I like about strolling the markets is that it's a cheap thing to do in Kampala as the markets don't have an entrance fee. I do recommend buying some souvenirs, and tasting local dishes and fresh fruits, like mango.

10. People-watching at Old Taxi Park

The Old Taxi Park is a bustling transportation hub that can be an interesting place to see in Kampala. It’s where taxis, matatus, and boda-bodas converge. Passing by the taxi park, away from the more touristy areas, allows you to witness the vibrant hustle and bustle of Kampala's transport system firsthand, and it’s a fantastic spot for people-watching.

It's a chance to observe the vibrant street life, and it provides a glimpse into the authentic side of Kampala . The park is a hive of activity, with the constant movement of vehicles and people, the sounds of honking horns, and the vibrant colors and energy that characterize the local transportation system.

The old Taxi Park is also a commercial center. Vendors set up shops around the park, offering a variety of goods and services. The Taxi Park offers many opportunities for capturing unique photographs that reflect the essence of Kampala. The lively scenes, vibrant colors, and the constant motion of people and vehicles can make for interesting visual compositions.

  Old Taxi Park Travel Tip : If you walk up the stairs in the nearby mall you will have a great view over the Old Taxi Park and the nearby busy streets. It's also a great spot to watch the sunset over Downtown Kampala; a free thing to do!

11. Discover the Bahá'í Temple

The Bahá'í Temple , also known as the Mother Temple of Africa, is set on Kikaya Hill , one of the 7 hills that surround Kampala. This magnificent temple offers panoramic views of Kampala and provides a serene space for reflection and meditation. The Bahá’í Faith was introduced to Uganda in 1951, making it one of the earliest Bahá’í communities in Eastern Africa. Bahá’í Houses of Worship are spiritual gathering places open to all peoples.

Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and learn about the Bahá'í faith. The property (opened in 1961) includes the Bahá'í House of Worship, the peaceful gardens, a guest house, and an administrative center.

For a very long time, Uganda was the only country in Africa with a Bahá'í Temple. However, in recent years they built a temple in Kenya and the world’s first national Bahá'í House of Worship in Congo, DRC. They also plan to build another one in Zambia .

12. Visit the Namirembe Cathedral

The Namirembe Cathedral , also known as St. Paul's Cathedral Namirembe , is one of the oldest and most iconic cathedrals in Uganda. It holds a significant place in the country's history and serves as the headquarters of the Anglican Church of Uganda. Tourists can attend these services.

The panoramic views of Kampala city are another reason why the Namirembe Cathedral is one of the beautiful places to visit in Kampala. The cathedral is located on Namirembe Hill , one of the 7 hills of Kampala.

13. Buy Souvenirs at Kampala Craft Markets

Explore the vibrant craft markets in Kampala , such as the National Crafts Village at the Kampala National Theatre complex, the African Village Market in Kisementi, the East African Craft Village, or the Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited .

These bustling markets offer a wide selection of traditional crafts, including colorful textiles, wood carvings, jewelry, basketry, and artwork. Engage with local artisans, learn about their techniques, and take home unique Ugandan souvenirs.

  Responsible Travel Tip: By purchasing souvenirs on one of the local markets, you support local artisans. You might not need a souvenir to bring back home, but buying a souvenir at these stalls is a great way to give back to local Ugandans and their community.  If you don't want to take your souvenir from Uganda back home, you can gift it to a local Ugandan you meet along the way. Another option is to buy some school materials to gift to a rural school.

If you're done souvenir shopping in these tourist places and want to experience some upscale malls, you can also visit various shopping malls in Kampala, like the Oasis Mall in Centenary Park and Acacia Shopping Mall in Kisementi. Acacia Mall has various shops, cafes and restaurants. Cafesserie is a nice hangout place in the mall with a nice menu and ambiance. Other malls are Lugogo Shopping Mall (Kabalagala) and Freedom City (Entebbe Road).

14. Experience Ndere Cultural Center

Nestled in a beautiful garden setting, The Ndere Cultural Center is a cultural hub for tourists visiting Uganda to experience traditional dances, music, and storytelling that highlight the diverse ethnic groups of Uganda. Attend captivating evening shows that feature energetic drumming, African dances, and traditional songs performed by talented artists wearing colorful traditional clothing.

Through its performances, it seeks to foster unity, understanding, and appreciation for Uganda's cultural diversity . It's an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the history, rituals, and beliefs of various ethnic Ugandan groups, as well as witness the fusion of traditional and contemporary elements in Ugandan music and dance .

Apart from the performances, this Kampala tourist hub also hosts workshops, where you can learn traditional crafts, musical instruments, and dance moves. Visiting the Ndere Cultural Center is definitely among the best things to do in Kampala. Engage with the artists, take part in interactive sessions, and get a hands-on experience of Uganda's cultural expressions.

15. Kampala Sightseeing Bus Tour

If you’re short on time, you can also explore Kampala City with the Kampala Sightseeing Bus . This city sightseeing tour offers two daily trips and the journey takes between 4 and 5 hours depending on the traffic. The bus will take you to Kampala’s top sights such as the Uganda Museum, The National Theater, Nakasero Market, Rubaga Cathedral, Namirembe Cathedral, Kabaka’s Lake, Kabaka Royal Palace, Uganda national mosque, Bahai Temple, the Independence Monument, and many other things to see in Kampala. The tour starts at the BMK House next to Hotel Africana .

I listed the bus sightseeing tour as some of the best things to do in Kampala to give you more ways of exploring Kampala City. Personally, I prefer a private guided tour to experience Uganda’s capital city, like the one I did with Sites Travel.

16. Kampala by Night Party Bus

Wondering what to do in Kampala at night? Experience the energy of Kampala's nightlife in a unique and thrilling way with the Kampala by Night Party Bus . Stepping aboard the party bus is without a doubt one of the most fun things to do in Kampala . The party bus is equipped with a high-quality sound system, dazzling lights, and comfortable seating, getting you ready for a night of excitement, music, and dancing in the city that never sleeps.

I experienced this fun activity during my last safari trip to Uganda together with Explore Uganda (the Uganda Tourism Board). We had a lot of fun, and it was a great way to get to know the people in the neighboring seats. I left my camera in the hotel at Speke Resort Munyonyo, so I only have a few phone images.

As the party bus hits the road, you'll cruise through the streets of Kampala, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere and beats of the nightlife in Kampala . It's not for nothing that Kampala is regarded as the 'Las Vegas of Africa'. The city is very alive after dark with lots of bars and pubs to have a fun night out. The upscale nightlife spots are most safe for tourists in Kampala.

Popular Nightlife Spots & Bars in Kampala

The Kampala by night route may include some of the following popular hangout places:

• Industrial Area known for its trendy bars, lounges, and clubs;
• Kisementi is a popular area filled with hip bars like Alchemist Bar, Sky Lounge Rooftop Bar with panoramic views of the city skyline, restaurants, and clubs offering a mix of local and international entertainment, ensuring a diverse and lively experience for partygoers;
• The upscale residential Kololo is known for its trendy bars, rooftop lounges, and live music, like Casablanca Pub & Restaurant on Acacia Avenue, a bustling street lined with a variety of bars and clubs;
• Ntinda is a lively neighborhood where you'll find a mix of local hangouts, clubs, and live music venues where you can enjoy performances by talented Ugandan artists and DJs;
• Centenary Park is a popular entertainment complex offering a variety of bars, clubs, and open-air venues.

Prices of domestic and imported beers vary. In more upscale clubs you also pay higher prices. According to Numbeo that shares an overview of the cost of living in Kampala , the price for a domestic beer (0,5l draught) is around 0.81 - 3.22 USD.

The Kampala by Night Party Bus tour provides a safe and exciting way to discover the city's vibrant nightlife, hopping from one hotspot to another, and enjoying the music, drinks, and lively ambiance on board. It's a fantastic opportunity to socialize, dance, and create unforgettable memories with friends and fellow travelers in some of the coolest hangout spots in Kampala.

Where to book the Kampala by-night party bus ride?

7o7safaris offered an exclusive luxury party bus that is available for dry hire and 25 persons max. There was also an open-roof party bus offered by “Promote Uganda Safaris Limited (PUS)", the same organization that offers the Kampala Sightseeing Bus Tour.

17. Reflect at Uganda Martyrs' Shrine

This historical and religious site, also known as the Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine is located in Central Uganda 15 kilometers northeast of Kampala City. It commemorates the lives of 22 Christian converts who were executed for their faith in the late 19th century during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda. The shrine serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by these young men and women who chose to remain steadfast in their beliefs.

Apart from that, The Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo is one of the largest Christian pilgrimage destinations in Africa and a place of reflection and prayer for visitors, especially during the annual Martyrs' Day celebrations on June 3rd, which is a public holiday in Uganda.

18. Unwind at Lake Victoria

Take a break from the chaos in Kampala city and head to the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria , Africa's largest lake. Because the lake borders multiple countries, it's also one of the best things to do in East Africa.

Looking for a romantic thing to do in Kampala ? Go pick-nicking at Lake Victoria and head back after you watched a typical African sunset. A totally free thing to do in Kampala and you’re at the lake in no time. Other tourist activities on  Lake Victoria are a scenic boat ride, fishing excursions to catch Nile perch and tilapia, or simply relaxing by the waterfront.

Ggaba Fish Market

If you decide to visit Lake Victoria, Ggaba Market is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. It’s a vibrant fish market where fishermen bring in their fresh catches of the day.

Birdwatching near Kampala

Lake Victoria is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Some birds you can spot along the shores of Lake Victoria are the African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, and Malachite Kingfisher. A great place to see nearby Kampala is the Mabamba Swamp , known for the Shoebill watching activity. This birding activity starts from Entebbe but you can easily arrange a half-day trip from Kampala. Here are a few examples of birding tours in Uganda :

Island-hopping Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria hosts many beautiful islands like Ssese Island, Bulingugwe Island, and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, that are worth visiting when you travel to Uganda.

Lake Victoria Beaches near Kampala

Explore the pristine beaches and just relax on the shores of Lake Victoria. Some popular beaches near Kampala include Munyonyo Beach and Lido Beach .

Kampala Cycling

Are you a fan of cycling? A cool thing to do near Kampala is an off-the-beaten-path cycling tour around Lake Victoria, starting in Kampala. Here are examples of a cycling tour:

19. Water fun at Planet Water Park & Games in Kampala

If you’re traveling in Kampala with kids, check out Planet Water Park & Games . It’s the ultimate destination for thrilling water adventures and one of the most fun things to do in Kampala (with kids). Locals visit a lot as well, especially during weekends. Another option to hangout with kids is the Disney Kids Play Park.

20. Discover the Source of the Nile by boat on a day-trip from Kampala

You can find the Source of the Nile in Jinja, also known as Uganda’s adventure capital. Jinja is nearby Kampala, and it’s very easy to plan a day trip from Kampala to see the source of the Nile. Because Jinja is close Kampala, I included it in the best things to do nearby Kampala.

If you’re interested in visiting the source of the Nile and other tourist places in Uganda, I recommend reading  The 15 best places to visit in Uganda ,

Here are examples of 1 to 3-day tours to Jinja and the Source of the Nile:

20 Best things to do in Kampala

In summary, these are the 20 best things to do in Kampala , Uganda:

• Uganda National Mosque
• UNESCO Kasubi Tombs
• Uganda National Museum
• Kabaka’s Palace & Torture Cells
• The Royal Mile
• Mowimo Market
• Eat Local Uganda Street food
• Ugandan Coffee Experience Class
• Nakasero Market
• Old Taxi Park
• Baha'i Temple
• Namirembe Cathedral
• Kampala Craft Markets
• Ndere Cultural Center
• Kampala Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Kampala by night Party Bus
• Uganda Martyr's Shrine
• Lake Victoria
• Planet Water Park & Games
• Source of the Nile

Is Kampala worth visiting?

When I first visited Uganda in 2018, I skipped Kampala in my 3-week itinerary because I read it’s too much chaos, not really a clean city, and nothing much to do. Since Kampala is the heart and soul of Uganda , I really wanted to explore the capital city whenever I would visit Uganda again, and I’m super happy I did! I will even visit Kampala again next time, as there’s still more to explore.

Is Kampala a clean city?  Not really! They try to keep the streets clean but there's a lot of dirt everywhere and looking at Kigali in Rwanda , Kampala still has a lot of work to do. Is Kampala chaotic? 100%. You just have to adapt and go with the flow to find peace in the crowds going about their daily lives.

So, yes, Kampala is a place worth visiting ! From delving into the country's rich heritage at the Uganda Museum to exploring the serene shores of Lake Victoria, this city offers a diverse range of experiences.

Where to book a Kampala Walking Tour?

Book a Kampala Walking Tour and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors that make this African gem shine.

Plan your trip to Kampala today, and let this remarkable city leave an indelible mark on your travel memories. We booked our guided city tour through  Sites Travel , a local woman-owned travel agency based in the Kampala Serena Hotel that is listed as the best romantic places in Kampala.

It's obviously not the only one offering walking tours in Kampala or a full-day Kampala Tour but I had a good experience with them. They picked us up from the hotel, we first drove to a few sights more outside of downtown Kampala and then started our walking tour along the markets and old taxi park etc.

When is the best time to visit Kampala?

The best time to visit Kampala is all year round! Some people advise the dry season months of mid-December to February and June to August, but I traveled to Uganda in the shoulder seasons or rainy season in Uganda (March/April and October/November) and I really loved to visit Uganda and Kampala during that time. The average coldest month in Kampala, Uganda is July.

  Related: Best time to visit Uganda and Uganda weather by month .

Other things to do around Kampala

Kampala City is enormous, and there are probably more beautiful places to visit or unique things to do. Kampala also has a lot of monuments, like The Independence Monument , the Sir Edward Muteesa Monument, the World War 1 & 2 monuments, the sculpture of Sir Apollo Kagwa, the Statue of Leadership, and the Nakasero Hindu Temple . Kampala is also known for its Makerere University which was the only educational institute of its kind in East Africa for many years. That's also the reason why many prominent figures from Kenya, Tanzania , and Uganda at Makerere University, including Milton Obote, the former president of Uganda.

From Kampala, you can also plan  other things to do in Uganda ; for example, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park , Shoe bill Watching along the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale , hiking along the Sipi Falls or go on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. I also wrote the 9 best things to do in Murchison Falls National Park and everything you need to know about Shoebill watching in Mabamba Swamp , Entebbe.

Best things to do in Kampala

If you want to explore all the sights Kampala offers or if you want to experience Kampala as a local, you can easily spend a week in Kampala. But the listed 20 best things to do in Kampala are a good start! Did I miss an important highlight or must-see in Uganda’s capital city? Please leave a comment below.

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