Best Tourist Attractions and Places in Uganda | Top Activities
Attractions and Places in Uganda; a small landlocked country in East Africa, is a hidden gem for travellers looking to explore the continent’s breathtaking natural beauty. Despite its size and location, Uganda boasts a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife that make it an ideal destination for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
While there may not be an ocean surrounding Uganda, the country is home to an impressive 25% of lakes and rivers, including Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. Additionally, Uganda’s varied topography includes mountainous terrain, lowland rainforests, and sprawling savannah reserves, all of which are home to a vast array of wildlife.
One of Uganda’s top tourist attractions is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southwestern part of the country. This park is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking. Visitors can embark on a guided trek through the park’s dense forest to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Uganda offers a range of other safari experiences, including chimpanzee trekking and game drives to see the “African Big Five” animals (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalos). Visitors can also explore Uganda’s many national parks and wildlife reserves, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
If you’re planning a visit to Uganda in 2024-2025, be sure to include these top attractions on your itinerary. Our comprehensive guide provides detailed information on what to expect and see in Uganda, as well as where to find the best safari experiences. With our Uganda tours, safaris, and holidays, you can explore the country’s many tourist attractions and experience the thrill of an African adventure.
The Kampala City Tour ( Kampala Seven Hills)
Kampala City, Uganda 2023
Experience the vibrant culture of Uganda by starting your journey in Kampala, the capital city, and gateway to this beautiful country. Kampala is a bustling African metropolis with towering skyscrapers amidst the sprawling suburbs. Known for its laid-back and friendly vibe, this city is not only Uganda’s commercial, political and logistical hub but also one of East Africa’s most charming destinations.
As the only international airport in Uganda is located in Entebbe, 35 km away from Kampala, most visitors spend a night in Kampala or Entebbe before and after their Uganda safari. This makes Kampala the perfect place to start and end your journey, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture, sample the delicious cuisine, and explore the city’s many attractions.
The seven hills that makeup Kampala, Uganda, have played a significant role in shaping the city’s cultural and historical identity. These hills have also contributed to the unique character and landscape of the city. Each hill boasts its own unique attributes, providing both residents and visitors with diverse experiences and perspectives within the city.
Come and discover the warmth and hospitality of the Ugandan people, and experience the beauty of this amazing country for yourself. Start your adventure in Kampala and let the magic of Uganda unfold before you!
Uganda is a country known for its natural beauty and has been recognized by Lonely Planet as the best travel destination in 2012. It has a variety of attractions, including the largest free-standing volcano in the world, the second-largest freshwater lake, Africa’s highest mountain range, and the source of the world’s longest river. With so much to offer, it can be overwhelming to choose from the many activities available in the country. Uganda has ten national parks, is known for birding with 1,050 species, has 18 primate species, and offers a range of outdoor activities such as fishing, mountaineering, rafting, and cultural tourism. To help choose the best activities, this overview highlights the Uganda National Parks that can be explored through either an Exodus small-group safari or a private group safari.
Uganda national parks & reserves
Safari in Kidepo National Park | Apoka Safari Lodge
The African Big Five In Uganda
Uganda SELF-DRIVE SAFARI: Ziwa to Murchison Falls
The term “African Big 5 Animals” was coined by trophy hunters in the 1800s to describe the most challenging and hazardous creatures to hunt on foot. Nowadays, a significant number of travellers come to Africa on safari to witness elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, and lions in their natural habitats. Uganda is a popular destination for big game viewing, as it boasts all of Africa’s big five animals (Uganda Big 5), which can be spotted in all savanna parks.
The phrase “Big 5” is now commonly used in safari advertisements. However, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, everyone from European royalty to American presidents wanted to bring home an African hunting trophy—the bigger and more dangerous the animal, the more desirable it was. This is how the term “Big 5” gained popularity.
The Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are an endangered subspecies of the Eastern gorilla found exclusively in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorilla trekking is a popular activity in Uganda, with thousands of tourists from around the world visiting the country annually. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southwestern part of the country, are home to gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the highest gorilla population, according to the last gorilla census, with 550 individuals, making it the best place to see these elusive creatures. Meanwhile, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park only has one large habituated gorilla family with about 20 members.
If you’re planning a trip to Uganda, gorilla trekking is a must-do activity. There’s nothing quite like encountering these elusive creatures in the wild and observing them mimic human behaviours, which gives us a sense of connection. Uganda’s mountain gorillas are one of the country’s most treasured attractions.
The Endangered Mountain Gorillas
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – What Happens…
Mountain Hikes
The legendary Mountains of the Moon – Avatar landscape (Africa’s third highest peak, 5109 m)
If you’re looking for a truly inspiring mountaineering experience, look no further than the Rwenzori mountains in western Uganda. This majestic mountain range, the largest in Africa, stretches over 120 km along the border of Uganda and Congo. Unlike many other African mountains, it doesn’t have a volcanic origin, but it’s a product of geological phenomena along the Albertine Rift Valley. Its highest peak, Mount Stanley, stands at 5,109m and is the third highest in Africa.
Embark on a nine-day-long “central circuit” trekking adventure that includes the possibility of climbing up to the main peaks. You can also opt for shorter hikes (one day, two days or more) from the locations surrounding the park. Visitors are advised to visit during the dry season from December to February and from June to September to avoid the rainy season.
If you’re up for a fun and exciting alternative to the more challenging treks in East Africa, consider climbing Mount Elgon in the eastern part of Uganda. The summit stands at 4,321 meters, and the shortest and most direct route is the Sasa route, which is a four-day round trip. The first day is the most challenging, so be prepared for rain and chilly nights. Summit Mount Elgon during the driest months, from December to February and June to August, for the best experience.
Uganda offers two awe-inspiring waterfall hikes that are sure to leave you breathless. The first hike takes you to the top of the most powerful waterfall in the world, Murchison Falls. As you hike along the explosive falls, created by the Nile squeezing through a small gap of just 7 meters between rocks, you’ll experience an unforgettable thrill. The second hike takes you to Sipi Falls, arguably the most beautiful waterfalls in Uganda, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the eastern region. With easy accessibility from Kampala, this hike has become a popular day trip destination. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated, these two waterfall hikes in Uganda are not to be missed!
Water Falls: Murchison, Sipi, and Ssezibwa
Sipi falls. Ugandan hidden gem #uganda #sipifalls
Bird Watching Experience
Uganda: Birds and Apes
Uganda is a bird lover’s paradise, boasting a year-round temperate climate, abundant water sources, and diverse vegetation that make it one of the top birding destinations in Africa. With over 1,080 bird species recorded, Uganda is a bird-watching haven, attracting vast species from around the world throughout the year. Bird watching can be done in Uganda’s many national parks and forests or during boat rides along the country’s picturesque water bodies. Our birding safaris in Uganda are meticulously planned to ensure that birding enthusiasts have an unforgettable bird-watching experience. Here are the top 10 birding spots in Uganda: Mabamba Bay Wetland, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Semuliki National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park. Come and discover the stunning beauty of Uganda’s birds by booking a birding safari today!
Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure that connects you with nature and wildlife? Look no further than Uganda, home to an incredible population of chimpanzees. These fascinating creatures share a remarkable 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest living relatives.
Kibale National Park is the perfect destination for chimpanzee trekking safaris, with its dense rainforests and diverse primate population. Kibale National Park is known as the primate capital of the world, housing not only chimpanzees but twelve other primate species.
But that’s not all. Uganda is home to roughly 5,000 chimpanzees residing in various national parks, sanctuaries, and rainforests throughout the country. You can also visit the Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park or Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park to experience the thrill of chimpanzee trekking.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these amazing animals in their natural habitat. Book your chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda today!
Chimpanzee Tracking
10 Days in Uganda: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Chimps in Kibale and Safari in Queen Elizabeth NP
Other Attractions and Places in Uganda that will interest you
Uganda offers a wealth of popular tourist sites and attractions that you won’t want to miss. Here are some must-visit destinations:
– Gaddafi National Mosque
– Uganda Martyrs Shrine
– Kabaka’s Palace
– Uganda Museum
– Budongo Forest
– Itanda Falls
– Bujagali Falls
– Griffin Falls
– Victoria Nile
– Source of the Nile Museum
– Nyege Nyege Festival
We are confident that you will enjoy your time exploring these amazing places in Uganda.
