Home » 31 Best Things To Do In Uganda – What To Do In Uganda On A Safari, Uganda Safari Activities
31 Best Things To Do In Uganda – What To Do In Uganda On A Safari, Uganda Safari Activities
Wondering what are the best things to do in Uganda in 2022/2023? OR what to do in Uganda on your Uganda safari? There is a variety of amazing unique things to do in Uganda things to do while on your safari in Uganda. The various Uganda safari activities show just how blessed the country is.
Uganda offers it all: a pleasant tropical climate, friendly locals, savannah grasslands, lust forest, abundant wildlife, hot springs, waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, valleys, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. For these reasons, Sir Winston Churchill declared her the “Pearl of Africa”.
Most travelers who undertake safaris to Uganda enjoy viewing the wild animals of Uganda. Of all the Uganda wildlife safaris, mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is the most amazing. The country has more than half of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas. In fact, Uganda is one of the only three countries where gorilla trekking in Africa is possibly done – the other two are Rwanda and Congo. Aside from gorilla trekking, there are lots of other exciting safari activities to do in Uganda. Uganda is home to many primates including over 5000 chimpanzees. Kibale National Park offers the best chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park are great for Uganda safari game drives and boat cruises in a savannah environment. These Uganda safari sparks contain plenty of Lion, Buffalo, Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Crocodiles, and antelopes.
With 1,074 of the 2,250 bird of Uganda species recorded on the African continent, Uganda is also the richest birding destination in Africa. So, selecting what to do in Uganda is no easy task. But, we have been tailor-making Uganda safari tours for over 10 years. To help you decide, we have nailed down our 31 best things to do in Uganda:
List Of Top Things To Do In Uganda On Your Safari – Unique Safari Activities In Uganda.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda
Golden Monkey Tracking in Uganda
Uganda safari game drives
Boat trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls
Nile Delta boat safari in Murchison Falls NP
Visiting the top of Murchison Falls
Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Searching for the rare Tree-Climbing Lions
Rhino tracking on foot
Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth NP
Birding in Uganda
Driving northeast to Kidepo National Park
Game walk in Lake Mburo National Park
Horseback safaris in Lake Mburo NP
Forest nature walks in Uganda
Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
Rwenzori Mountains trekking
Hiking Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga
Hiking Mount Elgon
Hiking to the Sip Falls
Hiking to Sempaya Hotsprings
Visiting the source of the Nile—Jinja
Sportfishing tours in Uganda
Uganda Cultural Tours & community visits
Visit Uganda’s Equator Crossing Kayabwe
Looking For Shoebills In Mabamba Swamp
Relaxation On Ssesse Island In Lake Victoria
Kampala City Tour
1. Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
One of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in the world, mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, ranks first on our list of the best things to do in Uganda. Mountain gorillas are intelligent, social, curious, gentle apes. They live in families of 5-30 individual groups led by one adult male silverback.
Because gorillas were once on the brink of extinction, trekking is a highly restricted activity. So, there are strict Uganda gorilla trekking rules in place to protect them.
You also need a gorilla permit to see gorillas. A Rwanda gorilla permit is more expensive at USD 1500 compared to a Ugandagorilla permit at USD 700. The gorilla trekking permit prices may seem high, but the revenue generated is used for the protection of these endangered giants.
The Uganda gorilla trekking experience is an emotional activity and it requires some physical fitness to hike up steep hills through dense jungle and sometimes swamp-like valleys. However, for those who have sat quietly in the jungle watching—and being watched by—these bulky, intelligent apes so closely related to us, it is well worth any difficulty. Trekking rules are strictly enforced, for example:
Visitors must wear a face mask
At least 10 meters away from gorillas must be maintained.
You can take as many photographs as you want but no flash.
Speak in whispers and don’t make sudden movements.
Treks are limited to 8 persons per group and visits to one hour.
You need a gorilla permit (at US$ 700) to trek the gorillas of Uganda. Permit fees go entirely to support the park and its wildlife.
Climate and weather are unpredictable and variable—almost any visit will include both hot and cool weather, rain, and sun.
Hiking boots are essential, as are a hat, gloves to protect against stinging nettles, long sleeves and pants, and a light waterproof jacket.
The best times are dry-season June–August and December–February.
2. Gorilla Habituation Experience In Bwindi
The popular Uganda gorilla trekking adventure allows you a wonderful opportunity to spend 1 hour with gorillas. But if you would like to spend 4 hours with the mountain gorillas and find out more about them and their habitat, the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi offers just that.
Gorilla habituation is a crucial process of getting wild gorillas to accept the presence of humans. This process takes 2-3 years and involves daily visits to the gorillas by the researchers and trained park trackers until they tolerate human presence without perceiving them as a threat.
Visitors on Uganda gorilla safaris to Bwindi can participate in this process.
Habituation is physically more demanding than the gorilla trekking. This is because the gorillas here are not yet accustomed to human presence and hence move often. You need a good level of fitness, agility, and flexibility. You’ll be jumping streams, climbing steep, mossy slopes, and ducking and diving away from foliage in all directions.
This is only available in Uganda! You cannot participate in gorilla habituation on your Rwanda gorilla safaris or Congo gorilla safaris.
Each Uganda gorilla habituation permit costs USD 1,500.
3. Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda
Number 3 of our 31best things to do in Uganda is chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. This adventure gives you the rare chance of tracking down wild chimpanzees on foot in the jungle.
It is a great opportunity to get into the lives of our closest relatives. Chimps and humans share 98.7% of DNA. Just like humans, chimps live in complex societies, can solve complicated problems, make and use tools, and communicate through a consistent range of sounds and gestures.
The Uganda wild chimpanzee population is about 5700, which is one of the highest in Africa. This is attributed to the abundance of protected forest reserves and parks. Uganda.
Therefore, Uganda offers the best opportunities to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Kibale National Park, with over 1500 chimps, is especially best for chimpanzee trekking Ugandatours. You can also trek Uganda chimps in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest, and Budongo Forest.
Elsewhere in East Africa, you can go wild chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda (Nyungwe National Park) and Tanzania (Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Stream National Park.
A Uganda chimpanzee trekking permit costs:
200 USD in Kibale National Park
40 USD in Budongo Forest
50 USD in Kalinzu Forest & Kyambura Gorge
4. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience In Uganda
With number 4 of our 31best things to do in Uganda, it is back to the primate-rich Kibale Forest and Budongo Forest with the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
It is a great chance to spend a whole day or half-day in the forest with a community of chimpanzees that are undergoing habituation. It is an alternative to chimp trekking, which offers only 1 hour with chimpanzees.
This does not only give you the chance to learn a huge amount about chimpanzee behavior, but it also offers a rare ‘behind the scenes’ insight into primate science.
Habituation begins at 6:00 am when you have to go into the forest to observe the chimps waking up from their nests. You then follow them in the forest throughout the day as they go about their lives until the evening when they make new nests to go to sleep! Chimps are quite active in the morning. You have to run to catch up with them as they swing through the forest canopies in search of food, including hunting Colobus monkeys, which is a delicacy for them.
In the afternoon, they often come down from the canopies to escape the sun and relax on the ground, where they mate, play, and groom each other. At dusk, chimps make nests and go to sleep, at which point you return from the experience.
Elsewhere in East Africa, you can participate in chimpanzee habituation in Rubondo Island National Park in Lake Victoria in Tanzania.
When it comes to safari game drives, Uganda trails behind the regional safari giants, Kenya (Masai Mara National Reserve) and Tanzania (Serengeti National Park). Game viewing is indeed excellent on Tanzania safaris and Kenya safaris, especially in the peak Great Wildebeest Migration season.
However, with its beautiful game savannah parks, Uganda also offers satisfying game viewing in custom-made 4×4 safari vvehicles—and without crowds.
The “BigFive,” that is, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Buffalo, can be viewed on Uganda wildlife safaris.
Early morning game drives are the best way to view wildlife, explore the vast beauty of the Uganda savannas, and enjoy the magical African sunrise. The game drives usually start at 6 am when the cats are actively hunting. The nocturnal is still active by this time, and early risers have started feeding. Game drives in the bigger parks last from 3 to 4 hours before returning for breakfast.
Evening game drives are also for more wildlife sightings and to experience the African sunset.
The prime destinations for Uganda wildlife safari game drives include:
In addition to the popular gorilla and chimp trekking adventure, golden monkey tracking in Uganda is one of the top best things to do in Uganda for primate lovers.
Golden monkeys are very rare and found only in the majestic Virunga Volcanoes of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo—and nowhere on the planet. They’re very pretty, with shiny reddish-gold backs. They live in social groups of up to 100 individuals and love to feed on the bamboo shoots.
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda is done in Mgahinga National Park, which is also home to mountain gorillas. You might not get as close to the monkeys as you may to the gorillas, but their antics are fun to watch and the bamboo forest, where they live, is an interesting environment. They constantly swing through the bamboo or chase each other in circles all around you.
Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) is the only other country where you can do golden monkey tracking. Since golden monkeys reside in gorilla habitats, you can combine golden monkey tracking in your gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda. A Uganda Golden Monkey tracking permit costs 60 USD.
7. Boat Trip To The Bottom Of Murchison Falls
One of the Uganda safari activities that makes Murchison Falls National Park stand out among the majorEast Africasafari parks is the boat safari along the world’s longest river (the Nile).
All the popular East African parks, like Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conserve Area in Tanzania, offer big game viewing safaris from game drives but none offer a big game safari from a boat cruise like Murchison.
The 3-hour afternoon boat trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls offers sightings of plenty of animals that come to drink, bathe, and cool off in the historic Nile River.
You cruise upstream on the River Nile, enjoying wonderful sights and observing an array of wildlife along the Nile. Hippos and crocodiles are a common sight throughout the cruise, while elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes come to eat fresh grass along the Nile and drink from the Nile. Waterbirds are in plenty and you can even spot the incredible shoebills.
The boat docks a few meters away from the crashing fall—the real highlight of the trip. Imagine the explosive force of the 50m-wide Nile thundering through an 8m rocky gap before falling 45m to what has been termed the “devil’s cauldron” below, forming a plume of spray and a permanent rainbow. It is truly one of the top best things to do in Uganda in her major Uganda tourist attractions!. A boat cruise to the bottom of the falls costs 36 USD.
8. Nile Delta Boat Safari In Murchison Falls NP
9-day Uganda birding safari
Almost all visitors to Murchison Falls NP make the boat safari to the bottom of the falls.
Not many of them, however, do the Nile Delta boat safari and we believe that’s a huge mistake! The Nile Delta area is spectacular in landscape, and you are likely to see huge crocodiles, bathing elephants, black and white colobus monkeys, giraffes, and the famous shoebill stork.
Your boat safari will be much longer than the trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls. And you’ll be on a smaller boat so you can get closer to the wildlife. Breakfast can be served on board!
A Nile Delta boat safari costs (4-5 hours) from 55 USD per adult
9. Visiting The Top Of Murchison Falls
Visiting the top of the falls in Murchison Falls National Park is the best activity to experience this spectacular Murchison Falls, which is also the strongest waterfall in the world.
The world’s longest river squeezes through a small gap between the rocks measuring about only 8m, only to emerge with such a roaring explosion, splashing into the plunge pool about 45m down, where the crocodiles have their jaws open all the time for an easy catch of the Nile perch.
The hot sun creates magical rainbows in the splashing droplets. A visit to the top of the waterfalls offers such beautiful photo moments and is indeed one of the best things to do in Uganda! A visit to the top of Murchison Falls costs 15 USD.
10. Boat Cruise On Kazinga Channel
Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise
Another of the amazing best things to do in Uganda is the 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel through Queen Elizabeth National Park, the most popular Uganda National Park with over 95 mammals in Uganda species, 5000 hippos, tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, and 611 bird species.
The Kazinga Channel is a 32 km long natural stream of water that connects Lakes Edward and George. It harbors the world’s densest concentration of hippos and hundreds of waterbirds. An afternoon cruise along this beautiful channel rewards you with wonderful sightings of hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.
You view an exciting variety of waterbirds such as pink-backed pelicans, great white pelicans, saddle-billed storks, yellow-billed storks, and more. It is also the best place to catch the African Fish Eagle in action and the African Skimmer skimming the water for fish. A boat cruise on Kazinga Channel costs 36 USD.
11. Searching For The Rare Tree-Climbing Lions
Tree-climbing lions are not something that you will encounter anywhere on your African safaris.
Even seasoned animal behaviorists agree that lions are not evolutionarily adapted to climb trees and perch atop branches. And no one knows exactly why the lions in the Ishasha plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park prefer to spend their days perched in trees, and not on the ground like other African lions.
Many sources say that maybe the love of the cool weather up in the branches enables them to rest up in the trees, while others think that the bites of tsetse flies are less in the trees than on the ground—that’s why. Whatever the reason may be, everyone agrees that the sight of the lions resting in the branches of huge fig trees is unmatched. Tree-climbing lions are also known to exist in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania.
12. Rhino Tracking On Foot
Planning a short safari in Uganda or a long Uganda safaritour and would like to see the rhinos, you should know you won’t spot rhinos in Uganda’s national parks.
But the good news is that you get up close to these prehistoric-looking heavyweights on foot in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a breeding program for rhinos in Uganda that intends to reintroduce rhinos back into Uganda’s wild.
Yes, to reintroduce them because they once thrived in abundance in Uganda’s wildlife reserves, but the insurgencies of the 1970s saw intense poaching leading to the heavy decline not only of rhino numbers but also other big game like elephants. By 1982, it is believed the last rhino in Uganda’s wilderness was poached.
It was in 2005 that the idea of a rhino sanctuary was established in Nakasongola to breed rhinos, who will ultimately be released into Uganda National Park to once again flourish! The sanctuary covers 7000 hectares. At the time of writing this piece (Feb 2022), it had 32 white rhinos.
Elsewhere in East Africa, you can go rhino tracking on your Kenya safari tours in the Sera Community Conservancy near the great Samburu National Reserve. A rhino tracking tour in Uganda’s Ziwa Sanctuary costs 50 USD.
13. Lion Tracking In Queen Elizabeth National Park
Run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in cooperation with the Uganda Carnivore Program (UCP), lion tracking is one of the bestthings to do in Uganda.
This Uganda safari experience provides an opportunity to closely observe lions in their natural habitat and gain a fresh perspective on them. It involves following radio-tagged lions closely as you learn about their behaviours, natural habitat, and feeding habits. The activity is led by knowledgeable researchers from the UCP.
By paying to participate in lion tracking, you are contributing to a worthwhile wildlife conservation initiative. In Kenya, you can go lion tracking in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. A lion tracking tour in Uganda costs 100 USD.
14. Birding In Uganda
14-Day Uganda Birding Safari Tour
Birdwatching in Uganda is also among the best things to do in Uganda during your safaris in Uganda.
Uganda boasts a list of 1074 Uganda bird species, which is about 50% of Africa’s total species and 11% of the world. Birding in Uganda will give you both East African and West African species, as the country is located at the meeting point of the East African savannahs and the West African jungles.
Uganda being a small country means you can bird the whole country in 3 weeks and record more than 600 bird species. And a top reason you should go birdwatching in Uganda: Uganda is Africa’s number one birding spot. There are also over 30 Important Bird Areas.
The most remarkable is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (the home of mountain gorillas), which was voted ‘Africa’s top birding site’ in 2014.
All 10 national parks in Uganda host a long list of birds.
Here Are Some Of The Most Attractive Birds Of Uganda:
Shoebill
African Green Broadbill
Black Bee-eater
Green-breasted Pitta
Great-blue Turaco
Nahan’s Francolin
Doherty’s Bushshrike
Short-tailed Warbler
Bar-tailed Trogon
15. Driving Northeast To Kidepo National Park
Venture into the authentic wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. The park is located in the extreme northeastern corner of Uganda. It is the remotest of Uganda’s national parks, located over 600 km from Kampala.
To reach Kidepo Valley National Park by road takes no less than 12 hours of driving, which is why it is one of the least visited parks in the country, leaving it isolated from the popular Uganda safaris and tours circuit.
It is one of the most pristine and least disturbed of Africa’s wildernesses, and according to CNN Travel, Kidepo is one of Africa’s best parks with the most beautiful landscape.
16. Game Walk-In Lake Mburo National Park
This is one of the most interesting game walk safaris in Uganda, in the beautiful savannah landscape of Lake Mburo Park.
You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. The activity begins at around 6:30 am. You’ll have an up-close encounter with wild giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, waterbucks, topis, bushbucks, and warthogs.
Elsewhere in East Africa, you can enjoy game walking safaris inTanzania’s Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks as well as Kenya’s Masai Mara. Many of these bush walks are led by local Maasai warriors who teach you how to make fire, find food, and stay out of trouble on the East African savannah.
Longer, multi-day walking safaris in Tanzania are offered in Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve), Ruaha National Park, and Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve. These safaris are not for the timid, but rather for those seeking a true adventure. The terrain is rugged but the reward lies in seeing what few travelers ever see: Africa that is still as wild as it was a century ago.
A game walking tour in Lake Mburo National Park costs 15 USD.
17. Horseback Safaris In Lake Mburo NP
If you are in or passing near Lake Mburo National Park, don’t miss the opportunity to go on a horseback safari. It is one of the most unique things to do in Uganda.
Mihingo Lodge, one of the most luxurious Uganda safari lodges, started running horseback safaris outside Lake Mburo back in 2008.
In 2009, the lodge received a concession to operate these within the park where they have chosen several wonderful routes that can cater to riders of different levels of experience.
You can ride for 2 full hours sighting Elands, Buffalos, Impalas, Warthogs, Topis, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, and the horse’s equine cousin, the zebra, while also enjoying wonderful landscapes along the way. Apart from Lake Mburo, you can also go horseback riding along the Nile in Jinja.
Elsewhere in East Africa, you enjoy a horseback safari in Kenya across the rolling plains of Masai Mara, galloping among herds of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, and gazelle, or in Laikipia Plateau’s Ol Pejeta and Lewa Conservancies.
You can also enjoy horse-riding safaris in Tanzania, across the endless plains that border the Serengeti,and get up close to giraffes and zebras. However, note that riding here is only available for intermediate and more experienced riders: no beginners, please!
18. Forest Nature Walks In Uganda
Forest nature walks in Uganda bring you up close to nature and expose you to a lot of native wildlife, including birds, butterflies, monkeys, reptiles, amphibians, important plants such as medicinal ones, and trees.
There are many forests and natural places for nature walks in Uganda, such as
Mabira Forest which is just an hour’s drive from the capital, Kampala
Budongo Forest
Kibale Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
19. Canoe Ride On Lake Bunyonyi
When considering the best things to do in Uganda, don’t forget the canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda.
The lake is located in southwestern Uganda near the border of Rwanda, close to Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. This picturesque, irregularly-shaped lake and its 29 islands are undisputedly one of the most beautiful, tranquil areas of Uganda. It is often visited as part of Uganda gorilla safaris.
It attracts a wide diversity of birdlife—over 200 species, of which it is said 50 can be spotted within an hour—and the name Bunyonyi aptly means ‘place of many little birds. Its depth of 3,000 feet makes it the second-deepest lake in Africa. While here, embark on a canoe ride and enjoy the peace, as it looks like time stopped here a few centuries ago.
Interesting fact: One of the 29 islands on the lake is Punishment Island, which was used as a place to leave unmarried pregnant girls as punishment for having pre-marital sex. Bunyonyi is also one of the few places in Uganda that’s perfect for swimming: no bilharzia, no crocs, and no hippos. A canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi costs 30 USD.
20. Rwenzori Mountains Trekking
ClimbingKilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain (5,895 m), in Tanzania is the most sought-after African mountain hiking safari adventure, attracting tens of thousands of tourists and adventurers every year. However, Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains Range in Rwenzori Mountain National Park or ‘Mountains of the Moon,’ at 5109 m, offers a more challenging and exciting trek.
Rwenzori has been declared by the international mountain climbing community as among the best in the world, offering a good hiking challenge and incredible beauty.
The range is located in Rwenzori National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. It contains 6 of the 10 tallest mountains in Africa. Despite lying just kilometers from the Equator, the tallest peaks are perennially covered in snow.
There are several trails for both short day hikes in the lower areas of the park and long treks to the snow-capped peaks. The most popular Rwenzori hiking trail is the Central Circuit, which was rated the best mountain climbing trail in Africa and 9th in the world.
It takes up to 8 days (7 nights) to cover the Central Circuit, but with experience and fitness, it can be done in 5 days. The central circuit allows seeing closely the main mountains, Speke, Baker, Stanley, and Savoia, with possible climbing up to the peaks, including Margherita 5109 m.
The circuit also offers the experience of five different vegetation zones, from the tropical rainforest and the bamboo zone up to the alpine area and the glaciers.
21. Hiking Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga
Uganda shares 3 of the main 8 volcanoes of the magnificent Virunga Mountains, which straddle along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
The 3 volcanoes include Muhabura (4127 m), Mgahinga (3474 m), and Sabinyo (3645 m). They are located in Mgahinga National Park. They have lots of unique wildlife: gorillas, golden monkeys, endemic birds, and mountain vegetation.
Mt. Sabinyo offers the most popular ascent. It takes you through vegetation ranges from the bamboo zone between 2400–2800 m; this is also a habitat for the Golden Monkeys, which you are chanced at seeing. Between 2800 – 3200m is a beautiful forest patch of Hagenia Hypericum, over 3200 is that Sub-alpine zone that has fewer trees. This is also the territory of the famous Rwenzori Turaco, a stunning bird that is also endemic to the Albertine Rift region. At the peak (3669 m), you will be in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo at the same time!
You can also go volcano hiking in Rwanda’s gorilla safari destination of Volcanoes National Park or in the Congo gorilla safari destination of Virunga National Park. The most amazing volcano trek is the MountNyiragongo Volcano hike in Congo. Standing some 3,470m in height, Mt. Nyiragongo is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful and most active volcanoes, in the center of which sits the largest lava lake on Earth. A volcano hiking adventure in Mgahinga National Park costs 80 USD.
22. HikingMount Elgon
Hiking in Mount Elgon National Park is among the fantastic Uganda hiking safari adventure tourism activities to do in Uganda. Lying in eastern Uganda on the border with Kenya, Mount Elgon’s highest peak, Wagagai (4321 m), is situated on the Ugandan side.
At 4,000 km², Elgon has the broadest volcanic base in the world. It was one time, thousands of years ago, Africa’s tallest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m but was gradually eroded at the peak, reducing it to the current height of 4321 m—8th in Africa, 4th in East Africa.
The mountain also possesses the largest caldera in the world, measuring 50 km by 80 km. Climbing Mt. Elgon is not simply targeting to reach the summit; it is more about discovering the fascinating wildlife along the slopes.
The varied vegetation zones harbor plenty of wildlife that you may encounter during the trek. There are also fascinating features such as caves, water pools, falls, and wonderful scenery.
Two major trails lead to the peaks, taking 4 to 5 days. One is called the Sasa trail, which is accessible from Mbale, is more direct to the peaks and goes through the largest area of bamboo forest. The second trail is called Piswa and is known to be a gentler hike than the Sasa. You can also hike Mount Elgon on your Kenya safari in the Mount Elgon National Park of Kenya.
23. Hiking To The Sip Falls
Sipi Falls is a set of three stunning waterfalls: 85 m, 75 m, and 100 m. The falls are the most beautiful in Uganda and one of the iconic attractions of eastern Uganda enjoyed by those who enjoy Uganda hiking safaris.
They’re located in the Mt. Elgon foothills and offer an amazing hiking experience and thus a lovely adventure getaway from Kampala. If you are a hiking enthusiast and want an adventure on the weekend, the Sipi Falls are a great option.
The drive from Kampala to Sipi Falls is a little long, about 5 hours, and therefore you need to depart a little earlier, say 6 am.
In addition to the hiking, you can do the thrilling abseiling along the 100m waterfall and also do a coffee tour in the Sipi community, which does coffee growing as one of the commercial activities and going through the process of coffee growing to harvest and processing it the local way is a lovely experience.
The falls also provide the starting point and endpoint of climbing Mt. Elgon and also make a wonderful stopover to break down the long Uganda trip to the Kidepo Valley National Park.
24. Hiking To Sempaya Hotsprings
The eye-catching Sempaya hot springs are located in Semuliki National Park in western Uganda along the border with Congo. The park is often overlooked by travelers, which is a shame because it has wonderful scenery and is home to a good range of primates and many rare birds.
It supports an extension of Guinea – Congo biome forests, thereby bringing in species and features associated with the central Africa area that cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa. On a Semuliki tour, you, therefore, have a feel of central Africa without having to leave East Africa.
The hike to Sempaya hot springs takes 2-4 hours. It goes through a forest habitat that harbors many species of birds and monkeys that you will enjoy sighting during the trek.
At the hot springs, you marvel at these geological wonders. The largest spouts up to 2 meters into the air from an opening in a low salt sculpture. The emerging water has a temperature of over 100 °C and the surrounding pools are so hot—they can hard-boil an egg in 10 minutes.
25. Visiting The Source Of The Nile – Jinja
Safaris to Uganda are never complete without visiting the source of the Nile in Jinja—the adventure capital of East Africa.
It is one of the most iconic places in Africa—the point at which the River Nile—the world’s longest river—exits the world’s largest tropical freshwater lake (Lake Victoria) to commence an epic 6700 km journey to the Mediterranean Sea.
Although Jinja is a small, quiet town, it is a giant playground for thrill-seekers. Jinja offers a plethora of adrenaline-fueled activities, ranging from mountain biking to white-water rafting, from bungee jumping to quad biking, from horse riding to jet boating, and from paddleboarding to fishing excursions.
For those less eager, a sunset cruise or simply lounging on an island in the middle of the Nile River are all options to be enjoyed.
Here Is A List Of The Best Things To Do In Jinja:
White-water rafting on Grade 5 rapids of the Nile River
Kayaking along the Nile
Bungee Jumping in the Nile River
Jet boating on the Nile
Stand-up paddling on the Nile
Sportfishing on the Nile
Launch Cruise along the River Nile
Quad biking around Jinja
Mountain biking around Jinja
Horseback riding along the Nile
Visiting the source of the Nile
Visiting markets, churches, and old Indian buildings
Tubing the Nile
Relaxation in the middle of the Nile River
26. Sport Fishing Tours In Uganda
Sportfishing in Uganda is among the fun things to do in Uganda. It offers a lot of holiday fun and enjoyment as you fish in Uganda, including the Nile perch (one of the largest freshwater fish species in the world), tilapia, catfish, tigerfish, and several of the country’s other 350 fish species. Here Are The Best Places To Go For Sport Fishing Tours In Uganda:
The Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park
Lake Victoria, Entebbe
Ssesse Islands In Lake Victoria
Lake Mburo National Park
The Nile River In Jinja
Sipi Falls On The Slopes Of Mount Elgon
27. Uganda Cultural Tours
The 56 different tribes of people with unique cultures can be witnessed through different traditions, arts, dances, economic activities, and leadership organization through kingdoms and chiefdoms. Ugandans are also some of the friendliest people in the world.
Make sure you request your safari planner to include a cultural activity in your Uganda safari package’s itinerary. To learn more about the different cultures of Uganda, you may need to include a community village walk, participate in activities such as the Batwa Trail experience to see the Bwata People, or hand-milk Ankole long-horned cows. You may also try cultural trails, such as the Buganda Kingdom cultural trail, as well as visiting museums in Uganda.
28. Visit Uganda Equator Crossing Kayabwe
Uganda is in the middle of the planet. And the Equator line Kayabwe is one of the most photographed landmarks in Uganda.
Many visitors use it as a sought-after stopover on their way to or from Uganda wildlife safaris in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth Parks or gorilla trekking in Uganda, Mgahinga, and Bwindi. Ug
You can stand with one leg in the Northern Hemisphere while the other leg stays in the Southern Hemisphere! It makes for great photographs and memories. You can participate in water experiments that prove to you that indeed this point is the middle of the Earth.
It is also an impressive site for purchasing memorabilia to take back home as a memento of these incredible safaris in Uganda.
29. Looking For Shoebills In Mabamba Swamp
Another worthy addition to our list of the top 33 best things to do in Uganda is looking for shoebills in Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar-recognized wetland near Entebbe.
Here, you will be taken by local boat or canoe on a shoebill sighting safari along the narrow papyrus-fringed channel on the shore of Lake Victoria.
Over 300 species of birds thrive in the swamp, but the ultimate reward is catching a glimpse of the peculiar-looking shoebill. Uganda is one of the few countries where you can find the shoebill in the wild. And Mabamba is the best and most convenient place in the world to see this rare bird, which resembles something from the dinosaur era.
Many birders come to Uganda and the shoebill is always high on their list. Even those not normally excited by birdlife won’t want to miss out on spotting this ancient-looking bird.
Other places/countries where you can find wild shoebills include South Sudan, eastern DR Congo, Rwanda, western Tanzania, and northern Zambia.
30. Relaxation On Ssesse Island In Lake Victoria
The Ssesse Islands, a legendary chillout spot in Uganda, boast powdery white-sand beaches, whispering palm trees, exotic flora and fauna, celestial sunsets, beach bonfires, and a remote location in the middle of Africa’s largest lake.
Comprising an archipelago of 84 islands, most travelers head straight to Bugala Island, which has the nicest beaches as well as a great choice of accommodation with prime beachfront positions. Aside from basking in the sun, there are a variety of other things to do in Ssesse, including
Canoe ride across the lake
Sportfishing for the Nile Perch
Sunset boat cruise
Forest nature walks
Community village walks
Quad biking
Island hopping
Island Tour on a motorcycle (Bodaboda)
BBQ and nightly bonfires
Bird watching
31. Kampala City Tour
Last, but not least, on our list of the 31 best things to do in Uganda is the Kampala city tour. Kampala city is the capital of Uganda, located about 40 km from the International Airport in Entebbe City. The city is best known for its vibrant nightlife. It is also the largest metropolitan area in the country, with a population of about 2 million people.
Before the British came to Uganda, Kampala was reserved as a hunting ground for the Kabaka/King of the Buganda Kingdom. It had one of the largest populations of Impala in the country and that is where the name Kampala (“The hill of the Impala”) comes from.
The Kampala city tour takes you through crowded streets and mixes with the locals, visiting the local markets, shopping centers, and commercial malls to witness a bee-hive of business activities, seeing the big taxi parks, the center of Uganda’s chaotic public transport, etc.
The tour through Kampala puts you into the day-to-day socio-economic life of the Kampala people. During the walk, you also visit some important landmarks and sites of the country, such as:
Independence monument
National Museum
Ndere Cultural Centre
Kasubi Tombs
Baha’i temple
Uganda National Mosque
Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo
Kabaka’s Palace
Craft-making centers and markets
Conclusion
Uganda is truly an amazing country. And you’ll find all kinds of things to do in Uganda!
It is also sometimes called a minified Africa because it has a bit of what almost every African country has. The best things to do in Uganda stretch far beyond gorilla trekking, though it is still at the top of our best Uganda safari activities. If you are not satisfied with the list so far, then you might want to check out the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for a nature walk, visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, or visit the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Lake Victoria.
If you are ready to start planning your Uganda safari, you can contact us to help you tailor-make a Uganda trip around what you want to do in Uganda.
Cate
Samuel
Planning Your Adventure in the "Pearl of Africa"
Situated in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is a land of staggering contrasts. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Great Rift Valley, the biodiversity here is unmatched. As you browse our safaris to Uganda and Africa at large, our dedicated team is here to handle every logistical detail—from securing your gorilla tracking permits and arranging comfortable safari lodge accommodations to providing rugged 4x4 transport. Contact our expert planners today to begin designing your 2026 or 2027 East African adventure.
Hiking in 
Sipi Falls is a set of three stunning waterfalls: 85 m, 75 m, and 100 m. The falls are the most beautiful in Uganda and one of the iconic attractions of eastern Uganda enjoyed by those who enjoy Uganda hiking safaris.
