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Home » Travel Information » Uganda Tourist Attractions – Places To Visit In Uganda (What To See In Uganda?)

Uganda Tourist Attractions – Places To Visit In Uganda (What To See In Uganda?)

Tourist Attractions In Uganda, Things To See, Uganda Tourist Attractions

Uganda tourist attractions (tourist Attractions in Uganda) are the various things to see and unique places to visit in Uganda during several Uganda safaris

The top Uganda tourist attractions include a fantastic diversity of landscapes, plant life, wildlife, birdlife, culture, and people. Roads are lined with mango, jackfruit, and banana trees. Rolling hills are home to tea and coffee plantations. Lakes and rivers are flanked by thickets and wetlands.

Wondering what to see in Uganda? This is Africa’s emerald Eden, where dense jungles are home to endangered Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees, – our close cousins. The iconic African Big Five, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas, etc, can be seen on your Uganda wildlife safaris in the Uganda parks. Plus, Uganda boasts 1,076 of the 2,250 bird species in Africa!

No matter where your interest lies, there is always something for everyone on safari in Uganda. Winston Churchill coined the nickname “The Pearl of Africa” in 1908, to convey the beauty, variety, and natural wealth of Uganda. Since then, Uganda has grown into one of the most coveted African safari destinations.

Best Places to Visit in Uganda to See Amazing Uganda Tourist Attractions-Things

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
  • Kibale National Park
  • Murchison Falls National Park
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Lake Mburo National Park
  • Kidepo Valley National Park
  • Semuliki National Park
  • Rwenzori Mountains National Park
  • Mount Elgon National Park
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
  • Budongo Forest Reserve
  • Jinja – Source of the River Nile

Major Tourism Attractions in Uganda

Uganda has a variety of attractions (things to see in Uganda) that are diversely spread throughout the country.

The major Uganda Tourist Attractions to See on Your Uganda Tours Include: –

  1. Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are the top tourist attractions in Uganda as testified by Uganda gorilla trekking safari tourists.

About 1063 mountain gorillas are left in the world and Uganda is home to more than half of this population. The rest of the mountain gorillas live in the neighboring countries of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda is a great place to visit in Africa if you want to see these gentle giants – the world’s largest primate, weighing in at up to 227kg – in their misty mountain homes. Staring into the liquid brown eyes of a giant Silverback is undoubtedly the highlight of almost all safaris in Uganda.

To see gorillas during your time in Uganda, you’ll need to plan to undertake Uganda gorilla safaris or Uganda gorilla tours to the southwest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is home to over 459 mountain gorillas and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with around 80 mountain gorillas.

  1. Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are also among the major Uganda tourist attractions. And Uganda is the favorite destination to visit in Africa if you want to get close to these man’s closest relatives in the wild. There are about 300,000 chimpanzees are left in the tropical forests of Africa. Uganda is home to about 5700 chimpanzees.

Several safari destinations in Uganda offer the amazing adventure of Chimpanzee trekking In Uganda, but Kibale National Park with more than wild chimpanzees is the prime area. Other Places to Visit In Uganda For Chimpanzee Safaris Include:-

  • Kalinzu Forest, which has more than 300 chimpanzees
  • Budongo Forest with about 800 chimpanzees
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park with 256 chimpanzees
  • Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary with about 52 chimpanzees
  1. African Big Five & Other Savannah Animals

The term ‘Big Five’ was coined in the 19th Century by big game hunters who listed the African Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, and Rhinos as the 5 most dangerous creatures to hunt on foot in Africa.  Fortunately, all the Big 5 are now protected in parks and reserves. The term is now synonymous with photographic safaris.

On a wildlife safari in Uganda, you can see all the famous Big 5 in the wild. You will also see a variety of other amazing savannah animals of Uganda such as Cheetahs, Hippos, Crocs, Giraffes, Zebras, Hyenas, Warthogs, Antelopes, etc. These animals can be encountered on boat cruises, game drives, and game walks. The best places to visit in Uganda for Big Five/game viewing include: –

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park with over 95 mammal species
  • Murchison Falls National Park with 76 mammal species.
  • Kidepo Valley National Park with 77 species of mammals
  • Lake Mburo National Park with over 68 mammal species
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with about 33 wild white rhinos
  1. Birds of Uganda

The incredible Uganda birds (birds of Uganda) are another of the best tourist attractions in Uganda. With over 1076 of Africa’s 2,250 bird species, Uganda is the richest birding destination in Africa. Considering the number of bird species per square kilometer, it’s the 10th worldwide.

The country boasts some of Africa’s most sought-after birds such as the Shoebill, best spotted at Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria near Entebbe in Central Uganda. Uganda also has Africa’s number one birding spot in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which hosts 23 Albertine rift endemic birds.

All 10 national parks of Uganda host a long list of both local and migratory birds. You can do birding in Uganda (birdwatching in Uganda) on nature walks, game drives, boats, and canoe rides.

The Best Places to Visit for Uganda Birding Safaris include: –

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with 351 bird species
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park with more than 600 bird species
  • Murchison Falls National Park with over 450 bird species.
  • Budongo Forest with about 366 bird species
  • Kibale National Park with 375 bird species
  • Lake Mburo National Park with about 350 species
  • Semuliki National Park with 442 bird species
  • Mabamba Swamp with more than 300 bird species
  • Mabira Forest, which has about 316 species of birds
  1. A Variety of Monkeys in Uganda

Uganda has 18 species of monkeys in the jungles. Among these are some exceptional species that are endangered, unique to the region, and incredibly beautiful.

One such monkey is the Golden Monkey which like the Mountain Gorillas is only found in mountains in the Albertine rift valley of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Golden monkey tracking is one of the top things to do in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Other amazing monkey species you will see on your Uganda wildlife safaris include the Olive Baboon, Patas monkey, Black-and-white Colobus, Red Colobus monkey, Red-Tailed monkey, and L’Hoest’s monkey. The best places to visit in Uganda for monkey viewing include:-

  • Kibale National Park with 12 species of monkeys
  • Bwindi National Park with 9 monkey species
  • Semuliki National Park with 10 monkey species
  • Budongo Forest with 8 species of monkeys
  • Kalinzu Forest with 6 monkey species
  1. Mountains In Uganda

Like many other parts of Africa, Uganda has over many millennia experienced extensive tectonic activity along the East African Rift Valley, which has left behind several sizable and beautiful mountains.

Many of these mountains are protected within national parks and are major tourist attractions in Uganda. They offer stunning areas for mountain trekking safaris in Uganda for both inexperienced hikers and experienced mountaineers. Here are the popular mountains to visit on your hiking safari in Uganda:-

i) The Rwenzori Mountains

According to National Geographic (2012), the Rwenzori Mountains or the Mountains of the Moon in Rwenzori Mountains National Park are the best African mountains and the 9th in the world for hiking and climbing experiences. They support Africa’s third tallest mountain at 5109m, which is permanently snow-capped. Other amazing mountain peaks of Rwenzori to explore on your Rwenzori Mountains trekking safari tour in Uganda include: –

  • Mount Speke at 4,890m
  • Mount Baker at 4843m
  • Mount Emin at 4,798m
  • Mount Gessi at 4,715m
  • Mount Luigi da Savoia at 4,545m

ii) Virunga Mountains – Volcanoes

Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to 3 of the 8 ancient volcanic cones of the famous Virunga Mountains. These Volcanoes Parks offer stunning day hikes to visitors on Uganda hiking tours/trips, and they include:-

  • Mount Muhabura at 4127m
  • Mount Sabyinyo at 3669m
  • Mount Gahinga at 3474m

iii) Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon in Mount Elgon National Park was one time 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 4321m – 8th in Africa. Elgon has the largest mountain caldera in the world, measuring about 48 km2, and also has the largest volcanic base in the world at 3840 km2.

  1. Lakes Of Uganda

Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, and Africa’s second deepest lake, Lake Bunyonyi, are all found in Uganda. Almost one-fifth of Uganda’s total area is open water/swampland, comprising a great number of lakes including 4 of the African Great Lakes: Lake Albert, Lake Edward, Lake Kyoga, and Lake Victoria.

In the mountainous west and southwest, several volcanic crater lakes that have been formed over 1000 years are a beauty to behold. The lakes are major Uganda tourist attractions and present limitless opportunities to explore the varied biodiversity: of birds, fish, and wild animals of Uganda.

The Best Activities You Can Do Around and On Lakes in Uganda Include: –

  • Sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria
  • Canoeing and Island hopping on Lake Bunyonyi
  • Fort Portal Crater Lake field hike
  • Uganda Community culture tours around Katwe Salt Lake Mines in Queen Elizabeth NP
  • Chimpanzee viewing & feeding at Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria
  • Relaxation on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi & Lake Victoria
  • Sportfishing in Uganda on Lake Victoria and Lake Mburo
  • Birding at Lake Mburo
  1. Rivers In Uganda

Uganda has several rivers that are great tourist attractions. River Nile, the longest river in the world and one of Africa’s seven natural wonders is found in Uganda.

As it flows across Uganda’s green countryside, the Nile creates numerous spectacular rapids and waterfalls and attracts lots of wildlife. On a Uganda tour, you’ll encounter the Nile River in two key places; Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda and Jinja City in eastern Uganda.

In Murchison, a one-day jinja boat cruise tour on the River Nile is the ultimate game viewing tour in Uganda for an array of animals and birds. In Jinja, the Nile offers a range of thrilling adventure activities. Other amazing rivers to explore on your Uganda trip include: –

  • River Sezibwa
  • River Sipi On Mount Elgon
  • River Semuliki In Semuliki National Park
  1. Source Of River Nile in Jinja

Jinja’s source of River Nile is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Uganda and Africa. It is the point at which the world’s longest river exits Africa’s largest lake to begin its epic 6,650km journey north to the Mediterranean Sea.

It has become a popular destination for several adventure activities in Uganda to the effect that Jinja town is now called East Africa’s Adventure Capital. You can visit the source of the Nile during your Jinja day tour or at the end of long Uganda safaris. The best things to do at the source of the Nile Jinja include:-

  • White water rafting
  • Boat cruise to the Source of the Nile
  • Kayaking
  • Bungee jumping
  • Horse riding
  • Quad biking and mountain biking
  • Relaxation along the Nile
  1. Spectacular Waterfalls in Uganda

Waterfalls are also among the major Uganda tourist attractions for picnics, sightseeing, and hiking or nature walks. Many of Uganda’s waterfalls appear in local legends and can be a great way to learn about the culture and storytelling during your Uganda safari trips. Here are the most amazing waterfalls you can visit in Uganda:-

i) Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls – the world’s strongest waterfall is where the mighty Nile River is squeezed through an 8-meter rocky gap, before plunging 45m into the Devil’s Cauldron. The fall is situated in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park and a prime destination for wildlife safaris. It is a wonderful site to visit on a boat cruise during your Murchison Falls National Park tour.

You not only take in the drama of the Falls, but you enjoy good game viewing from the comfort of the boat as you keep an eye out for hippos and crocodiles – plus amazing bird watching.

ii) Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls in eastern Uganda is a series of three stunning waterfalls: 85m, 75m, and 100m, created by the Sipi River as it cascades downstream from the top of Mt Elgon into the Kyoga Basin. Sipi Falls is the most beautiful waterfall in Uganda.

They offer amazing scenic day hikes and the starting point and endpoint of climbing tours in Mount Elgon National Park. Sipi is also a wonderful stopover to break down the long Uganda trip to the Kidepo National Park a premier Uganda safari destination that is located farther away in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda.

iii) Sezibwa Falls

Sezibwa is a relatively small but serene waterfall on the Sezibwa River that plunges over 17 meters high rocks into a large pool that is 13m deep. It is found 32km (40 minutes drive) east of Kampala and it is a cultural heritage site of the Baganda tribe. It is a beautiful spot for nature walks or cultural tours during one of the Uganda short safaris and tours/trips to eastern Uganda.

iv) Itanda Falls

Itanda Falls is a world-class whitewater rafting site on the Nile River in Jinja. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Uganda. Itanda has 9 rapids, 4 of which are grade 5. They were visited by Prince William of Great Britain.

  1. Uganda’s Diverse Cultures

With over 50 tribes, Uganda is a melting pot of different cultures. It was named the most diverse country on earth by a study from Harvard University. All tribes have unique cultures that can be witnessed through different traditions, economic activities, and leadership organization through kingdoms and chiefdoms. Some tribes to encounter on your cultural tours in Uganda include:-

i) Baganda People

Baganda people belong to the Buganda Kingdom in Central Uganda. The Kingdom has a long colorful history that goes back 700 years, during which time the succession of kings has never been broken. Buganda is also the gateway to Uganda and Buganda gave Uganda her name.

When you fly into Uganda, you arrive through Buganda before continuing on your safari to Uganda. You can learn about the fascinating culture of Buganda on your Kampala city tour.

ii) Batwa People

Also known as the Keepers of the Forest, the Batwa people were removed from Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks when they were established to protect the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. Batwa are one of Africa’s oldest surviving indigenous tribes and have a truly unique relationship with the Uganda rainforest.

You can encounter the Batwa People and learn about their ancient hunter-gatherer culture on a community tour around Bwindi or during the Batwa Trail Experience in Mgahinga before or after gorilla trekking in Uganda.

iii) Karamojong People

Karamajongs are renowned warrior nomadic pastoralists of northeastern Uganda and are very similar to the famous Masai of Kenya and Tanzania. Karamajongs are very passionate about their culture, heritage, and traditions. These can be encountered during your Uganda cultural tour around Kidepo National Park.

iv) Ik People

Ik people in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda are one of the most marginal communities on Earth and are close to extinction. They live on Mount Morungole having moved there to avoid a potential dispute with the other tribes who live in that region, the Karamojong, Dodoth, Iteso, and Jie. You can hike Mount Morungole and visit the Ik after your Uganda wildlife safari in Kidepo.

  1. Cultural Sites In Uganda

Uganda has many cultural sites that are amazing tourist attractions and worth visiting on your cultural safaris in Uganda. Taking a tour of Uganda’s cultural sites is an educational experience on the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history of Uganda, giving you a lesson about the rich cultures of the black people.

i) Uganda National Museum

The National Museum is located in Kampala and can be easily accessed during the Kampala walking tour. The Museum contains historical artifacts that tell the origin of Uganda, information on the peoples and wildlife of Uganda, etc…

ii) Ndere Cultural Centre

Ndere Cultural Center in Kampala has the biggest and one of the oldest traditional dancing troops in Uganda that organizes performances of different traditional dances of the many tribes in Uganda.

iii) Kasubi Tombs

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasubi Tombs in Kampala is the burial ground of the Buganda kings. It is a rich cultural attraction that harbors a rich history of the Buganda kings and several traditions about kingship.

iv) Bulange Building

Bulange Building in Kampala houses the Lukiiko which is the parliament of Buganda. In the compound of the Bulange building is a small souvenir shop that has been named the “cultural corner”. The cultural corner has an array of traditional items that were used back in the day before modernity in the day-to-day lives of the people such as Omweso (board game), Olubugo (Backcloth), https://www.primeugandasafaris.com/jinja-cityLocal Drums, etc.

v) Kabaka’s Palace

The Kabaka’s Palace was the official residence of the king of Buganda. The Palace gate is exactly 1 mile from the Bulange gate. It is well situated on Mengo Hill which commands 360-degree views over Kampala City.

vi) Tooro King’s Palace

Tooro King’s Palace is located in Western Uganda in the beautiful town of Fort Portal. The palace is the official residence of King Oyo of the Toro Kingdom, who ascended the throne in 1995 at the age of three. You can visit the palaces during your Uganda Chimpanzee trekking tour to Kibale National Park.

vii) Karambi Royal Tombs

The Karambi tombs also known as the royal tombs are situated south of Fort Portal town. This tomb belongs to the royal family of the Tooro kingdom. The tombs are a burial ground for three Toro kings. It is a perfect place to learn about the culture and history of the Toro Kingdom while on your tours in Uganda.

viii) Amabere Caves

Amabere Caves are located about 5km west of Fort Portal, near Kibale National Park, the famous home of chimpanzees. The caves are named after the live stalactite formation, Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru (literally, Breast of Nyinamwiru).

It is believed to be the birthplace of the founding King of the Bachwezi who ruled the Bunyonyoro Empire centuries ago. It is a perfect place for hiking in Uganda before or after a chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale Forest.

  1. Uganda Equator Line

If you have ever dreamt of being in the middle of the world, the Uganda Equator line will fulfill your dream. The best place to visit and explore the Equator in Uganda is in Kayabwe, Mpigi District, about 77km (2-hour drive) from Kampala.

It is the place where you can stand in the middle of the earth with one leg in the Northern hemisphere and the other in the Southern and pose for a photo. This is a unique Uganda safari experience and one of the fascinating Uganda tourist attractions. You can visit the Uganda Equator line Kayabwe on your Uganda gorilla tour or Uganda wildlife safari to southwestern Uganda.

Other Tourist Attractions in Uganda

Besides the major Uganda tourist attractions above, there are plenty of other amazing things to see in Uganda on your safari in Uganda tour:-

  1. The Colourful Butterflies Of Uganda

Uganda boasts over 1,242 butterfly species, about 33% of the total Afro-tropical species. Being so colorful, butterflies are the most noticeable insects.

One of the most incredible things about butterflies is the way they change from crawling caterpillars into winged beauties. It seems like magic! There are 4 steps in becoming a butterfly: – egg, caterpillar, pupa, and adult. This process is called metamorphosis, which comes from the Latin words for “changing shape.

Butterflies feed primarily on nectar from flowers. Thus many butterfly species in Uganda are found in rainforests like Mabira Forest with 219 species, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with over 200 species, Kibale National Park with about 250 recorded species, and Kalinzu Forest with 262 species, and Budongo Forest with 289 species of butterflies. Some special species to look for on a butterfly-watching tour in Uganda include:-

  • African Giant SwallowtailPapilio antimachus: Africa’s largest butterfly and one of the world’s largest butterflies.
  • Giant Blue SwallowtailPapilio Zalmoxis: The second-largest African swallowtail
  • Green-Banded SwallowtailPapilio nireus
  • Tailed Green-Banded SwallowtailPapilio charopus
  • Broad-Bordered Grass Yellow – Eurema brigitta
  • Eastern Purple TipColotis hetaera
  • African Golden ArabColotis aurigineus
  • Vine-Leaf VagrantEronia cleodora
  • Diverse White/African AlbatrossAppias epaphia
  1. Reptiles In Uganda

Uganda has 142 species of reptiles. Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates with dry skin that derive their body heat directly from their environment. Uganda reptiles that are amazing Uganda tourist attractions include Nile Crocodiles, Snakes, Lizards, Tortoises, Terrapins, and Chameleons. And some of the most amazing reptiles to see on your Uganda wildlife safaris include:-

i) Nile Crocodiles

The Nile crocodile is Africa’s biggest freshwater predator, capable of taking down almost any animal within its range. One of Africa’s highest concentrations of Nile Crocodiles can be seen on the Nile launch cruise in Murchison Falls National Park.

ii) Nile Monitor

Also known as Africa’s longest lizard, the Nile Monitor lizard can reach a length of over 2 meters, of which more than half is tail. You can see the enormous Nile Monitor at Lake Victoria’s Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kazinga Channel.

iii) Three-Horned Chameleon

Chameleons, including the three-horned chameleons, are known for their skin that changes color, swiveling eyes, an extendable tongue, and the head of a dinosaur.

No wonder these perfectly harmless lizards excite fear and superstition across rural Africa! This particular species, the legendary Three-Horned Chameleon lives up in trees. Its prehensile tail helps it keep a grip as it crawls from branch to branch.

It’s easy to tell a male three-horned chameleon from a female: only the males have horns. The male’s 3 horns make him look a little like a mini triceratops! The horns are used to defend the male’s territory. You can see three-horned chameleons in Rwenzori Mountains National Park on a Rwenzori Mountains trekking and at the Uganda Reptiles Village in Entebbe.

iv) African Rock Python

The African rock python is Africa’s largest serpent and one of the most fascinating creatures to meet on a wildlife tour in Uganda. You can see these big non-venomous snakes at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) or Uganda Reptile Village in Entebbe in Central Uganda, and if you are lucky in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Maramagambo Forest in southwestern Uganda.

  1. Uganda Fish & Other Aquatic Animals

An aquatic animal is any animal, whether invertebrate or vertebrate, that lives in water for most or all of its lifetime. An impressive 501 species of fish flourish in the different lakes, rivers, and swamps across Uganda. These include the famous Nile Perch (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish that can weigh over 200 kilograms) the Tilapia, Catfish, Tigerfish, Lungfish, and Mudfish.

You can explore these fishing species on your Uganda fishing safaris on the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park and Jinja, Lake Victoria in Entebbe and Ssese Islands, and Lake Mburo in Lake Mburo National Park. Other aquatic animals you can see in Uganda include:-

  • Nile crocodiles
  • Hippos
  • Otters
  • Amphibians like frogs
  • Waterbirds like herons, gees,
  1. Religious Sites In Uganda

Religion is a very important part of daily life in Uganda. About 85% of the population is Christian, about 12% are Muslim, 1% follow traditional religions, and the remaining 2% are shared by the Baha’i faith and other non-Christian religions.

Uganda has several historic religious landmarks, which make it a great destination for pilgrims looking to renew their faith or visitors keen on exploring the fascinating religious history of Uganda. These include:

i) Bahai Temple

The beautiful Baha’i Temple in Uganda known as the Mother Temple of Africa is the only of its kind on the continent. The dorm-shaped structure stands majestically on top of Kikaya Hill in Kampala. Its grounds are beautiful with green all around possessing beautiful flowery plants, shrubs, and trees that host an array of birds.

ii) Gadaffi’s Mosque – Uganda National Mosque

The towering Gadhafi Mosque is found on old Kampala hill. It is mostly visited for its minaret which rewards with an incredible cityscape view. It is a perfect place if you want to capture a perfect aerial shot of Kampala’s city center without flying a drone. It is also a good place to learn about the history of Islam in Uganda.

iii) Namugongo Marty’s Shrine

Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine in Kampala is the site where several converted Christian pages (helpers) in the Kings’ Palace were burnt alive. The pages had disobeyed the Buganda Kingdom king’s orders that were contradictory to their faiths and accepted to die for their beliefs when the king ordered their killing.

iv) Saint Pauls Cathedral – Namirembe

The history of Christianity in Uganda originated on Kampala’s Namirembe Hill, which today serves as the provincial seat of the Uganda Anglican Church. St. Paul’s Cathedral is the oldest Anglican Church in Uganda. Namirembe is a Luganda word meaning ‘mother of peace’, but the history of its foundation was not always so.

v) Saint Mary’s Cathedral – Rubaga

Rubaga Cathedral is located on Rubaga hill in Kampala. It is the seat of the Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church in Uganda. The cathedral has a long history dating back to the heyday of the Buganda Kingdom.

  1. Cities & Towns of Uganda

The vibrant cities and sprawling towns of Uganda are also among the amazing Uganda tourist attractions. Your Uganda safari vacation wouldn’t be complete without taking some time to explore its urban locations. Some of the main cities and towns of Uganda that are worth exploring include: –

i) Kampala

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda, located in Central Uganda and north of Lake Victoria. It is best known for its vibrant nightlife, however, there is a lot more to do and see including several religious and historical landmarks, the biggest flea markets in the region, the epic chaos of public transportation, etc.

ii) Entebbe

Entebbe town in Central Uganda is home to Uganda’s only international airport. The small town serves as the country’s main entry and exit point. Many visitors spend a night here before and after their Uganda safaris. It is set on the shores of Lake Victoria, 40km (1-hour drive) from Kampala.

iii) Jinja

Jinja town is located in eastern Uganda, about 80km (2 hours’ drive) from Kampala. It is famous for the source of the River Nile, which offers several adventures to the effect that Jinja is now called East Africa’s adventure capital.

Tour activities in Jinja include a source of the Nile boat cruise, rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, horse riding, quad biking, etc

iv) Fort Portal

Situated about 320km (5 hours) drive west of Kampala, Fort Portal makes for an ideal base from which to begin discovering this side of Uganda. Queen Elizabeth, Kibale Forest, Semuliki, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains are all within easy striking distance, and with an altitude of 1480m, the evenings are cool.

v) Kabale

Kabale Town is located in southwestern Uganda. It is a special area, surrounded by green, scenic, and cultivated hills. Kabale serves as a gateway to relaxing Lake Bunyonyi, gorgeous Lake Mutanda, and the thrilling gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

vi) Kisoro

Set in the beautifully verdant hills of the southwestern corner of Uganda, Kisoro serves as a popular base for tourists, primarily for nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, to track golden monkeys and gorillas, or climb volcanoes.

  1. Forest In Uganda

Forest and woodland cover in Uganda stands at 49,000 km² or 24% of the total land area. Many of these areas are protected as national parks, wildlife reserves, or central forest reserves. Uganda’s forests host a lot of native wildlife, birds, butterflies, monkeys, reptiles, important plants such as medicinal ones, trees, etc…

Other than enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungles, immersing yourself in the forest nature walk, termed forest bathing has massive health benefits as it is said to enhance immunity. The best places for forest nature walks in Uganda include:-

  • Mabira Forest with 316 birds, 219 butterflies, 35 mammals, and 312 trees species
  • Budongo Forest with about 800 chimps, 366 bird species, 289 butterfly species, 465 plant species, and 24 mammal species
  • Kalinzu Forest with over 300 chimpanzees, 6 monkey species, 378 bird species, 262 butterfly species, and 414 plant species
  • Kibale Forest with 375 bird species, 351 tree species, 1500 chimpanzees, 12 monkey species, and 70 mammal species
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with 459 Mountain Gorillas, 350 bird species, 120 mammal species, 200 butterfly species, and 324 tree species.
  • Semuliki National Park with over 440 birds, 53 mammals, 10 primate species
  1. Pleasant Weather & Climate of Uganda

When planning your trip to Uganda, you won’t have to worry about extreme cold and hot seasons because this evergreen country enjoys tropical weather, which is perfect all year round, with temperatures between 16-28°C for most of the year. Being crossed by the Equator, its climate is mitigated by an altitude of 900 to 1800m.

  1. Natural Hotsprings Of Uganda

Hot Springs also form one of the most beautiful attractions in Uganda. A hot spring is produced by the emergence of geothermal-heated groundwater from the earth’s crust. In simple terms, it is formed when water meets the heated rock. The heated water is forced back up under pressure to bubble like a hot spring. The major hot springs in Uganda include:-

Sempaya Hot Springs: These are the icons of the Semuliki National Park. The springs boil at a temperature of 103oC, which is enough heat to hard boil an egg in less than ten minutes.

Kitagata Hot Springs: This spring in the Sheema District has temperatures of 80oC. Water from the hot springs is believed to have healing properties that relieve people of muscular and joint pains.

  1. Food In Uganda

Uganda is one of the best-gifted countries in Africa with a diversity of foods that are embedded in its different ethnic tribes each with its staple food. In addition to traditional local foods in Uganda, Uganda has embraced a vast array of international cuisines.

i) Local Ugandan Food

The main Ugandan foods include a stew of meat, fish, beans, or groundnuts served with posho (maize meal) and matooke (mashed green bananas).

Cassava, potatoes, yam, and are also common starches. Popular drinks are tea and coffee – two of Uganda’s crops – as well as lager beer, banana, and millet beer.

Streetside snacks include things like Rolex and Samosas. Rolex – has achieved some notoriety beyond Uganda, particularly after it appeared on CNN. And, in January 2022, Uganda’s huge Rolex set a Guinness world record. The world’s largest Rolex weighs 204.6kg and is 10ft long. If you’re struggling to imagine how that could fit on your wrist then forget the Swiss watch brand and think Ugandan street food.

Rolex – the snack – is a shortening of rolled eggs. The popular dish, found at roadside stalls throughout Uganda, is made from a vegetable omelet with added tomatoes wrapped up in chapati. The snack is regarded as Uganda’s favorite fast food.

ii) International Cuisine

You’ll find the usual international fare at tourist restaurants, hotels, and safari lodges in Uganda. Some restaurants serve Chinese food, Japanese food, Italian food, Turkish Mediterranean, French, Belgian, and Goan and so much more, there are also some American franchise restaurants like KFC. If you have any dietary requirements, be sure to notify your travel expert in advance of your stay.

  1. Nightlife In Uganda – Nightclubs & Bars

If you’re looking forward to a rollicking best of Uganda nightlife, Kampala city is the best place to go. When the sun goes down, Kampala comes into its own. Known as the party capital of East Africa, the city is so celebrated for its buzzing nightlife that revelers come from as far away as Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda to dance the weekends away. The popular favorite bars and clubs in the city include:-

  • Bubbles O’Learys Irish pub
  • Big Mike’s bar and nightclub
  • Angenoir Discotheque
  • Club Venom
  • Club Rouge

Conclusion

There are a lot of tourist attractions in Uganda (things to see in Uganda). Each region of Uganda has its own hidden gems. Whether you choose a grand tour of Uganda, or if you merely cherry-pick the destinations and attractions of your choice, Uganda welcomes you. Getting to Uganda is easier with most of the major airlines flying in the country.

You can get in touch with us for an affordable, customized Uganda safari tour of all the best Uganda tourist attractions.

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