Uganda tourist attractions are the various things to see and unique places to visit during Uganda safaris. The top Uganda tourist attractions include a 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 safaris in Uganda. Winston Churchill nicknamed it “The Pearl of Africa” in 1908, to convey Uganda’s beauty, variety, and natural wealth. Since then, Uganda has grown into one of the most coveted African safari destinations. Most attractions are found in National parks where they can be conserved for further tourism. These include 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, and other reserved areas like forests, sanctuaries, and game reserves. Tourist attractions/ things to see in Uganda are;
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 all safaris in Uganda.
To go gorilla trekking in Uganda and see the unique gorillas in Uganda, you’ll need to plan to undertake 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.
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 them in the wild. There are about 300,000 chimpanzees left in the tropical forests of Africa and Uganda populates about 5700 chimpanzees.
Several safari destinations in Uganda offer the amazing adventure of Chimpanzee trekking In Uganda, but Kibale National Park populates more chimpanzees than other chimp destinations in Uganda. Other Places to visit in Uganda for Chimpanzee Safaris Include Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
African Big Five & Other 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. 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, Crocodiles, 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 these wonderful animals Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Another tourist destination to see these amazing creatures is the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) former zoo in Entebbe. At first, it was established as a reception center for wild animals that were rescued from poachers found sick, injured, and orphaned, but now it’s a collection of various wild animals including those that cannot be seen or rarely seen on a Uganda safari such as tiger, rhinos (only found at Ziwa rhino sanctuary), and reptiles include three-horned chameleon (only found in Rwenzori mountain national park), African Rock Python, Nile Monitor, snakes, tortoises, and lizards and other species not mentioned.
Birds of Uganda
The incredible 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. With over 1000 species. The country boasts some of Africa’s most sought-after birds such as the Shoebill, best spotted at Murchison Falls National Park and 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 local and migratory birds. You can do birding in Uganda on nature walks, game drives, boats, and canoe rides. Some of the best spots for enthusiast birders include Semuliki National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Budongo Forest, and Kibale National Park.
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 hiking 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 Ruwenzori 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:
- ii) Virunga 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. Mount Gahinga at 3474m and Mount Sabyinyo at 3669m require a 1 day hike while Mount Muhabura at 4127m requires 2 days to finish the hike. These mountains offer wonderful views of the surrounding attractions like the Rwenzori Mountains, the neighboring Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park, not forgetting wildlife species to find while on the hike like mountain gorillas, bird species, butterfly species and tree species.
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 3,840 km2.
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; boat cruise on Lake Victoria, Canoeing and Island hopping on Lake Bunyonyi, Relaxation on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi & Lake Victoria, Sport fishing, and some act as transport routes to some tourist destinations.
The vibrant Cities of Uganda
The vibrant cities of Uganda are also among the amazing Uganda tourist destination which attracts numerous tourists. Coming on a Uganda safari holiday wouldn’t be complete without taking some time to explore its urban locations, some of these cities are populates the most visited national parks of Uganda and are worth exploring. These include
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.
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.
Jinja town is located in eastern Uganda, about 80km (2 hours’ drive) from Kampala. It is famous for several adventure and adrenaline activities to tourists and many travelers to the effect that it’s now called the adventure capital of East Africa. We can organize 1 day Jinja tour or 2-days tour package to Jinja for a wonderful adventure experience. Many tourists prefer to include Jinja on their Uganda gorilla safari and wildlife safaris to Uganda. Tourist activities to experience in Jinja include a boat cruise at the source of the river Nile, rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, horse riding, quad biking, etc.
Fort Portal City is situated in the western part of Uganda about 310km which takes about 5-6 hours and serves as the administration center of the region. Its beautiful landscape is surrounded as a gateway to several tourist attractions and destinations in western Uganda, the town is located near Kibale Forest National Park, one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee tracking and habituation excursions. The Rwenzori Mountain, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Semuliki National Park are also within driving distance from the city. Fort Portal City offers opportunities for nature walks, crate lake visits, and cultural experiences.
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 found in Uganda.
The Nile River
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 boat cruise experience on the Nile River is the ultimate game viewing tour experience in Uganda for an array of animals and birds. In Jinja, this is where the river starts from and scatters its tributaries to the rest of the countries. the Nile offers a range of thrilling adventure activities. Other amazing rivers to explore on your Uganda trip include; River Sezibwa, River Semuliki in Semuliki National Park
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 include, camping, white water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, quad biking and boat rides and many others.
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 also 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) Uhuru falls
Uhuru Falls were discovered in 1962 on Uganda’s independence. but it is overshadowed by the magnificent Murchison falls national park. The falls were named Uhuru for the commemoration of Uganda’s independence. It was formed on that day, it is believed that on 1962, there was heavy rainfall that made Murchison falls to separate and make a tributary.
iii) Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls in eastern Uganda consist of the three stunning waterfalls is a series of three stunning waterfalls each with its unique charm. The main waterfall is the tallest waterfall, this pours its waters in the 100m into a plunge pool that’s creates a mesmerizing spectacle. The second waterfall is 85m, and the third one is 75 meter tall. The sheer beauty and the power of the water cascading down the rocks is a sight to behold. Sipi Falls is the most beautiful waterfall in Uganda. They offer breathtaking scenic view of the surrounding landscapes and also offers the starting point and endpoint of hiking tours in Mount Elgon National Park since it’s located on the foothills of the mountain. Sipi falls is the best place to visit for outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts, travelers can indulge in rock climbing, hiking,, mountain biking and abseiling. The cliffs around the falls provide an excellent opportunity for rock climbers to test their skills.
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 region of Uganda.
- iv) 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.
- v) 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.
Forests 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 Budongo forest, Mabira forest, Kibale forest and Kalinzu forest.
Hot springs of Uganda
Hot Springs also form one of the most beautiful attractions in Uganda. A hot spring is produced by the emergence of geothermal gradients heated groundwater from the earth’s crust. As the ground waters moves deeper, it encounters increasing temperatures due to the geothermal gradient. When the water I heated, it becomes less dense and starts rise due to convention currents and creates reservoirs beneath the surface. Some of the notable springs worth mentioning include Sempaya Hot Springs, Kitagata Hot Springs, Buranga hot spring, and Rugarama hot spring.
Conclusion
There are a lot of tourist attractions in Uganda (things to see in Uganda). Each region of Uganda has its own hidden gems which make Uganda the best African safari destination. 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 affordable customized Uganda tours, of all Uganda tourist attractions, and Rwanda safaris.
