The 10 best places to visit in Uganda

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations, annually receiving one of the highest number of visitors of any of the country’s national parks.Its located in the Western part of the country, spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. The park is known for its abundant wildlife, including African elephant, African buffalo, Uganda kob, hippopotamus, topi, waterbuck, warthog, giant forest hog, Nile crocodile, leopard, spotted hyena, chimpanzee and lion. Overall, the park is home to 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species. Queen Elizabeth is one of the only two places in the whole world where you will find tree climbing lions. These can be found in the Ishasha sector of the park.You will certainly enjoy the game drive here.

The Kazinga Channel is a natural water channel that connects Lakes Albert and George and is home to a large number of hippos, Nile Crocodiles, elephants and hippos which can easily be seen on the thrilling Kazinga channel Boat Ride. Other Popular activities in the park include chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge, Channel, guided game drives, night drives and nature walks.

2. Mountain Gorillas

The Mountain Gorilla is one of the two sub-groups of the Eastern Gorilla, the other being the Eastern lowland Gorilla. The Eastern Gorilla is the largest living primate and is a critically endangered species. At present , there are slightly over 1000 mountain Gorillas and 6,800 eastern low land Gorillas.The mountain Gorilla population is found in South Western Uganda, Northwest Rwanda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Uganda has more than half of the world`s mountain Gorillas. These are found on the Virunga Mountain slopes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park both Located in South Western Uganda.

 

Mountain Gorilla Trekking is one of the most sought after safaris in Africa. Gorilla trekking involves going on a guided hike through dense rain forest to spend time with a specific gorilla troop in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking can be conducted all year around in Uganda, however the best time for gorilla trekking is during the months of June, August, September and December.Tourists wishing to trekk gorillas must first obtain a permit which can be obtained from Wildlife Authority in Kampala or with a reputable tour company.

3. Murchison falls National Park and Murchison waterfalls

Murchison falls, also called Kabalega or Kabarega, is one of the greatest falls in Africa. Its located along the River Nile in northwestern Uganda, 20 miles (32 km) east of Lake Albert. The Nile passes through many miles of rapids before narrowing to a width of about 20 feet (6 metres) and dropping about 400 feet (120 metres) in a series of three cascades. The initial fall of 130 feet (40 metres) is generally recognized as Murchison (Kabalega) Falls. Murchison Falls is just one part of the 384,000-hectare Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP) which is the largest and  one of the most-visited national parks in Uganda.The best way to get a close-up view is to embark on a launch trip upriver from the village of Paraa, which will take you to the base of the falls. En route, keep an eye out for the park’s abundant wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, lion, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Shoebill storks are a particular specialty of Murchison Falls National Park.

4. Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Rwenzori mountains

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in south-western Uganda. It lies along Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of its outstanding natural beauty. The park has many species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift system, and there are several endangered species in the park. It has a high diversity of plants and trees. The park is noted for its botany, which has been described as some of the most beautiful in the world.There are five distinct vegetation zones in the park, which change according to changes in altitude. The park has 89 species of birds, 15 species of butterfly, and four primate species. The park’s wildlife varies with elevation, and its species include the forest elephant, chimpanzee, hyrax, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Ruwenzori duiker, and Rwenzori turaco.

The park is home to the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges, also called the mountains of the moon, where Africa`s third highest snow peak fills the clouds. Those mountains are higher than the Alps and are ice-capped. The Ranges consist of Mount Stanley, Mount Speke , Mount Baker, Mount Emin, Mount Gessi and Mount Luigi da Savoia. These mountains offer an ideal and lush landscape of alpine vegetation characterized by charismatic giant lobelias, groundsels, and heathers which have been called “Africa’s botanical big game.” The spectacular combination of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, V-shaped valleys, fast-flowing rivers with impressive waterfalls, clear blue lakes, and ideal flora adds to the area’s exceptional natural beauty. 

Mount Stanley contains 9 of the 10 peaks that rise above 16,000 feet (4,900 metres).  It’s the third highest mountain in Africa after Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya. It’s highest peak is Margherita (16,762 feet [5,109 metres]).The Margherita Glacier is 100 m thick. The stream that forms from the glacier’s meltwater is one of the sources of the famous White Nile! There are several other peaks on Mt Stanley, including Alexandra Peak (5,091 m).  Mount Speke and Baker and the fourth and fifth highest in Africa respectively.

 

There is an abundance of excellent trekking routes in the Rwenzori mountains, easily as beautiful, if not more so, than many better known and more popular routes in East Africa. There are two types of hiking experiences in the Rwenzoris: high altitude and low altitude. The low altitude treks won’t take you beyond 4,000 metres and typically last 2-4 days. High altitude treks take you to the peaks above 4,000 metres, and last between 4-12 days. 

5. The Equator

The Earth’s Equator is the imaginary line that runs around the centre of the globe at 0 degrees latitude, at equal distance between the North and South Poles. It is the longest of Earth’s five circles of latitude, the others being the polar circles, and tropical circles. The Equator is just under 25,000 miles long, wrapping around the entire Earth.It divides the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres, with both experiencing different amounts of daylight at different times. The weather, climate and the seasons we experience are a result of the Earth’s tilt on its axis and its orbit around the sun. The northern and southern hemispheres are either turned toward or away from the sun depending on the Earth’s position whilst it’s orbiting the sun.

For Countries on or near the Equator, Like Uganda, the 12-hour day and night never change in length throughout the year.

While the Equator crosses through all of Uganda, the most iconic spot for the equator crossing is in Kayabwe, just 70 kilometers from Kampala city. The equator also crosses Kasese near Queen Elizabeth National Park. This makes it easy for tourists heading for the park to make stopovers and engage in different activities at the Equator.

6. River Nile and the source of the Nile

The Nile is the longest river in Africa and has historically been considered the longest river in the world, though this has been contested by research suggesting that the Amazon River is slightly longer.It has a length of about 4,132 miles (6,650 kilometres). The Nile has two major tributaries – the White Nile and the Blue Nile. The White Nile is longer and it begins at Lake Victoria in Uganda, flows northward to Sudan through South Sudan. The Blue Nile begins at Lake Tana in Ethiopia and flows into Sudan from the southeast. The two tributaries meet at the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. The river flows northward and drains into the Mediterranean sea. It`s the primary water source of Egypt, Sudan and South Sudan.

One of the most visited sites in Uganda is the source of the River Nile located at Bujagali falls in Jinja. Here the Nile River comes out of Lake Victoria. Water Activities you can do here include white water rafting, Kayaking, Bungee Jumping, swimming, Quad bikes along the shores.

7. Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake, the world’s largest tropical lake, and the world’s second-largest fresh water lake after Lake Superior in North America. In terms of volume, Lake Victoria is the world’s ninth largest continental lake.Its the source of river Nile. Its waters are inhabited by hippos, otters, crocodiles and turtles. It is one of three African great lakes. It is shared by three East African countries, that is, Uganda Kenya and Tanzania. It was  was named lake Victoria by the English Explorer John Speke in honor of Queen Victoria of England.

8. Kampala City

Kampala is not only the capital city of Uganda but its also the largest and busiest city in the country.Its the commercial hub of Uganda and it borders Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. It was originally known as the city of seven hills; Old Kampala, Mengo, Namirembe, Kibuli, Nsambya, Nakasero and Lubaga hills. Here you will find lots of hotels, restaurants, banks, shopping centers, local markets and lots of tourist attractions. Below are some of the tourist attractions you should not miss seeing during your tour of Kampala;

• The Parliament of Uganda – found in the heart of Kampala along parliamentary avenue off Jinja Road
• Kasubi Royal Tombs: This is one of the several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uganda. This large grass-thatched building is a very important site to the Baganda people. It is also among the leading tourist attractions in Uganda.
• Kabaka`s Lake – this is the biggest man made lake in Uganda
• Kabaka`a Palaces in Bulange-Mengo and Lubiri. Visit these two places to learn about the rich history of the biggest kingdom in Uganda. Learn about the culture and customs of the Baganda, the biggest tribe in Uganda. Learn about their role during the colonial times and the road to Uganda`s independence.
• Religious places;  Visit the Rubaga cathedral – the parent Cathedral for the roman catholic church ; Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, commonly referred to as Namirembe Cathedral –the oldest cathedral in Uganda and serves as the provincial cathedral of the Anglican Church of Uganda ; Old Kampala Mosque – the biggest Mosque in East Africa ; Miracle Center Cathedral – one of the biggest and oldest Pentecostal churches in Uganda ; and many more
• Uganda National Museum
• Makerere University -the oldest and biggest University in Uganda. It has recently been ranked the 13^th best University in Africa and the top most outside of Egypt and South Africa.
• Down-town Kampala – have a tour through the extremely busy streets of Kampala, old and new taxi park, shopping arcades, Local markets, small roadside businesses etc
• Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo– Its one of the largest Pilgrimage destinations in Africa dedicated to the 22 Martyrs and saints of Uganda who were martyred between 1885 and 1887 by the King of Buganda due to their faith In God.
• The East African craft village – buy souvenirs here.
• And many more

9. Entebbe town and Uganda wildlife Conservation education center (Entebbe zoo)

Entebbe is Located on  Lake Victoria peninsula, approximately 36 kilometres (22 mi) southwest of the Ugandan capital city, Kampala.Entebbe is more relaxed atmosphere than Kampala. Its home to the only international Airport in the country. It is well known for its awesome beaches. It hosts about 80% of the beaches in the Country. It makes for a nice place to stroll around and you’ll probably have your first introduction to wildlife here, with plenty of birds, cheeky monkeys and tree squirrels. It’s a nice starting point for your safari as you may choose to take a boat cruise to Ngamba Island to visit orphaned chimpanzees, visit the botanical gardens for birding or a general guided tour. You may choose to do some fishing on Lake Victoria, wine and cheese cruise or sun set cruise. Entebbe also has some of the best hotels in the country.

The Uganda wildlife Conservation education center (Entebbe zoo) is also located in Entebbe.It offers a perfect introduction to Uganda’s incredible biodiversity and given its proximity to the capital Kampala, is one of the most visited and popular tourist sites in Uganda. The Centre is a successful mix of a zoo and a safari park because most of the animals live in large and spacious enclosures that are similar to their natural habitats. 

Visiting the Entebbe zoo is not only less expensive but offers incredible opportunities to get close to the animals – especially if one chooses to go for the special “Behind the Scenes tour” under the guidance of a caretaker. It is home to giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, chimpanzees, baboons, ostriches, hyenas, zebras, lions, donkeys, the Uganda Kob, camels, waterbucks, egrets, the famous Shoebill Stork, snakes, pythons and tortoises. Over 120 species of birds and 23 of primates can be seen at the facility. The Centre also has red-tailed monkeys, cattle, crocodiles, peacocks, crested cranes, parrots, goats, elephants, chicken, warthogs, cobras, impala, topis, forest hogs and eland among many others. Apart from animals, there is also an incredible plant life (flowers, shrubs, trees and herbs) and butterfly species. Visiting the zoo is normally a fun family day out, the kids enjoy it.

10. Ndere Cultural Center

When in Uganda, the Ndere Cultural Centre is an excellent place to learn about some of Africa’s diverse cultures and traditions. The Ndere Cultural Centre is situated on nine acres of well-kept green space with beautiful flowering walkways that are shaded by a variety of fruit and other African trees.

The exceptional architecture is a seamless synthesis of artistic creativity and simplicity that elevates African forms, materials, colours, and construction to new heights. 

The center is home to the award-winning Ndere troupe, a dancing group that has been gracing stages with cultural performances for over two decades. Their energetic folk dances and songs are from across Uganda. The performances bring Ugandan culture to life and serve as an educational experience – as well as a visual treat. If you’re interested in traditional dance and music, try to catch a dinner-theatre performance of the Ndere Troupe. An evening that will simply delight you as you watch various performers in traditional dress charm the audience with skills in dance and musical instruments that are just great.