Uganda Travel Guide – Top Attractions, Wildlife Safaris & Adventure Tips

The Pearl of Africa offers various tourist sites that can give visitors a breathtaking experience. However, there are key considerations travelers should know before venturing into the country:

Why Visit Uganda?

• The Pearl of Africa: Uganda offers a wealth of beauty, diversity, and life, including numerous mammal species, insects, birds, and reptiles. This splendor convinced Winston Churchill to declare Uganda the “Pearl of Africa” in his 1908 book, My African Journey. Any curious tourist should experience a safari in Uganda to discover why it earned this title.
• The Largest Freshwater Lake by Area in Africa: Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, is shared by three East African countries: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Uganda is fortunate to have 45% of Lake Victoria’s waters, offering tourists views of various islands, fish species, crocodiles, and hippos, all of which create a captivating safari experience.
• The Source of the Nile: As the longest river in the world, the Nile flows through several African countries, including Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. However, its source is located in Jinja, in eastern Uganda. Travelers can enjoy an unforgettable experience visiting the source of the Nile in the Pearl of Africa.
• Affordable Safari Destination in East Africa: Uganda is a budget-friendly safari destination in East Africa, with daily safari costs averaging around $150—significantly lower than Tanzania (around $200) and Kenya (around $300). Additionally, accommodation in Uganda ranges from $150 to $900, offering options for various budgets.
• Tree-Climbing Lions in Uganda: While it’s common to see leopards lounging on tree branches, it’s rare and fascinating to observe lions doing the same due to their weight, which makes climbing challenging. This unique behavior is mainly seen in Uganda and Tanzania, particularly in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. A safari in Uganda provides a rare opportunity to witness these unusual lions.

Popular Tourist Activities

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Mountain gorillas are only found in Rwanda, D.R. Congo, and Uganda, with Uganda hosting half of the global population in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda offers two destinations for gorilla trekking: Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. During this activity, tourists can spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family, capturing photos and creating lasting memories. Travelers interested in gorilla trekking should secure permits 3-6 months in advance. Those interested in filming should also obtain media cards from the relevant authorities.
• Rhino Trekking: Rhinos were nearly extinct in Uganda until the establishment of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola, where rhinos were reintroduced from Kenya and the USA. The sanctuary now has 33 rhinos. Travelers interested in rhino trekking should visit Ziwa, the only place where rhinos roam freely in Uganda.
• Bird Watching: With over 1,090 bird species, Uganda is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Top bird-watching spots include Mabamba Bay Wetland, Budongo Forest, Lutembe Bay, and national parks like Rwenzori Mountains, Semuliki, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bird watchers can enjoy sightings of unique species such as the black bee-eater, shoebill, green-breasted pitta, African green broadbill, and Jameson’s antpecker.
• Hiking and Nature Walks: For visitors eager to challenge themselves on rugged terrain, Uganda offers numerous hiking destinations. Popular hikes include Margherita Peak, Sipi Falls, Bwindi Impenetrable, Semuliki Valley, Virunga Mountains, Mount Morungole, Kalinzu Forest, and Lake Mburo game walks.
• Game Drives: Game drives are available in various national parks across Uganda, where travelers can spot diverse wildlife from the comfort of their vehicles. Each drive is guided by a knowledgeable naturalist who leads visitors to the most remarkable sights.
• Night Game Drives: Night game drives, offered in select parks, allow visitors to witness nocturnal animals like hyenas and wild cats in action. The darkness, accompanied by eerie animal sounds, creates an intense experience for thrill-seekers.
• Mountain Biking: With over 2,000 mountains, Uganda offers adventurous mountain biking trails. Riders can enjoy challenging routes, including Lake Mburo National Park, Bugolobi-Gayaza, Sipi-Budadiri, Budongo Forest, and others.
• Historical Tours: Uganda’s diverse culture includes over 50 tribes, each with unique customs and beliefs. Historical tours begin in Kampala, the capital, known for its seven hills and rich heritage. Key sites include the Independence Monument, Kabaka’s Lake, Buganda King’s Palace, Ndere Cultural Center, Gadhafi Mosque, Kasubi Tombs, Bahá’í Temple, Lubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals, and the Uganda Museum.
• Water Sports Activities: Uganda has over 165 lakes and eight major rivers, including Lake Victoria and the Nile. These water bodies support activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, sport fishing, boat cruises, and river boarding, allowing tourists to select activities that suit their interests.

Popular Destinations in Uganda

• Lake Victoria: Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the second largest in the world, is found in the Pearl of Africa. This remarkable water body attracts visitors who are eager to witness its vast expanse, even if they can’t explore it from end to end. The lake is home to diverse fish species like Nile perch and tilapia, making it an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts and those interested in sport fishing.
• Lake Mburo National Park: The smallest park in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park, offers a range of safari experiences, including bird watching, game drives, and fishing. A unique feature of this park is that it’s one of the few in Uganda where night game drives are available, providing a thrilling experience for visitors.
• Kidepo Valley National Park: Located in the Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda, this park is home to wildlife adapted to the dry savannah, such as zebras, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, lions, and buffalo. The park also attracts bird watchers with its interesting bird species.
• Ssesse Islands: Located in the middle of Lake Victoria, the Ssesse Islands consist of 84 islands, each with its unique cultural significance. It is believed that Kintu, the first Muganda, accessed Buganda through this route. Visitors enjoy sport fishing here, especially for Nile perch and tilapia. Other popular activities include quad biking, bonfires, and barbecues.
• Kasubi Tombs: This site, constructed with natural materials like reeds, grass, and straw, is the burial ground for four Kabakas of Buganda: Kabaka Mwanga II, Kabaka Daudi Chwa II, Sir Edward Muteesa II, and Kabaka Muteesa I. Located in Kasubi, Kampala, the tombs offer a rich cultural experience and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2001.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, all residing in their natural habitats in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Located in Kanungu, Rubanda, and Kisoro Districts, this park is famous for gorilla trekking. Visitors can also enjoy birding, nature walks, and cultural tours.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Second only to Bwindi as a safe haven for mountain gorillas, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shelters these endangered species. In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors can explore other primate trekking trails, hike volcanic mountains, and visit the Batwa people.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Located in Kasese District, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers tourists a chance to view Lakes Edward and George and the Kazinga Channel that connects them. This park, formed as a merger between Lake George and Lake Edward Game Reserves, also supports salt production at Lake Katwe.
• Lake Mutanda: A small freshwater lake in Kisoro District, near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Lake Mutanda is popular for canoeing around its shores. Visitors also enjoy views of the Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga mountains, as well as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: The only place in Uganda where endangered rhinos roam freely in their natural habitat, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established to protect the country’s rhinos from poaching. Besides rhinos, the sanctuary is home to other wildlife, including crocodiles and monkeys.
• Entebbe Botanical Gardens: The 1940 Tarzan film was shot at Entebbe Botanical Gardens, making it a notable tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of flowers, insects, birds, and monkeys during their tour.
• The Equator: This imaginary line divides the northern and southern hemispheres. Visitors can experience unique phenomena, like feeling lighter while standing on the equator and observing water flowing clockwise in the southern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere.
• Sipi Falls: Sipi Falls, located at the foothills of Mount Elgon in Kapchorwa District, consists of three waterfalls. The first and largest fall offers scenic hiking trails and nature walks for visitors to enjoy.
• Murchison Falls National Park: The most visited park in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park, is known for being the largest national park in the country and for having one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Visitors can spot hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and other wildlife during their safari.
• Semuliki National Park: Located in the Semuliki Valley in Bundibugyo District, this park is prone to flooding, especially during the wet season. It is the best place to see Uganda kobs, which thrive in the park’s habitats.
• Lake Bunyonyi: Lake Bunyonyi, the third-deepest lake in the world, is ideal for swimming as it is free from bilharzia. Visitors enjoy views of terraced hills, bird watching, migratory birds, boat cruises, and nature walks.
• Kabaka’s Palace: The royal residence of the Kabaka of Buganda, located in Mengo, was originally built by Kabaka Mwanga II in 1885. Visitors can learn about Buganda’s cultural practices and history at this site.

Safety Guide

Uganda is generally safe and secure, free from political instability that might affect tourists. However, visitors should take precautions against petty theft, especially in slums and busy areas.

• Keep bags and belongings in full sight when using public transport.
• Ensure car doors and windows are locked while driving, especially through busy areas, and avoid leaving valuables in cars.
• Move in groups, especially in unfamiliar cities, for added safety.
• Avoid accepting help from strangers in banks or while using ATMs.
• Be cautious of strangers asking for money or telling sad stories in public areas.
• Avoid using flash photography when tracking primates, as this may provoke them.
• Follow all guidelines and instructions provided before any activity.
• Refrain from loud talking during activities like trekking to avoid disturbing primates.
• Avoid direct eye contact with wild animals like gorillas, as this could be perceived as a threat.
• Stay with designated groups during activities like gorilla trekking and chimpanzee treks.
• Remain in the vehicle during night and regular game drives unless directed otherwise by a guide.
• Seek advice from guides for any unplanned activities in the park.
• Avoid wearing bright colors during walking safaris, as they may attract wild animals.

This guide ensures a safe, enjoyable safari experience while visiting Uganda’s captivating destinations.