10 Best Things to Do in Uganda

Nestled between Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 95 mammal species. Visitors can marvel at the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, and hippos along the Kazinga Channel. Also, keep your eyes peeled for other majestic creatures, such as leopards, hippos, and African bush elephants. The park's diverse landscapes, from open savannahs to lush wetlands, provide a breathtaking backdrop for safari adventures.

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• Murchison Falls National Park: Renowned for the roaring waterfall that it is named after, Murchison Falls National Park is a Uganda tourist attraction you don't want to miss. Boasting a stretch of the River Nile that runs through its expanse, it attracts many animal and bird species, like hippos, warthogs, giraffes, buffalo, and elephants. Try observing them on a river cruise before settling down for the night in a lodge right by the waterfall to let its ambient rumble soothe you to sleep.

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Thanks to a successful breeding program started in the early 2000s, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see the endangered southern white rhino in the wild. Explore over 27 square miles of habitat filled with other species, too, like colobus monkeys, Ugandan kobs, and aardvarks. Take a canoe across the Lugogo swamp at sunrise to see nesting shoebill storks.

Best time: Uganda's dry seasons, which run from June to August and December through February, are perfect for wildlife safaris.

Insider tip: Keep your camera or phone on a secure strap, especially if you are on the water. Hippos can get pretty close, and you don’t want to lose your camera trying to take a picture if one catches you by surprise.

One of the deepest lakes in Africa, Bunyonyi has 29 islands to explore, either by small boat or, for those looking for adventure, by canoe. Each island has its own story, from Punishment Island’s sad tale of abandoned daughters to the strange magic woven on Bucuranuka, otherwise known as the “upside-down island.” The waters here are also swimmable, perfect for a refreshing dip.

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• The Crater Lakes at Fort Portal: Although there are also crater lakes to be found across Uganda, the ones at Fort Portal are both plentiful and breathtaking. Hike or cycle around their edges through forests and past tea plantations and local villages, with the striking Rwenzori, or “mountains of the moon” in the distance on a sunny day. Activities on the water include sport fishing and swimming.
• Kazinga Channel: Although you may not want to swim or canoe across its waters, it’s definitely worth taking a boat ride down the Kazinga Channel. Linking Lake Edward with Lake George, this 20-mile stretch of freshwater has one of the world’s largest populations of hippos, with numbers exceeding 2,000. Also, be on the lookout for Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and countless water birds.

Best time: For the best weather for outdoor activities, plan your trip between June and September. Although this is peak season, it is not too crowded compared to other destinations in East Africa.

Insider tip: Don't just stay at the water level at Lake Bunyonyi. Take a trek up one of the many hills surrounding it for out-of-this-world views.

Tucked into Uganda's southwestern corner, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a unique opportunity to encounter the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Covering part of the Virunga Mountains, this park is a vital habitat for these gentle giants. Gorilla trekking here is a captivating experience, with the park's dense bamboo forests and misty mountain peaks creating a dramatic setting for close encounters with one of our closest relatives. Besides gorillas, visitors can also track the golden monkeys that inhabit the park, hike to the summits of volcanic mountains, or explore the Garama Cave, a historical site used by the Batwa pygmies.

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• Budongo Forest: Set inside Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is also home to its own population of primates. The endangered chimpanzees found here are protected by their very own conservation station, which is home to around 700 chimpanzees. Join one of the guides to learn all about these cheeky chimps. Your visit will also help the conservation efforts. Also, keep an eye out for over 280 colorful butterfly species, as well as lions prowling in the bushes.
• Kibale Forest National Park: Kibale Forest is where you can undertake a chimpanzee trek. Starting at the Kanyanchu Visitor Center, traipse through the thick forest and keep an ear out for the sound of rustling branches overhead as the chimpanzees swing from the treetops. Your guide will also point out other things of interest, including red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and rare birds.

Best time: For the best conditions, go between June and September for the dry season, which is generally the best time to visit Uganda. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, booking a trip in April or May usually means lower crowds and discounted rates.

Insider tip: To see the gorillas, you will need to buy a permit, which costs 800 USD and includes entry to the park. Aim for a multi-day trip, and the cost will drop dramatically. A one-day tour will cost you 1,100 USD, while three days, on average, cost 1,450 USD.

It can be tempting to visit Uganda just to go on safari. However, missing out on the vibrant culture and nightlife of Kampala, the capital city, means you forgo a whole different side of the country. During the day things to do on your Kampala tour include visiting locations like the Gaddafi Mosque, Mengo Palace, and the bustling markets. When the sun sets, discover why Kampala has some of the best nightlife in East Africa, with a diverse mix of clubs, bars, and venues that will have you dancing until the sun comes up.

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• Entebbe: When you arrive in Uganda by plane, you’ll arrive in Entebbe. Many people then move on to other destinations, but it’s still worth exploring and seeing the multitude of attractions in Entebbe. Stroll through the botanical gardens or visit the craft market where artisans peddle their wares, including colorful jewelry and vibrant paintings of the country’s wildlife. Learn about all things scaly at the Entebbe Reptile Village, and don’t forget to take a snap at the equator.
• Fort Portal: Fort Portal is not just the gateway to the Rwenzori mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Spend some time in the city, and you will find many interesting things to do and places to see. Check out the Kingdom Palace with its panoramic views over the city, or take a walk around Tooro Botanical Garden. In the evening, visit one of the many bars and restaurants or enjoy the famous pizzas at Dutchess before returning in the morning to enjoy their signature breakfasts.

Best time: Visit Kampala in October for the City Festival to up the party atmosphere.

Insider tip: For a genuine local experience in Kampala, book an Airbnb in the suburbs like Ntinda or Bugolobi. You'll save on food by cooking and enjoy mingling with locals.

If you are looking for an adrenaline fix, one of the best places to visit in Uganda is Jinja. Go white water rafting on the river Nile, take the plunge on an exhilarating bungee jump, or go quad biking on red mud trails. If you prefer to take things a little bit slower, more relaxed activities to do in Jinja include exploring the area on a horseback.

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• Ssese Islands: Situated in Lake Victoria, the Ssese Islands offer a perfect mix of action and relaxation. Enjoy sunbathing or a swim at one of the lakeside lodges, or get sporty by playing beach volleyball, golf, or quad biking.
• Lake Mburo: For an adventurous way to meet the wildlife at Lake Mburo, consider a horseback safari. Enjoy the thrill of cantering through the savannah to spot wildlife, including elephants and curious zebras. If you’d prefer to take two wheels instead, consider a cycling safari.

Best time: Visit Jinja in November to pair up your adventure tour with the Nyege Nyege Festival, a popular electronica beat festival.

Insider tip: If you are heading to Jinja, make a stop at Mbira on the way for another adrenaline-fuelled activity: ziplining through the forest.

Nestled on the border between Uganda and Kenya, Mount Elgon stands tall as the largest volcanic base in the world. Hike 3,000 meters above the hot plains and watch as a whole different array of flora and fauna await you in cooler climes. Relish your accomplishments when you reach the summit of Wagagai Peak, as well as enjoy the spectacular views of the Nile River and the Kidepo Valley.

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• Rwenzori Mountains: The Rwenzori Mountains, otherwise known as “the mountains of the moon,” offer not just one but six peaks to climb. For the best views, head on a series of circular hikes, including the central circuit trail past Mounts Baker, Stanley, Speke, and Weissman Peak. The jewel of the trek is the summit of Margherita.
• Virunga Volcano Mountains: Experience breathtaking views while hiking the Virunga Mountains in Uganda. These ancient volcanic mountains offer challenging treks through bamboo forests and misty landscapes, where—if you are lucky—you may encounter gorillas or golden monkeys.

Best time: Aim for the dry seasons between December and February, and June and August for the best hiking conditions and views at the summits.

Insider tip: Remember to bring a power bank for your phone on the climb. The last thing you want is to run out of battery at the summit and have no way to capture the views.

The largest tribe in Uganda, the Baganda, is a people of rich music, dance, and language. Uncover more about their culture and history by visiting monuments such as the Twekobe Palace and the Kasubi Tombs, the burial places of kings encased not in stone but in cathedral-like lattices of weaved thatched roofs and beams.

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• Batwa People in Bwindi and Mgahinga: The Batwa are an ancient tribe of forest-dwelling people indigenous to the mountainous Bwindi and Mgahinga regions. Though displaced from the forests, their rich culture endures through music, dance, and craftsmanship. Visitors can experience Batwa village life, learn about their traditions, and deepen their understanding of the forest by learning about various medicinal plants. They can also learn survival skills like hunting techniques and building treehouse nests used to protect young ones from danger.
• Fort Portal: Fort Portal is the home of the Batooro. On the highest hill in the town, you can spot the Tooro palace. Built in 1963, it is the home of King Oyo, who ascended the throne at the tender age of three in 1995. On the outskirts, visit the Karambi Royal Tombs before heading to Amabeere Cave, supposedly the birthplace of King Ndahura, nestled behind a waterfall with milky white stalactites that give it its name.

Best time: Visit in December for the annual This is Uganda Festival in Kampala for performances of music, dance, and other exhibitions showcasing the country's culture.

Insider tip: The Baganda speak Luganda, so if you want to befriend them, why not learn a few phrases? Start with a simple hello, which is oli otya?

If you are a fan of our feathered friends, the Entebbe Peninsula, jutting into Lake Victoria, is one of the best places to see them. Over 100 species inhabit this lush area, including magnificent shoebill storks, vibrant kingfishers, pink-backed pelicans, and many more. Explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Center along the banks of the lake before heading on to the Kigungu Landing Site for the chance to spot the elusive black heron.

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• Mabamba Bay Wetland: This protected marsh along Lake Victoria provides a habitat for impressive shoebill storks and a multitude of other bird species. Take a guided canoe tour through the papyrus channels to observe these avian wonders up close in their natural setting.
• Mabira Forest: Immerse yourself in the lush biodiversity of the Mabira Forest Reserve. This vast rainforest is home to over 300 species of birds, including the rare Nahan's Francolin. Hike the nature trails to spot colorful turacos, hornbills, and the iconic golden-backed weaver.

Best time: Visit between September and early March for the influx of Palearctic migrant birds.

Insider tip: Investing in local guide maps at each location will help you to recognize the species of birds much more easily than just taking a local guide who may or may not be an encyclopedia of bird species.

The Nile is one of the most famous rivers in the world, and one of the top things to do in Uganda is to head to its source, which can be found in Jinja. Take a boat across Lake Victoria until you find the gorge from which the lake feeds into this mighty river.

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• Lake Kyoga: Follow the Nile further along from its source to Lake Kyoga. These tranquil and shallow waters offer a much quieter retreat than the more popular Lake Victoria, allowing for unspoiled canoe journeys across its expanse. Also remember to take a stop to see the Nyero Rock Paintings, ancient geometric formations that are mesmerizing to behold.
• Lake Albert: Further up the Nile, you’ll find Lake Albert, which straddles Uganda and South Sudan. Take a boat cruise to discover species like the Nile crocodile and shoebill stork, or go on a game viewing on your choice of mountain bike or quad bike to see elephants, baboons, colobus monkeys, and many more.

Best time: Visit Jinja in late January for the Nile River Festival.

Insider tip: Consider taking a Nile cruise, following this river from its source in Jinja to Egypt and the Mediterranean.

If someone were to offer you a Rolex in Uganda, don't be expecting a watch but an altogether different treat. Fresh chapati are stuffed with eggs and vegetables and are a popular choice among the locals. Try another local delicacy known as serene, crunchy fried grasshoppers. Trust us, it tastes better than it sounds!

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• Fort Portal: For one of the more unique activities in Fort Portal, dine like an everyday Ugandan at one of the Traveler’s Inn lunches. The traditional dishes on offer include matooke (green bananas, cooked and mashed), posho (maize), greens, plantains, bananas, sweet potatoes, cassava, and peanuts.
• Mbale: Explore the vibrant street food scene in Mbale, where you can find delicious offerings like roasted maize, shikah (grilled meat skewers), and samosa.
• Mbarara: For an authentic culinary experience in Mbarara, visit the local markets and try traditional dishes like katogo (a mixture of plantains, beans, and meat), malakwang (a savory dumpling), and fresh sugarcane juice.

Best time: Year-round.

Insider tip: When ordering food in Uganda, be cautious if you see "sauce" listed as an item on the menu. It's not referring to a condiment or dipping sauce. "Sauce" in Ugandan cuisine typically means a meat-based stew or gravy, which explains the higher price compared to a regular sauce.

From the bustling attractions of Kampala’s street markets to the seclusion of the misty mountain wilderness, a customized Uganda trip will allow you to tailor your visit to match your vibe. Tailor your journey with one of our expert Uganda travel guides to experience all of the facets of the “Pearl of Africa.”