Explore Uganda

Uganda is famously referred to as the Pearl of Africa for a good reason. Her changing landscapes and habitats with each region you visit, abundant and diverse wildlife, arguably the best weather in the world, and one of the most culturally diverse and yet friendliest of peoples in the world, make Uganda a dream destination to visit, moreover without the crowds.

Uganda has ten game parks and several wildlife reserves that offer such authentic wildlife experiences. The gorilla trek is the most popular tour in Uganda.

Several savannah parks and wildlife reserves will provide great views of the big game against picturesque landscapes and lush habitats. All the famed big five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo) are present in Uganda and not difficult to find.

The numerous lakes, including Africa’s biggest lake, Lake Victoria, provide perfect getaways to relax and enjoy some water activities.

National Parks

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi National Park is located in southwestern Uganda along the Albertine Rift Valley, spanning 331 sq km of thick jungle containing montane and lowland forest. The park protects many endangered and endemic wildlife, including the popular Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi National Park is the prime destination for Mountain Gorilla trekking in Africa. It is also Africa’s number one Birding spot. Other tourism activities include: nature walks in the forest and Batwa pygmy community tour.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s oldest (est. 1952) and largest national park covering 5072 sq km along the River Nile. Murchison Falls harbours the biggest diversity of wildlife in Uganda, including 87 mammals, over 650 birds and 14 reptiles. The park is therefore, a prime destination for wildlife safaris in Uganda, boasting a wide range of tourism activities that include, Game drives, boat trips along the Nile, hikes to the Murchison Falls, Birdwatching, Sport Fishing, Chimpanzee tracking and Habituation in Budongo Forest, and Nature walks.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is arguably Uganda’s most scenic national park. It is set on the base of the Rift Valley with beautiful crater lakes and rich grasslands. The park is 1978 sq km and lies along the Equator in southwestern Uganda. It harbors a formidable diversity of wildlife which includes: 66 animals, and over 568 bird species. The park is popular for Tree-climbing Lions. Tourism activities include: Game drives, boat trips on the Kazinga Channel, Katwe local salt mining experience, birdwatching, Chimpanzee tracking and guided nature walks in Kyambura Gorge.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is Africa’s best national park for spectacular landscapes – made of rugged mountains and flat valleys! The park is remotely situated in the far northeastern corner of Uganda in the rugged plains of the Karamoja province. Kidepo is one of Africa’s most pristine wildernesses because it has not been touched. It has an impressive species diversity which includes 80 mammals, 28 of which are not known to occur in another park in Uganda, and more than 465 bird species. Tourism activities include Game drives, nature walks, birdwatching, hikes to the Mountains (Mt. Morungole), tours of the local communities of the Karamojong and Ik people.

Kibale Forest National Park

An evergreen rainforest, Kibale Forest has the highest concentration of primates in Africa, comprising 13 species, including Chimpanzees – man’s closest relatives. It is the prime destination for Chimpanzee trekking and Habituation in Uganda. Other tourism activities include Birding and guided nature walks in the Bigodi Swamp.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only park in Uganda that has both Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys, two world-endangered animals and endemics of the Albertine Rift Valley. It is located in southwestern Uganda and is part of the Virunga Conservation Area. It is the smallest park in Uganda with a size of 33.7 sq km. Tourism activities include Mountain Gorilla trekking, Golden Monkey tracking, Birding, Volcano hiking, and Batwa cultural walks.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest of Uganda’s savanna parks with a size of 260 sq km. Its species diversity is however very impressive with 68 mammals. It is very popular for lots of herbivores including many species of antelopes. It is located along the highway to southwestern Uganda, hence a great stopover for safari en route to Bwindi, Mgahinga and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Tourism activities include a game drive, a boat trip on Lake Mburo, guided nature walks, horseback riding, and birdwatching.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The fabled “mountains of the moon” are the biggest mountain ranges in Africa, spanning over 120km along the Uganda – Democratic Republic of Congo border. Rwenzori Mountains National Park lies astride the Equator yet it is permanently snow-capped on its highest peaks. Mountain Stanley (5109m) is Africa’s third-highest peak. The Rwenzori Mountains are ranked one of the best destinations in the world for Mountain Climbing and Hiking. The mountains are also impressive for birdwatching in Uganda.

Mountain Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is the main tourist destination of eastern Uganda. The mountain is located on the border with Kenya, wagagai (4321m), Africa’s fourth highest peak lies in Uganda. The slopes support a variety of vegetation that is rich with lots of wildlife. Tourist activities include Mountain Climbing, Hiking, and Birdwatching.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki forms the meeting point of Central Africa’s rainforests and East Africa’s savannas. Measuring 220 sq km. the park is one of Africa’s richest areas of floral and faunal diversity. It harbours up to 8 primate species of a total of 60 mammals. One of its popular features is the Sempaya hot springs. Tourism activities include: Birdwatching, and Hike to the hot springs.

Other places to Visit in Uganda

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

The chimpanzee sanctuary is home to rescued chimps and is established on a 100-acre forested island on Lake Victoria, 23 km from the lakeshore in Entebbe. The sanctuary has a population of 52 chimpanzees (by 2021). Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit to see chimps up close and learn about man’s closest relatives who share 98.7% DNA. Tourists can take day trips to see the chimps during the supplementary feeding times when the chimps all gather outside the forest to receive fruits from caretakers, or can even overnight at the island for more engaging activities with the chimps plus enjoy a lovely getaway on Lake Victoria.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary protects Uganda’s only wild rhinos. It was primarily established to reintroduce the Rhinos back into Uganda’s wild after they were poached to extinction. In addition to the more than 15 white rhinos, the sanctuary also harbours other wildlife including antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, and lots of birds. Major activities are Rhino tracking, birdwatching, and game viewing. The sanctuary is situated halfway en route to Murchison Falls National Park and is thus a good addition to the safari trip to Murchison Falls National Park.

Mabamba Wetland

Mabamba Bay Swamp in Uganda is a prime wetland birding site famous for the Shoebill which is Uganda’s most sought after bird by Uganda birding tourists as well as by nature lovers. Mabamba Swamp is located west of Entebbe on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, covering 2424 ha with thick marshes of papyrus, water lilies and other wetland grasses.

Mabira Forest Reserve

Mabira Forest is a natural tropical rainforest within central Uganda, covering 306 sq km. It harbours lots of wildlife, including 316 species of birds, several monkeys and small mammals. It is easily accessible less than an hour’s drive from Kampala. Tour activities include Forest birding, guided nature walks, tracking the habituated grey-cheeked mangabeys, zip lining, mountain biking, picnics, and camping.

Mpanga Forest Reserve

Mpanga Forest is a small patch of natural equatorial rainforest covering about 453 hectares. It is found in Mpigi District, Mawokota – 37 kilometers southwest of Kampala and is conveniently located along the Masaka highway. The forest can be reached within an hour of driving from Kampala.

Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls comprises a series of three beautiful waterfalls, located in the foothills of Mountain Elgon in eastern Uganda. Hiking to each of the waterfalls, rock climbing, and abseiling at the main waterfall are the main adventure activities at Sipi Falls. Sipi is also a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the serene and cool atmosphere while enjoying the wonderful views of the falls and scenery.

Sezibwa Falls

The Sezibwa Falls is primarily a cultural heritage site of the Baganda tribe believed to host ancestral spirits which the traditionalists believe are the creators of the Sezibwa river and waterfalls. The site is very serene and attractive with a lush environment, sparkling waterfalls, rocks, birds, monkeys and several other wildlife. This is a good spot to visit en-route to Jinja, and learn about the ancient traditions, enjoy the soothing environment, and lush greenery, and explore the nearby forest to see some monkeys and birds.

Lake Bunyonyi

Situated between the terraces of Kigezi highlands in southwestern Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is Africa’s second deepest lake. It is dotted with lush islands some of which are inhabited. It is a great spot to relax in the soothing cool atmosphere after strenuous adventures such as Gorilla trekking. Activities include Canoeing, hiking the highlands, visiting the Batwa Pygmy communities, and birdwatching among others.

Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda is a little-known jewel located in the mountainous landscape of southwestern Uganda in Kisoro District. It is surrounded by lush highlands and set against a stunning background of three Virunga volcanoes. Lake Mutanda is located between Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla Park, home to the famous Mountain Gorillas. It is a wonderful place to retire and unwind after an array of adventures such as Gorilla trekking and Volcano hiking.

Jinja and Source of the Nile

Jinja town, situated in eastern Uganda, is the source of the River Nile. It has become popular for several adventures along the Nile to the effect that it is now called East Africa’s adventure capital. Tour activities include source of the Nile boat ride, rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, horse riding, quad biking, sunset cruises, and island tours among others.

Budongo Forest Reserve

Budongo Forest is the largest natural forest in Uganda with a cover of 825 square kilometers part of which spans into south of Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo harbors an array of wildlife including 360 species of birds, 95 mammals and 29 species of amphibians. Activities in Budongo include Chimpanzee tracking and habituation, Birding, and Nature walks.

Uganda Wildlife Education Center (Entebbe Zoo)

Uganda Wildlife Education Center or Entebbe Zoo keeps a lot of animals, birds, and plants for conservation and educational purposes. It is the most favorite place for locals to see animals such as lions, leopard, hyena, chimpanzees, giraffes, elephants, etc… Other than seeing the animals from behind a fence, the center also provides experiences that will bring you closer to iconic animals and birds.

Uganda Martyrs Trail

A tour on the the Uganda Martyrs trail is one of the most spiritually nourishing things to do in Kampala and Uganda for a Catholic Christian. The Martyrs trail is made up of sites through Kampala and the outskirts where Christians were martyred after refusing to denounce their faith. The trail starts from Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine where the King of Buganda sentenced the Christians to death and were to be executed at Namugongo which were the execution grounds. Many Christians didn’t make it to Namugongo and were killed in different areas along the way, and shrines/monuments can be found here. The trail ends up at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo where the rest of the martyrs were executed by burning them to death.

Uganda’s Major City Tour Guides

Entebbe Guide – places to visit and things to do

Entebbe is best know for Uganda’s only international airport where tourists arriving by air have to arrive through and continue to other destinations. Entebbe which is located by Lake Victoria is wonderful place to spend a couple of nights shaking off the jetlag and it has a number of interesting places to visit and things to do such as visiting the beaches, boat cruising on the lake etc…

Kampala City Guide – Top things to do

Kampala is the Capital City of Uganda and it is located 40km from the international airport in Entebbe – about 30 minutes drive. Kampala is best known for the vibrant nightlife, however there is a lot more to do and see including several religious and historical landmarks, biggest flea markets in the region, a lot of different types fruits and local foods that comes from the different corners of Uganda which is the food basket of the region, the epic chaos of public transportation etc…

Jinja City – top things to do and see

Jinja City located in eastern Uganda is famously known as the adventure capital of Uganda. This is because of the many adventures done on the River Nile, the most popular being world-class white water rafting. Jinja is located just 1.5 hours drive from Kampala and thus a perfect destination for a day trip to enjoy an adventure or visit the Source of the Nile. The city is also located within reach of many other adventure, cultural and natural spots in Busoga and eastern Uganda.

More related attractions

Responsible Travel Policy

You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make. Our responsible travel policy allows guests to depart emotionally rich, more informed, more ecologically aware, and more appreciative of the natural resources, people and cultures.

Uganda parks & attractions sites

Uganda National Parks and Places of interest to visit