Tourist attractions and activities
National parks
Uganda has basically got 10 National parks and 12 wildlife reserves where you are able to enjoy wildlife during your safari. Murchison Falls National Park is the largest National Park in Uganda covering 3,877 sq km and one of the most spectacular in Africa. At the Murchison Falls, the river Nile plunges through a narrow crevice and over a 45-metre drop. Queen Elizabeth National Park with remarkable variety of ecosystems, from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps as well as the of the famous tree-climbing lion. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to the world-famous mountain gorillas, of which they are less than 600 still left in the entire world. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also famous for gorilla trekking plus the unique golden monkey trekking. Kibale Forest National Park famous for chimpanzee trekking as well as having the highest concentration of primates in Uganda. Semuliki National Park famous for the hottest hot springs in the country divided into female and male hot springs. Kidepo Valley National Park hosting unique wildlife species not found in any other park in Uganda like the cheetahs and the ostrich. Lake Mburo National Park famous for hosting the highest population of zebras in the country as well as unique animals like elands, impalas, etc. Mount Elgon National Park famous for mountain climbing following different hiking trails to the Wagagai summit. Rwenzori Mountain National Park the mystical challenge famous for mountain climbing to the highest peak.
Gorilla trekking
Almost half of the population of the rare Mountain Gorillas also referred to as “Man’s shy cousins” are found in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the number one tourist attraction and a must do for every visitor whether for the first time or not. In Uganda, the activity is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. At end the trekking, you are awarded with a Gorilla trekking certificate however, it is advisable to book a gorilla permit in time to avoid inconveniences.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Located 23km southeast of Entebbe in Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, or ‘Chimp Island’, is home to over 40 orphaned or rescued chimpanzees. They emerge from the forest twice a day to feed at 11am and 2.30pm. Come observe the animals’ remarkable behaviors, individual profiles, distinct personalities and history. The Island is also home to big monitor lizards and birdlife.
Ssese Islands
Consisting of 84 islands in the north-western section of Lake Victoria and consisting of different activities that can be enjoyed by tourists. The wildlife on the islands includes hippos, crocodile, waterbuck, sitatunga antelope, chimpanzees and monkeys. The islands can be reached by a nine-hour steamer trip from Port Bell or a 45-minute ferry trip from Bukakata.
Lake Bunyonyi
The lake is believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa with its deepest at about 900m and locally means “many small birds.” The lake is dotted with 29 islands. The most prominent of these include the Akampene Island also known as the punishment island, Bushara, Kyahugye, Bwama and Njuyeera, and Bucuranuka. Here, one can enjoy a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Activities around Lake Bunyonyi include; Boat rides, Hiking, Bird watching, cultural visits.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located near Murchison Falls National Park and is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos. However, here we do on-foot rhino tracking as we search for them in their natural habitat of course accompanied by a ranger. The rhinos are heavily protected but can roam free in an area that covers 7000 hectares of land.
Source of the Nile
A boat tour to the source of the Nile is one of the highlights in Uganda and a great way to spot birds that live near the river, like kingfishers, fish eagles, storks, and ibises. When you reach the actual source of the Nile, you can jump off the boat and walk over a wooden deck towards the source of the Nile sign to make a quick photo.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzees are man’s closest relatives, they mainly communicate by drumming trees, screaming or hooting and are tracked down by following their unique sounds. Chimpanzee trekking is done in Kibale Forest National, Budongo forest reserve in Murchison Falls National Park and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This gives you an opportunity to watch the impressive chimps climbing, playing, mating, feeding, looking after their young, and responding to the presence of human beings. Here, you are also recommended to book a chimpanzee permit in time.
Mountaineering and Hiking
Many tourists have the desire to participate in activities that provide them with the challenge, thrill or intense experience. Some of these tourists want to test their physical skills in new or unusual ways with activities such as mountain climbing, hiking etc. The Rwenzori Mountains provide a charming variety of terrain (from Rainforest to high altitude glaciers). These mountains are not as famous as Kilimanjaro however not so congested like other mountains and therefore hiked anytime of the day.
Tree climbing lions
A visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park should include the two hour drive to the Ishasha sector of the Park with its extraordinary tree climbing lions plus other wildlife that is found in the area. Besides Ishasha, these mysterious animals are found in only one other place which is the Lake Manyara region of Tanzania. Ishasha Plains with its tree climbing lions, its abundant wildlife, its scenery and unique lodging opportunities should not miss on your tour itinerary in Uganda.
City Tours
Not all tourist attractions in Uganda include nature and the outdoors. This includes a trip around the capital area zone. The capital area encompasses Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja, plus areas between them. During the city tours, you get to see the source of the Nile, Bujagali falls, Ziika forest, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Ssezibwa Falls, Kasubi Tombs, National Museum, Bahai Temple, Uganda Martyrs shrine, Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals, Entebbe Botanical gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Shopping and marketing places like St. Balikudembe Market (Owino Market).
Cultural tours
Uganda as a country is well endowed with different ethnic groups and cultures hence visitors have the opportunity to explore a diversity of cultures from the cultural dress, food, dances and beliefs. Here, you have a chance to visit the Batwa a group of people who have lived most of their lives in the forest feeding on wild fruits and raw meat. During the even years, the Opening of the circumcision season is on in Mbale for the Bamasaba, don’t miss the exciting Kadodi (Imbalu) dancers plus the real circumcision exercise during your trip in Uganda.