Tourist Attractions in Uganda
Uganda is a small landlocked country found in East Africa. A good part of the country is covered by Lake Victoria and other water bodies like the river Nile. Its capital is Kampala but there are 5 newly established cities. Uganda is a country truly “gifted by nature”. It is strategically located at a point where the tropical rain forests of West Africa meet the East African Savannah grassland hence allowing the 
country have the best of both worlds. Uganda has 10 national parks, 12 wildlife reserves and 13 wildlife sanctuaries. In these protected areas, there are unique plants and creatures, some of which are endemic to the country.
Uganda has all of the big five (lions, buffaloes, rhinos, elephants and leopards) mammals, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, other small primates and over 1060 bird species. Uganda also has common wild mammals like zebras, hyenas, giraffes and several species of antelopes. Apart from living things, Uganda has a variety of natural physical features like streams, valleys, gorges, mountains, hills, rivers, fresh water lakes, crater lakes and calderas. Uganda is the source of the great river Nile and has the highest population of mountain gorillas in the world.
In the urban areas, Uganda has a chain of beaches and resorts around lakes like Victoria and the river Nile to mention a few. There are also amazing recreation centers, hotels and restaurants to dine from. It is said that Ugandans do not sleep at night. If you move at night, you will find people enjoying life in bars and discotheques. The country has perfect climate because of her location near the equator and received heavy rains twice a year, Food is natural and the people are always warm, friendly and welcoming to foreigners. As a testament to that, Uganda has the best refugee policy in the world. Over 1.3 million refugees have been offered shelter in Uganda. They are allowed to move freely and to open their own businesses. Ugandans treat refugees without any stigma and we have never heard of any protests or resentment towards them.
Because of the weather, friendly people and incredible biodiversity, Uganda attracts millions of tourists each year. Most come to view the wildlife but as you read this article, you will be amazed at what is possible in a relatively small and landlocked country. We will be discussing in great detail the things to do while on a safari in Uganda and major national parks. Before we go to Uganda, you might be interested in our article about the things to do in Kampala or about the top game parks in Uganda. There is also an interesting article about the top attractions in Entebbe town. We also have an amazing 12 days Uganda safari package that you might find interesting.
Tourist Attractions in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking: This is not only one of the most popular wildlife activities in Uganda but also in the whole of Africa. Gorilla trekking involves searching for man’s closest relatives in their natural setting and 
observing them for one hour. Tracking mountain gorillas is very popular because they are endangered and only about 1000 are left in the wild. They are not found in zoos and can only be seen in three countries – Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. In Uganda, mountain gorillas are found in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi impenetrable national park. Tourists travel to observe the primates in the wild and take a few photos or videos. The experience of being close to a group of wild gorillas is difficult to describe in words. You can read more about gorilla trekking in Bwindi or the 3 days Uganda gorilla tour package.
Eat some of the local food: Because of good climate and naturally fertile soils, Uganda is a country with abundant food. The tribal groups in each region of the country have their own traditional dishes. 
While in Uganda, a visitor will have different options of food to try out depending on the area visited. While visiting the Buganda/Central region, one can request for a plate of matoke with ground nuts or meat. To the East, the Bagisu will welcome you with sweet potatoes and malewa (dried and boiled bamboo shoots). To the north and west of the country, millet bread is the big deal. Uganda is also famous for producing the delicious rolex (chapatti, fried eggs, onions, tomatoes and cabbages). Rolex is sold as street food but some fast food restaurants have also started making them.
Lion Tracking and Spotting Tree Climbing Lions: Lions are one of the most sought out mammals in Africa. They are popular with tourists because of their sheer size and predatory instincts. Lions can be 
sported in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls, Kidepo and Lake Mburo National park. However, Queen Elizabeth national park offers the best experience for those interested in closely observing the great cats. Queen Elizabeth is one of the only three national parks with tree climbing lions in Africa. Apart from Uganda, you would need to go to Kruger National Park in South Africa or Lake Manyara in Tanzania. On a typical day, you can find them resting on top of fig and acacia trees. Queen Elizabeth also allows tourists to register for lion tracking. Lion tracking in Uganda is carried out under the supervision of researchers. The activity starts in the morning and involves going deep into the park to look for lions. A collar with sensors is put around the neck of a lioness and this enables researchers to know the exact location of the pride.
Visit the main local Markets: The best way to mingle and get to know the ways of the local people is by visiting the local markets. Kampala city has a chain of markets like Kalerwe, Nakasero, Kibuye, 
Owino, Nakawa and Wandegeya. These are very congested markets but it is where all the action is centered. You will be able to interact with the buyers and sellers of all types of merchandise. The main commodities sold in these markets are agriculture products, herbal products, ornaments, electronics, second hand shoes and clothes. The stalls in the markets are built with wood and covered with either iron sheets or polythene tops. You can find very cheap products but haggling for better prices is the order of the day. The traders are very friendly and willing to do business with anyone who comes to them.
Tour Kampala: Kampala is Uganda’s capital. The city is a perfect fusion of local, Asian and modern architecture. A sightseeing tour around the city is very rewarding but it will also expose you to the 
negatives. Like most cities in developing countries, Kampala is very congested and not very organized. That said, Kampala has interesting structures like the parliament building, shopping centers and other high-end structures. These buildings can be sighted along the main and inner streets. The shopping malls are an excellent place to go window shopping. Some of them include Oasis mall, Garden city, Freedom city, Game store and Acacia mall. Kampala also has nice restaurants to refresh and dine after a long tour. These restaurants serve local, international and fast foods. Expect to get tasty fresh juice, coffee, soft drinks and cold beer.
Visit cultural sites: Though a relatively small, Uganda is a heterogeneous country with many tribes. Most of these tribes have kingdoms and cultures which are interesting to learn about. As the largest tribal group, Buganda kingdom has many cultural sites that tourists can visit. The Buganda kingdom has 
the Mengo royal palace which holds so much political significance for both Buganda and Uganda at large. There is also the Buganda parliament structure (Bulange) in Mengo Kampala. To the Eastern side of the country, there is Budhumbula palace and shrine which belongs to the Busoga kingdom. This palace was the former residence of the past king of Busoga, Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope who died in 1975. This particular palace also holds the graves of the past kings of the Busoga kingdom. It is also a shrine where the Basoga people go to worship and seek guidance, prosperity and blessings from their ancestors. To the West is the palace of Omukama of Toro. This is a very beautiful and modern day palace after recent renovations. If you are visiting one of the national parks in Western Uganda, this is one place you should visit. The Batoro are very calm and welcoming people. We will be discussing many other cultural sites in the following chapters.
Visit the Uganda Martyrs Shrine and other religious sites: Ugandan’s are very religious people. The dominant religious groups are the Pentecostals/Born Again Christians, Catholics, Protestants, Islam 
and traditional beliefs. This implies that most of the religious sites belong to the aforementioned faiths. It was the missionaries and Arabs who brought Christianity and Islam to the country during the 19th century. There is no shortage of religious structures in every part of the country. Of all of them, the Uganda Martyrs shrines are the most visited. The shrines hold the remains of over 25 young Christians and Muslims who disobeyed the king of Buganda because of their religious faith. There are also other religious sites like the Namirembe Cathedral for the Protestants, Rubaga Cathedral for the Roman Catholic and the Old Kampala Gadhafi mosque for the Moslems. The greatest architectural marvel has to be the only Baha’i temple in Africa built on one of Kampala’s famous hills. As you travel upcountry, you will find more religious establishments and places were ancient traditional practices are still practiced.
Lake Victoria: Lake Victoria is the largest fresh water lake in the world. It is also the source of the great river Nile. Lake Victoria is an excellent destination for a variety of activities and particularly water sports. The lake teems with life and you can spot different species of birds, fish, hippos, crocodiles and swamp antelopes. One of the most popular things to do is to hang out in one of the beautiful beaches and islands. While at the lake, you can take part in swimming, sunbathing, boat riding, sport fishing, canoeing and kayaking. The greatest islands worth visiting are the Ssese islands and the Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary. We will be discussing them as separate attractions later on.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale national park: Chimpanzees and bonobos (pygmy chimps) are the closest relatives to humans. They are very intelligent primates and will leave an onlooker stunned by their social antics. Chimps have the ability to use tools like sticks and stones to gather food or fight off intruders. Uganda is the best country to spot chimps in the world. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest is one of the most popular primate activities in Uganda – second only to gorilla trekking. Like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda involves hiking deep inside a tropical rain forests in search of the chimps. Once you are with them, you have only one hour to observe them. Kibale National Park offers the highest concentration of primates in East Africa hence offering the best chance to spot them.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga national park: Monkeys are very common in Uganda and can be found in almost every forest. However, the golden monkey is very special and interesting for a number of reasons. One is that they are very rare and can only be found in specific forests of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Because of their declining numbers, golden monkeys are listed as endangered by the IUCN. Golden monkeys have gold coats that make them look very cute. They feed on mostly bamboo leaves but will forage in human gardens if they can. Their only true enemies are man and the golden eagle. Golden monkey permits cost $100 and the activity is often included as part of other wildlife activities like gorilla trekking.
Stop by the Equator Crossing: The equator is an imaginary line that separates the earth’s northern and southern hemispheres. In areas where the equator passes, days and nights tend to be of the same length. Countries along the equator also tend to have a weather which isn’t too hot or too cold. The main equator mark in Uganda is at Kayabwe, along the Masaka road. Most travelers stop at this sign post to take photos with their legs/arms on each side of the equator line. There are also chains of craft shops where visitors can buy a few curios. The Equator crossing is an excellent stopover for tourists visiting Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Mburo and Mgahinga National Parks.
The Ndere Centre: Ndere Centre is cultural center located in Bukoto, a Kampala suburb. Within the Centre is a group known as Ndere Troupe which entertains people through traditional dances and music originating from the different local tribes in Uganda. The Ndere Troupe performs at the Centre and also different events like weddings, business events, parties and other social gathering. They can also perform at any place of convenience like at the hotels or lodges. However, there main performances are at the Ndere Centre every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The performance held on the aforementioned days are open to everyone who wishes to attend.
Visit Art Galleries: Art speaks and inspires a lot of people around the world and is also one way of expressing oneself. Art is one way of ensuring that past historical events remain in the minds of future generations. Uganda has got countless art galleries with sculptures, portraits and paintings. Most of the art pieces in galleries across Uganda depict great African personalities, African history, culture and wildlife. Some of the art galleries in Uganda include Nommo Gallery, Asante Art gallery, Nnyanzi Art studio, Ujuzi art gallery, AKA Art Gallery and Afriart Gallery just to mention a few.
Visit the Source of the Nile in Jinja: Lake Victoria is a very large water body that gets its waters from many streams, rivers and mountains. It lets out the water through the Nile in Jinja and is hence the official source of the great river. River Nile is arguably the longest river in the world. It starts its long 
journey of 6,650km from Jinja in Uganda to Egypt. The Nile is very important to countries where it passes and is the major source of water. The source of the Nile in Uganda has been in existence for millions of years but it became known to the world when a British explorer John Speke discovered it. From there, it became a very famous spot and developed into a great tourist attraction. There isn’t so much to do at the source of the Nile apart from taking a boat ride to the area where it is said to be. You will notice the source when you see the water forcing its way out of a depression before leaving Lake Victoria to become what is known as the Nile river. Apart from getting to the source of the Nile, there are different adventurous activities work exploring in Jinja like whitewater rafting, kayaking, sport fishing, horsing riding and quad biking.
The Murchison Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are one of the major attractions in the Murchison Falls National Park. The falls are created when the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge before 
dropping downstream in a mighty roar. As it drops down, the water splashes in all directions creating mist and beautiful rainbow colors especially when the sun is up. Apart from viewing the waterfall, tourists also love to explore the wider Murchison Falls National Park. The park has incredible biodiversity and you can expect to see lions, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, elands, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles and countless birds. The best way to see these amazing creatures is to book our 3 days Murchison Falls safari package. There is also the shorter 2 days Murchison Fall wildlife tour package.
Tour the Kasubi Tombs: The Kasubi Tombs are a traditional cemetery where members of the Buganda royal family are buried. They are located in the northwestern part of Kampala city, off the Hoima road. The tombs have been in existence for more than a hundred years. Because of this rich 
history, the tombs are a UNESCO world heritage site. The main tomb is a very big grass thatched hut with remains of four of the past kings of Buganda. The Kasubi tombs are unique because in Buganda, the tradition is to bury a Kabaka (king) in his own tomb. The Kings who are buried at Kasubi tombs are Kabaka Suuna, Kabaka Mutesa I, Kabaka Mwanga II and Kabaka Mutesa II. These tombs are of very important cultural significance to Buganda kingdom and because of that different traditional events/rituals are done at the tombs. During these events, sacrifices are made to the spirits of the Kings to ask for blessings and protection for the entire kingdom. Apart from the main tomb, there are smaller tombs for the princes and princesses.
Visit the Ssese Islands: The Ssese Islands are a group of 84 small islands in Lake Victoria. The islands are characterized by pristine beaches, good weather, amazing wildlife species and beautiful 
vegetation. The main tourism activities at the Ssese islands are swimming, sunbathing, beach games (volley ball and soccer), primate tracking, nature walks, game viewing, bird watching, boat riding, quad biking, sport fishing, unwinding and camping. The islands are an ideal place for weekend vacationers and honeymooners because of the privacy, beautiful scenery and amazing resorts. The best islands to visit is Bugala Island. Bugala is also the largest, most developed and busiest of all. Then there is the Ngamba Island which is more known for having a chimpanzee sanctuary. Other amazing Ssese Islands include Banda and Bukasa.
Go for a safari in Lake Mburo National Park: Lake Mburo national park is one of the ten national parks in Uganda. It is the smallest savanna park in Uganda but also the nearest park to Kampala city 
(about 234kms). Lake Mburo National park is a less crowded national park compared to others but equally rewarding if you love nature and wildlife. On a typical game drive around Lake Mburo national park, a traveler gets a chance to see animals like zebras, antelopes, buffaloes, giraffes, elands, hyenas, leopards and many other creatures. The boat ride on Lake Mburo allows you spot aquatic birds, crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes and elephants bathing on the shores. Lake Mburo is also excellent for sport fishing and is the best park to spot leopards in Uganda.
Visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Ziwa rhino sanctuary is the only place where one can see rhinos in Uganda. It is located in Nakasongola district and next to the Murchison falls national park. Most tourists 
going on a safari to Murchison falls national park make a stopover at the sanctuary to track the rhinos before proceeding to the park to see the other large mammals. In the past Uganda used to be a great rhino habitat with both the white and black rhinos roaming freely in the national parks. However, they got extinct due to extensive poaching as a result of the civil wars after independence. The few remaining rhinos were placed at the Ziwa rhino sanctuary where a breeding program was initiated. In 2018, it was recorded that Ziwa had 22 rhinos. Apart from the rhinos, the sanctuary also has other creatures like hippos, crocodiles, elands, sitatunga and a variety of bird species including the rare shoebill stork. There is a plan to re-introduce rhinos in the park once the number increase to a certain level.
Lake Bunyonyi: Lake Bunyonyi is located along the Kigezi highlands in Kabale district. It is the deepest lake in the whole of Africa and stands out for its beautiful 29 islands as well as natural scenery. 
Lake Bunyonyi is an excellent spot for unwinding, getting away from the stressful life and overall pollution in the city. While at Lake Bunyonyi travelers can engage in boat rides, canoeing, birding watching, game viewing, camping and enjoying the beautiful breeze as they read a book. It is also a great place for taking photos and shooting videos. Over the years, Lake Bunyonyi has turned to be a stopping point for tourists visiting Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Mgahinga and Semuliki National Parks. Tourists find the lake an excellent place to stop and regain energy after a long safari or tracking gorillas. In order to cater for the high numbers of visitors, many resorts have been built targeting tourists, honeymooners and couples.
Visiting the beautiful Lake Mutanda: Lake Mutanda is also located in the Kigezi highlands – between Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park. This is a lake with stunning beauty and natural scenery but unfortunately hidden away from most Ugandans. Many people visit the lake just to relax their minds and meditate as they enjoy the beauty around. There are also other tourism activities organized around the lake like canoeing and nature walks to spot different wildlife species (monkeys, baboons, reptiles and birds). Lake Mutanda also offers a great and safe environment for camping.
Visit the Baha’i Temple in Kampala: This is the only Baha’i temple in Africa. The temple is situated at Kikaya hill on the outskirts of Kampala. While at the temple hill, tourists are able to have panoramic 
views of Kampala city and the nearby places. The temple itself is a very beautiful architectural structure in both the interior and exterior. The custodian of the temple takes visitors around and shares information about the temple, the Baha’i faith, it’s history and founder Baha’u’llah. The compound is clean, green and full of fresh air. Visitors are allowed to enter inside but not to take photos of the establishment. Visitors are allowed inside the temple but not to take any photos of the interior. The Baha’i faith preaches peace, love and humility. They encourage their followers to live a life of humility and modesty.
Birding: Uganda holds a third of the total species of birds recorded in the world. With over 1060 resident and migratory species recorded to its name, Uganda is one of the best birding destinations in the world. Once you land into the country, you will notice birds everywhere. That said, you still need to 
visit specific places that have been earmarked for birding. These places include the Mabamba wetlands sanctuary in Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National park, Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Mabira forest, Lutembe beach, Kidepo national park, Lake Mburo national park and the Bigodi Wetlands sanctuary in Kibale National Park. The places mentioned have a high concentration of birds and you should watch out for the elusive shoe bill stork, crested cranes, the great blue turaco, sunbirds, egrets, bar-tailed tragon, handsome spur fowl, papyrus gonolek, standard winged nightjar and so much more.
Sport Fishing: Uganda is found in a region where most of the great lakes of Africa are found. The pearl of Africa itself has 165 lakes and 18% of its total surface area is covered by water. Fishing is a major economic activity but unfortunately sport fishing is not well developed because it is not very popular with local tourists. If you are interested in sport fishing, you need to go to designated areas. Most sport fishing activities are done in Jinja, the Ssese islands, Entebbe and Murchison falls national. Most fish are caught in the river Nile, lake Bunyonyi, Lake Edward, Lake George and Lake Mburo. The most common species caught are the Nile perch, tilapia, lung fish, barbel, cat fish and mud fish.
Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains: The Rwenzori Mountains are the third highest mountains in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. Its peak Magherita stands tall at an altitude of 5,109m above 
sea level. One of the unique features of Rwenzori is its snow-capped peak which is a rare feature to find in an area that receives a lot of sunshine for much of the year. The Rwenzori Mountains is also a national park because of its incredible biodiversity (Unique vegetation, chimpanzees, smaller primates and birds). Most hikers aim at teaching the peak of Mount Stanley (One of the Rwenzori mountains). To get to all the three peaks, one needs between 9 to 10 days of hiking and resting at different huts. Apart from the Rwenzori mountains, one can also climb Mount Elgon, Mount Moroto, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga.
White water rafting, Quad biking and Horseback riding in Jinja: White water rafting at the river Nile in Jinja is one of the most adrenaline raising activities in Uganda. Before the construction of a 
second hydro-electricity dam, Uganda offered one of the best three water rafting experiences in the world. It had grade 7 rapids but now one can only aim at grade 5 rapids. Even after losing some rapids, Uganda is still among the best rafting destinations on the world. Rafting comes into two packages. There is full day rafting and the half day rafting experience. Tourists often combine whitewater rafting with other adrenaline driving activities like bungee jumping over the Nile, quad biking, tubing the Nile and horse riding. These activities take you deep into the Uganda countryside to experience life as lived by the local people.
The Sipi Falls: The Sipi Falls are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Uganda. The amazing waterfalls are found in Kapchorwa near mountain Elgon. The area has remarkable scenery with 
breathtaking views of the mountain and the Karamoja plains. While visiting the falls, visitors can also go for a swim, fish, register for abseiling or admire the beautiful nature. If you are visiting, do not forget to go with a camera and take amazing photos of yourself near the different waterfalls.
Visit the Sempaya Hot springs in Semuliki National Park: The Sempaya hot springs are one of the star attractions in Semuliki National park in western Uganda. At the Sempaya Hot springs, water boils at about 103°C. The local people actually use the warm water to boil eggs or as therapy for a smoother skin. Visiting the hot springs can be made as part of a wider safari to spot creatures like buffaloes, warthogs, bush pigs, bush bucks and the different species of primates in the park.
Ssezibwa Falls: There is an interesting local legend of how the Ssezibwa falls were formed. According to the local people, a woman once became pregnant with twins. While moving, she went into labor and 
was forced to give birth by the roadside. Instead of producing normal babies, she produced water. One river flowed becoming what is now known as river Wamala while the other became Ssezibwa river. The Ssezibwa waterfalls are found within the river Ssezibwa. The waterfalls are of great cultural and historical importance. One of the most powerful shrines in Uganda is found on a rock at the top of the falls. The Kings of Buganda and local people visit the waterfalls to give homage to the spirits. Most people visit to admire the beautiful waterfalls and amazing scenery. Other activities include birding, camping, nature walks and primates viewing. The site is excellent for photography and tourists who are interested in learning more about Africa’s ancient religious practices.
Visit the Nyero Rock Paintings: These ancient paintings are found in Kumi District in Eastern Uganda. The paintings help portray the kind life lived by the earliest humans in the area. If you want to find out more about the ancient Nilotic tribes, then this is the place you should visit. Expect to see paintings of animals that once lived in the area but are now extinct. You will also see drawings of the tools used during the stone age and much more.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: The Ngamba Island is one of the Ssese Islands found in Lake Victoria. The island is full of tropical rain forests and that is why it was so easy to turn it into a chimpanzee sanctuary. The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary was established in 1988 by the Uganda government in partnership with the Jane Goodall Foundation. The chimpanzees at the sanctuary are orphans that were rescued from poachers and pet traders. Most were found in terrible conditions and traumatized. With proper care, they have been given a new life in the company of many other chimps. Ngamba Island is open to those who wish to observe the primates or volunteer as caretakers for a day or more.
The tourist attractions in Uganda cannot be all exhausted in this article. We hope that we have succeeded in drawing your attention to the very best that Uganda has to offer. We didn’t discuss the game reserves and other wildlife sanctuaries but this is for you to discover later on. You can be like other travelers who select the best and then come for a second or third safari to discover the others.
