Best Things To Do in Uganda(Top Attractions & Activities)
Top things to Do in Uganda: Often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda offers unique attractions which surprises travelers with the best Uganda safari activities to do, including Mountain Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking, wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, mountain hikes & nature walks, white water rafting, Zip lining among others.
Apart from that, Uganda’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a lot of experiences are waiting to be explored. From the bustling markets of Kampala to the serene shores of Lake Victoria, thus offering a myriad of vacation possibilities. In this article, we shall look into captivating ways to experience Uganda, each providing a unique glimpse into the country’s essence.
#Highlights Of The Top Best Tings To Do In Uganda
Go Gorilla trekking
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
Discover Adventures in Jinja
Hiking Sipi Falls
Visit Endangered Rhinos
Don’t Miss Queen Elizabeth National Park
Visit Salt Pans Of Lake Katwe
Zip Lining Trough Mabira Forest reserve
Trekking Rwenzori Mountains
Visit Sempaya Hot Spring
Visit Murchison Falls
Discover Kidepo Valley national Park
Explore Kampala City
Ride a Bicycle In Lake Mburo National Park
Explore Entebbe Town
Canoe Ride On Lake Bunyony
Cultural Exploration
Best Things To Do in Uganda(Updated)
Go gorilla trekking
With almost half of the existing Mountain Gorillas in the world, gorilla trekking is the #1 bucket list safari activity among the best things to do in Uganda, which allows you to get close & personal with gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the 2 main hubs for mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. Embark on an ultimate gorilla trekking to enjoy an ultimate & awe-inspiring experience with one of the habituated gorilla groups in of the 4 gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or rather the Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Visit Kibale National Park for Chimpanzee habituation Or Tracking
Apart from the top-notch mountain gorilla trekking safari, Kibale forest national park, offers the opportunity for chimpanzee trekking or Chimpanzee habituation.
The captivating moments of trekking with either guides or researchers through the breathtaking forest of Kibale national Park, in search of these intelligent chimpanzees, allows you to spend at most 1 hour in their presence, and a4 amazing hours for a chimpanzee habituation experience.
Discover Adventure Activities in Jinja
Jinja, also baptized “Uganda’s adventure capital”, is the most perfect safari destination with unique adventures to catch sight of like: visiting the source of the Nile in Lake Victoria. Besides that, travelers also engage in several adrenaline pumping activities including: white water rafting, water tubing, mountain biking, Kayaking, horse riding, and quad biking.
Hike Sipi Falls at the slopes of mount Elgon
Hiking Sipi falls allows you to explore 3 large waterfalls dropping down the foot slopes of mount Elgon. Located just a few hours’ drive from Kampala, Sipi Falls offers 3 hikes, which all begins from the sipi’s small trading center. A day hike adventure offers an ultimate challenge to reach 3 smaller waterfalls, whereby 1 has a magnificent swimming pool at its foot, suitable enough to take a dip. Don’t forget to carry your bath suit.
Visit The Endangered Rhinos
Uganda lost her Rhinos to poachers, with the last one being killed in 1982.Save for the interesting that, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has now reciprocated the bad news. The sanctuary is a home to many white Rhinos. The sanctuary was established in 2005, by the Rhino introduction project, whose profits obtained from visitors, are channeled into the breeding programme, as well as their final release into the wild.
The white Rhinos are allowed to freely roam within their 7000 ha of land, and guests visiting are allowed to interact with them, at close watch for about 1 to 2 hour walk.
Don’t Miss out on Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Strategically located between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Kibale forest national Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, also dubbed the “Medley Of Wonders” is the most populous destination, which is famed for its ultimate game drives and boat cruise on Kazinga channel. The park also draws most nature lovers to spot the prominent tree climbing lions in the Isasha sector. However, the park is home to an array of attractions such as: Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, Buffaloes, Warthogs, Lions and many antelopes.
While the boat ride on Kazinga channel (which connects Lake Edward & Lake George), keeps you close to several nature life like hippos, buffaloes, elephants and numerous, bird species by the shores.
Visit the Salt Pans on Lake Katwe
Lake Katwe is a local salt mining lake, celebrated for producing salt of high quality. The small salt mines form a magnificent design on the shores of the Lake, which offers magnificent views for a stop over, when heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Go for Zip lining through Mabira Forest
Located 44km East of Kampala, along Jinja Kampala highway, Mabira Central Forest reserve is worth a stopover for thrilling Zip lining experience, which is can be a top up to any Uganda safari itinerary. Zip lining, also baptized “Mabira Forest Canopy Super Skyway” offers exciting and breathtaking views over the canopy, as well as the opportunity to catch sight of River Musamya.
Rwenziori Mountains Trekking Adventure
Hiking to Africa’s third highest peak of Margherita (at 5109m) takes you to Rwenzori Mountains National park. known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori Mountains boasts numerous peaks adorned with stunning landscapes. The Rwenzori Mountains offers bot short day treks, to multiday challenging hikes to conquer at least Mountain including: Stanley, Baker, Speke, Weismann among others.
The Rwenzori Mountains possess 2 beautiful routes of Kilembe trekking trail and the central circuit trail route, each traversing through the all vegetation zones.
Visit The Sempaya Hot springs
The Sempaya Hot Springs in Western Uganda, is found in Semiliki national Park. Characterized as Male & Female hot springs, the two powerful hot springs, are split apart by a 30 minute hike, with their temperatures rising up to 1000 C.
Despite the fact that the park has Sempaya hot springs, Semuliki National Park hasn’t been discovered by many travelers, yet it is located nearby the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, thus making it an addition to any gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
Explore Murchison Falls National Park
This dramatic natural spectacle, combined with the park’s diverse ecosystems, makes Murchison Falls a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Visitors to Murchison Falls National Park can partake in a wide range of activities designed to explore its natural wonders and wildlife. Game drives offer opportunities to encounter the park’s resident wildlife up close, with the chance to spot iconic species such as giraffes, antelopes, and Ugandan kobs against the backdrop of sweeping savanna plains. Boat safaris along the Nile River provide a unique perspective, allowing visitors to cruise past sunbathing crocodiles, bathing hippos, and myriad bird species congregating along the water’s edge.
Stand at The Ugandan Equator
The Ugandan Equator is one of the most photographed Landmark for every travel enthusiast. The equator offers a unique opportunity of experiencing two worlds, at the same time, that is to say: one leg on the Northern hemisphere, and the other on the Southern hemisphere.
Discover Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park, situated in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda, is a true wilderness gem waiting to be discovered. The park’s isolation and limited tourist traffic make it an ideal destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure and an authentic safari experience. The park’s striking scenery is characterized by expansive plains, rocky outcrops, and rugged mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Kidepo Valley is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species such as kudus and oribis. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 470 bird species recorded within its boundaries, including ostriches, secretary birds, and various raptors.
Cultural encounters with the Karamojong provide insights into their traditional way of life, including herding cattle, crafting traditional artifacts, and performing vibrant dances.
Explore Kampala Capital City
Spending a day exposes you explore Kampala’s top unique attractions which is composed of the authentic History, economical social, religious and political aspect of this city. Uganda’s capital city-Kampala allows you to explore, see, taste and discover all the numerous sights & sounds it has to offer, like: Visiting the Gaddafi Mosque (Uganda National Mosque), Bahai temple, Kabaka’s Palace, Uganda National Museum, Kasubi tombs (Where Buganda Kings are burried), Local Markets (Owino & Nakasero), Makerere University. Hiowever, you can also reach out to a local restaurant or bar in the evening which can be an adventure in itself to taste the local cuisine
Ride a Bicycle in Lake Mburo
Despite being small, Lake Mburo National Park boasts of numerous wildlife including: zebras, antelopes, baboons, giraffes, long-horn cattle among others, which can be seen easily from a close range. The park is strategically located between Kampala & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which makes it an ideal stopover for most safaris, so as to avoid long distance drives.
Taking a bike riding among animals, is a distinct experience listed among the best things to do in Uganda. The unique experience stands out from the usual game drives in other parks.
Lake Mburo national Park can also be explored during anytime of the day, although morning game drives are highly recommended, yet also good for photography
Explore the town of Entebbe and its surrounds
Entebbe is an enthusiastic small town, placed on the shore of Lake Victoria. Its an ideal center for adventure sports, cultural experience, as well as nature exploration.
The existence of the Entebbe International Airport, is a sure win for the the town to be a perfect overnight stop for travelers arriving & departing Uganda.
The activities within this region, drawing visitors close to Entebbe include: horse riding, visiting Entebbe Botanic Gardens, shopping at the craft markets, mountain biking, visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (which protects orphaned chimps), exploring the impressive Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre and much more!
Canoe Ride on Lake Bunyonyi
Lake bunyonyi is the second deepest Lake in Africa, and ranked among Uganda’s top Natural treasures. The Lake was named after the local word “Bunyonyi”, which means “a bird”, and yes, it is a home of several bird species.
Lake Bunyonyi is formed by pristine & terraced hills, though the distinct 29 Island shapes & Size has made it magical.
Get into one of the wooden boats, so as to paddle down to one of the many hidden islands with an adventure park for a zip lining experience. However, you shouldn’t forget your swim suit, because its waters is safe for swimming, since it is considered Bilhazia free, as well as free from harmfull wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles.
Cultural Exploration in Uganda
Uganda’s cultural mosaic is a blend of traditions and customs. One can venture into the heart of Kampala, navigating the lively markets of Owino or immersing in the history within the Kasubi Tombs. Beyond the capital, explore traditional villages around Lake Bunyonyi, where the rhythm of daily life is intertwined with dance, music, and communal celebrations. There are a lot more cultural centers within this country from the East there is still Busoga Kingdom ruled by a welcoming ‘kyabazinga’, a title for their king; in the north still exists Luo chiefdoms in the Acholi land and the lango land neighboring the pastoral community of the Karamojonjs.
In conclusion
Uganda stands as an all-encompassing destination where cultural, adventurous, and serene experiences converge. From the urban life of Kampala city to the wilderness of national parks, each corner of Uganda invites exploration. Whether embarking on a road trip, volunteering in local communities, or capturing the essence through photography, Uganda unfolds what each traveler really needs. Aloyo Safaris is your gateway for this experience you don’t want to miss. Contact us any time for us to organize and plan for your long awaited vacation.
