Uganda is arguably one of the top tourist destinations and one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, glazed with a diversity of attractions ranging from beautiful snow capped ranges to magnificent water bodies, lush greenery, dense misty forests, sprawling savannas and hospitable people.
Uganda is biodiverse, covered with verdant rainforests and savannas which harbor different species of birds, butterflies, reptiles, primates and other game animals including endemic and endangered species like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and tree-climbing lions. These are found in the many national parks and wildlife conservation centers in Uganda.
Gorilla tourism has become the most popular activity in Uganda owing to the fact that Uganda houses more than half of the whole world’s population of these primates. Uganda’s tourist sites range from national parks, rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, cultural and historic sites etc. Below are some of the leading tourist sites in Uganda.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
Probably Uganda’s most visited park and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park was established in 1954 and named after Queen Elizabeth II. This national park has many areas of interest and literally has everything found in a national park. It is found in Kasese, neighboring Mt. Rwenzori is endowed with savanna grassland and forest cover.
It is home to the big four and thus a perfect destination for game viewing. A network of safari game tracks exists within the national park making excursions easy. Boat rides along the Kazinga channel also reveal many aquatic animals like hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles and many species of water birds. The park is also famous for having tree climbing lions in its Ishasha sector, which are rarely found in other parks in Africa. Maramagambo forest in the park also offers opportunities for nature walks and birding.
This is one of the most popular parks in Uganda. It is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and is home to the endangered gentle giants, the mountain gorillas. It has over 300 mountain gorillas with several habituated families. Gorilla trekking and habituation is the most popular activity in this park. It also has one of Uganda’s largest and most diversified rainforests which provides many birding and nature walk activities, as well as Pygmy culture encounters. Tourists also get to hike the mountains in the park and participate in Batwa activities like hunting.
- Uganda Museum
Presented here is an exhibition of artifacts of Uganda’s history and traditions, and tourists get to learn more about Uganda’s rich history and traditions from the many historical pieces displayed and a guided tour through the museum. This museum is the oldest and largest in East Africa and is located on Kitante Hill in Kampala. Many craft pieces can be acquired here and beautiful photography can be done in the cultural village behind the museum which contains beautiful huts built in different styles.
This is Uganda’s capital city located in the south-central region, close to the shores of Lake Victoria. This city is vibrant with life buzzing through the dense traffic, mostly motorbikes, spectacular buildings and many great restaurants which exhibit Uganda’s rich cuisine. It has many luxury hotels, a vibrant and intoxicating nightlife, and many museums, monuments and sites like Bahai temple, Independence monument, Kasubi tombs, Uganda Museum and Namugongo shrine. What a beautiful city to explore!
This park is located on the shores of Lake Albert in North Eastern Uganda. It is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which offers an opportunity for boat trips, and offers a spectacular view of the magnificent Murchison Falls, the most powerful falls in Uganda. Lake Albert in the park is home for the rare Shoebill stork and an avenue for sport fishing. Game drives through the park to explore the Big Four and a rhino sanctuary close by. Budongo forest in the park also provides opportunities for chimpanzee trekking, and bird and butterfly watching. This is surely a great tourism destination.
- Source of the Nile in Jinja
This is the source of the second longest river in Africa found on Lake Victoria in Jinja. A trip to this site is surely rewarding as tourists get to learn about Uganda’s history and culture and take part in many activities like white water rafting, Kayaking and boat rides. Many crafts are showcased here and it’s a sure source of a souvenir to take back home
The scene around this lake is one of the best you could ever find. This lake is the second deepest lake in Africa, having many beautiful islands and birds. The tranquil atmosphere of the lake provides a relaxing atmosphere for tourists who visit and most tourists actually come here to relax after a tiresome gorilla trekking escapade. Tourists take part in canoeing, boat riding and swimming.
- Lake Victoria (Beaches and Islands)
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake. It is shared by Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya with the biggest percentage in Uganda. It was named after Queen Victoria by John Speke in the 1950s when he discovered it to be the source of the Nile. Exploring this lake presents beautiful Islands and lovely beaches on which tourists can relax and enjoy leisure. Ssese Islands is the most famous island found on this lake due to its beauty and is often categorized among the best-ever secret Islands. Boat rides and canoeing on this lake are amazing.
- Lake Mburo National Park
This is another famous park rich with wildlife species. It is located in Kiruhura district. It is a famous habitat for the Impala, but also home to many wildlife species like zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards and hyenas among others. Boat safaris on the lake explore various aquatic life species. Game drives and horse rides are also famous in this park.
- Mt. Rwenzori
Known as the mountains of the moon, this mountain is found in southwestern Uganda, at the border with DRC. It has spectacular snow capped ranges and the third-highest mountain peak in Africa, Margherita. Trekking this mountain is one fascinating and challenging experience.
