There are several attractions in Uganda to suit every kind of tourist. This country is home to our close cousins that is the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Some of the tourist attractions outbalance other attractions. So, Primates, national parks, wildlife, waterfalls, forests, caves, mountains, are among the top tourist attractions in uganda. Wetlands and swamps, as well as local and traditional foods, local markets, equator lines, cities, cultural and historical sites are some of other tourist attractions. In this article, we take you through the best of Uganda’s tourist attractions, showcasing the country’s unique appeal.

List of Top Tourist Attractions in Uganda

Primates (Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Golden Monkeys)

Uganda has over 20 species of primates. Uganda is home to over half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorillas, which are commonly known as mans shy cousins. The top tourist attraction in Uganda is mountain gorillas which are commonly spotted in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park in south western Uganda. These can be found by engaging yourself in gorilla trekking which requires one to be having a gorilla trekking permit.

You also have a chance of seeing chimpanzees which are the closest living cousins of humans. They are located by listening to their sounds, that include drumming trees, and screaming. These creatures can be found by getting involved in chimpanzee trekking in kibale forest national park where half of the world’s population are found. They are also found in Kyambura gorge area of Queen Elizabeth national park in the western region. You also get a wonderful opportunity to witness these amazing creatures as they climb, play, mate, eat, react to people plus staying in a tree house six meters above the kibale’s lush bush.

You also have a chance to see golden monkeys, by engaging yourself in golden monkey trekking in mgahinga national park in south western part of Uganda other species of monkeys you will see while on your safari trip are olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys especially in kibale forest national park in western uganda.

National parks and wildlife

There are 10 stunning national parks in Uganda, including national parks for primates and savannah with over 350 animal species living with in. Murchison falls national park in northern Uganda is the largest park in Uganda, and is renowned for its powerful waterfalls and varied animals that include giraffes, chetahs, elands among others. Visit the Bwindi impenetrable national park in south western Uganda which is well known for being the home of endangered mountain gorillas. Here, you may see these animals as they interact with their natural surroundings.

Kibale forest national park which is situated in western Uganda is the greatest area to follow chimpanzees in the wild. Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo and Semliki Valley national park  gives you a chance to view various savannah animals like lions, hippos, giraffes, elephants, plain zebras, elands, Uganda kobs, leopards and many more while on a game drive. The Mgahinga national park in south western part, gives you a chance to witness gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural environments through trekking.

The Ziwa rhino sanctuary was established in 2005 by the Uganda wildlife authority and the rhino fund Uganda. It is located in Nakasongola district, in the central part of Uganda. This sanctuary is home to over 30 southern white rhinos, making it a significant place for you to visit. You have a chance to enjoy rhino trekking in their natural environments and observe them while feeding, playing and roaming.

Birds

Uganda boasts over 1,000 bird species and it is Africa’s most amazing birding destination. Birds in uganda include forest, savannah, water and other bird species. The shoebill stork, African green broadbill, green breasted pitta, brown chested pullover, black bee eater, Rwenzori turaco, red fronted anti pecker, are among the top most sought-after birds in Uganda. The best birding destination in Uganda are the Mabamba swamp in the western Uganda, semuliki national park in the west, Bwindi Forest national park in the southwestern, Kidepo valley national park in the eastern and queen Elizabeth national park in western part of Uganda. Numerous knowledgeable birding guides are available to provide you with all the information you need about these bird species.

Water bodies

Uganda is covered by 50% of water. Lake Victoria, situated in central Uganda, is the second largest fresh water lake offering you an opportunity of bird watching, swimming, and boat rides, The source of the Nile in jinja city in central Uganda, offers you a chance to explore the rapids and falls, and go white-water rafting.

The Kazinga channel, located in the queen Elizabeth national park in western Uganda, offers an opportunity for boat cruise and you may an opportunity of viewing crocodiles and hippos. Lake Nkuruba located in Rwenzori in the western part, also gives you a to see the crocodiles, and hippos.

Lake bunyonyi, the Uganda’s deepest lake located in south western Uganda, is a safe place for swimming, with 20 islands that can be visited by wooden boats. It is also one of the best birding destinations with different bird species that includes red chested barbets, flufftails, sunbirds among others. If you are going to be in the country, you should definitely visit the crater lakes, which are lake nyinabulitwa in the west, lake katwe, lake nyinabikyera and nyinambuga in western Uganda.

Forests

Uganda has diverse forests, including tropical rainforests, savannah woodlands, montane forests, and wetland forests. Bwindi impenetrable forest in south western Uganda is a must visit forest in Uganda to explore because of its high concentration of mountain gorillas living there and 400 plant species. Kibale forest in western Uganda has dense evergreen forest that serve as homes for chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, baboons, red tailed monkeys, and birds. Budongo forest, which is close to the Murchison falls national park in northern Uganda offers you an opportunity to encounter mahogany trees and chimpanzees. Mabira forest, which is located in the central part, offers you adventurous activities such as ziplining. other must-see forests are bugoma, kalinzu, and maramagambo forests.

Waterfalls

Water falls are among the popular tourist attractions in Uganda. The most famous falls are Murchison falls, located within the Murchison national park in the northern part of Uganda where the Nile is forced through a narrow gap in the rocks. You have a chance to enjoy good game viewing, while on a good comfortable boat bird watching. Another must see waterfall in Uganda is the sipi falls, which is located in the foothills of mountain elgon in eastern part of uganda, offers you an opportunity to swim in the natural pools, and it act as a starting point of climbing the mountain elgon, rock climbing and a chance to socialize with the local people that live nearby. For those interested in hiking, should explore the Itanda falls which feature the 9 rapids, and the sezibwa falls.

Caves

Each cave in Uganda has a unique natural beauty and an interesting history making them popular tourist attractions. The stalactites and stalagmites that can be discovered with in the amabere caves, which is situated near fort portal city in western Uganda have given the cave its name. It is thought to be the petrified breasts of nyinamwiru, Batembunzi dynasty princess of king bukuku.

It is also an ideal location for hiking. Other must-see caves are the bat caves in queen Elizabeth national park in western part of Uganda, which are home to both bats and python snakes, and the semwama hill cave in the eastern part of Uganda, which has a bachwezi temple used for worshipping. These offer you an opportunity to explore the caves and learn about their knowledge.

Cultural and historical sites

There are several historical and cultural sites in uganda. The batwa people, who have a strong bond with nature and were once inhabitants of Bwindi Forest in south western Uganda provide you with an incredible history. The four kings of Buganda are laid to rest at Kasubi tombs, which are situated in Kampala, the country’s capital. When you come, you can see customary ceremonies and rituals and learn about the history and customs of the Buganda kingdom.

You can also witness the royal regalia and grass thatched houses at the kabaka’s palace, which is the kabaka of Buganda’s formal residence. The omukama of toro in fort portal city in western Uganda offers you an interesting history. Moreover, Uganda is home to a number of religious places, such as the Uganda martyrs namugongo, which honors the 45 young men in 1886 who were hanged in 1886 for their strong beliefs. The Uganda museum in central Uganda offers you a chance to discover more about Uganda’s cultural legacy, traditional lifestyle, and archeological history.

Mountains

Uganda is blessed with beautiful natural scenery and a variety of landscapes. The most well-known mountains are the Rwenzori mountains, which a are located in western Uganda are an ideal area for climbing and hiking. At mountain elgon, which is situated in eastern uganda with its largest mountain caldera and large volcanic base, in the whole world gives you a chance to view the small antelopes, and vegetation. Mountain moroto which is located in eastern part of uganda, gives you an opportunity to experience Karamojong’s people traditional culture and way of life. The viruga mountains which include mount sabinyo, mount muhavura and mount mgahinga are a great place to go climbing and mountaineering.

Cities

Uganda is an ideal location for city tours because its cities are home to a diverse range of cultures and individuals. With over 2.5 million residents, Kampala, the capital and largest city in Uganda, is perfectly situated in central uganda to experience both good and negative things. Historical sites can be found at Ghaddafi Mosque, the bahai temple and the shrine honoring the namugongo martyrs. Make sure to check out the city’s hotels, shopping centers, modern pubs, where business travelers can chill out from. Fort portal city in western Uganda gives you a chance to do gorilla trekking in the primate forest of kibale national park.

Entebbe, which is situated in central Uganda, along the banks of Lake Victoria, provides you stunning beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. The botanical gardens, reptile village, and the Entebbe Zoo provide you with an opportunity to learn about Uganda’s unique wildlife. Consider also visiting jinja a well-known city in central Uganda, if you intend to engage in daring sports like white water rafting, and boat cruises alongside the Nile River.

Wetlands and swamps

A local conservation initiative called the Bigodi wetland sanctuary aims to safeguard and preserve the magombe swamp, which is situated in the western part of Uganda. A variety of bird species such as the black breasted barbet, short tailed warbler, great blue turacos can be seen in the wild, along with chimpanzees. The bigodi wetland offers you a fantastic swamp walk since it allows you to witness baboons and monkeys such as red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys. The mabamba swamp, which is situated in central Uganda near the banks of Lake Victoria is the best area for birdwatching, you can witness a variety of avian birds, such as shoebills and many others.

Equator lines

The equator lines are the ideal location for exploration and visits. It is situated in kayabwe, mpigi district, in central Uganda. You have a chance to take a picture of yourself standing in the center of the planet with one leg in the northern and the other in the southern hemispheres. You still have an opportunity to visit the craft stores that sell traditional cultural items.

 Local markets

Markets in Uganda offer you an interesting experience. Owino market, found down the town of the city capital Kampala in the central Uganda, offers you an abundance of products including traditional medicines, electronics and second-hand clothes. Nakasero market, which is also located in the central part, is actually more enjoyable because of its fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, textiles, and many more.

Local and traditional foods

Uganda has different traditional tribes each with its own unique traditional dishes. You get to sample some of their regional foods which include yams, potatoes, matooke, vegetables, chicken, pork, among others. Since 50% of Uganda is submerged in water, you have a chance to enjoy fish such as tilapia, and other dishes like luwombo, meat stew and peanut sauce.