The top things to do in Uganda are witness by Winston Churchill Often called Uganda the ‘Pearl of Africa’ and for good reason Uganda is a truly special country, with lush, green landscapes and incredibly warm, welcoming people.
Plus, it has some of the most bucket list-worthy adventures on the whole African continent, being one of the only places in the world for biggest number of primates in Africa like Mountain Gorillas, and it’s a bit less touristy than some of the surrounding countries.
There was just (and still is) something special about this place. It’s a great place to visit and can easily be combined with trips to Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya plus Zanzibar Island. Come and see.
There are so many things to do in Uganda here are a few of my favorites!
Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Top of my list of things to do in Uganda is going mountain gorilla trekking (sometimes called gorilla tracking) in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Mountain gorillas can be found in the area known as the Virunga Mountains, and live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and also live in Rwanda and DR Congo Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks respectively.
With the price of gorilla trekking in Rwanda now being so high (double the price of Uganda at the time of writing) and the DRC being a volatile region, gorilla permits in Uganda are in high demand, so you should book as early in advance as possible. I’m talking 3 to 7 months even to a year in advance to secure your permits in the location and day that you want.
Hike the Rwenzori Mountains
Straddling the border with Congo, are the Rwenzori Mountains, known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and home to Uganda’s tallest mountain, Mount Stanley. The snow-capped mountain is the 3rd tallest in Africa at 5,109m.
Most people base themselves at a hotel prior to the trip, and the hike starts from several routes. These different trekking options from short day hikes, to multi-day, but to reach the summit, known as Margherita Peak, you will usually undertake a challenging 8 or 9-day trek.
Hike and Canoe around Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is literally a dream. Imagine a tranquil and beautiful lake, surrounded by green hills, dotted with islands and filled with beautiful birds.
The lake lies just south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is a great place to rest before your climb or recover after it! Lake Bunyonyi means ‘place of little birds’ so it’s great for bird watching, as well as boat trips on the lake, local interactions and hiking. The views are pretty spectacular wherever you go.
See the Tree Climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions – a truly unforgettable sight! Even you can spot lions on mating, which was pretty amazing.
While the land safaris are lovely, with plenty of elephants roaming, my absolute favorites experience in the park is a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel. From the water, you’re almost guaranteed to see an incredible variety of wildlife – elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and countless bird species – all set against the park’s beautiful scenery. It’s an experience that really brings the park to life.
Being in Forest with the Chimpanzees
If you’re planning a visit to Uganda, chimpanzee trekking is a must-do wildlife experience. Most people are happy with a 1-hour trek, which is usually enough to see these amazing primates. However, if you have the time, spending a four hours in the forest with chimpanzees is really enhancing the experience.
The best places for chimp trekking are Kibale Forest National Park, Kalinzu forest, Bugoma forest, and Budongo Forest, these places offers incredible opportunities to witness these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
Tour the Crater Lakes
Uganda’s crater lakes are simply beautiful. Located around Fort Portal, this area is a great place to explore, either by car, foot or bicycle.
Lake Nkuruba is known as the ‘most beautiful’ of the lakes. The Top of the World viewpoint, overlooking Lake Nyamirima is a popular hiking destination, Lake Kimbuga, Lake Kinambuga, Lake Nyabikere and so many others craters around this place
Safari in Murchison Falls will give you time Adventure
Murchison falls is a wonderful national park in Uganda, once described by my friend Heather as the ‘African Jungle Book’ and definitely needs to be on your list of things to do in Uganda.
The park is named after the waterfall, which you can also visit – seeing it from above, as well as below on a boat trip on the Victoria Nile. There is loads of wildlife within the park, including lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, plenty of bird species and Rothschild’s giraffes which (in Uganda) are only found in Murchison Falls National Park.
Tour and Experience the Cultural of Karamojong’s
Karamoja is a raw, untouched frontier in northeastern Uganda offering a blend of nomadic culture, rugged volcanic mountains, and untouched wildlife reserves. It is one of the most culturally intact regions in East Africa, far removed from mass tourism.
Spend a Night in a Traditional Nomadic Cattle Camp (Kraal)
Immerse yourself in Karamojong pastoralist life by joining warriors at their remote overnight grazing camps. You can help herd, milk, listen to ancestral stories around the campfire, and sleep under a sky full of stars.
Meet the Forgotten Ik Tribe on Mount Morongole
Trek deep into the remote mountains of Kabong to visit the Ik people, one of Uganda’s smallest ethnic minorities. Fleeing to the high peaks to preserve their culture, their isolation offers a rare, humbling, and authentic cultural exchange with the community.
Explore Nakapurumuru the Biggest Village Karamojong Tribe
Visit Nakapurumuru in Kotido, widely considered the largest traditional village in East Africa. Wander through this vast, labyrinth-like settlement to understand the deeply rooted social structures, defensive layouts, and daily routines of the Jie people.
Search for Rare Wildlife in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
This vast, sweeping reserve is Uganda’s second-largest protected area and offers unparalleled, crowd-free wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes peeled for rare species like cheetahs, ostriches, roan antelopes, Gunter’s dik-dik and much more wildlife.
Hike the Volcanic Peaks of Mount Moroto
Rise above the sweeping savannahs by hiking Mount Moroto, a prominent volcano along the Kenya-Uganda border. Several trails suit different fitness levels and reward hikers with panoramic views of the Karamoja plains and interactions with the indigenous Tepeth tribe.
Discover the Karamoja Cultural Museum in Moroto
Start your trip here to ground yourself in the region’s history. The museum offers exhibits detailing the migration, traditions, weaponry, jewelry, and social hierarchy of the Karamojong and neighboring ethnic groups.
Visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs
Located in the northern extreme of Kidepo Valley National Park, these natural hot springs are set against the striking backdrop of the South Sudan Mountains. It’s a beautifully surreal landscape and an excellent spot for birdwatchers looking for ostriches and other savannah birds.
Cycle the Karamoja Plains
For an active adventure, rent a mountain bike to explore the semi-arid savannahs surrounding Moroto. Cycling puts you in direct contact with the landscape, local herders, and smaller villages while covering more ground than a walking safari.
Visit a Local Cattle Auction Market
Experience the vibrant, chaotic, and fascinating rhythm of local commerce by visiting a bustling Karamoja cattle market. It is the social hub of the region, where livestock is bartered and communities gather from miles around to trade, catch up on local news, and socialize.
Marvel at the Wildlife of Kidepo Valley National Park
Often called Uganda’s hidden gem, Kidepo offers spectacular, cinematic game drives through the Narus and Kidepo valleys. You’ll get the chance to spot large herds of elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes with the dramatic backdrop of the mountains.
As well as seeing the famous Rothschild’s giraffes, intrepid adventurers can explore the Kidepo River, visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs and see Mount Morongole and visit the Ik people who live in the region.
Visit the White Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Another one of my best wildlife encounters and favorites tourist attractions in Uganda is visiting the white rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, near Murchison Falls National Park.
Party and Get Your Culture On in Kampala, the Capital City
The Ugandan capital, Kampala, is known as being one of the biggest party cities in Africa. Ugandans know how to party and the city extracts a big crowd of backpackers and ex-pats who are more than willing to join in.
But as well as hitting the clubs, you can also immerse yourself in Ugandan culture and visit some amazing restaurants, museums, art galleries and malls too – so you can stop up on anything you need. I’d highly recommend taking a Ugandan food like the Luwombo, You can also do bar crawls if you want to go out and experience the city’s nightlife but don’t have anyone to do it with.
Visit the Ndeere Cultural Centre
For a great night out, visit the Ndeere cultural centre, where they have a dinner show. Whilst you eat, the talented performers will show you traditional dances, drumming and singing. This is a really fun way to spend an evening and a great introduction into Ugandan culture.
Get Adventurous in Jinja
Jinja it’s the adventure capital of East Africa, with loads of activities on offer such as White water Rafting o n the Nile, bungee jumping, Tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, quad biking and mountain biking.
White Water Rafting on the Nile: Take on the world-famous Grade 5 rapids of the White Nile with experienced outfitters like Nile River Explorers.
Bungee Jumping the Nile: Leap from a 44-meter tower directly over the source of the Nile with Nile High Bungee.
Itanda Falls Picnic, Bosowoko falls & Camping: Visit the thunderous, multi-tiered Itanda Falls—a spectacular and highly photogenic stretch of the river.
Uganda Railway Museum: Step back in time and learn about the region’s colonial history and railway network at the Uganda Railway Museum.
Stand-Up Paddle boarding (SUP): Paddle directly up to the source of the river on a calm-water or whitewater SUP board.
Quad Biking the Countryside: Book a rugged, off-road quad biking safari through local villages, farms, and riverbanks with All Terrain Adventures.
Nile Horseback Safaris: Explore the scenic Nile riverbanks and local farmlands on an equestrian safari with Nile Horseback Safaris.
Source of the Nile Boat Cruise: Take a classic sunset boat ride to the exact spot where Lake Victoria spills into the Victoria Nile.
Tube the Nile: Grab an inflatable tube and lazily float down the calmer, scenic sections of the river.
Jinja Central Market Tour: Wander through the bustling city market to sample local foods like a Ugandan Rolex (omelet wrapped in a chapatti
Walking Safari at Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo National Park is a fantastic place to experience a different side of Uganda’s wildlife. One of the highlights here is the chance to go on a walking safari, which offers a thrilling, up-close perspective you don’t get from a vehicle.
You can also head out on a night game drive to spot nocturnal animals, or take part in a village walk where you’ll learn about local life – and even try your hand at herding the iconic Ankole cows with their enormous, curved horns. It’s a fun and varied safari experience that feels both adventurous and authentic.
Try a Rolex
You can’t visit Uganda without trying the famous Rolex. No, not the watch… it’s a Ugandan street food which is basically a rolled chapatti filled with an omelet and other ingredients (onion, tomatoes, avocado etc). It is to Uganda what the Zanzibar Pizza is to Zanzibar.
Visit Mabamba Swamp for Shoebills
The shoebill is an unusual bird. Huge in size, with a face only a mother could love (and sometimes not even then) and probably one of the cruelest birds in the animal kingdom and famous for the fact that they often have two chicks, but favor one over the other (usually the stronger or older one) and then let the other one die.
Pose at the Equator Line Point
Another of Uganda’s famous attractions is the equator. It’s nothing more than a couple of signposts, some shops and restaurants, but it’s a good photo stop nonetheless.
Relax on the Ssese Islands
If you are looking for a super-relaxing getaway in Uganda, head to the beautiful ssese Island on the northwestern part of Lake Victoria in Uganda. There are 84 islands in total, about half of which are inhabited.
Climb Mount Elgon & See Sipi Falls
Lying on the Ugandan/Kenyan border, Mount Elgon is known as one of the best hike in Uganda. The peak of the mountain is 4321m high and lies on the Ugandan side.
