Best Places to Visit in Uganda
Uganda, often referred to as the “pearl of Africa”, is a breathtaking destination that offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, cultural diversity and unforgettable experiences. Located in East Africa between South Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, Tanzania and Rwanda to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, this landlocked country is renowned for its stunning landscapes, ranging from the snowcapped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the majestic mountain gorillas.
Among the best things to do in Uganda, visitors can embark on thrilling activities such as white-water rafting, game drives via 4x4 and boat safaris across the Nile. The country is dotted with national parks, each offering unique attractions, from the tree-climbing lions in Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the dramatic Murchison Falls in the Murchison Falls National Park to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Uganda promises you an array of experiences that will leave you in awe.
In this blog, we explore the top 10 places to visit in Uganda, showcasing the best that this remarkable country has to offer.
Best Places to Visit in Uganda:
1. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Located in the Nakasongola district half way between Kampala
and Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the proud home of
the only white rhinos in Uganda. Wild rhinos became extinct in Uganda in the
early 1980s after poaching and conflict wiped them out. However, in 2005, six
rhinos were reintroduced to Uganda at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with the long-term
goal of getting the rhino back into the Murchison Falls National Park. There
are now 22 southern white rhinos here. As well as white rhinos, you can find a
wide variety of bird species and other wildlife here as well as a host of
adventure activities including rhino trekking, birding tours, nature walks and
canoe tours.
2. Jinja
While visiting Uganda, it’s worth a trip to see the source of the Nile River, one of the largest rivers in the world. Located about 80km east of Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria, you can see one of the sources of this incredible waterway at Jinja, the fourth largest town in Uganda. The area around Jinja in Uganda is also known as the adventure capital of east Africa as it is home to lots of adventure companies. Here, you can enjoy a host of exhilarating experiences such as mountain biking, horse riding, boat trips on the lake and other adrenaline-fuelled activities.
3. Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Uganda and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of this incredible country. Located in Murchison Falls National Park, 305km north of Kampala, this iconic waterfall is where the mighty River Nile squeezes through a narrow 8m gorge, creating a thunderous cascade that plunges 45m over the Great Rift Valley wall into the “Devil’s Cauldron” below. You can drive to the top of the falls down a seemingly endless dirt road or take a boat to the bottom. The stretch of river succeeding Murchison Falls provides one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife spectacles and visitors can enjoy boat safaris along the Nile, offering viewing of animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, aquatic birds and much more.
4. Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls is a gem that stands out as one of the best places to visit in Uganda, comprising of 3 spectacular waterfalls. Situated at the foothills of Mount Elgon, this stunning series of waterfalls provide an unforgettable experience. The falls are located in the east of Uganda approximately 277km from Kampala. This area is where most of the hikes to Mount Elgon start from, including Kandoo’s Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon trek, so it is well worth tying in a visit to Sipi Falls when climbing Mount Elgon. Trekking up to these falls gives scenic views of Lake Kyoga, the Karamoja lowlands, coffee plantations and other surrounding areas.
5. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an ancient, deep forest along
the southwestern border of Uganda. Due to the dense undergrowth and rugged
terrain, large portions of it can only be reached on foot, preserving its
primordial nature. Most notably, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the last
remaining habitats of endangered mountain gorillas, making it a top choice for gorilla
trekking in Uganda which you can read more about in our guide to gorilla
trekking in Uganda. Aside from mountain gorillas, visitors may catch a
glimpse of the forest elephants, giant forest hogs, hundreds of species of
butterflies and several types of primate that roam beneath the thick canopy of
trees.
6. Rwenzori mountains
Better known to many as ‘the Mountains of the Moon’, the Rwenzori Mountains boast six of the highest mountains in Africa. At 5,109m, Mount Stanley is the highest of the six peaks in the Rwenzori Mountain range and the third highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. The trek to Mount Stanley involves long days at altitude, passing through some challenging terrain. You will also be working with ropes and crampons as part of the ascent, and for this reason it is a whole lot tougher than climbing Kilimanjaro.
A trek in the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda will take you through various climate zones which support distinct vegetation types, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows and glacial environments in the higher elevations, contributing to the Rwenzori’s rich biodiversity. For mountainous treks close to the equator, the Rwenzori Mountains are up there with the best places to visit in Uganda. You can read more about this incredible mountain range in our guide to the Rwenzori Mountains.
7. Ishasha
The Ishasha sector is situated in the southwest of Queen
Elizabeth National Park, an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the
wild. Ishasha has a magnificent landscape dominated by savannah woodland tree
species like huge fig trees and acacia trees. The Ishasha savannahs are famous
for their candelabra trees and population of tree climbing lions that can
sometimes be spotted resting in their branches. This is the only place in East Africa
where you can find these tree climbing lions with ease, making this area an
exceptional destination to go on a safari and one of the best places to visit
in Uganda.
8. Entebbe
Located on the banks of Lake Victoria approximately 40km from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, Entebbe was once the capital of Uganda during the colonial era. Entebbe is way more chilled out than the neighbouring capital of Kampala and is a preferable place to visit for many for its laid-back vibe. Many travellers start their Uganda adventure in Entebbe, passing through without seeing much of the area. It’s home to the main international airport of Uganda, as well as the official office and residence of the President of Uganda. Although Entebbe is not blessed with an abundance of must-see places in Uganda, there’s enough to keep you occupied here for a few days. Things to do in Entebbe including taking a stroll around Entebbe Botanical Garden, visiting the equator sign on Lwaji Island and relaxing on the shores of Lake Victoria.
9. Ssese Islands
The Ssese Islands are an archipelago in Lake Victoria that deserve their own mention. Positioned in the northwest corner of the lake, the largest of the 84 islands is Bugala Island where you can find Kalangala town. The Sesse Islands are home to the Bantu tribe and is a spiritual location for the local people. The islands are home a variety of animals, and you can spot several different monkeys on guided tours. To relax, you can also visit the beautiful white-sand beaches. Although not full of activities, the archipelago offers attractive scenery and makes an excellent relaxation spot for a few nights, as there are a number of accommodation options. There are also areas where you can hire a canoe and have a paddle around.
10. The equator
A popular Uganda attraction is to visit the equator, which is one of the most famous landmarks in the country. The equator passes straight through Uganda and there are several markers where you can take photos and pick up souvenirs. The main equator landmark is about 70km from Kampala towards the southwest of the district. This takes about one hour to reach from the city. The mark represents the section of Earth that receives more sunlight than any other. Because of this, it’s where you find the world’s most wildlife-rich forests. However, you can find other markers in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is Uganda's largest national park.
Trekking in Uganda with Kandoo Adventures
While Uganda may not have been on your radar as an adventure travel destination, it certainly should not be overlooked for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences. Kandoo Adventures operate trekking trips to both Mount Stanley and Mount Elgon as well as gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Our trips are run by expert local guides and take in some of the most iconic national parks in Uganda. For a trekking holiday like no other, check out our trekking expeditions followed by a Uganda safari and immerse yourself in the beauty of the ‘pearl of Africa’.