Sitting on the Equator, Uganda is warm all year round and houses some of the most vibrant fauna and flora you’ll ever find in the world. With its tropical rain forests, rich waterways, and parks inhabited by some of the most magnificent animals, Uganda guarantees to make your visit unforgettable. Other than its lush nature, Uganda is known for its people's hospitality. When you arrive, make sure to connect with the local community and embrace the amazing cuisine and local events that are on offer.
01 Gorilla-Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Do you want to get up close to your favorite jungle animals and observe them in their natural habitat? Or perhaps sight bird species in an environment unspoiled by humans? Then Bwindi Impenetrable Forest will be one of your favorite places to visit. UNESCO-protected, this forest is home to half the mountain gorilla population in the world. Gorilla-tracking is a full-day event where you go into the depths of the forest with a small group of people to see this animal. Other than gorillas, watch out for chimpanzees, monkeys or elephants.
02 Adrenaline Rush at Murchison Falls
If you’d like to observe the force of nature in action, look no further than Murchison Falls. At the top of the waterfall, the river Nile forces its way through a very narrow opening in the riverbed towards Lake Alberto, the pressure of which sees tonnes of water plummet 140 feet down the stream. Other than this spectacular sight, the untamed waters around the falls are excellent for white water rafting and fishing. The spot is also brimming with birdlife, hippos and those all-too-famous Nile crocodiles, so make sure you bring your camera.
03 Canoe at Lake Victoria
Named after Queen Victoria, this lake is the largest in Africa. It's also the second-largest lake by surface in the world, and one of the best spots for action-packed water sports. Visit the Ssese Islands archipelago if you’d like to try out canoeing or kayaking, or take one of the many boat and fishing tours offered on the lake. Lake Victoria is a great place for spotting Nile crocodiles, hippopotamuses and otters, known for their cuteness and voracious appetite.
04 Kampala
As the capital of Uganda, the city is a truly metropolitan and cultural hub for tourists. Visit the downtown Owino Market where you can find anything from second-hand clothes to local spices and medicines. Then continue to Prunes, a famous bar and restaurant that serves some of the best Ugandan coffee. Immerse yourself in the local music scene and have a beer at one of the many kafundas spread across the roads, where you can hear reggae and pop music blasting through the loudspeakers. On the outskirts of the city, you can find the Speke Equestrian Centre for horseback riding, or pony riding if you are traveling with kids.
05 Spot Chimpanzees at Fort Portal
This small town in the west of Uganda is the gateway to many attractions and a hotspot for tourists who want to uncover more of this beautiful country. The nearby Kibale National Park offers some of the best chimpanzee-trekking tours you can find. The Tooro Palace on Karuzika Hill gives you 360-degree stunning views of the town and the surrounding untamed nature. If you’d like to discover some of Uganda's rich history, don’t forget to visit the Karambi royal tombs where many of the former Tooro kings have found an eternal respite.
06 Climb the Rwenzori Mountains
Known as the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori Mountain Range gives mountain climbers a rare opportunity to climb snowy peaks unusually close to the Equator. As you ascend and go through its different biospheres, you will discover layers of tropical plants at the bottom, alpine meadows in the middle and snow-capped peaks at the top. If you feel ambitious, you can aim for Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley, which is the highest peak within the range and third highest in Africa. If you'd like something more leisurely you can opt for many of the trekking tours found on site.
07 Chill by the Source of the Nile, Jinja
Located near the town of Jinja, you can find the famous Source of the Nile where Lake Victoria starts feeding the Nile River. On the west bank, you can visit the Source of the Nile Gardens for some gorgeous views and relaxed time, or visit Bourbon on the east bank to check out an open-air, floating bar serving big jugs of perfectly chilled beer. If you want to dip your legs in the water, try tubing on the Nile, which is an easy float through the river in an inflated tube.
08 Swim in Lake Bunonyi
Believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi is free from the crocodiles and hippos found in other lakes, so you are welcome to go for a swim while visiting. The lake is also dotted with many islands, the most notorious of which is Akampene Island. Also known as Punishment Island, Akampene is where women who fell pregnant out of wedlock were taken to die. Be on the lookout for otters, crayfish and a rich selection of small birds you can easily see on the surrounding trees.
09 Go on Safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park
If you’d like to have a memorable safari experience and be guaranteed to see rich wildlife, this national park must make your list. Many wild animals call this place their home, among which are giraffes, elephants, buffaloes and the king of them all, the lion. Visit the Valley of Apes in the eastern corner to see chimpanzees or the Ishasha sector to find lions perched on the branches of the many fig trees growing in the area.
10 Admire a Cheetah at Kideppo Valley National Park
This low-lying savannah, hidden in a valley among steep mountains in the northernmost corner of Uganda, offers the perfect escape from the buoyant forests you can find elsewhere. The park also has unique wildlife you can’t see anywhere else in Uganda, such as cheetahs, caracals, kudus, and bat-eared foxes.
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