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Places to visit in Uganda

Places to Visit in Uganda

Uganda Tourist Places

Murchison Falls, Lake Victoria, Jinja, Start of the Nile River, Ssese Islands, Nyero Rock Paintings, Kasubi Tombs, Ndere Centre, Owino Market, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and many more.

Uganda tourist places, just like the country itself, seem to be gifted by the choicest of nature’s bounties. This is the precise reason why Uganda is referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa’. Be it its rare primate species, forests that have survived the Ice Age, ancient landmarks, and stupendous landscape, Uganda is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place. Uganda tourist spots range from national parks that protect the rarest of wildlife species like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Semliki National Park to cultural and religious sites like the Kasubi Royal Tombs, Martyrs Shrine, Bahai Temple, and the Nyero Rock paintings to name a few.

Uganda’s landscape is unlike anything else that you will experience. It includes the fascinating Equator, the longest river in the world, and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. All these places to visit in Uganda offer unforgettable experiences like rafting on the Nile, quad biking, boat safaris, and so much more. Add to this the opportunity to interact with some of the most elusive tribes in the world like the Batwa pygmies, Baganda, Bakiga, etc., and experiencing their ancient traditions that are still practiced today. So head over to Uganda on your next vacation to savour the famous African wilderness, warmth, and colours that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Here is the list of best places to visit in Uganda:

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Places to visit in Uganda
Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls, located in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park, is one of East Africa's most powerful and captivating natural wonders. The falls mark the point where the Nile River narrows from 50 meters to just 7 meters as it plunges 43 meters through a rocky gorge, creating a thunderous roar and a stunning display of mist and rainbows. Surrounded by lush, wildlife-rich landscapes, the falls offer breathtaking views and exceptional biodiversity, with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species thriving along the riverbanks.

Lake Victoria
Known locally as Nam Lolwe, this spectacular lake is not only Africa’s largest lake but is also the world’s largest tropical lake, making it one of the top Uganda tourist places. This lake that feeds the Nile is said to be almost 4 lac years old and is loved for its amazing biodiversity and vibrant fishing communities.

It is one of the two spots in Africa where you can see a sunset without even being near the coast. It has three islands like Mfangano, Rusingo, and Ndere that are inhabited by local fishermen and are the source of fossils dating back millions of years. It is bustling with rare wildlife species like the African Clawless Otter, Defassa Waterbuck, Cichlids, Chimpanzees, Sitatunga, etc.

Location: Tanzania and Uganda, bordering Kenya.

Timing: Anytime during the low humidity months of June-August.
Jinja, Start Of The Nile River
Jinja might be a tiny town, but that doesn’t take away from the spectacular experiences that it offers. Jinja is the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river. It’s an amazing experience taking a boat trip here to see the Nile marker.

That’s not all, Jinja is where you can have an incredible adrenaline rush of rafting in the Nile in rapids up to Grade 5, some as long as 19 kilometres. You can also enjoy kayaking, riverboarding, and see the rare African fish eagles, Open-billed storks, Crested cranes, etc.

Location: Eastern Uganda on the northern shores of Lake Victoria.

Timing: Rafting is best enjoyed during drier months of January-February and June-September.
Ssese Islands
One of the best tropical island destinations in the world and amongst the top Uganda tourist places, the Ssese Islands are located on Lake Victoria. This is a group of 84 islands comprising three main island groups, Bugala and Koome Groups, and are inhabited by the ethics Bassese tribes.

These are dotted with palm-shaded beaches, powdery white sands, and native African flora. You will be treated with the views of rare species like hippos, vervet monkeys, sitatunga antelopes, etc., and can enjoy super-fun activities like bungee jumping, birding, bike riding, paddle-boating, sport fishing, and much more.

Location: Northwest of Lake Victoria, Uganda.

Timing: Anytime between June-August and December-February.
Nyero Rock Paintings
One of the most fascinating places in Uganda, this UNESCO heritage site is in reality an ancient heritage rock shelter with primitive art on its inner walls. One of the top Uganda tourist places, it belongs to the Late Iron Age period i.e. around 1250 CE by the ancestors of Batwa communities of hunters and gatherers who used these caves for praying and offering sacrifices.

The paintings are geometric and consist of concentric circles, conical shapes, etc. done in red pigment and made both with fingers and brushes.

Location: Kumi District, Eastern Uganda.

Timing: Anytime during the dry months of June-October and December-February when it’s easy to climb the rocks.
Kasubi Tombs
One of the most enthralling Uganda tourist places, Kasubi Tombs is an active heritage and religious place that stands as a symbol of spirituality, remembrance, and peace. This was the palace of King Kabaka built in 1882 and became his burial place two years later, which now stands as the main tomb known as Muzibu Azaala Mpanga.

See the thatched-roof houses and their decoration using bark cloth made from fig trees. Don’t miss to see the rustic homes of the widows of the Kabaka kings and the huge farms here.

Location: Masiro Road, Kampala, Uganda.

Timing: Anytime during the dry months of June-October and December-February.

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Ndere Centre
This is the only place amongst Uganda tourist spots where you can explore and see the performance of the best cultural group in Uganda i.e. the Ndere Group, which is a flute troupe.

You can see performances like songs, dance, and light comedies, etc. from almost 56 Ugandan tribes to get an insight into the rich culture and traditions of Africa. You can also see art exhibits, meet artists, and enjoy traditional African food here.

Location: Plot 4505, Kira Road, Ntinda-Kisaasi Road, Kampala, Uganda.

Timing: Every day from 6:00 am to 12:00 am.
Owino Market
This is the largest open-air market in Uganda where you can buy everything from live animals to electronics. Though the place is chaotic, it is extremely vibrant and a must-visit for a quintessential African experience, making it one of the most famous Uganda tourist spots.

This is a great place where you can spend hours rummaging through its narrow lanes where almost 50,000 vendors congregate. You can browse and shop for second-hand clothes, shoes, bags, fresh produce, etc.

Location: Kampala, Uganda.

Timing: Anytime between 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This spectacular national park is nestled in rainforests that date back almost 25,000 years and have around 400 plant species. What makes this park amongst the best Uganda tourist placesis that almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla lives here. Besides, it houses Red-tailed monkeys, Chimpanzees, Vervets, Cream-banded swallowtail, side-striped jackal, African civet, etc.

There are almost 348 bird species and 220 species of butterflies here. This is one of the few parks to be accessible only on foot.

Location: Kanungu District, Uganda.

Timing: Best time for gorilla trekking is in the dry months of June-August and December-February.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This spectacular park has the largest variety of wildlife, more than any other Ugandan parks, making it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Uganda. This savannah reserve includes the vast forest of Maramagambo Forest, wetlands, volcanic craters, and crater lakes.

The park is famous for its black-maned tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector along with a huge range of primates like the Big Five Game, Warthog, African bush elephant, Chimpanzees, etc. It has almost 500 bird species residing in its forests. You can enjoy chimpanzee trekking and boat trips to the Kazinga Channel here.

Location: Fort Portal-Mpondwe Road, Rubirizi, Uganda.

Timing: Anytime during the dry months of January-February and June-July for game viewing.
Lake Katwe Explosion Crater Drive
These fascinating million-year-old volcanic craters were created by explosions violent enough to create these humongous dents in the earth that resulted in saltwater lakes or lush meadows. You can’t miss getting on what’s called the most scenic drive in Uganda to see dozens of these grass-filled craters, lakes where salt is extracted, views of the iconic Rift Valley, Kazinga Channel, and the Rwenzori Mountain chain.

This 27-kilometer long drive also offers stupendous views of vast savannah plains, huge elephants & buffaloes herds, etc.

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rubirizi, Uganda.

Timing: Early morning or late evening hours during January-February and June-July.
Kazinga Channel
This 32-kilometer long channel that connects Lake George with Lake Edward is one of the top sights in Queen Elizabeth Park and one of the best Uganda tourist places, mainly for being a watering hole for a variety of rare African species like the Big Five Game, Sitatunga antelopes, Pink-backed Pelicans, African Shoebill, etc.

Besides, there are a huge number of water-based species like Nile crocodiles, hippos, waterbucks, etc. that are best seen through a boat safari or hiking into their natural habitats.

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rubirizi, Uganda

Timing: 3-5 pm during the dry months of January-February and June-July.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The fact that it is the smallest Ugandan National Park, doesn’t take away from the fact that how spectacular it is! It is amongst the most scenic Uganda tourist places that protect almost 300 mountain gorillas, Golden monkeys, bush pigs, side-striped jackals, etc.

Amidst its vast Albertine Rift montane and bamboo forests, it also houses hundreds of bird species like Handsome spurfowl, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Montane nightjar, etc. One of the most striking features here is the three extinct conical volcanoes in the Virunga range.

Location: Kisoro District, South-western Uganda.

Timing: June-September for Gorilla safaris.
Lake Mutanda
The beauty of this compact freshwater lake needs to be seen to be believed. The fact that not many people visit here, makes the lake even more elusive and beautiful beyond imagination, making it one of the most scenic Uganda tourist spots.

With the Virunga Mountains looming large over it and punctuated by several small isles, this is the perfect place to relax and savour the famous African sun and wilderness. Don’t miss enjoying canoeing, swimming, birding, mountain biking, and hiking here.

Location: Kisoro District, South-western Uganda.

Timing: Anytime during the dry months of June-September and December-February.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
This sanctuary plays a very important role in safe-breeding rhinos and re-introducing them into the national parks and is the only place where you can see wild rhinos in the whole of Uganda, making it an important Uganda tourist place.

Besides rhinos, you can also see monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. While here, you cannot miss on-foot rhino and shoebill trekking, canoe rides, birding, and nature walks to see the beautiful sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

Location: Nakitoma Village, Nakasongola District, Kampala-Gulu Highway.

Timing: Every day from 8:00 am-1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The Equator
This fascinating phenomenon that has intrigued us from time immemorial can be experienced in Uganda. The imaginary line that divides the earth into two halves can be visited here and it’s surreal to see a sign that marks the location of the equator, making it one of the most fascinating Uganda tourist spots.

This is where you can stand with each leg in different hemispheres of the world!

Location: Kayabwe, Mpigi District, Uganda.

Timing: Can be visited anytime.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
This picturesque garden, established in 1898, is located close to the shores of Lake Victoria. The stunning Uganda tourist spot is an expanse of lush greenery is divided into zones like the rainforest, tropical, subtropical, and temperate, and house plants and trees native to these ecosystems.

You can see more than 300 exotic and medicinal plant species along with exotic bird and mammal species like Vervet monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Palm-nut vulture, Whilst Bat Hawk, etc. This is where you can enjoy the Mileage world music festival each year in November.

Location: Berkeley Road, Entebbe, Uganda.

Timing: Every day 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The 1000 kilometer long Rwenzori National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects the iconic Mountains of the Moon and their enchanting landscape of moorland, montane and bamboo forests, waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and acres of everlasting flowers.

The park, one of the top Uganda tourist spots,is home to around 70 mammal species and 217 bird species like Rwenzori turaco, Hyrax, Black and white colobus, etc. People visit from all over the world to summit Margherita peak and enjoy hiking and village walks here.

Location: Bundibugyo, Kasese, Uganda.

Timing: Every day 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Rubaga Cathedral
This is one of the most revered places to visit in Uganda, this twin-towered cathedral was built as a shrine to 22 Ugandan martyrs who refused to denounce Christianity. These people were hacked to death by Kabaka Mwanga II in 1885.

It also holds the remains of the first African Catholic Bishop and the first Archbishop of Kampala. This hilltop cathedral is a must-include in the itinerary of anyone visiting Uganda for the stunning views of the Kampala city that it offers.

Location: Mutesa Road, Kampala, Uganda.

Timing: The masses are held at 10:00 am and 5:00 pm each day.
Mount Elgon National Park
This spectacular national park protects Mt. Elgon, the largest volcanic base in the world and also the oldest and largest East African volcanic mountain. Declared as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, this park houses duiker, antelope, forest monkeys, black & white monkeys, leopards, hyenas, Hartlaub’s turaco, etc.

The highlights here are the vast caves where elephants and buffalos come at night to lick the salt off their walls. You can enjoy walking trails, hiking, and cave explorations here.

Location: Mt. Elgon Road, Kitale, Kenya.

Timing: Every day from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Sipi Falls
Named after the ‘Sep’ plant, this scenic waterfall is a cluster of three tall cascades of water tumbling down the lower slopes of Mt. Elgon. They can be reached by a thrilling 7-kilometer long hike that’s dotted with sharply falling and rising gradients, farms, rugged patches, and dwindling ladders.

Adventure enthusiasts must not miss trying abseiling and hiking here. This area is famous for the Bugisu Arabica coffee plantations.

Location: Kapchorwa District, Eastern Uganda.

Timing: Any time of the year.
Semuliki National Park
This scenic national park, one of the top Uganda tourist spots,houses the only tract of lowland East African forests and Ituri Forest that survived the Ice Age. This park houses ethnic tribes like Bwamba, Bakonjo, Bakutu, and Batwa pygmies.

At the main watering holes i.e. the rivers Semliki and Lamia, you can spot Scaly-tailed flying squirrels, Hippos, Mona monkeys, Duiker, etc. The water of the springs is so hot that you can cook eggs in it.

Location: Bwamba County, Western Uganda

Timing: Dry season of December-February and June-July.
Ssezibwa Falls
This waterfall is a beautiful cultural and heritage site where people come to seek blessings for a child, money, and a good harvest. This 7-meter high cascade of water is surrounded by thick greenery that houses several bird species like Vervet, Red-tailed monkeys, African cobra, Horned adder, etc.

You can enjoy activities like village walks, canoeing, primate walks, and rappelling here.

Location: Mukono District, Uganda.

Timing: Can be visited anytime.
Lake Bunyonyi
Also known as the ‘Place of many little birds’, this is the second-deepest African lake reaching almost 3,000 ft. in some spots. The lake has 29 islands including the infamous Akampene (Punishment Island) where unmarried pregnant ladies were left to die.

The lake is the home to the exotic De Witte’s clawed frog, Spotted-necked otter, Caridina shrimp, etc. along with almost 200 bird species. You can enjoy swimming, canoeing, horse riding, and village walks here.

Location: Between Kisoro and Kabale Districts, South-western Uganda.

Timing: Dry season of December-February and June-July.
Lubiri Palace
Also known as Mengo, this is the home of Kabaka, the Buganda King. Built in 1922, the building was initially an army barrack and an underground prison and torture and execution chamber, making it one of the most fascinating Uganda tourist spots.

It is an amazing experience to see the eternal fire and walk through the dark concrete tunnel with damp cells that are separated by moat-like water bodies that were built to prevent the prisoners from escaping.

Location: Lubiri Ring Road, Kampala, Uganda.

Timing: Every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located near Kibale National Park in Uganda, is a remarkable ecotourism site known for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. This protected swamp is home to a stunning variety of flora and fauna, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and photographers. The sanctuary boasts over 200 bird species, including the rare great blue turaco, and is also a sanctuary for eight primate species such as the red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park, located in western Uganda, is one of the country's most iconic wildlife reserves, renowned for its biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems. Covering 795 square kilometers, the park lies in the heart of the Albertine Rift, between the Great Rift Valley and the western Ugandan highlands. It is primarily known for its rich population of primates, including over 1,400 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Africa to observe these fascinating great apes in the wild.

Uganda FAQ's

Which are the best places to visit in Uganda in winters?

1. Entebbe: December is the best time to visit Entebbe, one of the best places to visit in Uganda,and enjoy a wildlife safari to Murchison Falls, which is amongst the world’s most powerful waterfalls and visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for game viewing.

2. Kampala: The capital of Uganda is one of the best places to visit in Ugandafor its Christmas celebrations, known as Sekukkulu here, which are a mix of the traditional and the modern. You can enjoy watching carolling, giant Christmas trees, families getting together to cook lavish traditional meals, and ethnic music and dance performances, making it one of the best Uganda tourist places.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: What can be a better winter activity than enjoying gorilla tracking at this national park, one of the best Uganda tourist places. This is when the crowds are less, which offers you an undulated insight into the world of these elusive creatures. You can enjoy seeing them interacting with their families and thumping the trees.

Which are the best wildlife experiences in Uganda?

1. Golden monkey safaris: The next best safari experience to gorilla tracking is this super-fun adventure when you trek to see this elusive bright orange primate in its natural habitat at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, one of the top Uganda tourist places. This will take you through thick bamboo forests to reach their habited areas.

2. Shoebill safari: You need to see this prehistoric bird to believe how exotic it is. Tracking shoebills is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be savoured at Lake Albert, one of the best Uganda tourist places,where you can see them in huge flocks.

3. Spot tree-climbing lions: There is nothing more fascinating than seeing this majestic creature crouching in a tree to find its next prey. Head over to the Ishasha sector at Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the most-famous Uganda tourist spots,to see them climb into 20 of their favourite trees, making their spotting easy.

Which are the best Wildlife parks to visit in Uganda?

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park: This is amongst the best Uganda tourist places and wildlife parks for the sheer number of stupendous experiences that it offers ranging from chances to spot tree-climbing lions to primate safaris, game drives, boat cruises, etc.

2. Mount Rwenzori National Park: One of the best Uganda tourist spots, this park protects the only snow-covered Ugandan mountain and houses elusive wildlife. It is a favourite with adventure enthusiasts who visit this place to enjoy mountain biking, summiting the various peaks, snow trails, etc.

3. Semliki National Park: A bird watcher’s haven, you can spot almost 400 bird species here along with the Big Five Game animals, making it amongst the top Uganda tourist spots. The highlight here is the Sempaya hot springs, one of the most striking places to visit in Uganda,which are said to have healing properties and Batwa trails where you can get a first-hand experience of this ethnic tribe.

What is the best time to visit Uganda?

The best time to visit Uganda and to enjoy stupendous wildlife experiences is in the dry seasons i.e. between December and February and June and August. This is when most of the species congregate at the watering holes and can be spotted easily. This is also a great time for birding and hiking and for visiting all the famous Uganda tourist spots.

How to reach Uganda?

The country’s Entebbe International Airport receives flights from all over the world through major carriers like Qatar Airways, KLM Airlines, Delta Air, Air India, etc. From India, there are no direct flights to Uganda. They stop at places like Abu Dhabi, Addis Ababa, Dubai, etc.

Is Uganda worth visiting?

Absolutely! Uganda is one of the richest countries in the world when it comes to the variety of wildlife that’s concentrated in spectacular national parks, its ethnic tribes and their colours and culture that include ancient burial and coronation sites, and its iconic physical features and landscape.

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