Discover Uganda's rich cultural heritage,
Must-Visit Destinations
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is world-renowned for its population of mountain gorillas, with more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas residing in the park. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi offers an unforgettable experience for gorilla trekking through its dense and lush forests. The park is home to an impressive range of biodiversity, including over 360 species of birds, numerous butterflies, and other primates like colobus monkeys. Visitors come from all over the world for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these endangered creatures in their natural habitat, making it one of the most sought-after wildlife destinations globally.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda is one of the most visited and diverse parks in the country. Known for its rich ecosystems, it offers a unique blend of savannah, wetlands, and forests, which support a variety of wildlife. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and is home to elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and an abundance of bird species. Visitors can take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, which allows for close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of birdlife. The park’s stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to expansive wetlands, make it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge. The park offers a wealth of wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and elephants, as well as a range of bird species. Boat safaris on the Nile offer the chance to see wildlife up close, with sightings of hippos and crocodiles frequent. The park is also home to the Budongo Forest, which provides the opportunity to track chimpanzees. For a more adventurous experience, visitors can hike to the top of Murchison Falls for a stunning panoramic view of the mighty river.
KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Often referred to as the “primate capital of the world,” Kibale National Park in western Uganda is a haven for those looking to track chimpanzees. It is home to the highest concentration of chimpanzees in East Africa, with over 1,500 individuals. Visitors can enjoy thrilling chimpanzee tracking experiences, walking through the forest to observe these fascinating primates in their natural environment. Kibale is also home to other primates like red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, making it a top destination for primate watching. The park also boasts a range of other wildlife and birds, adding to its allure as a biodiversity hotspot.
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Located just a few hours from Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest but most picturesque parks, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. It is famous for its large populations of zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and impalas. The park is also home to Lake Mburo, where boat safaris provide the opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, including the rare white-backed night heron. Visitors can also take part in walking safaris or horseback safaris, offering a more intimate wildlife experience. The park’s proximity to Kampala makes it a convenient yet rewarding destination for nature lovers.
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Nestled in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is a hidden gem that offers one of Uganda’s most untouched wilderness experiences. The park is known for its vast and dramatic landscapes, with sweeping savannahs and rugged mountains. Kidepo is home to rare wildlife species like cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, and striped hyenas, alongside more common game such as elephants, lions, and giraffes. Its isolation means fewer tourists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet and off-the-beaten-path safari. Kidepo is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 475 species, including some endemic to the region.
MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, is a tranquil alternative to Bwindi for gorilla trekking. This park is part of the Virunga Volcanoes range, shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mgahinga is known for its population of mountain gorillas, as well as its golden monkeys, which visitors can track through the bamboo forests. The park’s stunning volcanic scenery, with its towering peaks and verdant slopes, offers incredible views, making it a popular spot for hiking and mountaineering. The park is also an important conservation area for both gorillas and golden monkeys.
SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK
Located in western Uganda, Semuliki National Park is one of Uganda’s lesser-known treasures, offering an exceptional tropical rainforest experience. It is part of the larger Albertine Rift, a biodiversity hotspot. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, baboons, and a host of rare forest birds. Visitors can explore the famous Sempaya Hot Springs, where boiling water erupts from the ground, offering a unique and fascinating natural spectacle. The park is also rich in plant species, including tropical hardwoods, making it a must-visit for eco-tourists and nature lovers.
MOUNT RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK
Located along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mount Rwenzori National Park is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers some of Africa’s most challenging treks, with its glacial peaks, dense forests, and alpine meadows. Mount Margherita Peak, the highest point in the range, attracts mountaineers from around the world. The park is also a sanctuary for rare flora and fauna, including giant ground pangolins, endemic birds, and unique alpine plants. It’s a destination for adventurers seeking a more rugged and remote experience.
LAKE BUNYONYI
Located in southwestern Uganda near the border with Rwanda, Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands, the lake offers a serene setting perfect for canoeing, bird watching, and relaxation. Lake Bunyonyi is known for being one of the deepest lakes in Africa and is a popular destination for those wanting to unwind in nature’s embrace. It also serves as a gateway for travelers heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
JINJA AND THE SOURCE OF THE NILE
Jinja, often called the adventure capital of East Africa, is located at the shores of Lake Victoria and is the site of the Source of the Nile, where the world’s longest river begins its journey to the Mediterranean. Jinja is a hub for white-water rafting on the Nile, as well as other adrenaline activities like bungee jumping, kayaking, and quad biking. The town offers both relaxation and adventure, with boat trips to the Source of the Nile providing an opportunity to experience the river’s historical significance. Jinja is also rich in culture and history, making it a vibrant destination for all types of travelers.
SIPI FALLS
Located in the eastern region of Uganda near the foothills of Mountains of the Moon, Sipi Falls is one of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions. The falls consist of three stunning waterfalls cascading down cliffs surrounded by lush green landscapes. Sipi Falls offers excellent opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to different viewpoints. The area is also known for its coffee plantations, and visitors can explore local villages to learn about coffee production and taste freshly brewed coffee. Birdwatching is also a popular activity in the area, with a range of species found throughout the forested landscapes.
ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located in northern Uganda, is the only place in the country where visitors can see white rhinos in the wild. The sanctuary is dedicated to the reintroduction of rhinos to Uganda’s protected areas, and visitors can track rhinos on foot with the help of experienced guides. The sanctuary is also an excellent location for bird watching, with over 300 species, including the rare shoebill stork, recorded in the area. A visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary not only provides the opportunity to see rhinos up close but also supports vital conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.
MABIRA FOREST
Mabira Forest, located near the town of Jinja, is one of Uganda’s largest tropical rainforests. The forest is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including several species of primates such as red-tailed monkeys and baboons. Mabira also boasts over 300 bird species, making it a haven for bird watchers. Visitors can explore the forest through a network of hiking trails and biking paths, or enjoy a more tranquil experience by taking a guided forest walk. The forest is an ideal destination for eco-tourists looking to immerse themselves in Uganda’s natural heritage.
MOUNT SABINYO
Mount Sabinyo is one of the iconic volcanoes in the Virunga Range, located on the border between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Known for its rugged terrain, Mount Sabinyo offers a challenging but rewarding hike to its summit, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the peaks of Rwanda and the DRC. The mountain’s distinctive features include craggy ridges and deep gorges, making it a popular destination for experienced trekkers and adventurers.
LAKE VICTORIA
Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, spans three countries—Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. This vast lake offers a variety of water-based activities, such as fishing, boat tours, and island excursions. Visitors can explore Ngamba Island, home to an orphaned chimpanzee sanctuary, or visit Bussi Island, known for its natural beauty. Lake Victoria is also a great place to relax on the beach or learn about the traditional fishing practices of local communities. The lake plays a crucial role in the lives of millions, making it an important cultural and environmental landmark.
NGAMBA ISLAND
Ngamba Island is located on Lake Victoria and is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of orphaned chimpanzees. The sanctuary is home to over 40 chimpanzees, which are rehabilitated in a natural environment to live as close to the wild as possible. Visitors to Ngamba Island can participate in chimpanzee feeding sessions, learn about conservation efforts, and explore the island’s natural beauty. The island offers an opportunity to witness Uganda’s commitment to preserving its primate populations while also enjoying the serenity of Lake Victoria.
LAKE MUTANDA
Lake Mutanda, located in southwestern Uganda near the borders with Rwanda, is a tranquil and scenic body of water surrounded by rolling hills and views of the nearby Virunga Volcanoes. It’s an ideal spot for canoeing or bird watching and serves as a peaceful retreat. Many visitors use Lake Mutanda as a base to access nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, both renowned for gorilla trekking. With its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views, Lake Mutanda is a perfect place to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the region.
Design Your Perfect Ugandan Journey Here