Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Uganda – 2024

There is a variety of tourist attractions in Uganda ranging from Wildlife safaris, Primate Safaris, Birdwatching, Cultural tours, etc. Uganda houses one of Africa’s most enchanting attractions, making it one of the best places to visit in Africa. So it doesn’t matter what your tourist preferences are; Uganda should be your destination in the next tour you will make to Africa.

In this tour blog, we share the top 10 spectacular tourist attractions in Uganda you must see on your next visit. It will be a long one covering some of the best tourist attractions that make Uganda a beautiful country. If you are planning your tour shortly, this guide is for you. Hang in here, and we will tour Uganda with you in just a few minutes.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Uganda

Here are the top 10 tourist attractions and other famous places that make Uganda your next perfect destination. We’ve included a list of Game parks, waterfalls, forests, mountains, beaches, and fresh water lakes. These include:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best tourist attractions in Uganda. It is located in southwestern Uganda, covering an area of 331 square kilometers. This Park is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Thus, an estimate of around 400 gorillas are living in this Uganda’s tourist destination.

You will have an opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitats and see other primates, such as chimpanzees and black and white colobus monkeys. In addition to gorilla trekking, the Park offers other activities, such as guided nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural tours to visit the Batwa people, who are indigenous forest-dwelling people and the original inhabitants of the forest.

The Park was established in 1991 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It is named after the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a dense forest that covers most of the Park and is home to over 120 mammal species. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is definitely one of those places you should visit when you come to Uganda.

2. Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is another perfect destination you should include on your list to Uganda. It is found in the northwestern part of Uganda and sits on an area of 3,893 square kilometers. The Park was established in 1952 and is Uganda’s most significant national Park, known for its spectacular Murchison Falls.

It is named after the majestic waterfalls that crash on the Nile River and is home to grasslands, savannahs, and riverine forests. This Park is called the “big five territory” because of Africa’s five most giant animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceros.

However, you can also have a chance to watch other species of mammals, including giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species such as kobs and waterbucks, chimpanzees, baboons, and several species of monkeys.

You will have a chance to take boat trips along the Nile River to view the falls up close and observe the diverse wildlife along the riverbanks. This place has a diversity of tourist attractions that make Uganda one of the best places to visit in Africa.

3. Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel couldn’t miss on our list of the best places to visit in Uganda. It is a natural waterway that flows through Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda. The channel is approximately 32 kilometers long and connects Lake Edward to Lake George, two of the largest lakes in the region.

You will have a chance to take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to observe hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and several species of birds, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans. The boat cruises usually take around two hours and are led by knowledgeable guides who provide information about the wildlife and the surrounding landscape.

It is about 420km from Kampala City and has an estimated terrain of about 914m above sea level. It also has two parts which are North Kazinga and Kasenyi Plains. Both parts of Kazinga are excellent points for viewing the Kasenyi Plains and are ideal for lion tracking. So if you are planning your tour to Uganda, Kazinga Channel is a perfect destination to include on your list.

4. Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls is a stunning series of waterfalls located in eastern Uganda on the slopes of Mount Elgon. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions and destinations in Uganda, Africa, known for its natural beauty and the opportunity to engage in various outdoor activities.

Sipi Falls comprises three main waterfalls: Upper, Middle, and Lower. Each waterfall offers a unique and picturesque sight. The water cascades down the cliffs, surrounded by lush green vegetation, creating a mesmerizing and refreshing atmosphere.

Apart from enjoying the scenic beauty, you can also engage in various activities. Hiking is popular, with several trails leading to different viewpoints and the waterfalls themselves. Accommodation options are available in the nearby town of Sipi, ranging from basic guesthouses to more luxurious lodges, providing a comfortable stay for you and your tour colleagues.

5. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is another renowned conservation project located on Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria, Uganda. Established in 1998, the sanctuary provides a haven for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, aiming to rehabilitate them and promote their conservation.

The sanctuary spans approximately 100 acres, with about 95% of the island left as natural forest habitat for the chimpanzees. The island is a semi-wild environment where chimpanzees can live in conditions closely resembling their natural habitat.

The primary purpose of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is to offer a home for chimpanzees that have been orphaned or confiscated from illegal wildlife trade or kept as pets. These chimpanzees undergo a process of rehabilitation to enable them to live in social groups and learn essential skills necessary for their survival.

To visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, you can take a boat ride from Entebbe or Kasenyi, with tours and activities typically organized through the sanctuary’s visitor center in Entebbe. I am sure your wouldn’t want to leave this tourist attraction out from your list of places to visit in Uganda.

6. Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park covers an area of 795 square kilometers. It is one of the most biodiverse forests and tourist attractions in Uganda and Africa and is famous for its population of chimpanzees and other primate species. The Park is predominantly covered by moist evergreen rainforest, interspersed with grasslands and swamps. 

It is home to an estimated 13 species of primates, including the largest population of habituated chimpanzees in East Africa. You can participate in chimpanzee tracking and trekking experiences, observing these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located near the Park, is a community-managed reserve that offers guided swamp walks, allowing you to spot various bird species, monkeys, and other wildlife. 

You can visit the park through the daily domestic flights from Kajjansi Airfield and Murchison Falls National Park, which land at Fort Portal Airstrip. Accommodation options are available within and near the Park, ranging from tented camps, lodges, and campsites to guesthouses.

7. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in western Uganda, along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It encompasses the Rwenzori Mountain Range, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Uganda’s most spectacular mountain ranges and tourist destinations.

The Rwenzori Mountains are characterized by their dramatic peaks, glaciers, and alpine landscapes. They are home to the third highest mountain in Africa, Mount Stanley, which reaches an elevation of 5,109 meters (16,762 feet) at its highest point, Margherita Peak. The mountains are known for their challenging and technical climbing routes, attracting experienced mountaineers worldwide.

The Park’s diverse ecosystems include lush montane forests, bamboo forests, heathlands, and expansive alpine moorlands. The higher elevations are characterized by unique plant species, including giant lobelias and groundsels. In addition, the Park is known for its beautiful waterfalls, alpine lakes, and fast-flowing rivers.

You will enjoy activities like guided trekking and climbing expeditions. There are several trekking routes available, varying in difficulty and duration. The most popular trek is the Central Circuit, which takes around 7 to 9 days to complete and provides stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and diverse landscapes.

8. Ssese Islands

The Ssese Islands are a group of 84 islands located in Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. The islands are part of Uganda and situated in the lake’s northwestern part. The Ssese Islands are known for their natural beauty, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation, making them a popular tourist destination in Uganda.

The group’s largest and most developed island is Bugala Island, which serves as the gateway to the Ssese Islands. Bugala Island is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. The island offers a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxurious resorts.

You will enjoy activities like swimming, sunbathing, relaxing on the beaches, and engaging in water sports such as kayaking, sailing, and sport fishing. The lake is known for its abundance of fish species, including Nile perch and tilapia, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.

9. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a perfect place for a safari located in southwestern Uganda, covering an area of 1,978 square kilometers. The Park was established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park but was renamed two years after Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

This Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including over 95 mammals and over 600 birds. Some notable mammals in the Park include elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, and various antelope species such as kobs and waterbucks. 

The Park is also home to several primate species, including chimpanzees, baboons, and several species of monkeys. For that reason, it has several attractions for visitors, including game drives, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and guided nature walks. 

Visitors can also visit the Kyambura Gorge, a lush valley home to a population of habituated chimpanzees, and the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Overall, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Uganda, offering a unique and unforgettable experience of African wildlife and landscapes.

10. Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park covers an area of 1,279 square kilometers and is named after Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano and the fourth-highest mountain in East Africa. The Park is known for its different ecosystems, including montane forest, bamboo forest, heath, and moorland. It is also known for its scenic beauty, stunning waterfalls, hot springs, and caves.

The most popular areas are the four explorable, vast caves where frequent night visitors, such as elephants and buffaloes, come to lick the natural salt found on the cave walls. Kitum cave, with overhanging crystalline walls, enters 200m into the side of Mt. Elgon.

The Park is also an excellent destination for birdwatchers, with over 300 bird species recorded in the Park, including several endemic species such as the Jackson’s Francolin, the Black-collared Apalis, and the Moorland Chat.

Final Remarks

With all these unique places above, you cannot fail to have an amazing tour to Uganda. We hope this tour guide has helped you to uncover the best places to visit in Uganda. We are a tour and book blog talking about the beauty of Uganda. We would love to see you visit and read about Uganda.

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