Things to do in Uganda | Best of Uganda

Uganda dubbed the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill (and rightfully so), is a magnificent and unique nation with lush, green scenery and even more gorgeous, kind people!

It also features some of the most exciting activities on the African continent, like mountain gorilla trekking, and is less touristic than some of the surrounding nations.

Uganda has it all: amazing animals, awe-inspiring waterfalls, magnificent lakes, rich culture, and adrenaline-pumping activities. So, if you’re excited to discover more, have a look at these fantastic things to do in Uganda.

Participate in a Gorilla Trekking Tour.

Going on a trekking excursion to visit the mountain gorillas is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists in Uganda, among the many exciting things to do.

Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species with less than 1,000 individuals found only in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is home to most mountain gorilla households.

Explore the Majesty of Murchison National Park

This national park is also a birder’s heaven with over 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill. Last but not least, the park’s name is derived from the stunning waterfall. You’ll see why this massive waterfall is rated one of the most powerful in the world whether you go on a safari or a boat ride.

Hike and Canoe Around Bunyoni Lake

Lake Bunyoni is a dream come true for many people. Consider a tranquil and beautiful lake surrounded by verdant hills, dotted with islands, and teaming with beautiful birds. The body of water is known as Lake Bunyoni.

The lake, which lies just south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is a great place to halt before or after your climb!

Bird viewing, boating, local interaction, and trekking are all popular activities at Lake Bunyoni, which means “place of small birds.” The views are spectacular no matter where you go, but for the best, travel to an elevation observation point and stop by Arcadia Lodge for a view lunch.

Wildlife safaris in Uganda

Uganda may lack the cachet of Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara, but wildlife viewing remains one of the country’s top tourism attractions, with more than enough species to satisfy even the most discerning safari aficionados. Furthermore, because Uganda is less busy, you will almost certainly have the animals to yourself – and it is also less expensive!

More than 350 different animals, including lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and buffalos, as well as over 1000 different bird species, may be found throughout Uganda’s ten national parks.

Volcanic Craters

Uganda is home to numerous magnificent craters and crater lakes as a result of all the volcanic activity. All of this beauty would have been burnt and black millions of years ago, yet today’s fertile volcanic soil has created rolling green landscapes filled with sparkling water holes. The perfectly round shape and precise outline of a crater lake, as well as the way the water, unruffled by currents and shielded from the wind, reflects the sky as sharply as a mirror, have a peculiar allure.

There are beautiful craters and crater lakes all around Western Uganda, but the Katwe Craters in Queen Elizabeth National Park are the greatest. Take a late afternoon crater drive to view them at their best. If your budget allows, stay at Crater Safari Lodge* in Kibale or Kyaniga Lodge* in Fort Portal, both of which are spectacular luxury lodges located directly on the edge of crater lakes with breathtaking views.

Visit the Batwa Pygmy People

It’s worth visiting one of the Batwa settlements when visiting Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks. The Batwa pygmies are a hunter-gatherer group that has lived in the Western Ugandan woodlands for thousands of years. However, in 1991, the Batwa were forcibly expelled from their land, which had been designated as a national park. They now live in improvised settlements on the outskirts of the forest, subsisting on subsistence farming and providing cultural experiences to visitors.

Visitors to the Batwa may learn about their culture and see performances of music and dance. It’s an excellent method to aid this displaced and marginalized group. Tours may be arranged through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Batwa Development Programmed; however, only go on an official visit, since they are culturally sensitive and your ticket payment goes back to the community.

Hang out in Kampala, Uganda’s Crazy Capital City

Kampala is a unique city. It is a beautiful site to visit and should not be overlooked if you are visiting Uganda. Kampala is one of Africa’s most tourist-friendly cities, since it is economical, has wonderfully nice residents, and is even walkable. There is also good street food available. Kampala does not have any big tourist attractions. Kampala is mostly a pleasant location to visit for me.