Top Things to Do in Uganda | Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Uganda is East Africa's vibrant powerhouse country. It is recognized as one of the world's most exhilarating yet underrated havens. Apart from safaris, it has intense thrilling things to do in Uganda along with seeing natural wonders. Bordered by 4 countries, Uganda captivates travellers with Nile rapids, highlands, and UNESCO preserved sites.

Around 1.5 million visitors visit Uganda annually to Uganda’s best places doing endless adventurous activities. Main Uganda tourist spots have raw wilderness as well as rich heritage. This Uganda travel guide highlights the must see things in Uganda, practical tips, and cultural and historical contexts.

Seamlessly stay online during your journeys with our SimCorner's Uganda eSIM and SIM cards. Get our high-speed data even in remotest trails, know weather forecasts, do real-time picture uploads, without hidden fees. Learn about Uganda bucket list destinations that make it a travel-worthy country.

Culture and History of Uganda

Uganda's rich cultural and historical influences have defined its modern identity and the tourist attractions. Ancient legacies from the 14th century are still preserved in the country. 56 ethnic groups are there for arranging vibrant festivals. British colonial rule imposed Christianity, railways, and cash crops, and reshaped Entebbe sightseeing spots.

Post-1962 independence turmoil, and Amin's 1970s terror forged resilience, with Museveni's 1986 era has revived Uganda tourism places, cultural landmarks, and rites. All these have now become must see in Uganda adventures.

Best food to try in Uganda

Uganda's cuisine uses peanuts, and meats into flavorful dishes. These are perfect for fueling up when you are busy in top spots in Uganda and doing best activities there like trekking. Uganda people eat Matoke (it is their national dish), Posho, and Luwombo as their staple foods. They like Gonja as a part of dessert. If you want a vegetarian option, then go for Groundnut Sauce called Enyangu.

13 Best Places to Visit in Uganda

National Parks for Wildlife Safaris

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The park is nestled in southwestern Uganda, near the DRC border. It has an area of 331 sq km of ancient rainforest. This is one of the must see in Uganda for harboring nearly half of all mountain gorillas. Those who like adventurous and nature, this misty highland is for them. It is a UNESCO biodiversity site.

You can do gorilla trekking here and this tops things to do in Uganda. You will do so with tour guides. This is an hour-long trip where you can see gorilla family encounters through vines. You can also see chimpanzees tracking, Batwa cultural walks, and do birdwatching over 350 species. Such an immersive Uganda adventure travel is liked by all travellers.

Dry times are between June to September or December to February. These times ease hikes so come here during this time. You need to do 3 to 6 advance booking and pay $800 for permission. Keep solid boots, rain gears, porters and other necessary items.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

In western Uganda, this 1978 sq km park is situated. It is famous for having tree-climbing lions and Kazinga Channel hippos. It is a good biodiversity hotspot and easily tops among the best Uganda tourist attractions and things to do in Uganda list.

You can do game drives, and chase wild animals like leopards, elephants. You can even channel boat cruises to spot over 600 birds. You will see chimpanzee habituation in Kyambura Gorge.

Like the previous one, June to September or January and February are the dry times here and so the best time to visit. It will take 5 to 6 hours from Kampala. Come here in early mornings, keep malaria medicines, and other things like sunscreen, water bottles etc.

Safari expert Brian Jackman complimented the place as,

"Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth are a safari dream—wildlife theater at its most surreal."

Kibale National Park

It is situated in the southwest. This park covers 795 sq km and is a "Primate Capital" for chimpanzees. That is why visiting here is one of the interesting things to do in Uganda.

You can see here chimpanzee habituation, bird watch 375 bird species. You can also do Bigodi swamp walks. This is one of the immersive Uganda tourism places . visit here during June to September for dry months. It will be 5 hours from Kampala. Be careful for wet wipes. So wear long and waterproof pants.

Murchison Falls National Park

It is located in the Northwest along the Nile river. It is a park with 3,840 sq km with explosive gorge falls. This is one of the ultimate things to do in Uganda and is among top rated Uganda tourist attractions for wildlife safaris in Uganda.

You can do game drives for catching lions and elephants. Also you can boat safaris to see hippos or crocodiles. You do hikes to see rhino, and this is one of the thrilling and adventurous things to do that might answer your what to do in Uganda.

Come here during the dry seasons that are from June to September. Bring binoculars for better watching the animals. Follow the tour guides’ instructions. Do not feed anything to the animals.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

This park is at the far southwest near Rwanda or DRC borders. It protects golden monkeys and gorillas. So this is one of the remote things to do in Uganda.

You can do Gorilla and golden monkey trackings, hike or walk through the Batwa trails for some adventurous feeling. Best to visit here during Dry seasons (June to September). You will need permissions beforehand to visit this one of the top spots in Uganda .

Lake Mburo National Park

It is in the Southwest, and is a 260 sq km savanna lake park. This is famous among the tourists for walking safaris. It is one of the thrilling things to do in Uganda and all of Uganda's natural attractions .

So the main activity here is walking safaris. But you can also do boat rides or game drives to catch zebras walking. This is a fun activity among the Uganda tourist attractions.

Come here during dry times, that is from June to October. It will take 4 hours from Kampala. Wear comfortable walking shoes for Uganda tourism places .

Lakes & Waterways

Lake Bunyonyi

This lake is a Southwestern deepest crater lake amid terraced hills. You will get "no crocodiles" swimming around here. So this is one of the serene things to do in Uganda among the scenic places in Uganda.

Canoeing or island hopping are the best activities to do here. You can also do pygmy visits or bird watch around 300+ birds. If you are looking for top spots in Uganda for relaxing, you can choose this. You can come here year-round but especially in dry times like December to February. This is close to Kabale so easy access.

Keep sunscreen and life vests for such one of the beautiful Uganda tourist spots .

Kazinga Channel

This channel is Queen Elizabeth's 32km waterway linking lakes. It is famous for being hippo and crocodiles’ hub. Visiting here is one of the water activity things to do in Uganda and Uganda wildlife safaris .

You can do boat safaris to watch birds and mammals. You can also do fishing at such an scenic place and this is one of the calmest Uganda activities to do. Dry seasons are the peak times here. You will need some park entry. Bring binoculars and a stable camera stand for this must see place in Uganda .

Adventure & Waterfalls

Jinja

This falls is at the Eastern Nile and Lake Victoria outlet. It is known as East Africa's adventure hub with grade-5 rapids. This is one of the thrilling things to do in Uganda and Uganda tourist attractions. Nature lovers can enjoy the beauty of nature here.

You can go rafting or bungee jumping or kayaking or quads or Bujagali hikes. So many fun and intense adrenaline Uganda activities to do here. So do not miss out on this, and this should definitely be in your Uganda bucket list destinations .

Dry seasons in June to August are the best time here for clear views and calm lakes. It will take 2 hours from Kampala. Wear life jackets and keep tour guides with you.

Sipi Falls

Eastern near Mount Elgon, 100m three-tiered cascades through coffee farms—picturesque things to do in Uganda and Uganda waterfalls . Hiking/abseiling/coffee tours/birding—adventurous outdoor activities in Uganda . Dry June-August/December-February; 5 hours from Kampala, guides/shoes for Uganda best places .

Cities & Cultural Sites

Kampala

This is South-central hilly capital of Uganda. It is the cultural gateway filled with markets and vibrant nightlife. Enjoying this chaotic life is one of the core things to do in Uganda and Kampala tourist attractions.

Explore here the Kasubi Tombs, Uganda National Museums, etc. You can do Ndere dances with the traditional Uganda music. You should also interact with locals and eat the traditional foods. These are must things to do in Kampala.

You can come here anytime but like other places, dry seasons are the best time so come from July to September. Wear modest dress here look for Kampala travel guide in other online sites if you want more insider tips..

Entebbe

It is a Lakeside town, around Lake Victoria, situated 40 km from Kampala. You will find an airport, a botanical garden and wildlife. It is a very chill city so you can do all the relaxed things to do in Uganda here.

You can walk in the Botanical garden and see the Wildlife Centre. You can chill at the beach too. This city can be in your Uganda bucket list destination too. You can come here year-round, through the airport or by road. Keep mosquito repellent during this Uganda city tour and keep other essentials too.

Kasubi Tombs

This is Kampala's UNESCO Ganda royal site, situated on Kasubi Hill. Seeing this is among the key things to do in Uganda and Uganda cultural landmarks. If you are a culture or history lover.

You can do tours of palaces and see bark-cloth demonstrations. This is one of the cultural Kampala tourist attractions. Come here during the dry weather for better views. Wear modest attires as it is a sacred place. But you can take no photos inside for this Uganda tourist spot.

Be smartly connected to the world when you are lost in Uganda’s adventures

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Once your phone gets activated, no need to worry about roaming bills or other hidden charges. You can choose eSIM at arrivals. Our service provides almost nationwide coverage from city vibes to the remote areas of Falls or forests.

You can use our service to translate local language, find the safari trails or hiking paths, get notifications about local political issues or any festivals, and share live photos and videos of animals with our high speed reliable data. We offer you cheap and flexible plans that suit every traveler's itinerary.

Things to do in Uganda: FAQs

Will it be safe visiting top spots in Uganda?

Uganda is generally considered safe for tourists, but stay careful in markets and buses. Avoid walking alone at night, and use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps for safety. You will find armed rangers in National parks for wildlife activities. Sometimes political unrest can arise so be alert. There is a risk for malaria, so use repellent. It is currently Ebola-free.

What language is needed in Uganda tourist spots?

English is Uganda's official language, so it is widely spoken in cities, hotels, and national parks for communication. But also, Swahili acts as a lingua franca in East Africa. So some basic knowledge of this language can be useful in rural areas to interact with locals. Guides also use English when you are doing the activities. You can also use our eSIM connections to use translating apps.

What should I pack for Uganda activities to do?

Bring lightweight, and quick dry clothes for safaris and trekking. But try to wear long or full sleeves and pants for sun and insect protection. Other essential items are solid hiking boots, rain gears, sunscreen and hat, insect repellent, binoculars, and a water bottle. For gorilla trekking, you need gloves and trekking poles too. Bring some medicines like antimalarials, and for altitude sickness.

What to do in Uganda safaris?

Uganda safaris will be thrilling starting with gorilla trekking. You can track mountain gorillas through dense rainforests for seeing their intimate family encounters. Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale Forest will show you Chimpanzees swinging in canopies. In other safari spots, you can see tree-climbing lions, elephants, and buffaloes across savannas. On Kazinga Channel, you will find hippos, crocodiles, and 600 bird species.

How to stay connected while exploring Uganda tourist spots?

Our SimCorner's Uganda eSIMs deliver fast, dependable data coverage from urban cities to remote forests and falls. Through our service, you can find gorilla trekking trails, do translations, get real-time safari alerts, festival updates, and post live wildlife moments instantly. Check our Uganda eSIM service for unlimited plans, activation, and pricing details. Stay digitally linked effortlessly during your Uganda adventures.