Things to do in Uganda

Uganda is loved by many travelers and most of the people that have visited Uganda had done more than one visit and in most cases end up running tours for their close family and friends. 

The country was named the ‘Pearl of Africa’ by Winston Churchill and everyone that has visited it has rightly agreed with him. 

The country is so special with lush, green and beautiful landscapes, not forgetting the very friendly people. 

Uganda is home to the endangered mountain Gorillas that are on many travelers’ bucket lists. These gorillas can only be seen in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

There are many things you can do in Uganda other than a Uganda gorilla safari and you will definitely have a choice. Here are some of the most sought after activities by our clients at Magical Gorilla Adventures.

Visit Lake Bunyonyi

This lake is a dream for most travelers to Uganda. A very serene lake within the green hills of the area, that are spotted with a lot of islands and beautiful birds. The lake is within distance with the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park which is one of the homes for the mountain gorillas in Uganda. You can do a boat cruise here as well as hiking as there are many hiking spot since the area is hilly. The name Bunyonyi means ‘place of little birds’. This makes the place a very good destination for bird watching. You can also have a chance to interact with the local people and engage with them in some of their day to day routines.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

A big percentage of our clients at Magical Gorilla Adventures and Visitors to Uganda in general want to see the gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Gorillas can be found both in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Elsewhere, Gorillas can be found Volcanoes National park in Rwanda and Virunga National park in the Democratic republic of Congo.

Once you have seen the gorillas, you will be tempted to see them again. Every encounter will last about one hour and if you do gorilla Habituation, then you will get to spend about 6 hours with the gorillas. It’s advised that you book double gorilla tracking while on your safari to Uganda. 

What makes gorilla trekking in Uganda the best is, the price is almost half compared to Rwanda. The Democratic republic of Congo is always unstable security wise so you can’t rely on it. These makes the gorilla tracking permits in Uganda high on demand and therefore contact us at Magical Gorilla Adventure to reserve your permit in time. 

Hike the Rwenzori Mountains

The Mountain is on the Border of Uganda and Congo and its stands at an altitude of about 5,109m above sea level. The mountain is also known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and it’s the tallest mountain in Uganda. It’s the third tallest in Africa and its snowcapped on the top. The trek will take you about 8 or 9 days to reach the tallest peak, Margherita Peak.

The Tree Climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

You will have to do enough game drives to see the tree climbing lions. Its advised that you stay about two nights and do about three games drives to increase the chances of seeing the tree climbing lions. While on this search you will have a chance to see many other special species in the area. Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to see the water animals like the hippos and Crocodiles. 

Track the Chimpanzees

Chimpanzee tracking is another popular activity in Uganda. You can do this in Kibaale National Park, Budongo forest in Murchison Falls and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can choose any of the places that will easily fit in your itinerary but the experience is almost the same everywhere. There is also the Chimpanzee habitation which will give you a longer time with the Chimpanzees. 

Visit the Crater Lakes

The crater lakes are located within the Fort Portal area. There is a collection of many lakes with Lake Nkuruba being one of the most beautiful ones. The other lakes to look out for are, Lake Nyamirima and Lake Nyabikere. You will see alone hippo here swimming. While at Lake Nyamiteza you can watch the sun rise or set and there are spectacular views. This is so refreshing….

Safari in Murchison Falls

Many have described this national park as the best destination in Uganda including the lonely planet in 2013. The national park is also home to the worlds’ strongest falls. You will watch water find its way through a very small gorge to make its way down. These falls are part of the River Nile which is the longest River in the World. You can hike up to the top the falls. You can also take a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls and see a lot of aquatic life and other animals on the shores. 

Kidepo Valley National Park

This national park is one of the least visited national parks due to its location. It’s on the border of Uganda and South Sudan. The National park is famous for the Kidepo River, Rothschild’s Giraffes, visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs, Mount Morungule and visit the Ik people. 

Visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

On your way to the Murchison Falls National park you will see the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This is home to the rare white Rhinos. You visit is also a good thing to the community here as they it will help with the conservation efforts. 

Party Life in Kampala

Kampala is one of the party cities of Africa. If you are looking to have some fun, you may have a stop in the Capital Kampala. The bars in Kampala attract a lot crowds and you can join the fun as well. 

Jinja City

Jinja city is also known as the adventure capital of Uganda. The city is home to the source of the River Nile which is the longest river in the world. The presence of the Nile facilitates activities like the white water rafting, bungee jumping. Other activities include quad biking, kayaking and cycling. 

The Rolex

This is not the luxury watch. The rolex is a Ugandan delicacy that is famous and you will need to try it out. They roll and omelet in a chapatti and add raw ingredients like tomatoes, onions, avocado etc. The rolex can be gotten anywhere on a food stall in Kampala. It’s also very cheap and It will usually cost less than a Dollar.

Shoebills at Mabamba Swamp

The shoebill is a rare bird and can be seen around Mabamba bay and Murchison falls National park in some cases. The bird is huge with a mouth more like a shoe. It’s so gentle and almost everyone that has seen it has fallen in love with it. 

Relax on the Ssese Islands ( Kalangala)

After your safari around Uganda, you may opt to relation on these islands on the Lake Victoria. You will take a ferry from Entebbe which takes about three hours to get here. The whole area is made up of over 84 islands but you will visit the main island which is Kalangala. The area is still natural, calm and serene. 

Hike Mount Elgon & See Sipi Falls

The Elgon Mountain is located on the border of Uganda and Kenya. Some travelers have described this as the best hike in East Africa. The mountain stands at an altitude of about 4321 meters above sea level. You will need about 4 days to complete the hike to the highest peak. Once you are at the top, you will have a chance to see the Sipi falls. These views are breathtaking.