Uganda is a landlocked country located in East Africa and lies on the equator. The country is home to one of the largest bodies of water (Lake Victoria) and the source of the longest river in the world (the Nile). Uganda is known to be the most hospitable country in the world and this stems from the tradition of hospitality common to its culturally diverse population. Below are the top ten tourist destinations in Uganda.
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Home to the great giant apes, the gorilla, it is the most visited park in Uganda. It is located in the southwest; 9 hours drive from the capital city (Kampala). These apes are known to be in danger of extinction and are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo. Half of the gorilla population is found in Uganda and they are known to be humble and gentle primates. You can track gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda. More information on gorilla tracking
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Named for Queen Elizabeth II, the park is located to the southwest and covers the entire Kazinga Channel that connects Lake Edward and Kyoga. The park is known for hosting a large number of species ranging from predators, herbivores, antelopes, birds, and other small organisms. A safari in the park usually rewards you with animals such as lions, buffalo, elephants, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, stripped-back jackals, hyenas, and plenty of birds. This is also known to be a bird watcher’s paradise. More information on Queen Elizabeth.
3. Murchison Falls National Park
With a panoramic view of the falls, Murchison Falls National Park got its name from the falls as a result of the calm Nile forcing itself through a narrow gorge to explode in a thunderous roar of white water. The park is located at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley. It is one of the oldest conservation areas in Uganda. The park is also home to a large number of animals and birds. While in the park, you can do activities like a safari, chimpanzee tracking, and a boat ride down the Victoria Nile to the bottom of the falls.
4. The source of the Nile
Declared by Speke Hannington in 1862 as the source of the Nile, the area has not lost its scenic view and has attracted many tourists to Uganda ever since. The Nile has a lot of adventure to offer tourists as the boat travels to the actual point (source), artifacts, bungee jumping and white water rafting.
5. Kibale National Park.
Also known as the home of primates/chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is located on the elevated plateau of Portal Fort. It is best known for its chimpanzees, although it is home to the largest number of primates in Uganda. A walk through this tropical jungle rewards you not only with primates but also with other animal species and lots of fauna as well. Tracking the chimpanzees in this forest is the most informative and interesting forest walk you will ever have.
6. The Kasubi tombs.
Also a world heritage site, the Kasubi Tombs are known to be a masterpiece of the Buganda cultural tradition in Buganda with one of the largest huts/Banda in the world. Four royal tombs are now housed within the “Muzibu Azaala Mpanga” (meaning “Strong One Produces Mighty Ones”), the main building, which is circular and topped by a dome, and the main palace. The tombs are the main spiritual center of Baganda and it is one of the busiest places in the entire Buganda kingdom. It is located in Kampala, a 10-minute drive from the city center.
7. Ugandan Museum:
This is an exhibition of the cultural heritage of Uganda where you can see ethnological and natural history exhibits. It is a scenic reminder of the splendid past of the country with a collection of musical instruments, photos, images, materials from the past. The museum contains lost materials from pre-colonial times. A visit to the museum often gives tourists a clear picture of the past.
8. Sese Islands.
The Ssese Islands are a collection of 84 attractive islands situated in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria and are an increasingly popular tourist destination in Uganda. Described as a cross between the Hebrides and the Caribbean, the islands offer scenic views, plenty of activities like nature walks, fishing volleyball, and other games. Spending a weekend on this island is adventurous.
9. Lake Mburo National Park.
Located in the Mbarara district, the park is a 3.5-hour drive from the capital city. The park is famous for its richness in biodiversity which is attributed to the variety of microclimates that the park has. The park is best known for antelopes such as the Impala, after which Kampala, the capital city, was named. It also has animal species such as leopards, hyenas, buffalo, zebras, jackals, topis and a multitude of birds.
10. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Also known as the mountains of the moons, they lie a few kilometers north of the equator, rising more than 4,000m above the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley. The region’s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of the most beautiful alpine areas in Africa. The mountains have extraordinary flora and fauna including elephants, buffalo, giant forest pigs, antelope, chimpanzees and leopards, although they are rare. To hike the big mountains, you need a minimum of seven days for a rewarding hike. However, 10 is the best number of days enough for the trek to the top (Margherita: 5109m).