Things to do in Uganda

25 things to do in Uganda

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Trek to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  Hike through dense rainforest to spend a precious hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family, one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters. The steep, misty trails of Bwindi offer a heart-pounding adventure you’ll never forget.

  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, southwestern Uganda

• Track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park

  Follow expert guides as you listen for pant-hoots and crash through the undergrowth to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kibale’s tropical forest is also home to a dozen other primate species.

  Kibale National Park, near Fort Portal

• Take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls

  Board a launch on the Victoria Nile to approach the thundering Murchison Falls, where the river squeezes through a 7-metre gorge and plunges 43 metres. Hippos, crocodiles and elephants line the banks along the way.

  Murchison Falls National Park, northwestern Uganda

• White-water rafting on the Nile River at Jinja

  Paddle through grade‑5 rapids on the legendary White Nile, starting near the source of the world’s longest river. The full-day adventure includes towering waves and calm stretches of stunning scenery.

  Jinja, eastern Uganda

• Stand at the source of the River Nile in Jinja

  Visit the spot where Lake Victoria spills into the Nile at Ripon Falls, marked by the Speke Monument. Peer into the churning water and imagine the journey that begins here, flowing all the way to the Mediterranean.

  Jinja, eastern Uganda

• Spot tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

  Cruise the Ishasha sector to see Uganda’s famous lions draped over the branches of fig trees, an unusual behaviour found in few places. Game drives also reveal vast herds of buffalo, elephant and antelope.

  Queen Elizabeth National Park, western Uganda

• Climb to Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori Mountains

  Trek through bamboo forests and giant heather zones on a multi-day expedition to the third-highest peak in Africa, Margherita Peak (5,109 m). Glaciers, lakes and surreal flora make this a mountaineer’s dream.

  Rwenzori Mountains National Park, western Uganda

• Explore the Kasubi Tombs, burial site of Buganda kings

  Step inside the thatched royal enclosure that houses the tombs of four Buganda monarchs, a UNESCO World Heritage site and sacred spiritual centre. Local guides reveal the rituals, history and craftsmanship of the Ganda people.

  Kasubi, Kampala

• Discover Uganda's history at the Uganda Museum in Kampala

  Browse ethnographic exhibits, traditional musical instruments and archaeological finds at the country’s oldest museum. The collection traces Uganda’s cultural heritage from prehistoric times to independence.

  Kampala, central Uganda

• Watch a live performance of traditional dance at Ndere Cultural Centre

  Enjoy a vibrant evening of drumming, singing and dancing from all over Uganda in an open-air amphitheatre. The energetic troupe performs Ganda, Banyankole, Acholi and many other traditional dances.

  Ntinda, Kampala

• Track white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

  Walk with armed rangers through acacia woodland to stand within metres of southern white rhinos, extinct in the wild here until reintroduction. The sanctuary is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild.

  Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Nakasongola District

• Paddle a dugout canoe on the serene Lake Bunyonyi

  Glide across the calm, island-dotted waters of Africa’s second-deepest lake in a traditional dugout. Stop at island villages, spot otters and enjoy the peaceful, verdant hillsides.

  Lake Bunyonyi, near Kabale, southwestern Uganda

• Hike to the three tiers of Sipi Falls on Mount Elgon

  Follow trails past coffee gardens and banana shambas to reach the tumbling cascades of Sipi, each plunging over basalt cliffs. The highest drop (95 m) offers panoramic views over the Karamoja plains.

  Sipi Falls, Kapchorwa District

• Browse handmade crafts at the Jinja Craft Market

  Wander through stalls of vibrant kitenge fabrics, woven baskets, wood carvings and beaded jewellery near the town centre. It’s a perfect spot to pick up souvenirs and support local artisans.

  Jinja, eastern Uganda

• Charter a dhow to explore the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria

  Sail between 84 lush tropical islands aboard a traditional wooden dhow, stopping to swim, birdwatch and relax on deserted beaches. The Ssese archipelago feels like a hidden paradise on Africa’s largest lake.

  Ssese Islands, Lake Victoria, Kalangala District

• Experience Kampala's nightlife at The Lawns in Kololo

  Sip creative cocktails in a chic garden setting under fairy lights, then dance to Afrobeat and international hits. The Lawns is a favourite spot for both Kampala’s in-crowd and adventurous travellers.

  Kololo, Kampala

• Find tranquility at the Baha'i House of Worship, Africa's only temple

  Step onto the peaceful grounds of the nine-sided Baha’i Temple on Kikaya Hill, surrounded by manicured gardens. The stunning dome and silent prayer house welcome visitors of all faiths.

  Kikaya Hill, Kampala

• Take a photo at the Equator line in Kayabwe

  Stand with one foot in the Northern and one in the Southern Hemisphere at this famous roadside monument. Simple water-flow demonstrations prove the Coriolis effect as you straddle the imaginary line.

  Kayabwe, Mpigi District

• Learn about Batwa pygmy traditions in a cultural village near Bwindi

  Spend time with the indigenous Batwa community, who once lived as hunter-gatherers in the forest. Hear their songs, watch fire-making skills and learn about medicinal plants during an immersive village visit.

  Buhoma, near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Spot the prehistoric shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp

  Pole through papyrus channels on a canoe in search of the elusive shoebill, a bizarre, dinosaur-like bird. Mabamba is a Ramsar wetland and one of the best places on Earth to reliably see this rare species.

  Mabamba Swamp, near Kasanje, Wakiso District

• Explore the mythical Amabere Caves and waterfall near Fort Portal

  Clamber into limestone caves that local legend says are the breasts of the goddess Nyinamwiru. A short walk leads to a stunning waterfall tumbling over the cave mouth into a clear pool.

  Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru, near Fort Portal

• Sunbathe and swim at Lido Beach in Entebbe

  Laze on the sandy shores of Lake Victoria at Entebbe’s popular Lido Beach. With calm waters, beach bars and views of fishing boats, it’s the perfect weekend escape from Kampala.

  Entebbe, Wakiso District

• Get up close with rescued wildlife at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

  Walk through semi-natural enclosures to see lion, giraffe, chimpanzee and shoebill at this rehabilitation centre on the shores of Lake Victoria. The behind-the-scenes keeper experiences are unforgettable.

  Entebbe, Wakiso District

• Abseil down the tallest drop of Sipi Falls

  Harness up and rappel face-first down the 100-metre main cascade of Sipi Falls, with torrents of water roaring beside you. No prior experience is needed for this thrilling adrenaline activity.

  Sipi Falls, Kapchorwa District

• Cruise the Kazinga Channel at sunset to see hippos and elephants

  Board a small boat for a two-hour drift along the natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Pods of hippos, huge crocodiles and herds of elephants come to drink as the sun sinks low.

  Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel near Mweya