Uganda has so many inspiring places to visit and few countries pack so much variety. A single day’s journey can take you from lush rainforests full of primates, through the open savannah of big cats and elephant, to the lakes of the Albertine Rift and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. Here’s a little about the destinations you can explore.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The steep slopes of this primeval forest are often shrouded in mist, with the sounds of forest birds all around and a magical atmosphere. The biodiversity in Bwindi is extraordinary, with over 160 tree species, 120 mammals and 350 documented bird species.
Uganda’s smallest national park is Mgahinga, incredibly scenic with its volcanic mountains and bamboo forest, and part of the Virunga conservation area. Here you can track mountain gorillas and the endangered golden monkey, and for those searching for adventure and some good exercise, you can hike up one of the 3 accessible volcanoes.
Close to the gorilla tracking locations are the beautiful lakes Mutanda and Bunyonyi, ideal places for relaxing or enjoying activities like canoeing or hiking.
The diverse rainforest of Kibale National Park is known for being remarkably rich in primates, with 13 species recorded and is the premier chimpanzee tracking location with a large population of around 1500. The chimps can be noisy and you will often hear them well before you see them - it’s exciting being in the forest when the loud hooting starts! Nearby is a verdant mix of volcanic crater lakes, small farms, tea plantations and pockets of indigenous forest, with the stunning backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. A perfect destination for some casual exploration. The nearby Semliki Valley is a low-lying birding hotspot with 2 very different protected areas and the location of a popular walk to a cluster of hot springs where the water reaches more than 100°C.
Close to the equator is Queen Elizabeth National Park, a varied mix of savannah, tropical rainforest and lakes where you can take game drives, track lions and leopard, search for chimpanzees and take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel linking lakes George and Edward. The boat ride is a real highlight, often passing large herds of elephant, hippo and buffalo, with wonderful birdlife too. Late afternoon sees small fishing boats heading out onto Lake Edward. The Ishasha sector of the park is famous for its tree-climbing lions who often rest up in the branches in the heat of the day.
The immense Rwenzori is the highest mountain range on the African continent and runs for 120km along the Uganda-Congo border. The name Rwenzori originates from rwe nzururu, meaning place of snow in the local Bakonzo language and on clear days the views to the glacial mountain peaks are breath taking. For those with the required degree of fitness, trekking in the national park offers an incredible diversity of landscape, from tropical hardwood and bamboo forests, to Afro-alpine moorlands scattered with giant flowering lobelias.
Around Jinja, there’s a wide range of activities on offer - visit the source of the Nile, enjoy water-based activities, horse-riding, biking and more. It’s also a great place to just relax and regenerate beside the water.
The sparsely populated remote north-eastern region of Karamoja is rich in culture, exhilarating views, and great for some off the beaten track adventures. The isolated Kidepo Valley National Park in the far north has a true wilderness feel, with wildlife rich grasslands surrounded by rugged mountains and few visitors.
On the Kenyan border, the extinct volcano Mount Elgon has fewer visitors than some of the better known East African peaks but offers rewarding hiking opportunities if reasonably fit. Most popular is a 4 day hike to the highest peak Wagagai at 4,321m. More gentle walks can be enjoyed on the lower slopes, where a popular place to stay is Sipi Falls.