Visit Uganda, Things To Do, Places To Visit

Uganda is an exciting place for one to be for a safari due to the numerous things that you can do. Below is a list of things that you can do while on a safari to Uganda and these can be done all year round irrelevant of the seasons. As you plan a safari to Africa, make sure that Uganda is on your bucket list. There are a lot of things that you can do while in Uganda in Uganda and on your bucket list, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, game drives, birding, visiting the different National Parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo National Park, Semuliki, Lake Mburo, Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable park should be top of your list Below are some of the few things that you can engage in while in Uganda.   mountain gorillas

Primate tracking

Uganda has the largest number of primates in East Africa like chimpanzees, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, Mountain gorillas, and red-tailed monkeys. The most famously tracked primates in Uganda are gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys.

Chimpanzee trekking

chimpanzee trekking uganda Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is one of the top activities that you can engage in while on a safari to the country. With the introduction of chimpanzee habituation, tourists can now easily connect with the primates and observe all their behaviours that are almost similar to humans. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda can be done in different parts of Uganda and these are:

 Chimpanzee trekking in Kibaale National Park

Kibaale National Park is home to over 1500 chimpanzees and the best place to track them. It has 5 habituated chimpanzee families which can be visited by tourists but only after getting a chimp trekking permit. A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibaale costs $150 for foreign residents, shs150000 for EAC and $200 for foreigners.

 Trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Chimp trekking in Queen Elizabeth is carried out in the Kyambura Gorge and while on the trek, you will be able to see other primates like the vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. To know more about chimpanzees trekking in Uganda and the different tracking destinations, check out our article about chimpanzee tracking.

Gorilla trekking

Bwindi impenetrable Park is home to more than half the population of gorillas in the whole world and the best destination for gorilla trekking. Gorilla safaris can however also be done in Mgahinga National park and this is the most participated activity in Uganda. Mountain gorillas were declared an endangered species and therefore a handful of tourists are allowed to meet the primates. Getting access to the gorillas is not an easy task and you will need to pre-book your gorilla permit months before due to their high demand. A gorilla permit goes for $700 per person and this fee does not include park entrance fees and accommodation. A gorilla trek is an experience that you do not want to miss out on while on a safari to Uganda.

Golden monkey tracking

uganda golden monkey Golden monkeys in Uganda are found in the Mgahinga National park and this is because they survive better in bamboo forests, unlike any other place. They have also been declared endangered species and require a permit before tracking them. Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is easy and there are no limitations to the number of people that visit the golden monkeys per day.

Go for Game drives

Game drives are the highlight of every Ugandan safari because they take you around the different destinations where you get to see the wildlife that is in the country. There are several safari drive destinations in the different parts of the country and these include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo National Park, Murchison Falls National park, and Semuliki National Park. Some of the wildlife you get to see while on a game drive includes the big five that is lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and Rhinos. Other animals include the Uganda Kob, zebras, elands, antelopes, crocodiles, giraffes,

Go for birding

uganda birding shoebill Birding in Uganda is carried out in various locations offering tourists a wide range of bird species to explore. Uganda is home to over 1000 bird species with the Queen Elizabeth National Park having the largest number at 612 bird species. Birding in Uganda is best carried out during the green/wet season which is from March to May and then from September to December. The migratory birds fly into the county during this period and common bird species that you should look out for include the Great blue Turaco, standard winged nightjar, crested crane, African shoebill, ostriches and fish skimmers.

Exploring the City Center

Shopping in Owino market

Owino which is located right in the city Centre of Kampala is the one-stop center for all you’re shopping needs. Shopping in Owino is a whole new experience and it gives you the Ugandan vibe about shopping from local markets. With the numerous entrances leading to the market, you do not want to get lost so you need to keep with your group at all times. Owino had everything that you might need from bags, shoes, clothes, food, kitchenware, bedroom items, and many more other things. Expect lots of loud noise, chaos, and large crowds and you should avoid moving with your valuables if possible.

Explore the reptile village

The reptile village is found in Entebbe and one of the least visited attractions in Uganda. This is one place that you should check out on your way to Kampala or from Kampala back to the airport because it only requires an hour of your time to explore the village. It is home to different reptiles like lizards, different types of snakes, crocodiles, chameleons, and tortoises among others.

Go on a food safari around Kampala

Uganda is the food basket in East Africa and has a variety of local foods that you can try out while on your safari. Check out the matooke (pressed banana fingers), millet, cassava, sweet potatoes, and so many more locally grown crops. Do not forget the main street food which is known as a Rolex and Nsenene delicacy (fried grasshoppers). A Rolex is an omelette wrapped inside a chapatti and can be found on almost every street in Uganda at all times.

 Take a boda ride around Kampala

Bodas (motorcycles) are the best way in which many of the locals get around the city. Kampala is always filled with heavy jam and the only way to get to your destination on time is by taking a boda. If you want to explore all the little hidden corners of Kampala then get a boda to take you around but you will need to be careful about the rides and that is why you need to ask your local tour operator to arrange one for you.

Take an adventure to the Nile River

River Nile is the longest river in the country and Africa and offers some of the best activities in the country. Some of the activities that tourists participate in while on the Nile include the following:

 River and Jet boarding

River boarding and jet boarding are activities that are carried out on the strongest Rapids that are on River Nile. The activity is not for the faint-hearted and you need to be ready for the high speed at which the rapids move. If you are traveling with your family, jet boarding is highly recommended.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a fun experience that everyone should try out. With a kayak, paddles, and a life jacket you can learn how to kayak on the river Nile with the help of an experienced tour guide. While kayaking there are some techniques that you can learn like rescue techniques, forward paddling, and control skills.

White water rafting

River Nile is best known for having grade-five rapids which make white water rafting an interesting activity. This is the perfect activity for adrenaline lovers because these rapids are not for the faint-hearted.

Visit the Sipi Falls

sipi falls uganda Sipi Falls is found in the Kapchorwa district and is about 270 kilometers away from the city center of Kampala. Sipi Falls is made up of 4 waterfalls that were formed from the Sipi River and the most visited out of the four flows at 100 meters from a cliff. Sipi Falls destination is the perfect getaway for tourists who love a peaceful trek surrounded by sounds from the falling water. A Sipi falls safari can be joined with other activities that are carried out on Mountain Elgon. They can be visited all year round however the best time is during the dry season when the hike routes are not slippery.

Visit the Ssese islands

Found in the south-western part of Lake Victoria, 80 small islands make up the Ssese Islands which are commonly known as the Kalangala Islands. Although best known for being a top honeymoon destination, other activities are carried out in Ssese, including sport fishing, nature walks, canoe rides, boat cruises, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying the nightlife in Kalangala.

Hike up the Mountains

Uganda has several Mountains where you can hike and the hikes are mainly taken on Mountain Rwenzori. Mountain Rwenzori is the highest Mountain in Uganda and the hardest to climb in East Africa. A hike up Mountain Rwenzori can take about 9 days before you get to the snow-capped peak and it can still take more days depending on your strength. Prepare yourself and take a hike up the tallest mountain in the country.

Experience the culture of the local people

Uganda is a multi-lingual country with over 10 tribes. Each tribe found in Uganda is unique in its way starting with its language, traditional dancing, songs, and culture. Baganda have their unique culture that is depicted in folk songs, the Batwa people living in the south-western part of the country have their own culture, and people from Eastern Uganda, Northern, and other parts of the country all have unique cultures that you can try to understand through the different traditional dances. You can also join in the traditional dances to add to the fun.

Visit the Equator

Located in kayabwe along Masaka road is a landmark that was set up to represent the Equator that passes through Uganda. Since the Equator is not physical, the constructed site showing exactly where the equator passes is one of the tourist attractions that you should visit while on a safari to Uganda. Photos taken at the equator are like challenges for everyone who visits because each tourist wants to show how they can be in both the North and southern hemisphere of the equator.

Enjoy cultural trips in Uganda

Cultural tours in Uganda will take you to the different cultural sites that are found within the country and these will take you back in time with the many stories that are connected to these places. A tour guide or local caretaker will always be available to explain more about the cultural sites. Sites that should not miss out on your bucket list include:

The Kasubi tombs

The Kasubi tombs are a royal treasure to the Buganda culture because this is where the former kabakas (kings) of Buganda are buried. The Kasubi tombs were built using traditional materials and although they were burnt down a few years back, they have been reconstructed and you can still visit to see the royal regalia which is always buried with the kings.

Nyero rock painting trip

The Nyero rocks are located in Kumi district which is found in the Eastern part of Uganda. The paintings on the rocks date back over 1000 years ago making them the oldest rock paintings in the country. No one knows how the rock paintings came about but some researchers believe they were done by the Batwa people who currently live in the south-western part of Uganda near the Bwindi impenetrable park. The paintings consist of animals, handprints and various animals and a tour guide will be around to explain what they mean.

Namugongo shrine

This is a famous place for Christians because this is where most of the Uganda Martyrs were burnt to death from. In the year 1886 on the orders of kabaka 32 young men belonging to both the Anglican and Catholic Church who refused to denounce their Christian faith were burnt to death in Namugongo. Every year on 3rd June, large crowds of people gather at the shrines for prayers in remembrance of the Uganda Martyrs. You can however visit the shrines on any day and get to know note about the Uganda Martyrs, why they were killed, and also see the statues that were made depicting how they were burnt.

Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru

Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru is located in Fort portal which is found in Western Uganda. They have a rich history and if you have time, you should check them out as you had to Semuliki National Park. Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru can loosely be translated as ‘Breasts of Nyinamwiru’ and they were named after a king’s daughter. King Bakuku chose a husband for her daughter and when the beautiful girl refused to marry him, the angered king ordered that her breasts for disobeying him, and after cutting them off, they were thrown to the same location where the caves are located and the locale believe they still have milk coming out of them.

The Bahai temple

This is found in the capital city of Kampala and is the only one found in Africa. It was opened up in 1962 and since then many people travel to come and see the only Bahai Temple on the continent. You can rest in the gardens around the temple and enjoy the views that can be seen from the Kikaya hill where the temple is found.

Kabaka’s palace in Mengo

A palace in Luganda is known as Olubiri and it is where the king of Buganda stays. The Lubiri in Mengo is the official palace in Buganda and was constructed by Mwanga II in 1885. Many of the official deals of the kingdom are carried out from here and a visit to Mengo will give you a chance to learn more about the history of the Buganda people and their traditions. While in Kampala, you shouldn’t miss out on a trip to the Lubiri.

Check out the climbing lions

The climbing lions in Uganda are in the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are 50 climbing lions in Ishasha and these are best seen when taking game drives around the National Park. These large cats are always up in the trees and although no one knows the real reason as to why they climb the trees, some researchers believe that they climb trees because it is easier to spot their prey when they are up in the trees.

Take a trip to the Old Kampala Mosque

The Old Kampala mosque also known as the Gadaffi mosque was first constructed by former president Idi Amin Dada but was not completed due to the wars and his exile from the country. After 25 years of waiting, former Libya president Gadaffi started from where Amin had left off and the mosque was completed in 2006. It is the largest mosque in Uganda and worth visiting. There is no way we can include everything that you can do while on a safari to Uganda because the list might not end. Itineraries can be made for the different safari destinations where you carry out these activities and much more. Let us plan your safari to Uganda and get to enjoy some of the best, most engaging and exciting activities.