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Uganda✨ 10 best things to do in Uganda

Things to do in Uganda

1. Trek with mountain gorillasHike through the dense rainforest of Bwindi for an unforgettable hour with a gorilla family.
2. Track chimpanzees in KibaleFollow the hoots and calls of chimps through one of Africa's richest primate forests.
3. Raft the White NileTackle big rapids near Jinja, close to where the Nile begins its journey north.
4. Cruise to Murchison FallsSail past hippos, crocodiles and elephants to the foot of the falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge.
5. Boat on the Kazinga ChannelDrift along the channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, crowded with buffalo, hippos and birds.
6. Look for tree-climbing lionsSearch the fig trees of the Ishasha sector, where lions often lounge in the branches.
7. Canoe on Lake BunyonyiPaddle among terraced hills and tiny islands on one of Uganda's loveliest lakes.
8. Hike the Rwenzori MountainsTrek through giant lobelias and glaciers in the misty 'Mountains of the Moon'.
9. Visit Sipi FallsHike between three waterfalls on the slopes of Mount Elgon and tour small coffee farms.
10. Eat a rolexTry Uganda's favourite street snack, a chapati rolled around a vegetable omelette.

Uganda🗺️ Where to visit in Uganda

Where to go in Uganda

• 
  Bwindi Impenetrable National ParkSouthwest · gorillasA UNESCO-listed rainforest that is home to a large share of the world's mountain gorillas.
• 
  Murchison Falls National ParkNorthwest · safariUganda's largest park, with classic savannah wildlife and the dramatic Murchison Falls.
• 
  Queen Elizabeth National ParkWest · safariCrater lakes, the Kazinga Channel and Ishasha's tree-climbing lions in a scenic setting.
• 
  Kibale National ParkWest · chimpanzeesThe best place in East Africa for chimpanzee tracking, with many other primates.
• 
  JinjaEast · adventureThe source of the Nile and Uganda's adventure capital for rafting, kayaking and bungee jumping.
• 
  Lake BunyonyiSouthwest · lakeA peaceful, island-dotted lake perfect for relaxing after gorilla trekking.
• 📍
  Rwenzori Mountains National ParkWest · trekkingSnow-capped peaks on the equator and challenging multi-day treks for serious hikers.
• 📍
  Kidepo Valley National ParkFar northeast · wildernessA remote park of wide valleys and mountains, with lions, cheetahs and few other visitors.

Uganda🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Uganda

Best time to visit Uganda

Thanks to its altitude, Uganda enjoys a pleasant, warm climate all year despite sitting on the equator. Most of the country has two rainy seasons, while the southwest highlands are cooler and the northeast around Kidepo is hotter and drier.

Typical daytime highs and rain in Kampala (approximate averages).

Uganda🎉 Festivals & events in Uganda

• June
  Uganda Martyrs DayOn 3 June huge numbers of pilgrims gather at the shrine in Namugongo near Kampala.
• October
  Independence Day9 October is marked with parades, flags and celebrations nationwide.
• August (even-numbered years)
  ImbaluThe Bagisu people of the Mount Elgon region celebrate a coming-of-age ceremony with dancing and drumming.
• Usually late in the year
  Nyege Nyege FestivalA multi-day electronic and African music festival on the banks of the Nile near Jinja.

Uganda🧭 Uganda itinerary ideas

How many days in Uganda?

Uganda🎒 Backpacking Uganda – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $35–55 a day

• Book gorilla and chimpanzee permits well in advance through the national wildlife authority or a licensed operator, as numbers are limited.
• Long-distance buses and shared minibuses (matatus) are cheap but crowded; leave early as they depart when full.
• Jinja, Kampala and Lake Bunyonyi have the best hostels and backpacker camps.
• Eat local staples such as matoke, beans, posho and rolex from street stalls for very little.
• Join a group or shared tour to cut costs for parks that are hard to reach by public transport.

Uganda🛡️ Safety & money in Uganda

Emergency: 999 · 112

Uganda🛬 Getting to Uganda

Entebbe International Airport, near Kampala, is the main international gateway. Land borders connect with Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, with frequent buses from Nairobi and Kigali.

✈️ Cheap flights to Uganda: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Uganda💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Uganda

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to roughly half of the world's mountain gorillas.
• The White Nile begins its long journey to the Mediterranean from Lake Victoria at Jinja.
• Despite sitting on the equator, the Rwenzori Mountains have glaciers and permanent snow.
• Uganda has recorded more than 1,000 bird species, making it a top birding destination.
• Lake Victoria, shared with Kenya and Tanzania, is the largest lake in Africa.

Uganda❓ Uganda travel FAQ

Uganda travel questions