1. See the Mountain Gorillas
This the undisputed number one. Neary every tourist who visits Uganda goes on to see the mountain gorillas during gorilla trekking. It is something you really should not miss, a unique wildlife experience. Mountain gorillas look a lot like us.
You only truly see that when you stand face to face with them. The way they look at you, how they move, the interaction within their families – you feel the kinship. With your visit, you also contribute to the protection and monitoring of the endangered mountains gorillas in Uganda.
Also, you hike through beautiful area. Along the foot of a volcanic mountain. Through a tropical rainforest jungle. And while you hike and search for the gorillas, an experienced local guide tells you all about the plants that grow there, their medicinal properties, and why a gorilla eats what it eats.
Read more about gorilla trekking in Uganda.
2. See Wild Chimpanzees
Not only are the mountain gorillas a must-see, the wild chimpanzees in Uganda are just as much so. They resemble us even more. They are social and are energetic. They fight. They make love right before your eyes. It is a true spectacle. The nice thing about chimpanzees is that they are not shy at all. They will peacefully come and sit next to you on the ground.
3. Admire the Murchison Falls on A Boat Cruise
Murchison Falls is considered the most powerful waterfall in the world. Here, the entire Nile River (about 60 meters wide) – a mass of water approximately 300 cubic meters per second – is forced through a narrow gorge only 7 meters wide. The water plunges 43 meters into the so-called “Devil’s Cauldron.” The ground trembles, and the spray forms a permanent rainbow.
You can visit the fall in two ways. At the top, by driving there. But it is even more fun to take a boat cruise towards the foot of the waterfall in a private boat. That is when you truly see the size and power of the Murchison Falls and the Nile River.
Moreover, the boat cruise itself is a very special experience. You are constantly surrounded by pods of hippos. You see huge Nile crocodiles lying by the water’s edge. And if you are lucky, you will see a family of elephants drinking and taking a bath during your boat safari.
4. Check out Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park offers all kinds of alternative ways to go on a safari. You can enjoy a mountain biking among the zebras, antelopes, and giraffes, for example. Or you can go on a game walk. You can even go horseback riding inside the park. So, if you don’t want to just sit in the car and want to get even closer to nature and the animals, Lake Mburo National Park is the perfect place for you. You can go on a safari there like nowhere else.
5. Take a walk through Kyambura Gorge
The Kyambura Gorge is a deep, green canyon about 11 kilometers long and 100 meters deep inside Queen Elizabeth National Park. You hike into the gorge and find yourself in the heart of a dense, lush rainforest. You walk through the deep green jungle that resembles an untouched “Garden of Eden.” You hear the hippos, monkeys, and with luck, you may even see chimpanzees. It is nothing short of a magical experience.
6. See lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
In Queen Elizabeth National Park there is a pride of lions that has been monitored by researchers for years. You can track these lions with a researcher and ranger. You will be permitted to drive off-track, allowing you to view the animals from super close up. The researcher and ranger offers a wealth of information about how the lions live. So, it is much more than just a quick snapshot – you really get to know the lions. And with a bit of luck, you might even spot some leopards en route.
7. See the Golden monkeys
You can see golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Together with an experienced local ranger guide, you will go on a trek of several hours on foot up a volcanic mountain. First, you walk through beautiful grassland, which slowly changes into bamboo forest – that is where the golden monkeys live. Once you have found them, you are allowed to observe them for an hour. Golden monkeys are beautiful to see.
8. Go on a crater lake drive' in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is huge, covering nearly 2000 square kilometers. It is known for its diversity of landscapes and abundant wildlife. One of the most beautiful things you can do there is the ‘Crater Lake Drive’. You drive through the national park past several large crater lakes. The combination of the craters and the sky makes for a unique sight.
The Crater Lake Drive combines well with your nature game drive. During the tour, your tour guide will certainly make time for a lovely sundowner. If you happen to want to propose to your partner – that might just be the perfect moment.
9. Take a hike through Mount Moroto
Mountain Moroto is located in the northeastern Uganda, near the border with Kenya. Tourism here is still in its infancy. You can do a beautiful one- or two-day hike on Mt Moroto.
The landscape is unique; it is a no-man’s-land. Moreover, the mountain is situated in the Karamoja Region where the Karamajong people live. So, you can enjoy the beautiful nature, as well as cultural experiences to know the tribes that live in a traditional way. If you are looking for a unique safari experience in Uganda, if you love culture, nature, and are not afraid of – then a hike through Mount Moroto is highly recommended. Read more about hiking in Uganda.
10. Check Out Kampala city
If you would like to know a real African city, you must go for a Kampala city tour. And you don’t have to do it on your own – our tour guide can go with you. He shows you the highlights, such as the palace of the Buganda Kingdom, the UNESCO-World-listed Kasubi Tombs, and the largest mosque in Africa. You visit local markets. You get to know the most delicious local food.
Ou tour guides know the city like the back of his hand, so you only have to follow your guide and experience the city like a local.
Our list of the top 10 things to see in Uganda is complete. But even with the top 10, we are actually doing Uganda a disservice. You could easily drive around the country for months and see something new every day. If you would like to read more about Uganda, check out our blogs about it. For example, about the Uganda national park, animals in Uganda, and the best time to travel to Uganda.
We are Choose Uganda Safaris
A team of seasoned Uganda experts. If you are considering coming this way for your dream trip – you can call, text, or email us. We will help you on your way. Would you like more tips on your trip to Uganda? Then you can browse through travel blogs.