Things to do in  Uganda

Both Uganda’s oldest and largest nature reserve, Murchison Falls National Park is home to the Rabonga and Budongo forests, vast savannah grasslands, and the roaring cascades that give the safari park its name. Come for the chance to spot four of the Big Five: elephants, leopards, lions, and buffalo. You can also spot elusive white rhinos in the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Located in the lush highlands of southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of only three places where you can encounter critically endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. The protected forest reserve not only shelters half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, but is also home to 120 mammal species, several hundred bird species, and more than 150 types of trees.

One of Uganda’s most popular nature reserves, this sprawling safari park is an excellent place to experience the Rift Valley’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. The park spans dense forests, hippo-filled lakes, and savannah grasslands flanked by volcanic peaks. It’s also the only place outside of Tanzania where you can spot the rare tree-climbing lion, plus chimpanzees and more than 600 species of birds.

Nakasero Market has served as one of Kampala’s main trade spots since 1895. The vibrant and often chaotic market offers insight into local life and serves as a stark contrast to the embassies and elite hotels that surround it. Fresh produce can be purchased in the the large outdoor section, while the indoor portion specialises in clothes, machinery, and souvenirs.

Although most famous for being the source of the Nile River, Lake Victoria also boasts the title of the world’s largest tropical lake. Despite its diverse species, scenic shores, and vital role in local industries, much of the African Great Lake remains off-the-beaten-track, making it the ideal getaway from Uganda’s bustling cities.

While Lake Mburo might be Uganda’s smallest national park—it covers about 31 miles (50 kilometers)—it’s also the closest safari reserve to Kampala and Entebbe. That makes it an excellent day trip option for travelers seeking an escape from the big city. The protected area is a haven for birdwatching and is home to dozens of enticing mammal species, including zebras, hippos, giraffes, and leopards.

Opened in 1908, Uganda Museum is among the oldest museums in East Africa. Its five galleries provide an overview of the region’s rich history, from the prehistoric age to the present. Highlights include its collection of folk instruments, its Idi Amin exhibition, and the outdoor village that showcases traditional architecture from across the country.

Built in 1885, Kabaka's Palace (Lubiri) is the historic official residence of the Buganda king. Following a 1966 military coup, the palace’s subterranean storage tunnels were used to incarcerate political prisoners. Although the palace’s classic facade has been restored, chilling reminders of the Idi Amin dictatorship remain in the grounds.

As the burial site of four Buganda kings, the UNESCO-listed Kasubi Tombs hold important cultural and spiritual significance in Uganda. The main Muzibu Azaala Mpanga structure is made from organic materials and marks the central point of the site, which sprawls across Kasubi Hill.

Located on Kampala Hill, the Uganda National Mosque caters to the country’s significant Muslim population and has a capacity of 35,000 worshippers. Completed in 2006, the temple was originally known as the Gaddafi National Mosque and serves as the headquarters for Islam in Uganda. Its 166-foot (65-meter) minaret provides panoramic views of the city.

The aptly named Old Taxi Park is the oldest—and biggest—transit terminal in Kampala, Uganda. Although a transportation hub doesn’t necessarily sound like a must-see attraction, it has become an offbeat tourist destination (especially for photographers) because of the impressive spectacle of thousands of white minibuses navigating the cramped lot. It’s also the starting point for many short-distance rides throughout the city.

Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo pays tribute to the 32 Ugandan Christians—collectively, the Martyrs of Uganda—killed in 1886 under the orders of Mwanga II, who was kabaka, or king, of the Buganda kingdom at that time. The Roman Catholic basilica and shrine broke ground in 1965, just one year after Pope Paul VI canonized the deceased as saints. It now draws thousands of Christian and non-Christian visitors alike.

Tucked away in the highlands of southern Uganda, this freshwater lake is one of the region’s hidden gems. The crystal-clear waters are surrounded by the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountain Range, home to critically endangered mountain gorillas. There are 15 islands on the lake, but only Mutanda Island is inhabited—the rest are a haven for birdlife, from kingfishers and ibis to cormorants and pelicans.

The legendary Nile River might be most famously associated with Egypt, but it starts in southern Uganda. The longest river in the world flows through a total of nine African countries, finally ending up in the Mediterranean Sea. From Jinja, a small Ugandan city on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, visitors can see where the Nile begins.

Located in Uganda’s verdant Kabale region near the border with Rwanda, Lake Bunyonyi is known for its scenery—in a country not short on impressive bodies of water. The volcanic lake is surrounded by green slopes and dotted with a few dozen islands. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, particularly of the winged variety (Bunyonyi means “small birds.”)