The country offers a wide range of beautiful places to visit while on a Uganda-Africa safari, and below are some of the best Uganda tourist places to visit.

National Parks in Uganda

The 10 national parks make Uganda home to several wildlife species, birds, and other ecosystems.

1.    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi National Park was declared a national park in 1991 and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. It is home to wildlife species, but its popular tourism attraction is mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places to visit in Uganda for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

The park is found in south western Uganda. It is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and is located along the Democratic Republic of the Congo border next to the Virunga National Park, covering an area of 331 square kilometers.

Top Tourist Attractions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Being one of the beautiful places to visit in Uganda, it is a home to.

• Over 459 mountain gorillas
• 350 bird species
• 310 butterflies
• 27 frog species
• 120 mammal species
• The area is home to 1000 flowering plants, which include 160 tree species, mosses, and others.
• Lakes and rivers, e.g., Lake Mulehe, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda, and River Ivi.,

Amazing Activities at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

• Mountain gorilla trekking
• Birdwatching
• Cultural and village walks
• Hiking
• Canoeing and boat cruises at Lake Mutanda
• Wildlife viewing.

   Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Lodges

Are you a wildlife enthusiast? Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south west Uganda for your unforgettable safari experience as you explore the world’s gentle giants (mountain gorillas).

2.    Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is another place to visit in the Kasese district in the western region of Uganda, covering an area of about 1978 square kilometers and spanning the equator line at latitude 0 degrees.

The park was first established in 1952 as Kazinga Channel National Park but was later renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park in 1954.

According to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the park is home to

• Over 95 mammal species, including 10 primate species like baboons and other endangered species, etc.
• Crater lakes like Lake Bunyampaka and Lake Katwe.
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Kasenyi plains
• Natural habitat
• Kazinga channel
• Tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
• Over 600 bird species
• Sprawling savanna

Fun Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Birdwatching
• Chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura Gorge
• Boat trips to Kazinga Channel
• Game drives at Mweya Peninsula
• Lion tracking and seeing tree climbing lions
• Research in Kasenyi plains

Beautiful accommodations in Queen Elizabeth National Park that range from low-budget, mid-range and luxury lodges.

These beautiful lodges include Elephant Hub Lodge, Enganzi Lodge, Kyambuya Lodge, White House Lodge, Katara Lodge, and Park View Lodge, among others.

Plan your next safari to the most visited national park in Uganda and have an amazing wildlife experience.

3.    Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park, covering an area of about 3,893 km² (1,503.096 square miles), making it one of the best places to visit in Uganda. It was first designated as a game reserve in 1926, but in 1952, it was gazetted as Kabalega National Park.

Later, it was named Murchison Falls National Park due to its location around Murchison Falls, which flows from the Victoria Nile.

Major Tourist Attraction in Murchison Falls NP

• Diverse wildlife, which includes over 800 chimpanzees, olive baboons, black & white Columbus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, over 900 elephants
• Crocodiles and Hippos at the banks of River Nile
• Amphibians
• Over 550 bird species, including shoebill, among others.
•  Physical features like vast savannah plains, Karuma Falls, and the Nile River, which inhabit aquatic life like hippos, crocodiles, and many others.

Most Interesting Activities in Murchison Falls NP

• Guided trek
• Boat trips and sunset cruises available on the Victoria Nile, Murchison Falls, and Lake Albert
• Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest and Rubongo Forest
• Fishing tours on Lake Albert
• Game drives that spot you to a variety of animals, birds, and plant species
• Hot air balloon flights

Top accommodations in Murchison Falls National Park for a wonderful nightly stay include Bakers Lodge, Murchison Motels, Red Chilli Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, and Nile Safari Lodge, among others.

Book your Uganda safari today and get a chance to explore one of the best places to visit.

4.    Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is in the western part of Uganda, and it ranks among the best places to visit. It covers an area of 766 square kilometers. The park is a protected area under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Kibale Forest National Park is best known for its number and variety of primates, which include Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees (Kanyanchu chimpanzees).  Some of the tourists visit Kibale National Park specifically for these gentle giants, the chimpanzees.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Kibale National Park.

• Over 1500 chimpanzees were divided into 12 dozen, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
• Other primate species like baboons, monkeys like black and white colobus, etc.
• 120 other mammal species, including elephants, antelopes, and warthogs, among others
• 370 bird species, some of which include blue-headed bee-eaters, etc.
• 351 tree species
• Murchison falls
• Natural habitat

Top Adventure Activities in This Park Include

Chimpanzee trekking, monkey trekking, birding tours, especially in Bigodi wetlands, chimpanzee habituation, nature walks, Crater Lake tours, etc.

Best accommodation near Kibale National Park.

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge offers accommodation in beautifully furnished self-contained cottages with a panoramic view of Kibale National Park.

5.    Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park one of the best places to visit in the northeastern part of Uganda in Kaabongo district on the borders of Uganda and South Sudan, covering an area of 1442 km2.  It remains one of the best national parks for every wildlife viewer to visit while on a Uganda wildlife safari.

It was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1958 by the British colonial government in the process of clearing the bush to control the tsetse flies but was later upgraded to a national park in 1962.

Best Tourist Attractions in Kidepo National Park

• Diverse wildlife like giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelope species, and leopards, among others
• Over 400 bird species, e.g., ostriches and yellow-billed storks, among others.
• The region boasts physical features such as the Kidepo Valley, Mount Morungole, Narus Valley, Kidepo River, savannah plains, and Kanangorok hot springs.

Fun things to do

• Morning and evening game drives to view animals in Kidepo and Narus Valley.
• Nature walks
• Birdwatching
• Cultural tours
• Hiking and mountain climbing

Accommodation available near the park

Contact our team to plan your visit to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of the best places to visit in Uganda.

6.    Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest but convenient for Uganda wildlife safaris. It is one of the best places to visit in Uganda, located in Kiruhura district. It covers an area of about 260 square kilometers.

Together with other lakes in the area, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50 km-long wetland system linked by a swamp. Five of these lakes lie within the park’s borders. This supports the healthy population of buffalo, warthogs, and hippopotamuses.

Interesting Tourist Attractions in The Park

• Over 350 bird species
• Lakes, like Lake Mburo, etc.
• Rubanga forest
• Primate species like monkeys
• Wildlife predators, like lions, hyenas, leopards, and jackals, among others.
• Other animals, such as zebras, giraffes, and antelope species, are also present.
• Horses
• Natural habitats

Travelers Can Engage in the Following Activities:

•  Bird watching
• Water sports like boat cruises, sport fishing, rafting, and canoeing, etc.
• Game drives
• Nature walks, horseback riding, mountain biking, and cycling in the open plains of savannah grasslands.

The best accommodations around Lake Mburo National Park that travelers can maximize include Kigambira Safari Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, and Arcadia Rock Lodge, among others.

Plan your visit to Lake Mburo and have a chance to spot leopards, the popular tourist attraction in the park.

7.    Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in southwestern Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. It covers nearly 100,000 ha.

It comprises the main part of the Rwenzori Mountain chain, which includes Africa’s third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m), making it rank among the best places to visit in Uganda.

The park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and a Ramsar site in 2008.

Outstanding Attractions at Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

• Forest elephants
• Over 217 bird species
• Primates, e.g., Colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys, Hyrax, and chimpanzees.
• Rwenzori snow peaks
• Lake Rwenzori, like Lake Mahoma

Amazing tourist activities for tourists to participate in include.

Mountain climbing, wildlife viewing, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and guided treks, among others.

The Top Accommodation Facilities for Mountain Climbers and Trekkers.

Visit the world-class hiking and mountaineering destination known for Uganda mountain trekking safaris and tours.

8.    Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga, though small, contains a dramatic, panoramic backdrop formed by three volcanoes. This smallest park in Uganda covers an area of 33.9 km² in the southwest of Uganda in Kisoro district.

Initially established as a sanctuary in 1930, Mgahinga underwent an upgrade to a national park in 1991, purposely to preserve mountain gorillas.

Interesting things to see in the park

•  Primate species like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, white monkeys, and colobus monkeys.
• Over 76 mammals, including bush pigs, giant forest hogs, African bush elephants, buffaloes, leopards, etc.
• Virunga Mountains
• Bird species, e.g., strange weavers, regal sunbirds, etc.

Adventure activities done by travelers in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may include gorilla trekking, Monkey tracking, Bird watching, etc.

Accommodations that will give you a good night’s stay while on safari: Ingagi Park View, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mt. Muhabura Climber Rest Camp, Amakoro Songa Lodge, etc.

Have the best of your quality time trekking the gorillas in the rolling hills of Kisoro.

9.   Semuliki National Park

Located in Bundibugyo district in western Uganda, it is known for bird watching, making it the best place to visit in Uganda for birders. It was first considered a reserve in 1932 and declared a national park in 1933.

The park lies across the floor of the Semuliki Valley on the western side of the Rwenzori Mountains. It is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin.

Spectacular Things to See in the Park.

• Over 441 bird species, e.g., spot-breasted ibis,
• 300 butterflies,
• 235-month species
• Lake Albert
• River Semuliki
• Hot springs
• Primate species like chimpanzees and monkeys
• Diverse wildlife, e.g., Uganda Kob, crocodile, pygmy hippo, etc.

Done adventure Activities

• Wildlife viewing
• Cultural tours
• Primate tracking
• chimpanzee tracking
• River cruises on the Semuliki River

The best accommodation facilities for your unforgettable experience at Semuliki National Park include Semuliki Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Royal Cottage, and Green Home Cottage & Campsite.

10.        Mount Elgon National Park (The Mountain Of The Moon)

 Mount Elgon National Park, one of the best places to visit in Uganda, is popular for mountain trekking safaris and tours.

It is an isolated park located in eastern Uganda in the Mbale district.

It has a surface area of 1,279 km², while the smaller Kenyan section covers 169 km². Its 4,321-meter peak is the eighth highest in Africa.

• Bukigai Hills
• Several Rivers, such as the Sipi, Nzoia River, etc.
• Nyero rock painting
• Sipi falls
• 300 bird species
• Wildlife like elephants, buffalos, small antelopes, etc.
• Caldera at Mount Elgon Park

Fun things to do in the park

• Birding
• Nature walks
• Hiking on Mount Elgon
• Rock climbing on Mount Elgon
• The Bamasaba cultural tour

Best accommodation facilities around the park

Are you a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or bird lover? Book your safari now to any of Uganda’s national parks.

 National Reserves in Uganda

Uganda has a total of about 12. These game reserves also contribute to Uganda’s safaris due to several tourist attractions and activities there.

These include Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve. Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve, Matheniko Wildlife Reserve, Kyambura Wildlife Game Reserve, Kabwoya Wildlife Game Reserve, Karuma Wildlife Reserve, Bubungu Wildlife Reserve, Kigezi Wildlife Reserve, Aswa Lolim Game Reserve, Ajai Wildlife Reserve.

Game reserves are among the best places to visit in Uganda. that are known for hosting some of the wildlife that you may have missed in the national parks.

Mabira Forest

Mabira Forest is one of the oldest forests gazette many years back. This forest is found in Buikwe District along Jinja road. It covers 20 square miles.

It is a protected area under the Ministry of Water and Environment together with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The forest is home to diverse wildlife species, over 210 butterfly species, 300 bird species, primate species, and different tree species.

Some of the things to do in the forest include camping, birdwatching, zip lining, monkey tracking, and environmental research, among others.

Where to stay near the Mabira Rainforest Lodge, Griffins Falls Camp, etc., All these are good to enjoy what Mabira Forest can offer.

Whether you are a nature lover or wildlife enthusiast, Mabira Forest remains one of the best places to visit in Uganda while on your safari.

Beside Mabira Forest, there are other forests, which include Maramagambo Forest, Budongo Forest, Mpanga Central Forest Reserve, Royal Mile Budongo Forest, Matiri Forest, and Lukango Tree Conservancy, among others.

 Lakes and Rivers in Uganda

Uganda is rich in water bodies, which contribute to its favorable climate and vegetation cover, thereby supporting wildlife in national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.

These are some of the lakes in Uganda, but the most visited is Lake Victoria, given its large size and numerous activities.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake and the largest tropical lake in the world, covering an area of 68,800 square kilometers.

This Great African Lake is in East Africa and lies in an ancient basin on the borders of three countries: Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.

Amazing Tourist Attractions at Lake Victoria Include

• Birds like shoebills
• Beaches
• Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary
• Equator Crossing Point
• Entebbe Botanical Garden
• Fishing sites

Fun Activities Done While on a Safari to Lake Victoria

• Boat cruises
• Sunbathing on beach vacations
• Lake Victoria Island Cycling Tours
• Chimpanzee trekking at Ngamba Island
• Fishing expeditions to snag the Nile perch
• Swimming
• Birdwatching
• Kayaking

Lake Victoria hotels for your joyous nights include Forever Eco Resort—Cottage, Imperial Hotel Express, Nnalubaale Resort Cottage, and Lake Victoria Hotel.

Book now to have a chance of traversing the stunning Virgin Islands and the pristine beaches on L. Victoria as the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun soothes your mind.

Other lakes in Uganda include Lake Kyoga, Lake George, Lake Albert, Lake Mburo, Lake Edward, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mutanda, among others.

Besides lakes, rivers also attract many tourists, and the most toured of all is the source of the Nile.

Source of the Nile

The source of the Nile is located near the town of Jinja in southeastern Uganda.  It’s situated at the northern end of Lake Victoria, which is the largest lake in Africa.

This point marks the beginning of the Nile River’s journey as it flows northward through northeast African countries and the Mediterranean Sea, where it pours its waters.

The specific point where the Nile originates from Lake Victoria is close to Ripon Falls.

 The Top Tourist Attractions at the Source of the Nile include

• Kalagala Falls and the west bank
• The spirits tree at Kalagala
• The wonder rocks
• Busoga kingdom
• Bujjagali Falls

Fun Activities on the Source of the Nile

• White Water Rafting
• Bungee jumping
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Tubing the Nile
• Boat trips
• Quad biking
• River cruises
• Birdwatching
• Fishing in Jinja

Nearby hotels and lodges

The hotels have self-contained rooms along with digital satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and other facilities to ensure you have the best on your Uganda safari while at the source of the Nile.

Beside the source of the Nile, Uganda also boasts many rivers, which include the Semuliki, the Kafu, the Katonga, the Kagera, and the White Nile River, but the most toured place is the source of the Nile.

Religious Centers in Uganda

Uganda is known for religious pluralism and for being welcoming. The following are the different religious centers in Uganda.

1. Kibuli mosque
2. Uganda National Mosque (Gaddafi Mosque)
3. Bathai temple.
4. Uganda Martyrs’ shrines, Namugongo.
5. St. Paul Cathedral, Namirembe, etc.

Uganda Museum

Established in 1908, the Uganda Museum is the oldest museum in East Africa and is located in the country’s capital. The museum displays Uganda’s cultural heritage, where tourists and citizens can see ethnological and natural historical exhibitions, thereby showing the vivid beauty of the country’s past.

The museum contains a variety of musical instruments that can be played by visitors.

There are different exhibitions in the Uganda museum that will leave you amazed.

• First Ford car, one of the presidential chairs (science section).
• Reptile features like snakes, bird species, etc. (natural section).
• String instruments, drums, percussion, etc. (music section).
• Traditional dressing code, baskets, wooden tools, bark cloth, and wooden sandals (ethnographic section).

Fun Activities Done by Travelers in Uganda Museum

• Learning about museum history
• Visiting the archaeology section
• Playing different musical instruments.

Visit the Uganda Museum today and have an opportunity to immerse yourself in Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.

Other museums include the Iteso Cultural Union Museum, Peace Museum Gulu, Ankole Culture and Dramactors Museum, and Koogere Community Museum, among others.

Historical Sites

Among Uganda’s historical sites for tour include

• Uganda national theatre
• Nyero rock painting
• King’s palace at Mengo and Buganda parliament at Bulange.
• Nakayima Tree in Mityana
• Kabaka’s lake
• Kasubi tombs—a UNESCO world heritage site
• Bigo Byamugenyi
• Sezibwa falls
• Mabere ga nyina mwiru

Beautiful Cities to Visit in Uganda

Uganda has many cities, but the most popular one is Kampala, which is the capital city and the largest town in Uganda.

It is an industrial, commercial, and administrative center with beautiful hotels and recreation centers.

Entebbe, Jinja, Masaka, Gulu, Mbarara, and many more are dynamic hubs of economic activities and urban development.

From the bustling streets of Kampala to the metropolises of Entebbe, all show the future of Uganda. Visit now for an unforgettable experience.

Places to visit in Uganda FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1.    What Is the Most Beautiful Part of Uganda?

Queen Elizabeth National Park remains the most beautiful part of Uganda.  Renowned for its,

• Diverse wildlife, including tree-climbing lions
• Beautiful landscapes
• Diverse natural habitat.

2.    What Is the Most Toured Place in Uganda?

Queen Elizabeth is the most visited place in Uganda because of attractions like the tree-climbing lion and other wildlife.

3.    What Is Uganda Known for In Tourism? | What Is Uganda Famous For?

Uganda is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity, with animals like the primate and the big five animals like the leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. It is also famous for being the source of the Nile River, the world’s longest and most iconic river.

4.    What Is Famous in Uganda?

Uganda is famous for enchanting wildlife species like the mountain gorillas, which are commonly found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

5.    What Is the Leading Tourist Attraction in Uganda?

Mountain gorillas are the main Uganda tourist attraction for those who visit the country since Uganda has almost half of the world’s gorillas.

6.    What Is Uganda Best Known For? 

Uganda is best known for its diverse wildlife, especially mountain gorillas, and for having the source of the Nile.

7.    What Is the Best Month to Visit Uganda? 

Uganda is open year-round, but for tourism, the dry season is the best time (June to August and December to February), especially for outdoor activities.

8.     Why Do Most Tourists Come to Uganda?

Many tourists come to Uganda for activities like game viewing, gorilla trekking, birdwatching, hiking, and water sports like sport fishing, among others.

To get the opportunity to visit magnificent locations such as national parks, wildlife reserves, stunning cities, religious centers, etc., schedule your next safari in Uganda. To arrange and prepare your package for your unforgettable experience, get in touch with our staff.