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Uganda’s Top Tourist Destinations

Kampala-Uganda
MuzBag Safaris UG LTD

Tour Guide, Kampala, Uganda

| 11 mins read

Image Jinja bridgeGorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable forest.












1. Source of the Nile in Jinja

Rive Nile is the longest river in world followed  by the Amazon River in South America and it flows north of Uganda through Sudan and Egypt into the Mediterranean Sea. The source of the Nile is found in Jinja (South-eastern part of Uganda) and it’s at this point that R. Nile exactly starts from L.Victoria.

The source of the Nile was discovered by John Hanning Speke in 1857 who was a British explorer at the time. While at the Nile young youths will entertain you with culture dances locally known as the “Tamanaibuga”. Also while at the source of the Nile you will see the historical monument of John Hanning Speke who discovered the source of the river Nile, also you will see the monument of Mahatma Gandhi an Indian activist who requested some of his ashes to be poured in R.Nile, this monument was an idea of the Indian community in Uganda in the collaboration with the Indian government.

Tourist activities you can do while at the source of the Nile include:

  • boat riding

  • sport fishing

  • boat riding competitions during a certain season of the year

  • Bungee jumping

  • Horse back riding

  • Village walks

  • Mountain bike riding

  • Kayaking

  • Water Rafting

2. Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi is a home of over 400 gorillas with unique human like characters, what makes it more interesting is the gorilla habituation experience where the tourists are allowed to spend more time with the gorillas, can do research on them, get to see or know how they play, how they feed and to know more about their behaviors.


Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the border of Congo and Uganda. The park can be accessible from either the Kampala-Mbarara-Bushenyi route or the Mbarara-Ntugamo-Rukungiri route, and it takes 6-7 hours on the road. You can choose to use a charter plane to fly from Entebbe or from Kajansi airstrip, and it lands in Kihihi in Kanungu district on a tarmac airstrip. After landing, it takes only an hour’s drive to the park.

The park was made a national park in 1991. People travel from different parts of the world to Bwindi to track the unique and endangered gorillas.  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also a home of over 315 bird species like the Stripe-breasted tit, the Black-headed waxbill, the Brown woodland Warbler, the Kivu ground thrush, the Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, the Archer’s Ground Robin, the Banded Prinia, the Olive Pigeon, the Streaky Seedeater and many more. For bird watchers, it is really a good place to spot birds. Bwindi also has other primates like chimpanzees, baboons and other animals such as elephants.

Among other interesting things in Bwindi, tourists always get a chance to discover the history and culture of the unique Batwa people living within the Bwindi impenetrable forest. The Batwa people are short Bushmen who live in small huts they build and also live in caves in the forest within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Tourist activities in Bwindi:

  • Gorilla trekking

  • Bird watching

  • Forest walks

  • Visit the Batwa forest people

  • See other primates like chimpanzees, Baboons and Monkeys.

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited and most popular national park in Uganda, and one of the things that make Queen Elizabeth National Park popular is the many tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, which is found south of the park. Tree climbing lions are found only in this park in the whole of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park It is also a home of over 500 bird species like the Dwarf Honey-guide, the Grey Cuckoo-shrike, the Fine Banded Woodpecker, the Western Green Tinker-bird, African Green Broadbill and many more.

Queen Elizabeth National Park has a wide range of wildlife, such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippopotamuses, antelopes, chimpanzees, crocodiles, baboons, white and red Colobus monkeys, warthogs and many more. It also has a very interesting boat cruise on Kazinga channel where tourists get to spot view all kinds of animals, the unique and interesting thing on Kazinga channel is that it is the main source of water in the park, this means that most animals come and drink from the same source which makes the boat cruise awesome because you get to see a lot of animals on the banks of the channel while on this boat cruise, it is a very exciting boat cruise you wouldn’t want to miss.

While on this boat cruise, be 100% sure of seeing hippos, elephants, birds, crocodiles, deers and antelopes and many more. the boat cruise starts from the Mweya peninsular and continues to the Kazinga channel. In the middle of the Kazinga channel, there is a very small peninsula where birds gather, which gives an opportunity to tourists to enjoy most bird species from one place. Among other activities you can choose to do while in Queen Elizabeth National Park include visiting the nearby villages and meeting local people.

Tourist activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park:

  • Game drive

  • Bird watching

  • Boat cruise

  • Visit a nearby local community

4. Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda. It is found in the northwestern part of Uganda. One of the most interesting things in Murchison is the narrow gorge through which the Nile passes at a very high pressure, turning water white as it flows down the falls. It was gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1926, and Murchison falls has the biggest number of the Nile crocodiles, it also has a good number of animals such as lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, hippopotamuses, giraffes, baboons, chimpanzees, red and white colobus monkeys, hyenas, waterbucks among others.

Murchison is also a home of over 450 bird species some of which include the rare Shoe bills, the Goliath Heron, the African Darter, the Secretary Bird, the Long Tailed Night-jar, the Standard -Winged Night-jar, the Pennant-Winged Night-jar, the Pied King-Fisher, the Blacked-Billed Wood-Dove which makes it so famous to the birders and many more. While you are on your game drive, you can’t miss spotting some of the BIG FIVE ANIMALS, i.e. Lions, Leopards, elephants, and Buffalo, plus chimpanzees in Budongo forest, which makes it more interesting for the tourists. Tourists become more excited when they go for a boat cruise, and they enjoy the falls and see animals and birds alongside the river bank.

Murchison is surrounded by good, comfortable and classic hotels like Paraa Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison Falls and Pakuba Lodge, making it easier for the tourists coming to Murchison Falls to expect a good, memorable stay. In terms of transport, road and air can both be used, and on roa,d it takes only 4-5 hour from Kampala, the capital city.

  • Game drive

  • Bird watching

  • Boat cruise

  • Visit a nearby local community

  • See chimpanzees in Budongo forest(Part of Murchison falls)

5. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can find a large population of rhinos, including both Northern and Southern white rhinos, as well as black rhinos. Located in Nakasongola District, north of Kampala, it is easily accessible via the Kampala-Gulu Highway, just a three-hour drive away.

Tourists interested in rhinos will have an unforgettable experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Professional tour guides provide in-depth insights into rhino conservation, their habits, and the sanctuary’s efforts to protect these magnificent animals.


6. Lake Bunyonyi

Located in western Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi lies between Kisoro and Kabale districts. Known for its breathtaking scenery and numerous small islands, it is often regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, birdwatching, and canoeing between the lake’s many islands. The lake is also surrounded by local communities, offering tourists a chance to interact with the locals and experience their way of life.


7. Mabira Forest

Mabira Forest is a prime birdwatching destination in Uganda, home to approximately 315 bird species. Spanning Mukono and Buikwe districts along the Kampala-Jinja Highway, it is just 58.7 km from Kampala, making it one of the most accessible forests for tourists.

Birdwatchers can spot rare species such as the Nathan’s Francolin, Black-and-white Mannikin, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Red-headed Malimbe, Hairy-breasted Barbet, and Tambourine Dove. The forest is also home to the endangered Uganda Mangabey monkey, a primate species unique to Uganda. With its rich biodiversity, Mabira Forest is one of Uganda’s most visited tourist sites.


8. Kampala – The Capital City of Uganda

Kampala is Uganda’s most vibrant and active city, known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. Set on seven hills, the city covers an area of 189 km² and is a hub of business, culture, and entertainment.

Top Attractions in Kampala:

  • Bulange-Mengo (Buganda Parliament)

  • Kabaka’s Palace (Lubiri)

  • Kasubi Tombs

  • Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine - Namugongo

  • Ndere Cultural Centre

  • Uganda National Mosque

  • Uganda Museum

  • Kabaka’s Lake

  • National Theatre

  • Makerere University

  • Uganda Parliament

  • Bahá'í Temple

Shopping and Dining in Kampala

Kampala offers a variety of shopping centers, including Acacia Mall, Shoprite, Game Supermarket, Mega Standard Supermarket, and Freedom City, where visitors can buy everything they need. Fresh fruits and local produce can be found at Nakasero and Owino markets.

The city also has a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and hotels offering both local and international cuisine. Top hotels include Sheraton Hotel, Serena Hotel, Grand Imperial Hotel, and Hotel Africana, all of which offer world-class accommodation and dining.

Transport in Kampala

Kampala has multiple transportation options, including buses, taxis, private car hires, and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis). For air travel within Uganda, chartered flights operate from Kajjansi Airstrip, just a few miles from the city center.

9. Buganda Parliament and the King’s Palace (Lubiri)

Buganda is one of Uganda’s most prominent cultural regions, with a strong commitment to preserving its traditions, beliefs, and customs. Tourists visiting the Buganda Kingdom can learn about its history and explore key landmarks, including:

  • Buganda Parliament: This is where the Kabaka (king) meets with his administration. The Buganda administration building, influenced by European architecture, was established under the leadership of Prime Minister Sir Apollo Kagwa. Visitors can see a monument of Kabaka Muteesa Edward II and paintings depicting the 52 Buganda clans.

  • Kabaka’s Palace (Lubiri): The king's official residence features a traditional fireplace known as "Ekyoto Kyegombolola," which is kept burning throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the underground prison built during the rule of former Ugandan president Idi Amin.

  • Kabaka’s Lake: The largest man-made lake in Uganda, built during the reign of Ssekabaka Mwanga. The king initially planned for the lake to connect to Lake Victoria for easy transportation by boat.

10. Kasubi Tombs

Kasubi Tombs serve as the royal burial grounds for four Buganda kings:

  • Muteesa I (1835-1884)

  • Mwanga II (1867-1903)

  • Daudi Chwa II (1896-1939)

  • Muteesa II (1924-1969)

The tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hold great cultural significance for the Baganda people.

11. Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo

Namugongo is home to Uganda’s largest Catholic pilgrimage site. Every year on June 3rd, thousands of pilgrims from around the world visit to commemorate the 22 Christian martyrs who were executed in the late 19th century on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II.

The site offers a vibrant cultural experience, with traditional music and dance performances from different Ugandan tribes.

12. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to Africa’s third-highest mountain. Known as the "Mountains of the Moon," this UNESCO-listed site is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and challenging trekking routes.

Birdwatchers will find approximately 241 bird species, including the Rwenzori Turaco, Black Eagle, and Bearded Vulture. The park also offers opportunities for mountain climbing and nature walks.

13. Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls is a stunning three-tier waterfall located in eastern Uganda, Kapchorwa District. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Elgon, it offers breathtaking views, nature trails, and a beautiful cave at its base. Visitors can also explore Mount Elgon, which is nearby.

14. Sezibwa Falls

Sezibwa Falls, located in Mukono District, is a cultural heritage site for the Baganda people. According to legend, the falls were "born" from a human being over 100 years ago. The site attracts tourists interested in its unique history, as well as activities such as birdwatching, rock climbing, and community visits.

15. Kitagata Hot Springs

Located in western Uganda, Kitagata Hot Springs is a natural wonder where locals and visitors bathe, believing in its healing properties. Many people also cook and boil eggs in the hot water, making it a fascinating spot to visit.

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