17 Incredible Things To Do in Uganda

I absolutely love Uganda. I first visited back in 2009, and since then, I’ve returned several times so much so that I now run group tours there!

Winston Churchill famously named Uganda the “Pearl of Africa”, and honestly, he couldn’t have been more right. This country is breathtakingly beautiful, filled with lush green landscapes, sparkling lakes, dramatic mountains, and warm, welcoming people who make every traveler feel at home.

Uganda also offers some of the most bucket-list-worthy adventures in Africa, from trekking with mountain gorillas to exploring remote savannahs and thundering waterfalls. What makes it even more special is that it’s less touristy compared to neighboring Kenya, Tanzania, or Rwanda—so your experiences feel more authentic and personal.

I still remember crossing the border from Kenya on my very first trip. The golden sunlight lit up the rolling hills, people waved and smiled as we drove past, and the air felt fresh and alive. Right then, I knew Uganda had something extraordinary. Over the years, my love for this place has only grown, and I can say with confidence it is one of the most magical destinations in Africa.

So, if you’re planning a trip, here are 17 incredible things to do in Uganda that will completely win you over.

1. Hike and Canoe Around Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is like a scene straight out of a dream. Surrounded by rolling green hills and dotted with 29 small islands, it’s one of the most peaceful spots in Uganda. The name means “place of little birds,” and indeed, bird lovers will have a field day spotting colorful species flitting around the lake.

You can spend your days canoeing between islands, hiking the surrounding trails, or interacting with local communities. For the best views, head to a high point overlooking the lake or treat yourself to lunch at Arcadia Lodge, where the views will take your breath away.

2. Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

At the very top of any Uganda bucket list is gorilla trekking. Nowhere else compares to the thrill of standing just meters away from a family of endangered mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

I’ve been lucky enough to go gorilla trekking twice, once in Uganda and once in Rwanda, and it remains one of the most powerful wildlife encounters of my life. Uganda’s permits are more affordable than Rwanda’s, but they sell out quickly often six months to a year in advance so book early.

It’s not an easy hike, but the reward of locking eyes with a gorilla in the wild is simply priceless.

3. Hike the Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Mountains, also called the “Mountains of the Moon,” straddle the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These snow-capped peaks include Mount Stanley, Africa’s third-highest mountain at 5,109m.

Reaching the summit, Margherita Peak, is no easy feat it usually takes an 8 to 9-day trek through glaciers and alpine landscapes. But even if you don’t aim for the summit, shorter treks offer incredible views of waterfalls, forests, and rugged valleys. Adventurers looking for a challenge will find the Rwenzoris unforgettable.

4. Spot Tree-Climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most famous safari destination, and it’s one of the few places in the world where lions climb trees. Although I wasn’t lucky enough to spot them perched on branches, the park is still packed with wildlife.

Game drives reveal elephants, buffalo, and antelopes, but my favorite activity here is a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless birds crowd the shores. With stunning scenery and unique wildlife, it’s a park that shouldn’t be missed.

5. Track Chimpanzees in Kibale or Budongo Forest

Uganda isn’t just about gorillas. It’s also one of the best places to see wild chimpanzees. In Kibale Forest National Park or Budongo Forest, you can join treks to spend either an hour with a chimp troop or a full day with them on a chimpanzee habituation experience.

Spending extended time with them means more chances to watch them on the ground, playing, grooming, or simply going about their daily lives. It’s fascinating, wild, and often hilarious.

6. Explore the Crater Lakes of Fort Portal

The Fort Portal region is dotted with stunning crater lakes formed by ancient volcanic activity. Each lake has its own charm: Lake Nkuruba is considered the most beautiful, Lake Nyabikere has a resident hippo, and Lake Nyamirima offers sweeping views from the “Top of the World” viewpoint.

The best times to visit are sunrise and sunset, when the water glows with reflections of the surrounding hills. Hiking or biking between lakes is a fantastic way to experience this picturesque area.

7. Go on Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is often described as Uganda’s “African Jungle Book”, and for good reason. The park is named after the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge before crashing into the river below.

On game drives, you’ll spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and leopards, while boat cruises along the Nile bring you up close to hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Seeing the falls from both above and below is an absolute must.

8. Venture North to Kidepo Valley National Park

If you crave solitude and raw wilderness, make the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda’s far north. Remote and rarely visited, it’s home to lions, elephants, cheetahs, and the famous Rothschild’s giraffes.

Beyond wildlife, you can soak in hot springs, explore the dramatic Kidepo River valley, and meet the semi-nomadic Ik people who live in the region. Kidepo is wild, remote, and one of Africa’s last great hidden gems.

9. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

For an up-close encounter with white rhinos, head to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary near Murchison Falls. Here, conservationists are working to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda after they were wiped out in the 1980s.

You can join guided walks to track rhinos on foot—a thrilling and safe way to admire these gentle giants. Spending the night at the sanctuary is also memorable, as rhinos sometimes wander right past the lodges.

10. Party and Explore Culture in Kampala

Uganda’s capital, Kampala, is lively, chaotic, and famous for its nightlife. Locals and expats alike flock to the clubs, but beyond the parties, Kampala has great restaurants, art galleries, and cultural spots.

A food tour is a wonderful way to sample traditional Ugandan dishes, while bar crawls introduce you to the buzzing nightlife scene. Just be prepared for heavy traffic it rivals Nairobi in congestion!

11. Watch a Show at the Ndere Cultural Centre

For an evening of dance, drumming, and traditional music, the Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala is perfect. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner while talented performers showcase Uganda’s diverse cultures. It’s both entertaining and educational—a great way to spend a night in the capital.

12. Get Adventurous in Jinja

Known as the adventure capital of East Africa, Jinja sits on the banks of the Nile and offers endless adrenaline activities. White-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, quad biking, horse riding—you name it, Jinja has it.

Even if you’re not into extreme sports, the laid-back riverside vibe is infectious. My favorite spot is Bujagali village, just outside town, where backpackers, locals, and adventurers gather by the river.

13. Taste a Rolex

One of Uganda’s most beloved street foods is the Rolex—a rolled chapati stuffed with an omelet, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes avocado. It’s cheap, filling, and available everywhere. Grab one from a roadside stall and you’ll instantly understand why it’s so popular.

14. Spot Shoebills at Mabamba Swamp

Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and the shoebill stork is the star attraction. With its massive beak and prehistoric look, it’s one of the strangest birds on Earth.

The best place to spot them is Mabamba Swamp, near Entebbe. Glide through the reeds in a canoe and watch these giant birds stalking fish—it’s an unforgettable sight.

15. Strike a Pose at the Equator

A fun stop on the road is Uganda’s equator line, where you can snap photos with the iconic signposts. Local guides often demonstrate how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator—a quirky but fun trick to witness.

16. Relax on the Ssese Islands

If you’re craving downtime, the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria are perfect. With 84 islands, many still untouched, it’s a serene escape from the mainland. Kalangala on Bugala Island is the most accessible and popular, but island-hopping by boat is a fantastic way to explore further.

Here, time slows down—you can swim, fish, or simply relax on the sandy shores.

17. Climb Mount Elgon and Visit Sipi Falls

On the border with Kenya lies Mount Elgon, a 4,321m extinct volcano with one of the largest calderas in the world. The trek usually takes four days, and although it’s less challenging than Kilimanjaro, it’s still a rewarding adventure.

Afterward, cool off at the nearby Sipi Falls, a series of three spectacular waterfalls that plunge down the cliffs of Mount Elgon. It’s the perfect way to end your hiking trip.

Final Thoughts

Uganda has everything a traveler could dream of—dramatic landscapes, incredible wildlife, rich culture, and warm people who make every journey memorable. Whether you’re trekking with gorillas, cruising down the Nile, or sharing a laugh over a Rolex, you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.