Are you looking for Uganda tourist attractions? There are numerous tourism attractions in Uganda which are worth visiting while on your Uganda safari. The amazing tourist attractions in Uganda like the Big Five Game, Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, Monkeys, Birds, and Tree-climbing lions, are found mostly in Uganda national parks, Uganda game reserves, and Uganda sanctuaries.
Mountain gorillas in Uganda and Chimpanzees are the top tourist attractions in Uganda. Uganda is home to over 50% of the 1,063 mountain gorillas living on the earth, making it the best destination for gorilla trekking in Africa and the world at large.
Uganda is home to over 1,085 bird species (birds of Uganda) which is about 51% of the bird species of Africa and 11% of the world’s total birds thus, making it Africa’s premium birding destination.
Uganda offers a variety of attractions from snowcapped mountains, Volcanoes, Lakes, Rivers, forests, waterfalls, mysterious gorges, hot springs, people and culture, monuments, etc.
Uganda is blessed with numerous amazing game animals including the Big Five Games of Africa. Uganda animals rank among the main tourist attractions in Uganda Africa and they are encountered most while on Uganda safaris in Uganda national parks, Uganda game reserves, Uganda sanctuaries, etc.
The commonly spotted animals in Uganda include lions, herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, Zebras, hippos, cheetahs, warthogs, and numerous antelope species like Uganda kob, bushbucks, elands, impalas, etc.
This amazing wildlife in Uganda (wildlife of Uganda) is commonly spotted on game drives in Uganda national parks such as:
Primates are among the top tourist attractions in Uganda. Some primates are regarded as our closest living relatives according to research, for example, chimpanzees share 98.7% of their DNA with humans followed by Mountain Gorillas with 98% DNA.
Uganda holds over 20 primate species such as Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, Olive baboons, Red-tailed monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, Uganda blue monkeys, and Golden monkeys, etc.
Primates of Uganda are prominently spotted in destinations such as:
Birds in Uganda/Uganda birds are among the major tourist attractions in Uganda, especially for bird lovers. The country is home to over 1085 bird species which is about 51% of the bird species of Africa and 11% of the world’s total birds. This makes Uganda a premium birding destination in Africa.
While birding in Uganda on Uganda birding safaris, the commonly spotted birds of Uganda include the rare shoebill stocks, African Green Broadbill, African pitta, Great Blue Turaco, Standard-winged Nightjar, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Masked Apalis, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and the Grey-crowned cranes (Uganda national bird), etc.
The following are the birding destinations in Uganda where most Uganda birdwatching safaris take place:
There are numerous dazzling mountains in Uganda that are worth visiting while on your Uganda safaris. The country holds beautiful snowcapped mountains (mountains of the moon) and several volcanic mountains.
All these mountains can be visited for mountain hiking safaris in Uganda. The most popular visited ones on Uganda mountain climbing safaris include:
Rwenzori Mountain in Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the amazing tourist attractions in western Uganda. It is the tallest mountain in Uganda rising over 5109m altitudes at its Margherita peak with its top permanently snowcapped throughout the year. Rwenzori Mt is the tallest block mountain in the world and the 3rd tallest in Africa.
Mountain Rwenzori offers the best hiking safaris in Uganda for adventure lovers, however, challenging the most than any of the East African Mountains.
Mount Rwenzori has 6 peaks which are all glaciated including:
Mountain Elgon in Mountain Elgon National Park is one of the famous tourist attractions in eastern Uganda. Elgon is one of the beautiful volcanic mountains in Uganda and the oldest volcanic landform in East Africa formed about 24 million years back. It rises over 4321m altitude thus, the 2nd tallest mountain in Uganda and 4th in East Africa.
The mountain is popularly known for having the widest volcanic base in the world of about 4000km2 and the largest mountain caldera covering a 40km2 area at Wagagai peak. It can be visited while on your safaris in Uganda in the eastern region.
Virunga Mountains of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are among the amazing Uganda attractions in southwestern Uganda. They are among the most beautiful volcanic mountains in Uganda commonly hiked on top of a gorilla trekking in Uganda in Mgahinga Park. These free-standing volcanoes include:
Mount Sabinyo gives the best Uganda hiking safari experience compared to the other two. A climb up to the topmost peak of Sabinyo will give you an amazing experience since you will be in 3 countries at a go “Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo”
Uganda is a beautiful green country blessed with over 506 forest reserves. National Forest Authority (NFA) is responsible for forestry in Uganda. Most of the Uganda forests are tropical rainforests and they are home to amazing wildlife in Uganda.
The prominent visited forests in Uganda include:
Mabira forest is a famous tropical rainforest in Uganda. It is located about 54km from Kampala. This rain forest is home to about 9 primate species like Uganda mangabeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Vervet monkeys, bushbabies, etc. Over 312 trees, 315 bird species, and about 40 mammals have been recorded.
Among the Uganda rainforests, Mabira is the only place for the Ziplining experience in Uganda. Nature walks, mountain biking, birding tours, and monkey tracking can be experienced while on your Uganda short safari to the source of the Nile.
Also called Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve, this Uganda forest is the 2nd best destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. The forest is situated close to Queen Elizabeth national park and can be accessed through the Mweya sector taking about 40 minutes-drive.
It’s home to over 300 chimps and out of these, 100 are habituated. Uganda birding tours are also possible since it’s home to over 378 bird species such as the Great blue Turaco, Cuckoos, Black casqued hornbills, etc. Over 414 amazing plant species have been recorded thus, an ideal place for nature lovers.
Budongo forest covers an area of about 825km2. This Uganda forest is just en route to Murchison falls national park in western Uganda. It is topped up on Uganda wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls National Park.
Budongo is home to over 360 bird species for example the endemic yellow-footed flycatcher, Chocolate-backed kingfishers, and Puvel’s illadopsis. 9 primate species including over 600 chimpanzees have been recorded in the forest plus over 456 tree species.
Uganda birding tours and chimp trekking safaris in the Royal Mile and Kaniyo Pabidi are the main activities in the forest respectively. Nature walks are also possible in the forest.
The source of the River Nile is one of the amazing tourist attractions in Jinja on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. It is the best place in Uganda for adventure safaris such as white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, jet boating, tubing, etc. on the River Nile (the longest river in the world).
Nile river source can be visited by having a boat cruise to a point where the River Nile flows out of Lake Victoria (the largest lake in Africa). At this point, you can take numerous photos in remembrance of your trip to the pearl of Africa.
Uganda is dotted with numerous glassy lakes totaling about 165 lakes. They are found in different regions of the country comprising volcanic lakes, rift valley lakes, warped lakes, man-made lakes, etc. The most visited ones include:
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa covering an area of over 68800km2. The lake has gorgeous Islands like the 84 archipelagos of Ssese plus numerous sandy beaches. The lake beaches are one of the amazing tourist attractions in Uganda for relaxation. Nile Perch is the biggest fish in Lake Victoria.
This largest African lake has a maximum depth of 80-84m with an average depth of 40m. It is known for being the source of the legendary Nile River. Uganda safari activities around Lake Victoria include sport fishing, swimming, birding, chimp watching on Ngamba Chimp Island, etc.
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most gorgeous Uganda lakes situated in southwestern Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda at about 900m depth. It is dotted with over 29 beautiful islands which are worth visiting for example the Punishment Island and the Upside-down Island etc.
Due to its tranquil environment, the lake is one of the prominent Uganda tourist attractions for relaxation before or after your gorilla trekking in Uganda. Other adventure safari activities at the lake include boat cruise and canoeing, exploring the lake islands, guided nature walks, Ziplining, mountain biking, etc.
Lake George is one of the rift valley lakes in Uganda. It is one of the lakes in Uganda crossed by the equator in the western Uganda, Kasese district. The lake covers an area of 250km2 and has a 2.4m average depth. It’s fed by Rivers from the Rwenzori Mountains like River Rumi and Mubuku etc.
Its overflow runs through a 32km Kazinga channel to L. Edward. Around the lake are swamps that hold a good number of water birds. It is one of the best Uganda birding sports while on your Uganda wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Lake Albert is one of the beautiful rift valley lakes in Uganda found in the western region of the country on the border of Uganda with the Congo. The lake is one of the great lakes of Africa and the 2nd biggest lake in Uganda covering about 160km long and 30km wide with a maximum depth of 51m.
In 1864, Sir Samuel Baker found this beautiful Uganda Lake and renamed it after Prince Albert a consort of Queen Victoria. There are over 55 fish species in the lake such as the Nile perch, Tilapia, and tigerfish, and also there are oil discoveries in the Lake basin.
Lake Katwe is one of the most prominent crater lakes in Uganda situated in the west of Queen Elizabeth national park. It’s a famous salt lake in Uganda and is said to have formed about 10,000 years ago in the volcanic eruptions that occurred in the area.
Lake Katwe is said to be salty due to the absence of outlets. Its water is about 60% salty and the area is semi-arid where the soils do not support agricultural activities, thus people resort to salt mining. The lake can be visited while on your Uganda trip to Queen Elizabeth national park and you get to see the local methods used in salt extraction.
Lake Kyoga is one of the swampiest Uganda lakes. It is also one of the great lakes of Africa situated in central Uganda with an average depth of 4m and a maximum being 5.7m.
Kyoga covers an area of about 1,720km² and is home to over 46 species of fish, and numerous crocodiles and fishing is the main activity.
Kabaka’s lake is one of the biggest manmade lakes in Uganda. The lake is one of the wonderful Uganda attractions a must-visit while on your Kampala city tour. It covers an area of about 2km2 with a depth of 2.4m.
This amazing lake in Uganda was hand excavated by the 52 tribes of Buganda during Ssekabaka Mwanga II’s regime between 1885 and 1888. He had planned to connect it to Lake Victoria for an easy escape waterway in case of any conflict with the British however, it didn’t get accomplished.
There are many rivers in Uganda situated in different regions of the country. Some Uganda rivers have breathtaking falls on them which are worth visiting on top of your Uganda safaris. Major rivers in Uganda normally visited by tourists include:
The Nile River is the longest river in the world. It’s one of the main tourist attractions in Uganda found in Jinja town. The Nile is among the 7 natural wonders of Africa covering an incredible distance of about 6,650km from its source (Jinja town) to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.
This world’s longest river holds the strongest waterfalls in the world called Murchison falls. The source of the Nile can be reached by having a Jinja source of the Nile tour and the area is the best sport for Uganda adventurous safari activities such as white water rafting, kayaking, jet boating bungee jumping, etc.
River Sezibwa is one of the beautiful rivers in Uganda found in the Mukono district. It is one of the major rivers in Uganda situated 32km from Kampala city. It is mainly visited by tourists going to Jinja source of the Nile tour.
Sezibwa is prominently known due to its beautiful waterfalls which are worth visiting. These falls are 7m high and have a 13m deep plunge pool which gives picturesque views while in the area. Guided nature walks, birding, and swimming are the main activities in the area.
River Sipi is among the amazing tourist attractions in eastern Uganda situated in the Kapchorwa district. It is one of the major rivers in Uganda originating from Mount Elgon.
The river is famously known for its 3 beautiful Sipi falls which are usually visited by tourists while on top of adventure safaris in eastern Uganda. Tourist activities around the falls include rock climbing, rock abseiling, and Sipi falls exploitation.
Waterfalls in Uganda are one of the amazing tourism attractions in Uganda a must-visit while on your Uganda holiday. There are numerous Uganda waterfalls situated in different regions of the country and the commonly visited include:
Murchison falls is one of the main tourist attractions in Uganda while on your wildlife Uganda safari in Murchison falls national park. It is the strongest waterfall in the world emitting over 300cm3/s of water on the Albertine rift valley cliff. The falls are formed along the legendary Nile River.
It’s one of the most breathtaking attractions in Uganda where a 50m wide Nile river fights to pass in a 7m narrow gorge and then plunges on a 45m cliff. This causes great roaring and trembling of the surrounding rocks forming a Devil’s cauldron. A boat cruise to the bottom of the falls is used to reach the falls.
The Sipi Falls are one of the prominent Uganda tourist attractions in the eastern region. These beautiful falls are found on the foothills of the Mountain Elgon along River Sipi. Reaching the falls, you will get spectacular views of forests, beautiful cliffs, and gorges on mountain Elgon slopes.
They are a section of 3 waterfalls. The main Sipi Falls have 100m height while the others are Ngasire at 85m and Simba at 75m respectively. Rock climbing and rock abseiling are popular activities around Sipi falls.
Karuma falls are one of the striking waterfalls in Uganda. They are amazing Uganda tourist attractions situated where the Masindi-Gulu road crosses the Nile River.
These roaring waterfalls are found along the Victoria Nile River and can be visited on top of your Uganda safari in Murchison Park. It is the location of the Karuma power station-the largest hydropower project in Uganda (with a planned capacity of 600 megawatts).
Itanda falls is one of the best tourist attractions in Uganda, especially for adventure safari lovers. It is one of the famous waterfalls in Uganda along the River Nile in Jinja district just about 80km from Kampala the capital city of Uganda.
The falls are 5-grade rapids thus one of the top tourist attractions in Uganda being the best spot for white water rafting, kayaking, jet boating, tubing, etc. It can be visited by having a Jinja source of the Nile tour.
Sezibwa Falls is one of the historical waterfalls in Uganda situated in Mukono on River Sezibwa 32km from the Kampala City (the capital of Uganda ) along the Kampala-Jinja highway. These beautiful Uganda falls make a prominent stopover for tourists visiting the source of the River Nile in eastern Uganda.
These spectacular falls are 7m high and have a 13m deep plunge pool making it one of Uganda beautiful places and a must-visit. Guided nature walks, swimming, rock climbing, and birding among others are one of the amazing safari activities in the area.
Aruu falls are one of the magnificent falls in Uganda. The falls are wonderful tourist attractions in northern Uganda situated on the Gulu-Kitgum highway about 47km from the Gulu district. These beautiful Uganda falls can be visited on top of your Uganda safari in Kidepo valley national park.
They are cascading streams of roaring waterfalls which gives a vibrant sight to watch as water gushes down the rocks. You can enjoy a bath under these waterfalls.
There are different amazing people and cultural practices in Uganda found in several regions of the country which are a must-visit while on your Uganda safari tour.
The unique Ugandan culture and people have turned into supreme tourist attractions in Uganda. The normally visited ones due to their unique customs in Uganda include:
The Baganda people rank topmost among the loving tribes in Uganda. This pleasing Uganda tribe is found in the central region of the country. The Baganda have 52 clans that make up the great Buganda kingdom the biggest kingdom in Uganda.
The Baganda culture in Uganda dominates the most. It is one of the largest ethnic groups in Uganda comprising 16.5 percent of Uganda’s population according to the 2014 census.
These people have the most amazing traditions in Uganda including ceremonial rituals where exciting dances (Amaganda), plays, and songs are performed. While on your Uganda vacation a visit to Ndere cultural center is the best way of experiencing the life of the Baganda people.
In Uganda, these amazing people are commonly called the Batwa. They are endangered people generally found in southwestern Uganda in Kisoro, around Echuya forest, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Pygmy people have the most unique traditions in Uganda.
Initially, the pygmies lived in forests and could survive by hunting and gathering plants for both food and medicine however, they were forced to vacate these forests by the government in the early 1990s.
While on your Uganda safari, Batwa cultural experience can be organised where you will enjoy the fascinating history of the Pygmies and also experience their amazing traditional songs, dances, and demonstrations of how they could make fire and hunt using arrows and bows.
The Bagisu are also called the Bamasaba people living on the slopes of mountain Elgon. These people hold the most interesting cultural practices in Uganda and can be experienced while on your Uganda tour in the East region.
The Bamasaba people practice dramatic male circumcision customs in Uganda. This traditional practice is done during even years when every younger boy is circumcised for him to cross into manhood.
Boys to be circumcised dress half-naked, smeared with cassava flour and herbs. They are made to run dancing exciting dances and songs in the whole village before the circumcision to make them courageous.
This Uganda cultural tour can be added to your Sipi Falls adventure trip.
The Karamajong people are one of the amazing tribes in Uganda situated in northeastern Uganda. It is one of the few Uganda tribes that entirely depend on pastoralism and still have un dilute wonderful cultural norms in Uganda like their pleasing ways of dressing, building, eating, etc.
The Karamojong people depend entirely on cattle products like milk, blood, and meat and live in big beautiful extended homesteads called Manyattas that are surrounded by a thorn fence with the kraal in the middle of the Manyatta.
They can be visited while on your Uganda safari to Kidepo Valley National Park. You will enjoy the vibrant cultural dance, songs, and other amazing cultural customs of the Karamojong people.
d. The IK People
The IK people are also called the Mountain people living on the slopes of mountain Morungole in Kidepo valley national park. It is one of the smallest tribes in Uganda consisting of about 10,000 people.
These people live a subsistence life and are known to practice early marriage by men giving beehives as a dowry price. IK cultural experience can be added on top to your Uganda wildlife safari in Kidepo valley national park.
Islands are one of the greatest Uganda tourist attractions for relaxation after a long tiring day of your safari in Uganda. The country holds over 90 amazing islands found in various lakes. The following are the best islands in Uganda commonly visited by tourists for Uganda holidays.
Ssese Islands is one of the best islands in Uganda to visit on top of your Uganda safari. The island is an archipelago of 84 islands situated in the north-western part of Lake Victoria (the largest lake in Africa). Ssese Island is one of the beautiful places a must-visit while on your vacation in Uganda.
The largest island in the archipelago is called Bugala Island with its largest town called Kalangala (one of the examples of island districts in Uganda). Some of the islands hold beautiful vegetation, sandy beaches, beautiful birds, butterflies, monkeys, etc. Swimming, boat cruises, and sport fishing are the main activities.
Ngamba Island is one of the amazing tourism attractions in Uganda for convenient chimp-watching tours. This Uganda Island is situated in Mukono district just 23km by boat southeast of Entebbe town covering about 100 hectares of land near the equator.
Currently, this island in Uganda was dedicated to caring for orphaned chimps that have been rescued from poachers. It is home to about 52 chimps that roam freely in the tropical forest however, they can be watched from a viewing platform as they come out to be fed every day at a scheduled time.
Akampene Island (Punishment Island) is a historical island in Uganda. It is situated in southwestern Uganda on Lake Bunyonyi which has over 29 spectacular islands. This amazing island is one of the top Uganda tourist attractions on the lake by tourists on top of their relaxation holiday.
It is said, on this Uganda Island, unmarried pregnant girls among the Bakiga natives were brought here by their parents to die of hunger or drown in the lake as they could try to escape from the island hence the punishment island.
The Equator in Uganda is one of the amazing tourist attractions a must-visit while on your safaris in Uganda. The prominent districts in Uganda where the equator passes include Mpingi in Kayabwe and also in Kasese near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It is at this amazing point that the earth is divided into the northern and the southern hemisphere by an imaginary line called the Equator which runs from east to west. Visiting the equator in Uganda can only be made at two destinations:
Equator line Uganda Kayabwe is one of the famous Uganda attractions for most safaris in western and southwestern Uganda. It is a common stopover for photo shoots and buying souvenirs for tourists. While in this area, you can decide to stand in the northern or southern hemisphere at ago.
It is located in the Mpigi district about 81km from Kampala along Kampala-Masaka road.
The Uganda equator in the Kasese district is one of the amazing tourist attractions en route to Queen Elizabeth Park. It is one of the first Uganda attractions while on your Uganda wildlife safaris
in Queen Elizabeth national park situated in Kikorongo village.
In this area, you will have many photos to remind you of your Uganda tour when you return home.
There are numerous amazing cultural sites in Uganda which are worth visiting on top of your Uganda safari. The cultural sites are one of the amazing tourist attractions in Uganda situated in various regions of the country.
They are visited always by tourists on top of their safaris for cultural tourism in Uganda. The commonly visited ones include:
Kasubi royal tombs are burial grounds for the 4 former kings (kabakas) of the Buganda kingdom and other royal people were buried around. It is one of the prominent cultural sites in Uganda commonly visited by tourists before or after their Uganda safaris.
The tombs are situated in the Kampala capital on Kasubi hill. The site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 due to its unique buildings which are purely vegetal materials unseen nowhere in the entire region of sub-Saharan Africa.
Unfortunately, the tombs caught fire in March 2010 however, most of the properties were rescued and it’s under construction now.
The Lubiri (Kabaka’s Palace) is one of the most visited cultural sites in Uganda. It is situated on the Mengo hill overlooking Kampala city with brilliant views. It is home to the King of Buganda kingdom (one of the great kingdoms in East Africa).
It is one of the wonderful Uganda attractions for cultural tourism in Uganda, especially about the Buganda kingdom history. Inside the palace is Idi Amin’s torture chambers where over 200,000 Ugandans are said to have lost their lives in 1972.
c. Uganda National Museum
The Uganda national museum is situated 5km away from Kampala city center. It is one of the most visited cultural sites in Uganda by tourists either before or after their Uganda tour. It is a place that holds most of Uganda’s cultural heritage.
A visit to the museum will give you great views of various cultural behaviors of different regions of Uganda and their treasures under one roof. It is the biggest museum in Uganda and the oldest in East Africa with a collection exceeding 1million specimens.
Sezibwa falls is among the beautiful cultural sites in Uganda. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Uganda en route to the Jinja source of the Nile tour. It is a cultural heritage site for the Buganda kingdom found 32km from Kampala along the Kampala-Jinja highway in Mukono.
Around Sezibwa falls, it is believed that there are numerous gods where Buganda kings went to worship and offer sacrifices for example Kabaka Mwanga II. Currently, it’s a stopover for Uganda safaris in the east. Numerous shrines are built in the area where people give sacrifices and ask blessings from gods like:
e. Igongo Cultural Centre
Igongo Cultural Center is one of the most visited cultural tourist attractions in western Uganda. It is situated about 12km from Mbarara town and is one of the prominent stopovers for most of the Uganda expeditions to western and south-western Uganda such as Uganda gorilla tours and wildlife safaris in Uganda.
The site features the best museum displays in Uganda that display the culture of south-western Uganda “the Ankole” through artifacts and a cultural village replica plus a restaurant serving traditional Ankole dishes.
Religious sites are amazing sacred tourist attractions in Uganda. The country has numerous sacred places situated in various regions of the country. The major religions in Uganda are Christianity and Islam.
Uganda religion percentage includes 82% of the population being Christians while 14% are Muslims. The following are the commonly visited sacred sites in Uganda by tourists on top of their safaris:
a. Uganda Martyrs Shrine (Namugongo Shrine)
Uganda martyrs shrine is also called Basilica of the Uganda martyrs. It is one of the famous religious tourist attractions in Uganda situated in Kira-Kampala. It is the spot where most of the Uganda martyrs met their death by burning. They were killed on orders of Buganda king Mwanga II due to their refusal to renounce Christianity.
The Uganda martyrs included 23 Anglicans and 22 Catholics. Every 3rd of June yearly Christians make holy pilgrimages to this sacred site in Uganda in remembrance of the Baganda men that sacrificed their lives for the sake of the Christian faith in Uganda on 3rd June, 1886.
The site is the largest Christian pilgrimage destination in East Africa on every 3rd of June yearly. It can be visited before or after your Uganda safari tours.
Gadaffi national mosque is one of the prominent religious tourist attractions in Uganda Africa. It is the biggest mosque in Sub-Saharan Africa situated on 12 acres of land on Old Kampala hill and it is among the famous sacred sites in Uganda visited by tourists before or after their Uganda safari tours.
The most exceptional feature of the mosque is its minaret which is 65m high giving dazzling scenery over the 7 Hills of Kampala city.
Bahai temple is one of the unique religious tourist attractions in Uganda. It is situated on Kikaya hill covering about 52 acres of land on the outskirts of the Kampala capital. It is the only one of this kind in Uganda and Africa built over 50 years back belonging to the Bahai faith relatively a new religion.
The temple has beautiful gardens which attract numerous birds and it is a perfect place for relaxation either before or after your Uganda safari.
Namirembe Cathedral is among the main religious tourism attractions in Uganda. It is the oldest cathedral in Uganda currently serving as the headquarters of the church of Uganda. It is one of the most beautiful sacred places in Kampala situated on Namirembe hill, 2km west of Kampala city.
The Cathedral was constructed using earthen bricks and earthen roof tiles making it a striking sacred place in Uganda. It stands attractively on the hilltop and a guided visit to this beautiful cathedral will let you know all the religious inspirational history attached to the Anglican Church of Uganda.
Rubaga Cathedral is one of the famous religious tourist attractions in Uganda. The cathedral is the main feature on Rubaga hill, 3km from Kampala city center.
The Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Uganda and a visit to this sacred site in Uganda will make you get to know the fascinating history of the Catholic Church in Uganda.
Hot springs are amazing tourist attractions in Uganda. The country holds over 7 hot springs which can be visited on top of your wildlife Uganda safari tours since some are found in Uganda game parks. The following are examples of hot springs in Uganda prominently visited:
Sempaya hot springs are amazing hot springs situated in Semuliki national park in western Uganda. They are two falls referred to as the female hot spring and the male hot spring. All the springs boil at over 1000C.
Many people always visit these hot springs and have a natural sauna bath. It is said that the springs have supernatural power since people believe their water can heal, and give blessings and wealth. They can be reached while on your Uganda safari in Semuliki national park.
Kitagata Uganda hot springs are magical tourist attractions in western Uganda found in the Sheema district. They comprise 2 amazing hot springs where one “Ekyomugabe” is said to have been used by the King of Ankole. The other is Mulago believed to have healing powers and both springs boil over 800C.
One of the prominent activities at Kitagata hot springs is having a steam bath in water that is believed to have natural healing powers and blessings. On your visit, you will be amazed to see semi-naked people having a natural sauna around.
Kanangorok hot springs is one of the amazing Uganda attractions in northeastern Uganda situated in Kidepo valley national park.
These amazing hot springs in Uganda boil over 500C. Around the falls, one is likely to spot the Ostriches and the Greater and Lesser Kudus. The springs can be visited while on your Uganda safari in Kidepo valley national park.
Rwagimba hot springs are one of the amazing hot springs in Fort Portal Kabarole district in Kibiito Sub County. They are found in river Rwimi, a river that separates Kabarole and Kasese districts.
These Fort Portal hot springs are highly respected by the locals since they believe that their water has the power to heal diseases when you take a sauna. The springs are vital to the Tooro Kingdom as their king would frequently visit the springs and rejuvenate himself. The area around the springs has magnificent views.
Uganda has several amazing monuments which have turned into tourist attractions in Uganda. They are commonly visited by tourists before or after their safaris in Uganda. Commonly visited ones include:
The Independence monument is one of the amazing tourist attractions in Kampala. It is one of the beautiful historical monuments in Uganda portraying independent Uganda being raised from the bondage of British colonialism. It shows a woman standing on the ground while lifting a baby in the air.
This beautiful monument has turned out to be one of the tourism attractions in Uganda and can be visited on your Kampala city tour either before or after your Uganda safari. The monument is found on Nakasero hill-Kampala and it can be reached while on your guided Kampala tour.
Ruhondeza gorilla monument is a historical monument in Uganda. It’s of the legendary mountain gorilla “Ruhondeza” a silverback of the first mountain gorilla family to be habituated in Uganda. The monument is opposite the Uganda independence monument along Speke road on Nakasero Hill.
Ruhondeza silverback of Mubare gorilla family of Bwindi impenetrable national park was habituated in 1991 and died on 27th June 2012. He was believed to be over 50 years. Up to date, this family is still open for Uganda gorilla tours.
Fort Patiko is one of the amazing tourist attractions in northern Uganda. Bakers foot is a historical monument in Uganda found in the Gulu district. It was a military fort built by Samuel Baker to stop the slave trade from Northern Uganda and southern Sudan which had become an area for slave trade by the Arabs.
The slaves could be put in pits by the Arabs to make it impossible for them to escape. They could be taken to Sudan and Egypt where the slave market was. This monument is en-route while on your Uganda safari to Kidepo valley national park.
Biharwe eclipse monument is one of the tourist attractions in western Uganda. It is a historical monument in Uganda built on the Biharwe hilltop just opposite Igongo cultural center in Mbarara town. This monument commemorates a myth of the great darkness that occurred due to the total eclipse.
This incident happened about 500 years ago as King Olimi of the great Bunyoro dynast had just reached this hill with cattle from Rwanda on his normal raids. He left all the cattle on the hill and ran for his life. This historical Uganda monument can be visited after a stopover at Igongo cultural center.
Markets in Uganda are among the pleasing tourist attractions in Uganda especially before or after your safaris in Uganda. The prominent local markets visited in Uganda include:
Owino market is one of the amazing markets in Kampala. This Uganda market is the biggest and busiest in Kampala and probably East Africa. The market can be visited while on your guided Kampala city tour walk. Owino market Kampala Uganda mainly sells cheap 2nd hand clothing plus a wide variety of goods.
The market is so overcrowded since over 200,000 people visit it daily. While in this area, you will have a crazy experience of encountering a congested market however, you are cautioned to walk with cheaper things due to pickpocketing.
Also called Nakasero Kampala market, is mostly visited by tourists while on their Kampala city tour walks. This Kampala market is one of the biggest and oldest markets in Uganda commonly known for selling numerous fresh fruits, foods, electric appliances, shoes, etc.
The market employs over 10,000 people and on your guided visit to the market, you can purchase some wonderful sweet fresh fruits.
Kikuubo market is one of the busiest and most congested markets in Kampala. The market is found in the heart of Kampala city. It is always the best market in Kampala for shopping.
Just like all other local markets in Uganda, Kikuubo Kampala market is a chaotic shopping zone with a variety of products including cosmetics, foodstuffs, home equipment, scholastic materials, clothing, etc. This market can be visited while on your guided tour in Kampala city.
Gift shops are wonderful tourist attractions in Uganda Africa where tourists go to purchase crafts in Uganda. The commonly bought amazing Uganda souvenirs (Uganda crafts) by tourists on top of their Uganda safaris include:
The craft shops in Kampala visited most include Exposure Africa craft market, Friday craft market, Uganda art, and craft village, Nommo gallery craft shop, Ndere Cultural Center, etc.
Tourists can also obtain souvenirs from the Entebbe craft market (Entebbe Crafts Village) such as crafts (drums, mats baskets, keyrings, etc.), traditional African clothes (wrappers, scarves Kikoi, African fabrics), and Jewellery (earrings, bracelets, bangles, and necklaces), etc.
Souvenirs are of great importance since they will always remind you of your safari in the Pearl of Africa.
Uganda was called the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill. This was due to the beautiful scenery of Uganda which includes the beautiful rolling hills and savannahs, tropical rainforests, eye-catching valleys and gorges bisected by rivers and glassy lakes, the snow-capped mountains, amazing game animals, etc.
Primates are a group of mammals that includes monkeys, apes, lemurs, bushbabies, and lorises. Humans are primates, too. They are characterized by big brains compared to other mammals, their eyes facing straight ahead (in monkeys and apes), and being the most social than all other mammals.
Primates are good climbers characterised by strong arms and legs, long grasping fingers, and toes.
The Grey-crowned crane is the beautiful national bird of Uganda.
The source of the Nile is found in Uganda. It is in Jinja on the northern shores of Lake Victoria (Africa’s biggest lake) where the Nile starts its 6650km long journey to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.
The source of the Nile was discovered by John Hanning Speke on August 3rd, 1858.
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa covering an area of over 68800km2 and is the source of the legendary Nile River.
The longest river in the world is called River Nile. It covers over 6,650km distance from its source in Uganda (Jinja town) to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. It is said that the Nile River flows in 10 African countries.
Lake Victoria has a maximum depth of between 80m and 84m and an average depth of 40m. The deepest part of the lake is mainly in the east near Kenya, and the lake is generally shallower in the west along the Ugandan shoreline and the south along the Tanzanian shoreline.
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake situated in East Africa covering an area of about 68,800km2. The lake is shared by 3 countries, Tanzania taking about 49%, Uganda 45%, and Kenya 6%.
Lake Albert was formerly known as Mwitanzige and Lake Mobutu Sese Seko. It is found in Western Uganda in the rift valley region. Albert Lake was formed as a result of secondary faulting on the floor of the rift valley.
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa covering an area of over 68800km2 in the 3 East African countries (Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania).
The pygmy people are generally called the Batwa people in Uganda. The pygmies in Uganda lived in the forest and could survive by hunting and fruit gathering however, they were evicted in the early 1990s from parks. They can be spotted in southwestern Uganda adjacent to park areas.
Their height is unusually short, the adult men on average are less than 150cm (4ft) tall.
Uganda has many tribes that speak different languages totaling over 56 friendly tribes, however, the Baganda people dominate the central region.
The culture of Uganda is made up of a variety of ethnic groups however, Bantu people for example Baganda dominate much. Football is the national sport of Uganda however other games like cricket, Rugby is also growing.
The country has over 40 languages in use however, English and Swahili are the official national languages though Luganda is commonly used in the central region. The national dress for men is Kanzu.
The Equator is one of the amazing tourist attractions in Uganda. The prominent Equator landmark in Uganda is in Kayabwe Mpigi district along Masaka road. It is about 81km southwest of Kampala.
Another equator marker in Uganda is located in the Kasese district en route to Queen Elizabeth national park in western Uganda.
The equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern hemispheres. It runs from east to west marked 00 and it is the main latitude.
Uganda has a latitude of 1.3733°N and a longitude of 32.2903°E. The GPS coordinates of Uganda indicate that it is in the northern and eastern hemispheres. Uganda is also positioned above the border, as expressed by the direction associated with the country’s latitudinal coordinate.
Uganda is one of the wonderful countries in East Africa to have a memorable safari from. It holds almost 50% of the world’s mountain gorillas making it the best destination for gorilla safaris in the world and also has the highest primate concentration in Africa in one of its parks.
Other amazing Uganda attractions include the ever snowcapped mountains, the source of the Nile, lakes, the waterfalls, forests, volcanoes, numerous bird species, all the Big Five Game of Africa, and the mysterious tree-climbing lions, etc.
You can book with us your safari to Uganda to any of the tourism destinations mentioned above for a memorable experience while on your visit to Africa.
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Samuel
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