The 5 major Uganda tourist attractions to explore as you visit Uganda on a safari include

1. Primates
2. Other wild animals
3. Birds
4. Breathtakingly diverse landscapes
5. The vibrant people and their culture

1. Primates in Uganda, East Africa

The primates are the most renowned attractions of Uganda. The country is home to about 20 primate species, which can commonly be seen in the Bwindi impenetrable forest, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Semuliki, Kibale National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, among others.

This makes Uganda the country with the highest primate species in East Africa.

Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park

Known as the major home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas, Uganda holds the world’s highest mountain gorilla population, which is more than 500 individuals, each living in a gorilla family. This is out of the estimated world’s mountain gorilla population, which is 1063, thus promoting amazing gorilla safaris.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, alone protects about 459 Mountain gorillas, according to the last Gorilla census. Thus, Bwindi impenetrable forest creates the best gorilla trekking adventures for travelers who visit Uganda to meet a fully habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat.

These Gorillas are so rare in the world that you can only see them in the Virunga region that spans Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in East Africa.

Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve & Budongo Forest

Chimpanzees are the closest relatives to humans with a DNA match of 99% and in Uganda, they are famous in Kibale National Park.

Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda is dubbed the “primate capital of the world” and among the top prime-watching African destinations found in East Africa. One of these amazing primates is the chimpanzee, which you can track at the Kanyanchu Visitor Center.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the sole Chimpanzee family survives in the beautiful Kyambura Gorge.

The Kalinzu Forest Reserve, which neighbors Queen Elizabeth National Park, is also a famous home for the Chimpanzees.

Budongo Forest at Murchison Falls NP also provides unforgettable Chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda in the ancient forests.

Golden Monkeys at Mgahinga National Park

Like the Gorillas, Golden Monkeys are a rare primate species that only survive in the Virunga Conservation Area. The region covers Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla NP), Rwanda (Volcanoes NP), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga NP), all found in East Africa.

It is a thrilling experience to meet these endangered species in their natural habitat as you explore Uganda’s primates.

Some of the other small primates to see in Uganda during your safaris include the following:

1. Red-tailed monkeys
2. Black and White Colobus Monkeys

• Grey Cheeked Mangabey

1. Ugandan Mangabey
2. Red Colobus Monkeys
3. Patas Monkeys

• Blue Monkeys
• Bush Babies

1. Olive Baboons
2. L’Hoest Monkeys
3. Vervet Monkeys

• De Brazzas Monkeys, among other species

Some of these primates can also be explored in other African destinations, like Murchison Fall’s Budongo Forest, Semuliki Park, and other national parks & reserves of the country.

2. Other Wild Animals in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, & Lake Mburo National Park

Apart from the large and small primates, the Ugandan nation is also blessed to have other animals, the most famous ones which are the African Big Five. These are the Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, and buffaloes, among others.

However, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the lovely wild sights during the enthralling wildlife safaris in the national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries.

Other wild animals like Antelopes, Zebras, Giraffes, Cheetahs, and Wild dogs, are all part of the beautiful Ugandan wildlife.

At Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will get the opportunity to watch the elusive tree-climbing Lions on your safari in East Africa in their natural habitat.

Lake Mburo Park provides a true African wilderness adventure through morning walking safaris.

The wildlife areas offer opportunities for a boat cruise safari, game drive safaris, and nature walks through the best-informed tour guides to experience the beautiful wildlife.

3. Birds of Uganda

Uganda is blessed to have about 1100 bird species, categorized into forest birds, water birds, and savannah birds, among others.

With many being the most sought-after Albertine Rift Endemics and the Congo biome species, the country is among the top African destinations for birding.

Queen Elizabeth National Park protects the highest number of bird species (over 600 bird species) in the country because of its biodiversity. Kibale National Park is regarded as the best destination for spotting forest bird species.

Murchison Falls National Park also has a high number of bird species, which is about 556, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The Albertine Rift endemics of birds can best be seen in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Rwenzori Mountains Park, and Semuliki Park.

Some of the most common and most sought-after bird species in the country include the Shoebill, Great Blue Turaco, Grey Crowned Crane, Long Crested Eagle, Hadada Ibis, Hammerkop, Rwenzori Turaco, and Green Breasted Pitta, among other species.

Meeting these beautiful birds is indeed a remarkable experience to have during your safari game drive, boat cruise, and nature walk.

4. Breathtaking Diverse Landscapes of Uganda

The scenic beauty of Uganda is a combination of the ragged plains, stunning landscapes, beautiful mountain peaks, beautiful water bodies, and amazing waterfalls—a rare beauty for nature lovers.

Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Mountains in Rwenzori Mountains NP, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an outstanding feature, revealing the rare beauty of Africa’s 3rd 4th, and 5th highest mountain ranges.

The snowcapped peaks of Mount Rwenzori are a breathtaking sight, especially for mountain climbers. They can also have the opportunity to explore the amazing vegetation zones of the mountain.

Mount Elgon in Mountain Elgon National Park, the Ssese Islands, and other small lakes are also exceptional places to experience the beauty of Uganda’s striking scenery.

The Virunga Mountains

8 Virunga Mountains in East Africa make up the Virunga Conservation Area, with Uganda having 3 of them. These are Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhavura.

Mount Sabyinyo was named after the word sabyinyo which means “old man’s teeth,” due to its appearance. It stands at 3,645m above sea level and hiking it gives you the chance to view the plains in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mount Gahinga on the other hand, is located at Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla NP and its slopes are home to endangered Mountain Gorillas and golden monkeys.

The mountain rises at an elevation of 3478m above sea level and you can hike it before or after your gorilla trekking adventures to meet a fully habituated gorilla family.

Mount Mahavura is the tallest among the 3 mountains, rising to a height of about 4,128m above sea level. It is a beautiful mountain that will provide you with striking views upon hiking it; for example, the other Virunga Volcanoes, Bwindi impenetrable Forest, Mount Rwenzori, Lake George, and Lake Edward.

Lakes and Rivers in Uganda, East Africa

Uganda is also a land of various water bodies that are an amazing attraction in the world.

For instance, the Nile River, whose source begins from Uganda (Lake Victoria in Jinja) and passes through Murchison Falls National Park, is the longest river in the world.

The Nile is a source of various safari activities, for example, water sports like bungee jumping and white water rafting. Others include stand-up paddleboarding (extremely SUP), boat cruises, and wildlife viewing.

Lake Victoria, on the other hand, is the largest freshwater lake in Africa, while Lake Bunyonyi is the second-deepest lake in Africa after Lake Tanganyika.

All these amazing safari destinations abound with remarkable beauty and safaris for travelers on a Uganda safari experience.

Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park

Discover the unmatched beauty of the Pearl of Africa through the Murchison Falls, which carry an exceptional aura on the beautiful horizon of Africa.

The beautifully rainbow-crossed waterfalls burst through an 8-meter gorge and flow 45 meters below to reach the devil’s cauldron.

You can explore Murchison Falls through a hike to the falls adventure or a drive to the serene waterfalls.

5. The Vibrant People and Their Culture in Uganda

Being a nation of more than 50 cultures, Uganda is the best place to experience the uniqueness and warm hospitality of the hospitable people.

Below, we look at the most indigenous and encountered tribes by travelers who visit Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.

Karamojong and IK Tribes of Northeastern Uganda

These indigenous people carry their ways, like the local Maasai of Kenya. They live in the vicinities of Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe National Reserve.

By visiting these groups with knowledgeable guides, you will get to encounter their local homes called the Manyattas, and their traditional cultures.

The IK people, on the other hand, are among the most endangered tribes in the country, with about 10,000 people only.

Experience these authentic cultures by attending their singing and dance sessions, listening to them tell stories, and experiencing their farming and cooking methods.

The Batwa Pygmies

The Batwa community is a group of pygmies that lived in the dense forests of Uganda before they were evicted after the forests were designated as national parks and other wildlife areas.

Some of the forests in which these people lived were the Bwindi impenetrable forest, the Mgahinga Forest, and the Semuliki Forest.

They believed to be the protectors of the forest and so their lives were rooted among these kinds of environments.

By visiting the Batwa with our responsible tour guide, you get to listen to their tales of how they lived in the forests, songs that reminisce about their life while in the forest, and their traditional dances.

Other than cultural tours, you may also participate in religious tours and, with the help of knowledgeable guides, explore amazing destinations. Some of them include visiting the Bahai Temple, Gadaffi Mosque, and Namirembe Cathedral, among others.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Attractions in Uganda

1. What is Uganda Best Known For? | What is Uganda Special for?

Many top attractions and facts make Uganda famous to the outside world. However, the safari country is known for the protection of the endangered mountain gorillas, which allows travelers to gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla NP.

2. What is the Leading Tourist Attraction in Uganda?

The Mountain Gorillas, promoting thrilling gorilla trekking adventures in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla NP, are the leading attractions in Uganda.

However, the country is also home to other most sought-after primates like the Golden Monkeys, Chimpanzees, the Uganda Mangabey, and Black and White Colobus Monkeys, among others.

Additionally, the rare bird species and wildlife, plus the beauty of the Murchison Falls that flows from the Nile, known to be the world’s longest river, are other top attractions in the country.

3. Why Do Most Tourists Come To Uganda?

Most tourists come to Uganda to experience the breathtaking attractions and natural beauty of the country. The rare and endangered wildlife like Mountain Gorillas at Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Golden Monkeys, and other Albertine Rift endemics are some of the top attractions to tourists.

More so, the beauty of some physical features like the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Victoria, and the Nile are also reasons why tourists come to Uganda.

Additionally, historical and cultural attractions make some of the most amazing safaris that welcome tourists to Uganda in Africa.

4. How Do I Prepare For a Trip To Uganda?

To prepare for a safari to Uganda in Africa, ensure to have the most important things to pack, book your visa and itinerary in advance, get the right tour operator, inform your safari operator about your subjective opinion on services, and also have the best clothes for your safari activities.

Some of the important things to pack for your important Ugandan safari include insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, a camera, binoculars, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers, among others.

Additionally, you can prepare for your safari by choosing the best hotel type from the popular hotel categories (budget, midrange, and luxury).

Last but not least, visit during your most preferred safari season, even though the dry season is considered to be the best because of the dry tracks. The rainy season has fewer people and green natural beauty of stunning landscapes for nature lovers.

5. What is the tourism potential in Uganda?

Ugandan tourism is growing by a large percentage and the sector is becoming one of the highest revenue sources in the country.

Other than the attractions of western Uganda, there is a chance to also explore the beautiful attractions in other parts of the country.

6. What is a famous landmark in Uganda?

The Uganda Equator, the Independence Monument, and the Speak Monument are some of the country’s famous landmarks in Africa.

7. What is the most visited place in Uganda?

Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda ranks as the country’s most visited destination. The large biodiversity of Queen Elizabeth NP provides it with the chance for travelers to explore its top attractions.

These include the tree-climbing lions and other animals on the Savannah Plains, primates in the forests, and the great scenery of the crater lakes.

8. Why Should You Travel to Uganda?

You should visit Uganda to experience the country’s abounding riches of various tourist attractions like primates, wildlife, colorful bird species, amazing scenery, and lively cultures.

Common wildlife safari activities to have in the country include gorilla trekking in the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi Forest, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, and tracking the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth NP.

Also, get the safari experience of birding, gorilla trekking encounters at cultural attractions, a wild game drive, and a boat cruise in Africa, among others.

9. What Should I Be Careful of in Uganda?

Uganda is generally a safe country. However, it is best to exercise some caution, especially in a city where pickpocketing and robbery sometimes occur.

Also, consult with your trusted tour operator about safety precautions during your season of travel.

In conclusion, Uganda is a beautiful country in East Africa abounding with numerous tourist attractions, especially in western Uganda. By visiting the country, you will get the opportunity to explore all these amazing features, like wildlife, primates, bird species, beautiful physical features, and vibrant people.

Inquire and book with us your safari to come explore the beautiful Ugandan tourist attractions today through our best-informed tour guides!