Uganda National Parks

Among the Best Tourist Places / tourist destinations to visit in Uganda are game parks, which showcase the country’s exceptional beauty. There are ten (10) national parks in Uganda, each with its uniqueness, as shown below.

1.    Lake Mburo National Park

At 371 square kilometers, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the best tourist places to visit in Uganda. It is the nearest savanna park from Kampala city and Entebbe Airport. During a safari in Uganda, Lake Mburo Park provides exceptional game viewing.

The protected area’s ecosystems encompass open grassland, woodlands, rocky outcrops, and wetlands. Wildlife species, including giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hyenas, leopards, and various antelope species, are found in the park.

The conservation area is a natural habitat for over 350 bird species and is a birdwatching paradise. Some notable groups include hornbills, storks, kingfishers, songbirds, cranes, assorted raptors and many more.

Lake Mburo Attractions:

• Lakes & adjoining wetlands
• Diverse Wildlife
• Scenic Views
• Community Tourism

Lake Mburo Activities:

Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park:

Visit Uganda’s most accessible park as your preferred safari destination to the best tourist places in Uganda!

2.    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Another of the most outstanding places to visit in Uganda is Bwindi National Park. This misty primeval forest blankets ridges in southwestern Uganda and is also a habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas. It is famous for Uganda gorilla trekking safaris and tours.

Over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas are found in this biodiversity hotspot, and for this reason, Bwindi Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Habituated gorilla groups of these gentle giants can be visited during gorilla trekking.

Attractions in Bwindi National Park:

• Mountain Gorillas & Chimpanzees
• Albertine Rift Valley
• Waterfall Trail
• Indigenous Batwa (Pygmy) Communities
• Lake Bunyonyi & Lake Mutanda nearby

Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

Visit Bwindi for Uganda gorilla trekking, and embark on incredible volcano tours to the ‘Switzerland of Africa.’. 

3.    Queen Elizabeth National Park

Set amidst vast plains, bounded by the Rift Valley escarpments to the East and the Rwenzoris to the West, Queen Elizabeth National Park is another of the most outstanding tourist places to visit in Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth Park is Uganda’s most visited national park, attracting more tourists compared to the other parks overall. Boasting 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, it is also the most biodiverse protected area in Uganda and is an exciting getaway for wildlife enthusiasts.

Distinctive among the conservancy’s fauna are its famed black-maned tree-climbing lions, banded mongoose colonies, and a host of central African avian species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Attractions:

• Kyambura gorge & Maramagambo forest
• Equator Monument
• Kasenyi Plains
• Volcanic features
• Kazinga Channel connecting Lake George and Lake Edward is the most popular tourist attraction for boat cruises
• The Ishasha area on the western side of the park and its tree climbing lions

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park:

Splendid accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park is available at the following luxury lodges:

Adventure to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the unique tree-climbing lions on your Uganda safari…

4.    Kibale National Park

Famously known as the ‘Primate Capital of the World,’ owing to its abundance of primate species, Kibale Forest National Park sprawls across various ecosystems in the western region and is among the must-visit places in Uganda.

Primarily consisting of moist evergreen forest, there are grasslands, ferns, and woodlands, as well as extensive wetlands.

Kibale National Park boasts the highest concentration of primates in Africa. The protected area is also a chimpanzee stronghold containing over 1,500 individuals across several habituated families.

Alongside the various primate species, other diverse wildlife is regularly encountered on safari in Kibale Forest including francolins, African grey parrots, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, golden cats, etc.

Kibale Attractions:

Activities in Kibale Forest National Park:

Kibale Forest Accommodation:

With the park’s profusion of primate species, Kibale National Park is a must-see destination for wildlife enthusiasts on an exciting tour for Uganda chimpanzee trekking.

5.    Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park in the northwestern region is Uganda’s largest national park and one of the best places for Uganda safari adventure activities.

The Nile River, inbound from Lake Kyoga, powers through the protected area, bisecting it into northern and southern sectors, each with its unique character.

Below the Murchison Falls, the River Nile enters Lake Albert and is immediately outbound via the scenic Albert Nile, then onwards with its historic course to the Mediterranean Sea.

Murchison Falls Park abounds with diverse wildlife, boasting giant volumes of plains animals like elephants, Uganda kobs, and buffalos. The park also hosts a dazzling array of avian species drawn by the riverine setting of the park along the Nile.

Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park:

Murchison Falls Activities:

Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park consists of serene luxury lodges to guarantee extreme relaxation, including the following:

Plan your next Africa adventure tour to Murchison Falls National Park for amazing river cruises, chimpanzee tracking, and the best experience during Uganda wildlife adventures…

6.    Kidepo Valley National Park

Are you looking for an African safari experience in the wilderness without many visitors, surrounded by magnificent scenery and wildlife? Visit the breathtaking Kidepo Valley National Park because it is one of the most outstanding tourist places in Uganda.

Tucked away in the remote Karamoja plains close to the border with South Sudan, Kidepo is characterized by vast open savannah, seasonal rivers, and mountains, including Mt. Morungole (2,750 meters).

Kidepo National Park is wealthy in biodiversity, featuring endemics that are not found in other parks in Uganda. There are nearly 500 bird species, alongside 86 mammal species, in the park.

Attractions in Kidepo:

• The Park’s animal biodiversity (including cheetahs, African wild dogs, caracals, oryxes, kudus, and bird species like secretary birds, ostriches, etc.)
• Kanangorok hot springs
• Afromontane woodlands
• Narus & Kidepo valleys
• Scenic views
• Apoka Kopje & Salt lick
• Timu Escarpment Walk

Activities in Kidepo Park include:

• Game Drives
• Guided Treks
• Birding Safaris
• Biking
• Visit the Kanagorok Hot Springs
• Mountain climbing
• Karamojong Cultural Experience: Visit the Ik Community

Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park:

Tour Kidepo on your Uganda safari adventure for the best wilderness experience.

Other National Parks in Uganda

Uganda also boasts an additional four (4) other game parks, each with its own unique appeal. These other game parks are also among the best destinations for safari tours in Uganda. They are;

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park
• Semliki National Park

Visit Uganda’s enchanting game parks for an exciting Africa adventure safari.

Wildlife Reserves of Uganda

Uganda Game Reserves are also some of the best safari destinations in Uganda, Africa. For intrepid travelers seeking unspoiled wildernesses without tourist crowds, Uganda’s wildlife reserves offer an alternative safari option. They include:

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe is an enormous game reserve in the northeastern plains of Uganda, and it is one of the best tourist places in Uganda. The reserve is characterized by vast savannah plains, flanked by the dramatic ‘eastern arch’ mountains, north of Mt. Elgon.

Covering 2,043 square kilometers of game-filled dry savannah woodland and stunning geologic formations, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is Uganda’s second largest protected area, with Murchison Falls National Park being the only larger conservation area in the country.

Due to the reserve’s unique location, diverse wildlife species that are native to the wider Karamoja region are abundant in Pian Upe. Animal volumes in the conservancy are also unmatched, with vast herds of elephants, buffalos, and Uganda kobs regularly encountered on Uganda safaris.

Pian Upe Attractions:

Activities in Pian Upe Reserve:

Pian Upe Accommodation:

Tour Pian Upe Conservation Area for an exclusive Uganda wildlife safari experience in the country’s last undiscovered destination.

Katonga Wildlife Reserve

Katonga Wildlife Reserve, located in Midwestern Uganda, is a dramatic landscape featuring savannah, acacia woodland, wetland, and aquatic habitats, and is among Uganda’s best tourist places.

Extensive sections of the reserve are papyrus swamps, with riverine forest, thickets, shrubs, and grasses forming part of the ecosystem, bisected by the Katonga River.

Attractions in Katonga Reserve:

• Abundance of wetland wildlife species like sitatunga antelopes, shoebill storks, etc.
• Diverse wildlife, featuring an abundance of reptiles like Nile crocodiles & rock pythons
• Primates hotspot including black and white colobus monkeys & olive baboons
• The exclusivity of boat trips and foot safaris

Activities in Katonga Wildlife Reserve are centered on birding, canoeing, guided treks, game viewing, primate watching, & community interactions.

Camping is the main accommodation, although standard lodging is available at Katonga View Hotel.

Other Game Reserves in Uganda:

Visit Katonga Wildlife Reserve for an exclusive backpacking experience on your Uganda adventure safaris. 

Uganda Forests

Uganda has abundant forests, which are some of the best tourist places to visit in the country. Encompassing various landscapes, there are equatorial, tropical, bamboo, dry woodlands, and alpine forests to explore, including;

Mabira Forest

Situated in central Uganda and spanning 306 square kilometers of luxuriant jungle, Mabira Forest is a tropical paradise and one of the most outstanding places to tour in Uganda.

The rainforest is teeming with diverse wildlife species, featuring dense luxuriant vegetation, over 300 bird species, reptiles, butterflies, and mammals, including the endemic Uganda mangabey.

Mabira Forest Attractions:

Activities in Mabira:

• Griffin Falls Tour
• Zip lining, biking & archery
• Forest walks
• Birding
• Picnicking
• Educational Tours

Accommodation within Mabira Forest

• Rain Forest Lodge
• Griffin Falls Camp

Other forest reserves in Uganda include:

Plan your trip to Mabira Forest for an exclusive and memorable jungle retreat during Uganda Africa vacations.

Uganda Mountains

Uganda’s breathtaking mountains flank the country’s central plateau and are some of the best tourist destinations in Uganda. From the snowcapped Rwenzori ranges to the peaks of Mount Elgon and the picturesque volcanic cones of the Virungas, mountains in Uganda offer exciting opportunities for a nature adventure.

Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Mountains are a 120-kilometer mountain range in western Uganda and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are one of the best tourist places for a Uganda safari, owing to the area’s immense biodiversity.

Encompassed within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, the ranges feature various vegetation zones at different altitudes, including alpine forests, bamboo zones, heath and moorland, as well as vast glacial fields and permanent ice.

Rwenzori Mountains Attractions:

Rwenzori Activities:

Accommodation in the Rwenzoris is at comfortable huts and cabins along the hiking trails.

Embark on the exciting Central Circuit Trail, or gear up for a challenging ascent to Magherita Peak for the ultimate mountaineering experience at the Equator on Uganda safari tours!

Other mountains in Uganda include:

• Mount Elgon
• Mount Moroto
• The Virungas (Gahinga, Sabinyo, Muhabura) etc.

Travel to Uganda’s enchanting mountains for an exciting mountaineering experience on safari in Uganda…

Uganda Cities

Uganda’s vibrant cities and towns bustle with activity and are among the best tourist destinations in the country. The capital city, Kampala, is Uganda’s central hub and gateway to all other locations. The city is a vibrant East African metropolis and a nucleus of pop culture, featuring the nostalgic National Theatre and Uganda Museum.

Each of Uganda’s urban centers showcases its own regional authenticity, ensuring that no visitor experiences will be identical.

Enjoy historical sites, city tours, market visits, amazing regional cuisine, cultural interactions, and visit nearby natural attractions in the cities and towns on your Uganda adventure trip, including;

Jinja City

Located at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Uganda, Jinja City is one of the best tourist places for a Uganda safari. It is the largest town in the region, with tourism at the center of its fabric.

The city features the source of the Nile River as its main attraction, from where the stream embarks on its course northward to the Mediterranean Sea. Jinja is a main allure for adrenaline seekers and the area is popular for a wide range of thrilling outdoor activities.

This City is also of historical relevance to Uganda, as it was once the region’s industrial powerhouse and railhead for the famous Uganda Railway.

Jinja is a cultural hub and Uganda’s gateway to East Africa & beyond. And, as the seat of the ancient Busoga kingdom, Jinja boasts a cosmopolitan population, making it a culture melting pot.

Attractions in Jinja City 

Things to do in Jinja:

• River cruises on Lake Victoria and the Nile
• Water Sports: Jinja white water rafting, bungee jumping, water tubing, and kayaking
• All Terrain Adventures with quad bikes & mountain bikes
• Jinja City Tour: Jinja Market, Nile Pier, etc.
• Visit Hindu temples
• Unwind at Jinja Sailing Club
• Trips to Busowoko Falls & Itanda Falls
• Horseback Safaris

Jinja Accommodation:

Other Cities in Uganda:

Mbarara, Gulu, Moroto, Mbale, Fort Portal, Hoima, & Kabale.

Visit Uganda’s capital, Kampala, or the beautiful Jinja City on your next Uganda safari tour to the best destinations for adventure activities in Uganda!

Historical Sites in Uganda

The best tourist places in Uganda also encompass a range of historical and cultural sites to excite travelers on a Uganda safari.

There are Stone Age sites, paleontological discoveries, Iron Age earthwork excavations, ancient rock art, ethnic locations of importance, and others. Highlighted below are some.

Nyero Rock Paintings

Nestled in the undulating plains of Kumi District in Eastern Uganda, Nyero Rock Paintings is one of the most spectacular rock art sites in Africa and another of the best tourist sites in Uganda.

The artwork in Nyero dates back to prehistory and is well preserved. Each of the mysterious caves showcases cryptic paintings of the area’s diverse wildlife, seasons, scenery, and concentric circles.

The area around Nyero is scenic, featuring unique granite inselbergs set amidst lush vegetation primarily of giant succulents and acacia thickets.

Activities at Nyero Rock Art Site:

• Bird watching
• Iteso community tours
• Guided treks
• Rock climbing

Accommodation on a Nyero Rock tour

More historical & cultural sites in Uganda:

Kasubi Tombs, Bigobyamugenyi, Nsongezi, Garama Caves, Magosi, Ntusi Earthworks, Nakayima Tree, Lolwe Island, etc.

Experience history today with a visit to Nyero Rock Art Site, and also enjoy the Uganda birding experience on your Africa safari adventure.

Religious Sites of Uganda

Religious sites are also among the main tourist areas in Uganda. Uganda is teeming with glorious religious sites, including towering medieval-style cathedrals, imposing Hindu temples, spectacular mosques, and revered pilgrimage locations, to guarantee a fulfilling experience.

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

On the outskirts of the country’s capital city, Kampala, is Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, which is one of the best places for tourists to tour in Uganda.

Established as a memorial for the Uganda martyrs persecuted in the 19th century, Namugongo has become a main attraction as a revered pilgrimage site for believers and visitors worldwide, who congregate yearly on 3rd June.

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine Attractions:

• Catholic and Anglican worship houses
• Water features at Catholic site
• Expansive gardens & cool ambiance

Activities at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine:

• Guided tours
• Library & Resource Center
• Chapel
• Uganda Martyrs Museum

Accommodation is readily available around the area and in Kampala City.

Other religious tourism destinations in Uganda are:-

Namirembe Cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral, Baha’i Temple, Old Kampala Mosque, Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, Bishop Hannington Memorial Site, etc.

Travel to Uganda Africa, and visit Namugongo on your trip to the best places to see in Uganda for a revitalizing and inspirational experience…

Lakes in Uganda/Rivers in Uganda

Uganda is endowed with several scenic lakes and rivers, many of which are some of the best tourist destinations in Uganda. From the picturesque island-studded Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda, to the enormous expanse of Lake Victoria, Uganda’s water bodies are an adventure treat for tourists. The country’s mesmerizing water bodies are some of what to see in Uganda during Uganda safaris.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria in Uganda is one of the best tourist places to visit for a truly relaxing experience, offering various exciting Uganda adventure activities.

Encompassing much of southern Uganda, Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world and is shared with Kenya and Tanzania.

Africa’s largest lake is a biodiversity hotspot with rich ecosystems. It hosts various endemic cichlid fish species, among other wildlife that can be viewed in their natural habitat.

Attractions in Lake Victoria:

Activities on Lake Victoria Uganda:

Lake Victoria accommodation is available around the lake in the nearby cities, from budget lodging to 5-Star rated accommodation brands like Serena, Sheraton & Hilton hotels.

Other lakes in Uganda include:

More Rivers in Uganda:

Lake Victoria Uganda should be your next vacation destination as one of the best tourist places to visit in the Pearl of Africa!! 

Sanctuaries and Zoos in Uganda

Among Uganda’s diverse protected areas are sanctuaries and zoos, which are some of the best tourist places in Uganda. These refuges offer alternative game viewing options of animals in their natural habitats closer to urban areas, providing opportunities for day getaways or stopovers while on an African safari in Uganda. They include:

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary  

Situated in Midwestern Uganda, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of the best tourist destinations in Uganda. The conservancy was created as a refuge for critically endangered species of southern white rhinos, which had become locally extinct from their natural habitat.

The goal is to eventually reintroduce these rare animals into their wild range in the nearby Murchison Falls National Park and the wider northwestern frontier.

The 25-square-mile reserve boasts vast acacia woodlands, open grasslands, dense forests, and marshy areas that support a diversity of animal and bird species, including shoebill storks, making the conservancy a top destination for Uganda birding tours.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Attractions:

• White Rhinos
• Rare bird species
• Animals, like crocodiles & hippos
• Wetlands
• Nature trails

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary activities include:

• Rhino tracking
• Canoeing
• Nature walks (day & night)
• Wildlife viewing
• Birding

Accommodations include Ziwa Rhino Lodge & Amuka Safari Lodge.  

Other Wildlife Sanctuaries in Uganda:

1. Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (Entebbe Zoo)
2. Kampala Snake Park
3. Uganda Reptile Village

Discover the exciting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Zoos for close encounters with wildlife in its natural habitat during Uganda Africa safaris.

Uganda Museums

For history enthusiasts, Uganda boasts several museums that showcase nature, history, tradition, culture, and diversity. There are museums on natural history, archeology, artifacts, and ethnography, which are some of what to visit in Uganda on safari tours.

The Uganda Museum in Kampala, the oldest establishment of its kind in East Africa, houses priceless collections on Uganda’s history. The museum’s extensive tribal exhibits, animal dioramas, and fossil displays offer an awe-inspiring experience.

Listed are other notable museums in Uganda:

1. Igongo Cultural Center
2. Iteso Cultural Museum
3. Uganda Martyrs Museum

Gain insight into history with a memorable visit to the Uganda Museum and more captivating ancient collections on your Uganda safari adventure.

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Uganda: Useful Information

During your Uganda vacation to some of the best tourist places in Uganda, these are helpful tips for trip planning.

Getting Here

1. Overland: Uganda can be accessed through border crossings at Bunagana & Mpondwe (DRC), Katuna & Mirama Hills (Rwanda), Mutukula (Tanzania), Busia & Malaba (Kenya), & Elegu (South Sudan).

What to visit in Uganda awaits you upon arrival. Embark on your epic vacation to the best tourist places in Uganda!

2. By Air: Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is Uganda’s aviation hub and services domestic, regional, & international destinations like Nairobi, Dubai, Amsterdam, Brussels, & Lagos. Flag carrier Uganda Airlines operates flights to Africa, the Middle East, and India.

Once you’ve touched down, travel to your preferred Ugandan destination…

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Uganda: Packing List

For your travel to what to visit in Uganda for a safari, these are the necessary items to pack and enjoy the ultimate trip of a lifetime.

 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Uganda: FAQs

1. What is the most beautiful part of Uganda?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest, with its endangered mountain gorillas, also known as gentle giants, is the most beautiful part of Uganda. It is one of the Best Tourist Places to visit in Uganda

2. What is the most toured place in Uganda?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited park. Its unique attractions, scenery, amazing wildlife, and various exciting activities such as chimpanzee trekking, draw thousands of tourists to the park for Africa safaris in Uganda.

3. What is Uganda known for in tourism?

Uganda’s most popular tourism attractions include the following:

• Mountain Gorillas
• Diverse wildlife, including chimpanzees
• The Source of the Nile & Murchison Falls
• Equator Uganda
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Bird watching

4. What is famous about Uganda?

• Uganda is most famous for mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park, both situated in southwestern Uganda.
• The Murchison Falls are also a famous tourist destination in Uganda.

5. What is the leading tourist attraction in Uganda? 

Uganda’s mountain gorillas, including the silverback males, are the leading tourist attraction in Uganda. They can be found on Uganda adventure safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga in south west Uganda.

6. What is Uganda best known for?

Bwindi Gorillas are what Uganda is best known for.

7. Why do most tourists come to Uganda?

Most tourists travel to Uganda to enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi in south western Uganda, chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, and excellent big game viewing.

8. What is the best month to visit Uganda?

Uganda can be visited all year with pleasant temperatures throughout. The rainy season peaks during March/May and September/November. Dry seasons last from December through February and from June to August. Gorilla trekking is best during the drier months.

There is something for everyone on a trip to what to visit in Uganda. Unwind in a destination off the beaten track and discover Uganda. Plan your trip today, and relish an unforgettable journey!