Uganda draft Copy Uganda—The Pearl of Africa

Natural beauty | Experiences | heritage | CONSERVATION

Uganda

Nicknamed the "Pearl of Africa" by Winston Churchill, Uganda offers some of the world's most stunning natural wonders. Here, you'll find a mosaic of savannas, rainforests, vast crater lakes, hot springs, and snow-capped mountain ranges. Discover Africa's big five plus two in Uganda—spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalos on safari, as well as chimpanzees and gorillas. Over 50% of the world's population of gorillas live here, and you can head off on guided trekking trips to see them in the wild. You'll never be short of activities and experiences: tour national parks, go white water rafting or mountaineering, learn about Uganda's 65 tribes and their individual cultures, or explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Read on to learn more about this uniquely magnificent destination.

There are a grand total of 10 national parks in Uganda, each with its own dramatic sights and varied wildlife. Uganda's peak season runs June-August. For a quieter experience, you can also travel January-February during the low season, when there's very little rain and fewer crowds. Spy mountain gorillas in their natural habitat on a trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Spot giraffes and cheetahs in picturesque Kidepo Valley National Park, or admire striking alpine scenery in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Birdwatchers will delight in Uganda, with its more than 1090 bird species. In Queen Elizabeth National Park alone there are over 500 types of bird.

Eight major rivers flow through Uganda, and there are an astonishing 165 lakes dotted throughout the country. The mighty Nile River begins at Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater lake. This mammoth lake has a network of islands that you can hop across, including Ngamba Island, where you'll find a chimpanzee sanctuary. Explore Uganda's crater lakes, formed by ancient volcanic activity, for breathtaking scenery. Fort Portal, located in western Uganda, has the highest number of crater lakes. For awe-inspiring waterfalls, head to Murchison Falls National Park. Watch as water powers through a narrow rocky crevice and plunges over 40 metres to a water pool below. Watch from the Top of the Falls Viewpoint for the best vistas.

Experience astounding national parks

Mighty rivers, great lakes & powerful falls

Uganda's untamed landscapes make up a network of forests, mountains, rivers, and lakes that are ripe for exploring. Discover rugged, semi-arid valleys in Kidepo Valley National Park, or wonder at Kyambura gorge—the longest chasm in East Africa—in Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are six major mountains in Uganda, four of which are volcanic—Mount Elgon is thought to be the oldest volcano in East Africa, at an estimated 24 million years old. You'll find a mix of tropical rain forests, alpine meadows, snowy peaks, and calderas, and many of Uganda’s native tribes live in the surrounding areas. Join a guided journey through some of the 202 forest reserves, each of which boasts unique differences, and camp beneath the stars for an authentic experience.

Admire a tapestry of landscapes

The Pearl of Africa

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Uganda is made up of a mixture of religions, including Isam, Christianity, and indigenous religions. The Munyonyo Martyrs' Shrine is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Africa. It marks the starting point the Namugongo martyrs took on 3 June, 1886. In total, 22 Catholic and Anglican men were executed and later sainted between 1885 and 1887. Churches and chapels were erected on the sites of martyrdom, and sacraments are celebrated there. Follow the pilgrimage route to the Shrine of the Ugandan Martyrs at Numugongo. Here, you can pay your respects to the martys and take part in Martyrs Day celebrations on 3 June each year.

A place of pilgrimage

Vibrant cities

Capital Kampala is the starting point for many tours. The city sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, where you'll find tranquil beaches. Of course, you can join the hubbub in the city centre, where you'll find bustling markets, busy bars, and popular nightclubs. Jinja City is the source of the Nile and it's the place to be for adrenaline-pumping experiences. You can also relax in the Source of the Nile Gardens, admire the cascading Bujagali and Itanda waterfalls, or retreat to Samuka Island. As the so-called "tourism city of Uganda", Fort Portal is packed with things to do. Head to the Tooro Botanical Gardens, go shopping at the Mugusu market, or tee off at the Toro Golf Club—it's on the site of the former Fort Gerry, the first base in the city.

Immerse yourself in adventure

Adventurous activities abound in Uganda's plentiful national parks, no matter what time of year you’re visiting, thanks to the country's year-round tropical climate. You can spot Africa's big five on safari, but you don’t have to be confined to a vehicle to get an adrenaline rush. Go white water rafting or kayaking along the river Nile or explore calmer lake waters by canoe. Alternatively, go bungee jumping in Jinja City, Uganda’s so-called "adventure city". Hike the mystical Rwenzori Mountains, Africa's third-tallest mountain range, or arrange walking trips to trek through dense jungles, reach snow-capped peaks, and walk for miles across savannah grasslands.

Ugandan cuisine is a melting pot of influences, including British, Arab, and Indian, and there are a host of delicious dishes to try, such as: Matooke: boiled and mashed plantain served in banana leaves. Luwombo: beef, chicken, pork, or goat wrapped inside a banana leaf with smoked fish and tomatoes, served with mashed plantains. Firinda: a soup made from soaked and individually peeled beans blended with tomatoes, onions, and spices. Boo: a sauce made from the leaves of the boo (cowpea) plant, okra, sesame seeds, and peanuts, and served with traditional sides such as rice, sweet potatoes, or cassava.

Feast on Ugandan cuisine

Visit historic sights

Delve into Uganda's history at the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi, where the four kings (kabakas) of Buganda are buried. The site features traditional natural architecture, including wattle and daub walls and a domed thatched roof. Discover the ancient Nyero rock paintings in Kumi District. These geometric paintings are thought to date from the late Stone Age and were likely made by hunter-gatherer tribes. The Baháʼí temple is known as the mother temple of Africa, as it's the last one dedicated to the Baháʼí faith. It's surrounded by landscaped gardens and you can learn more about the religion while there. Visit the Uganda Independence Monument to pay homage to Uganda's independence from British colonialism—the monument is featured on currency notes.

Rich and diverse cultures

Uganda is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. There are four main ethnic groups, which are comprised of 65 tribes. Each tribe has its own language and proud heritage, with dfferent traditions such as folk music, dances, foods, clothing, and architectural styles. The Buganda is the largest tribe and lives along the northern and western shores of Lake Victoria. The tribe dates from the 14th century and speaks a Bantu language called Ganda. You can visit some of Uganda's tribes, including the Batwa in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Ike in the Karamoja region. During your trip, learn more about how food is prepared and cooked, hear local legends, watch lively music performances, and discover a fascinating way of life.

Immerse yourself Uganda's rich culture when visiting for an authentic experience. By booking tours and guides with locals, you can ensure your money goes towards supporting Ugandan families and initiatives. There are many unique opportunities to spend time with some of Uganda's indigenous tribes. Take the Batwa Experience to meet the displaced Batwa pygmies in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Or, spend a day with the Ik people on Mount Morungole in Kidepo Valley National Park. During this kind of trip, you'll hike through the jungle and along rugged trails with experienced guides, learn how each tribe lives and hunts, watch beautiful traditional dances, sample home-cooked food, and more.

Cultural immersion

Responsible travel

Eco tourism is vital to protect Uganda's natural beauty, wildlife, and culture. Consider staying at one of the many eco-lodges and camps in Uganda, which use natural building styles to minimise environmental impact. There are eco-lodges in almost all of the national parks. Should you go on a gorilla tracking trip, make sure you follow the rules. You must stay at least seven metres from the gorillas in order to protect them from diseases. When visiting, do your best to dine in local restaurants and shop in local communities. You can buy beautiful handmade crafts and artworks throughout the country.

Protecting Uganda's wildlife

When it comes to wildlife, Uganda is perhaps most synonymous with mountain gorillas. This is one of the last places in the world to see them in their natural habitat, but the country's wildlife conservation goes even further. The African Wildlife Foundation is working to protect elephants, mountain gorillas, rhinos, lions, and chimpanzees. There were just two populations of Nubian giraffes left in the country in 2015. This has now increased to five populations due to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation's efforts. Rhinos were extinct in Uganda in the 1980s. The Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch's Rhino Re-introduction Project has successfully boosted the white rhino population to 34 in 2024. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild.

White water rafting

Natural beauty

Experiences for all

Uganda's cultural heritage

Conservation matters

Plan your trip

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