Uganda earned the name "Pearl of Africa" for a reason. In one country you can trek gorillas, cruise the Nile, climb snow capped mountains and relax by crater lakes. Here are the attractions that top every list.
Wildlife and national parks
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: home to about half of the world's mountain gorillas.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: gorillas, golden monkeys and volcano hikes.
- Murchison Falls National Park: the Nile forced through a narrow gorge, plus lions, elephants and giraffes.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: tree climbing lions of Ishasha and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Kibale Forest National Park: the best chimpanzee trekking in East Africa.
- Kidepo Valley National Park: remote, wild and stunningly beautiful.
- Lake Mburo National Park: zebras, impala and horseback safaris close to Kampala.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: walk with white rhinos.
Water, mountains and scenery
- Source of the Nile, Jinja: boat rides, rafting and bungee jumping.
- Lake Bunyonyi: a peaceful lake with 29 islands.
- Sipi Falls: three waterfalls on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
- Rwenzori Mountains: the Mountains of the Moon, with glaciers on the equator.
- Mount Elgon: one of the largest volcanic bases in the world.
- Ssese Islands: beaches and forests on Lake Victoria.
- Fort Portal crater lakes: dozens of crater lakes and tea estates.
Culture and history
- Kasubi Tombs: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and royal burial ground.
- Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo.
- Ndere Cultural Centre: music and dance from across Uganda.
- Uganda Museum, Kampala.
- The Equator at Kayabwe.
When to visit
The drier months of June to September and December to February are best for trekking and game drives, but Uganda is beautiful all year.
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