Do you know Winston Churchill fondly christened Uganda as the Pearl of Africa? He was mighty impressed by the country’s rich natural beauty, tremendous wildlife, and lush tropical jungles. Look at the exotic countries surrounding Uganda:
- South Sudan
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Congo
- Rwanda
In spite of such land locks, Uganda has a large waterfront in the form of the mighty Lake Victoria comprising an incredible 60,000 sq. km area approximately.
The country has several swamps, and important biodiverse geographical spots that are habitat for countless birds, insects, snakes, turtles, snails, and fish species.
Uganda boasts of lush tropical forests, as well as plains, grasslands that are known to be arid.
Savannah supports a range of exclusive species of wildlife that thrive in savannah.
Uganda’s food secenario is a haven for epicures. Street foods play a major role in attracting tourists from neighbouring African countries and from Middle East nations.
Kampala, the capital city is ranked above Nairobi, and Kigali, the capital cities of Kenya, and Rwanda, respectively.
This means, Uganda is ranked next to South Africa in terms of living standards, natural attractions, mineral resources, and wildlife tourism.
Top Reasons to Visit Uganda in 2025: Discover the Pearl of Africa!
Let us look at the finest attractions in Uganda.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the top most attraction in Uganda. It is so large that three large countries have this waterfront. They include Kenya, and Tanzania apart from Uganda.
The lake’s length itself is an unbelievable 7,100 km!
Do you know that Lake Victoria is the major resource for the River Nile?
Incidentally, the Nile flows from south to North, a very unusual geographical feature. It is the longest river in the world, measuring a staggering 6,595 km in length.
It flows through 11 countries and during its course, it is called white Nile, and blue Nile at various stages.
The Nile finally marries the Mediterranean Sea, north of Egypt.
I read one interesting fact. Lake Victoria is also known as the White Nile.
The lake is a habitat for numerous fish species, many of which are endemic to Uganda.
There are nearly 200 ports that are maintained mainly for fishing. This means all fishing vessels will be handled only through these 200 fishing jetties.
Boat excursions are available at several points in the lake. Walking around the lake gives you wonderful opportunity to spot a wide variety of birds, and trees.
Young people, take to bicycling in the vicinity of the lake.
Fishing is allowed in the lake. This particular activity invites visitors from Europe.
The most sought-after fish species by the anglers include:
- Cichilds
- Marbled Lungfish
- Nile Tilapia
- Elephantfish
Lake Islands
There are several lake islands that you step into when you take the boat tour.
As many as 985 islands are floating in Lake Victoria.
Animals that live in and around Lake Victoria.
Hippopotamus is the easily spotted animals that enjoy staying in the lake, most of the hot afternoon.
In addition, you can watch the following rare animals:
- Defassa Waterbuck
- Marsh Mongoose
Their preferred prey (snakes) are abundantly available in the swamps, and marshlands near the lake.
- Bohor Reedbuck
- Giant Otter Shrew
There is no shortage of resorts, and hotels near the lake.
Gorilla trekking
The top most tourist attraction in Uganda are the Gorillas, and Chimpanzees..
You cannot see Gorilla on any other continent except Africa. Only Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda have habitats for the mighty Gorillas.
Organized Gorilla trekking is available that you can book in advance.
Don’t expect to spot a Gorilla and be back in an hour. Gorilla safaris last for two to three days. You will be provided rustic accommodation and basic food.
Advance booking is a must as there is high demand for Gorilla trekking tours.
Bwindi National Park is the top destination for gorilla watching.
It has an interesting adjective. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The forest’s great range of flora, and incredible fauna including the Mountain Gorillas, were the main reasons for the UNESCO to award it the enviable, World Heritage Site.
Several species of primates live in the park’s mountains, and valleys.
Other primates include:
- Chimpanzees
- Colobus Monkeys
- Baboons
- L’Hoest’s Monkeys
Bwindi NP gives shelter and food to 350 species of birds. Because of the forest’s extremely diverse plants, trees, and bushes, you can see a tremendous species of wildflowers that in turn support hundreds of butterfly species.
During your Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, you can interact with one of the native tribes of Africa called Batwas.
Their culture, beliefs, and food will amaze you. This cultural experience is unforgettable.
Mgahinga National Park is another fine destination where the giant primates live.
Chimpanzee Safari
Chimpanzees also belong to the giant primate species. They certainly look different from gorillas.
Though, both gorillas and chimpanzees co-exist, in Uganda, chimpanzee safaris take you to different forests other than the places where gorillas live.
Kibale National Park is where you can go chimpanzee safari.
See their habitat, and movements in the video below.
Bodongo Forest is another popular place for Chimpanzee Safari.
These safaris are expensive by all means, Be prepared to spend around $2000 to $3000 per person. The rate varies depending on your safari vehicle, and lodging preferences.
More wildlife watching places in Uganda
Uganda is one country where you can watch the all the ‘Big 7’ which are:
- Elephants
- Leopards
- Rhinoceros
- Hippopotamus
- Wild Buffaloes
- Gorilla
- Chimpanzee
I would add the elegant Nubian Giraffes to the above list.
- Nubian Giraffe
Many of the following national parks and sanctuaries are located close to Lake Victoria.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
A herd of Hippopotamus is seen cooling themselves in Kazinga Channel, a short river.
This channel is infested with deadly Nile Crocodiles.
- Murchian Falls National Park
- Murchison Falls
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Mane-less Zebra
- Rwnzori Mountains National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
A herd of Impala
- Mgahinga Gorilla national Park
These are Africa’s most sought-after game reserves. The soul of Africa lives in these forests and Savannah.
The range of insects, invertebrates, amphibians, birds, and animals that live in these lush forests has no match anywhere in the world.
Uganda is the life of Africa.
5 Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi has an enviable length and breadth measuring 25 km by 7 km respectively.
Across this lake’s southern border, lies Rwanda, another wonderful African nation.
The lake’s surrounding area is very picturesque that encourages hiking, and biking.
Some adventurers, pitch up tents on the shores of the lake.
Interestingly, you can spot a couple of islands in the middle of the lake. They serve as resting places for the African Claw-less Otter.
The lake’s marine creatures attract several aquatic birds. One can spot the very rare Pied Kingfisher.
The surrounding green-covered mountains paint the place with a romantic outlook.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
If you like to see herds of great African elephants with their kids, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best bet. May be the park’s flora serves as tasty food to the pachyderms.
Moreover, one of the stunning crane species called the Grey-crowned Crane can be seen along with the elephants on waterfronts.
- Grey-crowned Crane
One more herd of African forest animals is the Ugandan Kob.
- Ugandan Kob
Then, you get a chance to see the majestic African Lions, and the Wild Buffalo, the favorite prey to the lions.
In spite of the park’s distance of 400 km from Kampala city, it is worth visiting. After all, game viewing requires you to travel the length and breadth of Africa-right?
For example, the Great Blue Turaco is one of the rarest birds in the world but you can see it in Uganda.
- Great Blue Turaco.
What a lovely blue!
You are now located very close to two other Africa’s excellent national parks.
- Virunga National Park, Congo
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
If you have the drive, try to enter another world of lush mountains, and forests, and meet the local tribes. Their hunting instincts and implements will be amazing.
This is the only park in Uganda where you can spot the tree-climbing lions that sport black mane.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is an under-rated wildlife reserve in Uganda because of its far location, somewhere near South Sudan, north Uganda.
The park is a terrific bird-watching paradise where, as many as 500 bird species live.
The most striking bird is the beautiful African Spoonbill.
Such a bright white bird cannot miss our attention-eh?
Among the mammals, you can look out for the Rothschild’s Giraffes.
I am sure, the safari captain knows where they are found.
The Kidepo River flows through the park.
Rwenzori Mountains
Located near the adjacent Congo, the tall mountain is one of the best hiking places in Uganda.
Uniquely, this African mountain receives snow. The mountain’s summit is situated at a little over 17,000 feet! It is known by the name “Margherita Peak”.
The mountain’s flora will attract even a disinterested visitor.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and a wildlife ranch! I have never heard of such a combination.
This is a sanctuary for white rhinoceros.
I admit it is not white but it is not the usual black the rhinos sport. In that sense, it is called White Rhinoceros.
If a ranch is maintained, then, it must be a privately owned property.
Due to its proximity to your hotel in Kampala, you can plan a day trip to Ziwa Rhino Ranch.
Being a ranch, you can expect decent accommodation and fresh, home-cooked African food. The presence of a bar may invite you to stay on the ranch.
Lake Nyamiteza, Uganda
The lake’s solitary and serene surroundings invite you to explore the possibilities of camping on its shore.
Incidentally, it’s a crater filled with rainwater. The lake is located in a small city called Fort Portal.
When you go over here, you get a chance to meet the famous Bantu tribe of Africa.
Murchison Falls
Set amidst dense vegetation, this is a true tropical waterfall that you come across while walking through a lush forest in Africa.
Lake Albert is the feeder to the waterfall. It becomes the Victoria Nile after it flows out to some distance.
You can watch the Big 5 of Africa which is:
- Elephant
- Lion
- Leopard
- Buffalo
- Rhino
Rolex
No one ignores this Uganda specialty food. When you tour Uganda, you will eat Rolex at least twice just to test the consistency in taste.
It’s actually a wrap. The wrapper is similar to Indian flatbread. Inside the wrap, you will find an egg omelette, onions, tomato, and cassava pieces.
Rolex is a highly popular street food in Uganda.
Best time to tour Uganda:
Avoid the rainy season. Therefore, choose the months between December and February.
July, and August also are ideal months to travel to Uganda.
Reaching Uganda:
The Entebbe Airport receives flights from all parts of Africa, several Gulf nations, and the U.K.
Uganda is much more than what is described in this article.
