Uganda is a wonderful place to go on holiday. It’s full of so many cool things to see and fun activities to do, from watching the awesome animals to having a chill game of golf. It’s just right for anyone, whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with family!
I bet you’ve heard that camping trips where you get to travel over land are pretty cool and give a really exciting experience. I totally love those! But hey, if that’s not your thing, that’s perfectly fine! You can still find loads of other adventures and enjoy the comfy and fancy side of holidays too. However you prefer to travel, here are five amazing things to do in Uganda.
Read more: Ultimate Uganda Itinerary for 7 Days, 10 Days or 2 Weeks
5 Amazing Things To Do In Uganda
1. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
o, guys, if you’re heading to Uganda, you HAVE to try gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It’s one of the coolest adventures out there!
What’s the Place Like?
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is like a giant, green, leafy playground for half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas! It’s in southwestern Uganda and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Let’s Talk About the Trek!
The day kicks off bright and early with a quick chat with the park rangers. They tell you all the do’s and don’ts for hanging out with gorillas. The guides are super chill and know loads about the forest and the gorillas.
The trek itself? It can be pretty tough, not going to lie. The forest is thick and the ground can be slippery and muddy, so you’ve got to be ready for a bit of a workout. But when you finally bump into a family of gorillas, all that effort totally pays off!
Meeting the Gorillas!
You get to chill with the gorillas for about an hour, watching them do their thing – playing, eating, and just hanging out. The big guy, the silverback, is mega impressive, and the little ones are super cute.
What Else Can You See?
Besides gorillas, you might spot other cool creatures like chimpanzees and monkeys, and you’ll definitely hear lots of birds singing. The forest is so peaceful and full of life, it’s like stepping into another world.
What Should You Bring?
Don’t forget to wear long pants and long sleeves – there are lots of prickly plants! And pack sturdy, waterproof boots, some water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and maybe a walking stick to help with the steep bits.
How Much Does it Cost?
Now, about the fees. It can be a bit pricey, about 700 USD per person. The money you pay helps protect the gorillas and their home, and it also goes toward helping the local communities.
And there you have it! Trekking in Bwindi is one of the most unforgettable things you can do in Uganda. So, if you get a chance, definitely give it a try!
2. Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
So, if you ever find yourself in Uganda, you’ve gotta check out Queen Elizabeth National Park. This place is like a real-life Lion King setting, it’s so cool!
Stepping Into the Wild
Once you step into this huge park, you’re in for a treat. It’s named after Queen Elizabeth II and is like a giant playground for all sorts of awesome animals. You get to see them all, just hanging out, doing their thing in the wild!
Hopping on Safari
Going on a safari here is like diving into a live nature show. You get to ride in these cool, open-sided vehicles which means you can see everything, from the super tall giraffes to the tiny chirping birds.
What Animals Will You Meet?
Get ready to spot lions, elephants, hippos, and maybe even leopards and buffalos! And the birds, they’re all over the place, singing, and flying around. It’s like a big, happy animal party!
A Boat Ride Too? Awesome!
And, there’s even a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel! You’ll see hippos splashing around and crocs sunning themselves on the banks. And the birds, oh wow, they’re just everywhere around the boat.
What to Bring
Don’t forget to bring binoculars to see the animals up close, and a camera to snap loads of pics! Pack some snacks, water, sunscreen, and a hat. Oh, and wear layers—it can get chilly in the morning and evening but warms up during the day.
The Cost?
Now, about the fees. They can vary, but for foreigners is 40 USD per person.
And that’s it! A safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is like stepping into a whole new world of adventures and awesome memories. It’s like a giant, wild, animal-filled wonderland! How cool is that?
3. White Water Rafting on the Nile
If you’re looking for a heart-pumping, wave-crashing adventure in Uganda, you’ve gotta try white-water rafting on the Nile!
Kicking Off the Adventure
So, you’ll start this awesome adventure in a lively town called Jinja, where the Nile begins. This isn’t just any river—it’s one of the longest rivers in the world!
Riding the Rapids
Picture this: You’re in a rubber raft, bouncing up and down on the Nile’s fast waves. One second it’s all calm, and the next, you’re surrounded by splashing water and thrilling rapids! Cool, huh? And, depending on what you like, you can choose between wild rapids or smoother rides.
Safety is Key
Before you jump in, you’ll meet some super cool guides who will make sure you know all the safety stuff and give you gear like life jackets and helmets. They know all about the river and will show you how to paddle and what to do if you fall in the water.
Taking in the Views
When you’re not conquering the rapids, you can chill and look around at the beautiful scenery, and you might even spot some colorful birds! And, you’ll stop for lunch and get to chat and laugh with your new rafting buddies.
What’s the Cost?
Alright, let’s talk about money. You’ll need to check the latest prices with the local operators. But prices start at about 150 USD for half-day trip. And trust me, it’s totally worth every penny for such a rad experience!
Who Can Go?
Whether you’re new to rafting or you’ve done it before, there’s a spot for you. You can go for a half-day or a full day, depending on how much time you have and how adventurous you’re feeling!
What to Bring
Remember to wear clothes that dry quickly, some sturdy water shoes, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Oh, and bring a change of clothes—you’re gonna get soaked!
So, if you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure and loads of fun, white-water rafting on the Nile in Uganda is the way to go!
4. Explore Kampala
Have you ever wanted to dive into a city that’s bursting with colors, sounds, and exciting places? Well, Kampala, Uganda’s capital, is just the place for you!
Diving into History
Kampala is like a huge, exciting storybook! You can visit places like the Uganda Museum, which is filled with cool old stuff and tales about Uganda. And the Kabaka’s Palace is super cool too; it’s like walking into a royal fairy tale!
Visiting Peaceful Places
There are also super peaceful and beautiful places like the Gaddafi National Mosque, where you can see the whole city from the top! And the cathedrals, like Rubaga and Namirembe, are like serene havens where you can just sit and feel the calm.
Market Adventures
Now, the markets in Kampala are like giant treasure hunts! Owino Market has so many paths with lots of different things—clothes, food, crafts! It’s fun to chat with the locals there and find some awesome souvenirs!
Tasty Treats on the Streets
And oh! The street food is like a party for your taste buds! You should totally try Rolex—it’s this tasty roll with eggs and chapati. It’s the perfect snack while you’re exploring the city!
Dance the Night Away
When the stars come out, Kampala comes alive with music and dance! There are so many places to hang out, listen to music, and make new friends. It’s like the city is inviting you to join the party!
Discovering Cultures
Ndere Cultural Centre is a cool spot too! It’s like a living celebration of Uganda’s cultures. You can watch dances, listen to music, and taste different local dishes there.
Making New Friends
The coolest part? The people in Kampala are so warm and friendly! Everyone’s up for a chat and a laugh, and it feels like you’re part of a big, happy community!
5. Hike Mount Elgon
Have you ever thought about standing on top of a mountain, feeling on top of the world? If you’re nodding, then Mount Elgon in Uganda is your go-to place! It’s this cool, giant mountain that’s actually an old volcano—how cool is that?!
A Peek into Mount Elgon
So, Mount Elgon is like this giant, silent guardian sitting between Uganda and Kenya. It’s super ancient and don’t worry—it’s not puffing any smoke or lava—it’s a sleeping giant!
Embarking on the Adventure
The journey kicks off in these awesome, green forests, like walking through a leafy wonderland, and there’s this beautiful concert of birds chirping and leaves rustling.
Making Furry and Feathered Friends
On your way up, you might bump into some of the mountain’s friendly locals like playful monkeys or shy antelopes! And the sky is like a canvas painted with colorful birds and butterflies.
Cozy Nights and Twinkling Stars
The nights are super special. It’s all about chilling around a campfire, sharing tales, and having a sky full of stars as your ceiling.
Packing and Prepping
Remember to pack all the important stuff—warm clothes, rain gear, sturdy boots, and snacks! It’s like having a little adventure kit with you.
Being in Safe Hands
You’ll have awesome guides; they’re like mountain wizards! They know all the paths and stories about Mount Elgon, and they’ll make sure you’re safe and having a blast.
Let’s Talk Money
So, about the fees. They can change, so it’s good to check the latest ones, but you’ll need to pay to get into Mount Elgon National Park and there might be extra costs like for the guides and porters. But a starting price would be something like 50 USD if you are strong enough to do the trek in one day. But it’s totally worth it for this epic adventure!
Bottom Line
Uganda is this super amazing place filled with exciting adventures just waiting for you! We usually like to keep things chill and simple when we explore Africa, diving into the heart of the place and soaking up all the good vibes.
But, you know, if you’re more into staying in super comfy places (who can blame you!), then you’re in for a treat! Imagine diving into exciting adventures during the day and then chilling in a luxury hotel room at night. How cool is that?! It’s all about making memories and having fab experiences, right?
Whether you’re exploring the bustling city of Kampala, coming face to face with gorillas in the Bwindi Forest, or dancing to the beats of local music, Uganda welcomes you with open arms and lots of smiles! So, pack your bags and let’s jump into the awesome adventures that Uganda has to offer!
I’m a total Africa enthusiast! I’ve been exploring this amazing continent for years and I can’t get enough of its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife. From hiking through the savannahs to sampling local cuisine, I’m all about immersing myself in everything Africa has to offer. I’m constantly on the lookout for new and exciting experiences, and I love sharing my passion and knowledge with fellow travel lovers. If you’re looking for an adventure like no other, Africa is the place to be, and I’m here to help you make the most of it!
