Are you wondering what to do in Uganda? First of all, Uganda is so much more than just a safari destination. Most tour operator itineraries take you from one safari park to the next. Yet there are many other lovely places to visit and things to do in Uganda. To help you get started and make the most of your holiday, here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in Uganda.
- Rafting on the Nile
Jinja is home to some of the world’s finest grade 5 white water rafting. Although the electricity dams have significantly reduced the number of grade 5 rapids, you’ll surely be guaranteed your adrenaline shot. The rapids are given names that appeal to the imagination, of which Bad Place is notorious. There are several reputable companies to book your rafting experience with, such as white Nile Rafting Ltd and Nalubale.
Rafting on the Birira River can be a great alternative, especially for those seeking a more gentle rafting experience. Birira is a class 3-4 river with continuous rapids along the way, but you will not flip your boat and fall out, so this rafting experience is also suitable for families with younger children or the elderly. The base camp is in the small town of Rukungiri in Western Uganda, an incredibly scenic and lush location. You can pass this village when traveling between Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Forest. 
2. Camping in one of the national parks in Uganda
The best way to experience a national park and soak up the wilderness is by camping right in it. It’s much cheaper than staying in a lodge, and you’ll be able to start your safaris early and see more wildlife. Some of our favorite campsites are the UWA Naguskopire Campsite in Kidepo Valley National Park, the UWA Mweya Public Campsite in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary campsite. The Ziwa Ranch guesthouse isn’t the best value for money, but staying at their campsite, next to the sanctuary, is a great experience. here you can find more practical tips and inspiration about camping in Uganda. And you can check the camping gear.
3. visit kidepo valley National park
A park situated in the remote northeast of Uganda, Kidepo National Park offers a true wilderness experience with stunning landscapes and unique wildlife not found elsewhere in the country, such as cheetahs and ostriches. Game drives here provide excellent opportunities to see lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes in a less crowded setting. Cultural encounters with the Karamojong people can also be arranged.
4. Visit Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls is the perfect place to stretch your legs and switch your comfortable car seat for hiking boots. The whole area is very scenic, with lush green hills, endless banana and coffee plantations, a waterfall, and breathtaking views. Sipi Falls has something to offer for everyone, from bird-watching tours to long and challenging hikes to easier family walks and coffee and cultural tours. Or how about abseiling from the highest of the three waterfalls…? If you’re looking for a relaxing break, drop by Endiro Coffee at Lacam Lodge, where you can enjoy good coffee and lunch while taking in stunning waterfall views with amazing photography from this wonderful part of the country.
5. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga
A gorilla trekking experience in the pearl of Africa is one never to miss out on when you visit Uganda. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to half the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an unforgettable experience. Encountering these magnificent primates in their natural habitat, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, is a humbling and awe-inspiring adventure. It’s a challenging but rewarding trek, offering a unique opportunity for close-up wildlife observation and contributing to conservation efforts for endangered mountain gorillas. This activity is undoubtedly a must-do for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers visiting Uganda.
6. Hike the mountain Sabinyo in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga National Park is an off-beat destination. It’s an inactive volcano part of the Virunga Ranges, part of the mountain; a hike here takes 7 to 9 hours. Mount Sabinyo has three peaks; the first one is at 3421 meters, and the summit is at 3,669 meters. The top marks the border between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and you have a 360 view of all three countries. Pretty special
7. Rhino Tracking At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: For a unique Big Five experience, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild. This sanctuary is dedicated to the reintroduction of rhinos in Uganda and offers guided tracking experiences. The ranch offers a bar and restaurant where cold drinks and delicious, home-cooked meals are served. And if you’re looking to stay overnight, you can choose between their campsite or one of the guest houses.
8. Visit Jinja For Adventure Activities
Known as the Adventure Capital of East Africa, Jinja, located at the source of the Nile, offers a wide array of adrenaline-pumping activities like;
Bungee Jumping For those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, bungee jumping over the Nile is an absolute must. Imagine standing on a platform high above the legendary river, the roaring water below you, and then taking that leap of faith. The freefall is an incredible sensation, followed by the exhilarating rebound. This is not just a jump; it’s a plunge into an iconic landscape, offering a unique perspective of the Nile and the surrounding lush environment. It’s an experience that will test your courage and leave you with an unforgettable memory.
Kayaking and Tubing on the Nile. If you prefer a more personal or relaxed interaction with the river, kayaking and tubing offer excellent alternatives.
- Kayaking: For the more adventurous kayaker, you can tackle some of the smaller rapids in a stable, inflatable kayak, guided by experienced instructors. This gives you a more intimate feel for the power of the water. For a more serene experience, flatwater kayaking allows you to paddle at your own pace, observing birdlife and enjoying the peaceful stretches of the river.
- Tubing: This is a fantastic way to unwind and soak in the surroundings. You’ll float down gentler sections of the Nile on a large inflatable tube, allowing the current to carry you along. It’s a perfect activity for families or those looking for a relaxing way to experience the river’s beauty without the intensity of rafting.
Horseback Riding. Explore the picturesque Ugandan countryside and the banks of the Nile from a different perspective on a horseback riding adventure. This activity allows you to meander through local villages, witness daily life, and enjoy panoramic views of the river and its surrounding landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, tours are typically tailored to your skill level, offering a peaceful and immersive way to connect with the natural environment and local communities.
Quad Biking Through Local Communities and Along the River: Get ready for an exciting off-road adventure! Quad biking offers a thrilling way to explore the areas around the Nile. You’ll navigate dirt tracks and trails, venturing through vibrant local communities where you can observe daily life and interact with friendly villagers. The trails often lead along the riverbanks, providing stunning views of the Nile’s powerful flow and the lush vegetation. This activity combines adrenaline with cultural immersion, giving you a unique insight into rural Ugandan life while enjoying the thrill of riding an all-terrain vehicle.
Visiting the Source of the Nile Itself. This is a journey into history and geography, a pilgrimage to one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks. Located in Jinja, the “Source of the Nile” is the point where the Nile River officially begins its epic journey northwards from Lake Victoria. Here, you can stand at the very spot where the mighty river emerges, a significant moment for any traveler. You can take a boat trip out to the exact point of the source, observe the Ripon Falls (though largely submerged now due to the hydroelectric dam), and learn about the historical significance of this site to explorers like John Hanning Speke. It’s a serene and contemplative experience, allowing you to appreciate the immense power and significance of this legendary river.
9. Cultural Experiences
Engage with Uganda’s rich cultural heritage by visiting local communities, learning about traditional practices, and experiencing the warmth of the Ugandan people. The Batwa Trail Experience near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers insights into the culture of the Batwa pygmy people and the hospitality of the Baganda people in central Uganda.
10. Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a diverse range of safari experiences. Witness the iconic tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, a truly unique adventure. Enjoy thrilling game drives across vast savannas, spotting elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species. Don’t miss a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge adds another primate adventure, making it a comprehensive wildlife destination in Uganda.
