Bordering the magnificent Lake Victoria, Uganda’s capital city - Kampala - sprawls out over a series of undulating hills and despite the development, this ‘Garden City’ is known for its tree-lined avenues. It serves as the commercial hub of the country boasting a blend of African markets, modern skyscrapers, international hotels, bars, and casinos. It provides an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Visitors can look forward to learning about the country’s rich and colourful history at the Uganda Museum; enjoying a number of activities on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake; and visiting the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Mburo National Park to catch a glimpse of local wildlife including: hippo, zebra, gazelles, crocodiles, warthog, and a variety of magnificent birdlife.
On the eastern bank of the Albert Nile, Pakuba occupies a quiet stretch of gently elevated land where open savannah meets patches of riverine forest. From this ridge, the landscape extends toward the river below, which flows north from Lake Albert into South Sudan. Scattered acacia trees and low hills provide habitat for wildlife such as hippos, elephants, and giraffes, often seen near the water or moving across the plains. Pakuba serves as a convenient base for visiting Murchison Falls National Park, with easy access to boat trips on the Nile and guided game drives through the surrounding area. Late afternoons bring cooler air, soft light, and the distant sounds of wildlife.
Kibale Forest National Park, situated in Western Uganda, is famous for its high density of primates, breathtaking crater lakes, and thick, beautiful jungle. Thirteen primate species inhabit the beautiful tropical forest, including red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, and black and white colobus monkeys. Visitors may spot some of the 300 bird species and 250 butterfly species, and buffalo, forest elephants, leopards, bushbucks, and sitatungas also live in the park but are generally shy. The area is decorated by around 50 enthralling crater lakes and numerous pristine hiking trails. Several cultural tours are on offer which delve into the rich traditions of the Batoro people, giving travellers a chance to see Batoro dancing, singing and traditional healing up close.
Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.
As previously described
Renowned as the historic source of the Nile River, Jinja has evolved into East Africa’s adventure capital. Located 81 km east of Kampala, the city lies on a peninsula bordered by Lake Victoria and the Nile. Once a colonial outpost, Jinja has transformed into a hub for adventure tourism, attracting visitors with its world-renowned white-water rafting. The river, where John Speke made his historic discovery, offers rapids suitable for all skill levels. Nearby, Bujagali and Itanda Falls provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, camping, and hiking. Lake Bujagali’s calm waters are perfect for boat cruises and sport fishing. The city also features colonial-era ruins, quad biking trails, and the vibrant Jinja Market, a sprawling complex, with numerous stalls selling a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce and spices to textiles, crafts, and electronics.
