Nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill, Uganda is a land of contrasts, encounters, and raw nature. From impenetrable forests to endless lakes and forgotten savannahs, every step of the journey tells its own story. Here are the 10 must-see places to experience the very essence of this still lesser-known country.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Face to face with the last giants
In this dense, misty forest, silence is occasionally broken… by the snap of a branch, a deep grunt, a gaze locking with yours. Meeting mountain gorillas in Bwindi is more than just a trek — it’s an emotion etched in memory.
👉 Don’t miss: That magical moment when the ranger signals you to stop… the gorillas are here.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: A safari between lake and savannah
Picture an elephant crossing the road at sunrise, a lion perched in a fig tree, or dozens of hippos grunting in the Kazinga Channel. Queen Elizabeth is a microcosm of wildlife — a vibrant mix of plains, lakes, and wetlands.
👉 Don’t miss: A boat safari on the Kazinga Channel — perfect for getting up close to the animals.
Murchison Falls National Park: The power of nature
Before plunging into the Nile, the world’s longest river narrows… and explodes through a 7-meter-wide gorge. Murchison is where the roar of the falls meets the calm of a riverside safari.
👉 Don’t miss: A boat trip to the base of the falls — both impressive and refreshing!
Kibale Forest: The realm of chimpanzees
Lighter, louder, but just as captivating — the chimpanzees of Kibale live in communities, play, scream, and observe. The rainforest echoes with their calls… and a certain kind of magic.
👉 Don’t miss: Early morning chimpanzee tracking, when the forest is just waking up.
Lake Bunyonyi: The lake of a thousand islands
Its calm, deep waters surrounded by terraced hills and local legends make Lake Bunyonyi a peaceful retreat after the adventure. A place where time slows down, and each island seems to tell its own story.
👉 Don’t miss: A canoe ride at sunset.
Lake Mburo National Park: An off-the-beaten-path safari
Often left off traditional itineraries, this small park is a hidden gem. Zebras, impalas, giraffes… and barely any tourists. The lake, fringed with papyrus, offers tranquil moments, especially at dawn.
👉 Don’t miss: A walking safari — a more intimate way to experience the park.
Fort Portal & the crater lakes: Between extinct volcanoes and tea plantations
Here, the landscapes feel hand-painted. Lush hills, circular lakes, morning mist… Fort Portal is a region to explore slowly, best enjoyed between two cups of tea.
👉 Don’t miss: A hike around Lake Nkuruba or a visit to a local tea plantation.
Budongo Forest: For lovers of botany and primates
Less known than Kibale, Budongo Forest is home to hundreds of chimpanzees… and an exceptional collection of century-old trees. A place where the jungle feels untouched.
👉 Don’t miss: A guided walk deep into the canopy.
Crossing the Equator: One line, many meanings
It may be “just” a white line painted across the road… but it marks a moment. The moment you cross from one hemisphere to another. The perfect excuse for a slightly cheesy photo, a coffee break, and a story to tell.
👉 Don’t miss: The “spinning water” demonstration on each side of the equator.
Ride for a Woman in Buhoma: A meaningful encounter
It’s not a natural site, but it’s a vital stop. This local project, led by women, immerses you in their daily lives — from crafts and cooking to collective strength. Uganda is also about powerful human stories.
👉 Don’t miss: A weaving workshop or a shared lunch.
To learn more, check out our dedicated post about them on our Instagram.
Uganda — a country to be experienced
This top 10 is only the beginning. Because Uganda is best experienced at the pace of its roads, its smiles, its silences, and its encounters. Get ready to be surprised, moved, amazed… and transformed.
🔗 Also read:
→ Meeting the gorillas in Uganda: What you need to know
