Our top 12 things do in Uganda
People often ask us about the top things to do during a safari in Uganda. There are actually too many to list. But we gave it a try anyway.
#1 Gorilla trekking
The undisputed number one. Nearly everyone who travels to Uganda comes for gorilla trekking; and for good reason. It is an experience that simply cannot be missed. Gorillas mirror us in extraordinary ways. You only grasp this when you are face to face with them. In their steady gaze. In their gentle movements. In the quiet bonds within the family, you feel an undeniable kinship.
Your visit also plays a vital role in protecting and monitoring Uganda’s gorillas. At the same time, you journey through breathtaking landscapes — along volcanic slopes and deep into lush tropical rainforest. As you trek, your guide unveils the secrets of the forest: medicinal plants, hidden wildlife, and the reasons behind a gorilla’s diet.
Read more about gorilla trekking in Uganda.
#2 Chimpanzee Trekking
Not only are the gorillas a must-see, the chimpanzees in Uganda are just as much. They are even more human-like. They are expressive, intelligent, and intensely social. They play. They quarrel. They form alliances. Their world is dynamic and full of drama.
Time with chimpanzees is fast-paced and alive with energy. They move swiftly through the forest canopy, calling to one another with loud pant-hoots that echo through the trees. Then, without warning, they may descend to the forest floor, feeding, grooming, or resting nearby.
What makes chimpanzee trekking so special is their confidence. They are rarely timid. At times, they may sit surprisingly close, completely at ease in your presence. Chimpanzee encounters are vibrant and unpredictable — a powerful glimpse into the complex social lives of our closest relatives in the wild.
#3 Boat Safari in Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is the most powerful waterfall in the world. Here, the Nile River (the longest river on Earth) which is about 50 meters wide forces itself through a narrow gorge of about 8 meters wider. It then plunges about 40 meters below, exploding into mist and spray. You can visit the falls in two ways. From the top, you drive up and feel the ground tremble beneath your feet. But the true spectacle lies below.
A private boat to the base reveals the full force and scale of the cascade. Here, you don’t just see the falls — you feel them. The boat safari itself is extraordinary. Hippos crowd the water in restless pods. Massive Nile crocodiles line the banks. And if fortune favours you, elephants emerge to drink and bathe at the river’s edge.
#4 Safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park offers all sorts of alternative ways to enjoy a safari. Here, you can mountain bike past zebras and giraffes. You can explore the bush on foot with an armed ranger. You can even ride on horseback, quietly crossing the savannah as wildlife grazes nearby. If you want more than a traditional game drive, this is the place. Lake Mburo invites you out of the car and into the landscape. The result is a safari experience that feels intimate, active, and refreshingly different.
#5 Hike into Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth NP
Hidden within Queen Elizabeth National Park lies Kyambura Gorge — a dramatic, forested gorge stretching more than 10 kilometres through the savannah. From above, it appears as a deep green scar in the landscape. Step inside, and the world changes completely. You descend into thick jungle. The air turns cool and damp. Bird calls echo through the trees. In the distance, hippos rumble along the river below.
And if fortune is on your side, you may encounter chimpanzees moving through the canopy — wild, alert, and captivating. Kyambura Gorge feels like a hidden world within the park — a magical contrast to the open plains above.
#6 Lion Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a pride of lions studied by researchers for years. Join a ranger and researcher on an off-track adventure to find them. This is no ordinary safari—you get close, sometimes just meters away, and observe their daily lives up close. Your guides share expert insights about hunting, social bonds, and pride dynamics. Every movement, glance, and roar tells a story.
With patience and luck, leopards and other elusive predators may also appear, adding to the thrill. This experience goes beyond photos. You walk in the heart of the lions’ world and gain a deep understanding of their behaviour, making it an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
#7 Golden monkey trekking
Golden monkeys live in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, on the border with Rwanda and Congo. With a ranger, you’ll trek several hours up the volcano.
The hike starts through rolling grasslands and slowly enters dense bamboo forest—the golden monkeys’ natural home. Once you find them, you can spend an hour watching their playful, energetic behavior. Their bright golden fur, acrobatic jumps, and curious eyes make them truly mesmerizing.
The trek is scenic and peaceful, offering stunning views of the volcano and surrounding landscapes. It’s a rare chance to experience wildlife up close and enjoy the beauty of Uganda’s highland forests.
#8 'Crater lake drive' in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is vast and rich in wildlife. Yet one of its most stunning experiences isn’t about animals: the Crater Lake Drive. You will drive through the park, passing several serene crater lakes.
The contrast of deep blue water against the surrounding hills and sky creates a breathtaking view. The Crater Lake Drive is a peaceful complement to your game drives. Along the way, your guide will likely pause for a sundowner, making it a perfect moment to relax—and maybe even pop a proposal!
#9 Hike through Mount Moroto
Mount Moroto rises in eastern Uganda, near the Kenya border, and remains largely untouched by tourism. You can enjoy a one- or two-day hike through its rugged, beautiful landscapes. The area feels wild and remote—a true escape into nature.
Mount Moroto is also home to the Karamajong people, who live according to traditional ways. Hiking here lets you experience both stunning scenery and rich local culture. For travelers seeking adventure, culture, and something truly unique in Uganda, Mount Moroto is a must-visit destination.
#10 Visit Kidepo National Park
If your Uganda safari trip allows, make time for Kidepo Valley National Park. Nestled in the far northeast, near the South Sudan border, it is one of Africa’s last untouched wildernesses. Unlike busier parks such as the Serengeti, Kidepo sees far fewer visitors, giving a true sense of solitude.
Wildlife viewing here is excellent, from lions and elephants to rare antelope species. But what makes Kidepo unforgettable is the feeling of remote, untouched nature—the thrill of being far from the crowds.
For an even richer experience, explore community tourism tours, which connect you with local culture and traditions while supporting the region.
#11 Water Rafting
Jinja is famous for some of the world’s most thrilling grade 5 white-water rafting. While the electricity dams have tamed some of the fiercest rapids, the experience still delivers an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Many rapids have colorful names—like the infamous Bad Place—adding to the excitement. Top companies such as Adrift, Nalubale, and Nile River Explorers offer safe and professional rafting trips.
For a gentler ride, try rafting on the Birira River. This class III-IV river offers continuous rapids without the risk of flipping, making it ideal for families, older travelers, or anyone wanting a calmer adventure. The base camp is in Rukungiri, a scenic town in Western Uganda, surrounded by lush greenery. This makes it a perfect stop when traveling between Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Forest.
#12 Kampala
If you want to experience a true African city, you must visit Kampala. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the city’s highlights, including the Buganda Kingdom Palace and Africa’s largest mosque. Stroll through bustling markets and taste delicious local dishes. Your guide knows the city inside out, so you can relax, follow along, and experience Kampala like a local.
The top 12 is complete. But even with the top 12, we’re actually doing Uganda a disservice. You could easily drive around here for months and see something new every day. Still haven’t finished reading about Uganda? We’ve written numerous blogs about it. For example, about Uganda’s national parks, Uganda safari cost, and the best time to visit Uganda.
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