If you’re new to Uganda, here’s some basic information on what the country has to offer tourists.
Kampala is the capital of Uganda and known historically as the ‘city of seven hills.’ Click on the link to read an intro to this great and crazy city! I love Kampala!
If you’re looking for just one guidebook about travel in Uganda, buy the Bradt Uganda Guide. The latest edition was published in 2019. Guess who features as a contributor? 😉 Read more about the Bradt Uganda Guide here or listen to my podcast interview with author Philip Briggs here. Edition 10 of the Bradt Uganda Guide will be published late 2024.
Safari or bust!
Most tourists land in Entebbe and head straight to track the gorillas or go on safari. Learn more about Uganda’s National Parks. While each National Park boasts hundreds of species, their ‘go to’ highlights include:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (mountain gorillas)
- Kibale Forest National Park (chimps, monkeys, birds and butterflies)
- Kidepo Valley National Park (the only park for ostrich and cheetah)
- Lake Mburo National Park (zebras and giraffes)
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (mountain gorillas and volcanoes)
- Mount Elgon National Park (for funky vegetation, lakes, waterfalls and caves)
- Murchison Falls National Park (for safari game drives, Uganda’s biggest crocodiles, and boat rides on the Nile)
- Queen Elizabeth National Park (for safari game drives, birdwatching, a ‘water safari’ boat ride and chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge)
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park (glaciers, chameleons and awesome ‘Big Botanical Game’ montane plants)
- Semliki National Park (hot springs and a forest home to Central African bird species you won’t find anywhere else in Uganda).
In addition to the National Parks, the Uganda Wildlife Authority manages twelve Wildlife Reserves and fourteen wildlife sanctuaries. The National Forest Authority manages the Central Forest Reserves, the most popular ones being: Budongo, Kalinzu, Mabira, Mpanga and Echuya.
The Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria is an archipelago of 84 islands, many with beautiful white sandy beaches. Only half of the islands are inhabited. Some measure just a few thousand square metres. The largest Ssese Island is Buggala (at 40 kilometres in length), a popular tourist destination.
Other popular Ssese Islands include: Banda Island and Bulago Island. Ngamba Island is one of our best-known islands for it is home to the chimpanzees and sanctuary of the same name. Ngamba Island is a 45 minute boat ride across the Equator from Entebbe.
Dear Madam / Sir, I applied for the Uganda Tourist Visa. they were saying Your application for Visa was deferred for the following reasons: Attach immigration status of the host, LC1 Recommendation from the host’s area of residence, the immigration status of the host.
Could you please tell me any workable recommendations?
Thanks
Hi, you need to get a copy of your host’s national ID or passport (plus proof of their visa / work permit if they are not Ugandan).
Your host needs to organise a letter from their LC1 (local councillor). They will know how to do this.