Explore Uganda - the people, safaris and birds

10 Places to Visit

Make your trip unforgettable, get off the beaten track and see the real Uganda.

1. Sipi Falls
   This is my favourite place in the world. The falls are situated on the side of Mount Elgon on the border between Kenya and Uganda. It used to be quite a trek up a rough track on the side of the mountain on the back of a pickup. These days there is a good road all the way up to the falls and the journey is much quicker and easier. To get there from Kampala take a bus to Mbale and catch a matatu taxi from there.
   
   By far the best budget option to stay is the beautiful Crow's Nest campsite which has cabins and tent pitches. At sunset climb to the actual crow's nest peak for the best views of the valley.
   
   For a more luxurious but still down to earth experience try the Lacam Lodge.
2. Kampala
   The capital of Uganda, built on seven hills with beautiful views. Each hill has a major landmark - a palace, tombs, hospital, university, cathedral, mosque, or temple.
   
   There is too much for me to cover here, but particular highlights include the Kasubi Tombs, Kabalagala for eating out, the Bahai Temple, and the infamous Owino Market.
3. A school
   
   Visiting a school in Uganda is a wonderful experience - the kids are always very enthusiastic and excited to see you. You might be able to see some lessons and experience a different style of teaching, or maybe they'll demonstrate some traditional dancing or singing. Pens, books and other classroom materials are always appreciated.
   
   I recommend Banunule School for Orphans and Underprivileged Children if you're looking for somewhere to visit. This is a lovely school in the slums of Kampala providing free education to children who wouldn't be able to afford to go to state school. I visited recently after about 10 years and they've made huge improvements, decorating the building, starting a vegetable garden, and expanding the classrooms. Even getting onto the internet!
4. Murchison Falls National Park
   
   A spectacular national park in the north of Uganda. Make sure you check the local travel advice before visiting as this area has seen some trouble in recent years. However, if you have the chance I highly recommend it. This park offers spectacular scenery, boat trips, and safaris to spot bird and animal life.
   
   If you want to be guaranteed to see big animals close quarters it is better to go to Kenya, but in Uganda you'll see the animals in a much more remote, more natural surrounding. Personally I find this much more exciting.
   Image courtesy of Sarahemcc
5. Jinja - whitewater rafting at the source of the Nile
   
   Visiting the Source of the Nile at Jinja on Lake Victoria is a compulsory part of any trip to Uganda. The source was discovered by John Hanning Speke in the 19th Century, although recently a group of explorers have claimed that the true source is actually in Rwanda.
   
   Jinja is a really peaceful town to spend some time in, riding around on the back of a bici-taxi. At the nearby Bujagali Falls you can find one of the best places to go whitewater rafting in Africa. There is also a beautiful campsite overlooking the falls, which attracts a lot of backpackers.
   Image courtesy of Sanjoy
6. A Ugandan wedding
   
   The best way to experience any country is to get involved in the culture and meet some of the people. Taking part in a traditional Ugandan introduction ceremony is a great way to do this. It's a long day involving theatrical speeches and arguments,lots of gifts, eating and dancing. Oh and the groom has to correctly identify his bride out of parade of dancing girls.
   
   There's a great Uganda blog which gives an insite into wedding planning.
7. Ssese Islands
   
   A peaceful spot to relax on the beach overlooking Lake Victoria (watch out for crocodiles!), go walking, birdwatching, or visit some chimpanzees.
   
   To get there we caught a fishing boat from Entebbe, which took most of a day, was extremely uncomfortable, and we ended up with severe sunburn despite it pouring with rain. There are easier ways to travel to the Ssese Islands.
   Image courtesy of WorldIslandInfo
8. The Village
   
   80% of Ugandans live in a village. Those in cities generally have lived in 'the village' at some point, or go there to visit family. If you get the chance find someone to take you to visit a village and experience a completely different way of life.
   
   Alternatively you could take part in a longer volunteering project.
   Image courtesy of NeilsPhotography
9. Kibale Forest and the Crater Lakes
   
   Kibale Forest National Park is in Western Uganda. Ndali Lodge is a beautiful place to relax or use as a base to explore the area.
   
   You can go chimp trekking, take a night-time walk through the forest to see bush babies, or swim in the beautiful cool lakes.
   Image courtesy of Sarahemcc
10. Kabale
    
    Also known as the Switzerland of Africa, this part of Uganda is in the SW corner, bordering on Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kabale town is an eccentric place, not like anywhere else in Uganda - it has to be experienced. The altitude makes it much cooler than other parts of the country, and it is a great base for going Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, or visiting Lake Bunyonyi.
    Image courtesy of Tajai

Ugandan birds

A twitcher's paradise

• The Grey Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda and features on the flag.
  
  Image courtesy of Annkelliot
• Shoebill
  
  Image courtesy of KM Photography
• Marabou Stork. The Ugandan equivalent of a pidgeon. But much bigger.
  
  Image courtesy of Chadica
• Superb Starling.
  
  Image courtesy of Wwarby
• African Fish Eagle.
  
  Image courtesy of Foxypar4
• Weaver birds.
  
  Image courtesy of Sarahemcc

Things to know before you go

Planning a trip? Some useful tips...

1. Check out the latest travel advice provided by your government.
2. Find out about vaccinations and other health advice well in advance. You will need a yellow fever certificate to enter the country and other vaccinations are recommended. It is also advisable to stock up on medicines as these can be hard to get once you are there.
3. You will probably need a visa.
4. Take some small gifts with you. Ugandans are very hospitable and it is nice to be able to return the favour. If you are likely to visit schools then pens, paper and sweets always go down well. Try not to hand out freebies to anyone who asks as this can damage the perception of Westerners, turning them into sources of cash or goodies.
5. Read up! Try to understand some of the customs and manners - modest dress will help you fit in and reduce the amount of hassle you receive. There are some good guidebooks recommended later on in this lens, and the Lonely Planet provides a lot of information online. Tripadvisor can be useful to find out about places to stay.
   
   A good way to get up to speed on what's happening is to check out the main newspapers online. The New Vision is the government backed paper, while the Monitor provides a more independent view.