Uganda has so much beauty to offer. But most of Uganda tour operators stick to the well-known and expensive highlights. However, as an adventurous person, I see a whole different view of Uganda when touring the country. Forget bucket list traveling; explore Uganda off the beaten track!
This guide highlights some lesser-known Uganda tourist destinations to visit for an adventurous safari trip. Have you got a hidden gem to add? Drop us an email, we love to hear about it!
1. Lake Mutanda - Canoeing & boat cruise
Lake Mutanda is found in the far southwest of Uganda, at the foot of the Virunga Mountains.
This impressive chain of eight Volcanoes connects the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
Came with a camera to capture the eight Volcanic Peaks’ reflection on the lake’s surface as you paddled across the lake. On a clear day, experience one of the most beautiful views anywhere in Africa on a sundowner boat cruise across the lake to the Virunga Volcanoes.
Combine this trip with a trip to Kisoro, gorilla trekking in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park, and a relaxing stay at Mutanda Lake Resort or Chameleon Hill Lodge.
2. Mabira Forest - Zip Lining
Mabira Forest gets its name from the local Luganda word “amabira”, meaning a big forest.
This expensive forest reserve is located along the Kampala-Jinja highway, between Lugazi and Jinja. The forest is about 1 hour drive from Kampala and 30 minutes from Jinja further east.
One of its main attractions is the Forest Canopy Super Skyway, featuring over 200 meters of zip-lines through the tops of 40-meter-high trees and across the River Musamya.
You can opt for a day trip or stay at Griffin Falls Eco Campsite within Mabira Forest. Here you can see Red Tailed Monkeys and Shy Grey Cheeked Mangabeys (if you are lucky). You can also walk or rent mountain bikes to go on the trails through the forest.
Contact us to arrange your day tour of Mabira Forest or a weekend excursion to Jinja, which can include a visit to the Source of the Nile along with Mabira Forest.
3. Biharwe Eclipse Monument
Imagine if you had experienced an eclipse without expecting it! Stretch your legs on the long drive west; take 20 minutes to climb Biharwe Hill. There, admire the three-pillar monument while learning about the story of Uganda’s 15th-century eclipse that occurred at this very site.
The monument reminds local people of the time when the King (Omukama) of Bunyooro had seized all the cows of the Ankole Kingdom leaving its people in complete starvation.
However, the situation dramatically shifted. One day as the King was from raiding those of Rwanda and reached Buharwe; the eclipse took place and the sky fell ominously dark during daylight hours.
Terrified, the Omukama fled back to Bunyoro, leaving behind several stolen cattle at the site. When the eclipse ended, the Banyankole discovered cows scattered all over the area.
They thought that they had been miraculously sent from heaven, sent by God for their rescue from starvation. They were able to re-posses the cows again.
4. Igongo Cultural Centre & Museum
The Biharwe Eclipse Monument is situated directly across from the Ingongo Cultural Centre near Lake Mburo National Park, just outside Mbarara.
The center is a sprawling commercial complex featuring a five-star hotel, a renowned restaurant, craft centers, and shops. Importantly, it houses one of Uganda’s finest museums. It is also a great place to learn about the cultural significance of the world-famous long-horned Ankole cattle.
5. Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru Caves
Near Kibale Forest National Park, just outside Fort Portal town, you’ll find the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves. The name translates to ‘the breasts of Nyina Mwiru’.
The breast-like features in the cave are in fact live stalactite formations made of calcium carbonate.
According to local legends, these breasts belonged to Nyinamwiru, daughter of Bukuku, who is said to have been so beautiful that no man could leave her alone.
When the Nyinamwiru’s father King Bukuku became weary of receiving marital requests from unsuitable suitors, he took the extreme measure of cutting off his daughter’s breasts to make her less attractive.
But even this proved to be insufficient to deter Nyinamwiru many admirers, so the king hid her away in the cave known as Amabere. Here, she was discovered by the Batembuzi King Isaza, who impregnated her with a son. Lacking breasts, Nyinamwiru stayed in the cave with her baby, feeding him on the cloudy limestone ‘milk’ that drips from its stalactites.
This site offers valuable insights into the cultural heritage of this region of Uganda.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy a scenic hike to the top of Nyakasura Hill, which provides breathtaking views of three beautiful crater lakes. Nearby, one can also visit the marking of a large foot in the area believed to belong to one of the last Batembuzi dynasty people who were giants.
6. Ngamba Island - Chimpanzee Viewing
A visit to Ngamba Island offers entertaining and educational experiences suitable for the whole family.
Relaxation, bird watching, and crossing the Equator by boat are other remarkable Ngamba Island experiences. All trips require advance booking.
A stay at Ngamba’s luxurious tented camp is highly recommended too. Ngamba is a fantastic out-of-town retreat. You can’t beat watching the night stars from the island- they seem to shine brighter here than anywhere else! Sitting by the evening campfire is a MUST too!
Unlike the day tour where visitors are separated from the Chimpanzees by a high platform and an electric fence, you can have a far more intimate experience with chimpanzees if you sign up for a volunteering program. This takes the experience to a whole new level.
Whether it is cleaning the cages where the chimpanzees come to sleep at night, preparing food, collecting behavioral data, or assisting in medical procedures,’ volunteers on the week (or longer programs) are active members of Ngamba’s dedicated team.
You have to meet the Ngamba team to appreciate how dedicated they are to each individual chimp…!
7. Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
If you’re longing for a night immersed in nature but prefer not to venture to the National Parks, consider staying in the bandas at, Uganda Wildlife Education Center formerly known as Entebbe Zoo.
You will think you are in the bush – and may wake up to the calls of monkeys, chimpanzees – or even the roar of a lion. At UWEC, you can engage in exciting and interactive activities such as animal feeding sessions, up-close encounters with chimpanzees, and learning about animal health monitoring.
It’s an enriching and engaging experience suitable for all ages, offering educational insights into wildlife conservation. UWEC opens daily from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm.
8. Mgahinga - Golden Monkey Tracking
Hats off to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guides who have plenty of interesting facts about these gorgeous creatures and their beautiful bamboo habitat.
Similar to Uganda’s chimps and gorillas, UWA rangers are constantly monitoring the golden monkeys, so you are (almost) guaranteed to see them.
For accommodation, consider Mutanda Lake Resort or Mount Gahinga Lodge, conveniently located near the Rwandese border and a short five-minute walk from the park. Did you know you can also track the gorillas in Mgahinga? Check out our Uganda gorilla safaris page for everything gorilla!
9. Uganda Martyrs Shrine
Every year, approximately one million pilgrims gather in Namugongo, east Kampala to honor the Uganda Martyrs who were executed between 31 January 1885 and 27 January 1887.
These Martyrs were converted Christian pages (helpers in the Kings’s Palace) who were burnt alive.
The pages had disobeyed the orders of the Buganda king that were contradictory to their faiths and accepted to die for their beliefs when the king ordered their killing.
Pilgrims come from all corners of Uganda and East Africa for this significant event. In 2014, the Martyrs Walk across Kampala was also launched. It retraces the final few hours and days of the Martyr’s fateful journey as they were forced to walk towards their death.
Embarking on the Martyrs’s walk will give you a greater understanding of their contribution to history. The story of St Balikuddembe (namesake of Owin market) will stay in your mind forever.
10. Entanda Cultural Centre
The award-winning Entanda Cultural Center offers a community-based tourism experience like no other. The center is situated near Mityana Town, 60km along Kampala-Fort Portal Road.
Here, you will be greeted by loud ululating, drumming, and singing. Guests can join traditional dances and enjoy the freshest fruits straight from the gardens.
Men can participate in traditional hunting activities, while ladies are taught how to prepare a Luwombo lunch and are invited ‘to the bush’ (and what happens in the Bush stays in the Bush).
This is authentic community tourism at its best. Don’t miss out—pay a visit!
11. Mparo Tombs of Kabalega
Two kilometers along Masindi Road, about four kilometers outside Hoima, lies the final resting place of the renowned Bunyoro king Omukama Kabalega.
Kabalega is celebrated as the last great ruler of one of the most significant kingdoms in the Great Lakes Region, with his kingdom extending beyond modern-day Uganda’s borders.
Throughout much of his reign, he posed a significant challenge to British colonialists until his exile to the Seychelles in 1899. Inside his tomb, visitors can view his spears, bowls, throne, and other personal belongings displayed above his actual burial site.
12. Rwenzori Mountains Foot Hills
You don’t have to be super fit and commit to climbing Margherita, Uganda’s highest peak, as there are many peaks to choose from and many shorter routes in the foot slopes. It is on these lower slopes where you can find the most fascinating vegetation, birds, and animals. Did you know the legendary three-horned chameleon can easily be seen in the Rwenzori? This mountain range spans 120 square kilometers and boasts an amazing array of 50 lakes and several waterfalls.
13.Karamoja and Kidepo Valley
The Karamoja region, tucked away in northeastern Uganda, is also a hidden gem.
Its vast expanse is home to the Karamojong, a tribe affiliated with the Maasai People in Kenya and Tanzania. This colorful tribe has managed to preserve its cultural heritage, allowing visitors to experience age-old ways of life, traditions, games, and dances without feeling touristy.
Nature lovers, hikers, and cyclists will be captivated by the region’s breathtaking scenery. Kidepo Valley National Park, located in this region, has been recognized by CNN Travel as one of Africa’s top 10 parks l for its spectacular landscapes and large herds of buffalo.
Want to see ostriches, cheetahs, Kudus, secretary birds, and the Karamoja Apalais? The only place in Uganda you will find them is here in the northeast.
14. Sipi Falls On Mount Elgon
For travelers with extra time to explore and a desire to experience ‘the real’ Uganda, Sipi Falls is a fantastic destination in the lesser-visited eastern part of Uganda!
Situated on the slopes of Mount Elgon in Kapichorwa near the border with Kenya, the Sipi area is indeed pure Uganda. The area is characterized by coffee plantations, rivers, waterfalls, chameleons, beautiful vegetation and traditional African villages.
The area is very well suited for beautiful nature walks.
Because it is located at an altitude of 1600 meters, the climate is very pleasant during the day and is therefore an ideal place to relax with a book in one of the accommodations with a view of the Sipi waterfall.
Tip: combine this with Jinja and you have the ultimate adventure in Eastern Uganda!
15. Kalinzu Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking
Adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve spans 137km² protecting a tropical rainforest that rises from the Rift Valley floor to the Kichwamba Escarpment.
This pristine jungle is home to more than 300 wild chimpanzees, with two communities habituated – one for research and the other for tourist visits. While less publicized compared to other chimp-watching venues, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is emerging as a popular addition to budget safari tours, thanks to its combination of low prices, ready accessibility, and high success rate.
Like chimp trekking elsewhere, encountering these remarkably humanlike apes, with whom we share nearly 99% of our DNA, in Kalinzu Forest is a magical and unforgettable experience.
16. Mabamba Swamp - Shoebill Watching
Mabamba Swamp, designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, derives its name from emamba – the local name for a species of lungfish. Located on the edge of Lake Victoria in Central Uganda, it is conveniently close to Kampala and Entebbe.
The swamp covers 165 km2 of papyrus beds, small channels, and lagoons. It is home to over 300 bird species, including the Shoebill – the most sought-after bird by Uganda birding tourists and nature lovers. Mabamba is an ideal addition to the beginning or end of your Uganda safari. It also serves as a perfect destination for short tours or weekend getaways in Uganda.
17. Ssese Islands - Lake Victoria Relaxation
The Ssese Islands are among Uganda’s hidden gems, nestled in the middle of Lake Victoria.
This archipelago comprises 84 islands and has been recognized as one of the world’s best-kept secrets by Lonely Planet. We offer excursions to Buggala Island, just a ninety-minute ferry ride from Entebbe.
It’s an ideal destination for tranquil lakeside vacations or quick weekend getaways from Kampala or Entebbe, catering perfectly to holidaymakers, couples, lovers, and honeymooners alike.
Visitors to the Ssese Islands will be captivated by the stunning white sand beaches, glistening waters, warm sunny climate, palm-fringed shores, and gentle tropical breezes. Each island boasts a diverse ecosystem supporting rare wildlife, birds, plants, trees, and monkeys.
