There are more exciting things to do in Uganda than in almost any other country in Africa. In a single trip you can sit within metres of a mountain gorilla family, follow wild chimpanzees through the rainforest, cruise the Nile beneath thundering waterfalls and watch lions resting in fig trees.
Uganda is compact, so these experiences are closer together than most travellers expect. Rainforest, savannah, snow-capped mountains, crater lakes and the source of the Nile all sit within a few hours of each other, linked by friendly towns and some of the warmest people you will ever meet.
This guide brings together the best things to do in Uganda, with practical tips on where to go, when to visit, what each experience costs and how to fit it all into one trip. We are a Ugandan-owned tour operator, and we plan these safaris every week, so if you have something special in mind, get in touch with us.
Things to Do in Uganda at a Glance
If you are short on time, these are the experiences most of our guests put at the top of their list:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga.
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, the primate capital of the world.
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo and Kidepo Valley.
- A boat safari on the Nile or the Kazinga Channel.
- Tracking white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Searching for the shoebill, Uganda's most famous bird.
- White-water rafting on the Nile in Jinja.
- Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains, on Mount Elgon or at Sipi Falls.
- Relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi and meeting local communities.
Read on for the details of each one, then use the planning sections at the end to build your trip.
Wildlife Things to Do in Uganda
Wildlife tops the list of things to do in Uganda for most visitors, and the country offers a range of encounters that few countries can match. Here are the wildlife experiences you should not miss.
1. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga
Gorilla trekking is the most unforgettable of all the things to do in Uganda. Many guests describe their hour with a mountain gorilla family as life-changing: watching a silverback feed, mothers cradle their babies and youngsters tumble through the vines just a few metres away.
Uganda is home to around half of the world's mountain gorillas. You can trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which has four trekking sectors and many habituated families, or in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.
A gorilla permit costs US$800 per person, or US$600 in April, May and November, when low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. For a longer encounter, the Gorilla Habituation Experience gives you up to four hours with a family for US$1,500 until 31 December 2026, then US$1,800. Read our full guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda and our gorilla permit guide.
2. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Chimpanzee tracking is one of the liveliest things to do in Uganda, and a perfect contrast to the calm of the gorillas. Chimps are noisy, fast-moving and full of character, and following a community as they call, groom and swing through the canopy is thrilling.
Kibale Forest National Park has one of the highest concentrations of primates in Africa, with 13 species and around 1,500 chimpanzees. A chimpanzee permit costs US$250 per person in Kibale, and tracking is also possible in Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest.
Chimpanzees share about 98.7% of our DNA, and spending time with them is a powerful reminder of our own evolution. Combine your trek with the Bigodi Wetland walk nearby for birds and more monkeys.
3. Game Drives in Uganda's Savannah Parks
Uganda's parks may not have the fame of the Serengeti or the Masai Mara, but game drives here are among the most rewarding things to do in Uganda. You enjoy close encounters with elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, leopards, hippos and antelopes, often with very few other vehicles around.
The best parks for game drives are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and remote Kidepo Valley National Park. Each has its own character, from the zebras and elands of Lake Mburo to the cheetahs and ostriches of Kidepo.
Best of all, a Uganda safari offers a quieter, more personal experience than the busier parks of East Africa, and often at a lower cost.
4. Lion Tracking and the Tree-Climbing Lions
Uganda's lions have declined because of habitat loss and conflict with people, which makes conservation programmes vital. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Uganda Carnivore Program works with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to monitor and protect the park's predators.
On an experiential lion tracking drive, you join the research team as they locate collared lions and spend time watching them closely. Numbers are limited, so book well ahead. Prices are set by the park authority and can change, so ask us for the current rate.
In the southern Ishasha sector, you can also look for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, which rest in the branches of fig trees on hot afternoons.
View the Queen Elizabeth Lion Tracking Safari
5. Boat Safaris on the Nile and the Kazinga Channel
A boat safari is one of the most relaxing things to do in Uganda, and it gives you a whole new view of the wildlife. From the water you can get much closer to hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes than in a vehicle, and the birdlife along the banks is spectacular.
The most popular cruises are on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the Nile to the foot of Murchison Falls, and on the lake in Lake Mburo National Park. Boats range from small private craft to larger launches, so there is an option for families, groups and honeymooners.
Find out why we include one on almost every trip in our guide to the boat cruise safari in Uganda.
6. Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Uganda's wild rhinos were wiped out by poaching in the 1980s, but a breeding programme at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is bringing them back. Ziwa is now the only place in Uganda to see southern white rhinos.
Tracking rhinos on foot with an experienced ranger is one of the most unusual things to do in Uganda, and a surprisingly close encounter. Ziwa lies on the road between Kampala and Murchison Falls, so it fits easily into the first day of a northern safari. Learn more about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
View the Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Safari
7. Bird Watching and the Shoebill Stork
Bird watching is one of the most rewarding things to do in Uganda. The country has recorded more than 1,000 bird species, around half of all the species found in Africa, packed into an area about the size of Britain.
The star of the show is the shoebill stork, a prehistoric-looking giant that birders travel from around the world to see. The best places to find it are Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria, an easy morning trip from Entebbe, and the delta in Murchison Falls National Park.
Uganda also has around two dozen Albertine Rift endemics, best found in Bwindi, the Rwenzoris and Semliki. Read our shoebill stork guide and our complete guide to bird watching in Uganda.
Natural Wonders: Scenic Things to Do in Uganda
Beyond the wildlife, some of the most memorable things to do in Uganda are simply about the scenery. These are the natural wonders that leave the biggest impression.
8. Murchison Falls
At Murchison Falls, the entire River Nile forces its way through a gap in the rocks just seven metres wide before plunging into the pool below. The roar and the spray are unforgettable, whether you watch from the boat at the bottom or hike to the viewpoint at the top.
The park around the falls is Uganda's largest, with giraffes, elephants, lions and huge herds of buffaloes and antelopes on the northern banks. See our 3 days Murchison Falls safari for a classic itinerary.
9. Lake Bunyonyi
Relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi, in the hills of south-western Uganda, is one of the most peaceful things to do in Uganda. Its terraced hillsides and 29 islands make it the perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking.
You can paddle a dugout canoe, swim in the bilharzia-free water, visit island communities and enjoy sunsets over the hills. Discover the best things to do at Lake Bunyonyi.
10. The Source of the Nile
In Jinja, you can stand at the point where the world's longest river begins its 6,650-kilometre journey to the Mediterranean. A boat trip to the source of the Nile is a highlight of any visit to eastern Uganda.
Jinja is also Uganda's adventure capital, with rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, quad biking and horse riding. Explore the best things to do in Jinja.
Adventure Things to Do in Uganda
If you love an adrenaline rush or a good hike, the adventure things to do in Uganda will keep you busy.
11. White-Water Rafting on the Nile
White-water rafting on the Nile in Jinja is one of the most exciting things to do in Uganda. The river here is one of the world's top rafting destinations, with powerful Grade 4 and Grade 5 rapids broken up by calm stretches where you can swim and take in the scenery.
Full-day and half-day trips are available, along with gentler family float trips for those who want the views without the big rapids. Experienced safety kayakers accompany every trip. Read our guide to white-water rafting in Jinja.
12. Hiking in the Rwenzoris, Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls
Uganda's landscapes offer hikes for every level, from gentle village walks to serious mountain expeditions. The Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary Mountains of the Moon, rise to 5,109 metres at Margherita Peak and offer glaciers, giant lobelias and multi-day treks.
In the east, Mount Elgon has one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, while the three waterfalls of Sipi Falls make a perfect weekend hike with coffee farm visits along the way.
13. Cycling Safaris
Cycling is one of the best things to do in Uganda if you want to see the country at a slower pace. Quiet red-earth roads lead through villages, banana plantations and rolling hills, and every ride brings friendly waves from children along the way.
In Lake Mburo National Park, you can even cycle among zebras, impalas and elands, one of the few parks in East Africa where this is possible. Cycling combines easily with walking safaris and boat trips.
View Walking and Cycling Safaris in Lake Mburo
Culture, Communities and Conservation
Some of the most memorable things to do in Uganda involve its people. Uganda is famous for its welcome, and its more than 50 ethnic groups bring a rich variety of languages, food, music, dance and traditions.
14. Meet Local Communities
We offer a range of responsible community experiences that allow genuine interaction with local people. You can visit the Batwa, the original forest people of Bwindi and Mgahinga, join a village walk, learn to cook a traditional meal or stay with a family on a homestay.
These visits are designed with the communities themselves, so your time and money support local families. Explore our Uganda cultural safaris and the Batwa cultural experience.
15. Support Wildlife Conservation
If conservation matters to you, there are many ways to see it in action. You can visit orphaned chimpanzees on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Lake Victoria, meet rescued animals at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe, or join the gorilla habituation experience.
Every park fee and permit you pay helps fund rangers, research and community projects. Read how your visit makes a difference in our guide to mountain gorilla conservation in Uganda.
16. Explore Kampala and Entebbe
Most trips begin and end around Entebbe and Kampala, and the city things to do in Uganda are worth a day of your time. In Kampala, visit the Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo, the Kasubi Tombs of the Buganda kings and the lively markets, or take a boda boda tour through the city.
Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria, is quieter, with the Botanical Gardens, lakeside beaches and the shoebill trips to Mabamba. See our guides to things to do in Kampala and the best things to do in Entebbe.
Things to Do in Uganda for Families and Couples
Uganda works beautifully for families. Children aged 15 and over can trek gorillas, while younger children love boat cruises, game drives, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe, canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi and gentle nature walks. Many lodges offer family rooms and flexible meal times, and we keep driving days short so nobody gets tired.
For couples and honeymooners, the best things to do in Uganda include a private gorilla trek, sundowners overlooking the Kazinga Channel, a candlelit dinner at a forest lodge in Bwindi and a few lazy days on an island at Lake Bunyonyi. Many couples also add a beach holiday in Zanzibar, just a direct flight away from Entebbe.
Whatever your group, we match each activity to your pace and interests. See our ideas for a family safari in Africa and our Uganda honeymoon holiday.
Best Time to Visit Uganda
You can enjoy most things to do in Uganda all year round, because the country sits on the equator and stays warm, with temperatures of around 20 to 28°C in most areas.
The best time to visit is during the two dry seasons, from June to September and from December to February. Trails are drier for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and wildlife gathers around water, making game drives easier.
The rainy seasons, from March to May and in October and November, bring greener scenery, fewer visitors and the lower US$600 gorilla permit in April, May and November. Rain usually falls in short, heavy showers rather than all day. Read our full guide to the best time to visit Uganda.
How Many Days Do You Need in Uganda?
How long you need depends on how many things to do in Uganda you want to fit in. As a guide:
- 2 to 3 days: a gorilla trek in Bwindi, by road or with a short flight. Try our 3 day gorilla trekking tour.
- 5 to 7 days: gorillas, chimpanzees and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- 10 to 14 days: the classic circuit, including Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi. See our best of Uganda safari.
- 3 weeks: everything above plus Kidepo, the Rwenzoris or Jinja. See our 21 day Uganda safari itinerary.
What Do the Main Things to Do in Uganda Cost?
Here are the key permit prices for the main things to do in Uganda, for foreign non-resident visitors. Accommodation, transport and park entry are extra.
| Activity | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking permit | US$800 (US$600 in April, May and November) |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience | US$1,500 until 31 December 2026, then US$1,800 |
| Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale | US$250 |
| Boat cruises, rhino tracking and lion tracking | Ask us for current rates |
For a full breakdown, read our guide to gorilla permit prices compared, or ask us for a quote for your dates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Uganda
What is the number one thing to do in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the top experience for most visitors. Uganda is home to around half of the world's mountain gorillas, and a permit costs US$800, much less than in Rwanda.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Yes. Uganda is generally safe for tourists, and the national parks and main tourist routes are well managed and welcoming. As anywhere, follow local advice and travel with a licensed tour operator. Read our guide on whether Uganda is safe for safari.
What is the best month to visit Uganda?
The best months are June to September and December to February, the two dry seasons. These months offer the easiest trekking and the best game viewing, while the rainy months are greener and quieter.
Can I see the Big Five in Uganda?
Yes. Lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes live in the national parks, and southern white rhinos can be tracked on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, so you can see all five on one trip.
How many days do I need for a Uganda safari?
Seven to ten days is ideal for gorillas, chimpanzees and a savannah park. With 10 to 14 days, you can add Murchison Falls and Lake Bunyonyi for the complete Uganda experience.
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most visitors need a visa, which you apply for online before you travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa, at US$100, also covers Rwanda and Kenya. Check the rules for your passport in our guide to Uganda visa requirements.
Plan Your Uganda Safari With Us
Now you know the best things to do in Uganda, let us put them together into one seamless trip. We arrange your gorilla and chimpanzee permits, transport, guides and lodges, and we build every itinerary around your interests, pace and budget.
Whether you want a short gorilla trek, a family safari or a three-week adventure across the Pearl of Africa, tell us your travel dates and we will send you a tailor-made Uganda safari plan. For official visitor information, you can also see the Uganda Tourism Board.
Continue Planning Your Trip
- Browse our ready-made safari itineraries
- Design your own trip with Build My Safari
- Ask for a quote for your dates on our contact page
