Uganda Travel Guide

UGANDA TR AVEL GUIDE

WELCOME TO THE PEARL OF AFRICA A GUIDE TO TRAVELING IN UGANDA. IMPORTANT INFORMATION. WHERE TO STAY. WHAT TO DO & SEE. PLUS MUCH MORE.

TRAVEL GUIDE: UGANDA

UGANDA Welcome to Sustainable Business Magazine’s Uganda Travel Guide from Gessa Simplicious, Head of public relations for Uganda Tourism Board.

It’s essential to know that, when you visit Uganda, you can have confidence in the country’s tourist infrastructure. We at the Uganda Tourism Board have worked hard bringing together both the public and private sectors to ensure tourism is safe and reliable not only for visitors but for the places you are visiting.

icent beasts. However, Uganda also has the ‘Unique Two’. These are two equally impressive animals found in the country that are very rare elsewhere: the endemic mountain gorilla, and the endangered chimpanzee.

We are one of the few if not the only country where you can see all of these creatures.

People come to Uganda for many different reasons.

We have the Big Five, for example: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants and buffaloes. There are many operators that offer ‘Big 5’ tours providing the opportunity to catch a glimpse of these feared and magnif-

However, it’s important that this isn’t done recklessly.

All of these creatures – and especially the unique two – are precious. That’s why we have worked with the government to implement laws that protect both wildlife and humans. For example, when visiting the mountain

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gorillas, tourists are subject to the ‘gorilla trekking rules’. They ensure that groups no bigger than eight people are permitted to visit locations where the gorillas live, that each group stays for no longer than one hour, and that only one group visits the gorilla habitat per day. Moreover, nobody in the group is allowed within eight metres of a creature.

These rules are to protect the mountain gorillas. We do not want to stress them. We want to ensure they are able to relax and feel comfortable in their homes without fear of humans coming too close. The distance limit is set to prevent transmission of illnesses such as colds to the creatures, as that’s the last thing they need! We are very aware of the needs of the gorillas, and what we can to do preserve them while enabling tourists to enjoy viewing them. We have laid out similar rules for chimpanzees too.

Mountain gorillas are found in two locations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Apart from the gorillas themselves, both of these parks are, of course, incredible places of beauty in themselves.

UNESCO has listed Bwindi as a World Heritage Site, for example, because of its incredible diversity of 2 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

flora and fauna. Half of all mountain gorillas live in the forest. It also has the highest density of tree diversity in all of eastern Africa, for example, and is one of – if not the – most important location for afromontane butterfly species across the continent.

Mgahinga is also recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Despite its small size at just 33.7 square kilometres, its diversity of plants and animals is breathtaking including the other half of the mountain gorilla population live in the forest. Alongside them live golden monkeys, the only place in Uganda where these creatures live, as well as buffaloes, antelopes and more than 30 other mammal species. In addition to

PA R A A S A F A R I L O D G E Murchison Falls National Park Uganda

M W E YA S A F A R I L O D G E Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

S I LV E R B A C K L O D G E Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda

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CHOBE SAFARI LODGE Murchison Falls National Park Uganda

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MARASA AFRICA W H E R E T H E U N F O R G E T TA B L E H A P P E N S Marasa Africa offers legendary safari experiences, with thrilling game drives and boat rides along Uganda's national parks' wildlife Waterways.

Guests are drawn back time and again for our local cuisine, genuine warmth, and unwavering professionalism. Unwinding in our care, they create lasting memories for generations on safari.

Discover Uganda's untamed beauty with Marasa Africa. Expect extraordinary accommodations, unmatched conferences, and unforgettable romantic getaways. Celebrate weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays amidst nature's wonders. Enjoy bush walks, private dining, and enchanting sunset cocktails. Cruise majestic rivers and experience exhilarating game drives.

Marasa Africa proudly supports Uganda Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities in providing top-notch hospitality for Ugandan families seeking vacations and special getaways, as well as conference teams in the heart of the East African National Parks.

To see pricing and Package offers, Scan code or visit www.marasa.net. +256 (0) 312 260 260

CHOBE SAFARI LODGE:

A JEWEL IN UGANDA’S TOURISM CROWN Nestled in the Heart of Murchison Falls National Park Discover the unparalleled splendor of Chobe Safari Lodge, a five-star sanctuary nestled in the breathtaking Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. This exquisite lodge represents the pinnacle of luxury and adventure, offering an experience to captivate even the most discerning of travelers.

Panoramic Splendor and Soothing Sounds Be enchanted by the breathtaking views and the melodious sounds of the River Nile’s rapids. This setting is not just a backdrop, but a gateway to an unforgettable journey into Africa’s wilderness.

Karuma Bar and Terrace: The Heart of Relaxation Unwind in the Karuma Bar, a fusion of modern comfort and safari elegance.

Gaze out through expansive windows at the River Nile and let the day’s adventures sink in at this perfect safari retreat.

Unexplored Wilderness and Wildlife Galore Chobe Safari Lodge is your exclusive gateway to explore the untouched beauty of the region. Home to a rich tapestry of wildlife, birds, flora, and fauna, the lodge offers a rare glimpse into a world yet to be discovered.

ACTIVITIES: A Wildlife Extravaganza Murchison Falls National Park, home to the lodge, is a treasure trove of biodiversity.

Boasting 76 mammal species and 451 bird species, the park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The River Nile, meandering from the Murchison Falls, attracts an array of wildlife including crocodiles, hippos, and diverse water birds. Land dwellers like lions, warthogs, buffalo, the rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hogs, Uganda kob, topi, waterbuck, elephants, and leopards also grace this landscape. Engage in a world where every day is an adventure and every moment a discovery in this rich ecosystem.

A Fisher’s Paradise Recognized as one of Africa’s premier fishing destinations, this part of Murchison Falls National Park is a dream come true for fishing enthusiasts.

Dive into Luxury: The Three-Tiered Pool Experience the spectacular swimming pool spread across three tiers, offering privacy and stunning views of the River Nile. Indulge in a cocktail at the poolside bar, “Rapids,” or lounge in luxury as the sun sets over the river.

Karuma Restaurant: A Culinary Adventure Dine in style at the Karuma Restaurant, where modern decor meets safari ambiance. Relish a blend of local and international cuisines, enhanced by traditional dance performances. The terrace, with its panoramic river views, and the cozy Karuma Bar, are perfect for an evening unwind.

The Bush Lounge Experience Join a guided bush walk along the Nile and encounter Uganda’s diverse wildlife. This hour-long adventure concludes at the Bush Lounge, where a delightful continental breakfast awaits.

Conferences in the Wild Transform your meetings at the Nile Conference Center, offering facilities for both large and intimate gatherings. Replace city chaos with the tranquility of Uganda’s natural landscape for a truly productive experience.

Explore Chobe Safari Lodge – where luxury, adventure, and the wild heart of Africa converge to create memories that last a lifetime.

Visit https://chobelodgeuganda.com

MWEYA SAFARI LODGE:

A HAVEN IN THE WILD

An Unforgettable Experience in the Heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park Embark on an extraordinary journey at Mweya Safari Lodge, nestled on a scenic peninsula in the midst of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Surrounded by the mystical Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’, the lodge offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure.

A Landscape of Wonders To the east, the lodge is guarded by the majestic Great Rift Valley hills, creating a picturesque divide from the Rwenzoris. Below, the meandering Kazinga Channel flows gracefully between two great African lakes - George and Edward, offering a spectacle of nature’s finest vistas.

Infinity Pool with a View Immerse yourself in luxury at our Infinity Swimming Pool. Overlooking the Kazinga Channel, the pool offers panoramic views of the connecting lakes and wildlife below.

Relax on the wooden sun deck loungers, savor a cocktail from the pool bar, and bask in the warm African sun.

Elegant Dining with Panoramic Views Indulge in culinary delights either in our elegant, formal dining room or on the veranda, where meals are complemented by spectacular views across the Kazinga Channel. Our chefs are masters in crafting a range of local and international specialties.

Saturday Nights to Remember Experience the joy of traditional dancers and special barbecues on Saturday evenings, making your stay at Mweya Safari Lodge truly memorable.

Conferences in the Wild Imagine conducting your next conference in our fully equipped, air-conditioned conference room, far from the chaos of the city. A refined board-room is also available for all your business or workshop needs.

Discover the Park’s Biodiversity Explore the incredible biodiversity of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to 95 mammal species and 612 bird species. The Kazinga Channel, known for the world’s largest congregation of hippos, offers a unique spectacle. Venture through the park to see lions, warthogs, buffalos, sitatunga antelopes, giant forest hogs, Uganda kob, topi, waterbucks, elephants, and leopards. Each visit to this rich ecosystem promises a new adventure.

Mweya Safari Lodge: Where Every Stay is an Unforgettable Adventure Come, be a part of this extraordinary experience, and explore the unique attractions that Queen Elizabeth National Park has to offer. Mweya Safari Lodge awaits you, ready to make your visit an unforgettable chapter in your life’s adventures.

Visit Mweya Safari Lodge http://tinyurl.com/2mn4e8p4

Business Meets Serenity Our Business Service Centre, open daily, caters to the needs of the traveling executive, complete with internet access. Balance work and leisure seamlessly in this serene environment.

Authentic Souvenirs and Crafts Visit our gift shop for a selection of local East African crafts, guidebooks, clothing, and safari essentials. Take home a piece of the Pearl of Africa with our authentic souvenirs.

For an unforgettable experience mweyalodge.com

For more information about Marasa hotels scan here >>

TRAVEL GUIDE: UGANDA

gorilla trekking, there are also plenty of hiking and biking routes as well as Mount Sabyinyo, where from the peak you can see not just Uganda but the beauty of Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo as well.

The sustainability of these and every other national park in Uganda depends on the collaboration between us, the Uganda Tourism Board, national and local governmental structures, private sector actors, and of course the tourists themselves. One simple way we have done this is to ensure that tourism brings money to local communities. For example, 20% of all entry fees to national parks in the country are handed over to the communities that border onto those parks. Not only does this generate income for people, but it helps them understand and appreciate the important of conserving the parks.

If people from those communities wanted to go one step further, they could become tour guides. We have set up the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute to help them do just that. This two-year certification program is designed to create high quality tour guides that can help not only visitors have a good experience but also monitor the health and quality of our national parks.

As the name suggests, people can also train as more than just tour guides at the institute. It serves many key roles within the tourism and hospitality industry.

It’s not just the people, though. When companies want to construct new buildings, they must do it in an eco-friendly way as well. That means using solar panels on the roof, wood that is sustainably harvested, architecture that is sympathetic to its surroundings, and other green measures. Hotels, cars and other tourist facilities will use paper rather than plastic for packaging. We even go so far as to insist on low or no lighting during night time. Of course, this saves energy, but it also helps create a much more natural and authentic atmosphere. It lets you take yourself into the natural beauty of the birds, bats, insects and other night sounds. We also encourage water conservation throughout. In this way, we’re creating a framework for holistic sustainability that companies can follow and we can supervise.

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With this in mind, Uganda is currently working towards ISO certification in tourism, and all of these measures are part of that effort. We take it very seriously. We are working closely with government and private partners to ensure every standard is met so that we can achieve that ISO seal of quality, In fact, to ensure high standards are maintained throughout our national parks in particular, we are working with Uganda Police. They will investigate adherence to our measures locally and take action against anyone breaking them. For example, if a hotel or lodge advertises itself as four-star, customers want to see four-star amenities such as a swimming pool and bar. If it doesn’t meet the standard, police can investigate. We want every visitor to have confidence of our international standards.

At the same time as ISO certification, we are also currently talking to various global tourism bodies about membership. Uganda is already a member of regional tourism trade associations such as East Africa Community, which offers a unique opportunity opening Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda up to tourists on a single visa. However, we are now talking with the UN World Tourism Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council. Becoming a member of these trade organisations is important to us much in the same way that attaining ISO certification is: it shows our international standards. Right now we’re currently gathering the

measurements index from them in order to begin the process of association.

While our national parks and wildlife are our most impressive attractions, there are also plenty of other things to see and do here. Jinja, for example, is the place to visit for adrenaline junkies. Along the banks of the Nile, which runs through Jinja district, there are plenty of companies offering activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, fishing, hot air ballooning, horse riding, quad biking and many other intense adventures.

Meanwhile, Mount Elgon is our hub for sports tourism.

It’s where athletes that want high altitude training go to. You can also visit the Kichwamba escarpment, which has a community tourism initiative to help the local tribe benefit from the tourist industry. We recently also opened the Uganda Cycling Trail, an epic 1600 kilometre trail comprised of four trails and 22 stages.

Ultimately, we know Uganda has as much to offer tourists as it has to offer the people that live here. That’s why we want to share it with the world. Furthermore, by doing so, we can benefit economically in a time when the world is re-opening after the pandemic. The Uganda Tourism Board is doing everything we can to ensure that every visitor has the best possible time here that they can and that they’ll want to return to Uganda again and again.

TRAVEL GUIDE: UGANDA

VISIT

UGANDA KEY FACTS

UGANDA 8 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Capital:

Kampala

Population:

45.85 million (2021)

Language(s):

Swahili, English

Currency:

Ugandan Shilling

Time zone:

GMT +3

Dialling code:

+256

Major cities:

Gulu, Kampala, Mbarara, Mbale, Kasese, Lira, Entebbe, Jinja, Mukono, Arua

Tourist season:

December - February & June - August

Annual visitors:

814,508 (2022)

Annual tourism earnings:

736m US$ (2022)

Avg. temperature:

73 °F

Highest point:

Mt. Stanley’s Margherita Peak (5,109)

KEY ATTRACTIONS

1 Chimpanzee Tracking

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Mountain gorilla trekking

11 The Equator

2 Entebbe Botanic Gardens

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Ndere Cultural Centre

12 The Ziwi Rhino Sanctuary

3 Gaddafi National Mosque

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Queen Elizabeth National Park

13 Waterfalls

4 Lake Bunyonyi

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Rwenzori Mountains

14 Wildlife Conservation Education Centre

5 Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

10 Source of the Nile

15 Whitewater Rafting

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TRAVEL GUIDE: UGANDA

ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES Mountain gorilla trekking At the top of our Uganda must-do list is the thrilling adventure of gorilla trekking.

It’s an unparalleled experience for those seeking excitement! Immerse yourself in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and get an up-close encounter with majestic mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas can be found in the area known as the Virunga Mountains, and live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows only a few lucky individuals to witness wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, given that there are just around 720 left on Earth. Hence, gorilla trekking is an aweinspiring and truly distinctive adventure, undoubtedly at the forefront of many individuals’ adventure aspirations!

Lake Bunyonyi Considered to be one of Africa’s deepest lakes, Lake Bunyonyi is a true gem of Uganda’s natural landscape and a highlight on our list of the top things to experience in the country! The lake is embraced by verdant, terraced hills, but what truly captivates are the 29 islands, each with its unique shape and size, scattered across its waters.

This tranquil haven offers an ideal setting for relaxation, as well as opportunities to venture out on quad bikes to explore the surrounding area or indulge in birdwatching.

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Chimpanzee Tracking One of the most sought-after activities in Uganda. The wild yet habituated chimps, often perched in the trees, become more visible and interactive when given ample time. This enhances the overall experience, providing better opportunities for captivating photographs and a deeper connection with these remarkable creatures.

The primary locations for this exhilarating adventure are Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest, both renowned for their chimpanzee populations and the remarkable encounters they offer.

ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES

The Ziwi Rhino Sanctuary Unfortunately, in Uganda’s national parks.

However, there’s a silver lining: the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to several white rhinos thriving in a spacious environment.

These majestic, endangered beings roam freely across 7,000 hectares of land within the sanctuary, embodying hope for the future of rhino conservation.

Queen Elizabeth National Park This remarkable park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of 96 mammal species, such as lions, buffaloes, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, and majestic elephants. One of the unique features of Queen Elizabeth National Park is the opportunity to witness the park’s famous tree-climbing lions.

Crater Lakes A marvel of natural beauty, particularly in the vicinity of Fort Portal, offering a fantastic exploration opportunity by car, on foot, or by bicycle. Amongst these pristine lakes, Lake Nkuruba stands out as the epitome of beauty. For an awe-inspiring perspective, the Top of the World viewpoint, offering a captivating panorama of Lake Nyamirima.

Ndere Cultural Centre For an exceptional night out in Uganda, a visit to the Ndere Cultural Centre is an absolute must. The center hosts a captivating dinner show where, alongside a delightful meal, incredibly skilled performers showcase traditional dances, drumming, and singing. Offers a dynamic immersion into Ugandan culture, making it a truly enjoyable way to spend an evening.

See the Shoebills The shoebill, an extraordinary bird, certainly stands out in the avian world. Notably large, with a visage that might not win any beauty contests, and possibly one of the more ruthless creatures in the animal kingdom.

Curiously, shoebills commonly hatch two chicks but exhibit a distressing tendency to favor one, usually the stronger or older sibling, while allowing the other to perish.

Source of the Nile Discover the genuine and historic Source of the Nile Site, the very location where British explorer Speke made the groundbreaking discovery of the River Nile.

Immerse yourself in this historic site. At the Source of the Nile, your adventure continues with exciting boat rides that traverse the Nile River and lead into the vast expanse of Lake Victoria.

Whitewater rafting Offering exciting opportunities for rapids enthusiasts. With plenty of Grade IV and V rapids, seasoned rapids fans will find plenty to love in Uganda, where the White Nile emerges from Lake Victoria. But newbies may be surprised to find that no experience is required to take on one of the world’s most intense adventure experiences.

Rwenzori Mountains Almost 100,000 hectares on Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, six of Africa’s ten largest peaks can be found in the Rwenzori range. You’ll see the richest mountain flora in Africa, endangered and threatened species – and, best of all, you’ll have them all almost to yourself, attracting only around 1000 visitors per year.

The Equator One of Uganda’s notable attractions is the equator—a line that divides the Earth into the northern and southern hemispheres. Although it’s essentially marked by a few signposts, accompanied by shops and restaurants, it’s a popular spot, providing a great opportunity for memorable photos.

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NATIONAL PARKS

TRAVEL GUIDE: UGANDA

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Uganda’s most outstanding feature is its national parks.

They are filled with an incredible diversity of wildlife and plant life, including some that are endemic to the country.

There are 10 national parks in total, all of which offer something unique.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the starting point for most first-time visitors to Uganda. Located in the far south-western corner and bordering onto the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi offers tourists the opportunity to witness the endemic mountain gorilla. The entire remaining mountain gorilla population lives in Uganda, and half of them live in Bwindi. Visits are limited to one group of eight people per day, with each visit lasting an hour. As a result, permits are in high demand so make sure to book in advance. There are plenty of other things to see in Bwindi as well, as it’s home to more than 200 tree species and 300 bird species. Finding somewhere to stay in or near Bwindi is simple because there are plenty of lodges throughout the area. It’s possible to reach the park itself by road, although there are no public transport options yet.

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s untouched jewel. While it lacks the beautiful mountain gorilla, Kidepo Valley is rich with many other forms of wildlife. It is situated in the far north of Uganda, at the border with South Sudan and covers more than 550 square miles, making it the country’s third largest national park.

In almost complete contrast to Bwindi, Kidepo Valley is a savannah environment.

That means it is home to the Big Five such as elephants, zebras, and buffaloes as well as other recognisable savannah creatures including giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. At the heart of the park is Apoka, where remnant pools, seasonal oases and wetlands nestle between the vast open savannah plains. More than 77 mammal species and 470 bird species call this place their home, making it the ideal place for a safari. Kidepo is most easily reached by air, but it also has plenty of road access.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: UGANDA Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest park by area. It is made up of woodlands and riverine forest cut in two by the famous River Nile. The river and its stunning surroundings provide ample opportunities for activities such as boat cruises, white water rafting, sport fishing, and of course visiting the spectacular Murchison Falls themselves. Venture beyond the river, though, and there is plenty more to see and do. Guides offer chimpanzee treks to groups of up to six people, and you can plan your own hikes along the park’s many signposted trails too. There are more than 450 bird species living in the park, including the endemic yellow-footed flycatcher, so there’s plenty to see and do. Murchison Falls National Park is located in the west of the country, by Lake Albert, and accessible by road – including by public transport or chartered tourist buses. There are plenty of eco-friendly lodges and hotels to stay in.

Kibale National Park is located in the highlands of western Uganda. Kibale is an evergreen rainforest home to 13 species of primates including chimpanzees, baboons and monkeys. There are nearly 1,500 chimpanzees living in the park, making it Uganda’s mecca, and guides organise regular chimpanzee trekking tours throughout the year. These tours will enable you to see many of the other primates and creatures living in the forest as well such as the pangolin, the world’s most trafficked animal, living naturally and unharmed. Apart from the apes, Kibale is a

great place for hiking. There are well established tours of the crater lakes in the park, formed as a result of volcanic activity. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is also not to be missed. This jungle swamp is a rare type of ecological feature and local communities have opened this rare opportunity up to tourists so that the income generated can help restore and maintain the swamp itself.

Like most other parks in Uganda, Kibale is accessible by road through chartered and public transport. Many people choose to stay at Fort Portal, a town about an hour away from the park’s entrance.

Mount Elgon National Park is located along the country’s eastern border with Kenya. Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano, rises more than 14,000 feet into the air and dominates the park. Guides offer the opportunity to trek up the mountain, including to its highest peak Wagagai. Mount Elgon’s volcanic history and height gives the park a unique and changing biosphere, ranging from montane forest and moorland at lower altitudes and higher altitudes offering a huge biodiversity due to the cooler and wetter climate. There are caves, waterfalls, hot springs and escarpments to explore in the park, as well as plenty of wildlife tours and safaris. The diverse climate and biosphere of Mount Elgon also makes it an ideal place for hiking. The park is accessible by road, both by chartered and public transport, and like Uganda’s other national parks offers plenty of accommodation if you wish to stay in the area.

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WHAT TO DO AND SEE

CITIES Uganda is more than just its beautiful natural landscapes, of course. Its cities and towns offer a host of enticing and exhilarating cultural experiences.

Kampala Uganda’s capital, and offers everything you might expect to find in a world city. That includes plenty of restaurants, cafes, night clubs, cinemas, markets and street food vendors. It’s also less than an hour’s drive away from the country’s only international airport in Entebbe, so will almost certainly be the first port of call for any international travellers. However, it is more than just a transit point. There are also a number of unmissable cultural attractions throughout Kampala.

The National Museum is the heart of these, containing exhibits and displays represent-

ing Uganda’s scientific, artistic and cultural history. There is also the UNESCO-recognised Kasubi Tombs, where four tombs of Uganda’s historical Buganda kings sit.

Meanwhile, Fort Lugard is a fascinating monument to Uganda’s colonial past and the Baha’i temple in Kawempe district is the only one of its kind in Africa.

One unique feature of the city is the Makindye district. This part of Kampala spills into massive Lake Victoria, thereby giving the city a seaside feel despite being landlocked. Here you can enjoy boat cruises, fishing, diving and water sports – or just relax on the beach with a cocktail.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: UGANDA Entebbe The arrival point for most international travellers, and is easily overlooked because of that. However, missing out on what it has to offer would be a shame.

The Botanical Gardens are home to many interesting trees and wildlife among which you can relax and enjoy a picnic. Be sure to hire a guide to get the most out of this place, though. Entebbe is also host to a number of wildlife sanctuaries including the Chimpanzee Sanctuary (on the appropriately named Chimpanzee Island), Reptile Village, and the Wildlife Conservation Education Center. All of these are worth visiting to view some of Uganda’s most precious wildlife close-up.

The Sesse Islands A group of 84 islands in Lake Victoria, and make up the Kalangala District. It is a place of beauty, where white sandy beaches meet the blue lake water, and an ideal place to relax. It offers golfing, boat cruises, fishing, hiking and even zip-lining. But after a long day enjoying these activities, you can always return to the beach and watch the sun go down. The islands are reached by ferry from Entebbe.

Fort Portal The gateway to several of Uganda’s national parks including Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park. As such, it is Uganda’s first designated Tourism City.

However, there is also plenty to do in the city without having to leave its limits.

Your first stop should be Tooro Palace, where its circular structure and high vantage point provides a 360 degree view across the entire city. Then check out Tooro Botanical Garden, home to a wide range of native plants and trees, where you can learn about local traditional medicinal and artistic practices. Don’t miss the Amabere Ganyinamwiru caves, where local legend has it that a king tried to hide his daughter.

Then, after you finish your long day seeing the sights, have fun at one of the city’s many night clubs.

Ugandans love to party, so why not join them?

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Ssese Inseln im Viktoriasee

Jinja The adventure capital of eastern Africa.

Like Entebbe, it is located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Unlike Entebbe, though, the mouth of the River Nile passes through the town. This has given rise to the adventure tourism for the city, in particular white water rafting. There are several grand rapids on Jinja’s section of the Nile, so make sure to hold on tight! Operators also offer bungee jumping opportunities over the Nile, jet boating and jet skiing on the river, and quad biking and horse riding through the stunning rural landscape around Jinja. And once you’ve finish with all of that, you can go and visit the source of the Nile itself, which is located where Lake Victoria come inland at the city.

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