There are lots of things to do in Uganda. From popular gorilla trekking in the tropical rain forests to game viewing in the savanna national parks, there is a lot to see and do in the Albertine Rift. There are lots of things to do in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. From the popular mountain gorilla trekking to leisurely holidays in the Ssese Islands, there are lots of adventure activities that you can enjoy in Uganda.
Hiking, cycling, rock-climbing, and all manner of adventurous activities are all on schedule during your stay in Uganda. However, a good cup of coffee and a succulent steak is never too far away.
Kampala City Tours
Thanks to an expat community that established itself here as far back as the early 1990s, Kampala is undoubtedly the most cosmopolitan city in Uganda as people of all walks of life converge here for various reasons and agendas and this city acts as a perfect introduction to the country, easing you into the local customs without too much of the dreaded culture-shock.
Cultural Tours
From the tantalizing signature dishes to the plethora of handcrafted items on sale, Uganda offers a taste of authentic Africa while still maintaining a comfort zone for foreign tourists who haven’t gotten to grips with the country’s cultural sensibilities.
Things to Do
Gorilla trekking
Half a total population of the world’s most endangered species, the mountain gorillas can be found in two different National parks these are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Walk on the wild side and experience Africa’s once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the rarest animals on Earth, the mountain Gorillas. More than half a world’s population of the most endangered species are found in Uganda. The dense Bwindi Impenetrable rainforest home of these gentle giants is UNESCO’s World Heritage site since 1994. With awe-inspiring biodiversity that lies in the southwest of Uganda. Dotted by forests and lakes, dominated by the dramatic Virunga mountain ranges, just fewer than 350 mountain gorillas live and play among the mossy undergrowth of the forest floor.
Uganda offers the intrepid traveller a chance to enjoy a more adventurous level of safari. Boasting over 1000 species of birds, and wildlife not found anywhere else, it is the original Eden. Rub shoulders with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Only eight visitors are allowed to view each gorilla family every day and our expert guides will explain the etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback.
White water rafting
White water rafting tops the list on Uganda’s adventure travelers. With lots of good rapids and a stunning river, the Nile, enjoy adventure which is characterized with high level of its superlative waterfalls. There are many exhilarating sections with space between to lay back and float along taking in the landscape and enjoying the nature, particularly there are many species of birds, burterflies to be found here. There are four rafting companies offering day trips and two-day trips covering (45km) with overnight camping. Adrift Uganda Adventure Company and Nile River Explorers have been in service since 1996, Equator Rafts started in 2002 and Nalubaale Rafting begun operating in 2005
Top class safety equipment and highly qualified and skilled guides run the largest rapids possible. Total rafting is for 25 km of river including some of the best rapids in the world. You don’t have to do all the side runs, except if you want to. The river is graded 4+ to 5 and provides one of the finest day rafting trips on Globe! Massive standing waves leap from the clear blue skies and rock walls tremble from the power of the booming rapids. Be among the first to be familiar with the incredible adventure and excitement of the Nile water rafting.
Carry a swimsuit, a pair of sandals and shorts to wear on the river. You will get wet, so bring a change of outfit. Amenities exist for cameras to be protected from the while on the river. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a grin.
Chimpanzee tracking
Mostly called chimp tracking, Uganda is said to host a big portion of chimp population in Africa, chimp tracking is mainly done in 3 major ancient rainforest and that is: Kibale Forest national Park which is believed to have the highest population of primate species in Africa, including Olive baboons, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Varvet Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys. Budongo forest in Murchison falls National Park and Kyambura gorge in queen Elizabeth National Park, are other chimp tracking spots. While in Kibale you can choose to do chimp habituation experience which is a full day activity. The other areas where to find chimps include Uganda wildlife education centre in Entebbe and Ngamba island in the middle of lake Victoria, while on the island you will have more time to spend with the chimpanzees see them interact, feed them and walk around this little chimp island.
Mountain Climbing
In addition to Uganda lying on the equator line, This richly endowed East African nation fascinates a number of climbers in the whole world, because of the snowcapped high ranges of the Rwenzori with Margarita its highest point at 5109 meters above sea level and Muhabura Mountain in the west, alongside the wonderful experience in rugged rocks of Mt. Elgon and Mt. Moroto in the East.
While on the stunning trek of the Rwenzori mountain ranges, expect views of the green tropical rainforests under the equator submerge into the sky as heath forests, while alpine plants like lobelia and everlasting flower appear – a lifetime experience for adventurers with no acrophobia.
Both Mt. Elgon and Mt. Rwenzori are popular destinations for nature lovers providing an exclusive fascination for backpackers trailing the numerous bird species and the rich variety of vegetation zones and wildlife.
Boat Cruise
Boat cruise also called boat trips, launch cruise, is another captivating and enjoyable adventure activity while on a Uganda adventure safari. The activity is done by the boat sailing on water with a helmsman inside plus the tourists on Uganda safari are carried out on the lakes like, Lake Victoria, lake George and so many others. It is also enjoyed in the National Parks such as Murchison falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Bunyonyi National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and so many others give tourists the best of this activity therefore having fun on their Uganda safaris.
Tourists that carryout the boat cruises are always exposed to the water animals like the crocodiles, hippos, birds and so many others. The activity also extends you to different wildlife attractions as you sail round the lake or River banks. This is so interesting that all tourists on Uganda safaris should not miss out.
Game drives
Big Five safaris in Uganda are a must-do for anyone fascinated by wildlife. Big Five refers to buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino and the term comes from the animals considered most dangerous and hard to hunt. Now the thrill comes from photographing them in their natural habitat.
While in Uganda, Prepare to be impressed. To see a leopard dozing in the bough of a tree, spotting a white rhino half-hidden in thick shrubs, finding a pride of lions in the shade after a kill, or watching a large herd of elephants or Cape buffalo move soundlessly across the road – these are all priceless moments. Always remember that you’re dealing with wild animals, and that you’re in their territory. There are rules of engagement relating to Big Five safaris in Uganda.
Game drives in Uganda you can opt to go to almost any region in Uganda, but the Queen Elizabeth National Park in western region, Murchison falls national park and Kidepo valley National park remains an iconic tourism draw card. The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) abound in the park, and you see them by guided game drives or guided walks.
Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping is another Uganda’s thrilling adventure on Nile River in eastern town of Jinja, the adventure Capital of East Africa where your adrenaline is put to full use. With a variety of adventure sports like White water rafting on the longest river in the world-Nile, Kayaking, Zip lining, jet boating, there is one activity that will leap you into a life-change from atop a bungee Jump bridge.
Nile high bungee jump meets the safety standards operated by Award-winning 5-star jump crew, by far the most experienced on the continent. The Purpose-built bungee jump was constructed and operated to the highest Australasian standards. Only persons above 13 years of age are permitted to participate in the thrilling adventure experience.
The view before you jump captures all the majesty and tranquility of the River Nile. Nile high camp is the only bungee jumping service provider and uses pendulum bungee technology to ensure the smoothest, most comfortable bungee jump possible. Jumpers are secured in a full-body harness combined with an ankle connection.
As Gorilla hub tours, we take an extra mile to help you participate in the activity if you are not suffering from any heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, a neurological disorder, or any life threatening disorder. Kindly do not attempt the 44 metres jump, but rather book for horse-riding in Jinja.
Zip Lining
The Canopy Super Sky way “zip-line” is a system that sends you soaring between the tallest trees in the rain forest. Mabira forest Super Sky way adventure is the most thrilling zip line in Uganda and by far the best zip lining in East Africa which is run by a team that’s well-versed in giving visitors one of the best experiences of zip lining. These Sky Captains make sure you have a safe and fun experience! You will have the opportunity to fly through the rainforest canopy and experience a bird’s eye view of the lively forest below.
other zip lining skyway are being developed at Itanda Falls that sends you cross above the river Nile super waterfalls at Itanda, Kisiizi waterfall is another super zip line already developed by Europeans running Kisiizi hospital in the western district of Rukungiri
Have you ever wondered what primates and birds find fascinating about the forest canopy? Mabira forest in Uganda is a pioneer in canopy exploration, where thick branches serve as platforms for the adventurous traveler, more than 100 feet above the jungle floor. If you’re wondering why you’d want to head to the top of a tree just to look around, remember that 90% of Uganda’s primates and bird species in this rain forests live in the upper levels of the trees. When you explore that far off the ground, the view is spectacular and is something you’ll never forget!
Bird watching
Uganda is a bird watchers paradise destination. With many water bodies and forests this make possible to view birds of lots of categories, that is to say twitches, young, old, learners and the safari will be led by a birding instructors who is both knowledgeable and experienced not only birds but even other wildlife. Our Super Birding Safari starts from central Uganda, down to Lake Mburo one of the best savannah Parks for birding in Uganda as it attracts species from Northern Tanzania, after here we visit Africa’s number one birding site according to African Birding Club, Queen Elizabeth National park with the biggest birding checklist ever recorded in any game reserve, Kibale Forest is another best birding site for the Green Breasted Pitta, Semliki a home to the Guinea Congo Biome Endemic birds, Murchison Falls the number three (No.3) birding spot of Africa divided into four sections all with excellent birding – Kaniyo Pabid popular for the Puvel’s Illadopsis, The Royal Mile, Busingiro and Northern Murchison Falls gifted with savannah northern migrants plus other endemics, we have also included the isolated Mount Elgon National Park which is another home to the highland species.
Balloon Safaris
Ballooning safaris are usually done in two different national parks of Uganda; Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park and they are run by two companies (Dream Balloons & Balloon Tours Uganda Ltd), all licensed by Uganda civil aviation authority to operate balloon rides in Uganda. Hot Air Ballooning in Uganda is a very awesome adventure but many get freaked out by the $380 and $180 fee for adults and children respectively. It can definitely be the best way to view wildlife in both these national parks if you are willing to spare those extra dollars for it.
All the Uganda ballooning packages above have optional hot air ballooning activities and you should request for it while inquiring with us. Not so many companies will offer you this activity at discounted rates! This activity will sure give you memories and when you are out there, just enjoy every minute of the amazing moment and take as much photographs as you can. Book any of the packages above to get started.