Must-see attractions in Uganda

  • Semliki Wildlife Reserve

    Southwestern Uganda

    The Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve is the oldest protected natural area in Uganda, having first been set aside in 1926. Once one of the best-stocked and…

  • Semuliki National Park

    Southwestern Uganda

    The Semliki Valley is a little corner of Congo poking into Uganda. The only tropical lowland rainforest in East Africa is a continuation of the huge Ituri…

  • Bulange Royal Building

    Kampala

    A great place to learn about the history and culture of the Buganda Kingdom; guided tours take you inside the parliament building, providing interesting…

  • Mpanga Forest Reserve

    Eastern Uganda

    About 35km out of Kampala, the 453-hectare Mpanga Forest Reserve is a decent option if you want to escape the chaos of Kampala for a day or two. It's best…

  • Mparo Tombs

    Uganda

    Two kilometres down the Masindi Rd (4km out of Hoima) is the final resting place of the renowned Bunyoro king Omukama (‘King’) Chwa II Kabalega and his…

  • Akampeine Island

    Lake Bunyonyi

    Translating as Punishment Island, this tiny island was so named because it was once the place where unmarried pregnant women were dumped to die. Their…

  • Entebbe Botanical Gardens

    Entebbe

    Laid out in 1898, these expansive gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The highlights are its pockets of thick rainforest, which locals claim some…

  • National Mosque

    Kampala

    One of Kampala's premier sights, the prominent National Mosque (widely known as the Gadaffi Mosque) was begun by Idi Amin in 1972 but only completed in…

  • Rubaga Cathedral

    Kampala

    This twin-towered Roman Catholic cathedral has a memorial to the Uganda Martyrs, with 22 Catholic victims (later declared saints) enshrined in the stained…

  • Leopard Village

    Southwestern Uganda

    Leopard Village is one of the communities within Queen Elizabeth National Park. It's possible to visit it on a tour run by Uganda Carnivore Program, which…

  • Karuziika Palace

    Uganda

    Due to tight security (the king has received death threats), this modern palace is almost never open. If you contact the palace a month in advance you may…

  • Kabale Arts Center

    Southwestern Uganda

    Inside Kwanzi, this simple but worthwhile cultural museum houses a replica traditional homestead, built of sticks and papyrus, showing how the local…

  • Namirembe Cathedral

    Kampala

    This huge domed Anglican cathedral, finished in 1919, has a distinct Mediterranean feel. In years past the congregation was called to worship by the…

  • Camp Ndegeya Sculpture Park

    Southwestern Uganda

    This community arts centre in Ndegeya village, 7km from Masaka, has a cool outdoor sculpture park and holds art events throughout the year, including…

  • Makanaga Wetlands

    Eastern Uganda

    Makanaga Wetlands (part of the larger Mabamba Wetland System) is a good place to spot shoebills. It's roughly a 60km drive from Entebbe, accessed via…

  • Equator

    Southwestern Uganda

    The equator crosses the northern sector of the park near Kasenyi and is marked with a circular monument on either side of the road, predictably popular…

  • AKA Gallery at Tulifanya

    Kampala

    Formerly known as Tulifanya, this well-established gallery has knowledgeable owners who can inform you about artists who matter. It features a notable…

  • Uganda Art Gallery

    Kampala

    Just down from Namirembe Cathedral, this small-scale gallery sells quality paintings by local artists at affordable prices.

  • Wamala Tombs

    Kampala

    A low-key Buganda royal site, Wamala Tombs is 11km north of Kasub. Arrange a guided visit at Kasubi Tombs.

  • Central Market

    Jinja

    This commercial market is across from the bus stand with vendors selling fruit and vegetables, among other produce, and clothing.

  • Top of the World

    Southwestern Uganda

    On the highest hill behind Lake Nyamirima, from this viewpoint you can see up to five lakes (depending on the air clarity).

  • Karibu Art Gallery

    Kampala

    An artist-run gallery and studio featuring emerging and established Ugandan abstract and contemporary artists.

  • Umoja Art Gallery

    Kampala

    A small contemporary gallery featuring Ugandan paintings and abstract sculptures in monthly shows.

  • Nommo Gallery

    Kampala

    Established by the Ugandan Culture Centre in 1964, Nommo is a reliable spot for quality artwork.

  • Amabeere Cave

    Southwestern Uganda

    The reputed birthplace of King Ndahura, this small cave offers more cultural significance than natural wonder. The water dripping from the roof is milky…

  • Katereke Prison Ditch

    Kampala

    Located on the outskirts of town, royal prisoners were starved in the prison ditch during the upheavals of 1888–89. Kabaka Kalema killed 30 of his…

  • Karambi Royal Tombs

    Fort Portal

    These royal tombs, 4km south of town, make for a peaceful excursion. While from outside it’s not much to look at, if you can find the caretaker he’ll let…

  • Tomb of Nnamasole Kanyange

    Kampala

    The Buganda royal tombs are located 4km from the Wamala tombs. Though it offers little to visitors, you can arrange a guided visit at Kasubi Tombs.

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