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Southwestern Uganda

A lush region of clear lakes, thickly forested islands and misted mountains, the southwest offers a taste of the best of Uganda. Whether you're on world-class treks along the western Rift Valley or preferring the placid escapism of Lake Bunyonyi's numerous islands, this gorgeous and diverse area should not be missed. Terraced hills and farmland cover much of the region. But it's also Uganda’s top wildlife-watching destination and one of the best places in the world to spot primates. A visit with the mountain gorillas on the steep slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ranks as one of Africa's top experiences. You can also go chimp trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, home to the greatest variety of primates on the planet. There are safari opportunities too, from famous tree-climbing lions that steal the show at Queen Elizabeth National Park, to its herds of giraffes, hippos and buffaloes.

Explore Southwestern Uganda

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    Home to almost half the world’s surviving mountain gorillas, the World Heritage–listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of East Africa’s most…

  • I

    Igongo Cultural Centre

    Located 12km from Mbarara on the road to Kampala, this cultural village features the best museum displays in Uganda. Set on the grounds of a former palace…

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park

    This fabulous national park is on nearly all itineraries, and while you'll never be far from other safari groups, you're guaranteed to see a large range…

  • Kibale Forest National Park

    The 795-sq-km Kibale National Park is a lush tropical rainforest, believed to have the highest density of primates in Africa. It's most famous for being…

  • M

    Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

    The smallest of Uganda’s national parks (34 sq km), Mgahinga punches well above its weight. Tropical rainforest cloaks three dramatic extinct volcanoes…

  • R

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park

    The legendary, mist-covered Rwenzori Mountains were named a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1994 because of both their beauty and biodiversity. It’s the…

  • K

    Kihingami Wetlands Sanctuary

    This eco-tourism site, set up with the help of Fort Portal’s Kabarole Tours, preserves an attractive 13-sq-km valley that otherwise would have been…

  • L

    Lake Mburo National Park

    The 370-sq-km Lake Mburo National Park is an increasingly common stop on the safari circuit. It’s the only place in southern Uganda to see zebra and…

  • T

    Tooro Botanical Garden

    These homegrown botanical gardens have a lot of well-signed indigenous plants and trees, as well as an organic farming project growing herbs, flowers,…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Southwestern Uganda.

  • See

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    Home to almost half the world’s surviving mountain gorillas, the World Heritage–listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of East Africa’s most…

  • See

    Igongo Cultural Centre

    Located 12km from Mbarara on the road to Kampala, this cultural village features the best museum displays in Uganda. Set on the grounds of a former palace…

  • See

    Queen Elizabeth National Park

    This fabulous national park is on nearly all itineraries, and while you'll never be far from other safari groups, you're guaranteed to see a large range…

  • See

    Kibale Forest National Park

    The 795-sq-km Kibale National Park is a lush tropical rainforest, believed to have the highest density of primates in Africa. It's most famous for being…

  • See

    Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

    The smallest of Uganda’s national parks (34 sq km), Mgahinga punches well above its weight. Tropical rainforest cloaks three dramatic extinct volcanoes…

  • See

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park

    The legendary, mist-covered Rwenzori Mountains were named a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1994 because of both their beauty and biodiversity. It’s the…

  • See

    Kihingami Wetlands Sanctuary

    This eco-tourism site, set up with the help of Fort Portal’s Kabarole Tours, preserves an attractive 13-sq-km valley that otherwise would have been…

  • See

    Lake Mburo National Park

    The 370-sq-km Lake Mburo National Park is an increasingly common stop on the safari circuit. It’s the only place in southern Uganda to see zebra and…

  • See

    Tooro Botanical Garden

    These homegrown botanical gardens have a lot of well-signed indigenous plants and trees, as well as an organic farming project growing herbs, flowers,…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Southwestern Uganda

Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.