National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National ParkHome to almost half the world’s surviving mountain gorillas, the World Heritage–listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of East Africa’s most…
Image by Ulf Amundsen / Getty Images
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
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Southwestern Uganda.
Museum
Igongo Cultural CentreLocated 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…
National Park
Queen Elizabeth National ParkThis 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…
National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National ParkThe smallest of Uganda’s national parks (34 sq km), Mgahinga punches well above its weight. Tropical rainforest cloaks three dramatic extinct volcanoes…
National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National ParkThe 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…
Nature Reserve
Kihingami Wetlands SanctuaryThis 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…
National Park
Kibale Forest National ParkThe 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…
National Park
Lake Mburo National ParkThe 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…
Gardens
Tooro Botanical GardenThese homegrown botanical gardens have a lot of well-signed indigenous plants and trees, as well as an organic farming project growing herbs, flowers,…
Historic Site
Bwama & Njuyeera (Sharp’s) IslandsMany boat drivers will take you to these islands, where British missionary Dr Leonard Sharp founded a leper colony and settled in 1921, but the story is…
Museum
Great Lakes MuseumAlong the highway on approach to Kabale, keep an eye out for this museum. It has a varied collection of artefacts and masks, information on clans, and…
Nature Reserve
Nabajjuzi WetlandsJust out of Masaka on the way to Mbarara, these Ramsar site–listed wetlands offer excellent opportunities to spy two of Uganda’s most elusive animals: the…
Wildlife Reserve
Kyahugye IslandRun by Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, this 35-acre island is worth a visit if you want to see to wildlife such as zebra, waterbuck, ipala and kob up close. All…
Market
Mugusu MarketThe Wednesday market, 11km south of Fort Portal, is the largest market in the west and attracts traders from all over, including many from the DRC selling…
Mine
Salt MineThe interesting village of Katwe on the north shore of Lake Edward, 4km west of Main gate (Kabatoro gate), is famous for its salt industry. Salt mining on…
Palace
Tooro PalaceLooking down at town from its highest hill, the palace is worth a visit purely for its 360-degree panoramic views. It’s the residence of King Oyo, who…
Wildlife Reserve
Semliki Wildlife ReserveThe 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…
National Park
Semuliki National ParkThe 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…
Historic Site
Akampeine IslandTranslating as Punishment Island, this tiny island was so named because it was once the place where unmarried pregnant women were dumped to die. Their…
Village
Leopard VillageLeopard 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…