Things to do

Top Things to Do in Uganda

Uganda is often called the Pearl of Africa, and it lives up to the name. Each region offers something different, so most travellers combine two or three activities. Here are the experiences our guests love most.

Track mountain gorillas

Gorilla trekking is the highlight of most trips. In fact, Uganda protects close to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. You hike into Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with expert rangers, and then spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated family. Our complete gorilla trekking guide explains permits, fitness and the best time to go.

Follow chimpanzees and other primates

Next, head to Kibale Forest, home to 13 primate species. Here, you walk with wild chimpanzees and look for red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Afterwards, the Bigodi Wetland walk adds birds and more monkeys. If you love primates, our Uganda primate tours combine chimps, gorillas and golden monkeys in one route.

Go on game drives and boat safaris

Uganda is also a great place for classic wildlife. For example, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers game drives on the Kasenyi plains, a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Further north, Murchison Falls is where the Nile forces its way through a 7 m gorge. Meanwhile, remote Kidepo Valley offers cheetahs and wide-open plains. See our wildlife safaris and game drives for ideas.

Spot the shoebill and other rare birds

More than 1,000 bird species have been recorded in Uganda. As a result, it is one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Above all, many visitors come for the prehistoric-looking shoebill in Mabamba Swamp. However, the forests of Bwindi and Kibale hold many Albertine Rift endemics too. Our bird watching tours are planned around the species you most want to see.

Cultural things to do in Uganda

Uganda has more than 50 cultures, and the people are famously welcoming. For instance, you can spend time with the Batwa, walk through Buhoma village or paddle a dugout canoe on Lake Bunyonyi. These visits are run with the communities, so your money supports local families. Find out more about our community and cultural tours.

Active things to do in Uganda: hiking

Finally, Uganda is a great place for hikers. You can climb in the Rwenzori Mountains, take on Mount Elgon or walk to the beautiful Sipi Falls. In the south-west, the Virunga volcanoes of Mgahinga also offer rewarding day hikes.

The Best Time for Things to Do in Uganda

You can enjoy most things to do in Uganda all year round. Still, the dry seasons from June to September and from December to February are the most popular. During these months, forest trails are firmer and wildlife is easier to find. On the other hand, the wetter months bring lush scenery, fewer visitors and great birding. Rain usually falls in short showers, so activities still go ahead.

How to Plan Your Uganda Trip

First, choose the two or three experiences that matter most to you. Then, look at how much time you have. A week lets you combine gorillas, chimps and a savannah park, while longer trips can add Murchison Falls or Kidepo. To compare parks, browse our guide to national parks across Uganda. For official park rules and permit information, you can also visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Roots Tours & Travel is a Kampala-based operator and a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). We plan every trip around you, from gorilla permits to birding guides. So, tell us which things to do in Uganda excite you most, and we will send you a free, tailor-made itinerary.