Top Things To Do In Uganda Besides Gorilla Trekking

Besides tracking to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda has a lot more to offer the world. From exhilarating adventures to normal game drives, a visit to Uganda never leaves you disappointed. Uganda is one splendid destination that has something for everyone on an African safari and here are the top things you should expect to do besides gorilla trekking;

Safari game drives

Night Game Drive

Uganda is with no doubt one of the best places that are worth visiting for big-game safaris. For any nature-loving traveler on Uganda safaris, guided/safari game drives in Uganda are best enjoyed in the country’s splendid National Park like Queen Elizabeth National Park which hosts 96 mammal species which include the tree climbing lions; Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo National Park.

A safari game drive in Uganda exposes visitors to large mammals and other wild animal species including Buffaloes, African bush elephants, Rhinos (at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary), Lions, Leopards, the Rothschild giraffes, Burchell’s Zebras, Spotted Hyenas, Warthogs, Antelopes especially the rare Roan antelopes, Elands, Impalas, Topis, Oribis, Jackson’s Hartebeest plus countless birds.

Birding

In Uganda, birds can be spotted anywhere which means no need to move very far. This is one unique factor that distinguishes Uganda from the rest of the bird watching destinations in the world A total of 1080 bird species including the world’s most looked for birds all exist in Uganda and it houses over 60% of the bird species on the African continent and 11% of the world’s bird species.

Birding in Uganda

A bird-watching trip in Uganda never disappoints as you have higher chances to keep an eye on the diversity of the world’s interesting avifaunal species. The most birds to expect to spot on birding tour Uganda include the elusive Shoebill stork, African broad green broadbill, Brown-chested pullover, African green breasted pitta, Purcell’s illadopsis, Karamoja Apalis, Nahan’s francolins, Black bee-eaters, Rwenzori turacos.

Boat cruise tours

If you are interested in the most recreational experiences/activities then Uganda has you sorted with boat cruise safaris. Boat/launch cruise is perfectly done in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park often takes you to the base of the falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park on Kazinga Channel a narrow stretch of water that links Lake George and Lake Edward, Source of the Nile Jinja/Lake Victoria and Lake Mburo National Park.

Taking a boat cruise in the Uganda National Park can be exciting and memorable. It exposes you to a range of park’s wildlife but most importantly, the view the hippos swimming or basking crocodiles, different aquatic birds and others.

Mountaineering/hiking

Besides trekking to see mountain gorillas, Uganda is an exceptional mountaineering or hiking destination Africa prides itself of. The best mountaineering adventures in Uganda are provided in the Rwenzori Mountains (Margherita peak 5107m), Mount Elgon (Wagagai peak 4321m) perfect for hikers interested in long mountaineering experiences. Short hiking spots of Uganda include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with 3 extinct Virunga Volcanoes (Sabyinyo 3645m, Muhabura 4127m, and Gahinga 3474m).

Climbing Rwenzori Mountains

Sportfishing

Uganda is with no doubt an excellent sport fishing spot any angler shouldn’t miss visiting. Sportfishing experiences in Uganda are enjoyed by both the first-time and experienced anglers on Uganda safaris. The main target is to challenge yourself with the heavy fish catch of the Nile Perch, Catfish, Yellowfish, Tilapia, and many more. The best sport fishing spots of Uganda include the Nile River in Jinja, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Victoria, Lake Mburo, and Sipi Falls/Mount Elgon.

Hot air balloon tours

Hot air ballooning in Uganda is currently enjoyed only in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. This is operated by the Dream Balloons and it is the best for honeymooners or if you are looking for a lifetime adventure. You can enjoy the sunrise/post sunrise hot air balloon experience which is accompanied by bush breakfast or without. The sunset hot air balloon tour starts at 4:00 pm but doesn’t come with any accompaniment.

Chimpanzee trekking

Go Uganda chimpanzee trekking and have lifetime primate encounters. A total of 5600 chimpanzees reside in different corners of Uganda making it an incredible chimpanzee safari destination. The best chimp spots of Uganda include Kibale National Park 795sq.kms extensive forest park that shelters about 1500 of Uganda’s 5600 chimpanzees; Budongo Forest at Murchison Falls National Park with over 800 chimpanzees, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Kyambura Gorge and Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve. Other than the normal chimp treks, chimpanzees in Uganda can also be best sighted while on chimpanzee habituation experience offered currently in Kibale Forest and Budongo Forest.

Golden monkey tracking

Golden monkey tracking is one of the top things you should expect to do in Uganda besides gorilla tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Golden monkeys range within the Greater Virunga Region and in Uganda, they are trekked only in Mgahinga which also offers golden monkey habituation experiences.

White water rafting

If you are an adrenaline adventure seeker, Uganda is by far the best place worth visiting for lifetime white water rafting experiences. All white water rafting adventures in Uganda are only conducted at the Source of the Nile River. Come experience the waters of the Nile River as you raft through its mighty rapids especially Grade 4 & 5.

At the Source of the Nile Jinja, there are several other adrenaline activities to do besides white water rafting. They include Kayaking, Jet boating, Bungee jumping, River surfing, and many others.

White Water Rafting in Jinja

Cultural safaris

Cultural tours/experiences offer a better option to explore Uganda. In Uganda, expect authentic African cultural experiences, explore unique traditions, African norms, cultures, dances, and practices. There are best spots or ways to explore Uganda on cultural tours including visiting Kasubi tombs, Uganda Museum, Batwa cultural heritage/trail, Ndere cultural center.

The other cultural sites/communities not to miss visiting for cultural safaris in Uganda include Karamoja, IK communities in Northeastern Uganda, Bugisu region for Imbalu cultural experience, King’s palace in Mengo, Biyo Bya Mugenyi, Mparo tombs, Karambi tombs, Nakayima tree, and many others.