Top places to check out in Uganda
1. Ssese Islands
One of Uganda’s legendary chillout spots, the Sseses are all about powdery white-sand beaches, celestial sunsets, bonfires on the beach and a remote location in the middle of Lake Victoria. Comprising an archipelago of 84 islands, most travellers head straight to Bugala Island, which has the nicest beaches as well as a great choice of accommodation - from old-school backpacker digs reminiscent of Goa to more upmarket choices - all of which boast prime beachfront positions. As elsewhere in Lake Victoria, swimming is not recommended but its beaches are magical and likely to keep you blissfully marooned much longer than you expected. 2. Lake Bunyonyi
Straight out of a Tolkien novel, the sweeping panoramic views from atop Lake Bunyonyi are dotted with perfectly formed islands and an enchanting backdrop of misty terraced hills. You could easily be forgiven for thinking you’d arrived in Nepal. Of the 29 islands, many have accommodation ranging from backpacker hangouts to rustic bungalows set deep among the sounds of nature. And it’s one of the few places in Uganda that’s perfect for swimming: no bilharzia, no crocs and no hippos. It’s best explored by a leisurely paddle in a dugout canoe; go at sunset for a sublime experience. 3. Jinja
While most visitors to the Victoria Nile are here to be thrown around rafting hardcore rapids, not nearly enough hang around to soak up its calming waters. Just a few kilometres downstream are some of the most tranquil river-side lodges you’ll ever encounter. Hairy Lemon or the Haven are both well-known for their laidback charms, while the new luxury Wildwaters Lodge is simply stunning, with rooms featuring outdoor claw-foot baths on the balconies overlooking the Nile. . 4. National parks
When it’s time to visit one of Uganda’s top-notch national parks, why not spoil yourself and make the experience more memorable with a night or two in one of its luxury lodges. Hanging out here could easily be one of the most relaxing times of your trip. And while they’re not cheap, it’s hard to put a price on the experience of soaking in an outdoor bubblebath metres from grazing buffalo and zebra at Apoka Safari Lodge in Kidepo National Park or spying elephants from your poolside hammock at Kyambura Game Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lake Mburo National Park – Situated between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara, this comparatively small park (371 sq. km) is composed primarily of grassland, wetland and acacia woodland. At the centre lies the Lake Mburo, which together with 14 other lakes, forms part of an extensive wetland area. Animals to be found in the park include the impala, eland, rock hyrax, zebra, waterbuck, buffalo, warthog, leopard, civet, hyena, hippo, and crocodile. There are also over 357 species of birds including the marabou stock and the crowned crane. Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Queen Elizabeth National Park has been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO auspices. The park, in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley, covers 2,056 sq. km and includes a remarkable variety of ecosystems, from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lion as well as the Uganda Kob, other antelope species, elephant, baboons, hippos, buffalo and chimpanzees. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded, making the park a magnet for bird watchers. The bird species include the black bee-eater, 11 types of king fisher, Shoebill storks and several species of falcons, eagles and other raptors. In the crater lakes to the north, flocks of flamingos can be found. A favourite way to view the game is by launch trip on the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward.
Semuliki National Park – This is the only park in Uganda to be composed primarily of tropical lowland forest. The forest is very dense and quite flat, creating a startling contrast to the rugged Rwenzori Mountains nearby. The Semliki River attracts many animals. The park is home to eight species of primate, 400 birds and 300 butterfly species. Elephant, buffalo, leopard, civet, bushbaby and flying squirrels are also found. Kidepo National Park – The Park is located in North East Uganda and covers 1,436 sq. km. It is inhabited by various wildlife including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, various antelope species, baboon, bushbaby and over 200 species of bird. Two game viewing routes connect the rest camp with the prime wildlife areas near the Winwing River and the rock escarpment to the southwest. On the park’s northern borders are the Kananorok Hot Springs. Murchison Falls National Park – This is the largest National Park in Uganda – covering 3,877 sq km – and one of the most spectacular in Africa. At the Murchison Falls, the river Nile plunges through a narrow crevice and over a 40-metre drop. In the eastern sector of the park, before the Murchison Falls themselves, are the Karuma Falls, where the Nile cascades over a breathtaking 23 km of rapids, creating some of the most exciting white-water rafting opportunities in Africa. A cruise upstream the Nile to the Falls is an unforgettable experience. On the banks, prolific wildlife including elephant, crocodile, hippopotamus, lion, giraffe, buffalo, and countless antelopes and birds can be observed. |
6. Uganda Museum
One of the best museums in East Africa, there’s plenty to catch your interest here. There’s a varied and well-captioned collection covering hunting, agriculture, war, religion and recreation (get the lowdown on banana beer here), as well as archaeological and natural history displays. The most popular feature is a collection of traditional musical instruments, some of which you can play. There’s a fantastic fossil display including the remains of a Napak rhino, a species that became extinct 8 million years ago. There are also some more unexpected items, such as entertaining Olympic Game memorabilia and a Model T Ford. Out back are replicas of the traditional homes of the various tribes of Uganda. 7. Kasubi Tombs
Of great significance to the Buganda kingdom, the huge thatched-roof palace of the Unesco World Heritage–listed Kasubi Tombs was tragically destroyed in an arson attack in March 2010. Fortunately construction had begun at the time of research to restore it. Built in 1882 as the palace of the King Mutesa I, it was converted into his tomb following his death two years later. Subsequently, the next three kabaka (kings) – Mwanga; Daudi Chwa II; and Edward Mutesa II, father of the current kabaka, Ronald Mutebi II (known also by his Baganda name, Muwenda) – broke with tradition and chose to be buried here instead of in their own palaces. Outside, forming a ring around the main section of the compound are homes (fortunately not damaged by the fire) of the families of the widows of former kabaka . Royal family members are buried amid the trees out the back, and it has the distinct feel of a small rural village. Minibuses don’t come here directly, so you’ll need to alight at Kasubi Trading Centre at the junction of Hoima and Masiro Rds. From there it’s 500m uphill. Kasubi Tombs is also the place to arrange a guide to the more low-key Buganda royal sights of Wamala Tombs , 11km north of Kasubi and the less interesting Tomb of Nnamasole Kanyange , 4km from the Wamala Tombs. 8. Restaurants
Cafesserie Kampala
Acacia Mall, Kisemente, Kampala, Uganda The Bistro 15 Cooper Road | Kisementi,Kololo, Kampala 2550, Uganda 00256 757 247 876 Yujo Sushi Bar and Izakaya 4 Kyadondo Road | Nakasero Hill, Kampala, Uganda 00256 77 220 9999 Cafe Javas Oasis Mall, Kampala, Uganda The Lawns Plot 34, Impala Avenue | Kololo, Kampala 70881, Uganda Mediterraneo Plot 31, Acacia Avenue, Kampala 00, Uganda 00256-414-500-533 Khana Khazana 20 Acacia Ave. | Kololo, Kampala, Uganda Il Patio - The Italian Restaurant Plot No. 2/4, Kizozi Close (off Kyaggwe Road), Nakasero, Kampala, Uganda (Formerly Il Patio) 00414 258448 Pardis Corner of Mabua and Philip roads, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala, Uganda The Little Donkey Plot 5554 Dotta House | Bukasa Road, Namuwongo, Kampala, Uganda |