Best Things to Do in Uganda

Coming face to face at close range with a band of mountain gorillas – and watching them interact with each other and, at times, with the human interlopers.

Racing after a pack of playful chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, which harbors the highest density of primates in the world.

Visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the only white rhinos in the wild left in Uganda.  

Birding with more than 1,000 species, representing two-thirds of Africa’s avian population, filling Ugandan skies. (Watch for stork-like shoebills, wetland-loving wattled plovers, and crested cranes, whose images adorn the country’s coat of arms.)

 Meeting and mingling with Ugandans on their turf.  Despite grinding poverty, the majority go through life with warm and welcoming smiles.

Being amazed by images of men, women and children walking along roads balancing large, heavy loads upon their heads.

Watching as men ride, and sometimes push, bicycles or motorbikes laden with items ranging from household utensils and bags of cooking charcoal to live goats and cages of squawking chickens.

Marveling at the mountain scenery in the Rwenzoris, Africa’s highest mountain range, that add to Uganda’s reputation as the Switzerland of Africa.

Boating along the White Nile to the foot of Murchison Falls, which roars out of a narrow gap in the rocks to drop 140 feet below.

Taking a guided game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park in eastern Uganda in search of rare tree-climbing lions.

Discovering the incredible beauty of remote Kidepo Valley National Park in northern Uganda, and having it mostly all to yourself except for the wildlife.