The Top Ten Places To Visit In Uganda

SEPTEMBER 27, 2025

THE TOP TEN PLACES TO VISIT IN UGANDA

At Social Promise, we work alongside you, our donors, to raise funds for organizations in Uganda that need support to continue their missions. Yet it’s equally important to recognize another side of the story: Uganda is not only a place of need but also a country full of history and culture.

In honor of National Tourism Day, here are ten destinations in Uganda, organized by city and region, that highlight what makes this a country worth exploring.

Entebbe: The city of Entebbe is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and is home to Uganda’s international airport, making it the first stop for most travelers arriving by plane.

10. Entebbe Botanical Gardens
The Gardens were established in 1898 and sit along the edge of Lake Victoria. It has more than 300 plant and 100 bird species, with trails, picnic areas, and amazing views over the lake. It’s one of those places where you can get a first sense of Uganda’s natural beauty.

Kampala: Kampala is Uganda’s capital and largest city. It’s busy and crowded, but also the center of the country’s government, commerce, and culture.

9. Uganda National Mosque
Built in 2006 as a gift from Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, the mosque can hold more than 15,000 worshippers. It was renamed the Uganda National Mosque in 2011 and remains one of the most recognizable buildings in the city, with a tower that overlooks Kampala.

8. Kasubi Tombs
The Kasubi Tombs are the burial place of Buganda kings and were built using traditional materials such as wood, reeds, and grass. They are considered a center of Baganda culture and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

7. Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake and the source of the Nile. From Kampala you can take boat rides to one of its 84 islands, fishing trips, or a visit to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where orphaned chimpanzees live in a protected habitat.

6. East African Craft Village
Located in central Kampala, this cluster of workshops and stalls is a place to see and purchase traditional crafts, such as beadwork, handmade baskets and carvings. Visitors can buy directly from the makers and sometimes join short demonstrations to see how the crafts are done.

5. The Equator
Located about two hours from Kampala, the Equator is one of Uganda’s most photographed landmarks. Stand at 0° latitude, watch Coriolis-effect water demonstrations, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy local restaurants near the crossing.

Jinja: Jinja is a town east of Kampala where Lake Victoria flows into the Nile. It is known to be a center of adventure for both on and off water activities and is often where visitors come to see the start of the Nile.

4. The Nile River
The world’s longest river begins here, flowing out of Lake Victoria before winding north through 11 countries. Visitors can take a boat ride to its source or enjoy a sunset cruise, but the river is best known for adventure. White-water rafting is the highlight, alongside kayaking, tubing, and even bungee jumping.

Southwestern Uganda: This part of the country is hilly and green, known for its forests, cool weather, and wildlife.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking takes effort but offers a rare chance to see these animals in their natural habitat.

Gulu: Gulu is the largest town in northern Uganda(and where Lacor Hospital and St. Jude Children’s home are located) It has a history marked by conflict but is also a place where Acholi traditions remain strong. The Acholi are a people from northern Uganda known for their farming, music, and crafts, and their culture continues to shape daily life in the region.

2. Murchison Falls National Park
The Nile narrows to a 20-foot gorge here before plunging 148 feet, creating one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. The surrounding park is Uganda’s oldest and largest, home to elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and other wildlife.

1. Acholi Cultural Experiences
In Gulu, visitors can learn about Acholi traditions through activities such as basket weaving, pottery, and cooking. A visit to the Lukodi Memorial Center provides space to reflect on the 2004 massacre during the LRA conflict and how the community continues to preserve memory and culture.