Tourism Attractions in Uganda

Tourism Attractions in Uganda is a booming sector in Uganda. Over recent year’s tourism has significantly contributed to the growth of Uganda’s economy. Tourism is a major driver of investment, employment, and foreign exchange. It contributes a lump some amounts to Uganda’s GDP every year.

Uganda tourism is majorly focused on the country’s landscape and wildlife. Key tourist attractions include national parks, game reserves, tropical rainforests, and traditional sites. Here is everything travelers need to know about Uganda tourism:

Tourist numbers

In 2019 alone Uganda registered close to 3 million international tourists. In 2018 the country received 1.8 million tourists and 1.4 million in 2017. Uganda’s tourism statistics show a steady rise in the number of tourists that visit the country with each passing year.

Tourism spectrum

Uganda’s tourism is diverse. Uganda receives different kinds of tourists who come to do and see different things all year round:

Leisure tourism

Uganda tourism thrives on the country’s many fun and leisure destinations. Tourists flock national parks, game reserves, and recreational centers to pass their time on game viewing drives, boat cruises, sightseeing, birding watching, hiking expeditions, primate walks, and treks.

Cultural tourism

Uganda hosts big cultural festivals and exhibitions throughout the year. Several museums, galleries, crafts, and cultural centers are usually flooded with tourists who are interested in knowing more about the country’s diverse culture. Uganda tourism undoubtedly flourishes because of the country’s cultural wealth.

Religious tourism

All-year-round Uganda receives tourists who are interested in exploring the various religious monuments and sites found in the different parts of the country. In late May and early June, Uganda hosts thousands of pilgrims who come to commemorate the death of the Uganda martyrs on 3rd June.

Business tourism

The county receives a significant number of foreign nationals each year who enter the country for the purpose of business and investment. With the government offering incentives to foreign investors, business tourism becomes inevitable.

Educational Uganda tourism

Uganda receives students and education tourists throughout the year. Foreigners from various nations come to Uganda for the purpose of studying and learning, or with the intent of teaching and transferring skills to a group or school for a specified period of time.

Medical tourism

Though the numbers are still low, Uganda does receive nationals of other countries who travel to obtain medical treatment in the country. Most medical tourists come to Uganda to receive lower-priced medical treatment.

 Tourism Attractions in Uganda and Game Reserves

Found in Uganda is Lake Victoria; Africa’s largest lake by area and the world’s largest tropical lake. Lake Victoria is the location of many beaches, islands, and recreational sites where tourists go on holiday and leisure safaris. Fishing, boat cruising, bird watching, sightseeing, beach soccer, and swimming, are some of the fun activities’ tourists enjoy on Lake Victoria and its shores.

The other lakes that have encouraged Uganda tourism include; Lake Bunyonyi (translated the place of many little birds), Lakes George and Edward found in the vicinity of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo, Lake Albert, and Lake kyoga.

Uganda Wildlife

Uganda is home to over 350 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five.  The African lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros. In addition to these iconic species, Uganda’s national parks offer even more diverse wildlife. Notably, visitors can observe 29 antelope species, 18 habituated mountain gorilla families, and a variety of primates, such as chimpanzees and golden monkeys. Moreover, hippos, giraffes, spotted hyenas, and warthogs can also be spotted across the country’s protected areas.

Furthermore, Uganda is a paradise for bird lovers, boasting over 1,061 bird species, including the highly sought-after shoebill stork. Thanks to this remarkable biodiversity, Uganda’s tourism industry continues to thrive, as the country’s vast array of wildlife remains a major attraction for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

The Mountains in Uganda

Among the most famous mountain ranges in Uganda are the Rwenzoris, which are situated along the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Notably, this mountain range is where Margherita Peak, Africa’s third-highest peak, is located. Additionally, the highest peaks in the range remain snow-capped throughout the year, adding to their breathtaking beauty.

Furthermore, hiking the Rwenzori peaks has been regarded as one of the most thrilling adventures in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Besides the towering peaks, the park is also home to numerous lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers, which enhance its scenic appeal.

In addition to the Rwenzoris, several other mountains continue to attract tourists. Among them is Mount Elgon, an extinct shield volcano situated along the Uganda-Kenya border. Similarly, Mount Morungole, located in Kidepo Valley National Park near Uganda’s border with Sudan, is frequently visited by adventure seekers. Other notable mountains include Mountain Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Kadam, and Mountain Muhabura, all of which offer unique hiking and sightseeing experiences.

Lakes in Uganda

Found in Uganda is Lake Victoria; Africa’s largest lake by area and the world’s largest tropical lake. Lake Victoria is the location of many beaches, islands, and recreational sites where tourists go on holiday and leisure safaris. Fishing, boat cruising, bird watching, sightseeing, beach soccer, and swimming, are some of the fun activities’ tourists enjoy on Lake Victoria and its shores.

The other lakes that have encouraged Uganda tourism include; Lake Bunyonyi (translated the place of many little birds), Lakes George and Edward found in the vicinity of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo, Lake Albert, and Lake kyoga.

Rivers in Uganda

Most famous is the River Nile, the longest river in Africa and disputedly the longest river in the world. Several researchers have argued that the Nile only comes second-longest after the Amazon river.

Whichever way, River Nile stands out as a major Uganda tourist attraction. Thousands of tourists visit its source in Jinja town throughout the year.

White water rafting, quad biking, bungee jumping, canoeing, jet boating, and fishing, are some of the adventure tourists get to enjoy when they visit River Nile in Jinja.

The other rivers commonly visited by tourists include; Kidepo and Narus rivers in Kidepo Valley National Park, Sezibwa, Semliki, Katonga, and Kafu rivers, found in the different regions of Uganda.

The Hotsprings in Uganda

Uganda’s hot springs are a fascinating tourist attraction. Most amusing are the myths surrounding each spring. Most visited hot springs include; Sempaya, a pair of hot springs that boils to over 100 degrees Celsius. The male and female Sempaya hot springs are believed to be the residence of gods responsible for financial prosperity and childbirth, respectively.

Kitagata, Rwagimba, Buranga, Amoropii, Ihimba, and Kibiro, are the other usually visited hot springs. Locals can be found bathing in the hot springs for healing, and boiling food especially eggs and Matooke. Uganda tourism thrives on natural attractions like the fascinating hot springs among other Tourism Attractions in Uganda.