Uganda has huge tourism potential. This incredibly beautiful East African country has a lot of exciting things to offer. Visit the source of the longest river in the world, the Nile @ Jinja, swim in the world’s third deepest lake at Lake Bunyonyi, take a boat ride in Africa’s largest lake @Lake Victoria, cross the Equator line @ Kayabwe, and most importantly visit the critically endangered mountain gorillas at the country’s numerous mountain ranges. With its impressive landscapes and rich wildlife, it is easy to understand why Uganda is called “The Pearl of Africa”. Your trip to Uganda will be full of surprises we promise!

Here are the top reasons why you should plan a trip to Uganda for sure!

• Visit the source of the river Nile
• Go for Gorilla trekking in the mountains
• Stand on the Earth’s Equatorial line
• Swim in one of Africa’s deepest lake
• Track Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga national park
• Take a canoe ride in Lake Mutanda
• Visit Kampala – the city of Seven hills

Visit the source of the River Nile

Boating in Lake Victoria

When it comes to rivers, there is no comparison to the Nile. The longest river in the world, the Nile, stretching 6650km originates in the Jinja Region of Uganda. Jinja is just a two-hour journey from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, and is a popular tourist destination. Jinja was once a bustling industrial town & an important port in Lake Victoria. The water from the source takes nearly 90 days to reach the Mediterranean Sea after crossing 11 countries.

At the source of the River Nile in Jinja

He who rides the sea of Nile must have sails woven of Patience – William Golding

A surprising find is a shrine to Mahatma Gandhi in Jinja. We learned that as per his wish, some of his ashes were scattered near the source of the river Nile. On the day we visited we saw a lot of school students clicking pictures near the monument.

Did you that there was a long-standing quest to find the source of the river Nile among many explorers that led to severe injury, sickness, and even death of a few expeditioners.

Go for Gorilla trekking

We loved watching King Kong during our childhood days and ever since wanted to watch them up close in their natural habitat. Sub-Saharan Africa’s tropical or subtropical forests are the native homes of gorillas. They are most commonly found in the countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We chose to see them in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park.

Spotted a Silverback Gorilla in Bwindi national park

Quick information about Gorillas

Primate gorillas may reach heights of up to 1.25 meters, weights of up to 270 kilograms, and arm spans of up to 2.6 meters, making them the biggest living primates. They live in bands and Silverback is the name given to the leader of one of their many bands. Many human-like actions and emotions are displayed by gorillas, such as laughing and grief. Our closest cousins after chimpanzees and bonobos are gorillas since they share 98.3 percent of humans’ genetic code. Sadly there is just 1 gorilla for every 9 million people on earth.

In Bwindi national park with our trekking group

On the ‘D’ Day, were so stoked to start our Gorilla trek. The trekkers will be divided into different groups and each group will try to locate one gorilla band. Our group was allotted Mishaya band and so before we even begin our trek, we had a small briefing session to know more about our group & the rules to observe once inside the forest.

After a 2-hour trek in the forest, we finally spotted the majestic creatures. You get to spend just an hour observing these animals because gorillas are at a greater risk of contracting human diseases. So, before the trek, they ensure that the trekkers are free from any diseases.

Stand on the Earth’s Equatorial line

The Equator is a hypothetical line drawn through the center of the planet. A midpoint between the North and South Poles, it separates Earth into two halves. The Equator runs through the following 13 nations:

Cross the Equator line

Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, the Maldives, Indonesia, and Kiribati. And it is much easier to reach the Equator line in Uganda than in other countries. The distance between Kampala to Kayabwe is around 80km and so it takes less than an hour to reach from the capital city.

In Kayabwe, there is a modest monument that depicts the equator’s line. A concrete hoop bears the letters S & N on the bottom and the Uganda Equator at the top, with metal tape separating them.

If you want to take a good picture, you can stand inside the hoop with your left foot in the northern hemisphere, your right foot in the southern hemisphere, and vice versa.

Did you that: You can get a certificate in your name that you crossed the Earth’s Equatorial line in Uganda.

Swim in one of Africa’s deepest lakes – Lake Bunyoyi

Your trip to Uganda would be incomplete without visiting this lake. Lake Bunyonyi was hands-down our favorite part of the trip. This lake is hugely popular amongst locals as well as international tourists. The lake is close to the Rwandan border located between Kisoro and Kabale in South-western Uganda. This is a young lake that is thought to have formed 10,000 years ago and has an interesting history behind its formation. A lava flow that emerged from one of the Virunga mountains and managed to occupy the Ndego River was described as the cause of Lake Bunyonyi’s formation. With its twisting edges, Lake Bunyonyi is 25 km long, 7 km wide, and contains at least 29 islands.

Lovely terraced slopes surround Lake Bunyonyi. The Bakiga tribe, who live nearby and cultivate the land for survival, has terraced these hills, creating lovely vistas. There are hotels available for a stay near the lake as well as in the surrounding mountains. But we chose to stay in one of the mountains to get the full panoramic view of the lake and its numerous islands. The view from above is incredibly beautiful and mesmerizing.

Lake Bunyonyi panorama view from our cottage

One of the safest lakes in Africa as there are no hippos, crocodiles, or bilharzia risks. So this makes the lake very ideal for swimming. Lake Bunyoyi is often known as the “Place of Many Little birds”. And so, bird watching can be done as over 200 different bird species can be found on the island. Be sure to go on a boat ride to check out some of the islands of the lake such as punishment island, Bushara island , leprosy island, etc.

Did you know that a picture of Lake Bunyonyi and its terraces is featured on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note.

Track Golden monkeys in Mgahinga

The Golden Monkey can only be found in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is also home to the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla. These are among the many species of primate found in Uganda. Mgahinga is the only place you’ll find this unique and endangered species. Approximately 3000 to 4000 golden monkeys were detected in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in a recent survey.

Meet Golden monkeys & learn about Batwa tribes in Mgahinga

Note: You need a permit to enter the national park. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger all the time as the park is also home to mountain gorillas, buffalos, forest elephants,s and other species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

Meet & learn about Batwa tribes

The national park also offers a Batwa trail tour for half a day and this was the most interesting part of the trip. The Batwas were the first inhabitants of the rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi. They lived and hunted in the rainforests for over 1,000,000 years. They lived in harmony with nature without destroying the forests and relied only on hunting for their food.

We learned so much about the tribes, their way of hunting, living & habitat. There was even a session about making fire with just some dry twigs. We were treated as royals at their former Kings’ cave and our tour concluded with a special dance with the tribal people. We strongly feel that the Batwa people are keepers & protectors of the forest & they should be allowed to live back in their former habitat.

Dancing with Batwa tribes

Take a Canoe ride in Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda is a hidden gem in Uganda’s Kisoro District, tucked away in the southwestern mountains. You may find this lake, one of the most beautiful in Africa, nestled amid the lush and verdant mountains.

The lake’s crystal-clear water is studded with at least 15 islands of luxuriant trees and plants, while the surrounding mountains are lushly vegetated with plantations and terraces of agriculture. Set against the Virunga Volcanoes’ misty summits, this incredible vista is breathtaking.

Take a boat ride on Lake Mutanda

While visiting Lake Mutanda in Uganda, many tourists seek out the opportunity to take an exhilarating canoe trip on the lake. A boat journey around Lake Mutanda will allow you to witness a wide variety of bird species as well as the numerous islands that give the lake its picturesque and mystical appearance.

Morning boat cruises are most common since the water is still calm and canoes are simpler to handle. If you’re a water baby, the lake is a great place to cool down. The lake is suitable for swimming, and you may do so while on a boat tour.

Visit Kampala – The city of 7 hills

Kampala is called “The City of Seven Hills” and has a lot of interesting things to offer. Visit But the best panoramic view of the city can be seen from the top of a minaret @ Gaddafi National Mosque. The construction was started by Idi Amin but was stopped for lack of funds. Later, Libyan leader Muammar Al-Gaddafi pumped in funds & now this is the largest mosque in East Africa.

Climbing the tower stairs at Gaddafi Mosque is a must-do in Kampala.

Gadaffi mosque way to the top of the minaret

Kasubi Tombs

Visit Kasubi Tombs, a Unesco World Heritage site to learn all about the kabakas of the country. This site was where the former four kabakas(Kings) of the Buganda Kingdom are buried and is an important spiritual center. Buganda’s clan system is central to its culture. There are 52 clans in Buganda & the clan details are passed on from one generation to another.

Uganda Museum

The oldest & the biggest one in Uganda. This is the best place to find various archaeological artifacts & to learn about Uganda’s rich cultural heritage. Uganda was under the rule of Imperial British East Africa Company for close to 70 years & many Indians from British India were brought to East Africa to work on various projects.

King’s palace

Guided tour at King’s palace, Kampala. We learned many interesting things about the Buganda Kingdom, Kabakas, Obote & life during Idi Amin’s rule. You can also find the torture chambers of Idi Amin within the palace. This place is creepy and is a living testimony to Amin’s wrath against the Asian community & most importantly his own country people.

So, what is stopping you from visiting Uganda? Visit this beautiful country and we are sure that you will be back with many wonderful memories for life. To know the best places to stay in Uganda, click here