Are you looking for what to do in Uganda? In this blog Daan shares his favourite five tourist attractions. Tourist spots for those on a travel adventure and truly interesting places to visit in Uganda. So no popular gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tours. We go off-the-beaten track, to avoid mainstream tourist attractions and crowded places. Untouched and unspoiled tourist spots can be majorly found in Eastern Uganda. So let’s focus on the East and explore the hidden treasures of Elgon, Kidepo and Karamoja.
1. Go wildlife camping in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is a remote wildlife park in the North-East corner of Uganda. This beautiful tourist spot combines a spectacular scenery with incredible wildlife. Testimonies from other tourists will tell you about lions or buffalos crossing in front of their tent or banda. At the popular Savannah Lodge you can watch elephants, giraffes and other wildlife from your toilet. Especially during rain season the access roads to Kidepo can be challenging, so always go with a four-wheel drive and/or an experienced driver.
2. Experience local life and culture in Karamoja
Modern capitalism has reached the Karamoja lands, especially after the region was declared safe back in 2009. Nevertheless, many Karamajong are still living their original pastoralist life. Just outside Moroto Town, you can experience their life by visiting a Karamajong village and nearby Kraal: The round-shaped place where the cattle is gathered every evening by two young sons, mostly not older than 5 year. Make sure in the village to bend your head when entering the huts and to jump high during the daily dancing ceremony. Your most impressive jump may make you to marry another handsome jumper from the other sex!:) In the evening you can enjoy local brew, cow blood (fully voluntary) and stories around the campfire. The largest livestock market is Kanawat and can be found in Kotido (a tour can be booked via Karamoja Arts).
Check the website of Kara-Tunga for more information on the Kraal activity and the other tourist spots you can visit in North-Eastern Uganda.
3. Climb Mount Elgon and go for a hike in its surroundings
Mount Elgon ‘the forgotten mountain’ is an impressive tourist spot in the East of Uganda. Famous because of the Sipi Falls, but the rest of the mountain is largely unexplored and blessed with beautiful waterfalls, caves and spectacular landscapes. A hike to the summit of Mount Elgon takes a total of 3 to 5 days and gives you an amazing and unique wilderness experience. Also outside the National Park, spectacular hikes can be done such as the Kapchorwa – Benet trail and Kalenjin Wilderness Hike. This stunningly green and fertile region is a perfect place for running as well (its central town Kapchorwa is the cradle of Uganda’s running talent), abseiling, rock climbing and mountain biking. The perfect adventure destination!
4. Go rafting in Jinja and watch sunset at Nile River Explorer
More mainstream, but without doubt, Jinja is one of the most spectacular tourist spots in Uganda. Its second name is the adventure capital of East Africa. On and along river Nile you can do water sports such as rafting, tubing, or kayaking. Other tourist attractions in Jinja are the source of the Nile, horseback riding and quad driving. My favourite spot is Nile River Explorer where you can enjoy delicious food and a drink with your friends while you are watching the sunset on the Nile.
5. Climb and do a boat trip to Murchison Falls
Because it can be easily connected to the Eastern loop and because this tourist stop is one of the best in Uganda, I add Murchison Falls National Park to the list. In this park you find the densest population of wildlife. The park has a wide variety of great lodges, for different pockets. An absolute highlight in your trip to Murchison is to climb the falls and do a boat trip towards the falls.
In so far Daan’s top-5 tourist spots in Uganda, the ‘Eastern Loop’. It is highly recommended to undertake a self-drive adventure for this trip. In need of any more details? Feel free to reach out to us.
This blog is written by Daan Oxener, a Dutch social entrepreneur who is based in Kapchorwa since 2016. Daan is the manager of Home of Friends Guesthouse. He is passionate about exploring Mount Elgon’s stunning nature and authentic culture. Through Run Kapchorwa he empowers youth with skilling & employment opportunities.