As one of the most beautifully stunning and diverse safari destinations in the African Continent, Uganda takes pride in its bountiful amount of tourist attractions ranging from the dense rainforests of Kibale, Bwindi and Mgahinga, the sweeping savannah plains of Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National Parks, the natural wonders of Semliki to the rich historical and cultural sites across the country.

With the endless list of tourist attractions in Uganda, it is tempting to include all the National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Crater Lakes, waterfalls, Hot springs and top Urban centers, which will require pages upon pages of guidebooks to exhaust all of them. Therefore, we bring you the top 10 Tourist Attractions in the country that include;

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is possibly the most unmistakably outstanding Ugandan tourist attraction, situated within south-western Uganda and gazetted in 1991. This National Park offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of meeting face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with presently 18 gorilla groups already fully-habituated for tourist visits. From Kampala City, this Park is about 8-9 hours’ drive on smooth roads across parts of the country that reward beautiful sceneries. There are about half the World’s population of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest alone, making it every primate lover’s preferred destination.

Murchison falls National Park

If you desire to undertake launch cruises on the spectacular Victoria Nile, game drives, hot air balloon tours, most rewarding walking safaris or hike to the top of the stunning waterfalls, then don’t miss a trip to Murchison falls National Park. Established in 1952, Murchison falls National Park is the oldest Protected Area set within the northwestern part of the country. It is in this magnificent safari destination that visitors get the chance to see large volumes of water powerfully bursting through a narrow gorge of 7 meters wide before dropping 45 meters in ferocious and thundering cascades. While you relish the awe-inspiring views, you might also be interested in discovering the different animals that call this Park home such as Rothschild giraffes, African lions, Cape buffaloes, leopards, Hippos, elephants, Spotted hyenas, duikers, Defassa waterbucks, warthogs and many other. Also expect rich views of birds that include the Great white pelicans, African fish eagles, shoebill storks, Ituri batis and many others.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Set in the western side of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is like a platter of attractions you can relish in the whole of Africa. Different ecosystems-savannah grasslands, lush rainforest, untouched wetland areas and water bodies are wonderful habitats for over 95 species of mammals and over 600 species of birds. Visitors to this Park are offered chances of encountering Hippos, African elephants, Cape buffaloes, black manned and tree climbing lions, chimpanzees, bushbucks, olive baboons, Nile crocodiles, leopards, black and white colobus monkeys, Defassa waterbucks and Topis. Additionally, there are a wide range of safari offers that include walking safaris, boat cruises, game drives, experiential tours, chimpanzee trekking, hot air balloon tours and birding among others in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Situated within the semi-arid valleys on the borders of Kenya and South Sudan is Kidepo Valley National Park, the remotest and true African wilderness that has for years remained unexplored regardless of its endowments. Are you willing to go off-the-beaten track to discover the most authentic and rawest African wilderness? Then I guess you are willing to put up with the long journeys (9-10 hours on the road) to get there but there is a less stressful option of flying into Kidepo Valley National Park.

Jinja City

If you really desire to experience real adrenaline-pumping activities in Uganda, don’t head anywhere else but Jinja in Eastern Uganda. This Colonial Town is strategically located at the source of the Nile River and is popular known as the “adventure Capital of East Africa”. Expect to enjoy adventures such as Bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, jet skiing, quad bike riding, horseback rides, kayaking, cycling and boat cruises.

Ssese Islands

Another wonderful and unmissable tourist attraction in Uganda is Ssese Islands, the archipelago comprising of 84 spectacular Islands that mark the north-western shores of Lake Victoria. Each of these 84 Islands rewards visitors with remarkable experience and attractions. The must-do activities in these Islands include horseback rides, relaxation along the isolated white sand beaches, chimpanzee viewing tours in Ngamba Island, boat rides and fishing trips.

Lake Bunyonyi

Bunyonyi is a local name for a “place of many little birds” but it is a hidden gem characterized by 29 spectacular Islands, magical shore Towns, riveting activities, beautifully-terraced hillsides and exquisite Resorts. It is even not surprising that this magnificent Lake attracts travellers from across the World. Interestingly, most visitors opt for Lake Bunyonyi for its beautiful appearance and surrounding that is refreshing and serene although activities such as birding, guided nature walks, zip-lining, canoe rides and kayaking are also offered.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Have you always desired to experience the true natural beauty of Mother Nature? Then make a trip to Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible sceneries marked by glaciers, waterfalls, Lakes, forests, snow and lush forests that offer haven to numerous wildlife (including three-horned chameleons, forest elephants, giant forest hogs and duikers) as well as over 200 bird species. Mountaineering, guided nature walks, cultural tours and bird watching are some of the few adventures that you should expect when you visit this Park.

Kampala City

Kampala is the largest and Capital City of Uganda and if you are looking to taste modernity or urban tourism, then a visit to Kampala City should not be missed. A number of stunning historical and cultural tourist sites can be explored in Kampala City, and they include Uganda National Museum, Art and Craft markets, Makerere University, Uganda martyrs Shrine at Namugongo, Kasubi Royal Tombs, Mengo King’s Palace, Uganda National Mosque (also Gadhafi Mosque) and City Markets among others.

Lake Victoria

Travellers who wish to experience the heart of Uganda visit the beautiful Lake Victoria because it is the source of River Nile, second largest freshwater Lake in Africa and the largest Tropical Lake in the World. This Lake is haven to several wildlife species that include Hippos and Nile crocodiles but also boasts of natural beauty marked by tranquil white sand beaches, verdant Islands, fishing villages and wide range of bird species that you might not find in other places. This lake offers interesting activities such as sport fishing, boat cruises, bird watching and many others.