World Country Guide

Introduction

Uganda’s great natural beauty led Winston Churchill to call it ‘the pearl of Africa’. Abundant wildlife (including the famous mountain gorillas) and an excellent climate contribute to the attractions here and, although visitor facilities cannot yet compete with those of neighbouring Kenya, the annual number of tourists to Uganda is rising steadily.

The capital is set among hills with fine modern architecture, tree-lined avenues, cathedrals, mosques and palaces of the old Kingdom of Buganda, and the Uganda Museum. The Kabaka Tombs are on Kasubi Hill. Shoes must be removed before entering the buildings.
The second-largest town in Uganda lies on the shores of Lake Victoria. Though somewhat underpopulated, there is a very lively Saturday market. The nearby Owen Falls Dam is the source of the Nile.
The major gateway to Uganda for air travellers, it has fine botanical gardens and a lakeside beach, although bathing is not advisable because of the dangers of bilharzia (see Health section).
A good base for exploring the Ruwenzori Mountains, the hot springs at Bundibugyo and the Semluke Wildlife Reserve.
The starting point for climbing expeditions to Mounts Muhavura and Mgahinga. There are seven lakes in the vicinity, which offer fishing and possible duck shooting, and the Bwindi Forest, where one can see mountain gorillas.
Set in fertile and lush country near Mount Elgon, this is popular with hikers and inexperienced mountaineers.
Uganda has 10 national parks, 10 wildlife reserves and seven wildlife sanctuaries, some of which are acclaimed as being amongst Africa’s best. The country’s main wildlife attraction for foreign visitors is the rare mountain gorilla, found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both in the southwest of the country. Many other species of primates can also be seen, including chimpanzees and monkeys. Kibale National Park alone contains 12 different types of primate, while Ruwenzori National Park is regarded as one of the most spectacular in Africa. Other wildlife is present in abundance (see the Sport & Activities section for more details on whitewater rafting, ecotourism, trekking and contact details of Uganda Wildlife Authority). A range of accommodation, from privately run lodges and tented camps to state-run campsites, is available in the parks to suit all tastes and budgets.