Best Backpacking Destinations in Kampala, Uganda

1. Kibale National Park

Home to a variety of primates including chimpanzees and rare mountain gorillas.

Primate Haven: Offers opportunities for chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking.
Tropical Rainforest: Located in the dense tropical rainforest, providing a unique habitat for diverse wildlife.
Guided Tours: Guides available to enhance your experience and provide insights into the local ecology.

A unique savannah park with a variety of wildlife such as zebras and hippos.

Savannah Landscape: Features an open savannah landscape dotted with acacia trees.
Boat Cruises: Offers boat cruises on Lake Mburo for wildlife viewing.
Equestrian Safaris: Unique opportunity for horseback safaris to explore the park.

One of East Africa's largest remaining tracts of tropical rainforest, home to numerous bird species.

Birdwatcher's Paradise: Hosts over 300 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's delight.
Canopy Walkway: Includes a canopy walkway offering stunning views of the forest.
Guided Forest Walks: Guided forest walks allow visitors to explore and learn about the forest ecology.

The place where the world's longest river, the Nile, begins its journey.

Historical Significance: Holds historical significance as a key exploration point for early explorers.
Boat Trips: Offers boat trips to explore the calm waters of the source.
Local Crafts Market: Adjacent market selling local crafts, perfect for souvenirs.

A spectacular waterfall on the Nile River offering adventure activities.

White Water Rafting: Famous for its white water rafting, a thrilling experience for adrenaline junkies.
Bungee Jumping: Offers bungee jumping for those seeking an even bigger rush.
Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

A picturesque waterfall with cultural and spiritual significance to the Baganda people.

Cultural Significance: Holds cultural and spiritual importance to the local Baganda community.
Natural Beauty: Offers stunning natural beauty, perfect for picnics or relaxation.
Guided Tours: Guides available to explain the cultural and spiritual significance of the falls.

A botanical garden with over 300 tree species and a variety of wildlife.

Diverse Flora: Features a diverse range of indigenous and exotic plant species.
Guided Walks: Offers guided walks to explore the garden and learn about its flora.
Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including primates and various bird species.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the burial places of four kings of the Buganda kingdom.

Historical Importance: Holds significant historical importance as a royal burial ground.
Cultural Experience: Provides insights into the culture and history of the Buganda kingdom.
Architectural Beauty: Features traditional Baganda architecture and beautiful gardens.

A small forest reserve home to a variety of primates including chimpanzees.

Primate Spotting: Offers opportunities for chimpanzee tracking and other primate spotting.
Guided Forest Walks: Includes guided forest walks to explore the reserve.
Birdwatching: Provides excellent birdwatching opportunities due to its diverse avifauna.

A part of Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for its diverse wildlife.

Wildlife Viewing: Offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including lions and elephants.
Guided Safaris: Includes guided safaris to enhance your experience.
Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking landscapes and sunsets.

A small wildlife reserve with a variety of animals including hippos and crocodiles.

Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including hippos and crocodiles.
Guided Tours: Includes guided tours to enhance your experience.
Educational Center: Has an educational center focusing on conservation and wildlife.

A canopy walkway offering stunning views of the Mabira Forest.

Birdwatching: Ideal for birdwatching due to its elevated position.
Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent photography opportunities of the forest and its inhabitants.
Eco-friendly Design: Designed to minimise impact on the fragile ecosystem.

A forest reserve home to several primate species including chimpanzees.

Primate Spotting: Offers opportunities for chimpanzee tracking and other primate spotting.
Guided Forest Walks: Includes guided forest walks to explore the reserve.
Birdwatching: Provides excellent birdwatching opportunities due to its diverse avifauna.

A forest reserve within Queen Elizabeth National Park with a bat cave and other wildlife.

Bat Cave: Home to a large colony of bats, offering a unique experience.
Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including chimpanzees and other primates.
Guided Tours: Includes guided tours to enhance your experience.

A forest reserve home to a significant population of chimpanzees and over 360 bird species.

Primate Spotting: Offers opportunities for chimpanzee tracking and other primate spotting.
Birdwatching: Provides excellent birdwatching opportunities due to its diverse avifauna.
Guided Forest Walks: Includes guided forest walks to explore the reserve and learn about its flora and fauna.