Uganda Tourist Information and Tourism

(Uganda, UG, East Africa)

A landlocked and relatively small country located within East Africa, the Republic of Uganda is remembered for being a favourite haunt of British war prime minister Winston Churchill. Today, the country has much to offer tourists, boasting many of the continent's most appealing aspects. Stability has gradually returned to much of Uganda, following the death of exiled tyrannical leader Idi Amin in 2003.

Uganda tourism is certainly gaining momentum, with the country being both affordable and also very accessible. Tourists come to enjoy safaris with wild mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Murchison Falls National Park respectively. White-water rafting adventures down the River Nile may also appeal, along with treks up the Rwenzoris Mountains - also known to many as the 'Mountains of the Moon'.

Kampala serves as the capital city and is the place to come for tourist information in Uganda. Located on Kimathi Avenue, the 'Tourism Uganda' outlet is just a short walk away from shops, banks and car rental outlets, as well as a church and a casino.

Uganda Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Those planning a holiday in Uganda often choose to stay in Kampala, which resides on the southern side of the country, close to Lake Victoria and the Ssese Islands. Sightseers in the capital may like to check out attractions such as the Kibuli Mosque, the Old Kampala National Mosque and the Naggalabi Buddo Coronation Site, along with the Buganda Parliament and St. Paul's Cathedral. The small town of Jinja also holds much tourism appeal, being home to both the famous Source of the Nile Gardens and the much-visited Nile Brewery. More information about Uganda Tourist Attractions.

Many of the most significant sights and landmarks in Uganda tend to be the result of Mother Nature. Within fairly close proximity to Kampala, the Ssezibwa Falls are worth a visit - a Buganda Heritage Site and known for its religious association and breathtaking cascade of water. The Murchison Falls at Masindi also offers another magnificent natural sight, being frequented by many famous visitors over the years, including US President Theodore Roosevelt. Found on the south-western side of Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi at Kabale is a beautiful mountain lake peppered with a number of islands. Several popular water sports and outside activities take place here, including canoeing, sailing and nature trekking. For a taste of the past, the Kasubi Tombs at Kampala and the ancient paintings of the Nyero Rocks are two 'must-sees'. More information about Uganda Landmarks and Monuments.

Offering a host of information about the heritage of the country and situated within Kampala, the Uganda Museum is the perfect distraction for an afternoon. Also of note and in the capital is the Martyrs University Museum, which showcases a mixture of anthropology, history and traditional culture. If you are interested in art, then the Nommo Gallery at the Uganda National Cultural Centre in Kampala is the place to come. Of interest to visitors, the National Theatre can be found onsite here, where various productions, events and movie screenings take place over the course of the year. If you would like to go back home with a painting as a souvenir, then the Tulifanya Gallery may suit your needs best. More information about Uganda Museums and Uganda Art Galleries.

Tourists in Uganda will find more than enough to occupying even a lengthy holiday. However, those who are keen to experience even more African spirit may like to venture over the borders and into one of the neighbouring countries. Kenya, to the east, is a firm favourite, thanks in no small part to its plentiful wildlife reserves, such as the world-famous Hell's Gate, Maasai Mara and Mount Kenya national parks.

Lying to the south is Tanzania, where the principal tourist attractions don't come much bigger or better than Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Tanganyika and the Serengeti National Park, home of African lions, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest and zebras, to name but a few of the most-photographed safari animals. More information about Uganda Attractions Nearby.

More Uganda Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Continent: Africa (east)
• Location: landlocked country, north of Tanzania / west of Kenya
• Status: African country
• Area: approximately 91,140 square miles / 236,050 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 36 million
• Language: English and Swahili
• Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
• Time zone: East Africa Time - EAT (UTC + 3)
• Country dialling code: +256
• International dialling code: 00
• Religion: mainly Roman Catholics and Anglican Church of Uganda, also Evangelical and Pentecostal churches, and Muslims
• Average daily Uganda January temperature: 28°C / 82°F
• Average daily Uganda July temperature: 25°C / 77°F