Attractions Nearby Uganda, Day Trips and Excursions

(Uganda, UG, East Africa)

Visitors to Uganda may already be familiar with some of its neighbours, particularly Kenya to the east and Tanzania to the south. Certainly, these are by far the two most popular tourist destinations in this part of Africa, and both come with their own set of unique attractions and wildlife parks.

Other close neighbours include the newly created South Sudan to the north and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west.

Whilst air travel is the best way to travel between Uganda and other nearby destinations, it may be possible to venture overland. As always, it is advised to check on the current security situation in the area that you are planning to visit well in advance of your departure.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Located to the west of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo isn't considered to be a tourist-friendly country these days, although if you've time to venture into the capital city of Kinshasa, you might be pleasantly surprised. Kinshasa is a bustling city that has plenty in the way of entertainment.

Among the things to see and do here are the Grand Marché and the city's Academy of Fine Arts. Head further afield and you may struggle to get around. That said, the eastern city of Goma is worth a visit, along with the nearby Virunga National Park.

Rwanda

Rwanda lies to the south of Uganda, where it is known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills'. Amidst those tree-covered hillsides are the country's most famous inhabitants - some of the last-surviving groups of mountain gorillas in the world. Rwanda also offers a wealth of natural attractions including volcanoes, sandy inland beaches and island resorts.

Sadly, Rwanda is still closely linked with the events of the 1990s. However, in recent years, the country has sought to move forward. The capital city of Kigali has become a small, pretty city that is worth a detour, if only to visit the impressive Kigali Memorial Centre.

Tanzania

The neighbouring country of Tanzania, to the south of Uganda, remains one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations. Its attractions are many and famous, including the Serengeti National Park, with its annual wildebeest migration, and Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak and a rather magnificent sight. Lake Tanganyika is also a 'must-see' on most itineraries, while a visit to the largest lakeside town of Kigoma wouldn't go amiss, either.

Kenya

To get the most out of a visit to Kenya, you need plenty of time. Kenya resides to the east of Uganda and there is certainly a lot to see and do here, from exploring rainforests and deserts to watching the country's tribal culture at play. Top of the list of Kenyan tourist destinations are its national parks, including Hell's Gate and the Tsavo National Park. Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, doesn't have a great reputation for being tourist-friendly and safe, although it does have lots in the way of character and appeal, thanks to its lively nightlife and rich colonial history.

South Sudan

South Sudan only came into being in July 2011, when Sudan split into two countries. The political division wasn't entirely trouble-free and poverty is still rife, so tourism is very much in its nascent stages at the moment. As such, there is little in the way of infrastructure to support foreign visitors.