Uganda Landmarks and Monuments

(Uganda, UG, East Africa)

Once referred to by the British politician Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa', Uganda is home to a huge number of natural landmarks, including lakes, waterfalls, mountains and forests.

Also visible are monuments to the country's ancient and colonial past, including the sacred burial grounds of the Buganda people. Highlights include the mountain lake that is Lake Bunyonyi, the mysterious ancient paintings of the Nyero Rocks and the historic Kasubi Tombs, located in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

When it comes to breathtaking waterfalls, both the Ssezibwa Falls in Luwunga and the Murchison Falls in Masindi certainly fit the bill, being especially photogenic and very impressive.

Lake Bunyonyi

Address: Kabale, Uganda, UG, Africa
This beautiful mountain lake is located in the south-western part of Uganda. As well as being one of the deepest lakes in Africa, it is also dotted with some 29 islands, many of which are home to a variety of tourist facilities. Lake Bunyonyi is also the centre for many water-based attractions, including canoeing and swimming. In fact, this is one of the few lakes in Uganda that is deemed safe for swimmers. Keen birdwatchers can take to the water to try their hand at spotting the many species that thrive in the lake's natural environment.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Nyero Rocks

Address: Ngora Road, Kumi, Uganda, UG, Africa
Widely regarded as among the best of East Africa's rock paintings, the Nyero Rocks have become a popular tourist destination and important East African landmark. The rocks are surrounded by mystery - no one really knows who was responsible for these paintings. Although the site on which the rocks stand can be dated back to prehistoric times, it is believed that the rocks themselves were painted only around 400 years ago, or even more recently than that. Of interest, in 1997, the Nyero Rocks became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Ssezibwa Falls

Address: Off Kampala-Jinja Road, Luwunga, Uganda, UG, Africa
A short distance away from Kampala are the Ssezibwa Falls. The gushing waters of the falls are a spectacular sight. This Buganda Heritage Site is also a traditional spiritual place for the Kabakas, the kings of Buganda. A cave-cum-shrine set into the hillside is reputed to be inhabited by the God of the Rainbow, known as Musoke. Many locals believe that the waters here have the power to heal disease.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Murchison Falls

Address: Masindi, Uganda, UG, Africa
Known during the Idi Amin period as the Kabarega Falls, these thundering falls emerge violently into the River Nile, via a gap that is some 7 metres / 23 feet wide. Whilst it is not possible to get too close to the base of the waterfall by boat, visitors can still feel the full force of the cascading torrent, even from a safe distance. The falls have had their fair share of famous visitors over the years. Winston Churchill visited in 1907, followed a few years later by Theodore Roosevelt. Ernest Hemingway famously crashed his plane just down river of the Murchison Falls in 1954 when on safari in Africa. The waterfall also famously appeared as a backdrop in the movie 'The African Queen'.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Kasubi Tombs

Address: Off Masiro Road, Kasubi Hill, Kampala, Uganda, UG, Africa
Built towards the end of the 19th century, the Kasubi Tombs site is a notable Kampala landmark and well worth a visit, particularly if you are interested in Ugandan history or traditions. The tombs themselves are housed within 'kabakas', buildings made from reeds and bark. Buried here is Kabaka (King) Muteesa I and his royal descendants, Sir Daudi Chwa II and Edward Muteesa II.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge