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Iconic Sites and Landmarks of Uganda
Uganda maybe a small country, but it is definitely packed with lots of iconic sites and landmarks, making Uganda a top travel destination for most tourists.
With so many landmarks around, it can be hard deciding which to visit first. This is particularly true if you are short on time. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top iconic sites and landmarks in Uganda.
The idea is to help you save time by reducing the need to decide what to see first. Neat right? Happy touring!
Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest
Bwindi National Forest is the most iconic landmark in Uganda. Located in Southwestern Uganda, Bwindi’s mist-shrouded forest is a habitat to more than half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas.
A limited number of tourist permits are granted each day, not only protect the endangered animals, but also increase tourist attraction to the area. Permits sell for as much as $600 per permit, and even with the large number of permit applications, only 8 people per day are allowed an exclusive interaction with these animals. Apart from gorillas, Bwindi protects a large species of birds.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake, the world’s second largest fresh water lake, the world’s largest tropical lake, and the world’s ninth largest continental lake. Located in East Africa, Lake Victoria is bordered by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. It is the source of the longest river in the world, the Nile River.
A boat tour offers intimacy with the lake and probably won’t cost more than $80 USD. Lake Victoria is home to the Ssese islands, fish, birds, antelopes, and aquatic wildlife like hippos, otters, and turtles.
Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is an impressive waterfall created by the Nile River and it plunges down a crevice that is only 7m wide. The effect is a dramatic mixture of roaring waves and rainbows.
Murchison has lots of wildlife; giraffes, elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and hartebeest.
Rwenzori Mountains
Also known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’, Rwenzori Mountains are a rocky chain of mountains and hills in Western Uganda. The tops of these mountains are perpetually capped with snow, while the base of the mountains is littered with streams, sprawling vegetation, and local agriculturally-inclined communities. Rwenzori Mountains are located in the Rwenzori National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Margherita Peak
Margherita Peak is the highest summit of Mount Stanley in the Rwenzori Range in East Africa. It is the third highest peak in Africa, following Mounts Kilimanjaro and Kenya.
At an estimated 5,119m, Margherita Peak is always capped with snow, fog, and mist. This mountain’s peak was first surmounted in 1906, and still gives a pleasurable climbing experience to tourists and mountain climbers alike.
Jinja
Jinja is a town located in the Eastern part of Uganda. It is iconic for its proximity to the source of the Nile River on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. Jinja is fondly called the ‘adrenaline spot of East Africa’ for its kayaking, white water rafting, and quad biking activities.
Gaddafi’s Mosque
Gaddafi’s Mosque, also known as ‘Kampala’s largest mosque’, is located in the bustling capital city of Kampala. This national Mosque gives a bird eye’s view of Kampala from the tip of its minaret.
The mosque was erected by Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi. Tourists are given a detailed tour inside the mosque. Women are advised to cover up with sarongs and scarves before entering the mosque.
