Uganda Sightseeing: Falls, Lakes, Kampala

October 30, 2026

Travel advisory, as of October 2026: the US State Department lists Uganda at Level 4, Do Not Travel. That level dates from May 2026, when an Ebola outbreak was under way; Uganda declared it over in late August 2026, and the listing still cites crime, terrorism and unrest. The UK FCDO warns that attacks are very likely, including in national parks. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal under the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. Read the FCDO safety page and the US advisory before you book.

Natural Sights

Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls National Park covers about 3,893 square kilometres. At the falls, the Nile is squeezed through a gap about 7 metres wide and drops about 43 metres. Samuel Baker named them in 1864, and the Bunyoro-derived name is Kabalega Falls. Entry is about USD 45 a day for foreign adults, the launch to the base of the falls is about USD 30 and the guided hike to the top costs about USD 15.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park covers about 1,978 square kilometres and combines the Kazinga Channel, crater lakes and the Ishasha sector, where lions climb trees. Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo occur here; there are no rhinos. In October 2023, two tourists and their driver were killed by terrorists in the park. Follow local security advice, travel with an established operator and do not self-drive after dark. Entry is about USD 40 a day.

Lake Bunyonyi

The lake sits near Kabale at about 1,960 metres in the Kigezi Highlands. Terraced hills slope to the shore, and around 29 islands dot the water. Akampene, called Punishment Island, and Bwama Island, a former leprosy colony, are the best-known. The name is usually glossed as place of little birds.

Sipi Falls

Sipi lies on the slopes of Mount Elgon near Kapchorwa and has three main falls, the tallest about 95 to 100 metres. Mount Elgon’s Wagagai Peak is 4,321 metres. The highest point in the country is Margherita Peak, 5,109 metres, in the Rwenzori Mountains.

Source of the Nile

Boat trips from Jinja go to where the river leaves Lake Victoria, with operators varying. It is a calm stretch of water rather than a dramatic waterfall. Bujagali Falls were drowned by the Bujagali dam, so they are not a stop.

Kampala Landmarks

Kasubi Tombs: the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga was rebuilt after the March 2010 fire, and the site reopened to visitors in 2026. UNESCO removed it from the List of World Heritage in Danger in September 2023. Etiquette is strict: women in trousers may not enter the mausoleums, though a lesu wrap is lent, men walk backwards out of the main house and shoes stay outside. Treat photography as restricted unless your guide says it is allowed.
Uganda National Mosque: it stands on Old Kampala Hill and was formerly called the Gaddafi National Mosque. Ask at the gate about minaret visits, hours and fees.
Baha’i Mother Temple of Africa: on Kikaaya Hill, consecrated in 1961, and open to people of all faiths. Hours are about 08:00 to 17:00; confirm by phone.
Namugongo Martyrs shrines: a solemn site. In 1885 to 1887, 45 Christian converts, 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican, were executed under Kabaka Mwanga II. Martyrs’ Day on 3 June is a public holiday. Dress modestly and keep a quiet tone.
Uganda Museum, Kitante: closed for renovation since August 2024, with no reopening date, so do not plan a visit.

Getting Around

Queen Elizabeth is 6.5 to 8 hours from Kampala and Murchison 5 to 6.5 hours, so these are multi-day sights. FCDO advises against travelling outside main towns after dark and does not recommend matatus or boda-bodas. Park gates take cards or mobile money.

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