What To Do Apart From Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

December 5, 2025

What To Do Apart From Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

Apart from the thrilling experience of a gorilla trekking safari, Uganda offers a wide range of exciting activities that showcase its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the Rwenzori Mountains, hike to the powerful Murchison Falls, or enjoy a relaxing cruise along the majestic Nile River.

Visitors interested in cultural experiences can explore vibrant markets and craft shops in Kampala. They can also learn about the ancient kingdoms of Buganda and Ankole, or enjoy the traditional music and dance of the Baganda people. Adventure seekers can indulge in thrilling activities such as bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and quad biking. Nature lovers can look out for an array of bird species or take scenic drives through Uganda’s picturesque countryside. They can also visit the stunning Lake Bunyonyi. Those who prefer community-based tourism can visit rural villages, learn about traditional farming practices, or participate in local craft workshops.

What To Do Apart From Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

Uganda truly has something for every kind of traveller—whether one seeks adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion. Visitors can explore the vibrant city of Kampala, with its historical landmarks, bustling markets, and lively nightlife. They can also travel to the scenic town of Jinja, famous for its natural beauty and adventure sports. With warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife, Uganda promises an unforgettable safari experience.

Whether you are trekking through mist-covered mountains, exploring vast savannas, or soaking up the rich local culture, Uganda is a destination that leaves travellers with lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Africa.

Other Activities to do Apart from gorilla trekking

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most popular safari activities in Uganda, second only to gorilla trekking. Many travellers on a Uganda safari choose this activity, with the top destination being Kibale Forest National Park. Other places where chimpanzee trekking takes place include Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, and Kalinzu Forest, among others. Kibale Forest remains the highlight of any Uganda chimpanzee trekking experience. It offers visitors unforgettable encounters with habituated chimpanzee families.

With Safari Vacations and Travel Services, your chimpanzee trekking adventure begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Park guides and rangers take you through the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking. After which, you are divided into groups of six, and an experienced guide familiar with the forest trails leads each group.

You will walk through the forest in search of the chimpanzees, a journey that may take 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on where the chimps have moved in search of food. Along the way, you will encounter a variety of biodiversity, including other primates, bird species, animals, and different tree and plant species.

Unforgettable experience

Once you find the chimpanzees, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them—watching them play, feed, and seeing mothers groom their young ones. You will also be able to take photos and videos. After the hour, you will return to the starting point, where you will receive a chimpanzee trekking certificate.

In addition to trekking, Safari Vacations and Travel Services also arrange chimpanzee habituation experiences. Unlike standard trekking, this activity allows visitors to spend four hours with the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. It is conducted alongside scientists, researchers, conservationists, and rangers. This experience is more immersive and rewarding than ordinary trekking.

Hiking Safaris in Uganda

Hiking safaris are among the most outstanding activities to enjoy in Uganda, alongside the famous gorilla trekking adventures. One of the top hiking destinations is the magnificent Mount Rwenzori, in the western part of the country. Known as Africa’s third-highest peak and Uganda’s tallest mountain, the Rwenzori stands at an elevation of about 5,109 meters above sea level, covering roughly 100,000 hectares.

Reaching the summit of this remarkable mountain is an unforgettable achievement, typically requiring 8 to 9 days. During the hike, you will encounter breathtaking scenery, including layered vegetation zones, beautiful waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers, unique bird species, small mammals, and many other natural wonders.

Aside from Mount Rwenzori, Uganda also offers several other exciting hiking destinations. These include Mount Elgon, Mount Moroto, Mount Mgahinga, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, and several others—each providing rewarding hiking experiences for adventure enthusiasts.

Game Drives in Uganda

Game drives in Uganda offer exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities, carried out in spacious, open-roof safari vehicles that ensure comfort, privacy, and excellent visibility—especially in the country’s less crowded national parks. Uganda is home to the iconic African Big Five—lions, buffaloes, rhinos, elephants, and leopards—supported by the conservation efforts at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

This thrilling activity is especially popular in Uganda’s popular national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. In addition to game drives, these parks offer a variety of other unforgettable experiences. These include birdwatching safaris, guided nature walks, and scenic boat cruises along the Nile in Murchison Falls, the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo.

While on a game drive, visitors can spot a wide range of wildlife, including antelopes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Bird enthusiasts can look out for the famous Shoebill Stork, Grey Crowned Crane, Lilac-Breasted Roller, African Fish Eagle, Saddle-Billed Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Pin-Tailed Whydah, bee-eaters, and many more.

Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda

Uganda is a true haven for birdwatchers, offering numerous destinations where visitors can spot an impressive diversity of bird species. Some of the top birding hotspots include Queen Elizabeth National Park, popular for its varied habitats and species such as the African Fish Eagle, Lilac-Breasted Roller, and Saddle-Billed Stork. Murchison Falls National Park is another prime location, home to a wide variety of water birds, including the iconic Shoebill Stork.

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, bird lovers can explore forested habitats and encounter species like the Great Blue Turaco, Black-Billed Turaco, and the rare African Green Broadbill. Mabamba Bay and areas around Lake Victoria are also renowned for their rich populations of water birds, especially the highly sought-after Shoebill Stork.

Further north, Kidepo Valley National Park offers a unique blend of East African and North African bird species, such as the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and the vibrant Lilac-Breasted Roller. With over 1,000 bird species recorded across the country, Uganda provides exceptional opportunities to observe everything from colourful eagles and storks to exquisite bee-eaters and kingfishers.

Whether you are an experienced birder or a beginner, Uganda’s diverse landscapes and habitats promise an unforgettable birding experience. With the expert guidance from Safari Vacations and Travel Services, visitors can fully enjoy and maximize their birdwatching adventure. Coupled with the country’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Uganda remains a premier safari destination for both nature enthusiasts and bird lovers.

Kampala City Tours in Uganda

Kampala city tours offer a fascinating introduction to Uganda’s vibrant capital, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and lively markets. Visitors can explore the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and royal burial ground for the kings of Buganda, or tour the Uganda Museum, which showcases the country’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage.

A stroll through bustling markets such as Nakasero Market provides the chance to sample local foods, shop for crafts, and experience everyday Ugandan life. Key historical attractions like the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, an important pilgrimage site, and the Lubiri Palace, the official residence of the Kabaka of Buganda, offer deeper insight into the country’s past and cultural diversity. Kampala’s lively nightlife—with its restaurants, bars, and clubs—adds a modern and entertaining touch to the experience.

A Kampala city tour can be extended to the shores of Lake Victoria, where visitors can enjoy scenic views, boat cruises, and various water activities such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping. With its blend of traditional and contemporary attractions, Kampala provides a memorable experience filled with warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and captivating history.

Whether you are interested in culture, cuisine, history, or entertainment, Kampala has something for every traveler, making it an excellent addition to any Uganda safari itinerary.

Cultural Tours in Uganda

Cultural tours on a Uganda safari provide a remarkable opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the communities living around the country’s national parks. These tours often include visits to local villages, homesteads, and cultural sites where visitors can learn about traditional customs, daily practices, and ways of life. Travellers can interact with community members, taste local foods and drinks, and explore unique crafts.

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, visitors can discover the traditions of the Batwa people, also known as pygmies, and learn about their ancient forest-dwelling lifestyle. These cultural experiences typically feature traditional music and dance performances, craft demonstrations, and storytelling sessions.

In Kidepo Valley National Park, guests can engage with the Karamojong people, known for their pastoral lifestyle, vibrant dances, and distinctive cultural identity. Such interactions offer a hands-on appreciation of Uganda’s cultural diversity.

By combining wildlife viewing with meaningful cultural encounters, visitors gain a deeper understanding of how communities coexist with wildlife. These tours also support local livelihoods and conservation efforts, making the Uganda safari experience more authentic, impactful, and enriching.

Golden Monkey Tracking in Uganda

Golden monkey tracking is another captivating safari activity that allows visitors to encounter the endangered golden monkeys in their natural environment. These playful, curious, and brightly coloured primates are a joy to watch as they leap through the forest canopy and interact with one another.

In Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only destination where travellers can track golden monkeys. The park is home to over 4,000 golden monkeys, making sightings highly rewarding. Most of these primates live within the bamboo forests that blanket the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes—an ideal habitat for both feeding and nesting.

Golden monkey tracking involves walking through the lush bamboo zones in search of these vibrant primates. As you navigate the forest, you may also encounter other wildlife species, including small mammals, unique plants, and a variety of bird species that contribute to the park’s remarkable biodiversity.

Once the golden monkeys are located, visitors are allowed one full hour to observe them. During this time, you can watch them feed, play, groom, and gracefully swing between the branches—an experience that leaves lasting memories for any nature enthusiast.

For travelers seeking a deeper and more immersive adventure, Golden Monkey Habituation is also available in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This special experience provides up to four hours with the monkeys as you accompany researchers and guides, learning about their behaviour, social structure, and conservation.