Hidden Gems in Uganda.
Uganda is one of the leading Tourist Attraction powerhouses in East Africa. Tourist attractions and Hidden Gems in Uganda are a goldmine to this Incredible Landlocked country.
It Boasts of the Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains and many other known attractions.
However, there are hidden gems in Uganda which I have listed below. Get off to the unbitten path and visit these epic places.
Without much ado, Shall we?.
14.) The Sipi falls.
These Falls are Tourist Attraction in Uganda. It is a series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa, northeast of Sironko and Mbale.
The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border. The Sipi Falls area is the starting point for many hikes up to Mt. Elgon.
These three Hidden gems in Uganda, waterfalls offer spectacular views, whether ascending or descending Mt. Elgon you will be graced by spectacular views.
In a nearby farm attraction, you can explore caves or enjoy a nature walk.
13.) Amabere Caves.
The Amabere Caves are Tourist Attractions in Uganda (Nyakasura Caves) is located at Nyakasura Falls, about 9km from Fort Portal town.
Well, this is not just a cave but there is a story behind it. The name Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru translates as “Breasts of Nyinamwiru” with Nyinamwiru being the daughter of a local king who reportedly had her breasts cut off to make her less attractive to men. I wonder how hot she was…
This rather drastic plan failed and the king, Bukuku of Toro then hid her in the cave. However, with her allure still strong.
She became pregnant to the Batembuzi King Isaza and later gave birth to their son, Ndahura.
Unable to breastfeed the infant herself she used what looked like milk dripping from the stalactites. Which appeared milky because of its calcium content.
Ndahura went onto fulfilling a prophecy that he would become king and take over Bukuku’s throne.
A throne that was rightfully Isaza’s. Ndahura went on to form one of the great empires of the Great Lakes area of Africa.
The Activities at Amabere Caves.
Overnight Excursion: Enjoy the flexibility and personalized services of a small group. Guided tour with unforgettable wildlife encounters, cultural interactions and overnight in their luxurious tented accommodation.
Fishing: If you love fishing, you will not want to miss the opportunity to catch a Nile Perch on this iconic lake.
12.) Ssese Islands.
These Islands are probably Uganda’s best-kept secret. These Attractions in Uganda are a corner of paradise surrounded by inland water.
These hidden gems are located at Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world. Which is shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. They are a beach paradise, even if there is no sea or ocean.
These islands total 84 and this collection of islands has sandy beaches and palm trees, exotic plants, flowers and trees not forgetting the friendly people of Uganda.
It just feels like you`re in Diani Beach in Kenya. These islands are the perfect vacation spot for a short Holiday.
Add Uganda’s perfect year-round weather to the equation of beautiful sandy beaches and you have paradise. The islands are located in the northwest corner of Lake Victoria. Tourist Attractions in Uganda are intriguing.
11.) Lake Mutanda.
The lake is located in Kisoro District in southwestern Uganda. Approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of the town of Kisoro.
Where the district headquarters are located. Embedded in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains at 1,800 meters.
Three of the region’s tourist Attractions in Uganda volcanoes are namely the Muhabura Mountain, Sabinyo and Gahinga Mountain.
The area surrounding the lake and the land islands include lakeside forests and wetlands that offer refuge to endangered mountain gorillas.
In addition to the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. There`s a well-known tourist Attraction in Uganda known as the Mgahinga National Park which is nearby the lake.
It is home to a variety of animal and plant species that are unique in this region. Bird species include kingfishers, dragons, ibis and Uganda’s national bird, the crane.
10.) Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Presently the sanctuary is home to thirty (30) southern white rhinos, expected to give birth to 3 before end of 2020.
The sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists; for Rhino Trekking, Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride. Bird Watching, Night Walk, Nature Walk and Relaxation.
It is recommended to access the area of the southern white rhinos on foot. There are well-trained rangers to guide you through the bush to the site of the rhinos on the day of your visit.
You will have the opportunity to view these greatly endangered species in their natural habitat. Since these rhinos can move freely on 7,000 hectares of land.
It is often recommended to visit the rhinos before embarking on walking in the bush. You can use your vehicle or hire one from the Rhino Fund Uganda which comes with a driver.
9.) Lake Bunyonyi (Tourist Attraction in Uganda).
Lake Bunyonyi ought to be considered one of the natural wonders of the world.
Believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the hidden attractions in Uganda. Located in southwestern Uganda near the Rwandan border.
One of the country’s top natural treasures. 1,962m above sea level, the lake enjoys moderate temperatures year-round, cool in both the mornings and evenings.
Most visitors stop by after gorilla trekking in nearby major Tourist Attraction in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of 2,200-2,478m. The 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the lake make it incredibly magical.
8.) Mengo Palace.
Mengo palace is not one of the hidden gems in Uganda per se but it doesn`t get the desired attention it deserves.
Built-in 1922, this small palace is the former home of the king of Buganda. Though it has remained empty since 1966 when Prime Minister Milton Obote ordered a dramatic attack to oust Kabaka Mutesa II.
The then-president of Uganda. Led by the forces of Idi Amin, soldiers stormed the palace and, after several days of fighting, Mutesa was forced into exile.
The building’s interior cannot be visited, but the notorious underground prison is open for tours and one of the Tourist Attractions in Uganda.
7.) The Lake Katwe (Tourist Attraction in Uganda).
This Lake Katwe is known for its significant salt production in Kasese in the southwestern part of Uganda. Which is bordered by the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Lake Katwe is one of the hidden Tourists attractions in Uganda, from which salt is extracted. It was created almost 10,000 years ago by an old volcanic eruption.
The neighbouring community extracts rock salt directly from this lake to the landing site, where it is dried and then sold.
A trip to this Katwe lake offers the opportunity to learn more about the capabilities of saltwater and to talk directly to salt miners about their experience in salt extraction.
This mine has existed since the 16th century and miners are up to date with traditional salt extraction methods.
6.) Nyero Rock Painting.
Uganda’s oldest rock art consists of six panels of prehistoric art, including many geometric and abstract patterns.
It is estimated that the rock art was painted 3,000 to 12,000 years ago in six shelters under granite rocks with red and black pigment.
Researchers believe that they may have been created by the Karamojong tribe, semi-nomadic animal breeders from this region of Uganda.
Visitors need to hike to see most of the paintings, explore beautiful landscapes and strange rock formations along the way, and people who live the local way of life.
5.) Kasubi Tombs (Tourist Attraction in Uganda).
The tombs are located on Kasubi Hill in Kampala, Uganda and are an active religious site in the Kingdom of Buganda. The largest of the traditional kingdoms of Uganda today.
For the millions of Baganda, the Kabaka or “king” of the Buganda people is the undisputed symbol of the spiritual, political and social condition of the Buganda kingdom.
As the tomb of the previous four Kabakas, the Kasubi tombs are therefore a place where the Kabaka and other members of the complex Buganda cultural hierarchy often perform important centuries-old Ganda rituals.
In 2010, the complex was hit by a devastating disaster. The mausoleum and the largest thatched hut in the world were destroyed by fire on March 16, 2010, at around 8:30 p.m. local time.
The cause of the fire was never known. Fortunately, not all structures were destroyed.
Restoration efforts supported by the Japanese government began in 2014. As such, it is still an active spiritual site and is always open for tourists.
4.) Lake Mburo.
Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest national savanna park in Uganda. The park is embedded in the local tribal areas of Banyankole Bahima.
Lake Mburo National Park is full of wildlife with over 350 species of birds and large animals such as zebras, warthogs, giraffes, hippos, impalas, buffalos and elephants elusive.
The park works closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in the area of nature conservation.
This collaboration focused on reintroducing lions, baboons, moose, and other wildlife that have been destroyed by political unrest in recent decades.
3.) Mabira Forest (Tourist Attraction in Uganda).
The Mabira Forest is a rainforest area covering about 300 square kilometres in Uganda. Located in Buikwe District, between Lugazi and Jinja.
It has been protected as Mabira Forest Reserve since 1932.
Located 56 kilometres east of the capital on the Kampala-Jinja highway. Mabira is an attraction for both local and international tourists.
Who wish to enjoy nature walks, bird watching and different types of butterflies. The forest is home to several endangered species.
Some trees are used for herbal medicinal and concoctions believed to have powers to make warriors invincible (think Maji Maji rebellion). Others are used to restore fertility, and others as aphrodisiacs.
2.) Kasenda Crater Lakes. (Tourist Attraction in Uganda).
Kasenda Crater is made up of three Lakes, namely, Lake Nkuruba, Lake Nyinambuga and Lake Kifuruka.
These Lakes were formed in the ancient volcanic activity in Uganda about 8 to 10000 years ago. Which left behind several scenic crater lakes which include the Kibale-Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes.
These Craters are among the few extinct volcanic features whose volcanic gases are said to have covered about 10 kilometres beneath.
The Lakes feature a sulphuric smell and are characterized by green toxic water. which means that you shouldn’t try jumping into any Crater Lake’s water. Before finding out if it is safe for one to swim in it.
1.) Nkugute Crater Lake.
This mysterious tourist attraction in Uganda is located in the newly formed district Rubirizi in Bunyarugu County.
The lake is a blessing at the same time a curse to the locals who live within. Nkugute Lake was formed as a result of volcanic activity in the Bunyaruguru volcanic field. The eruption in this field is more than 13,000 years.
There are tales about the lake, the locals say lake Nkugute used to swallow a boy and a girl annually. When ladies came to fetch water or wash clothes at the lake.
They would forget about their kids and they ended up being “swallowed” by the lake. This brought about the name of the Lake. “Nkugute” means to swallow in Runyaruguru.
Nkugute Crater Lake used to have a caretaker by the name, Omuzumira Komurusozi who would perform rituals at the lake to calm it.
When the caretaker didn’t the lake would be “Violent” and people would drown and disappear in the lake mysteriously.
This is long gone now and the locals no longer witness these mysteries.
Nkugute Crater lake is said to be the deepest lake in Africa but there are no definite facts to back this up. The shape of the lake is the Map of Africa.
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Wonderful info. Thanx.
Thanks!