Top Tourist Attractions in Northern Uganda for Your Uganda Safari

Top Tourist Attractions in Northern Uganda for Your Uganda Safari

Uganda is a top destination for African safaris due to its variety of historical and memorable tourist attractions found throughout the country. Its climate is conducive to tourism, drawing millions of visitors to experience its cool, fresh environment. Kampala is a popular tourist destination, but the northern region also has several notable attractions, including Karuma Falls and Wadelai. These are just a few of the many tourist attractions you can visit in northern Uganda.

Kidepo Valley National park

Kidepo Valley National Park is a top safari destination in northern Uganda, located in the northeast region of the country. The park is known for its rugged savannah landscape, dominated by the 2,750-meter Mount Morungole and crossed by the Kidepo and Narus rivers, which are great for spotting wildlife. Kidepo Valley National Park is approximately 220 kilometers northwest of Moroto, the largest town in the sub-region, and 520 kilometers northeast of the capital city of Kampala. The park has been ranked as the most beautiful African wilderness by CNN, covering an area of 1,442 square kilometers and home to over 86 mammal species and over 500 bird species, such as the dark chanting goshawk, kori bustard, little bee-eater, ostrich, and red and yellow barbet. During your visit to northern Uganda, be sure to visit Kidepo Valley National Park and participate in activities such as visiting the Karamojong herdsmen, game drives, birdwatching, and guided nature walks.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is a top tourist attraction in northern Uganda and throughout the country, located in the northwest region. It is about a 4 to 5 hour drive northwest of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. The park covers an area of approximately 3,893 square kilometers and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 76 species of mammals such as the largest population of Nile crocodiles, giraffes, elephants, lions, buffaloes, Jackson’s heartbeats, Oribis, Kobs, and warthogs. It is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 450 species including the Shoebill Stork, Dwarf Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, White-Thighed Hornbill, and Great Blue Turaco. Murchison Falls National Park is named for the thundering waterfalls that draw thousands of visitors to the park. Activities to enjoy here include game drives, boat cruises, hiking to the top of the falls, cultural encounters, birdwatching, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, and guided nature walks.

Mountain Moroto

Mountain Moroto is a popular tourist destination in northern Uganda, known for its challenging and rewarding hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding nature, countryside, and wildlife. However, it’s important to be physically fit to fully enjoy the experience, as the mountain can be quite challenging. The dry, beautiful landscape at the top of the mountain is full of stunning vistas, including some that are quite scary.

Fort Patiko – Baker’s Fort

Baker’s Fort, also known as the “Ghost from a Dark Past,” is a tourist attraction known for its ancient stone architecture. It was once used by slave traders and has a memorable and dark history. Despite being abandoned by the ministry of tourism, it is still a worthwhile place to visit and capture with your camera. Make sure to bring enough storage space to fully document your experience.

St Joseph Catholic Cathedral

St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction in northern Uganda that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the area, including the insurgency of the LRA. Built in the 1910s, the cathedral has a long history of providing shelter during times of crisis. Its beautiful green compound is a peaceful and inviting place for all to enjoy.

Ajai Game Reserve

The Ajai Wildlife Reserve is a small, unique conservation area located in northeastern Uganda. It is situated on the western bank of the White Nile, a short drive from the town of Arua. Gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1965, the area covers 148 square kilometers and is home to a variety of animals, including warthogs, sitatunga antelopes, zebras, duiker, leopards, Lewel hartebeests, Uganda kobs, and various primates and reptiles. The reserve is surrounded by seasonally flooded swamps and wooded savannah grassland, making it a truly unique place.

Aruu Falls Campsite

Aruu Falls Campsite is a popular stopover for visitors traveling to Kidepo Valley National Park in northern Uganda. The campsite offers a true African wilderness experience, with the opportunity to hike the rocks and take in the breathtaking view of the cascading, roaring falls. Visitors can also try their hand at fishing, with the potential to catch their own dinner. The campsite is located near the top of the falls in a peaceful, relaxing environment, with the refreshing breeze from the falls providing a soothing atmosphere. Overall, Aruu Falls Campsite is a truly amazing place to visit.`