Lesser-known tourist places  in Uganda

Lesser-known tourist places in Uganda, Nestled in the heart of East Africa is a prominent tourism destination Uganda. This country is commonly referred to as “The Pearl of Africa” because of its magnificent beauty and biodiversity, which attract nature enthusiasts from different countries worldwide. From the vast savannah to the mist-covered mountains and the diverse landscapes which set you to an encounter with pristine wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and the vibrant cultures of the welcoming natives.

Uganda boasts over 10 national parks and several game reserves that offer primate tours, wildlife, and hiking safaris. While on a Uganda safari, visit primate parks such as Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzees, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park for gorillas, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and many other interesting attractions.

However, apart from the above,  there are many other places though given less attention,  they are rewarding tourism potentials so fit for adventure. Some of these places include

Mabira forest

This is  a tropical natural rain forest in central Uganda located in Buikwe district along Kampala-Jinja highway just  one and a half hours drive from Kampala and 30 minutes from Jinja city. This place is a perfect destination for  adventure lovers especially those ones looking for day or short trip in Uganda. this  forest has predominantly existed for  over 100  years harboring several wildlife species including different plant species, animals, butterflies and many others.

Though part of this forest has been given out to the community for human settlement and industrial development the remaining part favors tourism activities like guided nature walks, cycling, zip- lining ( forest canopy), birding, picnics, wildlife encounters and simple relaxation.

Some of the animals in this forest include   the grey -cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys and vervet monkeys. The different accommodations close to the forest arrange cultural performances  for entertainment and  make local crafts which visitors can buy as souvenirs.

Pian Upe wildlife reserve

Despite its large  size , Pian Upe has remained less  recognized as  prominent tourism venture in Uganda.   This is probably because of its remote location in the remote Nakapiripirit district in  northern Uganda, north of Mount Elgon bordering Kidepo valley National Park .This reserve is second largest to Murchison falls national park and covers2,788 square kilometers.

The reserve showcases a blend of captivating land scape characterized by  rolling savannahs, hills,  rocky outcrops, riverine forests and seasonal wetlands. It is also a home to a variety of wildlife including  giraffes,  zebras, antelopes, buffalos,  elephants, oribi and  many primates.  The reserve is a favorite bird watchers paradise  and a special home for ostriches. A visit  to this place  will  leave you captivated with high desires for further expedition into Uganda’s wild.

Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda is a picturesque lake found in southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district close to the Uganda- Rwanda border.  This lake is   embedded 1800 meters at the foothills of the Virunga ranges a great attraction  shared by  Uganda, Rwanda and  DR Congo. Lake mutanda is close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park the main gorilla tracking destinations in  East Africa. The lake  comprises 15 islands , some of which are  occupied by human settlement  while others are virgin lands with rich vegetation and various wildlife    species.  the lake  provides opportunities for canoeing  and relaxation after gorilla trekking . as you sail on the calm waters of this lake enjoy  best views of the volcano peaks and other surrounding hills.

Igongo cultural center and museum

The Igongo cultural center  is traditional establishment in western Uganda that was established in 1998 to preserve  and promote cultural heritage  of the Ankole region. This cultural institution is located 12 kilometers from Mbarara along Mbarara- Masaka  highway. The center comprises of a museum locally known as “Erijjukiro”. The museum  displays artifacts and interactive information related to history and tradition of  Banyankore tribe, social organisation systems, agriculture and the traditional Ankole long horned cattle.

Visitors to this center get to witness  traditional architecture, ancient household items, routine family life, cultural performances like music dance ,and folktales. You can also purchase some pf their traditional hand made crafts as souvenirs.

Amabere ga Nyinamwiru caves

This a natural wonder and historical site  found 32km from Kibale forest national Park the   primate capital of Uganda  in the western region. The caves are found  in Fort Portal and their existence is closely related to the cultural history of the  Banyoro and Batooro. Geographically the rocks are as a result of stalagmites and stalacites that flow over the rocks.

However, the  caves were traditionally named after Nyinamwiru a daughter of the then  king Bukuku. This lady was strong and had refused to marry the man her father had chosen for her, so, Bukuku decided that  her breasts be cut off because of disobedience  unknowingly that the girl was already pregnant, when she delivered, she fed the baby (Ndahura) on the   whitish liquid flowing from the rock (stalacites). From then the people believed the liquid to be the breasts of Nyinamwiru thus the  rocks were named “Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru”.

Visitors are always welcomed by the steaming sounds of waterfalls and can have a guided nature walk in the caves or hike to Nyakasura hill which gives you   scenic views of three grater lakes.  A visit to this place can be combined to a chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale forest national park or wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park or to Semliki National Park.

Semliki Valley National Park

This is another hidden tourist  gem in western Uganda located in Bwamba  county, Bundibugyo district. This is a newly established national park comprising of a  lowland tropical rain forest with rich biodiversity.  It is the only lowland tropical forest in east Africa hosting over  53 mammal species and is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda.

A walk to the hot springs found in this park  offer great spots of  several primates like  baboons, red tailed monkeys,  back and white colobus monkeys among others.

Visitors to Semliki national Park  carry out game drives in the savanna grasses of the park where they can catch sight of  animals like forest buffaloes, leopards, bushbabies, civets, pygmy squirrels and butterfly species.

Meet the Batwa, Batuku  and Bakonjo tribes who engage in different economic activities like cultivation and cattle rearing on the outskirts of the park. this are ais one of the wealthiest  wildlife areas with unique attractions  like the Ituri forest and a chance to  enter Congo without a passport but only descending through the western rift valley.

Tanda Archaeological Pits

Tanda Archaeological pits  are  found at Tanda village  in Mityana,……miles  from Kampala   along Kampala – Mubende  highway.  This place  provides a cultural experience and can visited on one day trip from Kampala or may be a stop over as you head to other tourist  destinations in western Uganda. this place is legendary to the Baganda  who tell us about Walumbe  the bad brother of Nambi and Kaikuzi , all children of Gulu.

While at this place, a resident guide will   show you the 240 footprints  and 12 holes where Walumbe (god of death)  escaped into running away from his brother Kaikuzi. You will get to see and learn about different cultural beliefs  in the area and the   roles  of the shrines in the area as some people go there to seek divine blessings from the spirits.

From the  Tanda pits, you can drive to the neighbouring  Kijjudde village to see some tea plantations , walk through a  natural rain forest with a lot of  birds. This place remains an important cultural landmark for  future generations.

Mparo tombs of Kabalega

The Mparo royal tombs are treasured historical sites in Bunyoro Kitara region along Hoima-Masindi road in Mparo division. This place is burial site for the famous king of Bunyoro , Omukama Kabalega and other members of the royal family. Omukama Kabalega is  remembered for  resisting colonialists who had allied with Buganda to fight Bunyoro. He was later defeated and exiled to Seychelles islands. After his death in 1923, his body was returned  and laid to rest in  his ancestral home  in Mparo tombs in Bunyoro.

When you visit this place, at the gate of the tombs,  you will witness  a cone-shaped  monument painted black and white  to show the place where Sir Emin pasha first met Omukama Kabalega. The tomb is inside a  well constructed small hut that was his palace.

This place  exhibits  royal regalia of Bunyoro kingdom including clay pots, water and milk containers, baskets, wooden bowls, sticks, spears,  drums, smoking pipes, shields , lion and leopard skins, and wooden stools some of which are said to have been used by  Omukama Kabalega.

This place can be visited as you travel  from Murchison falls National Park to Kibale Forest National Park.

Sippi falls

Sipi falls are a less exploited attraction in eastern Uganda.  it a series of three water falls  at the edge of mountain Elgon. The falls are found in Kapchorwa, and 55 kilometres from Mbale town.  The falls offer scenic views as you hike or descend mount Elgon.

Visitors to the falls are attracted by  activities like  hiking and nature walks  through different trails that lead you to  different  farms and interaction with the locals. Hiking from the  bottom to the top of the falls is a memorable experience as the falls  flow from different heights offering serene and beautiful views. Some travellers enjoy swimming in the pond at the bottom of the fall and the place is also  perfect for photography.

Karamoja region

Karamoja region forms  the northeastern part of Uganda.  it is a remote region, less known to tourists but so adventurous. This place conveys a very beautiful cultural heritage and pleasant natural beauty.

The region is the might home for the  Karamojong people who are known for being great warriors, rustlers and  nomadic pastoralists who live in enclosed communities known as Manyattas. They are popularly known for cattle rearing though they practice some agriculture and mining.

When you visit Karamoja region, expect to have the best of cultural experiences as you enjoy their unique dances, songs, crafts and  other traditional practices.  In addition to the beautiful culture,  this place is home to  Kidepo National Park, Mount Moroto, Pian Upe game reserve, Matheniko wildlife reserve and Mount Kadam the hiker’s paradise.

Further in the extreme northeastern corner of Uganda is the Ik people, a  tribe that was marginalised by the Karamojong. The Ik live in the Morungole  mountains. They are more of cultivators, hunters and food gatherers.  These people also have interesting culture, are so welcoming. When you visit them , expect to  hike the scenic Morungole mountain ,enjoy their culture and donate to them to support their community.