Africa has many hidden wonders, and Uganda is full of them. Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is a leading and prominent adventure spot in Africa. It is one of the top destinations for adventure enthusiasts. The country is top-ranked as a prime destination for travel. Uganda presents distinctive features like no other in the world. It has an abundant collection of wildlife, but the country has other exciting things to offer. Outdoor activities that go beyond wildlife safaris and trekking. From scaling volcanic peaks to bungee jumping on the source of the Nile, the adrenaline rush is extreme.

Adventure enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities. Hot air balloons, rock climbing, and kayaking will be on top of the choice list. Horseback riding during safaris is another add-on to the adventure. 

However, this article will highlight all the top outdoor activities to try on a trip to Uganda.

Sipi Falls offers hiking and rock climbing so two birds with one stone.

Lake Albert is a fishing mine where you can cook and eat your catch.

Tourists can’t go horseback riding unless they book lodges beforehand.

Volcano hiking offers amazing views as a reward for reaching the top.

Gorilla trekking and the habituation process in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will be the top and premier attraction in Uganda. Another recommended activity will be the Chimpanzee trekking. Those who seek adventurous experiences can consider the following:

Sipi Falls offers a scenic trail for hiking. It has three waterfalls that go down Mount Elgon’s foothills in eastern Uganda. The hiking circuit stretches 8 kilometers and takes about 4-5 hours to complete. There are local farms, villages, and coffee plantations along the way. The trail passes through the coffee plantation, adding extra experience to it. 

But the most attractive features of the hike will be a series of majestic waterfalls The route features a 100-meter main fall, an 85-meter cascade, and a smaller 65-meter waterfall.

The trail connects village footpaths and follows the river’s natural course. Sipi Falls also offers a breathtaking view of Uganda.

Lake Victoria is full of wonders. Renowned for its natural beauty, it offers excellent adventure like Kayaking. Gliding across Africa’s largest tropical lake is an experience of a lifetime. To enjoy the lake more, kayaking is an unparalleled way to choose. 

With diverse routes, there’s no requirement to be an expert to enjoy the peaceful flat-water experience. Even beginners can explore Jinja Shoreline. The waters are calm and there are fishing villages along the route. You can watch local fishing communities at work.

If safety becomes a core concern, there are arrangements for that as well. Professional operators are always on active duty to ensure safety. Getting on the kayak will require the following safety measures:

Equipment provision and use

 A safety briefing and instructions on kayaking techniques

 Wildlife spotting areas

One of the top activities in Uganda will be rock climbing. And, Sipi’s mountains are the ultimate climbing paradise. The volcanic rock formations create a mesmerizing climbing environment, offering an undeniable appeal. But the fun doesn’t stop here as Sipi has more things to offer. It features a waterfall-tracking route through the mountains. This makes it a two-fold package for adventure hunters.

The primary climbing area has 14 bolted routes in Sipi Rock. 

Another spot, a 40-meter-long waterfall, is right beside the Chebonet waterfall. These are conglomerate rocks with a unique surface texture and challenging holds. Thus, reaching the main spot requires a short hike. 

Before going on a trek, expert guides give a small presentation about the routes and the history of climbing in the area. The climbing area stays shaded for most of the day and is only accessible in the afternoon for long climbing sessions. 

After a quick examination by local guides on each climber’s physical fitness, and experience, they suggest the best climbing route.

Quad biking is a thrill ride in Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda. Exploring Uganda’s remote countryside on the four-wheelers is another top activity. For easy navigation, there are specific trails for quad biking.

The Kyabirwa Village is the heart of quad biking in Jinja. It is the starting point for a ride along the shores of the Nile’s source. There are two daily sessions, one starts at 8:15 in the morning and the other at 4:45 in the evening. There’s a 30-minute preparation and training time. Quad biking costs around 170000 UGX per person for an hour-long ride.

Horseback safari rides in Lake Mburo National Park are a must-do activity in Uganda. It is the only place that offers horseback safaris. Visitors can experience Uganda’s wilderness up close.

The safari starts in groups, consisting of six members. It allows the guides to provide individual attention to each rider. The rides offer a variety of ranges, from a quick 30-minute ride to a full-day adventure. Experienced riders can enjoy a trekking tour through the grassy Warukiri range. Full-day adventure opportunities are also available by camping. 

Lakeside camping at the Lake Mburo shores and Hilltop camping are pretty exotic experiences. These camping sites can turn into wild adventures by encountering Zebras, Impalas, Warthogs, and Waterbucks near the lake.

The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers stunning volcanoes for visitors. There are three volcanoes inside the park. The Muhavura volcano is the tallest among them standing 4130m tall. The Gahinga and Sabyinyo volcanoes are similar in height but the Gahinga volcano has a swampy crater.

The Sabyinyo volcano will be on top with the most spectacular views. It’s a rare opportunity to anyone to climb and enjoy the view of three countries at once. But this experience is not limited to climbing only as you can spot golden monkey troops in the bamboo zones.

The dry seasons offer the most favorable weather for visiting and hiking. But a hiking trip requires physical fitness and preparation, so make sure to come with enough training.

The final activity this article will mention is Sportfishing. Lake Albert provides the best opportunity for it. Sitting on Uganda’s western border, it has 55 fish species in the lake. But fishing here requires a fishing permit from the UWA. The most exciting part is you can even take your catch to back your lodge and they will cook up your dinner with it.

Some popular game fish species are:

• • Nile Perch that goes up to 80 kgs.
  • Nile Tilapia – small fish around 2-5 kgs.
  • Niger Barb – a very rare find.
  • Giraffe Catfish moderate size of 10-30 kgs.

Hiking, Kayaking, and horse riding, quad biking, are the most unique activities to do in Uganda. Uganda offers several ways to explore its wilderness. But these will be among the top ones. As a primary destination for adventure lovers, the diversity in activities also comes as a challenge. But exploring the country and facing these challenges is worth every penny.

So, Uganda can undoubtedly be the next travel destination. Remember to book your trips beforehand and you’ll have an outstanding experience.