Things to Do in Eastern Uganda: A Traveler’s Guide
Are you looking for an adventure-filled destination in Africa? Do you want to experience the beauty and diversity of nature, culture, and history? If so, then you should consider visiting Eastern Uganda, a region that offers something for everyone.
In this blog post, we will share with you some of the best places to visit, things to do, and foods to try in this amazing part of Uganda. Let's get started!
Eastern Uganda is home to the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river, and the stunning Mt. Elgon, the fourth highest mountain in Africa. It also boasts of scenic waterfalls, national parks, historic sites, and vibrant towns. Whether you are into water sports, hiking, wildlife, or culture, you will find plenty of activities to enjoy in Eastern Uganda.
Eastern Uganda is home to diverse ethnic groups, such as the Bagisu, the Iteso, the Basoga, and the Karamojong. Each of these groups has its own unique traditions, languages, and cuisines. You can learn more about their history and culture by visiting some of the cultural sites and museums in the region, such as:
- **Nabugoye Synagogue**: This is a rare find in Uganda, as it is one of the few synagogues in the country. It belongs to the Abayudaya, a community of Jews who converted to Judaism in the early 20th century. The synagogue is a simple but charming red-brick building that hosts regular services and festivals. You can also visit the nearby Jewish school and guesthouse.
- **Nyero Rock Paintings**: These are the oldest rock-art sites in Uganda, dating back to over 2,000 years ago. They are located on a granite outcrop called Moru Ikara, and consist of six panels painted with geometric shapes, animals, canoes, and people. The paintings are believed to have been made by the ancestors of the present-day Bantu-speaking people.
- **Soroti Cultural Centre**: This is a modern facility that showcases the arts and crafts of the Teso people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Eastern Uganda. The centre has a museum, a library, a gallery, and a theatre that hosts various cultural events and performances. You can also buy some souvenirs from the craft shop.
Eastern Uganda is also blessed with stunning natural scenery and wildlife. You can enjoy some of the most spectacular views and experiences by visiting some of the national parks and reserves in the region, such as:
- **Mt. Elgon National Park**: This is one of the oldest and largest extinct volcanoes in Africa, rising to 4,321 meters above sea level. The park covers an area of 1,121 square kilometers and spans both Uganda and Kenya. The park offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, camping, and caving. You can also see some of the rare and endemic plants and animals that live on the mountain slopes.
- **Makanaga Wetlands**: This is part of the larger Mabamba Wetland System, which is a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area. The wetlands are home to over 300 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork, one of the most sought-after birds by birdwatchers. You can explore the wetlands by boat or canoe and spot some of the other wildlife that inhabit the area.
- **Sipi Falls**: This is a series of three waterfalls that cascade down the slopes of Mt. Elgon. The falls are named after a local plant called sipi, which grows along the banks of the river. The falls are surrounded by lush green vegetation and offer breathtaking views of the valley below. You can also enjoy some activities such as hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, and coffee tours.
Eastern Uganda is not only a place for sightseeing but also for adventure. You can find some of the most thrilling and fun activities in the region that will make your trip unforgettable.
Here are some of the best things to do in Eastern Uganda that you should not miss:
Explore Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located on the slopes of Mt. Elgon, near the town of Kapchorwa. The falls are surrounded by lush green hills, coffee plantations, and local villages. You can hike to the top of the falls and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley below, or take a dip in the refreshing pools at the bottom. You can also visit a coffee farm and learn how the local farmers grow and process their beans.
Raft the Nile
If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, then you should try white-water rafting on the Nile River. The Nile offers some of the best rapids in the world, ranging from grade 1 to grade 5, suitable for beginners and experts alike. You can choose from half-day, full-day, or multi-day trips, depending on your preference and budget. You will also get to see the diverse wildlife and scenery along the river, such as crocodiles, hippos, monkeys, and birds.
Visit the Source of the Nile
The source of the Nile is one of the most iconic and historical sites in Uganda. It is where the Nile River begins its 6,650 km journey to the Mediterranean Sea. You can visit the Speke Monument, which commemorates the British explorer John Hanning Speke, who discovered the source in 1862. You can also take a boat ride on Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, and see where the Nile flows out of it.
Trek Mt. Elgon National Park
Mt. Elgon National Park is a protected area that covers part of Mt. Elgon, an extinct volcano that straddles the border between Uganda and Kenya. The park is rich in biodiversity, with over 300 species of birds and 400 species of plants. It also hosts various mammals, such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys, and hyenas. You can trek to the summit of Mt. Elgon, which has the largest volcanic caldera in the world, or explore its caves, craters, and hot springs.
Experience Jinja
Jinja is the second-largest town in Eastern Uganda and the adventure capital of the country. It is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and at the mouth of the Nile River. Jinja has a lively and friendly atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops. You can also enjoy various outdoor activities in Jinja, such as kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, bungee jumping, quad biking, horse riding, and more.
- **White-water rafting**: This is one of the most popular activities in Eastern Uganda, especially in Jinja town, which is known as the adventure capital of East Africa. Jinja is located at the source of the Nile river, which offers some of the best rapids for rafting in Africa. You can choose from different levels of difficulty and duration depending on your preference and experience
- **Bungee jumping**: If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you can try bungee jumping from a 44-meter high platform over the Nile river. You can also opt for a tandem jump with a friend or a water touch jump where you dip into the river before bouncing back up
**Quad biking**: This is another way to explore the countryside and villages around Jinja town. You can ride on a four-wheeled bike along dirt roads and trails that pass through farms, forests, swamps, and hills. You can also stop at some local attractions such as temples, schools, markets, and waterfalls
What food should one try in Eastern Uganda?
Eastern Uganda is also a great place to taste some of the delicious dishes that reflect its diverse culture and cuisine. You can find some of the most popular and traditional foods of Eastern Uganda in local restaurants or street stalls.
These are just some of the many mouth-watering dishes that you can find in Eastern Uganda. Some of these foods include:
- **Sweet potatoes**: These are mainly enjoyed in Eastern Uganda where they are typically steamed and served with a sauce such as g-nut paste, meat, chicken, or vegetables. Sweet potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
- **Millet bread**: This is a staple food in Eastern Uganda, especially among the Teso people. Millet bread is made from millet flour mixed with cassava flour and water, and then baked on a hot iron plate. Millet bread is usually eaten with meat stew, vegetable soup, or g-nut sauce. Millet bread is high in protein, iron, and calcium.
- **Amalewa**: This is a sour porridge made from fermented millet flour. Amalewa is a common breakfast food in Eastern Uganda, and it is often served with milk or sugar. Amalewa is said to have probiotic benefits and to aid digestion.
- **TV chicken**: This is a popular street food in Eastern Uganda, especially in Mbale town. TV chicken is fried chicken that is coated with spices and served with chips or chapati. TV chicken gets its name from the fact that it is often eaten while watching TV at local bars or restaurants.
- **Muchomo**: This is derived from a Swahili word that means “roasted meat”. Muchomo is a tasty Uganda food that includes various meats ranging from chicken to pork, goat, and sometimes beef. You’ll find these meat portions barbecued on a stick and served at roadside stalls, markets, and restaurants, often accompanied by roasted sweet plantains (known as gonja). Muchomo is a great way to enjoy the local meat varieties and flavors.
These are just some of the many food options that you can find in Eastern Uganda. You can also try other dishes like luwombo, posho, chapati, katogo, and rolex that are common throughout the country. Uganda food is diverse, delicious, and nutritious. You will surely enjoy exploring the different tastes and textures of this cuisine. Bon appétit! 😊
When is the best time to Visit Eastern Uganda?
The best time to visit Eastern Uganda depends on what you want to do and see. Generally, the dry seasons from June to August and December to February are the most favorable for wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, and birdwatching. The weather is sunny and warm, the roads are in good condition, and the animals are easier to spot. However, these are also the peak seasons, so you may encounter more crowds and higher prices.
The wet seasons from March to May and September to November are less ideal for outdoor activities, as the rain can make the roads and trails muddy and slippery, and the animals more elusive. However, these are also the low seasons, so you may enjoy lower rates and fewer tourists. The scenery is also greener and more lush, and there are many newborn animals.
How do I get around Eastern Uganda?
There are different ways to get around Eastern Uganda, depending on your budget, preference, and destination. Here are some of the main options:
Road: Uganda has an extensive network of paved and unpaved roads, connecting major towns and cities in the region. You can travel by public buses, minibuses (matatus), taxis, or private cars. However, some roads may be in poor condition, especially during the rainy seasons, and traffic jams may occur in urban areas. You can also rent a car or hire a driver, but you will need a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit. Driving is on the left side of the road in Uganda.
Rail: Uganda has a railway network that covers about 1,250 kilometers, mostly in the eastern and central parts of the country. The railway connects Kampala with Tororo, Jinja, Mbale, Soroti, Gulu, and Pakwach. However, only the Malaba-Kampala line is operational as of 2017, and the service is slow and unreliable. A new standard gauge railway is planned to improve the transport system in the country.
Air: Uganda has several domestic airports and airstrips that serve the eastern region. The main ones are Entebbe International Airport, Jinja Airport, Soroti Airport, Arua Airport, and Kasese Airport. You can fly to these airports from Kampala or other regional hubs using local airlines such as Eagle Air or Aerolink Uganda. Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, but also the most expensive.
Where can I sleep in Eastern Uganda as a traveller?
There are many options for accommodation in Eastern Uganda, depending on your budget, preferences, and location. You can find hotels, hostels, lodges, guesthouses, campsites, and resorts that offer a range of facilities and services. Some of the best hotels and hostels in Eastern Uganda are:
- **Wildwaters Lodge**: One of Uganda's best luxury hotels, Wildwaters lives up to its name by overlooking a raging stretch of the Nile from its stunning island location. You can enjoy spacious rooms with private decks, outdoor bathtubs, and panoramic views. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, pool, spa, and activities like kayaking, rafting, and bungee jumping.
- **Sipi River Lodge**: A real retreat set in lush gardens with porch rockers and a creek-side trail to the second waterfall. You can choose from dorms, bandas (thatched-roofed huts), cottages, or a family house. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, fireplace, and activities like hiking, abseiling, and coffee tours.
- **Haven**: Overlooking a wild Class VI rapid, this wonderful, friendly lodge is all about location. You can stay in safari tents, cottages, or family houses with river views. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, pool, play area, bike rentals, and activities like rafting, fishing, and birdwatching.
- **Gately on the Nile**: Gately's stylish rooms boast high ceilings, mosaic tile floors and batik fabrics. They are split between a lovely garden house and loft apartments and a colonial-style main house with a veranda. The hotel also has a restaurant, bar, lounge, library, and garden
- **Source of the Smile Guesthouse**: With cool tropical design, a gorgeous garden and pool, this relaxed guesthouse indeed invites smiles. Its Icelandic owner and local staff are helpful and friendly. The guesthouse also has a cafe, bar, lounge, and activities like yoga and massage.
These are just some of the many places that you can sleep in Eastern Uganda as a traveler. You can also check out other options like Sipi Falls Resort, 2 Friends Guesthouse, Moses' Campsite, Crow's Nest and more. You will surely find something that suits your needs and preferences. Have a great time in Eastern Uganda! 😊
Eastern Uganda is a region that will surprise and delight you with its natural beauty and cultural charm. It is a place where you can have fun and learn at the same time. If you are planning to visit Uganda soon, make sure to include Eastern Uganda in your itinerary. You will not regret it!
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about exploring Eastern Uganda. As you can see, this region has so much to offer for travelers who are looking for culture, nature, and adventure. If you are planning to visit Eastern Uganda soon, I hope this post has given you some ideas and inspiration for your trip. Have fun and stay safe! 😊
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