Top Tourist Attractions In The Northern Uganda

Top Tourist Attractions In The Northern Uganda : If you’re looking for top tourist attraction to explore in northern Uganda, you’re in the right place. This article highlights some of the must-see-attractions and destinations in the northern part of Uganda. Uganda is situated in east Africa, surrounded by several countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan border the country. The country comprises four regions: the northern, eastern, southern, and western regions

If you’re looking for top spots to explore in northern Uganda, you’re in the right place! This article highlights some of the must-see attractions and destinations in the northern part of Uganda. Northern Uganda stands out as a fantastic location for travellers, packed with attractions that make it perfect for a memorable safari adventure. The region features a mix of semi-arid and tropical climate and is home to various tribes from the Nilotic Group. For those dreaming of an unforgettable safari in Uganda, Northen Uganda has some incredible sites to check out, including;

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the best places for safaris in northern Uganda, situated in the northeast part of the country.  It is one park where nature enthusiasts are guaranteed of unmatched and true African wilderness experiences. This remote national park was gazetted in 1962 and covers an area 1,442 square kilometers, makes it Uganda’s third largest game park and is bordered by Kenya and South Sudan.  It’s about 220 kilometers northwest of Moroto, the main town in the area, and around 520 kilometers northeast of Kampala, the capital city.  The park is famously known as the most stunning wilderness in Africa due to its untouched landscape.

Kidepo valley national park is home to more than 86 types of mammals. These include cheetahs, lions, cape buffaloes, aardwolf, black-striped jackals, hyenas, Uganda Kobs, Rothschild giraffes, mountain reedbucks and more. The park is also important birding destination in Uganda hosting over 475 species of birds such as Karamoja apalis, white-faced scoops owl, riparian woodlands, Jackson’s hornbills, standard winged nightjars, long-tailed nightjars, chestnut weaver bird, and golden pipit.

While on your Uganda safari to the northern, make sure to stop by Kidepo Valley National Park. You can enjoy activities like visiting the Karamojong herdsmen, game drives, birdwatching, hiking on Mount Morungole, Lotukei, and Lamoj and taking guided nature walks among others.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is a must-visit spot in northern Uganda, situated in the northwest part of the country. It’s roughly a 4 to 5-hour drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. Murchison Falls Park is Uganda’s largest park and makes up part of the vast Murchison Falls Conservation area. This protected area covers up to 3840 square kilometers and is naturally endowed with diverse wildlife and birds.

The park boasts a wide variety of wildlife, featuring over 76 mammal species, including the largest number of Nile crocodiles, hippos as well as Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes, warthogs, leopards, lions, elephants, hyenas, waterbucks, hartebeests, Kobs, bushbucks to oribis. The park also provides refuge to diverse primate species such as chimpanzees, blue monkeys, patas monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys dwelling in the Budongo forest.

Birdwatchers will also be thrilled, as the park is home to more than 450 bird species, such as the Shoebill Stork, goliath herons, grey-headed kingfishers, long-toed lapwing, black-headed lapwing, Abyssinian ground hornbill, black-billed barbet. The park gets its name from the impressive waterfalls that attract countless visitors around the world to the park.

Visitors can engage in several activities, including game drives, boat trips, hiking to see the waterfalls up close, cultural experiences, birdwatching, tracking chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, and taking guided nature walks.

Ajai Wildlife Reserve

Ajai Wildlife Reserve is a special conservation area situated on the western bank of the Albertine Nile, Northwestern Uganda in Arua District.  It was officially designated as a wildlife reserve in 1965 and spans 166 square kilometers. The reserve is encompassing of grass plains, swamps, and savanna woodland. This unique place is home to various animals, such as Uganda Kobs, Hartebeests, Warthogs, Hippopotamuses, Leopards, Oribis, Crocodiles, Snakes, Waterbucks, Sitatunga, Buffalo, Common Duiker, Olive Baboons, Black and White Colobus monkeys, Vervet Monkey and reptiles.

 For those interested in birdwatching, the reserve is home to different bird species such as arabou stocks, African Fish eagles and Grey-crowned cranes, white browed council, Helmeted Guineafowl, Black headed weaver, making it a great bird watching destination.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is also another popular tourist attraction in the northern Uganda. This Reserve is the second largest protected area in Uganda covering an area of about 2788 sq.km, coming right after Murchison Falls National Park. Located in the Nakapiripirit District in the northeastern part of the country, you can easily get there by driving from Kampala to Mbale and then to Pian Upe. This reserve is a haven for many animals, including zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, aardvarks, rock hyrax, leopards, cape buffaloes, roan antelopes, spotted hyenas, duikers among others. You’ll also find some primates like vervet monkeys, olive baboons and patas monkeys. Bird watchers will be delighted with species such as the Great hartlaub’s bustards, fox’s weavers, superb sterling, Jackson’s hornbill, Karamoja apalis, Abyssinian ground hornbill and ostriches. While visiting Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, you can enjoy activities like mountain climbing at Mt. Kadam, guided nature walks, wildlife safaris, and cultural visits to the local community.

Aruu Falls Campsite

Aruu Falls Campsite is a well-liked place for travelers heading to Kidepo Valley National Park in northern Uganda. This campsite offers you a real taste of the African wilderness, where you can hike among the rocks and enjoy stunning views of the powerful waterfalls. If you’re interested in fishing, there’s a chance you could catch your meal there too.

The Campsite is situated close to the top of the falls, the campsite offers a calm and peaceful setting, with a nice breeze from the waterfalls that creates a relaxing vibe. All in all, Aruu Falls Campsite is a wonderful spot to explore.

Mountain Moroto

Mountain Moroto is another popular tourist attraction located in northern Uganda, is a well-liked spot for tourists, especially those who enjoy hiking. The trails here are tough but offer amazing views of the beautiful countryside and the wildlife around.  More so, this stunning mountain is home to the indigenous Karamojong group, who are known for their unspoiled culture.   The mountain is also home to over 220 bird species, monkeys and wild cats. To make the most of your visit, it’s essential to be in good shape, as the hikes can be quite demanding. At the summit, you’ll find a dry and stunning landscape with breathtaking views, some of which can be a bit intimidating.

Fort Patiko “Baker’s Fort”

Fort Patiko, also known as Baker’s Fort is located in Ajulu parish, Patiko sub-county, Aswa County, Gulu district. The Fort is an extraordinary historical site built using stones, it was named fort baker after Sir Samuel baker who was sent to east Africa by the queen of England together with the missionaries to stop slave trade which was carried in the area. Fort Patiko was built by Samuel baker an English explorer as a military fort, Sir Samuel baker mostly remembered as the first European to visit Lake Albert and explorer of river Nile was the governor general of present South Sudan and northern Uganda on behalf of the British administrators.

Matheniko Wildlife Reserve

Matheniko Wildlife Reserve is also a popular tourist attraction in northern part of Uganda, the reserve is situated within the Karamoja region. This reserve is home to several unique animals, such as the Lesser Kudu, Roan Antelopes, Bright’s Gazelle, and Ostriches, which are more commonly found in areas like Pian Upe and Kidepo Valley National Park. While exploring the reserve, visitors can also spot various bird species, including thick-billed honey guide, grey-cuckoo shrike, Alpine chat among others. In addition to its wildlife, Matheniko is known for its ancient rock paintings, believed to be around 3,000 years old. Activities like birdwatching, nature walks, and visits to local communities and cultural sites are popular among visitors to the reserve.