Top 10 Inspiring Eastern Uganda Destinations

The unassuming colonial-era town of Jinja is East Africa’s adventure capital, its smorgasbord of watersports growing out of the unique opportunity to raft at the source of the Nile. The surge of tumultuous white water that runs 20 kilometers downriver from Lake Victoria rivals the Lower Zambezi, and is a heart-thumping ride over rapids bearing names such as Hair of the Dog and Bad Place. The Nile is the longest river in the world and a very important part of human civilization to the modern Egypt.

Jinja is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Uganda and was recently upgraded to full city status that will further its economic growth.  The name Jinja means “Place of Rocks” according to the Baganda and the town is located at a point (Nile) that naturally separates the Baganda and Basoga tribes.

From its humble beginnings as started as a fishing village that later on became an important trading route connecting East and Central Uganda. Jinja has positioned itself as the industrial hub of Uganda with the building of the Owen Falls electricity dam.

After losing it economic status to Kampala due to the exodus of the Asians, it embraced tourism and became the most visited town. A key attraction is the river Nile and related activities like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking the Nile, horseback riding and quad biking. These adrenaline-raising activities have made Jinja a very popular destination for those who want something different and relaxation. Jinja is naturally calm and blessed with amazing scenery that suit any photographer and with excellent weather due to its proximity to the Nile and Lake Victoria.

To many people, a visit to the source of the world’s longest river, Nile is dream come true especially when you consider visiting Uganda on safari.  

Explore this symbolic location on the world map with a tour to the source of the Nile, though ‘discovered’ in 1858, Lake Victoria has a lot more history to it than the moment that John Hannington Speke arrived on its shores as one of the Great African lakes.

To date, Lake Victoria remains as a crucial lifeline to the anglers who depends on its waters, and the estimated 160 million people that live along the River Nile’s banks who practice different farming practices alongside tourism that has also changed the fortune of the residents.

Beyond the bird islands and between the angler’s boats, you will float past Gandhi’s famous monument, which marks the location where his ashes were scattered, right next to the now sunken Owen Falls rapids. Learn about the Nile’s importance in the current political climate, and discover the reasons why the Nile is considered one of the greatest rivers in the world.

Rubbing shoulders with Kenya and South Sudan in the far northeast of the country, the disparate Karamoja region sees only a few visitors bound for the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. Yet the area is home to one of Uganda’s most intriguing peoples: the Karamojong, a historically fierce tribe of cattle-raiding pastoralists. Visits to a Karamojong homestead explore their traditional homesteads – beehive huts encircled by a protective wall of spiky brushwood – and usually feature cultural dancing, or “high jumping”, which is similar in style to the more famous Masai just across the border.

Your safety comes first and we can assure you about this. Explore the rich cultural diversity in Eastern Uganda with over 20 cultural groups existing in the Eastern Uganda. This brings different traditions, norms, and ways of life. Whether it is the cuisine, the traditional rituals and dances, or numerous customs.

The perfect picture of a classic African safari is driving in the savannah and seeing all the animals that live there. Uganda is home to lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, crocodiles, antelopes and so much more. A visit to Kidepo National park will offer great opportunities to see the animals that live in these parks. You will be able to see your favorite savannah wildlife in Uganda.

Hiking is a great way of experiencing your surrounding nature and eastern Uganda’s beautiful landscapes offer unlimited possibilities. Whether your love for forests, waterfalls, caves, hills, beaches or charting your own path, your hiking taste will be timeless and endless. While there are popular spots like Sipi, you don’t have to limit yourself to the tourists’ traditions.

Uganda’s tallest mountain is the Rwenzoriranges which rises to 5109 meters above sea level and is covered by permanent glaciers on the top. While in Eastern Uganda, Mount Elgon comes as the second highest mountain that offers some reconnection with nature. This offers another great mountain expedition that is worth climbing and has the world’s biggest mountain caldera at more than 4000 meters above sea level. Elgon offers reasonably easy to climb compared to the Rwenzori Mountains whose ranges involve a series of going up and down.

Is a chain of volcanoes along the border with Kenya that begins with Mount Elgon in the south and includes Mount Kadam and Mount Morungole. The region around Mount Moroto is a forest reserve protecting a range of habitats from arid thorn savanna to dry montane forests. Moroto is worth a one-to-three-day visit on your way from Kenya to Tororo, Jinja to Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon to Kidepo Valley National Park. The town stands on the slopes of the volcanic massive Mount Moroto and the surrounding savannah plains are inhabited by a wide range of wildlife thus offering excellent opportunities for what to do in Moroto. While in Moroto, you can indulge into hiking, trekking, signature cultural experiences, bicycle tours, nature walks and the informative archeological excursions.

Is located in the eastern part of Uganda, in Tororo town. The native language spoken here is “Japadhola”. The rock expresses the beauty of Tororo town from every direction. Standing at 4,865 feet above sea level makes the hiking less tiring within an hour. There is a well-maintained four case ladder arranged to almost the top of the rock. The remaining part without ladders is a short walkable distance that does not strain the muscles so much. Along the hike, your guide will explain the history of the Tororo Rock, and the elders have passed this onto the younger generation. On top of the rock are communication masts for several cellphone companies. While at the top of the rock, the breathtaking views of Tororo town sweeps beyond the horizon to as far as Uganda’s second highest peak, Mount Elgon and deep in Kenya’s Aderema and Chelelemuk Hills.

Eastern Uganda has loads of attractions, which have been less explored, and therefore offer opportunities of new discoveries and experiences. Whether it is the wildlife reserves, forests, or mountains – there is a wide array on less-beaten paths which are awaiting the more adventurous and curious guests.