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Central Uganda is the cultural and economic hub of the country. A stop here will give you a taste of the rich traditions and vibrant urban culture of Uganda. Also home to the beautiful Lake Victoria and Mabira Forest, there are also opportunities to explore and enjoy nature.
Must-Visit Areas in Central Uganda
Wander through markets and stop for street food, learn about Uganda’s past and how it impacts its present, and zipline through a rainforest:
Kampala City: Urban Exploration
Kampala City is an ideal stopover when on a Uganda safari to explore markets, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife. For an insight into the country’s history, visit Mengo Palace, the former home of the Bugandan king. Within the palace grounds, you’ll find Idi Amin’s infamous underground prison. While in this city, make sure to try local cuisine like matoke (banana stew), rolex (a popular street food with eggs and flatbread), and nsenene (crispy fried grasshoppers).
Entebbe: Fauna and Flora in the City
Lying on the shores of shimmering Lake Victoria, the wonderfully green, laid-back Entebbe is a fantastic place to spend a day or two at the start or end of your Uganda safari. Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre to learn more about the rescued and endangered animals that are housed here. The National Botanical Gardens are perfect for a gentle stroll to admire flora – keep a lookout for playful monkeys and vibrant birds.
Mabira Forest: Rainforest Adventures
An ideal destination for nature lovers, this rainforest provides a perfect setting for forest bathing, hikes, birdwatching, and mountain biking. Over 300 bird species can be spotted here, along with small mammals like duikers, bushbucks, red-tailed monkeys, and Uganda mangabeys. For those looking for an adrenaline-filled activity, head to the forest canopy for a ziplining adventure.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Central Uganda?
While Central Uganda is a year-round destination, we recommend planning your Uganda holiday for the dry season, from June to August and December to February. The minimal rainfall, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures make for more enjoyable outdoor activities.
Animals Found in Central Uganda
During a birding safari in Mabira Forest, there are a number of species to spot, including the black-and-white casqued hornbill, red-capped robin-chat, forest wood hoopoe, African shrike-flycatcher, yellow-spotted barbet, African pied hornbill, and many more.
While on nature walks in the forest, be on the lookout for primate species such as the grey-cheeked mangabey, vervet monkey, black and white colobus monkey, and red-tailed monkey.
Animals that call the Lake Victoria region home are hippos, marsh mongooses, and giant otter shrews. Nile crocodiles share the watery depths with over 200 species of fish, including the Nile perch, a favourite among anglers.
How to Get to Central Uganda
Entebbe International Airport is the main entry point, with well-maintained roads connecting it to Kampala (approximately one hour away) and other areas.
