Uganda is a country blessed with of natural beauty, from its towering mountains to its vast savannahs and sparkling lakes.
Most people know Uganda for the gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris, but it’s also a fantastic destination for hiking. Whether you want to climb volcanic peaks, walk through dense forests, or enjoy a peaceful stroll by a lake, Uganda has something for everyone.
Many of the best hiking spots in Uganda are close to popular safari destinations, so you can easily combine an exciting wildlife experience with an unforgettable hiking adventure. Here are some of the top hiking spots you can include in your next Uganda trip.
Top Hiking Spots in Uganda
1. Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon)
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon," are one of the most dramatic hiking spots in Africa. Located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, this mountain range is famous for its snow-capped peaks - despite being minutes from the equator.
For those with mountaineering experience, or seeking a tougher challenge, you can climb to the Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley - more than 5000 metres above sea level, affectionately dubbed "Uganda's Roof Top" by the locals.
However, the Rwenzoris aren’t just for experienced climbers. There are easier trails that take you through beautiful rainforests and alpine meadows, where you’ll see rare plants and wildlife. Whether you are looking for a day hike, a few days or the full special, Rwenzori is wonderful and you will witness why it's a UNESCO site based on unique beauty.
Since the Rwenzori Mountains are close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can easily combine a hike with wildlife viewing. This would make for a special combination of the hot savannah with popular wildlife, and stunning mountains very few have had the pleasure of experiencing.
2. Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon is an ancient extinct volcano located on the border of Uganda and Kenya. It’s famous for having the world’s largest volcanic caldera and is a great spot for hikers looking for scenic trails.
The Sasa Trail is the most popular route for reaching the summit, but there are other options, like the Piswa and Sipi Trails, which pass by the famous Sipi Falls.
Mount Elgon is close to the Sipi Falls area, which is a one of Uganda's hidden gems for those who love hiking, waterfalls, coffee and a dash of adventure.
Mount Elgon is the second tallest mountain in Uganda, and unlike Rwenzori, reaching the summit doesn't require proper preparation and specialized equipment. The hot spring at the top of the mountain are a wonderful respite for the hikers who manage to get up there with the clouds.
3. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga is best known for gorilla trekking - especially for an experience with even fewer crowds, but this park offers one of Uganda's most exciting and approachable mountain hiking experiences.
Mgahinga National Park is home to three volcanic peaks: Mount Muhavura, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Gahinga. Hiking to the summit of these volcanoes offers incredible views of the surrounding Virunga Mountains, and you can even stand in three countries at once (Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) if you hike Mount Sabinyo.
Any these 3 mountains can be easily climbed in a few hours and there is any person who is physically fit can hike to the top and back within a day.
Since Mgahinga is near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - well known for gorilla trekking, you can easily combine both gorilla trekking and hiking in your trip. Better still, you can do both in Mgahinga, see gorillas one day, hike another day.
4. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for being home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, but it’s also a fantastic place for hiking. The dense forest is full of winding trails that lead to waterfalls, rivers, and viewpoints.
One of the most popular trails is the Munyanga River Trail, which offers an easy walk through the lush forest, where you might see primates and birds.
If you’re planning to visit Bwindi for the mountain gorillas, consider spending an extra day exploring the forest on foot. During your hike, you will be able to experience the forest in a different way compared to when your primary goal is looking for gorillas. Just a relaxed exploration where instead of looking to see, you let the forest unfold itself to you.
Bwindi is near other attractions like Queen Elizabeth National Park, so it’s easy to include a hike in Bwindi as part of a larger Uganda safari.
5. Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is one of Uganda’s most picturesque spots, and it’s perfect for hikers who want to take things a little easier. The lake is surrounded by terraced hills and small village households, offering peaceful trails that wind through the countryside.
You can hike to various viewpoints to get stunning views of the lake and its many islands.
Lake Bunyonyi is located near Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, making it an ideal place to relax after your gorilla trekking adventure. Much as Bunyonyi is a perfect place to wind down, if you step out for 5 minutes, the surrounding beauty will just enliven you.
7. Kibale & Fort Portal
Kibale National Park is a well known attraction that receives hundreds of daily visitors for chimpanzee tracking in the forest. Beyond the chimps, the dense rainforest is home to other wildlife such as forest elephants, 10+ species of monkeys, and many birds.
As a popular destination, the hiking opportunities in Kibale, and the nearby Fort Portal can go unnoticed in favour of chimpanzees, but adding a full day of exploring the various craters, waterfalls, villages and forests can elevate your experience in this stunning location.
As a popular destination, hiking can easily be added to your itinerary. Fort Portal and Kibale are also located less than 2 hours from Queen Elizabeth National park, making it an easier route to incorporate into your Uganda safari itinerary.
6. Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most secludes and untouched wildernesses. It’s located in the north-eastern corner of the country.
Kidepo offers unique hiking opportunities, with trails that take you through savannahs, mountains, and valleys. One of the best hikes is to the Lomej Mountains, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the park and its wildlife.
The park's secluded nature creates an experience that is completely crowd free - making both wildlife and hiking experiences rooted connections to the natural world. With the purity of the wild around you, it is possible to feel like you belong with everything around you, and you have travelled back and forth in time.
8. Mount Kadam
Mount Kadam is a lesser-known hiking destination located in north-eastern Uganda. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is the place to go. The hike to the summit of Mount Kadam offers incredible views of the surrounding plains, and you’ll likely have the trail to yourself.
This area is also home to the local Karamojong people, and hiking here provides a unique cultural experience. After exploring Mount Kadam, you can head to nearby Kidepo Valley National Park for a wildlife viewing safari.
Closing Thoughts
With diverse landscapes, Uganda's natural beauty is a dream for anyone who loves to spend time in nature. Whether it is seeing gorillas, climbing to some permanent glaciers near the equator or spending a day with some of your favourite savannah animals - Uganda is all that and more.
For those who love to hiking, most of these hiking spots are near the popular attractions you will be visiting on your safari - all you have to do is plan in some hikes. Depending on your schedule and tour plan, you might squeeze in a short 30 minute walk through the village, or a full day of explores the imposing mountains.
As you think about your Uganda safari experience, consider if a few added hikes might truly take your overall experience to the next level.