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When traveling in Uganda, there is a myriad of options when deciding how to spend your weekend, vacation, honeymoon, or holiday. One activity that will allow you to stay fit while experiencing the beautiful landscape of the country is hiking in Uganda.

The geography of Uganda features numerous hills and mountains as well as low lands with good hiking areas.

Each of these locations offers different experiences, so depending on your preference, there are vast choices in terms of elevation, the ruggedness of the trail, and the surrounding wildlife and plant life.

To ensure you have a great hiking experience in Uganda, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has an extensive list of the best hiking trails in Uganda, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

Whether you want to explore challenging and beautiful landscapes of the mountains, want to catch sight of wildlife, or just want to meander through plains, hills, and forests, there are hikes in Uganda that will suit all levels and age groups.

Uganda is an amazing country where you can explore the great outdoors, so if you are thinking about exploring the country on foot, or want to learn about its history, beliefs, and cultures, dive into our list of the best places for hiking in Uganda.

Rwenzori Mountains

Discover the Rwenzori Mountains, one of the best hiking spots in Uganda

Discover the Rwenzori Mountains, one of the best spots for hiking in Uganda

The famed “mountains of the moon” are a worthy place to visit, this has the highest peak in Uganda and is usually covered in snow throughout the year. In fact, the snowmelt is the source of rivers and waterfalls in the Rwenzori area.

The Rwenzori Mountain range is one of the best places for hiking in Uganda, and there are several trails through which a ranger guide leads hikers through different vegetation at different heights in the mountain.

It takes about 8-10 days to reach the apex of the mountain, where there’s stunning snow almost year-round. If you don’t have as much time, there are other peaks in the mountain range that take fewer days to ascend.

Most of this mountain region is covered in forests and serves as a home to primates like baboons, monkeys, reptiles, and a variety of birds. As you climb the impressive peaks, you will be able to catch amazing views of rocky cliffs, vast valleys, and towns in the foothills below.

Bwindi Impenetrable Park

Bwindi is a famous destination because of Uganda’s prime tourist activity, Gorilla trekking. It’s possible to do hikes both within and outside the park.

The most famous hike in Bwindi Impenetrable Park is one that goes through the forest to Lake Mutanda, where you can encounter residents of the forest like chimps, gorillas, and a wide variety of birds.

Another famous trail here is the Batwa Trail. The Batwa are the original inhabitants of the Bwindi forest, and they lived there until they were evicted when the forest was transformed into a national park.

While inhabiting the forest, they lived sustainably as hunter-gatherers and never destroyed their surroundings for farming purposes. The cultural values and ways of these people have been kept alive by conducting cultural hikes through the forests to the places where they once lived.

Mabira Forest

Discover untouched nature in the Mabira Forest Reserve

Discover untouched nature in the Mabira Forest Reserve

Mabira is located along the Kampala Jinja highway and is home to a variety of birds and primates among other wildlife.

There are a couple of trails that take you to the innermost parts of the forest, some of these are covered with a canopy where nearly all sunlight is blocked by the thick vegetation. Along with forest hikes, you can also partake in other activities like zip-lining and tree climbing.

This rain forest is well known for being the only place in the country that harbors the rare Gray Cheeked Mangabey; an old-world monkey that dwells in trees and is closely related to the baboon family.

There are three habituated groups in the forest that can be easily tracked with the help of guides. The forest is also home to other species of monkey, like the red-tailed monkey among others.

Kibale forest, the Primate Capital of the world

The Kibale Forest is famed for its great number of primates, including chimps, baboons, and a couple of different species of monkeys. The trails here go through Bigodi Swamp, the top of the world hike where you can view a vast area of the region as well as the nocturnal forest walk.

Not far from the forest is Fort Portal town, famed as the “Tourism city of Uganda” where you can enjoy a smooth hike to Amabeere Caves and Nyakasura Caves that have a long-standing history in the area.

Once you hike to the top of the hills, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the crater lakes that make the region so beautiful.

Mount Morungole

Mount Morungole is one of the most thrilling places for hiking in Uganda and even the world.

The trail here leads you to places where the Ik people live, the only way to meet these indigenous people in their village just outside one of the most beautiful wildernesses in Africa, Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda.

If you desire to hike in isolated places where you are immersed in wilderness trails, then this is the best hike to go for in Uganda.

Mount Elgon

Sipi Falls near Mount Elgon

Sipi Falls near Mount Elgon

Mountain Elgon is the largest solitary extinct volcanic mountain in East Africa. Atop the mountain, you’ll find a collapsed crater caldera which covers more than 40 kilometers at the summit is the largest known natural crater.

It is not very steep and can be climbed even by people who do not have much hiking expertise. Trails here lead past caves, viewpoints, and waterfalls.

Also in the area, you can visit Sipi Falls that can be reached after hiking through some plantations. Hike to the top of the falls for the thrilling experience of seeing the water cascade over the rocks.

Murchison Falls National Park

Top of the Falls hike in the Murchison Falls National Park

Top of the Falls hike in the Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls is a waterfall along the mighty River Nile where the Victoria Nile breaks and forces its way through a seven-meter gorge, toppling 43 meters below.

There are various trails to choose from while in the park, the most famous hike leads right to the top of the falls. Other trails are located in forests surrounding the Park, like Budongo and Rabongo. Wildlife sightings here include chimps, birds, monkeys, and baboons among others.

West Nile

The West Nile is the region that is located west of the river Nile in Northern Uganda. The Nile acts as a major border of this region from the rest of the country. The region has its own gems and attractions that make it unique from the rest of Northern Uganda.

Mount Wati is the highest mountain in West Nile, standing at approximately 1250 meters above sea level. Surrounding the mountains, you’ll find the Offude Hills.

This is not just an ordinary mountain but rather a place where mysteries unfold as it is also said to be central to the ancestry of the local Lugbara people.

Fascinating stories are told of this mountain and spending time in this region, you will get to experience a mix of cultural, traditional, and spiritual adventurism in the ancestral world.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Take to the trails in Kyambura Gorge in Western Uganda

Take to the trails in Kyambura Gorge in Western Uganda

This is a region in Uganda with a couple of trails to choose from. The most popular option is The Kyambura George exploration, where you hike and have the opportunity to view chimps in their natural habitat.

Another interesting hike is to explore the Maramagambo Forest, which covers part of the park from Kichwamba escarpment to Lake Edward. The other trails are in the Mweya Peninsula where you can do a Banded Mongoose research hike and the Ishasha river hiking trail that takes you along the river in the Ishasha sector.

Cycad Village Trail

The Cycad Village Trail is a new trail located along Mpanga River Gorge in Kitagwenda district in western Uganda. The village is named after the local cycad, a pre-historic plant species that is believed to date back to the dinosaur age.

Closely related (yet completely different from) palm trees, the large plant is unique for its beautiful appearance and the pleasant aroma of its fruits, which penetrate the entire region. The trail is still under development, but it is still possible to hike in this region to view this beautiful village.


These are what we consider as the best areas for hiking in Uganda, though there are a couple of other good trails not included in this list. Trips to any of these can be organized by Ssamba Safaris. If you want to learn more about Uganda, check out our guide to backpacking in Uganda.

Despite being a relatively small resort on the Red Sea, El Gouna still impresses travelers everywhere with its never-ending list of attractions. And, if you live in, or near, Egypt, and want to escape the COVID-19 pandemic mess for a while, then try out some (or all) of these 10 fun things to do in El Gouna this summer season.

1. Visit The Tamr Henna Square

“The Tamr Henna Square is located in the heart of Downtown El Gouna,” says Sophie Hanson, a travel writer at OXEssays and Essay Help. “This popular square is not only lined with palm trees, but also has a wide array of shops and cafes with outside seating. Whether you’re there just to chill out to kill time, or looking for a great souvenir to take back home with you, you’ll have a great time at Tamr Henna.”

2. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a fun way to explore the shallow reefs, deep walls, and a shipwreck here and there in El Gouna. And as you dive, chances are, you’ll spot the local residents of the sea: leopard sharks, turtles, dolphins, and tuna.

Although scuba diving takes skill, interested parties can take lessons to become a PADI-qualified diver. Or, divers can opt for renting a snorkel and mask from the local beach store.

3. Spa Treatment

Need a break? Try the Thai-themed Angsana Spa at the Movenpick Resort!

Having expert staff, as well as soothing massage sessions, you’ll be able to de-stress for 90 minutes and enjoy every single minute of it.

4. Horseback Riding

Wouldn’t it be cool to ride off into the sunset on a horse? Now, you can!

Horseback riding is one of the best Things To Do In El Gouna

Anyone of any skillset can ride on a horse. For novice riders, they’ll be assigned a guide who will hold the reins, while training the rider for most of the trek. By taking the back roads out of El Gouna, and riding through remote beaches, riders will enjoy the trip on horseback.

5. Stand Up Paddling (SUP)

When stand up paddling (or SUP, for short), you have to actually stand on the board, in order to make it work. Plus, you’ll be working on shallow water, as you paddle. However, it’s still a fun experience, regardless of skillset. Think of it as a suitable intro to surfing. Once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to get off the board!

SUP is not only an activity that can be mastered with practice, but is also a great workout for your arms, core, and abs.

6. Golfing

Golfers of all ages can take advantage of the stunning golf courses in El Gouna. From simple putting to hitting at long-range – expert or novice – El Gouna is just the place for you to get away from the busy streets, and enjoy some peace and quiet on the green.

7. Aquarium

What’s not to like about sea life? El Gouna has a small aquarium, where you’ll see lots of sea life up close without getting wet. Simply walk around, and look at these creatures live there, and then learn more about them and their habitat.

8. Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is similar to SUP; however, instead of paddling to move the board, you hold onto a kite, and let the wind do the rest! As you explore the remote beaches in El Gouna by kitesurfing, you’ll take in the beautiful sights of the ocean and the brilliant sunshine.

10 Things To Do In El Gouna

Of course, El Gouna offers lessons in kitesurfing. Or, if you prefer, you can always watch kitesurfers at a safe distance.

9. Ride A Segway

Want to practice balancing – but NOT in the water? And, would you rather be window-shopping than being in the water? Then look to riding a Segway.

Segway tours are one of the most popular things to do in El Gouna, and there is almost no shortage of Segways for visitors and tourists to zoom around town on – from off-road areas, to over roads, to around the marina.

10. Organic Farm

“Believe it or not, El Gouna holds the prestigious title of being Egypt’s most environmentally-friendly travel destination,” says Louis Dixon, a lifestyle blogger at Paper Fellows and Boom Essays. “Therefore, they don’t tolerate any littering, and or harming plants.”

In addition, fresh organic produce is sold in the farm’s shop.

Conclusion

So, whether you’re looking for adventure, searching for the best souvenir in Egypt, or want to get away from today’s hard times for a while, then El Gouna is your go-to destination! With countless things to do in El Gouna – especially these 10 described above – you’ll have fun at this resort on the Red Sea! And if you’re planning a longer trip in Egypt, be sure to check out our Egypt Backpacking Guide for helpful tips!

We recently returned from 3 weeks in Tanzania where we took a 5-day driving safari. We went with Lion King Adventures on the mid-range private Safari, and thought it was a great value for the money and a wonderful experience.

One of the coolest parts was sleeping in the Serengeti national park for 2 nights. It was an incredible experience to watch a lion walk through camp, and to hear hyenas, buffalo, and zebras just outside our tents during the night.

One of the most difficult parts of preparing for the trip to Tanzania was figuring out my safari packing list. Since I struggled, I wanted to share the final safari packing list for those of you who might make this trip in the future.

This safari packing list has been field-tested during our trip to Tanzania! Once we were actually on safari, there are things I initially thought would be essential which turned out not to be necessary. I also realized that there were a few essential items that should have made it into my suitcase.

So without further ado, here is my 5-day safari packing list:

Safari Clothing Packing List for a 5-day Safari in Tanzania

Neutral Color Shirts

  • 3-4 lightweight but long-sleeved tops in a neutral, earth-tone color. Olive, gray, and khaki are recommended since they won’t disturb the animals as you’re touring around. Just be sure to avoid dark blue or black since these attract the tsetse flies! White is fine and won’t distract the animals, but it will get dirty. Even in the hot season, you will want long sleeves to protect against the sun, just be sure to get light-weight fabric.

Comfortable Pants

  • 2-3 comfortable pants for Safari days. Color is less important since you’ll be in the jeep the whole time and your bottom half will be hidden. However, safaris involve hours upon hours of driving, so the important thing is that you are comfortable!
Safari Packing List

Driving for hours pays off!

Outerwear

  • Neutral color bandana or Buff to block the dust
  • A wind and rainproof jacket
  • If traveling in the colder season, add a fleece, a warm hat, and thick socks. The evenings can get chilly!

Sun Protection

  • A brimmed hat to protect your face and neck from the strong sun. Be sure it has a drawstring so that it doesn’t fly away when the jeep takes off!
  • Polarized sunglasses. The Tanzanian sun is brutal and polarized lenses are a must!
  • Lip balm with SPF. Between the wind and sun, our lips got really chapped. We would have loved to have had soothing SPF lip balm with us!

Shoes

  • A pair of comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You won’t be doing much walking on a typical driving safari, but you might encounter muddy paths to/from your accommodation.
  • Rubber shower sandals

Comfortable Clothes for the Evenings

  • Your safari packing list should include a couple of sets of comfortable clothes for the evenings in your accommodation. Don’t worry about looks, even in the luxury encampments it’s comfort over fashion!
  • Don’t forget undies, socks, and pajamas
It's comfort over fashion even in the luxury tented camps

It’s comfort over fashion even in the luxury tented camps

Medication and Toiletries to bring on Safari in Tanzania

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Ibuprofen
  • Anti-diarrhea meds like Immodium
  • Rehydration powder
  • Sunscreen
  • Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel. Some accommodations provide this, but you may want your own set
  • Insect repellent with DEET. Don’t leave home without it!

Electronics and Accessories Safari Packing List

Binoculars

We didn’t have a fancy zoom-lens camera, but were able to take some pretty epic shots by aiming our smartphones through the binoculars! Our safari company provided us with binoculars upon request, but I would have liked to have our own high-quality set beforehand. It would have been such a different experience without the binoculars! Even when the animals are close up, we loved watching them through the lens. We could see the whites of their eyes and every facial expression. Mesmerizing. If you can, get a pair of binoculars that has a smartphone attachment, it would have saved us lots of hassle trying to align the smartphone camera perfectly with the binoculars.

Available on Amazon

 


Headlamp or flash light

We were happy to have a source of light aside from our phones in the camps at night. A headlamp is convenient and allows you to go hands-free in case you have to carry any of your belongings.

Available on Amazon

 

 

 


DSLR Camera

If you’re skilled in photography, don’t forget your point and shoot camera. It’s also worth taking an outdoor or wildlife photography refresher course to make sure you will get the best pictures on this once in a lifetime experience! If you’re bringing a nice camera, don’t forget to take an extra SD Card. You will be taking tons of photos and it’s a good idea to have a backup.

Available on Amazon

 

 


Other Small Electronics

  • Charging cables. The jeeps have charging stations in them so that you can charge while you drive.
  • Extra power bank for your phone. Just in case.
  • A travel adapter for your electronics. Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, and Tanzania have the same plugs as the UK. If you’re going on Safari in South Africa, they have their own plug styles which are hard to find before you go. But you’ll be able to find cheap adapters once you arrive.
5 day safari packing list binoculars

Binoculars are a game changer

Luggage for your Safari

Our safari company in Tanzania requested that we bring a soft duffle bag, and most companies will do the same. A large backpacking backpack will work. They just want to make sure they can easily stash everyone’s luggage in the jeeps. It’s best to leave breakable items behind, but if you must take anything fragile with you, be sure to wrap it in its own protective case.


As you can see, even though it’s safari in Tanzania is the adventure of a lifetime, it’s a pretty basic packing list! Don’t worry about going on a shopping spree for a head-to-toe khaki ensemble. The basic idea is to stick to solid colors that appear in nature. Enjoy your safari!