Bradt Guides is an international tourism agency ranks Uganda as the fourth place on Earth to visit in 2024.
Uganda is the only African destination featured in the top 13 destinations of 2024. The agency places behind Switzerland, Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, and ahead of Madagascar (fifth position) and Zanzibar (seventh).
Uganda also beats popular global destinations like Greenland, Scandinavia & Iceland, Lithuania, Devon, Miami, Grenada, Hokkaido, and France.
Uganda’s high tourism ranking is in line with many other rankings in recent times:
- In 2012 UNESCO declared Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda as one of the best birding destinations in the world.
- In 2012 Lonely Planet named Uganda as one of the best countries to visit.
- Uganda was listed in The New York Times as one of the 33 locations in the world to consider when planning travel.
- Uganda was also picked in National Geographic as one of the best travel destinations in the world.
- Uganda was listed CNN as one of the best tourist destinations in 2023.
What Bradt Guides says about Uganda in 2024?
Uganda is poised to host the third South Summit, designed to boost South-South cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, sustainable development and climate change in 2024. The nation is gearing up with state-of-the-art conference facilities and the emergence of new 4-star and above hotels in Kampala and its surroundings. This burgeoning infrastructure promises a new blend of luxury and convenience for business and leisure travelers alike.
Other attractions in Uganda to visit.
Bwindi Impenetrable national park
Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in south western part of Uganda neighboring Virunga conservation area which is comprised of mgahinga national park, volcano national park and Virunga national park. The park is a home of endangered mountaoin gorillas which are spotted in four sectors which include Nkuringo, buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija sector. The park is recorded for having 24 gorilla families where 1 gorilla family is located in mgahinga park. Visitors may do other activities after gorilla trekking like bird watching and culture encounters to local communities living near the park.
Mgahinga national park
Mgahinga national park is located in south western part of Uganda and is known as a home of 13 primates like gorillas, golden monkeys, L’Hoest monkey, velvet monkey, red tailed monkey and many more. The park offers tropical forest for various bird watching and it is confirmed that it is a home of one gorilla family which is Nyakagezi. It is recorded that gorillas are 98% humans and silverback which heads the family of a mother and infants.
Murchison falls national park
Murchison falls national park is the largest park in Uganda located in north western part of Uganda covering an area of 3840sqkm. The park is mostly known by the most powerful falls in the whole world and a home for big five mammals including elephants, buffalos, leopards, lions, and Rhinos although other wildlife can also be spotted. While in the park, more activities can be done like boat cruise, culture encounters and nature walks.
Queen Elizabeth national park
Queen Elizabeth national park is located in south western part of Uganda and second largest park from Murchison falls national park. The park covers an area of 1978sqkm and visitors may do game drive, bird watching, cultural encounters, and boat cruise. The park is a best destination for tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector.
Culture encounters.
A visitor will never explore Uganda the pearl of Africa and leaves without appreciating its Cultures. Uganda has 56 tribes and about nine indigenous communities that formally came to be recognized in the 1995 constitution amendment of 2005. Some of these tribes include banyankole , batooro, basoga, baganda , bakiga, basamya and many more. These cultures have different ways of living and their traditional dances so as a visitor be ensured to enjoy different languages, traditional dances and many more.
How to do it?
Travelers from UK to Uganda will use flights from major airports like London Heathrow or Gatwick to Entebbe International Airport. The flight duration varies but averages around 8 to 10 hours, often with layovers in Europe or the Middle East.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
Although Uganda is visited annually throughout the year. There are two seasons throughout the year and the best season to visit Uganda is dry season however some visitors may also experience wet season. Dry season is the best from December to February and June to September. These periods offer ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking while minimizing rainfall and muddy trails.
However, during wet season, Uganda is beautifully seen as a land of green vegetation which is not seen during dry season.
What to pack during the travel to Uganda?
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Cameras
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Rain coat
- Long trouser, long t-shirts, long stocking
- Water &snacks
- sunscreen, and a hat
Reactions (as reported by New Vision)
Lilly Ajarova the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board attributed the high ranking to relentless efforts on conservation, development of tourism products and aggressive destination marketing.
“The resumption of grading of hotels, participation in trade fairs, developing of products, and having a MICE desk is evidence of the work being done around the clock. In May all eyes will be on the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo where we will showcase the latest services and attractions in place” Ajarova said.
Sam Mwandha the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority said that Uganda’s conservation efforts are paying dividends.
Mwandha added saying that most of the surviving mountain gorillas reside in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offering the most authentic tracking experience globally. Their (mountain gorilla) reproduction doubled during the two-year Covid-19 lockdown. For their safety, they have increased the number of rangers and tourism police in the parks.
Vincent Bagiire the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Uganda offers a variety of experiences that beckon travelers, and this justifies the high ranking.
