How Many Tourists visit Uganda Each Year

Uganda Tourist Arrivals Report 2022/2023

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities has launched the Annual Tourism Development Performance Review Report for 2022/2023. In 2022, Uganda recorded a total of 814,508 tourist arrivals, marking a 59% increase from the 512,945 visitors in 2021. This significant rebound highlights the recovery of Uganda’s tourism industry post-pandemic. However, despite this growth, the 2022 performance is still only 53% of the arrivals seen in 2019.

The complete reopening of key tourism source markets such as Europe, North America, Asia, China, Japan, and Africa bodes well for Uganda’s tourism industry in 2023 and beyond. In 2022, 88% of all foreign arrivals to Uganda came from Africa, maintaining its position as the main source of visitors. Neighbouring countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania, continued to be the top source markets. Additionally, the United States, the United Kingdom, and notably India and China, ranked among the top 12 source markets.

In the same year, global foreign visitor arrivals doubled to 963 million, although they were still 34% below the levels of 2019. Europe and the Middle East experienced the most significant recovery, with the latter reaching 90% of pre-COVID-19 levels.

The future looks promising for Uganda’s tourism industry as international travel continues to recover, and efforts to promote the country’s attractions yield positive results.

How restrictions affected tourism in Uganda

Due to stricter pandemic-related restrictions, Africa’s tourism recovery reached 67% of 2019 levels, while Asia lagged significantly, achieving only 28% of those levels.

In 2022, 5.2 million tourists visited the East African Community (EAC), marking a 49.4% increase from 2021, but still 39.8% below 2019 levels.

In Uganda, reuniting with friends and family (38.2%) and business (15.5%) were the primary motivations for visitors, with only 11.7% coming for leisure and vacations. Different source markets were linked to various types of visits: leisure travelers mainly came from the US and the UK, while EAC member states contributed more to meetings, conferences, and business travel, highlighting Uganda as a prime MICE destination.

In the same year, tourism contributed UGX 2.7 trillion (4.7% of GDP) to Uganda’s economy. This reflects economic activity generated by sectors including airlines, accommodation, businesses, restaurants, and leisure industries, along with the broader impacts of investments, the supply chain, and induced income.

Most Visited National Parks in Uganda

Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” boasts a rich array of national parks, each offering unique wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes. These parks are pivotal to Uganda’s tourism industry, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Below are some of the most visited national parks in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Renowned for Gorilla Trekking)

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most famous national park in Uganda. Located in the southwestern part of the country, it is home to almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Tourists flock to Bwindi for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking, where small groups of visitors hike through dense rainforest to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The park’s biodiversity is remarkable, with over 400 plant species, 350 bird species, and a variety of mammals, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Queen Elizabeth National Park (A Diverse Wildlife Destination)

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and diverse wildlife reserve. Situated in the western part of Uganda, it spans the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. The park is known for its stunning landscapes, including savannahs, forests, wetlands, and lakes. It is home to a wide range of animals, including elephants, lions, hippos, and chimpanzees. One of the park’s highlights is the Kazinga Channel, where visitors can enjoy boat safaris and witness large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. The park’s tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector are another major attraction.

Murchison Falls National Park (Spectacular Waterfalls and Wildlife)

Murchison Falls National Park, located in northwestern Uganda, is the largest national park in the country. The park is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful waterfall. Visitors can take boat trips to the base of the falls and enjoy game drives to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. The park is also a prime location for sport fishing, particularly for Nile perch.

Kibale National Park (The Primate Capital)

Kibale National Park, situated in western Uganda, is often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The park is renowned for its population of chimpanzees, with guided treks offering visitors the chance to observe these intelligent primates in the wild. Kibale is also home to 12 other primate species, including red colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The park’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforest to woodland and savannah, support a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Kidepo Valley National Park (Remote Wilderness Adventure)

Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the northeastern corner of Uganda, offers a remote and wild experience for adventurous travelers. The park is characterized by rugged landscapes, open savannahs, and mountain ranges. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and ostriches. The park’s remote location means it is less visited, providing a more exclusive and off-the-beaten-path experience. Visitors to Kidepo can also interact with the local Karamojong people, gaining insight into their unique culture and traditions.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking)

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which spans the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is known for its gorilla tracking experiences, similar to Bwindi, but also offers the unique opportunity to track golden monkeys. The park’s dramatic volcanic landscape, including the three extinct volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains, provides a stunning backdrop for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Other National Parks in Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park, located in the western part of Uganda, is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks but is known for its rich birdlife. The park is a haven for bird watchers, with over 350 bird species recorded, including the rare red-faced barbet. The park also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with animals such as zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and hippos. Lake Mburo itself is a focal point of the park, providing a beautiful setting for boat rides and wildlife spotting along its shores.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park, situated in western Uganda, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning mountain scenery and challenging trekking routes. The park encompasses the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” which include Africa’s third-highest peak, Margherita Peak. Trekkers can explore glacial lakes, diverse vegetation zones, and the chance to spot unique wildlife such as the Rwenzori turaco. The park is a dream destination for hikers and climbers seeking a demanding and rewarding adventure.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park, located in the Albertine Rift Valley in western Uganda, is known for its incredible biodiversity and unique ecosystem. The park is primarily a lowland tropical rainforest, part of the Congo Basin, and features hot springs, such as the Sempaya Hot Springs, which are a significant attraction. Semuliki is home to numerous primate species, over 400 bird species, and a variety of mammals. The park’s remote location and diverse habitats make it a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park, straddling the border between Uganda and Kenya, features the extinct volcanic Mount Elgon, one of the oldest and largest solitary volcanoes in East Africa. The park offers excellent trekking opportunities, with trails leading to the summit and various other scenic spots like Sipi Falls. Hikers can explore ancient caves, waterfalls, and a variety of flora and fauna, including forest monkeys and diverse bird species. The park’s rich cultural history, including the stories of the Bagisu people, adds another layer of interest for visitors.

Best and Popular Tourist Activities in Uganda

Uganda, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers a wide range of activities that attract tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the most popular and best tourist activities in Uganda:

Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s flagship activity, allowing visitors to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trek through dense forests to see these magnificent creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Wildlife Safaris

Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park These parks offer classic African safari experiences with game drives to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species. The Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth is particularly popular for boat safaris, where tourists can see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Kibale National Park and Budongo Forest Chimpanzee tracking provides an opportunity to get close to our closest relatives. Kibale National Park is renowned for its high population of chimpanzees and offers guided treks to see these intelligent primates.

Bird Watching

Mabamba Swamp and Lake Mburo National Park Uganda is a bird watcher’s paradise with over 1,000 species recorded. Mabamba Swamp is famous for the elusive shoebill stork, while Lake Mburo offers sightings of the red-faced barbet and other rare species.

Hiking and Mountain Climbing

Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Mount Elgon National Park The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” offer challenging hikes and stunning scenery, including glaciers and alpine meadows. Mount Elgon is another popular hiking destination with beautiful landscapes and ancient caves.

Cultural Experiences

Batwa Pygmy Cultural Tours and Karamojong Community Visits Cultural tours provide insight into the traditional ways of life of Uganda’s indigenous peoples. The Batwa pygmy community near Bwindi and the Karamojong people in the northeastern region offer immersive experiences.

Adventure Sports

White-water Rafting on the Nile and Bungee Jumping Jinja, located at the source of the Nile, is a hub for adventure sports. White-water rafting on the Nile’s rapids and bungee jumping over the river are thrilling activities that attract adventure seekers.

Best time to for a Safari in Uganda

The best time for a safari in Uganda is during the dry seasons, from late December to February and from June to September. During these periods, the weather is generally dry, making wildlife easier to spot as they gather around water sources. Roads are also more accessible, enhancing the safari experience. For gorilla trekking specifically, any time of the year is suitable, but the dry seasons offer more comfortable hiking conditions in the forests. It’s advisable to check specific park conditions and availability when planning your safari to ensure optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.

Booking a Uganda Safari with Kenlink Tours

Booking a Uganda safari with Kenlink Tours guarantees a seamless and enriching adventure. Our services specialize in creating bespoke itineraries tailored to your preferences, whether you seek gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, or cultural experiences. With experienced guides and a commitment to excellence, we ensure your journey is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Visit our website or contact us directly to start planning your safari. From luxury accommodations to adventurous expeditions, Kenlink Tours offers flexible booking options to suit every traveler’s needs. Embark on a journey of discovery with Kenlink Tours and explore the diverse beauty of Uganda with confidence and ease.