Uganda attracts visitors with the Big Seven

«Tourism used to be just about checking landmarks off a list,» explains Juliana Kagwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, in an interview with Travelnews. But the modern traveler is looking for more. According to Kagwa, the focus in Uganda has shifted: away from pure sightseeing and towards «immersion.» It’s about a 360-degree experience that engages all the senses – the sounds of the jungle, the aroma of fresh coffee, and a deep understanding of the local culture.

Following the challenges of the pandemic, Uganda is experiencing a significant upswing. By 2025, the country had already reached 90 percent of its pre-Covid level of three million visitors. The goal is clear: to surpass these record numbers by 2030. The Swiss market, in particular, is showing growing interest in the country, which can be described as «all of Africa in one nation.»

Arthur Kafeero, Uganda's ambassador to Geneva, emphasized the country's unique character at the meeting: «We are seeking contact with the Swiss travel industry and Swiss travelers to demonstrate that Uganda is a truly authentic travel destination. A trip to Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.» For Ambassador Kafeero, the focus is not only on nature but also, and perhaps even more so, on the people: «Uganda is safe, open, and welcoming.»

Infrastructure as the key to success

To manage the influx of visitors and facilitate access to remote regions, the government is investing heavily in air transport. In January 2026, the new, modern terminal at Entebbe International Airport opened, significantly increasing capacity. A new airport is being built in Kidepo, providing direct access to the wild Kidepo Valley National Park. The new Kabalega Airport opens the way to Murchison Falls National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, thus improving connectivity to the Rift Valley.

The new direct connection from Kisumu (western Kenya) to Entebbe is particularly strategic. Travelers no longer need to make the detour via Nairobi, which significantly simplifies combining a Masai Mara safari with Ugandan highlights. Thanks to the East Africa visa, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda can already be easily visited with a single document.

Von den Big Five zu den Big Seven

Most people who come to Africa want to see the «Big Five.» Uganda adds two more. «We have the Big Seven,» says Juliana Kagwa proudly. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses are joined here by humans' closest relatives: mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

While the west of the country, with the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park (famous for its tree-climbing lions), is already well-established, the east is now coming into focus. The Karamoja region offers authentic encounters with the local population and walking safaris in pristine wilderness.

With 15 percent of its land area covered by water, snow-capped peaks on the equator (the Rwenzori Mountains), and a pleasant tropical climate, Uganda is a year-round destination. Whether it's the adrenaline rush of rafting on the Nile in Jinja, relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi, or cultural tours to visit the Karamojong people – the country proves it's far more than «just» the home of the gorillas. It's a land of contrasts, where you can search for primates in the cloud forest in the morning and observe lions on the savanna in the afternoon.