More reasons to explore Uganda: inside edition 2 of the Adventure Tourism Uganda magazine, from hiking and cycling trails to community-led adventure
Aerial view of Nakapelimoru, northeastern Uganda. Kara-Tunga Tour of Karamoja, Uganda. CREDIT Eric Mukalazi
How the project started
I was thrilled when the Adventure Tourism Uganda team invited me to edit the new magazine. It gave me the opportunity to check in with tourism colleagues across the country and research some new and trending activities and destinations.
It’s not the first time an image alone has compelled me to visit somewhere new. The striking aerial shot of cyclists taking part in the annual Tour of Karamoja, weaving their way through Nakapelimoru “East Africa’s largest traditional village” played on my mind for weeks. Where exactly was it? Why had I not been there? (And when could I go?)
I’ve since travelled back to Karamoja – and the experience was far more powerful than a photograph could ever suggest. Read My observations from Karamoja here. Karamoja is just one of the emerging adventure destinations featured in this edition of the Adventure Tourism Uganda Magazine.
My name is Charlotte Beauvoisin. I am a travel writer, guidebook researcher, podcaster and trainer.
What do we mean by adventure? And where do I go for it?
With one of the world’s best climates – and incredible scenery at every turn – Uganda is a brilliant place for all kinds of adventures! You may associate the country with safaris, gorillas and chimps, hiking or white water rafting… all mind-blowing adventures. Adding to this (already enviable) list of attractions, the Adventure Tourism Uganda consortium have been helping develop more new activities in new places — giving reasons to stay longer, reasons to slow down – and reasons to revisit?
Ready to read the Adventure Tourism Uganda magazine right away? Click here.
Uganda’s adventure story
From the high peaks of Mount Elgon (in eastern Uganda) and the Rwenzoris (to the west) to the white-crested rapids of the River Nile, Uganda’s adventure story is gaining momentum. Since the first edition of the magazine in 2023, the sector has moved far beyond “just one activity.” Today, adventure is a thriving sub-sector with its own identity.
Adventure is no longer niche; it’s one of the fastest-growing ways to travel. Visitors from Europe are choosing more walking and cycling trips — often paired with authentic, locally led experiences. (Isn’t it great to get out of the vehicle?) Weekends away are changing too, with more Ugandans escaping Kampala to climb mountains, run marathons and spend evenings around the campfire.
Behind these choices are bigger shifts: travellers want active holidays that also matter, combining physical challenges with meaning and adventure with positive impact.
Inside edition two of the Adventure Tourism Uganda magazine
- Journeys on foot and bike: cycling safaris, the Mosopisiek Trail (Kapchorwa / Elgon), bikepacking routes, and Karamoja’s four unknown peaks (northeastern Uganda).
- People at the heart of adventure: voices from guides, Ugandan adventure photographers, and “Our people” testimonies featuring young people shaping tourism.
- Cultural encounters: the Ik Cultural Heritage Trail and the Karamoja Cultural Festival (northeastern Uganda).
- On the water: rafting expeditions and waterfall hikes in Rukungiri (western Uganda).
- Sports and community: Sports Tourism Ambassador Rob Walker on Uganda’s rise as a running hub. (You may remember Rob was one of my first guests on the East Africa Travel Podcast.)
- Alternative adventures: family travel and stories of women-led safaris with the Travelling Sisterhood (Matoke Tours).
- Industry acclaim for both the Adventure Tourism Uganda project and the East Africa Travel Podcast by Diary of a Muzungu at the ATTA® awards at Experience Africa in London.
- Planning tools: an adventure calendar (of runs, marathons and biking competitions) and a map to help you plan your next adventures!
Did you know? Market intelligence shows that adventure travellers from Europe, for example, are seeking nature, challenge, off-the-beaten-path experiences, culture, and sustainability. European travellers are among the world’s most environmentally conscious – seeking experiences that balance thrill with purpose. These trends highlight clear opportunities for Uganda’s adventure tourism industry. Uganda matches all these expectations.
Ready to explore Uganda adventurously?
Are you ready to lace up your running shoes, grab a paddle, or hop on a bike? Read the Adventure Tourism Uganda magazine to explore adventure tourism activities across Uganda. And as always, if you have a question or travel enquiry, feel free to contact the Muzungu.
Adventurously yours… Charlotte AKA Nagawa, Diary of a Muzungu.
