Mbale

Mbale is a picturesque town in Eastern Uganda, located 230 kilometers from Kampala, with Mount Elgon as its main attraction. This large town was founded at the turn of the twentieth century and has since become a popular tourist destination. Hiking up Mount Elgon or the neighboring Wanale Cliffs is one of the best things to do in Mbale. Mount Elgon, which stands at 4,321 meters, is an extinct volcano on the Kenyan-Ugandan border.

Uganda is home to over 1000 different bird species, and a large number of them can be observed on a birding safari in Mbale. The Kapkwai forest exploration center offers excellent opportunities for birders since it has most of the bird species found in the Elgon national park. Back in the town itself and you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of day-to-day Ugandan life, along with plenty of shops and market stalls.

• Best time to visit: from January to March
• Location: Mbale, Uganda