Things To Do
in Soroti
Soroti is a bustling regional hub in eastern Uganda, serving as the commercial and cultural center of the Teso sub-region. The town sits near Lake Kyoga and is a gateway to nearby wetlands, reserves and Mount Elgon’s eastern slopes. Soroti’s markets, lively roadside food stalls and boda-boda culture give visitors an authentic glimpse of everyday Ugandan life beyond the capital.
The surrounding countryside offers birding, nature reserves and agricultural scenery that reward short trips from town.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Soroti Museum, where you can learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. As you stroll through the exhibits, immerse yourself in the stories of the local communities and their traditions. The warm morning sun provides a perfect backdrop for taking photos of the museum's beautiful architecture.
After lunch at a local eatery, head to the vibrant Soroti Main Market. Here, you can experience the hustle and bustle of daily life, sampling local produce and handicrafts while engaging with friendly vendors. Don’t forget to try some freshly made street snacks that showcase the flavors of Ugandan cuisine.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local café to enjoy a traditional Ugandan dinner. Savor dishes like Luwombo and Matoke while listening to local musicians play traditional folk music. The evening atmosphere is lively and filled with laughter, making it a perfect end to your first day.
Begin your day with a refreshing walk along the shores of Soroti Lake, where the morning mist creates a serene atmosphere. Take in the breathtaking views of the lake and watch as fishermen set out in their boats, casting their nets for the day’s catch. The chirping of birds and gentle lapping of water adds to the tranquil ambiance.
After your nature walk, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas by the lake. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or simply relaxing under the shade of trees, enjoying the sounds of nature. If you're up for it, try your hand at some fishing with the locals.
In the evening, take a boat ride on the lake to witness the stunning sunset reflecting off the water. The golden hues of the sunset provide a mesmerizing backdrop, perfect for capturing beautiful photographs. End your day with a light dinner at a lakeside restaurant, enjoying the cool breeze and the sound of water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $1-2 |
| 🚌Local minibus/taxi ride | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse room | $15-35 |
| 🎟️Guided day trip or reserve entry | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic regional cultural experiences and markets
- Access to wetlands, lake scenery and nearby reserves for wildlife and birding
- Lower costs compared with Uganda’s larger cities
- Friendly local communities and traditional crafts
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities than larger cities
- Roads can be poor or impassable in heavy rains, making travel planning necessary
- Fewer international flight connections — most visits require a road transfer from larger airports
- Medical facilities are limited compared with major urban centres
- "Amanyi?" - How are you? (Ateso)
- "Nawoni" - Thank you (Ateso)
- "Eih" - Yes (Ateso)
- "Nai" - No (Ateso)
- "Togosôre" - Excuse me / Sorry (Ateso)
- "Where is the market?" - Amor en ngerek epeet? (literal English prompt — ask in English locally as many speak English)
Places to Visit in Soroti
Visit one of these nice places.
Early morning and late afternoon light over the shallow lake creates reflective water and birdlife scenes; fishermen and reed beds make for evocative rural photos.
Vibrant colors, textiles, produce and candid street scenes — ideal for documentary-style photography of daily life.
Open savannah, antelope, birds and distant landscapes provide wide vistas and wildlife photography opportunities with a guide.
If you travel east toward Mount Elgon, the three-tiered falls offer dramatic water and cliff scenery, especially after rains.
Photograph artisans weaving baskets, making mats and carving — great for portraiture and cultural context (ask permission first).
Food in Soroti
Soroti Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple meal of stiff maize porridge (posho) served with a rich groundnut (peanut) sauce and often accompanied by beef, goat or seasonal vegetables — widely available at local eateries.
Must-Try!
A popular Ugandan street food: a chapati rolled around an omelette and vegetables — perfect for breakfast or a quick snack; you’ll find vendors near markets and along main roads.
Freshwater fish from Lake Kyoga, commonly grilled and seasoned simply; try it at lakeside stalls or restaurants that serve local fish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market for fresh produce, grains, spices and small cooked food stalls; try rolex, samosas, fried sweet potatoes and fresh fruit here.
Clustered vendors selling chapati, samosas, roasted maize and grilled meats; good for quick, inexpensive bites and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important — say hello in the morning and ask about family or health; a handshake is common among men and between men and women in formal situations (watch for cues).
Dress conservatively when visiting villages, religious sites or attending formal events; avoid overly revealing clothing.
Elders are given deference and are often consulted in community matters; show respect in conversations and when entering households.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly in rural or religious contexts; some people may prefer not to be photographed.
Safety
Tipping in Soroti
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; leave small tips (5–10%) at restaurants for table service and a few thousand shillings for guides or drivers who provide exceptional service. For casual market stalls and street vendors tipping is uncommon; round up small purchases if you like.
Cash (Ugandan shillings) is primary for most purchases, markets and roadside stalls. Mobile money services like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money are widely used for bills and transfers; ATMs are available in Soroti but carry limited cash, so withdraw enough for rural excursions. Credit cards are accepted at few establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Days are sunnier and drier with easier road conditions for accessing reserves and rural areas; temperatures are warm to hot and mosquitoes are less active. This is a good time for wildlife viewing and hiking, but bring sun protection and water.
Heavy rains can make unpaved roads muddy and occasionally impassable; some attractions may be harder to reach. The countryside is lush and green, waterfalls are fuller, and birdwatching can be excellent — but plan travel with extra time and a sturdy vehicle.
Intermittent rains and humid conditions; roads may be patchy but many services remain available. Expect sporadic showers and carry a lightweight rain jacket.
Soroti at Night
Hiking in Soroti
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Series of trails on the eastern slopes of Mount Elgon leading to three waterfalls; offers moderate hikes, local guides and coffee farm visits (longer drive from Soroti but very rewarding).
Gentle walking and guided drive options through Acacia savannah and scrub, good for wildlife viewing and experiencing remote landscapes.
Guided walks around wetlands and papyrus beds near Lake Opeta for birdwatching and observing wetland ecosystems; best with a local guide.
Various short hikes on the lower slopes offering views, farming landscapes and waterfall approaches — suitable as day trips when combined with Sipi visits.
Airports
How to reach Soroti by plane.
A small regional airport serving domestic flights and charter services; convenient for short transfers to town but services may be infrequent.
A small regional airport located south-east of Soroti near Mbale; useful as an alternative regional access point, though road transfer times vary.
Uganda’s main international airport near Kampala; most international visitors arrive here and then travel by road (6–8+ hours) or domestic connections to reach Soroti.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in the Teso sub-region, speaking Ateso; maintain agricultural and pastoral livelihoods and rich cultural traditions.
A significant minority with distinct cultural practices and language (Lugwere), often found in nearby districts and interacting economically with Soroti.
Soroti hosts people from other Ugandan ethnic groups and some expatriates working in NGOs, government or commerce, contributing to a diverse town population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Uganda, with local teams, youth leagues and community matches drawing crowds and participation.
Recreational and competitive running events take place seasonally, and school athletics are popular.
A widely played sport among women and girls, with local teams and school competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Soroti.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are possible but limited; request vegetable stews, beans, rice and chapati. Markets and stalls often sell simple vegetable dishes, but clearly communicate 'no meat/fish' and ask about use of stock or groundnut sauce which may be vegetarian-friendly.
More challenging — ask vendors about butter, milk or egg use in sauces and chapati; stick to beans, plain rice, boiled greens and fresh fruit where possible.
Stick to freshly cooked hot food, bottled water or boiled water, and peeled fruit; roadside salads and uncooked foods can carry risk for visitors with sensitive stomachs.