Things To Do
in Serere
Serere, Uganda is a rural district in Eastern Uganda characterized by open savannahs, lush farmland, and a welcoming farming communities. Its economy revolves around maize, millet, cassava, and groundnuts with daily life centered around markets and village gatherings. The area offers authentic encounters with Ugandan country life, from colorful markets to traditional storytelling and dances.
While not a major tourist hub, Serere provides a peaceful base to explore the broader Soroti region and nearby wetlands along Lake Kyoga.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your adventure with a visit to the vibrant local market in Serere, where you can interact with the friendly vendors and sample fresh produce. Take the time to learn about traditional Ugandan crafts and perhaps purchase a unique souvenir. Enjoy a cup of locally sourced coffee as you soak in the lively atmosphere.
After lunch, embark on a guided tour through the beautiful landscapes of Serere, where you'll witness the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Capture photos of the picturesque hills and lush vegetation, as well as any wildlife you encounter along the way. Engage with your guide to learn about the area's ecology and the importance of conservation.
As the sun sets, join a local community for dinner, where you can indulge in traditional Ugandan dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from the surrounding area. Experience the warmth of Ugandan hospitality as you share stories and laughter with your hosts. End your evening by stargazing under the clear African sky, immersing yourself in the sounds of the night.
Start your day with a visit to a nearby village, where you will partake in cultural activities such as dance and music workshops. This hands-on experience will provide insight into the rich traditions and daily lives of the local people. Participate actively and embrace the rhythm and joy of Ugandan culture.
Post-lunch, head to Serere’s nature trails for a nature walk, enjoying the lush scenery and the chance to spot native birds and wildlife. Take a moment to reflect in the serene environment as you listen to the sounds of nature. Your knowledgeable guide will share interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the region.
Wrap up the day with a sunset boat ride on the nearby river, where you can spot hippos and other wildlife coming to the water's edge. The orange and pink hues of the sunset will create a magical backdrop, perfect for evening relaxation. Conclude the night with a lantern-lit dinner on the shore, sharing memories with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🚗Local transportation (short ride) | $0.5-2 |
| 🏨One-night budget hotel | $15-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-2 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.5-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Ugandan experiences and welcoming communities
- Affordable travel with rich agricultural landscapes
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist facilities in Serere itself
- Rural roads can be muddy or dusty depending on the season
- "Habari yako?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Unaongea Kiingereza?" - Do you speak English?
- "Samahani" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Wapi choo?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Bei gani?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Serere
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light over stalls and shelves, with a dynamic mix of colors, textures, and expressions from traders.
Long rows of green and gold under broad skies—ideal for wide landscape shots and portraits with local life in the background.
Water, reeds, and migrating birds create reflective surfaces and serene compositions at sunset.
Close-up portraits and documentary scenes capturing daily routines, clothing, and family interactions.
Soft light and silhouettes of workers returning from field work provide evocative silhouettes.
Food in Serere
Serere Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Maize meal served with stewed beans or groundnut sauce; a staple comfort dish found in most village eateries.
Must-Try!
Steamed plantains served with a rich peanut sauce and side vegetables; a popular, filling option.
Boiled or fried cassava paired with locally smoked fish; common along river and lake shore communities.
A warm, comforting porridge often sweetened with sugar or flavored with peanut meal; a traditional breakfast or snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant hub for fresh produce, grains, herbs, and nuts; great for tasting roadside dishes and buying local snacks.
A larger regional market nearby where you can sample roasted maize, roasted groundnuts, fried plantains, and fruit stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people warmly with a handshake; address elders with formal respect and a smile; tone and body language should be polite.
Dress modestly in rural areas—shoulders and knees covered; remove hats or sunglasses indoors when speaking with elders.
Use the right hand for giving and receiving items, money, and food; the left hand is considered less appropriate for such exchanges.
Ask before photographing people, homes, or private spaces to respect privacy and cultural norms.
Safety
Tipping in Serere
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and lodges, a tip of about 5-10% is appreciated if service is good. Smaller, informal spots may not expect tips, but rounding up the bill is common.
Cash is widely accepted for markets and small eateries. Mobile money (MTN MoMo and Airtel Money) is common for transportation, tips, and larger purchases; some lodges accept card payments in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February and June–August bring cooler mornings and dry afternoons; travel is easier by road, but dust can be significant. Water sources may shrink, so plan for longer travel times between villages and markets.
March–May and October–November bring regular showers and lush, green landscapes; expect muddy roads in rural areas and occasional travel delays, but vibrant birdlife and productive farms.
Serere at Night
Hiking in Serere
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easily accessible wetland trails offering birding opportunities and peaceful countryside scenery near Lake Kyoga.
Gentle hills and ridges provide easy-to-moderate hikes with panoramic views of farmland and distant settlements.
Airports
How to reach Serere by plane.
Small regional airport serving domestic flights; typically accessed from Entebbe/Kampala via a short domestic leg or chartered flights to connect with road travel to Serere.
Uganda’s main international gateway. From Entebbe you can drive or take a domestic flight to Soroti and then road travel to Serere.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic groups in the region, with languages and cultural traditions rooted in agriculture and pastoralism; English is widely spoken in formal settings.
A growing mix within larger towns, contributing to a diverse, evolving cultural scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Uganda, with local matches and school teams visible in towns and villages.
Common recreational and school-level sports, especially among youth and community groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Serere.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Expect dishes based on beans, groundnuts, maize, matooke, and leafy greens. Ask for oil-free preparations or peanut sauces cooked separately, and request protein from beans or groundnuts when possible.