WELCOME TO
Uganda
Explore Uganda: The Pearl of Africa
Uganda earns its reputation as the Pearl of Africa through contrast. Mist-covered rainforests sit alongside open savannah. Vast lakes feed the Nile. The Rwenzori Mountains rise snow-capped above the equator. Few countries in Africa pack this much variety into one journey.
Uganda delivers strong classic safari experiences, including lion, elephant, buffalo, and boat safaris along the Nile. But its real distinction lies in its forests. This is one of the best places in the world for primate tracking.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale. Golden monkeys in Mgahinga. Nowhere else combines this density of primate encounters with traditional game drives so seamlessly.
Uganda is not a one-park destination. It is a layered safari country built around biodiversity, water systems, and wild landscapes that still feel largely untouched.
If you want depth, variety, and serious wildlife credibility, Uganda delivers.
The Primate Capital of Africa
Uganda delivers a layered safari experience. It is not defined by one ecosystem or one wildlife spectacle. Instead, it combines primate encounters, river-based exploration and traditional game viewing into a balanced journey.
Key reasons travellers choose Uganda:
Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Nile River at Murchison Falls
Fewer safari vehicles compared to high-traffic destinations
Strong community-based conservation models
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Why visit Uganda
Uganda sits at the crossroads of East and Central Africa, where tropical rainforest meets open savannah and the River Nile begins its long journey north. Few destinations on the continent combine such ecological diversity within a relatively compact area.
Uganda key facts
Uganda lies along the equator and is bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The source of the River Nile is located in Jinja at Lake Victoria. Western Uganda rises into highlands and volcanic ranges, while the north-east opens into semi-arid savannah.
POPULATION SIZE
45 million
CURRENCY
Ugandan shilling (UGX)
GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE
241,038 km²
LANGUAGE
English & Kiswahili (official)
Mountain gorilla
Uganda protects roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the country’s flagship wildlife experience.
Chimpanzee
Kibale Forest National Park is widely regarded as one of the best destinations in Africa for chimpanzee tracking, with high success rates and well-managed trekking systems.
Lion
In Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector, lions are known for climbing fig trees. Murchison Falls also supports strong lion populations across its northern plains.
Elephant
Elephants are commonly sighted in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Buffalo, leopard, giraffe and hippo are also regularly encountered in Uganda’s savannah parks.
Uganda weather
Dry season June to September & December to February These months generally provide easier trekking conditions in forested parks and improved wildlife visibility in savannah areas.
Rainy season March to May & October to November Rainfall increases, particularly in April and May. Forest trails become more demanding, but landscapes are greener and birdlife is active.
Uganda remains accessible year-round, especially for primate trekking.
DRY SEASON
July to September
RAINY SEASON
March to May & October to November
Best time to go
Uganda’s safari destinations
Uganda’s safari strength lies in combining rainforest primate trekking with savannah wildlife viewing and river-based exploration within one itinerary.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa. The park is divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Each sector hosts habituated gorilla families that can be visited through permits issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Trekking difficulty varies depending on terrain and gorilla movement. Once a family is located, visitors are permitted one hour in their presence under strict conservation guidelines.
Bwindi’s terrain is steep and densely forested. Lodges are positioned near trekking start points to reduce transfer times and improve overall logistics.
Chimpanzee Trekking – Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park protects one of Africa’s most important primate habitats. The forest is home to thirteen primate species, including a large and well-studied chimpanzee population.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale begins early in the morning with ranger briefings before entering the forest in small groups. Once located, visitors spend one regulated hour observing the troop as they feed, groom and move through the canopy.
Kibale also offers a chimpanzee habituation experience, allowing extended time with semi-habituated groups. This option appeals to travellers seeking deeper behavioural observation.
The park’s accessibility and high sighting success rate make Kibale a natural complement to gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
The Nile & Savannah – Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest protected area. The River Nile forces through a narrow gorge before plunging into the lower river basin, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in the region.
The northern sector supports savannah wildlife including elephant, giraffe, lion and buffalo. Boat safaris to the base of the falls provide close encounters with hippos and crocodiles.
Combining game drives with river cruises offers a balanced perspective of the park’s ecosystems.
Tree-Climbing Lions & Crater Lakes – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park spans open plains, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and supports one of the highest hippo concentrations in East Africa.
The Ishasha sector is particularly known for tree-climbing lions resting in large fig trees. Game drives across Kasenyi plains frequently reveal Uganda kob, buffalo and elephant.
Remote Wilderness – Kidepo Valley National Park
Located in Uganda’s north-east, Kidepo Valley National Park offers wide savannah landscapes and low visitor numbers. Its remote location creates a sense of exclusivity rarely found elsewhere.
Wildlife includes lion, cheetah, ostrich and large buffalo herds, with dramatic mountain backdrops shaping the scenery.
OUR JOURNEYS
Uganda Journeys
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
What animals can I see in Uganda?
Uganda is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Africa. It is home to mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and large concentrations of savannah wildlife in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
You can see lion, including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, leopard, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and crocodile. Uganda also protects one of the largest populations of Rothschild’s giraffes in Murchison Falls. Birdlife is exceptional, with over 1,000 recorded species including the rare shoebill stork.
Where is Uganda located?
Uganda is located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya to the east, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the southwest, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west and South Sudan to the north. It sits along the equator and includes part of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa.
How many national parks are there in Uganda?
Uganda has 10 national parks protecting rainforest, savannah, wetlands and mountain ecosystems. These include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Semuliki National Park and Mount Elgon National Park.
Each park offers a distinct experience, from gorilla trekking to Big Five game drives and high-altitude hiking.
What can I do in Uganda besides going on safari?
Beyond wildlife viewing, Uganda offers cultural visits, boat cruises along the Nile, white-water rafting in Jinja, and hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains. You can visit local communities near Bwindi, explore crater lakes in western Uganda, or relax on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi.
Uganda is also one of the best destinations in Africa for birding and primate tracking.
What should I wear on a Uganda safari?
Uganda’s climate is generally warm but can be cool in the mornings and evenings, particularly in higher altitude areas such as Bwindi and the Rwenzori Mountains.
For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, wear long trousers, long sleeves, sturdy waterproof hiking boots and a light rain jacket. For game drives, neutral colours such as khaki, olive and beige are recommended. Avoid bright colours and white.
Where do I fly into Uganda for a safari?
Most international travellers arrive at Entebbe International Airport, located near Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria. From Entebbe, safari destinations are accessed by road or domestic flight. For example, Murchison Falls is approximately 5 to 6 hours by road, while Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about 8 to 9 hours depending on the sector.
What is Uganda’s national animal?
The Uganda kob, a graceful antelope commonly seen in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, is Uganda’s national animal and appears on the country’s coat of arms.
VISAS
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Yes. Most travellers require a visa to enter Uganda.
The easiest option is the Uganda e-visa, which must be applied for online before travel through the official immigration portal. Once approved, you will receive an approval letter that you present on arrival at Entebbe International Airport or a land border.
Uganda is also part of the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows travel between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on a single visa if you enter through the issuing country first. This is ideal if you are combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with time in Rwanda or Kenya.
Visa fees and requirements can change, so always confirm current regulations with the official Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration website or your nearest Ugandan embassy before departure.
VACCINATIONS
What vaccines do I need to visit Uganda?
Always chat to your travel clinic or doctor before travelling to Uganda. As a guide, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, diphtheria and polio vaccinations are recommended. A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda, and you will need to show your yellow fever vaccination card on arrival.
Is Uganda malaria free?
No. Malaria is present throughout most of Uganda, including popular safari areas. We advise all our guests to speak to their physician about the most suitable anti-malaria medication. Please note, many anti-malaria tablets need to be taken before departure.
What is the COVID protocol for travelling to Uganda?
Uganda has lifted most COVID-related entry requirements. However, regulations can change in line with global health guidance. Please speak to your Travel Designer or check official government advisories before departure to ensure you are prepared for any current travel requirements.
Do I need to show proof of COVID vaccination when arriving in Uganda?
Travellers do not currently need to show proof of COVID vaccination to enter Uganda. COVID vaccination certificates are not mandatory for entry, but always confirm current regulations before travelling.
TIPPING POLICY IN EAST AFRICA
- Tipping practices in East Africa can vary depending on the country and the specific service you receive and how appreciate.
- Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.
- In restaurants, a service charge may already be included in the bill. If not, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is customary.
- For hotel staff, such as porters or room service, a tip of around $1-2 per service is typical.
- For safari guides and drivers, tipping is recommended for good services. The amount varies depending on the length of the safari and level of satisfaction, but a guideline is around $10-20 per person per day.
- It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and tipping practices can vary. It’s always a good idea to consider the level of service you received and your own satisfaction when deciding whether and how much to tip. Additionally, some upscale establishments may have different expectations for tipping.
- It’s recommended to carry small bills in the local currency to facilitate tipping, as it may not always be easy to obtain change for larger bills in upcountry restaurants and lodges.
LET’S PLAN YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
We tailor each journey around seasonality, comfort and wildlife priorities.