Why Visit Uganda
Uganda is an East African gem. The Pearl of Africa, as it is commonly known, is a perfectly fitting name for a country offering so many diverse and unique experiences.
Uganda offers unparalleled experiences; from Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Big 5 Safaris, Forests, Volcanoes, Snow Capped Mountains, Waterfalls and more.
The most notable of all destinations is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The towering forest is home to more than half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas. Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure, coming face-to-face with majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
The country is also home to the source of the Nile River and the powerful Murchison Falls, a breathtaking spectacle of water cascading through the heart of the country.
There are excellent safari opportunities in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, home to diverse wildlife, including lions, leopard, elephants, and more. Both parks have boat and vehicle safaris.
For a unique experience, venture into the ‘primate capital of the world’, Kibale Forest National Park. The park is an excellent destination for chimpanzee tracking and birdwatching.
Uganda’s picturesque landscapes extend to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda, where you can unwind amidst serene surroundings and engage in all types of water activities.
Throughout Uganda you can engage with local communities to experience the warmth of Ugandan locals and learn about traditional customs and rituals.
Whether you’re captivated by wildlife, landscapes, or cultural diversity, Uganda promises an extraordinary adventure that will leave you with life-long memories.
Discover Uganda
Top Destinations
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A bucket list destination! Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to more than half of the worlds endangered Mountain Gorillas. The towering forest and dense green vegetation creates the perfect habitat for these gentle giants to thrive. A day of trekking with these giants will leaving you feeling awe inspired and touched by nature. For those wanting to have a unique experience, one can enjoy a longer habituation experience with the gorilla’s, this gives you even more time to spend with the gorillas at a more relaxed pace. Bwindi is also home to forest buffalo, elephant and numerous special birds.
Attraction List:
- Guided treks to encounter habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat.
- Participate in the gorilla habituation experience, which allows visitors to spend an extended period. of time with a gorilla family undergoing habituation.
- Take guided nature walks and hiking trails through Bwindi's ancient rainforest.
- Go birdwatching with local guides.
- Visit Batwa communities and participate in one of Africa's age old cultures.
- Engage with local communities by participating in community visits and homestays.
- Beautiful lodges set in amongst the towering forest, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
One of Uganda’s largest and most diverse National Parks offers an extraordinary safari experience. Its sprawling savannas and fertile plains host a spectacular array of wildlife, including lions, leopard, elephants and buffaloes. A unique safari experience that is being offered in Queen Elizabeth is going on a Lion Tracking safari. This is great activity for predator and big cat enthusiasts. The park also offers boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel unveiling a different perspective with an abundance of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. For another unique experience on can head to the Ishasha region to witness the famous tree-climbing lions. With its scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park stands as a premier destination for an authentic African safari experience.
Attraction List:
- Safari drives exploring the park's savannah plains, woodlands, and wetlands.
- Boat Safaris on Kazinga Channel watching hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalo's.
- Lion Tracking with professional guides.
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge.
- Explore Ishasha, to search for the famous tree-climbing lions.
- Explore diverse habitats to spot a wide variety of birdlife.
- Visit the crater lakes and scenic viewpoints.
- Visit the nearby Equator line.
Kibale National Park
Renowned as the primate capital of East Africa, Kibale is home to the highest diversity and concentration of primates on the continent, including the iconic chimpanzees. Kibale National Park is a paradise for primate enthusiasts with an opportunity to encounter 13 different primate species. The diverse ecosystem of Kibale National Park extends beyond primates, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, crater lakes, and an array of forest wildlife. A bucket list experience is Kibale is to do a half day Chimpanzee Habituation experience where you get to spend more time with the Chimpanzee’s, perfect for photographers and serious nature enthusiasts.
Attraction List:
- Chimpanzee Tracking in one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee tracking.
- Chimpanzee Habituation Experience for a longer more immersive chimpanzee encounter.
- Primate Walks in search of 12 other primate species.
- Kibale is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 375 bird species recorded.
- Visit the nearby Crater Lakes.
- Stay in the forest in one of the amazing nearby forest lodges.
Murchison Falls National Park
As one of Uganda’s premier safari parks, no trip Is complete without a visit to the diverse Murchison Falls. The park is home to the Big 4 (no Rhino), however its most notable feature is the mighty Murchison Falls itself, where the Nile River comes thundering down a 6-metre-wide gap and 45 metre drop, the spray from the waterfall can be seen from miles away and standing at the edge will show you natures sheer power.
In Murchison Falls National Park, the top activities are Chimpanzee Tracking (Budongo Forest), Boat Safaris to the falls, Boat Trips to Lake Albert to find the world-famous Shoebill Stork, Safari Drives in search of all wildlife including Lion and Leopard. The area is also well known for fishing and for the to catch one of Africa’s giants, The Nile Perch.
The safari is one of the greenest safari’s one can experience, the lands are filled with rolling hills and palm trees. These landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for photographers.
Attraction List:
- Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of Murchison Falls.
- Boat Safaris on the Nile witnessing crocodiles, hippos, elephants, buffaloes and other mammals.
- Embark on game drives looking for predators like lions, leopards and hyenas.
- Hike to the top of Murchison Falls for panoramic views of the Nile River.
- Enjoy a boat safari to the Nile Delta ooffering opportunities to observe the elusive shoebill stork.
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest.
- Birdwatching excursion to discover some of the 450 bird species recorded.
Mgahinga National Park
Nestled in the Virunga Mountains and one of Uganda’s smallest parks, it offers an intimate and less crowded experience compared to other parks. This National Park is another location for trekking for the endangered mountain gorillas and offers a multitude of other activities including Golden Monkey Tracking, Batwa Pygmy Trails and Volcano Hiking. Their are three alternate days hikes taking you up to one of the three different volcanic peaks, the highest being Muhabura at 4,127m/13,540ft.
Attraction List:
- Guided gorilla tracking and offers a good option for combining with Bwindi Tracking.
- Golden Monkey Tracking.
- Batwa Pygmy Cultural Trail.
- Hiking the three volcanos: Gahinga, Sabinyo and Muhabura.
Lake Mutanda
A beautiful crater lake situated between Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park. The lake is idyllic offering scenic landscapes with clear waters and towering volcanoes as the backdrop. Enjoy a local wooden canoe trip on the lake or a boat trip to explore the lake and learning more about the region. This is one of the few lakes in Africa that is safe for swimming. There are lakeside lodges offering good bases to explore the region.
Attraction List:
- Scenic Boat Trips on Lake Mutanda
- Local Wooden Canoe Trips
- Relaxation and Rejuvenation alongside The Lakeside
- Cultural Visits and Village Tours
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The "Mountains of the Moon," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing one of Africa's tallest and challenging mountain ranges. It is situated on the equator and still features snow-capped peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows, and diverse flora and fauna. Trekking options are between a single day up to eight days treks. The full eight day climb is to summit Margherita Peak (Africa's third highest peak) at 5,119 metres/16,795 feet. The park's unique ecosystem hosts endemic plants and wildlife, offering an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.
Attraction List:
- Guided treks up to 8 days up Africa's third highest peak with Rwenzori Trekking Services.
- Single day hikes to discover the mountains unique fauna and flora.
Lake Mburo National Park
A small but unique National Park with a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife. The park's is dotted with rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and savannahs, creating a picturesque setting for game drives, guided walks, and horseback safaris. We highly recommend a cycling safari in amongst wildlife and the local Ankole Cattle.
There are also night drives on offer giving you a chance to find the elusive leopards that roam the region. This park is an ideal stopover for those traveling between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Entebbe
Attraction List:
- Amazing trails for a cycling safari in amongst wildlife.
- Photograph the local Ankole Cattle.
- Discover the parks nocturnal creatures on a night safari.
- Horseback Safari through the scenic savannahs and woodlands.
- Perfect stopover from Bwindi to Entebbe.
Lake Bunyonyi
The "lake of a thousand islands," boasts breathtaking landscapes with numerous small islands scattered across its crystal-clear waters. Visitors can indulge in a range of activities, from boat cruises, canoeing, swimming, and birdwatching. Surrounding hills provide stunning viewpoints for mesmerizing sunsets and panoramic vistas of the lake and its surroundings. The laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery make Lake Bunyonyi a perfect retreat for relaxation.
Attraction List:
- Scenic lake that is safe for water activities.
- Enjoy boat cruises, swimming, local wooden canoe trips and birdwatching.
- Eat a local crayfish pizza.
- Photograph the reflective lake at sunrise and sunset.
- Visit a local community and/or orphanage to understand the local life and donate (discretionary).
Jinja and The Nile River
The town is famed for being the "Adventure Capital of East Africa’’ as well as the source of the Nile River. Adventurers flock here for adrenaline-pumping experiences including whitewater rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping and stand-up paddleboarding. The river's calm stretches also provide relaxing boat cruises and fishing opportunities. The town's laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it a fantastic destination for both adrenaline junkies and those seeking a relaxed getaway by the Nile's banks. For an exclusive, luxurious and unique stay at Wildwaters Lodge situated on an island surrounded by grade 5 rapids.
Attraction List:
- Full day white water rafting down the Nile.
- Learn a new skill and white water kayak the Nile (courses available).
- Visit the source of the Nile River.
- Scenic boat and fishing trips.
- Accommodation from backpackers all through to luxury lodges.
- Stay on a private 5* island situated in amongst Grade 5 Rapids.
Kidepo Valley National Park
A pristine wilderness in the Northern part of Uganda. Renowned for its untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and large buffalo herds, Kidepo provides exceptional game viewing opportunities. Its remote location ensures a serene and uncrowded environment for immersive wildlife encounters. The park's stunning savannah, rugged mountains, and diverse habitats create a picturesque backdrop for activities including game drives, guided nature walks, and birdwatching. For the adventurous, there is a hike up Mount Morungule offering incredible vistas and a visit to the IK tribe, known as ‘the mountain people’, learn about one of the oldest cultures and remaining languages known today.
Attraction List:
- Safaris in Kidepo: Game drives, nature walks and birdwatching.
- Find lions on top of a rocky outcrop.
- Off the beaten track safari in a remote region.
- Do a Karamajong cultural tour.
- For adventurers, hike Mount Morungule for its scenery and the IK tribe visit.
Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon National Park
Situated in the remote Eastern part of Uganda, these stunning waterfalls present a breathtaking sight amidst lush landscapes and terraced hills. Cascading down in three tiers from Mount Elgon, adventurers can embark on hiking trails that lead to the different viewpoints, providing mesmerizing panoramas of the falls and the surrounding countryside. The area's tranquillity makes it ideal for relaxation, meditation, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature. Engage with the local communities to learn about their culture and traditions, as well as visit the many coffee plantations in the area.
Attraction List:
- Marvel at the beauty and power of Sipi Falls the main falls dropping approximately 100 meters.
- Explore the surrounding foothills and countryside on guided hiking and trekking excursions.
- Discover the Sipi Falls area by taking guided coffee tours through local plantations.
- Sipi Falls is a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Explore the Sipi Falls area on a guided cycling tour or local Boda Boda (Motorbike).
- Capture the beauty and essence of Sipi Falls through photography.
- Enjoy yoga sessions, meditation, or massage treatments offered by local lodges.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
As the only place in Uganda where Rhino’s roam freely, the sanctuary provides a vital conservation effort for rhino reintroduction. Visitors can embark on Rhino Tracking on Foot, providing up-close encounters with these incredible animals in a safe and protected environment. The destination is ideal as a stopover between Entebbe and Murchison Falls
Attraction List:
- Rhino Tracking on Foot.
- Perfect Stopover between Entebbe and Murchison Falls.
Entebbe
Entebbe holds a charm that blends natural beauty, history and a relaxed atmosphere. The town is situated alongside the shores of Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake), offering scenic views and serene spots for leisure. Entebbe is home to the country’s main international airport and is the usual entry point for most travellers. It has a vast botanical garden that stands testament to Uganda's biodiversity as well as being nearby to Mabamba Swamps to see the highly endangered Shoebill Storks. One can use the Boda Boda's (motorbike taxis) to travel to the lake, beachside bars and restaurants to have an authentic travel experience.
Attraction List:
- Relax and enjoy the gateway town to Uganda's many adventurers.
- Enjoy a meal alongside Lake Victoria (Africa's largest Lake).
- Visit the Botanical Gardens for some great biodiversity.
- Take a boat to the nearby Mabamba Swamps in search of the endagered Shoebill Storks.
- Take a Boda Boda Taxi around the bustling town.
- Try some local foods like Matoke, Chipate, Rolex and Kikoando.
Kampala
Uganda’s vibrant capital is a city that pulsates with energy, culture, history, and modernity. It is a busy city unlike many, with sprawling streets of people, motorbikes, and vendors. The city has a good nightlife and music scene. Explore the bustling markets like Owino Market and Nakasero Market, sampling local foods, and shopping for unique items. Discover the diverse Ugandan cuisine, from street food to high-end dining, offering a delicious fusion of flavours. Kampala's dynamic mix of history, culture, and modernity makes it an exciting and multifaceted destination.
Attraction List:
- Visit the Owino and Nakasero Markets to do some local shopping and sampling local food.
- Visit the local taxi rank for a crazy experience of organised chaos.
- Take a Boda Boda Taxi around the bustling town.
- Try some local foods like Matoke, Chipate, Rolex and Kikoando.
- Visit the Bahai Temple for scenic views and an understanding of the 'new religion'.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Alongside Kibale National Park one will find the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed reserve renowned for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. Its lush swamps and forests teem with over 200 bird species and 9 primate species. This community-managed sanctuary employs local highly knowledgeable guides to take you on an immersive, off-the-beaten-track experience for both nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Attraction List:
- Explore the wetlands of Bigodi on guided nature walks led by experienced local guides.
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species recorded.
- Be guided to encounter a variety of primates living in and around the swamps.
- Engage with the local community living around the swamps.
- Photograph the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife.
Top Experiences
Best Time to Visit Uganda
The best time to visit Uganda for Gorilla’s, Chimpanzees and Safari is in the dry season (June to September and December to February).
Uganda has two wet seasons and two dry seasons each year. The longer dry season between June and September is usually best for safaris.
Kidepo Valley National Park (Northern Uganda) has a slightly different season to the rest of Uganda and is best visited between November and March (dry season).
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
Long Dry Season (June to September)Â offer perfect conditions for trekking and safari. The trails are usually less slippery and also the vegetation is thinner for finding wildlife on safaris.
Short Dry Season (December to February) is good for gorilla and chimp trekking. Safari is also good but vegetation can be lush, which means slightly more challenging to find wildlife. Great for the Northern Safari Parks including Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley.
Wet Months (March to May and October to November) have the highest rainfall. The rain is usually short heavy showers which still allows for outdoor activities in this period. Given the slippery conditions, we recommend strong, younger and fit travellers to trek at this time. Safari is still good but the vegetation is dense. As Uganda is very tropical, the weather can be unpredictable and you can have some perfect weather days in the wet months.
Perfect Uganda Add-Ons:
Fequently Asked Questions
Uganda is a reasonably priced destination compared to other East African destinations.
Of course, this depends on the level of comfort one chooses, and the activities chosen.
The gorilla permits are fairly expensive but still much cheaper than neighboring Rwanda.
The country offers all types of accommodation, activities and levels of luxury.
Cost of Travelling Uganda in order of most affordable to most expensive:
- Self-Driving (Camping)
- Overland Group Tours
- Private Tours with Private Guide (Most Popular Option)
- Fly-In Luxury Safaris
Can you travel Uganda on a budget?
Uganda can definitely be travelled on a budget. Uganda offers a lot more ‘bang for your buck’ than the neighboring Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania (Except for the price of Gorilla Tracking). There are many National Parks in Uganda for exploring, the food is cheap and fresh as well as many budget offerings in terms of accommodation, tours and day trips.
2024 Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permit Costs Per Person Per Day:
Gorilla Trekking Permit | Gorilla Trekking Permit | Chimp Trekking Permit | Chimp Trekking Permit |
Rwanda | Uganda | Rwanda | Uganda |
Volcanoes NP | Bwindi Impenatrable and Mgahinga NP | Nyungwe Forest NP | Kibale Forest NP |
USD 1,500 | USD 800 | USD 250 | USD 250 |
To note, Uganda offers gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experiences. These are higher priced permits, but you get to spend a lot longer with both animals in their natural habitats.
Gorilla Habituation Experience: USD 1,500
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: USD 300
Uganda is an easy country to travel to.
The main international airport for tourists is:
- Entebbe International Airport
There are various direct flights into Uganda but often visitors would transit through either:
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Uganda is small country but there are some challenging driving conditions, especially in the rainy season.
Driving through Uganda is scenic, passing through mountains, tea plantations, forests, savannahs and rolling green hills. The distances between the National Parks are very manageable and one can do these transit drives within a single day. Fuel, rest stops, food and accommodation are readily available on route.
Options for travelling in Uganda:
Private Safari Tour with Guide: The most common way of travelling in East Africa where you would have a professional guide taking you in a safari vehicle from one location to another, he/she would also be your point of contact, general information and help with keeping your itinerary in line.
Self-Drive: One can rent a vehicle in Entebbe and travel throughout the country. A 4×4 required in most parks, especially in wet season.
Fly In: For travellers short on time or wanting to fly straight into the prime locations, there are flights into larger towns. For example, it is possible to fly to Bwindi for gorilla.
Day Trips: There are many day trips in all towns. Best towns for day trips are Entebbe, Kisoro and Jinja.
Taxis and Public Transport: There is public transport throughout the country, this is by means of a Matatu (Local Taxi) and/or Boda Boda (Taxi Motorbike). Travelling like this an authentic experience and is extremely cheap. There is an element of risk in this form of travel.
Uganda is a very safe destination for travellers. It has a low crime rate compared to other African countries.
However, like any destination, it’s wise to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas where petty theft and opportunistic crimes can occur.
In remote areas or when driving long distances, it’s essential to be prepared with enough supplies, including water. Also, to have an offline map especially if driving in remote regions.
Overall, Uganda is a beautiful country with welcoming people, but as with travel anywhere, staying vigilant and informed is key to having a safe and enjoyable experience.
At AfriVenture we will never design an itinerary that would put you into a risky situation or area.
Yes, Malaria is present in all parts of Uganda. The risk of malaria is considered high especially during the wet seasons (see ‘best time to travel’).
It’s important to take precautionary measures if you’re traveling to malaria-prone areas, especially during the rainy season when mosquito populations are higher.
Preventive measures against malaria includes:
- Taking anti-malarial medication prescribed by a healthcare professional (if necessary).
- Using insect repellent.
- Wearing protective clothing in the evenings. (eg, Long Sleeves and Long Pants)
- Sleeping in accommodations with mosquito nets, screened windows, fans and air conditioning.
Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor before your trip to get the most up-to-date and personalized advice on malaria prevention based on the specific areas you plan to visit and your individual health considerations.
Visa requirements for Uganda vary depending on your nationality.
Some countries have visa-free arrangements with Uganda, allowing their citizens to visit for a specified period without needing a visa. Other nationalities might need to apply for a visa in advance.
To determine whether you need a visa to visit Uganda, you should check with the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official website of the Ugandan Department of Home Affairs. They will have the most updated information about visa requirements.
Visa requirements can change, so it’s essential to confirm the most current information well before your planned travel dates.
Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel medicine specialist several weeks before your trip to get personalized advice based on your health history, itinerary, and current health recommendations.
At the time of writing the only compulsory vaccination for travellers entering Uganda is a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Vaccine requirements can change, so it’s essential to confirm the most current information well before your planned travel dates.
Malaria Prevention: Please see other frequently asked question on Malaria.
The currency used in Uganda is Ugandan Shillings (UGX), however a lot of the tourist establishments accept United States Dollar (USD).
There are a variety of methods to pay for goods and services:
- Credit and Debit Cards:Â The most popular means of paying for goods and services. Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted in most establishments. American Express and Diners Club cards are less widely accepted. Inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent any issues with card usage abroad.
- Cash: Carrying some cash in UGX and/or USD can be useful for small purchases, markets, tipping, and places where card payments might not be accepted. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns and accept most international cards.
Tipping:
It is customary to tip for services in Uganda.
- Restaurants:Â Tipping around 10% of the total bill is common if the service charge is not already included. Check the bill; sometimes a service charge is included, in which case additional tipping might not be expected.
- Hotels:Â Tipping hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, is customary.
- Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
- Lodges:Â This depends on the lodge standard and services, please enquire with us or directly with lodge management.
Even though tipping is customary, it is still discretionary, and the amount can vary based on the quality of service you received.