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Uganda

Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, packs mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the source of the Nile, big-game savannah and snow-capped peaks into one compact, welcoming country.

CapitalKampala
CurrencyUgandan shilling (UGX)
LanguagesEnglish, Swahili
Best timeJun to Sep, Dec to Feb
Time zoneEAT (UTC+3)
Top experienceMountain gorilla trekking
Tree-climbing lion in Ishasha, Uganda

Uganda: The Pearl of Africa, East Africa’s Best-Kept Secret

In 2012, Uganda earned global recognition when Lonely Planet ranked it among the world’s top travel destinations, celebrated for its natural beauty, exceptional biodiversity and vibrant cultural heritage.

As Sir Winston Churchill observed, “For magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life, bird, insect, reptile, beast, for vast scale, Uganda is truly the Pearl of Africa.” Within its compact borders, one journey can take you from dense tropical rainforest to sweeping savannah, and from volcanic highlands and crater lakes to snow-capped mountains on the equator.

There is simply no substitute for experiencing Uganda firsthand. It is more than a destination; it is a collection of unforgettable moments.

Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi

For many travellers the ultimate highlight is a rare, deeply moving encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. A gorilla trek here is not merely an activity; it is a life-changing wildlife experience.

The Source of the Nile

Witness the mighty River Nile emerging from Lake Victoria before it delivers world-class white-water rafting adventures.

Murchison Falls

At Murchison Falls the Nile forces its entire volume through a narrow six-metre gorge before plunging 45 metres, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls.

The Mountains of the Moon

The legendary Rwenzori Mountains hold several of Africa’s highest peaks, snow-capped summits on the equator and one of the continent’s most rewarding mountaineering challenges.

Over 1,000 Bird Species

Uganda’s birdlife exceeds 1,000 recorded species, including many Albertine Rift endemics sheltered in Bwindi’s ancient rainforest.

A Living Cultural Mosaic

Home to more than 56 indigenous cultures, Uganda offers authentic cultural exchange through its communities, traditions, music, dance, cuisine and storytelling, while supporting responsible, sustainable tourism.

Travel in Every Season

With a favourable climate averaging around 28°C, Uganda offers ideal travel conditions all year round.

Geography and Climate

Uganda covers 236,037 sq km and lies right on the equator, which gives it a rare climate balance. Much of the country sits on a plateau between 1,000 and 1,400 m, keeping temperatures mild despite its equatorial location.

Its western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo is lined with uplifted and volcanic mountains, including the Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s “Mountains of the Moon”, along with volcanic peaks such as Mount Muhabura and Mount Elgon.

Uganda sits within the western branch of the East African Rift, which shapes its dramatic landscapes and lakes. The Victoria Nile flows out of Lake Victoria, passes through a dam that formed Lake Kyoga, then plunges over Murchison Falls before becoming the Albert Nile in the rift valley. Besides Lake Victoria, the country holds Lakes Albert, Edward, George and Kyoga, each rich in biodiversity and supporting local livelihoods.

Uganda’s habitats range from wooded savannah dotted with acacia and fig trees to the dense tropical forests of the west, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest, home to gorillas and chimpanzees. In the north-east, the semi-arid savannah of the Karamoja region, best experienced in Kidepo Valley National Park, offers thorny acacia and seasonal grasslands.

Gorilla tracking in Uganda

Despite being on the equator, Uganda’s elevation keeps the climate pleasant, with average temperatures of 16 to 30°C and two rainy seasons (March to May and September to November), making it ideal for travel all year round.

This mix of rivers, lakes, savannahs, forests and mountains makes Uganda one of Africa’s most ecologically diverse countries. It is no wonder it is so often called the “Pearl of Africa”, a phrase made famous by Winston Churchill after his visit.

Safaris in Uganda

2 Day Gorilla Tracking & Mount Sabyinyo Hike – Where Gold Meets Silver in KisoroUganda · 2 days2 Day Gorilla Tracking & Mount Sabyinyo Hike – Where Gold Meets Silver in KisoroPrice on requestView Tour3 Days Gorilla tracking a Magical Expedition into the Pearl of AfricaUganda · 3 days3 Days Gorilla tracking a Magical Expedition into the Pearl of AfricaPrice on requestView Tour3 Day flying Gorilla trekking Safari in Bwindi -UNESCO heritage siteUganda · 3 days3 Day flying Gorilla trekking Safari in Bwindi -UNESCO heritage sitePrice on requestView Tour1 day Runonko Bushland Experience from Survival to storyUganda · 1 day1 day Runonko Bushland Experience from Survival to storyFrom $70 per personView Tour1 day Gorilla tracking Mgahinga Gorilla National ParkUganda · 1 day1 day Gorilla tracking Mgahinga Gorilla National ParkFrom $1,150 per personView Tour3 days whispers of Wild-Lake Mburo National Park SpecialUganda · 3 days3 days whispers of Wild-Lake Mburo National Park SpecialFrom $1,740 per personView Tour4 days, Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda a Safari of Close EncountersUganda · 4 days4 days, Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda a Safari of Close EncountersFrom $3,202 per personView Tour7 days Savannah Wildlife and Mountain Gorilla Trekking SafariUganda · 7 days7 days Savannah Wildlife and Mountain Gorilla Trekking SafariFrom $2,430 per personView Tour1-Day Gorilla Tracking Experience – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, UgandaUganda · 1 day1-Day Gorilla Tracking Experience – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, UgandaPrice on requestView Tour3 Days Escape to Queen Elizabeth and Fort portal tourism city- With Big Four EncounterUganda · 3 days3 Days Escape to Queen Elizabeth and Fort portal tourism city- With Big Four EncounterPrice on requestView Tour5 days Discover the best of UgandaUganda · 5 days5 days Discover the best of UgandaPrice on requestView Tour6 days Classic Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking in UgandaUganda · 6 days6 days Classic Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking in UgandaPrice on requestView Tour6 day Endless Wonders-Kisoro’s adventure and culture combinedUganda · 6 days6 day Endless Wonders-Kisoro’s adventure and culture combinedPrice on requestView Tour7-Day Rwenzori Mountains Trekking-breathtaking trekUganda · 7 days7-Day Rwenzori Mountains Trekking-breathtaking trekPrice on requestView TourThe 8 Days Classic Primates and Wildlife SafarisUganda · 8 daysThe 8 Days Classic Primates and Wildlife SafarisPrice on requestView TourThe 8 days fly-in classic primates & wild life safaris.Uganda · 8 daysThe 8 days fly-in classic primates & wild life safaris.Price on requestView Tour12-Day Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari EncounterUganda · 12 days12-Day Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari EncounterPrice on requestView Tour

National Parks of Uganda

Lake Mburo National ParkNational ParkLake Mburo National ParkLake Mburo National Park, 200 km southwest of Kampala: acacia grasslands, papyrus-fringed lakes, zebras, impalas and…Read MoreMurchison Falls (Kabalega) National ParkNational ParkMurchison Falls (Kabalega) National ParkMurchison Falls National Park, 304 km northwest of Kampala, where the Victoria Nile crashes through a…Read MoreMount Elgon National Park- A Mountain of StoriesNational ParkMount Elgon National Park- A Mountain of StoriesMount Elgon, an extinct volcano rising to 4,321 m in eastern Uganda: hike through forest, bamboo…Read MoreKidepo Valley National Park-A landscape of ContrastNational ParkKidepo Valley National Park-A landscape of ContrastKidepo Valley in Uganda's rugged northeast near South Sudan: 134,400 hectares of wilderness reached via Apoka…Read MoreQueen Elizabeth National ParkNational ParkQueen Elizabeth National ParkQueen Elizabeth National Park, gazetted in 1952, spans Lakes George and Edward 420 km west of…Read More

Plan Your Uganda Trip

Visa and passport

Visitors who need a visa must apply through the official online system at visas.immigration.go.ug before boarding, and bring their approval notice with them. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. A single-entry tourist visa can be granted for up to three months.

Vaccinations and health

Travellers must show proof of yellow fever vaccination unless they hold a medical waiver from a vaccine provider. If you need the vaccine, have it at least 10 days before departure. If you have a history of liver disorders, consult your physician first.

Malaria prevention is essential. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you travel.

Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking health

Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are highly vulnerable to human diseases, including colds and flu. You should be free from contagious illness when you trek. Park officials check visitors at the start, and they can stop anyone whose health is in doubt from continuing.

Roads and safari vehicles

Distances between destinations can be long, but the scenery along the way is beautiful. Scheduled flights are also available, and we recommend them for some routes.

Roads are a mix of tarmac and dirt. Our safari vehicles seat 4 to 7 people, depending on the seating arrangement, and have opening roof hatches and large windows for game viewing. Your vehicle is generally used throughout the safari.

Luggage

Space in the vehicle is limited, so keep luggage to a minimum. We suggest a soft bag or barrel (15kg maximum) for your main gear, plus a camera bag or small day pack. Suitcases are not suitable. If you fly in with one, repack into a soft bag and leave the suitcase at your return point in Entebbe.

On light aircraft within Uganda, the allowance is usually only 10 to 12kg per person in soft bags, and this is strictly enforced for safety. Please check your allowance when your itinerary is confirmed.

What to wear

Choose hard-wearing clothes in green, khaki and similar neutral colours, and avoid bright colours. Daytime is usually 24 to 30°C, so shorts or lightweight trousers, t-shirts, a hat and sunscreen work well. Avoid dark colours and blue, which attract tsetse flies, especially in Murchison Falls.

Bring something warm for the mountains, and a rain jacket, because it rains regularly in Bwindi and Mgahinga even in the dry months. Long trousers and sleeved shirts help prevent mosquito bites in the evening.

For gorilla tracking, wear old clothes that can get muddy and tuck your trousers into your socks to keep out safari ants. Avoid jeans, which get heavy when wet, and track suit pants, which catch on thorns.

Day pack for primate tracking

Pack these for your day of tracking:

  • Plenty of water, 1 to 2 litres per person
  • High-energy snacks, in addition to the packed lunch from your lodge or camp
  • A waterproof bag for your camera equipment
  • A hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho
  • Gloves (cheap gardening gloves are fine)
  • Binoculars if you are a keen birder

Walking sticks are available at the start of the trek and are very handy on steep, slippery tracks.

Uganda Travel Guides

Where to Track Mountain Gorillas in East AfricaTravel GuideWhere to Track Mountain Gorillas in East AfricaWhere to see mountain gorillas: Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda, Volcanoes in Rwanda and Virunga in…Read MoreThe Seven Wonders of Kisoro- Culture, Adventure, and Conservation in One DestinationTravel GuideThe Seven Wonders of Kisoro- Culture, Adventure, and Conservation in One DestinationKisoro's seven wonders: gorillas in Mgahinga and Bwindi, Virunga volcano hikes, the Batwa, Lake Mutanda and…Read MoreMutanda Eco-Green Village-Redefining Responsible TravelTravel GuideMutanda Eco-Green Village-Redefining Responsible TravelMutanda Eco-Green Village promotes carbon-free cycling safaris, birdwatching and eco-trails around Lake Mutanda in Kisoro, protecting…Read MoreIn Bwindi’s mist, every chimpanzee counted in the Census.” Where gorillas and chimps share one wild homeTravel GuideIn Bwindi’s mist, every chimpanzee counted in the Census.” Where gorillas and chimps share one wild homeBwindi is the only park where mountain gorillas and chimpanzees share one ecosystem. What the chimpanzee…Read MoreExplore Uganda-The Pearl of AfricaTravel GuideExplore Uganda-The Pearl of AfricaUganda straddles the Equator with gorillas, savannah parks, lakes and mountains. Discover why Winston Churchill called…Read MoreHow Rhino reintroduction to Ajai wildlife Reserve will boost eco-tourism, From Extinction to Revival- Ajai’s Rhino LegacyTravel GuideHow Rhino reintroduction to Ajai wildlife Reserve will boost eco-tourism, From Extinction to Revival- Ajai’s Rhino LegacyHow returning rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve on the Nile's west bank could revive eco-tourism in…Read MoreTree climbing Lions- a spectacle that makes Ishasha the crown jewel of African safari encountersTravel GuideTree climbing Lions- a spectacle that makes Ishasha the crown jewel of African safari encountersIshasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the few places to see tree-climbing lions.…Read MoreLake Mutanda: Sweetness, Stories, and Scenic Splendor—an eco-tourism treasure waiting to be explored.Travel GuideLake Mutanda: Sweetness, Stories, and Scenic Splendor—an eco-tourism treasure waiting to be explored.Canoe Lake Mutanda in Kisoro, hike its islands and enjoy volcano views on an eco-tourism excursion…Read More

Explore More of East Africa

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