Uganda – The Pearl of Africa
UGANDA (The Pearl of Africa)
Discover the Heart of Africa: Uganda’s Wildlife, Landscapes, and Culture
Uganda is a refreshing burst of green in a mostly dry continent. Its lush forests are home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. People from all over visit to spend an unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they graze, groom each other, nap, and play. Our safari experts, who know Uganda beyond just its famous gorillas, will help plan your gorilla trekking experience and suggest how to make the most of your trip in Uganda, both before and after your trek.
We can also organize a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll have the chance to see the Big Five, including the famous tree-climbing lions. Boat trips along the Ishasha River offer the opportunity to spot hippos, elephants, and birdlife along the water’s edge. If you’re looking for more primate adventures, a trek through Kibale Forest National Park could give you a glimpse of its 13 different primate species, including chimpanzees, red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Uganda’s rich, green landscapes are a beautiful contrast to much of the arid land in Africa, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
But Uganda is more than just its wildlife. Its warm and welcoming people, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty will capture your heart. From the terraced hills of southwestern Uganda to the sparkling waters of the mighty Nile, there’s so much to explore. You can hike in the Rwenzori Mountains, go white-water rafting on the Nile River in Jinja, or simply relax by the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest lakes.
Whether you’re drawn to Uganda for its rare wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, or unique cultural experiences, we are here to help you create a personalized journey that allows you to see the very best of this remarkable country. With our expert guidance, you’ll experience not only the adventure of gorilla trekking or a classic safari but also the true essence of Uganda, a place where the beauty of nature meets the warmth of its people.
Uganda Safari Inspirations
Looking for your next wild adventure? Our handpicked Uganda safari ideas offer a glimpse of the unforgettable journeys we can tailor just for you. Each trip is customized to suit your interests, making every experience truly yours.
- 4 Days, 3 Nights
- Uganda
4 Day Gorillas and Golden Monkey Safari
Embark on a 4-day safari featuring unforgettable gorilla trekking and golden monkey encounters.
Carol N.
- 5 Days, 4 Nights
- Uganda
5 Day Chimp and Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari
Experience gorilla and chimp habituation on a thrilling 5-Day safari in beautiful Uganda!
Carol N.
- 11 Days, 10 Nights
- Uganda
11 Day Kidepo Valley, Murchison and Budongo Chimp Safari
Explore Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, and trek chimps in Budongo on this exciting 11-day safari!
Carol N.
- 9 Days, 8 Nights
- Uganda
9 Day Mountain Rwenzori Hiking
Embark on an exhilarating Mountain Rwenzori Hiking adventure, exploring breathtaking landscapes and peaks!
Carol N.
- 17 Days, 16 Nights
- Uganda
17 Day Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari
Embark on a 17-day safari in Uganda, experiencing breathtaking birding and incredible wildlife adventures!
Carol N.
- 19 Days, 18 Nights
- Uganda
19 Day Best Of Uganda Safari
Discover the best of Uganda on a thrilling 19-day safari/ tour, exploring wildlife, landscapes, and culture!
Carol N.
Best Uganda Safaris: Circuits and Routes
Uganda is a beautiful country with so much to explore during your vacation. To make sure you see all the amazing sights and have memorable experiences, it’s best to go with a local safari company. Your budget will help determine how long you can stay and which attractions you can visit. If you love nature, Uganda is the perfect place for your dream African getaway. You can choose from different safari options like game drives, adventure trips, cultural tours, or even flight safaris. Your safari planner will guide you on the best destinations based on your interests.
Uganda safaris are divided into four main circuits:
Western Circuit
This is the most popular circuit where most safaris begin. It offers the best access to wildlife and gorilla trekking.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Known for its mountain gorillas, this park is home to over 40% of the world’s remaining gorillas. We recommend a 2-3 day safari to enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: A beautiful savannah park, we suggest a 2-4 day safari to explore its scenic beauty.
- Lake Mburo National Park: Here, you can enjoy game drives, boat rides, and walking safaris. A 1-2 day safari is recommended to explore the park and its crater lakes.
- Kibale Forest National Park: Known as the primate capital of the world, it is home to over 1,000 chimpanzees. We recommend a 2-4 day safari to explore the park.
- Semliki National Park: A paradise for bird watchers, a 1-2 day safari is suggested.
- Rwenzori Mountains: This is Uganda’s highest point, with snow-capped peaks like Mt. Stanley and Mt. Margarita.
Additional Activities:
Consider adding the Batwa Trail, Kidepo Valley National Park, the source of the Nile in Jinja, Kalangala, or seeing lions in Murchison Falls National Park to your itinerary.
Eastern and Northern Circuit
This route takes you to some of Uganda’s historical and more remote areas.
- Kidepo Valley National Park: Known for its vast wildlife, including big cats. A 3-4 day safari is recommended.
- Murchison Falls National Park: Famous for its stunning waterfalls and diverse wildlife, including the Big Five. A 2-4 day safari is ideal.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: The only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild, we suggest a 1-2 day visit.
- Mount Elgon: Another beautiful destination to consider.
Additional Activities:
You can also visit the source of the Nile and try white-water rafting in Jinja, Sipi Falls, Mabira Forest, or Sezibwa Falls.
Central Circuit
Located in central Uganda, this circuit includes Kampala, the capital city.
- Kampala: Explore the historical sites and vibrant nightlife.
- Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Close to Entebbe, this is a great place to see chimpanzees up close.
- Entebbe Wildlife Center: A chance to see the Big Five in a near-wild environment and participate in unique activities like racing with cheetahs or feeding giraffes and lions.
Additional Activities:
Consider adding a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking, Murchison Falls National Park, or Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking.
Entry Requirements
To enter Uganda, you’ll need a valid passport with at least six months before it expires and one empty page.
- Visa: A visa is required for entry into Uganda. Check with your consulate for details. You can choose between a single-entry visa for $50 or an East African visa for $100, which allows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
You can apply for the Uganda visa online or upon arrival at the airport. Remember to have your yellow fever vaccination certificate ready, as it is needed for the visa application.
Uganda truly offers a unique slice of what African safaris have to offer. Trek Africa Expeditions provides various gorilla trekking safari options at great rates. Contact us at info@trekafricagorillas.com or call/WhatsApp us at +256788507489 to start planning your safari today!
Top Destinations in Uganda
Unveil the treasures of Uganda! Our list of must-visit places highlights the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures. From the breathtaking gorilla habitats in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the stunning beauty of Murchison Falls, each destination offers unique experiences that showcase Uganda’s charm and natural wonders.
Best Time to Visit Uganda
Uganda can be visited year-round, but the best time to go on safari is during the drier months, from December to February and June to September. If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking, although it’s possible all year, the best times are June to August and December to February.
Make sure to arrange your transportation ahead of time to ensure comfort during your safari. Also, keep in mind that Uganda’s climate is mostly equatorial and savannah, so even during the dry season, you might still experience some rain, especially during nature walks.
Getting to Uganda
Uganda is located in East Africa and is accessible from different parts of the world. Here are some of the ways you can get there:
By Air
Uganda’s main entry point is Entebbe International Airport. Several international airlines fly to Uganda, with connections from various cities:
- From Europe: Daily flights from Zurich, London, and Amsterdam
- KLM via Kigali
- Emirates via Dubai
- Uganda Airlines via Nairobi
- Qatar Airways via Doha
- Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
- Brussels Airlines via Kigali
- From the USA: Daily flights from New York (JFK) with connections through Dubai, Amsterdam, Zurich, and London
- KLM via Kigali
- Emirates via Dubai
- Uganda Airlines via Nairobi
- Qatar Airways via Doha
- Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
- Brussels Airlines via Kigali
- From Asia, the Far East, and Australia: Daily flights from Mumbai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, with connections via Dubai, Doha, or Singapore
- China Southern Airlines
- Emirates
- Uganda Airlines
- Qatar Airways
Domestic Flights
You can fly within Uganda to get to the national parks more quickly, though flights can be costly. Tour operators can charter flights for your safari. Some companies offering domestic flights include:
- Aero Link (to Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi, Murchison Falls, Kidepo, and Semliki)
- Fly Uganda (to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth)
- Eagle Air (to Kidepo Valley NP)
- Uganda Airlines (to regional destinations like Nairobi, Zanzibar, and Mombasa)
By Road
Most safaris in Uganda are done by road, using 4×4 vehicles. The major highways are paved, but roads closer to the parks are dirt roads, which may feel bumpy but help protect the wildlife for future generations.
If you’re already in Africa, you can travel to Uganda by bus from neighboring countries like Kenya (Nairobi), Somalia (Mogadishu), Tanzania (Dar es Salaam and Arusha), Ethiopia (Addis Ababa), and Sudan (Khartoum).
Immigration procedures are handled at the borders, and it’s always a good idea to consult with your tour operator for more details on the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Uganda
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about visiting Uganda. Feel free to ask if you have more specific questions about Uganda or any other travel-related topics!
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry months, from December to February and June to September. These months are ideal for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing. However, Uganda can be visited year-round, and rain can occur at any time.
It is recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever, and you may also consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and malaria prevention. Always consult with your healthcare provider before traveling.
You can travel within Uganda by road using 4×4 vehicles, which are common for safaris. Domestic flights are also available to major national parks. Public transport includes buses and taxis, but these may be less comfortable for long journeys.
Uganda is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s essential to take standard safety precautions. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and secure your belongings.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget a camera for capturing the stunning scenery and wildlife!
Uganda has diverse cultures, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, and ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Yes, most travelers require a visa to enter Uganda. You can apply for a single-entry visa for $50 or an East African visa for $100, which allows access to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. You can apply online or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport.
The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and businesses, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors and rural areas.
The official language is English, and it is widely spoken. Luganda and various local languages are also spoken throughout the country.
Uganda is known for its diverse wildlife, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, lions, and various bird species. Major parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park are great for wildlife viewing.
You can book a safari through a reputable tour operator or travel agency. Research different companies, read reviews, and compare packages to find one that suits your interests and budget.
Uganda offers various safari options, including game drives, gorilla trekking, bird watching, and cultural tours. You can also enjoy adventure activities like white-water rafting and hiking.