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The source of the Nile river starts in the Rwenzoris, Africa’s tallest mountain range that stretch across western Uganda shrouded in mist and teeming with glaciers, waterfalls and alpine lakes. These ‘mountain’s of the moon’ are the home of Uganda’s mountain gorillas and tracking them through this majestic habitat is one of the country’s most iconic experiences. 

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Southwestern Uganda

Home to almost half the world’s surviving mountain gorillas, the World Heritage–listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of East Africa’s most…

Top of the Falls

Once described as the most spectacular thing to happen to the Nile along its 6700km length, the 50m wide Victoria Nile is squeezed here through a 6m gap…

Igongo Cultural Centre

Located 12km from Mbarara on the road to Kampala, this cultural village features the best museum displays in Uganda. Set on the grounds of a former palace…

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s largest national park is one of its very best; animals are in plentiful supply and the raging Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile crashes…

Kidepo Valley National Park

Offering some of the most stunning scenery of any protected area in Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is hidden away in a lost valley in the extreme…

Mengo Palace

Built in 1922, this small palace is the former home of the king of Buganda, though it has remained empty since 1966 when Prime Minister Milton Obote…

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

This sanctuary in Lake Victoria is home to around 50 orphaned chimps that have been rescued from elsewhere in Uganda and are being rehabilitated as much…

Eastern Uganda

Located 23km southeast of Entebbe in Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, or 'Chimp Island', is home to over 40 orphaned or rescued…

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Uganda and beyond

33 Things To Know Before You Travel To Uganda in 2024

Traveling in Uganda is one big off the beaten path adventure. It won’t be anything like your standard trip in Europe or the States and although it simply requires a little more planning, traveling to Uganda is a lifetime experience. While many travelers visit Uganda for the mountain gorilla trekking, the country has so much more to offer. Some people are still in the understanding that Uganda is unsafe, but don't worry. In this Uganda travel blog you can read everything you should know before traveling to Uganda.

No country is perfect and surely not here in Eastern Africa, but its imperfections will make your Uganda trip one to remember. Planning a Uganda holiday doesn’t need to be difficult, especially now that Uganda tourism is growing rapidly and even a DIY trip is possible since the country is actually investing heavily in infrastructure.

Award winning travel photographer Kim Paffen visited Uganda in 2019 and initially wrote this blog for Traveltomtom. In 2021 Traveltomtom himself traveled to Uganda and not 1 time but 2 times: in May and in August and updated this complete Uganda travel guide with even more travel tips for Uganda.

Related: Traveltomtom Uganda Group Trip !

Also check out our ultimate Uganda itinerary for 3 weeks  and guide for trekking to the mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park .

PLEASE SUPPORT TRAVELTOMTOM by sharing the link of this article on Facebook or pin some photos on Pinterest. We would appreciated it big time! :)

1. Do you need a visa to travel to Uganda

Almost all countries will need a visa when traveling to Uganda. Check out the visa policy for Uganda here. E-visas can be purchased online through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration . This is the only authentic Visa Application Portal for Uganda visas and it costs $50, exclusive service fee.

Avoid other (fraudulent) portals where you’ll pay much more for your Uganda visa! 

Visa on arrival

There is still the opportunity to get a visa on arrival for Uganda, but only at the land borders and kind of unofficially. Some travelers I know still managed to get a visa on arrival crossing overland from Kenya in November 2021, but officially the E-visa replaced all visa on arrivals for Uganda. So Traveltomtom recommends getting the e-visa for Uganda.

When flying to Uganda, an e-visas is mandatory. The Uganda e-visa is quick and easy, but also a little work as they require a passport-copy, recent passport-size photograph and your yellow fever vaccination certificate. Click here to apply for an e-visa for Uganda .

Traveltomtom traveled overland from Bukoba in Tanzania to Masaka in Uganda in May 2021. The whole border process took him just about 5 minutes. Just have your $50 or $100 bill ready and a visa on arrival will be fixed in just a couple minutes.

Eastern African Community single tourists visa

If you are planning to travel to Kenya and Rwanda on the same trip the Eastern African Community tourists visa is worth applying. This visa is a single entry tourist visa for these three countries, but within its borders it is multiple entry. It cost $100 and is valid for 90 days. As soon as you leave one the 3 countries, it loses its validity. 

When Traveltomtom entered overland the Eastern African visa was SOLD OUT! Welcome to Africa! :)

2. Do I need vaccinations to travel to Uganda

First of all, yes you do need shots to visit Uganda as without a Yellow Fever vaccination certification you can not obtain a visa. They actually check it at the border. On top of that it is also advised you get vaccinations for DTP, Hepatitis A and malaria. Some organizations may advice you to take Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B and Rabies as well.

At the moment a negative PCR test within 72 hours is also required to travel to Uganda. It does not make a difference if you are vaccinated or not, everyone needs a negative PCR test. Obviously Covis regulations change all the time, therefore I recommend you to have a look at the 

BTW if you travel to Uganda you will see NO signs of covid, not in the big cities, not in the countryside. Wearing a mask is officially mandatory in some places, but hardly ever enforced nor is anyone wearing a mask (properly).

Leaving Uganda and looking to do a PCR test? Easy, easy. You can do them almost everywhere in the labs of the bigger cities as well as on the land borders. For $50 you can do one at the border of Kenya and also at the Tanzania land border and waiting time for the result is 4-6 hours. In the bigger cities you pay between 200,000 ($70) and 280,000 ($100). Waiting time is 24 hours, but in reality results are returned by whatsapp/email within 4-6 hours.

3. Is there Malaria in Uganda

There is a risk of Malaria throughout the country and therefore all Uganda travel guides will recommended you to take Malaria medication. in 2018, Traveltomtom writer Kim Paffen traveled on a 3 week itinerary around Uganda , she decided to use malaria medication. Traveltomtom however did not during his 2 weeks in Uganda in May and August. If you go to the Northern areas and for example travel to Murchison Falls, most travelers take malaria pills.

In general the most important is to protect yourself against mosquito bites and it can be as simple as wearing long pants and sleeves just before sunset. If you want a plant based medicinal protection against malaria, have a look into using Artemisia .

4. Is it safe to travel to Uganda

Uganda is generally considered to be a safe country with low crime rates. Both Kim and Traveltomtom felt completlely safe all the time! Just avoid travel by road outside major towns at night. It’s also adviced to gather the latest travel information when traveling to the South Sudan border region and Karamoja in the very north. There have some problems reported regarding the so called Kenyan Warriors, but not against tourists.

However, visiting Kidepo Valley National Park, which lies close to the border with South Sudan is totally fine. Simply use common sense at all times, take care of your belongings and be aware of your surroundings and one should be totally fine traveling in Uganda.

Since the global pandemic crime rates have gone up according to locals, but Traveltomtom visited Kampala and there was not a moment he felt uneasy or anything like that. He was told not to take out his iPhone in public too much, as they snatch phones from tourists these days.

But as you know Traveltomtom films everything for his Instagram stories and it was no issue at all. Just be smart about when and where and how! I also took my group trip to visit Kampala and even with 3 ladies it was fine. Just a little intimidating at times.

Related: 23 Best Things to do in Kampala ! Including a vlog about my first impressions of Kampala.

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5. Can you drink the tap water in Uganda

Well let me first advice you to just not drink the tap water in Uganda! Yes, we also want to reduce single-use plastic, but most of the tap water in Uganda is just not made for drinking. At least not for Western stomachs. You just don't want to ruin you Uganda trip by being brave and trying to drink the tap water. It is not worth it. However, it is totally fine to use it to brush your teeth, wash your face and mouth, etc. Don't panic when you coincidentally swallow a little bit of the tap water in Uganda. You will be fine, no worries. Our advice is to buy bottled drinking water, that way you are also supporting local businesses. 

6. Best time to travel to Uganda?

You can travel to Uganda all year! The best time for Uganda safaris is during the dry season from June to August and from December to February. In dryer conditions wildlife is easier to spot.

The high season is from June to September, but it will never really get crowded. There is no real peak season for traveling to Uganda. The most challenging months to visit Uganda are March, April and May. Because of the wet season traveling around can get a little more complicated. Roads and nature trails can be in poor conditions.

The gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be done year round. Keep in mind that places like Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queens National Park, etc can get cold at night even in summer due to their high altitudes.

7. Famous Quote about Uganda from Winston Churchill

in 1908 Winston Churchill spoke the following famous quote about Uganda that still resonates in Uganda nowadays:

"For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life - bird, insect, reptile, beast - for vast scale, Uganda is truly the Pearl of Africa."

That is why you will see Welcome to the Pearl of Africa all around Uganda.

8. What is the currency in Uganda

The name of the local currency in Uganda is the Shilling. Uganda is still a cash country and card payments are not common. However most bigger hotels and lodges and even at the Uganda National Parks you can pay with either credit cards as well as USD, Euros and GBP these days. So when paying for example the $700 National Park fee for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi  there is no need to bring stacks of Uganda cash.

Makes sure you always have Uganda Shillings (UGX) on you during your Uganda trip. Small bills like 1,000 UGX are the equivalent of just 25 dollar cents, but they are worth big smiles if you give them to locals as a tip. Try to buy local to support local people in Uganda.

9. Exchange money

You will get the best value for money when you exchange US dollar into Ugandan Shilling at a Forex office in one of the towns. You can also change money at the Entebbe Airport, but the rates are significantly lower. There are exchange offices all around the bigger towns and the Uganda tourist attractions.

Be aware of the US Dollar-UGX exchange rate. Some Ugandans are very ‘creative’ with converting their currency in for example US Dollars or Euros. As per January 2024 the official exchange rate is around: $1 USD = 3,800 UGX.

10. ATM's in Uganda

When updating this Uganda travel blog Traveltomtom added this item as he had problems withdrawing money from ATM's. Apparently his bank (Revolut) suspended all transactions with Uganda. This came as a total surprise and things got a little complicated. Luckily he had some cash on him and used another Visa credit card to withdraw money.

The Standard Chartered Bank charges the highest fees for withdrawing money: 20,000 UGX = $5.4 USD. Stanbic Bank and Absa Bank charge 11,500 UGX = $3 USD. The best ATM in Uganda for foreign bank cards is Bank of Baroda as they do NOT charge a fee for withdrawing money.

11. Buy a local sim card for Uganda

Stay connected in Uganda and buy a local sim card. Prepaid Uganda sim cards are cheap and you get about 5 GB for $5 USD. I advice travelers to get a Airtel Uganda sim card based on my own experiences. Check out my complete guide for buying a sim card in Uganda in 2024  or when you are flying to Entebbe here is a guide for buying a sim card at Entebbe Airport .

12. Facebook is available again

Because of a dispute between the Uganda Government and Facebook back in 2021 Facebook and Instagram were blocked for a long time.  Luckily when visiting Uganda again in August 2021, things got partially solved as Instagram is accessible again. The Facebook block was luckily also lifted in 2023 and therefore as of 2024 you can use all social media apps without any problems.

By law it is officially forbidden to use a VPN in Uganda but it is of course very common. There is not direct need anymore since all social media apps are available again.

In those years WhatsApp was also blocked, but when you would pay an extra social media tax (OTT) the app would be accessible. Luckily, since July 2021 the social media tax is something from the past as well and the OTT is lifted by the government. You can use WhatsApp in Uganda without any problem.

13. How is the WiFi in Uganda

Let's not talk around the bush, the WiFi in Uganda is shit. Although most lodges offer free Wi-Fi in their main areas, it’s mostly not working or it is very slow. It is best to buy a Uganda prepaid sim card on arrival or buy a sim card at Entebbe Airport . Just don't rely on WiFi when traveling in Uganda.

14. What is the food like in Uganda

Local food is a mix of matoke (cooked bananas), cassave, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, tomatos, cabbage and a sauce made of grounded peanuts. The sauce is very similar to satay sauce from Indonesia. This is what a standard local meal looks like in Uganda and you should try it in a local restaurant. Locals love it if tourists come and try their local food. It shouldn't cost more than $2 normally.

When traveling in Uganda you will also quickly find out that there is a huge Indian influence and that is why you can find Indian food everywhere. Traveltomtom has visited India a lot and loves Indian food, but in Uganda they prepare very good Indian food too. He was pleasantly surprised. It is also very common to find chapati on the streets and in restaurants.

One more great thing to mention about Ugandan food is that there are fresh fruits everywhere. You can find it on the streets and it is CHEAP!

Are you staying in more upscale lodges, then often the meals are included. That means you will be served a 3 course meal every evening, which mostly is Western orientated dishes like pasta, steak, fish, etc.

15. What is a Ugandan Rolex?

A Rolex is not a watch, but it comes from a dish called rolled eggs. You can buy it almost everywhere along the street. I ate is several times as breakfast or lunch and found it to be very tasty. It is basically a chapati with egg. Cheap, fast and pretty good. A street food Rolex shouldn't cost more than 1,500 UGX ($0.35)

16. Do you tip in Uganda?

Tipping is normal in Uganda. Most guides expect a small tip after for example a bout tour, game drive or a nature walk. Because locals have limited access to exchange tips in a foreign currency, the best thing to do is tipping them in Ugandan Shilling.

The average monthly income in Uganda varies throughout the country and ranges between 500.000 UGX ($140 USD) and 1.000.000 UGX ($280 USD) . Tipping someone a couple dollars will give you a lot of smiles throughout your trip to Uganda. Ugandan people are super friendly, especially the ones in the tourism business and those who speak English. I am sure you gonna see a lot of big smiles leaving a couple dollars behind as a tip.

17. How much are the National Park fees in Uganda in 2024

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has set fixed fees for visiting national parks in Uganda. Park entrance fees differ a little per National Park but most of the famous tourists spots in Uganda are around $40 for tourists. Some lesser known parks charge $35 and some small reserves only $10 for foreign non-residents (FNR). Be aware that National Park fees in Uganda are per 24 hours. That means you can be creative with the park fees when you schedule it right.

Click here to download the latest National Park Fees in Uganda  as a PDF directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority website. For vehicles you pay an additional national park fee. The national park fees for cars are a single payment so you don't pay per day. For the car you pay another 30,000 UGX.

Example: you visit Uganda with your partner and visit 4 of the most popular National Parks all for 2 days then expect to pay the following national park fees: 4 * 2 * 2 * $40 = $640 in national park fees.

On top of that you would have to pay for the vehicle: 4 * $8 = $32. In total you then pay $672 national park fees. It may sound a lot but traveling in Uganda is so worth it.

18. How much do excursions cost in Uganda

When traveling in Uganda you will find out that things to do in Uganda are NOT cheap. I was surprised that white water rafting in Jinja on the Nile River costs somewhere between $80 and $140 USD depending on your negotiation skills. It is a full day trip, but still... I just told you what the average income per month is in Uganda.

Excursion prices vary enormously, but to give you an idea here are some prices for activities that I found through the Uganda Wildlife Authority website .

19. Uganda tourism is expensive

In case you didn't know yet, traveling in Africa is expensive and Uganda is no exception. If you eat local, sleep local and travel local then you can travel Africa on a budget. But as soon as you want to see some of the best places to visit in Uganda, things get a lot more expensive.

In all honesty some travel experiences in Uganda are very expensive! Traveltomtom has traveled to more than 110 countries and especially on his overland trip in Africa he found Uganda to be one of the more expensive countries. For example a 3d/2n trip to Murchison Falls from Entebbe was $400 and that during the global pandemic. Bargaining about these trip prices is not easy either. It is the National Park fees, the tour operators, the local guides, the transportation, etc. that make these tours in Uganda so expensive.

20. Travel Uganda on a budget

Can you visit Uganda on a budget? Yes you can! Traveltomtom did a guided tour to the gorillas trekking in Bwindi National Park and safaris in Mburo National Park, but mainly traveled overland for most part of his Uganda trip. Local busses are cheap and the more local you go, the cheaper it becomes. Of course it also becomes less comfortable and it will take much more time

A 2-3 hour bus ride should not cost more than $5. There are busses in every direction. Big coaches are pretty comfortable but you could also negotiate to take the front seat in one of the smaller vans called Matatus and pay for 2 seats. Traveltomtom always bought the driver and his helper a drink or some snacks, it is a couple cents, but it makes your trip much more comfortable.

When visiting National Parks try to hitch a ride with some other tourists. You will still have to pay the national park fees, but it is a great way to save on guided safaris. Visiting the mountain gorillas there is no other way then paying for permit that includes a guided trekking.

However some places to visit in Uganda are free, like the equator sign! :)

21. Boda Boda's in Uganda

Traveltomtom named Uganda the Vietnam of Africa. If you have ever visited Vietnam then you know what he means. Motorbikes are the main mode of transportation for local people in Uganda, not for tourists.However, there are motorbikes everywhere and Traveltomtom made great use of that. Big parts of his overland trip in Uganda he also used boda boda's.

For example a Boda Boda from Entebbe to Kampala is about 50 minutes and should not cost more than 40,000 UGX, but you can easily negotiate it down to 30,000 UGX. Traveltomtom also traveled by Boda Boda from Kampala to Jinja for 80,000, which was a 2,5h trip. If you are up for an adventure then traveling by motorbike in Uganda is pretty wild!

22. There is Uber and Bolt in Uganda

Looking for a safe way to travel then surely recommend you to use one of the taxi apps. The most common one to Western tourists is of course Uber, but you can also use Bolt in Uganda. It is the exact same thing. Of course if you go off the beaten path in Uganda, don't expect to find an Uber or Blot, it is limited to the bigger cities only.

When looking for food delivery apps then download the Glovo app. There is no Uber Eats in Uganda, but Glovo works fine. However, it is very limited to Kampala mostly. Glovo can do grocery shopping for you or deliver you stuff from the pharmacy.

23. When and where to buy Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking permits?

Secure your gorilla or chimp trekking permits prior to arrival to avoid disappointment! The permits are issued by UWA that markets them through Uganda Tour Operators to the public. Therefor it’s best to book your trekking permit (or a complete trekking tour) with a tour operator that is a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. The mountain gorilla trekking permits cost $700 in 2024 for foreign non-residents.

You can obtain and pay the Gorilla trekking permit directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority website .

I advise you to apply for a permit 6 months prior to the date you want to trek. Permits from June-August and December and February tend to sell out quickly. Last minute bookings may be possible during low season. For more info read my complete gorilla trekking blog , which is also updated for 2024.

Traveltomtom did the Gorilla trekking 2 times in 2021: in May and August.

24. Electricity plugs in Uganda

Few areas outside the cities actually have electricity. Most of the lodges use solar energy or generators, which means there is only power at certain times of the day and electricity plugs are limited. Because of that, it isn’t always possible to charge all your devices in your room. In some places you will be able to charge your phone, but laptops or camera batteries have to be charged in the reception or main area.

Hairdryers use too much power so these are often not available. Of course the more expensive lodges have 24h facilities available, but be prepared to pay $300 per person per night for those. A helpful Uganda travel tip is to bring powerful powerbanks to charge your devices when needed and bring extra batteries for cameras, etc.

The electricity plugs in Uganda are similar to the ones in the UK. So make sure you bring a travel adapter with you when visiting Uganda. For more info on what to pack for a Uganda trip keep reaading.

25. Road conditions in Uganda

There are a lot of road works in Uganda and although many roads improved a lot over the last years, some roads are still in a very bad condition. Depending on the weather it sometimes can be challenging to travel around Uganda. If you choose to drive yourself (which is an option) I would suggest driving a 4WD. Keep in mind that you have to drive on the left side of the road.

Contact UWA Headquarters to obtain up-to-date advice about the road conditions and identify the preferred route when visiting Uganda. Especially if you consider an approach through Karamoja (like me). Some roads can be very bad after heavy rains. In that case it’s better to take an alternative route. There are a lot of investments in Ugnada tourism and (new) roads, so the up-to-date UWA information can come in very handy.

26. Self drive vs. hiring a driver

There are a lot of tourists on the road exploring the country on a self driving tour. All of the people Traveltomtom met on his recent trip to Uganda that were renting a car and self driving had a 4x4. A bunch of them were actually carrying camping gear and camped most of the time. According to them is was a great way to save some money, because renting a 4x4 is not gonna be cheap. Expect to spend about $80 per day, if you are hiring a driver, expect to pay around $150 per day.

A big tourist vehicle can hold up to 6 people though, so if you are with a group that would be best and then I definitely suggest renting a big 4x4 including a driver.

Hiring a car with driver in Uganda gives you time to enjoy the long road trips. The landscapes are amazing and there is so much to see along the road. Main roads are pretty ok, however if you go to specific tourist spots like National Parks, then road suddenly get shit. As soon as you turn off from the main roads, traveling in Uganda become much more difficult. Road conditions are bad and having a driver will save you a lot of stress and hassle. My recommendations is to rent a car with driver for a road trip in Uganda, however it is obviously much more expensive.

When self driving you will also have to deal with the many police checks yourself. In general they won't stop tourist vehicles, but some travelers reported they had to pay small bribes. Corruption is present in Uganda, but in general a tourists should be totally fine.

27. Gas stations in Uganda

Always make sure you have enough fuel for a long journey. In general there is no shortage of gas stations along the route, but plan your Uganda road trip itinerary carefully. For example if you decide to visit Kidepo National Park. It’s a long journey up north and you need enough fuel (including your game drive activities in the national park) since there is no gas station in or around Kidepo Valley National Park. The nearest gas stations are in Kaabong and Kitgum.

28. Languages in Uganda

Uganda counts more than 40 languages, every tribe speaks their own language. Uniform language especially in and around the famous tourist places in Uganda is luckily English. If you go off the beaten path you could run into places where English is not spoken very well, but in general you shouldn't have any problems communicating with local people.

In general all the Ugandans are very friendly people. It’s impolite to only say ‘Hi!’ So instead use ‘How are you?’. Even children will greet you with ‘How are you?’ They also love to touch your soft ‘Muzungu’ skin.

Here are some words in local Uganda language that you could use and local people would totally love it.

29. Things to do and places to visit in Uganda

We already spoke about the Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park , which obviously is the major tourist attraction in Uganda, but there is much more to see and do. The Chimpanzee trekking is another amazing thing to do in Uganda and a must see when you are a wildlife lover are the tree climbing lions. It is a very rare phenomenon but you can see them in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Apart from the stunning wildlife there are some epic waterfalls to visit. A tour to Murchison Falls is a very popular tourist destination and a little more off the beaten path are the Sipi Falls. Just about 80 kilometer East of Kampala you will find the laidback city of Jinja, where you can find the source of the Nile and where white water rafting is the number one thing to do.

A place to visit in Uganda that is popular with backpackers is Lake Bunyonyi. A stunning crater lake with numerous islands. Kayaking and taking in the stunning views while swinging in a hammock are great things to do here. Near Lake Bonyonyi there is Lake Mburo National Park and much more to the Northeast there is Mbale and Kidepo Valley National Park which are popular places to visit in Uganda.

Visiting Uganda is ADVENTURE!

30. Visit Kampala if you dare!

Are you ready for an adventure then definitely don't miss out on visiting Kampala. I totally understand it is not for everyone, but when you want to see some extraordinary city life I recommend you to check it out. Traveltomtom has traveled to more than 155 countries as of January 2024 and has been to only 1 place in the world that can rival Kampala in it terms of craziness: Dhaka, Bangladesh .

The traffic is crazy, the amount of people is insane, yes it is dirty, it is not beautiful, yet I still recommend it. Why? It is a fantastic experience with a dozen impressions on every street corner.

My travel tip for visiting Kampala is to hit up Steve from Free Walking Tours in Kampala and he will show you the best places to visit in Kampala. Also a must when in Kampala is visiting the Gaddafi Mosque, according to Traveltomtom one of the best things to do in Kampala , because you can climb to the top of the minaret and have the most amazing view over Kampala.

31. What to bring to Uganda

Remember to dress respectfully. Uganda is conservative, so in general it’s better to avoid short skirts or shorts when traveling to Uganda. For women it’s best to bring an over the knee skirt because it’s impolite to wear trousers or shorts while visiting local community. I did wear shorts during day activities like hikes, safaris or boat tours, no problem.

Pack good hiking shoes (Traveltomtom disagrees LOL) for your chimpanzee or gorilla trekkings. Some parts can be very muddy and slippery. It’s also good to pack gaiters, gloves, a rain jacket/poncho and a hat. Although it’s hot wear long trousers and thin long-sleeved shirts to protect your arms and legs from scratches. 

Long clothing will also help protect you from diseases carried by mosquitoes and other insects such as tsetse flies. In general you should bring a flashlight, daypack, insect repellent, malaria pills for some areas, waterproof bags and an international driving license if you’re thinking of driving yourself.

Since you will probably meet a lot of children on your way, consider bringing some pencils to give to them (in stead of candies or money).

32. Camera gear and equipment for Uganda

It depends on your interest, but avid photographers and wildlife enthusiasts I recommend to bring the following to Uganda:

• Descent camera: for example a DSLR with several lenses or a camera with enough optical zoom. What I packed in my photography bag was a Canon 5D Mark IV with a Canon 100-400mm lens , Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 lens and a Canon 16-35mm 2.8 lens .
• A solid tripod .
• Enough batteries and memory cards .
• Binoculars , but many driver guides also have binoculars in their car.

For more about what Traveltomtom takes with him on his travel adventures around the world check out his travel gear list and have a look inside his bag.

33. Quick packing list for Uganda

Here are all the above mentioned items in one Uganda packing list:

• Over the knee skirt (women)
• Sarong to wrap around you
• Rain jacket
• Long sleeve t-shirt
• Long trousers
• Insect repellent
• Malaria pills
• UK electricity plug adapter
• International drivers license
• Gifts for children
• Camera gear
• Extra batteries
• Memory cards

With the above travel tips I think I answered the most common questions about traveling to Uganda. Much more about my 3-week trip to the Pearl of Africa you will find in my  Ultimate Uganda itinerary , with things to do and the best places to visit in Uganda. Or check out my  guide for the mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park .

In case this blog was helpful for planning your trip to Uganda please help me in return by sharing the link of this article on the internet. Every share on Facebook, tweet on Twitter or pin on Pinterest is very much appreciated.

Safe travels!

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Planning a Trip to Uganda: Complete Uganda Travel Blog

This guide to planning a trip to Uganda will explain where to visit in Uganda, the best places to stay, what to do, and other tips.

When I look back on my travels, my favorite trips have all been Africa safaris. I’ve been to Kenya, Tanzania, and Southern Africa.

Most recently, I visited Uganda to see wild chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. The trip was 10 days, included four destinations, and was an absolute bucket list worthy trip.

Uganda is an amazing bucket-list destination for chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, and safari.

Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!

Why Visit Uganda

First, let’s start with why you shouldn’t visit Uganda. If you are visiting sub-Saharan Africa for the first time and want a traditional safari experience, Uganda is not for you.

While the game drives in Uganda are amazing, they can’t compare to wildlife sightings in other countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa .

However, if any of the following criteria apply to you, Uganda is the perfect destination:

• You’ve been on safari and want a unique experience for your next one
• You’re hoping to see primates in the wild
• You want to explore off the beaten path, with more active adventures

In Uganda, you will have the unique opportunity to hike to chimpanzees and gorillas, something you cannot do in the previously mentioned countries.

Compared to a classic safari, you will get more exercise and see more rugged destinations. If this appeals you, this Uganda travel blog is for you.

Planning a Trip to Uganda

Uganda isn’t a simple place to visit and planning a trip to Uganda isn’t a simple task. This Uganda travel blog will break down some of the top tips and considerations for your trip to make the planning much easier.

Getting to Uganda – The international airport in Uganda (EBB) is in Entebbe near the capital city of Kampala. There are direct flights from many countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

If you are coming from the US, the best layovers are in Qatar or Dubai. Once you arrive, the Protea Entebbe hotel by Marriott is a convenient place to stay for one night before you continue to your next location.

Visiting with a Tour Company – I highly recommend visiting Uganda with a company. Especially if you plan to visit many locations in the country. I traveled with Abercrombie & Kent , which is one of the top luxury safari outfitters in Africa.

They plan internal transportation, provide an expert guide, coordinate a private driver, plan activities in each destination, and book hotels for you.  

Visiting on Your Own – The only time I suggest planning a trip to Uganda on your own is if you are visiting only one destination, such as Bwindi, in addition to a larger Africa vacation.

You can coordinate with your lodge to help book internal transportation and other logistics, since they can be complicated and confusing to book without the help of a local.

Where to Visit in Uganda

While Uganda is small, the size of the state Oregon, there are many places worth visiting. Below, I share the top four places to visit. Later on, I’ll break down how to fit these destinations into a ten day itinerary.

Murchison Falls National Park

Where to Stay – Nile Safari Lodge

The Nile Safari Lodge is one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed at. It was the first hotel we stayed at on our trip, and I was honestly blown away from the moment I walked in.

The common areas are open-air with amazing views of the Nile River. There is also an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, and multiple fire pits.

The rooms are at least 1000 square feet, with a large private balcony, and indoor an outdoor shower, and walls of windows overlooking the river.

In addition to amazing amenities, the service was above an beyond. The staff anticipated our every need including cold towels after game drives, and a morning wakeup call with fresh cappuccinos.

What to Do Near Murchison Falls National Park

I’d recommend visiting Murchison Falls National Park simply to spend a few nights at the Nile Safari Lodge . In addition, there are a few other highlights to this area.

Murchison Falls – You can take a small hike at the falls to see the permanent rainbow, flowing river, and take a “shower” in the mist from the water.

Game Drives – The national park is a decent place for game drives, with the opportunity to see giraffes, elephants, lions, many antelope, and other wildlife.

River Cruise – Since the park borders the Victoria Nile River, take a cruise to see the falls from the water, and see animals such as hippos and crocodiles.

Kibale National Park

Where to Stay – Kyaninga Lodge

The Kyaninga Resort is a treehouse-style resort perched above a beautiful crater lake in the farmland of Uganda. Atop a large staircase is a communal cabin with a bar, lounge, dining room, and outdoor deck.

From there, take even more stairs to standalone cabins with a full bathroom, private deck, and large bed.

The resort includes access to the lake with swimming, paddleboards, and kayaks. You can also take a three miles scenic walk around the crater.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

The primary reason to visit Kibale National Park in Uganda is to trek to chimpanzees . Kibale is one of the only places in Uganda where wild chimps have been habituated for human viewing.

Habituation means that the animals have been exposed to humans over a series of months or years, so they learn to tolerate their presence. However, the chimps are still very wild.

Your day of Chimpanzee trekking will begin at the national park’s visitor center. There will be a safety briefing and preview for the day.

From there, you will be separated into groups of up to 12 people with a dedicated tracker. Groups will fan out from the facility to begin tracking the chimps.

The groups spread out to improve the chances of finding the chimps.

Once a tracking group locates the chimps, they will communicate the location with the other groups. After arriving with the chimps, you will have one hour for viewing and photography. The number of chimps will vary from day to day from a single chimp to 20+.

While viewing the chimps, you may see them eating, mating, cleaning themselves, sleeping, or any of their other natural behaviors. Seeing the chimpanzees in the wild is a truly life-changing and humbling experience.

After an hour with the chimps, you will hike back to the visitor center and return to your lodge.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Where to Stay – Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Of all the luxury safari lodges in this guide, Ishasha is the most rustic. For some, it’s a great adventure and a fun way to get in touch with nature.

For others, it may lack some of the resources you require, such as hot water and air conditioning. Ishasha is a series of permanent tents that have a king bed, and large bathroom.

There is a communal lodge for dining that has a bar and fire pit.  

The Best Uganda Game Drives

The main reason to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is for game drives. A game drive is a 2-5 hour drive through the national park in a safari vehicle, trying to spot game such as lions, leopards, elephants, and more.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is also a great place to see the famous tree climbing lions perched in fig trees.

If you are only visiting Uganda on your trip, I recommend visiting this park to get some good game drives in. If you are combining the trip with a stay in Kenya or Tanzania, I’d skip this portion of the trip.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Where to Stay – Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

I’ve stayed in a number of Sanctuary Retreats in Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, and Tanzania. They have all been amazing, and the Gorilla Forest Camp is no different.

The GFC has a large community lodge with dining, a bar, and lounge. There is also a spa and well-stocked gift shop. Each room is a standalone permanent tent that are luxuriously decorated, have a large deck, and have a large bathroom with a shower and tub.

In addition, the service at the lodge is above and beyond. They help with your every need, including cleaning our hiking shoes after a day of trekking, preparing snacks for on-demand happy hour, providing live entertainment around the fire, and more.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The top reason to visit Bwindi, and Uganda in general, is to hike to wild mountain gorillas . Mountain gorillas are native to the impenetrable forest, which crosses the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There aren’t mountain gorillas anywhere else in the world, even in zoos.

Uganda is the best place to trek to gorillas, with many habituated families, strong conservation policies, and skilled guides. A trekking pass is expensive, but I recommend planning for two days of trekking to improve your chances of sightings.

A day of gorilla trekking will begin in the visitor center, where you will be paired with a team of security, trackers, and a guide. Each group is then assigned to a gorilla family. Trackers and your guide will help locate the family as quickly as possible, but trekking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to seven hours.

Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one hour watching their natural interactions and taking photos. While trekking to Chimpanzees, mentioned above, is amazing, nothing can compare to spending time with these wild gorillas. It is truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

Check out my three day gorilla trekking itinerary for more tips.

Other Things to do in Bwindi

While gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Bwindi, below are a few other fun things to do.

Visit a School – If you stay at the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, you can visit a local elementary school that is supported by the resort.

You will have the opportunity to meet the children, speak with the headmaster, and learn about the efforts to improve the education for local children.

Meet a Local Tribe – The local Batwa tribe was pushed out of their home in Bwindi Forest when tourism and gorilla conservation took over the area.

They were traditionally a hunter gatherer tribe, and have now had to adapt to life in the community. The Batwa tribe welcomes tourists to visit their community to learn about their customs, history, and traditions.

Support Humanitarian Projects – There are a variety of projects in Bwindi that support the local community members. You can visit these projects to learn about their efforts, and purchase goods that will provide income to the locals.

Some of these projects include the women’s bicycle project where a group of women sell and repair bikes for local transportation. Another is the Ride 4 a Woman project, where women create woven and sewn crafts for sale, such as baskets, clothing, and decorations.

What to Wear in Uganda on Safari

I wrote an entire post on what to wear in Uganda , so check that out for a complete packing list and outfit ideas for every occasion on your trip.

In general, you want to stick to comfortable neutral clothes when packing for Uganda. Colors such as beige, brown, and grey are ideal for avoiding insects and blending in with the environment. Comfort is key for long drives, hiking, and other leisure activities.

If you plan to trek with gorillas or chimpanzees, pack hiking equipment to protect yourself for the hikes. Hikes in Bwindi and Kibale include breaking through the jungle, off path, so it is important to come prepared. Some of the essentials to pack are hiking boots , ankle gaiters , and a good hat .

Uganda Travel Guide – 10 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe and say at the Protea Entebbe for one night

2-3:  Visit Murchison Falls National Park, stay at the Nile Safari Lodge and take game drives, river cruises, and visit the falls

4-5: Visit Kibale National Park to hike with Chimpanzees

6-7: Go to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a couple days of game drives

8-10: Finish in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to trek with gorillas

Potential Trip Extensions from Uganda

If you are making the effort to travel to Uganda, I highly recommend extending your trip to any of the following destinations.

As I mentioned above, Uganda is the best destination for trekking with primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas. However, Kenya and Tanzania have much better traditional safari. For the perfect mix of both destinations, simply visit both.

My recommended itinerary is two nights in Kigale National Park to hike to Chimpanzees, three nights in Bwindi to hike to Gorillas, then 4 nights in Kenya or Tanzania for game drives.

Tanzania – In Tanzania, I highly recommend staying at the Four Seasons Serengeti . It’s one of my favorite hotels in the world with amazing game drives, an infinity pool that overlooks a watering hole, and stunning rooms. The Serengeti is also arguably the best place in the world for game drives.

Kenya – In Kenya, I love the Sanctuary Olonana . As shared above, I love Sanctuary Resorts. This property is along the Mara River, which borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Masai Mara in Kenya is connected to the Serengeti in Tanzania and has equally great game viewing.

Seychelles – If you prefer to combine a relaxing beach destination with your adventurous trip to Uganda, you cannot beat a few days in the Seychelles. End your Uganda vacation with a few days at the Four Seasons Seychelles to relax by the beach, visit the spa, and unwind from a fantastic, busy vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda

Currency – The currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shilling which is approximately 4,000 to one USD. US dollars are accepted in most tourist locations, but bills must be new and crisp, without stains or tears. I recommend exchanging for a couple hundred dollars of the local currency to use for tips and purchasing small souvenirs.

Language – The official language of Uganda is Swahili, but many people speak three languages: Swahili, English, and their tribal dialect.

Climate – Uganda is very lush and green, with high annual rainfall, high humidity, and moderate temperatures. The temperature often ranges from 60 to 90 degrees year-round.

Entry Requirements – Check your government websites for the most recent information, but Visas are currently required for all US passengers. Visas can be secured online for around $100 and are valid for 90 days from the time of issuance.

Summary of this Uganda Travel Blog

Hopefully by now, this Uganda travel blog has convinced you to plan a trip to Uganda. It is a truly incredible, bucket-list trip. The unique opportunity to hike among primates is extraordinary and is sure to be one of your best travel memories.

Whether you plan to visit for a few days as part of an African adventure, or plan to visit Uganda for 10 days, you will have an amazing vacation.

Related Posts:

• Ultimate Uganda Packing List – What To Wear In Uganda On Safari
• Three Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Itinerary And Adventure Guide
• Guide To Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda – How To Prepare And What To Expect
• The Best Luxury Lodges In Uganda – Where To Stay In Uganda On Safari

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Lauren is the creator of The Traveling Moore blog. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously.

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The Ultimate Uganda Travel Guide

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Searching through the jungles of Bwindi during our Uganda guide, we aimed to see some of the most scarce animals on Earth. The critically endangered Mountain Gorillas are not like the typical safari. Feelings go numb, and you are speechless at first sight. It is the highlight of our time in Africa.

After the Gorilla experience, we go on Safari to two National Parks . While sitting at the edge of our seats on a boat, we patiently wait for two hippos to go at it. Other hippos are grazing on land, with elephants drinking in the distance. Crocodiles large enough to eat a small buffalo wait patiently. Lions out in the prairie stalk, hunt, and eventually eat, where one can witness the full cycle on almost a daily basis.

At Murchison Falls, aside from the spectacular safari, we hiked up to the top of the falls to feel the mist over our entire body. We saw the greatest waterfall on the Nile river. The power of the river is clear as it growls through the narrow section of land.

After several days of safari, we went to relax at Mount Elgon. While we did not hike, one can hike up to the World’s largest Caldera. Nearby Sipi Falls is a wonderful set of three waterfalls, each very picturesque. Thinking back on our time while relaxing and sipping on some cold Nile Special, we realized we just enjoyed one of the best spots in Africa.

Welcome to the Pearl of Africa…Uganda.

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon .

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The Ultimate Guide to Uganda

About uganda.

Uganda is less frequented by visitors than its East African neighbors. Sitting along the Eastern Volcanic Rift with some of the world’s largest and deepest lakes, Africa’s oldest rainforest, Africa’s tallest mountain range, and the source of the Nile River, Uganda is packed with things to do.

Visit the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi National Park, see tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National park, and see the Nile River’s largest waterfall as well as an excellent safari at Murchison Falls National Park.

Uganda is an excellent place to visit if you have an extended trip. It is travel-friendly and very safe. Locals are very nice, and we found Uganda to have some of the best local food in Africa.

With limited time, don’t exclude Uganda albeit not having a major hub, it is just a quick flight from Nairobi. Uganda should be high on anyone’s list to go, it’s a special place that many do not visit, but has some of the best landscapes in all of Africa.

Currency in Uganda

At the time of writing, the Uganda Shilling was worth 3,374 to $1. While Shillings are the National currency, all parks and several areas for lodging only accept USD. Rarely in Uganda does anyone accept credit cards, in particular, no one at any of the National Parks. Park fees also must be paid in cash. ATMs are not readily available and only in bigger towns.

Food in Uganda

The availability of supermarkets is primarily in the bigger towns. Small villages throughout the countryside will only have small markets with little available. What seems like the national dish of Uganda is the Ugandan Rolex. Not a watch, but hand-rolled chapati cooked streetside with an omelet and tomato rolled inside is widely available. Chapati is 500 shillings and each egg is 500 shillings.

Hiring Private Drivers

Hire a private 4×4 van for $80 per day to get a fun-packed 10 to 12 days in Uganda. With more time, you can arrange for transport or take the public matatu bus. Hire with  Bwindi Backpackers  for a van with a large sunroof (not a pop-top). Price excludes fuel and vehicle and driver entry to National Parks.

If you are coming from Kenya to Uganda overland, it may make sense to do this itinerary in reverse; however, this makes the most sense when coming from Kampala or from Rwanda.

Check out the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Lake Bunyoni, Queen Elizabeth for an epic river cruise, Murchison Falls for game drives, and the Nile River, before the last stop to Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls.

You will have an all-around vacation filled with adventure. The Gorillas will be the highlight of the trip, but also enjoy some top-notch Safari.

Two-Week Uganda Itinerary

• 2 Days:   Bwindi to see the Mountain Gorillas
• 3 Days:  Queen Elizabeth for game drives and a river cruise
• 3 Days:  Murchison Falls for games drives and a waterfall hike
• 5 Days:   Mount Elgon for a 4-day hike and a day at Sipi Falls
• 1-2 Days:  Extra transit and possible stopover between destinations

Top Places to See in Uganda

1. bwindi impenetrable forest national park.

Bwindi is Africa’s oldest rainforest, one of the few surviving the Ice Age. Sitting on the Congo basin, Bwindi is one of four parks that are home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas. While numbers are increasing, only 880 are left in the wild, and Bwindi is home to half of them. Priced lower than Rwanda, but more than Congo, it is the perfect place to come see the Mountain Gorillas.

Costs for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking permits cost $600 US per person in Uganda. Rwanda is by far the most expensive at $1,500 per person, and the Congo is the cheapest at $400. Bwindi is an excellent choice, where there are several other activities, including nature hikes, chimp treks, or visiting the Batwa Pygmies ($20).

Where to Stay in Bwindi

Bwindi Backpackers is a good option for visiting Bwindi. They help not just with arranging the permits, but also offer transportation and vehicle for hire for the Uganda tours. Camping is $10 per person, and rooms start at $25 with cottages for $60 per person. Dorms are also available from $15 to $20. Meal plans cost $25 per person, or you can eat a la carte. Stay two nights with a meal plan for a one-way transfer included to or from Kigali.

2. Lake Bunyoni

One of Africa’s deepest lakes, this lake is very scenic and dotted with many islands. Surrounded by rolling hills, it is a wonderful stop to relax for a day. Make sure to drive up to the top of the hillside for excellent views. One of only two lakes that claim to not have bilharzia (however, there are some reported cases from 2012), you can swim, rent a kayak, or hire a boat tour around the lake.

Where to Stay at Lake Bunyoni

Stay at Overland Resort which has rooms for $35, very cute lakeside tents for $40, and cottages for $60. Camping is $8. Enjoy some excellent meals that are well-sized portions as well.

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth is a large game Reserve that during the 70s was a premier park in Africa filled with animals, including the Big Five. During the 1980s, many animals were killed, especially elephants and rhinos.

There are two sections of the park, the Southern section of Ishasha with the famous tree-climbing lions and the Northern section with game drives and the river cruise. The tree climbing lions at Ishasha and the river cruise are the highlights of the park. Hire a guide for $20 for the tree-climbing lions.

Where to Stay at Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Ishasha – Enjojo Lodge camping $10, tented camp B&B $35 pp
• Northern section – Marafiki Lodge $10 camping, luxury rooms from $120

Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth

• Game drives concentrate around the Kasenyi gate and the royal circuit where you will see some elephants, Ugandan kob, antelope, buffalo, and other gazing animals while searching for Lions. On occasion, you can spot leopards.
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise – This two-hour cruise with Mweya Safari Lodge (Cost: $28 per person) was the highlight of QE and should be done in the afternoon around 4 pm.
• Salt Mine at Katwe village – Stop here for a nice view of the crater where they still mine salt today using traditional methods, along with some craft stores.
• The Crater Loop of the Explosion Craters is a scenic drive that starts at the Main gate of Kabatoro.

Entry Fees to Queen Elizabeth

• $40 USD per person for a 24-hour period
• The car is a one-time 30k shilling fee ($8 USD)
• The fee for the driver is 15k shilling per day ($4 USD)
• A guide at Ishasha is $20 USD

4. Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison National Park is one of Uganda’s largest national parks and possibly one of Africa’s top parks during the 1960s. The park had some of the highest concentrations of animals in Africa. Troops and poachers nearly killed all of the wildlife here during the 1980s except for grazing antelope.

Wildlife has recovered fast, as this national park is on its way to becoming one of Africa’s top parks once again. Rhinos are expected to be reintroduced to Murchison again, having this the only place in Uganda with the Big Five. In addition to the wonderful game drives where you can witness herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, hippos, Ugandan Kob, and waterbucks, the raging falls of Murchison are the largest along the Nile River.

Where to Stay at Murchison National Park

Staying outside of the national park is cheaper than staying inside. Also, staying inside requires payment to the National Park and starts the 24-hour period. Because we arrived at night, it made sense to stay outside of the park so as to not waste any of our 24-hour period.

Stay Outside the Park

Stay at Yebo Safari Camp where camping is $10 per person, and the tented camps are $25 per person. Banda’s with the full board is $40. Meals cost $10 but are very large and delicious. Note that if you are staying outside the park, the main entrance from the Masindi gate requires you to pay to get to the “outside the park” establishments. Make sure to drive around the park to Lake Albert and through Bulisa to avoid paying park fees.

Stay Inside the Park

Stay at Red Chili Rest Camp , a wonderful and budget stay, although comes with luxury views, very good food, and great customer service. They are located one minute from the Paraa Ferry for easy access to game drives in the morning. Camping costs $7, tented camps with shared baths cost $44, small banda with shared baths cost $38, and the large banda with ensuite cost $55.

Game drives are the main activity in Murchison. Most of the accommodation is on the south side of the river, besides the Paraa Safari Lodge. The game drives, however, are on the north side of the river. You must take a ferry crossing. It is best to arrive at 6:30 am to make sure you get on the first 7 am ferry. You can hire a guide for four-hour periods for $20 at the entry on the north side of the ferry crossing.

River Cruise

Take a scenic boat cruise from the ferry crossing to the bottom of the falls. You will see animals gathering by the river’s edge and ultimately taken to Murchison Falls. The tour takes in total about 4 hours.

Cost: $32 per person and leaves around 2 or 3 pm.

Waterfall Hike

Drive 30 km from Paraa to the top of the falls on the Southside of the river. You can take a short walk to the top of the falls for free. To continue on the trail to where there are much better views costs $15 per person.

Ferry Crossing Times in Murchison NP

Ferries are at 7 am, 9 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4p m, 6 pm, and 7 pm. Cost: Ferry crossing fee is 40k shillings for multi-use all-day

Park Fees to Murchison National Park

• $40 per person for a 24-hour period
• Car is a one-time 30k fee ($8 USD)
• The driver is 15k per day ($4 USD)
• A guide is $20 USD for a 4-hour period

5. Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls

Budadiri is a small village that is a great place to stay in the Mount Elgon region. Many hikes, including the summit hike, start just a few kilometers from Budadiri, and the village is big enough to get some basic groceries or lunch out if you need. Sipi Falls is about a 45-minute drive by Boda Boda (moto-taxi) through the beautiful countryside of Uganda.

Where to Stay Near Mount Elgon

Roses Place is a great option, where rooms cost 60k shillings but a very large breakfast and dinner are included.

Activities near Mount Elgon

• Mount Elgon Trek:  There are several routes up Mount Elgon, including the popular but steepest Sasa Route starting in Budadiri (3-4 days), a Sipi Trail (4-6 days), and the Piswa Trail (7 days).  The cost is $75 per day which includes entry fees and mandatory guide fees. Price excludes any gear (tent) and costs for a porter (~$17/day). 
• Coffee Plantation Tour:  Go on a short two-hour walk to a coffee plantation, where you can see the entire process of making coffee and walk through the fields of coffee on the base of Mount Elgon.  The cost is 15,000 Shillings ($4.50)
• Sipi Falls Tour:  Sipi Falls is a 45-minute drive by Boda Boda, where you can hire for the day with the driver for 40k shillings. At Sipi, you can hire a guide and decide on a walk to the falls from 35k to 55k shillings depending on the length of the hike. You also can go to each falls on your own where they will charge you at each stop, but for around a total of 25k.  The total cost is between 65K and 95K Shillings ($19-$28).

Should You Come to Uganda?

Uganda was one of our favorite countries in Africa, and in particular, our favorite in East Africa. East Africa is an expensive place to visit, especially going on safari in Kenya and Tanzania. While not cheap, safaris are more affordable in Uganda and offer incredible landscapes.

Overall, the safaris were some of the best in Africa. The culture is also really great in Uganda. The people are very welcoming and friendly, a vibe we did not always get in other parts of East Africa. We also really enjoyed the food, with some of the best in the region.

That’s it – have a Wonderful time exploring the beautiful country of Uganda!

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About the Author:

Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years. After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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Top 10 Uganda Destinations Great For Safari

Uganda’s top 10 destinations great for safari include two rainforest jungles popular for primates viewing, three shoreline destinations on two massive lakes, and five savannah game parks—an impressive collection no other Africa safari destination, that size, can dream of having.

From the savannah plains, rainforest jungles to hidden cultural cities, Uganda has many obscure and diverse destinations great for a private or group African safari holiday. In this little country, the size of Britain, there are 10 national parks, 12 wildlife reserves, a multi culture mix, and a bucket-load of breathtaking landscapes; it’s challenging to decide which places deserve the distinction of the best destinations to visit in Uganda.

That’s why we considered a variety of factors, such as the destination’s ttractions, access, bioviversity, accommodation options, as well as popularity and ratings, to determine which are best places for safari in Uganda.

Uganda’s top destinations have become popular with private and small group travelers and what makes them preferred by the new and seasoned travelers is that its tourist numbers are still small and tolerable compared to its famous giant safari neighbors ( Kenya and Tanzania ).

There’s a big chance that an ordinary traveler’s toes will not get stepped on, their lazy evenings will not be disrupted, or even they might be the only one on a game drive in the entire national park. The destination is a giant private reserve that makes private safari an affordable indulgence for an everyday traveler.

Uganda has all the savannah plains, the rainforest jungles, the snow-capped mountains, and the indigenous African cultures to brag about. Having all this travel trove in one giant private reserve, I think, makes Ugandan people the most modest, welcoming, entertaining, and so much caring hosts.

Take a look at our compilation of the top 10 Uganda destinations; use it for your vacation planning, and cast your vote at the end of this post to have a say in next year’s list.

Top 10 Destinations in Uganda

• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Entebbe – Kampala
• Kibale National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Jinja, Source of The Nile
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Kidepo National Park
• Rwenzori National Park

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Few reserves in the world have such high biodiversity, landscapes, savannah plains, bushland, wetlands, and lush forests like this park. Covering 1978 sq km, scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular of all Uganda destinations with animals and tourists.

Uganda’s most famous safari destinations protect the highest number of animals. Some of the best to see on safari include hippos cooling off their massive bodies in the Kazinga channel, elephant parades, lion prides, leopards, hyenas, Uganda kobs, and the chimpanzee troop in the Kyambura Gorge forest.

The park is easy to reach and enjoys a stunning location on the rift valley floor between Lakes Edward and George. Varied habitats epitomize the rift valley vegetative mosaic that tempted our hominid ancestors to migrate from forest to grasslands and are home to 95 mammal and 612 bird species.

Scenically, Queen Elizabeth National Park has everything: thirty miles to the north of the park, the blue Rwenzori Mountains explode from the plains—a composite, jagged mass of mountains, sixty miles long and forty wide. Looking in a certain ever-changing park atmosphere, the mountains seem like you can reach out and touch them.

Across Lake Edward to the west, the Mitumba hills stand sentinel on the Congo border, blue in the long sight, but the closer you get, the green, wooded, steep, and unfriendly epitomize dark Africa.

Mweya Peninsula is the park’s primary tourist hub. Reached by a narrow portage separating Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel. The peninsula enjoys marvelous views in all directions. Mweya is home to the park headquarters, several modern safari lodges , and budget hostels.

The Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel shores provide year-round water for large numbers of birds, reptiles, and mammals. A boat safari (or launch trip) to view this wildlife spectacle is Queen Elizabeth National Park’s most famous and enduring activity. Boat safaris make a 2-hour round trip between the Mweya jetty and Lake Edward, providing marvelous opportunities to view up-close crocodiles, elephants, hippo, buffalo, and a wide variety of waterbirds.

A network of safari game tracks allows game drives to explore the plains north of the Kazinga Channel. Large numbers of animals live here but a patchwork of grassland and scrubby thickets can make game viewing challenging especially after the long rains; you will need more time on your safari drive tocarefully spot them.

The Channel track and the Leopard Loop are probably the most likely of all Uganda destinations to find Leopard and Giant Forest Hog. The area is also memorable for its distinctive candelabra trees (Euphorbia candelabrum) and the African Fish Eagles perch.

Kyambura Gorge

At the foot of the rift’s Kichwamba escarpment, the Kyambura River flows through the deep, cliff-lined Kyambura Gorge towards the Kazinga Channel. The Fig Tree Camp at the gorge’s edge provides a giddy view down into the 100m-deep chasm.

The canyon contains a beautiful riverine forest in which travelers can track one habituated chimpanzee troot with gorge’s forest. Chimpanzee trekking excursions head out twice daily at 8:00am and at 14:00.

Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, the ravine offers a remarkable nature hike that’s a great compliment to savannah game drives on the plains above.

Ishasha Sector

The magnificent and remote Ishasha sector lies in the extreme south of Queen Elizabeth NP , adjoining the Virunga National Park, which lies on the opposite side of the Ishasha River in the D.R. Congo. Few tourists make the long drive from the famous Mweya sector in the north. It is their loss, for the sector enjoys a wilderness character unrivaled elsewhere in the park.

Ishasha is home to a superb variety of animal variety. Hippos are common in the Ishasha River that forms the border between DRC and Uganda. Buffalo, Topi, and Kob roam the Ishasha plains, some of which become prey for Leopard and the sector’s most famous residents, the tree-climbing lions.

These docile felines can be easily spotted draped over the branches of large fig trees and acacia trees. Their motive for tree climbing remains unclear to researchers. Still, whether it is to enjoy the shade, watch for approaching meals, or avoid irritating bugs, Ishasha lions look incredibly comfortable on their high perches.

Best Safari Trips To Queen Elizabeth NP

QENP is the best of all Uganda destinations, excellent for family safari holidays. The park welcomes all ages and is the easiest to access. You can visit it any time of the year, and it’s also a great addition to any of the two primate destinations , Bwindi & Kibale Forests. Nkuringo Safaris , a long-serving trusted operator, runs a promotional trip to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi and visit QENP.

EXCITING EXPEDITION TO MEET UGANDA’S GORILLAS & QENP WILDLIFE

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2. Murchison Falls National Park

Voted second on our top 10 Uganda destinations is Murchison Falls National Park, which sits on the shores of Lake Albert in northwestern Uganda. It’s known for the rumbling Murchison Falls, the most powerful falls where the Victoria Nile River squeezes through a 7-meter narrow gap to splash out powerful water at 300 cubic meters per second.

Adjacent to Murchison is Uhuru Falls, taking the excess of Murchison Falls water to create a spectacle that has become a Uganda tourism magnet.

Together with the adjacent Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Wildlife Reserve, the park forms the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA), the largest of all Uganda destinations at 3,893 square kilometres (1,503 sq mi).

Murchison Falls National Park is endowed with big game, including elephants and hippos, and you could catch sight of the chimpanzee in the Kanyiyo Padidi mahogany forest. The Lake Albert Delta is home to rare shoebill storks. There is game fishing in the cascades of Karuma Falls.

MFNP lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift, where the valley’s bounding escarpments fade into north Uganda’s anonymous expanses. The Victoria Nile bisects the park for 100 kilometers as it flows west from Karuma Falls to the Albert Nile. Created in 1952, today, it forms the core of the even larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area (5,072 sq km), including the adjoining Karuma and Bugungu wildlife reserves.

The River Nile through that park with its teeming hippo and serried ranks of crocodiles on the sandbanks, coupled with large numbers of other species coming down to drink and bathe, in the highlight of a visit to this magnificent park.

The most dramatic view of the waterfall is at the top of the falls, where the sight and sounds of the Nile crashing through the 6-meter wide chasm makes an unforgettable assault on your neural senses.

The Falls site may be reached either by vehicle or a hot half-hour climb on foot after leaving the Paraa launch in Fajao Gorge. The latter route passes Baker’s point, a peninsula that faces Murchison Falls and a secondary cataract named Uhuru Falls.

Wildlife in Murchison Falls

The Paraa boat safari cruise is undoubtedly the park’s most enduring and famous safari attraction . The safari boat trips that launch off at Paraa jetty cruise up the Nile to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. On the Nile banks, you can spot the Nile crocodiles, elephant herds, lions, lazy hippos, buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe, oribi, hartebeest, and monitor lizards.

Birding is spectacular along the Victoria Nile River to the delta. Hundreds of Red-throated bee-eaters nest in a river cliff near Paraa, while you’ll find many waterbirds along the channel.

The most prized bird sighting in Murchison is the strange-looking Shoebill or Whale-headed Stork, which frequents marshy areas. With luck, you can see the Shoebill from the Paraa boat safari, but opportunities are best in the Victoria Nile’s papyrus delta, Mabamba Swamp, where the river enters Lake Albert.

The best safari game viewing opportunities in this top Uganda destination are found north of the Nile in the savannah plains of Buligi Area. This stunning grassland wilderness is sandwiched between the Victoria and Albert Niles with panoramic views towards the rift valley escarpment in the West Nile districts and DR. Congo.

Murchison Falls wildlife collection lucks the Rhino to complete Africa’s famous Big 5 game animals list (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Rhino). Unfortunately for safari enthusiasts, the fifth of them, the White Rhino, lives in the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, is closed off for tourism due to misunderstandings between the private sanctuary’s owners.

However, the Buffalo and elephant are ubiquitous among Murchison Falls NP wildlife. A very healthy lion population likes to prey on the abundant Uganda kob on the expansive park’s savannah plains. Several antelope species roam the plains, including oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest, Defassa waterbuck, grey duiker, and bushbuck.

On the Victoria Nile banks, which bisect the park, are crocodiles and hippos busking under the savannah heat. You’re also most likely to see large herds of the localized Rothschild’s giraffe in the park, but the leopard is far from showing up randomly. The most likely place to see the leopard is in the vicinity of Pakuba Lodge.

Troops of the rare Pata’s monkey sometimes hand around the grassy plains and are easy to spot on a Uganda safari game drive . The neighboring Budongo Forest offers chimpanzee tracking excursions to compliment your game drive. It’s fun watching these distant habituated cousins showcase their native behaviors.

Other notable areas north of the river are a parkland-like expanse of Borassus Palms near Tangi and the Nyamsika Cliffs viewpoint, overlooking a river valley used by wildlife as a corridor to reach the Nile. Game is more scarce in the bushier habitats south of the river. However, you can find forest species, notably Chimpanzee, in the Kanyiyo Padidi Forest in the southern part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area.

Murchison Falls Safaris

For Big 5 enthusiasts , Murchison Falls Route is a perfect bucket list-lickers choice. Lion, elephant, leopard, and Cape buffalo roam the massive park plains. Trips in Murchison feature a boat launch on the Nile to the foot of falls and early morning and evening game drives in the Delta.

Murchison Falls Big Game Safari Journeys.

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3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi would have taken the number one spot on the top 10 Uganda destinations because it protects the world’s most precious jungle jewels, the mountain gorillas. Alternatively, it took the third because it’s only popular with international tourists and not the locals. And this is mostly because it’s the most expensive of all places to visit in Uganda.

The name Bwindi comes from the local word “Mubwindi” meaning place of darkness. The thick forest canopy blankets the forest floors creating an environment for plants to highly compete for light and an impenetrable jungle for humans. Thus the name Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

This swath of steep ridges covered in the thick, steamy jungle is just as magnificent as it sounds. The 32,092 ha (320 sq km) UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s prehistoric habitats that scientists date back to have survived the last Ice Age as most of the continent’s other forests disappeared. The tropical forest is one of the largest areas in East Africa, which still has Afromontane lowland forest extending to well within the montane forest belt.

Located in a mountainous area in southwest Uganda (near the border with Rwanda in the south), Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is most famous for its giant primate inhabitants , the mountain gorillas.

See Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi

Home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, the property represents a conservation frontline as an isolated forest of outstanding biological richness surrounded by an agricultural landscape supporting one of the highest rural population densities in tropical Africa. Community benefits arising from  gorilla trekking tourism  and other  ecotourism  may be the only hope for the future conservation of this unique site.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the best place in the world to see mountain gorillas up close. Spending a once-in-a-lifetime moment up close with these critically endangered forest giants is an unforgettable experience any traveler should include on their travel bucket list.

However, restricted numbers of viewing permits are issued at a hefty price of USD 700 ( Discounted at $400 ) to help protect the endangered gorilla groups. So make sure you book your gorilla permit months way before your planned safari trip to one of the top 10 Uganda destinations to get a chance to view these cousins.

Hiking Trails in Bwindi Forest

Even if you can’t afford gorilla tracking, Bwindi is a rewarding place to visit just for a chance to explore the lush virgin rainforest. Several 3 to 7-hour hikes run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) penetrate the Impenetrable Forest between Buhoma and Nkuringo sections of the forest. The walks, conducted by the premier Nkuringo Walking Safaris , begin at 9 am and 2.15 pm and cost US$30 per person (not including your park entry fee).

The Waterfall Trail leads to a magnificent 33m waterfall on the Munyaga River, but just as impressive is the rich forest ecosystems it passes through. It is the best trail for spotting both orchids and primates.

If you visit during the good weather seasons , the Muzabijiro Loop Trail and Rushura Hill Trail offer excellent views south to the Virunga volcanoes and the Western Rift Valley in the DRC. The latter, which is a more challenging climb, also serves up Lake Edward’s views and, on an exceptionally clear day, the Rwenzoris can be seen.

A longer but much easier trek is along the River Ivi Trail, which follows a planned but never-built road between Buhoma and Nkuringo. It’s a 14-kilometer walk through the forest and then another 6km uphill to join the Nteko-Nkuringo road; some travelers brave the last 10 kilometers to Nkuringo, and others hitch a boda-boda or have their driver pick them up. If you’re moving between Nkuringo and Buhoma, this is the most rewarding way to go. It is also the best bird-watching trail in the forest.

Seasoned hikers start from Kisoro town and take the 18km trek to Lake mutanda (which the walking guide can shorten to 10 km with some driving). You’ll pass through primitive communities with children dashing out hellos and cheering like it’s a July parade.

When when you reach Lake Mutanda, take a 2.5-hour paddle (life jackets provided) in a dugout canoe across to Mutanda Lake Resort. From here, it’s another 4km on foot to Kisoro or drive 36km (1 hour) to Nkuringo Sector .

Call Nkuringo Walking Safaris on +256 702 805580 or email [email protected] for pricing and other details.

Gorilla Trekking Experiences

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest protects about half of all the mountain gorillas globally, with four sectors well positioned on the park boundaries to make sure you don’t miss any opportunity to see the mountain giants.

You’re guaranteed 98% to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi because it has more habituated gorillas than Rwanda or DR Congo and with the most a ffordable gorilla permit (USD 700/400). The Southern Section (Nkuringo & Rushaga Sectors) offers the best trekking and habituation experiences.

Although the low season offers the best lodging prices, the best time to see gorillas is between June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months. This might result in a better experience, and photography will be easier.

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4. Entebbe – Kampala

Entebbe town and Kampala City make the top 10 destinations in Uganda list mainly because one is the nation’s cultural and business hub (Kampala) while the other (Entebbe) is the only hub connecting Uganda to other international cities.

Established on rolling hills some 10km off northern Lake Victoria shores, Kampala is the conventional African capital. More verdant than many of its regional counterparts, not relatively so populous or chaotic as others —but practically the familiar contrast of a bustling compact high-rise city center rising from a leafy suburban sprawl, increasingly organic as one reaches its rustic periphery. It has a contrasting atmosphere of modern urban bustle and time-warped tropical languor.

Kampala is linked to Entebbe’s international airport by a smooth-surfaced highway passing through a lush cover of broad-leaved plantains that make for a fascinating introduction to Uganda.

Coming by air, you’ll land at Entebbe International Airport (EBB, 3km from the town center, and if your main interest is natural history, then you’d be well advised to stay over in Entebbe rather than heading on to the capital.

Kampala is the pulsating heart of Uganda’s cultural and intellectual life, nightlife. It also lies at the international and domestic long-haul bus network hub, making it an attractive base for independent travelers seeking a taste of urban African cultures .

Because Kampala is extensive to cover in the top destinations in Uganda list, please read a great piece we wrote on Exploring Kampala City, Uganda’s Economic and Social Hub.

Entebbe’s attractions to see include Uganda Wildlife Edication Center, commonly known as the Zoo, which will give you a great introduction to most of Uganda’s wildlife you’ll find in the countryside.

Lake Victoria, the largest lake on the continent is a good place to start your visit to Uganda. Birders will find the shores rich with unique bird species in places like Botanical Gardens and Mabamba Swamps (for the Shoebill Storks). Ngamba Islands on Lake Victoria protects orphaned chimpanzees and tourists can visit via a speed boat and even spend a night or two on the island.

Near the airport are a great many places to stay that are a walking distance to shopping malls, local open markets, golf courses, and quaint suburbs for sunset walks and biking experiences.

Entebbe Town

Introducing You To Uganda

5. Kibale National Park

Stepping into Kibale Forest, you will immediately be welcomed by the dew freshness, endemic flowers’ fragrance, and primates’ musty scents. The alien sounds that bounce off your eardrums echo from distant red colobus hoots and exotic birds’ tweets.

In the distance, the sound of forest elephants felling branches along its path gives you an image of what surprise inhabitants you could encounter in this ancient tropical forest. Unexpected visitors leave trails around your forest camp or cottage to inform you that someone is watching when you’re not.

Guttural belches from warthogs remind you of the clumsy Pumba and Timon escapades of the ‘Hakuna Matata’ juggles. Gaze up, and a single scene might capture the iconic and unique as an olive long-tailed cuckoo flies above a small buffalo herd. The spirit of this jungle will make you feel more alive than ever before.

This 795-sq-km national park just outside Fort Portal comprises dense tropical rainforests, within which dwell enormous numbers of primates. If you can’t afford the lavish cost of mountain-gorilla tracking, then visiting one of the five habituated troops of chimpanzees here is a very worthy substitute, not to mention a far less financially draining one. Also regularly seen here are the rare red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

Beaming with an alluring combination of exquisite landscape scenery and various remarkable tourist activities, Kibale Forest National Park, together with the nearby Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes, is close to being an independent traveler’s dream.

Kibale Forest is highly powerfully and mysteriously attractive to nature lovers who come to view a wide range of forest birds and track chimpanzees and other twelve primate species (the highest concentration on the continent) that find refuge within the park.

Kibale National Park’s scenic appeal, chimp tracking cost, and the rising number of safari lodges make it one of the top destinations in Uganda and a great alternative to the southern gorilla destination Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The most popular activity in Kibale National Park is the guided chimpanzee tracking excursion out of Kanyanchu almost as popular is the guided walking trail through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is probably better for general monkey viewing and one of the finest birding trails in the country.

There is also plenty of potential for unguided exploration in the area, both along the main road through the forest and around Bigodi trading center and Kanyanchu Camp. If time is limited, it’s advisable to do the activity that most interests you in the morning — this is the best time to see chimpanzees and when birds are most active.

Guided forest walks in Kibale cost USD 30/40 Day/Night, excluding park entrance.

A highlight of any visit to Kibale Forest will be the chimp tracking hike that leaves Kanyanchu at 08.00 and 14.00 daily. Chimp sightings are not guaranteed on these walks, but the odds of encountering them have significantly improved in recent years and now stand at around 96%. The chimpanzee community, whose territory centers on Kanyanchu, is well habituated, with the result that visitors can often approach within a few meters of them.

While in the forest, you can expect to see at least two or three other types of primates, most probably grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkeys .

You will hear plenty of birdsong, but it’s challenging to see any birds in the heart of the forest. You’re better off looking for them in the rest camp and along the road. The guides are knowledgeable and will identify various medicinal plants, bird calls, and animal spoor.

For dedicated chimp enthusiasts or aspiring researchers seeking field experience, join a chimpanzee habituation experience , which involves staying with the chimps all day with habituators and taking notes on their behavior. A one-day chimpanzee habituation experience for foreign non-residents and residents costs USD 250 per person, and East African Nationals cost UGX 250,000 per person. The cost includes guide fees and park entrance but not accommodation.

Kibale Forest stands out as one of the top Uganda destinations because of its exciting guided night walk with spotlights. The guided night walk runs from 19.30 to 22.00 daily, costs US$40 per person, and offers a good chance of sighting nocturnal primates such as the bushbaby and potto.

6. Lake Mburo National Park

With exciting African wildlife watching in arm’s reach of the capital, the 370-sq-km Lake Mburo National Park is an increasingly common stop on the southwestern Uganda safari circuit. It’s the only one of the top 10 Uganda destinations in the southern region where you’ll see zebras, giraffe, and the only park in the country with impalas, slender mongoose, and giant bush rats.

Lake Mburo is an underrated Uganda safari destination, dominated by the eponymous lake, which — with its forest-fringed shores hemmed in by rolling green hills — is scenically reminiscent of the more celebrated Lake Naivasha in the Kenyan Rift Valley.

Despite its relative accessibility, Lake Mburo National Park is historically bypassed by most Uganda safari trips and independent travelers, presumably due to the low ‘big five’ count, particularly the lack of elephants and lions.

Even in the absence of wildlife heavyweights, however, Lake Mburo offers some excellent safari game viewing. Stay for two or more nights, and you’re as likely to see as many different large mammal species over a day as you would in any Ugandan national park. Some recent developments have raised the profile of the park.

With some desperation, safari operators have promoted Lake Mburo National Park as an ideal overnight stop along the long drive between Kampala and the other top destinations in southwestern Uganda. Amazingly, the number of travelers accepting the invitation has risen sharply since exemplary lodges opened up in the park, like the luxury Mihingo Lodge.

Wild Game in Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo is also the only protected area of the top 10 destinations in Uganda where visitors can view game animals on foot and horseback. The park harbors several species you may not see easily elsewhere in Uganda.

It is the only reserve in Uganda to support a large population of impala, and one of only three protected areas countrywide where Burchell’s zebra occurs—the other two being the far less accessible Kidepo Valley and Pian Upe.

Other antelope species casual visitors can spot are topi, bushbuck, common duiker, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, and Bohor reedbuck. At the same time, the lake and lush fringing vegetation support healthy populations of buffalo, warthog, bushpig, and hippopotamus.

Roan antelope , once common, are now locally extinct, but large herds of the majestic eland still move seasonally through parts of the park. The sitatunga antelope is confined to swamp interiors, and the klipspringer is occasionally observed in rocky areas. Only two diurnal primates occur at Lake Mburo: the vervet monkey and olive baboon.

The eerie rising nocturnal call of the spotted hyena is often heard from the camps, and tourists less frequently observe individuals crossing the road shortly after dawn. Leopard, side-striped jackal, and various smaller predators are also present, most visibly white-tailed mongoose (at dusk and dawn) and three otter species resident in the lakes.

Bird experts have recorded about 315 species of birds in Lake Mburo National Park. It is probably the best place in Uganda to see acacia-associated birds. Rwonyo Camp is as good a place as any to look for the likes of mosque swallow, black-bellied bustard, bare-faced go-away bird, and Ruppell’s long-tailed starling.

A handful of birds recorded at Lake Mburo are essentially southern species at the very northern limit of their range, for instance, the southern ground hornbill, black-collared and black-throated barbets, and green-capped eremomela.

Of particular interest to birders are the swamps where six papyrus endemics are resident, including the brilliantly colored papyrus gonolek, the striking blue-headed coucal, the highly localized white-winged, and papyrus yellow warblers; recorded nowhere else in Uganda.

Lake Mburo Safaris

For locals, Lake Mburo is the cheapest and most accessible of the top 10 Uganda destinations. The park offers excellent family safari holidays and bush walking experiences for Kids.

For tourists, the park offers excellent complementary to the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest ( see above ). It also acts as a buffer for the long voyages to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.

This small park is located 107 km from Masaka City and 67 km before Mbarara City.

7. Jinja, Source of The Nile

One of Uganda’s largest towns, Jinja, just about 80km east of Kampala, overlooking the point where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria (the Source of The Nile), makes it to our top 10 destinations in Uganda because of its overwhelming popularity with local and international travelers. And it is the source of the mighty river rather than the moderately interesting town that attracts visitors to Jinja.

The thrilling series of grade-five rapids below Bujagali Falls, a magnet for adrenaline tourists, has emerged as perhaps the single most popular tourist activity in Uganda, arguably surpassing even the mountain gorillas of the southwest. The rapids attract several adrenaline adventures concentrated in a small radius. It is one of the most spectacular white-water rafting destinations in the world.

There is also a certain poignancy attached to standing on the slopes from where Speke first identified that geographical Holy Grail which, less than a decade earlier, had lured an obsessed (and hopelessly misdirected) Livingstone to a feverish death near Lake Bangweulu in Zambia.

No less impressive is the knowledge that the water flowing past these green slopes will eventually drain into the Mediterranean, following a 6,500km journey through the desert wastes of Sudan and Egypt.

Jinja has an attractively lush location on the northern shore of Lake Victoria above the Ripon Falls, identified by Speke in 1862 as the source of the Nile , but submerged following the construction of the Owen Falls Dam in the 1950s. The colonial town was formerly the industrial heartland of Uganda, with a current population of 300,000 people.

Although its population makes it one of the largest urban centers in Uganda, Jinja is far from a metropolis that straddles the source of the Nile.

First-time visitors wandering around Jinja’s compact, low-rise town center might reasonably reflect on the colonial times the Europeans made this place their economic center.

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The town center proliferates with abandoned colonial architecture. Some fine colonial-era Asian architecture — epitomized by the restored 1919 Madvhani House on Main Street — complemented by a spread of thickly vegetated residential suburbs carved from the surrounding jungle, does give Jinja a compelling sense of place.

A great selection of accommodation choices sprouts around the city, allowing any traveler to spend a night in this colonial town. From hippie hostels to luxury travel lodges, you can’t fail to get where to spend your night in Jinja. A trip to any of the top Uganda destinations without visiting the source of the mighty Nile river will leave you with unfinished business guilt. It would be best if you extended your stay in Uganda to visit Jinja city.

8. Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi’s exotic landscapes that are a magnet for local and international travelers place it on this list of top 10 destinations in Uganda. Dotted with at least 20 small islands and encircled by steep terraced hills, Bunyonyi is a magical spot. It has been a popular day trip out of Kabale for decades. Over the past few years, the lake has further gained popularity thanks to a proliferation of budget and other campsites and resorts around the small fishing village of Rutinda (also known as Kyabahinga) and nearby islands.

Bunyonyi is a local name translating to “little birds,” which references the prolific weaver colonies along its shore. Larger birds are also represented by grey-crowned cranes, African harrier hawks, and various herons and egrets. Other common sightings include the levillant cuckoo, white-tailed monad, slender-billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpecker, and the African kingfisher.

The lake is large and irregularly shaped with numerous islands and the surrounding hillsides, which locals have beautifully cultivated like parts of Nepal. The area is vibrant with activities like canoeing, cycling, or hiking.

Also in its favor is the high-altitude location, which ensures a moderate climate (often becoming quite chilly at night) and a relatively low incidence of malaria. Health authorities have reliably reported the absence of Bilharzia and crocodiles and hippos, which means the lake is very safe for swimming adventures.

Active travelers will be excited that the easy availability of canoes, kayaks, and mountain bikes for hire, and enough potential excursions to keep one busy for days.

Things to do around lake Bunyonyi

One primary reason to include lake Bunyonyi on the top destinations in Uganda is the endless opportunities for activities available at the Lake Bunyoni region . Many villagers around the lake, several of the guesthouses, and campsites have boats for hire. It isn’t challenging to arrange a canoe trip on the lake. Canoeing is a popular activity, and you can rent dugouts from most of the camps. Charges are pretty reasonable but practice for a while before heading off on an ambitious trip around the islands, as many tourists end up going round and round in circles, doing what’s known locally as the mzungu (corkscrew).

There are endless walking opportunities in the area, and for those who want a challenge, you can boat across the lake before trekking down to Kisoro. Guided walks are also popular, and these can usually be arranged through camps here. However, if you want a relaxed amble along the shores of the lake, it is straightforward enough to find your own way.

You can hire a Mountain bike (per day USD 10) from Bunyoni Overland Camp and are a great way to get along the lakeshore, although getting to Kabale would require a king of the mountains, Tour de France style effort.

Wednesday and Saturday are Kyenvu open market days, drawing villagers from all over the region. It is a long way from all the camps around the lake and involves a three-hour trip by the dugout. However, most of the camps can arrange a rower to help out or secure a motorboat for rent. The people out here are pretty shy, so be sensitive with a camera.

There are also several Batwa villages in this part of the region, and if you can link up with a friendly guide at the market, you might be able to arrange a visit to a Batwa community. Nearer to the camps is Punishment Island, located midway between Bushara and Njuyera Islands; so named because it was once the place where unmarried pregnant women were dumped to die. Tragically, most of them did die trying to swim for shore because they usually didn’t have the stamina to make it. It is easy to spot – it has just one small tree in the center.

9. Kidepo National Park

Nestled in the extreme northeastern corner of Uganda among rugged hills and valleys and off the beaten track, Kidepo National Park is a destination hidden so far away that its beauty has mostly gone unnoticed. Sprawling with expansive savannah plains, soaring mountains, spectacular landscapes, and great buffalo herds, Kidepo Valley offers one of Africa’s most attractive picturesque safaris. It sits on a massive 557 sq mile (1,442 sq km) rocky semi-arid Karamoja province.

Of all the top ten destinations in Uganda, Kidepo Valley is the most remote and unusual. It is crammed in the northwestern corner of Uganda’s border with Kenya and South Sudan, which would take approximately 10 hours to drive 292 mi from Kampala to Kidepo on the newly paved road.

Kidepo National Park offers breathtaking savannah scenery that ends on a rocky horizon. The park harbors outstanding landscape scenery unrivaled by any other national park in the whole of East Africa, and it features a wide latitudinal array that offers a variety of climatic conditions which support remarkably different vegetation.

The diverse vegetation facilitates the different assortment of animal species within the park which are equally plentiful, among which are not seen in other parts of this country. The wildlife and vegetation in the park are rather more characteristic of Kenya than Uganda.

Over 77 animals inhabit Kidepo National Park. Among the resident Carnivore species only endemic to Kidepo are the hunting dog, bat-eared fox, cheetah, striped hyena, caracal, aardwolf, Beisa Oryx, Lesser Kudu plus Grant’s gazelle, elephant, Orbis, Burchell’s zebras, Jackson’s hartebeests, bush pigs, cape buffaloes, bohor reedbucks, warthogs, defassa waterbucks, Rothschild giraffes, bush duskier and elands, bushbucks, in addition to lions, common zebras, leopards, plus several small cats such as the side-striped jackal, Kongoni, black-backed jackal spotted hyena, lions are seen to rest on the rocks.

The park has five primate species, including the endemic Kavirondo bush baby, numerous Orbis within the Narus Valley, Guenther’s Dik Dik, the Senegal Galago, and the White-tailed Mongoose. However, they comfortably come out for a good show on a night game drive.

Kidepo Valley has the second-highest population of birds than any of the top destinations in Uganda, led only by Queen Elizabeth National Park, showcasing an impressive bird list of over 470 species. Sixty of the bird species on its list haven’t been recorded anywhere else in Uganda. Kidepo is especially good for spotting raptors, with 56 species on record. You can spot migratory birds in Kidepo from November to April.

Kidepo National Park is home to one of the smallest ethnic groups in Africa: the Ik. With a population of just above 10,000, the small tribe struggles to preserve their unique culture and language , which no rival tribes understand. A visit through Kidepo will immerse you in their raw cultural practices that even a historian would marvel at. You’ll learn about their fascinating way of life, meet the village elders and enjoy a fun-filled activity with the community children.

Hike into the Morungole Mountains within the park to engage with the enchanting Ik people. This remote community of subsistence farmers has kept to their traditional way of life, with villagers only traveling to the lowlands to trade grain.

Not far from the Ik are the interesting Karamojong pastoralists. Initially, it isn’t easy to distinguish between IK people and Karamojong due to their similar lively jump dancing, specific hut building, and unique dressing . The difference between these two tribes is that the Ik people speak the Teuso language and practice subsistence farming and are not nomadic pastoralism, like the Karamojong.

The Karamojong people are also an intriguing tribe that has seen much attention from tourists due to their authentic cultural experiences and activities. They are a Nilotic tribe for whom cattle form an essential part of their culture. The cattle are assembled collectively and provide cow blood and cattle blood for food, just like the Maasai in Kenya.

Now that UNRA has paved major roads further north of Uganda, it puts Kidepo Valley National Park comfortably on the top 10 destinations in Uganda list. Have the honor to visit this outstanding destination.

10. Rwenzori National Park

We couldn’t talk about the top 10 destinations in Uganda without including something for the adventure seekers. Uganda has something for every kind of traveler, even extreme hikers too.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park encompasses the legendary Rwenzori mountains dubbed the mountains of the Moon, where the highest snow-peak in the country (third-highest on the continent) pervades the East African clouds. The ranges are a combination of beautiful peaks, glaciers, Valleys, Rivers, Lakes, and various species of flora and fauna, making the Rwenzori scenic. The stratified vegetation is one of the main attractions for visitors.

The Rwenzori is the highest mountain range in Africa. Its loftiest peaks, Margherita (5,109m) and Alexandra (5,083m) on Mount Stanley are exceeded in altitude elsewhere in Africa only by Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Both of which are extinct volcanoes standing in isolation above the surrounding plains. In addition to Mount Stanley, there are four other glacial peaks in the Rwenzori: Mount Speke (4,890m), Mount Emin (4,791m), Mount Gessi (4,715m), and Mount Luigi da Savoia (4,627m).

The Rwenzori Mountains are unique among east Africa’s major peaks in that they are not volcanic in origin. Still, they do rise directly from the Rift Valley floor, and their formation, like that of Kilimanjaro and Kenya, was linked to the geological upheaval that created the Rift.

The Rwenzori makes our top 10 destinations in Uganda because they hold three of the continent’s five highest peaks. The summits are spectacular, the routes are uncrowded, and the high-altitude forest teems with life. The ranges contain six of Africa’s ten highest mountains, most of them more elevated than the tallest Alps. Yet, to most bucket-list hikers, they are largely unknown, overshadowed by Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, Africa’s two highest mountains.

The fabled ‘Mountains of the Moon’ are now a protected World Heritage Site within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and considered to be the source of the White Nile.

Rwenzori Mountains range also supports a diversity of animals, including 70 mammal and 177 bird species, several of the latter being Albertine Rift endemics. It is the only national park in Uganda where you’ll find the Angola colobus, though sighting it will require careful search. Nevertheless, you can easily spot the similar and more widespread black-and-white colobus monkey, small antelope such as bushbucks, and unusual reptiles such as the three-horned chameleon.

Like other large east African mountains, the Rwenzori range has several altitude zones, each with its own distinct microclimate and flora and fauna. It is known for its distinctive flora rather than its fauna. On the route to the peaks, hikers climb through a series of distinct altitudinal vegetation zones, including montane forest, bamboo, tree heathers, and afro-alpine. With its giant symbolic forms of Senecio (groundsel) and lobelia, the latter is one of the world’s rarest botanical communities, limited to East African mountains above 3800m.

The vegetations present a beautiful land terrain and plant life of sub-montane vegetation in the Afro-montane zone covered by luxurious tropical evergreen forest with a high richness in color and species.

On the foothills of the mountain, you will witness farmlands and on top of the distinctive mountain flora, which has attracted a great deal of fauna and delivering a fantastic picturesque to the travel enthusiasts. Arrive at the top of the mountain and behold the majestic snow-capped peaks that will leave you breathless.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is situated in Western Uganda in the East African Rift Valley and also straddles to the Democratic Republic of Congo and its conservation area known as Virunga National Park.

The top 10 Uganda destinations are just a pick from so much that the country brags about. The destination is arguably undiscovered, with very few numbers of travelers flocking in. That makes Uganda an attractive destination for private journeys and authentic African experiences. The plethora of cultures concentrated in major towns and every corner of the country will introduce you, so some never heard before tribes, people, food, languages, colors, and everything in between. Uganda should be on your bucket list. When you’re ready to travel, send us an email at [email protected], and we’ll connect you with local experts to help you plan your custom trip to Uganda. For now, follow our media channels below or leave a comment to let us know what you think.

Beautiful national park found in Kasese

Beautiful. You shldve have mentioned the several crater lakes ard the mountain area esp fortportal

Uganda is amazing, queen elizabeth is the best

Because that’s where I went and it was fun

Rwenzori Mountains. One can walk around there for week’s. It’s the best hike I’ve been on on this planet

i don’t see Lake bunyonyi, i think it should be among the best

lake bunyonyi is my fevourite

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• Experiences

Tourist Activities You Can Experience in Uganda on Safari

An Unforgettable Nature Escape at Mount Gahinga Lodge

Packing List, What To Pack for Uganda Safari

Top 6 Luxury Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• People & Culture

7 Ugandan Snacks You’ve Just Got to Try

Planning a Uganda Safari in 10 Easy Steps

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Tariff Guide

Predators That Rule Uganda’s Wilderness

Discover The Various Types of Travel in Uganda

Uganda Travel Restrictions & Country Declared Ebola Free

A Solo Safari In Uganda’s North Wilderness

Lake Bunyonyi — An Adventurer’s Guide

Visit Entebbe, Uganda’s Charming Peninsula Town

• 2 Cities and towns
• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Geography
• 4.3 Climate
• 4.5 Tourist information
• 5.1 Visa requirements
• 5.2 Visa extension
• 5.3 By plane
• 5.5 By international bus
• 5.6 By boat
• 6.1 By boda-boda
• 6.3 By taxi
• 6.5 By train
• 14.1 National parks
• 15.1 LGBT travellers
• 15.2 Emergency contact numbers
• 16 Stay healthy

Uganda was called the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill. It is home to one of the most diverse and concentrated ranges of African fauna including the highly endangered mountain gorilla and the endangered common chimpanzee.

Uganda's accessibility and affordability make it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers. Although it may not have reached the same level of tourism development as more established destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, this actually works in Uganda's favor. The country's raw and authentic character offers a unique experience with less predictability, giving visitors a taste of the real Africa.

From the bustling city of Kampala to the picturesque villages and subsistence farms, Uganda is a place of stark contrasts that can be both delightful and frustrating. The country is renowned for its rare wildlife, especially the critically endangered mountain gorilla, but there are other primate species, birdwatching opportunities, Murchison Falls, trekking in the Rwenzoris, and white water rafting at the Nile's source that all contribute to the country's diverse attractions.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities and towns [ edit ]

• 0.313611 32.581111 1 Kampala — a bustling African capital. It is the only 'city' in Uganda
• 3.03 30.91 2 Arua — in the NW corner of the country, reached by daily flights from Entebbe Airport or by bus from Kampala
• 0.05 32.46 3 Entebbe — a collection of some upmarket residential streets and a slew of government offices on the shores of Lake Victoria, dominated by State House, the official residence of the Ugandan President. The location of Uganda's only international airport, about one hour south of Kampala by road
• 0.435304 33.205557 4 Jinja — on Lake Victoria at the source of the Nile and home to Nile Beer
• 0.656389 30.279722 5 Fort Portal — a clean and well-organised highland town surrounded by extensive tea plantations, a number of fine colonial buildings and a superb Rwenzori backdrop
• 2.766667 32.305556 6 Gulu — Gulu is the de facto capital of the north
• -0.613333 30.658333 7 Mbarara — a southwestern town en route to several national parks
• -1.248333 29.989722 8 Kabale — a small town in the far south of the country near Lake Bunyonyi
• -1.35 29.7 9 Kisoro — located in the extreme southwest corner of Uganda next to the borders with Rwanda and DR Congo. It is the closest large town to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 2.866667 31.283333 1 Ajai Game Reserve - fairly small reserve on the east bank of the Albert Nile
• -1.05 29.716667 2 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - with half of the world's population of mountain gorillas, this is the main place to see them
• -1.366667 29.633333 3 Mgahinga Gorilla National Park - a bit off the beaten track, this park is home to the beautiful Virunga Mountains as well as to its own gorilla troop and a range of other wildlife
• 3.93 33.806944 4 Kidepo Valley National Park - located in the extreme NE corner of Uganda on the South Sudan border. Incredible wildlife here that comes right up to the Apoka Lodge. Elephant, zebra, nile buffalo, kob often visit the lodge.
• 2.3667 31.8167 5 Murchison Falls National Park - along the river Nile, this excellent park offers great wildlife and bird watching and is home to the striking and powerful Murchison Falls.

• -0.137222 30.041111 6 Queen Elizabeth National Park has several parts to it, but the main section between Lake Edward and Lake George is a more concentrated version of East African parks as far as animals are concerned, although with less splendid vistas unless the mist-shrouded Ruwenzori Mountains are visible. The Ugandan Kob is an endemic antelope (and is on the coat of arms along with the crested crane , including on currency). Worth considering is a drive among volcanic crater lakes on the south edge of the Ruwenzori Range. Kazinga Channel has the greatest concentration of Hippos in Africa in this park and the park is home to the famous tree climbing lions.
• 0.433333 30.383333 7 Kibale Forest National Park near the town of Fort Portal is famed for chimpanzee tracking and is highly recommended. Twitchers will know that some of the best birding in central Africa is here too. The Kasese Crater Lakes are in the area.
• 0.366667 29.95 8 Rwenzori National Park is a mountain range in south-west Uganda bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is 120 km (75 mi) long and 48 km (30 mi) wide with its highest peak at Mt Stanley (5109 m/16,761 ft). The range was first described in the 2nd century by ancient Greek astronomer Ptolemy as the "Mountains of the moon", and first ascended in 1896 by Italian explorers. By the end of 2006, its ice cap has retreated from 6.4 km² (2.5 sq mi) a century ago, to less than 1.28 km² (0.5 sq mi). In the Rwenzori Mountains near Fort Portal you find Mitandi. The place represents a unique opportunity to explore the mountains and get to know the culture of the local Bakonzo mountain people.
• -0.433333 32.25 9 Ssese Islands is a beautiful stretch of islands on Victoria Lake with isolated beaches and a bit of jungle. Jungle walks you could easily manage on your own, spending half a day.
• -1.283333 29.916667 10 Lake Bunyonyi is probably one of the deepest lakes in Africa. Its twenty nine islands offer a variety of accommodation including backpackers and swimming is popular due to the small numbers of bilharzia parasites and absence of hippos and crocodiles. The lake is 25 km (15.5 mi) long and 7 km (4.3 mi) wide and lies at an altitude of 1,950 m (6,437 ft).
• See also : African National Parks

Understand [ edit ]

During Uganda's era of British colonialism, settlement by Europeans was not allowed, and today there are few Caucasians in Uganda. The term for whites (or other foreigners) is muzungu (plural wazungu), and visitors should get used to hearing it shouted out by children in every corner of the country. It is not a derogatory term as such (it means something on the lines of "one who is searching"), so smile and wave in reply - if you can, do this over and over again. Otherwise, ignore.

History [ edit ]

Evidence of humans living in what is now Uganda stretches back to at least 50,000 years ago, and possibly up to 100,000 years ago, based on stone tools recovered in the area. These people were hunter-gatherers. Between 1,700 and 2,300 years ago, Bantu-speaking populations migrated from central and western Africa to the southern parts of Uganda. The Empire of Kitara in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries was the earliest forms of formal political organization, which was followed by the Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom, and in later centuries, Buganda and Ankole.

Arab traders moved inland from the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa in the 1830s and were the first to bring Islam to the country. They were followed in the 1860s by British explorers searching for the source of the Nile. Protestant missionaries entered Uganda in 1877 and were followed by Catholic missionaries in 1879. The United Kingdom placed the area under the charter of the British East Africa Company in 1888, and ruled it as a protectorate from 1894. As several other territories and chiefdoms were integrated, the final protectorate called Uganda took shape in 1914. From 1900 to 1920, a sleeping sickness epidemic killed more than 250,000 people.

Uganda achieved independence from Britain in 1962, with the first elections held on 1 March 1961. Benedicto Kiwanuka of the Democratic Party became the first Chief Minister. Uganda became a republic the following year, maintaining its Commonwealth membership. In succeeding years, supporters of a centralized state vied with those in favour of a loose federation and a strong role for tribally-based local kingdoms. Political manoeuvring climaxed in February 1966, when Prime Minister Milton Obote suspended the constitution and assumed all government powers, removing the positions of president and vice president. In September 1967, a new constitution proclaimed Uganda a republic, gave the president even greater powers, and abolished the traditional kingdoms.

On 25 January 1971, Obote's government was ousted in a military coup led by the commander of the armed forces, Idi Amin Dada. Amin declared himself "president", dissolved the parliament, and amended the constitution to give himself absolute power. Idi Amin's eight-year rule produced economic decline, social disintegration, and massive human rights violations. The Acholi and Langi ethnic groups were particular targets of Amin's political persecution because they had supported Obote and made up a large part of the army. The ethnic Indian community, long resented for their perceived economic clout, were also targeted by Amin and expelled from Uganda in 1972. In 1978, the International Commission of Jurists estimated that more than 100,000 Ugandans had been murdered during Amin's reign of terror; some authorities place the figure as high as 300,000.

In October 1978, Tanzanian armed forces repulsed an incursion of Amin's troops into Tanzanian territory. The Tanzanian army, backed by Ugandan exiles waged a war against Amin's troops and the Libyan soldiers sent to help him. On 11 April 1979, Kampala was captured, and Amin fled with his remaining forces. This led to the return of Obote, who was deposed once more in 1985 by General Tito Okello. Okello ruled for six months until he was deposed after the so-called "bush war" by the National Resistance Army (NRA) operating under the leadership of the current president, Yoweri Museveni, and various rebel groups, including the Federal Democratic Movement of Andrew Kayiira, and another belonging to John Nkwanga.

Museveni has been in power since 1986. In the mid to late 1990s, he was lauded by the West as part of a new generation of African leaders.

Geography [ edit ]

Uganda is mostly plateau with a rim of mountains and rainforests in the west and savanna in the north. It lies on the southern edge of Lake Victoria and includes many islands.

Climate [ edit ]

Although generally equatorial, Uganda's climate is not uniform as it varies by altitude, proximity to Lake Victoria and rainfall. Southern Uganda is wetter with rain generally spread throughout the year. At Entebbe on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, most rain falls from the March to June and November to December period. Further to the north a dry season gradually emerges; at Gulu about 120 km from the South Sudanese border, November to February is much drier than the rest of the year.

Northeastern Uganda has the driest climate and is prone to droughts in some years. Rwenzori in the southwest on the border with DR Congo receives heavy rain all year round. The south of the country is heavily influenced by one of the world's biggest lakes, Lake Victoria, which contains many islands. It prevents temperatures from varying significantly and increases cloudiness and rainfall.

People [ edit ]

Uganda is home to 10 different ethnic groups including the Baganda , the largest ethnic group, who comprise just over 15% of the population. The country had a sizable community of 80,000 Indians before they were expelled by Idi Amin in 1972, though some have returned since Amin's overthrow.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Uganda website

Get in [ edit ]

Visa requirements [ edit ]

Ugandan visas are issued online at visas.immigration.go.ug or at embassies and High Commissions. The Uganda Visa Policy uses the principle of reciprocity: those who hold passports of countries that require visas for Ugandans mist get visas to visit Uganda.

The only way to get a Ugandan visa is via online E visa which cost US$51 single entry. or US$101 for a multiple-entry East Africa visa.

E-Visa fees as of Jan 2023 :

• Single Entry good for 90 days US$51.
• Inland Transit US$51.
• East Africa Multiple entry tourist visa valid for 90 days US$101.

Because multiple-entry visas are expensive and must be obtained from Uganda's diplomatic missions abroad, tourists may want to consider the East Africa Tourist Visa first issued in 2014 that allows travel between Kenya, Rwanda'and Uganda with multiple entries in a 90-day period for US$101 and without "restrictions on country of origin". You buy this visa online (or when you get to Kenya or Rwanda if that is your first port). However, since some airlines may refuse to board you without the assurance of a visa, Rwanda has established an webpage on-line website to issue these, which means that some tourists may want to first land at Rwanda's capital airport of Kigali rather than Entebbe or Nairobi since this visa must be issued by the country that you first plan to visit (similar principle to Schengen visas in the EU ).

Countries exempted from visas [dead link] : Angola , Antigua , Bahamas , Botswana , Barbados , Belize , Comoros , Cyprus , Eritrea , Eswatini , Fiji , Gambia , Grenada , Ireland , Jamaica , Kenya , Lesotho , Madagascar , Malawi , Malta , Mauritius , Rwanda , Seychelles , Sierra Leone , Singapore , Solomon Islands , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Tanzania , Tonga , Vanuatu , South Sudan , Zambia and Zimbabwe .

Visa extension [ edit ]

You can get a free one-month visa extension at immigration offices in Kampala , Fort Portal , Jinja and Mbarara . However, you can not get a visa extension on a 90-day East African tourist visa, but only on a 90-day single entry Uganda visa.

By plane [ edit ]

Entebbe International Airport is the hub for Ugandan air travel. Many flights to cities in Africa take place from here.

• Uganda Airlines flies directly from Nairobi , Dar es Salaam , Mogadishu , Juba , Bujumbura , Mombasa and Kilimanjaro.
• South African Airways has daily flights direct from Johannesburg .
• Turkish Airlines has daily flights from its Istanbul hub with onward connections to Europe and Asia.
• Emirates offers daily flights from Dubai on Boeing 777-200LR with onward connections to Europe, North America, and Asia.
• Ethiopian Airlines offers a daily service from Addis Ababa on Boeing 737s, with onward connections to many African countries, Europe and Asia.
• Qatar airways flies daily from Doha with connections from Europe and Asia.
• KLM fly daily from Amsterdam either via Nairobi or direct.
• Kenya Airways flies from Nairobi four times a day.
• Brussels Airlines flies from Brussels .
• Egypt Air flies from Cairo with connections from Europe.
• Fly Dubai , a low-cost airline. Flights from Dubai , with connections from many Asia countries.
• RwandAir flies from Kigali , Nairobi , Juba .
• Fly-Sax airlines flies from Nairobi .
• Air Tanzania flies from Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro .
• Precision Air flies from Dar es Salaam .
• Jambojet flies from Nairobi .

By car [ edit ]

In theory, visitors with their own vehicles should be able to enter Uganda at any of the border crossings which lie on a main road, such as the roads from Kenya through Busia and Malaba . A carnet du passage is required for private vehicles, including motorcycles, while a single entry tourist visa should be easily obtained for US$100.

By international bus [ edit ]

Uganda is well served by a number of reputable international bus companies. Several bus companies offer direct routes from Nairobi , Mombasa , Kigali , Bujumbura , Goma , Bukavu Juba , Kisumu , Arusha , Dar es Salaam , Lusaka , and Harare to Kampala . All of these buses will, in theory, allow travellers to alight at main towns along the route, e.g. in Jinja if coming from the Kenyan border to Kampala . A typical journey between Kampala and Nairobi lasts approximately 12 hours, including the border crossing. the bus ride from Kampala to Kisumu takes 7 hours and costs USh 43,000 on Easy Coach.

• Simba Coaches goes all the way to Kampala from Harare Zimbabwe via Nairobi , Dar es Salaam , and Lusaka Zambia.
• Easy Coach has three buses a day to Kampala from Nairobi via Kisumu 06:30 and 14:00 and 18:00 USh 43,000/65,000.
• Trinity Transporters has buses to Kampala from Kigali for USh 40,000. Goma DRC for US$14. Bukavu DRC for US$17.
• Jaguar Executive coaches has two buses a day to Kampala from Kigali for USh 40,000.
• Mash Poa bus company has buses from Nairobi three times a day. Fares from USh 65,000 and a bus to Kigali USh 40,000
• Modern Coast Express have three buses a day from Nairobi via Kisumu USh 50,000/65,000, and Kigali USh 40,000.
• Dreamline Express Ltd have a bus at 05:30 to Kampala from Nairobi USh 65,000

By boat [ edit ]

There are ferries going to Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria. Uganda has some brilliant island resorts.

Get around [ edit ]

By boda-boda [ edit ].

In Kampala and some other towns, the boda-boda is a good way to get from place to place. These are small mopeds, motorcycles, bicycles or scooters with cushions on the back and are cheap transport as used by locals. If using a boda-boda, be extremely careful as they are frequently involved in accidents; however, in spite of this, they are a fun and fast way to get around. If you advise the driver that you want him to drive slower and safer, he may actually listen to you.

Make sure you agree on the price before you get on the bike. They will try and charge more claiming it was further than thought. Some may get aggressive, say you will call the police and they will calm down. Always be polite and non aggressive.

Make sure you tell them to drive slowly. Many foreigners and locals are injured and killed on Boda Bodas in Uganda.

By bus [ edit ]

Uganda has a decent bus system. There are two classes of buses. The "taxis" (also called "matatus") are actually minibuses or commuter vans, which run fixed routes (see below).

There are also real buses which run less frequently, usually leaving Kampala early in the morning. There are many companies most of which leave from the same general area. For example, Postbus has safe, comfortable and reliable buses going to most towns in Uganda. They depart from Kampala General post office from 07:00/08:00. The buses fill up, so if you get on mid-trip, you'll be spending some time standing or sitting in the aisle before somebody gets off and you can get a seat.

Both buses and taxis run along most roads between cities, paved (sealed) or dirt.

Domestic bus travel is cheap and reasonable between major centres, and is a good choice for backpackers with time, but may not run reliably on schedule. A trip from Kampala to Masindi takes about 4 hours and costs approximately USh 12,000.

Buses and "taxis" do not run on fixed schedules. Rather, they leave their terminal stop when they are completely full. On heavily travelled routes, they fill up within minutes and this is not a problem. However, on less travelled routes (or if getting on a large bus), be prepared to wait a while before departure.

• Link Bus Services [dead link] have buses going to and from Kampala to Fort Portal , Kasese , Hoima , Masindi , Masaka .
• Post bus Uganda has big red 67 seat buses going to 1. Gulu , 2. Kabale via Masaka and Mbarara . 3. kisoro via Masaka and Mbarara and Kabale. 4. Lira via Jinja and Mbale . 5. Kitgum via Gula. the fare from Kampala to Kabale is USh 25.000. Masaka 10,000. Mbarara 15,000. Kisoro 30,000. Lira 30,000. Mbale 15,000. Jinja 5,000. Gula 25,000. Kitgum 30,000. (Nov 2015)
• Modern Coast

By taxi [ edit ]

The best way to get around Kampala and the neighbouring towns is by using minibus-type taxis called "taxi". This is the most efficient and cost-effective method of transportation in urban areas, but try not to get ripped off by the conductors as they sometimes try to overcharge tourists. They usually take 14 passengers plus a conductor, though in smaller country towns overcrowding still occurs. Minibus taxis are relatively cheap, frequent (in Kampala), and may make lots of stops along the way.

They run along fixed routes, picking up and dropping off people anywhere along the route. If you want to get on, stand at the side of the road and wave your arm. To get off, say "stage" and the driver will pull over and let you off at the next boda boda waiting area. You can also just say "Driver, please pull over at X". They're not marked with destinations unless you are at the central taxi parks, so you'll have to listen to the destinations that the drivers are yelling out the window. If you're not sure where to catch a taxi going to your destination (especially at Kampala's two taxi parks, which are huge!), just ask a nearby driver or conductor, and they'll probably be able to point you in the right direction.

Private taxis - those which you can hire for yourself only, are called special hire taxis , and are available in most every decent sized town. Fares are negotiable over long distances as there are no meters.

Little ride hailing app works in Uganda.

The roads in Uganda are comparable to many in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the main roads are tarmaced, although the condition of them can deteriorate in patches. Some become extremely pot holed. Many of the minor roads and side roads are made of hard packed earth (murram) and, when graded, are quite quick and reasonable. However, the conditions can vary from season to season and they will deteriorate in heavy rains and wash boarding frequently occurs. The best way to deal with the wash boarding is not to slow down, but to find a speed sympathetic to the road surface and effectively skip from ridge to ridge. Untarred roads, if wet, may be impassable in the mountainous regions of the south-west. Commercial drivers of buses and trucks compound the danger, as do pedestrians, livestock, cyclists, dogs and the odd police roadblock. Plan on 60 km/h as a typical rate of travel, although the speed will vary. The best advice is drive cautiously and stay totally alert.

When planning a journey, it is best not to ask how far it is but to ask how long it will take. Local drivers normally have a good idea of how long journeys will take.

As going around with public transport may not suit the safari-going tourist, as it is hard to reach the national parks, opting to hire a car can be a budget friendly alternative. A sensible choice is to hire a 4x4 with a driver given that you will need local language assistance and expertise should something happen on the roads. Most places have accommodation and meals for drivers as this is common among travelers. A cheap option is likely to leave you stranded somewhere remote and that can mean days of your itinerary lost. Unless you are comfortable paying cash in advance without a signed contract and no network to help you get out of a breakdown, the best recommendation is to go to one of the major agencies. Nevertheless, Uganda is a country which is suitable for self-drive, taking the above described conditions into consideration, as it is safe,

There are several companies in Kampala that offer car hire, with and without a driver.

By train [ edit ]

As of late 2021, limited rail services are available in and around the capital Kampala , mainly aimed at commuters. National operator Uganda Railways Corporation has stated that some intercity passenger trains will return in 2023-2024 but it is unclear which routes are affected. Kampala to Malaba (Kenya border) via Jinja and Tororo.

Talk [ edit ]

English is widely spoken as the lingua franca , though to varying degrees of fluency. British English is used by the most educated, but Ugandan English often takes on a life of its own. Dozens of African languages are spoken in Uganda, the most common being Luganda , which is almost universally understood in Kampala. Swahili may come in handy in places, especially the North and East. Although many Ugandans do not speak Swahili at all, it is a common trade language that has become another lingua franca in the East African region.

A few words or stock phrases in the various dialects are very easy to learn and most locals will be delighted to help you learn the highly ritualised greeting, and, in turn, every person that you greet in this way will be delighted to meet you.

• oli otya (olio-tia) = How are you?
• bulungi/gyendi (bulunji/jiendi) = I am fine
• kale (kal-eh) = ok
• nyabo = madam; ssebo = sir
• muzungu = European (but used more commonly to refer to all foreign and, especially, all white people)

You will hear lots of ecstatic children waving, jumping, hopping and singing "mzungu" as you drive past.

See [ edit ]

Uganda does not lack for accessible travel highlights. Dubbed by Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa , Uganda is celebrated for its beautiful nature and its hospitable people. Still one of the poorest countries in the world, and still recovering from some very dark years, Uganda is nowadays an accessible country to visit and experience sub-Saharan Africa in its full capacity. Tourism is growing, yet still authentic, and Uganda does not lack in tourist facilities. Though, it is not the place to go for great architecture or an abundance of urban sights, instead, its riches lie in its amazing variety of wildlife, landscapes and culture. With half of the remaining mountain gorillas and all of the Big Five living in the countries stunning national parks, wildlife watching is by far the main attraction.

With wide, dry savannah in the north, thick rainforest in the centre and lush, snow-peaked mountain landscapes in the east, natural beauty comes in many ways here. Unesco listed Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to the tallest mountain range of the continent, covered in thick jungle on the lower slopes and frozen moorlands on higher ones. Several of its highest peaks are covered year round in snow and glaciers. The highest mountain is Mt. Stanley , third highest in Africa. Head to the gorgeous Lake Bunyonyi and rise early to see the morning fog draw out. Watch fishermen at work from the shores of the Victoria Lake , the largest lake in Africa; the white beaches of Kalangala make for an excellent spot. Also on Lake Victoria are the Ssese Islands , great for some beach time.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a unique safari spot in the world. The Bwindi population of 340 wild mountain gorillas, half of the total remaining number of this critically endangered primate, is a major draw. The park is home to a total of 10 primate species and some 110 other mammal species (including African elephants), over 350 bird species and some 200 butterflies, and 220 tree species, the dense forests here are one of the most divers ecosystems in Africa. The most accessible and therefore also most popular safari spot is Queen Elizabeth National Park , with dozens of large animals commonly seen. Of particular interest is the population of tree climbing lions living here, lion behaviour seen only here and in Tanzania. Your best chance of seeing the wide variety of wildlife in this area comes with an early morning visit to the plains around the Kazinga channel , which attracts animals of all kinds year round.

Uganda's diversity of bird life is spectacular. While good birding options can be found in most of the national parks, Kibale Forest National Park is an especially good pick and also famous for its chimpanzee tracking. Impressive waterfalls can be found in Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda's urban life has a limited number of attractions to offer, but the twin cities of Kampala and Entebbe do make for an interesting stop. Just some 35 km apart, these two towns are remarkably different in character. The only true city in Uganda, Kampala is safer and less chaotic than most of its African counterparts, and the Kasubi Tombs (while damaged) and National Museum are worthwhile sights. Much smaller and prettier is the former capital, Entebbe. Its lovely location on the shores of Lake Victoria and the lush National Botanical Gardens make this a pleasant place to stay if you're flying in or out.

Do [ edit ]

• Go gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You'll need to buy a permit which must be booked a long time ahead due to limited availability (only a few tourists are taken near the gorillas a day, in order not to disturb them). With a permit you are allowed one hour at very close hand to a group of the highly endangered mountain gorilla in their natural habitat. Uganda Wildlife Authority handles the sale of permits which cost US$700 each (Sep 2023), or you can book via a tour operator who will organise the permits and other aspects of your gorilla safari for you. Tracking takes place from four different start points, to up to 11 different habituated gorilla families, so it's important to check the permit availability against your transport and accommodation plans.
• Rafting on the Nile. Uganda is a world class rafting destination and several companies arrange trips down the Nile - from half a day to 2-day trips, from peaceful family trips to very adventurous grade 5 rafting. A rafting adventure with transport from Kampala, including food & drink, will cost about US$125.
• Quad biking. Near the Spring of the Nile you can rent quad bikes (a 4-wheeled motorbike - also known as All Terrain Bike) for a speedy (and dusty) sightseeing trip with a local guide.
• Do horse riding safari around the Nile and local villages.
• Go on a Safari . For reputable tour operators to suit a variety of budgets, check out the Association of Uganda Tour Operators [dead link] .
• Go to Sipi, about 1 hour from Mbale. It's a beautiful little town on top of a hill, sporting fantastic views on and hikes to waterfalls. It is worth paying for a local guide - many members of the local community support their family this way and it is worth the fee just to stop everyone tailing you, trying to offer their own guiding services, if you set off without one. Great place to stay over night in Sipi is the Crow's nest with amazing views onto the waterfalls. Crows nest is alright but do not expect hotel quality service, and because of their slow service and bad food bringing our own food is recommended.

For where to go to see Uganda''s wildlife, all images taken by Wikimedia Commons user Charlesjsharp have precise gelocation information [1]

The images can be found in galleries of mammals [1] and birds [2] etc

Learn [ edit ]

• Makerere University in Kampala is a world class institution.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The national currency is the Ugandan shilling , sometimes written as " USh " or " Shs " (ISO code: UGX ). You'll also see this notation: 5,000/-. There are banknotes in denominations of Ush50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000 and 1000 and coins in denominations of 500, 200, 100, and 50 shillings (10, 5, and 1 shilling coins exist but are rarely used). Do not accept banknotes from the 1987 series of notes : they are not valid, and you cannot exchange them at banks.

Some bigger hotels and restaurants accept US dollars as payment, and safaris and rafting activities are often priced in USD. These activities can be paid in Ugandan shillings, but a poor exchange rate is often offered. Also, there is often an extra fee (typically around 5%) on the use of credit cards. This means that it can be useful to bring USD to cover these activities. The obvious trade-off is that you must carry a large amount of USD.

ATMs [ edit ]

ATMs accept debit and credit cards throughout the country. Mastercard and Visa card branded cards are accepted by most ATMs. DTB, Stanbic, Ecobank, Equity Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, GT Bank, UBA, I&M Bank ATMs are the best ones to use. Different ATMs allow for different maximum withdrawals of USh 400,000-2,000,000, though the usual amount is USh 1000,000. There are many ATMs at Entebbe Airport; given that it is impossible to buy Ugandan shillings outside of Uganda and in countries bordering Uganda, withdrawing shillings from the airport ATMs is the easiest option. ATM withdraw fees are from 3400-12100 per use.

• DTB have no withdraw fees at all at their ATMs in Uganda for overseas Mastercards or visa cards cards.

ATMs may close due to lack of money or system problems. In Kampala, watch out for pickpockets who follow tourists from one bank's ATM to another when cards are not accepted.

Credit cards are accepted at businesses, usually the larger hotels, airlines, supermarkets and shops in big shopping malls.

American Express, Union Pay, JCB, Diners Club, Maestro, and Discover cards can be used to get cash at any Equity Bank ATMs of which there are many all over Uganda.

travellers cheques are no longer used. so don't bother bringing them into Uganda.

Costs [ edit ]

Food and goods are cheap. On a shoestring you can get by on Ush75,000 a day, excluding park visits and other expensive activities.

Make sure you bargain for everything you buy around town except in the bigger stores and malls. Never pay face value when buying from the local vendors. Hotels can be costly, so if you are a student it would be a good idea to look for a hostel in Kampala.

Most people have to buy a visa when they arrive at the airport; in July 2016 this cost US$50 (single-entry 3-month). Bills must be newer than 2003. Most people get the 90-day East African visa for US$100 which is valid for Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda.

Tipping is not part of Ugandan culture and not expected, but that doesn't mean it will not be appreciated.

Eat [ edit ]

Food from Uganda is a sensation.

You can sample the luwombo, which is meat or groundnut sauce steamed in banana leaves. It has a tantalising aroma, and is always served with "food", which in Ugandan parlance indicates any carbohydrate. The staple "food" varies from region to region, with the plantain matooke in the south, millet in the north, and potatoes in the west. Cassava, posho (made from ground maize), sweet potatoes and rice are other common "foods". The whole fried fish is succulent, though mostly available at the beach, and usually served with chips/French fries. Other common options around Kampala include the traditional matooke, binyebwa (groundnut sauce), chapati, and meat stew. For the less adventurous, toasted sandwiches or omelets can be found in many places.

If this does not appeal, it is best (and far more interesting) to stop at roadside stands or markets to purchase fresh produce—fruits and vegetables abound and are very affordable, to say nothing of the roasted chicken or goat on a stick. There are also a number of fast-food places, such as Nando’s, Steers, Domino’s Pizza, and Hungry Lion, all in the city centre. The Ugandan Rolex is a popular delicacy all over the country made in a combination of an egg, onions and vegetables omelette rolled up in a chapati.

A basic local dish starts at around USh 1,500, and goes up to USh 5,600.A slice of pineapple from a street vendor can cost as little as USh 300.

See the Fang Fang Hotel below for good Chinese food in Kampala. Other Chinese restaurants with good food include Fang Fang Restaurant (different and more expensive from the hotel), and Golden China restaurant, all located in the city centre, and Nanjing Hotel in Kololo Hill.

In Entebbe, try the Boma Guesthouse on Gowers Rd. (see below under Sleep ). Local food in Entebbe can be found at the Golf Course Restaurant and at the Airport Motel among other places.

In Jinja, the Ling Ling offers some great Chinese food. On Main Street the Source Café has a great variety of food, and you can surf the web while you eat.

Drink [ edit ]

Coffee is one of the best products from Uganda, but the British hooked the locals on tea, so finding a decent cup of native coffee is nearly impossible, especially outside of Kampala. In Kampala, try the coffee house 1000 Cups on Buganda Road. The Source Cafe in Jinja sells Ugandan coffee at the airport, Banana Boat stores, and many hotels. The coffee is marketed under the name Kiira Kawa (River Coffee). Good African Coffee and Cafe Pap are good restaurants for food or coffee in the Kampala area. In Jinja, the Source Cafe has incredible cappuccino, or when you are in the west at Hotel Mountains of the Moon in Fort Portal

Chai tea is available widely, and is best in the rural areas near the tea plantations. You will see signs posted on shops and kiosks where it can be purchased.

Lower-end South African wine is available in some restaurants, but stick with the beer . Any of the four major brands are acceptable, though the Pilsner brand is the only one made without added corn sugar for those who care about such things.

Sleep [ edit ]

There are many hotels in Uganda. If you go on the higher end you will pay high prices, over US$100 per night. Standard traveller Guest houses, Lodges and Inns will have simple rooms with shared bathrooms for USh 15,000-30,000.

For the real budget traveler there are various backpackers' hostels in Kampala , Entebbe , Jinja , Masaka , Fort Portal , Kabale . to choose from and to base yourself at, including Kampala Backpackers, Entebbe backpackers, Masaka backpackers, Yes hostel Fort portal, Jinja backpackers, Kabale backpackers. Some are better than others, and may suit different preferences, so it's best to explore the reviews on Trip Advisor to assess what would be best for you. A stay in one of these will cost USh 9,000-18,000 a night, depending on whether you camp or stay in a dorm. They also offer private rooms or safari tents, and some have self-catering cottages which are great for long stay/groups. These are most frequently used by Truck tours which are popular with the less independent traveler.

There are also Bed & Breakfast establishments to make you have a homely feel at the lowest rates.

National parks [ edit ]

The options provided in the national parks by UWA are generally basic, but inexpensive compared to alternatives. They vary in amenities and price, and the cheapest can be as little as US$5 or less per person per night.

Few moderately priced options are available, and the high end, while expensive, are substandard compared to the high end options of Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and other mature tourist destinations in Africa. Unfortunately, few alternatives are available. There are some notable exceptions, but best to go either highest end or stay in the UWA budget accommodations and spend more on a better vehicle.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Uganda has been home to some of the more gruesome atrocities in modern African history since its independence in 1962, particularly under the heinous dictator Idi Amin, but in the years since 1987 things have consistently improved. Today, Uganda is stable after 30 years of stereotypically 'strong man' rule by Yoweri Museveni. Kampala has changed into a major centre of East African trade.

In the 2010s, female tourists have been victims of attacks and sexual assaults, and are advised never to walk alone at night.

Travel north to Murchison Falls National Park and Ajai Game Reserve is safe. Overlanders from Tanzania and Kenya regularly make the trip routing through Jinja .

As in any urban area, Kampala can be dodgy. One is well advised to remain in tourist areas, but sensibly garbed visitors not dangling the latest cameras, flashy jewellery or bulging bags are not likely to draw unwanted attention to themselves. Some jihadist groups have threatened the country due to its counter-jihad activities in Amisom (the UN force in Somalia ).

However, any non-blacks walking in the street stand out and are likely to be stared at openly, which may cause discomfort to those unaccustomed to travelling in Africa. Individuals of East Asian appearance will be assumed to be Chinese, and often will be subjected to "ni hao" or imitations of Chinese languages (e.g. "Ching chong"). While potentially offensive to Asians raised in Western countries, it is not necessarily intended to be rude and is almost never a sign of anti-Asian hostility.

What little begging exists is some of the most polite and inoffensive you will find in African cities, and not worse than anywhere in the West. Small children are sadly becoming a nuisance in some rural spots frequented by tourists doling out sweets and coins but it is nowhere near the swarming throng one can attract in many cities around the world.

Since an incident in the late 1990s in the gorilla tracking region of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo , all groups are accompanied with armed guards. There is a visible security presence in the region.

Some jihadists have engaged in retaliatory activities in protest at the counter-jihad policies of Museveni.

LGBT travellers [ edit ]

Uganda is not a safe destination for gay and lesbian travellers ; the country's social and legal system view homosexuality with absolute disdain and abhorrence. In 2023, the Ugandan government passed and approved a highly controversial anti-homosexuality bill that significantly penalises homosexuality.

Under current laws, same-sex sexual activity is punishable by life imprisonment or even death . Promoting homosexuality is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment . It is also illegal not to report someone's homosexuality to the authorities, which is punishable by 5 years of imprisonment.

Emergency contact numbers [ edit ]

Uganda has national emergency contact numbers, but don't expect to get a response.

• Ambulance: 911
• Police/Fire: 112 or 999. The Uganda Police Force has a longer list of numbers, including regional and local offices.

Besides the national numbers, you can also try calling local police or medical services, but this is not guaranteed to be any more effective, especially during off hours.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

The healthcare system is incredibly underdeveloped and is well below western standards.

The HIV/AIDS infection rate is very high (although it is lower than in neighbouring countries). Do not have unprotected sex.

Ebola and Marburg haemorrhagic fevers have been endemic within certain regions of the country. The vectors of these viruses are unknown, but have been thought to be linked with bats. Therefore, visitors should avoid (or be extremely cautious when) entering any caves. If you are bitten by an animal, assume that the animal was infected by a disease and seek prompt medical attention.

Take precautions against malaria . Malarial mosquitoes are present throughout most lower lying areas of the country. It is worth seeking out a packet of Artenam while you are in Kampala if you are travelling up-country. Artenam is a reliable treatment and works on chloroquine-resistent malaria strains too.

Diarrhoea and intestinal worms are also a concern and visitors should be careful what they eat or drink. Carry hand sanitizer to use before meals. Be sure to wash fresh produce well before eating and avoid raw foods in restaurants. As a precaution, visitors should secure ciprofloxacin before they exit their home country because it can be used as a cure.

Many of the lakes have Schistosomiasis . Check with the locals and do not paddle on the lake shore if you're not sure.

Drink bottled water , usually called mineral water in local restaurants. Water flowing from taps is not treated.

Respect [ edit ]

Uganda has a fairly conservative Christian/Muslim-based society. It is generally not considered acceptable for women to wear skimpy clothing or to overtly display their sexuality. The only exception is in certain night life situations in Kampala. Most Ugandans go to church/mosque regularly and consider religion an important part of a moral society.

Never criticise religion or speak about religion from a secular or agnostic point of view, as it might result in puzzled, confused stares or looks.

You will not be taken seriously if you wear shorts outside the obvious tourist destinations and most Ugandan adults would never wear shorts except if playing sport. Use a pair of light trousers to blend in better. Most women wear skirts in rural areas, but trousers are acceptable in cities and larger towns.

In central Kampala, women can dress pretty much like in any big western city. Women dressing smartly in tight sleeveless tops, tight jeans, or dresses or skirts that do not cover the knees is a very common sight there. As a foreigner you do not need to avoid dressing up, although for safety reasons it is wise to avoid wearing expensive jewellery or similar accessories.

A handshake is the most common form of greeting. If your hands are wet or dirty you may offer your wrist instead of your hand.

Don't be surprised if you see two men holding hands. This is not a sign of homosexuality, which is forbidden by law and is punishable, but rather of friendship.

Connect [ edit ]

Mobile phone network coverage is available in most parts of the country (over 80%), but geography can cause trouble in the mountainous regions. SIM cards are cheaply available everywhere in 'starter packs' but need to be registered before use.

Internet cafes can be readily found in Kampala and Jinja and In all towns with more than about 20,000 people you'll find internet cafes running off of either VSATs or mobile phones. The Internet connection bandwidth is very low and can be frustrating for those who are used to a high speed internet connection.

Mobile broadband (4G, 3G, HSDPA, HSPA, HSPA+ [21mbps]) is available in most places. Africell and Airtel has mobile broadband available in larger places. In the more rural areas, a slower (EDGE) connection might be available. If a mobile broadband connection is desirable on a computer, a good option could be to bring a phone that can set up a Wi-Fi network providing internet access, or one that allows USB tethering. USB broadband modems are also available. but might be more expensive but also need to be registered before use.

Other networks include MTN , UTL Uganda Telecom and Vodafone Uganda .

As of 2021, the registration process for new SIM cards is rather arduous: besides digital copies of your passport, a photo of you holding the SIM card is taken, and even your fingerprint is taken electronically!

Some examples of price for mobile broadband on a phone through:

• Africell can get a (free sim card) for there mobile broadband. 1GB cost USh 34,500 good for one month, and 3GB cost USh 59,500 good for one month. Africell Unlimited Internet for one month is USh 299,000.
• Airtel : in 2021 a SIM card costs about USh 2000. Add another USh 16,000 for 4.5GB of data (no expiry date).

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Travel Guide

Our travel guide , features all the information you need to know to travel to and within Uganda, highlighting the best experiences to enjoy, getting here, getting arround, safety and security, health, and more.

Uganda is really the “Pearl of Africa” – Visiting tourists to Uganda, are lucky to experience our unique Uganda and discover the amazing places with a lot of amazing tourist attractions. Ugandans  are friendly and helpful people. We are sure we are the most welcoming and friendliest nation in Africa to all kinds of tourists.

Experiences

There are many fantastic experiences to be had and shared in Uganda on a holiday. Uganda caters for everyone’s vacation interests, from adventurous safaris, to relaxing island experiences. Check out the places to go section to learn about the amazing attractions to see in Uganda.

Safety and Security Uganda is steadily becoming a leading tourist destination in Africa, due to security and peace the country enjoys. Renowned for the Mountain Gorillas, Uganda has something for everyone – from birdwatching to mountain hiking, sport fishing to those beautiful sand beaches, you will get the best. Below is a list of top Ten travel tips and advice for travellers to Uganda.

Security: It is always advisable to hand in your passport, traveller’s cheque, excess money and any other valuables at hotel reception desks for placing in their safe security. Alternatively, where available, arrange to hire a safety deposit box. It is a sensible precaution not to walk alone in isolated streets or beach areas. Ask for advice from your hotel manager or tour representative if you are with a package holiday company. Call 999(toll free) if in serious danger to alert the police.

Public Transport: Buses operate on long distance routes and are a safer and cheaper way to travel. Usually Bus companies adhere strictly to listed departure times from the bus park, so avoid being late. Matatus only depart from the terminus when full. Mini buses are fine for short journeys. Public transport in Uganda is better these days because of the provision of seat belts and speed governors. Matatus can be boarded from the Old taxi Park and New Taxi Park in Kampala or along the road.

Taxis are essential if you have a lot of luggage or missed the last Matatu. You can always agree on the fare before departure. In small towns, taxis, moped and bicycles are common. These can be useful for travel where public transport is scarce. The tour agent can arrange car hire. Most transport fares are in Uganda shilling. Carry coins for public transport within Kampala.

Note: Avoid sleeping off mainly if it is not a very long journey and if in any case you carried luggage, know exactly where is it has been placed and you can check on it along the way at the different stopovers. Seat belts are also essential and to be on a safer side, you need to fix it at all times.

Ease yourself before t he journey since most of the public mean take long to stop in convenient areas for one to ease oneself.

When to Visit:

Uganda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak over mid-September to November and March to May.

What to wear:

Day time temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings and mornings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks and a relatively heavy warmer this time round. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a water proof jacket.

What to bring:

A valid passport is mandatory, and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. There are different types of visas needed depending on what you intend to do in Uganda; for instance student visas, single entry visas £25, multiple entry 6 months visas £65, multiple entry 1 year visas, or Inland transit visas.

To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Print film and developing is available in Kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.

Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to organize a vehicle with a driver rather than self-drive. Car hire services are so many around the country Guide2Uganda being one of the Car hire service providers.

More detailed information on driving http://www.guide2uganda.com/information/134/Driving-in-Uganda

Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.

Food and Drinks: Tourist-oriented hotels and restaurants serve good Western-style meals, while a wider range available in the capital and some larger towns. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically ugali (a stiff maize porridge) or matooke (cooked banana) eaten with a stew.

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A Brief Travel Guide to Uganda for First-Timers

With a unique array of tourism destinations to explore, Uganda stands out as an emerging travel destination offering the off-beaten track adventure that many travel enthusiasts are looking for. Whether you are looking forward to visiting the different national parks o going on a mountain gorilla trek to see them in the wild, your first time traveling to Uganda will mesmerize you. Safer than the media portrays and with some of the friendliest people on the planet, this country offers beautiful green countryside, organic food, and a mild climate.

Wanna know more?

Below we have prepared a familiarizing article to destination Uganda to help you plan your trip and fall in love with the country.

Quick facts about Uganda

Ugandan currency.

The country’s currency is ‘’Uganda Shillings’’; ‘‘UGX’’ is the currency code for Uganda shillings albeit the symbol ‘’USh’’ is used to represent the currency locally. The Bank of Uganda is the only entity with the right to mint, distribute, or destroy currency in Uganda. Coins have denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 shillings. Banknotes have denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 Uganda shillings. 

Besides the Uganda Shillings, other foreign currencies such as dollars, euros, and pounds can be used for payments, especially in large hotels and tour agencies. As of 29 th December 2020, 1 US dollar is equal to around UGX 3,490, 1 pound is equal to around UGX 4,913, and last but not least, 1 Euro is equal to around UGX 4,455. 

Tourists are always advised to change some money to local currency, especially when moving out of the big cities and towns is on the plan as some people, particularly in remote areas (where the country’s national game parks are nestled), will not accept foreign currency for payments. 

Uganda comprises four main ethnic groups, which all have different origins. These include the Bantu, the Nilotics, the Nilo Hamites, and the Hamites. The Bantu, by far the largest in number, include the tribes of Buganda, Banyankole, Basoga, Bakiga, Batoro, Banyoro, Banyarwanda, Bagisu, Bagwere and Bakonjo. There are over 50 tribes in the country with each tribe speaking its own language.

Nevertheless, English, inherited from the colonial period, and Swahili are the official languages of Uganda; the latter was added in 2005. And of course, there is also Ugandan Sign Language. 

Luganda, a central language, is widely spoken across the country, and several other languages are also spoken, including Lango, Acholi, Runyoro, Runyankole, Rukiga, Luo, and Lusoga, among others.

Electricity Plugs

In Uganda, the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Uganda operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz. The electricity system of Uganda is rooted in the British style. 

Where is Uganda

Uganda borders Kenya to its east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the south-west, and Tanzania to the south. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, shared with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda is mostly located within the African great lakes region, lies within the Nile basin, and has a varied but generally modified equatorial climate. 

Uganda was a disintegrated state with various kingdoms, each with its own ruler and rules till the colonial time that led to the scramble and partition of Africa. 

The British colonial government named it Uganda. And although the main reason for naming it “Uganda” was not revealed, many say that it was derived from Buganda which was then the most dominant and powerful kingdom in the country.  

Main landmarks

Uganda possesses lots of natural physical features like mountains, forests, valleys, and water bodies. The reason why is mainly known as a country gifted by nature. 

Palpably Uganda’s national parks protect its greatest natural treasures, most notably the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, the common chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park, the unique and unusual tree-climbing lions, and the striking Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the great Murchison Falls of Murchison Falls National Park, the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains of Rwenzori Mountains National Park, the Sempaya hot springs of Semuliki National Park, the varied wildlife and amazing culture of Kidepo Valley National Park, among others. 

Among the other landmarks that Uganda has include the longest river in the world (River Nile) with its source believed to be Jinja, a city in eastern Uganda. The world’s second-largest freshwater lake (Lake Victoria) is also among the special landmarks that this awesome country showcases. 

Is Uganda safe?

In general, Uganda is a safe country for solo and group travelers and has been stable for its 30 years of independence. However, travelers should always be conscious and very alert, especially with their belongings. There’s petty theft and pickpocketing in major cities, particularly in Kampala the country’s capital.

That said, travelers move from one corner of the country to another without any insecurity occurrence. It was only recently when an American tourist was kidnapped. The predicament was handled in a very majestic manner and was rescued from the kidnappers. Since then the security of tourists has been tightened more than ever. 

Nonetheless, you have to be vigilant. While touring around Uganda like in many other foreign countries, it is advised to move with a local guide or travel through a local tour operator. You should also stay and travel to places known to be safe and occupied by a reasonable number of people. Having the local hotline emergency number to call in case of any issue of insecurity is also a great idea. 

Is Uganda safe for solo travelers?

Uganda is a secure country for solo tourists, groups, and families. That said, it’s advisable to book your holidays with a reliable Uganda tour operator who will be responsible for your stay in the country. Independent movement in Uganda is safe but intrepid travelers should limit movement alone during the daytime and get home early.

Uganda Travel Tips

Uganda is a beautiful and fantastic country to travel and live in. There are many attractions in the country that travelers can opt to visit during their stay in the ‘Pearl of Africa’. Among them are the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and so many other species. 

In a nutshell, here are some of the travel tips travelers should know before traveling to Uganda:

• Make sure your passport is valid before booking your trip
• Make your reservations in advance
• Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Be wide awake especially in the busy towns and cities as there can be theft
• Move with enough money
• Book a driver guide if you are feeling adventurous
• Ask your travel agency what shouldn’t miss on your packing list
• Pack both heavy and light clothes because the weather is unpredictable

Uganda travel tips for beginners

As Uganda is undoubtedly a perfect country for safaris and trips, due to the several attractions it has, beginners and first-timers should bear a few things in mind before stepping into this incredibly beautiful nation:

• Get your Uganda tourist visa in advance
• Likewise, booking in advance is highly recommended for a successful trip
• The dry season (December to February, June to August) is the best time for game viewing
• On the other hand, the rainy season (March to May, November) is great for bird watching
• Make sure to get the required vaccinations for Uganda well in advance
• Research the places you plan to visit in Uganda before going there
• Get a car rental from an authorized car rental company
• Know when to make your reservations in Uganda and the amount of money you will use on your trip beforehand. Whether you are hiring a tour company or not – weigh what’s better and more convenient for you – you should have a hint on money and transactions in Uganda 
• Get a local sim card
• Download a language app
• Figure out the best dishes you need to try while there
• Make sure you understand and follow the road signs
• Pack accordingly
• Finally, if you’re going on a chimpanzee or gorilla safari, you should book a chimpanzee or gorilla permit, respectively, through your trusted tour agency. 

How to best travel across the country

The best way to travel around Uganda is to use a local tour operator who will organize the itinerary, transport, accommodation, and meals for you as well as also purchase the various entrance fees and park activities on your behalf. This is the most convenient and safest way to travel. 

On the other hand, you can also choose to rent a vehicle and take a self-drive journey. 

Hiring a private 4WD car is also a great way to travel around Uganda, especially if it is your first time. This will give you the freedom and flexibility to explore the country’s finest destinations – such as Bwindi Impenetrable and Kibale Forest National Parks – at your own pace. 

Finally, hiring a 4WD car together with an experienced and professional driver-guide can also enhance your trip.

When to visit Uganda

Uganda can be visited all year round but most people prefer to visit it is during the dry months of December to February and June to August. During the aforementioned dry months, grasses in the national game parks are shorter compared to how they are during the rainy season and this offers a perfect and fantastic game viewing as well as a clear snapshot of the animals in the jungle. 

However, dry months being the best time to visit Uganda should not play any part in stopping you from visiting Uganda at any time you feel like as the country is always open for tourists. Moreover, traveling in the low season (rainy months) can at times be cheaper than traveling during the peak season (dry months) as hotels in the Parks tend to reduce their rates and tour companies can provide car rentals at better prices than in the peak season.

Where to sleep

Those wishing to visit Uganda’s remarkable national parks like Bwindi and co should know that all Uganda Parks have suitable accommodations that include budget, mid-range, luxury, and high-end lodges and camps – so it will depend on each traveler’s taste! 

On the other hand, there’s usually camping. That way you can set a tent in any of the camping sites in the Park or go with rooftop tent camping and set a tent atop your 4WD Land Cruiser to spend the night atop your car. 

What to eat

Uganda’s staple food is matooke (bananas). Other food crops include cassava, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, yams, beans, peas, groundnuts (peanuts), cabbage, onions, pumpkins, and tomatoes. Some fruits, such as oranges, mangoes, guavas, pawpaws, lemons, and pineapples, among others are also grown. 

The most popular food eaten by locals includes matooke (bananas), maize flour, rice, cassava, and potatoes. Meat and fish are also widely available. Rolex (mixture of chapatti and fried eggs) is also eaten by locals across the country and it is one thing you should really try to eat once in Uganda. 

Besides the named foods above, most restaurants in the Parks also serve international dishes. 

What to pack for Uganda

Basic things you should include for your safari in Uganda include a valid passport, yellow fever vaccination, light clothes, heavy clothes, comfortable hiking shoes/boots, enough undies, sun hat and sunglasses, a good camera, music player, chargers, first aid kit (or some emergency tablets like panadol and painkillers), garden gloves, hand sanitizer, enough face masks (needed during pandemic times), insect repellents, sun lotion, a notebook and pen, binoculars, and earplugs.

Best things to do in the country

Christening it the ‘Pearl of Africa’ wasn’t a mistake. From mountain gorilla and chimpanzee safaris to mountaineering trips, Uganda has so many great things to offer.

Unmissable cities and towns

Must-visit cities and towns include: 

• Kampala is located in the central, this is the capital city of the country and it comprises attractions such as the Uganda Museum, Namugongo and Munyonyo Martyrs Shrines, Kasubi royal tombs, Kabaka Lake, Gaddafi temple (Uganda National Museum), Saint Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, and Kabaka’s (King’s) Palace among others.
• Jinja – perched in the east of the country, this city is known to be the ‘’most proclaimed source of the Nile’’. Grade 5 white water rafting, kayaking, and visiting the source of the Nile are some of the activities that can be done there.
• Fort Portal – nestled in the west, this is one of the most touristic towns in the country. Fort Portal is surrounded by several attractions such as Kibale Forest National Park, the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru, Crater Lakes, Semuliki National Park, and the Tooro Kingdom Palaces.
• Kisoro and Kabale – located in the southwestern region of the country, these two towns are best known for having the two mountain gorilla refuges of Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. This region protects over half of the total population of mountain gorillas in the world. 

Stunning nature and wildlife

Uganda is an incredibly beautiful country that annually attracts tons of visitors fascinated by its beautiful nature, rich culture, beautiful and vivacious people, exotic wildlife, and rich ecosystems. 

As christened by Sir Winston Churchill, the ‘Pearl of Africa’ features ten remarkably magnificent national parks that are home to a variety of plants, birds, and animal species worth checking out. These parks include; Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Rwenzori Mountains, Mountain Elgon, Semuliki, and Lake Mburo National Parks.

There are so many wildlife species thriving in the above mentioned national parks such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, cape buffaloes, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, leopards, warthogs, golden monkeys, cheetahs, olive baboons, and so many antelope species like bushbucks, Uganda Kob, waterbucks, Elands, among others. 

Key festivals and culture

Cultural diversity set the tone for the famous festivals of Uganda, a country with a fusion of over 50 ethnic groups and which has a mix of cultures and traditions. 

The country’s festivals are not only related to its ethnic groups but also to Christianism, to which almost eighty percent of the population belongs.

Some of the most popular festivals in Uganda include; the Nyege Nyege Festival, the Kampala Capital City Festival, the Festival of the Uganda Martyrs, Blankets and Wine, Roast and Rhyme, among others.

Additionally, the culture of Uganda is made up of a diverse range of ethnic groups and visitors always wallow in several cultural experiences such as the Batwa Cultural Experience (an experience designed specifically to enrich visitors with the lifestyle of the Batwa Pygmies – also known as the ‘’forest people’’).  

Another traditional experience is the ‘’Imbalu Cultural Ritual’’ – a public circumcision ceremony practiced by the Bagisu people of Eastern Uganda. 

Road tripping Uganda

Epic road trips in Uganda are becoming popular and there are some important things to bear in mind to have a safe adventure across the country. 

The highways in Uganda are quite nice and almost all the roads in big cities and towns are paved and in reasonably good shape. However, in remote areas some roads are not always in good condition – that’s why you’re advised to hire a powerful 4X4 vehicle if you’re planning to visit the Parks. 

Proposal itinerary for 1 week in Uganda

In most cases an itinerary is designed for you depending on your key interests; what you want to see and do most. Some visitors are gorilla enthusiasts, others are chimpanzee lovers, others are generally nature lovers, well as others are wildlife avids, others are hikers and mountaineers, and others are birders. So an itinerary will be designed for you depending on what you fancy most. 

Meanwhile, take a look at our proposed itinerary for one week in Uganda.

Day One – Arrive at the airport and transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (break off at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary).

Day two – Morning game drives and afternoon boat cruise beneath the Murchison Falls.

Day three – Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day four – Chimpanzee tracking/chimpanzee habituation

Day five – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (evening game drives)

Day six – Lion tracking and morning game drives, searching for tree-climbing lions, and evening boat cruise.

Day seven – Return to Kampala for a flight back home (a city tour if you have time).

Proposal itinerary for 2 weeks or more in Uganda

Day one – Pick up at the airport and a Kampala city tour

Day two – Transfer to Jinja City, zip lining and white water rafting at the source of the Nile

Day three – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary)

Day four – Morning game drives and boat cruise

Day five – Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day six – Chimpanzee tracking

Day seven – Visiting the crater lakes and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day eight – Morning game drives (lion tracking) and afternoon boat cruise

Day nine – Searching for the tree climbing lions in Ishasha and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day ten – Mountain gorilla trekking and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Day eleven – Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Day twelve – Boat cruise and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park (evening game drive)

Day thirteen – Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park

Day fourteen – Game drives and return back to Kampala

Uganda is a fantastic country to visit; its nature is stunning, its people are welcoming, and the varied wildlife stands out as the most attractive part of this beautiful country. These days, the country is peaceful and stable and it can be visited throughout the year by tourists, regardless of citizenship and gender – Uganda is safe and open for everyone!

Uganda Travel Guide: Complete Explorers Guide to Animals, Food, Parks, Safety

Uganda is located in eastern Africa, on the northern shore of Lake Victoria – the largest lake in Africa. You can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, boating on Lake Victoria, or on a driving safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Welcome to Uganda!

Uganda travel : There is so much to do in Uganda – including natural and cultural attractions.

Some of the top attractions include  Kampala  (the capital city), Lake Victoria , and the Ssese Islands .

The climate in Uganda is stable and welcoming and the food alone is worth the trip. The currency in Uganda is the shilling.

Here’s our guide to airports in Uganda .

Uganda animals : Uganda is home to some of Africa’s most unique animals and birds . Learn about trekking  for Uganda’s mountain gorillas .

Travel gear: As you plan your trip, you’ll need to decide what gear you’ll bring. Check out our complete safari packing list (checklist and guide) so you don’t forget a thing, including your travel insurance . And our guides on safari cameras , binoculars , sun hats ,  water purification , and anti-theft backpacks will help you bring the best gear for your Ugandan adventure.

Here are some of the highlights of visiting Uganda, including animals, travel tips, foods, and more:

Rwenzori Mountains: 13 Things About “Mountains of the Moon”

25 Airports in Uganda: Codes, International, Asphalt, Gravel

Guide to 18 Largest Cities in Uganda (Attractions, Population)

33 Wild Spotted Hyena Facts (Crocuta crocuta) Diet, Cubs…

Why Do Hyenas Laugh? 12 Laughing Hyena Sounds (What They Mean)

60 Zebra Facts for Animal Lovers and Africa Travelers (All 3 Species)

What Sound Does a Zebra Make? Listen to 4 Zebra Sounds, Barks, Noises

What Do You Call a Group of Gorillas? Guide to Gorilla Troop Size

Is Hippo Milk Really Pink? (Fact Check) Hipposudoric Acid & Blood Sweat

How Fast Can a Crocodile Run? (And Why You Don’t Need to Be Scared)

44 African Grey Parrot Facts (Complete Guide) Talkative Congo Grey Parrot

How Strong is a Gorilla? Silverback Strength vs Humans (Grizzly, Lion, Croc)

Uganda Language: Ultimate Travelers Guide (English, Swahili, +40 More)

Is Uganda Safe? Guide to Water, Crime, Disease, Sun Safety in Uganda

36 Facts About African Lions (Panthera leo)

23 African Cape Buffalo Facts (Syncerus caffer)

21 Facts About Rothschild’s Giraffe: Part of the Nubian Giraffe Subspecies

31 African Rock Python Facts (Both Species) Africa’s Largest Snake

15 Incredible Things to do in Uganda [Culture, Nature, Culinary, Adventure…]

Guide to Murchison Falls Uganda: 16 Things You Need to Know

Uganda Currency: 12 Things to Know (Money, Shillings, and Costs)

Uganda Food Guide: 17 Must-Try Dishes for Your Visit

Uganda Climate Guide: Best Time to Visit (Weather, Rain & Temp by Month…)

Uganda’s 10 National Parks & 4 Wildlife Game Reserves [Travelers Guide]

18 Birds of Uganda: Birding in the Pearl of Africa (8 Top Birding Sites)

15 Shoebill Facts (Balaeniceps rex) Prehistoric, Patient Hunters

Complete African Safari Packing List [Checklist and Guide]

15 Facts About Africa’s Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)

How to Choose the Best Camera for Safari [Buyers Guide]

15 Ugly Facts About Africa’s Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)

8 Great Blue Turaco Facts (Corythaeola cristata)

12 Facts About the Golden Monkey of Central Africa (Cercopithecus kandti)

13 Facts About the African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)

16 Facts About Crested Crane of Uganda, Africa: (Balearica regulorum gibbericeps)

9 Fascinating Facts About Lake Victoria Cichlids (Uganda): 45 Species List

19 Amazing Facts About Uganda Mountain Gorillas (Silverback, Baby, Habitat…)

Travel Guide For the Ssese Islands, Lake Victoria (Uganda)

14 Things to Do in Kampala Uganda (Bonus: 11 Kampala Facts)

How to Choose a Uganda Gorilla Trek (Best Time to Go, Tour Companies, Price…)

26 Beautiful Places to Visit in Uganda: Nature, Culture, Wildlife

Uganda Animals: 27 Amazing Safari Animals of Uganda

22 Interesting Facts About Uganda: Nature, Politics, Culture…

19 Amazing Facts About Lake Victoria, Uganda: Location, Cichlids, Map, Size, Islands

Planning a trip? Check out our guide: 16 Safest Countries in Africa

This includes animals , attractions, and  facts  about the country.

We have both been featured in Ng’aali, Uganda Airlines InFlight Magazine. Here’s the  inaugural issue  (October – December 2019)

While there is a special focus on wildlife and  Lake Victoria , this site also covers the country of Uganda, including  gorilla treks  and wildlife safaris.

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Introducing Uganda

About uganda.

• Images of Uganda
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Uganda
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

Uganda travel guide

A reputation for political instability and the looming shadow of Idi Amin have long – and unfairly – blighted Uganda’s fledgling tourism sector. Now, though, things are looking up for the East African nation once described as “the pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill.

And a brief look around is enough to show you why. From the second you step off the plane, the overwhelming impression of Uganda is one of rich natural diversity, friendly locals and a burgeoning cultural scene that is currently producing some of the most exciting artists in Africa.

Culturally, much of the action happens in the capital, Kampala, a hilly urban sprawl ringed by farmland and perched on the muddy banks of Lake Victoria. While most foreign travellers confine themselves to the city centre or the diplomatic quarter, Kololo, its worth venturing into the bustling bars and clubs of Kabalagala, where expats and locals meet for a slug of the local Nile beer and a friendly game of pool.

Away from the capital, Uganda’s towns and cities have little in the way of diversions (although Jinja’s location on the banks of the River Nile has made it a favourite with thrill-seeking rafters). Instead, head west towards the Congo border where, along with the fascinating pygmy people of Fort Portal, Uganda’s natural wonders reveal themselves.

A popular spot for wildlife watching is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is home to four of the Big Five, a flock of flamboyant flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

The star attraction, though, is the iconic mountain gorilla, which can be found further south in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. While you’re down there it’s also worth taking a detour to Lake Bunyonyi, a mountain retreat famed for its stunning vistas and freshwater crayfish.

More natural wonders await in northern Uganda, home to the magnificent Murchison Falls, and in the east, where visitors will find the outstanding desert crags and ossified anthills of Kidepo.

Regardless of where you go in Uganda, when it comes to leaving, it will be with a reluctant heavy heart.

241,038 sq km (93,072 sq miles).

41,487,965 (UN estimate 2016).

157.1 per sq km.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni since 1986.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja since 2021.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

Western Uganda

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• the southern sector of Kibale Forest National Park and Kibale Forest Corridor Game Reserve up to and including the Fort Portal - Kamwenge / Fort Portal - Mbarara road the Park at Lake Nyabikere and exiting at Nkingo and extending to Lake George following the forest boundary
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• the area immediately south-west of Kasese town – from the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ) at Kyabikere extending eastwards up to and including the A109 road and southwards to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Semuliki National Park

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers

LGBT+ travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Uganda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ugandan High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Uganda’s Port Health Authority may check your temperature on arrival. If your temperature is above normal or you display COVID-19 symptoms, they may ask you to take a COVID-19 test.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Uganda.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Uganda. Check which visa best fits your needs .

Applying for a visa

You apply online to Ugandan Immigration , attaching the required documents and certificates including, in most cases, a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The immigration authorities will email you a letter of authorisation including a barcode. You print out the letter to present on arrival, where border officials will issue your visa.

Alternatively you can take the letter to a Ugandan embassy and they will issue the visa.  

You can also apply online for an East African Tourist Visa . This costs 100 US dollars and allows multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda over 90 days.

Airport entry restrictions

Only passengers with valid tickets and airport officials are allowed into Entebbe International Airport’s terminal building.

Vaccination requirements

You must bring the yellow fever vaccination certificate you used to get your visa.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Uganda guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be taken into and out of Uganda . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice .

Terrorism   

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .         

 Terrorism in Uganda

Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Uganda.   

There is a growing terror threat in Uganda, including targeting of foreign nationals. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in major cities and places frequented by foreign nationals and tourists, such as:

• transport hubs
• restaurants and bars
• places of worship
• shopping centres
• major gatherings such as sporting or religious events
• government buildings
• security installations such as police stations
• national parks

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. The Uganda Police Force regularly issues alerts, particularly around public holidays or religious events. 

Consider whether locations that you visit have effective security arrangements in place, like bag searches, physical security and guards. Avoid large gatherings of any kind in Uganda as these may be targets for an attack.

Previous terrorist attacks and disrupted attacks in Uganda have targeted the security forces, places where football matches were being viewed, restaurants, buses, schools, churches, national parks and government buildings.

There have been a series of terrorist attacks in areas of western Uganda near to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ), including in national parks. You should exercise particular caution in these areas and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Recent significant attacks include: 

• in December 2023, 10 people were killed in an attack on a bar and a farm in Kyabandara, and a further 3 people in an attack in Nyabitusi, in Kamwenge district near to Kibale forest
• in October 2023, 2 tourists and their driver were killed by terrorists in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• in 2023, 42 people were killed in an attack on a school in Mpondwe, Kasese District, western Uganda, close to the border with the DRC
• in 2021, terrorists used 2 explosive devices in central Kampala killing 4 and injuring 33 people. The police disarmed 2 further explosive devices
• in 2021, terrorists used an explosive device on a coach travelling on the Kampala to Masaka road near Mpigi killing one person
• in 2021, terrorists used an explosive device to attack a restaurant in Komamboga, a suburb in the north-east of Kampala killing one person and injuring a number of others

Political situation

Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can happen anywhere in Uganda without warning, causing loss of life and injury. Incidents are more likely to happen around elections. The police have used tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. Avoid all demonstrations and rallies where possible.

In November 2020, there were election-related protests in Kampala and other locations across Uganda, with incidents of violence and a number of deaths. Country-wide internet shut-downs have been implemented around elections, other political events and during protests. Disruption to social media sites including Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp has also taken place.

Red and yellow are strongly associated with political parties in Uganda. Consider not wearing these colours around political events.  

If you get caught up in a political demonstration, remain calm and try to move away from the area by the safest possible route. If you’re in a vehicle, make sure that the doors are locked and windows are up. If you’re in your accommodation and there’s a demonstration nearby, remain inside if you judge that leaving is threatening or unsafe. Make sure you’re familiar with the security procedures in place at your accommodation.

Criminals may target tourists who show signs of wealth.

Organised crime groups operate in Uganda. However criminal kidnaps and targeted armed assaults are unlikely to be directed at tourists.

Street crime

You can reduce the risk of being followed and pickpocketed or mugged by:

• not carrying large amounts of cash
• using arranged transport to withdraw cash
• using indoor ATMs
• not wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches
• taking care of your passport
• not walking after dark

Vehicle crime

Keep car doors locked and windows shut when driving in towns. Criminals may steal from cars and taxis while they’re stopped in traffic. Do not leave luggage or valuables in parked vehicles. If you are stopped by armed criminals, do not resist.

Foreign nationals using motorbike taxis (‘boda-bodas’) have been mugged. Some of these incidents have involved violence and the use of weapons.

Food and drink spiking

There have been instances of travellers being drugged and robbed on public transport and in bars. Do not accept food and drink from strangers.

Foreign visitors and residents may be targeted by scam artists. Be wary of strangers who:

• approach you or your accommodation
• contact you by phone asking for personal information or financial help

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

You may be stopped and asked for ID by officials. Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport.

Public offences

It is illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in military-style clothing. This includes clothing with marks, badges or symbols and accessories associated with the Ugandan military, camouflage clothing and red berets. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment when convicted.

It is illegal and punishable by a fine and a possible prison sentence to offer money, food or clothing to children living on the streets in Kampala.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke in:

• public places
• outdoors if you’re within 50 metres of a public building

Electronic cigarettes and shisha (water-pipe tobacco) are illegal. There are penalties including fines and prison sentences.

Illegal drugs and penalties

Penalties for illegal drug possession and illegal drug trafficking are severe.

Using cameras in secure areas

Do not take photos of military, official or diplomatic sites. This includes Owen Falls Dam at the source of the Nile near Jinja.

If you are taking photographs of people, ask their permission first.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and same-sex relationships are not tolerated in Uganda’s conservative society.

In May 2023, Uganda brought in the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. This act introduces harsh prison sentences, and the death penalty in some cases, for same-sex sexual activity. There are also severe penalties for promoting LGBT+ rights.

Sexual activity with someone of the same sex carries the punishment of life imprisonment.

Offences classed as ’aggravated homosexuality’ carry a sentence up to the death penalty. ‘Aggravated homosexuality’ is defined as sexual activity with someone of the same sex who is:

• a person aged 17 or under
• a person aged 75 or above
• a relative or someone under your care
• disabled or suffering from mental health issues
• a person who is unconscious or under the influence of medicine or other substances that impair their judgement
• if the act is committed under duress, misrepresentation, through threats, or intimidation

A person who has a previous conviction of homosexuality or related offences can be charged with aggravated homosexuality for subsequent offences.

Promoting or supporting homosexuality carries up to a 20-year prison sentence. This includes, but is not limited to:

• encouraging or persuading someone to perform a same-sex sexual act or anything that is an offence under the act
• publishing, printing, broadcasting by any means, information that promotes or encourages homosexuality
• providing financial or other support that encourages homosexuality or the normalisation of acts prohibited by the act

Some of the language in the law is vague and open to interpretation, and it remains unclear how this law will be implemented. The law could affect those who are exercising their freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association to show support for LGBT+ people and rights.

Anti-LGBT+ rhetoric by religious leaders, politicians, government officials and the local media can incite homophobia against the LGBT+ community.

LGBT+ people or those who are perceived to be LGBT+ may be at greater risk of harassment, imprisonment, blackmail and violence from people who view the law as justification for attacks.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. If you’re caught buying or trafficking such goods you might be prosecuted and get a prison sentence or a fine.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Uganda, see information on driving abroad .

You can drive in Uganda with a UK driving licence for up to 3 months. For a longer period, you will need a Ugandan driving licence or a 1949 international driving permit .

Travelling by road can be hazardous, particularly outside the main cities. Driving standards are poor and the accident rate is high. At night, other road users may be driving without lights and livestock roam across the roads. Accidents regularly happen on the Jinja-Kampala and the Kampala-Masaka roads.

Speeding is illegal in Uganda and the police enforce speed limit laws. You could be fined, imprisoned or both if caught speeding.

Avoid travelling outside of the main towns after dark, except on the roads between Kampala and Entebbe International Airport.

Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and stocked with items you might need in case of a breakdown or other incidents.

Public transport

There have been some serious accidents involving Ugandan long distance bus services. These include:

• buses between Kampala and other towns in Uganda
• international services to Nairobi, Kigali and Dar es Salaam

Some overnight buses have been robbed after being forced to stop by roadblocks or by criminals posing as passengers.

Avoid using:

• matatus (minibus taxis following a particular route)
• boda-bodas (motorbike taxis)

Matatus and boda-bodas are cheap, but they do not meet UK safety standards. They are generally in poor condition and badly driven, and often do not have proper insurance. Accidents are common and can be fatal.

Boat travel

Large numbers of ferry passengers have died in accidents on Lake Albert and Lake Victoria in recent years often due to overloading of passengers and goods.

Use a reputable ferry company and if you believe a ferry to be overloaded or unseaworthy, do not get on. Make sure you are familiar with emergency procedures on board and make a note of where the life jackets and emergency exits are located.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Localised flooding and landslides are common, particularly during the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November.

Earthquakes

Uganda is in an earthquake zone. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake .

This section has safety advice for regions of Uganda. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

Exercise extra caution near the borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ) and South Sudan. In DRC , FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces that border Uganda. In South Sudan, FCDO advises against all travel.

Uganda and the DRC conduct joint military action against the Allied Democratic Forces ( ADF ) in North Kivu and Ituri provinces of eastern DRC , near to parts of the Ugandan border. Ugandan troops are present on both sides of the border as part of the joint operations.

This operation may affect the function of some border crossing points which could close at short notice. There is also a risk of banditry.

• the area immediately south-west of Kasese town – from the border with DRC at Kyabikere extending eastwards up to and including the A109 road and southwards to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tourists and foreign nationals may be targeted by the ADF in areas near the border with the DRC .

There have been several terrorist attacks in western Uganda in areas close to the border with  DRC , especially around the Bwera border crossing. In October 2023, 2 tourists and their driver were killed by the  ADF  in Queen Elizabeth National Park. In December 2023, 10 people were killed in an attack on a bar and a farm in Kyabandara, and a further 3 people in an attack in Nyabitusi, in Kamwenge district near to Kibale forest. There are ongoing security operations in Kibale National Park, you should exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities.

In June 2023, 42 people were killed in an attack on a school in Mpondwe, near to the border with DRC .

In 2022, the ADF carried out an attack in the vicinity of Bweramule Parish in Ntoroko District, on the border with DRC . If you are in the area, which is close to Semuliki National Park and Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, you should be cautious and follow the instructions of the local authorities.

South-west Uganda

The provinces of DRC bordering south-west Uganda have a history of instability and violent conflict and can this can flare up with little notice. FCDO advises against all travel to these DRC provinces. There is a potential for some spillover into Uganda. Take care when travelling in the area.

There are periodic clashes between DRC government forces and armed groups in the DRC close to the Ugandan border. Both the Bunagana border crossing and the Kitagoma-Buszana border crossing in Kisoro district are controlled by the M23 armed group on the DRC side of the border. If you are in this area, keep your security situation under constant review.

There were previous clashes on 12 June 2022, 23 May 2022 and 29 March 2022, and border crossing points were temporarily suspended. They could be closed again at short notice.

National parks near DRC and Rwanda

Use reputable, registered tour operators and contact the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) for up-to-date advice and information before you travel. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are in the extreme south-west of Uganda near the borders with DRC and Rwanda. It’s routine practice for security personnel to accompany tourists on gorilla-tracking visits in this area.

Some gorilla trekking operators cross into DRC . Avoid taking these tours. FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces of DRC that border Uganda, including Virunga National Park.

North-east Uganda

There is an increased security presence in north-east Uganda in the Karamoja sub-region (districts of Kaabong, Kotido, Abim, Moroto and Nakapiripirit) due to cattle theft. Military and civilians have been killed during security operations. Armed raids to steal cattle and robberies related to cattle trading, some resulting in killings, have been reported in Karamoja. There have also been robberies in districts that neighbour Karamoja in the Teso and Acholi sub-regions. Foreigners are not usually the target of attacks but you should remain vigilant, exercise caution at all times and avoid any travel at night.

The north-east is susceptible to flooding during the rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November. Monitor local media and only use suitably equipped 4-wheel-drive vehicles.

Eastern Uganda

Travel to eastern Uganda is largely trouble-free, but during heavy rains there is a risk of landslides, particularly in Bulucheke sub-county in Bududa District near Mount Elgon National Park, a popular tourist destination.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Medical help at the scene of an accident is likely to be limited, particularly outside Kampala.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on recommended vaccinations in TravelHealthPro’s Uganda guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Health risks

There are occasional outbreaks of Ebola in Uganda. The authorities and the World Health Organisation declared the last one was over in January 2023. See more information on Ebola and similar diseases .  

Some countries have heightened health screening for travellers from Uganda. Check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to or transiting.

Public Health England has guidance for humanitarian or healthcare workers travelling to countries at risk of Ebola.

See the TravelHealthPro Uganda guide for more details about health risks.

Drinking water

Only use boiled or bottled water, and avoid ice in drinks. Avoid eating food prepared by unlicensed vendors or where you have concerns about kitchen hygiene .

If you are staying in Uganda for a long time, store basic provisions (drinking water and non-perishable foods) at your accommodation, in case of supply problems.

HIV and AIDS

UNAIDS estimate that around 1,400,000 adults aged 15 or over in Uganda are living with HIV. Read more about precautions and how to avoid exposure to HIV or AIDS .

Laws and rules about medicines you can buy or get on prescription in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Uganda

Medical facilities in Uganda are limited, especially outside Kampala. Many popular tourist attractions have poor medical facilities. If you are seriously ill or have an accident, you may need an air ambulance. Make sure you have accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of English speaking doctors in Uganda . 

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Uganda

Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding  lawyers and  funeral directors  in Uganda
• dealing with a  death in Uganda
• being  arrested in Uganda
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help in Uganda in an emergency

If you are in Uganda and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Kampala .

You can also contact FCDO online .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The  Overseas Business Risk service  offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Pearls of Uganda

There is so much to experience on this exciting journey through Uganda. Get up close and personal with endangered gorillas, receive first-hand information on efforts to preserve the primates, and explore other national parks in Uganda. Take a boat trip on the Nile Delta and enjoy Uganda's wildlife.

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Visit the Chimpanzees & Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. Encounter these primates, as well as Chimpanzee on this special tour across Uganda. See these rare animals at close range and enjoy the wide landscapes from savannah to lush forests.

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written by Anja Klaucke

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Uganda?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Introducing Uganda
• Eating and sleeping
• Health and safety
• The authors’ take
• Travel and visas
• When and where to visit
• Destination highlights
• Gorilla tracking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Kibale Forest
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Murchison Falls
• Nile rafting near Jinja
• Rwenzori Mountains
• Semliki National Park

Ugandans as a whole – both those working within the tourist industry and the ordinary man or woman on the street – genuinely do come across as the most warm, friendly and relaxed hosts imaginable.

Uganda is one of our hot destinations for the year ahead – check out the full list of the best places to travel in 2024 here .

What other country can match Uganda for sheer variety?  Within a compact area of 241,000km 2 – almost exactly the same as United Kingdom – you’ll find an unparalleled array of wildlife, scenery and cultures.

For Uganda is where east meets west in Africa. East African savannahs roamed by big game favourites merge with Congo-style rainforests bristling with primates (including mountain gorilla, golden monkey and chimpanzee) and birds (many associated with the Congo forests and found nowhere else in East Africa).

To these broad themes we can add local detail – wetlands, woodlands, mountains, and lakes of all sizes – to produce a mosaic of natural habitats that support, in total, 342 mammal species and 1,008 of bird. 

Ugandan culture further reflects this diversity of landscapes; in the remote northeast you’ll find lanky pastoralists tending their herds on the vast plains of Karamoja while in the mountainous west you’ll meet stocky Bakiga and Bakonzo cultivating steep hillsides, and learn about traditional forest life from the diminutive Batwa Pygmies.

Whatever your area of interest, Uganda abounds in unforgettable activities and encounters. You can track chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the depths of tropical forests; search for tree-climbing lions on the open Ishasha plains; descend into the hot depths of the Western Rift Valley in search of rare birdlife; fish for a record Nile Perch on the island-studded expanse of Lake Victoria; raft the turbulent headwaters of the Nile and marvel at the great river’s eruption through a 6m canyon at Murchison Falls; visit a traditional homestead on the remote plains of Karamoja; and feel the chill of equatorial snow on the 5,100m Rwenzori Mountains.

Philip Briggs & Andrew Roberts , authors of Uganda: the Bradt Guide

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Uganda Tourist: Guide to Tours & Travel Around Uganda

Welcome to Uganda Tourist , an Online Travel Resource for tourists planning to explore Uganda. Find the best things to see, things to do, travel tips, and resourceful information to plan your trip. This complete guide is rich with all the tourism and travel information you need to plan your holiday.  See how far you can go on a safari in Uganda with these must-see places. Experience Uganda following our must-do things in the country. Plan your ideal journey of interest by using informative tips and advice. Looking for accommodation? Get the best recommendations from locals who know Uganda.

Uganda is a wonderful place to visit for a holiday. On offer is a wide range of adventures, tourist, and leisure activities including wildlife safaris in the national parks, gorilla tracking, hiking, bird watching, white water rafting, fishing, climbing the Rwenzori Mountains, or just being lazy by a swimming pool enjoying the excellent climate.

This directory is aimed at making holiday planning in Uganda as easy as possible, both for the independent traveler and those wishing to join an organized tour.

Planning to take a vacation, weekend getaway, or a day trip to an attraction, or event, we have all the information you need to help you plan a perfect trip! In our directory are selections of the best hotels, safari lodges, restaurants, car rental Uganda agencies, outdoor activities, and more.

Explore Uganda

Get the best recommendations from locals who live in Uganda.  In each and every destination, you will find information, advice, and experiences from locals. Learn about the latest recommendations on attractions, places to eat, shop and much more.

Travel Destinations

There are many exciting destinations in Uganda.

Bwindi Forest

Visit Bwindi Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular destination in Uganda, the best place to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the whole world.

• Kampala City

Capital City – Kampala

A first time visitor to Kampala can be surprised by the way of life in this craddle green city that spread over various hills. Kampala oozes with the zest of life!

Queen Elizabeth NP

Elephants In Queen Elizabeth NP

This protected area of nearly 2000 sq kms is one of the most popular savanna national parks. It is filled with craters, forests, lakes, and other picturesque features. Read More

Source Of River Nile – Jinja

Jinja is the adrenaline capital of Uganda. Located 50 kms from Kampala, this is the home to the Source of the Nile. Lots of adventures await you here!

Murchison Falls

Explore Uganda’s largest national park, home to incredible wildlife. Don’t miss seeing the scenic Kabalega Falls, a glorious tribute to the forces of nature. Read More

Kidepo Valley

Kidepo National Park

Located in the northeast corner of Uganda, Kidepo is a wonderland that bristles with wild life! This is one place where Uganda’s wildlife come together in the truest sense of the word.

Kibale Forest

Kibale Chimps Tracking

Kibale National Park is all about chimpanzees. Kibale prides itself as being Africa’s top protected area for primates numbering to about 13 species. Read More

Rwenzori Mountains

Trek The Rwenzori Mountains

The summit is shrouded in the mist. These are the legendary “Mountains of the Moon”. At 4000 meters, the range is among the highest in Africa. Read More

• Lake Bunyonyi

Honey Moon Destination

Lake Bunyonyi is a beautiful place situated in south western Uganda. The sense of serenity here is equal to none and thus has been nicknamed the “Switzerland of Africa.

Top Experiences

There are lots of amazing experiences that you can engage in while in Uganda. From mountain gorilla trekking to chimpanzee watching, there are adventures for you to enjoy.

• Gorilla Trekking

• Chimpanzee Tracking

• Wildlife Safaris

Uganda Tourist Directory

Start your search for the best tourism service providers in Uganda. Uganda Tourism has firmly established itself as one of the most comprehensive directories for Uganda travel and tourism provides. Listed here are different accommodation places including hotels, safari lodges, and campsites, activities, restaurants, bars, and pubs, etc.

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• Uganda Culture
• Uganda Facts
• Accommodation
• Communicating
• Nyanzibiri Eco-Community Camp
• Eastern Uganda
• Budongo Forest
• Mabira Forest
• Uganda Recipes
• Bugoma Forest
• Kalinzu Forest
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• Languages Used
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mgahinga National Park
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• Mount Rwenzori National Park
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• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Semiliki National Park
• Bulago Island
• Ssese Islands
• Safari Planning
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
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• Terms and Conditions
• Canopy Super Skyway
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• Uganda Primates
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• Arrival in Uganda
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• Getting to Uganda
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• Stay Safe in Uganda
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• What to Wear
• Uganda Flights
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• Visa Information
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WELCOME TO UGANDA

Welcome to uganda travel guide, an official online safari guide with every information you would like to know about uganda, africa..

The Uganda Tourist Guide is a complete travel & tourism guide featuring information on private sight seeing tours, safari activities, attractions, places to visit and lodges. Recenltly voted by Lonely Planet as number one travel destination in 2012, Tourism in Uganda is mainly focused on the landscape and wildlife with the star attraction being the endangered Mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest .Blessed with diverse range of spectacular actvities which include game viewing , bird watching, water sports (rafting on the nile), boating and mountain climbing, the Pearl of Africa has some thing to offer to every type of traveler. Let Prime Uganda Safaris help you plan a perfect Ugandan holiday, You can choose from our wide range of customizable tailormade Uganda tours and safaris OR let us know where you want to go, what you what to do ? - Are you interested in mountain gorilla tracking, game viewing, bird watching, mountain climbing or prefer a short round trip around Kampala, we can organise any of those options at pocket friendly prices that suit your budget, needs and time frame. And to help you plan your accommodation we have a compiled some of the most initimate budget and luxury Uganda safari lodges, camps located inside and adjacent to the game parks. Other services we offer inlcude Booking gorilla safari pemits, Car hire, Self drive tours plus free travel qoutes and so much more.

FEATURED UGANDA TOURS & SAFARIS

Tailor-made tour packages allow you explore and discover the very best the Pearl of Africa has to offer. Go game viewing in the savannah plains of Uganda Adventure tours- Mountain HikingMurchison falls and Queen Elizabeth national park, Track the last remaining mountain gorillas and the stubborn chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, Watch the various species of birds , enjoy a round trip around Kampala city, participate in important cultural activities plus so much more. "All these packages are affordable, fully inclusive guided by professional, knowledgeable and experienced safari guides who have been in the field for a couple of years " . Contact us call in today +256414532162 or send us an e-mail through [email protected] to inquire or book a trip.

UGANDA SAFARIS - Adventures in Uganda Africa

Uganda is one of the most beautiful safari destinations in Africa with fantastic natural scenery, half of the world?s remaining mountain gorilla population and some of the friendliest people in Africa. It is also a unique and captivating tourist destination for tourists interested in taking gorilla trekking, cultural tours, wildlife safaris, bird watching adventures , hiking / mountaineering safaris etc. On this website there are several Uganda Safaris as well as other tours to Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania offered by several tour operators and travel agents. You can easily book a safari of your choice from those featured on this guide or even contact a tour operator for a tailor made trip.

FEATURED UGANDA SAFARI DESTINATION

Rwenzori Mountain

Uganda is a unique hiking safari destination.The Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda is one of the highest mountains in Africa. A safari featuring a mountaineering trekking trip to the Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda, provide exhilarating rewarding experience but one, which must be well planned. The key to an enjoyable mountain climb or hike is being prepared! The central circuit hike takes six nights/seven days and reaches an altitude of 14,000ft(4,267m) above sea level. The conditions on the mountain are a challenge to even an experienced hiker because this mountain is known for its un-engeneered, steep and slippery trails, frequent rainfall, cold temperatures, bogs, mud, steep terrain and high altitude. However you can try it, it's an exciting experience and the periods of July-August, December-February are relatively dry for inexperienced hikers. During any season, raingear, good sleeping bag, warm hat, gloves, heavy socks, gum boots, gaiters and a walking stick for balance are recommended plus a basic first aid kit. Porters will be carrying your heavy equipment and food, leaving you with a small pack, rain gear, warm clothes, camera water and any other light luggage. You can purchase your own food and your tour company can provide cooking utensils and cooks

UGANDA HOTELS- Where to stay in Uganda

Would you like to organize your Uganda Safari independently? Are you interested in booking a Hotel or a safari lodge in any part of Uganda? Great hotel offers at huge discounted rates are available in most Uganda Hotels and lodges in Kampala.This Uganda Travel Guide and Safaris Directory has the largest collections of all the accommodation providers in Uganda including hotels, apartments, safari lodges, camp sites in Kampala and upcountry. You can also book a hotel of your choice from those featured in the Uganda Hotels section.

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Uganda Travel Guide: Everything Uganda Tourists Need to Know

Explorer Chick

April 15, 2022

Uganda is one of the most beloved tourist destinations in Africa. It’s endowed with natural beauty and great weather all year round. It is also the perfect location to go for wildlife trekking adventures. Before travelling to Uganda, though, it’s helpful to know what to expect when it comes to languages, local laws, and culture. 

Here, we’ll share what we know to be true about Uganda and hopefully convince you that you should visit soon.

The Basics of What to Expect in Uganda  

First things first, get travel advice from trusted sources (hi, here at Explorer Chick!). Here are some basics of what to expect in Uganda.

• Language: The dominating languages spoken in Uganda are English and Swahili . A vast majority of the population can speak eloquent English. These two languages are the leading ones spoken among 40 other native languages.  The main group of people there is Nilotic, Sudanese, Bantus, and Central Sudanese.
• Currency:  The primary currency used in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling . You get about 3500 – 700 Ugandan Shilling to one US dollar at the exchange point. Some places in the major towns also accept Euros and British Pounds.
• Credit Cards vs. Cash:  While in Uganda, it would be wise always to have ready cash at all times.  If you want to get the best exchange deals, avoid exchanging currency at the airport. Exchange only the amount you need and make your withdrawals at the ATM. You can get the exemption to use cash in hotels and restaurants to use Credit cards. 
• Plugs:  Get your G plug type ready when traveling to Uganda. It is similar to the pins found in the UK, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Singapore.
• Covid-19 Situation. You can get information and the latest Covid-19 updates about Uganda on TravelHealthPro and local media. Get to understand the measure locals in Uganda are taking to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
• Weather: Uganda lies on the warm tropical belt. Expect to experience temperatures ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius. The mountainous region around Mt Elgon is cooler.  It’s the hottest from December to February, with chilly evenings. Also, it’s worth noting that the heavy rain season is between March and between September and November. 
• Visa Information: It’s a requirement to have a visa to visit Uganda. You can get the East African Community (EAC) tourist visa to access neighboring Uganda for 90 days. Alternatively, you can get a visa online from the government of Uganda .

Why Should You Visit Uganda?

A visit to Uganda will change your soul as you get to experience the best treats from the Pearl of Africa. You can explore nature’s bearings and the rich cultural aspects of the region. There are tons of things to do in Uganda.

Nicki, the founder of Explorer Chick, specifically created a trip to Uganda because of the impact it has had on her since her first visit. From the wildlife and conservation efforts to the jaw-dropping landscapes to the highest shelf accommodations (um, have you SEEN the hot tub situation??)Uganda is one of the most remarkable locations on Earth.

And that’s exactly what we’re focusing on in this list of reasons why you should visit Uganda.

Wildlife and Gorilla Trekking

One of the most must-do things while in Uganda is interacting with wildlife and going on Gorilla trekking adventures. Going gorilla trekking is a humbling experience as you get to observe the majestic animals in what is arguably one of the most beautiful places in all of Africa. 

Bwindi National Park is the primary home to Gorillas. It’s a 2.5-hour trek through the Bwindi forest, where you will likely come across the Mubare gorilla family. Consider trekking in the morning since the gorillas sleep in the evenings. Besides trekking, you can also jump into a Land cruiser and track the movements of predators courtesy of the Uganda Carnivore Program.

More interactions with wildlife await you at Kyambura Gorge, where you can’t ignore the calls of chimpanzees. Make a point of organizing a boat ride at the Kazinga channel to enjoy different other types of wildlife from hippos, exotic birds, Nile crocodiles, and elephants.

This park is especially close to Nicki’s, the OG Explorer Chick’s, heart. 

“Tourism has kept Mountain Gorillas on the planet. With community profit sharing and job creation, locals are incentivized to conserve the species and their habitat.” Nicki’s vision is that Explorer Chick can help introduce people to the species that inhabit the natural world and, by doing so, support the local conservation efforts.

“When tourism collapses in conservation areas, our protected species come under threat for their short-term monetary value,” she explains. 

Her recommendation: “If you want to read more about this process, the Gorillas, and Uganda, I strongly recommend reading “ The Impenetrable Forest: My Gorilla Years in Uganda ” by Thor Hanson. I only cried twice.”

Gorgeous National Parks

While in Uganda, ensure that you arrange flights to various wildlife reserves starting with Kidepo Valley National Park . Its location on the northernmost part of the county leaves it untouched to ensure you have an authentic African savanna experience. Your visits to these wildlife reserves will show you why animals do not belong in the zoo as you get to see elephants, giraffes, and ostriches in their natural habitats.

Another show-stopping location you must visit is the Rwenzori Mountains National Park . Your tours will lead you up the Munyambuli River at first into the most beautiful forest. A stop at the Queen Elizabeth National Park will allow you to prepare for a 7.8 miles hike into the untouched wilderness.

Touring the national parks should bring you no trouble since chartered flights and tour operators accompany you in the wild. Exploring the gorgeous wild in Uganda is an experience that forever remains stamped in your memories.

Show-Stopping Accommodation 

You never have to worry about getting accommodation in Uganda. There are luxurious hotels all around Uganda. For instance, you can find accommodation at a luxury safari lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park and hire cottages. Entebbe City also has numerous alternatives for housing with all the essential facilities you will need to create an awesome experience for you.

Is Uganda Safe for Tourists ?

Uganda is one of the safest tourist destinations in Africa . However, there are a few vices such as drive-by theft in cities like Kampala, like in any other country. It’s essential to stay alert and spot potential instances of petty crime. There have been isolated cases of serious crimes like recent terrorist activities and violent political demonstrations.  

Since it’s your first time visiting the country, it’s a good idea to make personal security arrangements, especially when going in public. Security is also necessary when gorilla trekking since the country is close to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Travel insurance is also an essential tool to get for your safety.

Where to get more information:

• Travel State Advisory for Uganda
• CDC Advisory for Uganda

While there are certainly instances of heightened caution when traveling to Uganda, the reality is that most foreign travelers pass through the country peacefully. This is especially the case when traveling in guided groups, like our trekking and safari trip .

The Best Time to Visit Uganda

Consider visiting Uganda during the dry season between January and February and June and August . Those are the hottest months featuring hot days and chilly evenings. Also, it would be best to schedule your trip following Uganda’s rainfall pattern. Expect heavy rainfall during the rainy seasons between March and May and between September and November .

Heavy rainfall may make road travel difficult BUT you are also likely to spot various types of game in those months (that’s why our trip is scheduled in November).

Travel to Uganda with Explorer Chick!

Looking for the most engaging group of like-minded individuals to go on an adventure with? Explorer Chick can help you organize a trip to Uganda. Let us know if you would like to join our eleven people -ten-day expedition to Uganda. Take advantage of the coming warm months and us for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make lasting memories.

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