Winston Churchill called Uganda “the Pearl of Africa”, and its lush landscapes — volcanoes, crater lakes, rainforest and savanna — pack astonishing variety into a small country. Above all, Uganda is home to around half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, which can be visited in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
A classic Uganda safari combines primates and big game: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, boat trips on the Kazinga Channel and tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the thundering Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces through a 7-metre gorge. The remote Kidepo Valley in the north-east rewards adventurous travellers with rugged savanna and very few visitors.
With over 1,000 bird species — including the prehistoric-looking shoebill — Uganda is also one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Ugandans are famously welcoming, and community visits are a highlight of many trips.
Highlights
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
- Boat trip to the foot of Murchison Falls
- Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
- Searching for the shoebill
- Remote Kidepo Valley
Where to go in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Ancient rainforest and home to half the world's mountain gorillas. 8 safaris
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorillas and golden monkeys on the Virunga volcanoes. 1 safari
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel boat trips and Ishasha's tree-climbing lions. 5 safaris
Murchison Falls
The world's most powerful waterfall and big-game on the Nile. 3 safaris
Kibale Forest
The primate capital of the world. 4 safaris
Kidepo Valley
Uganda's untamed wilderness on the edge of Karamoja. 1 safari
Lake Mburo
Zebra, eland and walking safaris between Kampala and Bwindi. 5 safaris
Kampala
Uganda's lively capital of seven hills. Tailor-made trips
Entebbe
Uganda's gateway on the shores of Lake Victoria. 3 safarisWildlife & what you'll see
- Mountain gorilla
- Chimpanzee
- Golden monkey
- Tree-climbing lion
- Rothschild's giraffe
- Shoebill and over 1,000 bird species
Things to do
- Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Boat safaris
- Game drives
- Nature and bird walks
- Community visits
Best time to visit
June to August and December to February are the driest months and the most comfortable for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Uganda can be visited all year; the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) bring greener landscapes and lower lodge rates, and treks are still possible.
Getting there
Fly into Entebbe International Airport. Parks are reached by road in a 4x4 with a driver-guide, or by domestic flights from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro (for Bwindi), Kasese, Pakuba (Murchison) and Kidepo.
Experiences in Uganda
FAQs about Uganda
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
Uganda Wildlife Authority permits currently cost USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. We secure permits as soon as you confirm, as they are limited and sell out in peak months.
Is gorilla trekking difficult?
Treks can take from one to six hours over steep, muddy terrain. You will be allocated a group matching your fitness, and porters can be hired to carry your bag and help on slopes.
Uganda or Rwanda for gorillas?
Uganda's permits cost less than Rwanda's and are combined easily with chimpanzees and savanna wildlife. Rwanda is quicker to reach from Kigali. We can arrange either.
Gallery
Open image: Mountain gorilla feeding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Open image: Mist rising over Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Open image: Chimpanzee in Kibale Forest National Park
Open image: Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces through a narrow gorge
Open image: Lioness at golden hour in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Open image: Shoebill in Mabamba Swamp, Uganda
Open image: Mountains and plains of Kidepo Valley National Park
