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15 Best Places to Visit in Uganda: 2024 Uganda Travel Tips

Thinking of going on safari in Uganda and looking for some Uganda travel tips to make the most out of your trip to the Pearl of Africa ? I made a list of the 15 best places to visit in Uganda that should be part of your itinerary. As a photographer and travel marketer, I spend more than 3 months in Uganda and I also host Uganda Group Trips. Therefore, I'm able to give you the best possible advice.

The green Uganda offers a serene beauty with wonderful natural tourist destinations and is popular for its breathtaking landscapes, biodiversity, and abundant birdlife and wildlife including the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

Find the 15 most beautiful places to visit in Uganda , full of interesting travel tips , that deserve a spot on your Uganda itinerary:

1. Jinja and Lake Victoria: The Source of The Nile

Jinja is a popular tourist destination, famous because of the historic source of the (White) Nile. It is the starting point of the world’s longest river that flows from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea through central and northern Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.

After Entebbe, Jinja is a great starting point for your Uganda trip, especially if you are in for adrenaline-based activities. Bungee jumping, rafting, kayaking, and other water activities are some of the many active tourist attractions in Jinja.

If you prefer a more relaxing way to experience Jinja, you may want to book a (private) boat tour on Lake Victoria to see the Speke monument at the 'source of the Nile'. A boat tour to the source of the Nile   is one of the highlights in Uganda and a great way to spot birds that live near the river, like kingfishers, fish eagles, storks, and ibises. When you reach the actual source of the Nile River , you can jump off the boat and walk over a wooden deck towards the source of the Nile sign to make a quick photo. Do know this is a small touristic spot with overrated boat trip prices that is not everyone's cup of tea. However, it's the only way to visit the ' source of the Nile '.

2. Sipi Falls: a Hiker's Paradise

Sipi Falls is a hiker's paradise! It’s a series of three impressive waterfalls located in a spectacular, unharmed, and green landscape near the border of Kenya . It’s one of the most beautiful places in Uganda and a perfect place to unwind. The hike to all three falls takes 7-8 km. The waterfalls are only accessible by foot.

A local guide will accompany you on the walk and tells you about the historical and geographical background of the area and share some interesting facts like the medical purposes of the surrounding plants. Taking part in guided hiking activities like these is a perfect way to support the local Ugandan community and a spectacular way to enjoy and learn about the beautiful green surroundings of Sipi.

Sipi Falls is also known for its many local coffee plantations . Coffee is Uganda's leading export crop, but because of financial difficulties, it’s hard for small local farmers to keep their heads above water. Visiting a rural coffee plantation in Uganda is a great way to support the farmers. They are extremely hospitable and are happy to show you the whole coffee process; from picking to shelling, grinding, and roasting. Obviously, you finish by consuming a delicious strong Ugandan  coffee  (Arabica), straight from the source.

3. Kidepo National Park: The Serengeti of Uganda

When it comes to game viewing, Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the best places to visit in Uganda. It’s the most isolated park and unknown to many tourists, but it offers an abundance of wildlife and spectacular Savannah landscapes.

Kidepo National Park is located in Northern Uganda, at the border with Southern Sudan. It takes some effort to reach the park, but the variety of wildlife and beautiful views are worth it.

My Uganda Travel Tip for you: when you are in for an adventurous safari , add off-the-beaten-path Kidepo National Park to your Uganda safari itinerary; a true gem and one of the most beautiful places in Uganda known as Uganda's own Serengeti . Make sure you have enough fuel to get to Kidepo (and for your planned game drives ) as there's no gas station in Kidepo. Kaabong and Kitgum are the nearest places to stock up on fuel.

4. Murchison Falls National Park

Being Uganda’s oldest and largest wildlife reserve, Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most visited places in Uganda . It’s home to four of the Big five game animals, rhinos excluded. Even if you have limited time, your chances of spotting animals are high. We saw lots of animals including a leopard, lions , elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocs, many birds, and antelopes.

One of the best things to do in Uganda is to visit the actual Murchison waterfall. I would highly recommend booking a half-day tour to explore the falls, including a boat trip to the bottom of the falls.

On the Murchison Falls boat trip , it used to be possible to get off the boat and hike to the top of the falls where the water of the river Nile clashes with the borders of a narrow rocky gap and drops down 34 meters.

Because of the flooding, it's no longer possible as part of the boat trip but you can still do the ' Top of the Falls Hike ' from a different starting point. If you are not able or don’t want to hike to the top, an alternative to see the actual Murchison Falls is to get there by car. As the most visited National Park in Uganda , it's definitely worth it to add this amazing place to your Uganda trip itinerary.

  RELATED: find the 9 best things to do in Murchison Falls National Park

5. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

We all know that rhinos are critically endangered because of poaching. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located near Murchison Falls National Park is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos roaming around in the wild. It’s a rhino re-introduction project for white rhinos . You can trek them on foot, accompanied by a ranger . The rhino trekking will last about 1.5 to 2.5 hours and costs about $45 per person.

The rhinos are heavily protected but can roam free in an area that covers 7000 hectares of land. The walk is not heavy, but it’s an open space, so it can be very hot in the sun.

While visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you have the opportunity to do more activities like a Shoebill trek, night walk, or canoe ride. You can also stay overnight in a lodge or tent. When staying overnight, you’ll have the highest chance of seeing the prehistoric Shoebill .

6. Kibale National Park: The Primate Capital of Africa

Kibale Forest National Park is known as Uganda's primate capital of the world and the best place to visit in Uganda to see the chimpanzee. Booking a chimpanzee trekking   is the only way to see the chimps in Kibale. You will hike through the lush tropical rainforest looking for the chimpanzees and you’re allowed to stay with them for one hour at the moment you've found them.

If you want to spend more time with chimpanzees and learn even more about their daily routine, it’s recommended to book the chimpanzee habituation experience . It’s a bit more expensive than a chimp trekking, but you will spend a whole day with the chimpanzees to watch their daily activities like de-nesting, foraging for food, grooming, playing, and making nests for the night.

It’s an exhausting day full of movement, but an experience of a lifetime. To me, one of the highlights of my Uganda trip.

While trekking in Kibale Forest you can also find monkey species, like the Ugandan Red Colobus and the rare L'Hoest .

  RELATED: Read my detailed blog about the differences between a chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale National Park Uganda.

7. Kasendra Crater Lakes Region

The area around Kibale offers some of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda, like the stunning crater lakes in the Kabarole district , tea plantations, and the Rwenzori Mountains . Especially, hikers should explore more of the region. There’s a recommended three-hour hike that includes three crater lakes, local villages, tea plantations, and a great view from ‘ the top of the world ’ overlooking all 3 crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains. Definitely one of the coolest places to visit in Uganda.

8. Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary: a Birdwatcher's Paradise

Near Kibale National Park, you can find the small Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary which is home to many other primate species and 200 different bird species (like the great blue turaco).  It’s a birdwatchers' paradise. This place is run by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED) and protects the Magombe swamp . All the profits are used to fund community projects around Bigodi, like supporting local schools.

I really enjoyed the swamp walking tour and visiting the local community, where we learned about traditional weaving techniques by the Bigodi Women Group .

9. Queen Elizabeth National Park: Spot Tree-Climbing Lions

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular national park, located in western Uganda, and named after the royal Queen Elizabeth II of England. This park is home to numerous mammal species and birds and offers stunning diverse landscapes and views of the beautiful Rwenzori Mountains in the back.

Besides the typical African Savannah, you will also find volcanic cones, beautiful salt crater lakes, and volcanic cones. From October to April, you might even be lucky to see flamingos at Lake Munyanyange . Large herds of buffaloes are also often found around the salt crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth NP.

To get the best out of your visit to Queen Elizabeth NP, you need to take time for several safari game drives .

Boat Tour Kazinga Channel

One of the most popular Uganda activities amongst tourists in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a peaceful boat trip to Kazinga Channel . This activity takes about 3 hours and offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing. This channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is home to large concentrations of water buffaloes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and exotic birds. Sometimes you can even see elephants near or in the water. For the best views of the animals in the Kazinga Channel, you have to make sure to get a seat on the left side of the boat.

Tree-climbing Lions in the Ishasha Sector

Have you ever heard about the famous tree-climbing lions ? The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the few places in Africa where you can see tree-climbing lions . This area is located in the Southern part of Queen Elizabeth NP, but it’s a must-visit place in Uganda . If you are heading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to visit the mountain gorillas, I would highly recommend staying in Ishasha for one night; definitely one of the coolest places to visit in Uganda.

During the hottest parts of the day, you have the highest chance to spot tree-climbing lions . It is supposed that lions climb these huge fig trees as a way of protecting themselves against the numerous biting tsetse flies on ground level and to view their potential prey grazing on the open plains. I was lucky enough to capture tree-climbing lions. It was one of my favorite sightings at Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

10. Equator Sign Kayabwe: a Fun Photo Stop

Uganda is one of the countries that is crossed by the equator that cuts mother earth into the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The most iconic equator crossing spot is in Kayabwe , located about 70 kilometers from Kampala and a fun place to visit in Uganda.

This widely-known landmark is often visited by tourists on the way to the national parks in Southwestern Uganda like Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest , Queen Elizabeth NP, and Mgahinga. Not the most beautiful place to visit in Uganda, but the  equator landmark is a fun photo stop to capture yourself standing with one leg in the Northern Hemisphere and the other leg in the Southern Hemisphere.

11. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Home of The Uganda Gorillas

Visiting the critically endangered mountain gorillas should be on every traveler's bucket list when traveling to Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks of which Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is Uganda’s main gorilla trekking destination .

It’s declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological uniqueness and is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park is an expensive activity, but an experience of a lifetime, and definitely one of the coolest and best things to do in Uganda . You need to be in good health for the Gorilla hike because you will be walking uphill and downhill through dense tropical rainforest. At times, the hike can be exhausting, but it's definitely worth the money and effort. To me, my favorite Uganda experience.

  RELATED: Read my Guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda featuring everything you need to know to plan your gorilla safari .

I also wrote an article about my Gorilla Trekking Experience in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi and 9 things to do in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi National Park (including visiting the Nkuringo Batwa Tribe).

Visit the Batwa Tribe

While you’re at Bwindi, I would highly recommend visiting the Batwa Tribe . Learning more about the Batwa is one of the cultural things to do in Uganda . These original inhabitants of the jungle of Bwindi are known as the ‘keepers of the forest’. They lived in harmony with Uganda's rainforest for years and survived by hunting small game using bows and arrows.

Sadly, they lost their traditional way of living. Nowadays, these impressive people share their stories, history, and cultural habits like traditional songs and dances with tourists. Seeing the Batwa Tribe is a great way of learning about their way of life and the history of Uganda.

12. Lake Bunyonyi; Africa's Switzerland

As you might know, Uganda offers a great diversity of landscapes. One of the most tranquil and beautiful places in Uganda is Lake Bunyonyi . This lake is located near the border of Rwanda in the South West of Uganda, a 2 to 3-hour drive from Bwindi. Lake Bunyonyi is believed to be the second-deepest lake in Africa (44 m-90 m).

The lake is known as the ‘ Switzerland of Africa ’ because of the surrounding green terraces, hills, and valleys. The lake contains at least 29 islands and is 25 kilometers long and 7 kilometers wide.

One of the most well-known islands with a notorious history is Akampene island, known as ‘ Punishment Island '. Unmarried pregnant girls were sent there to starve to death in the past. During our stay, we met the only living survivor, Ms. Mauda Kyitaragabirwe, who shared her story with us. She was only twelve years old when she was abandoned by her family.

Visiting several islands by boat is highly recommended. There are no hippos or crocodiles, and it’s bilharzia free, so it’s safe to swim in the lake. Besides relaxing or swimming, you can also choose to go canoeing in a dugout canoe or hiking through the hills and villages. For the best view of Lake Bunyonyi , you should go to Arcadia Lodge for a drink on their huge terrace.

13. Lake Mburo National Park: Best Uganda Sunset Views

Out of the 10 National Parks in Uganda, Lake Mburo is the smallest and the closest to the main towns of Kampala and Entebbe. This park offers endless views of wide-open Savannah landscapes with rolling hills and idyllic lake shores. It’s home to 350 bird species as well as more than 68 mammal species including buffalo, leopard, hyena, and jackal.

It’s also the only place in southern Uganda to see many Burchell zebras and the only park in the country with impalas. There are no lions and elephants in the park, but because of that, Lake Mburo is the best place for walking safaris and horse safaris in Uganda .

Visiting Lake Mburo is the perfect place to break up a long journey from the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala or Entebbe. In my opinion, this Ugandan National Park park is a bit underrated. I really loved the iconic sunset views over Lake Mburo .

14. Kampala: Uganda's City of 7 Hills

Kampala is the heart and soul of Uganda and must-visit when you travel to Uganda . Kampala is surrounded by many rolling hills ad borders Lake Victoria, which is known as the largest freshwater lake in Africa. The capital city of Uganda offers a variety of things to do and places to see, including the Uganda National Mosque that offers a panoramic view over the city after climbing 300 steps to the top of the minaret.

Other interesting tourist attractions in Kampala are the UNESCO Kasubi Tombs and Idi Amin's Torture Chambers on the grounds of Kabaka's Palace. Also don't miss out on the vibrant Owino Market and the Nakasero Food Market to taste the flavors of the Ugandan cuisine, including the famous 'Rolex'. You can cover most top sights on a one-day Walking Tour in Kampala or a sightseeing bus tour.

Want to learn more about Kampala, the city that never sleeps? I wrote the best things to do in Kampala with lots of Uganda Travel Tips , including fun activities, must-visit tourist attractions, and Kampala's lively nightlife scene.

15. Mabamba Swamp: Best Place to See The Shoebill in Uganda

Mabamba Swamp in Entebbe is a birdwatcher's paradise, known as one of the  best place to see the Shoebill in Uganda . Home to over 300 different bird species, the Mabamba Wetland offers a captivating ecosystem that draws bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers from around the globe to go on a Uganda safari to see the Shoebill Stork .

  RELATED: Read everything you need to know about Shoebill watching in Mabamba Swamp Uganda.

Uganda Safari Tours

Here are examples of safari trips to Uganda from 3-day Gorilla trekking tours to a complete 3-week Uganda itinerary showcasing the best places to see in Uganda:

Conclusion: The 15 Best Places to visit in Uganda

Here's the shortlist of the 15 best places to visit in Uganda :

• Jinja and Lake Victoria
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Crater Lake Area
• Bigodi Wetland Reserve
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Equator sign Kayabwe
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mabamba Swamp

If you want to include all these 15 places to your Uganda itinerary, you need a minimum of 3 weeks to explore Uganda. Do you only have 2 weeks for a safari in Uganda ? With only 2 weeks, I would opt for top tourist attractions in Uganda that include Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest for Chimpanzee Trekking , Queen Elizabeth for the Tree Climbing Lions, and Bwindi National Park for Gorilla Trekking, and via a lunch stop at Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo. Depending on the departure of your flight from Entebbe Airport, it's possible to do an early morning boat tour in Mabamba Swamp to see the Shoebill .

Hopefully, this list of the 15 best places to visit in Uganda inspires you to create your Uganda itinerary. Feel free to reach out if you have any suggestions to add to this list, or if you have any questions about traveling to Uganda; the Pearl of Africa .

Curious about the best time to travel to Uganda ? Read my articles about the best time to visit Uganda and Uganda weather by month .

If this article was helpful to you, you could help me in return by sharing this Uganda blog on your social channels or pinning this article with the best places to visit in Uganda for later use.

The Ultimate 3 Week Uganda Itinerary

Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla’s, over 5000 chimpanzees and the largest number of monkeys and baboons. Uganda has mind-blowing landscapes from gushing waterfalls and crater lakes to rainforests, mountains and the vast African savannahs. It’s where you can find the source of the Nile and 10 national parks to spot lots of birds and big game. Over the last couple years the Traveltomtom team has extensively traveled around the country and as a result they came up with this ultimate Uganda Itinerary that covers all the best places to visit and cool things to do in Uganda. 

World’s premier primate destination and more

The gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest  and chimp habituation experience were definitely among the Uganda highlights, but we also discovered that this beautiful East African country offers a lot more than encounters with these endangered primates. In this Uganda travel blog we will share all the destinations we visited in November 2018, May 2021 and August 2021. This Uganda itinerary includes countless Uganda travel tips to make the most out of your trip.

If you are searching for the most complete Uganda travel guide and itinerary this is a must read!

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Best time of the year to travel to Uganda

The best time of the year for Uganda safaris are during the dry season from June to August and from December to February. The high season is from June to September and it is advised that in this period you book your gorilla permits way ahead. Peak season doesn’t really exist as mass tourism luckily doesn’t apply to Uganda travel. Between March and May is the wet season and then it is a little harder to travel to Uganda as roads and trails can be in poor condition.

How to travel around Uganda

Renting a 4WD with a knowledgeable driver/guide is a great way to explore the country. We traveled in a Toyota Land cruiser with pop-up roof, which is great for game viewing activities and photography. It is recommended to find a comfortable ride if you are planning to travel in Uganda for 3 weeks, because you will also spend a lot of time on the road. Find a motivated and trusted tour operator for your Uganda safaris. A big plus is if you can find a Uganda based tour operator, since they know the country intimately and can give you the best Uganda travel tips.

We explored the country by car, but you can save time by flying to most of the popular places to visit in Uganda. Domestic flights in Uganda are not common, but it is possible. Obviously this is gonna costs you way more money. Personally we loved being on the road on our Uganda trips, getting to know the environment and all the different landscapes; seeing the real Uganda.

Make sure you stay connected when traveling to Uganda. The best, easiest and cheapest way is to buy a local prepaid sim card in Uganda . Click on the link for my complete guide or see the following article for tips about buying a sim card at Entebbe Airport on arrival.

Related: Traveltomtom Group Trip Uganda !

Ultimate 3 week Uganda itinerary

Below you can find the route we created to get to the best places to visit in Uganda, including distances and driving time.

• Day 1: Jinja

Day 2-3: Sipi Falls

• Day 4-6: Kidepo National Park

Day 7-9: Murchison Falls National Park

Day 10: ziwa rhino sanctuary, day 11-13: kibale forest national park.

• Day 14-16:Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 17-19: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

• Day 20-21: Lake Bunyonyi

Day 22: Lake Mburo National Park

• Day 23: Entebbe

 Day 1: Entebbe arrival and Jinja

Our trip started (and ended) at Entebbe Airport in Central Uganda. Entebbe sits on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest (fresh water) lake. The lake reaches up to Jinja, which is about 80 km from Entebbe. From the airport we drove directly to Jinja. The road constructions are getting better and better and without traffic jams around Kampala, it will take you around 4 hours. On your way you will enjoy the views of plenty tea and sugar plantations.

If you decide to stay in Entebbe go check out their most remarkable beach. Visiting Aero Beach and its graveyard for planes and funny statues is worth it. Also make sure you buy a sim card for Uganda. Check out my guide for buying a sim card at Entebbe Airport .

Jinja, the source of the Nile (1 day)

Jinja is one of the upcoming places to visit in Uganda. It’s famous for the historic source of the (White) Nile and also called the adrenaline hotspot of East Africa because of the many white water activities like rafting, kayaking, jet boating and bungee jumping. A private boat tour is a more relaxing way to experience the Nile. You will spot many birds like the kingfisher, heron, stork, ibis and the fish eagle and you’re able to see the (real) source of the Nile. Don’t expect too much of this place, it is not one of the best things to do in Uganda, just a fun place. It’s a very small (touristic) spot on the river where you can jump off the boat and walk over a wooden deck towards the ‘source of the Nile’ sign to make a quick photo.

It is the point where the longest river in the world begins to flow. All the way from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea through central and northern Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt. Did you know it takes the water about 3 months to complete this journey? For thousands of years the true source of the Nile has been a subject of speculation but for the majority of the people, Lake Victoria is still considered to be the real source. Jinja is a great way to start your Uganda trip. For those wanting more adrenaline based activities Jinja has to be part of your Uganda itinerary, but then reserve a little bit more time.

At the Eastern bank of the River Nile you’ll also find a monument dedicated to Mahatma Ghandi, the world famous apostle of peace and non-violence. After he was murdered in 1948 his ashes were split in portions to be scattered in the main rivers of the world.

Where to stay in Jinja?

Nile Village hotel is a perfect layover for your Nile activities. It’s centrally located in Jinja town and close to the main road to proceed to Sipi Falls. The hotel has a laidback vibe with a nice garden area and an outside bar near the pool where they often offer live music in the evening. Locals visit the place as well. The staff is very friendly and the Wi-Fi and hot water worked well, two things that aren’t usual when you travel to Uganda. 

Sipi Falls is a series of three huge waterfalls that lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park and the border of Kenya. The unharmed landscapes of the Sipi Falls area are absolutely spectacular; a perfect place to unwind and one of the best places to visit in Uganda. Even the route to Kapchorwa is beautiful. You will drive through small, authentic villages and slowly drive up the mountain road where you’ll get a good impression of this incredible area.

Mbale town is the last bigger town before you will reach Sipi Falls. This is your chance to buy things like a Uganda prepaid sim card, water stocks or medicines. If you fancy a cup of Ugandan (Arabica) coffee, have a short stop at Eco Shamba Café.

Sipi is a hiker's paradise! The actual falls are only accessible by foot and it takes around 3,5 hours to visit all three falls (7-8 km). A local guide will accompany you on your hike. They are all well informed about the historical and geographical background of the area and the fee you pay is a way of supporting the community to benefit from the tourist visiting Uganda.

The guide will also provide you with a walking stick to give you support since you go through some steep spots. Especially when it rains the paths get slippery and muddy. I would also suggest packing a thin raincoat. Not only because it can rain any time but also because you’ll get very close to (and even behind) the falls.

You also have the possibility to expand the hike with a visit to the Sipi River, which gets its name from a local plant (the Sep) which grows around the banks of the river. It is often used for medicinal purposes and looks like a wild banana. I would recommend visiting the river as well. It’s a beautiful and quiet area where you will also find chameleons. If you are a sunset lover like me, make sure to enjoy the sunset at the well-known viewpoint overlooking the falls. Mount Elgon, Lake Kyoga and the plains of Karamoja are places you have to see when you travel to Uganda.

Another highlight of the trip to Sipi was visiting a local village and seeing one of the mud brick houses that have a small coffee plantation plot. This Arabica coffee only grows at an altitude ranging between 1600 and 1900 meters. The local farmer welcomes you to his small plantation and will guide you through the whole process: from picking the coffee berries, to shelling them, grinding them with a traditional mortar & pestle and roasting them on an open fire. You will finish with a fine cup of strong Arabic coffee, straight from the source. Consider things to do in Uganda like this because by booking such coffee tours you will also support the community development. Don’t forget to look for chameleons in the coffee plants! There are many but hard to spot.

For the adventurous traveler there is an abseiling activity next to the 100m high Sipi falls or a rock climbing experience at the foothills of Mt. Elgon. All amazing things to do in Uganda, but there are so many I had to make choices.

Sipi Falls belongs to the most fertile parts of Uganda; it’s an outstanding natural and green beauty with lots of flowers and plants. Sure one of the best places places in Uganda for nature lovers. If you have the opportunity to get to know ‘the real’ Uganda, then you should definitely visit the more unexplored Eastern part of Uganda.

Where to stay in Sipi?

Sipi Falls Lodge is a great - centrally located - community lodge with a spectacular front view on the main waterfall. It’s a small well-maintained resort with hard working local staff. They make you feel welcome from the moment you enter the gate. It’s amazing to see how the team manages to keep local authenticity something that makes traveling to Uganda so special.

This lodge probably has the best view on the main fall because the place used to be the lodge of one of the most memorable Governors of Uganda, Andrew Cohen. They recently reclaimed the building, which was built in 1951 and since 2018 it’s the biggest detached (family) room you are able to book at Sipi Falls Lodge. The architectural design, stone work and the colour of the paint are still in tact. 

Day 4-6: Kidepo National Park (2-3 days)

Being named the 3rd best national park in Africa, Kidepo National Park is definitely a must visit in Uganda. It’s the country’s most isolated park and one of the country’s best treasures where you will find true African wilderness. It’s a long and rugged journey up to the northeast along the border with Southern Sudan, but you will not regret it! Kidepo is one of the best places to visit in Uganda and offers spectacular Savannah landscapes that end in rocky horizons. Also it is the best place for wildlife viewing in the country. Compared to other national parks this park hosts a great variety of animal species and a safari up here should be part of your Uganda trip.

Here are some important travel tips before you vistit Kidepo:

• Contact UWA Headquarters to obtain up-to-date advice about the road conditions and identify the preferred route, especially if you consider an approach through Karamoja (like I did). Some roads can be very bad after heavy rains. In that case it’s better to take an alternative route. They also keep working at (new) roads, so you might want to use a newer road to save some time;
• Make sure you have enough fuel for your long journey up North (including your game drive activities in the national park) since there is no gas station in Kidepo. The last gas station where you’re able to top up fuel is in Kaabong and the first possibility to stock up fuel after leaving Kidepo is Kitgum;
• Leave as early as possible and take a packed breakfast and lunch for on the road. I left Sipi Falls before sunrise at 5.00am and it took me 8 hours to reach Kidepo.

After leaving Sipi you will cross the Pain Upe Wildlife Reserve, which is situated along the Mbale-Moroto road. This reserve is one of the most remarkable protected areas in the Karamoja region. Locals say it’s another great wildlife paradise that you should visit while in the Northeastern part of Uganda. I only drove past it, but sadly didn’t have the time to visit. Keep it in mind when you plan your trip to Uganda.

Where to stay in Kidepo?

There are only a few options to stay in Kidepo, from the budget Apoka Rest Camp to the most expensive and luxury Apoka Lodge. I stayed in Kidepo Savannah Lodge , a luxury (both self contained and non-self contained) tented camp on a small rocky hill, overlooking the Savannah. It’s an open space with no boundaries, so it’s common to have Zebra’s or Bush bocks grazing next to your tent. A week before I visited this place even lions came to visit the dining area of the camp, because it used to be part of their territory. How exciting is that? Isn’t that what we are looking for when we travel to Uganda!

Murchison Falls has a lot to offer and is Uganda’s oldest (1926) and largest wildlife reserve is home to four of the Big Five. Because of the poaching crisis there are no rhinos left anymore. Luckily you are able to see them in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. On our first game drive we saw many Ugandan Kobs, elephants, giraffes and buffaloes. The other days we saw even more animals such as the leopard, lions, hippos and many birds. If you’re lucky the park gives you the ability to see plenty of wildlife on a short safari. Especially for those who have limited time when visiting Uganda the Murchison Falls national park is a great Uganda travel tip.

Visiting the actual (Murchison) fall was one of the highlights of my Uganda trip. I highly recommend a boat tour (half day activity) to the bottom of the falls, where you will enjoy bird- and wildlife along the banks of the world’s longest river. After seeing the bottom of the falls in the distance, you will leave the boat for a heavy hike to the top of the falls. To be honest I wasn’t that impressed by seeing the bottom of the falls (it was quiet far and after seeing Iguaçu Falls in Argentina and Victoria Falls in Zambia I might be a bit spoiled), but once I saw the top I was amazed by the sight and sound of the raging Nile that forces its way through the narrow rocky gap before crashing 43 metres down. If you don’t feel like hiking to the top, it’s also possible to get there by car. When you go there in the early morning (around sunrise) you might be the only one around, but the chance of seeing a rainbow that early is quiet small.

Where to stay in Murchison?

Twiga Safari Lodge is situated along the banks of the Nile on the opposite side of the National Park. It’s a luxury-tented eco-friendly camp that offers outstanding service and quality for their customers. They even offer a free laundry service. A simple but valuable Uganda travel tip. The tents with en suite bathroom and private deck are spacious and very clean. All tents and the dining area overlook the Nile River. During diner (delicious 4-course meal) you’re able to enjoy the sunset and relax at the campfire. In the evening you will even face some hippos grazing around the area; the reason why the staff will guide you safely to your tent. Twiga Safari Lodge was another amazing experience on Uganda trip.

By visiting this rhino re-introduction project you’re able to top off the big five with the white rhino. The sanctuary is set up near Murchison Falls NP (2,5h drive) and it’s the only place in Uganda where you’re able to see rhinos in a heavily protected but wild area. The rhinos are free to move around on 7000 hectares of land. Don’t forget to wear long trousers and closed/waterproof shoes, because you will walk through high grass and wet areas to search for the rhinos, accompanied by a ranger of course. The rhino trekking will take you around 1,5-2,5 hours and will cost you about $45 per person, an amazing thing to do in Uganda. If you want to have more time at Ziwa to do other activities like a Shoebill trek, canoe ride or night- and nature walks, you have the possibility to overnight in a lodge or tent. If I would do another Uganda trip I would stay here one night because here you’ll have the highest chance of seeing the prehistoric Shoebill, an opportunity I missed. Nevertheless I wanted to include Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in this Uganda travel blog to make you aware how bad the rhino situation in the world is.

This lush tropical rainforest is the place to visit in Uganda if you want to see the chimpanzees in their natural habitat! On a chimpanzee trekking you will hike through the forest to look for the chimps and once you find them, you’re allowed to stay with them for maximum one hour. Do you want to spend more time with our closest relatives? No problem. I highly recommend the habituation experience ($200), where you will spend a whole day with the chimps during their daily activities like de-nesting, foraging for food, grooming, playing and making nests for the night. It’s a lifetime experience and one of the best things to do in Uganda for wildlife lovers.

Those who have more time to spend in Kibale will be pleased to discover many other activities in the region. I loved the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you can spot many other species of primates and 200 different bird species (like the great blue turaco). This small sanctuary protects the Magombe swamp and its run by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED). All the money raised is used to fund community projects around Bigodi, like construction of classrooms in some schools. It is one of the best places to visit in Uganda for birdwatching lovers. I would suggest extending the swamp walk with a cultural tour. Do you want to learn traditional weaving techniques? The women have created the inspiring Bigodi Women Group who weave baskets and make bags. They are more than happy to teach you how to weave a great cultural experience on my Uganda trip.

The Kibale area also offers beautiful crater lakes. A three hour hike includes three crater lakes, local villages, tea-plantations and a great view from ‘the top of the world’ overlooking all 3 crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains. If you are a fan a hiking this is among the best things to do in Uganda. From Crater Safari Lodge, on the banks of one of the crater lakes, you’re able to start the hike from the lodge. In the local village you have the possibility to visit a homestead, taste banana gin in a local pub or visit a small community school. Try to squeeze this into your Uganda itinerary, you won’t regret it.

In several places – like the route from Murchison to Kibale – you will find many road works. The Chinese are working on the road infrastructure in addition to producing and exporting crude oil. A lot of bad roads are already replaced by new paved roads, which makes traveling through Uganda easier than it used to be. Although the drive to Kibale is pretty long (7 hours), it’s not necessary to add an overnight stop.

Where to stay in Kibale?

We stayed at the Ugandan owned Crater Safari Lodge , which offered a breath-taking view of the Nyinabulitwa Crater. It’s a Luxury award winning eco lodge with good service, nice meals and just a short (15 minutes) drive away from the Chimpanzee trekking. Imagine yourself relaxing in a hammock at the porch of your private cottage enjoying the scenery and birds at the lake. Picture it? It’s a perfect way to recover from your heavy trekking. The lodge also has a pool. I hope by reading this Uganda travel blog I am inspiring you to book your Uganda holiday.

Day 14 - 16: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Located in western Uganda, against the back of the Rwenzori Mountains, you will find Uganda’s most popular national park. It’s named after the royal Queen Elizabeth II of England. However we didn’t see a lot of wildlife, I understand why it’s the most frequently visited park. It’s home to numerous birds and mammal species and has spectacular diverse landscapes. The vast plains of Queen Elizabeth NP are famous for its tree-climbing lions and besides African savannah you will also find lush forests, volcanic cones and beautiful salt crater lakes with large herds of buffaloes. If you are lucky you might see Flamingo’s visiting Lake Munyanyange. So many great places to visit in Uganda!

Boat tour Kazinga Channel

With this great variety of wildlife, you need to take time for several game drives. You will also love exploring the peaceful Kazinga Channel by boat. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is home to large concentrations of water buffaloes, hippos, Nile crocodiles and exotic birds. If you’re lucky you will even find elephants bathing in the water! Make sure to get a seat on the left side of the boat for the best wildlife viewing, my secret Uganda travel tips for you. This activity will take you around 3 hours. 

Ishasha sector and tree-climbing lions

The Ishasha sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Because it’s a 2-hour drive from the northern part of Queen Elizabeth NP I recommend staying one night in Ishasha before heading to Bwindi. During the hottest part of the day you have the highest chance of seeing the lions in a tree. In the morning or around sunset they are more active in terms of scanning the area looking for food. I was lucky to see two young cubs chilling in a tree while two other cubs were climbing the opposite tree; the mother was hiding in the bushes. It is supposed that lions climb these huge fig trees as a way of protecting themselves against the numerous biting tsetse flies on ground level and to view their potential preys grazing on the open plains.

Equator sign

On your way from Kibale to Queen you will have nice views on the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. Have a short stop at Kasese to take a photo at the Equator sign. It’s a funny experience to stand on both sides of the world. With so many cool things to do in Uganda this became just a fun experience.

Where to stay in Queen Elizabeth?

Katara Lodge is located 16 km from the Kayunhuru gate of Queen Elizabeth NP and it takes around 25 minutes to get to it, but wow what a great luxury lodge! This is the place where I had the best food and one of the best views in Uganda. The cottages are clean and spacious with an ensuite bathroom. What I really liked was the bed on wheels to roll out onto the balcony which gives you the ability to sleep outside, under the stars (of course under a good mosquito net). From the dining area, the pool, your private balcony and even your shower, you will have endless views of the savannah landscape. The Wi-Fi worked well and the staff was super friendly! The Lodge is all worth the 25 minutes drives. I know I have mentioned it several times already in this Uganda travel blog, but on my trip I went from one highlight to another.

Gorilla trekking

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological uniqueness and natural beauty; the forest is included in any Uganda travel guide. It is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. The trekking was a great adventure I was finally able to cross off my long bucket list. It’s important that gorilla trekking permits ($600) are secured prior to arrival to avoid disappointment. Although expensive it is one of the best things to do in Uganda. The trekking is available from 4 different areas. I did the trekking from the Rushaga area and I have met the habituated Bweza family, which counts 11 members. The youngest was only 6 months and the oldest Silverback 43. A great Uganda travel tip is that the permits for the Rushaga area tend to run out last and if you’re lucky you will get a group of only 4-5 people in stead of the maximum of eight. This gives you more space to observe and photograph the gorillas during that one hour you’re allowed to stay with them.

Depending on the location of the Gorilla family you visit, the hike can be challenging, especially during Uganda’s two rainy seasons, which are from March to May and from November to December. It requires navigating uphill and downhill through thick tangles of vines, thorns and roots. You will find a ranger with his machete in front of the group and porters next to you carrying your bag or steadying your balance. It’s absolutely amazing to encounter these wild and gentle primates. A gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience, which more than repays the effort needed to trek through the forest and the money spent. At the end you will even be rewarded with a Gorilla Tracking certificate!

You shouldn’t leave Bwindi without meeting the Batwa tribe; the original inhabitants of the jungles of Bwindi known as the ‘keepers of the forest’. For years they lived in harmony with the forest and survived by hunting small game using bows and arrows. Unfortunately they lost their traditional ways of living, but they are more than willing to share their history. Depending on the tour you book, you will enjoy traditional songs and dances, hear ancient legends, learn about their way of life like food gathering and hunting techniques or how to make a fire. You will even get a chance to share a local meal.

Visiting Bwindi was another highlight on my Uganda itinerary. With so many places to visit and things to do it is hard to point out the best experience, but the mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda hold a special place as it is so unique. Click on the link to read a detailed blog about all the do's and don'ts, including prices and all about my experiences.

Where to stay in Bwindi?

Each of the four different areas have specialized accommodation close to the trekking area. For the Rushaga area I would recommend to stay in Gorilla Safari Lodge , because it’s only a few minutes away from the starting point. This Ugandan-owned full-board eco-lodge offers spacious rooms and excellent service. They provide warm water bottles in bed before you go to sleep, free laundry service and there’s also the opportunity to have a massage after the exhausting trekking (you will need it!). After all these amazing experiences on your Uganda trip it feels absolutely amazing to switch off and take it all in. Gorilla Safari lodge is a small, relaxed lodge with a nice view on the misty hills of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

From there it’s also possible to do a cultural tour by foot. I visited a women-group who taught me how to weave, a local school, the Batwa pygmies and a local pub where I tasted ‘Nsenene’ and learned how to cook ‘Matoke’. Matoke is known as a green cooking banana. These bananas are typically mashed and paired with vegetable sauces, ground peanuts, or meat such as beef and goat, and the full dish is then also called Matoke. Nsenene are fried grasshoppers, a delicacy among many Ugandans who look forward to November-December, when millions of the bugs hatch with the seasonal rains. Eating fried grasshoppers is something you should try when you visit Uganda.

Day 20 - 21: Lake Bunyonyi

After an exhausting gorilla trekking, you earned some time to relax and chill-out. For that, Lake Bunyonyi, which means place of many little birds is the perfect place to be and it’s only a 2 to 3 hour drive from Bwindi. Because of the green-terraced landscape and the great scenery of hills, valleys and winding roads it’s also called the ‘Switzerland of Africa’. An amazing places to visit in Uganda for landscape photography. Believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi is a body of water in South-western Uganda near the Rwandan border, and one of the country’s top natural treasures. Despite the depth (44m-90m), good swimmers have a chance to take a swim in the lake. There are no crocodiles or hippos and it’s bilharzia-free. At 1962m above sea level, the lake enjoys moderate temperatures year round, but cool in the morning and evening.

What makes this an awesome place to visit in Uganda are the 29 islands scattered across the water with each island having their own unique story. Of all these islands, ‘Punishment Island’ stands out the most. It’s an island with a notorious history, where unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned to starve to death. There is only one living survivor (Mauda Kyitaragabirwe) and I was very pleased to meet her and talk to her about what she went through. She’s a tough lady who is still digging in one of the many gardens in the terraced hills!

Arcadia Lodge has the most breath-taking panorama view of Lake Bunyonyi. I visited the lodge for a drink on the terrace to enjoy the view, an Uganda travel tip I recommend you to do as well. Don’t miss out on this lake while exploring Uganda. There’s a good reason it’s on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note. Besides relaxing or swimming, you can also choose to go for canoeing in a dugout canoe, island hopping, visiting a traditional healer or hiking through the hills and villages! 

Where to stay at lake Bunyonyi?

You can choose to stay uphill or directly at the water. Some accommodations are located on one of the (29) Islands, others on the shore. If you want to relax at a quiet and remote location, Rock Resort is a great option! It’s located at the lakeside, so you’re able to go for a swim, relax at one of the sun loungers at the deck or take one of their canoes to enjoy the water and the numerous birds. You will have a great view over the lake and they have one of the best beds I slept in on my Uganda trip; it’s huge and comfy and I loved the spacious bungalows. The food was good and because of the welcoming staff you’ll feel immediately at home.

Lake Mburo is the smallest national park in Uganda and the closest park to both Kampala and Entebbe. It’s easily accessible by road with about 3 or 3,5 hours’ drive from Kampala/Entebbe and a 5-6 hours’ drive from lake Bunyonyi and therefore a popular place to visit in Uganda. Make sure to add this park on your Uganda itinerary because to me it was a real gem! Mostly because of the endless views over the wide-open savannah interspersed with rocky ridges, forested gorges and a lake full of hippos. 

Nowadays the park also contains much woodland because there are no elephants to tame the vegetation. The park is home to 350 bird species as well as the eland, oribi, waterbuck, leopard, hyena, topi, reedbuck, buffalo and Rothschild giraffe. It’s also the only place in southern Uganda to see many burchell zebras and the only park in the country with impalas! Lions are rarely sighted. I was told they sometimes hear a lone lion roar, but never see him.

From a controlled hunting area, the park first upgraded to a game reserve and was then granted a national park status in 1983. Together with 13 other lakes, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp. If you’re really lucky you are able to spot the prehistoric shoebill in this park as well. Lake Mburo National Park has great opportunities to explore the area on a horse or by bike. Nice fact is that 20% of the park’s entrance fee is used to fund local community projects such as building clinics and schools. 

Visiting lake Mburo is the perfect choice to break up a long journey from Lake Bunyonyi or Bwindi back to Kampala or Entebbe. Coming from lake Bunyonyi you’ll pass Mbarara, which is a great lunch stop. We had a stopover at Agip Motel where you can have affordable curries and good Wi-Fi, something hard to find on your Uganda trip.

Where to stay at lake Mburo?

I was impressed by Mantana’s Lake Mburo camp! It’s a very charming and peaceful place with very clean and spacious tents. The lodge has an amazing view overlooking Lake Mburo and the surrounding area. It’s a perfect spot to photograph a beautiful African sunset over the lake. And because it’s located within the national park you’ll feel very close to nature. The tents have an en-suite bathroom with a bush shower, meaning there’s no running water but one of the staff members will fill a bucket with 20 litres of hot water. A showerhead is attached to the bottom of the bucket, so it’s basically like a normal shower. It provides enough warm water to wash your hair and body and it was actually one of the best showers I’ve had during my trip. Traveling in Uganda is not only a wonderful experience it also is one big adventure.

Day 23: Back to Entebbe

On the day you’ll leave Lake Mburo, I suggest watching the sunrise and go for one last early morning game drive before heading back to Entebbe after a late breakfast/early lunch. On your way back to Entebbe you will notice a lot of African cows with incredible long horns; they’re called the Ankole Long-horned cattle. They are an important part of the culture and subsistence of the people of southwestern Uganda. Halfway you also have the possibility to have another stop at the Equator and buy some last souvenirs.

Where to stay in Entebbe?

The Boma is one of the most exclusive hotels in Entebbe; only a few minutes drive from the Airport. The hotel offers airport transfers at any time. The rooms are comfortable and clean and the surrounding gardens are serene. The place even has a swimming pool. To me, the perfect place to start or end your Uganda trip. I also loved their green curry! Another cool place to stay is Muti Entebbe, a hipster coffee place with rooms. How fun is that? And of course great healthy food choices, fresh juices, vegetarian options and delicious breakfast.

What to do in Entebbe? Check out my Aero Beach guide .

Enriched with a lifetime-experience, unforgettable memories and new friends, we said goodbye to our friendly funny and knowledgeable guide Sunday and to the Pearl of Africa. Thank you Uganda, until we meet again…

May you have one or two days spare then consider adding Kampala to your list of places to visit in Uganda. In this Ultimate Uganda Itinerary there was no space left for Kampala, but Traveltomtom experienced the city like no one else and actually quite loved it. In his blog about the best things to do in Kampala you can read why and also find his vlog with his first impressions of Kampala.

This Uganda travel blog is originally written by the very talented Kim Paffen, a member of the Traveltomtom team and a professional and award winning Travel photographer with a deep seated passion for traveling in Africa.

She traveled to Uganda and shared all her tips and incredible photos in this Uganda itinerary. For an answer to all your questions about traveling to Uganda , click on this link for 20 essential things to know before you go, another Uganda travel blog written by Kim. As well as her very detailed blog about gorilla trekking in Uganda .

I sincerely hope that all the above Uganda travel tips were helpful and it made planning your Uganda trip easier. Feel free to help me in return by sharing the link of this article somewhere on the internet. Every tweet on Twitter, pin on Pinterest or share on Facebook is very much appreciated.

• mountain gorillas

Must-see attractions in Uganda

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…

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This fabulous national park is on nearly all itineraries, and while you'll never be far from other safari groups, you're guaranteed to see a large range…

Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

While it functions primarily as a zoo, this centre is actually a world-class animal refuge that has benefited from international assistance in recent…

Budongo Forest Reserve

The Budongo Forest Reserve is a large (825-sq-km) tract of virgin tropical forest on the southern fringes of Murchison Falls National Park. Its main…

Taks Centre

It's worth popping into this happening community arts centre to see what's on, whether it be an art exhibition, fireside chat or cultural performance…

32° East Ugandan Arts Trust

This centre for Ugandan contemporary artists includes exhibit space, a library, workspace and resource centre. It is in the process of moving to a nearby…

Kibale Forest National Park

The 795-sq-km Kibale National Park is a lush tropical rainforest, believed to have the highest density of primates in Africa. It's most famous for being…

Mt Elgon National Park

Spread out over the slopes of a massive extinct volcano, Mt Elgon National Park is a good place to spot various primates and lots of birds, including the…

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The smallest of Uganda’s national parks (34 sq km), Mgahinga punches well above its weight. Tropical rainforest cloaks three dramatic extinct volcanoes…

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The legendary, mist-covered Rwenzori Mountains were named a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1994 because of both their beauty and biodiversity. It’s the…

Source of the Nile River

The birthplace of the mighty Nile river (or one of them anyway…), here the water spills out of Lake Victoria on its journey to the Mediterranean flowing…

Kihingami Wetlands Sanctuary

This eco-tourism site, set up with the help of Fort Portal’s Kabarole Tours, preserves an attractive 13-sq-km valley that otherwise would have been…

Nabugoye Synagogue

An unexpected find in this neck of the woods, the synagogue is a simple, yet appealing, rustic red-brick building (with plans to revamp). The Jewish…

Kasubi Tombs

The Unesco World Heritage–listed Kasubi Tombs are of great significance to the Buganda kingdom as the burial place of its kings and royal family. The huge…

Lake Mburo National Park

The 370-sq-km Lake Mburo National Park is an increasingly common stop on the safari circuit. It’s the only place in southern Uganda to see zebra and…

Tooro Botanical Garden

Fort Portal

These homegrown botanical gardens have a lot of well-signed indigenous plants and trees, as well as an organic farming project growing herbs, flowers,…

Bwama & Njuyeera (Sharp’s) Islands

Lake Bunyonyi

Many boat drivers will take you to these islands, where British missionary Dr Leonard Sharp founded a leper colony and settled in 1921, but the story is…

Great Lakes Museum

Along the highway on approach to Kabale, keep an eye out for this museum. It has a varied collection of artefacts and masks, information on clans, and…

Nabajjuzi Wetlands

Just out of Masaka on the way to Mbarara, these Ramsar site–listed wetlands offer excellent opportunities to spy two of Uganda’s most elusive animals: the…

Source of the Nile Gardens

On the western bank of the river you'll find the pleasant Source of the Nile Gardens and Speke Monument – a pillar commemorating where the British…

Kyahugye Island

Run by Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, this 35-acre island is worth a visit if you want to see to wildlife such as zebra, waterbuck, ipala and kob up close. All…

Uganda Reptiles Village

Get up close to some of the world's deadliest snakes, including mambas, cobras, puff adders and vipers, as well as chameleons, crocs and lizards, all of…

Afriart Gallery

This classy little gallery features works by serious local artists. Downstairs has changing monthly exhibits, while upstairs is a permanent collection,…

Mugusu Market

The Wednesday market, 11km south of Fort Portal, is the largest market in the west and attracts traders from all over, including many from the DRC selling…

Nyero Rock Paintings

Uganda's oldest rock-art site, with six panels painted on the granite outcrop of Moru Ikara. Figures include concentric circles, zebra, canoes and people…

Makerere Art Gallery

Small, but definitely worth a visit, with fascinating monthly exhibitions; check the website for events. There are also some cool sculptures on the…

Kampala Hindu Temple

Right in the city centre, this temple has elaborate towers and a swastika-emblazoned gate. Peek inside to see the unexpected dome.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Big Five are back. In 2005, Rhino Fund Uganda opened this private 70-sq-km reserve, 170km northwest of Kampala, about 30 years after poachers shot the…

Parliament House

Open to the public, a visit to parliament is an interesting way to spend an hour or two. You can either tour the building or see the government in action …

The interesting village of Katwe on the north shore of Lake Edward, 4km west of Main gate (Kabatoro gate), is famous for its salt industry. Salt mining on…

Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine

Located in Namugongo, this shrine marks the spot where Kabaka Mwanga II ordered the execution of 14 Catholics who refused to denounce their faith,…

Tooro Palace

Looking down at town from its highest hill, the palace is worth a visit purely for its 360-degree panoramic views. It’s the residence of King Oyo, who…

Uganda Museum

There’s plenty to interest you here with a varied and well-captioned ethnographic collection covering clothing, hunting, agriculture, medicine, religion…

More destinations you need to see

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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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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6 Highlights from our Uganda Trip

Written by: sean messham .

Uganda. The land of volcanic lakes; snowcapped mountains; chimpanzees; tree-climbing lions; prehistoric looking birds and over 53% of the world’s mountain gorilla population! On one day, you can be trekking through highland forests searching for gorillas or chimpanzees, the next… gazing across open savannahs looking at tree-climbing lions or herds of buffalo and elephant. Known as the “Pearl of Africa” , the country does seemingly pull-together some of the continent’s most charming wilderness attributes! Stir in the richness of the country’s diverse cultures and local charm. And you are in for something quite special! 

Openly, I struggle to understand why it is not on everyone’s bucket list.  Join me briefly and explore 6 highlights from my 10-day trip through Uganda with Africa Wild Explorations . Perhaps you’ll discover that Uganda is what’s missing from your list.

1. Meandering for Shoebills

The trip starts with a breezy boat ride across Africa’s largest lake, before you reach the edge of the Mabamba Swamp, a bird-lovers paradise with over 260 bird species recorded.  As we gently swayed between the papyrus, passing African jacana, pied and malachite kingfishers.  I could not help but make a comparison to tranquil mokoro rides in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The atmosphere was calming, however, with an undercurrent of intensity with the guides searching for this unique bird. 

It is estimated that there are just 35 individual shoebills living in the Mabamba Swamp. Thanks to local fishermen in the area, however, the excursion guides are quite confident in locating them. We searched for only about an hour before we found a relaxed sub-adult male! Here we enjoyed the relaxed male fishing, quite unsuccessfully, before leaving him to fly across the tall papyrus to another spot in the 16,400 hectare wetland. 

I think you would agree. He is quite a unique sight!

2. Rothschild Giraffes for Days!

Murchison Falls National Park

But wait, surely giraffes are a given on an African Safari? Unknown to many, the giraffe populations in Africa are under threat due to habitat destruction and wildlife trafficking. It is tough to imagine that wild populations have declined by 40% in the last three decades! Among the most critically endangered is the Rothschild giraffe with an estimated 2,500 left in the wild! Uganda is home to over 1,500 of these endangered giraffes!

With this perspective and context, I was delighted to see so many of them in Uganda’s largest wildlife sanctuary, the Murchison Falls National Park! Home to four of the Big Five, this National Park was an absolute delight to see so active with wildlife! Among the giraffes, we saw herds of buffalo, huge herds of Ugandan kob, waterbuck, hartebeest and even lion cubs!

While staying at the eco-friendly Nile Safari Lodge, just outside the National Park, we were treated to a sunset cruise along the River Nile towards the Murchison Falls. Cruising along this historic river towards the most powerful waterfall in the world is a special afternoon for sure! All while watching super pods of hippos; herds of elephants drinking and large Nile crocodiles bathing in the sun!  Insider tip: try Uganda’s local craft beer Banange. It’s wild! 

Mingling with Wild Chimpanzees

Kibale National Park

I was strangely quite nervous before the chimpanzee trek. Having done gorilla trekking four times… the energy around this wild encounter was seemingly different. There was an exciting and anxious energy surrounding it for sure. Perhaps I was  just overthinking how much they are like us, and therefore, how unpredictable each individual could potentially be… Either way, I was ready and couldn’t wait to experience this for the first time! 

With these nerves in place I enjoyed an immersive and exhilarating wildlife encounter like no other in the Kibale National Park . From the sounds of dominant males drumming on the base of trees to communicate, to a chorus of individuals expressing their excitement (or disagreements). The Kanyantale chimpanzee community of 19 individuals had me enthralled for an hour with their actions… and their silence. 

The experience does take a slightly different approach to the gorilla treks. After the briefing, all the assigned groups start at different parts of the forest. And as the chimps become active, your guide interprets the signs and communicates with the other guides. Therefore, it is possible to view a chimpanzee community with multiple groups coming together. For me, however, this didn’t take away from the wilderness experience, far from it.  I encourage any wildlife enthusiasts to add this to their bucket-list! It’s fast. It’s loud. But then with moments of silence, calm and peace. I loved it!

Click on the video below, and enjoy 30 seconds following a male chimpanzee with us!

Photographing Tree-Climbing Lions

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The behavior of lions climbing trees is an unusual one for sure, however, it can be potentially observed all over Africa. In many cases, the lions tend to look rather awkward and uncomfortable if they do not practice this behaviour regularly.  There are a few regions in Africa, like the Queen Elizabeth National Park , whereby lions have learnt this unique behavior over generations. And as a result, they climb and relax in trees on a daily basis. Imagine seeing an entire pride resting in a fig tree… that is the potential sighting you can have in the Ishasha section of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. And yes, we saw them! 

Our first sighting was of a courting male and female resting in a tree. The likelihood is that she was ovulating, so male was staying close to her in the hope of  potentially mating. Possibly another generation of tree-climbing lions in a few months!

Watch our video and notice how the male is following the female.

Our second sighting was while on our way to have lunch at the Ishasha Wilderness Camp on the Ntungwe River. The sub-adult was quite literally resting in the shade of another fig tree! Unbelievable to have two sightings in one afternoon!

Sewing in Communities at Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 

I had to hold back a few emotions while visiting the ‘Ride 4 a Woman’ community center, situated just outside the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest . It’s truly an empowering space, whereby the centre provides a skills development programme to help support over 300 women struggling with associated issues at home, like domestic violence, HIV and poverty. 

Co-founder, Evelyn Habasa, showed us around the textile and weaving department of the organization. Here we were introduced to a few of the women busy on their garments like tablecloths, teapot cozies, shirts and dressing gowns. And we were also shown the weaving technique for the baskets and placemats, each one with the individual’s artistic stamp on it.

Their products are then sold at the local shop, providing a steady monthly income to all the employees working at the center. On top of this, more than 100 women have joined the microfinance program, where they are taught how to manage their small businesses more efficiently.  Inspiring.

Encountering the Ruchegura Group

Without a doubt. This is the highlight! 

I have been fortunate enough to have gone gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC, with my first trek being in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest . And yes, quite naturally, every experience is different!  Everyone will also process their experience in a unique and individual way. Some will highlight the proximity you get to the animals; their human-like nature; their gentle characters and perhaps the playfulness of the youngsters. I personally am overwhelmed by their trust! 

While watching the four youngsters in Ruchegura group play, the mom was sleeping while another female gorilla was gently grooming her. Not once did they lift their heads or show us any behavioral signs of them being “annoyed” or “anxious” of us being in their space. The work that the guides, trackers and surrounding communities have put into developing this “atmosphere of trust” is remarkable. 

While I sat down on a bed of flattened leaves capturing their moments, I still couldn’t get over this. I have yet to experience it with any other wild encounter. Even when one of the three Silverbacks arrived on the scene, his overwhelming presence was not one of domination or intimidation. But rather one of confidence, and trust that we would act in a manner of respect.

It is unbelievable. You need to witness it.

A few practical basics for gorilla trekking in Bwindi: 

• Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Forest is a more technical hike than a difficult one. You are climbing, but reasonable fitness will get you through. To prepare, work on stabilizing yourself with core exercises, as it’s your footing that is always unstable. 
• Use a walking pole to help stabilize yourself through the trek. Trust me. 
• Take advantage of a porter, especially if you are carrying extra camera equipment.
• Like Rwanda, gorilla treks have been broken into easy, medium and hard categories. Speak to your tour guides to try to organize the one appropriate for you. 
• Use gaiters and tuck your pants into your shoes. Ants bite. 
• Relax. Breath. And enjoy the hike too, it’s a great day on the mountain.

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The Ultimate One Week and Two Week Travel Itinerary for Uganda

• Last Updated On: September 20, 2022

Uganda, a country whose beauty denies description, should be at the top of everyone’s bucket lists. From its impossibly green landscape, to its magnificent lakes, to the vast wilderness tracts covered in great herds of animals, there is something for everyone here. And of course, let’s not forget the mountain gorillas of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which is an experience you’ll never forget.

Uganda is easy to travel around and two weeks is more than enough to explore the highlights of the area. At the bare minimum, Uganda deserves a week to see all of its highlights and this itinerary will break it down as such!

In addition, I will also add a section after the itinerary on how to combine the trip with Kenya. It is a common trip to visit Kenya and enter Uganda by land.

Where I went in Uganda

I came to Uganda primarily to Gorilla Trek in May. Gorilla’s can be seen year round as they are concentrated within the one park, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. In addition, there are other fantastic sights within the country as well including Murchison Falls, and the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Uganda has two wet seasons: From mid-September to November, and March to May. The dry seasons run from June to August, and December to Feb (although this season is less dry). I visited in May during the wet season as the park was running a promotion at the time of discounted gorilla permit fees for $350. They are normally $600. The same discount is no longer offered (to my knowledge at least).

In total, this itinerary is perfect for anyone with 7 -14 days . These are the highlights of the trip

• Murchisan Falls
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Gorilla Trekking in the Bwindi
• Queen Elizabeth National Park

If these places ring a bell and sound like the places you want to visit, this is the perfect itinerary for you! I did my trip in that specific order but it is easy to mix and match depending on what you want to see.

What you need to know about Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

It’s likely the main reason you’re visiting Uganda is because of the gorillas. It certainly was mine. There is a lot to know about trekking the gorillas, including booking tours, purchasing a permit, what to pack, and what to expect from your day. I’ve written a detailed guide on everything you need to know about gorilla trekking .

How To Travel Around Uganda

Like the rest of East Africa, booking some sort of tour is necessary to travel to the points of interest in Uganda. Booking tours in Uganda is even more necessary than its neighbors Kenya and Tanzania .

Booking a tour in Uganda

Booking some sort of tour is absolutely necessary to visit the gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Prices for these tours are usually quoted  without  the gorilla permit which costs $600 USD . These “tours” are normally 3-4 days and just involves a driver that drives you the 6+ hours to your accommodation near the Bwindi, and then to the entrance of the Bwindi when it’s your turn to visit the gorillas.

It’s not easy to do this excursion on your own. You could take a bus from Kampala to Kabala, and then take a taxi to your accommodation near the Bwindi. You’ll still need to find a transfer to the entrance of the Bwindi and back on your own.

Similarly, you could somehow find public transportation to a place like Murchison Falls, or Queen Elizabeth National Park. However, once you get there, you’ll still need to pay for game drives and people to take you around.

In addition, you can’t get the gorilla permits on your own. There’s no website where you can just purchase a permit with a credit card. To get just the gorilla permit, you’ll need to go through a tour operator and they will upcharge you the permit fee (normally $100-$200 extra), as they need to make phone calls and physically pick up the permit.

I am not sure you would save much money visiting the gorillas or Murchisan Falls or Queen Elizabeth NP on your own as opposed to booking a tour.

Rent a car with a driver

This is another population option for those traveling Uganda. Similar to Madagascar , It’s possible to rent a driver with a car and plan your own customized itinerary. This includes picking where you want to stay, and as well as obtaining your own gorilla permit. There are numerous tour agencies that offer this option and will contract out the driver and take care of your gorilla permit as well. You can expect to pay $100-$150 a day depending on the vehicle. This is perfect if you have two or more people as it will likely be much cheaper than joining an organized tour.

Road Trip Uganda has great fares and an easy booking system for this. Also, you can rent a car without a driver if you want to brave it on your own. The roads in Uganda are pretty decent and I would consider driving myself the next time I visit!

Overland Tours for Uganda

I did the entire trip on an overland tour with Nomad Africa . An overland trip will be slightly more expensive than doing it yourself but I’d highly recommend them if you are one or two people and you don’t want the hassle of planning the trip. In addition, you get to meet some amazing people that will keep you entertained the entire trip. This itinerary focuses on those that are not planning to do an overland tour! For more info about overland tours, read my detailed Overland Tour Guide.

Detailed Posts

• Chimpanzee Trek in Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Gorilla trekking part 2

Is Uganda Safe to Travel?

This is a common question I always get about traveling through Africa. It’s not unfounded as you’re constantly being bombarded by the media in Western countries about crime statistics, poverty, political unrest and the like.

I’ve traveled extensively all around Africa and it’s like any other developing part of the world I’ve been to. There are some sketchy pockets but the vast majority of the country is completely fine assuming there’s no civil war happening. This is like  every country I’ve ever been to , first world or third world. Like South Africa’s safety  or Egypt’s safety , the big cities see more crime, and potential for crime picks up at night time. Avoid flashing the cash, reciprocate the friendly attitudes of the locals, try the local food and drinks, and you’ll be fine.

With that said, I found Uganda to be incredibly safe and welcoming. The people here are very warm and friendly. Kampala is actually one of the more interesting African capitals I’ve been to and I wish I had more time to explore the city from a local’s perspective.

Visas for Uganda

Visas for Uganda can be purchased at entry for all Western passports. There is no work needed beforehand. The cost of the visa is  $50 USD . If you’re planning to visit Kenya or Rwanda as part of your itinerary, it might make sense to purchase the East Africa Visa for $100 USD. This visa gives you access to all three countries and you only need to buy it once.

As always, make sure to have crisp post 2006 USD notes. Any sign of wear and tear can result in them rejecting your money!

Full Uganda Itinerary

The Itinerary starts in Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital. Most people will get here by way of Entebbe Airport, located about 40 km outside of Kampala. Many people elect to stay in Entebbe before embarking on trips to Jinja, Murchison, or the Gorilla Trek but I wanted to explore Kampala.

From Nairobi, head to Murchison Falls for a 3 day 2 night excursion at the epic waterfalls there before returning to Kampala again. Then the journey starts to the Lake Bunyonyi, which is the base camp for the Gorilla trekking. From here, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a two day safari, as well as hiking with the chimpanzees.

Return to Kampala afterwards.

Day 1-2: Explore Kampala

After landing in Entebbe Airport, the first thing I noticed was how green the country is. Africa is known for its lush vegetation and Uganda is perhaps the epitome of it. The traffic to get to Kampala goes through one main road with one lane. At most hours of the day, it’s a disaster. It took me over 1 hour to get to my guesthouse in the city.

Kampala is actually a very interesting city. It has seen drastic changes in the past few decades and is really a city that is on the rise. Take a day tour on a Boda Boda with  Walter’s Tours . Boda Boda’s are little motorcycles and the preferred way for Ugandan’s to get around. They are everywhere and are a much cheaper alternative to taxis. Because of the terrible traffic, Boda boda’s are also a great way to avoid being stuck in traffic.

The tour takes you to the main highlights of Kampala including the King’s Palace where you can see the prisons Idi Amin tortured his prisoners, the Gadaffi Mosque, and numerous fantastic vantage points. Tell them you want to sample the local Ugandan food as well and they will take you to their favorite street vendors selling delicious chapati’s and the famous Rolex (it’s a roll with eggs, get it?).

Where to stay in Kampala?

As I was only here for two nights, I wasn’t too bothered by where I stayed. Red Chili Hideaway is the de facto accommodation option for those on any type of budget. I got a small room for myself with a shared bathroom for $30 a night. Dorm style accommodations can be had for $10 a night.

The grounds are actually quite nice as they have a large pool and numerous dining options on hand. I liked the Red Chili Hideaway as they have another location in Murchison Falls and offer good deals on tours. For Murchison Falls, the price is around $300 per person for the 3 day 2 night tour. It’s perfect for solo travelers as there will always be other travelers staying at the Red Chili.

Day 3-5: Murchison Falls

This is the largest national park in Uganda and has a large concentration of wildlife animals. Start the day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile River with a bigger concentration of game where you will be able to view those animals that are unique to the African Savannah like the giraffe, lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant hyena, the Uganda kob etc. The bird life is also impressive, with the African fish Eagle being one of the prized sightings and with luck the rare shoebill stork. There is also a variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamp lands to broad Savannah.

From Kampala, we left very early the first day before arriving at the top of Murchison Waterfalls in the afternoon. The second day was awesome. The morning was an epic game drive through the national park where we saw loads of elephants, hippos, and birds. The afternoon was followed by a boat cruise around the Nile river where we saw loads of hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Of course, the scenery was also captivating.

The third day was another game drive in the morning, before returning home to Kampala in the evening.

There are loads of tour operators offering this tour to Murchison Falls with varying itineraries. Some offer more game drives, some offer a visit to the rhino sanctuary, but all follow generally the same route. The fair price to pay for this 3 day/2 night excursion is $300-$400 per person.

Where to stay in Murchison Falls:  I really liked the Red Chili Hideaway in Murchison Falls. Accommodation is fantastic for all budgets.

Day 6-9: Lake Bunyoyi and Gorilla Trekking

Next part of the itinerary is to visit the famous mountain gorillas of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest! While I did my tour with Nomad Africa in an overland tour, there are countless other tour operators that offer the exact same itinerary at similar prices. I personally liked the overland tours because of the people you meet. But it does involve camping (which you can pay to upgrade to more comfortable accommodations) and the overland truck is not the most comfortable.

• Read in depth about my gorilla trek experience
• And also about everything you need to know about gorilla trekking

Lake Bunyonyi (‘place of many little birds’) is undoubtedly the loveliest lake in Uganda. Its contorted shore encircles 29 islands, surrounded by steep terraced hillsides reminiscent of parts of Nepal.  A magical place, especially with a morning mist rising off the placid waters, it has supplanted the Ssese Islands as  the  place for travellers to chill out on their way through Uganda, and has a selection of gorgeously remote and bucolic places to stay on distant islands, where you’ve only the birds for company. Best of all – unlike many lakes in East Africa – Bunyoni is bilharzia, croc and hippo free, and so its crystal-clear waters are all yours to swim in. Bliss.

Those visiting the Bwindi can elect to stay in Lake Bunyonyi, or closer to the Bwindi National Park in numerous different camps and lodges. I found Lake Bunyonyi to be very picturesque and relaxing. There are also other activities here you can enjoy like hiking and boat tours.

One full day here is of course dedicated to seeing the gorillas. I left early in the morning from Lake Bunyonyi as it’s a 2 hour drive. Sunrise was over the misty mountains of the area which was a nice touch. Once I reached the park, the rangers give you a short briefing and you’re off to track the gorillas starting at 9. Depending on the day and where your specific family of gorillas are, it can take any time between 1 to 8 hours to find the gorillas.

Once you find them (and you’ll always find them), you get 1 hour to interact, take photos, and generally gawk at what you’re witnessing. This hour will feel like 10 minutes but gorillas need their space as they are wild animals after all.

Where to stay in Lake Bunyonyi

• Luxury: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Lake Bunyonyi Eco Lodge
• Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Where to stay in the Bwindi National Park

• Luxury (Buhoma/North): Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs
• Luxury (South): Chameleon Hill lodge
• Mid range (Buhoma/North): Silverback Lodge/Engagi Lodge
• Mid range (South): Chameleon Hill Lodge/Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Budget (Buhoma/North): Buhoma Community Bandas/Bwindi View Bandas
• Budget (South): Gorilla Mist camp

Day 9-12: Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, it’s time to go to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, a park known to boast the highest bio-diversity ratings of any game park in the worlds with habitats to include; lakes, forest, savannah grassland as well as wetlands. It’s also known for its famous tree climbing lions, large elephant herds and an abundance of hippos in Lake Albert.

• Read in depth about my trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Our accommodations here were next to a local village and Lake Albert. You could see so many hippos from land which means that at night, you could see them on the land. Hippos routinely travel up to 30km from the confines of the water to graze for food at night. There were so many hippos inside our lodge campsite area which was an incredible experience (also the first hippo you see at night is terrifying).

Kibale Chimpanzee Hike

Kibale National Park is known for its families of chimps. Like the gorillas, it’s also possible to hike to see the chimps. It’s much cheaper, and also much quicker of a hike to see these guys. I found this hike to be just as amazing as the gorilla trek I went on days earlier. While chimps mostly hang out in the trees, there were many of them running around on the ground and it was incredible to see them in their natural environment!

Where to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
• Mid range: Park view Lodge/Kasenyi safari lodge
• Budget: Enganzi lodge

Kenya to Uganda overland

This is separate from this itinerary. Coming to Uganda via Kenya is very popular. You can combine the best of both countries with a visit to the Masai Mara and then westward to Uganda. Numerous airlines make this flight including Kenyan Airways, RwandAir, and Jambojet. By land, EasyCoach and MASH bus service make the drive on a daily basis.

The cost for transfer is normally around 2,000 to 2,500 Kenyan Shillings one way and takes roughly 12 hours. EasyCoach also stops in Jinja where you can join a tour for white water rafting before continuing on to Kampala.

Uganda Two Week Itinerary Day by Day breakdown

Here is a day by day breakdown of my two week Kenya and Tanzania itinerary.

Day 1 – Arrive in Kampala:  Explore Kampala Day 2 – Kampala:  Full day Boda Boda Tour Day 3 – Kampala to Murchisan Falls:  Beginning of Murchisan Falls tour, visit the waterfalls in the afternoon Day 4 – Murchison Falls:  Full day Murchison Falls game drive and boat tour Day 5 – Murchison falls to Kampala:  Transfer to Arusha by bus Day 6 – Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi:  Early morning transfer to the Serengeti, afternoon game drive Day 7 – Gorilla Trekking in the Bwindi:  Full day game drive Day 8 – Lake Bunyonyi :  Full day exploring Lake Bunyonyi Day 9 – Lake Bunyonyi to Queen Elizabeth National Park:  Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, this will take the entire day Day 10 – Queen Elizabeth National Park:  Full day game drive Day 11 – Queen Elizabeth National Park:  Chimp hike in Kibale National Park Day 12 – Return to Kampala: Early morning transfer back to Entebbe or Kampala Day 13 – Jinja:  If time permits, a full day white water rafting tour to Jinja. I think white water rafting on the Zambezi is better but this is still a great option! Day 14: Fly home

Uganda One Week Itinerary Day by Day breakdown

This itinerary is for those that have around 1 weeks time (7-8 days). This will have gorilla trekking because this is likely the reason you’re coming here. To supplement the gorillas, I would recommend  choosing between Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls. There will not be enough time to do both.

Day 1 – Arrive in Kampala:  Explore Kampala Day 2 – Kampala:  Full day Boda Boda Tour Day 3 – Kampala to Murchisan Falls:  Beginning of Murchisan Falls tour, visit the waterfalls in the afternoon Day 4 – Murchison Falls:  Full day Murchison Falls game drive and boat tour Day 5 – Murchison falls to Kampala:  Transfer to Arusha by bus Day 6 – Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi:  Early morning transfer to the Serengeti, afternoon game drive Day 7 – Gorilla Trekking in the Bwindi:  Full day game drive Day 8 – Lake Bunyonyi :  Full day exploring Lake Bunyonyi

Uganda Self Drive Two Week Itinerary Day by Day breakdown

This itinerary is for those that are renting a car with a driver, or planning to drive themselves. In this case, you don’t need to go on prebooked tours, and can book your own accommodations. The tour agency that you rent the car and driver with, can help you find accommodations and arrange the gorilla permits for you. Highly recommend this option if you are more than 2 people as it will be much cheaper and you will save plenty of time.

Day 1 – Arrive in Kampala:  Explore Kampala Day 2 – Kampala:  Full day Boda Boda Tour Day 3 – (CAR RENTAL STARTS HERE) Kampala to Murchisan Falls:  Drive to Murchison Falls and visit the waterfalls Day 4 – Murchison Falls:  Full day Murchison Falls game drive and boat tour Day 5 – Murchison falls to Kibale National Park:  This is a long day of driving from Murchison falls to Kibale National Park. This will likely take 8 hours or more. Day 6 – Kibale National Park:  Morning chimp hike in Kibale, relax in the afternoon Day 7 – Kibale to Queen Elizabeth NP:  Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the morning and afternoon game drive Day 8 – Queen Elizabeth National Park:  Full day game drive and boat cruise Day 9 – Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:  Drive to the Bwindi National Park to prepare for the gorilla hike Day 10 – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:  Full day gorilla trek, drive to Lake Bunyonyi once finished Day 11 – Lake Bunyonyi:  Relax and full day exploring Lake Bunyonyi Day 12 – Return to Kampala: Early morning transfer to the north of Zanzibar , Beach time Day 13 – Jinja:  If time permits, a full day white water rafting tour to Jinja. I think white water rafting on the Zambezi is better but this is still a great option! Day 14: Fly home

Continue Reading:

• Walking With Giants – Ultimate Guide To Gorilla Trekking in Africa
• Uganda Overland Trip: Intro and Kampala
• Uganda Overland Trip: Queen Elizabeth NP and Chimpanzee Trekking
• Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking In Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – An Out of the Ordinary Travel Experience
• The Best Of Johnny Africa – Top Moments Traveling Through Africa
• Guide To Visiting Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar
• Awesome Safari Parks in Botswana
• Gorillas In The Mist: The Ultimate Congo Gorilla Trekking Experience
• Guide To Visiting The Okavango Delta in Botswana
• Trekking With Orangutans in Sumatra: The Ultimate Guide
• Why South Africa Is The Perfect Destination To Learn English
• The Ultimate One To Two Week Travel Itinerary For Guatemala
• Hlane National Park, Swaziland

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This is makes a very interesting and informed reading. Certainly useful to all travelers who are not very familiar with Uganda. Thank you for your research.

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Uganda again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

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Highlights of Uganda

A little bit of everything combined into a week in uganda.

A week in Uganda is a great amount of time to fit in the highlights this beautiful country has to offer. You will venture through Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and finish up in the stunning Bwindi National Park for a gorilla trek.

Arrive into Entebbe, Uganda

Make your way Entebbe international airport in Uganda. Met you arrival and transferred to the Serena Lake Victoria Lodge to stay for 1 night on a B&B basis.

Drive to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, you will be transferred by road to Kibale National Park. On route, you will pass tea plantations and beautiful scenery. You will continue and, on the way, stop in Fort Portal. In the afternoon you will arrive at Ndali Lodge to stay for 1 night on a full board basis.

Chimpanzee Trekking and then Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast you will go for Chimp tracking and enjoy a wonderful forest experience. Kibale’s 795km2 National Park contains one of the most beautiful and varying tracts of tropical forest in the whole of Uganda. This is home to 13 species of primate including chimpanzees. The park’s highest point is at 1590m above sea level.

After lunch you shall proceed to Queen Elisabeth National Park, enjoy a game drive on your way in. Named after her Majesty the Queen of England, it is Uganda's most popular and most scenic game reserves. It stretches from the crater-dotted foothills of the Rwenzori range in the north, along the shores of Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the south, incorporating a wide variety of habitats that range from savanna and wetlands and lowland forest. Overnight in Kyambura Gorge Lodge to stay for 2 nights on a full board basis including game viewing activities.

Game viewing activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Have an Early Morning Game Drive. There are over 100 mammal species that include Lions, Hippos, Buffaloes, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Elephants and the elusive Giant Forest Hog in this park. The Primates include Chimps, Black and White Colobus monkeys, Blue, Black faced Red Colobus, and Red tailed monkeys and Olive Baboons. Return to the Lodge. In the afternoon, you shall have a boat ride on Kazinga Channel. Queen Elizabeth boasts one of the highest bio diversity ratings of any game park, from the open Savannah to Rain Forest, dense Papyrus Swamps. Overnight in Kyambura Gorge Lodge to stay for 2 nights on a full board basis including game viewing activities.

Drive onto Bwindi National Park

Depart for Bwindi National park in the Morning on your way; you will have a chance to have a game drive in Ishasha sector where the tree climbing lions are found, then continue to the home of the Mountain Gorillas, Bwindi National Park. Of Uganda’s Forested Parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is best known For gorilla tracking, but it also provides refuge to elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys and various small antelopes, as well as 23 bird species restricted to the Albertine. Overnight in Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp on a full board basis including all game viewing activities.

Gorilla trekkng in Bwindi National Park

This morning you will get up very early for gorilla trekking. Trekking the Mountain Gorilla is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. The trek will take between 2 and 6 hours, but is well worth the effort. You will be led by an experienced ranger who will tell you interesting facts about flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Overnight in Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp on a full board basis. N.B. This price includes the gorilla permit.

Fly back to Entebbe, head home

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Kihihi Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe. Afterwards you may choose between optional Activities; - drive to the Airport or have a city Tour of Entebbe Town, Visit Ngamba Island, Botanical Gardens, a Fishing Village, Mabamba Swamp. You may choose to opt for a day Use room in a Hotel.

What's on this itinerary:

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Kyanginga Lodge

Ndali Lodge

Serena Lake Victoria Lodge

Where to go.

Kibale Forest National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  = Yes   = No   = Maybe

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Uganda tour: route planning 2 weeks, highlights, tips and costs

My 2-weeks Uganda tour was one of my most beautiful trips ever. In this article I will tell you everything about where we have been and what we have done per day. Plus what the costs and the highlights were. Finally, I give all kinds of tips for booking your Uganda tour and the best activities.

For me, Uganda is top 5 material in terms of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever been to (and there are more than 70).

In this article

Uganda tour: route planning, map uganda tour, uganda tour: accommodation, photo album uganda tour, book uganda tour, group tour uganda, need a 4×4 for a tour of uganda, expenses during the trip, cash expenses in uganda, national parks uganda: permits, vaccinations, travel advice uganda, read more about uganda.

Our planning and itinerary for this 16-day tour of Uganda was as follows:

• Flight Amsterdam – Entebbe via Kigali (Rwanda), check-in accommodation (1n)
• Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (200 km) – Murchison Falls National Park (165 km), accommodation check-in (3n)
• Murchison Falls National Park: game drive and boat trip to Murchison Falls
• Murchison Falls National Park: boat trip to the Nile Delta, hike to the top of Murchison Falls and game drive
• Murchison Falls National Park – Kibale Forest (370 km), check in accommodation (2n)
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, Bigodi Swamp Walk
• Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park (115 km), check-in accommodation (2n), game drive
• Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat trip on the Kazinga Channel
• Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kisoro (250 km), check-in accommodation (3n)
• Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Visit to two local tribes in villages near Kisoro
• Kisoro – Lake Mburo National Park (300 km), check-in accommodation (1n), game drive
• Walking safari Lake Mburo, Lake Mburo NP – Entebbe (250 km), check-in accommodation (2n)
• Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Tour
• Relaxing at accommodation, return flight Entebbe – Amsterdam
• Arrival Schiphol Amsterdam (home)

The below map gives a rough idea of the the route we drove.

Our Uganda tour was from September 17 to October 2, 2022. We liked this period of the year; we only had rain a few times, good temperatures and not crowded.

During Dutch summer time it is 1 hour later in Uganda. During Dutch winter time it is 2 hours later in Uganda.

Between Murchison and Kibale, around Fort Portal, there are tea plantations, such as Tamteco’s Kiamara Tea Estates. There are a few organizations that offer tea tours in this region, such as Kabarole . So if you have the time and the urge… The tea fields are a beautiful sight anyway!

This map includes places and spots mentioned in this article (and more). This one is ‘smartphone friendly’; you can easily use it via the Google Maps app. Click the icon at the top left to open the menu and see the categories. To adapt the map to your own preferences and interests, (de)select a category. Via Google Drive you can copy the map to your own My Google Maps account.

I can recommend the following accommodations for a tour of Uganda. NP = National Park.

• Entebbe: Pineapple Guest House Entebbe , 2 Friends Beach Hotel and/or  ViaVia Guesthouse Entebbe
• Murchison Falls NP: Fort Murchison Lodge
• Kibale NP: Kibale Forest Camp
• Queen Elizabeth NP: The Bush Lodge
• Kisoro – Bwindi NP: Travellers Rest Hotel or   Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
• Lake Mburo NP: Hyena Hill Lodge or Mburo Eagle’s Nest

At ViaVia you can enjoy nice and delicious food, even if you are not staying there. At Kibale Forest Camp I got a great massage in my safari tent. And at The Bush Lodge, for example, you were escorted to your safari tent on stilts after sunrise. The elephants walked right past the tent where we were having dinner. For example, our accommodation during this tour of Uganda all had its own charm.

Uganda tour: highlights

It is not easy to answer the question of what the highlights of our Uganda tour were, because it is such a beautiful country! But if I have to choose, these are my top 5:

• Murchison Falls National Park: game drives and both Nile boat trips
• Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale NP
• Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Kazinga Channel River Cruise in Queen Elizabeth NP
• Bigodi Swamp Walk in Kibale NP

I will tell you more about this in future in-depth articles. For now, I can especially urge you to include these places and activities in your planning for a tour of Uganda.

Recently I made a photo album of our tour through Uganda. Click on the square for full screen image. And the right arrow to scroll through. Any text is in Dutch though, sorry about that.

Have you become enthusiastic and would you like to go on a tour of Uganda? Not all well-known travel organizations offer booking options for a tour of Uganda. You cannot go to Uganda with providers such as Sunny Cars, Avis, Alamo, Corendon and TUI. This is possible with the following providers:

• If you are in The Netherlands, with 333 Travel you can book an individual tailor-made Uganda tour package deal – with the certainty of ANVR, SGR and Calamiteitenfonds.
• Through Epic Uganda Vacation you can book an individual tour of Uganda and/or Rwanda. But also, for example, rent a 4×4 jeep with or without a driver, or a separate tour of 1 or more day(s). Founder and owner Moses Niwamanyaa is a super nice guy and quick in response. Their drivers also act partly as guides and tell about their country, culture, etc.
• RentCars and Easyterra offer rental cars for a tour of Uganda. Note: in Uganda they drive on the left, like in the UK for example. An International Driving Permit is normally not required in Uganda, but check the rental papers carefully before departure.
• Via Viator and Get Your Guide you can find and book all kinds of activities such as safaris, other tours and airport transfers with clear conditions and reviews.
• Individual accommodation for a tour of Uganda can be found on Bookin g.com or  Expedia .
• You can view flight options and prices on Skyscanner . Beware of online ticket brokers though!

KLM flies daily from Amsterdam to Entebbe, with a stopover at Kigali, sometimes Kilimanjaro or Nairobi, on the way there. In Kigali you do not leave the plane if Entebbe is your final destination. The outward flight incl. stopover takes almost 11 hours. Back to the Netherlands it is less than 8.5 hours (direct flight).

If you consider a tour of Uganda as a group trip, take a look at the following organizations. The tour guides of these group tours through Uganda speak English.

For international group tours to Uganda, G Advantures and Intrepid have good offers.

If you are living in The Netherlands, Belgium or Germany, you could check also for group tours to Uganda with Sawadee, Djoser or Habari.

A 4×4 (4WD) car is useful for touring Uganda, especially if you want to get off the highways, especially between Kisoro and Bwindi. But if you book a tour there with hotel pick-up, you could do without a 4×4, unless you go in the rainy season (Mar/Apr/May/Oct/Nov). Outside of Kampala and Entebbe, many main roads are quiet and paved. Once you get off the main road it’s dusty.

Uganda tour: costs

The costs we incurred in advance for this Uganda tour were as follows. UGX = Ugandan Shilling, USD = US Dollar.

• Visa (apply online in advance) USD 51.50
• Yellow fever vaccination EUR 62*
• Return flight ticket KLM AMS-EBB-AMS EUR 680
• Gorilla permit Bwindi NP USD 700 / EUR 660
• Tour extension: accommodation Entebbe 2 nights USD 216
• Round trip Uganda package at EUR 2297.50 including:
• Accommodation 12 nights incl. breakfast
• 4×4 jeep with driver 12 days
• All mentioned game drives
• Permits NPs for shared vehicle (4×4)
• Chimpanzee Tracking Kibale NP USD 200
• Ziwa Rhino Trekking USD 30
• Murchison Falls NP permit USD 45 or UGX 25,000 p/d
• Kibale NP permit USD 40 or UGX 20,000 p/d
• Queen Elizabeth NP permit USD 40 or UGX 20,000 p/d
• Bwindi NP permit USD 40 or UGX 20,000 p/d
• Lake Mburo NP permit USD 40 or UGX 20,000 p/d
• Morning Safari Walk Lake Mburo NP USD 15 or UGX 10,000
• Murchison Falls NP Waterfall Cruise afternoon USD 35
• Murchison Falls NP Nile Delta Cruise morning USD 55
• Top of the Murchison Falls USD 10 or UGX 10,000
• Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise USD 30
• Booking costs, calamity fund and SGR (guarantee fund)

By the way, for Uganda you need a type G travel plug (just like the UK, etc.).

During the Uganda tour, we each spent about USD 550 each on the spot; of food/drinks, tips and souvenirs. This does not include transport to/from my home airport, but includes:

• Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Tour from Entebbe USD 45 p.p. (price for 3 pax)
• Late check out day room until 6pm at last accommodation $25.00
• Taxi to Entebbe airport USD 10

Once in Uganda, I took cash from the ATM twice, totaling UGX 1,120,000 (approx. EUR 300). Below I have tried to specify these cash expenses a little more, although I have not kept track of everything down to the last penny.

• Bigondi Swamp Walk USD 23 or UGX 50,000
• Tours to villages near Kisoro USD 30 + USD 50
• Porter gorilla tracking USD 20
• Souvenirs UGX 140,000 (approx. USD 38)
• Massages USD 60
• Driver 13-days tour USD 55 (ca. USD 3-6 p/d)
• Rangers UGX 10.000 – UGX 15.000 per activity
• Restaurants UGX 500 – UGX 1.000 per table
• Local guides UGX 5.000 – UGX 10.000 per activity
• Accommodation UGX 10,000 – UGX 20,000 per night

We spent about USD 275 each on food and drinks during our Uganda tour, but that was a combination of cash and credit card payments. Hotels accept cash in UXG, USD and EUR. Outside of Entebbe, credit cards were rarely accepted as payment.

In total, this 16-day tour of Uganda cost us about USD 5,300 each. Not cheap, but worth every penny! This does not include new hiking pants, walking stick, etc. that I purchased in advance for the Gorilla Tracking .

Daily rate for a National Park (NP) permit is valid for 24 hours, from the time of entry. The most up-to-date prices for permits for the national parks and wildlife reserves in Uganda can be found on the website of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) . FNR stands for Foreign Non-Resident. For children you pay a reduced rate. You pay entrance for you as a person, but also for your possible vehicle (in the case of an individual tour).

Contact your local health services for personal advice on travel vaccinations. Yellow fever vaccination* is mandatory to be admitted to Uganda. I already had it, but my travel buddy didn’t yet. Inquire with the health services for the current price and appointment options – plan your vaccination(s) on time! And you can check with your health insurer whether you may be able to get this reimbursed from your additional health insurance. The same goes for malaria pills.

Before you book and leave a tour of Uganda, always check the current travel advice first. Please note that homosexuality is illegal and seriously punishable in Uganda .

• Travel Advice for Uganda by the US Department of State
• Foreign Travel Advice by UK for Uganda
• Uganda Travel Advice by the Australian authorities
• Travel Advice for Uganda by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands

Do not forget to take out good travel and cancellation insurance for a tour of Uganda, for example with World Nomads or Safety Wing .

I hope you found this an interesting and inspiring article. Have you ever been on a tour of Uganda or are you looking into it? Are you scared of the costs or did you expect that? Feel free to ask a question or share an additional tip via a comment at the bottom of this article.

On this website you will find more articles about Uganda:

• Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – highlight Uganda

Uganda: 10 top Kisoro outdoor activities with local guide Julius

• Uganda and Gambia: compare two different cool African travel destinations   (currently only available in Dutch, please use Google Translate in your Chrome browser to translate)

Sign up for the Flitter Fever travel blog newsletter and/or follow the Flitter Fever Facebook page to stay informed about future articles.

Are you not so sure yet about Uganda as your next destination, but do you want to do a tour somewhere anyway? Then take a look at this Florida tour or a South Korea tour .

This article contains affiliate links to support this website. It does not cost you anything extra if you buy something after clicking on one of those links. Partner websites that I am affiliated with , reward me with a small commission for making useful connections between buyers and their service or product. This helps to cover the costs for this website. Consider it as a compliment for my work. For more information click  here .

Don’t want to order anything via these links but would like to support me to continue to create new content ? You can always buy me a glass of wine or take a look at my partner page . Thanks in advance & enjoy your next trip!

Last Updated on 08/29/2023 by Elisa Flitter Fever

Elisa Flitter Fever

Hello, I'm Elisa - travel blogger, passionate about beautiful destinations, writing, wine tasting and animals. Sharing info & tips like I do with my best friends. The travel blog that goes the extra mile. 70 countries & counting!

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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!

Change location

• UK / International
• Call toll-free until 8pm EDT 617-223-4521 617-223-4355 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Highlights of Uganda — anniversary itinerary

13 days from $14,650pp

• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Day-to-day Itinerary
• Uganda trip ideas

Tour highlights

Spend time with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Track chimpanzees through Kibale National Park.

Look for tree-climbing lion in the candelabra trees of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Go kayaking or white-water rafting on the Nile.

Learn about culture in Buhoma while supporting local enterprises.

Meet a variety of wildlife on game drives, including elephant, topi, buffalo, and Ugandan kob.

Price includes:

• In-destination transfers
• Activities and excursions as detailed
• All accommodations
• 24-hour support while you travel

Itinerary idea in detail

Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights at our preferred rates.

Arriving at Entebbe, your private driver will meet you at the airport for your transfer to your guesthouse. You’ll have the evening to rest and recover from your flight to prepare for your busy days ahead.

Start your day with an early breakfast before being collected from your guesthouse and taken to the airport for your light aircraft flight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Once you’ve landed at Kihihi Airstrip, you’ll be picked up and privately driven to your lodge in Buhoma Village, on the northern side of Bwindi. After lunch, take some time to explore at your own pace. You might join a guided forest walk to learn about the forest’s rich ecosystem.

Wake up early today for a day of gorilla trekking. After breakfast and a briefing, you’ll head deep into the jungle, beginning at the gorillas’ last known location. Once you’ve had a sighting, you can spend up to an hour with the gorillas, taking photos and observing these massive, endangered animals.

In the morning, visit Ride 4 a Woman, a group founded to support local women with employment and microfinance by teaching new skills such as sewing and tailoring, basket weaving, and public speaking. You’ll learn more about life in Buhoma and spend time with some of the women. Enjoy a lunch of Ugandan dishes at Bwindi Bar this afternoon, a local restaurant dedicated to employing local people.

Depart Bwindi for your private transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a two-hour drive that offers ample opportunities for game viewing. You’ll be staying in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a secluded area dominated by candelabra trees that are known as the preferred resting place for the park’s renowned tree-climbing lion.

Your private driver-guide will take you on a game drive to your next lodge in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, settle in and enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading back out into the park to seek out wildlife and explore the open savannah plains on a game drive. The Kasenyi Plains is home to lion, elephant, topi, buffalo, and Ugandan kob (a subspecies of antelope), as well as an exceptional variety of bird species.

This morning, you’ll have a unique opportunity to act as a researcher for the day as you join a lion-tracking experience with rangers of Queen Elizabeth National Park. During the drive, your guides and researchers will explain the complicated behaviors and strict social structures of the prides that live here, as well as the human-animal conflictions around the park. After lunch, head back to the park for a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. You can observe the many animals that gather to drink from the channel, including buffalo, hippo, and crocodiles, as well as pelicans, fish eagles, and pied kingfishers.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll depart the park for your next stop outside Kibale Forest Reserve. The route will take you past small villages and pretty farmland scenery, and on a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains to your left, also known as the Mountains of the Moon. Arriving at the lodge, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and explore. Trails nearby take in views overlooking a forest-fringed crater lake, making it a good place for an afternoon walk.

After an early breakfast, head to the Kibale National Park to spend a morning with a troop of chimpanzees. The family group you’ll be tracking are still in the habituation process and can be a bit shy, but you’ll have up to four hours with these agile primates.

With your driver-guide, head from the western forests of Kibale to the River Nile and Lake Victoria of Uganda’s eastern side, where you’ll stop at the town of Jinja, the source of the Nile. The drive is more than seven hours but offers views of Uganda’s rural life, villages, plantations, and rolling green hills. You’ll arrive at your lodge this afternoon.

Wildwaters Lodge offers a wide selection of activities. Today, you might consider white-water rafting on the Nile rapids.

Your day is yours to do as you please. You might board a cruise to the source of the Nile or take a trip into the town of Jinja itself.

After your final breakfast in Uganda, you’ll be driven back to Entebbe International Airport to check in for your international flights home.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

The Boma Guesthouse

Buhoma Lodge

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Mahogany Springs

Bwindi Lodge

View more accommodations in bwindi impenetrable forest.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Katara Lodge

Mweya Safari Lodge

Ndali Lodge

Primate Lodge

Kyaninga Lodge

Wildwaters Lodge

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Kibale Forest National Park

The specialist who designs your trip to Uganda will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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Highlights of Uganda

H I G H L I G H T S O F U G A N D A

E N T E B B E | S E M L I K I | Q U E E N E L I Z A B E T H | B W I N D I

1 1 D a y s | 1 0 N i g h t s

Uganda is a land of contrasts. In half a day you can drive from mist-shrouded volcanic mountains to hot hazy savannah, dappled with wildlife. Serene undulating hills of tea plantations, lush but ordered, give way to tangled jungle and rainforest with the musical accompaniment of chaotic, cacophonous birdlife. Uganda is alive with these contrasts: The tiniest sunbirds, iridescent in the morning light, the massive lumbering yet silent elephant, disappearing like a vapor behind the trees, the chimpanzees crashing about the forest canopy, the lugubrious gorilla, chewing thoughtfully in the bamboo thicket. There is the Nile, twisting its way north like a shimmering ribbon, through arid semi-desert scattered about with rocky kopjes. Snow-capped peaks, tropical, sandy, freshwater beaches, and smiling faces everywhere. It is all here, a feast for all the senses.

I T I N E R A R Y O V E R V I E W

Day 1 – Arrival Entebge Arrive at Entebbe International Airport off Kenya Airways at 3h30 pm. Meet and greet by The Uganda Safari Company (TUSC) representative to take you through immigration and help you with luggage handling. Later she will hand you over to your driver guide outside the terminal building who will transfer you to your accommodation (Driving time: -/+ 15 minutes – Private transfer). Overnight at Hotel Number 5 (Bed and Breakfast only.

Day 2 – Semliki Start the Uganda Safari by driving to Semliki Wildlife Reserve, your safari guide shall be linking up with you at your hotel in Entebbe at 08:00. Most of the morning today is spent driving to our first destination (approx. drive time 6-7 hours). Semliki Wildlife Reserve was established as a game reserve in 1926 and was among the first protected areas to be gazetted. The main reason was to protect the large numbers of Uganda Kobs in the area. Semliki Safari Lodge is situated in the Semliki Valley wildlife reserve and is the only accommodation in over 500 km² of wilderness, offering a truly private experience. Semliki is secluded and intimate. The lodge promises excellent service and attention to detail. While at Semliki Safari Lodge, you can enjoy game drives, game walks, Lake Albert boat trips (Shoebill encounters), chimpanzee walks, and bush meals. The accommodations include large canvas tents with permanent thatched roofs. Each tent is spacious and extremely comfortable with hand-craved four-poster beds, Persian carpets, and soft fleece blankets on the beds. Even though you will be sleeping under canvas, there is no ‘roughing it’ in this lodge. Each tent has en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water, electric lighting, and a private balcony, each with a stunning panoramic view of the reserve. There is a homely feeling in the main building with sofas piled high with soft cushions, loads of books to read, and hospitable staff. The food at the lodge has been described as the ‘best in Uganda’. The chef prides himself on the fact that all food at the lodge is homemade, from the bread that is baked daily, to the soups and down to the relishes and chutneys. Overnight at Semliki Safari Lodge (Meal Plan: Lunch box, Diner, and Non-premium drinks)

Day 4 – Lake Albert Morning boat cruise on Lake Albert in search of the famous Shoebill (Activity duration: -/+ 3 hours), this is conducted on Lake Albert and the main attractions are Shoebills, African Pygmy Goose, Blue-breasted and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, and Blue-headed Coucal. After lunch, enjoy a 3-hour guided nature walk that goes through a variety of habitats ranging from savannah woodland to riverine forest and sundowner. Species encountered on this walk include; Ground Hornbills, Warthogs, Uganda Kobs, baboons, Black and White Colobus, and Vervet Monkeys. Overnight at Semliki Safari Lodge (Meal Plan: Lunch box, Diner, and Non-premium drinks)

Day 5 – QENP Drive from Semliki to Queen Elizabeth National Park to our new bush camp Honey Bear. On the way, you will have a stop en route at the lovely Rwenzori Bronze Founders and the Rubona women’s cooperative - a group of women who grow their own herbs and forage in the hills for wild plants and roots to make their own natural dyes for the most gorgeous baskets.. Drop off after lunch in Queen Elizabeth and arrive at Honey Bear by boat. (Total drive from Semliki to Honey Bear is +/- 3 hours plus 20 minutes by boat). Check in and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Honey Bear is right on the river, full of hippos and elephants, nighttime hyena visits, and nearby lions. Overnight at Honey Bear Bush Camp (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Non-premium drinks)

Day 6 – QENP After breakfast, you will go for your morning lion predator game drive with Dr. Ludwig or his team (Activity duration: -/+ 2- 3 hours). Return to the lodge to enjoy a sunset boat trip along the Kazinga Channel and sundowner with drinks and snacks Overnight at Honey Bear Bush Camp (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Non-premium drinks)

Day 7 – QENP Have an early cup of coffee to transfer to the Kyambura visitors’ reception center for your morning briefing on how to track the chimpanzees. This is a half-day activity and later you will return to the lodge for lunch and walks around the crater lakes, and explore the upper crater lakes. Overnight at Honey Bear Bush Camp (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Non-premium drinks)

Day 9 – Bwindi Morning drive if desired and then drive down to Buhoma, the southern sector of Bwindi (Driving time: +/- 2 hours). Can stop for lunch in Buhoma (or baked lunch) and hike up through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Nkuringo, home of Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (the hike is not difficult – the trail is well marked and well trodden, but there are some ups and downs but the forest is fabulous and such a treat to hike through it without the pressure of finding the gorillas. Hike time +/- 4 hours). At Nteko, you will meet with the lodge vehicle to transfer for the next 10 km to the lodge. On this same day, your luggage will be carried by porters through the forest and your guide will be driving back to Kampala. Set on a forested ridge near the entrance to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge boasts eight spacious cottages built from volcanic stone. Spectacular views stretch all the way to the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda, as well as across the border into the Congo, where the glow of Nyiragongo Volcano can be seen on a clear night. Warm and welcoming, each cottage features a bedroom, an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a separate lounge. Comfortable chairs on the outdoor verandas provide the perfect vantage point to admire the unforgettable vistas of the forest below. Blazing fireplaces create a cozy glow as evening falls. Meals are prepared using the freshest local ingredients and served in front of a roaring fire in the dining area or in the privacy of your stone cottage. The lodge is situated within easy walking distance of the trail where guests can begin their gorilla trekking adventure. Guided forest walks and birdwatching expeditions explore the surroundings, while local community visits give a glimpse of traditional life. Overnight at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner, and Non-premium brand drinks)

Day 10 – Gorillas! Full-day Gorilla tracking in the Rushaga area, depending on gorilla permits availability. After the tracking, return to your accommodation for relaxation. Overnight at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner, and Non-premium brand drinks)

Day 11 – Departure or onward travels After an early breakfast, you will be picked up by a lodge representative and transferred to Kisoro Airstrip. Stay at the airport as you wait for your international outbound flight. * Contact us for customized trip, availability and rates. &B24

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Travel highlights Uganda

Gorilla Trekking An absolutely highlight in Uganda ia a gorilla trek in the forests of Bwindi. It is a magical experienced

Visit the source of the Nile A truly amazing experience, where the river Nile sprouts. Here we can organise white-water rafting, boat cruises and bungee jumping to name a few.

Chimpanzee Trekking To see chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park is a truly amazing experience.

Lake Bunyonyi Know as the Switzerland of Africa, Lake Buyonyi is a picturesque destination. Here we can organise boat rides and island hopping.

Safari in some amazing National Parks Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains Nation Park, you can already tell that Uganda is filled with exciting destinations to explore.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda, Rwanda & DRC

Gorilla trekking safari ideas.

• Group safaris in Uganda – An outstanding opportunity to experience the best of Uganda. It includes trekking chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest, visiting the Queen Elizabeth National Park for game viewing and trekking gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Group safaris to Uganda, starting from Kigali – We fly to Rwanda and drive over the border to Uganda to trek the gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Private safaris – Every safari is uniquely designed to suit your interests, preferred standard of accommodation and most suitable travelling dates.
• Combination tours – Extend your safari adventure with a trip to Kenya or swap the jungle for some relaxation on the beaches of Zanzibar!

Experience the parks of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC

Gorilla and chimp trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC is the ultimate African adventure. A recent census released in December 2019 showed that the numbers have increased and scientists believe there are now at least 1063 mountain gorillas living in the jungles of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

UGANDA PARKS AND RESERVES:

• Explore the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest , home of the mountain gorillas of Uganda. Out of all the Uganda adventure safaris, this tropical rainforest tour is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse parks in Africa.
• Trek chimpanzees in their natural habitat in the Kibale National Park and spot 12 different species of primates, including the red colobus and the L'Hoest's monkey.
• Safari in the untamed wilderness at Murchison Falls and take a boat ride to the Falls where the Nile forces its way through a 7-metre gap and tumbles 40m.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park offers up to 95 different mammal species which include tree-climbing lions. There is over 600 bird species.
• Mabamba swamp near Entebbe, a bird-lovers dream destination with 260 bird species, including the Shoebill, Uganda's most sought-after bird.
• Semliki National Park is a true wilderness with birding being one of the biggest attractions. The somewhat 400 bird species found here include the Abyssinian ground hornbill, Marsh Tchagra, African crake and Shoebill storks.
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park has the tallest mountain range in Africa with several peaks permanently covered in ice. The park is a hiking mecca and home to exceptionally rare plants and animals.

RWANDA PARKS:

• Volcanoes National Park offers the exceptional opportunity to trek mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Rwanda. Don’t miss out on guided nature walks and challenging hikes through the incredibly biodiverse areas of this park.
• The only wildlife-viewing park in Rwanda, Akagera National Park , offers excellent Big Five game viewing. Boat trips on Lake Ihema is a great way to enjoy the abundance of water birds found in the park.
• Nyungwe Forest National Park protects East Africa’s largest montane rainforest. This biodiversity park has more than 1050 plant species, 85 mammal species, 310 bird species, 32 amphibian species and 38 reptile species. 
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the eastern DRC consists of two extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi (2790m) and Biega (330m), created as a national park to preserve the habitat of the Eastern Lowland gorilla .
• Africa's oldest national park, Virunga , is home to approximately one-quarter of the world’s mountain gorillas . Apart from gorilla trekking, visitors can also have a chimpanzee trekking experience or explore Mount Nyiragongo , the largest active volcano in the world.

Travel Highlights

UGANDA: 

• Murchison Falls where the Nile forces its way through a 7-metre gap and tumbles 40m.
• Mabamba Swamp , a bird-lovers dream destination with 260 bird species, including the shoebill - Uganda's most sought-after bird.
• Kibale Forest , one of the most beautiful parks in Uganda, dotted with beautiful crater lakes and the best location for some thrilling chimpanzee trekking.
• Explore Semliki with its shoebills, wild scenery and dramatic horizons.
• Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth NP for birding, hippos and great photos!
• Come face to face with Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park . 
• Going on one of the Uganda safaris and tours, you'll have the opportunity to visit Lake Victoria, which is Africa’s largest lake.
• Scenic drives through Rwanda, known as the Land of a Thousand Hills , with its beautiful rolling landscapes dotted with tea plantations, rugged mountains, towering volcanoes and the shimmering Lake Kivu.
• A nature lover's paradise and home to the world's largest population of mountain gorillas within the Volcanoes National Park .
• Our wildlife tours in Rwanda allows you to enjoy a bird hike in Nyungwe Forest with over 670 species recorded.
• Kigali , one of Africa’s cleanest and most interesting capitals.
• Chimpanzee trekking in the Nyungwe forest . 
• Visit the graveyard where Diane Fossey is buried . Her tomb is next to her favourite gorilla, Didget and 20 others.
• Unwind on the sandy shores of Lake Kivu , one of the Great Lakes in the Albertine Rift Valley and explore the charming markets.
• Visit the genocide museum , where 259 000 victims have been buried.
• Spot the Big 5 in Akagera National Park .

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO:

• Trek the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park . They are the largest of the four gorilla subspecies with an adult male average height of 1.69m and weight of 163kg. 
• Mount Nyiragongo is a spectacular stratovolcano that features one of the world’s largest and rarest lava lakes , making it one of Africa’s most exciting and rewarding hiking experiences.
• Experience close encounters with mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park.
• Trek chimpanzees in Virunga National Park , one of the world’s most biodiverse areas.

SPECIAL - RWANDA GORILLA TREKKING

GROUP SAFARI

DISCOUNTED GORILLA 

PERMIT RATE!

4 days / 3 nights

Highlights:  Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Departure dates: 22 May / 28 May / 27 Nov & 14 Dec 2024

UGANDA GORILLA TREKKING

Highlights:  Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi NP

Date:  Aug / Oct 2023

Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Hightlighs:  Kigali & Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi NP

Date: Jun / Jul / Sept 2023

RWANDA GORILLA & CHIMPANZEE SAFARI

7 days / 6 nights

Highlights:  Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking

Date: Private Safari

UGANDA GORILLA & CHIMPANZEE TREKKING

9 Days / 8 Nights

Date:    21-29 September 2024

BEST OF UGANDA

10 Days / 9 Nights

Highlights:  Murchison Falls / Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking

BIRDING, CHIMPANZEE & GORILLA SAFARI

10 Days / 9 Night

Highlights:  Mabamba Swamp / Semliki / Kibale NP / Bwindi NP

MOUNTAIN & LOWLAND GORILLA SAFARI

8 Days / 7 Nights

Highlights:  Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking

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