UGANDA HOLIDAYS
The Pearl of Africa – Gorillas, Wildlife & Adventure
UGANDA SAFARIS AND TOURS
2 Nights / 3 Days
Bwindi Gorilla Trek
from £ 1,940.00 per person
Inclusive of internal flights to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an exciting trek to find the African mountain gorilla. Add this on to any East Africa Safari for a thrilling encounter with these magnificent endangered giants.
4 Nights / 5 Days
Kampala – Lake Mburo National Park – Bwindi Gorilla Trek – Entebbe
from: £ 2,995.00 per person
Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter of rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Experience the true wonders of Lake Mburo Park and Bwindi Forest.
7 Nights / 8 Days
Entebbe – Lake Mburo National Park – Bwindi Gorilla Trek – Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kibale Forest Chimp Trek- Entebbe
from: £ 3,415.00 per person
Experience some of Uganda’s best highlights and view exceptional wildlife.
Uganda Safari Highlights
- Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas.
- Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, one of Africa’s best destinations for primate experiences.
- Search for tree-climbing lions and abundant wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Cruise the Nile at Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants and other wildlife along the riverbanks.
- Enjoy a horseback safari around Lake Mburo National Park.
- Experience white-water rafting on the Nile near Jinja.
- For an even more immersive experience, take part in a gorilla habituation experience and spend extended time with a mountain gorilla family.
Fascinating Facts
- Winston Churchill famously described Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” after visiting the country in the early 20th century.
- Uganda is one of the world’s most important destinations for seeing mountain gorillas in the wild.
- The country is exceptionally rich in birdlife, with more than 1,000 recorded bird species.
- Uganda is home to the source region of the River Nile, the world’s longest or one of the world’s longest river systems depending on measurement.
- Its landscapes range from tropical rainforest and savannah to volcanic mountains, crater lakes and the vast waters of Lake Victoria.
- Uganda gained independence from Britain on 9 October 1962.
Uganda Travel Information
Useful Information
CURRENCY
Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US dollars are also widely used for many tourism services.
VISAS
Most UK passport holders require a visa to visit Uganda. Tourist visas must be applied for online before travel. A single-entry tourist visa currently costs US$50 and may be granted for up to three months. Passports should have at least six months’ validity.
For travellers combining Uganda with Kenya and Rwanda, an East Africa Tourist Visa is also available, currently costing US$100
TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT +3 hours. Uganda does not observe daylight saving time, so it is usually 3 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 2 hours ahead in summer.
LANGUAGE
English and Swahili are official languages, alongside many local languages spoken throughout the country.
INTERNATIONAL DIALLING CODE
+256
GETTING THERE
International flights arrive at Entebbe International Airport, approximately 40 km south-west of Kampala. Uganda Airlines currently operates direct services between London Gatwick and Entebbe, with many additional connecting options via African, Middle Eastern and European hubs.
Best Time for a Uganda Safari
Uganda is a year-round destination, but the generally drier periods from December to February and June to September are particularly popular for safaris and gorilla trekking. Trails are usually easier to navigate and wildlife viewing can be excellent.
The wetter seasons generally fall between March and May and October and November. Rainfall can be heavy at times, particularly in the forested regions, but these months also bring lush green landscapes, fewer visitors and excellent birdwatching.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is possible throughout the year, although the drier months can make forest trails more comfortable. Trekking permits are limited and can sell out during popular travel periods, so booking well in advance is recommended.
For a classic Uganda safari combining gorillas, chimpanzees and wildlife viewing, June to September and December to February are excellent times to travel.
Tips for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking can involve walking for several hours through forest, often over steep, muddy or uneven terrain. You don’t need to be exceptionally fit, but a reasonable level of mobility and fitness will make the experience much more enjoyable.
The length and difficulty of a trek varies depending on where the primates are located that day. Some encounters may be reached relatively quickly, while others require a longer walk through the forest. Good walking shoes, lightweight long trousers, a waterproof jacket and plenty of water are essential.
Hiring a local porter is highly recommended. Porters can carry your daypack and provide valuable assistance on difficult or slippery sections of the trail, while also directly supporting the local community.
Once you find the gorillas or chimpanzees, take time to enjoy the experience rather than viewing it entirely through a camera. Forest photography can be challenging, so take a few photographs and then simply enjoy the extraordinary privilege of observing these primates in their natural habitat.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are limited, particularly during the most popular travel months, so we recommend arranging your safari well in advance.
Planning Your Uganda Safaris
Uganda safaris offer a wonderfully varied experience, combining lush landscapes, welcoming communities, spectacular wildlife and some of Africa’s most memorable primate experiences.
Accommodation ranges from comfortable, good-value lodges and camps to luxurious properties in outstanding wildlife locations, so a Uganda safari can be planned around different budgets and travel styles.
Uganda is also a destination where good planning really matters. Distances can be considerable and gorilla and chimpanzee permits need to be arranged in advance.
Uganda also combines beautifully with Kenya for a memorable East Africa safari.
Tell us what you would like to experience and your approximate budget, and our Africa travel experts will help create the right Uganda safari for you.
Planning Your Safari?
Our Safari Planning Guide has useful information about safari accommodation, game drives, fly-in and road safaris, what to pack, baggage, photography, tipping and more.
