Uganda captivates travelers with its untamed wilderness and vibrant culture. This travel guide equips you with everything you need to know for an unforgettable safari adventure, from the best times to visit and must-do activities to travel tips and packing essentials.
A Snapshot of Why We Love Uganda
-
An ideal destination for primate trekking, but also the full safari experience including unique tree-climbing lions.
-
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: home to nearly half of the world’s remaining gorillas, including several habituated groups accessible for guided trekking.
-
Aquatic adventures include white water rafting on the Nile River and river cruises on Lake Victoria.
-
The Rwenzori Mountains: often called the "Mountains of the Moon," form a spectacular range in western Uganda. Renowned for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking scenery, the range includes Africa’s third-highest peak.
Getting to Uganda
There are flights directly to Uganda from major international airports into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), Uganda’s main international gateway. Flights to Uganda from the U.S. connect through major hubs in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa. Total travel time from the U.S. ranges from 18–28 hours, depending on layovers and routes.
Uganda Visa and Entry Requirements:
-
Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers to Uganda over one year of age and must be given ten days prior to travel.
-
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda.
-
A single-entry tourist visa is required for US travelers. It is valid for up to 90 days and costs $50.
-
-
Apply for the visa online by uploading a passport copy, travel itinerary, passport-sized photo, yellow fever vaccination certificate, and hotel booking or address along with visa payment.
-
-
-
You must be able to show proof of onward travel arrangements.
-
-
-
Single-entry visas can be extended for up to 60 days (in two intervals) online or at immigration offices in Uganda.
-
-
-
Multiple-entry visas are also available for 6, 12, or 24 months for frequent travelers. These require police clearance, a recommendation letter from references in Uganda, and a cover letter.
-
-
-
If you are also traveling to Kenya and/or Rwanda, there is an East African Tourist Visa that is valid for Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and costs $100.
-
-
Please be aware that although Ker & Downey will advise you of the current information concerning visas and other requirements, it is your responsibility to reconfirm the information and obtain all necessary documents for entry to countries listed on your itinerary. Visa requirements change frequently.
When to Visit Uganda
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons (June–September and December–March), which is ideal for primate trekking, especially to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Trails in Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest during this time are less muddy and more accessible, with pleasant weather and minimal rainfall. Booking gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits well in advance is crucial due to high demand and limited daily slots.
Shoulder seasons (March to May and October to November) can be wetter, causing trekking conditions to be more challenging, but fewer crowds and lower costs.
For more detailed information visit our East Africa Seasonality and Pricing Guide.
What to Do in Uganda
The major draw to Uganda is the once-in-a-lifetime adventure to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also boasts almost 350 bird species, 200 butterfly species, and over 300 tree species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
For chimp trekking, head to Kibale National Park, renowned for its population of over 1,500 chimpanzees and a high sighting success rate. The park also hosts 12 other primate species, offering a rich primate-watching experience.
Beyond the primates, Uganda’s national parks are teeming with wildlife. Enjoy game drives to spot lions, elephants, bushbucks, Ugandan kob, zebras, impalas, elands, topi, and buffaloes. Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Southern Ishasha sector along the Ntungwe River for its unique tree-climbing lions. The park is also one of East Africa’s premier bird watching destinations, with hundreds of species to observe.
Uganda also has exciting aquatic adventures. Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Victoria or along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. For a thrilling experience, cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River thunders through a narrow gorge, surrounded by wildlife. Adventure seeking travelers can try white water rafting on the Nile River, one of the world’s most exhilarating rafting destinations.
Lastly, discover the stunning volcanic craters at the foothills of the Mountains of the Moon in western Uganda, offering breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities. These scenic areas provide a serene backdrop for photography and exploration. Whether you’re trekking primates, spotting big game, or cruising along wildlife-rich waterways, Uganda’s diverse attractions promise an unforgettable adventure.
Travel to Uganda
It may be small, but Uganda has so much to offer. Friendly people, oodles of wildlife (including gorillas) and a beyond blissful year-round climate make this a destination worth adding to your travel bucket list. Read the QUEST article for the six reasons to go on a luxury Uganda safari.
Why You Should Travel to UgandaWhat to Pack for a Safari in Uganda
For your Uganda trip, pack lightweight, quick-dry, neutral-colored clothing suitable for safaris and hiking. For trekking, wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to protect against nettle stings, and sturdy hiking boots (preferred over walking shoes) for wet forest trails. Include compact rain gear for sudden showers. Bringing a camera for wildlife and scenery is a must! Consider packing a small snack and water bottle for treks, but note that eating, drinking, and smoking near primates are prohibited. We suggest hiring a porter for a small fee to carry your day pack—this enhances your trekking experience and supports local communities.
For some helpful packing suggestions, visit our Amazon store where you’ll find packing suggestions for both men and women for regular safaris as well as men’s and women’s lists specifically for gorilla trekking.
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Ker & Downey earns a small commission when you click through and make a purchase.
Primate Safari Packing List
You've booked your primate trekking safari and now you need to pack. Here's Ker & Downey's guide for what to pack for a primate trekking safari in Rwanda, Uganda, and/or Republic of Congo.
See the Packing ListOur Favorite Uganda Travel Itineraries
There are journeys, and then there are once-in-a-lifetime sojourns that few have experienced, and not many will believe. Explore our two sample Uganda wildlife itineraries to inspire your own personalized Uganda trip.
The Uganda Primate Safari
Ker & Downey’s Uganda Primate Safari takes you through all of Uganda’s major national parks. Over two weeks, enjoy extraordinary experiences, gorilla trekking, and communing with nature in activities both soulful and heart-pounding.
See the Journey
Uganda Gorilla Safari
On this customizable 10-night Uganda gorilla safari, you will experience more than just game drives in East Africa. You also have the opportunity to see firsthand the incredible beauty of the Kibale National Park and the Queen Elizabeth National Park. From the volcanic crater lakes to the exotic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this is a Uganda safari that will dazzle your senses.
Explore the Journey
Uganda
Uganda is a unique experience for those searching for an uncommon adventure.
Discover Uganda
Talk to A Travel Designer
Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.
Or give us a call at 800.423.4236.
Inquire NowSee What We Are Up To
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter for Travel Tips and Insider Guides for Planning your Next Journey!