Home to endangered Mountain Gorillas, the widest range of primates in Africa and birds galore.
Uganda is a country of beautiful scenery and offers diverse activities like gorilla trekking, safaris, multiday mountain treks, and white-water rafting. Winston Churchill called it 'the Pearl of Africa' for its beauty, abundant wildlife and diversity.
The strikingly-beautiful country remains unspoilt and untamed, despite growing in population as a safari destination extraordinaire. It’s home to about half the world’s population of mountain gorillas which is one of the most threatened animals species in Africa. It’s estimated that there are fewer than 1 000 of these magnificent primates remaining in the world.
Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is synonymous for many with the endangered Mountain Gorilla. These live in its remote southern forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (what a name!) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Yet Uganda safari holidays also have an authenticity and diversity of wildlife that sets them apart. They have so much more to offer than just gorilla trekking! You can see primates like the golden monkeys in Bwindi. Or chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve and Semliki National Park. You can explore the beautiful landscapes of Murchison Falls or Kidepo. Or the wild water beauty of Jinja on the River Nile.
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It borders the DRC to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, Tanzania to the south (with Lake Victoria between them), Kenya to the east, and South Sudan to the north. It’s a pretty stable country, which makes it an attractive option for those wanting to visit the region. It’s also quite poor, so tourism brings a much-needed boost to the economy.
When can i do my
Uganda safari?
Uganda lies on the Equator and has a warm subtropical climate. Daytime temperatures average between 25 and 29°C (77 and 84°F). Night-time temperatures frequently drop below 20°C (68ºF), offering a nice reprieve on hot days. Humidity is pretty much always high, so don't forget your Mitchum.
The best seasons for visiting Uganda
The general consensus is that it's best to visit Uganda during one of the two dry seasons.
The best time to visit Uganda is between June and September, the country's dry season. This time of the year has the most comfortable climate for gorilla tracking..
Importantly, the success rate of Gorilla trekking is nearly 100%, so if Gorilla trekking is the key objective of your trip, you are essentially guaranteed to experience getting up close and personal with this iconic species regardless of when you travel.
The wet season months of March through to May, as well as November, are not exactly for the faint of heart as conditions under foot can be fairly treacherous.
The drier seasons in Uganda are December to February and June to August. These are good months to visit to avoid the rains. December to February are very hot, however, so June to September is the best time for dry weather and cooler days.
Everything Uganda
Travel Guide
There is a time and a place to monkey around – and that’s during your private vacation in Uganda! Experience an awesome encounter with chimpanzees and endangered mountain gorillas. Discover the ever-changing views of the iconic African savannah, stunning waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, picturesque villages, carpet-like tea country, breathtaking volcanoes and countless lakes.
Currency & cards
Uganda uses the Ugandan Shilling (UGX) as national currency. US dollars are accepted in most tourist destinations but only notes that were printed in 2013 or later. While exchanging money, it is best to use higher denomination notes such as 50 or 100. ATMs are abundantly available in Uganda however, to ensure that you are not a victim of fraud, it is best to withdraw money only from ATMs that are attached to a bank. Visa and Mastercards are accepted in larger establishments however an Amex card may be refused.
Tipping is not widely accepted however, as Uganda is a developing nation with wage rates lower than most western nations, tipping is appreciated.
Health Information
If you are traveling to Uganda, you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Do make sure that you have all the routine vaccinations in place, e.g. chickenpox, polio, MMR, typhoid, Hepatitis A and yearly flu shot. Since most parts of Uganda are prone to malaria, it’s best to carry any-malaria medication and mosquito repellent. Pregnant women need to be especially careful while traveling in rural areas owing to the prevalence of the Zika virus. It is important to avoid drinking tap water in Uganda – make sure you only drink bottled or filtered water.
Language & Religion
There are around 49 languages spoken in Uganda, but English and Swahili are the official languages and Luganda is also commonly used. Uganda is a predominantly Christian country and has a significant Muslim minority (about 14%). Iganga District in the east of the country has the highest percentage of Muslims. About 1% of the population follows indigenous beliefs and a lot of Ugandans practice their traditional belief together with Islam or Christianity.
How safe is it to travel
to Uganda?
It is safe for tourists to travel to Uganda. The country has low crime rates and secure wildlife attractions. While road safety and petty theft require vigilance, exercising caution and following health advisories ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful country. Read on for everything you need to know before you travel.
Uganda is generally a safe and welcoming destination for visitors, with thousands of people touring annually to trek its lush national parks and experience its vibrant culture. Recognising tourism's economic value in recent years, Uganda’s government has made significant strides in improving security for visitors, particularly in key tourist areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
When visiting any travel destination, there are always potential risks to your safety and security, and these should be identified and considered before travelling. It’s important to remember though that these risks can be minimised with proper planning, prudence and awareness.
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The Experts in African
Safaris & Tours
We are a tour operator based in Uganda and our passion is making African travel dreams a reality.