Uganda travel guide, including map of Uganda, top Uganda travel experiences, tips for travel in Uganda, plus where to see mountain gorillas in Uganda
Although it was once synonymous with Idi Amin, these days Uganda has a different headline act: the mountain gorillas that roam Uganda's dense jungle interior. The dark days of dictatorship are long gone and a spell in this mesmerising country will make your heart beat faster for all the right reasons.
Uganda doesn’t do things by halves and there is a smorgasbord of heavyweight attractions – the source of the Nile, the highest mountain range in Africa, the world’s most powerful waterfall and, of course, opportunities to come face to face with one of the most awesome creatures on earth: the mountain gorilla.
Don’t underestimate the Rwenzori Mountains – hikers must be fit as the trails are tough and you could end up, quite literally, knee or waist deep in mud. Pack warm clothing for high altitudes.
Uganda is warm all year round. Temperatures range between 21-26ºC but are tempered by altitude – up high it’s far chillier. There are two rainy seasons – March-May and mid-September-November, which are best avoided if you plan to hike or camp.
Entebbe (EBB) 35 km from Kampala.
There are no passenger trains and hardly any ferries. Buses and matatus (minibus) are cheap but unreliable and not much cop if you want to explore the parks. Boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) are for those with nerves of steel.
Roads are of a reasonable standard and self-drive car hire is available but fuel is expensive. You can also book cars with guides. The terrain is generally flat enough to get around by mountain bike and buses will usually let you transport your bike on the roof.
Throughout Uganda accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets is easy to come by. The local lingo can be confusing – self-contained means an en suite hotel and in Swahili hoteli refers to a restaurant.
Upmarket hotels and swanky bush lodges come equipped with en suites, mosquito nets, TVs and air conditioning or fans. Budget hotels are of a reasonable standard and usually have en suites, mosquito nets, fans and running water.
At the lowest end of the spectrum are guesthouses – rather insalubrious rooms set around a courtyard with shared toilets. Numerous organised campsites can also be found.
Food is simple, cheap and filling. Meals usually consist of rice, chapatti, ugali (maize porridge) or matoke (cooked plantain) with a meat or chicken stew. Everything can be flavoured with groundnut sauce. Kampala offers greater variety if Ugandan cuisine doesn’t float your boat.
Vegetarians don’t fare well unless they make a beeline for Indian eateries. Chai (sweet tea) is widely drunk and the best beer is Nile Special.
Some areas, especially the north, are plagued by banditry – check current safety advice before travelling.
Kampala is relatively safe although there have been reports of theft from cars stuck in traffic and drugging on buses and in bars. Security has been stepped up since the Bwindi massacre, where eight tourists were killed on a gorilla trek.
Most towns have medical facilities and English-speaking doctors. Take precautions against malaria, yellow fever, meningitis and insect bites (namely tsetse, tumbu and blackflies, ticks and sandfleas). Avoid swimming in water with a bilharzia risk. Rates of STIs are high; many travellers get stomach upsets.
Do you want to track big game on foot or in a dugout canoe? Explore vast savannahs or sweeping dunes? Focus on birds or bigger beasts like lion and rhino? Plot the perfect African safari for you... More
The BBC’s Dynasties has thrilled viewers by documenting the complex lives of some of the most endangered species on earth. Now you can encounter them first hand on these exciting wildlife tours More
Eastern and Central Africa are home to the best places in the world to track chimps if you know where to look. Discover the best spots across Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania for seeing these great apes... More
Visitors to Uganda’s Budongo Forest can now not only spend a whole day with its wild chimps but play a vital role in protecting their future. Discover how you can make a difference on your visit... More
From little-known corners of Zimbabwe and Zambia to the classic wildlife hotspots of South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, there’s an African wildlife adventure just for you More
We've listed the best African safaris to suit every traveller, whether it's your first or third time in Africa, or whether you're travelling on a budget or in luxury. More
We take a look at some of the most endangered animals in the world, and recommend where you can see them in their natural habitat. More
A recent survey of expats asked them to rank the world’s most family-friendly countries on inclusivity, attitudes to children, safety and family-friendly activities. The results may surprise you ... More
It’s not all ‘bad news’ when it comes to wildlife conservation. From African elephants in Chad to Channel island foxes in the US, here are the 7 inspiring stories of species whose numbers are increasing. More
Missed Glastonbury? From Ugandan beach parties to a Japanese mountain festival, these cool festivals should satisfy your ears, including where to see PJ Harvey, Bombino, Alt-J and more... More
Photographer and wildlife guide Paul Goldstein speaks out against Rwanda’s decision to double gorilla entry fees, including why tourists and Rwandans will lose out - and why Uganda will gain from it More
From scorpions and lobster to dinner with a Raj and a blowout burger, these are 40 meals from around the world that will remain in your tastebuds’ memory forever More
Wanderlust subscribers now receive a free £50 voucher valid on trips from a great selection of top tour operators
And the best bit is, this isn't a one-off offer, you get one every time you renew as well!
The £50 discount can be redeemed against one trip booking with one of our tour operator partners, by the expiry date printed on the voucher. The £50 can even be redeemed on top of any discounts our partners are already offering, ensuring Wanderlust subscribers get the best deal possible.
Simply quote your unique voucher code when booking to claim the discount. This offer is only available to Wanderlust subscribers.
UK subscribers automatically receive the voucher each year. Overseas subscribers receive it upon request.
Venture Co Worldwide
From: £3295.00
Meet the lion on the Savannah and the Gorilla in the rainforest.
KE Adventure Travel
From: £3595.00
Incredible and the best Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Rainbow Tours
From: £4850.00
This private, fully guided individual tour takes in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track the endangered Mountain gorillas, staying at the lovely Buhoma Lodge. Then travel to Queen Elizabet...
TravelLocal
From: £1940.00
Experience East Africa's top primate destinations with some specially tailored activities to see ‘the greats’, as well as making time for a savannah game drive!
G Adventures
From: £5949.00
Search for the "big five", witness giant sand dunes and the massive Victoria Falls, ride in 4x4 safari vehicles and dugout canoes, meet mountain gorillas, discover Zanzibar's crystal clear waters.
Tucan Travel
From: £2405.97
A diverse adventure through four countries, begin your tour in Kigali and learn about Rwanda's turbulent history. You will be then whisked to Lake Bunyonyi, the base for our Gorilla Trek where you ...
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £5650.0000
This extraordinary private journey is the perfect introduction to the highlights of Uganda. While the exceptionally rare mountain gorilla is often the image most commonly associated with the countr...
Oasis Overland
From: £1275.00
This One Off Expedition will take you to many destinations that are off the regular Africa Overland route. Destinations include Mutarazi Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and we will explore Gorongos...
Wildlife Worldwide
From: £Contact us
From tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to gazing at majestic lions on the savannah, this suggested itinerary showcases Uganda's stunning landscapes together with some of its ...
Rainbow Tours
From: £4315.00
Combine a unique safari experience in Uganda, for the more adventurous, with the spice island of Zanzibar. This trip takes you to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the wilderness of Ishasha where l...
Wildlife Worldwide
From: £Contact us
This small group wildlife-watching tour has been specially designed to maximise opportunities to enjoy the astonishing diversity of Uganda’s remarkable fauna, with options to track gorillas in Bwin...
G Adventures
From: £1559.00
Admire a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, have your bases covered with all national park and permit fees for gorilla trekking included, visit the Genocide Memorial in Kigali.
Oasis Overland
From: £2175.00
Trek to see the mountain gorillas, swim with dolphins, walk with lions or, relax on sandy tropical beaches. Add in a few adrenaline activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting, gorge swin...
KE Adventure Travel
From: £3095.00
Uganda at its best: Gorillas, chimps, lions and enchanting walks in Bwindi, Rwenzori Foothills and Kibali.
Tucan Travel
From: £1037.40
Beginning in Kigali, discover how Rwanda has flourished in the last few years before heading to Lake Bunyonyi where your search for mountain gorillas begins. Spend an hour with a family of these in...
TravelLocal
From: £1480.00
Journey out to the wild savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park to search for climbing lions, elephants and game herds as well as heading to the rainforest to visit highly rare mountain gorillas.
TravelLocal
From: £2070.00
From tracking chimpanzees to discovering tree-climbing lions and meeting the rare mountain gorillas - no trip to Uganda can possibly be complete without visiting these destinations!
G Adventures
From: £1399.20
See a mountain gorilla up close and personal, search for chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, opt to raft the White Nile River
Rainbow Tours
From: £8215.00
An exclusive tailor-made fly-around safari with experienced safari guides in comfortable vehicles together with charter flights. This safari combines luxury, style, service and authenticity to prov...
Wildlife Worldwide
From: £Contact us
This six night trip immerses you in an amazing wildlife experience, tracking gorillas in the depths of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Oasis Overland
From: £1725.00
From the majestic Mountain Gorillas to the wildlife on offer in our 3 parks experience (Serengeti, Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater) - you will captivated by the marvels of the animal kingdom. Relax i...
Tucan Travel
From: £2689.47
An extensive journey through east Africa, head straight to Rwanda to learn about the country’s recent history and the lengths it has gone to to implement change. From Uganda, spend an hour with the...
Rainbow Tours
From: £4420.00
An incredible journey into central Africa – this safari includes return flights to Bwindi/Queen Elizabeth National Park allowing maximum time to enjoy your safari. Searching for the spect...
Oasis Overland
From: £2625.00
This is an expedition through the heart of Africa from days of old. From crossing deserts, rivers and mountains and overcoming a multitude of challenges this continent can throw at you, inter-twine...
TravelLocal
From: £3890.00
Take in the marvellous panoramic views of Uganda with an experienced birding guide, with the added bonus of gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
G Adventures
From: £2499.00
Admire a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, trek to see chimpanzees in Uganda, keep your eyes peeled for the plentiful elephant and hippo populations in Queen Elizabeth National ...
Tucan Travel
From: £1124.50
From one exhilarating experience to the next, this tour aims to make memories for life. You can get moments away from a family of gorillas in the wild on the Gorilla Trek, meet local pygmy villager...
Oasis Overland
From: £695.00
Enjoy the beauty of some of the best gameparks in four incredible East African countries. You'll visit soda and fresh water lakes abundant in bird and wildlife, trek through rainforests of the Bwin...
G Adventures
From: £5849.25
Learn about Rwanda's somber past at the Genocide Memorial, Look out for gorillas during guided treks, Meet with scientists at the Karisoke Research Center, Cruise the Kazinga Channel to view hippos...
Rainbow Tours
From: £5298.00
This private tour includes all of Uganda's most well-known highlights - Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi, Kibale and Lake Mburo - with the services of a private driver-guide. You stay in ex...
TravelLocal
From: £3580.00
Discover ‘The Pearl of Africa’ by hiking in tropical rainforests, exploring rolling savannahs, paddling crystal clear lakes and discovering the East African wilderness at its best.
Tucan Travel
From: £2305.17
Packed with safaris and wildlife viewing opportunities, this Overland Tour takes you to four countries, with diverse cultures, histories and sceneries. Including a trek to the endangered mountain g...
G Adventures
From: £659.25
Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in 4x4 safari vans, stay overnight in a safari camp, spot Africa's "big five" in their natural habitat, see rhinos and pelicans on the shores of Lake Nakuru.
Oasis Overland
From: £6450.00
Travelling from Ghana we cross through Central Africa, along routes rarely travelled by the average tourist and immerse ourselves in a culture few get to experience. Cape Town brings us back to 'we...
Tucan Travel
From: £5147.40
The ultimate adventure for anyone travelling to Africa, spend 53 days travelling from Nairobi to Cape Town. Packed with iconic sights, amazing safaris and jaw-dropping landscapes, it is the perfect...
Rainbow Tours
From: £2920.00
A short fly- in visit to Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to see Mountain gorillas while based at the comfortable Buhoma Lodge. It is an excellent add-on to a safari in Kenya or Ta...
G Adventures
From: £1743.20
Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in 4x4 safari vans, admire mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, search for chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest, take your pick of outdoor activities in Jinja
Oasis Overland
From: £545.00
This overland trip takes in some of the smaller, but no less beautiful East African National Parks. Their alkaline soda lakes and fresh water lakes are abundant in beautiful bird and wildlife, and ...
Tucan Travel
From: £2122.47
Take in East Africa's highlights as you travel from Kigali to Arusha on this unforgettable tour. Unspoiled landscapes await and hoards of wildlife will be seen, as you discover some of the most fam...
Tucan Travel
From: £1511.37
Three countries sitting close together but packed with so many differences it is easy to tell the moment you cross borders. In two weeks, hike through the Ugandan rainforest to spend an hour with t...
Oasis Overland
From: £2845.00
Trek to see the mountain gorillas, swim with dolphins, walk with lions or, relax on sandy tropical beaches. Rough it up along back roads in remote areas around Lake Victoria and Namibia where we ma...
G Adventures
From: £2479.20
Track the "big five" on wildlife safari drives in the Serengeti National Park, meet mountain gorillas, raft the White Nile River, discover Zanzibar's crystal-clear waters, experience the hustle-and...
G Adventures
From: £3711.75
Get up close and personal with mountain gorillas in their backyard, learn about gorillas during a lecture from one of the head wardens of Volcanoes National Park, enjoy a local lunch at the G Adven...
Oasis Overland
From: £2275.00
This One Off Expedition will take you to many destinations that are off the regular Africa Overland route. Northern Kenya and Lake Turkana making our way to Ethiopia, where we exploreone of the low...
G Adventures
From: £2879.20
Track the "big five" on wildlife safari drives in the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park, meet mountain gorillas, raft the White Nile River, discover Zanzibar's crystal-clear waters, experience...
Oasis Overland
From: £2625.00
An expedition through the heart of Africa from days of old. From crossing deserts, rivers and mountains and overcoming a multitude of challenges this continent can throw at you, inter-twined with s...
Oasis Overland
From: £3740.00
Watch this short video to see what this trip is like: Nile Trans Video The words 'Cape Town to Cairo' conjure up images of African expeditions from days of old. Even today there are a multitude of...
Oasis Overland
From: £1445.00
(Option to finish in Lilongwe, Malawi)From the majestic Mountain Gorillas to the wildlife on offer in our 3 parks experience (Serengeti, Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater) - you will captivated by the ...
Oasis Overland
From: £3350.00
This One Off Expedition will take you to many destinations that are off the regular Africa Overland route. Destinations include Mutarazi Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and we will explore Gorongos...
Oasis Overland
From: £1285.00
This is a fantastic overland tour for those of you with a passion for the animal kingdom. The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one for the bucket list. Wildebeest, Zebra, Gazelle, Giraffes,...
Oasis Overland
From: £7690.00
This epic expedition through Africa encompasses all the incredible landscapes, culture & wildlife you could imagine. From the harshness of the Sahara desert, the dense jungles of central Africa and...
Oasis Overland
From: £3995.00
Watch this short video to see what this trip is like: Nile Trans Video The words 'Cairo to Cape Town' conjure up images of African expeditions from days of old. Even today there are a multitude of...
Oasis Overland
From: £4295.00
This One Off Expedition will take you to many destinations that are off the regular Africa Overland route. Destinations include Mutarazi Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and we will explore Gorongos...
Sign up today for free and be the first to get notified of new articles, new competitions, new events and more!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.