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A close up of a monkey in a tree

Uganda.

Wildlife. Culture. Murchison Falls. Gorillas. Authentic Food.

East Africa · 1 of 4

Photo Gabriel Schumacher / Unsplash

Uganda, aptly celebrated as the “Pearl of Africa,” unveils a safari experience of extraordinary richness and diversity.

Its iconic landscapes are home to some of the continent’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, including the dramatic Murchison Falls National Park—where the mighty Nile surges through a narrow gorge in a breathtaking cascade—and the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park, famed for its remarkable biodiversity, scenic crater lakes, and rare tree-climbing lions. In the heart of this lush wilderness lies Kibale Forest, widely acclaimed as the primate capital of East Africa, boasting one of the highest concentrations of chimpanzees on the continent and offering an unparalleled, immersive tracking experience through verdant rainforest.

Completing this extraordinary natural tapestry, the Virunga Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop of mist-clad peaks, where visitors may encounter the enchanting golden monkeys, adding a rare and delightful dimension to any primate safari. Together, these exceptional highlights position Uganda as a premier destination for discerning travellers seeking an authentic, diverse, and deeply enriching African adventure.

Best time to travel

Jun – Aug and Dec – Feb

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is at its best in the two drier windows, when forest trails are firmer underfoot. Trekking continues through the rains, with harder going on the trails. An indicative pattern rather than a forecast; conditions vary year to year.

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The guide

Uganda in full

Uganda's draw is primates. It holds roughly half the world's remaining mountain gorillas in Bwindi, and Kibale has the highest concentration of chimpanzees anywhere — which together make it the most rewarding primate destination on the continent.

But the country is greener and more varied than the gorilla trek it is known for: crater lakes, the Nile at Murchison, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and the Rwenzori mountains on the Congolese border.

Gateways

  • EBB — Entebbe InternationalThe only international gateway, on Lake Victoria about an hour from Kampala.
  • KSE — KaseseA domestic airstrip serving Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Rwenzori.

Getting around

  • Uganda is mostly driven, and the distances are longer than they look on paper — roads are good in places and slow in others, and the gorilla sectors are deep in the south-west.
  • Domestic flights to Bwindi, Kasese and Murchison shorten a trip considerably and are worth it on anything under two weeks.
  • Gorilla permits are limited, dated and bought in advance. They are the fixed point an itinerary is built around, not something to arrange late.

In pictures

Uganda

Planning Uganda

Uganda — the questions we are asked

  • When is the best time to visit Uganda?

    Jun – Aug and Dec – Feb. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is at its best in the two drier windows, when forest trails are firmer underfoot. Trekking continues through the rains, with harder going on the trails.

  • Which Famous Africa journeys include Uganda?

    Famous Africa plans Uganda as a tailor-made itinerary rather than a fixed departure, on its own or combined with neighbouring countries. Nothing is sold as a set package, so the routing, lodges and length are decided with the traveller.

  • What is Uganda known for?

    Uganda, aptly celebrated as the “Pearl of Africa,” unveils a safari experience of extraordinary richness and diversity. Wildlife, Culture, Murchison Falls, Gorillas, Authentic Food.

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