Uganda

Botswana

The Pearl of Africa

A trip to Uganda is an immersion into the very “Pearl of Africa.” This is a land of profound beauty and staggering diversity, a lush and fertile country where the sun-drenched savannas of East Africa converge with the dense, mysterious rainforests of Central Africa. This exceptional meeting point creates a destination that offers a microcosm of the entire continent within its compact borders.

A Uganda safari is a journey of dramatic contrasts and authentic, off-the-beaten-path character. Here, the snow-capped “Mountains of the Moon” tower over vast inland seas, and the mighty Nile River explodes through a thunderous gorge. We design Uganda holidays that connect you to the soul of this vibrant nation, offering a chance to experience Africa’s wonders in a more intimate and personal way, far from the crowds.

Ready to embark on your next adventure?

Top Regions and Attractions

The Uganda tours and safaris we design are a journey through an astounding variety of landscapes, from misty rainforests to classic big-game savannahs. The country’s compact size and excellent infrastructure make it possible to experience this incredible diversity in a single, seamless itinerary. Below, we introduce the essential parks that form the heart of an unforgettable Ugandan adventure.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Realm of the Mountain Gorilla

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a mist-shrouded ancient rainforest that provides a haven for almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The pinnacle of any safari here is the life-altering trek to spend an hour in the quiet company of a habituated gorilla family in their pristine, wild habitat.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

A Mosaic of Wonders

Queen Elizabeth National Park showcases astonishing ecological diversity, from sprawling grassy plains to dozens of shimmering crater lakes. It is most famous for the unique tree-climbing lions of its Ishasha sector and the Kazinga Channel, which is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of hippos and enormous Nile crocodiles.

Murchison Falls National Park

The Power of the Nile

Uganda’s largest national park is defined by the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the entire Nile River is forced through a violent 7-meter gorge. The park’s palm-studded savannahs are a vital sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and offer classic game viewing for lions, elephants, and buffalo.

Kibale National Park

The Primate Capital of the World

Kibale National Park is a lush rainforest that boasts the highest concentration and greatest variety of primates found anywhere in Africa. It is the world’s premier destination for chimpanzee tracking, with a population of over 1,500 individuals and a sighting success rate of over 90%, offering an unparalleled immersion into the world of our closest living relatives.

Uganda Wildlife

The Ultimate Primate Safari

The story of Uganda wildlife is centered on its status as the global epicenter for primate encounters. The opportunity to meet our closest living relatives in their natural habitat is a truly soul-stirring experience. Beyond the great apes, Uganda offers superb classic game viewing with a unique, uncrowded character.

Mountain Gorillas

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are a life-altering experience. We will guide you on an intimate trek into Bwindi’s misty forests to spend a magical hour with these gentle giants.

Chimpanzees

Experience the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, following the boisterous calls of a large habituated community through their rainforest home.

Tree-Climbing Lions

The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of only a few places in Africa where you can witness the rare and unforgettable sight of lions lounging in the branches of giant fig trees.

Rothschild's Giraffe

Murchison Falls is a crucial sanctuary for the largest remaining population of this endangered and elegant giraffe subspecies.

Shoebill Stork

For birders, the ultimate prize is a sighting of the iconic and prehistoric-looking shoebill, found in the papyrus swamps of Mabamba and the Nile Delta.

At a Glance

Capital City

Kampala

Official Language

English, Swahili

Currency

Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

Key Safari Airports

Entebbe International Airport (EBB)

Fascinating Facts

The Pearl of Africa

A name given by Winston Churchill in 1907 for the country’s magnificent beauty, color, and diversity of life.

A Primate Superpower

Uganda is home to 13 primate species in Kibale alone and provides sanctuary for nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

Source of the Nile

The world’s longest river begins its epic journey to the Mediterranean from the shores of Lake Victoria at Jinja.

Travel Essentials

Visas

A visa is required for most visitors and must be obtained online in advance through the official government e-visa portal. Visas are no longer issued on arrival.

Health

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry. Malaria is a high risk, and prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

Safety

Uganda is a politically stable and secure country with exceptionally friendly and welcoming people, making for a safe and rewarding journey.

Uganda Luxury Safaris

Journeys to the Pearl

We have crafted a selection of Uganda safari packages that immerse you in the staggering beauty and biodiversity of “The Pearl of Africa.” Explore our primate-focused Uganda safari tours or contact our experts to design a multi-country trip, like a classic Kenya and Uganda safari.

Uganda Unveiled: Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Encounters

From Savanna to Jungle: 7 Days of Big Cats and Gorillas in Kenya & Uganda

Primates and Plains: A Luxury Safari & Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda

Activities & Experiences

Our Uganda gorilla trekking tours are just the beginning. We design active and immersive journeys filled with unforgettable experiences that connect you to Uganda’s diverse landscapes.

Primate Encounters

Experience the profound, life-altering hour with a mountain gorilla family. For the ultimate immersion, embark on the full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale, joining researchers for an in-depth look into their lives.

Safaris on the Water

Take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel for unparalleled views of hippos and crocodiles, or journey to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls to feel the power of the Nile.

Adrenaline & Adventure

For the thrill-seeker, we can arrange world-class white-water rafting on the Grade 5 rapids of the Nile at Jinja, East Africa’s undisputed “Adventure Capital.”

Best Time to Visit

Our experts can help you decide the best time to visit Uganda, though its equatorial climate makes it a pleasant year-round destination.

Dry Season

June - Aug & Dec - Feb

This is the classic safari season. With sparse vegetation and shrinking water sources, wildlife is easier to spot as it concentrates around rivers and waterholes. The Okavango Delta flood is at its peak, and huge herds of elephants line the Chobe River. If your priority is seeing the highest density of big game, these are the best months to visit Botswana.

The Wet Seasons

Mar - May & Oct - Nov

These “green seasons” bring lush, vibrant landscapes perfect for photography. It’s the best time for birdwatching, and you’ll encounter fewer tourists. Trekking can be more challenging, but the experience is just as rewarding.

Permit Considerations

Gorilla trekking permits are extremely limited. We strongly advise booking your trip at least 6-12 months in advance to secure your permits, especially if you plan to travel during the peak dry seasons.

FAQ

How difficult is Uganda gorilla trekking?

Uganda gorilla trekking requires a good level of fitness. Treks can last several hours on steep, muddy paths. However, the pace is slow, and porters are available to help. The moment you meet the gorilla family, every step becomes worth it.

What is the difference between Gorilla Trekking and the Habituation Experience?

A standard trek allows you to spend one hour observing a fully habituated gorilla family. The premium Habituation Experience, unique to Uganda, allows a small group to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family that is still undergoing the habituation process, offering a more in-depth and scientific perspective.

Can I do a luxury safari in Uganda?

Yes, absolutely. A luxury safari in Uganda is an incredible experience. We partner with a selection of stunning, high-end lodges located in prime locations near the parks, ensuring your luxury Uganda gorilla safari is as comfortable as it is adventurous.