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Introducing Uganda

Discover the best of Uganda.
Uganda is friendly, fascinating, and full of adventure. It's here that travelers walk through the mist, tracking mountain gorillas in their remote natural habitat. It's also here that you can canoe the biggest lake in Africa, bungee jump over the Nile, and observe wildlife in 10 national parks. Plus, traveling to this region is easier than ever before—citizens of a number of countries can obtain an East Africa Tourist Visa online prior to arrival.

When is the best time to visit?
Uganda has a tropical climate, meaning there's a chance of rain no matter what time of year you visit. There are technically "dry" and "wet" seasons—which unsurprisingly align with the high and low seasons for tourism. You'll find the driest conditions from June-September, prime time for gorilla trekking on mud-free trails. The heaviest rains fall from March-May and October-December. January and February are the hottest months of the year. 

Where should you go?
It may be a landlocked country, but you won't have time to miss the beach—Uganda is a land of adventurous, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Perhaps the most unique and sought-after activity is trekking among the famed gorillas of the Virunga Mountains, available in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can also see the "Big 5" on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, tour coffee farms, or spend time in a Batwa Pygmy village. 

Uganda's other claim to fame is Lake Victoria—Africa's largest lake, and the largest tropical lake in the world with a surface area of over 26,000 sq. miles. Go on a guided sport fishing expedition, explore the lake by canoe, or simply lounge at the beach. Did we mention that the Nile River originates in Uganda, too? Its banks provide countless opportunities to observe wildlife and get wild yourself—whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and sport fishing are all available. 

How many days should you spend?
With 5 days in Uganda, travelers should prioritize visiting the gorillas. You can visit Bwindi for two days of gorilla trekking, plus a boat trip and safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Double that timeframe, and your options double along with it. In ten days, you can start with a Murchison Falls National Park safari and a Nile Delta boat trip, continue to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking and more safari time in Queen Elizabeth, and cap it off with the gorillas of Bwindi. Two weeks is equally easy to fill—add a visit to Jinja for whitewater rafting and two days in the Kidepo Valley.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 8 days · 10 days · 14 days

Uganda Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
View down Murchison Falls
Map of Explore the Nature & Wildlife of Uganda - 8 Days
Explore the Nature & Wildlife of Uganda - 8 Days

With just over a week in Uganda, you can see most of the country's highlights. You'll visit incredible national parks like Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, and the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You'll track rhinos, seek out gorillas and chimpanzees, and take a boat ride to the roaring Murchison Falls.

See wild elephants and other animals in the Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Map of Uganda National Parks: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi - 8 days
Uganda National Parks: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi - 8 days

On this eight-day tour, you will be visiting some of Uganda's incredible national parks. Begin at Kibale Forest National Park, where you will track chimpanzees and go bird-watching at a wetland preserve. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for land and water safaris. You'll see elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, and more! End with the experience of a lifetime: seeing wild mountain gorillas up close at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Observe gorillas like this silverback in the dense foliage of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Map of Gorilla Trek in Uganda - 3 Days
Gorilla Trek in Uganda - 3 Days

Head from Kigali into a UNESCO Natural World Heritage park to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with this itinerary. You'll follow a ranger into the jungle of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to meet these endangered animals in their home along the western Rift Valley.

See troops of gorillas eating and socializing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Map of Gorillas & Big Game Safari - 6 Days
Gorillas & Big Game Safari - 6 Days

Fall in love with the wild landscapes of Uganda and the animals that live in them on this six-day adventure. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and more as you explore two national parks and enjoy safaris on both land and water. You'll also spend a day tracking a family of mountain gorillas through the forest for an unforgettable experience.

Seek out gorillas as you hike through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Map of Gorillas in Uganda & Trekking in The Congo - 8 Days
Gorillas in Uganda & Trekking in The Congo - 8 Days

If you've ever wanted to see and photograph gorillas in the wild, this trip is for you! Seek out silverbacks, harvest coffee with the locals, and hike into a volcanic crater as you travel through three African countries. Immerse yourself in several distinctive local cultures for the trip of a lifetime.

Wild mountain gorillas at Bwindi
Map of Uganda Mountain Gorilla Adventure: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park - 4 Days
Uganda Mountain Gorilla Adventure: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park - 4 Days

Head deep into the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Located in southwestern Uganda, its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of the country's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests. The purpose of your excursion will be to see wild mountain gorillas, one of the most endangered great ape species on the planet. Expert park rangers will guide you into the forest and help you interact with the gorillas in a responsible and environmentally-friendly way.

Make the Most of Your Time in Uganda

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
How Many Days to Spend in Uganda

Though you can experience the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park in three to four days to embark on game drives and see abundant birdlife, a week offers a well-rounded trip to...

Discover Uganda's buzzy capital, Kampala, on a guided city tour
Map of 1 Week in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Uganda, you can race around the country, ticking off the must-see sites in Entebbe, Kibale National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on a highlights...

On a culture tour of Uganda, check out the rescued animals, like these Giraffes, at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Map of 2 Weeks in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Uganda, you can experience six regions—or move at a faster pace and add a visit to Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, white rhino encounters...

Uganda Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
In April, see elephants amble in the rain at the Victoria Nile delta in Murchison National Park
Uganda in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April may be the wettest month in Uganda, but if you pack quality rain gear and don't mind bumpy roads, it's a good time to take advantage of the quiet national parks, cheaper...

Our Latest Uganda Content

Along with the famous gorillas, you'll spot remarkable Ugandan wildlife like kudus
Map of East Africa Wildlife & Culture Tour: Tanzania & Uganda - 14 Days
East Africa Wildlife & Culture Tour: Tanzania & Uganda - 14 Days

Spend two weeks experiencing the best of Tanzania and Uganda's wildlife alongside enriching cultural experiences. Setting off from Arusha, you'll embark on game drives through Tarangire National Park and a hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti. After spotting Big Five animals and meeting Maasai villagers in Ngorongoro Crater, fly to Uganda to track gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary on Ngamba Island, and seek out rare birdlife in the Mabamba Swamp.

Cruise through Mabamba Swamp to look for the majestic shoebill
Map of Highlights of Uganda & Rwanda: Culture, Wildlife & Nature - 10 Days
Highlights of Uganda & Rwanda: Culture, Wildlife & Nature - 10 Days

In just 10 days, you'll discover Uganda and Rwanda's rich culture and abundant wildlife, starting with a city tour and cooking class in Kampala. The journey continues in Murchison Falls National Park, where an early morning game drive and boat cruise await. Fly to Kigali next for a guided tour of the capital and a transfer to Volcanoes National Park to track mountain gorillas through the forest. End back in Entebbe for a day trip to see the shoebill storks of Mabamba Swamp.

On a culture tour of Uganda, check out the rescued animals, like these Giraffes, at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Map of 2 Weeks in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Uganda, you can experience six regions—or move at a faster pace and add a visit to Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, white rhino encounters at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and bird-watching in the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary are ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. Active travelers can tackle a three-day hike up Mount Elgon and try whitewater rafting on the Nile, while those keen on culture can learn the traditional dances of the Ik Tribe and enjoy storytelling by the Sabiny people.

Uganda Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 1 Week in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in Uganda - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Uganda - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Uganda
Travel specialist Petru van Zyl
active 1 day ago

Petru van Zyl

I started in the travel industry in August 1998 and have 25 years experience as a travel consultant. I am a senior consultant who specializes in FIT travel, group travel, VIP clients, luxury...

read more...
Travel specialist Agnes Mirembe
active 19 hours ago

Agnes Mirembe

I am passionate about tourism and conservation in my country Uganda and East Africa as a whole. I made sure i travel to most of the tourism attractions so as to sell them well to the people from...

read more...
Travel specialist Melvin Mapetla
active 10 mins ago

Melvin Mapetla

I believe in the transformative power of travel, seeing it as a journey that unveils a world of unforgettable moments. In my role as General Manager at Truly Swahili, we focus on creating...

read more...
Travel specialist Stephan Meyer-Buenau
active 1 min ago

Stephan Meyer-Buenau

As a Nairobi-based travel specialist, I embody the spirit of adventure while crafting unforgettable journeys for travelers. With a blend of local expertise and global perspective, I sprinkle each...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
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Trip Reviews for Uganda

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Incredible vacation of a lifetime!
Uganda | May 17 - May 30, 2024

Darla
Darla D.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 06, 2024
If I could give this trip more stars, I would. From the early stages of planning the trip month before into the days leading it, Agnes was great to work with and I was delighted to meet her the evening I arrived in person - what a nice surprise after months of talking virtually. She listened closely to what I wanted from the holiday and followed through with a trip plan carefully tailored to exactly what I wanted around Gorillas (habituation and trekking), Chimpanzee (habituation) and... Read more

If I could give this trip more stars, I would. From the early stages of planning the trip month before into the days leading it, Agnes was great to work with and I was delighted to meet her the evening I arrived in person - what a nice surprise after months of talking virtually. She listened closely to what I wanted from the holiday and followed through with a trip plan carefully tailored to exactly what I wanted around Gorillas (habituation and trekking), Chimpanzee (habituation) and Golden Monkeys (trekking), with the addition of many wonderful experiences and game drives. All the lodges were carefully chosen together and I had a wonderful stay at each one. Particularly, I have dietary restrictions and she was very careful to let them know far in advance what I require successfully. I couldn't have asked for someone better to plan my trip! Agnes was a knowledgeable, efficient, friendly, attentive planner at all times.

When I arrived in Entebbe, I was greeted by Olive, a lovely addition to the Umoja team who was on hand throughout my trip if anything went wrong (it didn't, though!) and Khalif, my driver and guide in the first twelve days I was there.

Khalif was incredible as a guide and an amazing driver. His knowledge about all wildlife, culture, and all things his country added immeasurable value to my trip. He's also very easy to get along with as a person - great guy - and was able to stick handle any issues or concerns I had along our route with no difficulties. He called each place I was eating at (lodge or restaurant) to let them know about my dietary restrictions as well and helped me communicate where needed on them. Any group or person in his jeep will be lucky to have him as guide!

Shout out also to Bright, who drove me on the final two days of the trip to make sure I got to and from the airport - very knowledgeable and friendly as well - great job.

I would recommend Agnes and her team to anyone for a trip to East Africa! Thank you so much and hopefully I will see you on my next one!

Local specialist: Agnes Mirembe

One of the most enriching African experience
Uganda | Dec 26 - Dec 31, 2023

Prachi
Prachi S.
India | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2024
Our trip to Uganda was right out of a National Geographic documentary thanks to Agnes! Agnes is one of the friendliest, nicest, and most capable agents I have come across, having traveled to 28 countries. She is very aware and always answers all your questions and queries and helps put any concerns you have at ease.
Even during peak season, Agnes was able to get us the lodges and hotels we wanted to book and get the timely gorilla permits - the local guides Khalif and Mr Muha were very...
Read more

Our trip to Uganda was right out of a National Geographic documentary thanks to Agnes! Agnes is one of the friendliest, nicest, and most capable agents I have come across, having traveled to 28 countries. She is very aware and always answers all your questions and queries and helps put any concerns you have at ease.
Even during peak season, Agnes was able to get us the lodges and hotels we wanted to book and get the timely gorilla permits - the local guides Khalif and Mr Muha were very hands on and answered all our queries on the local Ugandan culture, customs, food, etc.
we had a very enriching experience and I will definitely book with Umoja again in the future for any other countries they plan tours to!

Cheers to Umoja team for a wonderful experience 😊

Hotel Reviews
Elephant Plains Lodge

One of the best architecture and spacious rooms- i would highly recommend a minimum 3 night stay and the food was the best I have had in Uganda

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
David at elephant plains was amazing and took care of every detail during our stay
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
buhoma

A wonderful luxury lodge amidst the BWINDI forest- a must stay for all visitors for gorilla trek - amazing food, friendly staff, and lovely cocktails

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Agnes Mirembe
Agnes
Agnes Mirembe
Local specialist in Uganda | Replied on Jan 02, 2024

Thank you so much Prachi

Lucy organised a most fantastic itinerary for...
Uganda | Mar 29 - Apr 13, 2023

D
Dee B.
Australia | Reviewed on May 02, 2023
Lucy organised a most fantastic itinerary for us in Namibia and Mauritius. Nothing was too much trouble in the planning stage and she was very flexible and patient in helping us adjust the details of our trip, answering our queries and choosing the right accommodation. Everything went smoothly once we were there. Read more

Lucy organised a most fantastic itinerary for us in Namibia and Mauritius. Nothing was too much trouble in the planning stage and she was very flexible and patient in helping us adjust the details of our trip, answering our queries and choosing the right accommodation. Everything went smoothly once we were there.

Hotel Reviews
Peermont D'oreale Grande Hotel at Emperors Palace
Kempton Park

Excellent standard for an airport hotel - a green oasis! Comfortable and opulent decorated rooms. Spacious grounds and pool, and very good restaurants onsite and next door in casino complex

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Etosha Safari Lodge
Okaukuejo

A Large complex, with Very spacious cottages in lovely grounds. View from our room was great, but would vary depending on which cottage you stay in. fabulous pool with great views. Excellent restaurant area /outdoor dining with buffet meals of good standard

Authenticity & Character
Location
Short drive from Etosha NP
Staff
extremely friendly and helpful staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel
Windhoek

Luxury hotel with beautifully appointed rooms. Fantastic breakfast Really good restaurants/dining options onsite, but need to book ahead

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grootberg Lodge

Remote but Stunning location and character cottages with amazing views very friendly staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Atlantic Villa Boutique Guesthouse
Swakopmund

Clean pleasant accommodation but not really boutique (a large complex and part of a conference centre) Quite a distance from city centre

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Namib Desert Lodge
Solitaire

Pleasant lodge with great views and friendly staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Guesthouse Voigtland
Windhoek

Fantastic place to stay in rural setting, with stunning views and charming rooms. The food was also fabulous and the absolute highlight was feeding the resident giraffes.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel 20 Degrés Sud - Relais & Châteaux
Grand Baie

True luxury boutique hotel with amazing food and wonderful helpful staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on May 04, 2023

Dee, thank you so much for this wonderful and helpful review.
I am so pleased you had a great holiday. Was such a pleasure working with you on perfecting this trip!