Uganda
Where rain forest meets savannah, Uganda reveals Africa’s wild heart – a land of gorillas, rivers, and endless discovery
Why Visit Uganda?
Welcome to the Pearl of Africa, a land where lush rainforests meet golden savannahs, and adventure feels as authentic as the people you meet along the way. Uganda offers an unmatched mix of wildlife, scenery, and warmth, from tracking mountain gorillas in misty forests to cruising the Nile River in search of hippos and crocodiles.
Discover the heart of East Africa
Uganda is more than a destination – it’s where Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and spirit come together in unforgettable harmony, offering travellers a rare blend of adventure, beauty, and heartfelt connection.
Adventures Beyond borders
Combine Uganda’s gorilla trekking with Kenya, Tanzania, or Rwanda for journeys rich in wonder.
Awe-Inspiring landscapes
From the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to Queen Elizabeth’s vast plains, nature inspires awe.
Waterways of wonder
Cruise the shimmering expanse of Lake Victoria or trace the mighty Nile in search of life along its banks.
Deeper connections
For travellers who seek meaning, Uganda offers authentic encounters and Africa in its purest form.
A land of life, warmth, and wonder.
Uganda is more than a destination – it’s where Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and spirit come together in unforgettable harmony.
Set at the heart of East Africa and bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Congo, it’s a land of contrasts where misty rainforests meet golden plains, and every journey feels deeply personal.
Reasons to go
Uganda captures the essence of Africa – wild, welcoming, and wonderfully diverse. From misty forests to wide open plains, it’s a destination that feels both raw and deeply rewarding.
The Pearl of Africa
Winston Churchill wasn’t exaggerating when he coined the term. Uganda is an extraordinary blend of ecosystems and experiences.
With over 10 national parks and wildlife reserves, it offers everything from rainforest hikes and waterfall cruises to savannah game drives. Few destinations combine this level of biodiversity with such genuine hospitality.
Gorilla & chimpanzee encounters
Uganda is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, found in the forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga. Gorilla trekking here offers rare, humbling moments with these gentle giants.
Kibale Forest National Park is also home to thriving chimpanzees and other primate species, making Uganda Africa’s ultimate destination for primate encounters.
Big game safaris with a twist
Uganda’s safari scene is refreshingly uncrowded.
Parks like Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Queen Elizabeth National Park offer classic Big Five game viewing including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhino, with the bonus of unique experiences like boat safaris and tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
Warm people, responsible travel
Uganda’s greatest treasure is its people. Known for their friendliness and authenticity, Ugandans make every journey feel personal.
Many lodges and tourism initiatives are community-owned or support local conservation projects, ensuring that your visit directly benefits both people and wildlife.
Related reads
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs Rwanda
A detailed comparison of the two leading gorilla trekking destinations.
Chasing Waterfalls and Wildlife
Uganda’s Most Underrated National Parks; A guide to lesser-known gems.
From the Source of the Nile to the Forests of Bwindi
A detailed comparison of the two leading gorilla trekking destinations.
FAQs About Visiting Uganda
When is the best time to visit Uganda?
Uganda is a year-round destination, but the best time for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing is during the dry seasons – December to February, and June to September. These months mean firmer trails, easier forest trekking, and wildlife congregating at water sources. At Africa Tailormade, we love this time of year, mornings tend to be misty and magical, perfect for that first glimpse of a silverback through the vines.
Where can I go gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking takes place in two national parks – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – both tucked into Uganda’s lush southwest. Bwindi is the classic choice, home to multiple habituated families and varying terrain, while Mgahinga offers a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experience.
When we design your journey, we match your trekking style and fitness level to the right forest region whether that’s the rugged hills of Ruhija or the deep emerald valleys of Buhoma.
Is Uganda safe for travellers?
Yes, Uganda is welcoming, friendly, and safe to explore, especially when you travel with trusted guides and partners. Our team at Africa Tailormade works only with reliable operators, experienced guides, and well-run lodges, ensuring every part of your journey is seamless. You’ll find Ugandans warm and curious, it’s part of what makes travel here so rewarding.
What wildlife can I see in Uganda besides gorillas?
Gorillas may steal the spotlight, but Uganda’s wild diversity is extraordinary. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, spot tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, watch elephants and buffalo graze on the open plains, or drift quietly along the Kazinga Channel past hippos and kingfishers.
With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is also a birding paradise, the kind of place where the rare shoebill stork makes regular cameos.
We often combine forests and savannahs in one itinerary, giving you the full East African experience in a single country.
How do I get to Uganda?
Most travellers arrive via Entebbe International Airport (EBB), near Kampala. Entebbe has excellent connections with Doha, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Istanbul, making access from Europe, the Middle East, and southern Africa easy. From there, we’ll arrange seamless internal flights and transfers so your journey flows from city to rainforest with ease.
Do I need a visa to enter Uganda?
Yes, most visitors do. You can apply online for Uganda’s e-Visa before travel. If your plans include Kenya or Rwanda, we recommend the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers all three countries under one permit.
We’ll guide you through the process when confirming your itinerary to make sure you have everything in order before you travel.
Can I combine Uganda with other destinations?
Definitely. Uganda pairs beautifully with Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania. A popular route with our guests is gorilla trekking in Bwindi, followed by the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches.
Because Africa Tailormade designs trips from start to finish, we handle all cross-border logistics – flights, permits, and transfers so your safari flows naturally.
What should I pack for a Uganda safari?
Pack for comfort and practicality:
- Lightweight, neutral clothing for the bush
- Long sleeves for forest treks
- Sturdy hiking boots, gardening gloves, and a light rain jacket
- Hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent
- And of course, a good camera for those once-in-a-lifetime gorilla moments
We’ll send you a detailed packing list before your trip, our team knows exactly what works for forest humidity, early-morning treks, and sundowners on the savannah.
Why is Uganda called the “Pearl of Africa”?
It was Winston Churchill who first used the phrase, moved by Uganda’s sheer beauty – its volcanic peaks, lush forests, and wide open plains.
Travel through Uganda and you’ll see why: it’s Africa in miniature: mountain gorillas in the mist, savannahs filled with game, crater lakes that glimmer at sunset, and some of the friendliest faces on the continent.
At Africa Tailormade, we like to think it’s the heart of East Africa – still wild, still real, and always unforgettable.
What makes Uganda different from Rwanda for gorilla trekking?
Both countries offer extraordinary gorilla encounters but Uganda’s experience feels wilder and more varied. Treks can be longer and more challenging, but the reward is often a deeper sense of connection. Rwanda offers easier access and shorter treks, while Uganda’s lower permit cost and greater variety of ecosystems make it ideal for travellers wanting to combine forests, lakes, and savannahs in one journey.
Our Africa Tailormade team has trekked in both countries — and we’ll help you choose the one that best fits your pace, comfort, and sense of adventure.
Ready to step into Uganda?
From the misty slopes of Bwindi to the thunder of Murchison Falls, we’ll design your perfect Uganda safari, balancing adventure, comfort, and connection.