Mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions and the source of the Nile — Uganda’s wild heart, experienced in effortless luxury.
Uganda is a land where rainforest meets savannah — a country of extraordinary wildlife, prolific birdlife, deep culture and rich history. Beyond its famous parks, Uganda rewards the curious traveller with museums, memorable food and some of the finest birding on the continent. Quick Facts Capital Kampala Best time to visit December to February and June to September Parks & reserves 10 national parks and 11 game reserves Time difference GMT+3 Currency Ugandan Shilling Population Approximately 47.2 million (2021 estimate) Why Visit Uganda Mountain gorillas — Around half of the world’s 1,063 remaining wild mountain…
Uganda is a land where rainforest meets savannah — a country of extraordinary wildlife, prolific birdlife, deep culture and rich history. Beyond its famous parks, Uganda rewards the curious traveller with museums, memorable food and some of the finest birding on the continent.
Quick Facts
Capital
Kampala
Best time to visit
December to February and June to September
Parks & reserves
10 national parks and 11 game reserves
Time difference
GMT+3
Currency
Ugandan Shilling
Population
Approximately 47.2 million (2021 estimate)
Why Visit Uganda
Mountain gorillas — Around half of the world’s 1,063 remaining wild mountain gorillas live in Uganda. Gorilla permits here are more affordable than in neighbouring countries, and semi-habituated gorilla experiences (habituation) are also available.
Other wildlife — Beyond the gorillas, Uganda is home to chimpanzees, lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, hippos, golden and colobus monkeys and much more. With over 1,080 bird species across 33 Important Bird Areas, it is one of Africa’s great birding destinations. Queen Elizabeth and Lake Manyara are the only two places on earth to see tree-climbing lions.
Friendly people — Ugandans are known for being warm, welcoming and genuinely hospitable.
Spectacular scenery — From the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and the Sempaya hot springs to the thunder of Murchison Falls, the plains of Kidepo and the shores of Lake Victoria, Uganda’s landscapes are endlessly varied.
And more — A true cultural melting pot, Uganda is also one of Africa’s safer, more uncrowded safari destinations, and welcoming to budget-conscious travellers.
ExperiencesBatwa Cultural Experience, birdwatching, chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation, the Dian Fossey Tomb hike, hot-air balloon safaris, and the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
The best time to visit Uganda
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
- Recommended
- Transitional
- Challenging conditions
Uganda is a year-round destination, lying on the equator with a warm, temperate climate and no true off-season. The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are the most popular, offering firmer forest trails for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking and easier wildlife viewing. The wetter months bring lush, green landscapes, lower rates and fewer visitors, and gorilla trekking continues all year. The guide below shows what to expect month by month.
- January
- Dry season; warm, clear days and excellent conditions for gorilla trekking and savannah game viewing.
- February
- One of the driest months, with firm trekking trails and superb wildlife viewing across the parks.
- March
- The long rains usually begin late in the month; early March is still dry and green, with fewer travellers.
- April
- The height of the long rains. Forest trails are muddy and trekking is more demanding, though landscapes are vivid and low-season rates apply.
- May
- The long rains continue, with the wettest conditions of the year; lush scenery, quiet parks and the best value.
- June
- The rains ease and the long dry season begins — prime time for gorilla trekking and wildlife.
- July
- Dry, reliable weather and excellent trekking and game-viewing conditions; a popular month, so plan early.
- August
- Continued dry season, with firm trails and strong wildlife sightings across the country.
- September
- Dry and rewarding, with good trekking conditions and thinner crowds than mid-year.
- October
- The short rains arrive, bringing afternoon showers, green landscapes and fewer visitors.
- November
- The wettest of the short-rains months; trails can be slippery, but birding is excellent with migratory species present.
- December
- The dry season returns from mid-month, bringing clear, festive-season conditions ideal for trekking and safaris.
Areas to visit
Uganda’s ten national parks are its greatest treasure — a collection as varied as the country itself. In the southwest, the misty slopes of Bwindi and Mgahinga shelter nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas. Westward lie the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth with its tree-climbing lions, the chimpanzee forests of Kibale, and the compact, zebra-dotted…
Frequently asked questions
Yes, most visitors need a visa, which is best arranged in advance through Uganda’s official online e-visa portal. If you are also visiting Kenya and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers all three countries on a single application. We guide you through the process as part of planning your trip.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda. Anti-malarial precautions are strongly recommended, and we advise consulting your doctor or a travel clinic well before departure for the most current personal advice.
Gorilla permits are limited and in high demand, so they should be booked months ahead — especially for the dry season. As your operator, we secure your permits for you and build your entire itinerary around your confirmed trekking dates.
Lightweight, long-sleeved layers in neutral colours, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, gardening-style gloves for gripping vegetation, and a daypack for water and your camera. Mornings can be cool and trails wet, so come prepared for mud and sudden showers.
Mountain gorillas live in two southwestern parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half the world’s population, and the smaller Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the Virunga volcanoes.
Yes. Uganda is the best country in the world to combine the two. Chimpanzee tracking is superb in Kibale Forest — the primate capital of East Africa — and also possible in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth and the Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls.
Uganda’s savannah parks hold elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and hippo, along with zebra, giraffe and many antelope. Queen Elizabeth is famous for its tree-climbing lions, while Kidepo Valley in the northeast offers cheetah and vast herds in a remote, untouched setting.
Exceptionally so. With over 1,080 recorded species across 33 Important Bird Areas, Uganda is one of Africa’s finest birding destinations, home to the rare shoebill, the great blue turaco, and countless Albertine Rift endemics.
The dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the easiest trekking and game viewing, but Uganda is a rewarding year-round destination, and gorilla trekking continues through every month.
Most journeys are by private 4x4 with a driver-guide, with scheduled and chartered flights linking Entebbe to park airstrips for longer distances. We also arrange private helicopter and flying safaris for a faster, more scenic way to travel.
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4 Days Gorilla Habituation Experience Uganda – Flying.
Join us on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Africa, where you'll encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
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