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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

Spend two days looking for rhinos and other wildlife in Murchison National Park
Map of Best of Uganda's National Parks - 9 Days
Best of Uganda's National Parks - 9 Days

Discover Uganda's diverse wildlife and landscapes over nine action-packed days. After a night in Entebbe, transfer to Murchison Falls National Park for a game drive, boat cruise, and hike to the falls. The journey continues with a visit to Kibale National Park for a chimpanzee trek and a walk through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. Next is Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can go on an evening game drive before your last stop—Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park—to track gorillas.

Look out for elephant bush elephants as you sail down the Kazinga Channel
Map of Ultimate Uganda Wildlife Tour: National Parks & Cultural Highlights - 9 Days
Ultimate Uganda Wildlife Tour: National Parks & Cultural Highlights - 9 Days

In nine days, you'll discover three of Uganda's wildlife-heavy national parks paired with rich cultural experiences at each stop. Spend a night in Entebbe, enjoying a delicious welcome dinner, before transferring to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a gorilla trek and a chance to meet the Batwa people. Then, it's onto Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can enjoy a game drive and engage with the local Kataara women. Finish in Kibale National Park with a chimpanzee trek and a traditional Kitooro lunch.

Get your cameras ready for gorilla sightings in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Map of Discover Uganda's Entebbe & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - 5 Days
Discover Uganda's Entebbe & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - 5 Days

In just five days, you'll explore the Ugandan city of Entebbe and track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Start with a delicious welcome dinner and a leisurely walk through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Then, transfer to the national park, stopping at the equator to stand in both hemispheres. After a good night's sleep at a cozy lodge, follow a guide during a trek to find the gorillas and observe them in their natural habitat before returning to Entebbe for a boat tour of Mabamba Bay.

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
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Uganda
Travel specialist Petru van Zyl
active 2 hours 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 3 days 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 3 days 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 Peter Mwanja
active 2 hours ago

Peter Mwanja

Peter is an accomplished entrepreneur, Incentive travel specialist and the visionary founder of Umoja Motherland Tours (DMC) and Lasta Events (PCO), one of Uganda’s leading MICE outfits. With...

read more...

Related Destinations

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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.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Uganda

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Great Trip!
Uganda | Dec 8 - Dec 14, 2024

H
Hunter M.
Snellville, GA | Reviewed on Dec 16, 2024
Great Trip! The only negative was I confirmed the itinerary before departing but when I arrived, the itinerary was much different than the plans I had approved. This was incredibly upsetting. The changes to the itinerary were necessary and ended up being for the best, but I would have like to have been consulted before the itinerary was changed so I wasn't surprised with a different plan I wasn't expecting immediately after travelling all the way to Uganda. But, as I mentioned, the changes... Read more

Great Trip!

The only negative was I confirmed the itinerary before departing but when I arrived, the itinerary was much different than the plans I had approved. This was incredibly upsetting. The changes to the itinerary were necessary and ended up being for the best, but I would have like to have been consulted before the itinerary was changed so I wasn't surprised with a different plan I wasn't expecting immediately after travelling all the way to Uganda. But, as I mentioned, the changes were good. Bryt was a great guide, very knowledgeable and kept us feeling very safe. He is also a great driver. All lodges and activities were incredible and everyone we met was so friendly. We really loved Sana Gorilla Rafting and highly recommend it! The whole trip was a 10/10!

Hotel Reviews
2 Friends Beach Hotel
Entebbe

Clean, comfortable, Air Conditioning. Short walk to beautiful views of Lake Victoria. Very friendly staff too.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Turaco Tree tops
Fort portal

Beautiful views, friendly owners, friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was a bit buggy but they had mosquito nets.
Four Gorillas lodge

Gorgeous, comfortable, extremely professional and friendly staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
They go a above and beyond!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The shower and Wifi could have been better.
Mpogo safari lodge
Lake Mburo national park

Beautiful views, very clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to Mburo National Park and farm walk was cool.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Beautiful river, enough of a challenge to be fun but not too much to where you fall out. So much fun! Sadat and his team were so friendly and cool guys to hangout with! They are also professionals and make you feel very safe and taken care of. The pictures they took were amazing too! Definitely a highlight of the trip and a can't miss for other travelers!

Quality of Experience
So much fun! So beauitful!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Super cool guys. Professional kayakers/raftering guides. Very friendly and spoke great english.
Transport
Their van was very comfortable.
Local specialist: Peter Mwanja

Amazing trek with the primates!
Uganda | Oct 27 - Nov 7, 2024

A
Alain G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 10, 2024
Great trip. Fantastic accommodations. Trek with chimpanzees and gorillas are unforgetable.
Great safaris. The itinerary was great. Bright ( the driver ) was very efficient, always on time and knowledgeable
Read more

Great trip. Fantastic accommodations. Trek with chimpanzees and gorillas are unforgetable.
Great safaris. The itinerary was great. Bright ( the driver ) was very efficient, always on time and knowledgeable

Hotel Reviews
2 Friends Beach Hotel
Entebbe
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mihingo lodge

Great hotel also, felt like in a safari lodge again

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pakuba safari lodge
Murchison falls national park
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Twin lake safari lodge

Felt like in a safari lodge like in a movie. Exceptional place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isunga lodge
Kibale
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Bugambira

Great hotel again, fantastic place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Murchison Falls Morning game drive
Murchison Falls Morning game drive
Murchison Falls National Park

finally saw a leopard

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park
Transfer Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park
Uganda
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local lunch at Tinka’s homestead
Local lunch at Tinka’s homestead
Kibale National Park
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kazinga Channel Water Safari
Kazinga Channel Water Safari
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local Community Tour with the Batwa
Local Community Tour with the Batwa
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rhino Trek
Rhino Trek
Uganda
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Murchison Falls Cruise and Hike
Murchison Falls Cruise and Hike
Murchison Falls National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda

saw several leopards again!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience
Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Fantastic interaction with gorillas

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Top of the falls trek
Murchison Falls National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee Trekking
Kibale National Park

fantastic interaction with chimps

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Peter Mwanja
Peter
Peter Mwanja
Local specialist in Uganda | Replied on Nov 15, 2024

Thank you very much for this review. It was a pleasure exploring Uhanda with you

Kind regards
Peter

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