As soon as you arrive in Uganda, you’ll immediately be struck by how green this country is. Uganda is incredibly diverse, with mountains, cloud forest, and open plains, in addition to immense lakes. Uganda’s greatest wildlife attraction is undoubtedly the mountain gorillas, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers almost guaranteed incredible close encounters with these great apes. With all it has to offer, Uganda is known as “the pearl of Africa” and it’s a fitting title. Here in the heart of the continent, there’s a very real danger that you’ll fall in love!
Uganda enjoys comfortable temperatures the year around, although humidity is considerably higher than in Kenya or Tanzania.
Daytime temperatures range from the high 70’s to the mid-80’s with nighttime and early morning temperatures about the low-60’s. Most of Uganda is at an altitude of 3,800 feet (1,158 meters) or higher above sea level. Unseasonable weather can occur during any season, especially in Bwindi, and you should pack with a degree of flexibility in mind.
June – October: This is the long dry season when wildlife viewing is at its best. Wildlife congregate around water sources and grass is short. Guests can expect cool mornings and evenings. This is peak travel season for visitors and gorilla trekking.
December – March: The short dry season and a good time to travel with the warmest temperatures being February.
November, April – May: These are the two rainy seasons, when landscapes are lush and skies dramatic. Wildlife is a bit more dispersed but still plentiful. Expect showers in the morning with clearing in the afternoon before clouds roll in again for heavier rains in the evening.
Trek through the “cloud forest” of Bwindi National Park to encounter mountain gorillas in their misty habitat
Sip on fresh coffee from some of the best coffee plantations around, straight from the source
Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can spot the famous tree-climbing lions
Forest Walks
Gorilla Trekking
Chimpanzee Trekking & Habituation Experiences
Game Drives
Community Visits
Wetland Excursions
Nature Walks & Hikes
Flights are easily arranged into Entebbe, from European gateways like Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, and Zurich or via Nairobi, Dubai, Doha or Addis Ababa.
Uganda is a wonderful destination on its own and travelers with this mindset should spend 9-14 days here. If you are only interested in gorilla trekking four days is usually enough following a longer safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
Both first-time safari goers and veterans will find primate viewing outstanding; other wildlife viewing throughout the country is sparse but rewarding.
Visas are required for most visitors, but inoculations may be recommended. We suggest you see a travel medicine specialist for advice.
Overland safaris are very common throughout Uganda and road conditions are improving as we speak. Fly-in safaris are possible as well, but routes are limited and typically require at least four passengers to operate the flight, thus making flights costly.
English is an official language of Uganda and you will find communication quite easy.
Guiding in Uganda is excellent. Your specialist guides in Kibale and Bwindi are well-versed on all things primate.
Gorilla trekking permits are currently $600 per trek, which can last from 2-8 hours. Chimpanzee trekking permits are currently $150 per trek and are typically booked for up to 4 hours. Permit fees can change at any time and must be secured in advance.
Uganda is not known for its cuisine, but you will find hearty and delicious international and local cuisine sourced locally.
Olo Safaris is a small, value-driven travel company with extensive insider knowledge of Africa.
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