Uganda sits on the equator and holds wide, green landscapes, active rivers and a startling concentration of wildlife. The country’s headline draw is mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga, but you’ll also find great game parks, white-water rafting on the Nile, birding hotspots and warm, welcoming communities across the country.
Travel here moves at an easy, adventurous rhythm. Roads outside cities can be slow, so plan travel time generously and treat each transfer as part of the experience — lakeshore views, tea plantations and roadside markets often reward the journey.
Getting there and visas
Most visitors fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), a short drive from Kampala. From Entebbe you can connect by road or domestic flight to national parks and border points. Domestic flights save time when heading straight to gorilla country or remote parks.
Uganda requires a visa for most travelers and operates an online e-visa portal; some passport holders are visa-exempt. Check the official immigration site before you travel and apply online if required. Your passport should have at least six months’ validity.
Health and vaccinations
Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; carrying your International Certificate of Vaccination is essential. The government has been actively promoting yellow fever vaccination, and travelers should confirm current requirements before departure.
Bring malaria prophylaxis, use insect repellent and sleep under a net in high-risk areas. Health facilities vary by region — Kampala and Entebbe have the best hospitals — so pack a basic medicine kit and ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Best time to visit
Dry seasons — roughly December to February and June to September — are the easiest for gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing and road travel, with lower rainfall and firmer trails. These months are popular, so book gorilla permits and lodgings well in advance.
The “shoulder” months can still offer good travel conditions and fewer crowds. Expect warm temperatures in lowlands year-round and cooler, misty conditions at higher elevations such as Bwindi.
Top experiences and where to go
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga gives you a rare, unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas; permits sell out quickly, so reserve early. Bwindi also offers community visits and hiking routes that reveal the forest’s birdlife and orchids.
Murchison Falls delivers dramatic river scenery and classic safaris; Queen Elizabeth National Park offers big-game drives, chimpanzee trekking and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Kidepo Valley rewards visitors seeking remote wilderness and high wildlife density. Lake Victoria and Jinja add water sports and cultural stops.
Getting around
Domestic flights connect Entebbe with airstrips near Bwindi, Murchison and Queen Elizabeth, saving time on long drives. Reliable private transfers and 4×4 vehicles are the standard for safaris; shared minibuses serve domestic city and town routes if you travel on a budget.
Roads vary widely: paved links between Kampala and main towns are good, while park access roads can be rough, especially in the rainy season. Factor extra travel time into your plans and travel during daylight in rural areas.
Money, costs and practicalities
The Ugandan shilling is the local currency; major hotels and lodges often accept card payments, but cash is essential in markets and smaller towns. ATMs are common in Kampala and larger centers but scarce in remote parks.
Gorilla permits represent a significant portion of trip cost — they fund conservation and local communities — so budget accordingly. Bargain politely in markets and confirm prices for guides, porters and transfers in advance.
Safety and local customs
Ugandans are generally friendly and hospitable. Dress modestly outside beach and resort areas and ask permission before photographing people. Keep valuables secure and travel with official guides in parks and at night.
Observe park rules strictly — especially distance limits when viewing primates and big game. Support community-led tourism initiatives where possible; they are a major part of conservation funding.
Packing checklist (quick)
Good hiking boots, rain jacket and gaiters for gorilla treks. Lightweight layers for daytime, warm layer for highland evenings, insect repellent and sun protection. A small daypack, refillable water bottle and basic first-aid kit will make travel easier.
Bring photocopies of passport and vaccination card, comfortable clothing in natural tones for safaris, and a headlamp for remote lodges. If you plan water activities, quick-dry swimwear and a towel help.