Explore the Pear of Africa’s lush, green landscape.
Best Time to Visit
It is a year-round destination
The best time to visit is during the two dry seasons.
June-August Auguste & December-February (Dry seasons): Best for wildlife viewing, with minimal rainfall, clear skies and good visibility.
March-May & September-November (Rainy Seasons): the rainy seasons can make some roads and trails difficult to access.
Highlight: The National Parks id a must during the dry seasons!
Top Attractions
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: A habitat for more that half of the world’s mountain Gorilla population.
- Murchison Falls National Park: The world’s most powerful waterfall and a home to wildlife like elephants, giraffes and hippos.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Famous for its wildlife, biodiversity and volcanic features.
- Jinja: Known as the adventure capital of Uganda, it offers activities like whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and exploring the source of the Nile.
- Kibale National Park: The best place to go for chimpanzee trekking offering a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural environment.
- Kidepo Valley: A secluded national park in the northernmost tip of Uganda.
- Mgahinga National Park: Atop destination for tracking golden monkeys and gorillas.
- Lakes: Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful retreat in the southwest of Uganda. Lake Victoria, a lakeside town where you can relax on the beach.
- Kampala: Uganda’s capital city, known for its rich cultural heritage, modern amenities and warm hospitality.
- Rwenzori Mountains: A site with snow-capped peaks, glaciers and lush valleys.
Activities
Water Sports
1. White-Water Rafting: Experience the thrill of navigating the rapids of the Nile River.
2. Kayaking: Paddle through the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi or the rapids of the Nile.
3. Jet Skiing: Speed across the waters of Lake Victoria or Lake Bunyonyi.
4. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world of Lake Victoria or Lake Bunyonyi.
5. Fishing: Try your hand at catching some of the famous Nile perch or other fish specie
Land Activities
1. Hiking and Trekking: Explore the stunning scenery of the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon, or the Karamoja region.
2. Mountain Biking: Ride through the rugged terrain of the Karamoja region or the hills of Kampala.
3. Quad Biking: Explore the countryside on a quad bike, visiting local villages and scenic viewpoints.
4. Horseback Riding: Ride through the hills and countryside of Uganda, exploring local villages and scenic viewpoints.
5. Rock Climbing: Scale the rugged rocks of the Rwenzori Mountains or the granite cliffs of Kampala.Culture: The Ndere cultural center, Kasubi tombs, Kabaka’s palace
Air Activities
1. Paragliding: Soar through the skies, taking in the stunning scenery of Lake Victoria or the Karamoja region.
2. Skydiving: Experience the rush of freefalling over the Ugandan countryside.
3. Hot Air Balloon Rides: Drift gently above the savannah, taking in the stunning scenery of the Ugandan wilderness.
4. Helicopter Tours: Take a bird’s-eye view of Uganda’s stunning scenery, including the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Victoria.
Wildlife and Nature Activities
1. Gorilla Trekking: Track the famous mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
2. Chimpanzee Trekking: Track the chimpanzees of Kibale National Park or the Budongo Forest.
3. Wildlife Safaris: Explore the savannahs and national parks of Uganda, spotting iconic wildlife such as lions, elephants, and giraffes.
4. Birdwatching: Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 1,000 species of birds.
5. Cultural Tours: Visit local villages and communities, learning about traditional Ugandan culture and ways of life.
Extreme Sports
1. Bungee Jumping: Take the leap of faith off the Nile River or the Karamoja region.
2. Ziplining: Fly through the trees of the Mabira Forest or the Kibale National Park.
3. Canyoneering: Explore the rugged canyons of the Rwenzori Mountains or the Karamoja region.
4. Downhill Mountain Biking: Ride the rugged trails of the Karamoja region or the hills of Kampala.
5. Volcano Boarding: Descend the slopes of an active volcano, such as Mount Elgon or the Rwenzori Mountains.
Food & Dining
- Local Flavors: Luwombo, Matooke, Rolex, Katogo, Muchomo
- Street Foods: Kalayi (Fried Pork or meat), Chapati, posho, Roasted Maize
- Drinks: Coffee, Tea, Cocktails, Fresh juices, Alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, Uganda waraji and spirits. Traditional drinks like malwa, tonto
Travel Tips
Before You Go
- Visa Requirements: Check if you need a visa to enter Uganda. You can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa online.
- Vaccinations: Consult your doctor or a travel clinic about recommended vaccinations, such as yellow fever, hepatitis A, and typhoid.
- Malaria Prophylaxis: Uganda is a high-risk area for malaria. Take prophylactic medication and use insecticide-treated bed nets.
- Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and delays.
Safety and Security
- Petty Theft: Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Use a money belt or a secure bag.
- Scams: Be cautious of scams, such as people approaching you with fake stories or asking for money.
- Road Safety: Wear a seatbelt and use reputable taxi services or rental cars.
- Demonstrations: Avoid areas with demonstrations or protests, as they can turn violent.
Health and Hygiene
- Water: Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
- Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid undercooked meat or raw vegetables.
- Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
- Insect-Borne Illnesses: Take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria and dengue fever.
Cultural Etiquette
- Greetings: Use formal greetings, such as “hello” or “jambo,” when interacting with locals.
- Respect for Elders: Show respect to elderly individuals, as they are highly revered in Ugandan culture.
- Dress Modestly: Dress conservatively, especially when visiting rural areas or attending cultural events.
- Learn Some Luganda: Learn basic phrases in Luganda, such as “webale” (thank you) and “mwebale” (you’re welcome).
Travel Essentials
- Power Adapter: Bring a power adapter for charging electronic devices (Type G, 3-pin).
- Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Insect Repellent: Bring insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.
- First-Aid Kit: Pack a basic first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Getting Around
- Transportation: Use reputable taxi services or rental cars. Avoid hitchhiking or using unlicensed taxis.
- Road Conditions: Be prepared for rough road conditions, especially in rural areas.
- Traffic: Be patient with traffic, especially in Kampala, and avoid driving at night.
Accommodation
- Book in Advance: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Choose Reputable Hotels: Select hotels or lodges with good reviews and security.
- Check Amenities: Confirm that your accommodation has essential amenities like electricity, water, and Wi-Fi.
Responsible Tourism
- Respect the Environment: Follow eco-friendly practices, such as reducing plastic use and conserving water.
- Support Local Communities: Engage with local communities, support local businesses, and respect their customs.
- Contribute to Conservation: Consider donating to conservation efforts or supporting organizations that protect Uganda’s wildlife and natural resources.
By following these travel tips, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure in Uganda!
Fun Facts & Hidden Gems
Fun Facts
1. Uganda is Home to the Source of the Nile: The source of the Nile River, the world’s longest river, is located in Jinja, Uganda.
2. Uganda has the Highest Number of Languages: With over 40 languages spoken in any country in the world.
3. Uganda is Home to the Famous Mountain Gorillas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to over 400 mountain gorillas, half of the world’s population.
4. Uganda has a Vibrant Music and Dance Culture: Uganda has a rich cultural heritage, with over 40 different ethnic groups, each with their own unique music and dance styles.
5. Uganda is Home to the World’s Oldest Known Human Settlement: The Kibingo archaeological site in southwestern Uganda is believed to be the world’s oldest known human settlement, dating back over 50,000 years.
Hidden Gems
1. The Sipi Falls: Located in eastern Uganda, the Sipi Falls are a series of three stunning waterfalls that are often overlooked by tourists.
2. The Rwenzori Mountains: Located in western Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains offer some of the most spectacular hiking and mountaineering opportunities in Africa.
3. The Batwa Trail: Located in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Batwa Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the forest and learn about the traditional way of life of the Batwa people.
Off the Beaten Path
1. Visit the local markets: Visit local markets, such as the Owino Market in Kampala, to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Ugandan culture.
2. Take a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi: Located in southwestern Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is a stunning lake surrounded by rolling hills and villages.
3. Explore the caves of the Rwenzori Mountains: The Rwenzori Mountains are home to several caves, including the famous Nyakalengijo Cave.
4. Visit the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Located on Lake Victoria, the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to over 40 rescued chimpanzees.
5. Attend a traditional Ugandan wedding: Attend a traditional Ugandan wedding to experience the vibrant music, dance, and culture of Uganda.
Adventure Activities
1. White-water rafting on the Nile: Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Nile River.
2. Bungee jumping in Jinja: Take the leap of faith and experience the rush of bungee jumping in Jinja.
3. Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains: Explore the stunning scenery and challenging hiking trails of the Rwenzori Mountains.
4. Mountain biking in the Karamoja region: Experience the rugged terrain and stunning scenery of the Karamoja region on a mountain bike.
5. Paragliding over Lake Victoria: Take to the skies and experience the thrill of paragliding over Lake Victoria.
