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Uganda

The Pearl of Africa – Gorillas, Chimps & Source of the Nile. Discover rare wildlife encounters, lush rainforests, and the birthplace of the world’s longest river.

Country Overview

Winston Churchill called Uganda ‘the Pearl of Africa’ and the name has stuck. Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, has the source of the Nile at Jinja, the extraordinary primate diversity of Kibale Forest (chimpanzees, red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey), the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and the vast wetlands of Murchison Falls. The country’s equatorial climate keeps it lush and green year-round, making it one of Africa’s most visually beautiful destinations.

Why Visit Uganda

  • Mountain gorilla trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to over 500 mountain gorillas
  • Chimpanzee tracking – Kibale Forest, Africa’s best chimpanzee experience
  • Source of the Nile – Jinja, the point where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria
  • Murchison Falls – the Nile squeezes through a 7-metre gap creating the world’s most powerful waterfall
  • Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha – Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP
  • Lake Bunyonyi – ‘Place of Many Little Birds’, a stunning crater lake
  • Kidepo Valley – remote and wild, arguably Uganda’s best game viewing
  • Exceptional birding – 1,000+ species, more than all of Europe

Essential Travel Information

CategoryDetails
CapitalKampala
LanguageEnglish and Swahili (official); Luganda widely spoken in south
CurrencyUgandan Shilling (UGX). USD widely accepted. 1 USD ≈ 3,700 UGX
VisaEast Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda combined) USD 100. Single entry Uganda USD 50. Apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug
Best TimeJune–August and December–February (dry seasons, best for gorilla trekking). Gorilla permits available year-round
Time ZoneUTC+3
Getting ThereEntebbe International Airport (EBB). Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways
Getting AroundEagle Air Uganda for domestic flights. Safari vehicles for parks. Boda-boda (motorbikes) for short distances
HealthYellow fever vaccination required. Malaria prophylaxis recommended. Uganda very green – mosquitoes year-round
Budget RangeBudget: USD 80–150/day | Mid-range: USD 200–400/day | Gorilla permit: USD 700/person
TippingUSD 10–20/day for guides; USD 5/day porters on gorilla treks; 10% in restaurants
Electricity240V; Type G (British) plugs
SafetyVery safe for tourists. Kampala: standard urban precautions. Border areas: check current advisories

Tours to Uganda

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