A diverse and rewarding gorilla tracking and safari destination, a foray into Rwanda is often of interest to travellers visiting Uganda, and we can include this in your trip. Kigali (the capital city) is the point of entry for international flights, and connections work well onto Entebbe. We especially recommend time in Rwanda for those wanting to spend more time tracking mountain gorillas and exploring the Virunga Mountains in the same location the late Dian Fossey was based in for almost 20 years. Additional highlights include Golden money treks, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest National Park and the remote and wild Akagera National Park.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Catherine is dedicated to all things Uganda and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Uganda is most well-known for the access it gives to the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees who live in its forested national parks, and undoubtedly, this will be the main draw for the majority of visitors. Dubbed the ‘Pearl of Africa’ by early colonial explorers to the continent, the mix of open savannah, rainforest, vast lakes and Rift Valley escarpments make Uganda one of the most diverse and breathtaking countries in East Africa to travel around.
Generally speaking, cities in Uganda feature in itineraries more as connection points rather than areas to spend much time in, though there are several interesting excursions around Entebbe. The wildlife experience can be categorised into primate tracking and classic safari. The main centre for gorilla tracking is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where the majority of the gorilla families live. Chimpanzees inhabit forests in Kibale, Kyambura Gorge and the Budongo area of Murchison Falls. Numbers are strictly limited when tracking, and a degree of fitness is required. Wildlife activities in the remaining national parks are focused on safari drives, with boat cruises, night drives, and even hot-air ballooning also available. The River Nile provides a dramatic backdrop to Murchison Falls and Jinga as the mighty river starts its journey to its end point over 0000 miles away in Egypt.
The standards of guiding and service are very high, and Uganda offers both seasoned safari-goers and first-timers the chance to get off the beaten track and experience top-class safari, stunning landscapes and of course, the chance to get up close to endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Gorilla tracking in Uganda makes it a great year-round holiday option, however, the availability of permits can play a part in when's best to travel. The traditional high season to visit Uganda is between June and October, which is drier and better for wildlife viewing and hiking, but better infrastructure through the national parks, and recent upgrades of the roads connecting destinations (this is ongoing) have meant that travelling outside this timeframe is increasingly on the rise.
There are two rainy seasons in Uganda – the short rains from October to November shouldn’t put you off, as a short sharp shower in the afternoon clears the air and brings the humidity down. The longer rains from March to May are more ongoing, but even then, if the focus of your trip is to see the gorillas, it shouldn’t be discounted as a time to go.
What meals are included varies depending on where you are. Generally speaking, the more remote areas (such as Bwindi and safari destinations) include all meals, whereas Jinga, Entebbe and Kampala are more likely to include fewer meals as there are a choice of excellent restaurants nearby to enjoy. Where meals are included, expect large portions featuring fresh, locally grown ingredients, often sourced from the lodge’s own gardens. Safari and trekking are hungry work, and lodges take pride in producing high-quality cuisine, often with many courses on offer. Where food or drinks are not included (most safari lodges operate on a full board basis, so don’t include drinks), then prices are generally very reasonable (well below UK prices).
Alcoholic options are likely to be reasonably limited – expect a red and white wine option but not necessarily more choice than that, though the standard of G&Ts for that crucial sundowner is usually pretty good! If you're eating in a hotel’s restaurant, you can expect a predominantly western menu – there are also some excellent Indian restaurants in Entebbe and Kampala.
Those wishing to try more traditional fare will find that meals centre around stews, chapatis, ugali (a maize porridge), plantain and perhaps groundnut sauce – extremely filling, and definitely worth trying. Of course, we can always recommend our favourite spots!
It's not possible to fly directly from the UK to Uganda. There are a variety of route options to get to Entebbe, with the most popular flying via Nairobi with British Airways or Air Kenya. The majority of flights fly overnight with a short connection before reaching Entebbe. It's well worth considering alternative routes with Emirates, Qatar, and Rwandair, all of which have good transfer times and competitive pricing. Departing from regional airports is very straightforward and airlines like BA, Qatar, Emirates and KLM have comprehensive departures to choose from. We're here to help you find the best flight options for you.
British citizens require a visa to enter Uganda, and this must be obtained in advance of your trip. There's an online visa portal which is relatively easy to navigate, though it shouldn't be left to the last minute, as supporting documents must be uploaded, including passport pictures and proof of yellow fever vaccinations. The current cost of a single-entry visa is $50 and is valid for stays up to three months.
Alternatively, if you are combining a visit to Uganda with Kenya or Rwanda, you can apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa for $100, which covers consecutive entrances between these countries. The East Africa Tourist Visa must also be applied for prior to travel.
Passports must be valid for 6 months or more from the date of entry into Uganda and must have at least 3 blank pages inside.
Uganda is generally a very safe country, especially in the more touristic areas. There's a higher crime rate in the cities as you would expect, mostly opportunist thefts, and for that reason, we suggest pre-arranging activities and transfers. If you'd prefer to do so when you are there, doing so through your accommodation is a good idea. Hotels in Entebbe and Kampala are likely to have safes in your hotel rooms, but in other areas of the country, we suggest using the hotel’s central safe for all valuables, including cash.
As we’re not medical experts, we feel it's essential you contact your GP regarding vaccinations and the like for travel to Uganda. What follows are some suggestions, but they must be verified by a medical professional.
In addition to such vaccinations as you’d routinely have for living in the UK, further boosters are recommended for Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Diptheria.
Malaria: Malaria exists throughout much of Uganda, please consult your GP for advice on what malarial precautions to take.
Yellow Fever: Travellers entering the country are required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzee treks: Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees are highly susceptible to human disease, including flu and colds. If you are participating in a gorilla or chimp trek then you need to be free of any easily contagious diseases and this is checked at the start of the trek by the Park Authorities. If they are in any doubt of your condition, they reserve the right to prevent you from continuing on the trek.
We also like these guys, but again you must talk to your GP first: The Travel Doctor, an interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers plus customised lists of travel medicines, vaccines and malaria tablets for holiday makers, global adventure travellers and expeditions.
Ugandan shillings are the local currency, though these are only available once you are in Uganda. Generally speaking, US Dollars are accepted everywhere in Uganda, though it is a good idea to change a small amount of dollars into shillings for sundries along the way, such as souvenirs, drinks and tips.
Tipping is very welcome and appreciated in Uganda. You will generally find a central tipping box in almost all accommodations for camp staff, including chefs, housekeepers and hosts. The idea being that you can contribute into this at the end of your stay rather than handing out multiple small notes.
A general guide would be $5 per person per night. Safari and tracking guides are separate to this and we would recommend $10 per person, per day, half for a half-day activity, plus $5 per person per porter for tracking activities. Most safari camps and lodges will arrange safari activities so that you keep the same guide for the duration of your stay so you can tip your guide at the end of your stay. For transfer drivers, a small amount of roughly $3 – $5 per journey is usually sufficient. When changing currency it is worth asking for several notes of small denominations and it is also worthy of note that $100 bills dated before 2010 are not accepted so should be avoided.
We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference.
If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time!
A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings.
To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return.
Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’
Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible).
Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item.
We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity.
Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques.
If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. We’ve travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer our considered advice.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Catherine is dedicated to all things Uganda and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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