Uganda is without a doubt a colorful country both in its wildlife complement, dramatic scenery and in its people themselves. The people of Uganda are friendly and inviting, and you will get to know their traditions and culture when visiting Uganda on your African safari.
Dive into a world of gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park, witnessing tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and embark on a chimpanzee tracking adventure in the Kibale forest. Game viewing in Ishasha National Park and along the banks of the Kazinga Channel is fantastic, while spending time beneath the strong curtain of water at Murchison Falls will refresh your soul.
Uganda is a country where wildlife and wonderful culture blend perfectly, with picturesque scenery, glistening waters of lakes and rivers and the chance to spend time with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, creating the ideal East African adventure.
Share in the success stories of the women who run the Bwindi 4 Women, a girl’s skills development center, and spend time among the incredible arts and crafts in support of the Ride 4 a Woman organization, located in Bwindi.
Uganda Geography
Uganda lies in Equatorial Africa, a country comprising a large percentage of water and offering picturesque and contrasting landscapes, sharing borders with Rwanda and Tanzania to the South and Kenya to the East.
The country sits around 2900 ft above sea level, the crisp air felt on the mountain escarpments while the humid forests are home to the mountain gorillas of Uganda. The Indian Ocean and its magnificent islands lie 500 miles from Uganda, offering options for captivating safaris and idyllic island escapes.
It is situated in the heart of East Africa’s Great Lakes, with the largest, Lake Victoria located near the capital city, Entebbe and not far from Kampala. Lake Albert and Lake Edward lie on the Western border with Lake Kyoga in the Eastern part of the country.
Uganda’s diverse landscape comprises mountains, lakes and volcanic hills. Craters scattered around the countryside create glistening lakes while Kibale Forest and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provide a canopy of green where chimpanzees and gorillas thrive, offering the outstanding experience of trekking in search of these fascinating animals.
Best Time to Visit Uganda
Uganda adventures are endless and planning your visit to tie in with the peak game viewing and ultimate gorilla tracking season, is key. The dry season between June and August and again from December to February, are great times to enjoy game viewing, gorilla tracking, and chimpanzee treks.
The low grass in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and a chance for excellent game viewing. It is a great time to see the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Wilderness region of the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
To avoid crowds, visitors to Uganda should avoid the peak travel season in the dryer months and consider traveling in spring and autumn. Taking a boat down the Kazinga Channel is a fantastic opportunity to see a myriad of game grazing on the shore, and the dry season will bring the animals to the waters to drink.
Bird lovers will enjoy the plethora of birdlife present between December and February, however, certain parts of the country such as Murchison Falls may be humid and hot. After the rains end in May, birdlife is prolific, so this is a great time to visit if birding is your focus.
Uganda Climate
Being on the Equator, Uganda’s climate is one of equatorial humidity, so comfortable and warm temperatures throughout the year, with the wind patterns and lay of the land dictating the varying rain patterns. Rainfall in Uganda is steady, filling up the many rivers that run through the country, one of the most famous being Africa’s longest river, the River Nile.
The seasons work differently in Uganda with two main periods to consider: the wet season and the dry season. The former will fall between March and May and again from September to December. The cities of Kampala and Entebbe will enjoy hot days with mild evenings. The rainy season can bring humid temperatures to these hubs, with May being noted as the most humid month.
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest presents a humid climate usually associated with tropical rainforests, so visitors embarking on a gorilla safari may require rain jackets during their gorilla trek. In the winter, the early mornings may feel fresh as you greet the day.
When visiting the Kazinga Channel, you will notice that the days are hot while in the evenings, temperatures drop making the evenings cool and pleasant. The hot days will ensure that there are always animals coming to the water’s edge to drink.
Health & Safety
Traveling in Uganda under the guidance of a qualified travel company or local guide is recommended, and this will also ensure that you won’t miss a thing when heading out on safari in one of Uganda’s National Parks and key wildlife sites.
When visiting the cities of Kampala or Entebbe, general safety precautions are recommended, and adhering to your guide’s advice will ensure your experiences are safe and pleasant. Getting around the major cities will be in a pre-booked taxi or with your touring vehicle.
Witnessing chimpanzees at play in the Kibale Forest or spending time marveling at Uganda’s majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an exciting adventure, and following safety guidelines when out trekking will be in both your and the animal’s best interest. Keeping safe distances will protect the health of the animals you are tracking, and ensure you are always far away from any danger.
When it comes to medicine required when visiting Uganda, a malaria prophylactic is a great idea, while a Yellow Fever vaccination is required, with all visitors required to show a certificate as proof when entering Uganda. Rabies, Hepatitis A and B shots may be recommended to you at the time of booking your Uganda safari.
Which Uganda parks are best to visit?
One of the key reasons people visit Uganda is to embark on a gorilla trekking expedition, and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the rainforest that is home to around 400 gorillas, making almost half of the world’s gorilla population. Trekking through Bwindi is exciting and can be slightly challenging, and coming across the mountain gorillas is a truly remarkable sight.
Queen Elizabeth Park is home to a variety of plains game as well as large herds of elephants and the unique tree-climbing lion. The elusive leopard can be spotted on safari in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth Park, as well as buffalo and herds of antelope.
The Kazinga Channel is a body of water that joins Lake George and Lake Edward and is home to a variety of animals that range from elephant to buffalo, hippo to crocodiles, as well as several bird species. Kibale Forest National Park comprises a network of trees that form the perfect playground for cheeky chimpanzees, an entertaining experience for all who visit.
Murchison Falls National Park is known for its complement of Nile Crocodiles and the thundering waters of the Murchison Falls. Lake Mburo National Park is located close to Kampala and Entebbe and is home to over 300 species of birds, including the Mosque Swallow.
What to expect on our Uganda Gorilla Treks & Safaris?
Uganda is a stunning destination that will open your mind to the wonders of safari destinations that are alive with incredible wildlife, locations that open up to vast and breathtaking scenery and communities that will proudly share their rich traditions with you.
Qualified safari guides will share the wonders of a day on safari, from early morning game drives to late afternoon sundowners. Options to view animals, mountains and lakes from a hot air balloon will enhance your safari experience, while bush walks and a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel are optional excursions to consider.
A key reason for visiting Uganda is to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure, and here you will be fully briefed as to what to expect at every turn. Discover the wonders of chimpanzee trekking with your guide, a truly unique experience.
Breathtaking lodges and classic safari camps will play host to you during your stay, allowing you to sit back and safari in style, while remaining humble in the incredible wilderness that is scattered throughout Uganda. You will have the chance to visit community ventures and support local groups of women and men, all under the guidance of your hosts.
How to prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Packing for gorilla trekking in Uganda requires some thoughtful pre-planning, ensuring the correct shoes, pants and shirts are in your luggage. Dark clothing is recommended, with long-sleeve, cool shirts and a hat for those moments the sun peeks out through the forest canopy.
Good walking shoes are good to have, with the option of light hiking boots a brilliant idea. Thicker trousers such as comfortable yoga pants or stretchy material trousers are a great idea, however, even your khaki safari pants are fine.
There may be times you may need to brush aside some of the foliage around you so it is wise to consider packing a pair of heavy-duty or thick gardening gloves. Waders can be worn over your hiking shoes as a way to protect you from low-lying grass, shrubs and pesty insects.
Visitors embarking on a gorilla trek in Uganda will have the option of hiring a porter on the day of their trek, and this is highly recommended. Their porter will carry all bags and camera equipment if required and assist you in getting up the mountain and through the forest.
How much does it cost to trek with gorillas in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a unique and for most, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visa costs have increased over the years, and currently, a gorilla trekking permit will cost USD 800 per person to visit gorillas in the Bwindi National Park. Visitors have the option to do their gorilla trekking in the Mgahinga National Park, where the gorilla trekking permits cost USD 700 per person.
Lodging around the more popular Bwindi area can range from USD 300 per person sharing per night up to around USD 1000 per person per night, depending on what type of accommodation you choose to stay in, whether all meals are included and the length of your stay.
Some people choose to do more than one gorilla trek, perhaps trekking in both Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda, and even consider a gorilla trek in both Uganda and Rwanda, which will naturally raise the price tag.
If you choose to explore more than just the gorilla families in the Bwindi Forest, with visits to the amazing Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls for example, or even a beach add-on on one of the Indian Ocean Islands, your costs will, of course, reflect.
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers two distinctive regions to trek in and various routes to follow in both. At Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, there is the option to take the easy route, a moderate route and one slightly more challenging.
The easier the route, the longer it may take to reach the gorilla families, with the more challenging routes offering a shorter time to reach the gorillas. The adventure is truly in the trek with the reward, the gentle giants you come across.
Each person who goes gorilla trekking has the option to work with a porter who will carry your backpack and cameras, and assist you up and down the mountain. You will be given a pole to aid you up steep inclines and be able to rest at any time along the way. The trails are clear and you will always have a guide in front and behind you.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an exciting adventure and one where a variety of fitness levels will suffice. Both Bwindi and Mgahinga will try and match clients with the best route, and open communication along the way will ensure that every step taken towards finding the gorilla families is as comfortable as can be.
Is Rwanda or Uganda better for gorilla trekking?
Many have asked if either Rwanda or Uganda are better for gorilla trekking and we can say that both are just as fantastic as each other. They differ in terrain and surrounding scenery, and the trekking in each country differs in levels of difficulty.
In Uganda, there are various routes one can embark on to visit one of the approximately 11 gorilla families, while in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there are said to be around 10 gorilla families. With several options to choose from, visitors will be assured of seeing the gorillas during their trek.
Some visitors may find the less strenuous, yet longer gorilla routes in Rwanda, preferable to them, while in Uganda, the Gorilla trekking may take longer, however, the surrounding scenery is simply breathtaking.
Price may dictate your preference when it comes to Gorilla trekking in either Uganda or Rwanda, as the pricing for gorilla permits in Rwanda is currently $1500 per person while in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the price of a gorilla permit is currently $800 per person. In Mgahinga gorilla trekking permits currently cost USD 700 per person.
Other activities apart from gorilla trekking in Uganda
Uganda features incredible experiences that range from visiting the majestic Murchison Falls to capturing incredible views just outside the Kibale Forest where chimpanzee tracking is popular. These picturesque destinations should not be missed, and this would allow visitors to spend more time exploring Uganda rather than a short visit focused on gorilla trekking.
Taking a boat ride down the Kazinga Channel is a spectacular chance to see a vast number of wildlife. Quantity and quality are at play here when the shores come alive with brilliant birdlife and incredible animal sightings to your left and right as you travel along the quiet waters.
Take a boat ride out on Lake Victoria and spend time in search of the quirky Shoebill Stork. Pay a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe, where the rehabilitation of wildlife and the love and dedication of those taking care of them is remarkable and commendable.
Cultural experiences in Uganda will highlight the warmth, talent and charming traditions of the Uganda people, and spending time in Kampala and Entebbe will give you the chance to learn about the history and customs of the local communities. Giving back to the surrounding communities is important to the Ugandan nation, and this is depicted in the Bwindi Ride 4 a Woman project.