Uganda, the Pearl of Africa
This incredible country has an amazing setting of ever-changing landscapes including hills, valleys, forests, savannas, and semi-deserts. Streams and rivers flow into and from a huge number of lakes, each home to unique wildlife and ecosystems just waiting to be discovered.
Uganda is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. One of the main attractions is the endangered mountain gorilla, with just over 1,000 of them making their home in the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Chimpanzees are also a highlight, with the Kibale National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve being the best places to see them. Golden monkeys are another rare species found in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Uganda’s savannah parks, including Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, offer the chance to see the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. With over 1,000 species of birds, Uganda is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Get Inspired With Our Uganda Safari Itineraries
Below we have a few of our popular itineraries. These are great starting points that will show you what the Pearl of Africa has in store for you.
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The Wildlife of Uganda
“For magnificence, variety of form and color, a profusion of brilliant life — bird, insect, reptile, beast — for vast scale — Uganda is truly “the Pearl of Africa.”
Uganda Highlights
By those lucky enough to visit, Uganda is regarded as one of Africa’s most beautiful countries. From landscapes that include Africa’s highest mountain range to being the source of the world’s largest river to the highest population of the endangered mountain gorillas, Uganda has wonders and wildlife to spare.
More than just natural beauty, it is also home to the most open and hospitable people in Africa, as well as one of the most diverse collections of traditional African cultures it’s possible to experience.
- Go mountain gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a truly unique African adventure that will have you face to face with one of the world’s most incredible primates!
- Track chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkey, red colobus, gray-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkeys in Kibale Forest National Park
- Experience the wonders of Queen Elizabeth National Park, including its wildlife population, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and more than 500 bird species
- See the dramatic waterfall at Murchison Falls and take a game tour on a boat in the Victoria Nile for the largest concentration of crocodiles on the continent!
- Spend time with the people from Uganda’s 56 tribes
- Uganda’s UNESCO Heritage Sites include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ruwenzori Mountains National Park, and Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
The Local Culture in Uganda
Ugandan culture is known for its music, dance, and storytelling traditions, which are often used to pass down cultural knowledge and values from generation to generation.
In Uganda, there are over 50 different tribes, each with its own customs, languages, and cultures. The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili, although many different languages are spoken across the country. The largest ethnic group is the Baganda, who make up about 17% of the population.
One of the best ways to experience Ugandan culture is to immerse yourself in it. Local celebrations are common, and with Kikooko’s ties to the Ugandan community, we’re sure you’ll feel right at home with these beautiful meetings between travelers and guests.
Picture Yourself in Uganda
Parks & Places in Uganda
Uganda boasts 10 national parks and 15 wildlife reserves, with a wide variety of different habitats.
From the lush jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, to the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the powerful waterfalls of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda is blessed with an unending supply of wildlife and nature experiences.
Below you’ll find three must-visit places, along with links to view the rest of Uganda’s beautiful parks.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | A Moment WIth The Mountain Gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest is a beautiful and biodiverse area in southwestern Uganda. Its most famous inhabitants are the endangered mountain gorillas, which can be observed on a guided trekking experience that takes visitors deep into the forest. Along the way, trekkers may also encounter other primates, such as colobus monkeys and chimpanzees, as well as a variety of bird species.
The forest is also home to forest elephants, duikers, and bushbucks, although these are more elusive and harder to spot.
Kidepo Valley National Park | Wide-Open Wonder
Kidepo Valley National Park is a remote wilderness area in northeastern Uganda. This national park is home to a range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes, as well as a variety of antelope species, including the elusive eland.
You can go on game drives to spot these animals, or go on guided walks to explore the park’s beautiful landscape on foot. Kidepo is also home to a variety of bird species, including ostriches and the Karamoja Apalis, a bird species found only in this region.
Queen Elizabeth National Park | Wildlife and Landscapes
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular safari destinations, and for good reason. The park is home to elephants, tree-climbing lions, leopards, buffaloes, and several antelope species, such as kobs, waterbucks, and bushbucks.
Once there, you’ll be able to go on game drives or take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George and offers a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds, including African fish eagles and kingfishers.
The park is also home to chimpanzees, which can be tracked in the Kyambura Gorge.
Best Travel Time for Uganda
Uganda is a pleasant place to visit throughout the year. Unlike other safari destinations, Uganda rarely has the crowded parks you might encounter in other places. As the Pearl of Africa is still a hidden gem to most, even the so-called high seasons are easy to navigate and will give you plenty of space to explore. For an even better deal, consider one of the low season months, as many lodges may offer discounts.
Though there are considered to be low seasons (March to May, September to November), and high seasons (June to August, December to February), the weather is sunny all year round. The low seasons were thought of as rainier seasons in the past, but you’ll find there are some light rains during the dry season and dry spots during the rainy ones.
Weather for Safaris in Uganda
Uganda enjoys a lovely tropical highland climate that is cooler than most equatorial countries. Temperatures average around 26°C (78°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night, with little variation throughout the year. The mountainous regions in the northwest are even cooler than the lower-lying eastern parts of the country. This means that visitors to Uganda can enjoy comfortable temperatures all year round.
Gorilla Permit Availability
For the months of July and August gorilla trekking permits sell out quickly, so it’s good to secure yours at least 6 months in advance.
Adventures & Experiences in Uganda
View the highlights below, then click to read more about them.
FAQs About Uganda
When packing for Uganda, consider bringing lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm and humid weather, as well as long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes.
A good pair of hiking boots is essential for gorilla trekking, and don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and your favorite camera! It’s also important to bring along any necessary medications or prescriptions.
The country experiences two rainy seasons: March to May and September to November, so it’s best to bring light rain gear if you’re traveling during these months.
The forests tend to be rainy and wet so we suggest you pack warm, protective clothing and comfortable walking/hiking boots. Also a hat and lightweight parka or raincoat.
In terms of what to wear, it’s generally best to dress modestly and comfortably, particularly if you plan to visit religious sites or rural areas. In more urban areas like Kigali, casual and business attire is generally acceptable. Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife you’ll encounter on your trip to Rwanda.
Uganda’s climate is generally tropical, with temperatures averaging around 26°C (78°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night.
Ugandan cuisine is diverse and features a variety of stews, soups, and curries made with ingredients like plantains, beans, and meat. Local specialties include matoke (steamed green bananas), chapati (flatbread), and groundnut (peanut) sauce.
Recently we have received a lot of attention for our government’s anti-homosexuality act. We understand that travelers, especially LGBTQ+ travelers, may feel concerned about a trip to Uganda. As a general rule, kissing, cuddling, and hand-holding in public are generally not done, even with straight couples, so travelers here of any sexual orientation are advised to avoid displaying affection in public.
Conservative dress is also expected within Uganda. If you have additional questions about your own trip planning, or are wondering whether it would be better to visit Rwanda and Tanzania instead, please reach out and we’d be happy to speak further about the best trip for you.
Visa
In terms of what to wear, it’s generally best to dress modestly and comfortably, particularly if you plan to visit religious sites or rural areas. In more urban areas like Kigali, casual and business attire is generally acceptable. Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife you’ll encounter on your trip to Rwanda.
Kikooko’s Other Destinations
Let’s start planning your next safari.
Warren Ankwasa
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris
Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.
As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.
We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.
Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox
Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?
Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.
