East Africa

Uganda

Gorilla trekking, rivers and lush landscapes in the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda offers a different East African experience, with forests, great apes, waterfalls and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

East Africa · Beyond Tanzania
Uganda

Discover Uganda

The Pearl of Africa

Uganda is green, varied and full of wildlife. It is best known for gorilla trekking in the southwest, but it also offers savannah parks, big rivers and the high Rwenzori Mountains.

Compared with its neighbours, Uganda feels intimate and diverse, with a strong focus on primates and forest experiences.

It makes an excellent addition to a Tanzania journey for travellers who want a different pace and landscape.

GorillasTrekking in the southwest
Murchison FallsDramatic waterfall
PrimatesChimpanzee tracking
KampalaGateway city

Highlights

What Makes Uganda Special

A country where forest, river and savannah come together.

Gorilla Trekking

Guided treks in the forest to see mountain gorillas, with permits arranged well in advance.

Murchison Falls

A powerful waterfall on the Nile, combined with game drives and river cruises.

Queen Elizabeth Area

Savannah, lakes and craters with a good mix of wildlife and birdlife.

Wildlife Encounters

Primates and More

Uganda is famous for mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, but it also offers elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and well over a thousand recorded species of birds.

Trekking involves walking in forest terrain, so reasonable fitness is helpful.

Mountain Gorillas
Chimpanzees
Elephants
Giraffes
Hippos
Crocodiles
Tree-Climbing Lions
Birdlife

Things to Do

Experience Uganda

Plan around permits and the activities you want.

Gorilla Trekking

Spend a limited time with a gorilla family under a ranger's guidance.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Walk in the forest to find habituated chimpanzees.

Game Drives

Explore the savannah parks.

River Cruises

See wildlife from the water.

Birdwatching

One of Africa's richest countries for birds.

Cultural Visits

Experience local communities and traditions.

When to Visit

The Best Time to Visit Uganda

Your ideal travel period depends on the experiences and landscapes you want to enjoy.

June – September and December – February

Drier Months

Generally easier for trekking and travel.

March – May and October – November

Wetter Months

Lush scenery, though forest trails can be muddy and travel slower.

Plan Your Visit

Getting to Uganda

Most visitors arrive at Entebbe near Kampala, with onward travel by road or small aircraft.

Gorilla trekking areas in the southwest are a long drive from Kampala, so flights or extra days are often used.

  • International flights into Entebbe.
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee permits must be arranged in advance.
  • Check visa and health requirements before travel.
  • Allow extra time for road journeys.

Journeys with Avalia

Plan Uganda With Us

We plan Uganda journeys on request. This tailor-made journey connects Tanzania with selected East African destinations, shaped around your interests.

East Africa

Let Us Plan Your Uganda Journey

Tell us your dates, group size and what you hope to experience, and we will shape a journey around it.

Plan Your Uganda Journey