Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, is perhaps East Africa’’s best kept secret. Whether you are a first time safari goers or a seasonal African traveler, Uganda is an amazing place to enjoy a safari. It is quite unlike any other African country, with spectacular mountain scenery along with rain forests, rivers and lakes and areas of open plains, which provide homes for an extraordinary diversity of life.
Discover Uganda with its unique blend of Savannah and forest creatures, its rare wealth of mountain and lake habitats is simply dazzling. One of the highlights has to be gorilla trekking – foot safaris to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas can only be seen at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, at Mgahinga or in the Parc National des Volcans in neighboring Rwanda which is easily accessible from Uganda.
On a safari in Uganda, you can also see chimpanzees, go bird watching for the 27 Rift Valley endemics or the shoebill stork, see elephants, lions and hippos and other great African wildlife in a range of wildlife areas such as the Kibale forest and the Queen Elizabeth (Ruwenzori) National Park. The local communities also really make a trip here very special, sharing their cultural traditions and welcoming us to their country.
Uganda highlights
- Spectacular mountain scenery and other environments such as forests, rivers and lakes.
- Treks to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi or Mgahinga.
- Excellent wildlife including chimpanzees and other primates.
- Superb birdwatching, including the rare Shoebill Stork.
Places to Go
Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa”, is a country with spectacular natural scenery and a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. It has ten national parks displaying the best of East Africa. It is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. Their Rift Valley landscapes and tropical forests make dramatic backdrops to an extensive variety of flora and fauna.
Explore Uganda – on the tip of discovery with the safest and most hospitable parks in Africa!
Uganda National Parks
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Kibale National Park
- Lake Mburo National park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park Uganda
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
Language
English is the official language, with Luganda and Swahili also widely spoken.
Visas
Visas are required for UK citizens which can be purchased on arrival at the airport. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months.
Health
No compulsory vaccinations but several are recommended and you should take malaria prophylactics.
Best times to go
Due to a mainly equatorial climate, temperatures do not change hugely during the year with an average of between 24-28 C. Main rains are March – May and October – November. Birding is best November – March.
Getting there
You can get to Uganda via Air or Road.