Best for
Gorillas, chimpanzees, birding, boat safaris and green landscapes
Best time
Jun – Sep and Dec – Feb (drier periods)
Capital
Kampala
Languages
English, Swahili, Luganda
Currency
Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
From misty mountains and ancient rainforests to thundering falls, open savannah and shimmering lakes, Uganda is home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and extraordinary biodiversity.
Christened the Pearl of Africa, Uganda has established itself as a niche safari destination for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game viewing and birding — with year-round opportunities for adventure and a genuine chance to get off the beaten track.
It is more than gorillas, though few moments compare. You can track chimps in Kibale, cruise the Kazinga Channel, stand beneath Murchison Falls and reach remote valleys few travellers ever see.
One of the world's last great wildlife encounters, in the forests of Bwindi.
Kibale Forest holds the highest density of chimpanzees in East Africa.
From the Nile to the Kazinga Channel — rivers, lakes and game in the same day.
“Uganda is a land of contrasts — misty forest and open plain, thundering falls and still lakes. It isn't only about seeing gorillas; it's about feeling the wild and connecting with the people who live alongside it.”
Our View
Out2Safari Safari Expert
Where to go
Each region of Uganda offers a different safari. Open one to see what it's like on the ground.
Gorilla trekking
An hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi.
Chimpanzee tracking
Kibale's habituated communities, at close range.
Boat safari
The Kazinga Channel and the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls.
Birding
Over 1,000 recorded species, including Albertine Rift endemics.
Canopy walks
Forest trails and treetop walkways through ancient rainforest.
Community visits
Batwa and local community experiences around the parks.
Wildlife you can expect
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited and sell out months ahead — secure them before you fix the rest of the itinerary. Rain can fall in any month in the montane forests.
Best trekking conditions — drier trails and clearer forest.
Rain is possible; trails muddier but trekking continues.
Another dry stretch with good trekking and game viewing.
Wetter, fewer visitors and lush green rainforest.
Before you go
Weather & Climate
On the equator, Uganda has consistent temperatures year-round. The warmest period is January and February, with daytime temperatures typically 24–33°C.
Visas
You need a visa to travel to Uganda. Your dedicated travel concierge will guide you through the application process.
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Uganda. Malaria is prevalent — consult your healthcare provider well in advance, as some preventative treatments begin before departure.
Family friendliness
Uganda's headline activity is primate tracking in thick mountainous forest, which is not suited to young children. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits carry a minimum age of 15.
Safety
Uganda is widely regarded as welcoming and safe. Where remote areas carry advisories, we operate only in secure regions and monitor guidance continuously.
The questions we're asked most. Anything else, just ask us directly.
Tell us what excites you
Every journey we design is built around the things you actually want to do. Tell us what those are and we'll shape the rest.
