Undulating landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a rich history characterize the East African nation of Uganda. The country boasts 10 national parks, including the UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Add in natural features like Lake Victoria and the Rwenzori Mountains, vibrant cities like Kampala and Jinja, and ancient cultures like the Acholi, Lango, and Ganda, and you’ll find no end of things to do in Uganda.
Uganda is temperate year-round, with temperatures reaching their highest December through February—if you’re wildlife watching, these warmer months often ensure better views. Rainy seasons are between March–May and September–November. Keep in mind that downpours can make the terrain trickier to manage if you’re road tripping or trekking.
Within cities, most people get around by car, matatu (public minivan) or boda boda (taxi motorbike). Traffic is often heavy and driving can be intense, so it’s generally easier to let a local handle the roads, whether with prebooked tour transfers or taxi services. If you’re traveling between towns, coach buses or private transfers are the standard—where possible, take the Post Bus, which is widely considered the best option for intercity bus travel.
Foodies in Uganda can’t miss out on the rolex. No, it's not the watch, but the street food delicacy found cooking on corners throughout the country. Made of omelet, veggies, and fried chapati, it’s a vegetarian energy boost for adventurers on the go. Film fans are in for a treat too, with many of Uganda’s natural landmarks used as filming locations in the Black Panther movies, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwenzori Mountains, and Lake Bunyonyi.
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Yes, Uganda is great for tourists. It’s one of the only places to see mountain gorillas and the so-called Big Five game animals. Take safety precautions—book accommodation and tours through reputable agencies and remain vigilant. Many tourists find Uganda more affordable and varied in its offerings than neighboring countries.
...MoreUganda is known for its wildlife and landscapes. It's home to a majority of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, plus lions, leopards, and elephants. Then there’s the source of the Nile River in Jinja and the powerful Murchison Falls. The historic kingdoms of Buganda and Bunyoro-Kitara are from here, too.
...MoreUganda’s top attractions are its national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Lake Victoria, the largest of Africa’s Great Lakes, is another draw, as is the capital city of Kampala—home to cultural attractions including Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Museum, and Mengo Palace.
...MoreYes and no. Daily items aren’t very expensive in Uganda, and tourists can choose accommodation and meal options at a variety of prices. However, big experiences like gorilla trekking can be very expensive. Much of the proceeds go into conservation, and the price covers the all-important permits and ranger fees.
...MoreYes, it's safe to visit gorillas in Uganda. The nation is invested in keeping gorilla trekking, a major attraction, safe and inviting. Visitors receive a detailed briefing on approaching the wild animals and are escorted by an armed ranger, whose job it is to protect both trekkers and gorillas.
...MoreYou need seven days (minimum) to experience Uganda’s best bits, but it’ll be a whistle-stop tour. Gorilla trekking takes one to three days, and there's travel between cities or parks, plus two days for the capital. Plan for two weeks to fully experience a few natural reserves and cultural landmarks.
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