Photo: supplied by East Africa Trails Uganda at a glance
- Capital
- Kampala
- Currency
- Ugandan shilling (UGX); US dollars accepted at lodges
- Languages
- English and Swahili, plus Luganda and many local languages
- Entry
- E-visa, about US$50 for most travellers; East Africa Tourist Visa US$100
- Time zone
- UTC+3 (East Africa Time)
- Driving
- On the left
- Plugs
- Type G, 240 V
- Main gateway
- Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 45 minutes from Kampala
Why Uganda
Uganda is small and green, and its wildlife is unusually varied. In a single trip you can trek to mountain gorillas in Bwindi, track chimpanzees in Kibale, take a boat trip among hippos on the Kazinga Channel and watch giraffes near the Nile at Murchison Falls. Half of the world’s mountain gorillas live here, and permits cost roughly half what they do in Rwanda.
The trade-off is logistics. Distances between parks are long, and roads are slower than the map suggests. Domestic flights help, and good planning makes a big difference.
The western circuit
The classic itinerary links Kibale (chimps), Queen Elizabeth (boat trips, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha) and Bwindi (gorillas). It takes seven to ten days by road, or a few days less with flights. Lake Mburo is a natural stop on the way.
The north
Murchison Falls combines a boat trip to the falls with game drives and, on the way, rhino tracking at Ziwa. Kidepo Valley is remote and best reached by air. Together they make a different, quieter trip that can also be combined with the west.
Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains offer multi-day treks, and Mgahinga has volcano hikes and golden monkeys. Both work best as additions to a longer trip.
Permits and booking
Gorilla, chimp and other activity permits are limited and sell out for the peak months of June to September and December to January. Book at least six months ahead if you can. Low-season permits, in April, May and November, are cheaper but non-refundable and non-changeable. We explain the system in the gorilla trekking guide.
Practical notes
Uganda drives on the left, and the currency is the Ugandan shilling. The country requires a yellow fever certificate for most arrivals, and malaria prophylaxis is advised. Tipping is customary. Uganda has laws that affect LGBTQ travellers, which you should research before you go. Check your government’s travel advice before booking.
National parks and reserves in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Home to nearly half the world's mountain gorillas, in ancient forest on steep green hills.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda's smallest national park: three volcanoes, golden monkeys and a single gorilla family that sometimes crosses the border.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda's most varied park: a boat trip among hippos, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and chimps in a gorge.
Murchison Falls National Park
The Nile squeezes through a 7-metre gap and drops 43 m, in Uganda's biggest park.
Kibale National Park
The world's best-known place to see wild chimpanzees, with 12 other primate species in the same forest.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda's most remote park: wide plains, mountain backdrops and animals you can't see elsewhere in the country.
Lake Mburo National Park
A small, hilly park on the road to Bwindi where you can walk, ride and cycle among zebras and impalas.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Snow-capped peaks on the equator, giant lobelia and a wet, muddy, beautiful trek that few people do.
City guides
Kampala Travel Guide for Uganda Trips
A loud, hilly, friendly capital that most people pass through. A day here pays back.
Itineraries that include Uganda
Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Circuit: 10 Days
Ten days linking Uganda's chimps and big game with two gorilla treks, one in Bwindi and one in Rwanda's Volcanoes, and a border crossing at Cyanika.
Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big Game: 7 Days
A seven-day Uganda trip covering chimpanzees at Kibale, boats and lions at Queen Elizabeth and a gorilla trek in Bwindi, with a flight back to Entebbe.
Uganda travel questions
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
As of September 2026, the Uganda Wildlife Authority charges foreign non-residents US$800 in the main season and US$600 in the low months of April, May and November. Permits are sold through UWA or licensed operators and must be paid at booking. See our gorilla trekking guide.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Uganda?
Uganda has traditionally asked arriving visitors for proof of yellow fever vaccination, and airlines and immigration officers do check. Carry your international certificate, and confirm the current rules with your doctor or a travel clinic.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
June to September and December to February are drier, which makes gorilla and chimp treks easier. March to May and October to November are wetter, with lower permit prices in April, May and November. Wildlife viewing works year-round.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Popular tourist areas are generally safe. Use ride-hailing and reputable drivers in Kampala, avoid walking alone at night, and check your government's travel advice, which flags certain border regions. See our safety guide.
How many days do I need in Uganda?
A gorilla trek alone can be done in three or four days from Kigali or Entebbe by flight, but a full western circuit with chimps, a boat cruise and game drives takes seven to ten days. Add three or four days for the north.
Last updated 20 September 2026. Entry rules and fees change, so check the official immigration site before you travel.