Uganda
Discover the best of Uganda.
Uganda is friendly, fascinating, and full of adventure. It's here that travelers walk through the mist, tracking mountain gorillas in their remote natural habitat. It's also here that you can canoe the biggest lake in Africa, bungee jump over the Nile, and observe wildlife in 10 national parks. Plus, traveling to this region is easier than ever before—citizens of a number of countries can obtain an East Africa Tourist Visa online prior to arrival.
When is the best time to visit?
Uganda has a tropical climate, meaning there's a chance of rain no matter what time of year you visit. There are technically "dry" and "wet" seasons—which unsurprisingly align with the high and low seasons for tourism. You'll find the driest conditions from June-September, prime time for gorilla trekking on mud-free trails. The heaviest rains fall from March-May and October-December. January and February are the hottest months of the year.
Where should you go?
It may be a landlocked country, but you won't have time to miss the beach—Uganda is a land of adventurous, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Perhaps the most unique and sought-after activity is trekking among the famed gorillas of the Virunga Mountains, available in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can also see the "Big 5" on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, tour coffee farms, or spend time in a Batwa Pygmy village.
Uganda's other claim to fame is Lake Victoria—Africa's largest lake, and the largest tropical lake in the world with a surface area of over 26,000 sq. miles. Go on a guided sport fishing expedition, explore the lake by canoe, or simply lounge at the beach. Did we mention that the Nile River originates in Uganda, too? Its banks provide countless opportunities to observe wildlife and get wild yourself—whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and sport fishing are all available.
How many days should you spend?
With 5 days in Uganda, travelers should prioritize visiting the gorillas. You can visit Bwindi for two days of gorilla trekking, plus a boat trip and safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Double that timeframe, and your options double along with it. In ten days, you can start with a Murchison Falls National Park safari and a Nile Delta boat trip, continue to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking and more safari time in Queen Elizabeth, and cap it off with the gorillas of Bwindi. Two weeks is equally easy to fill—add a visit to Jinja for whitewater rafting and two days in the Kidepo Valley.
