Discover Uganda
Uganda covers 241,038 square kilometres and is home to more than half the world's remaining mountain gorillas (approximately 459 in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest alone), ten national parks, and the source of the White Nile at Jinja. Often called 'The Pearl of Africa' — a phrase attributed to Winston Churchill — Uganda spans from snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains (5,109 m, 'Mountains of the Moon') to the vast savannahs of Kidepo Valley. The country hosts over 1,090 bird species, making it the top birding destination in Africa by species-per-area.
When to Go
June to September and December to February are the dry seasons, ideal for gorilla trekking and general game drives. Gorilla permits should be booked 3-6 months ahead. March to May heavy rains make trails muddy but reduce permit competition.
What You'll See
Approximately 459 mountain gorillas in Bwindi (over half the global population of around 1,063), habituated chimpanzee groups in Kibale Forest (estimated 1,500 individuals), tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park's Ishasha sector, over 1,090 bird species including the shoebill stork (Murchison Falls and Lake Albert), and 13 primate species in Kibale — the highest primate density on Earth.
Your Journey Begins
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) on the shores of Lake Victoria receives direct flights from Nairobi (1 hour), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Amsterdam (KLM), Dubai, and Istanbul. Domestic charter flights reach Bwindi (Kihiihi airstrip), Kidepo, and Queen Elizabeth parks. Bwindi is approximately 420 km from Entebbe (8-9 hours by road, or 1.5 hours by charter). A single-entry visa ($50 USD) or East Africa Tourist Visa ($100, covering Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda) is required.
Destinations in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Trek to meet mountain gorilla families in 25,000-year-old UNESCO forest — Africa's ultimate wildlife encounter.
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Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tree-climbing lions, 612 bird species, and boat cruises past thousands of hippos on the Kazinga Channel.
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Kibale Forest National Park
The world's greatest primate destination — 13 species and 1,500 chimpanzees in 795 km² of tropical rainforest.
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