Gorillas, chimpanzees and the source of the Nile in a green highland country.
Uganda is lush and varied, with rainforest, savannah, crater lakes and snowy peaks. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to around half the world's mountain gorillas, Kibale Forest to habituated chimpanzees, and Queen Elizabeth National Park to tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Murchison Falls forces the Nile through a narrow gorge, and Jinja is a hub for whitewater rafting.
Travel here means long, scenic drives with a driver-guide, lakeside stays at places like Lake Bunyonyi and very friendly roadside stops. Try a rolex, a chapati rolled with egg, or matoke, steamed plantain. December to February and June to September are the drier seasons and best for trekking; March to May and October to November are wetter.
Best time to visit Uganda
January, February, June, July, August.
Places to visit in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A steep, ancient rainforest that shelters around half the world's mountain gorillas, tracked on foot in small groups.
Kampala: Uganda's energetic capital, with royal tombs, busy markets and a nightlife scene that runs late.
Murchison Falls National Park: Uganda's largest park, where the Victoria Nile forces through a seven-metre gap and wildlife gathers on its banks.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: A savannah park between two lakes, with boat trips among hippos and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Jinja: A laid-back town on Lake Victoria that marks the Nile's source and is East Africa's white-water adventure centre.
Essentials
Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Language: English; Luganda and Swahili are widely spoken
Plugs: Type G, 240 V
Driving: Left side
Time zone: UTC+3
Tipping: Tip guides, trackers and porters; around 10% in restaurants
Getting around: A private driver-guide is standard; boda-boda motorbike taxis in towns
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking