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Uganda’s Wildlife Wonders

This comprehensive wildlife and primates safari takes you to a range of habitats where you will get the chance to encounter a host of wildlife and enjoy exquisite scenery.

Highlights

  • An amazing jungle experience with the gorillas and chimpanzees
  • Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary - the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos
  • Search for amazing tree-climbing lions
  • Game drive in the sweeping savannah habitats for big game
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14 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

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Experience primate tracking through lush forests and spend time with Uganda’s mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

Visit the only site to view southern white rhino in the wild and learn about the conservation project which has restored them to Uganda.

Enjoy boat rides on some of the country’s most beautiful stretches of water.

This safari is an excellent way to sample Uganda’s wildlife!

*From price based on travel for 2 people during low season (March – May & November). For larger groups or solo travellers please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

Arrival Day

Your guide will be at Entebbe International Airport to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, a short drive away.

They will be with you throughout your holiday and, as well as driving, they will share their knowledge of Uganda’s flora and fauna with you and provide some insights into culture, history and politics. They will help you check-in to hotels, translate during community activities, if necessary, and generally do all they can to ensure you get the most out of your visit. At certain times a site guide or park ranger will take over, for example, during gorilla tracking.

Although you have an agreed itinerary, there will be the possibility for a few impromptu stops along the way perhaps to take photos, admire a view, visit a roadside market or check-out a honey cooperative.

Depending on your time of arrival, you can relax and enjoy a meal at The Boma.

Accommodation: Via Via Hotel Entebbe

Meals: dinner (depending on your arrival time)

 

Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, your Ugandan adventure starts as you drive north, leaving the city behind.

Your first stop will be at a local farm to enjoy some time in nature and learn more about local farming and, in particular, traditional medicinal plants.

Lunchtime will be your first opportunity to try local food which is simple, tasty and plentiful. It consists of a main food, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, posho (maize flour), matooke (steamed mashed green bananas) and a sauce (e.g. meat, chicken, fish, beans, peas, Gnut sauce). It’s not very spicy, and delicious! You may also find other regional dishes and a lot of roasted meat (muchomo). 

After lunch, your journey continues up to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where your lodge is located. Rhinos were wiped out in Uganda in the 1980s and the sanctuary at Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see them.

There is a successful breeding programme, supported in large part by tourism and, with time, the rhino will be re-introduced to some of our national parks. A great conservation success story.

There will be time to relax before dinner.

Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Rhino Tracking and visit to Murchison Falls National Park

There is plenty to eat at breakfast but look out in particular for the world famous Ugandan coffee, the tropical fruits and freshly squeezed fruit juices.

The rhino tracking experience this morning starts with a briefing from the rangers before they lead you on a 1.5 to 2 hours nature walk around the sanctuary. The terrain is generally flat and you may see animals like bush buck and wart hogs along with a huge variety of bird species. You will be able to spend time with the rhino observing their behaviour and learning more about them from the rangers. Our top tip: get up early when the rhinos are more active.

Enjoy a tasty lunch back at the lodge, before transferring to Murchison Falls national park (approximatley 3 hours). This is Uganda’s largest conservation area and takes its name from the mighty falls on the River Nile. You will have the chance to see the falls from the top where the Nile is forced through a narrow cleft, dropping about 45m in a haze of spray, often producing a lovely rainbow. There are great views over the falls, down the Nile and across the park.

From here, it is only a short distance to your lodge.

Accommodation: Twiga Safari Lodge 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Game Drive and Boat Cruise on River Nile

Your day starts early with a dawn game drive: cross the Nile and explore the north bank, searching for animals at their most active, before the day becomes too hot.

Each track takes you to a different part of the park and your guide will know all the best places to find lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, wart hogs, hartebeest, kob, water buck, Patas monkeys and more. There are also over 450 bird species to search for. Sit back and see what nature has to offer you today.

After a few hours exploring the park and a mid-morning tea break in the wild, it will be time to head back to your lodge for a delicious lunch. From there it is not far to the jetty where you will start your boat cruise to the bottom of the falls.

The type of boat used varies according to the number of passengers on the day. The cruise takes around 2-3 hours as you relax in the sunshine, watching the hippo, buffalo, elephant, crocodiles and other inhabitants of the riverbanks. See the birds nesting in the sandy cliffs or diving into the water for fish. The boat has an excellent guide who has knowledge to share and stories to tell and will enrich the experience for you. The return journey is much quicker.

In the evening, there is an opportunity to learn more about the conservation work of the park over relaxed drinks with a warden, followed by another delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Twiga Safari Lodge 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Kibale National Park

It is now time to see more of this beautiful country as you transfer to Kibale national park (approximately. 5-6 hours). Leave the savannah behind and travel up the Albertine Rift Valley escarpment overlooking Lake Albert with the Blue Mountains of Congo in the distance.

Continue through villages, forests and tea plantations with plenty of stops en route and then have lunch in Fort Portal where there will be a choice of local food or international dishes like burgers or fish and chips perhaps with an ice cream dessert. 

A 30-minute drive from Fort Portal takes you to Rubona where you’ll have a choice of activities. Join some ladies from the women basket weavers group and try your hand at dying the raffia, with natural plant dyes extracted from plants grown in the garden, and then weaving. The baskets produced here are among the best in Uganda. Chat with the ladies as you weave for an insight into the daily life in this rural area. Across the road is a local honey cooperative producing honey, candles, propolis and other bee-related products.

You can visit, take a tour or get more involved as time allows. Your guide will advise you in advance on how best to plan this visit.

It is a 1-hour drive to Kibale National Park where you can relax at your lodge.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

Chimpanzee Tracking

Kibale forest is known for its large primate populations and wide array of bird species.

This morning, join a small group for a guided jungle trek in search of your chimpanzee family. When you find them, spend one hour watching them play, groom and forage – their similarity to humans is astonishing. Your guide will tell you all about them, and the other flora and fauna in the forest, as you walk.

The lodge will have lunch ready for hungry trekkers and, after a break, you’ll then be ready to head out again. This time you’ll visit a successful community-managed conservation project which uses tourism to protect a local wetland and support the local community.

A nature walk in this swamp can be damp and slippery but often brings sightings of baboons, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, Red-tailed monkeys and Black and White Colobus monkeys as well as birds like Turacos, hornbills and more.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your 2-3 hour journey today provides stunning scenery as you travel through the crater lakes region, alongside the Rwenzori Mountains, and down onto the Rift Valley floor to Queen Elizabeth national park.

You’ll go straight to your lodge for lunch and are likely to see a number of animals along the way.

In the afternoon, there is a fascinating visit to the nearby Bunyampaka salt lake where you will have a guided walk and see how local people extract salt using traditional methods. These lakes are part of the amazing geology of this Rift Valley region.

Accommodation: Bush Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

Lion Tracking and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Today provides another outstanding wildlife experience as you leave early to spend 2-3 hours with the lion researchers. Participate in their activities on the day which may include monitoring species, climate and habitat, learning about tracking and how tracking devices are used and learning about the animals. This is another great example of tourism contributing directly to conservation work.

Then enjoy a game drive as you head back to the camp spotting animals and birds along the way.

In the afternoon, while the sun is high in the sky, many animals make their way to the river for a drink and or to cool off from the heat. So this is the perfect time for a relaxing 2-3-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes Edward and George. Expect to see elephant, buffalo and hippo and many water birds. This is undoubtedly a highlight of Queen Elizabeth national park and a fantastic way to get closer to the wildlife – especially good for photographers.

Accommodation: Bush Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Transfer to Southern Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up to the sounds of the park and enjoy a tasty breakfast before transferring to Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth national park. This journey takes approximately 2-3 hours on a very bumpy road – giving you what we call an African massage! However, there is plenty to see along the way and you’ll have the rest of the day to search for animals.

Lunch will be served at Ishasha Jungle Lodge, a short distance from the park entrance and you can decide, on the day, whether to have a little rest in the afternoon or to spend the maximum available time on game drives.

Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions and they can often be seen sprawling lazily in the fig trees, enjoying the shade, avoiding the ground insects and keeping an eye out for dinner. Ishasha is also known for its large herds of buffalo, elephant and kob and the Ntungwe river, bordering DR Congo, where hippo like to bask in the water during the day. The savannah woodland is also great for birds.

Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

Bwindi National Park

After a lazy start, head back into the park for a mid-morning game drive. This provides a second chance to find the animals and, as no two days are the same, who know what you might see today.

After lunch, transfer to Bwindi National Park (approximately. 2-3 hours). The drive takes you through some stunning countryside and rich, tropical rainforest. Bwindi is home to a number of gorilla families and, although still endangered, gorilla numbers are increasing, reflecting the contribution of tourism to conservation and the care and protection provided by the Wildlife Authority and the local community. 

Accommodation: Engagi Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest

Gorilla tracking is a very special and unusual experience where you feel that these gentle giants have allowed you into their world. It is an experience you are likely to cherish and remember.

Start with a briefing at the park headquarters where you will also be assigned to a small group, tracking a particular gorilla family. Then, head into the forest and hear about the forest, the gorillas, the community and more from your ranger as you walk. The trek can be steep and slippery at times but the rangers will always go at your pace and provide support. Once you find your family, you will have one hour quietly observing their behaviour in their natural habitat – watch as they eat, groom, play and even snooze. You will take a packed lunch with you to eat on your walk back. A sustainable travel tip is to take a porter with you to carry your bag/camera/water and generally assist you – this makes your trek easier and also provides an income for a local community member. 

Tracking takes anywhere between 3-8 hours, so if time allows when you return, and you feel like it, you can take a leisurely stroll in the community and visit Ride 4 A Woman, a locally managed women’s empowerment initiative. Meet the local women, chat as you join in their crafting activities and enjoy relaxed cultural entertainment.

Accommodation: Engagi Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Lake Mburo National Park

Transfer to Lake Mburo national park (approximately. 5 hours). This area is one of the most fertile regions of Uganda and you will see green rolling hills full of matooke plantations, coffee farms and pineapple gardens. Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of rural Uganda from the children in colourful school uniforms to men pushing bicycles of food to market and, of course, stop along the way wherever you fancy!

Lake Mburo National Park is one of the smallest in Uganda but punches well above its weight. It is the only park on your itinerary to see zebra, eland and impala and see the giraffe that were successfully translocated here from another park – another conservation success story. Though the park has no elephants and lions, its home to buffalos, water bucks, a number of antelope species, leopards and hyenas.

Arrive at your lodge in time for a lovely lunch and a little downtime, perhaps by the rock pool overlooking the park.

In the afternoon, visit the Bahima cattle-keepers, another initiative designed to conserve traditional culture and bring tourism into the communities. This enables you to gain a deeper insight into Ugandan life and provides them with some additional income. Your hosts are warm and welcoming and happy that visitors appreciate their culture.

You’ll see their treasured Ankole long-horn cows and learn about their place in Bahima culture, visit the calves and perhaps try your hand at milking. Also see the wooden milk pots, how ghee is made and even perfumed deodorant powder. This is a fascinating and authentic experience.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Safari Walk and Game Drive

Lake Mburo is also one of the few savannah parks where you can do a safari walk and this morning you will have that chance. Head out early for a 2-hour safari walk, accompanied by a ranger guide, getting close to wildlife and reaching points a vehicle doesn’t reach. You’ll learn more from your ranger guide about the habitat, flora and fauna. 

After a morning walk, perhaps a dip in the pool and a 3-course lunch, you may need 40 winks or some time in a hammock but then you head off on a game drive to explore more of the park. Look out for eland, topi, giraffe, buffalos, mongoose, duiker, leopard and water buck among other wildlife.

Then return to the lodge for a relaxed evening. 

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Bark Cloth Experience

This morning starts with a transfer to Rakai district (approximately 3 hours) for another great cultural experience.

This friendly community will show you how they make bark cloth and tell you all about its traditional and artistic uses. See how the bark is removed and the tree bandaged in banana leaves so it grows back. Then join in as it is boiled and bashed with special mallets and then dried in the sun. You will see a typical rural village of this region with its homes and gardens and you can find out all about village life.

Enjoy a hot local lunch in one of the towns en route back to Entebbe (approximately 2-4 hours) as well as a stop at the Equator for photo moments with a foot in each hemisphere and a chance to see if water goes down a plughole in the same direction in the north and the south. There are also a number of craft shops where you can grab a souvenir.

Accommodation: Via Via Entebbe

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

Relax and Fly Home!

There are a number of options today depending on the time of your flight home.

You can either decide to relax at the hotel in the gardens or by the private pool. Alternatively, the botanical gardens, on the shores of Lake Victoria is only a short drive from the hotel and is the perfect spot to enjoy a nature walk among the tropical trees and plants. Look out for birds and different primate species. Finally, you may like to visit the local crafts shops for art pieces, clothes, jewellery and more.

Whatever you decide, lunch will be provided, and you will have use of the hotel room until 9pm and your guide will take you to the airport in time to check in for your flight. We hope you’ll leave with cherished memories and plans to return soon. 

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

What's included

Included

  • Private 4x4 safari land cruiser vehicle with an English speaking driver guide and fuel
  • 14 nights accommodation - FB*
  • 1 gorilla tracking permit (per person) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • 1 chimp tracking permit (per person) in Kibale National Park
  • Lion tracking
  • Murchison Falls National Park
  • Boat cruise on River Nile
  • Kibale National Park including a community visit
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park including a visit to the salt lake
  • Boat cruise on Kazinga channel
  • Lake Mburo National Park with cultural visit
  • All entrance and other fees for the activities included in the itinerary
  • All government taxes
  • *FB - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation

Via Via Hotel Entebbe (or similar)

Experience comfort, convenience and a touch of nature, all just a stone’s throw away from Entebbe Airport.

Via Via hotel offers a diversity of rooms overlooking the garden, all self-contained with lodge-style mosquito nets and a private terrace.

There is a refreshing swimming pool to enjoy and a notorious campfires serve as the ideal gathering spot for people from across the globe.

The bar offers freshly made smoothies and local beers to some good old Ugandan coffee.

Within the restaurant offers you will find fresh and healthy food, spiced with world flavours. Start the day with our signature hearty breakfast, have lunch and get surprised by our international and Ugandan cuisine while having dinner. If you’re lucky, you can share dessert with the resident monkeys playing in the trees while you’re relaxing on our outside terrace or in one of our hammocks. The kitchen is open continuously from 7 am until midnight for guests.

Ziwa Rhino Lodge (or similar)

The Ziwa ranch was established in 1983 as a cattle farm that introduced exotic cattle into Uganda. Privately owned by Captain Roy and his family, it operated as a cattle farm for almost 20 years.

In 2002 the Roy family engaged in lengthy discussions with Rhino Fund’s Executive Director, Yvonne Verkakik. Following this, the decision was made to relocate 7,000 heads of cattle in order to establish a safe haven for rhinos. At the time, rhinos had become extinct in Uganda due to poaching. Therefore, it seemed a logical choice to re-introduce and preserve this magnificent species. Following this, a lot of fundraising effort was put in by the Roy family and friends of rhino rehabilitation. This led to initiatives such as the M2M Das Challenge and rhino naming. The money raised from this helped to pay for fencing to protect the land from poachers and intruders. With this security in place, the project began in earnest.

There are seven meticulously designed chalets, each offering their own unique charm and comfort. Each of our chalets boasts its own private veranda, perfect for savouring the tranquil surroundings.

There is a wonderful swimming pool onsite to relax in after a days adventure.

Twiga Safari Lodge (or similar)

Your accommodation for the next two nights will be at Twiga Safari Lodge, a beautiful property overlooking the Nile.

The comfortable safari tents each have a thatched roof and are fully-furnished, with an en suite bathroom.

As with many safari lodges, Twiga uses solar power and therefore charging is done from the bar/lounge area.

There is a large restaurant with open views across the Nile and a viewing tower with a telescope.

The service is excellent and friendly staff accompany you to your room after dark as hippos come out of the river to munch on the grass in the lodge gardens.

Kibale Forest Camp (or similar)

Where better to capture the thrill of a howling black and white colobus or to listen to the wood owl calling his partner, than from the comfort of your tent in Kibale Forest Camp? Get absorbed by forest smells and sounds, spot primates swinging through the trees and observe rare birds and beautiful butterflies fluttering around. Have a break from your daily concrete jungle life and experience this green oasis.

This elegant tented camp is located in a patch of evergreen forest, just outside the southern part of Kibale Forest National Park. It borders the Magombe swamp, known for the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and is a mere 10 min drive to Kanyanchu Visitor Center, the place from where your chimp track will start.

Kibale Forest Camp consists of 12 African safari style tents, comfortably furnished with twin or double beds. Each unit has its own private ensuite bathroom with a flush toilet, a dressing room and a hot water shower. Seated from your private veranda, the red or black and white colobus are often be observed in the dense camp surroundings.

The bar and restaurant are situated in a beautiful wooden grass-thatched building. The open structure blends perfectly in the surroundings and overlooks a lush colourful garden. It is in this cosy restaurant that your breakfast, delicious 2 course lunches and 4 course dinners will be served.

A little secret… do not hesitate to ask for a coffee or tea with your early wake-up call as there is no better way as to awaken with a cup of coffee on the terrace of your tent

Bush Lodge (or similar)

The Bush Lodge forms an excellent base for your safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge is built along ecological principals, the bandas (rooms) designed and spaced in such a way to maximize privacy and enhance the safari aspect of the lodge.

Surrounded by the National Park and bordering the Kazinga channel, the lodge has a truly unique setting. Animals literary roam in and out the camp and sounds of hippo’s and hyena’s complement our star lit dinners…

The Bush Lodge offers an authentic safari camp, expect a great outdoor safari atmosphere, a close to nature experience with excellent food and friendly service.

The lodge consists of 12 spaciously placed between the indigenous bush. The rooms are built on a raised wooden platform and made from a fine combination of canvas and local materials. Huge mosquito netted windows allow a 180 degree view and ensures a close to nature experience. Each room has a private terrace overlooking the seasonal Kamera river. All bandas have an ensuite bathroom with running water for your hand-basin, a flushing toilet and an outside shower with 24/24 hours hot water, where 2 showerheads allow couples to take their starlit shower together.

Restaurant & Bar
As to stay within the low impact safari concept, the camp has opted for a large dining tent for the restaurant. The tent is set so to overlook the Kazinga Channel and to have the Rwenzori mountain range as a backdrop while enjoying our excellent food.

In the evenings though, when weather allows, we take your table outside and organize a starlit dinner. Paraffin lights and a campfire create a cosy setting from where your 4 course dinner will be served.

Early wake up calls with coffee or tea, packed breakfasts or lunches can all be organized according to your planning of the day.

Ishasha Jungle Lodge (or similar)

This small eco-friendly lodge has individual tented rooms, raised up on wooden decks.

The rooms are spacious, have en suite facilities and are tastefully decorated with African art pieces.

There is a large dining area serving international dishes and delicious local fruits.

The staff are very friendly and keen to please.

Lodge guides also offer local walks through the forest, along the river and through farms to Kameme village where the lodge supports a local primary school.

Engagi Lodge (or similar)

Engagi Lodge in Bwindi is a modern lodge in a breath-taking setting offering stunning views over the forest canopy. The lodge is situated in a large tract of land contiguous to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and runs from the main road to the Park Headquarters down to the Munyaga river.

The lodge has been built using local materials and a local workforce. It is constructed from rocks found in and around the site and eucalyptus trees while the rooms are thatched from banana fibre sourced from local farmers.

The main lodge building is divided into a bar cum sitting room, the dining room and a large outdoor verandah viewing platform. The lodge building is big enough to cater for larger groups but still allows for smaller individual groups to spread out in the various different areas for privacy.

The lodge is open ended at the front allowing a dramatic view of the Bwindi forest from every corner inside the building.

The kitchen, built away from the lodge to ensure privacy, prepares a variety of 3 course meals catered for by our team of experienced Kampala trained chefs.

The lodge consists of just 8 en-suite cottages, spaced out and hidden in the foliage. Each cottage has either double or twin beds, a bathroom with flushing toilets and hot and cold running water. All have private verandahs where guests can enjoy their morning tea or coffee as they watch out over the forest canopy.

Electricity is provided by solar power with a back-up generator. Hot water is supplied by eco-friendly wood burning boilers.

Clients can walk around the lodge down to the river, viewing the birdlife and flora of the area.

Rwakobo Rock (or similar)

Rwakobo Rock is a peaceful and secluded retreat where you can breathe in the essence of wild Uganda. With comfortable and spacious cottages are dotted around the hill, all very private and offering great sunset views.

The main dining area overlooks an expanse of rock that adjoins the park. Set in the pristine Ankole ranchlands surrounding Lake Mburo National Park; whether you want to sit back, sip on an ice-cold drink in a hammock or head out into Lake Mburo National Park for a day of exciting exploration, there is something for everyone here.

The restaurant is nestled on a scenic outcrop with breath-taking views. Animals such as zebra, warthog, impala and bushbuck abound around the lodge and often congregate at the water hole beneath the dining area. At night the sounds of bush come to life and allow your imagination to run wild.

There is also a rock pool where you can take a dip after a long, dusty day in the park.

Your local host

Lesley Harris and Byaruhanga Michael

Our team provides you with a great local experience because we are on the ground in Uganda. We live here, speak the local languages, understand the cultures of the different tribes and regions and we are passionate about tourism. Between us, we have probably tried most of the tourism activities available throughout the country.

In addition, we actively work with community members to help them create tourism experiences like farm visits, home stays and boat trips with local fishermen. These provide our guests with an authentic insight into Ugandan life and ensure tourism supports community development.

We also employ the best professional guides who enrich holidays not only with their knowledge about wildlife but also their

Our team provides you with a great local experience because we are on the ground in Uganda. We live here, speak the local languages, understand the cultures of the different tribes and regions and we are passionate about tourism. Between us, we have probably tried most of the tourism activities available throughout the country.

In addition, we actively work with community members to help them create tourism experiences like farm visits, home stays and boat trips with local fishermen. These provide our guests with an authentic insight into Ugandan life and ensure tourism supports community development.

We also employ the best professional guides who enrich holidays not only with their knowledge about wildlife but also their insights into culture, politics and history. They love their country and want to share it with you. And don’t forget, Uganda is famous for its friendly, welcoming people!

View Experiences
Lesley Harris and Byaruhanga Michael image

Location

This once in a life time trip starts at Entebbe airport and takes you  Cruising the river Nile, exploring the National Parks of Murchison falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Mburu exploring the awe inspiring landscapes and the wildlife that lives here.

Uganda is home to around 15 primate species, nearly 100 mammals and over 1,000 bird species. Coupled with spectacular scenery, this makes it a nature lovers paradise. But Uganda has more to offer than its amazing wildlife. It is also well known for its outdoor activities hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, mountain biking and abseiling to name but a few. It has a rich, diverse culture with over 50 tribes all with their own customs and traditions, with the famously friendly and welcoming Ugandan people.

The best time to visit Uganda is during its two dry seasons: between December and February, and between June and August, when conditions are particularly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Game spotting in national parks is also good at this time, as well as between February and March.

 

 

FAQs

When is the best time of year to visit Uganda?

Uganda is an all-year round destination with a pleasant climate and temperatures averaging in the mid 20s°C. The huge variety in altitude means temperatures vary around the country (but this also means increased biodiversity).

Most holidays, especially wildlife safaris, can be done at any time of year: you will see so much wildlife and have an amazing experience.

Dry seasons are Dec-Feb and June-Sept and rainy seasons Mar-May and Oct-Nov although the seasons have become less predictable in recent years and we can no longer put a date in our diaries when the rains will start.

What meals are included, and can you cater to dietary requirements?

This itinerary has a full-board meal plan meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided every day, often at your lodge. There will be opportunities to have both local and international cuisine and both vegetarians and vegans can be catered for with advance notice. All meals come with a soft drink or drinking water and additional drinks, including alcohol, can be bought from the lodges and restaurants.  You will be given a reusable water bottle which can be topped-up from a big bottle inside the vehicle throughout your holiday. Tea, coffee and some small snacks will also be available in the vehicle during certain activities like game drives.

What currency should I bring?

The Ugandan currency is the Shilling (UGX) although US dollars (USD) is the most useful hard currency, especially in small towns.

Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Uganda but are most commonly accepted in big/international hotels, restaurants, shops and supermarkets.

Forex bureaux are widely available in Kampala although rates vary tremendously. Your itinerary will not always allow time to visit a forex bureau, and money changing facilities may not be available, up-country so please ensure that you have changed enough money before you leave Kampala.

Do I need to apply for a visa to travel to Uganda?

Yes, all persons intending to come to Uganda are now required to apply and pay for a visa online. A decision will be communicated by email and, if your application is approved, an approval letter will be attached. This must be printed and presented, together with a valid passport / travel document upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.. The Ugandan visa costs US dollars USD50 or its equivalent in Pounds (GBP) and Euros (EUR). Apply at least ONE MONTH prior to travel.

Where should I fly into?

All our experiences start in Kampala so you will need to fly into Entebbe International Airport, Uganda.

Do I need a certain level of fitness for the gorilla tracking?

While some areas of the forest may be a little steep and slippery, we can accommodate nearly all levels of ability, to ensure everyone can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

During the morning briefing, you will be allocated to a group depending on your fitness/ability, to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience. Those who are less able or injured will take the easiest trek of the day. You will be given a walking stick, and you can also hire a porter to carry your bags and generally assist you (which we recommend).

Gorilla tracking isn’t a race though, so rangers and porters will make sure to go at your pace, sharing their knowledge of flora, fauna, and culture on your journey. And there will be plenty of stops along the way for a water break or while rangers are deciding which way to go or clearing the path. If you are disabled, injured, or elderly but still an adventure seeker at heart, you can join us by being carried by 4 porters on a seat, at an extra cost. This, of course, requires a little flexibility and patience, but with an open mind and a good sense of humour, the trek is a wonderful experience.

What is Ugandan food like?

One of the best things about Ugandan food is the fresh, local and often organic produce. From delicious tropical fruits, such as bananas, mangoes, pineapple, watermelon, pawpaw, and passion fruit, to fresh fish from the lake, you’ll never go hungry. And wait until you taste the creamy, fresh avocados! Then you can wash it all down with a selection of yummy juices like passion fruit and cocktail mix or the scrumptious sugar cane juice with lemon and ginger.

Although dishes vary across the regions, a standard Ugandan meal often consists of perhaps 2 or 3 ‘foods’ and a sauce: food could be matooke (green bananas), rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, or posho (cornbread) and sauce could be boiled beef, goat’s meat, chicken, fish or ‘pasted meat or fish’ in a groundnut sauce.

Snacking isn’t popular in Uganda, but you will find roasted groundnuts, hard corns and small sweet bananas, known as Ndizi. In many busy roads and towns, you will also find street food, such as roasted cassava, meats and green bananas.

Vegetarian and veganism is only slowly beginning to gain popularity in Uganda, but there are plenty of international cafés and restaurants in the bigger towns and tourist areas. If you are vegetarian or vegan, let us know in advance and we can inform your accommodation about your dietary requirements.

What animals can I see on an Uganda Safari?

One of the biggest reasons people come to Uganda is to go on a safari because of the diverse array of wildlife, birds and plants. The Big Five - Rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo as well as Hippos's, Cheetahs and many more mammals. Gorillas and many other primates that are unique to Uganda.

Is Gorilla tracking responsible?

Yes! Tourism funds conservation. Gorilla tracking is a great example: gorilla numbers have increased while neighbouring communities have got jobs and boosted incomes by providing accommodation, activities and selling crafts.

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