National Parks in Uganda
Uganda's top safari and wildlife destinations
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the world's premier mountain gorilla trekking destination, home to roughly half of ...
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is the primate capital of the world, protecting 795 square kilometers of tropical rainforest...
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda's most accessible savanna park and a perfect introduction to East African wildlife, l...
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest and oldest protected area, where the entire River Nile forces itself t...
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most popular savanna safari destination, a remarkably diverse park where open ...
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains, known as the Mountains of the Moon, are one of Africa's most spectacular and least-visited mount...
Cities in Uganda
Explore Uganda's urban destinations
Entebbe
Entebbe is Uganda's airport city and a surprisingly pleasant lakeside town that most travelers see only in transit. Loca...
Fort Portal
Fort Portal is a clean, leafy town in western Uganda that serves as the gateway to three of the country's most important...
Jinja
Jinja is Uganda's adventure capital, a charming riverside town where the White Nile begins its 6,695-kilometer journey t...
Kampala
Kampala is Uganda's vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating capital, a city of seven hills (now sprawling across man...
Best Time to Visit Uganda
Best Months
June, July, August, December, January, February
For Safari
Peak: June, July, August, December, January, February
Dry seasons offer easier gorilla trekking (less muddy trails), better road conditions, and clearer skies. Wildlife viewing in savanna parks is also best during dry months.
Seasons
June, July, August
Long dry season, best overall for gorilla trekking and savanna safaris. Cooler temperatures, less mud on forest trails, and good wildlife concentration.
December, January, February
Short dry season. Excellent conditions for gorilla trekking and general safari. Popular with holiday travelers.
March, April, May
Long rains, especially March and April. Some roads become difficult. Lower prices and fewer tourists. Gorilla permits easier to obtain.
September, October, November
Short rains. Generally lighter than the long rains. Still good for wildlife viewing with occasional afternoon showers.
Uganda Visa Requirements
Uganda uses an online e-Visa system for most nationalities. Single-entry tourist visas cost $50 and are valid for 90 days. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with 90 days and multiple entries between those three countries. Apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug before travel. Visa on arrival is technically possible but not recommended; the e-Visa is faster and avoids delays.
e-Visa Available
Yes
Cost
$50 USD
Validity
90 days
Visa on Arrival
Yes
Requirements
- • Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry with at least 2 blank pages
- • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
- • Passport-size photo (digital)
- • Return or onward ticket
- • Proof of accommodation
- • Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
Is Uganda Safe?
Uganda is generally safe for tourists in main tourist areas and national parks. Violent crime against visitors is uncommon. Petty theft can occur in Kampala and crowded areas but is easily avoided with basic precautions. The security situation in northern Uganda has improved dramatically since the early 2000s, and most of the country is peaceful.
Safe Areas
- ✓ All national parks and safari areas
- ✓ Entebbe town and airport area
- ✓ Tourist areas of Kampala
- ✓ Jinja and Fort Portal
- ✓ Safari lodges and established campsites
Areas to Avoid
- ✗ Karamoja region (northeast, occasional cattle raids)
- ✗ Areas within 20 km of the DRC and South Sudan borders
- ✗ Kampala's outer suburbs at night (without a guide)
- ✗ Isolated areas after dark
Safety Tips
- • Use established taxi services rather than boda-bodas for longer journeys
- • Keep valuables out of sight and use hotel safes
- • Avoid walking alone in Kampala at night
- • Carry copies of your passport and yellow fever certificate
- • Book gorilla and chimp permits well in advance through UWA
Uganda Travel Costs
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| budget | $40-$80/day | Hostels, local food, shared transport |
| mid range | $100-$300/day | Mid-range lodges, guided tours, private transport |
| luxury | $400-$1500/day | Luxury lodges, private guides, fly-in transfers |
Health & Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
- •Yellow Fever (Required for all travelers entering Uganda. You must show proof of vaccination at immigration. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival.)
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (especially if visiting remote areas or trekking), Meningitis
Malaria Risk
Prophylaxis recommended for: Throughout the country, including Kampala and all national parks
Healthcare
Decent private hospitals in Kampala (International Hospital Kampala, Norvik Hospital). Limited facilities in rural areas. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential, especially for gorilla trekking in remote areas.
Tap Water: Not safe - drink bottled water
Getting to Uganda
International Airports
Entebbe International Airport
Entebbe (EBB)
Main HubMajor Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM, Brussels Airlines, RwandAir
Uganda Highlights
Must See
- • Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- • Murchison Falls on the River Nile
- • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
- • Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- • Source of the Nile in Jinja
Unique Experiences
- • Sit one meter from a silverback gorilla family in Bwindi
- • Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel spotting hippos and elephants
- • White-water rafting at the source of the Nile in Jinja
- • Track chimpanzees through the rainforest canopy in Kibale
- • Hike to the glacial peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains
Off the Beaten Path
- • Lake Bunyonyi, the Switzerland of Africa
- • Sipi Falls near Mount Elgon
- • Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria
- • Kidepo Valley National Park (remote northern frontier)
- • Crater lakes region near Fort Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Uganda is generally safe for tourists in all main tourist areas and national parks. Petty theft can occur in Kampala but is avoidable with basic precautions. The security situation has improved enormously over the past two decades. Stick to established tourist routes and you'll have a safe, welcoming experience.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
The dry seasons of June to August and December to February are best for gorilla trekking (less mud, better trails) and savanna safaris. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round. The wet seasons (March to May, October to November) bring lower prices and fewer crowds.
How much does a gorilla permit cost?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 per person through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). This allows one hour with a gorilla family. Book well in advance, especially for the dry season months. Rwanda charges $1,500 for the same experience, making Uganda the more affordable option.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Uganda?
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Uganda. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. Immigration officers will check your certificate on entry. There are no exceptions.
What currency does Uganda use?
Uganda uses the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US dollars are widely accepted at lodges, for park fees, and for gorilla permits. ATMs are available in Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, and Fort Portal. Carry cash for rural areas and smaller towns.