Visit the Source of the Nile in Jinja
The point where the river flows out of Lake Victoria, identified by 19th-century explorer John Hanning Speke and still marked by a small monument.
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East Africa
Things to do in Uganda
Mountain gorilla trekking through dense rainforest, the source of the Nile, and a wildlife density that led Winston Churchill to call it the 'Pearl of Africa.'
Explore Uganda on the map →Budget$$
Best for8-10 days
CapitalKampala
VisaE-visa required for most nationalities including US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian passport holders, applied for online before arrival, typically approved within about a week for stays up to 90 days.
CurrencyUgandan shilling (UGX)
LanguagesEnglish and Swahili (official); Luganda and other local languages widely spoken
InternetGood in Kampala, more limited in remote national parks
Typical lodging$30–$90/night
Driving sideLeft
Power & voltage240V / 50Hz (Type G plug)
Time zoneUTC+2 to UTC+3
Emergency number999 or 112
Dialing code+256
★★★★★ Wildlife★★★★★ Adventure★★★★★ Photography
Visa rules and emergency numbers can change without notice. Confirm the specifics for your nationality and dates before you travel.
Travel smart
Bottled or purified water only. 10% at restaurants; guides and drivers appreciate a daily tip.
Uganda holds roughly half of the world's remaining wild mountain gorilla population, tracked on foot through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest's dense rainforest, one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences on Earth. It's also where the Nile River's source (or one of them) was famously identified by 19th-century explorers, and its landscape shifts from savanna to rainforest to snow-capped mountains in the Rwenzoris within a single country.
When to go
Dry season (long)June–August
The most popular window for both gorilla trekking and general safari viewing, with drier, more comfortable trail conditions.
Wet season (short)September–November
Increasing rain but still workable for trekking, with fewer crowds and lower permit availability pressure.
Dry season (short)December–February
A second reliable dry window, popular for both gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
Wet season (long)March–May
The heaviest rains, making forest trails muddy and difficult: the lowest season for trekking, though rates often drop.
20 things to do
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Culture & history
4Explore the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala
A UNESCO World Heritage site housing the burial grounds of Buganda kings, built in traditional thatched royal architecture.
Visit a Batwa community for a cultural experience
Guided visits with the Batwa, traditional forest-dwelling people displaced from Bwindi's conservation area, offer insight into their history and craft traditions.
Visit the Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala
Regular performances showcasing traditional dance and music from across Uganda's more than 50 ethnic groups.
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Adventure & outdoors
3
Hike the Rwenzori Mountains
Africa's 'Mountains of the Moon,' with equatorial snow and glaciers on some peaks, offering multi-day treks through several distinct vegetation zones.
White-water raft the Nile River near Jinja
Grade IV and V rapids on the White Nile near its source, considered among the best commercially rafted white water in the world.
Bungee jump over the Nile near Jinja
A jump over the river close to its source, one of several adventure sports clustered in Jinja's growing outdoor tourism scene.
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Wildlife
9
Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Uganda holds roughly half the world's remaining wild mountain gorilla population, tracked on foot through dense rainforest for a strictly limited hour with a habituated family.
Track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park
One of the highest chimpanzee densities in Africa, with guided treks offering close encounters alongside a dozen other primate species.
Spot tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
A rare behavior found in only a few African lion populations, with lions regularly seen lounging in fig trees in the park's Ishasha sector.
Go on a game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park
One of Africa's most remote and rugged parks, on the border with South Sudan, with wildlife and landscapes rarely seen by international visitors.
Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe
A rehabilitation-focused zoo and conservation center offering close, ethical encounters with Ugandan wildlife not easily seen elsewhere.
Birdwatch in Bwindi and Mabamba Swamp
Uganda holds one of the highest bird counts of any African country, including the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork found reliably at Mabamba.
Take a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel
A narrow waterway connecting two lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park, with some of the highest hippo concentrations found anywhere.
Track golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
An endangered primate found only in the Virunga volcanic range, tracked on forested slopes shared with a smaller mountain gorilla population.
Climb the crater walls of Queen Elizabeth's Kyambura Gorge
A hidden rainforest gorge cut into the savanna, home to a chimpanzee population and known locally as the 'Valley of Apes.'
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Nature & scenery
2Go on a boat safari at Murchison Falls
The Nile River forces through a narrow 7-metre gorge with tremendous force, with boat trips to the base and hippos and crocodiles lining the banks upstream.
Explore Lake Bunyonyi's terraced hills
A crater lake ringed by steep terraced hillsides and small islands, popular for canoeing and a slower-paced break between park visits.
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Food & drink
2
Eat matoke, Uganda's steamed plantain dish
Green bananas steamed and mashed, served with a savory sauce, a genuine daily staple across most of the country.
Sample Ugandan coffee at a highland farm
Uganda is one of Africa's largest coffee producers, and highland farms near Bwindi or Mount Elgon offer tours explaining the growing and processing methods.
Common questions
▾Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Most nationalities, including US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens, need an e-visa applied for online before arrival, typically approved within about a week for stays up to 90 days.
▾How much does gorilla trekking cost and is it worth it?
Permits run several hundred dollars per person and require advance booking, often months ahead in peak season, most visitors who've done it describe the hour spent with a habituated gorilla family as genuinely unforgettable and worth the cost.
▾How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
It varies significantly by which gorilla family you're assigned and where they've moved that day: treks can range from a couple of hours to a full day of steep, muddy forest hiking, so reasonable fitness is recommended.
▾Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Established tourist circuits (Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kampala) see regular safe tourism; as with any destination, check current advisories for border regions before finalizing an itinerary.
▾Can I combine gorilla trekking with a broader safari?
Yes, and most visitors do, Uganda pairs Bwindi's gorillas with Queen Elizabeth National Park's tree-climbing lions or Murchison Falls' game drives and boat safaris for a fuller trip.
