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East Africa · Uganda
Uganda Safaris
Track mountain gorillas, explore wildlife-rich savannah and slow down beside Uganda’s lakes and waterways.
Capital
Kampala
Arrival hub
Entebbe International Airport
Driest months
June to September, Dec to Feb
Highlight
Mountain gorilla trekking
The country
Forest, wildlife and lakes
Uganda offers a safari with a distinctive balance of forest and open country. Mountain gorilla experiences in the southwest can be paired with Queen Elizabeth’s game drives, the Kazinga Channel and restful time around Lake Bunyonyi.
The country rewards travellers who leave room for changing road conditions and varied terrain, allowing forest walks and wildlife encounters to unfold at a comfortable pace.
Many travellers combine Uganda with a Kenya safari in the Maasai Mara, or finish with a beach stay in Zanzibar.
Places on our Uganda routes
Bwindi ImpenetrableQueen ElizabethKazinga ChannelLake BunyonyiKibale ForestMgahinga
Plan ahead
Gorilla permits must be booked in advance
Destinations
Uganda’s top destinations
Six highlights to inspire your Uganda itinerary. Choose the places and experiences that suit your interests and travel dates.
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01
Bwindi
A central destination for mountain gorilla trekking, walking with authorised ranger guides to a habituated family.
02
Queen Elizabeth
Open savannah, crater scenery and waterways, with game drives and boat excursions.
03
Kazinga Channel
A boat trip between Lake Edward and Lake George, with hippos, waterbirds and animals coming to drink.
04
Lake Bunyonyi
Cultivated hills and scattered islands, a quieter pause after a gorilla trek.
05
Kibale
A key destination for chimpanzee tracking and guided forest walks.
06
Mgahinga
Volcanic highlands in the southwest, with gorilla and golden monkey experiences.
Why Uganda
Six reasons to visit Uganda
Build a journey around primates, forest walks, savannah wildlife and lakeside time.
Mountain gorillas
Make a carefully planned, ranger-led forest encounter the centrepiece of your journey.
Forest and savannah
Combine primate habitats with game drives for a broader view of Uganda’s wildlife.
Wildlife from the water
Add a boat excursion for birds, hippos and a fresh perspective on life along the banks.
Time to slow down
Include a lakeside stay that breaks up longer journeys and gives space to enjoy the scenery.
Guided forest walks
Discover plants, birds and smaller wildlife that are easily missed from a vehicle.
Routes around you
Balance trekking effort, transfer distances and lodge choices to suit your travel style.
When to visit
The best time for Uganda
Uganda can be visited all year. Drier months usually make forest trails easier, while the wetter months bring lush scenery.
Dec – Feb
Short dry season
Usually drier trails for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Mar – May
Long rains
Lush, green forests and muddier trails. Trekking still runs.
Jun – Sep
Peak season
Long dry season
The most popular time for trekking and game drives. Book permits early.
Oct – Nov
Short rains
Showers return, with fresh greenery and fewer visitors.
Getting there
Reaching Uganda
By air
Most international visitors arrive at Entebbe International Airport, near Kampala.
By road
Road transfers to the southwest are long, so itineraries allow time to travel at a comfortable pace.
Combined routes
Pair Uganda with a Kenya safari, linking through Entebbe and Nairobi.
Where to stay
Forest lodges and lakeside stays
01
Near the forests
Lodges close to Bwindi and Kibale for early trekking starts.
02
On the savannah
Lodges in and around Queen Elizabeth National Park.
03
By the lakes
Quiet stays at Lake Bunyonyi to rest between activities.
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and must be arranged in advance. Ask us for current rates and availability.
Ready-made trips
Uganda safari tours
Ready-made Uganda itineraries, from short gorilla treks to longer primate and wildlife journeys. Every one can be tailored.
- Kampala, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Kampala, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Bwindi Impenetrable
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Bwindi Impenetrable
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Entebbe
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
Good to know
Uganda safari questions
How do I arrange gorilla trekking?
A gorilla trekking permit and the correct trekking sector must be coordinated with your accommodation and route. Share your dates early so availability can be checked before the rest of the journey is confirmed.
How physically demanding is a forest trek?
Walking conditions vary with weather, terrain and the animals’ location. Some treks are longer or steeper than others. Tell us about your mobility and fitness so we can plan suitable support.
Can I combine gorillas and a wildlife safari?
Yes. Bwindi pairs well with Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a longer journey allows a gentler pace or extra forest and lakeside stops.
How many days should I spend in Uganda?
A short trip can focus on gorilla trekking, while a week or longer allows more variety and fewer rushed transfers.
When should I book?
As early as possible when gorilla trekking is a priority, because permit availability can shape the whole itinerary.
Can I combine Uganda with Kenya?
Yes. Many travellers link Uganda with a Kenya safari through Entebbe and Nairobi.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Uganda and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Start planning your Uganda safari
Share your dates, group size and the experiences you have in mind, and we will shape a route and quotation around you.
