The Pearl of Africa — home to over half the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
"Locking eyes with a silverback in Bwindi is something no photo prepares you for. Completely worth the trek."
— Fiona, Uganda traveller"Our guide's knowledge of the gorilla families was incredible — he'd known some of them since they were born."
— Marco & Julia, primate safariUganda sits at the meeting point of East Africa's savannah and the vast Congo rainforest, giving it a wildlife range unlike anywhere else on the continent — misty mountain forest, papyrus wetlands, and open plains within a single circuit.
Its signature draw is mountain gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, but Uganda also delivers tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, and boat safaris on the Nile at Murchison Falls.
UNESCO-listed rainforest and Uganda's primary mountain gorilla trekking destination.
Tree-climbing lions, hippo-filled channels, and the Kazinga Channel boat safari.
The Nile forced through a narrow gorge, with boat safaris and strong game viewing on the savannah above.
The highest density of primates in Africa, including habituated chimpanzee troops.
Uganda's smallest park, home to golden monkeys and a second gorilla trekking region.
Entry point with botanical gardens and the shores of Lake Victoria nearby.
June–August & December–February (dry seasons): Easier trekking conditions and the most popular months to book a gorilla permit.
March–May & September–November (rainy seasons): Fewer trekkers, lush forest, and lower lodge rates — trekking is still possible, just muddier.
Gorilla permits are limited daily and should be booked 3–6 months in advance for peak season.
Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, over 1,000 recorded bird species, and golden monkeys in the Virunga foothills.
Land at Entebbe International, transfer to Kampala or straight toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Two nights of game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat safari, tracking tree-climbing lions.
Transfer to Bwindi for two nights, culminating in a full-day mountain gorilla trek with a permitted guide.
Fly back to Entebbe from a nearby airstrip, or extend with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.
Stone-and-thatch suites on the forest edge, with fireplaces for cool mountain evenings.
Comfortable en-suite rooms overlooking the Kazinga Channel, close to the boat jetty.
Simple, locally-run lodging near Bwindi's trailheads, supporting nearby communities directly.
Uganda permits are priced separately from your safari package and are limited in daily availability. Your matched operator will confirm current permit pricing and secure the booking for your dates.
Treks range from one to several hours through forest terrain and can involve steep, muddy sections. Porters are available to assist, and most reasonably fit travellers manage it comfortably.
Both offer excellent trekking. Rwanda's trek logistics are typically shorter and more polished; Uganda is more affordable and pairs naturally with savannah game viewing. Many itineraries combine both.
Most nationalities require an eVisa, or can use the East Africa Tourist Visa if also visiting Kenya or Rwanda on the same trip.
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