Uganda

Uganda Travel Guide - Magically Jaw Dropping

Visiting Uganda offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda boasts stunning landscapes, from the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to endangered mountain gorillas, to the majestic Murchison Falls and the serene shores of Lake Victoria. The rich cultural heritage, with vibrant traditions and welcoming communities, adds depth to the travel experience. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities like white-water rafting on the Nile River, while nature lovers can revel in safaris at Queen Elizabeth National Park, teeming with diverse species. Uganda’s unique blend of adventure, wildlife, and culture makes it an irresistible destination.

We chose Home to Africa as our tour operator. Our driver Moses was beyond hospitable and his knowledge about the country, its culture and animals, was way beyond expectations. Moses was our driver, tour guide, tracker, dining companion and now friend, throughout our entire journey. I highly recommend this tour operator if you are thinking of visiting anywhere in Africa.

Here was our travel guide and must see stops along the way:

Uganda Travel Guide

Must See Stops

Sensational

Murchison Falls NP

Incredible

Kibale NP

Unexpected

Queen Elizabeth NP

Unbelievable

Bwindi Impenetrable NP

Tranquil

Lake Bunyonyi

Special

Lake Mburo NP
2 Week Itinerary
Days 1-3: Murchison Falls National Park

Start your journey with a visit to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, take some time to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting game drive through the park, where you’ll spot wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and buffalo.

On day two, take a morning game drive to explore the northern section of the park for more wildlife viewing, including lions and antelopes. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile River towards the base of Murchison Falls. Finish the day with a hike to the top of the falls to witness the powerful cascade from above.

On day three, you can opt for another early morning game drive or birdwatching before transferring to Kibale National Park.

Days 4-5: Kibale National Park

Upon arrival at Kibale National Park, spend the afternoon exploring the area or relaxing at your lodge. On day five, wake up early for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience in the dense Kibale Forest. You'll have the chance to see chimpanzees up close, as well as other primates like colobus monkeys.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided walk through the wetlands, where you can spot birds and learn about local conservation efforts.

Days 6-7: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and spend your first afternoon relaxing at your lodge or going on a game drive to explore the park’s vast savannahs and woodlands. You’ll have the chance to spot elephants, buffalo, and antelope.

On day seven, start your morning with another game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, which are famous for their lion populations. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. End the day with an optional evening game drive to try and spot nocturnal wildlife.

Days 8-9: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Begin your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, driving through scenic landscapes of rolling hills and terraced farms. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge, nestled in the forest, preparing for your gorilla trek the next day.

Day nine is all about the gorilla trekking experience. After a morning briefing from your guide, venture into the misty forest in search of a family of mountain gorillas. Spend an hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The trek can be challenging, but the experience of seeing gorillas up close is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Days 10-11: Lake Bunyonyi

After your gorilla trek, transfer to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, known for its terraced hills and 29 picturesque islands. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the lake or taking a swim in its bilharzia-free waters.

On day eleven, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, where you can explore its islands, each with its own unique story. Visit local communities and learn about their culture, or take a leisurely walk around the lake to soak in the natural beauty.

Days 12-13: Lake Mburo National Park

From Lake Bunyonyi, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a smaller but equally beautiful park. In the afternoon, go on a game drive to spot zebras, impalas, and other wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a night game drive to observe nocturnal animals such as leopards and bush babies.

On day thirteen, take a bush walk guided by a ranger, giving you the rare opportunity to explore the park on foot. You’ll get closer to zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife while enjoying the park’s peaceful atmosphere.

Day 14: Return to Entebbe

On your final day, drive back to Entebbe, stopping along the way for souvenir shopping or a visit to the equator. In the evening, catch your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Uganda’s wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

 

The best time to visit Uganda is during its two dry seasons, which are from December to February and from June to August. During these periods, the weather is more conducive for wildlife viewing, as animals are more likely to gather around water sources, and the chances of rain disrupting travel plans are minimal. Additionally, trekking conditions in the rainforests, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking, are more favorable during the dry seasons.

However, Uganda can be visited year-round, and the wet seasons, from March to May and September to November, offer lush landscapes and fewer tourists, although some roads and trails may become challenging to navigate.

Uganda is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, but like any country, it has areas where extra caution is necessary. Major tourist destinations such as Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, and national parks are typically secure and well-patrolled by police and park authorities. However, it's important to stay vigilant, avoid isolated areas, and be cautious of petty crimes like pickpocketing, especially in crowded places. Many of the hotels have night stay to keep you safe from animals and any outside threats.

Travelers should stay updated on local news and heed travel advisories from their home countries. It is advisable to avoid border regions near South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to occasional unrest. Additionally, using reputable tour operators and guides, especially for activities like gorilla trekking, can enhance safety and ensure a smoother travel experience.

Health precautions, such as vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis, are recommended. Do not drink water from anything but bottled water, including brushing your teeth. Also bring mosquito protection even during the dry months.

By taking common-sense precautions and being aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Uganda.

The best way to get to Uganda for travel is by flying into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), which is the main gateway for international travelers. Located near the capital city, Kampala, Entebbe International Airport is served by several major airlines offering direct flights from various international hubs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Book a Direct Flight or One with Minimal Layovers: Direct flights or those with minimal layovers from major cities like Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, and Dubai are available. Airlines such as United, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates frequently operate routes to Entebbe. We flew in from Frankfurt with a quick stop in Rwanda where we stayed on the plane. It was a very long flight but fairly easy journey.

Arrange for Airport Transfers: Pre-book an airport transfer through your hotel or a reputable travel agency to ensure a hassle-free journey to your accommodation upon arrival.

Prepare Travel Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport, visa (which can be obtained online through the Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit System), and any required vaccinations, such as yellow fever. Your booking agency will let you know if you need any additional information.

Domestic Travel: If your itinerary includes destinations outside of Kampala and Entebbe, consider domestic flights offered by local airlines such as AeroLink and Eagle Air, which connect to major national parks and remote regions.

Alternative Overland Routes: For those already in East Africa, overland travel options, including buses and private transfers, are available from neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, though these routes may take longer and require crossing border checkpoints. A few fellow travelers, we met along the way, were gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda and arranged land transportation with their travel operators.

By planning your travel details carefully, you can ensure a comfortable and efficient journey to Uganda.

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