- Gorilla permits in Bwindi and Mgahinga cost about US$800 and sell out, so book months ahead
- Uganda has UK-style three-pin plugs and drives on the left
- British visitors need an eVisa, or an East Africa Tourist Visa covering Kenya and Rwanda too
- Combine gorillas with chimps in Kibale and a savannah safari
- Airports
- Entebbe International (EBB)
- Flight time
- about 8h30 direct from London to Entebbe when flights operate, or 10-12h with one stop
- Best time to go
- June-September and December-February, the drier seasons
- Currency
- Ugandan shilling (UGX)
Winston Churchill called Uganda the "Pearl of Africa", and it is easy to see why. Half the world's mountain gorillas live in its misty forests, Kibale has one of the highest densities of primates in Africa, and Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth national parks offer classic savannah game drives with lions, elephants and hippos. Add the source of the Nile at Jinja, the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and terraced Lake Bunyonyi, and it is one of Africa's most varied safari destinations.
For UK travellers, Uganda feels familiar: English is an official language, the plugs are the same three-pin type G as at home and cars drive on the left. It is three hours ahead of the UK in winter and two in summer. Gorilla permits are cheaper than in Rwanda, making it great value for primate lovers. This is one of our Africa destinations.
Where to go in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Home to around half of the world's mountain gorillas, Bwindi is the main reason most people come. Treks start from four sectors, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo, and can take anything from one to several hours through steep forest. Once you find the gorillas, you have an hour with them. Gorilla habituation experiences, with four hours alongside a group, are also available.
Kibale National Park
The best place in East Africa for chimpanzee tracking, with high success rates. The nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is great for monkeys and birds, and the crater lakes around Fort Portal make a scenic base.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Savannah, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel, where boat trips bring you close to hippos, buffalo and elephants. The Ishasha sector in the south is famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda's largest park, where the Nile forces its way through a 7 m gorge. A boat trip to the foot of the falls, game drives for giraffes and lions, and shoebill spotting in the delta are highlights. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, on the way from Kampala, has the country's only rhinos.
Jinja and the source of the Nile
Jinja, on Lake Victoria, is Uganda's adventure capital, with white-water rafting, kayaking and bungee jumping on the Nile.
Lake Bunyonyi, the Rwenzoris and Kidepo
Lake Bunyonyi is a peaceful spot to unwind after gorilla trekking. The Rwenzori Mountains offer tough multi-day treks, and remote Kidepo Valley in the north-east is one of Africa's wildest parks.
Best time to visit Uganda
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Long dry season (June-September) | Best for gorilla trekking and game viewing; busiest time |
| Short rains (October-November) | Showers, lush scenery, fewer visitors |
| Short dry season (December-February) | Warm and dry, excellent for trekking |
| Long rains (March-May) | Wettest months; discounted lodges, muddy trails |
Getting to Uganda from the UK
Uganda Airlines has operated direct flights between London Gatwick and Entebbe, taking about eight and a half hours, though schedules have changed, so check before booking. Otherwise, one-stop routes include Kenya Airways via Nairobi, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and KLM via Amsterdam. Entebbe is about an hour from Kampala.
Entry requirements
British passport holders need a visa, applied for online through Uganda's official eVisa portal before travel. If you are also visiting Kenya or Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa (around US$100) covers all three for 90 days. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. The FCDO has advised against all but essential travel to some areas near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and parts of the north-east, so check the current map, particularly around western parks. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Getting around
Most visitors travel with a driver-guide in a 4x4 or safari vehicle, which is the most practical option given long distances and variable roads. Domestic flights with Aerolink connect Entebbe with airstrips near Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, saving long drives. Self-drive is possible for confident drivers.
Money and costs
The currency is the Ugandan shilling, but gorilla permits, park fees and lodges are usually priced in US dollars. A gorilla permit costs about US$800 for foreign visitors, chimp tracking in Kibale around US$250, and park entry fees are charged daily. A mid-range safari with driver-guide typically costs £250-450 per person per day. Bring clean, recent US dollar notes, as older notes are often refused.
Book gorilla permits as soon as your dates are fixed, especially for June to September, and hire a porter at the trailhead; it helps on steep slopes and supports the local community.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
About US$800 per person for foreign non-residents, compared with US$1,500 in Rwanda. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, usually via a tour operator.
How fit do you need to be for gorilla trekking?
Reasonably fit. Treks can last from one to six hours on steep, muddy slopes at altitude. Walking sticks and porters are available.
Can I combine Uganda with Kenya or Rwanda?
Yes, and the East Africa Tourist Visa makes it easy. Many itineraries pair Uganda's gorillas with a Kenya safari in the Maasai Mara.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Most visits to the main parks pass without trouble, but there have been security incidents near the DRC border. Follow FCDO advice and travel with a reputable operator. Read our first safari guide for more planning tips.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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