Uganda

Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. It is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It is the only place where you can see Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees one day, and lions, elephants, and hippos the next. It offers a more "rugged" and affordable alternative to Rwanda.

Quick Facts

  • Country: Uganda
  • Size: ±241,038 km²
  • Major Regions: Bwindi Impenetrable, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth NP
  • Wildlife: Tree-climbing lions; Gorillas; Chimpanzees; Shoebill Stork
  • Malaria Zone: High risk; prophylaxis is essential
  • GPS Coordinates: ~1°00′N 32°00′E

Location & Access

  • Main Gate Towns: Entebbe, Kampala, Fort Portal
  • Air Travel: Entebbe International (EBB); domestic flights to bush airstrips.
  • Road Access: Long distances; a private driver-guide is the most common way to travel.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Mountain Gorillas: Half of the world's population is in Bwindi.
  • Tree-Climbing Lions: Found in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP.
  • Shoebill Stork: A "holy grail" for birders, found in the Mabamba swamp.

Best Time to Visit

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Season
Months
Weather
Primate Sightings
Dry Season
June–August
Sunny and hot
Excellent. Best for gorilla trekking and general savannah game viewing.
Short Dry
December–February
Warm and humid
Great for birding and tracking primates through the forest.

Game Reserves & National Parks

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A UNESCO site home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
  • Murchison Falls National Park: Uganda’s largest park, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge to create a thunderous waterfall.
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park: Famous for its diverse ecosystems and the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector.
  • Kibale Forest National Park: The "Primate Capital of the World," boasting the highest density of primates in Africa, including over 1,500 chimpanzees.

Summary

The dry seasons are essential for easier trekking, though Uganda’s equatorial climate means rain can occur at any time.

Key Takeaways

Uganda is the best all-rounder for primate lovers. It offers a raw, authentic African experience with a huge variety of ecosystems and species.