Uganda
Whether you’re talking habitats, wildlife or experiences, Uganda boasts what is probably the most varied safari circuit anywhere in Africa. Here, grassy savannahs, tangled rainforests and vast papyrus swamps stand alongside oceanic lakes, lofty volcanoes and snowcapped mountains. There are mountain gorillas, chimps and monkeys, but also lions, elephants and rhinos. And where most African safari circuits focus on game drives, the range of activities in Uganda also includes forest hikes, mountain climbs and boat excursions. Embarking on safari in Uganda allows you to appreciate much of this wonderful country’s ecological diversity, to see most of its wildlife icons, and to experience a wide range of activities on offer
Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa” for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. This landlocked country is a gem for tourists seeking a unique and immersive experience. From the misty peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the sprawling savannas of its national parks, Uganda offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike.
Uganda’s natural beauty is epitomized by its numerous national parks and wildlife reserves. The country is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Additionally, the expansive Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park offer spectacular game drives where visitors can witness the Big Five and other magnificent wildlife.
Go mountain gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is at the top of our list of things to do in Uganda. You can’t get any better than this if you’re seeking adventure! In the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, get up and personal with mountain gorillas.
Because there are only 720 wild mountain gorillas left on the earth, only a few people get to spend time with them in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is thus a fascinating and totally unique experience and one that is understandably on many people’s bucket lists! Here are 20 more things to know about trekking with mountain gorillas.
Visit endangered rhinos
You won’t see rhinos in Uganda’s national parks because of poaching (the country’s last wild rhino was killed in 1982). The good news is that numerous white rhinos are contentedly residing in the vast Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
The rhino reintroduction project founded the refuge in 2005, and proceeds from visitors go toward the breeding program and eventual release of the rhinos into the wild! On 7,000 acres of pasture, these rare, gorgeous creatures are free to roam.On a one- to two-hour journey, observe them up close as they roam in their natural habitat. This is a once-in-a-lifetime African adventure not to be missed!
Canoe on Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake, is one of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders. As a result, it’s also on our top 20 things to do in Uganda list! The lake is bordered by beautiful, terraced hills, but it’s the 29 islands dotted across the water that make it truly magical.
It’s a great location to unwind, go bird watching, or explore the neighborhood on a quad bike. The word Bunyonyi literally means ‘birds’ in the local language, and yes, you guessed it – it’s so named because the lake is home to a diverse range of bird species! Prepare your camera and take in the breathtaking views.
Paddle to one of Lake Bunyonyi’s numerous secret islands aboard traditional Ugandan wooden boats, one of which has a little adventure park with a zip line!
Also, remember to bring your swimsuit. Lake Bunyonyi is one of Uganda’s few lakes free of bilharzia (a parasite widespread in southern Africa), making its waters safe to swim in. Yippee! It is also devoid of harmful animals such as hippos and crocodiles. A larger yippee is in order.
Go on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
If you’re a nature lover, you’ve probably heard of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s Uganda’s most popular tourist attraction and most visited national park, and it’s easy to see why. Lions, buffaloes, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, and elephants are among the 96 mammal species that call it home. At close range, you can see them all.You may also see the park’s tree-climbing lions! African lions rarely climb trees. Nobody knows why a small number of lions in Uganda and Tanzania climb trees while their brethren do not. Some believe they climb trees to avoid being bitten by tsetse flies. Others think it’s a means for them to get away from the heat on the ground. Whatever the case may be, they appear to be quite comfortable!
Take a boat safari on Kazinga Channel
This canal, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, is one of the most important features in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and should not be overlooked!
Hippos dwell side by side with Nile crocodiles in the park, which is home to the world’s biggest concentration of hippos.
I wouldn’t want to get my feet wet in that water!
Taking a boat tour down the channel keeps you at a safe distance while still allowing you to observe these wonderful creatures in their natural home.
Visit the salt pans of Lake Katwe
Lake Katwe is a traditional salt-mining lake with excellent salt. On the lake’s side, small salt mines form a lovely pattern. We recommend stopping by on your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park to watch how the salt is mined by the local residents.
The lake was produced as a result of a catastrophic volcanic explosion, just so you know.
Explore the town of Entebbe
Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria, is a tiny, green, and laid-back town. It’s an ideal location for adventure sports, environmental exploration, and cultural activities. Plus, Entebbe International Airport is right across the street! It’s the ideal overnight stop on your journey into or out of Uganda because of this.
Entebbe offers a variety of activities, including:
riding a horse
Entebbe Botanic Gardens is a must-see in Uganda.
mountain biking at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary shopping at craft fairs (which protect orphaned chimps)Visiting the magnificent Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, among other things!
Have fun on Lake Victoria
Make the most of Lake Victoria while you’re in Entebbe! Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya all share this magnificent body of water. Spending time on the waves of Lake Victoria is unquestionably among our top 20 things to do in Uganda. Some popular activities include: kayaking, sunrise or sunset canoeing ,playing volleyball, fishing, swimming at Lido Beach
Explore the city of Kampala
Kampala, located northeast of Entebbe, is a vibrant and interesting city with a long and colorful history. Visiting Uganda’s capital city adds a new dimension to your trip and allows you to explore a different aspect of the country.
In the evening, our local guide might accompany you to a local restaurant or pub, which can be an adventure in and of itself! If you have time, visit the Kasubi Tombs, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the resting site of four Buganda kings.
Dinner at Ndere Cultural Centre is also recommended, as visitors are treated to a traditional dance performance.
Hike to Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls in Mount Elgon National Park, just a short drive from Kampala, is a sequence of three large waterfalls cascading in a 99-meter drop down the lower slopes of Mt Elgon.
You can go on a variety of hikes, many of which begin in Sipi’s modest trading center. A day trip from the main waterfall to the three smaller falls upstream, one of which has a magnificent bathing hole at its base, is possible if you’re feeling bold. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!
You may also abseil down the rock face next to the main waterfall, which is a must-do for thrill-seekers!
Adventure activities in Jinja
Uganda is the ideal destination to have an experience, and Jinja, a little colonial town, is the country’s adventure capital!
The White Nile emerges from Lake Victoria at Jinja. Many think this to be the Nile’s genuine source! It’s a stunning location, and we recommend staying here for at least a couple of nights to get your adrenaline pumping throughout the day and relax by the coast in the evenings.
The following are some of the interesting adventure activities available in or near Jinja:
kayaking
white-water rafting
tubing
mountain biking
bungee jumping
horse riding
quad biking
Beautiful colonial-era buildings and a vibrant local community characterize the town
Visit Murchison Falls
In 1952, Murchison Falls was designated as one of Uganda’s first national parks. It’s Uganda’s largest national park and one of the greatest places to visit if you’re interested in the country’s wildlife.
Elephants, crocodiles, endangered giraffes (more on these below), leopards, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, buffalos, hippos, antelopes, and waterbucks are all expected to be seen today. That’s quite a list! There are 460 different bird species in the park, including the shoebill stork.
Of course, a trip to Murchison Falls would be incomplete without seeing the falls up close and personal. This can be done on a memorable boat cruise.
Zipline through Mabira Forest
Mabira Central Forest Reserve is located 44 kilometers east of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and on the way to Jinja. As a result, it’s a simple addition to your Uganda itinerary.
It includes a magnificent zip line called the Mabira Forest Canopy Super Skyway, in addition to having a gorgeous, old rainforest suitable for excursions and exploratory walks. The zip line offers spectacular views of the canopy, and you’ll be able to glimpse the Musamya River as you soar over it.
Keep a look out for African fish eagles, palm nut vultures, and great blue turacos while you’re laughing and zipping through the air. with your friends! You hike back to base camp via Griffin Falls at the end of the zip line
Bike through Lake Mburo National Park
Although Lake Mburo National Park is smaller than the others, it is jam-packed with wildlife! Its ideal position, is halfway between Entebbe and Bwindi, making it an ideal stopover for anyone looking to avoid long trips or flights.
When you get there, why not do something a little different and go for a bike ride in the park as the sun sets? It’s Uganda’s only safari where you’re allowed to get out of the automobile! Zebras, antelopes, baboons, giraffes, and long-horn cattle can all be seen from a close distance.
While you can visit the national park at any time of day, morning game drives provide better photographic opportunities.
Trek to see Kibale Forest’s chimpanzees
Animal lovers flock to Uganda for more than just the gorillas. Chimpanzee trekking is a fascinating experience that you will not soon forget!
A chimp tracking expedition takes you on a guided journey through the gorgeous Kibale Forest in search of a group of chimps. You spend approximately an hour with them once you’ve found them, watching them feed, groom, play, and maybe even swing from one tree to another if you’re lucky!
Hike in the Rwenzori Mountains
The towering, mist-shrouded Rwenzori Mountains are another excellent addition to our list of the top 20 things to do in Uganda!
The Rwenzori Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in western Uganda, are a hiker’s dream. You can go on a small day walks or go on longer, more difficult adventures. Mountaineers can attempt Mt Ngaliema (5,109 m), Africa’s fourth highest summit.
Because the range is distant and little-known, the vegetation in the misty heights of the mountains is uncommon and exotic, and the pathways are calm. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful part of the country that’s a must-see for anyone who likes mountain drama!
Visit a Batwa community
The Batwa people dwell near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the far southwest of the country. They are a pygmy group that has lost territory and independence as a result of the nationalization of their ancestral territories to build mountain gorilla reserves and the incursion of modern farming.
Visitors can personally support them by visiting one of their villages and learning about their traditions, beliefs, and way of life. Alternatively, you can embark on a Batwa-guided trip to a cave in the Mgahinga area, where you’ll also learn about their culture and traditions. The Batwa have a distinct cultural identity, and spending time with them is a rewarding experience.
While no group or society should be forced to display its culture in order to exist, the Batwa have lost their traditional hunting areas and rely on tourism revenue to survive. We believe that assisting the Batwa through courteous visits is a useful activity until the day comes when they will hopefully have a better, more sustainable future.
Visit the United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda to discover more about the Batwa and efforts striving to improve their well-being.
Hike to Sempaya Hot Springs
The Sempaya Hot Springs are powerful geothermal springs with temperatures reaching 100° C! The two hot springs are separated by a 30-minute hike. The two springs are referred to as the male and female springs by the locals.
Semuliki National Park in western Uganda is home to the hot springs. This park is underappreciated because it has both hot springs and a gorgeous wetland. It’s also adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it an excellent addition to a gorilla safari.
Apart from the hot springs, hiking in Semuliki National Area is a wonderful experience because it is a beautiful and ecologically diverse park. It is traversed by the Semuliki River before joining the Congo River.
The mangabey, black-and-white colobus, and red-tailed monkey are among the park’s many unique Old World primates. Blue kingfisher and tiny hornbill are two species to keep an eye out for.
The best time to visit Uganda is during its two dry seasons: between December and February, and between June and August, when conditions are particularly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
Game spotting in national parks is also good at this time, as well as between February and March. Large numbers of wildlife can be seen at waterholes from September through to early October.
Temperatures barely change throughout the seasons, sitting around 24°C to 30°C, so you can visit Uganda all year round. The country is also fabulous for bird spotting at any time of year.
Most countries’ citizens, with only a few exceptions, require visas to enter Uganda. Please follow this link for a list of visa exempt Nationalities.All travellers holding ordinary passports from Countries whose citizens are required to have visas to enter Uganda are required to apply for visas online prior to travel. Please follow this link for detailed step by step procedures.
When applying for visas, please be extra careful and ensure accurate info is submitted to avoid any unnecessary delays.
General information; once the application is submitted, it will be studied by an immigration officer. Please note that during the approval process, additional information might be required. The new required information can be submitted electronically through “Manage your applications”
The decision taken on the application will be sent electronically through the email provided by the applicant.
If approved, an approval letter will be sent as an attachment to the email provided by the applicant. Follow the link provided to download and print it.
All payments MUST be made online and on completion of the application you will receive a barcoded confirmation/notification. Print it out as you MUST present it on arrival at Entebbe airport or any entry point to Uganda.
Present valid passport of not less than 6 months validity to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Requirements and other useful info for entry/obtaining Visa to Uganda;
Travel documents:
1.Passport must be valid for six months after the date of entry into Uganda. Travelers should have at least five (5) blank pages. 2.Visa pages referred to do not include those reserved for Endorsements, Amendments or Observations.
3.Recent passport size photograph.
4.Passport copy (bio-data page).
5.Vaccination certificate (yellow fever).
Cost and how to pay.
All visa options, only online payment is allowed and may be subjected to a 3% surcharge fee.
Single Entry;
USD 50.
Multiple entry visas;
USD 100.
6 to 12 months;
USD 200
24 months;
You may need have more questions, so please follow this link for frequently asked questions and answers or get in touch with Adventure Consults – safaritrail@nyumbujourneys.com for any assistance that might be needed.
In an event that you are asked to give details of the host, please use information here below;
Contact person:
Director; Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.
P.O BOX 16729, Kampala.
Clock tower, Kampala
Telephone: Office line; +256 (0) 393001021
Cell-phone: / +256 393001021
Email: safaritrail@nyumbujourneys.com
Web: www.nyumbujourneys.com
To see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda, you must obtain a permit, which allows you to trek through the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to go in search of these majestic primates. These permits are limited and often need to be booked well in advance. On our gorilla tours in Uganda, we veer off the trails of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and trek through the undergrowth and up some steep ascents. The ground can often be muddy and slippery, and it can take anything from one to six hours to track down a family of gorillas, so you will need to have a reasonable level of fitness.
Uganda is a natural paradise for wildlife lovers and is home to a wide range of species. Besides the iconic mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can encounter chimpanzees and other primates in Kibale Forest National Park or Budongo Forest Reserve. If you want to witness the iconic Big Five, which includes elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceros, and buffalos, head to Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Species such as the rare shoebill stork and the papyrus yellow warbler are just two of the 190,000 birds that are native to Mabamba Swamp, which can be found to the west of Entebbe, along the northern shores of Lake Victoria.
When preparing for a Uganda tour, it is essential to pack appropriate clothing and gear but most importantly, take comfortable and sturdy walking shoes. You’ll need to prepare for rain because even if you’re travelling during the dry season, there’s always a chance of a downpour. Lightweight and breathable layers of clothing, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are all essentials, and don’t forget to pack your camera! It is also advisable to bring a waterproof jacket and extra layers for the cooler evenings and early mornings, as temperatures can vary, especially in the mountainous regions.
You will need to be vaccinated against yellow fever when travelling to Uganda and you’ll also need to bring a vaccination certificate with you. Although not essential, we do recommend vaccinations for typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and B, rabies, tuberculosis, cholera and tetanus. To reduce the risk of malaria from mosquito bites, you will
need Malaria prophylaxis and in addition to this, please take the usual precautions to protect yourself from bites. Always speak to your medical professional before you travel.
The duration of your stay in Uganda will depend on various factors such as your interests and itinerary. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda offers a wealth of experiences, ranging from wildlife safaris in national parks to exploring the source of the Nile River. To immerse yourself fully in the beauty and wildlife of this diverse country, it is recommended to spend between 10 and 15 days here. This allows ample time to explore popular destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and Murchison Falls National Park for scenic boat cruises.