Uganda
The Pearl of Africa — a compact country offering mountain gorilla trekking, tree-climbing lions, white-water rafting, and an incredible concentration of primate species.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit
Uganda's equatorial climate means it can be visited year-round. The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best trekking conditions for gorillas and chimpanzees, with drier forest trails and clearer skies. The wet seasons (March-May and October-November) bring heavier rainfall that makes forest trails muddy and slippery, but gorilla permits are easier to obtain and some lodges offer reduced rates. Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls is best during the dry months when animals gather at water sources.
Budget Guide
Mountain gorilla trekking permits are the biggest expense at $800 per person (Uganda Wildlife Authority). Chimpanzee tracking permits cost $200. These are fixed costs that apply regardless of budget level. Budget accommodations near Bwindi start from $30-80/night. Mid-range lodges $100-300/night. Luxury lodges $300-1,500/night. A 7-day Uganda safari covering Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale costs $2,500-4,000 mid-range or $5,000-10,000 luxury, excluding gorilla permits. Uganda offers significantly cheaper gorilla permits than Rwanda ($800 vs $1,500), making it the preferred choice for budget-conscious gorilla trekkers.
Getting There
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the main entry point, located 40km from Kampala. International flights connect through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Dubai. Most nationalities require a visa — e-visas are available online ($50 single entry, $100 East Africa Tourist Visa covering Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda). Bwindi is 8-10 hours by road from Kampala or 1.5 hours by charter flight to Kihihi Airstrip. Internal charter flights connect all major parks and significantly reduce travel times.