The Ultimate Uganda Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors(2025)

Back in 2023, when I was on my safari in Kenya, I met Melina. As we kept talking about wildlife, she mentioned that she wanted to see the gorillas in Uganda and that it was high on her bucket list. 

Until then, I had not heard much about the country, and since I had seen the wildebeest migration in Tanzania, I decided I wanted to see the gorillas next! 

I finally planned my trip to Uganda in 2025. Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is such an underrated country in East Africa. I didn’t expect Uganda to be this wild and beautiful. Beyond diverse landscapes, warm people, and gorillas, Uganda has so much more to offer. 

I spent a little close to 3-weeks in Uganda and fell in love with the country and the hospitality of the people. In this Uganda travel guide, I will be sharing all the travel tips, hacks, gorilla tracking information and everything else you need to know before planning a trip to Uganda. 

Why Visit Uganda?

When I was planning my trip to Uganda, everyone around me asked the question: Why visit Uganda? What’s so special about the country that you want to spend 3 weeks there? I knew that there was a lot to Uganda beyond the Gorilla tracking.

• Uganda is home to more than half the population of gorillas in the world.
• You’ll get to see safari, rainforest, swim in crater lakes, visit the most powerful waterfall in the world, see the source of the longest river in the world and many more things all within 2 weeks.
• The people are friendly, and welcoming and you can not miss the “rolex”, Uganda’s most popular street food.
• Whether you’re an adventure lover (rafting, zip lining) or a slow traveler (lake walks and village walks), Uganda has something for everyone and is just a few hours apart.

Uganda Visa for Indians

Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Uganda, but the process is simple and easy to apply. You can apply for a Uganda eVisa through the official portal here: https://visas.immigration.go.ug

Visa Type: One can either apply for

1. Single-entry tourist visa (valid for 90 days from entry)
2. East Africa Tourist Visa: That grants you permission to travel across Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda

Requirements for Uganda eVisa

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Recent passport-size photo
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
• Return tickets

Processing time: 3-4 working days

Visa Fee: $50 for Uganda eVisa and $100 for East Africa Visa

Top Things to Do in Uganda

Now that you already know why you should be visiting Uganda, let me share some of the top things to be not missed.

City Walking Tour and Cultural Landmarks in Kampala

Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is just used as a stopover by many for going to other places around the country, but trust me you need 2 full days to explore the city and an additional day if you also want to visit Entebbe.

• Take an old city walking tour and climb the highest point in Kampala
• Visit the Buganda Heritage sites and learn about the biggest kingdom in East Africa
• Try the local cuisine: Luwombo at Roots restaurant

Did you know ​​Kampala got its name from the impalas that once roamed its hills?

Jinja: Adventure Capital of East Africa

Jinja, located on the shores of Lake Victoria and the source of the Nile, is also the Adventure capital of not just Uganda but all of East Africa. One can easily spend 2-3 days here and try all the adrenaline-filled activities.

• Boat ride to the source of the Nile and also a bird-watching tour of Lake Victoria
• River rafting on the Nile with Adrift
• Bungee jumping at Adrift Uganda
• ATV ride across the villages and on the banks of the Nile
• Tubing and sliding into the Nile
• Ziplining along the Nile

Game Drives and Boat Safaris in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s biggest National park and the safari experience here is unmatched. Murchison Falls is also the most powerful waterfall in the world because the Nile plunges 43m from a wide gorge of 7m. The experience of going to the top of the falls is intense and unforgettable. You can easily spend 2-3 days here packed with activities.

• Morning, evening, and night game drive in the National park
• Boat safari to the bottom of the falls
• Breakfast by the top of the falls
• Ziplining, canopy walking, forest swing, and many more activities at Sambiya River Lodge
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Only place to see the rhinos in Uganda. It’s on the way from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Uganda is famous for its primates and Kibale (pronounced “Chibaale”) National Park is home to 13 Primate species, including the Chimpanzees. It is home to more than 1500 chimpanzees, higher than anywhere else in the world. You can experience both tracking and habituation here in the national park. I was lucky to see more than 30 of them, one gets to only stay with them for an hour max. 

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
• Chimpanzee habituation
• Crater lake walks 
• Staying in Isunga Lodge overlooking Kibale National Park

Stay tuned for a detailed guide on chimpanzee tracking in Kibale with all the costs and things to know before visiting there.

Tree-Climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth Park is just not famous for its game drives but also for the rare tree-climbing lion. I went there for 3 game drives but was unlucky to find them. One can spend 2-3 days in the national park both in the northern and southern sectors.  The tree-climbing lions are found in the Ishasha Sector(Southern Sector).

• Game drives in the northern and southern sector
• Visit the point where you can see the Equator line crossing
• Stay by the Kazinga Channel (Lake Edward – Lake George)

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 

Let’s talk about the most famous activity of Uganda, that can not be missed on your Uganda visit – Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Uganda is home to more than half the population of Mountain Gorillas in the world, and it is also the safest country to visit, thus making Uganda the best spot for Gorilla tracking in Uganda.

One has to trek for several hours in the middle of the forest to see the families of Mountain Gorillas and you get to stay with them for an exact hour. It is such an unforgettable moment when you first see them and also scary when the silverback is just meters away from you and pumping its chest to show dominance. There are moments from that one hour I’ll never forget — it was truly humbling and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

• Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
• Gorilla habituation program
• Visiting the Batwa tribe

A detailed guide on Gorilla tracking in Uganda with the cost and which sector you should choose is mentioned in the section below.

Relaxing at Lake Mulehe

Uganda is not just about game drives, adrenaline-filled activities or the Gorilla tracking. Lake Mulehe is a crater lake in the southernmost part of Uganda. And after you’ve spent days packed with activities, it’s time to relax by the tranquil lake and just enjoy the calmness and the scenery.

• You can go canoe in the lake by yourself or have a guide do it for you
• Swimming in the lake

Cycling Safari  at Lake Mburo National Park

This was the last destination on my Uganda trip and I was excited about it because this is the only place in Uganda where you can see the Zebras(Kidepo valley). You can either go on game drives or choose to go on a cycling safari. And if you’re lucky you will get to see leopards as well. I chose to do a cycling safari outside the national park but you are also allowed to do it inside the park.

• Cycling safari in the national park
• Game drive in the national park

These are all the places that I visited during my Uganda trip, but this is not the complete list. Let me share three more spots in Uganda that you can add to your Uganda itinerary.

Kidepo Valley

Kidepo Valley is one of Uganda’s most remote and untouched national parks, located in the northeastern part of the country also touching the South Sudan border. 

• Game drives to see the wildlife
• Hike multiple days to meet the Ik tribe

Climbing the highest mountain in Uganda: Margherita Peak

The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the mountain of the moon are home to Uganda’s highest peak – Margherita peak. It is said to be a technical climb that is scenic and challenging at the same time.

• Multi-day trek to Margherita peak

Lake Bunyonyi: Freshwater Lake in Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi is a freshwater lake that is known for its 29 islands and also is said to be the 2nd deepest lake in Africa. It was formed by volcanic activity but is not a crater lake like Lake Mulehe. 

• Canoe or kayak on the lake
• Swim and relax by the lake
• Zipline across the lake

Best time to visit Uganda

Just like any other country in East Africa the best time to visit Uganda is during the dry season. Let me tell you in detail.

Peak Dry Season – Most Popular Tourist Season

June – August and December – February

These months are the most ideal for your Uganda trip as they make the best for game drives and also for chimpanzee and gorilla tracking. Imagine hiking multiple mountains in the middle of the jungle for 4-5 hours to see the Gorillas, already sounds hard right? Now imagine it’s also raining and the ground is squishy, the hike would become torturous.

This also means that you’ll find a lot of crowds and need to book the permits well in advance.

Rainy Season – Low tourists and cheaper alternative

March-May and September to November

I started my trip at the end of Feb and thought I would experience it for almost all my trip duration majorly during the Gorilla tracking and Chimpanzee tracking. And I barely saw any rain and the temperature was soaring upto 40c. Global warming is real. So while these are the main months for the rain, there is a little chance of getting delayed rains.

If you are traveling on a budget it would be ideal that you travel during the beginning of these months to still get favorable conditions.

How Many Days Do You Need in Uganda?

I spent almost 3 weeks in Uganda and I still felt I needed more time to explore the places. In my opinion, some of the most important places to visit in Uganda can be covered in 2 weeks, but that does not mean If you have less time you should not plan a trip to Uganda. Thus I’m sharing a 3-day and a 2-week itinerary for exploring Uganda. If you want me to plan your Uganda itinerary you can drop a comment or reach out to me directly on my Instagram: stories.of.raku.

A short 3 day Gorilla trekking Uganda itinerary

• Day 1: Reach Entebbe and drive/fly to Bwindi. 
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking and visit the Batwa Tribe
• Day 3: Fly back to Kampala or Entebbe

In my opinion, always have an extra day as this becomes too tiring. A 3-day itinerary only makes sense if you are flying to Bwindi.

The perfect Uganda 2-week itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe and explore Kampala city and try some local food.

Day 2: Visit the Buganda Heritage sites in Kampala and enjoy the culture.

Day 3: Travel to Jinja and go river rafting on the Nile.

Day 4: Ride an ATV, take a boat to the Nile’s source, and try ziplining if you have time.

Day 5: Drive to Murchison Falls and stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see rhinos.

Day 6: Go for a morning game drive and a boat safari to see the waterfall and animals.

Day 7: Have breakfast at the top of the falls, try fun activities at the lodge, and go for an evening game drive.

Day 8: Drive to Isunga, and if there’s time visit Crater Lakes or enjoy the view from the lodge.

Day 9: Track chimpanzees in Kibale and then head to Queen Elizabeth Park for a game drive.

Day 10: Go on another game drive and travel to see the famous tree-climbing lions.

Day 11: Do one last game drive and then visit the Batwa tribe after reaching Bwindi.

Day 12: Go gorilla tracking in the forest and rest in the evening.

Day 13: Travel to Lake Mulehe and spend the day relaxing by the lake.

Day 14: Drive back to Kampala, stop at the Equator, and catch your flight or rest for the night.

Hope this 2-week itinerary of Uganda helps you plan your Uganda trip, now let me tell you about all the awesome places I stayed at on my trip. Stay tuned for a detailed 2-week itinerary with pictures.

Where to Stay in Uganda

Ya, there’s definitely so many cool things to do in Uganda, but the accommodations I stayed at too made this trip even amazing, and a big shout out to Buffalo Safari Camps who carefully planned my stays across Uganda. Each of my stay had an unique experience and Uganda’s hospitality was top notch.

 

1. Fairway Boutique Hotel in Kampala: The oldest hotel in Uganda with one of the best amenities and an Asian fusion kitchen that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
   
2. Signature Resort Hotel in Jinja : A peaceful stay in Jinja with a pool
   

   

3. Sambiya River Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park: This is one of the best place to stay in Murchison Falls National Park just 20 minutes away from the top of the falls and they have a pool, ziplining, canopy walk and several other activities.
   

   

4. Isunga Lodge for Kibale National Park : Just outstanding views from this property of the Kibale National Park, I could actually stay here for weeks without doing anything.
   
5. Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge in the Northern Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park: Top notch hospitality and food and the best part is it’s right by the Kazinga Channel that comes alive at night with all the wildlife.
   

   

6. Ishasha Pride Lodge in Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park: A cozy stay with huge rooms, with the closest entry to see the tree-climbing lions if you get lucky.
   

   

7. Sahaya Rafiki in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: This is not a guesthouse or a lodge, it feels like home. You can hear the waterfall gushing all the time and it’s like a paradise in Bwindi Forest.
   

   

8. Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge in Lake Mulehe: After a tiring Uganda trip all one wants is a waterbody to swim and with amazing views. The lodge is right on the banks of Lake Mulehe and is a perfect stay to relax and rejuvenate.
9. Leopard Rest Camp in Lake Mburo National Park: It’s a camping spot so if you’re traveling on a budget you can pitch your own tents, or stay in the lodges present there. The best part is they offer cycling tours just outside the national park.

These were some of the places I stayed at to experience Uganda’s top-notch hospitality, definitely recommend all of them for your Uganda trip.

Traditional and local dishes to try in Uganda

Matoke

Just like what Ugali is for Kenya and Tanzania, Matoke is for Uganda. It’s steamed green bananas that are mashed and served with G-nut sauce, meat, or beans. This is their staple food.

Luwombo

A rich stew(generally chicken, beef, or ground nut) that is steamed in banana leaves – rich with flavors.

G-nut Sauce

It’s never groundnut sauce but G-nut sauce and mostly made with matoke, sweet potatoes, or rice.

Rolex

No not the watch, but Uganda’s most popular street food Rolex. It’s Rolled Eggs and vegetables inside a chapati(Rolled + eggs = Rolex)

Getting Around Uganda

Moving around Uganda can be tiring and fun.

• Boda Boda: These are perfect for traveling with Kampala but hold tight if this is the first time you’re sitting on them. Boda Boda in Kampala is a crazy adventure altogether.
• Matatu: Small Taxis that can fit 10-15 people, it can get a little uncomfortable and sweaty in there.
• Bus: Buses are not so frequent and often get delayed multiple hours, but they’re getting better slowly.
• Private Safari Tours: The best option to go around Uganda, while might not be the cheapest one but definitely makes all the movement inside the national parks super easy and comfortable.

Gorilla Trekking Permits & Tips

Now let’s come to the main part, Gorilla trekking permits that’s why everyone visits Uganda. Rightly so because, more than half the world’s Gorilla population is in the country. There are two national parks in Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Currently, the overall Mountain Gorilla population stands at 1063 out of which more than 500 are in Uganda alone, hopefully, this year with the new census the numbers are to increase and almost reach double.

Gorilla Permit Cost

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is not a budget activity, it costs $800 just for the permit. Yes, you read that right. There are only three countries where you can experience this: Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo(DRC). In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs almost double the price in Uganda – $1500 but in Congo(DRC) it costs only $400. While it’s cheaper in DRC with the current unrest it is not safe to go there thus Uganda is your best option to see the Gorillas. 

Different Sectors in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable is divided into 4 different sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.

• Buhoma: This is the most popular sector and includes some of the oldest Gorillas habituated.
• Ruhija: Ruhija has high-altitude treks and is a lot less crowded
• Rushaga: The Rushaga sector has the highest number of Mountain Gorilla Families and it also provides the habituation experience
• Nkuringo: The steepest terrain among all the other sectors and it would become really difficult to trek here during the rains.

Gorilla Trekking Tips 

• If you’re planning to travel during the peak season of June, it’s best to book your permits well in advance, maybe sometimes even 4-5 months.
• A permit can be only booked through a registered tour operator, if you’re looking for one I got mine through Buffalo Safari Camps.
• Prepare physically: The trekking can be long and on average it can take anywhere between 2-6 hours. I was lucky to have seen the Gorilla family within 10 mins. But since they keep moving one can never tell how long it will take.

Choosing the right tour operator

Picking the right tour operator can make or break your Uganda trip — and I can confidently say that Buffalo Safari Camps was the best decision I made. They were super professional, helped plan everything from start to finish, and really took the time to understand what kind of experience I was looking for.

Every destination was thoughtfully chosen, and the accommodations were hand-picked and felt truly special. If you want a smooth, well-organized trip with personal touches along the way, I highly recommend going with them! A special mention to Tim and Emma who worked effortlessly behind this trip.

Buffalo Safari Camps

Website: https://www.buffalosafaricamps.com/

Contact: +256 758 098428(Whatsapp)

Uganda Travel Tips

Staying Connected (Wi-Fi & SIM Cards)

All the properties in Uganda have Wi-Fi coverage but you might not get it across the property. In some of the properties in the national park, the Wi-Fi could only be found in the reception or dining area. 

You can also get an eSim that makes your travel easy and comfortable. Have connectivity as soon as you land in the country and you can book Uber, call your tour operator, or even translate language. I used Airalo eSim throughout my trip and had coverage even inside the national parks during the game drives.

You can use my code to get an initial offer.

Money & Tipping

The official currency of Uganda is the Uganda Shilling(UGX) and in some places you can also find US Dollars and Euros being accepted. You can find ATMs across major towns, but you can make the majority of your payments through cards.

1 USD ~ 3600 Ush

100 INR ~ 4200 Ush

Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated, and is also a great way to support the local community.

• You can tip anywhere between $10-$15 per day especially during game drives and gorilla and chimpanzee tracking.

Safety & Health Tips

• A yellow fever vaccination is mandatorily needed before visiting Uganda.
• Uganda is a malaria-endemic country, thus after consulting your doctor you can take anti-malarial medication.
• Drink bottled water only.
• Obtain travel insurance before your trip begins.
• When in Kampala or busy areas be careful about petty crimes like pickpocketing

What to Pack for Uganda

• Travel Essentials: Passport, Visa, Yellow Fever Certificate, travel insurance
• Clothing: Light layers, warm layers, rain gear, footwear, Gaiters
• Toiletries
• Day pack
• Electronics: Camera, chargers, power bank, universal adapter
• Binoculars

These are my most memorable moments from Uganda

1. Gorilla trekking tops the list, and seeing 2 silverbacks and a family of 12 is an unforgettable moment
2. Trekking hours to see the chimpanzees and seeing them so close, and also the stay at Isunga Lodge
3. Seeing the Murchison Falls, the boat safari, the top of the falls breakfast everything was really beautiful
4. River rafting on the Nile was filled with adrenaline, but our raft didn’t topple

FAQs About Visiting Uganda

Is it safe to travel to Uganda right now?

Ans: Yes, Uganda is safe to travel unlike the neighbouring country of DRC. 

What vaccinations do I need to go to Uganda?

You’ll definitely need a yellow fever vaccine. It’s also advised to take anti malarial tablets after consulting your doctor

When is the best time to visit Uganda?

The best months to visit Uganda are June to August and December to February, it’s much drier which makes the trekking and game drives much easier with amazing wildlife viewing experiences.

How many days are enough for Uganda?

In my opinion anywhere between 10 to 14 days is an ideal time to spend in the country and cover its major sites. If you are visiting Uganda only for Gorilla trekking then 4 days is the perfect time.

Is it safe to go gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The treks are well organized and you are always accompanied by the rangers, but we’re in the wild and anything might happen and thus it’s very important to follow the instructions of the guides and the rangers.

Final thoughts from my Uganda trip

My 3 weeks trip to Uganda was an unforgettable experience, from trekking to see the Gorillas and Chimpanzees to exploring the most powerful waterfall in the world, each experience was unique. Whether you’re looking to just relax or have an adventurous trip, Uganda has a little magic for everyone. 

I hope this guide gives you a good idea of what Uganda has in store for you, and trust me it’s 10x more beautiful experience. If you have any other questions regarding your Uganda itinerary or Gorilla trekking please drop them in the comments or you can DM me on Instagram:stories.of.raku.

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This post contains details of my experience with Buffalo Safari Camps, who kindly hosted me during my trip across Uganda. All opinions, thoughts, and recommendations are entirely my own, and reflect my personal experience with the services, planning, and hospitality provided by their team.