Uganda
Location
East Africa
Famous For
​Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Chimpanzees
Perfect For
Primate Safaris & Adventure Travel
Ideal For
Primate & Adventure Lovers
When to visit
SHORT RAINS
Short seasonal rains refresh Uganda's forests and savannahs, creating vibrant landscapes and quieter safari experiences before the next dry season begins.
Highlights
✓ Green scenery
✓ Active birdlife
✓ Quiet parks
✓ Great photography
Worth Knowing
Rainfall is often short-lived.
Wildlife remains active throughout the parks.
​
Best For:
​
Scenic Travel
​
Birdwatching
​
Quiet Safaris
​
Landscape Photography
National Parks
Overview
Uganda's most visited national park combines classic game drives, scenic boat safaris and diverse habitats, making it one of the country's most rewarding wildlife destinations.
​
Why Visit?
-
Tree-climbing lions
-
Kazinga Channel boat safaris
-
Diverse wildlife
-
Classic Ugandan safari
Wildlife of
Uganda
Uganda is one of Africa's most biologically diverse safari destinations, combining unforgettable primate encounters with classic savannah wildlife. From mountain gorillas in Bwindi to tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda offers an extraordinary variety of wildlife experiences.
Tree-Climbing Lions
Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees.
Elephants
Large elephant herds roam Uganda's savannah parks, particularly Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth.
Mountain Gorilla
Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during one of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Chimpanzee
Kibale Forest is one of the world's finest destinations for tracking wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Hippo
Large pods gather along the Nile and Kazinga Channel, often alongside crocodiles and abundant birdlife.
Rothschild's Giraffe
One of the world's rarest giraffe subspecies, commonly seen in Murchison Falls National Park.
_male_(7068054987)%2C_crop_%26_edit_j.jpg)
Shoebill Stork
One of Africa's most sought-after birds, found in Uganda's wetlands and papyrus swamps.
Nile
Crocodile
Frequently spotted basking along Uganda's rivers and wetlands.
Conservation
Community Conservation
Local communities play an important role in protecting Uganda's wildlife, with tourism supporting conservation projects and sustainable livelihoods.
Wildlife Protection
Strict gorilla permit systems and protected national parks help safeguard endangered primates and Uganda's diverse ecosystems.
Sustainable Tourism
Responsible tourism directly funds conservation, habitat protection and community development across Uganda's national parks.
Best for
Who is Uganda best for?
​
Gorilla Trekking
Experience one of the world's greatest wildlife encounters with endangered mountain gorillas.
​
Primate Safaris
Combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in some of Africa's oldest rainforests.
​
Rainforest & Savannah
Enjoy the rare opportunity to experience jungle trekking and classic safari within one itinerary.
​
Off-the-Beaten-Track
Perfect for travellers seeking authentic wildlife experiences away from the crowds.
​
Wildlife Photography
Capture primates, dramatic landscapes and exceptional birdlife in diverse natural habitats.
​
Adventure Travel
Ideal for active travellers looking to combine trekking, wildlife and unforgettable safari experiences.
Visa
Vaccination
UK passport holders require an Uganda eVisa before travelling.
Entry Requirements
✓ Passport valid for at least six months
✓ eVisa required before arrival
✓ Check the latest government travel advice before departure
Recommended
✓ Hepatitis A
✓ Typhoid
✓ Tetanus
✓ Yellow Fever (mandatory for entry)
✓ Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended throughout Uganda
Always check the latest NHS Fit for Travel guidance before departure.
Habitats
Uganda is known as the "Pearl of Africa" thanks to its remarkable variety of landscapes, where rainforest, savannah, wetlands and mountains exist within a relatively compact country.
Tropical Rainforests
Ancient forests such as Bwindi and Kibale provide vital habitat for mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and an extraordinary diversity of birds and primates.
Savannah Grasslands
Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks feature open plains and woodland supporting lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and hippos.
Rivers & Wetlands
The Nile and surrounding wetlands create rich ecosystems where crocodiles, hippos and hundreds of bird species thrive.
Mountains & Highlands
Volcanic mountains and elevated forests provide cooler climates and unique habitats for endemic wildlife and rare plant species.
Semi-Arid Savannah
Kidepo Valley National Park offers rugged landscapes, open plains and one of East Africa's most remote safari experiences.
