Uganda: The Great Plains, Sanctuaries & Living Wilderness
Uganda is a green, landlocked country on the equator, on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. The Nile leaves the lake at Jinja and flows north, and the Rwenzori Mountains on the western border rise to 5,109 metres. Kampala is the capital, and the international airport is at Entebbe, on the lakeshore.
Most visitors come for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to mountain gorillas, where the number of trekking permits each day is limited. Queen Elizabeth National Park has the Kazinga Channel and, in the Ishasha sector, lions that climb trees. At Murchison Falls the Nile pushes through a narrow gorge, and Kibale is the place for chimpanzee tracking.
Uganda is less about large herds and more about primates and birds. More than 1,000 bird species have been recorded here, and a single trip can combine gorillas, chimpanzees and a game drive on the savannah.
Uganda has no coast, so Zanzibar is the natural beach ending. Flights from Entebbe reach Zanzibar in one day, and gorillas followed by a week on the beach fit easily into one trip.
UG • Protected Sanctuary
Uganda
East African Panorama
East African Panorama
East African Panorama
Living Wildlife Corridors & Indigenous Sanctuaries
Uganda represents one of the world's most vital biodiversity strongholds. Through comprehensive conservation protocols and community partnerships, vast ecosystems remain contiguous, enabling the ancient rhythms of predator and prey to unfold without barrier.
From the dramatic fault lines of the Great Rift Valley to ancient baobab savannas and pristine coral coastlines, the territory transitions seamlessly between wilderness realms. Guided game drives, private walking trails with indigenous trackers, and low-impact eco-lodges ensure an intimate safari experience.
"Every gorilla trekking permit directly protects the habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas and funds healthcare and education for adjacent forest communities."
Money, Plugs, Internet & Flights
Currency, Cards & Cash
US Dollars, local currency & credit cards
- ✓Ugandan Shillings (UGX): Ugandan Shilling is used for local crafts and tips. USD is standard for safari quotes and lodge extras.
- ✓Gorilla Trekking Permits: Official UWA gorilla permits are strictly prepaid and secured months in advance by our expedition desk.
- ✓Card Payments: Visa is accepted at high-end lodges; cash is essential for community forest porter gratuities.
- ✓Bank Standards: Only uncreased USD notes printed in 2013 or later are accepted.
Plugs, Sockets & Charging
Type G plugs, lodge solar & camera charging
- ✓Type G Plugs: Type G 3-pin plugs, 240V / 50Hz. Reliable inverter-backed power in Bwindi forest retreats.
- ✓Forest Eco-Power: Lodge facilities run silent solar systems harmonized with misty montane rainforest canopies.
- ✓Medical Equipment: Continuous power for CPAP and battery charging available at all our contracted gorilla lodges.
Internet & SIM Cards
Local SIM cards, 4G coverage & lodge Wi-Fi
- ✓MTN & Airtel: MTN Uganda and Airtel offer solid 4G coverage in Entebbe, Kampala, and regional towns.
- ✓Rainforest Wi-Fi: Satellite internet is provided in central lodge pavilions across Bwindi, Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth.
- ✓Emergency Comms: Rangers maintain radio contact with park headquarters throughout all gorilla trekking excursions.
Flights & Getting Around
Bush airstrips, luggage rules & light aircraft
- ✓Entebbe Gateway (EBB): Entebbe International Airport connects smoothly with daily scheduled flights to western airstrips.
- ✓Kihihi & Kisoro Strips: Short 75-minute scenic flights bring guests right to Bwindi's doorstep, bypassing long road journeys.
- ✓Air Evacuation: Full airborne medical evacuation with AMREF Flying Doctors covers all remote gorilla habitats.
Best Time to Visit & Seasons
Prime Primate Trekking
Drier forest trails and clear sunlight make hiking through Bwindi and Kibale forests exceptionally rewarding.
Birding & Lush Green Canopy
Emerald forest canopies, migratory Albertine Rift endemic bird species, and tranquil unhurried wildlife tracking.
Savannah Game Drives
Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
River Nile Adventure
Spectacular waterfall cruises to the base of Murchison Falls and white-water activities at Jinja.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Official entry rules for international travelers
Most visitors need a visa. Apply for the Uganda eVisa on the official immigration portal before you travel; the single entry tourist visa costs USD 50. If you also visit Kenya or Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa costs USD 100 and covers all three countries for 90 days; apply through the country you enter first.
It does not cover Tanzania or Zanzibar. Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have blank pages. Gorilla permits are separate and are booked in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a licensed operator.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for foreign visitors to Uganda, but we recommend it. Checked on 16 October 2026.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages.
Border officers require proof of your return or onward flight and safari lodge booking confirmations.
Uganda no longer requires a yellow fever certificate for entry, according to an official immigration notice dated 2 October 2026. If you continue to Tanzania or Zanzibar you still need one, because Tanzania requires it from travellers arriving from Uganda.
Get the vaccine at least 10 days before you fly. Malaria is present across the country, so ask a travel clinic about tablets. Drink bottled or filtered water, and check your government's travel advice for current health notices before you go.
Checked on 16 October 2026.
Every safari booking includes 100% emergency medical evacuation coverage by air ambulance across all parks.