UGANDA
UGANDA
Winston Churchill's "Pearl of Africa" provides an unparalleled, fence-free opportunity to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, possessing the highest global count of these magnificent creatures.
ABOUT UGANDA
Uganda offers a unique East African experience with a focus on intimate wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and sustainable tourism. The country's diverse landscapes, from the world's longest river to its largest lake, provide a backdrop for rare wildlife, including mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda's tourism benefits local communities and supports conservation efforts.
Best time to visit
Plan your journey for the perfect season to witness wildlife and enjoy vibrant landscapes.
Travel Information
Essential tips for a smooth safari—what to pack, how to get here, and travel safety insights.
MAP OF UGANDA
PLACES TO GO
These are places chosen not for fame, but for feeling — quiet, raw, and unforgettable.
SAFARIS IDEAS
Every journey with Safari Lux Travel is personal — shaped around sustainable travel, how you like to travel, what moves you, and the moments you’ll never want to forget.
SAFARI IDEAS
Every journey with Safari Lux Travel is personal — shaped around sustainable travel, how you like to travel, what moves you, and the moments you’ll never want to forget. Here are a few ideas to inspire your adventure.
PLACES TO GO
Safari Lux Travel takes you beyond the ordinary; trek Mountain Gorillas through the ancient Bwindi rainforest, wander alongside the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, Game drives across savannahs and timeless landscapes.
THINGS TO DO
Discover the ultimate African safari experience, teeming with Primate Treks, wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. Explore our Uganda Safari Highlights and start planning your unforgettable journey.
MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
GOLDEN MONKEYS
CHIMPANZEES
GAME DRIVES & CRUISES
CULTURES
HIKING
BIRDING
BIKING
SPORT FISHING
ADRENALINE
WHERE TO STAY
We shape every Safari Lux Travel lodging experience around sustainable choices, how you like to relax, what excites you, and securing those moments you'll never forget. Discover inspiring ideas for your perfect place to stay here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Uganda’s beauty shifts gently through the year. Dry months from June to August and December to February offer ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking, while the green seasons bring quieter parks and vibrant landscapes.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Getting to Uganda is simple, but being here feels far from ordinary. International flights arrive via Entebbe. Visas are available online. Light, comfortable clothing suits most days, with warmer layers for cool forest mornings. Yellow fever vaccination is required. We handle the fine details — you focus on the journey.
Capital City - Kampala
Uganda’s capital, Kampala is a lively, layered city built across a chain of green hills just north of Lake Victoria. Located 35km from Entebbe International Airport and sitting at 3,900 feet above sea level, it blends historical roots with modern energy. Once adjacent to Mengo—the 19th-century seat of the Buganda Kingdom—Kampala remains a cultural and political hub. We recommend a guided city tour to explore its markets, monuments, and vibrant day-to-night rhythm.
People & Culture
Uganda is one of Africa’s most culturally diverse nations, home to over 50 indigenous languages across five distinct linguistic groups. This rich blend of heritage shapes daily life—from cuisine and music to storytelling and ceremony. Often called Africa’s friendliest country, Uganda’s warmth is more than a phrase; it’s a lived reality. Visitors are welcomed with genuine hospitality, rooted in community values and a natural ease that makes you feel not like a guest, but a friend.
How do I get to Uganda?
BY AIR
Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s primary gateway, served by several international carriers including KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines), Brussels Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, RwandAir, and South African Airways. The national carrier, Uganda Airlines, has also been expanding its network and currently operates flights to various destinations across Africa, including Abuja, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Harare, Johannesburg, Juba, Kilimanjaro, Kinshasa, Lagos, Lusaka, Mogadishu, Mombasa, Nairobi, and Zanzibar. Additionally, Uganda Airlines has launched international routes to Dubai and Mumbai, and has recently added a long-haul service to London (Gatwick).
BY LAND
Uganda is easily accessible via land borders from neighboring countries. From Rwanda, enter through the Cyanika border (3 hours from Kigali) or the Gatuna border (1.5 hours from Kigali). From Kenya, the main crossing points are Malaba and Busia. From Tanzania, access is through the Mutukula border. These overland routes make it easy to combine Uganda with other East African destinations.
How to Travel Through Uganda
The best way to explore Uganda’s scenic beauty is by road, offering an up-close view of its diverse landscapes. However, for longer distances or limited travel time, we recommend light aircraft flights. These scheduled or chartered flights provide quick, seamless connections between parks—ideal for guests on shorter itineraries or seeking more comfort.
Passport and Visas to Uganda -
All visitors to Uganda must hold a passport valid for at least six months from their date of entry. Tourist visas must be applied for online via https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug and cost USD $50 for a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. If you’re planning to visit Kenya or Rwanda in addition to Uganda, consider applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows seamless travel between the three countries. For assistance or additional travel guidance, feel free to contact us.
Money
Uganda’s official currency is the Uganda Shilling (UGX), with banknotes in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000. Coins are issued in 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 shillings.
US dollars are widely used for tourism services, including gorilla permits, accommodation, and excursions. Most prices for these services are quoted in USD. Euros and British Pounds are also accepted in some locations, but we strongly recommend bringing clean, undamaged US dollar notes issued from 2009 onwards. Notes with tears, markings, or folds may be rejected.
Currency exchange is available at Forex bureaus at Entebbe International Airport and in major towns across the country. Traveler’s cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala.
Local currency can be withdrawn from ATMs using a Visa card, available at the airport and in large towns. Credit cards—Visa, Mastercard, and American Express—are accepted in select hotels, major city stores, and some lodges. However, cash remains the most reliable method of payment, especially in rural areas.
Language
Ugandans generally speak fluent English, which serves as the country’s official language. Uganda is also home to over 50 indigenous languages. Luganda is the most widely spoken local language, especially in Kampala and other major towns. You’ll find that most traders and residents are comfortable communicating in both English and Luganda.
Health
A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Uganda. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination may also be required depending on current travel advisories. We strongly recommend taking anti-malarial medication and carrying mosquito repellent. Drink only bottled or filtered water—tap water is not considered safe for consumption. Please consult your healthcare provider for up-to-date medical advice and recommended vaccinations before you travel.
Safety
Uganda remains a safe and welcoming destination, with no major security concerns affecting tourism. Every day, visitors travel across the country—including to national parks—without incident. While no destination can offer absolute guarantees, we maintain close coordination with local authorities and our ground teams to ensure our guests’ safety and peace of mind throughout their journey.
When to visit
The best game viewing in Uganda typically occurs during the two dry seasons: June to August and December to February. These months offer excellent visibility and easier access to the parks. Primate tracking—especially gorilla and chimpanzee treks—is a highlight of any safari, and while rainforest regions remain humid and prone to rain year-round, showers are often followed by clear skies and bright sunshine. With Uganda straddling the Equator, temperatures remain consistently warm—averaging between 24°C and 30°C—making it a true year-round destination.
What to wear
Lying across the Equator, Uganda enjoys generally warm to hot daytime temperatures, while nights can be noticeably cooler—especially in higher altitudes. We recommend packing lightweight clothing for the day, including breathable shirts, shorts, and comfortable shoes. For evenings, a light jacket or fleece will come in handy.
If you’re planning to trek for mountain gorillas, pack strong hiking boots, long socks (to tuck in your trousers), long-sleeved shirts for protection against nettles, and a waterproof jacket. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for added comfort.
Driving
Driving in Uganda is on the left-hand side. We do not recommend self-drive tours, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local road conditions. For your comfort and safety, we strongly advise using our experienced drivers and well-maintained vehicles, ensuring a smoother and more reliable journey.
Tipping
Tipping in Uganda is entirely based on your satisfaction, and even modest gestures are deeply appreciated. While not mandatory, gratuities are a meaningful way to acknowledge excellent service.
Here are some general guidelines:
Safari Driver-Guides: USD 10–20 per guest per day for outstanding service
Gorilla or Chimpanzee Trekking Guides: USD 15 per guest
Gorilla Trekking Porters: USD 20 per porter
Lodge Staff: USD 10 per guest, typically placed in the communal tip box at reception (covers housekeeping, meals, and laundry)
Restaurant Service: 10% of the total bill, especially in independent restaurants not affiliated with lodges
Group Travel: For larger groups, pooled tipping is encouraged to distribute fairly among guides and rangers.
We recommend carrying small denominations in clean US dollars or local currency. If you’re unsure, your guide will be happy to advise discreetly.
Foods & drinks
Tourist-oriented hotels and lodges typically serve well-prepared Western-style meals, with a wider variety of international cuisine available in the capital and major towns. Local eateries offer traditional Ugandan dishes such as matooke (steamed green bananas) or posho (maize porridge), usually served with rich meat, groundnut, or bean stews—hearty, flavourful, and a reflection of Uganda’s culinary heritage.
Electricity
Uganda operates on a 240V power supply and uses the British-style three-pin plug (Type G). If your home country uses a standard voltage of 220–240V (common in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa), your appliances should work without issue.
However, for countries with a lower standard voltage (100–127V), such as those in North and South America, a voltage converter may be required for devices like hair dryers or electric razors.
We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor, and feel free to consult us before your trip for personalized advice.
Luggage
We recommend using soft-sided luggage for ease of handling, especially on small aircraft and safari vehicles. Traveling light is ideal—duffel bags and a small daypack are usually sufficient. For a detailed packing list and personalized pre-arrival guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.