Why visit Uganda
Uganda is the adventurous East African primate destination — gorilla permits cost almost half what Rwanda charges, and you can pair gorillas with chimp tracking in Kibale Forest, classic Big Game in Queen Elizabeth NP, white-water rafting at Jinja on the Nile, and the dramatic Murchison Falls. Longer drives than Rwanda; richer, more varied trip.
Best time to visit Uganda
Dry seasons (June–September and December–February) are best for gorilla trekking, road travel and game viewing. The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) bring lush landscapes and lower lodge rates but muddier trails.
Top parks and regions
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (mountain gorillas), Mgahinga (gorillas + golden monkeys), Kibale Forest (chimp tracking, ~90% success rate), Queen Elizabeth NP (tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel boat safaris), Murchison Falls NP (Nile, Big Five), Lake Mburo, and the Rwenzori Mountains for trekkers.
Uganda safari cost
Gorilla permits are USD 800 per trek (vs USD 1,500 in Rwanda). A 7-day Bwindi gorillas + Queen Elizabeth + Kibale chimp tracking trip costs USD 4,000–6,500 per person mid-range. Luxury (Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs) runs USD 7,500–14,000+.
Suggested itineraries
5 days: Entebbe → Bwindi (gorilla trek) → return. 8 days: add Queen Elizabeth NP + Kibale chimps. 12 days: full circuit — Bwindi + Queen Elizabeth + Kibale + Murchison Falls. Combo: 4 days Uganda gorillas + 5 days Kenya Mara safari.
Visa, vaccines and entry
Apply for an eVisa at visas.immigration.go.ug (USD 50, 90 days) or use the East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100, covers Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda). Yellow fever certificate is mandatory. Anti-malarials recommended. Fly into Entebbe (EBB).