Uganda — Churchill’s “Pearl of Africa” — is where the savannah meets the jungle. It is the world’s great primate destination: mountain gorillas in the mist of Bwindi, chimpanzees swinging through Kibale, and tree-climbing lions on the Ishasha plains. Add the source of the Nile and some of the friendliest people in Africa, and you have a safari like nowhere else.
Capital
Kampala
Language
English
& Luganda
Currency
UGX
Ugandan Shilling
Wildlife
Gorillas
& chimpanzees
Best time
Jun–Sep
& Dec–Feb
Getting there
EBB
Via 1-stop
What Sets Uganda Apart
Six reasons to go
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Roughly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live in the misty forests of Bwindi.
Chimpanzees of Kibale
The finest chimpanzee tracking in Africa, in a forest alive with thirteen primate species.
Tree-Climbing Lions
The famous lions that lounge in the fig trees of Ishasha, in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Source of the Nile
At Jinja, the world’s longest river begins its journey — rafting, kayaking and sunset cruises.
Murchison Falls
Where the mighty Nile is forced through a seven-metre gorge in a thunder of white water.
Green, Warm & Great Value
Lower prices than its neighbours and a people renowned across Africa for their warmth.
Timing Your Journey
When to go
Uganda rewards travellers all year — each season has its own distinct character.
Jun – Sep
The Long Dry Season
The prime window — firm forest trails and the best gorilla and chimp trekking.
$$$
Peak
Mar – May
The Long Rains
The wettest months, lush forests and the lowest lodge prices.
$$$
Low season
Dec – Feb
Short Dry Season
A second dry window — warm days, superb trekking and fewer travellers.
$$$
Shoulder
Oct – Nov
The Short Rains
Brief afternoon showers, green landscapes and good value.
$$$
Good value
Where to Go
Uganda, region by region
Pair the classic safari circuit with the Swahili coast for the perfect bush-and-beach journey.
The Parks & Forests
Bwindi Forest
Half the world’s mountain gorillas, deep in an ancient, mist-wrapped rainforest.
Kibale Forest
The primate capital of the world — chimpanzees and twelve other species.
Queen Elizabeth NP
Tree-climbing lions, the Kazinga Channel and classic savannah game.
Murchison Falls
Uganda’s largest park, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge.
Kidepo Valley
Remote, rugged and gloriously wild — Africa’s great forgotten wilderness.
Lake Mburo
Zebra, hippo and boat safaris — an easy first or last stop.
Jinja & the Nile
The adventure capital, at the very source of the White Nile.
Entebbe
Lakeside gateway on Lake Victoria — a relaxed start to any journey.
Sample Journeys
Discover some of our itineraries
A starting point, not a fixed menu — every Hidden Track journey is tailor-made around you.
7 Days
From $5,400
Gorillas & Chimps
Bwindi’s gorillas and Kibale’s chimpanzees — the primate essentials.
View itinerary →
10 Days
From $7,600
Primates & Savannah
Gorillas, chimps and the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
View itinerary →
13 Days
From $9,900
Grand Uganda
The full pearl — gorillas, chimps, savannah, the Nile and Kidepo’s wilds.