Planning a Trip to Uganda: Complete Uganda Travel Blog
This guide to planning a trip to Uganda will explain where to visit in Uganda, the best places to stay, what to do, and other tips.
When I look back on my travels, my favorite trips have all been Africa safaris. I’ve been to Kenya, Tanzania, and Southern Africa.
Most recently, I visited Uganda to see wild chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. The trip was 10 days, included four destinations, and was an absolute bucket list worthy trip.
Uganda is an amazing bucket-list destination for chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, and safari.
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Why Visit Uganda
First, let’s start with why you shouldn’t visit Uganda. If you are visiting sub-Saharan Africa for the first time and want a traditional safari experience, Uganda is not for you.
While the game drives in Uganda are amazing, they can’t compare to wildlife sightings in other countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa.
However, if any of the following criteria apply to you, Uganda is the perfect destination:
- You’ve been on safari and want a unique experience for your next one
- You’re hoping to see primates in the wild
- You want to explore off the beaten path, with more active adventures
In Uganda, you will have the unique opportunity to hike to chimpanzees and gorillas, something you cannot do in the previously mentioned countries.
Compared to a classic safari, you will get more exercise and see more rugged destinations. If this appeals you, this Uganda travel blog is for you.
Planning a Trip to Uganda
Uganda isn’t a simple place to visit and planning a trip to Uganda isn’t a simple task. This Uganda travel blog will break down some of the top tips and considerations for your trip to make the planning much easier.
Getting to Uganda – The international airport in Uganda (EBB) is in Entebbe near the capital city of Kampala. There are direct flights from many countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
If you are coming from the US, the best layovers are in Qatar or Dubai. Once you arrive, the Protea Entebbe hotel by Marriott is a convenient place to stay for one night before you continue to your next location.
Visiting with a Tour Company – I highly recommend visiting Uganda with a company. Especially if you plan to visit many locations in the country. I traveled with Abercrombie & Kent, which is one of the top luxury safari outfitters in Africa.
They plan internal transportation, provide an expert guide, coordinate a private driver, plan activities in each destination, and book hotels for you.
Visiting on Your Own – The only time I suggest planning a trip to Uganda on your own is if you are visiting only one destination, such as Bwindi, in addition to a larger Africa vacation.
You can coordinate with your lodge to help book internal transportation and other logistics, since they can be complicated and confusing to book without the help of a local.
Where to Visit in Uganda
While Uganda is small, the size of the state Oregon, there are many places worth visiting. Below, I share the top four places to visit. Later on, I’ll break down how to fit these destinations into a ten day itinerary.
Murchison Falls National Park
Where to Stay – Nile Safari Lodge
The Nile Safari Lodge is one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed at. It was the first hotel we stayed at on our trip, and I was honestly blown away from the moment I walked in.
The common areas are open-air with amazing views of the Nile River. There is also an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, and multiple fire pits.
The rooms are at least 1000 square feet, with a large private balcony, and indoor an outdoor shower, and walls of windows overlooking the river.
In addition to amazing amenities, the service was above an beyond. The staff anticipated our every need including cold towels after game drives, and a morning wakeup call with fresh cappuccinos.
What to Do Near Murchison Falls National Park
I’d recommend visiting Murchison Falls National Park simply to spend a few nights at the Nile Safari Lodge. In addition, there are a few other highlights to this area.
Murchison Falls – You can take a small hike at the falls to see the permanent rainbow, flowing river, and take a “shower” in the mist from the water.
Game Drives – The national park is a decent place for game drives, with the opportunity to see giraffes, elephants, lions, many antelope, and other wildlife.
River Cruise – Since the park borders the Victoria Nile River, take a cruise to see the falls from the water, and see animals such as hippos and crocodiles.
Kibale National Park
Where to Stay – Kyaninga Lodge
The Kyaninga Resort is a treehouse-style resort perched above a beautiful crater lake in the farmland of Uganda. Atop a large staircase is a communal cabin with a bar, lounge, dining room, and outdoor deck.
From there, take even more stairs to standalone cabins with a full bathroom, private deck, and large bed.
The resort includes access to the lake with swimming, paddleboards, and kayaks. You can also take a three miles scenic walk around the crater.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
The primary reason to visit Kibale National Park in Uganda is to trek to chimpanzees. Kibale is one of the only places in Uganda where wild chimps have been habituated for human viewing.
Habituation means that the animals have been exposed to humans over a series of months or years, so they learn to tolerate their presence. However, the chimps are still very wild.
Your day of Chimpanzee trekking will begin at the national park’s visitor center. There will be a safety briefing and preview for the day.
From there, you will be separated into groups of up to 12 people with a dedicated tracker. Groups will fan out from the facility to begin tracking the chimps.
The groups spread out to improve the chances of finding the chimps.
Once a tracking group locates the chimps, they will communicate the location with the other groups. After arriving with the chimps, you will have one hour for viewing and photography. The number of chimps will vary from day to day from a single chimp to 20+.
While viewing the chimps, you may see them eating, mating, cleaning themselves, sleeping, or any of their other natural behaviors. Seeing the chimpanzees in the wild is a truly life-changing and humbling experience.
After an hour with the chimps, you will hike back to the visitor center and return to your lodge.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Where to Stay – Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Of all the luxury safari lodges in this guide, Ishasha is the most rustic. For some, it’s a great adventure and a fun way to get in touch with nature.
For others, it may lack some of the resources you require, such as hot water and air conditioning. Ishasha is a series of permanent tents that have a king bed, and large bathroom.
There is a communal lodge for dining that has a bar and fire pit.
The Best Uganda Game Drives
The main reason to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is for game drives. A game drive is a 2-5 hour drive through the national park in a safari vehicle, trying to spot game such as lions, leopards, elephants, and more.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is also a great place to see the famous tree climbing lions perched in fig trees.
If you are only visiting Uganda on your trip, I recommend visiting this park to get some good game drives in. If you are combining the trip with a stay in Kenya or Tanzania, I’d skip this portion of the trip.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Where to Stay – Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
I’ve stayed in a number of Sanctuary Retreats in Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, and Tanzania. They have all been amazing, and the Gorilla Forest Camp is no different.
The GFC has a large community lodge with dining, a bar, and lounge. There is also a spa and well-stocked gift shop. Each room is a standalone permanent tent that are luxuriously decorated, have a large deck, and have a large bathroom with a shower and tub.
In addition, the service at the lodge is above and beyond. They help with your every need, including cleaning our hiking shoes after a day of trekking, preparing snacks for on-demand happy hour, providing live entertainment around the fire, and more.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The top reason to visit Bwindi, and Uganda in general, is to hike to wild mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are native to the impenetrable forest, which crosses the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There aren’t mountain gorillas anywhere else in the world, even in zoos.
Uganda is the best place to trek to gorillas, with many habituated families, strong conservation policies, and skilled guides. A trekking pass is expensive, but I recommend planning for two days of trekking to improve your chances of sightings.
A day of gorilla trekking will begin in the visitor center, where you will be paired with a team of security, trackers, and a guide. Each group is then assigned to a gorilla family. Trackers and your guide will help locate the family as quickly as possible, but trekking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to seven hours.
Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one hour watching their natural interactions and taking photos. While trekking to Chimpanzees, mentioned above, is amazing, nothing can compare to spending time with these wild gorillas. It is truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Check out my three day gorilla trekking itinerary for more tips.
Other Things to do in Bwindi
While gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Bwindi, below are a few other fun things to do.
Visit a School – If you stay at the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, you can visit a local elementary school that is supported by the resort.
You will have the opportunity to meet the children, speak with the headmaster, and learn about the efforts to improve the education for local children.
Meet a Local Tribe – The local Batwa tribe was pushed out of their home in Bwindi Forest when tourism and gorilla conservation took over the area.
They were traditionally a hunter gatherer tribe, and have now had to adapt to life in the community. The Batwa tribe welcomes tourists to visit their community to learn about their customs, history, and traditions.
Support Humanitarian Projects – There are a variety of projects in Bwindi that support the local community members. You can visit these projects to learn about their efforts, and purchase goods that will provide income to the locals.
Some of these projects include the women’s bicycle project where a group of women sell and repair bikes for local transportation. Another is the Ride 4 a Woman project, where women create woven and sewn crafts for sale, such as baskets, clothing, and decorations.
What to Wear in Uganda on Safari
I wrote an entire post on what to wear in Uganda, so check that out for a complete packing list and outfit ideas for every occasion on your trip.
In general, you want to stick to comfortable neutral clothes when packing for Uganda. Colors such as beige, brown, and grey are ideal for avoiding insects and blending in with the environment. Comfort is key for long drives, hiking, and other leisure activities.
If you plan to trek with gorillas or chimpanzees, pack hiking equipment to protect yourself for the hikes. Hikes in Bwindi and Kibale include breaking through the jungle, off path, so it is important to come prepared. Some of the essentials to pack are hiking boots, ankle gaiters, and a good hat.
Uganda Travel Guide – 10 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe and say at the Protea Entebbe for one night
2-3: Visit Murchison Falls National Park, stay at the Nile Safari Lodge and take game drives, river cruises, and visit the falls
4-5: Visit Kibale National Park to hike with Chimpanzees
6-7: Go to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a couple days of game drives
8-10: Finish in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to trek with gorillas
Potential Trip Extensions from Uganda
If you are making the effort to travel to Uganda, I highly recommend extending your trip to any of the following destinations.
As I mentioned above, Uganda is the best destination for trekking with primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas. However, Kenya and Tanzania have much better traditional safari. For the perfect mix of both destinations, simply visit both.
My recommended itinerary is two nights in Kigale National Park to hike to Chimpanzees, three nights in Bwindi to hike to Gorillas, then 4 nights in Kenya or Tanzania for game drives.
Tanzania – In Tanzania, I highly recommend staying at the Four Seasons Serengeti. It’s one of my favorite hotels in the world with amazing game drives, an infinity pool that overlooks a watering hole, and stunning rooms. The Serengeti is also arguably the best place in the world for game drives.
Kenya – In Kenya, I love the Sanctuary Olonana. As shared above, I love Sanctuary Resorts. This property is along the Mara River, which borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Masai Mara in Kenya is connected to the Serengeti in Tanzania and has equally great game viewing.
Seychelles – If you prefer to combine a relaxing beach destination with your adventurous trip to Uganda, you cannot beat a few days in the Seychelles. End your Uganda vacation with a few days at the Four Seasons Seychelles to relax by the beach, visit the spa, and unwind from a fantastic, busy vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda
Currency – The currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shilling which is approximately 4,000 to one USD. US dollars are accepted in most tourist locations, but bills must be new and crisp, without stains or tears. I recommend exchanging for a couple hundred dollars of the local currency to use for tips and purchasing small souvenirs.
Language – The official language of Uganda is Swahili, but many people speak three languages: Swahili, English, and their tribal dialect.
Climate – Uganda is very lush and green, with high annual rainfall, high humidity, and moderate temperatures. The temperature often ranges from 60 to 90 degrees year-round.
Entry Requirements – Check your government websites for the most recent information, but Visas are currently required for all US passengers. Visas can be secured online for around $100 and are valid for 90 days from the time of issuance.
Summary of this Uganda Travel Blog
Hopefully by now, this Uganda travel blog has convinced you to plan a trip to Uganda. It is a truly incredible, bucket-list trip. The unique opportunity to hike among primates is extraordinary and is sure to be one of your best travel memories.
Whether you plan to visit for a few days as part of an African adventure, or plan to visit Uganda for 10 days, you will have an amazing vacation.
Related Posts:
- Ultimate Uganda Packing List – What To Wear In Uganda On Safari
- Three Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Itinerary And Adventure Guide
- Guide To Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda – How To Prepare And What To Expect
- The Best Luxury Lodges In Uganda – Where To Stay In Uganda On Safari
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