In the 1960s Uganda was Africa's most popular tourist destination, but a certain Idi Amin put paid to that. Although it remains one of the world's poorest countries Uganda has emerged from the wilderness of political instability and tourism is once again, and deservedly so, on the up. It's not hard to see why that might be. The obvious attractions of Uganda holidays are the plentiful primates, both gorillas and chimps, that so few other African countries can boast. Then there's the fact that landlocked Uganda may lack a coast but remains one of the lushest countries in Africa, dotted with picturesque lakes, wetlands and rivers.

Uganda holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Why visit Uganda with Original Travel

Bursting with passion for Uganda’s savannahs, lakes and jungles, our experts know the country’s ecosystems like the backs of their hands. With a focus on conservation and wildlife, our itineraries are tailored to those wanting to explore the road less travelled; think up-close encounters with gorillas, a rare (and comparably affordable) experience that requires pricey permits in neighbouring countries. We can also hand-craft trips for solo travellers, families and even sabbaticals by combining the easy-to-access landscapes of Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Uganda

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

Travel to Uganda by Region

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Set among the rolling hills of Uganda's Kisoro district, at the south western tip of the country, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is prime primate territory, and home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. With these great apes on the critically endangered list, Bwindi safaris take place in one of the few places in the world where you can trek with mountain gorillas (Rwanda and the decidedly off-limits Democratic Republic of Congo being the only others). Visitors to Bwindi are assigned in small groups to a gorilla family to track, and will then set out with a guide to explore the mountainous forests in search of these gentle giants. With less than 900 mountain gorilla remaining in the whole world, the opportunity to track these animals in the wild is a genuinely unique experience. As well as gorilla trekking there is plenty more to keep guests entertained on a Bwindi holiday. There are over 350 species of birds, 310 butterflies and 200 trees to identify, and various scenic hikes and nature walks to enjoy.

Kibale National Park & Semuliki National Park

On the western border of Uganda, Semuliki National Park consists of 85 square miles of protected lush rainforest and low lying wetland. A little further east, Kibale National Park is packed with beautiful crater lakes and plantations and offers some of Uganda's best chimpanzee encounters. Kibale National Park holidays are a likely highlight of any trip to Uganda, for both the scenery and the wildlife. The chimpanzee treks here are famously excellent with visitors taking part in either short morning or afternoon treks, or full day 'nest-to-nest' habituation programmes where you track the chimps as they make their nest for the night. Aside from the chimps, other great wildlife spots here are black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey or grey-cheeked mangabey. With a climate and landscapes more akin to Central Africa, nearby Semuliki National Park is home to a selection of incredibly rare species seen nowhere else in Uganda, including the fascinating water chevotain deer and pygmy antelope. Visit this lesser explored region on Semuliki National Park holidays and you can take various nature walks through the forest, cruise around Lake Albert - which lies at the north of the area - and even visit Sempaya Hot Springs.

Murchison Falls

Uganda's largest national park, Murchison Falls is split by the gushing waters of the River Nile and is home to a rich population of big game and primates. Located in the northwest of Uganda, this region may be more off the beaten track but with wildlife like elephants, hippos, chimpanzees and giraffes on show, Murchison Falls holidays pack quite the safari punch. Rather than making the usual journey south-west of Entebbe, head north-west to the fertile lands of Murchison National Park; here you'll find stunning vistas and lush bushland as far as the eye can see. A highlight of any trip to Murchison is undeniably the falls themselves. The narrow 23ft wide canyon sees the mighty Nile cascade thunderously into the gorge 140ft below - forming what is technically the world's most powerful waterfall. When the waters calm further downstream, enjoy a boat safari and spot birds and hippos flocking to the river banks. A favourite hangout of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie, the park has a long history of delighting visitors with its vast beauty and varied wildlife. With healthy populations of Ugandan kobs, elephants, giraffes, lions and more, game drives here are some of the best in Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Sandwiched between Lake George and Lake Edward on the south west border of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its varied topography, from bushy grassland to swampy vegetation, and the wonderfully diverse catalogue of wildlife that inhabits it, making for one of the most interesting safari landscapes in this part of Africa. Unsurprisingly, given its proximity to two of Uganda's Great Lakes and the Ishasha River, Queen Elizabeth National Park isn't short on water and so is able to support a huge range of animals, including over 600 species of bird. On a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari you can track game via the traditional 4x4 route or mix things up a little by taking a scenic boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, which separates the park's two lakes. Additionally, the Queen Elizabeth Predator Project offers visitors the opportunity to work with expert trackers to locate and observe the behaviour of local lions and leopards. Getting involved in this important research work, while also experiencing some fantastic close-up sightings, is an incredibly memorable experience.

Our Uganda holiday collections

Discover different ways to explore Uganda

Uganda Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Uganda Testimonials

1 reviews
5 / 5
"Original Travel arranged our dream trip to Uganda. Thank you for such a memorable experience! We were extremely satisfied with Original Travel's quality and professionalism in organising our trip to Uganda. The choice of itinerary, activities and accommodation was very much in line with our expectations. Our trip will remain a treasured memory for life. "
Becky - Leicester
Published on 7th August 2019

Our Uganda
specialists

Our consultants’ Ugandan expertise is rooted not only in over 20 years of experience, but also in the firsthand knowledge of someone born and raised in East Africa. This has blessed us with close in-country connections who regularly update us on the best safari experiences and remote jungle properties. During your trip, we’ll liaise with our local Concierge and guides to bring special requests to life, such as a romantic sunset dinner overlooking the savannah. Finally, our app is full of helpful information we’ve curated firsthand, such as restaurant recommendations and cultural experiences suited to your interests.

What are the best ways to discover Uganda?

Uganda's southern border is dominated by Lake Victoria, her blue waters funnelling into the Nile, which journeys the length of Uganda. Yet more water is locked up in the glacier-capped and mysterious Rwenzori Mountains - the so-called 'Mountains of the Moon' - that fringe the western border. In fact, unlike many other African countries Uganda seems to adhere to natural borders rather than arbitrary colonial-era straight lines, with the far north bound by the Sahara and the east transforming into arid plains.


But for us, and in spite of the spectacular wildlife and landscapes, the highlight of any Uganda holiday is the Ugandans themselves. This is a country best explored by road and there's something hugely heart-warming about the waves and smiles from everyone you pass by on the road. The people you meet at lodges and National Parks are, to man and woman, extremely friendly and the guides supremely knowledgeable and amongst the very best in Africa.


What is there to do in Uganda?

Uganda is a country of great contrasts and presents opportunities for extraordinary experiences throughout the year, from gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, mountain climbing, whitewater rafting and excellent viewing of the wide variety of flora and fauna found in the National Parks. Lions, leopards, buffaloes and elephant can all be seen on a Uganda safari and although the wildlife is not always prolific, Uganda is home to over 1,000 species including many that are endemic, and each park presents something different. Twitchers should note that the birdlife is second to none.

Best places to go in Uganda



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