Uganda Travel

Getting There

Flights
Nairobi in Kenya would be recommended when entering Uganda from outside of Africa, from there you could get a flight to Kampala with Kenya Airways.

Land & water
Main entry points into Uganda from other African countries include Kenya (Malaba), Rwanda (Katuna/Gatuna) and Tanzania (Mutukula).

When to Go

January/February and June to September is the best times to visit Uganda as the weather is generally dry.

Highlights not to Miss

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
One of Uganda's most recently created national parks and home to some of the remaining habitats of mountain gorillas in the world. Bwindi is about 331 sq km in the southwest of the country and very close to the Congo border. The park not only protects the mountain gorilla but also other mammals and birds. You could go on a gorilla trek in this national park, there are three habituated groups.

Mt Elgon National Park
It is said that Mount Elgon has one of the largest surface areas of any extinct volcano in the world. There are cliffs, caves, gorges and waterfalls so trekking in this national park is a popular activity enjoyed by many visitors. The highest peak at 4321 m is Wagagai and the views from here are across the wide plains and among the most spectacular in Uganda. The upper slopes are covered in tropical montane forest, followed by alpine moorland which extends over the caldera a collapsed crater covering 40 sq km at the top of the mountain. On the foothills of Mt Elgon you will find Sipi Falls which is a beautiful sight, not only are the falls spectacular but the views of the mountain above them are well worth a visit here.

Mpanga Forest Reserve
The reserve is about 37 km southwest of Kampala and the forest is only about 50 years old. It is used as a tropical research institute and the size of the trees attest to the progress of well-managed re-forestation programmes. Mpanaga Forest Reserve is well known for its many butterflies of about 181 species and birds.

Lake Mburo National Park
The park is located between Mbarara and Masaka and covers an area of 260 sq km. The vegetation here is mainly savanna with scattered acacia trees. The national park has five lakes and Mburo is the largest of them.

Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the best all-rounder in Uganda, with the Victoria Nile River flowing through the park on its way to Lake Albert. The falls themselves are easily accessible by boat and are awesome when viewed up close. There is also the possibility of seeing the rare shoebill stork and you can go on a lovely walking trail linking the base of the falls with the top.

Kibale Forest National Park
The national park is covered in a lush tropical forest and it is said to have the highest density of primates in the world. Kibale is about 560 sq km at an altitude of about 1200 m. The chimpanzees are the main attraction to the national park, although there is only a 85% chance of seeing them. You could enjoy a guided walk through the park along marked tracks of about 3 to 5 km return.

Queen Elizabeth National Park
This national park offers the highest number of mammal species in Uganda and is about 2000 sq km. Bird-watchers will also not be disappointed with about 600 species. Activities here include a visit to the Kazinga Channel, walking safaris at Kyambura Gorge, forest walks and wildlife drives.