Uganda Travel Guide
Mountain gorillas watching you from a green wall of forest, the Nile exploding into white water, tree-climbing lions in the fig trees at dusk. Uganda is Africa in full color, and wilder than you expect.
By the BicoTravels team · Updated October 2026Start exploringGorillas, the Nile & savanna
The three experiences that define a trip to Uganda.
Gorilla trekking
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most reliable places in the world to trek mountain gorillas, alongside Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Permits are limited and should be booked well in advance, especially for peak dry-season months.
Good to know: Permits tend to cost less and be easier to get than in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking permits guide →The source of the Nile
Jinja, where the Nile begins its journey from Lake Victoria, offers white-water rafting and other adventure activities. Few trips combine primates and adrenaline quite so easily.
Good to know: A natural add-on after the forest.
Compare stays →Classic savanna safari
Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks add classic savanna safari alongside Uganda’s forest and primate experiences, from boat rides to wildlife on open plains.
Good to know: Pair savanna parks with forest treks for variety.
Compare flights to Uganda →More to experience in Uganda
Primates beyond gorillas
Chimpanzee tracking and monkeys in Uganda’s forests give a second chapter to a primate-focused trip.Lake Bunyonyi
A tranquil highland lake in the southwest, a gentle place to recover after a trek.Rwenzori Mountains
Misty peaks known as the Mountains of the Moon draw serious hikers.Entebbe & Kampala
Entebbe, near Kampala, is the main gateway, with a lively capital close by.Four ways Uganda gets under your skin
Choose your season
Ways to build your trip
Combining with Kenya: Entebbe (near Kampala) is Uganda’s main international airport, with regular flights connecting from Nairobi, making it a realistic add-on to a Kenya trip for travelers with extra time for gorilla trekking.
Practical planning
Visa
Many nationalities can apply for a Uganda e-visa online before travel.Currency
Uganda uses the Ugandan shilling. Carry some cash for markets and rural areas, though cards are accepted at hotels and lodges in main tourist areas.Getting there
Entebbe is the main international airport, with regular flights from Nairobi.Frequently asked questions
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
Treks can involve several hours of hiking on uneven forest terrain, so a reasonable level of fitness helps, but porters are available to assist and treks are paced to the group.
Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking?
Both offer excellent trekking; Uganda tends to have more permit availability and lower permit costs, while Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is more compact and quicker to reach from the capital.
Can I combine Uganda with a Kenya safari?
Yes. A short flight from Nairobi to Entebbe makes it straightforward to add a few days of gorilla trekking to a broader East Africa itinerary.
How far ahead should I book permits?
Permits are limited, so book well in advance, especially for peak dry-season months.
How many days do I need?
A short gorilla-focused trip works in a few days; allow a week or more to add savanna parks, the Nile and other primates.