Why should you travel to Uganda?

Uganda, located in the eastern part of Central Africa, is known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’. While often an overlooked destination, Uganda stands among Africa’s most beautiful countries.

You should visit Uganda if you wish to experience some of the continent’s most varied and lush environments, including rainforests, savannahs, rivers, volcanoes, mountains, and lakes, alongside incomparable wildlife. Beyond the classic safari animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes, Uganda is one of the few places globally where you can encounter endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

Our package holidays in Uganda

Our package holidays including Uganda focus on exploring Uganda’s stunning national parks, its unique wildlife, and the exceptional natural beauty the country offers. Each tour is carefully crafted in collaboration with our experienced local partners and guides, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout your journey.

Below, you can read about some of the highlights awaiting you in this East African nation. Explore all the experiences within each unique package holiday with Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular national park. Established under the name Kazinga in 1952, it was renamed after a visit by Queen Elizabeth II two years later.

The park showcases incredible biodiversity—one of Uganda’s most diverse—including wetlands, open savannahs, lush forests, and the 40 km Kazinga Channel that links Lake George and Lake Edward.

Queen Elizabeth National Park teems with fascinating wildlife, home to 95 different mammal species and over 600 species of birds.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

While in Uganda, do not miss a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s one of the few places on earth where you can see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi is an experience that leaves an unforgettable mark. There is nothing quite like meeting a gorilla eye-to-eye, reminding us of our own humanity.

Nearly half of the world’s free-ranging mountain gorillas live here in Bwindi, a UNESCO world heritage site. Beyond the gorillas, the park boasts astounding biodiversity, with more than 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 200 butterfly species—and the list goes on.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s first and largest national park.

At the heart of the park, you can witness one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls, Murchison Falls, after which the park is named.

Here, you can marvel at the spot where the 500-metre wide White Nile forces its way through an 8-metre narrow gorge, plummeting 45 metres into a lower river.

Beyond the remarkable waterfall, the park is rich with wildlife like crocodiles, hippos, and elephants enjoying the waterside. Additionally, it’s a paradise for bird lovers with more than 550 bird species, including the curious shoebill stork.

Other highlights in Uganda

Uganda offers an inexhaustible source of adventures waiting to be explored.

For example, you can also experience:

• Ishasha, situated in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha is especially renowned for its tree-climbing lions, lounging in the large trees where they enjoy an excellent view over the savanna.

• Uganda’s smallest national park, Lake Mburo, is an exceptional safari destination despite its size. It is the only place in Uganda where you can see impalas, and with more than 300 different bird species, it is also one of the best spots for bird enthusiasts in Uganda.

• Kibale National Park, primarily composed of dense, lush rainforest, is among the best places in Africa to view primates in their natural habitat. Here, you can go on a chimpanzee tracking expedition accompanied by a trained guide who has extensive knowledge of these fascinating creatures.

Combine Uganda with a safari in Kenya

Combine your package holiday in Uganda with a safari in Kenya, where fascinating culture and stunning nature are waiting to impress you.

Look forward to exploring the bustling city of Nairobi, which offers a multitude of exciting experiences. One of the highlights in the city is Nairobi National Park, where you can witness African wildlife against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline. This national park is particularly known for being a significant centre for rhino breeding, providing ample opportunities to see these giants.

In Amboseli National Park, you can encounter other giants, namely numerous elephants – including some with the largest tusks in Africa (super tuskers). These amazing creatures can be admired against the majestic backdrop of Kilimanjaro.

Combine Uganda with a safari in Tanzania

It is possible to combine select safari holidays in Tanzania with gorilla tracking in Uganda.

Some of Tanzania’s most popular safari destinations can be found in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Serengeti National Park, listed on the UNESCO world heritage list, is Tanzania’s most famous national park. It features one of the oldest and most complex ecosystems in the world and is home to diverse and abundant wildlife. The park is notably the site of the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras, journeying between Serengeti and Masai Mara in search of fresh grass.

The Ngorongoro Crater is an extinct volcano that erupted 2.5 million years ago and is host to an amazing ecosystem with rich wildlife. The crater is home to several endangered species, including the black rhino, so if you dream of seeing The Big Five, this is a prime spot.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Uganda

Uganda is a truly unique travel destination, vastly different from what many of us know. As such, numerous questions might arise before a tour. We aim to answer some of them here.

Do you need a visa for Uganda?

Yes, as a UK citizen, you need a valid visa to travel to Uganda.

For more information about passports and visas, visit our practical info page, and we recommend you stay updated on visas via the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development office’s website.

What vaccinations are required for travelling to Uganda?

You will likely need vaccinations before travelling to Uganda.

The vaccinations required depend on your previous vaccination history.

We recommend consulting a specialist, your GP, or a certified vaccination clinic for advice.

Please note that proof of yellow fever vaccination is required upon entry to Uganda. Therefore, you must always carry a printed version of your vaccination certificate.

When is the best time to travel to Uganda?

The best time to travel to Uganda for gorilla tracking is during the dry seasons (December to February and June to August), when the trails are dry and easier to walk on.

However, there are many advantages to travelling during the rainy seasons: lower prices, many animals give birth (in the first rainy season), and the landscape transforms into a lush green oasis – especially towards the end of the seasons.

Can children join a tour to Uganda?

Yes, Uganda is a fantastic destination when travelling with children. Our “Highlights of Uganda” tour is particularly family-friendly, accommodating both younger and older children.

Please note that the minimum age for chimpanzee and gorilla tracking is 15 years old. If travelling with children under 15, you can split up so those over 15 can participate, while other activities are arranged for the rest.

Is it expensive to travel to Uganda?

Uganda is one of Africa’s pricier safari destinations, but the cost depends on what’s included in your tour.

If your tour includes chimpanzee and gorilla tracking, the price will increase significantly as the permits are costly. A combined permit for both costs 1,000 USD (2025).

Book your package holiday to Uganda with TourCompass

Travelling to Uganda is an unforgettable experience. If you still have questions, our travel specialists are on hand to answer them.

Are you ready to take the first step towards a tour that will change your perspective and bring you closer to nature than ever before? Uganda awaits – and we’re with you all the way.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller