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Uganda Trips & Tours

Uganda mountains and national park
Download Uganda Key Facts

Uganda is the best of Africa packed into one amazing country. We’re talking lush rainforest, sparkling swimming lakes, soaring mountains, and some of the best wildlife experiences on the planet. Add to that an incredible adventure sports scene, an off-the-beaten track feel, and warm and welcoming people and you’ve got the perfect gap year destination. Head into the jungle in search of endangered mountain gorillas, get your adrenaline pumping with some wild whitewater rafting, track chimpanzee groups through Kalinzu Forest Reserve and kick back on the shores of beautiful Lake Bunyoni. You’ll never want to come home!

Read more in our Uganda Travel Guide

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Uganda Facts

Capital City

Kampala

Currency

Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

Language

English, Luganda and Swahili

Dialling Code

+256

Plug Type

Type G

Uganda Highlights

Group of travellers trekking through the green forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

We know a safari in Africa is on your bucket list, but how about a trek into the jungle to spot mountain gorillas? Home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a rare glimpse of the wildlife in their natural habitat. Watch as they play and forage; the youngsters will make your heart melt!

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, surrounded by hills and trees

Lake Bunyonyi

Framed by leafy hills, Lake Bunyonyi calls to both nature and adventure lovers. Become a pro at bird spotting, with over 200 species calling the surrounding forests home. Kayak, swim, spot wildlife and explore the lake’s 29 islands. On our Uganda trips, you’ll get to end the day gathered around the lakeside campfire, soaking up magical views.

Wild Chimpanzee in the trees in Uganda

Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Journey into Kalinzu Forest Reserve and hike through dense forest to track one of Uganda’s largest chimpanzee communities. Guided by an expert ranger, experience up-close sightings and gain an exciting insight into the chimps' daily behaviours. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for the hundreds of other species that live in the forest!

Traveller stood at Uganda Equator line, under photo spot in Uganda

Uganda Equator - Kayabwe

Tick off a travel milestone as you stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere! Kayabwe is one of only six spots in Africa where the equator passes through. This popular tourist attraction is complete with photo opportunities, souvenir stalls and the famous (and theatrical) Coriolis effect demonstrations.

Mutungo Hill in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda

Kampala

Uganda’s capital, Kampala, will likely be your first stop on our Uganda trips. Immerse yourself in Ugandan history at the Kasubi Tombs and feast on traditional flavours. Here, you can buy a "rolex": not a watch, but delicious chapati served from food stalls. Watch the city come to life at night. Kampala is famous for its electric dance floors!

Uganda Travel Advice

Tree climbing lion in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

Climate & Weather

Uganda has a tropical climate, with average temperatures between 25°C and 29°C. Uganda’s weather and temperatures are generally consistent year-round. Due to the country’s high altitude, travellers will want to bring layers for the evenings as it will be cooler at night. 

Uganda’s two rainy seasons run from March to May and September to November. This results in bright green landscapes and fewer tourists. The rainy season is also the best time for bird watching. Uganda experiences drier spells between December to February and June to September.

Travellers trekking into the Ugandan jungle to see rare gorillas

Best Time To Visit

Uganda is a year-round destination, and the weather is generally warm, with short bursts of rain.

Uganda’s dry seasons, from December to February and June to August, are the most reliable for gorilla trekking. Visibility is at its best during this time of year, and travellers can witness lots of wildlife gathering around watering holes. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking during the rainy seasons (from March to May and September to November) will still be a memorable experience. Trails will be muddier, but quieter and may suit budget-conscious travellers.

Lake and traditional boat with hills in background in Uganda

Customs & Culture

Uganda has a captivating, rich culture, and it is important to travel with respect and be mindful of traditions. Uganda is predominantly Christian, with Islam as the second-largest religion. Travellers should dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages and religious sites. Swimwear should only be worn when swimming in lakes and pools. Public displays of affection are not customary.

Leave the places you visit as you found them, and do not litter. Your trip leader will be available to advise you on customs and culture on our Uganda tours.

Red and blue british passports

Passports & Visas

Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.

For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.

Gorilla spotted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park whilst jungle trekking in Uganda

Health & Safety

At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help. We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Uganda,  as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information, and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Gap 360, our biggest priority is ensuring that travellers feel safe and supported on their adventures abroad. Before your departure on our Uganda trips, you will have access to our health and safety information with advice for your travels and country fact-files for Uganda. You’ll also have access to a 24/7emergency support number, operated by our UK-based team, to assist you while you're travelling. We always encourage travellers to do their own research before visiting a destination, or if you have any questions, we are just a message or phone call away.

The official languages of Uganda are English, Luganda and Swahili. English is widely spoken, especially in the capital city.

Uganda is famous for its once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spotting, with unique opportunities to see rare mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Safaris in Uganda stand out, with jungle treks and up-close encounters. Cultural diversity in Uganda is rich, with over 50 indigenous tribes. Adventure lovers will be in their element, with everything from white-water rafting to mountain hikes.

You can get a direct flight from the UK to Uganda on select airlines, on select days, which takes approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes. Flight times vary for journeys with layovers.

Yes, there are lions in Uganda! Lions can be spotted at Murchison Falls National Park, and tree-climbing lions can be seen at Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.

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