Custom travel to Uganda

Uganda, nicknamed 'the pearl of Africa' by Winston Churchill in 1908, is one of East Africa's flagship destinations — landlocked country of 47 million inhabitants, 9-12 h of flight with stopover from Paris. Independence 1962. Rare landscape diversity: savannas, jungles, equatorial lakes and the snowy summits of Rwenzori (5,109 m, Africa's 3rd highest). Above all it is THE world destination for mountain gorillas — 460 of the 1,063 individuals remaining worldwide live in Bwindi (UNESCO 1994), a 25,000-year-old primary tropical forest. Approaching a family of 15-20 gorillas at 7 m and meeting the gaze of a 200-kg silverback is the most moving experience in African safari. Add Queen Elizabeth (Africa's only park with tree-climbing lions), Murchison Falls (the country's largest park, where the Nile rushes through a 7-m-wide gorge), Kibale with its 1,500 chimpanzees, the Nile source at Jinja and the Virunga volcanoes. A pure-nature destination, medium-high prices, unforgettable.

Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking at UNESCO Bwindi (460 individuals)
  • Queen Elizabeth: tree-climbing lions
  • Murchison Falls: spectacular Nile gorge
  • Nile source at Jinja (Lake Victoria)
  • Chimpanzees at Kibale Forest
  • Virunga volcanoes (Rwanda border)

Frequently asked questions

When?

June-September and December-February (dry seasons). Avoid April-May and October-November (rainy seasons, very muddy jungle).

How long?

10 days for gorillas + Queen Elizabeth + Murchison + Kibale. 12 days combined with Rwanda. 14 days for complete version.

Budget?

€5,800-€7,500 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €9,500-€12,000. Flights: €1,100-€1,500. Gorilla permits $800/person included.

Visa?

MANDATORY e-visa online before departure ($50 single, $100 East Africa Tourist Visa Uganda+Kenya+Rwanda).

Gorilla trekking: level required?

Good walker (2-8-h walk in dense jungle, mountainous terrain 1,800-2,600 m, muddy ground). From age 15 (strict UWA limit). $800 permit to book 6-12 months in advance.

Family?

Gorilla trekking from age 15 (strict UWA). Before: 4×4 safari, Murchison boat safari, tree-climbing lions. Family lodges available.

How to get around?

Aerolink Cessna domestic flights RECOMMENDED for long distances (Bwindi, Murchison). Safari 4×4 with English-speaking ranger in parks.

Safety in Uganda?

Safe in tourist areas (Kampala center, Entebbe, parks, lodges). Vigilance DRC and South Sudan borders. Avoid Karamoja (northeastern region).

Combine?

Yes: Uganda + Rwanda (gorillas 2 countries, practical East Africa Tourist Visa), Uganda + Kenya (Masai Mara), Uganda + Tanzania (Serengeti, Kilimanjaro).

Tips?

Essential for gorilla porters ($15-$20/day, former poachers reconverted, major income source), rangers ($10/day), lodge staff ($5-$10/day).