Uganda • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest • Lodge
Buhoma Lodge
Perched on the edge of the forest with private verandas looking straight into gorilla trekking territory.
Uganda Destinations
The Pearl of Africa, explore the national parks, forests, waterfalls and wildlife sites that make Uganda one of East Africa's richest destinations.
Discover the Pearl of Africa
Uganda is a land of extraordinary contrasts — from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the lush forests of Bwindi, from the thundering Murchison Falls to the vast savannahs of Kidepo Valley.
Winston Churchill famously called it "The Pearl of Africa," and once you experience its warmth, wildlife, and welcoming people, you'll understand why.
- Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
- Witness the Nile explode through Murchison Falls
- Explore remote Kidepo Valley — Africa's wild frontier
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel teeming with wildlife
#1 Primate Destinationin East Africa
What Makes Uganda Special
From rare primate encounters to breathtaking landscapes, Uganda offers experiences you won't find anywhere else.
- 01 Mountain Gorillas Home to over half the world's remaining mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga forests.
- 02 Birder's Paradise Over 1,060 bird species including the rare shoebill stork found nowhere else in such numbers.
- 03 Source of the Nile Visit Jinja, the adventure capital where the world's longest river begins its journey.
- 04 Warm Hospitality Known as Africa's friendliest nation, Ugandans welcome visitors with open hearts.
Top Destinations in Uganda
From misty forests to thundering waterfalls, each park offers a unique safari experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
A prime gorilla destination in Africa: 331 square kilometres of steep, ancient rainforest in south-west Uganda, and a haven for…
Kibale Forest
Dubbed the primate capital of the world: thirteen primate species and the largest chimpanzee population in the region, across 795…
Kidepo Valley
Uganda's most remote park, in the far north-east. Rugged semi-arid savannah, big herds, and one of the last great wildernesses…
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda's smallest national park, threaded between the ancient peaks of the Virunga Mountains and the country's second gorilla trekking destination.
Mount Elgon National Park
An extinct shield volcano on the Kenyan border that first erupted more than 24 million years ago, holding a vast…
Murchison Falls
Uganda's oldest and largest conservation area, where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge before opening into game-rich savannah…
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda's most diverse park, where hippo-filled channels meet tree-climbing lions and volcanic craters.
Rwenzori Mountains
One of the most challenging mountain ranges to trek anywhere in the world, rising along Uganda's border with the DRC…
Semuliki National Park
Uganda's first protected area and one of the most biodiverse parks in Africa - a lowland Congo-basin forest of hot…
Uganda Lodges
Handpicked places to stay inside and around Uganda's national parks.
Uganda • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest • Luxury Tented Camp
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
An intimate tented camp set inside the forest itself, with raised decks and gorilla families that sometimes pass right through camp.
Uganda • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park • Lodge
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Stone cottages with fireplaces set beneath the Virunga volcanoes, a short trek from Uganda's second gorilla trekking region.
Uganda • Queen Elizabeth National Park • Lodge
Mweya Safari Lodge
Set on the Mweya Peninsula above the Kazinga Channel, with views over hippo-filled waters and passing elephants.
Uganda • Kibale Forest National Park • Lodge
Kyaninga Lodge
Hand-built log cabins on the rim of a volcanic crater lake, a short drive from the primate-rich forests of Kibale.
Uganda • Kidepo Valley National Park • Lodge
Apoka Safari Lodge
A rock-built lodge overlooking the wide plains of Uganda's most remote park, with sweeping views to the Morungole Mountains.
Uganda • Mount Elgon National Park • Lodge
Sipi River Lodge
Cottages set among coffee gardens beside the Sipi Falls, with views stretching across the plains toward Karamoja.
Uganda • Rwenzori Mountains • Lodge
Equator Snow Lodge
The trailhead lodge for the Rwenzori's glaciated peaks, with timber cabins and log fires at the foot of the mountains.
Uganda Activities
From primate trekking to white-water rafting, here's what fills the days on a Uganda trip.
- Gorilla Trekking
- Chimpanzee Tracking
- Game Drives
- Boat Safaris
- Bird Watching
- White-Water Rafting
- Cultural Visits
- Mountain Hiking
Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga to spend a permitted hour face-to-face with a habituated mountain gorilla family, one of the rarest wildlife encounters left on Earth.
Plan Your Trip
Essential Travel Tips for Uganda
A few practical things worth knowing before you go.
- 1
Visa & Entry
- Visa required for most nationalities
- Apply online in advance via the official eVisa portal
- Standard single-entry visa costs around $50 USD
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
- 2
Health & Safety
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Comprehensive travel insurance is essential
- Pack insect repellent and sunscreen
- Basic medical facilities available in major towns
- 3
What to Pack
- Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, brown)
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots for trekking
- A rain jacket and waterproof layers
- Gardening-style gloves for gorilla trekking
- Camera gear with spare batteries and memory cards
- 4
Money & Currency
- Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is the local currency
- USD widely accepted in tourist areas
- ATMs available in Kampala and major towns
- Credit cards accepted at most lodges
- Carry small bills for tips and local markets
Read More
Uganda Travel Guides
In-depth articles and guides to help you plan your Uganda trip.
Country Comparison
Uganda & Kenya Safari: Which Country Is Better?
Both countries deliver extraordinary wildlife and landscapes, but they suit very different travellers. A side-by-side look at parks, cost and what each does best.
Read ArticleNational Park Guide
Mount Elgon National park
An extinct shield volcano on the Kenyan border that first erupted more than 24 million years ago, holding a vast caldera and some of Uganda's least-crowded hiking.
Read ArticleNational Park Guide
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
One of the most challenging mountain ranges to trek anywhere in the world, rising along Uganda's border with the DRC beside the Great Virunga.
Read ArticleNational Park Guide
Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda's most remote park, in the far north-east. Rugged semi-arid savannah, big herds, and one of the last great wildernesses of East Africa.
Read ArticleNational Park Guide
Semuliki National Park
Uganda's first protected area and one of the most biodiverse parks in Africa - a lowland Congo-basin forest of hot springs and exceptional birdlife.
Read ArticleNational Park Guide
Murchison falls National park
Uganda's oldest and largest conservation area, where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge before opening into game-rich savannah and riverine forest.
Read ArticleNational Park Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda
Dubbed the primate capital of the world: thirteen primate species and the largest chimpanzee population in the region, across 795 square kilometres of forest.
Read ArticleNational Park Guide
Mgahinga gorilla national park
Uganda's smallest national park, threaded between the ancient peaks of the Virunga Mountains and the country's second gorilla trekking destination.
Read ArticleNational Park Guide
Bwindi impenetrable national park
A prime gorilla destination in Africa: 331 square kilometres of steep, ancient rainforest in south-west Uganda, and a haven for endangered mountain gorillas.
Read ArticleReady to Explore Uganda?
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