Holiday Guide to Uganda

Direct and convenient air connections as well as the proximity to the Middle East region has contributed in Uganda's emergence as a popular tourist destination among tourists from the Middle East. Tourists from the Middle are travelling in increasing numbers to Uganda, a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Tourists are enchanted by the abundant wildlife which includes chimpanzees as well as rare birds. The remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43 metres-high waterfall and abundant wildlife such as hippos.

When Covid hit, Uganda’s tourism industry had been growing by approximately 20 per cent annually for a decade, reaching just over 1.5 million visitors in 2019 and $1.6 billion tourism earnings. Of course, all that changed in 2020, when the pandemic set the country back to 2005 with just a third of those visits and a 72.7 per cent decline in tourism revenue. 

Uganda's outstanding features are the largest freshwater lake on the continent, the source of the longest river, the strongest waterfall, the largest number of primates, and one of the highest number of mountain gorillas worldwide.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa as well as the most visited national parks in Uganda. The park which is commonly known as “medley of wonders” is an ideal habitat for big game, 10 primate species and over 600 birds' species.

What To See, Where To Go

Having travelled extensive across Uganda for the last 25 years, I have taken the liberty to prepare a suggestive lost of places tou must visit and activities you must consider during your visit to Uganda:

• Go mountain gorilla trekking
• Visit endangered rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Canoe on Lake Bunyonyi
• Game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park
• Wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Boat safari
• Bike through Lake Mburo National Park
• Zip line through Mabira Forest
• Hike to Sempaya Hot Springs
• Visit the salt pans of Lake Katweon Kazinga Channel
• Explore the town of Entebbe
• Sunset cruise on Lake Victoria
• Explore Kampala city
• Stand at the Ugandan Equator
• Trek to see Kibale Forest's chimpanzees
• Hike to Sipi Falls
• Hike in the Rwenzori Mountains
• Visit a Batwa community
• Adventure activities in Jinja
• Visit Murchison Falls
• Meet Rothschild's giraffes

How many days do you need in Uganda?

I would suggest a minimum of seven days in Uganda. With just a week in Uganda, travelers should prioritize visiting the gorillas. You can visit Bwindi for two days of gorilla trekking, add a boat trip and safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Double that timeframe, and your options double along with it. In ten days, you can start with a Murchison Falls National Park safari and a Nile Delta boat trip, continue to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking and more safari time in Queen Elizabeth, and cap it off with the gorillas of Bwindi. Two weeks is equally easy to fill — add a visit to Jinja for whitewater rafting and two days in the Kidepo Valley.

Best Time To Visit Uganda

Uganda is on the equator and therefore has a tropical climate, meaning there's a chance of rain no matter what time of year you visit. There are technically "dry" and "wet" seasons — which also translate into high and low seasons for tourism. You'll find the driest conditions from June-September, prime time for gorilla trekking on mud-free trails. The heaviest rains fall from March-May and October-December. January and February are the hottest months of the year. 

So my suggestion for travellers from the Middle East would be to head to Uganda between June-September – it is also the best time to get away from the simmering heat in the Middle East during these months.

Where to Stay in Uganda

There are over 3800 hotels in Uganda offering a wide range of accommodation options.

How To Get There

The main entry point for flights into Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EBB), located near the town of Entebbe, about 46 kilometres (29 miles) from the capital, Kampala. Several flights from the Middle East fly to Uganda including Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia, Saudia Airlines, Qatar Airways, EgyptAir – to name a few.

Visa Requirements

You can apply for a visa at the Ugandan High Commission in your country or apply online for an ‘e-visa’. You can also apply for an East African Tourist Visa. This is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entry into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. You can apply for this visa on the ‘e-visa’ website.

Getting Around

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Itinerary: Editor's Suggestions

During my several trips around Uganda I have been able to explore some exciting tourist destinations in this exciting East African nation. Based on my experiences, here is a 7-10 day suggested itinerary for your consideration. With just over a week in Uganda, you can see most of the country's highlights. You'll visit incredible national parks like Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, and the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You'll track rhinos, seek out gorillas and chimpanzees, and take a boat ride to the roaring Murchison Falls:

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda
Day 2: Rhino tracking in Murchison Falls National Park
Day 3: Game drive and boat ride to Murchison Falls
Day 4: Travel to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 5: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Day 6: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 7: Track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 8: Departure from Entebbe

Uganda in Pictures