Uganda offers diverse geography, beautiful climate, and fascinating culture. Below we offer some crucial information on what to expect on a Uganda safari holiday; what to do, when to go, and why to go:
Why go?:
Uganda is a tiny country nestled in the Eastern region of the second largest continent – Africa. Besides its pocket-size, Uganda comprises of so many beautiful attractions that annually lure a mammoth number of tourists to the famed ‘Pearl of Africa’. The many attractions such as the endangered mountain gorillas (major draw-card), the big five of Africa, high snowcapped mountains, varied wildlife, numerous bird species, diverse culture, beautiful beaches, and many others all make Uganda a fascinating destination.
From the endangered mountain gorillas in the southwest of the country, to the varied wildlife in the Northern, to the high snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains and chimpanzees in the west, to the source of the Nile River in the eastern, to Africa’s largest freshwater lake – Lake Victoria in the central, this is an extraordinary country to which you will want to return again and again, as so many do.
For many the main draw-card is of course the endangered mountain gorillas resided in the country’s southwestern parks; Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. However, the country also consists of different remarkable savannah game parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley, among others, where species co-exist as they have for millennia in a primal wilderness that touches the soul, and Uganda still offers the best-value safari you can have on the continent.
Uganda is one of the very few destinations where a tourist can see the Africa big five (lions, elephants, cape buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos) and the two great apes (mountain gorillas and chimpanzees). South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania are regarded as the best countries for game viewing and spotting the big five but neither of them inhabits the endangered mountain gorillas – which most tourists throng Africa to see. This makes Uganda a perfect country for African safari holidays as a tourist will be able to see the big five and the two great apes and additionally the diverse culture and several bird species.
These are all good reasons to visit Uganda, but what still takes many by surprise is how much they enjoy the hospitality of Ugandans. Regardless, you will find this a most welcoming destination, and engaging with locals easy because most Ugandans are able and happy to converse in English.
When to go:
The first decision to make when planning a Uganda safari holiday is what sort of holiday you want – a week lying on the beach, for instance, or a two-week trip combining the best of bush, beach and wine, or a looping road trip that includes a variety of sights but no domestic flights, and so on.
Meanwhile, a safari holiday is good all year round in Uganda – it’s more about where you go than when. Road trips from Kampala city are also good all year round exploring some of the city’s treasures.
Generally, the dry season is the best time of the year to travel because the grasses in the Parks are shorter thus offering excellent game viewing and navigation is easier as well. The dry season of Uganda occurs in the months of January to February, and then June to August, and safari holidays during this time are at the peak. Advance booking is very essential if you’re to travel in the dry season as so many tourists opt to travel in that time.
For tourists who want privacy and more affordable rates, you are advised to eschew the peak season whereby the parks be too much congested; travelling in low season would be a better alternative.
Getting there:
Uganda has only one main international airport; the Entebbe International Airport. There are numerous domestic airports, like the Kajjansi Airstrip, Kololo Airstrip and so many others located in the national game parks.