Uganda

The Pearl of Africa – Where Luxury Meets Primal Adventure

Uganda is one of Africa’s most enchanting and diverse safari destinations. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” it offers a unique blend of lush landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and rich cultural heritage — all wrapped in a luxury travel experience designed by Afrilux Magic Safari.

This is the only country where you can enjoy Big Five safaris, trek through misty rainforests to encounter mountain gorillas, and cruise along the Nile River, all in a single journey.

Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking – Track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga, and chimps in Kibale Forest

Big Game Safaris – Discover lions, elephants, leopards, and more in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks

Scenic Diversity – From misty mountains and crater lakes to savannahs and the mighty River Nile

Exclusive Lodges & Jungle Retreats – Stay in upscale eco-lodges, forest hideaways, and luxury tented camps

Authentic Cultural Experiences – Engage with the Batwa, Baganda, and other indigenous communities

Adventure Add-ons – Combine safaris with white-water rafting, hot air balloon rides, or hiking the Rwenzori Mountains

The local currency is the Ugandan shilling, but we recommend carrying US dollars in small denominations for tipping and buying curios. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and lodges.

Passports must have a minimum validity of six months. Most nationalities require a visa to be purchased on arrival. Please consult the government information website
https://immigration.go.ug/services/tourist-visa

Please be advised that Uganda is a malaria-prone region. It is highly recommended that you seek guidance and take necessary precautions from your doctor prior to your visit.

Additionally, please note that a yellow fever certificate may be required if you are traveling from certain destinations.

While the travel restrictions related to Covid-19 have been lifted and there are currently no specific protocols such as PCR tests or vaccination certificates required for entry, we strongly advise you to stay updated on any changes before your trip. It is important to note that face masks are still required when visiting the gorilla families.

For comprehensive health guidelines and further information, we recommend consulting the Travelhealthpro website

June to September, as well as December, are the prime periods for traveling to Uganda. During these months, you can enjoy dry conditions for trekking as there is minimal rainfall. Additionally, this time aligns with the migration viewing in Kenya and Tanzania, adding to the overall experience. Another optimal time to visit is from January to March, which is considered the regular season. On the other hand, the months of April, May, October, and November represent the green season. While you can take advantage of reduced rates and fewer tourists during this period, be prepared for higher rainfall, which may make trekking muddy.

Uganda’s travel industry is dominated by gorilla safaris — and justifiably so. There are many wonderful and unique places to stay all over the country of varying standards. Keep in mind that some areas offer a more standard style of accommodation while the gorilla trekking area is much more developed with numerous types of accommodation ranging from basic to luxurious.

Tell us what your preferred levels of accommodation and budget are, as well as what you want out of your trip to Uganda! It may just be a visit to the gorillas, or you could be wanting a longer trip experiencing more of this beautiful country. We can recommend and craft an itinerary for you.

Kampala is the capital city and the international airport is located nearby at Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria. Flight timings might mean you need a night in Entebbe. The simplest way to fly to Uganda is with Kenya Airways via Nairobi in combination with a safari.

There is a daily flight from Entebbe to Kisoro, the closest airport to access Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. If you are only visiting the gorillas, we recommend using this flight. However, if you are doing a longer safari, we would discuss the best flying-and-driving combination.

Maps & Regions

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL FOREST RESERVE: The home of Gorilla trekking and spend time with the Batwa tribe in the forest

KIBALE NATIONAL FOREST RESERVE: Chimp trekking

MURCHISON FALLS: Iconic waterfall where the River Nile is squeezed through a 7m gap.

JINJA: Home of adrenalin activities

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK: Tree Climbing lions and incredible scenery