Frequently Asked Questions
What sets Uganda apart?
Uganda is renowned for its majestic mountain gorillas. In the southwestern pocket of Uganda, you can discover more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers an extraordinary wildlife experience that stands out in Africa. Uganda is renowned for its vibrant chimpanzee population, making chimp trekking a thrilling highlight of many journeys in the country.

Beyond the primates, Uganda’s remarkable bio-diversity and stunning landscapes create an exhilarating safari destination. On a safari in Uganda, you will encounter majestic big cats, towering elephants, and graceful giraffes among the incredible wildlife.

In Africa, there are rare destinations where you can experience the thrill of gorilla trekking alongside the excitement of savannah safaris, all set against the backdrop of majestic, snow-capped mountains. The remarkable variety of experiences available in Uganda truly sets it apart.

What is the usual duration of a journey?
With an abundance of experiences available in Uganda, one could easily spend months exploring the country and uncovering something exciting each day.

Many first-time visitors to Uganda will concentrate on the south-west, where they can experience the thrill of gorilla trekking and/or chimpanzee trekking. These experiences often intertwine with an exhilarating game drive or a captivating boat safari across Uganda’s savannah parks. This kind of experience usually spans about a week to ten days.

Most of the journeys we offer are custom-crafted, allowing us to create an itinerary that aligns perfectly with your travel plans, passions, and financial considerations.

Example 7-day journey of excitement

Example 14-day expedition

Sample 20-day travel plan

When is the ideal moment to embark on your journey?
The concept of a ‘best time to go’ does not truly fit when it comes to Uganda. The country enjoys a tropical climate, experiencing rain for a significant part of the year. Additionally, the shifting weather patterns appear to render strict seasonality obsolete.

The temperatures remain steady throughout the year. The amount of rainfall is the only thing that distinguishes the seasons. March and May bring the extended rainy season, while October to November features the brief rainy season. The gorillas are accessible throughout the entire year.

Explore a detailed month-by-month breakdown of Uganda right here.

Is it secure?
There is a common belief that the African continent presents challenges and uncertainties for travelers. Many repeat visitors share this feeling as they consider a journey to a new region, much like the first-timer who is excited yet anxious while planning their long-awaited trip to the continent.

The truth is that, much like any other region, the African continent is a realm of intricate realities, subtle complexities, and a dynamic landscape.

That is why when you ask us a question, you’ll often receive a detailed response. But it is also why we will always send you away with the assurance that not only will you be secure, but that you will also experience a sense of security. As you step out of the dull airport and into the vibrant sounds and scents of Africa, any worries you had will quickly fade away.

Explore our comprehensive guide on safety in Uganda.

Is it costly?
When it comes to African safari destinations, Uganda stands out as one of the more budget-friendly choices. Safaris in Uganda offer a more budget-friendly experience compared to those in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Zimbabwe has embarked on a journey towards opulence in recent years, resulting in higher costs compared to Uganda. Zambia and Botswana tend to have higher costs compared to Uganda.

Gorilla permits introduce a set expense to many travel plans ($700 per person at time of writing), yet even with this in mind, Uganda remains more affordable than its neighboring safari hotspots.

The cost you incur is largely influenced by the duration of your journey, the quality of lodging you desire, and the size of your travel group.

Request a quote for your journey in Uganda

What is the lodging experience like?
Uganda offers a diverse range of places to stay, along with a growing collection of upscale lodges. The well-known national parks offer a variety of choices from upscale to economical, and in the Rwenzori Mountains, there are thrilling camping opportunities.

The simple truth is that regardless of how you prefer to travel, there’s a fantastic lodge or hotel waiting for you in Uganda.

There may be areas where simpler lodging options are available, yet even in these places, they tend to be suitable for most international travelers. If you are seeking luxurious places to stay, the choices are expanding rapidly, offering a fantastic array of upscale lodges and hotels. However, they still fall just short of the premier experiences available in Kenya, Tanzania, or Zimbabwe, though they are certainly making impressive strides…

Discover the wonders of Uganda’s hotels and lodges.

What is the cuisine like?
The food options in Uganda are quite exciting. You will discover a variety of international style menus brimming with fresh produce. While local influence may be limited, lodges often host a special ‘Ugandan night’ that showcases delicious roast meat, plantain (matoke), and maize meal.

The premier lodges may not yet match the culinary excellence found in the finest spots of Kenya or Tanzania, but they are certainly making strides in that direction. Lunches on the go can be quite surprising, even in the finest establishments.

What level of fitness and activity is required for me?
All classic safari routes are readily accessible and can be enjoyed without the need for exceptional fitness levels. Gorilla trekking demands a solid fitness level, as you may find yourself navigating through dense forests for as long as 6 hours. Chimpanzee trekking often presents a more accessible experience compared to gorilla trekking, yet this can vary. It is important to be prepared for extended hours of trekking for either adventure.

Conquering the heights of the Rwenzori Mountains demands exceptional fitness and resilience.

Is Uganda a great destination for families with kids?
Without a doubt. Ugandans have a warm affection for children and ensure that families feel welcomed and comfortable. The country is brimming with exciting activities, allowing for an itinerary that ensures everyone’s enjoyment. The minimum age requirement for the gorillas is 15, but younger children can still embark on an exciting experience.

Families can explore Uganda with complete peace of mind. Discover more about safety in Uganda here.

Exploring Uganda on your own?
Uganda is an incredibly sought-after spot for solo adventurers. Guides provide a sense of safety and support, while itineraries can easily adapt to your needs and can be designed to keep expenses low if required.

Uganda boasts numerous cozy lodges where you can connect with fellow adventurers during your journey.

When is the best time to make a reservation?
For those eager to embark on a journey to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda, securing your booking ahead of time is highly recommended. Gorilla permits are in high demand and are strictly limited. It’s quite typical to secure reservations a year and a half ahead of your journey.

However, when journeying during the serene months of April, May, June, and October, it’s always a good idea to ask about last-minute departures. Fortune might just smile upon you!

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What are the best ways to navigate through Uganda?
Many travel plans will incorporate both road and air travel. When soaring through the skies, you will often find yourself aboard a Cessna caravan light aircraft. While the domestic flight network in Uganda may not be extensive, you can soar into airstrips close to the vibrant national parks in the south-west.

As the majority of travel plans focus on this area, the internal flights provide ample options for most explorers. If you are venturing past the southwestern highlights, be prepared for some exciting longer road trips.

You can also arrange domestic flights to explore various destinations across the country.

On the roads, you will be journeying in modern 4WD off-roaders, but brace yourself for an exhilarating ride! The roads linking the national parks can be quite the challenging trek. Fortunately, if you’re exploring the south-west, your journey by road will only take a few hours. There are numerous opportunities to pause and recharge, and we will make every effort to keep your time on the roads to a minimum.