Explore Uganda - The Pearl Of Africa
There is a moment, somewhere between the mist lifting off Bwindi's canopy and the Nile thundering through its ancient gorge, when Uganda stops feeling like a destination and starts feeling like a revelation. This is the Pearl of Africa, a country so generously alive, so layered in wonder, that no single journey can fully contain it. Here, the dense equatorial forests of Central Africa spill eastward into the open savanna horizons of the Great Rift Valley, creating a collision of ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. To travel in Uganda is to move between worlds: from the chaotic, colour-drenched streets of Kampala to the cathedral silence of a mist-wrapped forest; from the volcanic heights of the Rwenzori Mountains to the still, island-scattered waters of Lake Bunyonyi at dusk. Uganda does not simply offer wildlife; it offers encounters that rewrite what you think wildlife can be. Kneeling in the undergrowth of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as a silverback mountain gorilla meets your gaze is not a safari highlight. It is a defining moment of a lifetime. Watching a habituated chimpanzee troop erupt into the morning canopy of Kibale is not a tick on a list; it is a rush of pure, animal…
There is a moment, somewhere between the mist lifting off Bwindi's canopy and the Nile thundering through its ancient gorge, when Uganda stops feeling like a destination and starts feeling like a revelation. This is the Pearl of Africa, a country so generously alive, so layered in wonder, that no single journey can fully contain it. Here, the dense equatorial forests of Central Africa spill eastward into the open savanna horizons of the Great Rift Valley, creating a collision of ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. To travel in Uganda is to move between worlds: from the chaotic, colour-drenched streets of Kampala to the cathedral silence of a mist-wrapped forest; from the volcanic heights of the Rwenzori Mountains to the still, island-scattered waters of Lake Bunyonyi at dusk.
Uganda does not simply offer wildlife; it offers encounters that rewrite what you think wildlife can be. Kneeling in the undergrowth of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as a silverback mountain gorilla meets your gaze is not a safari highlight. It is a defining moment of a lifetime. Watching a habituated chimpanzee troop erupt into the morning canopy of Kibale is not a tick on a list; it is a rush of pure, animal joy. And tracking the legendary tree-climbing lions of Ishasha as they lounge in ancient fig trees above the golden plains is the kind of thing you will still be telling strangers about years from now.
There is a wilder, faster Uganda too, that thrums with adrenaline at Jinja, the source of the Nile. Here, the world's longest river launches itself through Grade 5 rapids that have earned this small town its reputation as East Africa's adventure capital. But Uganda's truest depth lies in its people. Across more than 50 distinct tribes, this is a nation that laughs easily, dances often, and welcomes strangers as though they were long-expected guests. To move through Uganda is to be perpetually warmly received.
This is a country still becoming still wild in the way that matters, still generous in ways the world is forgetting. Come before it changes. Come because it hasn't yet.
Season guide
Uganda is a year-round destination, but its travel experience shifts with the rhythm of the rains. The country enjoys a tropical climate with two dry seasons and two wet seasons, each offering a different perspective of its landscapes and wildlife. The dry months, typically from June to August and December to February, are considered the best time to visit, with easier trekking conditions in forests and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. The wetter months bring lush, vibrant scenery, fewer crowds, and exceptional birdlife, making them an appealing option for travelers seeking a quieter and more immersive experience. No matter when you visit, Uganda’s beauty remains constant; only the atmosphere changes.
One of the best months overall; dry trails, excellent visibility, ideal safari conditions.
Last updated: June 12, 2026
Yes. We can plan as much of your trip as you wish: we can handle everything including international airline tickets, or if you wish to make your own reservations to and from Africa, we will handle everything here. Just let us know what you need - we will do our very best to accommodate you.
Tourist visas can be bought in advance via the embassy or consulate in your country or simply purchased upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border.
Photos are not required and a single entry tourist visa costs US$ 50 per person for up to 90 days stay in Uganda. If you are planning to combine Uganda with a visit to Rwanda or Kenya it is recommendable to request for the East African Tourist Visa instead of a single entry visa. This special visa costs US$100 per person and allows a 90-days multiple entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Regretfully, Tanzania is not (yet) a member of the East African community and therefore not part of this special visa arrangement.
Only a few banks accept ATM cards or Visa credit cards for money withdrawal in Uganda. While you can withdraw a limited amount of cash per day from ATM machines in Kampala, there are very few opportunities to withdraw cash once you are on safari in Uganda.
Payment by credit card in Uganda can attract additional charges of between 5–10%, occasionally more. Do check with lodges and restaurants in advance, if you plan to pay by credit card. We therefore advise you to bring cash and have money changed upon arrival in Kampala. US dollars, British pounds and Euros are easy to change. However, for some expenses, like the payment of a tourist visa at the airport/border, it is easier to have dollars available.
It is often possible to pay for tourist activities with US dollars. Please note: US dollars bills issued before 1999 are NOT accepted in Uganda. Exchanging low denomination dollar bills (anything less than a USD100 bill) attracts a lower exchange rate.
The Rwanda Government charges USD $1,500.00 for each person each day; Uganda charges USD $700.00 per person per day, Congo charges $450 per person per day. Gorilla Permits are non-refundable - we can try to resell your Permits if you need to cancel, but there is no guarantee that we will be able to find a person who will purchase a ticket for the date of permit.
Yes, You need an official Gorilla permit handled by each of the national parks to see the gorillas. You have to obtain the Gorilla permits several months in advance. We obtain the necessary Gorilla Tracking Permits for you as part of our service
We will send you all that information, long before you need it. We have been guiding visitors in East Africa for many years, so the answer to every one of your questions is probably in the material we will send you as soon as your trip is booked.
Please look through our packing list guide
You can pay using credit card - or, you can wire the money safely from your bank to ours. We strongly advise that you not send money by Money Order or any commercial money transfer company - use your credit card or your bank, they are both much safer.
The Gorilla Permits are the biggest issue - they sell out months in advance. Committing to your trip one year in advance is not always necessary, but it is not too early, either. The simplest answer - send us your dates, and we will find out if we can get Permits for you.
Yes. All Visitors to Uganda are now required to have a valid Yellow Fever Immunization Card from the world health organization – which means you must be immunized and that you should do so 10 to 30 days prior to your Ugandan Arrival. It will also help you enter other East African countries. A yellow fever immunization is good for a lifetime. Should you not have one – you will be required to have a Yellow Fever shot at the airport or another point of entry.
Once you have confirmed the final itinerary with us, you will be asked to pay a deposit of 40%. Gorilla permits must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Note that availability of accommodation and permits is not guaranteed until officially confirmed by GoExplore Safaris.
Accommodation, permit and activity reservations will be made as soon as payment has been received on our account. For your convenience, the balance payment of 60% should be settled 45 days before the start of your safari.
We accept payment by VISA credit card (please include 5% service charge) and bank transfer in either dollars or Euros to our bank account in Uganda. Please note that all bank charges are at the expense of the client.
We offer a wide range of Family Adventures around the East Africa. The minimum age (for Family trips) varies depending on destination, and GoExplore Safaris has set minimum ages to ensure that the included activities suit each age range. Additionally, you’ll notice that some of the more adventurous destinations have a higher minimum age.
Yes, You can book for your safari as a solo traveller and you will enjoy a private safari or if you prefer be joined to a group.
The minimum age for a gorilla tour is 15 Years old. Please get in touch if your kids want to track gorillas and are between 10 - 15 Years. You will need to write a letter of taking full responsibility for them during the activity.
Explore different travel styles as a source of inspiration.
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