Uganda

Wild, green, and completely unforgettable, Uganda is the kind of place that gets under your skin (in the best way). From tracking wild mountain gorillas to cruising the Nile at sunset, this off-the-beaten-path gem is where real African adventure begins.

Come Face-to-Face with A Silverback Mountain Gorilla

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most unforgettable highlights on East African overlanding routes, drawing travelers from around the world to the mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Trekking deep into lush jungle terrain to stand face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter that perfectly complements a classic African safari circuit.

Overlanders appreciate Uganda’s well-managed permits, knowledgeable local guides, and scenic mountain landscapes, creating an immersive experience that goes far beyond traditional game viewing. Whether you’re adding gorilla trekking to a broader East Africa adventure or planning a dedicated route through Uganda, this bucket-list activity offers authentic cultural connections, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable close-up wildlife moments, making Uganda an unmissable stop on any overland journey.

Come Face-to-Face with A Silverback Mountain Gorilla

What is so special about Chimpanzee tracking?

While not as well known as mountain gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking is just as thrilling. Chimp tracking is much more challenging than gorilla tracking because the chimps move along the treetop canopy faster than you can run through the forest! Needless to say, this is an immensely exciting experience and when you catch up to the chimps it’s rather magical to observe them.
Kibale Forest National Park is the best place in Uganda to go chimp tracking with over 1000 of the apes living in this region. Either spend a few hours tracking a habituated group or take the whole day to do a chimp habituation experience. The unique chance to visit a chimp group undergoing habituation from when they wake up in the morning to when they make their overnight nests is truly magical.

What is so special about Chimpanzee tracking?

Don’t miss the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park

There are only two places in the world where lions climb trees namely Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. In the Ishasha region of the park, you can see lions draped over the massive branches of giant fig trees surveying the landscape below them. Most certainly these sightings are incredibly special, even for experienced safari goers.

Don’t miss the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Adrenaline adventures in Jinja

On the northern shore of Lake Victoria and near the source of the White Nile, the town of Jinja is East Africa’s undisputed adventure capital. Offering every adrenaline-spiking outdoor activity you can imagine.
Rafting down the turbulent rapids of the White Nile is guaranteed to be an adventure. Other fun activities include stand up paddle boarding on calmer stretches of the Nile or horse back riding along the banks of the river. Alternatively up your game and go bungee jumping or paragliding.

Adrenaline adventures in Jinja

Getting sprayed by Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park. Here you can find East Africa’s most impressive waterfall. The powerful Nile River tumbles down a six metre wide gorge resulting in a dazzling display of water. Boat cruises take visitors close to Murchison Falls, where you can see the full force of the Nile explosively thundering down the gorge.

Getting sprayed by Murchison Falls

Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains

Rwenzori Mountains are Africa’s highest mountain range with snow-capped 4500 meter tall. Stretching over 120 kilometres along Uganda’s border with the DRC and offering some of the continent’s most spectacular mountain hiking routes.
Whether taking on a day hike or braving a multi-day trek this unspoiled wilderness of tropical rainforest will leave you in awe. Ascending to the top of Mount Stanley is tough but rewarding once you realise you have conquered the third highest mountain in Africa. With bamboo forests and glacier lakes, it’s moss-covered valleys and cloud forests are truly a sight to behold.

Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains

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UGANDA Travel Advice

4 reasons to go on safari in Uganda

While it doesn’t have nearly as much hype as neighbouring countries of Kenya and Tanzania, with their world-famous parks and epic wildebeest migration, Uganda is a fantastic safari destination. The landlocked country has lots to offer travellers in terms of

A Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Travel Tips, FAQs & Tours

Move over, Simba! The mountain gorilla is the true king of the jungle and Uganda is the best place to spot him!   Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the safari adventure you’ve been waiting for. Sitting in silence amid the

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

One of the last remaining habitats of the mountain gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s most recently created national parks. Almost half of the gorillas left in the world live here, which is estimated to be only

10 Quick Tips Before Heading into Africa

Here is a list of 10 Quick Tips before heading into Africa you can refer to with links to pages on our Blog that will give you more information. 1. Start planning early: Start planning anytime from 6 months to

frequently asked questions

Best Overall Months: June to October and January to February

If you’re looking for a sweet spot for both Southern and East Africa, the dry season from June to October and January-February is widely considered the best time to visit. Why?

Dry weather easier travel and fewer mosquitoes

Peak wildlife viewing animals gather around waterholes and are easier to spot

Cooler temperatures  especially pleasant in places like Namibia, Botswana, and Kenya


Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia)

Best months: May to September

June–August: Excellent for safaris; cool mornings, dry days

September–October: Hotter, but fantastic for wildlife as animals cluster near water

November–April: The green (rainy) season — landscapes are lush, but wildlife is harder to spot and roads can get muddy. Great for birdwatching.

Top pick: July or August — dry, clear, and great for game drives in Kruger, Chobe, and Etosha.


East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda)

Best months: June to October and January to February

July–September Prime time for the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara

January–February Short dry season, good for safaris and gorilla trekking

March–May Long rains — travel is still possible, but muddy conditions and wildlife dispersal can be a challenge

Top pick July or August — Great Migration + ideal gorilla trekking conditions in Uganda and Rwanda

Highlight Best Time
Classic safaris June – October
Fewer tourists May or November
The Great Migration (Kenya/Tanzania) July – September
Gorilla trekking (Uganda/Rwanda) June – August, January – February
Victoria Falls at peak flow March – May
Budget travel Green season (November – April)

Yes, especially where yours and the group’s safety is concerned.

Our Africa overland operators make every effort to follow the intended route of the tour with changes rarely made, due to unforeseen circumstances which are beyond their and our control.

In some instances, a particular highlight or city may be unsafe (due to political or natural reasons) in which case your itinerary will be changed to ensure your safety.

Know that we are in daily contact with local campsite managers and operators, and always have an ear to the ground.

Any services booked in addition to your tour (i.e. flights, transfer, accommodation, day tours etc.) must be covered by your comprehensive travel insurance.

Time spent driving depends on the tour and route you’ve chosen. On average each tour has both short drives (a few hours) and long drives (all day) which will include lunch stops, restroom stops and scenic stops to stretch your legs and enjoy the surroundings.

Children are welcome on overland tours in Africa, however some tours do have restrictions due to the activities and destinations that the tour offers. Some tour operators have more restrictive age limits, this is for those people who would prefer not to have children on their tour. Other tour operators are more flexible and will happily accept children on a case by case basis. Please ask us about the best options for a tour with your children or family, and we will make the best suggestions for you based on your preferences. Privately arranged charter tours’ age limits will be assessed based on the route and type of tour you choose. Please bear in mind that the Gorilla Trekking tours have a minimum age limit of 16 years.

Campsite facilities are overall very good facilities through Southern Africa with basic facilities in East Africa. It’s all part of the adventure and it adds to the flavour of the trip. Remote campsites such as; Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Masai Mara can be more primitive and do not always have hot water. Less remote campsites and accommodations have hot and cold running water, swimming pool, small shop and a bar. A handy tip: always have pocket tissues + baby wipes + hand sanitizer with you.

All tours will include; tents (camping tours), chairs, table, cutlery, pots, pans etc. Sleeping bags are included on select camping tours, while a sleeping bag rental option is available on others. Most travellers will bring their own sleeping bag + travel pillow + towel. Bedding is included on the accommodated tours. Sleeping mats are included on most overland tours, with the exception of a few budget overland camping tours. We will advise on this when suggesting a tour(s) for your overland adventure. The camping tour makes use of large 2-man dome canvas tents, with built in mosquito nets. They are super quick and easy to put up and take down. The accommodated tours combine the adventure of camping and comfort of bedded accommodation, making use of twin and single rooms in hotels, hostels, lodge-style bungalows, chalets and permanent tented safari camps.

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