
Best Vacation in Uganda (Vacation to Uganda Packages) to the Best Uganda Vacation Places/Destinations That Are Affordable and Offer You Value for Money.
Uganda vacation packages offer the best vacation in Uganda for safari enthusiasts who are interested in exploring the Pearl of Africa. This gorgeous landlocked country is situated in East Africa between Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Due to its size and population, Uganda makes it one of the unique travel destinations on the African continent. Uganda offers the best stunning landscapes, wandering wildlife, and welcoming locals and this is why Winston Churchill named it the Pearl of Africa.
When you visit Uganda, you come face to face with the famous Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, and hike the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains.
Uganda is ideally nothing more than a great African safari destination. It is contested with the source of the Nile flowing from Lake Victoria.
Any Uganda vacation package should include the top national parks as they offer the best wildlife tours, especially for sighting the Big 5 (Lions, Buffaloes, Elephants, Leopards, and Rhinos) during Uganda tours.
This beautiful country is also a birder’s paradise having over 1063 bird species including the Prehistoric Shoebill.
Enjoy Ugandan culture during the superb cultural encounters as this country is rich in culture and it is presented with over 45 ethnic groups/tribal groups. This beautiful country has more to offer that cannot all be written down, but you can witness for yourself when you come for Uganda tours.
Don’t miss out on visiting Uganda when you travel to East Africa as it will only give you great memories and excitement!
There are various types of vacations you can engage in during your vacation trips and they include.
This is one of the highlights of any Uganda trip and one of the main reasons why people visit Uganda. Gorilla tracking involves meeting the Mountain Gorillas face to face in their natural habitat in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park.
This country is best for trekking Mountain Gorillas since it has almost half (459) of the world’s surviving population (1,063). Gorilla trekking is a guided tour and you be with the Mountain Gorillas for 1 full hour which is a lifetime experience.
Chimpanzee tracking and treks should not be missed on a Uganda vacation package tour. This beautiful country offers the best Chimpanzee trekking since it has the highest number of habituated Chimps in Africa.
Chimpanzee tracking is best enjoyed in Kibale National Park the primate capital of Africa, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls Park. You can also see Chimpanzees in their natural habitat in Ngamba Island Sanctuary on Lake Victoria.
Any trip is not complete without engaging in a wildlife safari as this country has the best wildlife just like its neighboring countries of Kenya and Tanzania.
Wildlife safari vacations are best in game parks and reserves, and they give you the best sightings of the big 5 animals – Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, and Leopards. However, Rhinos are in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakitoma Nakasongola.
Besides the Big 5, you can see other animals on a game drive like Uganda Kobs, Giraffes, Hyenas, Forest Hogs, etc.
Wildlife safaris are best in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.
Uganda is among the best birding countries in Africa and the world at large. You get to observe the birds in their natural habitat when on your Uganda trip. Some of the birds found here are not seen anywhere else in East Africa let it be Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.
Birding is amazing parks, reserves, and other areas like Mabamba Bay Wetland on Lake Victoria, and Nile River in Jinja.
Experience cultural and historical vacations in Uganda when you visit the different ethnic groups/tribal groups. Also, it is one of the best ways to expose yourself to the country’s traditional dance and music.
On your cultural and historical vacations, you can visit the Batwa which are around Bwindi National Park, and Mgahinga Park. You can also enjoy experiences when you visit the Karamojongs in Kidepo Park similar to the Maasai of Kenya.
If you are planning to take it all in, then you should visit Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala. Ndere Cultural Centre is only open on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
When on a Uganda trip, then Boat cruise vacations should not be missed as they are exceptional adventures. You get to see some of the amazing aquatic animals like Crocodiles, Hippos, and many water-associated birds.
Boat cruise vacations are wonderful on Lake Victoria, Murchison Falls Park, and River Nile in Jinja, Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park that connects Lake Edward and Lake George, and Lake Mburo Park.
Fishing safaris are among the best trips during Uganda tours, and you get to catch your favorite fish species. Enjoy these safaris on Lake Victoria, Murchison Falls Park, Lake Mburo NP, Ssesse Islands, and the Nile River in Jinja the adventure capital of East Africa.
Some of the unique species to catch in this landlocked country of Africa are Tilapia, Nile Perch, Catfish, Mudfish, and Rainbow Trout fish.
Vacation trips in Uganda tours offer the best adventure safaris within parks, game reserves, and other destinations.
Below are some of the adventure safaris in Uganda.
There are several tourist attractions/things to see during a vacation tour. Most of the top attractions are within the parks and reserves and below are some of the things to see.
Animals like primates, carnivores, and herbivores. The most unique are the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and the Big Five – Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes, and Leopards.
There are about 1,063 species of birds including the fabled Shoebill.
Lakes and Rivers to see include Lake Victoria, River Nile, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo, etc.
Mountains like the Rwenzori Mountains, Mountain Elgon on the Kenya border, and Virunga Mountains on the border of Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Dense forests
Those visiting Uganda should know that there are many places to visit during their safaris. The most common are the 10 national parks, reserves, and many other places like towns e.g. Jinja and Fort Portal.
Below are the top tourist destinations.
Bwindi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the dense forests having the endangered Mountain Gorillas and many tourists can enjoy Mountain Gorilla tracking while in this park.
This is because Bwindi National Park has almost half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas as it has around 450 individuals out of the 1,063 thanks to the conservation efforts.
Murchison Falls Park is the oldest and largest park in the country having over 144 mammal species and 556 species of birds. It is a savannah park, and it offers the best game drives during Uganda tours.
Murchison Falls Park is bisected by the Victoria Nile which forms the world’s strongest waterfalls – Murchison Falls. Adventurers can always enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the bottom of the falls.
Queen Elizabeth National Park borders the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it is also in the shadows of the Rwenzori Mountains.
This park is fond of having tree climbing Lions within the Ishasha sector and also has four of the Big Five and you can see these on during a rewarding game drive.
Kibale National Park is near Fort Portal, and it is just a 2-hour drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park and it is known as the primate capital of Africa as it has the highest number of primates. Due to its highest number of habituated Chimpanzees, Kibale National Park offers the best Chimpanzee trekking experience in the dense forests to tourists who visit Uganda.
This park also offers Chimpanzee habituation experience and birding safaris, and it should be on every Uganda vacation package.
Lake Mburo National Park is the nearest park to Kampala. This has over 68 animal species and 350 species of birds making it a good wildlife destination.
Among all the parks, Lake Mburo NP has the highest number of Zebras, Impalas, and Leopards and it is the only park that offers walking safaris, cycling, and horseback riding.
This park features the Rwenzori Mountains which are snowcapped like Mt Kenya in Kenya. It has the third highest peak in Africa, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site having over 60 animal species and many birds.
The Rwenzori Mountains is a land of Triffids and offers the best hiking adventures.
This park is far located in northern Uganda, and it has true African wilderness. This park borders South Sudan in the north, and it has one of the best sceneries.
Kidepo’s wilderness is only compared to that of Masai Mara of Kenya. Tourists can enjoy endless game drives when they visit this park.
Jinja is the adventure capital of East Africa and tourists on trips can explore the great outdoors at the source of the Nile River, a lovely green space in Jinja. Also, tourists visiting Uganda can enjoy many water activities.
Some of the great outdoors activities to enjoy at the source of the Nile River are water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, tubing, boat cruising, etc.
Kampala city is a great destination as it offers enchanting city tours and the best nightlife in Africa.
When in central Kampala visit many places like the Uganda Museum to learn about the colonial rule, spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Ndere Cultural Centre, wander around the gardens, buy some souvenirs from Acacia Mall, etc.
You can do many things in the different parts of the country on your trip.
Any Uganda vacation package should at least include.
There are many hotels/lodges where you can spend the night on your trip and these depend on your budget.
Some of the luxury safari lodges/hotels include Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Apoka Safari Lodge, Baker’s Lodge, Primate Lodge, etc.
Midrange safari lodges include Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Ichumbi Safari Lodge, Hilton Garden Inn Kampala near Acacia Mall, etc.
Budget Safari lodges include Simba Safari Camp, Kibale Guesthouse, Red Chill Rest Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, etc.
Below is what to wear on a vacation;
Below is what to pack for a vacation to Uganda;
There are the best tour operators to use if planning your Africa Uganda trip and some have a trip review at least from each recent traveler who has visited Uganda.
Below are the best operators to use for a vacations;
If you want the best Uganda vacation package, then always use the best safari company which will help you further tailor the Uganda vacation package.
Below are the best vacation packages to choose from;
Uganda is an all-year tourist destination though the best time to travel for a trip is in the dry season/dry months. This is when wildlife viewing is great as the grasses are short giving clear sightings of animals.
Boat cruises on Lake Victoria and the Victoria Nile are successful and memorable as the water levels are low as the boats can sail smoothly. During this time, the tracks in the parks are dry and easy to access.
Also, primate trekking is easy and successful as the trails are dry and not slippery.
Planning a vacation in Uganda tour trip is easy as it’s like that of any of the neighboring countries let it Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Planning a vacation doesn’t have to be daunting for first-time travelers because you can find the essential information in a travel guide.
Always use our local experts to guide you in planning your first vacation in the Pearl of Africa.
Below are some of the steps to follow when planning a vacation in Uganda tour;
Yes, Uganda is safe and stable with no terrorism attacks and threats, no disease outbreaks, and it is politically stable. You can read more about Uganda’s safety from a travel blog.
The Eastern African Community single tourists visa works for those planning to visit Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda on their vacation. This visa costs $100 and it is valid for 90 days.
Yes, you require vaccinations to travel on vacation. The Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory, and you need to present it at all borders and upon arrival at Entebbe Airport.
Other vaccinations are Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, Meningococcal Meningitis, cholera, etc.
Below is a table showing the 2023/2024 park entrance fees;
PARK ENTRANCE FEES | ||||
STATUS US$ | FNR | FR | EAC | |
US$ | US$ | UGX | ||
CATEGORY A PLUS | ||||
Murchison Falls | Adults | 45 | 35 | 25,000 |
Children | 25 | 15 | 10,000 | |
CATEGORY A | Adults | 40 | 30 | 20,000 |
· Kidepo Valley · Queen Elizabeth · Bwindi Impenetrable · Mgahinga Gorilla · Kibale · Lake Mburo | Children | 20 | 10 | 5,000 |
Ugandan Pupils and/ or Students (Groups) | 3,000 | |||
Tertiary Institutions/ Universities | 5,000 | |||
Wildlife Clubs | 2,000 | |||
CATEGORY B | Adults | 35 | 25 | 15,000 |
Children | 5 | 5 | 2,500 | |
· Mt Rwenzori · Semuliki · Mt. Elgon · Toro Semuliki · Katonga · Pian-Upe | Ugandan Pupils and/ or Students (Groups) | NA | NA | 1,500 |
You can buy Chimpanzee and Mountain Gorilla trek permits using a safari company or buy from them directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority. These permits should be bought in advance before your Uganda trip as they can be scarce.
If planning to visit Uganda, expect to visit the national parks and reserves. You will trek Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and track Chimps in Kibale National Park.
Wildlife viewing is superb in the savannah parks on a day trip in Kidepo, Murchison, Lake Mburo NP, and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Tourists can explore Jinja for white water rafting and also enjoy Mountain hiking when they visit the Rwenzori Mountains and Mountain Elgon. They can as well enjoy Ugandan culture encounters when they visit the Ndere Cultural Centre in Central Kampala and buy souvenirs from Acacia Mall near Hilton Garden Inn Kampala.
This is an amazing destination offering fascinating adventures and it has unique attractions.
Below are the reasons why you should go on a vacation to Uganda;
Five (5) days and beyond are enough for a vacation as you can visit some of the best game parks. You also enjoy a city tour trip around Central Kampala and enjoy the Ndere Cultural Centre galleries and rest at Hilton Garden Inn Kampala near Acacia Mall.
The more days, the better experiences you get, and the fewer days, the fewer experiences you get.
It is home to Africa’s most famous and stunning natural wonders and that’s why Winston Churchill named it the Pearl of Africa. It has the highest number of primates in Africa.
The best way to travel on a vacation trip is by road transport as it is cheap and availability subject. Road transport involves public means like buses, matatus, taxis, boda Bodas, etc.
There are also private means where you can hire a vehicle and get your guide. Also, you can use chartered or scheduled flights from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to take you to different places in the country.
Yes, it is good for tourists on vacation as it has amazing attractions and offers the best safari activities. This nation has lovely people who are welcoming, and the city is amazing.
Tourists can first explore Kampala and visit Ndere Cultural Centre to experience Ugandan culture and they can rest at Hilton Garden Inn Kampala near Acacia Mall.
Any month is good to explore Uganda though the best months are from December to February and from June to August which is the dry season. In these months, you explore the game parks and the cities, especially the scenic Fort Portal town.
When you visit this country, you can stay in Kampala for some days during these months and spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Ndere Cultural Centre to know more about Ugandan culture or buy souvenirs from Acacia Mall near Hilton Garden Inn Kampala.
The best time is in the dry season which is also taken to be the high season. The dry season is from December to February and from June to August.
Yes, you can go on vacation at any time you feel like. There is no limitation on that and enjoy the lovely green space.
The cost of the holiday vacation depends on the number of days, accommodation style, group size or availability subject, activities to engage in, and many more.
But you should expect to spend around $200 and beyond every day.
The cost to go on vacation is determined by many safari components like mode of transport, group size or availability subject, accommodation style, activities to engage in, etc. However, expect to use around $200 to $300 per person and per day.
A Uganda tour is the best way of exploring this amazing country. When you book your trip, you are given a list of exciting excursions and adventures that you will engage in.
These tours are tailored to ensure value for money during the entire trip.
A Uganda trip includes meals that are breakfast, lunch, and dinner, transport, park entrances, trekking permits, and accommodation.
The best Uganda tour depends on what you are hoping to see on your vacation. On an African safari, the best tour would include wildlife, Ugandan culture tours, scenery, and Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking.
The cost depends on the type of tour you wish to engage in and the number of days to spend on the trip. However, expect to pay from around$200 to $300 per person and per day.
Kindly look at our reviews from our recent travelers.
A Uganda vacation package can be as low as $2600 for a shorter tour, while others can extend up to $6700 for a 19-day adventure. However, the cost depends on the tour components.
The price for a 10 day trip ranges between $3200 to $ 4000 per person. Midrange trips range between $3,900 to $4,300 per person, while luxury vacations start at about $4,500 per person and they come with a tour guide.
Always use a local tour operator or join a group tour.
The minimum time in advance would be 1 month though you can book it 6 months before or even a year.
You should that Uganda offers the best vacations for those on holiday, and it is the safest tourist destination. You can get more information from your tour operator or a trustworthy travel blog.
The food is organic, and many places offer traditional local dishes that you can try out. However, continental meals are also available like stews, steaks, pastries, soups, Indian and Mexican foods, etc.
Internet access is good in urban areas but poor in some rural areas.
No, you cannot drink tap water. The tap water in this country is not safe for drinking as it is not treated. For safety, always drink bottled water or filtered water but avoid tap water.
Prime Safaris and Tours offer the best vacation package deals.
There are many things to do including game drives, primate watching, birding, boat cruises, cultural encounters, etc.
In summary, the best vacation in Uganda/vacation to Uganda offers you the best opportunity of touring the country with no limitations and this gives your lifetime experiences.
On your vacation, you get to enjoy the different vacation types in the country as you visit the top tourist destinations, especially the national parks and reserves and not forgetting Jinja the adventure capital of East Africa.
For endless adventures, Ugandan vacations can be combined with trips to the neighboring countries – Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
Inquire about the best Ugandan vacations!