The Pearl of Africa — half the world's remaining mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, white-water rafting the source of the Nile in Jinja, and the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Capital
- Kampala
- Population
- 45,905,417
- Area
- 236,040 km²
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Currency
- Uganda Shilling (UGX)
- GDP
- $64,277M
Good to know
Driving side
Left
National dish
Matoke
Annual visitors
473,000 (2020)
Safety
Elevated (8.97/100k)
Avg temp
23.3°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Landlocked
Travel guide
Uganda was Nicknamed the "Pearl of Africa" by Winston Churchill. It is home to one of the most diverse and concentrated ranges of African fauna including the highly endangered mountain gorilla and the endangered common chimpanzee. Uganda's accessibility and affordability make it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers. Although it may not have reached the same level of tourism development as more established destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, this actually works in Uganda's favor. The country's raw and authentic character offers a unique experience with less predictability, giving visitors a taste of the real Africa. From the bustling city of Kampala to the picturesque villages and subsistence farms, Uganda is a place of stark contrasts that can be both delightful and frustrating. The country is renowned for its rare wildlife, especially the critically endangered mountain gorilla (50% of the world's mountain gorillas are resident in Uganda), but there are other primate species, birdwatching opportunities, Murchison Falls, trekking in the Rwenzoris, and white water rafting at the River Nile's source that all contribute to the country's diverse attractions.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Uganda
Best time to visit
June–September and December–February are the dry seasons — best for gorilla trekking (book permits months ahead), Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth Park. The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) are lush and green.
Visa
Most nationalities including US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia apply for a visa on arrival or e-Visa at visas.immigration.go.ug. East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.
Highlights
Murchison Falls is a magnificent waterfall on the Victoria Nile River in Uganda, renowned for its powerful cascade and located within Murchison Falls National Park, offering visitors the opportunity to witness breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (3)
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Major cities
Kampala
Uganda's chaotic, hilly capital with Kasubi Royal Tombs, great nightlife, and gateway to Bwindi gorilla tracking.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Home to half the world's remaining mountain gorillas — the golden standard of wildlife encounters in Africa.
Jinja
The Source of the Nile on Lake Victoria — white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and kayaking at the river's famous origin.