Travel and holidays in Uganda
A rare journey, between wild encounters and endless horizons
Uganda, nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill, invites you on an extraordinary adventure at the heart of lush nature and exceptional wildlife.
From the moving encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi to safaris across the savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park, via the spectacular Murchison Falls and the legendary sources of the Nile, Uganda is an immersion in an authentic, lush green Africa.
A nature destination par excellence, Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and offers unmatched conditions for observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Between volcanic mountains, golden savannas, impenetrable forests and vast lakes, Uganda’s biodiversity is among the richest on the African continent.
Voyages Flammang supports you in organizing a tailor-made trip to Uganda: gorilla trekking in Bwindi, safari in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale or an adventure to the sources of the Nile in Jinja.
Why travel to Uganda?
Mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, Murchison Falls and the sources of the Nile: Uganda is one of the wildest and most authentic safari destinations in East Africa. The Pearl of Africa awaits you.
Discover our best offers for your trip to Uganda
Fancy experiencing gorilla trekking in Bwindi, a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park or an adventure to the sources of the Nile?
We have selected for you our most popular holidays in Uganda, designed to suit every wish: primate itineraries with gorillas and chimpanzees, classic savanna safaris, an adventure on the Nile and discovery of the national parks.
Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure trip, a family nature experience or a discovery tour for couples, every offer can be fully customized to suit your dates, your budget and your travel style.
Choose your itinerary, and we will design for you a tailor-made trip to Uganda, turnkey.
€5,190
price per person
Uganda, Encounter with the Gorillas
- Entebbe – Kibale National Park – Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector – Bwindi Forest National Park – Lake Mburo National Park – Entebbe
- Small group tour with English-speaking guide
- Gorilla permits included
£4,640
price per person
Uganda’s Top Highlights
- Meeting mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Forest
- Chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale Forest
- Searching for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
£12,710
price per person
Uganda seen from the sky
- Professional French-speaking guide
- Two domestic flights to minimise long journeys
- Tour on a full-board basis and in a 4×4 Landcruiser
When to go to Uganda?
Uganda can be visited year-round thanks to its tropical climate tempered by altitude (20–28°C all year), but the dry seasons offer the best conditions for safaris and treks.
Main dry season – Ideal (June to August)
The long dry season from June to August is the prime time for safaris. Vegetation is less dense, animals gather around water points, and tracks are passable. It’s also an excellent period for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
Second dry season – Highly recommended (December to February)
The short dry season from December to February is also ideal for safaris and primate viewing. Temperatures are pleasant and the landscapes remain lush and green. Bonus: fewer tourists and sometimes more attractive rates.
Rainy seasons – With some caveats (March–May and September–November)
The two rainy seasons make some tracks difficult to access, but gorilla trekking is possible year-round and prices drop. The green season offers lush landscapes, exceptional birdlife and unique photographic opportunities.
Kampala
| Jan | Feb | March | April | Mai | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our opinion | ||||||||||||
| Tourist peak | ||||||||||||
| T° max | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 28°C |
| Rainy days | 7 d | 7 d | 10 d | 13 d | 14 d | 8 d | 6 d | 8 d | 10 d | 13 d | 13 d | 8 d |
| T° sea | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 24°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C |
| Beach | ||||||||||||
| Hiking |
Where to go in Uganda? Must-see parks and destinations
Bwindi – mountain gorillas in an impenetrable forest
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to around 400 mountain gorillas—nearly half of the world’s remaining population. Trekking in small groups (maximum 8 people per gorilla group) is Uganda’s flagship experience. Watching a family group in its natural habitat, in the mist of the dense forest, is a moment of absolute grace.
Ideal for:
- mountain gorilla trekking
- forest primate viewing
- hiking in the rainforest
Note:
- Gorilla permits – advance booking essential
- 4 sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo
- Accessible via Kigali (Rwanda) – a very popular combo
Murchison Falls – the Nile and big game
The Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda. The falls—where the Nile forces its way through a 7-metre-wide gorge—are among the most spectacular in the world. The park is home to exceptional wildlife: herds of elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes (a rare species), lions, leopards, large numbers of hippos, and birdlife with over 450 species. The Nile cruise up to the falls is a must.
Perfect for:
- savannah game drives and a Nile cruise
- viewing the falls and the scenery
- birdwatching (450+ species)
Must-dos:
- Cruise to the base of the falls
- Rothschild’s giraffe – endangered species
- Chimpanzees at Kaniyo Pabidi (optional)
Queen Elizabeth NP – tree-climbing lions and channels
The Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for the diversity of its ecosystems: savannas, forests, channels, volcanoes, and Lake Edward. Its Ishasha sector, in the south, is one of the few places in the world where you can observe lions that climb fig trees. The Kazinga Channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward, is home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos and buffalo in Africa.
Best for:
- tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
- cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- chimpanzees in the Kyambura Forest
Good to know:
- Northern sector: savanna, elephants, buffalo
- Sunset cruise – spectacular
- A natural combo with Bwindi (easy access)
Kibale – the world capital of chimpanzees
The Kibale National Park is recognized as the best place in Africa to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The rainforest is home to a community of more than 1,500 chimpanzees, as well as 12 other primate species. The chimpanzee tracking experience is intense: the guides track the groups until the forest viewing, often just a few meters away.
Perfect for:
- chimpanzee tracking and habituation
- spotting 12 primate species
- birdwatching in the rainforest
Combine with:
- Bigodi Wetland – primate/bird sanctuary
- Fort Portal crater lakes
- Queen Elizabeth NP (30 min to the south)
Jinja – source of the Nile & outdoor adventure
Jinja, on the shores of Lake Victoria, is the official starting point of the White Nile on its way to the Mediterranean. The adventure capital par excellence, Jinja offers a wide range of outdoor activities: white-water rafting on the Nile (Class IV-V), kayaking, bungee jumping, quad biking, and a visit to the historic sources. An ideal stop to round off a nature itinerary in Uganda with a touch of adrenaline.
Best for:
- white-water rafting on the Nile
- visit to the historic sources of the Nile
- kayaking, bungee jumping, boat trip
Good to know:
- 2 hours from Entebbe – ideal at the end of the itinerary
- Lively town with good tourist infrastructure
- Can be combined with a visit to Lake Victoria
Which trip to Uganda is right for you?
Uganda lends itself to many travel styles: a primate-focused itinerary with gorillas and chimpanzees, a classic savannah safari, an outdoor adventure in Jinja, or a nature-and-culture combination. Depending on your wishes, the season, and your pace, the Pearl of Africa has unforgettable experiences in store for you.
Family trip to Uganda – nature and wonder
Uganda is an extraordinary destination for families with older children (12+). The gorilla trek (minimum age 15 for Bwindi), 4×4 safaris, and discovering wild, unspoiled nature leave a lasting impression for life. Sharing the silent encounter with a group of gorillas or watching lions in the trees is an experience the whole family will always cherish.
You will particularly enjoy:
- 4×4 safaris in the national parks
- cruise on the Nile in Murchison
- outdoor activities in Jinja
Couples trip to Uganda – encounters and wild magic
Uganda is a deeply romantic destination for couples in love with nature and adventure. Sharing an encounter with gorillas in the mist of Bwindi, watching the sunset over the Nile at the foot of Murchison Falls, or spending a night in a luxury lodge in the heart of the savannah: Uganda for couples is a succession of magical moments and shared emotions.
To experience as a duo:
- gorilla trek in Bwindi – a moment of grace
- night in a luxury lodge in the savannah
- sunset over the Nile
Uganda trip with friends – adventure and biodiversity
Uganda is a dream destination for groups of adventurous friends. A complete primates itinerary (gorillas + chimpanzees), group 4×4 safaris, white-water rafting on the Nile in Jinja, tent camping in the national parks: Uganda with friends is an authentic African adventure, far from the classic tourist routes, creating shared memories for a lifetime.
Not to be missed:
- Bwindi + Kibale primates itinerary
- savannah safari + Nile cruise
- rafting and outdoor activities in Jinja
Practical tips for your trip to Uganda
Uganda is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, with more than 50 recognized tribes. It also has one of the youngest populations on the planet — more than 75% of Ugandans are under 30. And with over 1,000 bird species, it is one of Africa’s richest birdwatching paradises.
The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US dollars (USD) are also widely used, especially to pay for gorilla and chimpanzee permits and in tourist lodges. Having small USD and UGX notes is recommended. Bank cards are accepted in major hotels and agencies.
The people of Uganda are called Ugandans (men) and Ugandans (women). They are grouped into more than 50 different ethnicities, including the Baganda (Central Bantu), the Banyankole (Southwest), the Basoga, and the Acholi (North). This ethnic and cultural diversity is one of the country’s human riches.
The official languages are English and Swahili. English is the language of administration, education, and tourism — French-speaking travelers will have no difficulty communicating in hotels and agencies. Many local Bantu languages (Luganda, Runyankole, etc.) are spoken in everyday life.
Uganda uses type G outlets — the British model with 3 rectangular pins. A universal adapter is essential for European travelers. The voltage is 240V/50Hz. Power outages are frequent in certain areas — quality lodges generally have generators.
From Luxembourg, Uganda can be reached via:
- Brussels Airlines via Brussels (connection to Entebbe)
- KLM via Amsterdam or Air France via Paris
- Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa or Kenya Airways via Nairobi
- Total duration: 10 to 14 hours depending on the stopover. Entebbe Airport (EBB) is the main gateway.
Travel between the parks is mainly by 4×4 with a driver-guide, which is strongly recommended given the state of the roads. Journeys are long (Kampala–Bwindi = 8–9 hours). Domestic flights (to Kihihi for Bwindi, to Kasese for Queen Elizabeth) significantly reduce travel times and are very popular.
Luxembourg nationals must obtain a visa to enter Uganda — available online via the East Africa Tourist Visa (also valid for Rwanda and Kenya) or on arrival. Mandatory or strongly recommended vaccinations:
- Yellow fever — proof of vaccination required on entry
- Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis
- Antimalarials (mandatory prophylaxis)
Create your ideal Uganda trip now
Mountain gorillas in Bwindi, safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
We design for you a tailor-made trip to Uganda, fully adapted to your dates, your budget and your wishes.
Also discover our other destinations in Africa
Want to keep the inspiration going after Uganda?
Our experts have selected for you the most beautiful African destinations, ideal for varying experiences between unforgettable safaris, paradise islands, mythical deserts and fascinating cultures. Let yourself be inspired and easily find the next destination that matches your way of traveling.
Cape Verde
Between volcanoes, morna, and endless horizons.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde trip: a volcanic archipelago of a thousand faces, from the fine sandy beaches of Sal and Boa Vista to spectacular hikes on Santo Antão and captivating Creole culture in Mindelo. Discover our tailor-made holidays in the heart of a sun-drenched Atlantic archipelago all year round.
Egypt
Travel to Egypt: from the Pyramids of Giza to the reefs of the Red Sea, discover five thousand years of history between a Nile cruise, pharaonic temples and diving in crystal-clear waters. Explore our tailor-made stays for an unforgettable trip to Egypt.
Kenya
When the savannah whispers and the ocean calls you
Mauritius
Between turquoise lagoons and Creole charm. A dream destination par excellence, Mauritius captivates with its paradise-like landscapes, its unique cultural melting pot and its unforgettable experiences.
Morocco
Between enchanting medinas, golden dunes and Atlantic shores
Senegal
Sun, sand and Teranga.
Seychelles
Between natural luxury and wild elegance
South Africa
South Africa travel: from unforgettable safaris in Kruger to the Cape Winelands and the spectacular landscapes of the Garden Route, an exceptional destination. Discover our tailor-made stays in the heart of a country of a thousand faces, from the Cape of Good Hope to the peaks of the Drakensberg.
Tanzania – Zanzibar
A breath of escape between wild lands and emerald isles
Travel and stay on Réunion Island
When adventure meets the gentle allure of the Indian Ocean.
Tunisia
A lifestyle between medinas, oases, and beaches.
FAQ: the most useful questions for planning your trip to Uganda
The best times are the two dry seasons: June to August (main dry season) and December to February (short dry season). These periods offer the best conditions for safaris and treks. Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the muddy trails during the rainy seasons make hiking more difficult.
Recommended duration depending on your itinerary:
- 7 to 8 days: gorilla trek in Bwindi + Queen Elizabeth safari
- 10 to 12 days: complete circuit with gorillas + chimpanzees + Murchison Falls
- 14 days and more: complete circuit of all parks + Jinja
Allow for travel time by 4×4 — distances are significant.
Yes, Luxembourg citizens need a visa for Uganda. It is available online (East Africa Tourist Visa or Uganda e-Visa) or on arrival at Entebbe Airport. The East Africa Tourist Visa (100 USD) is particularly advantageous as it also allows you to visit Rwanda and Kenya without an additional visa.
To see the gorillas in Bwindi, you need to buy a gorilla permit (700 USD per person, managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority). Groups are limited to 8 people per gorilla family and the visit lasts about 1 hour. Booking in advance is essential, especially in high season. Your agency can handle the purchase of permits.
The must-see parks are:
- Bwindi — mountain gorillas (UNESCO)
- Murchison Falls — largest park, elephants, Nile falls
- Queen Elizabeth — tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel
- Kibale — the best chimpanzee spot in Africa
- Lake Mburo — zebras, impalas, easily accessible from Kampala
Uganda is a mid-to-high budget destination due to the cost of permits:
- Gorilla permit: 700 USD/person
- Chimpanzee permit: 150-200 USD/person
- Flight Luxembourg–Entebbe: €700 to €1,500
- Quality lodge: 150 to 400 USD/night
- 10-day organized tour: from €3,500/person
A 4×4 with a driver-guide is the standard means of transport for safari tours in Uganda. Roads are often challenging. Domestic flights (AeroLink, Fly Uganda) connect Entebbe to the main parks and save a lot of time. Renting a car without a driver is not recommended for those who are not used to it.
Uganda is generally a safe destination for tourists. National parks and tourist areas are well secured. Usual precautions apply in Kampala (be vigilant in public places, do not display valuables). Check the recommendations of the Belgian embassy or the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departure.
Ugandan cuisine is simple and tasty. Must-tries: Matoke (mashed green plantains, the national dish), Rolex (omelet wrapped in a chapati — a popular street snack), groundnut stew (stew in a peanut sauce), grilled tilapia from Lake Victoria, and nyama choma (grilled meat). Lodges generally offer good-quality international cuisine.
Uganda offers exceptional wildlife:
- Primates: mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, red colobus, baboons (13 primate species)
- Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino (white at Ziwa)
- Others: hippos, Rothschild’s giraffes, zebras, hyenas
- Birds: over 1,000 species, including the Shoebill (avian emblem)
Yes, Uganda combines perfectly with its neighbours:
- Rwanda: a very popular gorilla combo (Bwindi + Volcanoes NP) — accessible by minibus or plane
- Kenya: a beach extension in Mombasa or a safari in the Masai Mara
- Tanzania: Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar as an extension
The East Africa Tourist Visa makes these combinations easier with a single visa.