In east-central Africa is the gorgeous country of Uganda, home to many incredible histories, cultures, and species. The country itself is roughly the same size as Great Britain and is populated by dozens of ethnic groups. It is a landlocked country, meaning that you won't be near any major bodies of water during your stay in this country; however, some of their lakes and streams are just as majestic as the ocean views in other areas of Africa. The primary language spoken in Uganda is Swahili; however, they do speak something that is referred to as Uglish (which is Ugandan English). While not fluent, many people in Uganda can understand and speak enough English to aid you when they can. With tour operator volume buys plus our low everyday prices you can save up to 40% versus assembling the same itinerary on your own! Book your Uganda tour today with AffordableTours.com, your discounted tour headquarters. View Uganda Tour Deals and Discounts
Uganda Travel GuideTour Itinerary | Days | Operator | Quality | Style | Starts | Ends | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Johannesburg to Gorillas | 52 Days | Intrepid | Guided/Hosted | 3 - Explorer | 15+ years old | 22 | Johannesburg | Nairobi | Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe | -20% From: $14,645 $11,780You Save: $2,865 View Tour Book With Flexibility | View Itinerary | |
Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | 04 Days | Intrepid | Independent | 3 - Explorer | 15+ years old | 12 | Kampala | Kampala | Uganda | $3,305View Tour Book With Flexibility | View Itinerary |
Uganda Travel Guide
Uganda Tours Highlights
- View the incredible sights that this amazing landlocked country has to offer.
- Indulge in some of the most unique food that you will find anywhere in the world.
- Take time to know and understand the painful past of the Ugandan people, and learn their histories and cultures.
- Enjoy incredible treks into the Impenetrable Forest to view gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Go on Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will see lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo roaming through the wild.
- Try spotting and counting over 600 different species of birds that are all over this amazing country.
- Hike the incredible Rwenzori Mountains and marvel at the incredible views while you ascend.
- Enjoy the beach around Lake Victoria and take a moment to relax and take everything in.
- Visit Rhinos in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and learn all about the endangered species and what is being done to preserve them.
Uganda Tours Travel Tips
- The tap water in Uganda should be boiled or purified before being consumed; however, bottled water is available everywhere and is fairly cheap.
- Seek medical advice on what vaccinations you should have prior to traveling through Uganda and other parts of Africa.
- We suggest wearing long sleeves as much as possible to avoid mosquito bites.
- Food is generally meat-based stews and sauce dishes, accompanied with Ugali (which is a thick dough paste).
- There is no minimum wage in Uganda, so many people are underpaid. We suggest a 10% tip in any restaurant and $10-15 per person per day to safari guides.
- Foreign women, particularly white women, attract a lot of attention, so be prepared for people to want to talk to you, touch your skin, and invite you to their homes.
- Be sure to exchange your currency to Ugandan Shillings prior to traveling.
- Enjoy the local markets and be sure to grab some incredible souvenirs during your stay.
Uganda Tours Things To Do
- Straddle the Equator
When will you ever get the chance to say that you had your feet firmly planted in both hemispheres of the globe at the same time? While you are in Uganda, we suggest taking the time to do that and grabbing a picture for proof. In Kayabwe of the Mpigi District is where you will find a small cluster of souvenir shops and restaurants and an equator landmark in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The landmark perfectly marks where you need to stand to have you straddling the equator.
Best Time To Visit
The park itself is a popular attraction, but regardless of the time that you visit, you shouldn't have to fight with any crowds at all. - Participate in a Ugandan Safari
If you do nothing else while you are in Uganda, then you need to at least go on a Ugandan Safari. How else are you going to get an in-depth look into the habitats of the various animals that call Uganda home? The safari guides know exactly where to take you depending on what animals you are hoping to see. You will have the chance to observe buffalos, elephants, giraffes, lions, antelopes, chimpanzees, and many other animals as well. The best part is that you are seeing them in their natural habitat, which is so much more majestic.
You Should Know
You will be outdoors for the entire Safari, and while you will be in a vehicle, we still suggest wearing long sleeves when you can. Be sure to bring water with you on safari and use the restroom prior to your departure. - See Where The Nile Begins
Many people know that the Nile River is the largest river in the world, but did you know that it originates in Uganda? While you are in Murchison Falls National Park, you will be close to a town called Jinja, where the Nile starts. While you are here, you can participate in some high adrenaline activities, as Jinja is considered the adrenaline capital of East Africa. Whether you want to try bungee jumping, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, or even whitewater rafting in the Nile, they have it all.
You Should Know
Some of these activities are not for everyone, and at no point should you ever feel pressured to participate. Sometimes being the spectator can be just as rewarding. - Participate in a Gorilla Trekking Tour
One of the items on many people's bucket lists who visit Uganda is to see the mountain gorillas, and we believe that should be on your list as well. The mountain gorillas are an endangered species, and while much is being done to preserve these magnificent creatures, we suggest seeing them while you can. Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest happens to be the home to the largest number of mountain gorilla families, and there are treks to show them to you up close and personal.
You Should Know
Wildlife authorities in Uganda enforce strict rules for Gorilla Trekking, and as such, you will need a permit before joining up with an established trekking company. - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Since you are already going to be here to straddle the equator, why not find a few more things to do while visiting? One thing that always has people talking are the tree-climbing lions that have made Queen Elizabeth National Park their home. However, it's not all about the lions. There are plenty of other wildlife species that you will come across while in this magnificent park. There are also various ways to view the park, including hot air balloon rides, boat cruises, and scenic drives.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to see the lions is from 8 am to 6 pm when the lions are sleeping in the trees. They are generally nocturnal creatures, hunting at night and sleeping during the day. - Experience Traditional Culture
While in Uganda, you have to immerse yourself in their culture, and one way to do that is to expose yourself to the country's traditional dance and music. If you plan on taking it all in, we suggest visiting Nedere Centre in Kampala. Here you will find a 700-seat venue that will mesmerize you with the high-energy shows that they put on. You will be enthralled in their music and their dancing, and you will leave a better understanding of the people of Uganda.
Best Time To Visit
If the Nedere Centre is on your must-see list, it is only open on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Be sure to visit one of these days for an experience you will never forget. - Tour the Kasubi Tombs
If you're going to be in Kampala for the music and dancing, then you might as well take the time to learn about the Royal Kingdom of Uganda. The best way to do this is to tour the Kasubi Tombs, diving into the history of the royal family and the Buganda Kingdom, which was Uganda's largest tribal kingdom. The historic site features the remnants of a 35-building palace and the burial grounds of former Ugandan kings and their family members. With a guided tour, you can view artifacts, learn about the traditions and rituals, and see incredible architecture that was built with the local vegetation.
You Should Know
This area is a highly regarded historical site and is watched by guards. Staying with your tour group is highly advised. - Visit the Ssese Islands
If you love Lake Victoria, which everyone does, then you will absolutely want to visit the 84-island archipelago that is known as the Ssese Islands. These unspoiled islands are home to a wide variety of bird species and small forests that are home to chimpanzees. You can enjoy lounging around on the beautiful sandy beaches, or even go sailing, boating, or fishing while you are visiting the area. We also suggest taking the time to meet the Bantu people and learn about their customs and cultures.
You Should Know
The islands are unspoiled, and as such, they need to remain that way. You should be very careful about what you bring with you and ensure that you leave nothing behind.
Uganda Tour Packages
When choosing a time to visit Uganda, we suggest visiting between December and February, or between June and August. These are considered the dry seasons in Uganda and will give you many more opportunities to get out and explore. This is also the best time for any treks that will get you close to mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. These seasons also tend to be the best time for spotting game in the National Parks throughout Uganda. You will be amazed by the number of native species you will come in contact with during your time in this beautiful country.
Uganda Tours Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Uganda Tour?
A Uganda tour is the absolute best way to explore the amazing country of Uganda. When you book a tour, you are given a list of the exciting excursions and adventures that your tour group will be going on during your stay here, and you will be excited by all the incredible opportunities you are going to have. These tours are also a way to ensure that you get the most for your money, with most tours offering the majority of your meals and plenty of adventures for your given tour price.
- What is Included on a Uganda Tour?
Many of the various tours have a wide inclusion list, giving you even more for your money. In many cases, your tours will include almost all meals. Breakfast is included every day, while lunches and dinners are more spread out, giving you time to indulge in the local cuisine on your own. All transportation costs while on tour are covered in the initial cost, as well as any treks and adventure that have been booked in accordance with the tour. Accommodations are not covered by the initial cost of the tour; however, there are deals offered to those traveling in our tour groups to make it much more affordable.
- What is the Best Uganda Tour?
The best Uganda tour will depend on what you are hoping to see while visiting. There are a few tours that enter different parts of Africa that we would suggest for sure, while others focus strictly on Uganda. Either way, you are sure to find yourself immersed in a country that is rich in history, culture, and wildlife. Many of the tours include jungle treks where you can hope to see a wide variety of species native to the country of Uganda. Ensure that you have looked through each tour carefully and find the one that is best for you.
- How Much Does a Uganda Tour Cost?
The price of a Uganda Tour will depend on what type of tour you are looking to get involved in. There are many tours to choose from that will go through Uganda and other parts of Africa, and each of them has something unique to them. It's up to you to decide on the type of adventure that you wish to have while enjoying your time in this amazing country. Some tours are as low as $2600 for a shorter tour, while others can extend up to $6700 for a 19-day adventure. The cost of the tour is totally up to you and all that you wish to see.
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