Uganda: Best Destination for Gorilla Trekking and Big Five

Book your dream Uganda safari for an ultimate gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, big 5 game viewing, golden monkey tracking, hiking safaris, nature walks, birding, honeymoon, romantic safaris, cultural experiences and many more.

Dubbed ‘the pearl of Africa’, Uganda is a real treat when it comes to African travel. This East African nation is endowed with an unparalleled array of wildlife, scenery, and cultures and has worked hard to maintain and conserve her incredible biodiversity.

They comprise lush swampland and savannahs roamed by big game favourites and merge with Congo-style rainforests, which bristle with primates such as mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees. A variety of birds are associated with the Congo forests, and the Albertine endemics are not found anywhere else in East Africa.

The source of the Nile River originates from the snow-capped Mount Rwenzori, Africa’s third-highest peak. The legendary ‘mountains of the moon’ teem with glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine lakes, stretching across the misty, impenetrable forest jungles of western Uganda. Nature—diverse and resplendent—looms large in this world of unbeatable natural splendour. Whatever your area of interest, Uganda is literally the place to experience unforgettable encounters and activities on a typical all-inclusive African safari.

Uganda lies on the equator, bordering Tanzania to the south, Kenya to the east, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its pristine and unspoiled parks teem with wildlife, including the popular Big Five game and over a thousand species of birds.

Uganda and its neighbour Rwanda are popular with gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, yet they share the unique responsibility of conserving a population of critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, funded in no small part through the fees imposed on visitors intending to trek (aka gorilla permits).

Visitors can embark on a full safari itinerary made up of the varied range of national parks or simply take a short excursion to the southwest for chimpanzee or a short safari for gorilla trekking.

Start Planning Your Safari Today!

Are you a first-time visitor? Booking a Uganda safari will most likely reveal Africa’s big games and some of the country’s most iconic destinations. So, whether it is your first or fifth safari to Uganda, we will help you plan an exciting lifetime experience in the pearl of Africa. Contact one of our travel experts to help you craft a safari that matches your travel style!

What is the Climate of Uganda?

Uganda’s climate is largely tropical, with March to May and September to November being the two rainy seasons. Temperatures range from 25 to 29 °C (77 to 84 °F). Apart from mountainous areas at altitudes above 1,300 m (4,265 ft) (including gorilla parks) being much cooler, the top of Mt. Rwenzori is often covered with snow. The hottest months are December to February and June to August. Evenings can feel chilly after the heat of the day, with temperatures around 17–18 C (63–64 F).

The northern region, which forms one quarter of the country, lies outside the tropical belt and hence experiences only one rainy season, from March to October. The rest of Uganda lies within relatively humid equatorial climate zones, and the topography, prevailing winds, and lakes and rivers cause large differences in rainfall patterns across the country.

Its location in the tropics and across the equator results in the country’s weather and seasons being determined by the large-scale Indian Monsoon, Congo air mass, Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) systems. Uganda also experiences the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena, which are the principal driving forces of intra-annual to inter-annual rainfall variability.

Overall, Uganda experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year, around 25.8°C, with monthly temperatures ranging between 24.7°C (July) and 28.9°C (February). Total annual average precipitation during this period is 1,197 mm, and the mean monthly precipitation of the country varies from 39.6 mm in January to 152.7 mm in April.

Experiences on your Uganda safari

1. Gorilla Trekking

Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s Mountain Gorilla population, living in the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Trekking these great apes and seeing them up close in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every traveler should look out for. Their sheer size and beguiling human-like nature will leave you captivated. The effort you put into visiting gorillas in the wild means you are directly supporting conservation efforts and population growth.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking

It is certain that after experiencing close encounters with gorillas, you will probably want to have a glimpse at the mesmerizing chimpanzees. These apes are close to us not just in DNA but also in their distinct social structures. You will delve into the primate capital for the most remarkable chimpanzee tracking experience.

3. Golden Monkey Tracking

Another awe-inspiring moment is tracking golden monkeys in their natural habitat. It is amazing how these cute primates share and live in harmony with the mountain giants in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

4. Big game viewing

An experience like no other! With a varied range of wild game roaming the plains of this East African country, you have more than enough to explore. The big five are the game favourites in this encounter, and you will have the opportunity to view them all in your four-by-four pop-up roof truck. They are distributed across the many national parks and game reserves from the southwest to the far north of the country.

5. Boat Safaris

This is one of Uganda’s top safari activities, where you will get arms-length close to aquatic life—both animals and birds. From the comforts of a houseboat, you will see hippos, Nile crocodiles, plains game by the banks, and numerous species of birds, particularly in Queen Elizabeth’s Kazinga Channel and Murchison Falls National Park.

6. Cultural encounters

Wildlife is not the only attraction in Uganda! Its distinct tribes and diverse cultures are a jewel in the crown of your ultimate Uganda safari. An encounter with the locals is what graces your entire expedition in the Pearl of Africa. You can walk through the remote communities, watch the traditional dance, taste the local cuisine, experience their way of life, and interact with them.

7. Bird watching

With some of the most accessible bird habitats registering more than 1000 species, Uganda has made its mark as a perfect destination for bird watching. Avid birders can explore a diverse range of habitats, such as savannah plains, Afromontane rainforests, woodlands, lakes, and other protected areas, among others.

8. Hiking Uganda's mountain peaks

Visitors can hike the highly revered Rwenzori Mountains’ botanical heaven to the glaciated peaks and the Virunga Volcanoes through the misty gorilla-infested rainforests.

When is the best time to Visit Uganda?

High/Peak Season

December to February and June to August are relatively hot, with clear skies, minimal rain, and more sunshine. These are excellent times to visit Uganda for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in the lush forests. Wildlife viewing is best in the dry season, when game is more concentrated around water sources.

However, this period is associated with congestion in lodges, and prices are forced to go up due to high demand. Gorilla permits are also highly competitive. So, we recommend booking upfront to avoid missing out on the permits.

Low Season

March to May and September to November are the perfect times for avid birders. They have the greatest opportunity to explore a diversity of species given that migratory birds are present in these months, and it is the breeding time for most endemics.

Nature lovers are sure to enjoy peace and tranquility since most accommodation facilities around the parks are decongested and some have discount offers. In fact, you might find yourself alone in an entire park (with guides).

However, since Uganda is a country that experiences a tropical type of climate, expect heavy downpours during these months, sometimes making road travel rather difficult in some sections of parks. The roads can be steep, slippery, and muddy.

So, we recommend packing appropriate clothing such as rain jackets, ponchos, and closed or waterproof hiking boots, among others. Wildlife viewing is also quite challenging since animals are scattered throughout the park because of the abundant food supply. But usually, there are considerable chances of seeing them.

Popular parks to visit on your first trip

Bwindi Impenetrable NP

Bwindi is Uganda’s tourism flagship and, more famously, home to over half of the world’s 1060 mountain gorillas. You will trek the endangered gorillas, hike through the dense forest, and meet the Batwa pygmies.

Kibale Forest NP

Dubbed the world’s primate capital, the popular primate walk in Kibale offers the chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Watch dozens of other primate species, over 375 species of birds, and a further 120 mammal species. Encounter chimpanzees up-close.

Murchison Falls NP

The dramatic Murchison Falls waterfall is the centerpiece of this remarkable park. Hike to the top of the falls, take a boat cruise to the bottom, and take a guided safari to spot wildlife such as elephants, Rothschild’s giraffe, and more.

Queen Elizabeth NP

Uganda’s most popular safari destination and is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species in diverse ecosystems. It is perfect for a family safari, well packaged with game drives and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.