There are more than 1,000  mountain gorillas left in the world, and Uganda is home to half of them, now under strict protection. Several families of around 15 to 20 gorillas reside in this impenetrable forest in the southwest corner of the country, four of which have been habituated to humans.

Despite the challenges, walking through this truly impenetrable forest is still a highlight. The anticipation builds with every step as you make your way around tangled trees and thick, snake-like roots.

Other wildlife sightings and sounds — the forest is one of the most biologically diverse in Africa, home to red-tailed and colobus monkeys, bush buck, over 350 bird species and even the odd forest elephant, which are rarely seen but leave behind tell-tale tracks. FIND OUT MORE OF THE UGANDA GORILLAS

Best time to travel to uganda

The best time to go on a Uganda safari: uganda can perfectly be visited during all seasons and throughout the Year while the weather is perfect all year around. Please keep in mind though that July and August are peak seasons for tracking the mountain gorillas and therefore gorilla permits are more difficult to obtain.

The Dry season months are also good to visit for wildlife viewing as the grass is short and animals are easier to find. Gorilla trekking is also rewarding in the dry season as the terrain is manageable for both cars and trekking experience.

Climate

Uganda Lies on the Equator and presents an awesome weather for all visitors all year around, In The south, combined with high altitude ensure a pleasant, temperate year-round climate. Temperatures therefore hardly vary throughout the season, with an average of 23°C during the day and slightly cooler at night.

However it is a little Cooler in the southern parts of Uganda and hotter in the northern parts of Uganda. The climate in the southern uganda which is also the mountainous areas range between 13 in the most cold and 28 in the hottest. In the northern you could experience about 30 degrees to maximum while on a uganda safari.

The Long rainy season takes place from March till June and there is a short rainy season around October-November and a little of December. Jan and feb is a little humid dry than most months of the Year.

Visa

A Tourist visa to Uganda is $50. A signed, valid passport and a tourist visa. Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of your trip.

Tourist visas for Uganda safari can be purchased either on arrival or by applying in advance through a visa processing service. While there are additional costs involved in using these services, we encourage you to obtain your visa ahead of time, as long lines can be common.

Can i get an East African Visa?

If you are planning to have a combined Uganda safari with a visit to Kenya and Rwanda or having combined fly luxury uganda safari only, it is recommendable to request for the East African Tourist Visa. This special tourist visa costs US $100 per person and allows 90 days multiple entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Regretfully, Tanzania is not (yet) a member of the East African community and therefore not part of this arrangement.

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MONEY/ currency

The official currency of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling, notes of which come in denominations of 1,000 through to 50,000. However a dollar rules the whole world as it dominates the uganda market also, most of the hotels and travel agencies take dollars only 2009 year of printing and above.

As a rough guide US$1 = 3,800 and £1 = 5,000 Nearly all tourist lodges will accept $US notes (newer than 2009) however if you wish to purchase anything locally (souvenirs, snacks etc…) you will need Ugandan Shillings.

The best idea is to change $US upon arrival in Entebbe – notes of $50 and $100 attract a better exchange rate. Visa and MasterCard Credit Cards are becoming more widely accepted, we can advise you on which lodges do or do not accept them.

HEALTH  ON A GORILLA TOURS UGANDA

If you are planning to travel to Uganda for a gorilla tour uganda safari,your  advised to take a visit to your local travel clinic or Doctor for advice on vaccinations and medication. For an overview of the typically recommended vaccinations, the CDC Traveler Health page is a good place to start.

Most parts of Uganda contain a malaria risk and a preventative medication is considered mandatory for travelers. Consult your doctor or travel clinic as to the best medication for you.

Yellow fever vaccine is a must upon entering uganda please consider getting one while on your travel to uganda tours

SECURITY

It is a largely peaceful country and the vast majority of tourist visits are enjoyed without incident. Crime when it occurs is generally in the form of petty theft; we advise to always carry your money securely on your person and use room safes in the hotels and lodges that you visit.

Please consult your government’s Travel Advisory Page for Uganda and feel free to ask us for clarification on any thing is traveling  for a gorilla tour uganda.

WEATHER

The pearl of Africa straddles the Equator so experiences a tropical climate of “wet” and “dry” seasons. Changes to the global climate in recent years means seasonal changes are less predictable than they once were, however seasons are generally:

Dryer: January to February & June to September.

Wetter: March to May & October, November till december. Travel is possible and enjoyable all year round, rain does not usually hinder travel and can produce some dramatic vistas and a welcome coolness in hotter areas.

FOOD AND DRINK

Traditional Uganda food consists of starch staples such as maize flour, matoke (plantain), cassava and potatoes. These are served with beans, vegetables and meats such as fish, beef, chicken or goat. Most lodges and restaurants serve western dishes incorporating some of the above local ingredients.

Drinking water is widely and inexpensively available; we do not recommend drinking tap or river water in Uganda. Sodas and beers are widely available and safe to drink. The best value wine/GIN is UGANDA WARAJI.

Guma Alex T, Africa Safari Specialist