Uganda is East Africa's undiscovered jewel, a landlocked country, bordered by Kenya, Sudan, Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania. Straddling the equator, much of her southern border is dominated by Lake Victoria. It is a tremendously lush country, dotted with lakes and rivers (the most famous being the Nile) whist the west is fringed by the glacier-capped Ruwenzori Mountains making it an ideal safari holiday destination.
Like many African countries, Uganda has had its share of internal strife, but after more than a decade of peace, Uganda's renaissance is a fact. The economy is one of the fastest growing in Africa and significant work has been done to protect the country’s diverse range of wildlife - over the past 10 years seven additional national parks and an equal number of wildlife reserves have been gazetted.
From the snow capped peaks of the Ruwenzori Mountains to the awe-inspiring spectacle of Murchison Falls, and from the Impenetrable rainforest of Bwindi to the endless savannah of Queen Elizabeth national park, Uganda's scenic diversity and landscape variety compares favourably with anywhere on the African continent. Uganda is also sanctuary to an abnormally high number of rare and unusual wildlife species including the Uganda kob, the incredible shoebill stork, chimpanzees, the largest remaining population of magnificent mountain gorilla and good populations of leopard, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and lion.
Far from mass tourism, the beautiful scenery, wildlife diversity and friendly people that form the Uganda Experience more than justify its reputation as "The Pearl of Africa".
Visas
Visas are required for all visitors to Uganda. These can be obtained on arrival at Entebbe airport or from the Uganda High Commission or Embassy before you travel. At present visas cost USD30. Visa requirements do change, so please get up to date information before any visit.
When To Go
Uganda has a warm climate year round, with little seasonal variation in temperature owing to its position on the equator. As a visitor rainfall is the main issue to consider. The long rains of April and May are best avoided, especially if you are considering a camping safari or going gorilla tracking. The short rains fall in November.
Getting There
British Airways has direct flights from London to Entebbe. Flights take just over 8 hours and go three times a week. Other options include Kenya Airways via Nairobi or SN Brussels (an airline) via Brussels - which offers probably the best option if travelling from continental Europe.
Family Holidays
