Uganda | The pear of Africa
Coordinates
Uganda is located in East Africa and has approximate coordinates of 1.3733° N latitude and 32.2903° E longitude.
Average Rainfall
Uganda experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The average annual rainfall varies across the country. In the northern and eastern regions, it can be as low as 800 mm (31 inches), while in the western and central regions, it can range from 1,000 mm to 2,000 mm (39 to 79 inches) or more.
The southern and southwestern parts of the country generally receive higher rainfall, often exceeding 2,000 mm (79 inches) annually.
Average Temperatures
Uganda's temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year due to its proximity to the equator. In the lowland areas, the average daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F), with little seasonal variation.
At lower elevations, like in the capital city, Kampala, temperatures tend to be milder, with averages ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F). In mountainous regions, such as the Rwenzori Mountains, temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes to around 10°C.
Capital City
The capital city of Uganda is Kampala. It is the largest city in the country and serves as its political, economic, and cultural center.
Uganda covers a surface area of 241,038 km² / 93,000 square miles, with a population of 48,582,334, About 70% of Uganda is covered by forests, woodlands, and grasslands. About 8% (18,672sq km) of the territory of Uganda is protected in national parks(this is part of the 70%), national forests and game reserves. Rivers, lakes, and wetlands cover about 18 percent of Uganda's total surface, over half of the entire country lies within the Nile drainage basin.
An Unexplored Tourist Gem, often referred to as the "Pearl of Africa", is a magnificent country located in East Africa. It is a landlocked country, bordered by Kenya in the east, South Sudan in the north, Democratic Republic of Congo in the west, Rwanda in the southwest, and Tanzania in the south.
Despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa, Uganda is rich in diverse cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and unique wildlife, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination.
Uganda has an equatorial climate with two dry and two rainy seasons, the months of June - September, December - march are relatively dry while the rest are fairly rainy, dry months are the most appropriate for tourism activities but wet months are proving to be even more befitting since they have less congestion and better activity rates; the country experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year, around 22.8°C, with average monthly temperatures ranging between 21.7°C (July) and 23.9°C (February).
The southwestern region Bwindi and Mgahinga forests has the lowest temperatures sometimes around 12 degrees while the highest temperatures have been recorded in the north eastern region.
Uganda's tourism landscape is uniquely diverse
Offering a range of experiences for the adventurous traveler. The country's rich biodiversity and contrasting landscapes are its main attractions. Uganda features ten national parks, including the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, showcasing a range of ecosystems from savannahs to tropical rainforests, and from snow-capped mountain ranges to wetlands.
Tourists flock to Uganda mainly for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly the chance to encounter the endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to more than half of the world's population of Mountain Gorillas, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
In addition to mountain gorillas, Uganda boasts a vast array of wildlife species, including African elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, chimpanzees, and over 1,000 species of birds. Uganda's natural beauty extends beyond its wildlife. The country is home to the source of the Nile, the world's longest river, providing thrilling white-water rafting experiences for adrenaline seekers.
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, present an exciting challenge for mountaineers, with their snowy peaks creating a stunning contrast to the equatorial jungle below.
Uganda's cultural richness is another drawcard for tourists. The country is home to over 60 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 40 different languages, each with its unique traditions, language, and cultural practices.
The Buganda Kingdom, one of the oldest in Africa, offers tourists insight into its rich history and traditions through cultural tours. Music, dance, and crafts are integral parts of Ugandan culture, offering an immersive experience for tourists.
The Karamojong pastoralists in the northeast are some of the last remaining intact cultural groups in the world while the few pockets of batwa communities will take you back through evolution of man.
The potential for Uganda as a top tourist destination is immense. As global travel trends shift towards sustainable and experiential tourism, Uganda's unspoiled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage place it in a strong position to benefit from these trends.
Additionally, the Ugandan government has recognized the potential tourism has for the country's economic growth and is investing in infrastructure and marketing to attract more tourists.
Map of Uganda
Experiences exclusive to Uganda
Top safaris in Uganda
1 Days Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Gorilla Tracking Tour
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1152Per person sharing
1 Days Gorilla tracking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
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1214Per person sharing
1 Days Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga gorilla national park
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1104Per person sharing
2 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda Air Transfer
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2064Per person sharing
2 Days Rwanda and Uganda Tour Starting from Kigali
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1943Per person sharing
2 Days Gorilla trekking in Uganda
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1446Per person sharing
3 Days Uganda mid range tour
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1168Per person sharing
3 Days Gorilla Tracking and Lake Mutanda Adventure Tour
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1588Per person sharing
3 Days Double Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
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2837Per person sharing
3 Days Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
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1013Per person sharing
3 Days Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Lake Bunyonyi Budget Safari
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1740Per person sharing
3 Days Murchison Falls National Park Wildlife Safari
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960Per person sharing
3 Days Mount Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Mid Range Tour
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1935Per person sharing
3 Days Uganda mid range tour
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1167Per person sharing
4 Days Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Budget Tour
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1785Per person sharing
4 Days Pian Upe, Sipi Falls and Jinja White Water Rafting
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1372Per person sharing
4 Days Golden Monkey Rwanda and Gorilla Tracking in Uganda
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2013Per person sharing
4 Days Golden Monkey Rwanda and Gorilla Tracking in Uganda
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2013Per person sharing
4 Days shoebill tracking, White water rafting and Sipi Falls
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1384Per person sharing
4 Days Lake Mburo and Gorilla Tracking in Uganda
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2195Per person sharing
6 Days Uganda Budget Big Five Tour with Chimpanzees
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1744Per person sharing
6 Days Sipi, Pian Upe and Kidepo Valley National Park
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1770Per person sharing
6 Days Uganda Wildlife And Gorilla Tracking Budget Tour
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2260Per person sharing
7 Days Gorilla Back Packing safari
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2464Per person sharing
7 Days Gorilla tracking, Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National park
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2988Per person sharing
7 Days Africa Honey Moon Safari
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2673Per person sharing
7 Days Africa family safari
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2404Per person sharing
7 Days Wildlife and Gorilla Tracking Uganda Safari
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3228Per person sharing
8 Days All Inclusive Custom Vacation Tour of Uganda
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3240Per person sharing
8 Days Africa Family Safari Package
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3593Per person sharing
10 Days Chimpanzees and Wildlife Safari in Uganda
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4750Per person sharing
10 Days Uganda Primates, Apes and Safari, Mid Range Tour
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4576Per person sharing
12 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari and Rwanda with Lake Kivu
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5880Per person sharing
16 Days Uganda Primates, Apes and Safari Mid Range Tour
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6880Per person sharing
21 Days Uganda and Rwanda, wildlife and primate safari
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12604Per person sharing
Toursit attractions in Uganda
Kampala city
Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, is a dynamic and rapidly growing urban center that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, adventure, and modernity. With its rolling hills, lush vegetation, and friendly people, Kampala welcomes visitors to experience the heart and soul of Uganda.
Explore parkKabale town
Kabale town is a charming destination that has earned the nickname "The Switzerland of Africa." This picturesque town, surrounded by lush green hills and cool, misty weather, offers travelers a perfect escape into nature, culture, and adventure.
Explore parkKidepo valley national park
Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi-arid valleys between Uganda's borders with Sudan and Kenya, some 700kilometers from Kampala.
Explore parkMurchison falls national park
Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. First gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area, hosting 76 species of mammals and 451 birds.
Explore parkMount Elgon National Park
At 4,000km² Mount Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda - Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80 kilometers in diameter, rises more than 3,000 meters above the surrounding plains.
Explore parkRwenzori mountains national park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km long and 65km wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world's rarest vegetation.
Explore parkSemliki National Park
Semuliki National Park sprawls across the floor of the Semuliki Valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. This is one of Africa's most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago.
Explore parkZziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a protected area located in Nakasongola district, Uganda. It was established in 2005 with the primary objective of reintroducing and conserving the endangered southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in Uganda.
Explore parkPian Upe Game Reserve
Pian Upe Game Reserve is a highly desired tourist destination located in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda. This expansive reserve covers an area of approximately 2,788 square kilometers, making it the second-largest protected area in the country.
Explore parkBwindi impenetrable forest national park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants.
Explore parkKibale forest national park
Kibale Forest National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau.
Explore parkLake Mburo national park
20% of the park's entrance fee is used to fund local community projects such as building clinics and schools. Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda.
Explore parkMgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a protected area located in southwestern Uganda, on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of the two national parks in Uganda that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, the other being Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Explore parkThe source of the Nile
The source of the Nile, alluded to hazily in the ancient writings of Ptolemy, stood as one of the great geographical mysteries of the Victorian Age. Closer to home, the Nile downriver from Jinja, Uganda, offers some superb white water rafting and game fishing.
Explore parkSempaya Hot springs
Sempaya Hot Springs, also known as Semuliki Hot Springs, is a natural wonder located in the Semuliki National Park in western Uganda. These hot springs are renowned for their unique geological features and therapeutic properties, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
Explore parkSipi falls
Sipi Falls is a stunning waterfall located in eastern Uganda, near the town of Kapchorwa. It is considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country and draws tourists from all over the world. The falls are part of the Sipi River, which originates from Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano that straddles the border between Uganda and Kenya.
Explore parkEntebbe international airport
Entebbe International Airport is the main international airport serving Uganda. The airport is an important gateway to Uganda and the surrounding region.
Explore parkLake Mutanda
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the wonders of Lake Mutanda, what makes it a must-visit destination, and how Musana Tours and Travel can help you curate an unforgettable adventure.
Explore parkKisoro town
Kisoro town should be on your must-visit list. At Musana Tours and Travel, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for travelers, and Kisoro promises just that—an unforgettable adventure filled with nature, wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences.
Explore parkLake Bunyonyi
Known as the “Place of many little birds,” Lake Bunyonyi is located in southwestern Uganda near the border of Rwanda. Its tranquil waters, stunning landscapes, and unique islands make it a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Explore parkJinja city
Jinja City, perched on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in eastern Uganda, is a true gem for travelers looking for adventure, nature, and a taste of Uganda’s rich culture
Explore parkEntebbe City
Entebbe, a vibrant city located along the shores of Lake Victoria, is one of Uganda’s most captivating destinations. Its scenic beauty, historical significance, and proximity to Uganda’s only international airport make it a key gateway to the rest of the country.
Explore parkMabamba Swamp
Mabamba Swamp stands out as a remarkable wetland, teeming with birdlife and other wildlife. Located along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, this swamp is one of Uganda’s most important bird-watching sites.
Explore parkLake Victoria
Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world. Spanning three countries, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, this vast body of water offers unparalleled beauty, cultural richness, and abundant wildlife.
Explore parkRiver Nile
The River Nile, the longest river in the world, holds a mystique that captivates explorers, travelers, and historians alike. Spanning over 6,600 kilometers, the Nile flows through 11 countries in northeastern Africa before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.
Explore parkFort portal
Fort Portal, the tourism capital of Uganda, is a beautiful, serene city located in the western part of the country, lying at the base of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains.
Explore parkKaruma Falls
Karuma Falls is a stunning natural marvel renowned for its roaring rapids and awe-inspiring beauty. Located within the Karuma Wildlife Reserve, this site offers an immersive blend of scenic landscapes, adventure, and wildlife.
Explore parkQueen Elizabeth national park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda's most popular tourist destination. The park's diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid woodland forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees, mankeys, baboons and over 600 species of birds.
Explore parkKazinga channel
The Kazinga channel, connecting Lake Edward to Lake George, forms a vital artery for wildlife in the region. Its serene waters and lush banks teem with life, making it a dream destination for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and safari adventurers.
Explore parkBigodi wetland sanctuary
Uganda’s allure as the "Pearl of Africa" lies in its rich ecosystems and stunning landscapes, and the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a shining example. Located near Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda, this sanctuary offers a captivating mix of wildlife, community tourism, and conservation.
Explore parkKasenyi plains
Known for its large predator populations, breathtaking landscapes, and unique birdwatching opportunities, Kasenyi Plains has become a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and safari adventurers.
Explore parkNews and updates
A unique canoeing experience in East Africa
Canoeing in East Africa offers travelers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the region's spectacular landscapes while immersing themselves in the local cultures. Imagine gliding across serene waters, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and engaging with vibrant communities that have lived along these waterways for generations.
Mon Dec 02 2024
Delve into the cultural experiences of Uganda's national parks
Welcome to , a country brimming with awe-inspiring natural wonders and a vibrant tapestry of cultures! Step into the heartland of Africa and embark on a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and fascinating cultural encounters in Uganda's national parks.
Mon Nov 18 2024
The best month for the gorilla tracking experience
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to meet the gentle giants of the jungle? If so, get ready to discover the perfect month for your gorilla tracking experience. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or simply seeking a one-of-a-kind encounter, gorilla tracking offers an awe-inspiring experience that will leave you in awe.
Mon Nov 18 2024