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Ameera Africa Safaris

Explore Africa's Essence: Uganda Safari Tours & Holidays

Tailor-made gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and adventure holidays across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania — planned by a Kampala-based team who know the parks first-hand.

Welcome to Ameera Africa Safaris

Uganda has everything for an unforgettable safari holiday

Tucked away in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is a land of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife and vibrant cultures — from the misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the tranquil waters of the Nile. Whether you're tracking endangered mountain gorillas, exploring savannahs teeming with wildlife, or cruising the Kazinga Channel, every moment promises an unforgettable adventure. As a Uganda-based destination management team, we specialize in Uganda tours and safaris built around you — from short Uganda tours to full Uganda safari vacations spanning several parks — backed by deep local expertise and a genuine passion for conservation.

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Uganda Safari Things To Do

Game Drives and Boat Cruises

Discover the Magic of Uganda Safari Tours

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Uganda safaris, where thrilling game drives and serene boat cruises create unforgettable Uganda safari holidays. From the legendary Big Five to the mighty Nile River, every moment reveals why Uganda safari tours rank among Africa's finest wildlife experiences.

Game Drives: Heart-Pounding Wildlife Encounters

The golden savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park come alive during Uganda safari game drives. At dawn, watch lion prides survey their territory while elephants cast long shadows across the plains. Murchison Falls National Park offers equally dramatic sightings, with leopards prowling riverbanks and buffalo herds stampeding through grasslands.

For those seeking the complete Big Five experience, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary provides exclusive rhino tracking to complement sightings in Uganda's premier parks. The magic of safari tours in Uganda lies in these golden-hour moments when predators hunt and grazers congregate at watering holes.

Boat Cruises: Uganda's Liquid Wilderness

No Uganda safari package is complete without exploring the country's waterways. The Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park delivers Africa's most dramatic boat cruise experience, where hippos yawn beside your vessel and crocodiles patrol the banks. The journey crescendos at the thunderous Murchison Falls – a spectacle best appreciated from the water.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kazinga Channel offers a birdwatcher's paradise, with rare shoebills and fish eagles competing for attention with bathing elephants. For sunset lovers, Lake Victoria cruises paint the sky in fiery hues while herons skim the water's surface.

Why Choose Our Uganda Safaris?

At Ameera Africa Safaris, we specialize in crafting tailored Uganda tours that blend adventure with comfort. Our expert guides transform every game drive into a masterclass in wildlife behavior, while our luxury safari vehicles ensure optimal viewing and photography conditions.

From family-friendly Uganda safari packages to romantic boat cruise getaways, we design experiences that reveal why Uganda remains Africa's best-kept safari secret.

Book Your Dream Uganda Safari Today

Ready to experience authentic Uganda safaris and tours? Contact us to craft your perfect itinerary – where every game drive thrills and every boat cruise inspires.

Primate Trekking

Primate Trekking in Uganda: An Intimate Encounter with Nature's Marvels

Uganda stands as the ultimate destination for primate trekking adventures, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe endangered species in their natural habitats. From the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the primate-rich jungles of Kibale National Park, our Uganda safari tours create life-changing encounters with humanity's closest relatives.

Gorilla Trekking: Face-to-Face with Mountain Giants

The gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park represents the crown jewel of Uganda safari holidays. As home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers the rare privilege of spending an hour with these gentle giants in their natural environment.

Every gorilla trekking safari in Uganda begins at dawn, as you follow expert guides through emerald-green forests where sunlight filters through ancient trees. The terrain can be challenging, but the moment you lock eyes with a silverback gorilla—his powerful frame mere metres away—every strenuous step transforms into pure wonder.

Chimpanzee Trekking: The Primate Capital Awaits

For those seeking dynamic primate encounters, Kibale National Park elevates Uganda safaris and tours to extraordinary heights. This biodiversity hotspot shelters over 1,500 chimpanzees—our closest genetic relatives—alongside 12 other primate species.

  • Morning treks catch chimps noisily greeting the day, their hoots echoing through the forest canopy
  • Afternoon excursions often find troops feasting on figs or crafting sleeping nests
  • Rare sightings of red colobus monkeys and Ugandan mangabeys add bonus thrills

Golden Monkey Trekking: Uganda's Hidden Gem

Nestled in the volcanic foothills of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a different kind of primate trekking adventure unfolds. Here, endangered golden monkeys—their fiery coats glowing against bamboo thickets—leap acrobatically through the Virunga Mountains' misty slopes.

Why Choose Ameera Africa Safaris for Your Primate Trekking?

We secure gorilla and chimp trekking permits in advance, prioritise ethical wildlife interactions, tailor treks from gentle walks to challenging hikes, and handle full logistics — comfortable lodges, quality gear and seamless transport included.

Birding Tours

Birding Tours in Uganda: A Paradise for Avian Enthusiasts

With over 1,000 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics found nowhere else on Earth, Uganda safari tours offer some of Africa's most spectacular birding experiences. From the elusive shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp to colorful turacos in Bwindi's rainforests, our Uganda safari holidays are crafted for bird lovers seeking unforgettable encounters.

Top Birding Destinations on Uganda Safaris

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — while famous for gorillas, Bwindi's misty forests shelter 350+ bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics like the African green broadbill and Grauer's warbler.

Mabamba Swamp (Shoebill Haven) — just hours from Kampala, this vast wetland offers the best chance to spot the prehistoric shoebill stork, alongside papyrus gonoleks and malachite kingfishers.

Queen Elizabeth National Park — boasting 600+ species, the Kazinga Channel is particularly rewarding for waterbirds including African fish eagles and pink-backed pelicans.

Kibale Forest National Park — beyond chimpanzees, Kibale's forests host 375+ birds, including the sought-after green-breasted pitta.

Murchison Falls National Park — where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge, 450+ species thrive, from goliath herons to grey-crowned cranes, Uganda's national bird.

Your Uganda Birding Safari Experience

Expert-guided walks with ornithologist guides, tailored itineraries focused on endemics or photography, prime early-morning and late-afternoon timing, and quiet electric boats for close approaches without disturbing the birds.

Luxury Golf Tours

1. Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa

This 18-hole championship course, designed by Golf Plan USA, sets water hazards against the backdrop of Africa's largest lake. Unwind afterwards at the resort spa or with sundowners at the lakeside clubhouse.

2. Uganda Golf Club (Kampala)

The country's oldest and most prestigious course, with manicured fairways surrounded by tropical greenery in a central Kampala location — easy to pair with city sightseeing.

3. Entebbe Golf Club

Established in 1901 near Lake Victoria, combining botanical-garden scenery with narrow, challenging fairways — and the occasional monkey spectator.

4. Kihihi Golf Course

A 9-hole course near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, for golfers who want an exclusive round surrounded by misty hills, alongside gorilla trekking.

Wellness Safaris

Uganda's landscapes give a wellness trip real range: the serene shoreline of Lake Victoria, the tea estates around Fort Portal and the forest-cloaked hills of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Wild Waters Lodge

Wild Waters Lodge

A private-island lodge on the Nile at Jinja, with riverside yoga and holistic therapies.

Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge

A five-star lodge inside Murchison Falls National Park, widely regarded as one of Uganda's finest.

Baker's Lodge

Baker's Lodge

Named after explorer Samuel Baker, set on the southern bank of the Nile near Murchison Falls.

Mihingo Lodge

Mihingo Lodge

Perched on a rocky kopje inside Lake Mburo National Park, with sweeping savannah views.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, paired naturally with a day of gorilla trekking.

Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa

Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa

Mediterranean-style architecture and lush fairways on the shores of Africa's largest lake.

Rubalika Safari Farm Lodge

Rubalika Safari Farm Lodge

Safari-themed accommodation set in rolling farmland right next to Kibale Forest National Park.

Glacier Mountaineering & Volcano Hiking
Mount Sabinyo

Mount Sabinyo

One of the Virunga volcanoes, straddling the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC — its summit is one of the few places in the world where three countries meet at a single point.

Mount Muhavura

Mount Muhavura

The tallest of the Virunga volcanoes on the Ugandan side, rising within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mount Mgahinga

Mount Mgahinga

The volcano that gives Mgahinga Gorilla National Park its name, part of the same Virunga chain shared with Rwanda and the DRC.

Mount Moroto

Mount Moroto

An extinct volcano in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda, far removed from the Virunga range and much less visited.

Cultural Safaris

Uganda's rich cultural heritage is as vibrant and captivating as its legendary wildlife. Our Uganda safari tours offer immersive journeys that connect you with the heart of Africa through authentic encounters with indigenous communities, ancient kingdoms and time-honoured traditions — creating meaningful cultural exchanges that go beyond sightseeing.

Discover the Ancient Wisdom of the Batwa Pygmies

Near the misty forests of Bwindi, the Batwa pygmies — the original “keepers of the forest” — share their traditional lifestyle. Witness hunting techniques, explore medicinal plant use, and gather around evening fires for storytelling that brings their history to life. This encounter also supports vital community conservation efforts.

Batwa cultural encounter near Bwindi

The Pastoral Life of the Karamojong

In Uganda's rugged northeast, the semi-nomadic Karamojong people maintain pastoral traditions unchanged for centuries. Visiting their manyattas (homesteads) reveals a culture built around cattle herding and community ritual — intricate beadwork, daily herding practices and, with good timing, warrior dances or coming-of-age ceremonies.

The Royal Legacy of the Buganda Kingdom

Explore the UNESCO-listed Kasubi Tombs, sacred burial ground of Buganda kings, visit artisans practising the ancient craft of bark cloth making, and experience royal drum beats at the Kabaka's Palace.

The Cattle Culture of the Ankole Region

Western Uganda's Ankole region introduces visitors to the striking long-horned Ankole cattle — symbols of wealth, identity and social status. Visit traditional homesteads, join a milking ceremony, and enjoy farm-to-table cuisine built on dairy traditions generations old.

Uganda's Cultural Festivals

Time your trip around the Imbalu ceremony of the Bagisu tribe — a dramatic coming-of-age celebration — or catch the Ndere Troupe in Kampala, showcasing Uganda's ethnic diversity through music and dance from over 50 tribes.

Culture and wildlife, combined

Spend a morning tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, visit a royal palace by afternoon, and end the day with traditional storytelling under the stars — all in one itinerary.

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Adrenaline & Extreme Adventure

From roaring rivers and rugged mountains to deep gorges, Uganda's terrain delivers heart-pounding activities alongside its wildlife safaris. Whether you're rafting the Nile, bungee jumping over roaring water, or trekking volcanic peaks, these are the extremes worth building into a trip.

White-Water Rafting on the Nile

The source of the Nile in Jinja is world-renowned for rapids ranging Grade 3 to Grade 5, challenging beginners and seasoned rafters alike through towering waves and cascading drops. Full-day and half-day trips run with professional guides, and rafting can be paired with river-boarding or kayaking.

White-water rafting on the Nile, Jinja

Bungee Jumping Over the Nile

A platform high above the river in Jinja offers a genuine free-fall toward the water before the cord snaps you back — with night bungee jumps available for an extra layer of intensity.

Volcano Climbing & Mountaineering

Scaling the dormant and active Virunga volcanoes — Muhabura and Sabinyo among them — rewards the climb with panoramic views over forest and plain. For a bigger challenge, the glacier-capped Rwenzori Mountains and Margherita Peak, Africa's third-highest summit, demand real technical skill and stamina.

Rwenzori Mountains viewpoint above the clouds

Gorilla Trekking as an Adventure

Beyond the wildlife encounter itself, trekking through Bwindi and Mgahinga's dense forest and steep slopes is physically demanding in its own right — part of what makes reaching a gorilla family feel earned.

Quad Biking, Rock Climbing & Abseiling

Quad and mountain biking around Jinja and the Nile Valley mix off-road tracks with river crossings, while the cliffs around Sipi Falls offer genuine rock climbing and abseiling for those chasing sweeping views over eastern Uganda.

Quad biking near the Nile Valley, Jinja Ready-made itineraries

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Kampala City Tour

Kampala is a city of contrasts, where skyscrapers tower over traditional markets and modern malls sit beside historic landmarks. As a melting pot of ethnicities, religions and traditions, it thrives on cultural diversity — the sounds of Buganda music, colourful markets and varied cuisine combine into an authentic slice of East African life.

Must-visit

Attractions in Kampala

Uganda Museum

Traditional musical instruments, archaeological artifacts and ethnographic displays covering Uganda's diverse ethnic groups.

Kasubi Tombs

A UNESCO World Heritage Site — the sacred burial ground of Buganda kings, and one of Uganda's oldest monarchies made visible.

Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine

Commemorating the Christian martyrs executed in the 1880s; Martyrs' Day on June 3rd draws thousands of pilgrims.

Ndere Cultural Centre

Nightly performances of traditional music, storytelling and dance spanning Uganda's ethnic mosaic.

Owino Market

Kampala's bustling commercial hub — produce, clothing, electronics and handmade crafts, plus street food.

Kampala by Night

Jazz lounges, dance clubs and live music venues keep the city electric after dark. The dining scene runs from traditional matoke and luwombo to Indian, Chinese and Italian — casual street eats to elegant rooftop restaurants.

Natural Beauty Nearby

The drive from Kampala to Entebbe along Lake Victoria makes a scenic stop at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or the Botanical Gardens worthwhile, and Mabira Forest just outside the city offers hiking trails, birdwatching and primate sightings as a calm prelude to a longer safari.

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Lake Bunyonyi

Nestled in the highlands of southwestern Uganda near the Rwanda border, Lake Bunyonyi is known for its pristine beauty, calm atmosphere and 29 green islands, sitting at roughly 1,962m (6,437ft) above sea level. It's a natural fit for travellers seeking tranquility, culture or light adventure between bigger safari days.

A Scenic Paradise

“Bunyonyi” means “place of many little birds” — fitting, since over 200 species have been recorded here, including grey-crowned cranes, weaver birds and pied kingfishers.

Islands of Mystery and Legend

  • Punishment Island (Akampene) — a site of difficult local history, now a place of remembrance.
  • Bushara Island — sustainable eco-lodges and nature trails, popular for canoeing and birdwatching.
  • Bwama and Njuyeera Islands — once home to a 1930s leprosy treatment centre, now quiet retreats.

What to Do

Canoeing and boat rides by dugout canoe are the classic way to see the lake, with early paddles or sunset cruises among the highlights. Swimming is safe here, unusually for an African lake. Hiking through the surrounding terraced hills suits both light strolls and longer treks, and birdwatching across the papyrus swamps and woodland rewards patient visitors with species like the Great Blue Turaco. Cultural encounters with the surrounding Bakiga and Batwa communities round out a visit — village visits, traditional music and crafts.

Accommodation & Dining

Options range from rustic backpacker lodges to lakeside retreats, many with canoe rental and guided hikes included. Expect fresh, local food — crayfish is a regional specialty alongside matoke and other Ugandan staples, with sunset dinners by the water a highlight.

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Culinary Tours

For travellers who want more than a standard safari, culinary tours are a delicious way into Uganda's culture — from Kampala's bustling markets to the farms around Fort Portal, each dish tells a story of tradition and community.

Traditional Ugandan meal

Traditional Ugandan Cuisine

Matoke (slow-steamed plantains), posho (maize porridge) and ugali form the everyday foundation, usually alongside hearty stews, grilled meats or fresh Lake Victoria fish. Luwombo — chicken, beef or mushroom stewed in banana leaves — is one of the most-loved dishes. Hands-on cooking classes with local cooks, often starting with a market visit to choose ingredients, are widely available.

Market Tours

Nakasero Market in Kampala and Entebbe Central Market are full of colour and energy — rolex (a rolled chapati with egg and vegetables), muchomo (grilled meat skewers), exotic fruit and fresh fish all in one walk.

Farm-to-Table & Coffee Tours

Visit organic farms growing matoke, coffee and vanilla, and dine on produce picked hours earlier — in Fort Portal, often within sight of the Rwenzori Mountains. Uganda is one of Africa's top coffee producers, and a plantation tour through cherry-to-cup roasting and tasting pairs naturally with a day off from wildlife-watching.

Cultural Dining

A “Taste of Uganda” dinner pairs a regional menu with live music and dance; in Entebbe, grilled tilapia lakeside at sunset is a highlight, and Kampala's street food crawls take in samosas and mandazi.

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Plan your Uganda safari holiday

Plan Your Uganda Safari Holiday

Tell us a little about the trip you have in mind — we'll get back to you with an itinerary and quote.

What we stand for

Why Travel With Ameera Africa Safaris

Local, hands-on expertise

A Kampala-based team who plan, permit and guide every itinerary directly, rather than reselling a third party's package.

Permit specialists

We secure gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits in advance and handle the logistics around them.

Conservation-minded

Guides trained to prioritise ethical wildlife interaction and support for the communities around each park.

Tailor-made, not templated

Itineraries built around your pace, budget and interests — from a short gorilla trek to a multi-country circuit.

What our customers say

5.0/5 from 27 Reviews on SafariBookings

Independently collected, verified reviews — not ours to edit. See all reviews on SafariBookings ›

★★★★★

Praised the personalized service on her solo trip, singling out attentive guiding and a driver who anticipated her needs at every turn.

Leah
Kenya · Visited March 2026
★★★★★

Called the communication “on point,” and said the guide made sure they caught lions feeding on a buffalo kill — a trip highlight.

Sarah
Uganda · Visited March 2026
★★★★★

Spent 4 days in Uganda including Bwindi gorilla trekking, calling the whole trip “absolutely wonderful” and the guide excellent company.

Cindy
Canada · Visited January 2025
★★★★★

Travelled solo and found the whole team, from planning through guiding, responsive and easy to communicate with throughout.

Ilaria L.
Italy · Visited March 2024
★★★★★

Summed the trip up as a “101% Uganda experience,” citing professionalism and genuine care for customers.

Miloš
Serbia · Visited December 2023
★★★★★

Went gorilla trekking in Ruhija and called the guide professional, punctual and knowledgeable throughout.

Viktoriia
Ukraine · Visited March 2023
FAQs

Uganda Safari FAQs

Uganda is a year-round destination. The dry seasons, June to August and December to February, are generally the most popular for safaris and primate trekking, with drier trails and clearer forest visibility. The wetter months (March–May and September–November) bring lush, green scenery, strong birdlife, fewer tourists and more affordable rates.

Most international visitors need a passport valid for at least six months beyond their departure date, plus a visa. Uganda offers an e-Visa system for a single-entry tourist visa (up to 90 days, usually processed in 2–3 business days), and a combined East African Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for multiple entries over 90 days. A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required on arrival.

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry. Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus and Meningitis (in some areas) are commonly recommended, and anti-malarial medication is strongly advised. Speak with a travel clinic or your doctor well ahead of your trip.

Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing, sturdy walking or hiking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, a refillable water bottle, a basic medical kit, a power bank, rain gear for forest areas, and your travel documents (passport, visa, vaccination certificates).

The Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is the local currency. Uganda is largely cash-based outside major hotels, lodges and upscale restaurants in Kampala and Entebbe, so it's worth carrying local cash alongside a Visa or Mastercard — card surcharges of 3.5–6% are common where cards are accepted.

Uganda has over 40 indigenous languages, but English and Swahili are the official languages. English is widely used in government, business and tourism, and Luganda is the most widely spoken local language, especially around Kampala.

A handshake is the common greeting, sometimes with both hands as a sign of warmth, and elders are greeted first out of respect. Modest dress is appreciated in rural areas and places of worship. Ask permission before photographing people. Tipping is appreciated, not mandatory.

It's generally not recommended. Stick to bottled or purified water, which most hotels, lodges and camps provide. Boiling or a portable filter/purification tablets are good backups if bottled water isn't available.

Everything from budget-friendly stays to luxury safari lodges with park views, mid-range tented camps and eco-lodges, plus a full range of city hotels in Kampala and Entebbe from boutique guesthouses to international brands.

Booths from MTN, Airtel and Lyca Mobile are available at Entebbe International Airport, plus local shops and malls in towns and cities. You'll need to present your passport to register, per government regulations.

Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, either through a licensed tour operator or directly with UWA in Kampala. Only 8 permits are released per gorilla group per day, so book 3–6 months ahead for peak season (June–September, December–February). Trekkers must be at least 15 years old. Note: permit pricing on the old site was quoted for the July 2024–June 2026 window, which has now lapsed — confirm current UWA rates before publishing a figure.

Most international visitors arrive via Entebbe International Airport (EBB), near Kampala. Overland border crossings from Kenya (Malaba), Rwanda (Cyanika), Tanzania and South Sudan are also common for travellers combining Uganda with neighbouring countries.

Stay current on Yellow Fever (mandatory), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and Tetanus, and take malaria prophylaxis seriously with insect repellent and protective clothing. Drink only bottled or purified water, favour well-cooked food, and carry a basic first-aid kit for longer trips.

Mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, chimpanzees in Kibale, and the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino — rhino mainly at Ziwa Sanctuary) across Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Expect giraffes, zebras, hippos and antelope too, plus rich birdlife including the shoebill stork and African fish eagle.

Domestic flights connect major cities and parks for longer distances. Private car hire with a driver is the most popular option for flexibility, alongside shared taxis and minibuses for budget travel, and boda-bodas for short urban trips. Most safari packages include transportation as standard.

Appreciated, not mandatory. As a guide: $10–20/day for a guide and $5–10/day for a driver is common; 5,000–10,000 UGX per night for hotel housekeeping; around 10% at restaurants where a service charge isn't already included.

Yes — sections of national parks reserved for permit-holders (e.g. gorilla trekking zones in Bwindi), some border security zones, certain cultural or religious sites requiring local permission, and military-controlled areas. Your safari operator can confirm what's accessible for your itinerary.

Contact your tour operator or lodge immediately for medical issues — most safari packages include emergency support. Dial 999 or 112 for police, 112 for ambulance/medical help. Staying at a registered hotel or lodge and keeping your embassy's contact details on hand is also worthwhile.

A local SIM (MTN, Airtel, Lyca) is the cheapest, most reliable option. Many lodges and hotels offer Wi-Fi, though it can be slower in remote areas; some remote camps use satellite internet as a backup. International roaming works but tends to be expensive by comparison.

Handcrafted wooden sculptures, masks and beadwork from local markets (Nakasero Market in Kampala is well known), Ugandan coffee from Kabale or Fort Portal, woven baskets and mats, Kitenge fabric, and gorilla-themed keepsakes if you've been trekking in Bwindi.

Ready to Explore Uganda?

Tell us what you'd like to see and how long you have — we'll put together an itinerary built around it.