Uganda lies astride the equator in Eastern Africa between longitudes 29^O east and 35⁰ east and between latitudes 4^Onorth and south, at an average altitude of 1,100 meters above sea- level. Uganda’s total area is 236,580 sq/km and it boarders Kenya in the East, DRC in the West, South Sudan in the North and Tanzania in the South.

Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is located in the geographical heart of Africa (East Africa) and offers some of the continent’s most diverse wildlife viewing, dramatic landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences. Uganda is home to more than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas, and trekking to observe these gentle giants in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the world’s top bucket list travel activities. Safari opportunities abound in savanna, forest, and wetland settings throughout 10 national parks, where visitors can come face to face with “The Big Five” – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo – as well as giraffe, zebra, chimpanzee, hippopotamus, crocodile, and more than half of all bird species found in Africa. Among Uganda’s extraordinary natural attractions are the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains; expansive Lake Victoria, which forms the source of the Nile River; and Murchison Falls National Park.

The age limit for gorilla tracking both in Uganda and Rwanda is 15 years. This also applies to golden monkey tracking only in Uganda. Please make sure that all members are 15 or older in order to avoid any inconveniences. We shall always ensure that before you book our Gorilla tracking Uganda safaris, you do qualify to have an encounter with the gorillas. The age limit for trekking chimpanzees in Uganda is 12 years old and children 10 years and older are allowed to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Gorilla tracking is limited to only 18 people per day and 8 people per gorilla family. The permits are available only for people above 15 years and can be obtained only from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices.

Gorillas are available all year through and can only be tracked in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park both found South Western Uganda. Tracking is best done and suitable during relatively dry seasons of February to March and July to September during morning hours.

Remember, of the few remaining mountain gorillas worldwide, Uganda has the highest percentage. Over 50% of the world’s mountain gorillas call Uganda home; including the famous Silverback and Blackback. Tourists stand a 90% likelihood of seeing mountain gorillas on their first trek in Uganda’s highlands.

Kibale Forest in Kibale National has the highest concentration of Chimps in entire Africa. Chimpanzees can also be found where mountain Gorillas exist like in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The Ngamba Island on L. Victoria was reserved as a Chimpanzees Sanctuary and tourists can visit the island throughout the year to enjoy these playful creatures and have a close experience with them. Other places to see chimpanzees are Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Some of the essential vaccinations required are; Yellow fever and COVID-19 vaccine, Hepatitis A and B, Meningitis, Tetanus, Polio, and Typhoid. Yellow fever and COVID-19 are very essential especially when visiting the Gorillas and Chimps but it is also recommended that you have all these vaccination certificates to avoid any inconveniences during your trip.

Yes! With effect from March 1, 1999, the Government of Uganda introduced visa requirements for all visitors entering Uganda. However, the following countries are exempted:

• East African Community (EAC) Citizens from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and South Sudan.
• Nationals of COMESA countries ( Angola, Comoros, Eritrea, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe)
• Other countries e.g. Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Fiji,Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Lesotho, Malta, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Tonga, Vanuatu, Italy (Only diplomatic passports) and Cyprus. For more information on requirements and exemptions, please visit; www.immigration.go.ug.

You can acquire a visa at Uganda’s high commission or embassy in your country of residence. Visit www.visas.immigration.go.ug to apply online.

Mountain gorillas can be found in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, all located in the southwestern part of Uganda.