British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once referred to Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” for its “magnificence, for [its] variety of shapes and colors, for [its] profusion of brilliant life.” Churchill was not exaggerating: This landlocked country in East Africa is a wonderland of fascinating landscapes and rare wildlife. It has a well-developed tourist infrastructure and excellent national parks that offer visitors the opportunity to get up close to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and more than 600 different species of birds.
Location
Uganda is located in East Africa. It shares borders with South Sudan to the north, with Kenya to the east, with Rwanda and Tanzania to the south, and with the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
Geography
Uganda has a total area of 93,065 square miles / 241,038 square kilometers. It is slightly smaller than the US state of Oregon and comparable in size to the UK.
Capital city
The capital of Uganda is Kampala.
Population
July 2016 estimates from the CIA World Factbook put Uganda’s population at approximately 38.3 million people. More than 48% of the population is in the 0-14 age range, while the average life expectancy for Ugandans is 55 years.
Languages
The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili, although many other languages are spoken, especially in rural areas of the country. Of these native languages, Luganda is the most widely used.
Religion
Christianity is the predominant religion in Uganda, with 45% of the population identified as Protestant and 39% of the population identified as Catholic. Islam and indigenous beliefs account for the remaining percentage.
Currency
The currency in Uganda is the Ugandan shilling. For up-to-date exchange rates, use this online currency converter.
Weather
Uganda has a tropical climate with consistently warm and pleasant temperatures everywhere except in the mountains, which can cool down positively, especially at night. Average daily temperatures rarely exceed 84 F / 29 C, even in the lowlands. There are two different rainy seasons: from March to May and from October to November.
When to go
The best time to travel to Uganda is during the dry seasons, June to August and December to February. At this time, the dirt roads are in better condition, mosquitoes are at a minimum, and the weather is dry and pleasant for trekking. The end of the dry season is also better to watch the game, as the lack of water attracts the animals to the water holes and makes them easier to spot.
Key attractions
Gorilla Safaris
Many visitors are drawn to Uganda by the possibility of tracking critically endangered mountain gorillas ( Gorilla beringei beringei) . These majestic animals are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla and are found in only three countries. Only 880 mountain gorillas are believed to remain in the world. Uganda has two populations: one in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and one in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park
Located in the northern Albertine Rift Valley, Murchison Falls National Park covers just over 1,400 square miles / 3,800 square kilometers. Here, chimpanzees, baboons, and colobus monkeys add to your primate checklist, while predators include lions, leopards, and cheetahs. River cruises are ideal for seeing the namesake Murchison Falls. Be on the lookout for over 500 species of birds.
Rwenzori Mountains
One of the best trekking destinations in Africa, the famous “Mountains of the Moon” offer snow-capped peaks, valley lakes, bamboo forests and ice-covered glaciers. The wide variety of different habitats allows for an explosion of biodiversity, including many endemic species of animals, birds, and plants. Several companies offer a variety of trekking routes through the mountains.
Kampala
Located near the shores of Africa’s largest lake (Lake Victoria), Uganda’s capital is a pleasant place from which to base your visit. It is built on several hills and began life as the capital of the Buganda Kingdom before the arrival of British colonialists in the 19th century. Today, it has a rich history and a thriving modern culture built on a foundation of lively bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Get there
The main port of entry for foreign visitors is Entebbe International Airport (EBB). The airport is located approximately 27 miles / 45 kilometers southwest of Kampala. It is served by several major airlines, including Emirates, South African Airways, and Etihad Airways. Visitors from most countries will need a visa to enter the country; however, these can be purchased upon arrival.
Medical requirements
In addition to ensuring your routine vaccinations are up to date, the following vaccinations are recommended for travel to Uganda: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. Please note that without proof of a valid yellow fever vaccine, you will not be allowed into the country, regardless of your place of origin. Anti-malaria prophylactics are also necessary. The Zika virus is a risk in Uganda, so travel is not recommended for pregnant women.