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Uganda
Uganda is often called the “Pearl of Africa,” a country full of dramatic landscapes, friendly people, and incredible wildlife. Here, you’ll find dense rainforests with gorillas, vast savannahs teeming with wildlife, and the source of the Nile. Whether it’s gorilla trekking in Bwindi, safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or a boat ride on the Nile, Uganda is a hidden gem for Africa lovers.
Midrange price level
14 hours
+2 hours
Ugandan Shilling
Adventure: High
Hidden gem
National Parks
From the dense mountain forests of Bwindi to the endless savannahs of Kidepo Valley, Uganda’s national parks are incredibly diverse. Here, you can experience gorillas up close, observe chimpanzees, or watch huge herds of elephants on safari. Discover Uganda’s wild side!
Discover all national parks
Mountain Gorillas
Uganda is world-famous for its mountain gorillas. More than half of the remaining global population lives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife experiences.
Nile & Murchison Falls
The mighty Nile flows through Uganda, plunging spectacularly through a narrow rock gorge at Murchison Falls. A boat trip offers views of crocodiles, hippos, and numerous bird species. The Nile is both a natural wonder and a lifeline here.
Variety of Landscapes
Uganda offers incredible landscape diversity: volcanoes, crater lakes, swamps, tropical rainforests, and savannahs all intermingle. From the glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains to the tropical Albertine Rift, you’ll find a unique mix of diverse ecosystems.
Bird Paradise
With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is one of the best birdwatching destinations worldwide. Particularly spectacular is the shoebill stork, but turacos, bee-eaters, and birds of prey also call this country home.
Travel Time & Climate
The best time to travel to Uganda is during the drier months from December to February and June to August. During this time, park roads are in good condition, and wildlife sightings—especially gorilla and chimpanzee trekking—are at their best.
During the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November, rain is frequent, and some roads may become impassable. However, the landscapes are at their greenest, and there are fewer tourists.
Uganda lies near the equator, so temperatures remain relatively constant year-round. In higher regions like Bwindi or the Rwenzori Mountains, it can be significantly cooler.
The chart shows average temperatures and rainfall in Uganda. Regional differences exist: the west tends to be cooler and wetter, while the east and north are often drier and hotter.
Travel Information
Documents
Passport
A Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry is required for travel to Uganda. The passport must have at least one blank page.
Visa
A visa is required for entry. It can be obtained online at visas.immigration.go.ug
East Africa Visa
Travelers visiting Kenya or Rwanda in addition to Uganda may use the East Africa Tourist Visa, allowing multiple entries into all three countries.
International Driver’s License
An international driver’s license is mandatory for self-drive trips. It’s only valid together with your national license and must be obtained from your local licensing office in Switzerland.
Vaccinations & Health
Yellow Fever
A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Proof of vaccination is often checked upon arrival at the airport.
It’s strongly recommended to consult a travel medicine specialist before your trip.
Malaria
Uganda is a malaria area. Preventive medication is strongly advised. In addition, consistent protection against mosquito bites is essential.
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Typhoid. In some cases, Hepatitis B or Rabies vaccinations are also recommended, especially for longer stays or trekking.
Good to Know
Ban on Plastic Bags
Uganda has a strict ban on importing, producing, selling, and using plastic bags to protect the environment and reduce pollution.
Traffic
Driving is on the left. Roads outside cities can be in poor condition, especially during the rainy season. Self-driving is recommended only for experienced travelers.
Facts
Area: 241,038 km² (about 6 times the size of Switzerland)
Population: approx. 48 million people
Capital: Kampala
Languages: Swahili, English
Time Difference: The time difference between Uganda and Switzerland is +2 hours in winter and +1 hour in summer.
Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US dollars are widely accepted, especially for tourist services. Credit cards are common in cities but less so in rural areas.