FAQs
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to February and June to August, to avoid muddy trails and ensure a clear view of the waterfalls.
Activities include hiking, waterfall abseiling, coffee tours, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with local communities.
Yes, guided tours are available, often led by local experts who offer insights into the history, culture, and flora and fauna of the area.
Depending on your starting point, the hike can range from 1 to 4 hours. There are different routes that vary in difficulty.
Swimming is generally not advised due to the strong currents during heavy rains, but the natural swimming at top of the second waterfalls can be accessible during dry or less rains
The main attractions include the Source of the Nile, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, quad biking, and horseback riding along the Nile.
White-water rafting is available year-round, but the best time is during the dry seasons when the river conditions are ideal.
Jinja is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Kampala, and the drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, there are various boat tours available on the Nile, including sunset cruises and fishing trips.
Must-visit parks include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (for gorilla trekking), chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.
Uganda is generally safe for tourists, with friendly locals and a stable political environment. It’s recommended to take general safety precautions, such as traveling with a guide in rural areas.
English is the official language, but Luganda and Swahili are also widely spoken.
The currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). ATMs are available in cities and major tourist destinations.
The best time to hike is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, to avoid heavy rains.
The hike is considered moderate, and it typically takes about 4 to 6 days to reach the summit depending on the route taken.
Yes, hiring a guide is recommended for safety and to enhance your experience with local knowledge.
Wildlife includes monkeys, antelope (rarely spotted) , and a variety of bird species, such as the endangered Lammergeyer.
Eastern Uganda offers sightings of wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, and various antelope species, particularly in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Yes, Eastern Uganda is home to a variety of bird species, especially around Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls. Popular species include sunbirds, African fish eagles, and turacos.
The distance is approximately 350 kilometers (about 7-8 hours by road), so it’s recommended to plan for overnight stays around Moroto to break the long exhausting journey on African murram road leading to the park.
Kidepo Valley is known for its lions (rarely spotted) , elephants, zebras, giraffes, leopards (rarely spotted) , and cheetahs (rarely spotted) , as well as over 400 bird species.
There are lodges, campsites, and budget accommodation options inside and near the park.
Murchison Falls is famous for the dramatic waterfall where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge, as well as its diverse wildlife.
Visitors can see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species. Boat safaris also offer views of aquatic wildlife.
The park is about 305 kilometers (5-6 hours by road) from Kampala. You can also fly to Pakuba Airstrip, which is near the park.
Yes, guided safaris are available, including game drives, boat trips along the Nile, and hikes to the top of the falls.
Yes, you can visit both destinations in one trip as they are relatively close. The distance from Jinja to Sipi Falls is about 130 kilometers depending on the traffic of the road. (3-4 hours by road).
You can combine white-water rafting and bungee jumping in Jinja with hiking and coffee tours in Sipi Falls.
Yes, you can find tour packages and accommodations that include stays in both areas.
Bwindi is most famous for its mountain gorillas. It’s one of the best places in the world to go gorilla trekking, with over half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas residing in the park.
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, when the trails are less muddy and more manageable.
Yes, you need a gorilla trekking permit, which should be booked in advance. The cost for international visitors is typically around USD 700 to 800.
The trek can be challenging, especially given the steep terrain and dense forest. Treks can last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located.
Essentials include sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, long sleeves and pants to protect against insects, gloves for gripping vegetation, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
Yes, there are various options, including luxury lodges, mid-range accommodations, and budget campsites located around the park’s entry points
Yes, you can enjoy birdwatching (with over 350 bird species), guided forest walks, visiting local communities, and exploring waterfalls.
Apart from gorillas, Bwindi is home to various monkeys, forest elephants, duikers, and a wide variety of bird species.
Lake Mburo is famous for its diverse wildlife, including zebras, impalas, elands, buffalo, and various bird species. It is one of the few parks in Uganda where visitors can go on walking safaris.
The park can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons from June to August and December to February offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Activities include game drives, walking safaris, boat trips on Lake Mburo, birdwatching, horseback riding, and cultural tours with local communities.
Yes, Lake Mburo is home to leopards and hyenas, though they are rarely seen. The park does not have lions, making it a safe location for walking safaris.
Yes, boat trips are available on Lake Mburo, offering a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species like fish eagles and kingfishers.
Yes, the park is easily accessible from Kampala by road, with the drive taking about 3 to 4 hours.
On a game drive, you can expect to see zebras, impalas, elands, buffalo, warthogs, and giraffes, along with many bird species.
Yes, there are lodges and campsites within the park, as well as luxury and mid-range accommodation options just outside the park’s boundaries.
Yes, Lake Mburo is conveniently located for combining a visit with Queen Elizabeth National Park or even heading south to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera, insect repellent, and light clothing for the warm weather.
Sipi Falls is located in the Kapchorwa District in Eastern Uganda, near the slopes of Mount Elgon, close to the border with Kenya.
Sipi Falls is approximately 277 kilometers (172 miles) from Kampala. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
The distance from Jinja to Sipi Falls is around 130 kilometers (81 miles), which takes about 3 to 4 hours by road.
Sipi Falls is located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Mbale, and it takes roughly 1.5 hours to drive there.
