Face to Face with Mountain Gorillas.
Welcome to the heart of wild Africa, where every breath of mist carries the rhythm of ancient forests, and every golden sunrise awakens a symphony of wildlife. Uganda’s national parks are more than just geographical marvels — they are sacred landscapes where adventure, conservation, and raw natural beauty collide to create some of the most unforgettable travel experiences on earth.
From the mystical canopies of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where endangered mountain gorillas quietly roam beneath the cover of emerald green, to the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where elephants gather near crater lakes and lions rest high in fig trees, Uganda’s parks are alive with wonder. Each park offers a unique story — not just of biodiversity, but of ancient traditions, modern conservation efforts, and the promise of sustainable, immersive tourism.
Venture north to Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile explodes through a narrow gorge in a dramatic display of force, surrounded by giraffes, hippos, and elusive leopards. Or journey east to Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano with waterfalls, caves, and untamed hiking trails that whisper the secrets of time. In the shadows of volcanoes, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park bridges wildlife and culture, offering not just gorilla treks, but a connection to the spirit of the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers.
This guide is your starting point — an insider’s path to understanding where to go, what to see, and how to experience the very soul of Uganda’s wilderness. Whether you’re dreaming of walking among gorillas, gliding through papyrus wetlands on a boat safari, or standing beneath thunderous falls, the Pearl of Africa has a park that will awaken something primal in you.
So lace up your boots, grab your camera, and prepare to meet the wild — this is where your gorilla trekking dreams and unforgettable safari adventures truly begin.
Truly Iconic Highlights in Uganda
Trek through Bwindi’s mystical rainforest and meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their breathtaking natural home.
Encounter mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on Mgahinga’s misty volcanic trails, where culture and alpine wildlife thrive together.
Unwind after your trek with a peaceful canoe ride across Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most tranquil and scenic highland lake.
Enhance your gorilla trekking safari with an optional chimpanzee encounter in Uganda’s lush forests, adding depth and diversity to your primate adventure
Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda – Our Most Popular Itineraries.
Explore our gorilla trekking safaris for every traveler—solo, family, budget, or luxury. All tours include permits, transport, accommodation, meals, and park fees. Whether for a quick trip or a deeper adventure, we’ve got you covered.
National Parks—Where Gorilla Tours Meet Wildlife Safaris
Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, beckons with Bwindi and Mgahinga’s lush forests where world‑renowned gorilla trekking seamlessly blends with thrilling wildlife safaris and vibrant cultural encounters.
Top Uganda National Parks for Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris.
Discover Uganda’s top national parks—Bwindi, Mgahinga, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale—where unforgettable gorilla treks, golden monkey sightings, tree-climbing lions, and chimpanzee encounters come together in one seamless safari adventure.
Uganda Visa & Entry Requirements – What You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning a gorilla trekking safari or visiting Uganda’s national parks? Your journey begins before boarding the plane: with your visa and entry requirements. Getting this essential step right makes your trip smoother, safer, and more focused on what matters most—exploring, connecting, and discovering.
This guide explains the current visa rules for Uganda, steps to secure your permit, eligible nationalities, necessary documentation, fees, and insider tips to ensure you’re ready to enter the Pearl of Africa with confidence.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Uganda?
Uganda requires visitors to secure a visa unless they come from one of the countries under the East African Tourist Visa (EATV) arrangement—covering Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Kenya.
Nationals from Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan (residents) enjoy visa-free access.
Other nationalities typically require a single-entry tourist visa or the EATV.
Travelers transiting through Kampala (e.g., domestic flights) usually need a short-stay visa unless visa-exempt.
The EATV is particularly convenient for travelers planning to visit multiple East African countries during one trip.
Types of Visas & Fees
1. Uganda Single-Entry Tourist Visa
Valid for up to 90 days
Fee: USD 50–$100, depending on your nationality
Permits one arrival and exit
2. East African Tourist Visa (EATV)
Allows multiple entries into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya
Valid for up to 90 days
Fee: ~USD 100 (shared among the three countries)
3. East African Visa on Arrival (subject to change)
Some nationalities may be eligible to obtain the EATV upon entry at Entebbe International Airport or major land borders. Check current policy before departure, as rules can change without notice.
How to Apply for a Uganda Visa
Online (Recommended)
Use the Uganda eVisa system (“visa2uganda”) to submit your application:
Visit the official government portal
Complete your personal and travel details
Upload a digital passport photo and scanned passport bio-data page
Pay the appropriate fee by credit/debit card
Expect confirmation within 3–10 business days
Print your evisa approval letter to show on arrival
At Port of Entry (if eligible)
Some travelers can obtain the EATV or single-entry visa on arrival at Entebbe Airport or land borders like Cyanika, Katuna, or Malaba. This method is riskier (due to long lines), so applying in advance is strongly recommended.
Through Ugandan Diplomatic Missions
If you live in a country without the eVisa system, contact your closest Ugandan embassy or consulate to apply in person or by mail.
Required Documents
Be sure you have the following ready before applying or arriving:
Valid passport – At least 6 months beyond entry date and with 2 blank visa pages
Recent passport photograph (35×45 mm for online upload)
Proof of yellow fever vaccination – Mandatory during check-in or immigration
Travel itinerary – Flight details or tour confirmation
Proof of funds/accommodation – Bank statement, lodge booking, or tour voucher
Entry Process on Arrival
Present your evisa approval letter or have your visa issued at entry
Show your yellow fever certificate
Complete immigration form, unless your paperwork is complete
Be ready to confirm your tour plan, accommodation, and onward flight
Immigration officers may ask simple questions about your length of stay and travel plans. Honest answers and preparedness expedite the process.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Q: Can I apply for an EATV after entering Uganda?
No. The EATV must be secured before your first country entry; it cannot be added or upgraded after arrival.
Q: How long is the Uganda visa valid?
Typically, 90 days from entry. Extensions may be possible with UWA approval—though it’s easier to exit and re-enter with a new EATV.
Q: Can I extend my visa from within Uganda?
Yes, but it’s time-consuming and may involve official visits to immigration offices, delay, and additional fees. Exit and re-entry are generally faster and less complex.
Q: I’m traveling with a group—can I apply together?
Yes, the eVisa system allows multiple applications from the same trip—but each traveler must apply individually.
Q: Do I need proof of travel insurance?
While not officially required, carrying insurance is highly advisable, especially for medical treatment or emergencies during trekking.
Travel Tips & Best Practices
Apply online early—at least 1 month before travel—to avoid delays
Print your eVisa! Keep copies accessible during your journey
Carry yellow fever proof—no other immunization records are asked for arrival
Double-check visa type matches your trip—tourist, single-entry, or EATV
Avoid visa stress on arrival—park at immigration, not on your tour day
Keep photocopies of your passport and visa—store separately in case of loss
Know border times—land border hours vary; arrive mid-morning for smoother entry
Check dual-citizen rules—some travellers with dual nationality need specific visas
In the Realm of Giants – Bwindi & Mgahinga in Frames.
Wander through an elegant gallery capturing Uganda’s most exclusive gorilla sanctuaries, where ancient forests cradle the last mountain gorillas in a world of mist, mystery, and majesty.
Essential Planning Tips for Visiting Uganda’s National Parks.
Get ready for the wild heart of Africa with expert travel tips on when to visit, what to pack, where to go, and how to make the most of your safari across Uganda’s breathtaking national parks.
Why Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?
Uganda is not just a destination — it's the very soul of gorilla trekking. With over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas calling its misty forests home, Uganda offers the rarest encounters in their most authentic setting. Here, your journey is not rushed or crowded. Instead, you’re guided by experienced rangers through pristine jungles where gorillas live as they always have — wild, free, and magnificent
From insider travel insights to unforgettable trekking guides, our blog is your trusted path into Uganda’s wild heart — connecting you with mountain gorillas, breathtaking landscapes, and the soul-stirring adventures that make this land unlike any other.