When is the Best Time to Visit Uganda?
Published on: October 12th, 2017
Last modified: July 27th, 2023
Uganda straddles the equator and with an average altitude of around 1,000m, the heat rarely gets too intense so you can visit year-round.
The main draw for people visiting Uganda is to track mighty mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Seeing these beautiful creatures in the wild is an incredibly unique and humbling experience. You can trek all year round but the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking is June to September.
December, January and February are a great time to go for safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
You can track gorillas all year round in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, but during the rainy season (March to May and October to November) it can get quite slippery underfoot. The peak season for tracking is June to September so if you plan to visit then, make sure you organise your permit well in advance. The good news is, even in peak season the forest isn’t too busy.
Bwindi Forest is located in the Great Rift Valley and is known for its exceptional biodiversity. As well as the famous gorillas, it is home to the black and white colobus monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, vervet monkeys and baboons. There are also lots of different types of birds and butterflies, so keep your eyes peeled for the smaller things as well as the larger primates.
When is the Best Time to Go on Safari in Uganda?
The gorillas are typically the stars of the show in Uganda, but those looking for a more traditional safari should head to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The best time to safari here is during the dry seasons, from January to February and June to July.
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