top of page

Best Places to Visit in Uganda by Season

June to August

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda's premier destination for mountain gorilla trekking.

Kibale Forest National Park – The best place for chimpanzee tracking and primate encounters.

Queen Elizabeth National Park – Famous for wildlife safaris, the Kazinga Channel, and tree-climbing lions.

Murchison Falls National Park – Home to the powerful waterfall and some of Uganda's best wildlife viewing.

 

September to November

Mabamba Swamp – One of Africa's best places to search for the Shoebill Stork.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – Ideal for birdwatching, primates, and nature walks.

Lake Bunyonyi – A peaceful retreat surrounded by terraced hills and islands.

Crater Lakes Region – Scenic lakes, tea plantations, and coffee-growing landscapes around Fort Portal.

 

December to February

Kidepo Valley National Park – One of Africa's most spectacular wilderness destinations.

Murchison Falls National Park – Outstanding wildlife safaris and Nile River cruises.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Excellent conditions for gorilla trekking.

Jinja & the Source of the Nile – Uganda's adventure capital for rafting, kayaking, and boat trips.

 

March to May

Rwenzori Mountains National Park – Dramatic scenery, waterfalls, glaciers, and hiking adventures.

Sipi Falls – Waterfalls, coffee tours, and panoramic views over eastern Uganda.

Lake Bunyonyi – One of Africa's most scenic lakes.

Batwa Cultural Experiences – Learn about the traditions of one of Uganda's oldest indigenous communities.

Low Season Travel & Seasonal Permit Offers

April, May & November

For travelers seeking fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and excellent value, April, May, and November can be particularly rewarding months to visit Uganda.

While gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking take place throughout the year, these quieter months often provide a more relaxed experience on the trails and in the national parks.

Forests are lush, waterfalls are flowing, birdlife is abundant, and visitor numbers are generally lower than during peak travel seasons.

 

Seasonal Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit Rates

During certain low-season periods, particularly in April, May, and November, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has occasionally offered promotional rates for:

Gorilla Trekking Permits

Chimpanzee Tracking Permits

These periods can offer excellent value for travelers looking to experience Uganda's great apes while enjoying quieter trails and greater lodge availability.

 

Why Travel During the Low Season?

✓ Potential savings on gorilla permits

✓ Potential savings on chimpanzee permits

✓ Fewer visitors on trekking trails

✓ Better lodge availability

✓ Beautiful green landscapes

✓ Excellent birdwatching

✓ More personal safari experiences

Not: Permit promotions are subject to Uganda Wildlife Authority policy and availability.

 

While June to August and December to February remain the most popular months for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris, many of our guests return from April, May, and November saying they loved the quieter trails, greener scenery, and more personal wildlife encounters.

Rather than asking, "What is the best month to visit Uganda?" we encourage travelers to ask:

"What kind of Uganda do I want to experience?"

Jack and Emilie

Need Help With Planning?

Tell us:

✓ Your travel dates

✓ Number of travelers

✓ Budget range

✓ Experiences that matter most

bottom of page