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How to get a Uganda tourist visa: Uganda tourist visa online.

A Uganda tourist visa can be obtained online by application from your native country.

How to book a trip to Uganda. 5 simple steps

Select your destinations

Choose from a wide range of national parks, cultural centres, and tourism hotspots in the country.

Choose a tour operator

At discover gorillas.com, we shall design tailor-made itineraries that perfect fit your demands. we shall provide all the guidance and information you need before and during your safari.

Apply and obtain the required permits

Apply for your tourist visa via the ministry of internal affairs.

Make your hotel bookings

we shall help you make bookings with the best hotels that resonate with your itinerary.

Get ready for your safari

whether for a hike, a trek or game drives, make your final physical and mental preparations. Buy your favourite safari attire and here are our recommendations.

Uganda visa requirements

  • A valid passport valid for more than 6 months
  • Tour plan / travel itinerary
  • Travel itinerary
  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Yellow fever Vaccination certificate
  • Hotel bookings or reservation
  • Letter of invitation from host (if on a family visit)

Uganda visa application process.

  • Log into the immigration portal and start application.
  • Choose the visa type and category.
  • Fill and complete the application form
  • Upload the required documents
  • Make the necessary documents
  • You will receive an approval letter
  • Pick your visa at the airport

Visa fees: How much is a Uganda visa.

A tourist visa costs USD 50 before bank charges.

Uganda visa validity

3 months (90 days). 

A Uganda tourist visa is valid for 3 months from the date of approval and after that; the applicant is required to re-apply or make a new application

how long does it take to get a Uganda visa?

After application, a Uganda tourist visa can take around 5 days.

Uganda visa single entry

A single entry visa allows entry of one person into the country.

Uganda visa multiple entry.

A multiple entry visa allows entry for more than one individual into the country.

A multiple entry tourist visa allows entry for a couple, family of group into the country.

Uganda tourist visa extension

Upon expiry, a short term visa in Uganda can be renewed by a fresh application either online of physically at ministry of internal affairs headquarters

Itinerary Details

A Rare Chance To Tentatively Interact With Mountain gorillas And Chimpanzees

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Transfer to Entebbe Hotel

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Wild Compass Africa and transferred to your hotel. Take the time to relax and stretch after your long journey. Meals and accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Alternative

Day 2: Shoebill Excursion in Mabamba Swamp & Explore Entebbe

Wake up early for breakfast before heading out on a boat excursion to Mabamba Swamp in search of the elusive shoebill a must-see for birding and wildlife enthusiasts. Known as the "living dinosaur" or "whale-headed stork," the shoebill is one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife encounters. On arrival at the swamp, you'll switch to smaller wooden boats that are ideal for navigating the narrow marsh channels. The activity typically lasts 1–3 hours, with about 1.5 hours total travel time to and from the swamp. Return to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon. You may also choose to explore Entebbe town at your own pace. Visit the local markets, shopping malls, or unwind at one of the local bars. For nature lovers, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens is a must-home to a variety of bird species and rich botanical diversity. It is also the oldest botanical garden in Africa and famously served as a filming location for Tarzan in the Jungle in the 1950s. Meals and accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Alternative

The oldest botanical gardens in Africa

Day-3 Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Murchison Falls Top visit

Ziwa rhino sanctuary is the only natural home of the white rhinos in Uganda which had gone into extinction in the early 70s due to instabilities and serious poaching. Located on the same road as Murchison Falls National Park, it is a great idea to visit these massive creatures which will be the first highlight of the Big 5. Not only the rhinos, the sanctuary is rich in a variety of savannah bird species and other wildlife species such as bushbucks, warthogs, vervet monkeys, pangolins, and much more. The government of Uganda and the private entities re-introduced them back in the early 2000s and doing a great job to enable them to survive with a promising number and to re-introduce them back into the wild when the target number is hit. You will have a hot meal from the sanctuary restaurant and after that embark on your journey to the great home wildlife. Visit the top of the falls, hike, and see more wonderful aerial views of the falls, you will get a natural shower from the permanent splashes from the waters that form a rainbow. Feel the vibrations and witness how almost all the Nile waters are squeezed into a narrow gorge 8 meters wide and 43 meters deep, interesting how the natural turbines stimulate your happiness as you see the river flow gently after the falls. After viewing the strongest falls in the world, drive to your next accommodation where you will have a relaxed evening. Meals and accommodation: Pakuba safari Lodge | Alternative

Murchison falls of Uganda

Day 4 Private Nile Delta Boat ride | Game drive

River Nile links to the waters of Lake Albert where it proceeds to southern Sudan and Egypt before joining the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a home of several aquatic species both birds and mammals, you will be changed enough to spot hippos, elephants foraging along the river shores, crocodiles, lots of birds like herons, fish eagles, Hamerkops, kingfishers, and more so it's peaceful and among a major highlight of the safari. You will then connect to your safari vehicles from a different location after the delta experience, have a bush picnic, and later on start a real safari drive in search of savannah specials like lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and much more. Have a great time in the wild with no rush, you will come back to the lodge when you think you have had enough for the day and this will give you room to either eat a hot lunch or go with your packed lunch for more wilderness experience. Meals and accommodation: Pakuba safari lodge | alternative

lioness Murchison falls park in great view point
lion experience

Day 5 Morning Wildlife search | Afternoon private Boat ride to the Falls

Have an early breakfast, then head out for an exciting morning game drive and photography session. Your guide will help you track key wildlife, including lions and leopards especially if you missed them the previous day. After the game drive, return to your lodge to refresh and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a breathtaking launch cruise along the Nile, heading toward the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls. The cruise lasts approximately 2–3 hours and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep an eye out for Nile crocodiles, hippos, elephants, giraffes, and a variety of bird species such as carmine bee-eaters, African fish eagles, giant kingfishers, pied kingfishers, skimmers, and many more. After the cruise, return to your accommodation for a relaxed evening as you unwind and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Nile River. Meals and accommodation: Pakuba safari lodge | alternative

The Jacksons hartebeest
Murchison falls of Uganda

Day 6- Brief morning game drive | flight to Kibale Park | after lunch chimp tracking

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading out for your final game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Each day in the wild offers something new, you might spot wildlife you haven’t seen yet, so keep your eyes open! After the game drive, you'll be transferred to the airstrip for your domestic flight to western Uganda, bringing you closer to the primate capital Kibale Forest. The scenic flight takes approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your guide and either head directly for chimpanzee tracking (depending on timing and flexibility) or proceed to your lodge for relaxation. Later, venture into the lush Kibale jungle with a ranger guide for your chimpanzee tracking experience. Be sure to carry enough drinking water, a snack, and wear proper jungle attire. Kibale National Park is renowned for hosting 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, red colobus, sooty mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, mantled guereza, olive baboons, and more. The park is also home to over 375 bird species, including key Albertine Rift endemics, as well as 250 species of butterflies, and several mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and duikers. Meals and accommodation: turaco Treetops Lodge | alternative

chimpanzee
Chimpanzee showcasing his dental in Kibale forest

Day 7 Morning Nature Walk | Transfer To Ishasha Home Of Tree Climbing Lions

The western part of Uganda is beautified by lots of mountains and crater lakes, walk around the community, experience coffee making, and local gin making from the plantain, hike to one of the crater lakes, and later on drive to Ishasha. Drive through the scenic fort portal Kasese road connected to the savannah land of the medley of wonders. Have a chance to enjoy the open savannah and forest of maramagambo, it’s a great world out there driving 3-4 hours in the wilderness. High chances of spotting lots of wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs, and to birders it’s a great drive along Edward. Checking into your lodge and having lunch and relaxing, you will have an option of going for an evening drive or a sunset treat in the wilderness marking the end of the day. Meals and accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp

elephants in queen elizabeth

Day 8 Morning Game drive | Transfer to Bwindi

Search for tree-climbing lions at ease, and encounter more new species like the Topis, Ishasha is the great home of Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, birds, leopards, and much more. You will drive around this southern sector, go back to the lodge for lunch, and after transfer to Bwindi by road. It’s a great drive via the green mountains filled up with tea and coffee, and lovely people. Arrive at the lodge for an overnight stay as you are warming up for the gorilla experience. Meals and accommodation: Buhoma Lodge | alternative

Aerial view of the Bwindi canopies

Day 9 Gorilla tracking | Ride 4 a Woman project visit

Today is the highlight of your safari, gorilla trekking day! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing and to be assigned to a gorilla family. Depending on the group, you may start trekking immediately or drive to a nearby trailhead. Hike through the thick forest, navigating vines, slopes, and streams as you search for the great apes. The journey can be challenging but incredibly rewarding, with chances to spot other wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking jungle scenery. Once you locate the gorillas, you'll spend a magical one hour in their presence a truly unforgettable encounter. Face masks are required during the visit, and your ranger guide will brief you on all necessary guidelines. What to bring: Fully charged camera, spare SD cards, rain jacket, hiking boots, long pants, and long-sleeved shirt. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, take an optional visit to a local women’s community project led by an inspiring local woman. The initiative empowers women with hands-on skills that help them earn a living your visit directly supports their efforts. Meals and accommodation: Buhoma Lodge

A lady sitting right near the Male mountain gorilla in the volcanoes of Rwanda
Barb our client happily showcasing her gorilla tracking certificate

Day 10 Fly Back To Entebbe | Back Home

You will be driven to Kihihi airstrip after your breakfast as you will be saying bye to Uganda. The flight to Entebbe takes 2 hours shortening the long drive of 10 hours on the road. You will be picked up by our company representative and taken to your hotel of choice or airport which marks the end of the trip.

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Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival and Nairobi national park visit (1 night)

) Depending on where you will have an overnight stay, the driver guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the lodge as you prepare for an evening game drive in Nairobi national park in search of, rhinos lions, giraffes, and many others, you will also have an option of visiting the giraffe center or go for shopping in the city malls.

DAY 2-5: Masai Mara (4 Nights)

Prepare and transfer to Mara plains, where you have the best wildlife game viewing, enjoying a friendly Sarova camp with babysitters, swimming pools, a spa for the old, and entertainment for both ages. Have a standalone Masai Mara photo as you stand in the middle of endless landscapes have plenty of fun with complimented bush picnics, and sundowners, and follow the sunrise catch-ups early in the mornings. Explore the Mara River as you may witness the world's renowned spectacle depending on the months of June-late September as the wildebeest and zebras roam the yards. Have the aerial of the Mara reserve as you use the air balloon to have the best drama. Explore the Masai Mara warriors to enjoy the high jumps, unique dressing codes, bracelets, and unique stories.

DAY 6-9: Mombasa (4 Nights)

Have an early morning breakfast and transfer back to Nairobi for your next flight to the Mombasa coastline, have lunch at the famous carnivore restaurant before your departure, and transfer to the coastline as you enjoy the endless dry plains of Tsavo and magnificent sceneries. Check-in at Sarova white sands beach resort where you will have the rest of the 4 nights. Have yourself a good time during this 10 day kenya family safari, swim, play beach soccer, enjoy the health spa has early sunrises, take a short city tour if you wish, and see the chaotic tukutuku and historical monuments, have that coconut as you bask in the white sands. It’s a place your family will have the best time on warm Indian Ocean waters with your family.

DAY 10: Kenya Family Safari Ends

Perhaps have the last stroll of the white sands and the low tide before you proceed to Nairobi on your scheduled flight. Have breakfast and say farewell to the historically second largest in Kenya’s city

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A boat cruise in Akagera National Park

For magnificent waterfowl viewing, take a boat trip around the banks of Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second-largest lake after Lake Kivu. This is one of the greatest methods to tour the park and see the fauna that lives in Lake Ihema’s waters. This increases the number of animals you see on your safari game drive.  Keep a watch out for crocodiles, buffalos, hippos, colourful kingfishers, majestic storks and herons, Hammerkops and their massive nests, and prehistoric Shoebills during the boat launch. Jacanas, ibises, plovers, herons, malachite kingfishers, and other endemic species.

Boat Cruise Time and Fees

The boat excursion lasts about 2-3 hours between 7:30 am, 9 am, 3 pm, and 4:30 pm with an exceptional experience for the sundowner and the first light.

Tours of Lake Ihema can also be arranged by park managers which are also the best way to explore the lake’s wonders. The boat tour costs $40 per person on a normal schedule and $180 for a private tour. You may also go for a boat safari in Akagera Park, which is located on the shores of Lake Ihema for 30$ per person. Boat tours can be combined with a day or night wildlife drive to Akagera National Park. Note! All these prices can be changed anytime by the authorities 

Evening boat ride​

The evening boat excursion is at 5:30 pm East African time and is about a 5-minute drive from the Ruzizi tribe, pretty magnificent. Spend an hour on this lake, where you’ll see hippos and crocodiles and visit a bird-filled island. The guide is excellent, and this hourly rate is $40 per person. When the sun begins to set on a lake in Rwanda, all of your worries fade away.

about kyambura gorge 

Kyambura gorge is the only place within Queen Elizabeth national park where tourists can encounter habituated chimpanzees while in Uganda. The gorge is a tropical forest found on the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth national park. The gorge which is 100m deep, 11km long and about 1km wide, home to different bird species, primates, and mammals.

Kyambura River is the main water channel in this valley and most of the park animals drink water from this stream whose sources are from the rocks surrounding the gorge. Kyambura River flows and pours its water into the Kazinga channel which is the largest water body in Queen Elizabeth national park. chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge draws it to be known as the  valley of apes and this is because it’s home to a small population of chimpanzees and other primates.

chimpanzee Trekking

Kyambura gorge is home to a small population of chimpanzees which are habituated for tourists to spend some time with them. Chimpanzees are somehow related to human beings with about 97% human DNA and it's for this reason that travelers love to spend time around them and closely watch their behaviors.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge of Queen Elizabeth national park is done twice a day in the morning and afternoon, all sessions start with a briefing at the visitors center which is near the gorge. Here trekkers are taught about the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking and then armed ranger guides can lead them into the jungle. A maximum of 8 people trek chimpanzees in Kyambura gorger per session.

The trekkers are given walking sticks to help them go through the steep slopes and vegetation in the park. The armed ranger guides lead the trekkers down Kyambura gore up to the river down the valley. The search for these chimpanzees doesn’t take so long because the area is small. The moment the chimpanzees are, tourists can be around them for 1 hour.

During the time given to be around chimpanzees, one can learn about their habits, take photos, record videos, and watch the chimpanzees do daily activities which may be mating, nesting, feeding, breastfeeding, hunting, and resting among others. Apart from seeing chimpanzees, tourists to Kyambura gorge can see different mammals, primates, and birds that live in this area.

For any travelers to trek chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge, they must have chimpanzee trekking permits and these are sold to people above the age of 15 years. The chimpanzee trekking permits are bought from Uganda Wildlife Authority and travelers should try to book these permits in advance especially if they are visiting the region in the dry season.

What to pack?

Being a mini-tropical rainforest, travelers are asked to pack good waterproof hiking shoes, long cotton stocks, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, a sweater, long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved shirts, a light backpack, a hat, a pair of binoculars, a camera, sanitizer, insect repellents, sunscreen, drinking water bottle and energy giving snacks.

Where to stay?

Tourists that are looking for where to stay around Kyambura should know that there is a variety of lodges in Queen Elizabeth national park. The lodges range from budget to mid-range to luxury options and they include Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Kingfisher resort, Katara Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Pumba Safari Cottages, and Jacana Safari Lodge among others.

How to get to Kyambura gorge?

Kyambura gore is located in Queen Elizabeth national park and can be accessed from Kampala via Mubende Fort Portal or Kampala via Masaka Mbarara Kasese road to Queen Elizabeth national park where you connect to Kyambura gorge. Luxury travelers can fly to Mweya airstrip from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport using Bar Aviation Uganda or Aerolink Uganda.

Common Beisa Oryx

True desert animals are large with spear-like horns, thick horse-like necks, muscular, short manes, and compact bodies. The oryx is consisted of 4 species and the Gemsbok being the biggest

  • Scientific name: Oryx beisa
  • Habitat: Dry plains
  • IUCN status: Endangered
  • Adult weight: 120–210kg
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE ORYX

Quick Facts

Oryx beisa are residents of the horn of Africa and as well in the dry plains of Kenya in the Laikipia provinces of Samburu and Meru male oryx are pitted against one another in strength tests, female oryx prefer calving in private and they will hide the calf for about 2-3 weeks before joining the rest of the family. During dry spells, the oryx feed on poisonous Adenium plants as they prefer staying in grassland and bushland areas.

The beisa oryx totally change the homage system during the rainy seasons by avoiding tall grass and saturated areas. The beisa oryx are diurnal meaning they are so active during day time, however, these animals have the behavior of moving great distances to find perfect locations that they may stay in for a few seasons. The oryx takes 8-9 months to give birth and has a lifespan of about 20-22 years

Where to see oryx in Africa

The common beisa oryx takes more finding but occurs in suitable habitats across areas of Kenya and the republic of Tanzania

Top tips for viewing oryx

look out for the sharp-horned, muscular antelope in Meru national park and Samburu areas, the east African fringed oryx is found in the far south of Tarangire national park in Tanzania

Holiday ideas to see oryx

The desert dwellers are well visible and with distinctive colors, let's take you around for lifetime memories.

OUR SAFARIS

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