When is the best time to visit Uganda?
Read our advice on the best time to visit Uganda for a luxury safari holiday
Uganda luxury safaris are excellent throughout the year
The driest time of year is June to October and again from January to February.
These months provide the most ideal conditions for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, as well as traditional safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
June - October
Dry season conditions make everything easy
Having peaked in April, the rains subside and Uganda enjoys its longest, dry spell of the year.
Conditions are at their best for the gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking activities that Uganda is famous for.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is at its most, well, penetrable. Therefore, the long hike to find the gorillas can be a little easier.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the dry conditions make spotting the widlife more straightforward, particularly the tree-dwelling lions.
November - December
Short rains bring bursts of green
November brings the onset of the ‘short rains’, particularly in the south and west of the country.
Rains fall throughout East Africa in November, which reinvigorates the vegetation in the verdant forests of western Uganda, bringing many colourful migratory birds to the country.
Wildlife can be harder to spot on safari, and trekking conditions become more difficult. However, the plus side is that few tourists visit, so many excellent value offers are available.
By early December, the rains have usually past and the peak festive season brings. Late December gets very busy, so it’s wise to book ahead.
January - February
The hot, short dry season
January and February are fantastic months to visit Uganda. Warm days and nights, little rain, and much fewer visitors than the peak season months.
This is Uganda at its hottest, but it’s still very pleasant due to the high altitude climate.
Conditions for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and big game safaris are excellent.
Birds are in abundance, which makes this a great time of year to participate in forest walks, boat safaris along the Kazinga channel and some of the other less well known activities enjoyed in Uganda.
March - May
Green season
March ushers in the beginning of the wettest time of the year. The ‘long rains’ bring the forests to life, with lush vegetation to be found throughout the country.
Rain usually peaks in April, and by the time May arrives conditions have dried out considerably. Whilst conditions are not as ideal for gorilla trekking, the gorillas themselves do tend to make things easier by inhabiting the lower areas of the mountains at this time.
Parks are quieter and availability at popular spots is much easier to find. This is also the perfect time for a bird safari, for which Uganda is particularly exceptional.
Itinerary ideas
Suggested itineraries for your luxury Uganda safari
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Western Uganda safari holiday
Combine great apes with big game safari for the ultimate experience in Uganda’s western highlands.
More InfoGuide Price From £5,050 | $6,985 per person (based on 2 adults sharing) Duration 7 nights Best Months June - February Region Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Entebbe, ![shutterstock_615201527.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale]()
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Uganda gorillas and chimps safari
Get up close and personal with the great apes in the Pearl of Africa.
More InfoGuide Price From £4,995 | $6,850 per person (based on 2 adults sharing) Duration 7 nights Best Months June - February Region Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale National Park, Entebbe, ![shutterstock_573115675.jpg?w=1024&h=683&scale]()
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Uganda luxury gorilla and lion safari
Experience two of Uganda’s greatest wildlife spectacles from the comfort of two authentic, luxury tented camps.
More InfoGuide Price From £3,880 | $5,320 per person (based on 2 adults sharing) Duration 6 nights Best Months June - February Region Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Entebbe, ![shutterstock_1575588874.jpg?w=1024&h=683&scale]()
Experiences
Unforgettable Uganda safari holiday experiences
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Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
