Broadly speaking, Uganda’s climate is divided into dry and wet seasons. The former extends from June to September and again from December to January. This is when traveling is easiest, as forest paths are clear and it is easy to spot creatures on the plains.

The country sees a significant amount of rain between March and May and also in the months of October and November. Few travelers head for Uganda during these months since forest tracks get washed out and animals scamper for shelter. Learn more.

If all you want is to spot gorillas, then a three-day trip to Bwindi should do the job. However, to fully enjoy safari experiences in Queen Elizabeth or Kidepo, you will be looking for itineraries that last at least one week. Ten days mean there is no need to rush away from the cultural attractions of Kampala, while any sojourn lasting around two weeks allows you to throw in a couple of days on the beaches of Lake Victoria.

The Rwenzori Mountains on the eastern slopes of Mount Stanley – Africa’s third-highest peak – are a must for anyone heading for Uganda. Culture vultures should not miss out on the collections of Kampala’s Uganda Museum, while those keen to experience the ultimate safari need to look no further than Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can spot tree-climbing lions, elephants, and hippos. A gorilla trekking trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest cannot be missed out on any Uganda holiday.

Head for Murchison Falls to see the force of the Nile funneled through a tiny break in rocks and round off your jaunt in the Ssese Islands of Lake Victoria, where authentic fishing villages rub shoulders with forests full of chimpanzees.