Why visit
Uganda is gorilla trekking in Bwindi's Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzees in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth, and the Nile exploding out of Lake Victoria at Jinja, East Africa's adventure-sports base.
Country - Africa
Uganda
natureadventureculture
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Uganda works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Kampala as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Uganda.
At a glance
Location
1.0°, 32.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
241,550 km²
93,263 mi²
Country population
48.6 million
201/km²
Subregion
Eastern Africa
Currency
Ugandan shilling (Sh)
UGX
Dial
+256
Languages
English, Swahili
Demonym
Ugandan
Internet
.ug
UN
Member state
ISO code
UG / UGA
Where in the world
1.0° - 32.0°
Uganda
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Uganda is the source of the Nile: Lake Victoria is the Nile's principal source.
- The Rwenzori Mountains, the "Mountains of the Moon," have glaciers despite being on the equator.
- Uganda hosts over half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Bordering Uganda
Traveler notes
- Gorilla permits cost less than Rwanda's and sell out in peak months
- Murchison Falls forces the Nile through a 7 m gap
- Jinja runs grade-five white-water rafting on the Nile
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Kampala, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Uganda
What is the capital of Uganda?
Kampala is the capital of Uganda.
What currency does Uganda use?
Uganda uses the Ugandan shilling (Sh), ISO code UGX.
What languages are spoken in Uganda?
The primary languages are English and Swahili.
Is Uganda landlocked?
Yes, Uganda is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Uganda?
Uganda borders Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania.
What is the international calling code for Uganda?
The calling code is +256.
When is the best time to visit Uganda?
Jun–Aug, Dec–Feb. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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