Uganda Waterfalls & Safaris

Uganda waterfall safaris start with the water. No other country lets you follow the Nile from its source at Jinja to the most powerful waterfall in Africa at Murchison Falls. Add Sipi Falls on Mount Elgon, Kisiizi in the south-west, and Uganda's headline primates: mountain gorillas in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kibale. The shoebill, the bird every birder wants, lives in the papyrus of the Murchison delta and the Mabamba wetland.

When to visit Uganda

Best time: December–February and June–September. Waterfalls and wildlife peak at different times, so plan around both; see the seasonal calendar.

National parks to pair with the falls

• Murchison Falls National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Kibale National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park

Planning a trip to Uganda

A classic Uganda waterfall safari runs from about seven to twelve days: the source of the Nile at Jinja, Sipi Falls on Mount Elgon, Murchison Falls for the Nile and big game, Kibale for chimpanzees and Bwindi for mountain gorillas. Murchison Falls alone works as a three- or four-day trip from Kampala or Entebbe. Distances are long and roads are slow, so allow full travel days.

Practical tips

The currency is the Ugandan shilling; newer, undamaged US dollar notes are the easiest to exchange. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits must be booked in advance and are limited. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, and malaria prevention is advised. Visa, health and entry rules change, so check official advice for your nationality before you book.

Getting to Uganda

Fly into Entebbe (EBB). Most visitors use an e-visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa, which also covers Rwanda and Kenya. A yellow fever certificate is required. Most trips start from Entebbe and Jinja, at the source of the Nile. Visa rules change, so check them for your passport before travel. Read Plan your trip for visas, health and packing, and the waterfall safari FAQs for quick answers.