Hello Uganda – 6 Restful Days in the Pearl of Africa!

Uganda wasn’t my first trip of the year as I’d initially hoped, but I finally made it happen – and I say “finally” because this country has been on my wishlist for years, especially since we moved to Kenya.

I kept waiting for the perfect time to go – when it wasn’t raining, when my dream lodge, Lemala Wildwaters, had better rates, when I had more time to explore properly, when I felt mentally ready to tackle that overnight bus from Nairobi to Kampala. Somehow, the “perfect time” never arrived.

I’d originally planned an ambitious itinerary – exploring Kampala and Jinja, witnessing Murchison Falls, trekking with chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, plus a safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park. But the timing never quite aligned to make it all happen.

The Unexpected Push I Needed…

Then a family trip to Sicily fell through for me due to visa application issues. Scrambling to find an alternative so I wouldn’t spend my time at home wallowing in despair, Uganda suddenly became the obvious choice.

With its favourable visa policy for me as both a Nigerian citizen and a Kenyan resident, I realised the “perfect timing” I’d been waiting for was just an excuse. So I made my own perfect timing. Funny how things work out when you stop overthinking them.

Flight prices actually cooperated, too. Well, kind of. African travel isn’t cheap, and $350 round-trip for a one-hour flight each way isn’t what I’d call affordable anywhere else, but it’s about average for that distance on the continent. I was happy with it.

My Uganda Itinerary: Entebbe, Kampala and Kangulumira

Since moving to Kenya, I’d already experienced several wildlife safaris and done a gorilla trek in Rwanda, so I felt comfortable crossing most of those activities off this trip’s agenda. Rather than wait another year for the “perfect” opportunity, I decided to take the chance and explore what I could, and I chose to stick to Kampala and Kangulumira.

I spent 6 days in total in Uganda and it was a peaceful and serene trip. First, I spent a night in Entebbe, before transferring to Kampala and then to Kangulumira – close to Jinja, and finally back to Entebbe for my departure flight.

In typical Travel with a Pen fashion, I am starting this series off with some general information about Uganda. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing more details about the places we visited. In the meantime, my Instagram feed and stories are full of an exciting recount of this adventure. If you are planning on visiting, here are some tips to help you get started with trip planning.

Getting a Visa to Visit Uganda

Nigerian passport holders need to apply for a visa to enter Uganda. This is an evisa which can be applied for via this website. As a Kenyan Resident, I only needed to apply for the free Interstate Pass. However, I did not get this pass stamped while leaving Kenya and this cost me $50 in visa fees when I arrived in Entebbe.

In this post, I have written extensively about the process of applying for the interstate pass as a Kenyan resident. If you’re visiting from Nigeria or another country that isn’t visa-exempt, applying for an eVisa is a simple process that can be completed through the official immigration website.

Booking Accommodation and Activities

Uganda offers accommodation options ranging from budget hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury lodges. I typically book my hotels via Booking.com but for this trip, I found that booking directly with the lodges was a better option.

My accommodations were the main highlight of this trip. I found a serene retreat at Entebbe Forest Lodge, stayed in my colleague’s cosy apartment in Kampala, and spent a few unforgettable nights on a private island on the Nile at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge in Kangulumira. I’ll be sharing more details about each of these stays in my upcoming posts.

Best Time to Visit Uganda | Visiting Uganda in September

Uganda can be visited year-round, but the best time to go depends on what you want to experience. The country has two dry seasons: December to February and June to September. These periods offer the best weather for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing, though they’re also the busiest and most expensive times to visit.

The wet seasons (March to May and October to November) see fewer tourists and lower prices, but be prepared for rain and more challenging hiking conditions if you’re planning any treks.

I visited in September, which turned out to be an excellent time. The weather was pleasant – it rained about four times during my six-day stay, but it didn’t disrupt my trip at all. In fact, the rain was quite welcome, as it cooled the temperature and only came in light, short bursts.

Uganda – The Sum Up

Uganda exceeded my expectations in ways I never anticipated. It reminded me that waiting for the “perfect time” often means missing out on incredible experiences. I’m so glad I finally made this trip happen and even happier that I got to experience parts of the country in such a peaceful, serene way.

I had heard plenty about the traffic and chaos in the city, especially Kampala, but somehow I managed to avoid all of that. Instead, I enjoyed nature-filled getaways and the warmth of Ugandan hospitality everywhere I went.

If I ever get the chance to return and explore more of what Uganda has to offer, like the gorillas in Bwindi, the chimpanzees in Kibale, and the majestic Murchison Falls, I’ll take it in a heartbeat.

Do you have any questions about visiting Uganda? Ask away in the comment section below. If you have visited the country, I would love to hear about your experience!