Best Time to Visit Uganda

General & Geographical Location

The Republic of Uganda is a landlocked state in East Africa with around 35 million inhabitants, the capital and largest city of the country is Kampala. The former capital Entebbe is about 22 miles away.

Uganda is situated at equatorial level and borders the neighbouring countries Tanzania, Rwanda, Congo, Kenya and Southern Sudan.

The country is part of the Commonwealth of Nations and achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1962. Official languages are English and Swahili.

Uganda looks back on a turbulent, more recent past that revealed its dark side, especially during the dictatorship of Idi Amin in the 1970s. But the subsequent regime under Milton Obote also brought drastic human rights violations and persecution of population groups.

For some years now, however, it can be said with certainty that the political situation in Uganda has calmed down considerably. Homophobia remains an outlawed offence for which a life sentence can be imposed. Corruption is also still a major issue at all levels of government.

On the other hand, there are the unique attractions of the up-and-coming Republic of Uganda, which is so rich in natural beauty and scenic drama.

Encounters with wild mountain gorillas, trekking tours through breathtaking national parks and rainforests as well as the high hospitality of the locals make up the magic of Uganda.

The highest elevation of Uganda is Mount Stanley (Margherita Peak) with 51110 meters, generally large parts of the country lie on the East African plateau above 1000 meters.

Climate in Uganda

Despite its proximity to the equator, the high altitudes in Uganda ensure a comparatively moderate, tropical-equatorial climate. The temperatures are therefore not extremely high, there are only minor fluctuations throughout the year and instead of the classic seasons, the alternating damp climate is mainly determined by rainy seasons.

Lake Victoria has a great influence on precipitation and the change between the dry season and the rainy season in Uganda. The first dry season usually lasts from about the end of December to the end of February, the second dry season runs from June to the beginning of September.

Conversely, the periods March to the end of May and September to November can be described as the rainy season in Uganda due to heavy showers in some cases. The (rather untouristic) north of Uganda has a significantly longer rainy season from about mid-March without noticeable interruption into October.