Make your trip extra special by combining safari with cultural and active experiences: Lake Bunyonyi, with its 29 islands, can be explored by paddling in a dugout canoe to get to know the area and its inhabitants better. Tom invites you to stay at his homestay by Lake Bunyonyi, giving you a glimpse into real island life. Lake Mutanda lies at the foot of the Virunga mountains, a chain of eight volcanoes, perfect for beautiful hikes. Feeling adventurous? A motorbike tour through the green hills and the crystal-clear waters of Crater Lakes is a must. You can also take cooking lessons and stay with our partners Unity and Noah. The small jungle town of Jinja is known as ‘The Source of the Nile’ and is the prime spot for rafting in East Africa! Kampala is busy and chaotic, but a ride on the back of a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) lets you explore the city like a local. Besides breathtaking hikes and abseiling adventures at the Sipi Falls, here you will discover authentic local life. Together with Moses’s family, you’ll harvest matoke, roast coffee, and cook in a traditional kitchen. Need to unwind after all the activities? Relax on one of the 84 islands on Lake Victoria.

Curious what a trip could look like? Here are our favorite routes in Uganda: Uganda at its purest with the ultimate itinerary The must-sees of authentic Uganda

Uganda Travel

The pearl of Africa cannot be tamed! From the dense rainforests of Bwindi to the endless plains of Kidepo, nowhere else will you find such incredible diversity packed into such a small area. Here you’ll discover an Africa that still feels raw yet at the same time cozy and welcoming.

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Four people paddle a wooden canoe across a calm lake in Uganda, surrounded by green hills and distant mountains under a blue sky. The scene is peaceful and sunny—a perfect travelling moment in Africa.

A group of smiling people ride motorcycles along a dirt road through green countryside; the front two riders, one wearing a helmet, give a thumbs-up gesture.

A man with long blonde hair speaks to three men wearing colorful hats and beaded necklaces, standing outdoors in Uganda with trees in the background. The group appears attentive and engaged in lively conversation while travelling through Africa.

Why is Uganda the perfect country for you as a traveler?

If you long for a place that still feels truly wild and untouched, then Uganda is your country. Here you’ll walk through ancient rainforests that are home to gorillas and chimpanzees. You’ll cross the mighty Nile and hike through green highlands dotted with tea plantations and crater lakes. Everywhere you go, you’ll be greeted by warm, proud people with smiles you won’t soon forget.

Our team knows Uganda inside and out. Besides our headquarters in Kenya, we have a branch in Kampala. We work closely with local partners who share our passion for their country. From hidden mountain villages to lodges run by proud Ugandans, together we ensure your journey is not only special but meaningful.

For you, this means a trip full of genuine encounters where adventure and culture go hand in hand. Whether you travel with your partner, friends, or family, we craft a route that matches your pace and interests. We know where to go and how to travel best, even when the country faces political or practical challenges. With our experience and local knowledge, we make sure you travel safely and well prepared. For travelers seeking both adventure and connection, there is no better place than this hidden gem in East Africa.

Gorilla permit fees are being increased

A gorilla trek is a magical, unforgettable experience. From a lodge near the park, you get up early to head into the misty forest. The hike takes you right through the jungle (think machetes, lianas, Tarzan and Jane), accompanied by a tough ranger who tracks down the mountain gorillas. Sometimes you find them right away, sometimes you have to hike for about five hours before you find them.

A quick heads-up if you want to see the gorillas in Uganda: gorilla permits in Uganda are filling up fast for this year (2026) and there will be a price increase from 800 USD to 1000 USD per person from January 2027. So be quick!

Uganda is... Green!

The Wolff family travelled through Uganda with their adult children in 2022, resulting in spectacular footage and unforgettable adventures.

Luckily, we were there to capture it all on film! Watch the video and get inspired by this group’s route and activities.

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The highlights of travel through Uganda

Use the map and the information to check your favourite places.

Unique experiences

Make your trip extra special by combining safari with cultural and active experiences:

Lake Bunyonyi, with its 29 islands, can be explored by paddling in a dugout canoe to get to know the area and its inhabitants better.
Tom invites you to stay at his homestay by Lake Bunyonyi, giving you a glimpse into real island life.
Lake Mutanda lies at the foot of the Virunga mountains, a chain of eight volcanoes, perfect for beautiful hikes.
Feeling adventurous? A motorbike tour through the green hills and the crystal-clear waters of Crater Lakes is a must. You can also take cooking lessons and stay with our partners Unity and Noah.
The small jungle town of Jinja is known as ‘The Source of the Nile’ and is the prime spot for rafting in East Africa!
Kampala is busy and chaotic, but a ride on the back of a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) lets you explore the city like a local.
Besides breathtaking hikes and abseiling adventures at the Sipi Falls, here you will discover authentic local life. Together with Moses’s family, you’ll harvest matoke, roast coffee, and cook in a traditional kitchen.
Need to unwind after all the activities? Relax on one of the 84 islands on Lake Victoria.

Safari without a crowd

Safaris in Uganda are breathtaking, and here are our favorites:

Kidepo Valley National Park, in the rugged north, is Uganda’s best-kept secret for safaris.
Murchison Falls is the oldest and largest national park in Uganda. The powerful waterfall is iconic and also offers boat safari options.
Kalinzu Forest is a patch of rainforest and a more off-the-beaten-track choice, home to around 220 chimpanzees.
Of course, the (quite pricey) gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an absolute must.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and offers beautiful bush lodges as well as an exciting boat safari.

Uganda is accessible to all ages, though gorilla tracking is only possible for those 15 years and older.

Thanks to its pristine nature, it is the ultimate adventurous destination for road trips with friends or reunion groups.

Traveling as a couple? Besides all activities, safaris, and homestays, there are plenty of beautiful romantic places to stay.

Best time to travel

Uganda lies on the equator and has a tropical climate. Due to its higher elevation, temperatures usually hover around 25 degrees Celsius with a moderate breeze.

The rainy seasons are March to May and October to November, so it’s handy to carry a poncho during these months.

The best travel periods are December to February and June to September, especially if you want to see gorillas, ideal from June to September and in December.

Our favourite routes

Curious what a trip could look like? Here are our favorite routes in Uganda:

Uganda at its purest with the ultimate itinerary
The must-sees of authentic Uganda

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Blog

Hiking In Uganda

After much deliberation, the choice has been made: you’re traveling to the Pearl of Africa—Uganda! Untouched, off the beaten track, with little tourism and breathtaking nature. The local people will welcome you with open arms. An unforgettable adventure awaits! One thing that absolutely must be included in your itinerary: epic hikes through this stunning country.

Blog

Your Uganda Holiday: Tips!

Blog

Tour with the boda-boda through Uganda

Blog

Boda Boda: East Africa’s Motorcycle Taxis

Blog

9 Best Instagram Spots in Uganda

10.000+ happy travellers went before you

     
 
 
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   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 26 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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   RJ 
 59 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

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   GoeVerhaal. 
 66 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Merel Doreleijers 
 81 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

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   Martijn van Heest 
 83 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

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   Victor Bijlsma 
 153 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

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   Jasper M. 
 174 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

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   Casper Berkhout 
 260 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
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   Maikel Hurts 
 277 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

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   Wolfeew 
 277 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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   Hanneke 
 277 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

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   Jan 
 278 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

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   Tessa Tuk 
 315 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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   Lisa Snepvangers 
 329 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
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   Saskia Looijen 
 336 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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