There are so many reasons why you should spend time on your gap year in Uganda, and not just because the Lonely Planet have previously named this country best in travel (although we do think Lonely Planet do have a lot of influence and have chosen some great destinations), it’s because Uganda is a fascinating country that doesn’t get recognised enough and one that we’ve been endorsing for a long time.
Featured Opportunities
Explore Uganda with G Adventures, discover the highlights of the country and make your gap year trip one to remember.
Gap Year Programs in Uganda
There are plenty of great travel opportunities to be had in Uganda, such as trekking to see the mountain gorillas, going on safari, white water rafting on the Nile and volunteering in local communities, doing work such as house building or teaching in orphanages.
One thing you must consider doing here is seeing Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas.
Tarzan-like, you’ll trek through seemingly impassable jungle for as long as it takes to come face to face with a family of gorillas. At last, muddy and weary, you’ll stumble upon them, and are then free to observe them as they munch the shoots and leaves, unperturbed. If you’re lucky, a daring youngster might tentatively approach you with shining, inquisitive eyes; or perhaps you’ll spot a gigantic silverback, king-like, watching you from his leafy throne in the bushes beyond.
Although it’s possible to arrange your gorilla-tracking independently in Kampala, much the easiest way is to book through a company. Some Uganda tours cost from US$375 per person, all-inclusive, plus US$500 for your gorilla permit. This may seem pricy, but believe us, it’s worth every penny.