Uganda Safari Guide
From traditional dance and craft markets like Owino Market to mountain gorilla treks, mountain climbing, and wildlife viewing tours, our Uganda safari packages cover a wide range of activities across Uganda’s national parks and top attractions.
We cater to every travel style and budget, and our Uganda safari tours and holidays can be tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you’re planning a longer safari or a short, relaxing excursion, we aim to make your Uganda safari holiday as enjoyable as possible, especially for those visiting Uganda’s gorillas.
Uganda’s National Parks
Uganda’s top safari destinations include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi. With our Uganda safari packages, you can explore all of these destinations while staying in comfortable, well-located lodges.
Why Go on a Uganda Safari Tour?
Your primary reason for visiting might be gorilla trekking, but it’s worth diversifying your Uganda safari itinerary. Uganda safaris offer some of the best wildlife viewing on the continent, alongside being one of the top destinations for gorilla safaris in Africa and the world.
Uganda is one of the few countries home to the Big Five, alongside cheetahs and ostriches, and its wilderness supports approximately 345 mammal species. Consider adding sightings of other primates, such as golden monkeys and chimpanzees, to your Uganda safari plans. Uganda holds the largest primate population in East Africa, accounting for over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, ahead of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You can find more detail on this in our travel information section.
Uganda Safari Activities: Top Things to Do
Visiting Uganda’s national parks: Uganda has 10 national parks and around a dozen game reserves, each offering a distinct experience. The tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector are found in only one other place in the world, Lake Manyara in Tanzania. Murchison Falls National Park is home to the world’s most powerful waterfall and the Nile River, while Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers the rare chance to encounter mountain gorillas up close. Kidepo Valley National Park is also worth exploring, known for its wide open landscapes and distinctive wildlife.
Mountain hiking and climbing: Uganda is a strong destination for both technical and amateur mountain climbing. The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, offer Uganda’s highest and most challenging peaks. Mount Elgon, Mount Morungole, and the volcanoes of the Virunga Range are also popular climbs.
Exploring Uganda’s cultural communities: Uganda is home to many ethnic groups, each with its own dress, values, and traditions. The Karamojong people of the northeastern region are a highlight not to be missed. See our Uganda cultural safaris page for more.
Gorilla safaris in Uganda: Mountain gorillas are an endangered species found only in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and gorilla trekking is an activity not to be missed while in the country. Bwindi is widely considered the best gorilla trekking park in Uganda.
Chimpanzee safaris in Uganda: Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best places in the world for chimpanzee trekking, and the only place offering chimpanzee habituation. If gorilla trekking isn’t part of your plans, a chimpanzee visit is a memorable alternative.
Together, these activities showcase Uganda’s natural diversity and cultural heritage, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous travelers alike.
Most Popular Uganda Safari Parks & Travel Destinations
All of Uganda’s national parks are popular for good reason, each offering something different. Some of the most visited include:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Uganda’s most famous park, home to roughly half the world’s mountain gorilla population, found only in three African countries. Gorilla trekking here is generally more accessible than in Rwanda, and more reliably open than in Congo, where park access can occasionally be affected by regional instability. Bwindi is a frequent stop on combined Uganda-Rwanda safaris, and travelers can find detailed feedback in gorilla tour reviews on sites like TripAdvisor.
Kibale Forest National Park: One of the best places in the world for chimpanzee tracking, and the only location offering chimpanzee habituation. The park is also a strong destination for birding, with a high concentration of other primates.
Murchison Falls National Park: Well suited to Uganda self-drive safaris, this is one of the country’s oldest and largest conservation areas, home to the world’s most powerful waterfall and the Nile River. Four of the Big Five can be seen here, and a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route adds the chance to complete the full Big Five on your Uganda holiday.
Kidepo Valley National Park: Located in Uganda’s remote northeast, this park is less visited but well regarded across Africa for its untouched wilderness, quiet landscapes, and wildlife not found elsewhere in the country.
Other Ugandan parks include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Semuliki Valley National Park. Many of these parks have nearby airstrips, making combined itineraries possible, including Kenya-Uganda safaris, Tanzania-Uganda safaris, and gorilla trekking paired with the wildebeest migration.
Planning Your Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Uganda has two gorilla trekking parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is home to over 18 mountain gorilla families, while Mgahinga, the less visited of the two, has just one.
Roughly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population lives in Bwindi, making it the top choice for mountain gorilla safaris. Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, each with its own gorilla families to choose from. If you’d like to combine gorilla trekking across more than one country, we also offer combined trip options.
Cost of Gorilla & Wildlife Safaris in Uganda
A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person. This price does not include accommodation, transport, meals, guide fees, or other trip costs.
The total price of your Uganda gorilla safari depends on several factors: your permit cost, accommodation level, trip length, additional destinations, group size, and choice of transport. Trekking gorillas twice means two separate permits. Longer trips naturally cost more overall, and larger groups tend to reduce per-person transport costs, since these are shared across the group.
For a personalized quote, contact one of our Uganda safari consultants, and we’ll tailor a package and get back to you as soon as possible.
Getting a Uganda Tourist Visa
Getting a Ugandan visa is straightforward compared to many countries. You’ll need to complete an online application and have the necessary documents ready in advance. Apply for your Ugandan visa online at visas.immigration.go.ug.
Staying Safe on a Uganda Safari
Uganda is one of the friendliest and safest countries to visit in the region, though the same everyday precautions worth following anywhere still apply: keep car doors locked, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, avoid traveling at night, and book with a reputable tour operator.
Best Time to Visit Uganda for a Safari
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry season. December to February tends to be the hottest period, while June to September is equally good but the more competitive of the two. See our full best time to visit Uganda guide for more detail.
Traveling during the dry season gives you the best chance of spotting wildlife and primates, since animals move more freely and visit riverbanks more often. Roads are also drier and easier to navigate, unlike the rainy season, when roads can become muddy and non-4×4 vehicles can get stuck, and animals tend to take shelter, making them harder to spot.
While the dry season is generally recommended, the wetter months often come with discounted rates on lodges and services, which can suit travelers looking to save.
Where to Stay: Popular Uganda Safari Accommodation
Uganda’s top lodges combine comfort with immersion in the country’s natural surroundings. Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is well known for gorilla trekking access, while Apoka Safari Lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park offers a more remote safari experience. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge overlooks the Virunga Volcanoes, and Nile Safari Lodge offers a quieter escape along the Nile River. Chobe Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park provides close access to the park’s wildlife, and Ishasha Wilderness Camp is known for its proximity to the tree-climbing lions. Together, these lodges cater to a range of tastes across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Safaris
What is the best time to go on a Uganda safari?
The best time for a Uganda safari is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when wildlife viewing is easier and roads are more accessible. See our full guide above for details on both dry and wet season travel.
How much does a Uganda safari cost?
The cost of a Uganda safari depends on your itinerary, accommodation level, group size, and the activities included, such as gorilla trekking. Contact our team for a tailored quote based on your travel plans.
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person, and does not include accommodation, transport, meals, or guide fees.
How many days do I need for a Uganda safari?
Uganda safaris typically range from 2 to 21 days, depending on how many parks and activities you want to include. Shorter trips of 3 to 5 days often focus on gorilla trekking, while longer itineraries combine multiple parks and activities.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Uganda is generally considered one of the friendlier and safer countries in the region for tourists. As with any destination, it’s worth following standard travel precautions and booking with a reputable tour operator.
What is the best national park in Uganda for gorilla trekking?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is widely regarded as the best gorilla trekking destination in Uganda, home to the majority of the country’s mountain gorilla families.
Can I do a Uganda safari on a budget?
Yes, Uganda safaris are available across a range of budgets, and itineraries can be adjusted based on accommodation level, trip length, and included activities. See our budget gorilla trekking options for more.
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most travelers need a visa to enter Uganda. You can apply online through the official Uganda e-visa portal before your trip.
What vaccinations do I need for a Uganda safari?
Requirements can vary by traveler and origin country, so it’s best to consult a travel health professional or clinic before your trip for up to date guidance specific to your situation. See our recommended travel vaccinations for Uganda for general guidance.
What animals can I see on a Uganda safari?
Uganda is home to the Big Five, along with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and around 345 mammal species overall, in addition to over a thousand bird species across its parks.
Can I combine gorilla trekking with other wildlife safaris in Uganda?
Yes, many Uganda safari itineraries combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga with wildlife viewing in parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls National Park.
What is the difference between Bwindi and Mgahinga for gorilla trekking?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has more habituated gorilla families and is the more established trekking destination, while Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has only one habituated family and sees far fewer visitors. See our Mgahinga gorilla trekking page for more.
How physically fit do I need to be for a Uganda safari?
Gorilla trekking in particular requires a reasonable level of fitness, since it involves hiking through forested, sometimes steep terrain. General wildlife safaris by vehicle require little physical exertion.
What should I pack for a Uganda safari?
Essentials include comfortable clothing suited to warm days and cooler evenings, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and specific trekking gear such as hiking boots and rain protection if gorilla trekking is included.
Can I self-drive a Uganda safari?
Yes, self-drive safaris are possible in Uganda, and parks such as Murchison Falls National Park are particularly well suited to this style of travel.
How do I get to Uganda’s national parks?
Uganda’s parks can be reached by road from Kampala or Entebbe, or by domestic flights to airstrips near several of the major parks, which can save significant travel time on longer itineraries. See our guide to Aerolink Uganda for domestic flight options.
Is Uganda good for a honeymoon safari?
Uganda offers a range of accommodation options suited to couples, along with activities such as gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing that can be tailored into a memorable honeymoon itinerary.
Can I see chimpanzees on a Uganda safari?
Yes, Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees, and is the only location offering chimpanzee habituation experiences.
How far in advance should I book a Uganda safari?
It’s best to book several months in advance, particularly if your itinerary includes gorilla trekking, since permits are limited and demand is high during the dry season. See our guide on booking gorilla permits in advance.
What makes Uganda different from other African safari destinations?
Uganda combines classic savanna wildlife safaris with mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in the same country, along with mountain climbing and cultural experiences, offering a wider variety of activities than many other single safari destinations.
