# Uganda > Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is the world's top destination for mountain gorilla trekking — with lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and incredible primate encounters. - **Type:** country - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//uganda - **Last updated:** 2026-07-23 ## Key facts - **Capital:** Kampala - **Best Time To Visit:** June–September, December–February (dry seasons) - **Languages:** English, Swahili, Luganda - **Currency:** Ugandan Shilling (UGX) ## Details ## Uganda — The Pearl of Africa A Uganda safari is built around primates: roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas live in [Bwindi Impenetrable Forest](/uganda/bwindi-impenetrable-forest), and [Kibale Forest](/uganda/kibale-national-park) has Africa's highest primate density for chimpanzee tracking. The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the easiest trekking. Typical trips run 3–10 days; our [Murchison Falls](/uganda/murchison-falls) packages start at $1,000 for 3 days. ### Uganda Safari at a Glance - Best for: gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, adventurous travellers who want fewer crowds - Signature wildlife: mountain gorillas (≈460 in Bwindi), habituated chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, Nile crocodiles and hippos below Murchison Falls, shoebill storks - Best months: June–September and December–February (dry seasons, easier forest trekking) - Typical trip length: 3 days (single-park highlights) to 10 days (gorillas + chimps + savanna) - Cost: from $1,000 for a 3-day midrange Murchison Falls safari; gorilla permits cost US$800 per person and are booked months ahead - Getting there: Entebbe International Airport (EBB) on Lake Victoria ### Mountain Gorilla Trekking [Bwindi Impenetrable Forest](/uganda/bwindi-impenetrable-forest) is home to roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas — approximately 460 individuals across several habituated family groups. Trekking through the ancient montane forest to spend an hour with these gentle giants is consistently rated as one of the world's top wildlife experiences. Gorilla permits cost US$800 per person and sell out in peak season, so book early. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers an alternative trek at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, with the added possibility of tracking the rare golden monkey. ### Chimpanzee Tracking [Kibale Forest National Park](/uganda/kibale-national-park) has the highest density of primates in Africa, with 13 species including a large population of habituated chimpanzees. The forest walk and chimpanzee encounter is a highlight of any Uganda safari. ### Which Parks Should You Visit in Uganda? - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — mountain gorilla trekking, the country's flagship experience - Murchison Falls National Park — Uganda's largest park, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-metre gap and plunges 43 metres; boat safaris to the base of the falls - Queen Elizabeth National Park — tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel - Kibale Forest — the best chimpanzee tracking in East Africa - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — walking encounters with white rhino, en route to Murchison - Lake Mburo National Park — compact park with zebra, eland, and walking safaris - Rwenzori Mountains — the "Mountains of the Moon", rising to 5,109 m; a UNESCO World Heritage Site ### How Much Does a Uganda Safari Cost? Our current published Uganda itineraries, per person sharing: Band Price (per person) Itinerary Midrange $1,000 [3-day midrange Murchison Falls safari](/safaris/3-day-midrange-uganda-safari-murchison-falls) Luxury $1,928 [3-day luxury Murchison Falls & Ziwa safari](/safaris/3-day-luxury-uganda-safari-to-murchison-falls-and-ziwa) Ultra-luxury $2,650 [3-day ultra-luxury Murchison Falls & Ziwa safari](/safaris/3-day-ultra-luxury-uganda-safari-to-murchison-falls-and-ziwa) Add US$800 per person for a gorilla permit and US$250 for a chimpanzee permit when extending to Bwindi or Kibale. Longer gorilla + savanna combinations are quoted through our [tailor-made planner](/plan-safari). ### The Rwenzori Mountains The [Rwenzori Mountains](/uganda/rwenzori-mountains-national-park) — the legendary "Mountains of the Moon" — rise to 5,109 m and offer multi-day trekking through zones of giant heather, groundsel, and lobelia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. ### Culture & Community Uganda is home to over 50 ethnic groups. The Batwa pygmies of the southwestern forests, the Karamojong pastoralists of the northeast, and the ancient Buganda Kingdom around Kampala all offer rich cultural encounters. For gifts with a story, our [African safari souvenirs guide](/african-travel-blog/handcrafted-african-safari-souvenirs) covers Uganda's barkcloth, coffee and conservation crafts — and what never to buy at the airport. ### When Is the Best Time to Visit Uganda? Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer easier trekking conditions. The green season brings fewer tourists and lush landscapes. Game viewing in savanna parks is best during dry months. ### Visa & Entry Requirements Most visitors need a Uganda e-visa (US$50, apply online before travel). The East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda on one multiple-entry permit — ideal for gorilla-plus-Mara combinations. Uganda requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from all travellers over one year of age. Passports should be valid for six months beyond arrival. ### Is Uganda Safe for a Safari? Yes — Uganda's main tourism circuit (Entebbe, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi) is well established, and gorilla treks are always accompanied by Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides. Roads are long and winding, which is why our itineraries build in realistic driving times or internal flights. We monitor conditions continuously and route all trips through vetted lodges. ### Is Uganda Good for Families? Uganda suits families with teenagers: the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15, and chimp tracking is 12. Younger children still enjoy Murchison's boat safaris, the [Ziwa rhino walking encounter](/uganda/ziwa-rhino-and-wildlife-ranch), and Lake Mburo's short game drives — ask us to design an age-appropriate route. ### Recommended Uganda Itineraries - 3-day midrange Murchison Falls safari — $1,000 · the Nile, the falls and big game - 3-day luxury Murchison Falls & Ziwa safari — $1,928 · adds rhino tracking on foot - 3-day ultra-luxury Murchison Falls & Ziwa safari — $2,650 · premium river lodges - Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & Rwanda multi-country safari — combine gorillas with the Mara and Serengeti ### Getting There Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is Uganda's main gateway, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Domestic flights connect to Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Uganda good for a first safari in 2026? Yes, especially for travellers prioritising primates, varied landscapes and fewer crowds than Kenya or Tanzania. Uganda is best paired with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls. ### When is the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the driest and easiest trekking months are generally June to September and December to February. As of 22 June 2026, Uganda is entering one of the best trekking windows. ### Where is the best place to see gorillas in Uganda? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers the widest choice of habituated gorilla families across Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is smaller and scenic, with the added possibility of golden monkey tracking in the Virunga foothills. ### How many days do you need for a Uganda safari? A focused gorilla itinerary can be done in 4–5 days, but 8–12 days is better for combining Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Add Kidepo Valley or the Rwenzori Mountains if you have 12–14+ days. ### Is Uganda better than Rwanda for gorilla trekking? Uganda usually offers more varied safari combinations and a lower gorilla permit cost, while Rwanda is often logistically simpler for short luxury trips. Uganda suits travellers who want gorillas plus chimpanzees, boat safaris, savannah wildlife and remote wilderness. ### Can you combine Uganda with Kenya or Tanzania? Yes. Many travellers combine Uganda gorilla trekking with the Maasai Mara, Serengeti or Zanzibar using regional flights through Entebbe, Nairobi, Arusha or Kigali. This works particularly well for honeymoons, migration safaris and longer East Africa itineraries. ### Is July 2026 a good time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking? Yes. July sits within Uganda’s June–September dry season, when forest trails in Bwindi and Mgahinga are typically less muddy and trekking conditions are more manageable. Permits should be booked well ahead because this is a popular travel period. ### Can I see chimpanzees and gorillas on the same Uganda safari? Yes. A popular itinerary combines chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Many trips also add Queen Elizabeth National Park for Kazinga Channel boat safaris and Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions. ### Is Uganda only for primate safaris? No. Uganda is famous for gorillas and chimpanzees, but it also offers Nile boat safaris, lion and elephant sightings, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, zebra and eland in Lake Mburo, remote wilderness in Kidepo Valley and high-altitude trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains. ### What airport do you fly into for a Uganda safari? Most international travellers arrive at Entebbe International Airport on Lake Victoria. From Entebbe or Kampala, safaris continue by road or by scheduled and charter flights to airstrips serving Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley. ### What wildlife can you see in Uganda besides gorillas? Uganda offers chimpanzees, golden monkeys, elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, Rothschild’s giraffes, shoebill storks, lions including Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions, and rare dry-country species such as cheetah and ostrich in Kidepo Valley. ### When should I book gorilla permits for 2027? As early as possible — Uganda issues a limited number of gorilla trekking permits per day for Bwindi, and peak-season dates (June–September, December–February) can sell out many months ahead. We secure permits as soon as your booking is confirmed, so for a 2027 trek we recommend confirming 6–12 months before travel. Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and we always quote the current official rate. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.