Safari Country
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, and Kibale Forest 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 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 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 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 |
| Luxury | $1,928 | 3-day luxury Murchison Falls & Ziwa safari |
| Ultra-luxury | $2,650 | 3-day ultra-luxury Murchison Falls & Ziwa safari |
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.
The Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains — 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 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, 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.
