Uganda Wildlife Safari Tours & Packages
Culture-infused, eco-friendly, sustainable, and regenerative mid-range to luxury Uganda wildlife safaris for nature adventurers.
Tailor-made Uganda Wildlife Safaris
If you love nature, wild animals, trekking primates, being in the wilderness, in remote lodges off the grid, Uganda's wildlife safari holidays and tours are just for you. Uganda offers you a combination of all: real, up-close encounters with Africa's iconic animals on safari. To help you plan your trip, here's our list of top eco-friendly and sustainable Uganda wildlife tours. Take a look!
5-Day Short luxury gorilla trekking safari (fly-in).
From US $2,496
Three nights in a cozy rainforest cottage. A day trekking gorillas and a another relaxing in your cottage.
8-Day Classic Uganda Primates & Wildlife safari
From US $3,865
Trek Kibale chimps, a boat ride and game drives in Queen Elizabeth and trek gorillas in Bwindi.
12-Day Explore Uganda's Wilderness, See Primates
From US $5,518
The best of Uganda's wildlife parks in twelve days including trekking gorillas and chimpanzees.
5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari (by Road to Bwindi)
US $2135 pp
6-Day Nature Walk & Gorilla Trekking Safari
US $3354 pp
5-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
US $2629 pp
7-Day Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
US $3730 pp
8-Day Off-The-Beaten-Track Walking Safari
US $6200 PP
9-Day Gorillas, Wildlife Game Drives & Boat Safari
US $3750 pp
10-Day Uganda Honeymoon Safari - Gorillas & Wildlife.
US $7200 PP
10-Day Uganda Gorillas & Tanzania's Serengeti Safari
US $8900 pp
10-Day Bwindi and Masai Mara Safari Adventure
US $7630 pp
11-Day Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari
US $4950 PP
16-Day Explore The Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari
US $14800 pp
20-Day Uganda Birding & Wildlife Safari.
US $11383 pp
You can trut these Uganda safari experts
Diana
Cathy
Cathy
We are Uganda wildlife safari specialists who will work closely with you to design a personalized journey that provides an exceptional experience. Traveling to unfamiliar places and dealing with complex logistics can be overwhelming, but with us, it doesn't have to.
Uganda Safari Planning Guide
Uganda wildlife safaris feature some of the most unique eco-adventures in Africa, offering more private encounters than celebrated African safari destinations like Kenya and Tanzania. This less-known East African destination promises immersive adventures, discovery, and unforgettable memories with its unique blend of rare wildlife encounters, incredible scenery, cultures, and sustainable experiences.
Uganda is a paradise for nature travelers, a land of diverse and intriguing ecosystems. From lush rainforests to expansive savannah plains and shimmering lakes, the variety is bound to excite you. Within these unique ecosystems, rare safari encounters include icons like the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, an incredible list of endemic birds and more not commonly seen in other destinations. Top destinations to include on your safari itinerary include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, particularly famous for its gorilla trekking experiences; Queen Elizabeth National Park for its classic game drives and tranquil boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel; and Kibale Forest National Park for the once-in-a-lifetime chimpanzee trekking experience.
Uganda, being a young destination, planning a Uganda safari holiday requires careful preparation. But with the proper guidance, you can fully enjoy its incredible list of eco-friendly experiences. In this guide, we provide a list of top-rated luxury Uganda safari tours and packages to help you confidently plan your adventure. Our safaris in Uganda feature luxury camps overlooking vast plains and eco-friendly lodges tucked away in rainforests, catering to every traveler's preferences.
GOOD FOR
Primate trekking & wildlife safaris
BEST TIME
Jun - Aug
BEST WAY
Planned tour package
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Uganda Safari Highlights
- Top gorilla encounters: Trek into the mountains and come face-to-face with the mountain gorillas in the impenetrable tropical jungles and on the slopes of the Virunga mountains.
- Best primates experiences: Awkwardly follow a wild troop of chimpanzees and spend unforgettable moments observing them in their natural habitat on a chimpanzee trekking adventure.
- Excellent water safaris: Cruise the Kazinga Channel or Victoria Nile and get close to elephants, hippos, buffalo, and big game.
- Uncrowded safari drives: Morning or evening game drives with an expert local guide to find the Big Five, tree climbing lions, and other exciting animals in the savannah parks.
- Top-notch birding spots: More than 1000 colorful bird species found within the most accessible birding habitats on the continent.
- Incredible adventures: Bungee jumping or rafting grade-five rapids on the Nile, hike dead volcanoes, and summit the snow-capped Mountains of The Moon.
- Immersive cultural encounters & ecotourism: Walk through native remote villages, meet Uganda's hidden cultures and communities, and experience evocative traditions on a cultural trail.
Best time for Safari in Uganda
- The best time for safari in Uganda is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and June to September. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny, and the wildlife is more visible as they gather around water sources. The dry season also offers the best conditions for gorilla trekking in Uganda, as the trails are drier and easier to navigate.
- December to February and June to July are ideal for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock to Uganda's national parks.
- The wet season, which runs from March to May and October to November, may offer fewer crowds and lower prices, but the roads can be challenging to navigate in some areas.
However, it is important to note that Uganda's national parks are open year-round, and each season offers a unique experience. Take a look at the month-by-month analysis in the boxes below.
Where To Go:
Best Uganda Safari Attractions & Destinations
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable is an ancient rainforest spread over steep ridges and valleys that form a protective habitat for almost half of the last mountain gorillas. It features on most Uganda wildlife safaris and offers the best treks to see silverback gorillas and immerse in local cultures.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth is the best park in Uganda for family wildlife safaris and big game viewing tours. Game drives will bring you close to the elephants, tree-climbing lions, and leopards, but just as well, boat safaris on the Kazinga channel have excellent encounters with thirsty animals.
If you have time, extend your uganda safari to these places:
Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo National is the smallest and closest wildlife safari park to the city, 230 kilometers outside Kampala. This small park is usually included on Uganda wildlife tours as a buffer between Kampala and Bwindi and offers decent wildlife sightings.
Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park is located in the northwestern region, a bit far from the famous western safari circuit, but worth a first-time visit. Here, you'll marvel at the mighty waterfall, cruise the Nile, and take a game drive to get close.
Kampala
Kampala is a place you must visit while on holiday in Uganda. The vibrant capital offers a diverse range of cultural experiences, including bustling markets, museums, restaurants, nightclubs, and traditional music and dance performances.
Selecting the best safari experience in Uganda.
If you're planning a Uganda wildlife safari Uganda, the Pearl of Africa offers you many options to choose from. Set-departure small-group safaris or private tours give you a unique experience that combines wildlife, culture, and adventure.
- You can go on game drives in national parks such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley, where you can spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and many other African animals.
- Unique to Uganda is chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and Budongo Forest, which gives you the opportunity to observe our cousin primates in their natural habitat.
- The highlight of Uganda wildlife safaris is the epic gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see endangered mountain gorillas up close.
- But you must not miss a boat safari along the Nile River or the Kazinga Channel that gives you a front-row seat to wildlife viewing.
- Cultural encounters in remote villages are worth extending your holiday trip to learn about the traditional way of life.
Top Uganda Safari Experiences
Trekking mountain gorillas
Trek through the misty impenetrable jungle to encounter the world's largest living primates on their own turf. Their sheer size and beguiling humanlike interactions will leave you spellbound.Chimpanzee Trekking
Trekking chimpanzees through ancient woods at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains for the most dramatic jungle encounters on the African continent. Uganda offers the most thrilling primate adventures.Wildlife Game Drives
Sit in the back of a four-by-four truck with large windows and open roofs custom-made for classic game viewing. Drive deep into the wilderness to watch your favorite animals, like lions and elephants, up close.Boat Safaris
Be part of the unique experience of watching wildlife behavior from the comforts of a houseboat, one of Uganda's top safari activities. You'll come an arms-length close to animals like hippos, Nile crocodiles.Guided Nature Walks
Leave the confines of a safari vehicle and venture into the big game country and backcountry trails on foot for hours or days, spending nights under the starlit skies at remote lodges and camps.Cultural Adventures
As a first-time visitor, you can experience Uganda beyond the gorillas and animals. Watch in on a traditional dance, visit hidden communitys, walk through remote communities and explore Uganda's diverse cultures.Bird Watching
For birdwatching nerds, Uganda offers some of the most accessible bird habitats registering over 1000 bird species. Explore Uganda's top birding spots, including naturally rich national parks and other protected areas.Mountain Hiking
Hike the Rwenzori Mountains' botanical heaven to the glaciated peaks, and summit the Virunga Volcanos through gorilla-infested rainforests to places where vegetation morphs into cloud-covered peaks.
What is the cost of a Uganda wildlife safari?
A wildlife safari in Uganda costs between $350 and $1500 per person per day for mid-range to luxury trips, including transport, meals, and guide fees, but not including permits. Take a look at the summary cost table below:
| Budget | Mid-range | High-end | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camps & Lodges per night | under $200 | $200 - $500 | over $500 |
| Restaurants (per meal) | under $15 | $15 - $30 | over $30 |
| Safari Vehicle (per day) | under $100 | $100 - $300 | over $300 |
| Local Guide (per day) | under $50 | $50 - $150 | over $150 |
Most Uganda wildlife tours offer an all-inclusive (full-board) per-person rate, including taxes, and assuming double occupancy. A few safari lodges operate on a half-board rate, and rare ones offer bed & breakfast except city hotels.
To plan a perfect private Uganda wildlife safari itinerary, follow these simple recommendations:-
- Your Uganda tour itinerary should include a night in the city, a day for traveling to the national park, trekking with gorillas, and visiting other national parks for wildlife viewing and chimp rainforests.
- Remember that traveling between wildlife safari attractions in Uganda can take an entire day and should be included in your budget.
- Your safari budget should cover flights, accommodation, food, and activities. To maximize your trip budget, consider traveling during the low season when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower.
- You can also save money by booking a wildlife safari package through a Ugandan-licensed tour operator, who can give you a more authentic experience and is often more affordable. These operators are now verified by trade associations to protect visitors.
Accommodation options for your safari
Uganda wildlife safari packages offer various holiday accommodation options for different types of travellers. Luxury safari lodges provide private rooms, fine dining, and exceptional service, while budget-friendly campsites offer a more rustic experience with basic amenities and a closer connection to nature. When selecting accommodation, consider its location and proximity to your destination national park and wildlife reserve, as well as the level of luxury and your budget. Some wildlife safari lodges offer all-inclusive packages, while others charge separately for each service. Take a look at our carefully curated list of lodges and camps that are perfect for wildlife safaris in Uganda.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
From $300 pp
The Lodge is thoughtfully comfortable and concentrates on cheerful African hospitality, which complements its superb location and function as the best base for gorilla trekking safaris in the south of Bwindi.
Rwakobo Rock Lodge
From $155 pp
Rwakobo Rock Lodge is a wilderness retreat secluded on a rocky outcrop at the edge of Lake Mburo National Park’s northern border. The lodge provides private getaways in the locally-styled cottages dotted around a massive granite outcrop, with stunning views over the wilderness plains.
Mount Gahinga Lodge
From $880 pp
Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mount Gahinga Lodge is an exclusive vacation lodge with a tranquil charm enthralled by the dramatic backdrop of three of the extinct Virunga volcanoes. Its rustic charm creates an absorbing atmosphere of tranquility and the region’s history.
Essential Information
Uganda is a great safari holiday destination with few tourist crowds compared to its neighbors. Group tours are small, and popular wildlife sites are still relatively unconstrained. The country's forested and game reserves are accessible to independent travelers, and off-the-beaten-track gems like the Ssese Islands, Katonga Wildlife Reserve, Sipi Falls, and Kasenda Crater Lakes are relatively affordable. Uganda has a healthy reputation for safety, with low levels of crime against tourists. Independent travelers face minimal day-to-day hassle, and the locals are warm, friendly, and relaxed hosts. Here's some essential holiday travel information to help you understand navigating Uganda.
Phone & Internet Connection
Many phone networks cover Entebbe, Kampala, large towns, and tourist areas, but signals may be inconsistent. Local SIM cards are affordable, and international calling bundles make it easy to call home. It's best to unlock your mobile phone before arriving, which can be done in Kampala but may delay your Uganda wildlife safari. Wi-Fi of varying quality is available for free in nearly all countryside lodges.
Health & Vaccines
When traveling to Uganda, it is important to have proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival at the airport. The Ministry of Health recommends Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, and those traveling to rural areas should also consider the typhoid vaccine. Malaria is a risk in Uganda, so consult with your doctor on antimalarial options. At the very least, sleep under a mosquito net at night and wear insect repellent during the day. It is also recommended to drink bottled or filtered water.
Safety
Uganda is generally a safe place for tourists, but it's recommended not to wander alone at night, especially in urban areas. Ugandans are welcoming people but hold traditional beliefs, so public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. LGBTQ+ travelers can travel through the country without issues, as Ugandans don't discriminate based on race and sexuality.
Money
When traveling around Uganda, use shillings to pay for items at local shops and restaurants. Larger hotels and tour companies may accept U.S. dollars and credit cards. You can withdraw local currency at ATMs or exchange dollars, euros, and pounds at the airport, forex branches, or local banks. Bills printed before 2006 may not be accepted.
Entry Visa
A three-month tourist visa costs US$50 and can only be obtained online at visas.immigration.go.ug. Applicants must submit a completed form, two passport-sized photos and at least three days before travel. You can not get on arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Passports must be valid for six months from the intended travel date and have at least one blank page.
Best Time To Go
Uganda, located on the equator with an average altitude of around 1,000m, is a year-round destination for wildlife safaris. March-May and Oct-Nov have the highest rainfall, but gorillas can still be found, although trekking can be slippery and slower. Accommodations and gorilla permits can be cheaper at this time. The best time to visit Uganda and go on safari is June-Sep, which is the peak season, but Uganda remains unaffected by mass tourism, and you won’t have to worry about crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Talk To A Wildlife Safari Expert
Diana
Cathy
Cathy
We are Uganda wildlife safari specialists who will work closely with you to design a personalized journey that provides an exceptional experience. Traveling to unfamiliar places and dealing with complex logistics can be overwhelming, but with us, it doesn't have to.