Uganda Safaris
Exploring The Pearl of Africa's Untamed Beauty: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Wildlife Safaris in Uganda.
good for
Primate trekking & boat safaris
Best Time
Jun - Aug
Trip Types
Packages
Uganda Safaris promises unforgettable vacation adventures combined with breathtaking landscapes, exotic wildlife, and thrilling experiences. With its diverse range of habitats and wildlife, Uganda is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. But planning a safari can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. That's why we've created the ultimate guide to planning your dream Ugandasafaris adventure. From choosing the best time to visit to selecting the right safari package, we'll provide you with all the information you need to make your safari experience unforgettable. Whether you're interested in tracking mountain gorillas, spotting the Big Five, or exploring the stunning landscapes of Uganda, our Uganda Wildlife Safaris guide will help you plan the perfect safari adventure. So, let's get started on making your dreams a reality!
Highlights
The unique wildlife attractions in Uganda attract many first-time safari adventurers eager to explore these outstanding highlights.
- Top gorilla encounters: Trek into the mountains and come face-to-face with a 400-pound silverback mountain gorilla in the impenetrable jungles and on the bamboo-clumped slopes of the Virunga mountains.
- Best chimps experiences: Awkwardly follow a narrow rainforest trail, listening out for a heart-throbbing pant-hoot chorusing 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: Embark on a morning or evening game drive 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: Marvel at more than 1000 colorful bird species found within the most accessible birding habitats on the continent.
- Incredible adventures: Go 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 Uganda Wildlife Safaris
The best time for safaris 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.
Tailor-made Uganda Safari Packages
If you love nature or enjoy wildlife adventures, don't miss the incredible opportunity to have up-close encounters with Africa's iconic animals on a safari in Uganda. To help you plan your trip, browse this list of top eco-friendly and sustainable Uganda wildlife tour packages. Take a look!
Short luxury gorilla safari in bwindi Impenetrable.
5 Days | From US $2,426
Includes
Permits, Accommodation, Meals, Transport.
Primates: Gorillas, Chimps, & Wildlife Safari
8 Days | From US $3,865
Includes
Permits, Accommodation, Meals, Transport.
Explore Uganda's Wilderness, See Primates on this trip
12 Days | From US $5,518
Includes
Permits, Accommodation, Meals, Transport.
Gorilla Trekking Safari & Road Trip Across The Country
5 Days
Gorilla Trekking Safari & Nature Walking Trails
6 Days
Trekking Gorillas & Golden Monkeys in Southwestern Uganda
7 Days
Off-the-beaten-track safari in southwestern Uganda
8 Days
Chimpanzee, Gorilla trekking and Wildlife Safari
9 Days
Honeymoon safari: the nile, chimps, gorillas & wildlife.
10 Days
Explore Uganda's Rich birdlife, gorillas and wildlife safari
11 Days
Expedition Uganda; safari across the country's wildlife national parks
16 Days
Wildlife & bird watching across Uganda's top birding destinations.
20 Days
Luxury Gorilla Safari in Uganda
9 Days
All-inclusive Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
12 Days
Explore Uganda The Pearl of Africa Adventure
16 Days
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari, Uganda & Tanzania
10 Days
Bwindi and Masai Mara Safari Adventure
10 Days
Kigali-Bwindi Gorilla Safari: Uganda and Rwanda Tour
5 Days
Destinations you must visit
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 tours 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 a family safari and big game viewing tours. Game drives will bring you close to the elephants, tree climbing lions, leopards, but just as well, boat safaris on the Kazinga channel have excellent encounters with thirsty animals.
If you have time, extend your safari to:

Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo National is the smallest and closest wildlife park to the city, 230 kilometers outside Kampala. This small park is usually included on Ugandasafaris 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 must-visit destination in Uganda, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, including bustling markets, national museums, restaurants, nightclubs, and traditional music and dance performances at the Ndere Cultural Centre.
Selecting the best safari experience in Uganda.
When planning a safari in Uganda, choose from guided group tours or private tours for a unique experience that combines wildlife, culture, and adventure. Game drives in national parks such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley offer sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, and more. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and Budongo Forest provides an opportunity to observe these primates in their natural habitat. And, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park gives a chance to see endangered mountain gorillas up close. Visitors can also enjoy a boat safari along the Nile River and Kazinga Channel or experience cultural encounters in remote villages to learn about traditional ways.

Meet the locals and explore cultures
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.
What is the cost of safari in Uganda?
It costs between $350 and $1500 per person per day to go on safari in Uganda, including transport, meals, and guide fees, but not permits. Take a look at the summary cost table below:
Budget | Mid-range | High-end | |
---|---|---|---|
Vacation Camps & Lodges | under $150 | $150 - $400 | over $400 |
Restaurants (per meal) | under $15 | $15 - $30 | over $30 |
Safari Vehicle (per day) | under $100 | $100 - $250 | over $250 |
Local Guide (per day) | under $50 | $50 - $150 | over $150 |
Most Uganda safaris refer to an all-inclusive (full-board) per-person rate, including taxes, and assuming double occupancy. A few lodges operate on a half-board rate, and rare ones offer bed & breakfast except city hotels.
When planning your Uganda wildlife safari, create a clear itinerary and budget. Your 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 destinations can take an entire day and should be included in your budget. Your budget should cover flights, accommodation, food, and activities. To maximize your budget, consider traveling during the low season when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. You can also save money by booking Uganda wildlife safaris through a licensed local tour operator, which can provide 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 offers various accommodation options for safari travelers. Luxury 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 national parks and wildlife reserves, as well as the level of luxury and your budget. Some lodges offer all-inclusive packages, while others charge separately for each service. Check out our selected list of lodges & camps best for Uganda wildlife safaris.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
From $300 pp
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla 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 Impenetrable National Park.
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.
Apoka Safari Lodge
From $775 pp
The pioneer luxury safari getaway is located on a picturesque rocky kopje overlooking the Narus valley in the southwestern sector of the park. The lodge has a relaxed classic safari feel, quietly providing a peaceful and private wildlife experience from the privacy of your veranda.
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 destination with limited tourist crowds. 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 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.

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