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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

January - February
March - May
June - August
September - December

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!

Destinations you must visit

If you have time, extend your safari to:

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.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Trek through the misty impenetrable jungle to encounter gorillas, the world's largest living primates, on their own turf. The silverback's 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.

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:


 BudgetMid-rangeHigh-end
Vacation Camps & Lodgesunder $150$150 - $400over $400
Restaurants (per meal)under $15$15 - $30over $30
Safari Vehicle (per day)under $100$100 - $250over $250
Local Guide (per day)under $50$50 - $150over $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.

 

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.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Is it safe to go on a safari in Uganda?
What are Uganda travel restrictions?
What are the vaccine requirements?
Are there flights to Uganda?
Do I need a visa to go on a safari in Uganda?
How long does a safari in Uganda usually last?
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on a safari in Uganda?
What kind of culture does Uganda have?
What are the characteristics of people in Uganda?
What is the closest safari to Kampala Uganda?
Does Uganda have good safari?