- +256 392 176327
- +256 702 805580
- [email protected]
Uganda Safaris
Discover the Pearl of Africa with our eco-friendly and sustainable Uganda Safaris! Unforgettable wildlife adventures, from gorilla trekking to game dri ves, boat safaris on the Nile. Traversing some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Africa. Explore incredible safari attractions like the rainforests of the southwest where gorillas, chimpanzees, and other 13 unique primate species find heaven. Or the vast savannahs teaming with big cats, elephants, buffalo, and giraffes. Plan your dream Uganda safari with our all-inclusive tour packages and comprehensive travel guides. Plan with an expert who understands the local logistics and get the experience you deserve.
The Ultimate Uganda Safari Planning Guide
Primate trekking & game safaris
Planned tour package
Uganda safaris offer an incredible opportunity to experience breathtaking landscapes, encounter unique and fascinating wildlife, explore uncharted natural wonders, and immerse yourself in the local culture. The country's tropical natural habitats are a haven for flourishing wildlife, making Uganda the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking adventure vacation safaris.
However, planning a safari can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. That's why we have created the ultimate guide to help you plan your dream safari holiday in the "Pearl of Africa". Our guide covers everything from choosing the best time to visit and top Uganda destinations, to selecting the perfect safari package featuring adventure activities, all-inclusive Uganda vacations, and even gorilla safaris .
The Uganda tour packages on our website are just a glimpse of what is possible. Whether you want to go trekking to see mountain gorillas , spot the Big Five , or explore the stunning landscapes and attractions of Uganda, we can help you create a beautiful safari—the best safari in Uganda—tailored for an unforgettable African holiday!
- Top gorilla encounters: Trek into the mountains and c ome 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.
Read the detailed article >>>
January - February
High season.
January through February is a relatively hot season with clear skies, minimal rains, and more sunshine. It is an excellent time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking and walking with chimpanzees in lush forests.
The country's north can be pretty hot and dusty during this period.
March - May
March marks the beginning of the rainy season, a perfect time to spot the birth of many animals. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting many colorful winged creatures during this time.
April is the wettest month on Ugandasafaris, parks are quieter, and many roads can be impassable. On the other hand, it's low season, perfect timing for discounted hotel and lodge rates.
May ends the first rainy season of the year with lesser downpours and incredible greenery in the countryside.
June - August
Peak season.
June is the start of the peak season because of its gorgeous dry weather, extending into August. It's the best time for a Uganda safari, attracting the biggest number of tourists to the country. Gorilla trekking permits and premium safari lodges can get booked out during this time; book well in advance to avoid unnecessary bother.
July is also excellent for gorilla trekking excursions and wildlife safaris in Uganda. Wild animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.
August is fantastic for game-viewing safaris, and boat safaris and parks don't feel crowded.
September - December
September is usually the end of the dry season, but depending on when the rains arrive, you may experience some downpours on your Uganda safari. September is not ideal for gorilla trekking excursions. However, those who can brave the downpours will undoubtedly save on travel costs.
October is not a busy month for a safari in Uganda. Prices are reasonable, and this is a good time of year for specials on gorilla trekking permits. Most game parks are still accessible at this time, but the rainfall can be a little unpredictable.
The rains continue into November , turning the countryside plains into a vibrant green perfect for wildlife and landscape photography. The November rains hold back many travelers, so the low season extends into December.
December ends the wet season with relatively short rains paving the way for the peak season. It's the best time to travel north to Kidepo and Murchison for excellent game-viewing safaris. It is also a good time for bird-watching, with a wide variety of migratory birds making their way into the area.
Tailor-made Uganda Safari Packages
If you love nature or enjoy wildlife adventure holidays, 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
Explore Uganda's Wilderness, See Primates on this trip
12 Days | From US $5,518
Gorilla Trekking Safari & Road Trip Across The Country
Gorilla Trekking Safari & Nature Walking Trails
Trekking Gorillas & Golden Monkeys in Southwestern Uganda
Off-the-beaten-track safari in southwestern Uganda
Chimpanzee, Gorilla trekking and Wildlife Safari
Honeymoon safari: the nile, chimps, gorillas & wildlife.
Explore Uganda's Rich birdlife, gorillas and wildlife safari
Expedition Uganda; safari across the country's wildlife national parks
Wildlife & bird watching across Uganda's top birding destinations.
Luxury Gorilla Safari in Uganda
All-inclusive Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Explore Uganda The Pearl of Africa Adventure
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari, Uganda & Tanzania
Bwindi and Masai Mara Safari Adventure
Kigali-Bwindi Gorilla Safari: Uganda and Rwanda Tour
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 tours and offers the best treks to see silverback gorillas and immerse in local cultures.
Kibale National Park
Kibale Forest and the nearby crater lakes are nature hikers' dream places to visit in Uganda. The rainforest park has the densest population of primates, with 15 primate species jumping the forest canopy. It is in Kibale that you will visit wild chimpanzees up close.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth is the best park in Uganda for family safari holidays 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 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 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 safari holiday package in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa offers you many options to choose from. Guided group tours or private tours to get 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 animals. Unique to Uganda is chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and Budongo Forest, which gives you the opportunity to observe these primates in their natural habitat. The highlight of Uganda 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.
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.
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.
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.
Wildlife viewing 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 to watch wildlife
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.
Bird watching safaris
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.
Climbing Uganda's mountain peaks
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 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:
Most Uganda safari packages offer 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.
To plan a perfect itinerary and budget for your Uganda safari holiday, follow these simple recommendations: -
- 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 a Uganda tour package 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.
What to expect >>>
Accommodation options for your safari
Uganda offers various holiday 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. Take a look at our carefully curated list of lodges and camps that are perfect for wildlife safaris in Uganda.
Papyrus Guesthouse Entebbe
From $85 pp
Papyrus Guesthouse is an eco and cozy lodge in the suburbs of Entebbe, about 15 minutes from Entebbe International Airport. It is an excellent choice for safari travelers who hope to relax in Entebbe after/before their international flight.
Number 5 Boutique Hotel
From $190 pp
The Luxury Hotel Number 5 is a quaint suburban boutique retreat nestled in the quiet colonial part of Entebbe. It’s about 15 minutes drive from Entebbe International Airport, the primary entry point to Uganda.
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.
Turaco Treetops Lodge
From $95 pp
Turaco Treetops is a lush semi-luxury lodge on the edge of Kibale National Park. It’s got stunning views of the forest canopy, the massive Rwenzori mountains, and the creator lake decorated landscape of the region.
Katara Lodge
From $200 pp
Katara Lodge sits on escarpment farmland overlooking Queen Elizabeth National Park’s northeastern sector in western Uganda, A pleasant intimate, and simple safari lodge with eight cottages overlooking the vast park’s savannah plains.
Nile Safari Lodge
From $680 pp
Elevated on the Victoria Nile southern riverbank between the Albert delta and Paraa jetty, Nile Safari Lodge offers a magical family escape in the most luxurious, tranquil and eco-friendly setting in the heart of Murchison Falls 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Is it safe to go on a safari in uganda.
Read more >>>
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.
The best place to experience Uganda's culture is Kampala for a fusion of modern and native. Head inside the country for rural cultures, and you'll find uninfluenced rich traditions and customs. Cultural festivals and events showcase the country's heritage, such as the vibrant Buganda Kingdom ceremonies or the lively dances of the Karamojong people and Batwa pygmy communities in the mountains. It's important to approach local customs respectfully and open-mindedly, as Ugandans cherish their traditional values and sense of community. Engaging with locals, trying delicious Ugandan cuisine, and taking in the stunning scenery will make your visit to Uganda a memorable and rewarding adventure.
What are the characteristics of people in Uganda?
What is the closest safari to kampala uganda, does uganda have good safari.
Uganda safari experts.
We are Uganda 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.
IMAGES
VIDEO