Uganda Safaris – Welcome to the Pearl of  Africa

Uganda is one of the most visited countries in Africa, thanks to its diverse wildlife, rich culture, and friendly people. If you’re looking for an ultimate safari experience, Uganda safaris and tours should be on top of your list. Uganda offers some of Africa’s finest geographical and natural beauty taking you home to; one of the highest concentrations of primates in the world, including half of the remaining mountain gorillas roaming freely in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park.

Source to the mighty River Nile, the world’s longest river, surges out of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Uganda is also arguably one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world with about 1066 bird species. Uganda Safaris offer a true African game waiting to be discovered, there is no such thing as a crowd even in the most popular parks in the country. A safari in Uganda will bring clear proof of Winston Churchill’s words when he called Uganda “the pearl of Africa”.

Uganda tours bring you close to encountering the abundant wildlife that roams freely in the different National Parks and Jungle Reserves. The many good reviews that have constantly followed Uganda safaris clearly show that the country is a tourist paradise with world-class hotels, hospitable people, a good climate, and an abundance of wildlife

Popular Uganda Safaris and Tours

Uganda safari tours offer an unforgettable experience for visitors who want to explore the country’s wildlife and culture. From gorilla trekking to wildlife safaris, bird watching to cultural tours, Uganda has something for everyone. By choosing a Uganda safari holiday, you’ll not only have a great adventure but also contribute to the conservation efforts of the country. Book your Uganda safari today and start planning your next adventure!

Things to Do in Uganda for Safari

Uganda safaris offer something for every traveler. Whether you want to see the endangered mountain gorillas, experience the thrill of white water rafting, or learn about the rich traditions of the local people, Uganda has it all. Here are some of the top activities to do on a Uganda safari tour.

Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking

Prepare to be captivated on your Uganda safari by the sheer magnificence of gorilla trekking in Uganda. With more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Accompanied by experienced guides and rangers, venture into the dense forests, following the tracks and signs of these gentle giants until you encounter them. Witness their natural behaviors, from feeding and playing to grooming and interacting with one another. This encounter will leave you in awe of their beauty and grace.

Thrilling Chimpanzee Tracking

Uganda is a primate paradise, home to over 13 different species of monkeys and apes. One of the most exhilarating activities you can engage in is chimpanzee tracking. Explore locations such as Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest, and Semuliki National Park to track these intelligent and social animals in their natural habitat. Accompanied by expert guides and rangers, listen to the calls and sounds of the chimps as you navigate through the forest. Witness their agile movements as they feed, climb, swing, and communicate, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Adrenaline-Pumping White Water Rafting

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, white water rafting on the Nile River is a must-do activity in Uganda. Originating from Lake Victoria, the Nile River offers some of Africa’s best rapids, ranging from grade 1 to grade 5. Choose from half-day, full-day, or multi-day rafting trips, tailored to your experience level and preferences. Accompanied by skilled guides, navigate the rapids while enjoying breathtaking views of the river banks, islands, waterfalls, and wildlife. Brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure.

Immersive Game Drives

With 10 national parks and numerous wildlife reserves, Uganda is a haven for diverse animal and bird species. Engage in game drives, the perfect way to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Whether in open or closed safari vehicles, embark on thrilling game drives in parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. Encounter lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals, and more as you explore the diverse ecosystems of these parks.

Bird Watching Paradise

Uganda Safaris will introduce you is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 1,000 species of birds. Explore various habitats, including forests, savannas, wetlands, lakesides, and mountains, to encounter a wide array of avian wonders. Seek out the iconic shoebill stork at Mabamba Swamp, the Albertine Rift endemics at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the savanna endemics at Murchison Falls National Park, and the central African species at Semuliki National Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of Uganda’s birdlife, creating memories that will leave you in awe.

Cultural Tours

Uganda is not only rich in nature but also in culture, boasting over 50 ethnic groups with unique languages, traditions, dress, cuisine, music, and dance. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures by visiting local communities and engaging in their daily activities. Join them in farming, craft making, cooking, or storytelling, gaining a deeper understanding of their way of life. Witness ceremonies such as weddings, initiations, or festivals, and marvel at captivating performances of drumming, dancing, and singing. These community and cultural experiences will provide you with a profound insight into Uganda’s history and the identity of its people. Some of the highlights of a cultural tour include visiting the Batwa people in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Karamojong people in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Conquer Majestic Mountains

Embark on a thrilling adventure of mountain climbing in Uganda, where scenic and challenging mountains await. Journey through the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon, testing your physical and mental stamina. Traverse diverse terrains, including forests, moorlands, rocky slopes, and glaciers, as you ascend to breathtaking peaks. Along the way, be rewarded with stunning views of valleys, lakes, rivers, and the surrounding landscapes. Equipped with proper preparation, equipment, and experienced guides and porters, conquer the mountains of Uganda and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Relaxing Boat Safaris

Indulge in the serenity of Uganda’s water bodies with captivating boat safaris. Cruise along Lake Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda, Lake Mburo, Kazinga Channel, and the Nile River, immersing yourself in the aquatic life and the birds that call these waters home. Marvel at the surrounding landscapes and wildlife that thrive in these habitats. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, where the Nile River cascades through a narrow gorge, the Kazinga Channel teeming with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and more, and Lake Bunyonyi with its enchanting islands and terraced hills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safari in Uganda

What is the Best time for a safari in Uganda?

Uganda safaris and tours are favorable all year round with temperatures in the country averaging 26°C during the day and 15°C at night. The best time for a Uganda safari tour is during the dry season when the rains are less, grass is shorter, and photography is clearer. The high peak season and hottest months are January and February and June to September. However, Uganda safari holidays in the wet season are also possible, albeit slower, and visitors may not enjoy outdoor activities as much due to the rains

Why Choose a Uganda Safari Tour?

Uganda is committed to conservation and the protection of its wildlife. By choosing one of a Uganda safari tour, you are contributing to the conservation efforts of the country. Secondly, Uganda safaris and tours are relatively affordable compared to other African countries, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. The real advantage of Uganda safari parks is that they are not anywhere near as crowded as those in Kenya or Tanzania. You meet very few other vehicles on game drives — in some cases, you even have the parks almost to yourself!

How to Book Your Uganda Safari Holiday?

Booking a holiday to Uganda involves a few steps starting with getting in touch with a reputable safari operator in Uganda. Most companies will have a number of tailored Uganda safari packages which you are open to choose from.

Do you prefer to arrange your own agenda? A reliable Uganda tour operator should be able to accommodate your plans and wishes to come up with a safari package that should meet your preferences.

Upon finding a Uganda safari that meets your interests at an agreed price with an Uganda safari company, you will be required to make a deposit of this price to confirm your Uganda safari booking. This deposit lies anywhere between 30% to 60% depending on how much your safari operator will require to make initial booking payments for your safari.

Expect to make the final deposit for your Uganda safari tour less than a month to your travel date. This will conclude your final booking process. From this point, you can then prepare for your safari to Uganda.

Preparing for your Safari in Uganda

Preparing for your safari in Uganda is something that you should do in less than 3 months from your arrival date. The preparation stage includes; booking your international flight to Uganda (Fly to Entebbe International Airport), applying for your Visa, checking for your yellow fever vaccinations, and packing for your safari

Apply for your Uganda Visa

First, and most importantly is applying for your Visa to Uganda, this can easily be done online through application. If you will be visiting Uganda alone, the single entry tourist Visa is what you will require. For visitors seeking to visit Uganda with extended trips to either Kenya or Rwanda, applying for The East African Visa will grant you entry to all the 3 countries.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

It is important to note that all visitors to Uganda are required to be vaccinated against yellow fever with proof of vaccination. You will be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. This certificate is considered valid from 8 days from your vaccination and remains valid to up to 10 years from the time of your vaccination.

What to Pack for your Safari in Uganda?

There isn’t anything special required for your safari in Uganda apart from the few basics including the following;

• Sundries
• Passport (with printed visas)
• Covid 19 Vaccination Certificate
• Yellow Fever Certificate
• Air tickets/vouchers
• Money pouch Credit cards
• Cellphone and Charger plus a Power bank
• Sunglasses/guard Spare prescription glasses/contacts
• Copy of prescription(s)
• Eyeglass case
• Small flashlight (torch) and extra batteries
• Binoculars
• Sewing kit Small scissors
• Tissues (travel packs)
• Handiwipes (individual)
• Anti-bacterial soap
• Pens
• Deck of cards
• Reading materials
• Clothes

For safari wear, you should consider khaki earth tones (these neutral colors repel heat and so a good job disguising any patches of African dust and dirt) Keep away from the bright color options (black and blue too) they do attract Tsetse flies. In terms of fabric, light and breathable material makes life a lot more comfortable.

• Sandals or lightweight shoes
• Water proof hiking shoes (not white for trekking and walking safaris)
• Wide-brimmed hat and a cap
• Windbreaker Sweater or fleece
• Rain Jacket
• 2–3 pr. Safari pants with one that is water proof for gorilla trek
• Hand Gloves for gorilla trek
• 2–3 pr. Safari shorts
• 5 pr. safari/sports socks
• 3 short-sleeve safari shirts
• 3 long-sleeve safari shirts
• Swimsuit/cover-up
• 1 pr. casual slacks or skirt 1 or 2 blouses
• Belts

Is Uganda Good for Safaris?

Uganda safaris are an excellent choice if you looking for an ultimate safari experience (the big five) with lesser tourist traffic. Uganda as a country is Africa summed with almost all the best that the continent has to offer. Uganda safaris and tours take you home to one of the highest number of apes in the world.

The endangered mountain gorillas are found here among other lucky two countries(Rwanda and DRC) in the world, chimpanzees are also tracked here and do exist in huge numbers. The Rwenzori Mountains that form Africa’s highest existing mountain ranges welcome adventure lovers, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria, that also exists with a fair share in Uganda.

In addition to Africa’s best attractions, Uganda is also home to the source of might River Nile, Africa’s longest river, and with over 1041 recorded bird species, this makes Uganda one of Africa’s best birding destinations.

How Much do Uganda Safaris Cost?

The cost of a Uganda safari tour varies with the type of safari you are looking for; types of Uganda safaris range from budget, midrange to luxury safaris accommodated in tented camps and lodges.

The price for a safari holiday to Uganda as offered by your tour operator or agent covers for accommodation, park entrance and permits, transport, meals and game activities.

Accommodation Safari Lodges and Tented Camps in Uganda

Accommodation for your safari in Uganda will range from budget, midrange and luxury lodges and tented camps. For a safari accommodated in budget lodges and tented camps, the cost lies anywhere below USD 60 per person sharing room for a night on a full board basis. If you will be traveling alone, expect to pay single room supplement.

Midrange lodges and tented camps in Uganda cost anywhere between USD 100 to USD 150 per person sharing room for a night on a full board basis. Similarly, if you will be traveling alone, expect to pay single room supplement.

Uganda Safaris and tours accommodated in luxury lodges and tented camps are the most expensive trips. Lodges and tented camps in Uganda offer a high-end price ranging above USD 250 per person sharing room for a night on a full board basis. If you will be traveling alone, expect to pay single room supplement.

Park Entrance and Permits

Park entrances to Uganda safari parks are your tickets to guarantee you entry to the parks and game activities. Permits are applicable for gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey trekking in Uganda.

The park entrance fee to National parks in Uganda lies anywhere between USD 40 to USD 45 per person charged per 24 hours in the park. A gorilla permit costs USD 700 per person, whereas a permit for the gorilla habituation experience costs USD 1,500 per person.

A Chimpanzee trekking permit costs USD 150 per person for tracking the apes in Kibale National Park. A cheaper option is to trek the chimps in Kyambura in Queen Elizabeth National Park at a lower cost of USD 100 per person. The permit to track golden monkeys in Uganda found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs USD 200 per person.

It is important to note that due to the high demand for permits, booking in advance of 3 months or more to your trekking date is advised. This is to ensure availability. Unlike the permits, park entrances is paid on arrival and don’t require any advance booking.

Transportation and Game Drives

The average cost for transportation and game drives per day lies anywhere between USD 150 to USD 350 per day depending on the season and type of vehicle. This cost covers the vehicle hire, driver/guide, and fuel. To cut down this cost, group sharing is recommended as these 4×4 safari vehicles that accommodate a capacity of 4 to 7 occupants.

Generally, we advise that you deal with a tour operator in Uganda to get the best out of your cost for a Uganda safari tour. A reputable Uganda safari Company will offer you an all-inclusive quote for your trip to also handle the entire booking process for you at a cost lower than what you would spend if you decided to book on your own.

Is Uganda Safe for Safaris?

Uganda as a country has enjoyed almost 3 decades of a peaceful reign led by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Visitors to Uganda have less to worry about than they have to do in other countries which makes the country safe for a safari tour to all corners of the country. In addition to the peace, the people of Uganda are well known for their extreme hospitality and love for welcoming visitors to their beautiful country.

What to Expect from Uganda Gorilla Safaris?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most extraordinary wildlife excursions on the planet. It’s an adventure that will test your physical endurance, stimulate your senses, and leave you awestruck.

The trek starts early in the morning, and you’ll join a group of eight people maximum, accompanied by a skilled ranger guide. The guide will lead you on a hike through the dense forest, where you’ll encounter local wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and tree frogs. The trek can take anywhere from one to eight hours, depending on how far the gorillas have moved from their previous location.

Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll be allowed to spend an hour in their presence, observing their behavior, interacting with them, and taking pictures. It’s an unforgettable experience that not many people get to do.

What Does Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Look Like?

Chimpanzee tracking is a very popular activity on Uganda safaris, the chimps in Uganda are popularly tracked in Kibale Forest National Park. Other destinations to track the apes include Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo Forest in Murchison falls National Park. The highest number of them being in Kibale Forest National Park makes it the most tracked destination featured in many Uganda safari tour itineraries.

The chimpanzee experience offers you a one-hour observatory interaction experience with these apes. Unlike the gorillas that a way too gentle, the chimps are more lively and playful with makes them more interesting to watch as they put on a show swinging through trees, fighting or mating

What Wildlife Can I See on My Uganda Safari?

There is a sheer diversity of wildlife in the various National Parks in Uganda, but with a whopping 500 species of mammals, the country has an amazing diversity. The big five list can be completed with a visit to the wildlife Parks and an extended trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for the rhinos. Uganda is also home to the remaining mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees can also be tracked here in their natural habitat. With a wide variety of over 1000 bird species, this makes Uganda one the best birding destinations for bird lovers.

How Much do you Tip in Uganda?

Tipping in Uganda is not expected but wages are not so good as compared to your home country standards, therefore a tip will be well appreciated. A good tip in Uganda varies; for a driver or safari guide/driver USD 15 per day, at a restaurant USD 1 is good whereas on safari, tipping the rangers or activity leaders USD 10 is a good tip.

What are the Tips for a Successful Uganda Gorilla Safari?

To ensure that you enjoy your gorilla safaris in Uganda to the fullest, you need to keep these tips in mind:

1. Book your permit in advance– Gorilla trekking permits are limited, and they sell out fast. Make sure you book your permit several months ahead of your travel plans.
2. Dress appropriately– The gorilla habitat is in a rainforest, so be sure to wear sturdy, waterproof boots and long pants tucked into socks to avoid tsetse fly bites.
3. Be in good physical condition– Gorilla trekking involves hiking steep and rugged terrain. You’ll need to be physically fit and have good balance.

Uganda gorilla safaris offer an unbeatable opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. With strict regulations and conservation efforts in place, Uganda’s gorilla trekking is a sustainable and exclusive adventure that is sure to leave you with lifelong memories. So, pack your bags and embark on a trip of a lifetime- the gorillas of Uganda are waiting for you!