Uganda Safaris

Why Go On A Safari In Uganda

Famous by the name  “The Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is the excellent destination and center stage for travelers in search of up-close mountain gorilla trekking. This part of Africa is where your eyes remain wide open and jaw drops with every turn. Feel a shiver down your spine as a mountain gorilla – stares at you through the branches of the trees, a feeling that even words cannot explain.

A Uganda safari adventure is incomplete without trekking through the Bwindi National Park to witness majestic mountain gorilla families. Apart from primate trekking, there are lots of other things to do in Uganda. Wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park offers great for game viewing drives, being the Big (5) five parks of Uganda.

Home to a number of primates, a trek to Kibale National Park offers amazing chimpanzee trekking and monkey viewing including; the red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, the vervet monkeys, de Brazza monkeys and a host of other species. Uganda beats all other safari destinations in when it comes to primates, it’s a land of diversity waiting to be explored.

gorilla safaris uganda

Top 8 Best Uganda Safari Destinations

Have you ever wondered where to go on safari in Uganda? Uganda’s tourist attractions don’t stop at misty rainforests and gorilla treks – there are a few more once-in-a-lifetime places to visit on a trip to Uganda.

Let’s start off with some of top Uganda destinations, the Impenetrable Bwindi National Park which tops the list as one of the best places to visit in Uganda for mountain gorilla treks. Moving forward, still in Uganda, you might one day track chimpanzees or gorillas through tropical rainforest and the next day go boating on a hippo-filled river or drive through the open grasslands in search of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) to water rafting experiences at Jinja. Whatever your adventurous spirit seeks, our African travel experts can make it happen!

Featured below we introduce you to our top 8 best places to visit in Uganda;

1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Go gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Park. Encounter the rare mountain gorillas in natural habitat, explore the rich flora and fauna, enjoy a bird watching excursion of over 350 species and sleep at a luxury lodge.

Luxury Kenya Safari Packages
Kenyan Beach Holidays at Diani Beach
Masai Mara Photographic Safaris

2. Murchison Falls National Park

Go on exciting game viewing drives, experience river cruises & birding excursions, witness the powerful Murchison Falls of the River Nile dramatically squeeze through a narrow gorge, go on exciting boat tours on the Nile River, as you watch the crocodiles and hippos up-close.

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy birding trips, wildlife game viewing, chimps trekking & game drives to see the lions, elephants, and buffalos, explore the volcanic craters and serene lakes.

4. Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzees & 12 other primate species, butterflies & birds. Good with primate trekking tours, encounter birdlife, explore the lush rainforests on picturesque trails through misty forest & canopies.

Uganda safari holidays

5. Lake Mburo National Park

Offers game viewing & birding trips.

6. Jinja and the Upper Nile

The name Jinja in Uganda brings up good adventures, thrilling white-water rafting as well as kayaking, bungee jumping and quad biking.

7. Kidepo Valley National Park

Experience a good wildlife viewing.

8. Kampala City

Start off with capital city, where all Uganda safaris starts, visit the Gaddafi mosque minaret for stunning city vistas, visit the busy owino market shopping center, take a boat ride on Lake Victoria and spend time at the Uganda museum, which showcases the nation’s past.

safaris in uganda

Top 5 Best Things To Do On A Uganda Safari

Whatever your interests, from exceptional offers to not-to-be missed tours and experiences, here are our favourite reasons to go for holiday safaris in Uganda.

Uganda is good for gorilla treks but what people forget is that on the other hand, if we go further, Uganda’s top attractions include; Queen Elizabeth National Park which offers a variety of activities such as chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, boat trip on Kazinga Channe, tree-climbing lions on the Ishasha Plains. Whereas Murchison Falls National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing, as well you can enjoy a boat trip on the Nile River to the famous Murchison Falls. This is also a birdwatching hotspot with sightings of the special-looking shoebill which is common in this area. Also, meet the Karamojong tribe. Visit a village of the Karamojong tribe in the northeast of Uganda, and get to meet the people, see their houses, go cattle herding.

Luxury Kenya Safari Packages
Kenyan Beach Holidays at Diani Beach
Masai Mara Photographic Safaris

Discover once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for gorilla trekking, big 5 game viewing drives, amazing bird watching, fishing at the river Nile at Murchison Falls National Park or Lake Victoria. Climbing to the snow-capped “Mountains of the Moon” (Rwenzori Mountains); as for adventure-seekers travel to Jinja and experience exciting water rafting at the River Nile at its wildest, or experiencing the breathtaking landscapes and welcoming Uganda culture. Our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Uganda.

Wildlife In Uganda

Boasting over 350 species of mammals, Uganda’s unique mixture of grassland and rainforest wildlife makes it a great safari destination. One of the main reason for most visits is to go gorilla trekking. Interestingly enough, Uganda’s other unforgettable experiences include game drives on open grasslands in search of elephants, buffalos and lions; additionally, you can enjoy boat safaris as you watch hippos on the River Nile just below the powerful Murchison Falls; or go tracking chimps at Kibale.

Apart from gorillas and chimps other species likely to be spotted while on Uganda tours include red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, golden monkey, blue monkey, Patas monkey, vervet monkey, olive baboon, black-and-white colobus, Ugandan red colobus, Ruwenzori colobus and the endemic Uganda mangabey. The antelopes include Uganda kob, defassa waterbuck, bushbuck, eland, topi, Jackson’s hartebeest, impala, oribi and sitatunga.

Best Safari Parks for Birding In Uganda

With more than 1,073 plus species recorded, making up 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world species. It’s with no doubt that Uganda is a top bird-watching destination. Some of the parks in Uganda that are good with birding include; Murchison Falls which is excellent for seeing a wide range of common birds and specials. Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are the most accessible sites for Albertine Rift endemics, and Semuliki National Park is the only place in East Africa to see many Guinea-Congo regional species. Boat trips in Mabamba Swamp, Toro-Semliki and the Lake Albert Delta in Murchison Falls all offer good chances of seeing the sought-after shoebill.

Nairobi Daytrip Excursions

Best Time To Visit Uganda, Gorilla Trekking & Safari

Thanks to its location at the equator, Uganda is a rewarding destination to visit year-round, expect to find warm climate. With this in mind, the best time to visit Uganda is from June to August and December to February, which are the two main dry seasons. Wildlife viewing is at its peak and these same times are the best for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees while April and May experience rainfall. Explore more on when to go gorilla trekking, & insights on the month-by-month Uganda weather guide.

Uganda Safaris and Tour Packages

Our selection of Uganda safari itineraries includes both affordable and luxury options designed to give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Uganda. Choose from short, intensive gorilla trekking hikes that include Bwindi and Kibale National Park; and long safari tours that focus on grassland wildlife, gorilla fly-in safaris, and adventure activities such as white-water rafting on the River Nile and mountain trekking. Routes that we’ve found work particularly well with our travelers.

5 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Photo Safaris

Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro & Serengeti Safari

6 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Photographic Safaris

Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

7 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Photo Tour

Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari

7 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris

Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

8 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Photography Safaris

Masai Mara, Lake Victoria, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Safari

10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris

Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Amboseli Safari

10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris

Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

12 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris

Best Photographic Safari In Kenya and Tanzania

10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris

Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Masai Mara & Lake Naivasha

Related Stories

Discover the best of East Africa romantic holiday destinations with plenty of bucket list adventures, from witnessing the wildebeest migration crossings, Kenya’s Amboseli giants to gorilla trekking in Rwanda and taking a hot air balloon safari over Kenya’s Masai Mara. Not forgetting the natural wonders of Ngorongoro Crater making up as an excellent feature on Tanzania honeymoon packages.

Best time to visit Uganda

Read our guide on the best times to visit Uganda, whether for a gorilla trekking experience or a safari.

Best things to do in Jinja, Uganda!

The Nile supports a number of adrenaline raising activities like bungee jumping, canoeing, white water rafting, kayaking, horseback riding...

Best places to visit in Uganda

Uganda’s attractions don’t stop at rainforests and gorilla treks – here are a few more once-in-a-lifetime places to visit on a trip to Uganda.

Gorilla Safaris Uganda Entebbe

Our selection of Uganda safari itineraries includes both affordable and luxury options designed to give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Uganda. Choose from short, intensive gorilla trekking hikes that include Bwindi and Kibale National Park; and long safari tours that focus on grassland wildlife, gorilla fly-in safaris, and adventure activities such as white-water rafting on the River Nile and mountain trekking. Routes that we’ve found work particularly well with our travelers.

Uganda Travel Guide

We uncover everything you need to know before you visit Uganda from trekking gorillas & chimpanzees to the Big 5 safaris and lakes.

You will come to agree that chimp trekking in Uganda is a more challenging climb as the gorillas are usually located at higher rises within the mountains. However, Uganda rewards for with more affordable gorilla trekking permits. If you want to prolong your gorilla trekking experience, consider tours to Uganda as you can trek to the gorillas twice for the price of one day in Rwanda.

Therefore if you’re planning on Uganda family holidays, or rather weighing your options for honeymoons in Uganda, this rich destination guarantees the utmost in adventure and romance, sit back and allow us inspire your next adventures in Uganda.

While Uganda outshines with opportunities for the adventurous traveller, you easily can combine it with some of Africa’s best bucket-list wildlife experiences in one itinerary; gorillas, chimpanzees and the Great Migration in Masai Mara for the ultimate African safari.

Questions About Uganda Gorilla & Safari Tours

We’ve taken our time to answer everything you may need to know about going for Uganda wildlife safaris and adventures.

As for the documentation you need for your holiday in Uganda, keep in mind entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Uganda embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.

-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.

– Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don’t need a visa is available.

– Visas must be obtained in advance. The easiest place to apply is the official online visa-application portal, but you can also do it through your local Ugandan embassy or high commission. Visas on arrival are no longer issued at any port of entry.

– Tourist visas are available for Uganda only, or for East Africa (which covers entry to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) for the same cost.

– All visitors traveling to Uganda must have a valid yellow-fever certificate, which will be required as part of a visa application and may also be checked at the port of entry.

-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local Uganda embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:

Australia     –   www.smartraveller.gov.au

Canada     –   travel.gc.ca

EU Member States     –   ec.europa.eu

Ireland     –   www.ireland.ie

New Zealand     –   www.safetravel.govt.nz

United Kingdom     –   www.gov.uk

United States     –   travel.state.gov

The cost of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 2025/2026 cost US$800 per person for foreign non-residents, and US$700 per person for foreign residents, US$500 per person for Africans and US$82 per person for East African citizens.

 “The permit fee for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is currently US$800 for visitors from outside of Africa. Although this might seem expensive, it is better compared to the US$1,500 permit fee in Rwanda, which is currently the only other country where these gentle giants can be tracked. Both destinations offer a similar experience where you can spend one hour with a gorilla troop after you have reached their location. The group size is limited to eight people.

The activity offered in Bwindi only is the gorilla habituation experience. This involves visiting a gorilla group that is still in the process of getting used to tourist visits. The activity is limited to four tourists per group, and you can stay with the gorillas for up to four hours (as opposed to the usual one hour). Keep in mind viewing is less easy as these gorillas prefer to keep their distance since they aren’t yet fully habituated. The price for this special activity is US$1,500.”

About medicine for your safari trip to Uganda, we recommend anti-malarial medication no matter what time of year you plan on visiting Uganda for safari. Kindly consult with your doctor at home for advice on the right choice of prophylaxis for your body well in advance of your departure date. Additionally, if you live in a yellow fever region or plan to travel through a region where it is endemic during your stay, you will need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate. It’s best to seek advice from a specialist travel doctor when planning your East Africa trip.

The best places to stay on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda include;

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Kibale Forest Camp
Turaco Treetops Lodge
Ndali Lodge
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Mutanda Lake Resort
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Uganda’s scenery more than captivating. From jaw-dropping from lush, green forests, to snow-capped mountains, crater lakes and savannah grasslands Uganda is a true safari gem.

More on where to stay on a Uganda safari and the type of accommodations to expect the following are our recommendations.

Most Uganda safari parks now offer a selection of accommodations options ranging from budget to luxury. Because the gorilla trekking parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga are located at high altitude areas, expect cold and wet climate. Most accommodations in this area are luxury level types with warm cottages with log fires.

These luxury Uganda safari lodges and camps are also a popular option in the grassland game parks. That said, there are budget-friendly options available for the budget traveler.

Listed below are some of the best places to visit in Uganda; these destinations also sums up as the top Uganda national parks to explore while on your safari. They include the following;

  1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; go gorilla trekking, encounter the rare mountain gorillas in natural habitat, explore the rich flora and fauna, enjoy a bird watching excursion of over 350 species and sleep at a luxury lodge.
  2. Murchison Falls National Park; go on exciting game viewing drives, experience river cruises & birding excursions, witness the powerful Murchison Falls of the River Nile dramatically squeeze through a narrow gorge, go on exciting boat tours on the Nile River, as you watch the crocodiles and hippos up-close.
  3. Queen Elizabeth National Park; enjoy birding trips, wildlife game viewing, chimps trekking & game drives to see the lions, elephants, and buffalos, explore the volcanic craters and serene lakes.
  4. Kibale Forest National Park; good with primate trekking tours, encounter birdlife, explore the lush rainforests on picturesque trails through misty forest & canopies.
  5. Lake Mburo National Park; offers game viewing & birding trips.
  6. Kampala; start off with capital city, where all Uganda safaris starts, visit the Gaddafi mosque minaret for stunning city vistas, visit the busy owino market shopping center, take a boat ride on Lake Victoria and spend time at the Uganda museum, which showcases the nation’s past.
  7. Jinja and the Upper Nile; good adventures, thrilling white-water rafting as well as kayaking, bungee jumping and quad biking.
  8. Kidepo Valley National Park; experience a good wildlife viewing.

With mountain gorilla trekking on top of the list for every first time traveler booking Uganda safari tours, take note that Uganda can be visited at any time of the year.

Given that this is tropical country with lots of rainfall. During its two dry seasons: between December and February, and between June and August, conditions are fairly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Whereas in April, May are considered one of Uganda’s wet seasons.

The cost of gorilla trekking permits is currently US$1,500 per person in Rwanda and US$800 per person in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for foreign non-residents, US$700 per person for foreign residents, US$500 per person for Africans and US$82 per person for East African citizens. Keep in mind, all these are (subject to change).

Let’s face it, Uganda is popular for its mountain gorilla tours and most people visiting Uganda will include a gorilla trekking experience in their itinerary.

On the other hand, if we go further, Uganda’s top attractions include; Queen Elizabeth National Park which offers a variety of activities such as chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, boat trip on Kazinga Channe, tree-climbing lions on the Ishasha Plains. Whereas Murchison Falls National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing, as well you can enjoy a boat trip on the Nile River to the famous Murchison Falls. This is also a birdwatching hotspot with sightings of the special-looking shoebill which is common in this area.

In addition, when you travel to Kidepo Valley National Park, the park is home to many species including the cheetahs, and as for the primate-lovers, a visit to Kibale National Park offers the most reliable chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda.

The length of Uganda safari packages on average ranges between four (4) days to six (6) days. Experts recommend tracking the gorillas twice, as the first time is often overwhelming and guests don’t take it all in. After the gorilla experience, visitors usually fly back to Entebbe to continue their safari elsewhere or to head out onto the other Ugandan safari circuit visiting Kibale National Park, or Queen Elizabeth National Park, and later Murchison Falls. Therefore depending on your safari desires, these vacation packages to Uganda completely vary in terms of travelers safari budget, and the types of experiences you want to undertake.

Yes, you can take photos and videos during a gorilla trek. However, it’s important to follow and respect instructions provided by your mountain gorilla guides. However, keep in mind that flash photography is usually not allowed, as it can shock or annoy the gorillas. For travelers participating on our gorilla trekking photography tours, a full briefing will be issued with the do’s and don’ts while on this gorilla photo safari.

The best places on where to go on a gorilla photo safari include the following listed destinations;

  1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda: Home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers dense forests and mist-cloaked hillsides—perfect for moody gorilla photography on your Uganda safari.
  2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda: Snag epic shots of the gorillas with the Virunga volcanoes in the distance in this park. It’s smaller than Bwindi but no less dramatic in its scenery.
  3. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda: This Rwanda safari park was made famous by legendary primatologist Dian Fossey. It is often considered an easier trekking experience due to less dense vegetation.

These impenetrable rainforests of East Africa, especially those in Uganda and Rwanda, are the best locations for gorilla trekking photo safaris. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a respectful distance while on the trek, and follow the instructions given by your guides.

While each of the mentioned mountain gorilla destinations offering exceptional chimpanzee photographic opportunities, Bwindi in Uganda is often considered the best choice for serious wildlife photographers.

Generally, the day temperatures in Uganda are generally warm so pack plenty of lightweight clothing. In addition, it is necessary to wear proper safari clothing and gear to ensure your comfort and safety when chimpanzee trekking in the rainforests. That being said, below are some recommendations of what to wear during your gorilla trekking tours:

-The Footwear: Like mountain trekking, go for the sturdy, waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction. The rainforest terrain can be not level, muddy, and even slippery, so pack reliable footwear for a comfortable trek. Another tip about the shoes, try walking with them at home before your trip and see if they are comfortable to avoid getting blisters after the trip.

-The Rain Gear: Due to the unpredictable nature of rainforests, it’s highly advisable to bring with you a lightweight raincoat or waterproof jacket. This will protect you from unexpected showers, keeping you dry during the trek.

-The Clothing’s: Pack long trousers and long-sleeved tops, long socks to wear over your trousers as protection against ants, and thorny vegetation and insects. Pick lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow fast and easy movement – they are also quick drying.

-Your Gloves: The thick gloves, can be helpful for grabbing onto the branches for stability as you trek. They also offer protection against sharp plants.

-A Hat: Bring with you a safari hat – this helps protect you from the sun, as well as rain showers that may occur.

– Extras – The Mountains tend to be cold so pack a warm fleece in your day pack, along with sunscreen and insect repellent are advised.

Talking about safety while on gorilla trekking tours, by now you should know that gorilla trekking adventures involves safaris deep into wilderness rainforest, these tours are usually safe and well-regulated in the company of armed wildlife rangers and a professional mountain gorilla guide walking with you. As long as you follow what you are told to do and the strict rules provided, you will have no problems with on your safari, both humans and gorillas.

Generally, an African honeymoon safari typically costs between $5,000 and $10,000 per person for an 8-day tour, and this cost includes accommodations, park entrance fees, guide services and selected optional safari activities.

While honeymoon costs vary by destination and level of luxury, all-inclusive honeymoon tour packages can start from $10,000-$15,000, and the prices exclude international flights and reflect stays at high end accommodations, personalised service, domestic flights and exceptional wildlife experiences in exclusive remote national parks.

Journeys

Where nature Paints Its Masterpiece.

Big 5 Kenya Safaris
Portal House, 41928 Muindi Mbingu Street, 00100 Nairobi

Top Destinations

Masai Mara

Serengeti Park

Bwindi Impenetrable

Samburu Reserve

Mount Kilimanjaro

Safari Experiences

Kenya Family Holidays

African Honeymoon Safaris

Tanzania Luxury Safaris

African Safaris

Africa Fly-In Safaris

Useful Links

About Us

Contact Us

News & Blog

Customize Tour

Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our latest news, receive exclusive deals, and more.

Big 5 Kenya Safaris
Portal House, 41928 Muindi Mbingu Street, 00100 Nairobi

Masai Mara 

Serengeti Park

Bwindi Impenetrable 

Samburu Reserve

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kenya Family Holidays 

African Honeymoon Safaris 

Tanzania Luxury Safaris 

All Africa Safaris 

Fly-In Safaris In Africa

About Us 

Contact Us 

News & Blog 

Customize Tour 

Terms & Conditions 

Stay up to date with our latest news, receive exclusive deals, and more.