Uganda Safaris, Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Tours

Uganda safaris combine mountain gorilla trekking, classic wildlife viewing, chimpanzee tracking, birding, boat cruises, cultural visits and scenic road journeys across one of East Africa’s most varied safari destinations. A well-planned Uganda safari can take you from the savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park to the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Kibale Forest National Park. At AA Safaris and Tours, we arrange private Uganda safari tours for travellers looking for short gorilla trips, wildlife safaris, primate-focused itineraries, fly-in safaris, luxury lodge holidays and longer multi-park journeys. Each safari is planned around your travel dates, budget, preferred accommodation level and the experiences you want most, whether that is gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, game drives in Queen Elizabeth, the Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls or a quieter wildlife route through Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo. This page brings together Uganda safari packages, route ideas, permit guidance, accommodation options and practical planning notes so you can choose the right journey before sending an enquiry. You can use the listed tours as starting points, then customise the route, lodges, pace and activities with our safari consultants.

How Uganda safaris are planned

A good Uganda safari is planned around route logic, not only the number of days. The strongest itineraries connect parks that work well together by road or by scheduled domestic flight. For example, a western Uganda safari can combine Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Lake Mburo in one natural route. This works well for travellers who want chimpanzees, wildlife, gorillas and a relaxed final stop before returning to Entebbe or Kampala.

Shorter Uganda safaris usually focus on one or two major experiences. A 3-day Bwindi gorilla safari is ideal for travellers with limited time, while a 5-day gorilla and wildlife safari can combine Bwindi with Queen Elizabeth National Park. Travellers with 7 to 10 days can enjoy a stronger mix of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, boat cruises and game drives.

Longer Uganda tours of 12 to 16 days allow a slower pace, more parks and better room for special interests such as birding, culture, hiking or photography. For international travellers, the most common starting point is Entebbe International Airport. Some gorilla safaris can also begin from Kigali, especially when the route focuses on Bwindi or Mgahinga in southwestern Uganda. AA Safaris and Tours can advise whether an Entebbe start, Kampala start or Kigali start makes better sense for your chosen itinerary.

Best Uganda safari types to choose from

Uganda safari tours can be arranged in different styles depending on your time, interests and budget. Gorilla trekking safaris are the most requested because they take travellers into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see mountain gorillas with trained ranger guides. These trips can be short, usually 3 days, or combined with wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo or Murchison Falls.

Wildlife safaris focus on game drives, boat cruises and savannah parks. Murchison Falls National Park is strong for Nile scenery, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions and boat trips to the base of the falls. Queen Elizabeth National Park is popular for the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, crater scenery, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, lions and the Ishasha sector, where travellers may look for tree-climbing lions.

Primate safaris combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, usually in Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge or Budongo Forest. These routes work well for travellers who want a forest-focused Uganda safari with strong wildlife variety. Birding safaris can include Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Semuliki and Lake Mburo, depending on the target species and number of days available.

Luxury Uganda safaris use high-end lodges, private vehicles, carefully paced routes and, where suitable, domestic flights to reduce long road transfers. Mid-range safaris balance comfort and cost by using good lodges in strong locations. Budget safaris keep the route practical while using simpler accommodation and shared planning choices where possible.

Uganda safari costs and permit guidance

The cost of a Uganda safari depends on the number of days, travel route, accommodation level, vehicle use, group size and activities included. Gorilla trekking safaris cost more than standard wildlife safaris because each traveller needs a gorilla permit. Chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking, lion tracking, boat cruises, park entrance fees and ranger-guided activities can also affect the final safari price.

For international visitors, the Uganda gorilla trekking permit is USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents pay USD 700, Rest of Africa visitors pay USD 500, and East African citizens pay UGX 300,000. Kibale chimpanzee tracking is USD 250 per person for foreign non-residents. These permit fees are separate from accommodation, transport, meals and other safari costs unless your package clearly states that permits are included.

As a simple planning guide, short Uganda safaris usually cost less because they use fewer nights and fewer parks. Mid-range private safaris cost more than budget trips but provide better comfort and smoother lodge choices. Luxury Uganda safaris cost more because they use premium lodges, private guiding, better locations and sometimes domestic flights. The safest way to price your trip is to share your travel dates, group size, preferred comfort level and the activities you want included.

Best parks to include in a Uganda safari

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the main destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda. It has several trekking sectors, including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo, and the right sector usually depends on permit availability, lodge choice and the direction of your safari route.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another gorilla trekking destination, known for golden monkey tracking and volcanic scenery. It works well for travellers interested in a shorter southwestern Uganda route or a gorilla safari that begins from Kigali.

Kibale Forest National Park is Uganda’s leading chimpanzee tracking destination. It is often paired with Queen Elizabeth National Park because the route between the two parks is practical and scenic.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife parks, known for game drives, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, crater lakes and the Ishasha sector. It fits well into gorilla and wildlife safari routes because it lies between Kibale and Bwindi.

Murchison Falls National Park is strong for classic wildlife viewing, Nile scenery and boat cruises. It is a good choice for travellers who want a northern Uganda wildlife route or a longer safari that later connects to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.

Kidepo Valley National Park is best for travellers who want a remote wildlife experience with open landscapes and fewer crowds. It usually works better on longer safaris or fly-in itineraries because of the distance from Kampala and Entebbe.

Lake Mburo National Park is useful as a final wildlife stop on western Uganda routes. It is known for zebras, impalas, elands, boat trips, walking safaris and short game drives, making it a good break between Bwindi and Entebbe.

Gorilla trekking and wildlife safari combinations

Many travellers choose Uganda because it is possible to combine gorilla trekking with classic wildlife viewing in one trip. The most practical combination is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Queen Elizabeth National Park. This route gives you gorilla trekking in the forest, then game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth. It is ideal for travellers with about 5 to 7 days.

For a stronger primate and wildlife safari, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi can be combined in 7 to 10 days. This route gives you chimpanzee tracking, savannah wildlife, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise and gorilla trekking without forcing the itinerary too much.

For a broader Uganda safari, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Mburo can be arranged in about 10 to 12 days. This gives travellers a better picture of Uganda, with the Nile, chimpanzees, wildlife, gorillas and a relaxed final park before returning to Entebbe.

Travellers with more time can include Kidepo Valley National Park, Sipi Falls, Jinja, Semuliki, Rwenzori Mountains or cultural experiences depending on their interests. These additions are better for longer itineraries because they need enough time to avoid rushed transfers.

Uganda safari accommodation options

Uganda safari accommodation ranges from budget lodges and guesthouses to mid-range safari lodges and luxury properties in prime park locations. The right choice depends on your budget, preferred comfort level and the route you are taking. In gorilla trekking areas, lodge location is especially important because your accommodation should match your assigned trekking sector where possible.

Budget accommodation works for travellers who want a simple and affordable safari with clean rooms, basic facilities and practical access to activities. Mid-range lodges offer better comfort, private rooms, good meals and strong value for most Uganda safari routes. Luxury lodges provide premium rooms, better views, high service levels and stronger locations close to key park areas or forest access points.

When planning a Uganda gorilla safari, accommodation should not be selected randomly. A lodge in Buhoma may not be practical for a permit issued in Rushaga or Nkuringo. AA Safaris and Tours helps match your lodge, permit sector and route so that your safari is comfortable and logistically realistic.

Booking your Uganda safari with AA Safaris and Tours

Booking a Uganda safari starts with choosing the experiences that matter most to you. Some travellers want gorilla trekking as the main focus, while others want a complete safari with wildlife parks, chimpanzees, boat cruises, cultural visits and scenic countryside. Once you share your travel dates, group size, preferred accommodation level and budget range, our team can recommend the best route and adjust it to your pace.

For gorilla and chimpanzee safaris, early planning is important because permits are limited and linked to specific dates and locations. This is especially important for Bwindi, where your trekking sector affects the lodge and route. After confirming the itinerary, AA Safaris and Tours can guide you through permit booking, accommodation selection, transport planning and final safari preparation.

Whether you choose one of the listed Uganda safari packages or request a tailor-made itinerary, the goal is to give you a safari that is practical, well-paced and clear before you travel. Send an enquiry with your preferred travel month, number of travellers and the experiences you want included, and our consultants will advise the best Uganda safari option for you.

Frequently asked questions about Uganda safaris

How much does a Uganda safari cost?

The cost of a Uganda safari depends on the number of days, accommodation level, route, group size and activities included. Gorilla trekking increases the total cost because each traveller needs a gorilla permit. For foreign non-residents, the Uganda gorilla permit is USD 800 per person. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale is USD 250 per person for foreign non-residents.

Is Uganda safe to visit for a safari?

Uganda is widely visited for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, birding and cultural tours. Like any international destination, travellers should use a reputable local operator, follow guide advice, avoid unnecessary night movement in unfamiliar areas and keep travel documents secure. AA Safaris and Tours plans routes, transport and lodge stays with practical on-ground safety in mind.

When is the best time of the year for a Uganda safari? 

The best time to visit Uganda on a safari is between June and September and from December to February, because these are the drier months of the year.  During these months, it is easy to see wildlife, and also hikes and nature walks are easier compared to the other months. However, the country can be visited all year round any time of the year, because all tourist sites are open all year round and activities are open and possible, including the gorilla tracking.

How many days do I need for a Uganda safari?

A short Uganda safari can take 3 to 5 days if you want gorilla trekking or one wildlife park. A stronger Uganda safari usually takes 7 to 10 days, allowing time for gorillas, chimpanzees, game drives and boat cruises. Travellers who want Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi should consider 12 days or more.

What are the best places to visit on a Uganda safari?

The best places for a Uganda safari include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and the Kazinga Channel, Murchison Falls National Park for Nile scenery and wildlife, Kidepo Valley National Park for remote wilderness and Lake Mburo National Park for shorter wildlife safaris.

How do I book a Uganda safari?

To book a Uganda safari, share your travel dates, number of travellers, preferred accommodation level, budget range and main interests. AA Safaris and Tours will recommend a route, confirm permit needs, match lodges to the itinerary and provide a clear quotation. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits should be booked early because availability is limited.

Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?

It is mandatory to obtain a tourist Visa before entering Uganda. A tourist visa can only be obtained online in Uganda, and it should be obtained a month in advance.  A single-entry tourist’s visa costs USD 50 and is valid for 90 days. Clients visiting other countries, like Rwanda and Kenya, are advised to obtain the East Africa Tourist Visa so that they can benefit from it. The East African Tourists Visa costs USD 100 and is valid for 90 days.

However, if your passport is from one of the following countries, you do not need to obtain a Visa. List of countries exempt of Visa include; Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon islands, South Sudan, St Vincent Tonga, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, United National Laissez-passer, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Is it safe for homosexuals or lesbians?

Despite the recent news about homosexuality, Uganda is safe for Gays and lesbians; however, because the country and people are conservative, it is advisable to be discreet.

Can I use a credit or debit card in Uganda?

Yes, a number of banks currently provide ATM machines where you can draw Cash. However, you have to note that you will not be able to draw in any other currency apart from Uganda Shillings.  Most noteworthy is that these banks have daily limits, and they are not readily available in the countryside. Some hotels and tourists accept cards, but these are subject to a service charge which ranges between 5 to 10 % of the total amount charged. We therefore advise that if you have a large amount to pay, you make payment by bank wire transfer to avoid charges.

Other places accept cash, and dollars are commonly accepted. On that note, therefore, we recommend that you carry some cash with you. Bills below the year 2017 are not accepted, whereas small bills attract a poor exchange rate.

Are there mandatory vaccination requirements for Uganda?

There are several vaccinations recommended or required to visit Uganda. Whereas we recommend that you get vaccinations against DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio) and Hepatitis A. Malaria is Rampant in Uganda, and therefore we recommend you get Malaria prophylaxis 9 Take Anti – Malaria drugs) Before you travel.

How much should I tip while on tour in Uganda?

Tipping in Uganda is not mandatory. The decision to tip is entirely left to the client and is dependent on the client’s satisfaction. Unlike other East African countries, tipping in Uganda is the client’s decision. It is not mandatory. However, for guidance, you can opt to tip as follows;

• Guides / Drivers – USD 10- 20 per day
• Gorilla trekking  porters, and Park rangers – Between 50 – 100 per group
• Waiters – USD 5- 20 per person
• Cleaners -USD 5-20 per person