Uganda Safaris & Tours

Why Go on a Uganda Safari

Uganda is packed with adventure. Book a Uganda safari and see wide open plains, ten national parks, green forests, and tall mountains, home to rare wildlife like tree climbing lions and mountain gorillas that make this country the true Pearl of Africa.

Wide Open Plains and Wildlife

Uganda’s national parks, like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Mgahinga National Park, are home to lions, leopards, birds, primates, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes. Game drives let you see these animals up close, in comfort, in any weather.

You can also take a boat safari for a calm way to spot birds and animals from the water. Crocodiles and hippos live in these rivers and lakes too.

Book your Uganda wildlife safari today.

Forests and Primates

Uganda’s forests are full of life, with green trees, primates, and colorful birds. The dry season is the best time to visit, since the trails are easier to walk. Top forests to see are Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mabira Forest, Budongo Forest, and Bugoma Forest.

Step into one of Africa’s oldest forests, full of old, tall trees, for a trip you will remember for years. Bring your camera to take photos, and always carry your permit or media card to show you are allowed to trek.

Book your Uganda forest and primate trekking safari today.

Hills and Mountains

Uganda’s hills and mountains add even more fun to your trip. You can hike Mount Rwenzori, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, with treks starting as early as 7 a.m. Mount Elgon and the hills near Kampala are also great spots, giving you a small taste of Switzerland right here in Uganda.

Wildlife That Makes Uganda Special

Uganda’s animals help make it the true Pearl of Africa. In a few parks, you can even see lions that climb trees. Some experts say this is just part of their nature as cats. Others believe the lions climb to escape the heat on the ground.

Along with lions, Uganda is home to buffaloes, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and impala, plus leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. For a closer look at these animals, join a guided nature walk and explore Uganda’s wild side on foot.

Uganda’s natural beauty is found all over the country, and it is not one to miss.

Uganda National Parks

Uganda is home to ten national parks, each full of rich wildlife, including primates, nocturnal animals, hippos, and crocodiles. Book a Uganda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and explore parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and Mount Elgon National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s top wildlife parks, in the western part of the country. It is known for its tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, along with other mammals, predators, reptiles, and primates. The Kazinga Channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, giving you a great chance to spot many bird species. Stay at Mweya Safari Lodge or Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge for easy access to game drives and the channel.

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is known as the primate capital of Uganda, home to chimpanzees, our closest animal relatives, along with other primate species. These animals live in the forest and feed on leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, and insects.

Chimpanzee trekking is the only way to see them up close, starting early in the morning to catch them at their most active. You will need a valid permit, and only visitors aged 15 and older can take part. Kibale Forest Camp is a popular base for chimpanzee trekking trips.

Book your Kibale chimpanzee trekking safari today.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi follows a strict daily schedule, with visitors trekking only in assigned areas to stay safe and on time. Book ahead, since only a limited number of permits are issued each day.

Think about the season you visit. The rainy months bring lower prices but a muddier, harder trail, while the dry season costs more but gives you an easier, more comfortable trek. Either way, Bwindi is home to mountain gorillas and a wide range of birds. Lodges like Gorilla Forest Camp sit right on the edge of the forest.

Book your Bwindi gorilla trekking safari today.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is home to a powerful waterfall, where water forces its way through a narrow rocky gap and sprays high into the air. Bring your camera, since this is a view worth capturing. The park is also home to elephants, zebras, reptiles, and predators. Stay at Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, or Murchison River Lodge for easy access to the falls and game drives. Nearby, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers a chance to see rhinos on foot.

Kidepo Valley and Rwenzori Mountains National Parks

Enjoy game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park, one of the most remote parks in the country, then head to Rwenzori Mountains National Park, where you can spot wildlife and hike the Mountains of the Moon, snow capped all year round. Kidepo rewards the extra distance with wide open views and fewer crowds. Since the Rwenzori hike can take several days, make sure you are in good health before you go.

Across Uganda’s national parks, look out for lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, zebras, giraffes, hippos, antelope, hyenas, and primates. Bird species include the shoebill, African fish eagle, great blue turaco, grey crowned crane, lesser and greater flamingo, African openbill, pink backed pelican, and kingfishers.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park, in the west near the Rwenzori foothills, is one of Uganda’s least visited parks, known for hot springs, forest birding, and a quieter safari experience away from the crowds.

Animals to See on a Uganda Safari

Uganda is home to a wide range of wild animals. Book a Uganda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and get ready to see some of Africa’s most amazing wildlife.

On your safari, wild animals behave differently from pets, so always follow your guide’s directions to stay safe. Some animals eat grass, some eat meat, and others fly through the sky, adding life and color to the land. You can spot birds, elephants, rhinos, hippos, zebras, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, antelope, leopards, impala, and crocodiles.

Where to See Wild Animals in Uganda

You can spot these animals on game drives or nature walks in parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Entry and activity fees apply and change based on the season and how long you plan to stay.

Book your Uganda wildlife safari today.

How and Where Animals Show Up

Wild animals often gather in large numbers near water or in grassy areas, creating a natural food chain, with predators staying alert for smaller mammals nearby. In dry periods, when food is harder to find, an experienced guide can track animals by following their footprints. The dry season also makes animals easier to spot, since the grass turns golden brown and thins out, giving you a better chance to see rare species.

Nocturnal animals are active at night, when they hunt tired animals that cannot see well in the dark. Lions, known as the kings of the jungle, sleep for most of the day and become active after dark.

Primates to See in Uganda

Primates are some of the most special animals you will see on safari, found in Uganda’s rainforests and living on leaves, fruits, roots, flowers, and insects. These include chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys. Since these animals are sensitive to noise, always stay quiet while in their presence.

Top Uganda Safari Activities

Uganda has so much more to offer than a normal safari. Book a Uganda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and try a mix of activities in the country’s best national parks.

Camping in Uganda’s National Parks

Go camping in national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Kibale National Park. Sit by a campfire at night for warmth and good company under the stars.

Book your Uganda camping safari today.

Gorilla Trekking

Go gorilla trekking for a dream trip you will never forget. Spend part or all of your day with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Watch how they care for their young, protect themselves, and eat leaves, roots, flowers, fruits, and insects.

Stay close to your guide in the forest to stay safe. Do not pick any plants, and leave the forest just as you found it. Check that you meet all the rules for this activity before you go.

Book your Uganda gorilla trekking safari today.

Horse Riding at Lake Mburo

Try horse riding at Lake Mburo National Park, the closest park to Kampala and a great place to start your safari. The park has few big predators, so it is a safe spot for horse riding, mountain biking, and nature walks that bring you close to nature. Stay at Rwakobo Rock Lodge for a comfortable base near the park.

Game Drives and Bird Watching

Go on a game drive to see wild animals up close from your vehicle, or take a walk to watch some of Uganda’s many bird species. Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast, near the border with South Sudan, is one of the best places for both, with wide open views and a large number of birds to spot.

Top Uganda Safari Attractions & Things to See

Uganda has so much to see and offer. Book a Uganda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and explore the country’s top sights, from bustling Kampala to primates, birds, waterfalls, and snow capped mountains.

Kampala City

Kampala is Uganda’s busy capital city, home to tall buildings, wide suburbs, and the country’s main business and government centers. It sits about 35 kilometers from Entebbe International Airport, the main entry point for most visitors heading into the country or on to nearby destinations.

Primates in Uganda’s National Parks

See primates in national parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park. These animals are easiest to spot in the wet season, when fruit and plants are plentiful, giving them plenty to eat. With the help of an experienced guide, you can see chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys. Start your trek early in the morning for the best chance to see large numbers and watch their daily activities.

Book your Uganda primate trekking safari today.

Birds of Uganda

Uganda is home to many bird species, often seen near lakes, rivers, swamps, grassland, and forests. On a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park or other parks, look out for birds such as the African kingfisher, African fish eagle, grey crowned crane, white faced whistling duck, saddle billed stork, great white pelican, pink backed pelican, Goliath heron, great egret, little egret, African openbill, yellow billed stork, African darter, and African jacana.

Murchison Falls

Visit Murchison Falls, inside Murchison Falls National Park, for a powerful and beautiful waterfall. The park is also home to mammals, primates, reptiles, and predators, giving you plenty to see beyond the falls.

Book your Uganda safari to Murchison Falls today.

Mount Rwenzori

Look up to see Mount Rwenzori, known as the Mountains of the Moon for its snow capped peaks that stay covered all year. Nearby, in Fort Portal, Kyaninga Lodge offers crater lake views and a comfortable stop between Kibale and the mountains.

Uganda Safari Packing List

Pack the right items for your Uganda safari so you are ready for every activity. Book your Uganda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and use this list to get ready.

Travel Documents

• Passport, valid for your full trip
• Visa for Uganda
• Yellow fever certificate, required for all visitors

Money

Carry a credit or debit card for hotels and some park payments. Most hotels and parks in Uganda accept cards, though a few may add extra charges. Also carry some cash, since small payments like tips are often paid in Uganda shillings. The most accepted currencies are US dollars, British pounds, and euros.

Clothing

• Earth toned clothes, to help you blend in and avoid insects
• Light clothes for sunny months
• Warm clothes for wet months
• Comfortable walking shoes

Other Essentials

• Sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• A day pack bag

Getting to Uganda and Staying Safe

Most international visitors arrive through Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s main gateway, located about 35 kilometers from Kampala. Most travelers need a visa, either a single Uganda visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa, which also covers Rwanda and Kenya. Check the current requirements for your nationality before you travel, and carry your passport, visa or approval letter, and yellow fever certificate on arrival.

Uganda is a safe and welcoming country for travelers who follow standard safety practices. Speak with your doctor before your trip about malaria prevention, drink bottled or treated water, and always follow your guide’s instructions in national parks. As with travel anywhere, avoid election periods and border regions with active conflict.

Uganda Safari Cost

Uganda safari cost depends on your gorilla permit, accommodation choice, trip length, and travel season. Book your Uganda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and get a clear price for your trip from the start.

Gorilla Permit Cost

A gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 250,000 Ugandan shillings for East African Community citizens. This permit is required for anyone trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Safari Package Cost

Full Uganda safari packages range from around $850 per person for a short 3 day wildlife safari to Murchison Falls, up to $4,550 per person or more for longer, fuller itineraries covering gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and multiple national parks over 12 days or longer. Most mid-range gorilla trekking packages of 3 to 5 days fall between $1,450 and $2,650 per person.

What Affects Your Uganda Safari Cost

• Trip length. Longer safaris cost more overall, but the daily cost often drops as you add more days.
• Accommodation type. Budget lodges and campsites cost far less than mid-range or luxury lodges.
• Number of activities. Adding gorilla habituation, chimpanzee trekking, or golden monkey tracking increases your total cost.
• Season. Dry season safaris cost more, since demand is higher, while wet season trips often come with lower accommodation rates.
• Group size. Traveling in a group can lower your per person cost on transport and accommodation.

How to Save on Your Uganda Safari

Travel in the wet season for lower accommodation rates, choose budget or mid-range lodges over luxury options, and travel in a group to split transport costs. Booking early also helps you secure permits and avoid last minute price increases.

Book your Uganda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures today and get a price that fits your budget.

Sample Uganda Safari Itinerary

Not sure what a Uganda safari actually looks like day to day? Here is a sample 5 day itinerary combining wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking, one of our most popular combinations.

• Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, meet your driver guide, and transfer to your hotel for rest.
• Day 2: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive.
• Day 3: Morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to spot hippos, buffaloes, and birds, then transfer toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Day 4: Gorilla trekking day in Bwindi, spending up to an hour with a mountain gorilla family.
• Day 5: Transfer back to Entebbe or Kampala for your departure flight.

Every itinerary can be shortened, extended, or adjusted to fit your budget and interests. Book your Uganda safari with us today and we will build the right itinerary for you.

Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda welcomes visitors all year, with unique experiences in every season. The best time for your trip depends on what you want to see and do.

Dry Season in Uganda

The dry season draws the most visitors, so prices rise and parks feel busier, though you will meet more fellow travelers along the way. Dry trails give you access to remote areas, making this the best time for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, game drives, and nature walks.

During the dry months, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for some of Uganda’s best wildlife viewing. Visit Kibale National Park, home to chimpanzees and several other primate species, where a trekking permit is required and park rules must be followed. Murchison Falls National Park offers powerful waterfalls and rich birdlife, while Kidepo Valley National Park rewards visitors with authentic wildlife and open game drives under clear skies.

Book your dry season Uganda safari today.

Wet Season in Uganda

Uganda’s wet season brings long and short rains. Expect some mud on the trails, but also lower prices on tours and accommodation, plus a quieter, more private experience at every destination.

Good wet season options include Kampala city, Jinja city, Entebbe recreation areas, cultural sites, and historical landmarks.

Book your wet season Uganda safari today.

What to Pack for Uganda

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat to protect against strong sunshine
• Light, earth toned clothing that keeps you cool and comfortable
• Insect repellent to guard against African insects
• A first aid kit for minor injuries
• Any personal medication, taken as prescribed by your doctor

Travel Documents for Uganda

Uganda is safe and welcoming to travelers with the right documents: a valid passport, travel itinerary, visa, and yellow fever certificate. Avoid travel during election periods or near border regions with active conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Safaris

Got questions about planning a Uganda safari? Here are answers to what travelers ask most, from cost to permits and packing. Book your Uganda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures today.

How much does a Uganda safari cost?

Uganda safari packages range from around $850 per person for a short 3 day wildlife safari to $4,550 or more for longer, fuller itineraries covering gorilla trekking and multiple parks.

How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?

$800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 250,000 Ugandan shillings for East African Community citizens.

What is the best time to visit Uganda?

The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, offer the best trekking and game viewing conditions, though Uganda is a year round destination.

How many national parks does Uganda have?

Ten, including Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, and Kibale National Park.

Where can I see gorillas in Uganda?

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

What is the best national park in Uganda for wildlife?

Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree climbing lions and wide range of mammals, birds, and predators.

How long does gorilla trekking take in Uganda?

The trek itself can take a few hours depending on the gorilla family’s location, followed by one hour spent with the gorillas.

Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?

Yes, along with a valid passport and a yellow fever certificate.

What is the closest national park to Kampala?

Lake Mburo National Park.

Where can I see chimpanzees in Uganda?

Kibale National Park, known as the primate capital of Uganda.

What is Uganda’s most famous waterfall?

Murchison Falls, inside Murchison Falls National Park.

What mountain can I climb in Uganda?

Mount Rwenzori, known as the Mountains of the Moon, along with Mount Elgon.

How many mountain gorillas are left in the wild?

Uganda alone is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

15 years old.

What should I pack for a Uganda safari?

A passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, earth toned clothing, insect repellent, a first aid kit, binoculars, and a rain jacket.

Is Uganda a good country for a budget safari?

Yes, Uganda’s $800 gorilla permit is lower priced than Rwanda’s $1,500 permit, making it a strong budget option.

What currency is used in Uganda?

The Ugandan shilling, though US dollars, British pounds, and euros are widely accepted at hotels and parks.

Can I do a Uganda safari and gorilla trekking in the same trip?

Yes, most Uganda safari packages combine wildlife game drives with gorilla or chimpanzee trekking.

What is the rainy season like in Uganda?

Expect muddy trails but lower prices on tours and accommodation, plus quieter parks.

How far in advance should I book a Uganda safari?

Book at least 2 to 6 months ahead, especially for gorilla trekking permits, since only a limited number are issued each day.

Why Choose Magical Gorilla Adventures as Your Uganda Safari Company

Choosing a good Uganda safari company is one of the most important steps in planning your trip. A reliable tour operator helps you build the right safari package and suggests experiences that match your interests.

Magical Gorilla Adventures guarantees your trip, no matter when you book, and recommends experiences we think you will enjoy most. We started out of passion, with one goal: to organize the best safaris in Africa.

How We Do It

We believe every safari should feel special. Uganda offers countless activities, but the right trip always depends on your personal interests. We take time to listen, understand what you want, and suggest what we think you will enjoy most, so your safari becomes truly memorable.

When you book with Magical Gorilla Adventures, it is all about your experience, not ours. Your satisfaction comes first. Most of our safari itineraries are thoughtfully built to give you the joy and experience you expect from a trip to Africa.

Your Comfort Matters

Comfort is essential on any safari, and that is our promise to you. We do everything we can to make your trip comfortable, no matter your budget.

Great Pricing

Our safari packages are pocket friendly. We have already negotiated discounts with trusted service providers, helping make your trip more affordable, no matter your travel class.

There is a lot more we could tell you about Magical Gorilla Adventures, but we would rather show you.

Book your Uganda safari today and plan your trip to the Pearl of Africa.