Uganda Safaris & Tours, Safari Cost & Holiday Trips

From traditional dances, tours to amazing markets like Owino Market, to Uganda mountain gorillas’ visit, mountain climbing adventures, and Uganda wildlife viewing tours, the best safari in Uganda; offered by our Uganda travel agency feature a wide range of diverse Uganda safari activities in various Uganda safari parks and tour attractions.

We cater to all preferences and offer an unforgettable experience that matches your choice and budget.

Our Uganda safari tours and holidays are some of the cheapest and can be upgraded to luxury upon request.

Whether you’re looking for a lifetime budget safari or short relaxing excursions, we guarantee your Uganda safari holidays will be as cheap as possible yet with so much to enjoy, especially to those that plan to visit gorillas in Uganda.

Map of Uganda

Uganda’s national parks are truly amazing.

Some of the top destinations included on most Uganda tour packages are: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla safari holidays, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and the enchanting Lake Bunyonyi.

With our Uganda safari packages, you can explore all these places and stay in comfortable lodges for less.

We guarantee this to all our clients from the moment they book their gorilla tour.

You can also combine your Uganda safari with Rwanda safaris, Congo safaris, Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, and Zanzibar beach holidays.

You can also check out our combo gorilla trips.

Uganda Safari Cost

Uganda safari costs vary depending on the package that you are booking. Below is a table that predicts the safari Uganda prices that you might encounter.

Other popular Uganda safari packages include: 1 day Ngamba Island: 1 day safari Uganda to Lake Mburo, 1 day Sipi falls tour, 1 day Uganda equator tour, 11 days Uganda safari holiday, 12 days Uganda safari tour, 14 days Uganda safari adventure, 15 days Uganda safari vacation, 3 day gorilla trek Uganda from Entebbe/Kampala, 3 days Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali in Rwanda, 4 days Uganda safari tour, 5 days Uganda safari & gorilla trekking, 6 days classic Uganda safari, 7 days safari in Uganda, 7 days Uganda safari holiday, 8 days Uganda safari tour, and 9 days Uganda safari adventure, 10 days Uganda safari with Rwenzori hiking, 5 day gorilla trek Uganda & chimps tour among other packages.

About Uganda Travel

Uganda is situated in the African Great Lakes region, bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.

Although it’s a landlocked country, it’s often considered the “Pearl of Africa” due to its rich diversity.

The official languages spoken in the country are English and Kiswahili.

Kampala serves as the largest city and the capital of Uganda, with a high percentage of the population identifying as Christians. However, unlike Nairobi; there are no Kampala safari tours. The national parks are far away from the capital city.

Uganda is unique as the only African country where you can find the Bahai temple.

Uganda gained its independence from the British on the 9th of October 1962.

The name “Uganda” is derived from the Buganda Kingdom, which occupies the central and southern parts of the country.

In 1979, Robert William Felkin, a medical missionary, observed a successful caesarean section performed by indigenous healers in the Kitara empire.

This happened long before missionary doctors visited Africa. The Arabs arrived in Uganda for trade around the 1830s.

The People & Culture of Uganda

Uganda is gifted with diverse ethnic groups that have different senses of fashion, speak different languages, hold different cultural beliefs and values, specialize in different cuisines, and much more.

Most of these groups can be visited while on safari to various tourist destinations in Uganda.

Entebbe & Kampala City – The Gateways for Safaris in Uganda

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda, situated in the central part of the country.

The city was previously a hunting area for the former Kabaka of Buganda kingdom, primarily due to its scenic rolling hills, seven in number, valleys, and wetlands that were once home to Impalas (antelopes).

Kampala assumed the role of the capital city of Uganda in 1962 when the country gained independence from British rule.

The name “Kampala” is derived from a local word, “Ka’ Impala,” signifying the presence of Impalas that were once abundant in the region.

Entebbe City is where Entebbe International Airport is located.

Why go on a Uganda safari?

Your primary reason for visiting might be gorilla trekking safaris, but try to diversify your Uganda safari.

Uganda safaris offer one of the best wildlife viewing experiences, in addition to being the best place for gorilla safaris in Africa and the world.

Uganda is one of the few countries that are home to the big five game animals, cheetahs, and ostriches.

The country’s wilderness is incredibly rich, with approximately 345 mammal species.

Include sightings of other primates like Golden Monkeys, Chimpanzees, and more in your Uganda safari plans.

Uganda has the largest population of primates in the East African region, accounting for over half of the existing mountain gorillas, followed by Rwanda and Congo.

You can find more information about this in our travel information section.

Uganda Travel Activities – What to Do on Uganda Safari Tours

Visiting national parks is a must when on a safari to Uganda

The country boasts 10 national parks and 12 game reserves, each offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience.

For example, the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park cannot be found anywhere else in the world except Lake Manyara in Tanzania.

Murchison Falls National Park is home to the world’s most powerful waterfalls and the longest river, while Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park provides a rare opportunity to get up close to our distant relatives, the mountain gorillas.

Don’t forget to explore the magnificent Kidepo Valley National Park, known for its breathtaking vistas and distinctive wildlife.

Mountain hiking and climbing on your Uganda adventure safaris

Uganda is the best place for both technical and amateur mountain climbing or hiking.

The great Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, are the highest and most challenging peaks in Uganda.

You can also climb others like Mount Elgon, Mount Morungole, and the volcanoes of the Virunga Range.

Explore Uganda safaris & Cultural communities

Uganda is composed of several ethnic groups, with each tribe having its unique way of dressing, cultural values, and beliefs.

The most outstanding tribe you shouldn’t miss visiting is the Karamojong people in the northeastern part of the country.

See Uganda cultural safaris here

Gorilla trekking Uganda

The gorilla safari Uganda offers are simply amazing. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of apes endemic to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This activity should not be missed while in the country.

Check out our gorilla Uganda safaris’ guides below:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Please note that Bwindi is the best gorilla park Uganda has.

Chimpanzee trekking

Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in the world and also the only place where you can participate in chimpanzee habituation.

Just in case you miss out on mountain gorilla trekking, make sure you visit chimpanzees for a memorable experience.

These activities offer a glimpse into the diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage that Uganda has to offer, making it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Check out our chimpanzee trekking tours below:

• Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking Tours
• Kyambura Chimpanzee Trekking Tours
• Budongo Chimpanzee Trekking Tours

Most Popular Uganda Safari Parks & Travel Destinations

All national parks in Uganda are very popular because each is unique and provides a different experience from the rest, but some of the most visited and outstanding can be seen below:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most famous park in Uganda because it’s home to half the population of mountain gorillas, which can only be found in three African countries.

The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is also affordable and safe compared to Rwanda, where it’s expensive, and Congo, where the park is sometimes closed due to civil unrest.

The Uganda safari gorilla experience in Bwindi National Park is absolutely amazing and unique. This park is also a common mention for Uganda Rwanda safaris.

You can testify to this when you read several gorilla tours Uganda TripAdvisor reviews.

See Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris here

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is also one of the most famous national parks in the country because it’s the best place for chimpanzee tracking in the world and the only place where you can do chimpanzee habituation (CHEX).

Besides chimpanzees, the park is a birders’ paradise, and the concentration of other primates is high.

See Kibale forest tours here

Murchison Falls National Park

Perfect for Uganda self drive safari holidays, Murchison Falls National Park is one of the oldest and largest conservation areas for Uganda safari tours in Uganda.

The park is home to the world’s most powerful waterfalls and the mighty River Nile.

Murchison Falls is famous because you can view four of the big five here, and you can also visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to Murchison, increasing your chances of seeing all the big five on Uganda holiday packages.

Murchison Falls is also one of the most popular and best Uganda holiday destinations to visit in Africa. It offers both budget safari Uganda experiences and luxury options.

See Murchison Falls safaris here

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in the remote northeastern part of the country.

Although it’s less visited, it’s famous all over Africa for its true wilderness and serene landscapes.

The park is also known for its diversity of wildlife not found elsewhere in the country.

See Kidepo wildlife safaris here

Other Ugandan parks include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Semuliki Valley National Park.

Please note that most of these parks have airstrips in or near them, making it possible to have Kenya and Uganda safari trips, Tanzania and Uganda safari tours & holidays, Uganda Tanzania safari trips with gorilla trekking and wildebeest migration, Kenya Uganda safari with gorilla trekking and wildebeest migration or any other combined tour within East Africa.

Driving Distances Between Uganda National Parks

Gorilla Safaris in Uganda

Uganda has two gorilla trekking parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to over 18 mountain gorilla families, while Mgahinga, the less popular destination for Uganda gorilla holidays has only one.

Half of the total population of mountain gorillas resides in Bwindi, making it the best place for mountain gorilla safaris in the world.

When booking your gorilla safaris in Uganda, be sure to choose Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as your destination.

It’s a fantastic national park with four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

Each sector has its own mountain gorilla families for you to choose from.

If you prefer to trek gorillas in both Uganda and another country, we also offer combined gorilla trips at the best prices.

Cost of Gorilla & Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 each.

This cost does not include accommodation, transportation, meals, guide fees, and more.

The total price of your Uganda gorilla safari tours depends on various factors, including the gorilla permit price, the accommodation you choose (budget, moderate, or upmarket), the number of days, additional destinations to visit, the number of people in your group, and the type of transportation you use.

If you choose to trek gorillas twice, you will spend $1400 ($800 for each gorilla trekking activity) on permits alone.

Staying in an upmarket accommodation facility will cost you over $500 per night, while budget safari lodges cost about $150 per night.

Longer travels will result in higher costs.

In a larger group, you’ll pay less for your gorilla expedition due to shared transportation costs.

If you’d like to get a quote for your package, you can contact one of our Uganda safari tour consultants by sending us an inquiry, and we’ll tailor your package and get back to you as soon as possible.

21 Facts about Uganda that you ought to know

1. Uganda boasts half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, a species of the world’s largest primates and close relatives of humans found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
2. Uganda is home to the source of the mighty ancient River Nile, known as the longest river in the world, flowing through over eleven countries. Lake Victoria, where the Nile’s source is found, is the largest lake in Africa.
3. Uganda is endowed with the world’s mightiest waterfalls, located along the spectacular River Nile, where the river narrows to a seven-meter gauge over the rocks, cascading down as 45-meter waterfalls before flowing placidly into Lake Albert.
4. Bananas are famous in Uganda; the country is also one of the world’s top pineapple, banana, and avocado producers. There are approximately 62 types of bananas in Uganda.
5. Uganda is home to the largest number of primate species in the world. Apart from mountain gorillas, there are other primate species like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, among others.
6. Uganda’s favorite fast food is Rolex, not the watch but a chapatti filled with scrambled eggs and vegetables, or even sausages. One of the Ugandans’ favorite foods is Nsenene, a type of grasshopper enjoyed in most parts of the country, and they also enjoy white ants.
7. Ugandans consume more pork per capita than any other African nation. Ankole cow beef meat is also the lowest cholesterol beef meat on the planet.
8. Uganda is one of the youngest countries globally, with 50% of the population being under 14 years old.
9. Uganda is the best birding destination in the African continent, with 1061 species of birds recorded, some of which are endemic to the country.
10. In 2012, Lonely Planet rated Uganda as the best tourist attraction country. Approximately 1 million tourists visit Uganda every year.
11. Uganda has two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry seasons are from June to September and December to February, while the wet seasons are from April to May and October to November.
12. Boda Bodas is the name given to motorcycles in Uganda. They were initially used to transport people across no man’s land, which lies between Kenyan and Ugandan border posts.
13. Women in Uganda are civil engineers and builders, as they are the ones who typically construct mud houses, also known as manyatttas.
14. Uganda is the same size as the U.S. state of Oregon, but the population differs, with Oregon having about 3,871,859 people and Uganda having 34.5 million people.
15. Uganda has ten national parks and twelve game reserves.
16. The majestic Mount Elgon, found in the eastern part of Uganda, contains the largest volcanic caldera in the world.
17. In Uganda, homosexuality is prohibited by law and is considered a punishable crime.
18. Uganda’s national motto is “For God and My Country,” and the currency used is the Ugandan shilling.
19. Uganda is one of Africa’s friendliest countries; the people are very friendly and hospitable.
20. Uganda is home to the world’s smallest church, located on Biku Hill in Nebbi town, measuring just 2.3 meters wide and 8 feet tall.
21. Uganda accounts for 6.8% of the world’s butterfly species.

Getting a Uganda Tourist Visa

Getting a Ugandan visa is not so difficult compared to some countries.

All you need to do is fill out a form, but make sure you have all the necessary requirements needed before you fill it in.

You can apply for a Ugandan visa online here: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

Travel Safe – Safety in Uganda

Although Uganda is one of the friendliest and safest countries you can visit, there are some safety measures everyone must take while visiting any country in the world.

The other safety measures are everyday precautions that you should also observe in your country: keep car doors locked, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, avoid traveling at night, and most importantly, make sure you’re using a reputable tour operator.

When to visit Uganda for Travel holidays

The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry months of the year.

December to February are the hottest months, while June to September are equally good but the most competitive.

Scheduling your Uganda tours during the dry season gives you the chance to spot large numbers of wildlife and primates.

During these months, animals roam freely around national parks and visit riverbanks for water more often.

Roads are also dry and transportation becomes easier.

This isn’t the case during the rainy months, when roads are muddy, and vehicles often get stuck, especially non-4×4 safari vehicles.

Animals also tend to seek shelter from the rain and become less visible in the parks.

While we recommend conducting your Uganda safaris during the dry months, you can also consider visiting during the unpredictable months.

These months often come with discounts on various services and facilities.

The dry months are perfect for luxury gorilla trekking, while the wet months are ideal for budget safaris.

Where to Stay – Uganda Safari Accommodation Options

Uganda’s top 10 lodges offer a blend of luxury and immersion in the country’s stunning natural beauty.

The Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is renowned for gorilla trekking, while the Apoka Safari Lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park offers an exclusive safari experience.

The Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge provides breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes, while the Nile Safari Lodge offers a tranquil escape along the Nile River.

Chobe Safari Lodge, nestled in Murchison Falls National Park, ensures a unique wildlife experience, and the Ishasha Wilderness Camp is famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Uganda’s lodges cater to diverse tastes, making your stay unforgettable.

Popular Uganda Safari Lodges with Pricing

Below are some of the most popular Uganda safari lodge options that you can choose as you plan your tour.

Why Choose us?

With so many tourism companies in Uganda, you might be wondering why you should choose us.

As a Uganda tour operator, we try so hard to ensure we offer prompt communication, the best Uganda safari cost and craft tour packages highlighting the best holiday destinations in Uganda and beyond.

With over 70 reviews on TripAdvisor, we qualify to be among the best Uganda tour operators & safari companies.

So as you search for the best travel companies in Uganda or the best travel agencies in Uganda, just know we are the whole tool and box that you need to organize an unforgettable safari.

Useful Uganda travel links:

https://www.exploreuganda.com/
https://ugandawildlife.org/