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EsUGANDA NATIONAL PARKS TABLE
| National Park | Location | Key Uganda Safari Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Southwest Uganda | Gorilla trekking, forest hikes |
| Queen Elizabeth | Southwest Uganda | Wildlife drives, boat cruises, chimp tracking |
| Murchison Falls | Northwest Uganda | Wildlife drives, Nile boat cruise, waterfall views |
| Kibale Forest | Southwest Uganda | Chimpanzee tracking, primate walks |
| Lake Mburo | Southwest Uganda | Boat rides, walking safaris, zebra tracking |
| Kidepo Valley | Northeast Uganda | Wildlife drives, cultural visits |
| Mgahinga Gorilla | Southwest Uganda | Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking |
| Mount Elgon | Eastern Uganda | Hiking, climbing, caving |
| Rwenzori Mountains | Western Uganda | Mountain hiking, climbing, scenery |
| Semuliki | Western Uganda | Hot springs, bird watching, forest walks |
WHERE TO STAY ON A UGANDAN SAFARI ?
National Park lodges range from Budget to 5 Star facilities, all set to pamper every single need throughout your stay within this African Wild. Reside in lodges, or tented camps set in traditional style, or the beautiful bandas, enjoy the delicious meals delicately prepared by their professional chefs.
Best places to Stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking (US $ 700 – $1500)
- Clouds Lodge
- Mahogany Springs
- Sanctuary Gorilla Camp
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has several hotels and lodges where you can stay. Its important to choose your accommodation based on the gorilla group or region that you are going to track.
Best Lodges in Kibale Forest National Park) (US $ 400 – $800)
- Kibale Primates Lodge
- Kyaninga Lodge
- Crater Safari Lodge
Best Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park
1. Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
Best Lodges in Murchison Falls National Park
1.Chobe Lodge
Lake Bunyonyi Hotels
1. Bird Nest Lodge
Lake Mburo National Park Hotels
- Mihingo Lodge.
Top Rated Hotels in Kampala
- Kampala Serena Hotel
- Pearl Of Africa Hotel
- Latitude 0 Degrees
- Golden Tulip Canaan Kampala
BEST TIME TO VISIT UGANDA FOR SAFARIS ?
The best time to visit Uganda is between December-February or June-August, when there are 2 dry seasons.
June-August is the peak of the dry season. This is when waterholes will be full and thick grasses have turned parched brown, which enables animals to be easily spotted from a distance. Great bird watching happens now.
You can got to Uganda any time of the year, with temperatures at around 24°C to 30°C, the climate is generally warm. The best month to visit Uganda is July.
- Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda is June, July, August. (Bwindi National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla)
- Best time for birding in Uganda is December, January and February.
- Best time for game viewing safaris in July, August, December and January.
- March, April and May is rain season, probably not the best time to visit the pearl of Africa.
UGANDA CLIMATE AND WEATHER TABLE
| Month | Avg High Temp | Avg Low Temp | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Season? | Best for Safari? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 15°C | 50mm | No | Yes |
| February | 29°C | 16°C | 90mm | No | Yes |
| March | 29°C | 18°C | 150mm | Yes | Marginal |
| April | 28°C | 18°C | 200mm | Yes | No |
| May | 27°C | 17°C | 150mm | Yes | No |
| June | 26°C | 16°C | 100mm | Yes | Marginal |
| July | 26°C | 15°C | 60mm | No | Yes |
| August | 27°C | 15°C | 60mm | No | Yes |
| September | 27°C | 16°C | 100mm | No | Yes |
| October | 26°C | 16°C | 150mm | Yes | Marginal |
| November | 25°C | 15°C | 150mm | Yes | No |
| December | 25°C | 14°C | 80mm | No | Yes |
HOW MUCH DOES A UGANDA SAFARI COST IN 2024?
Lets try to do some costing together. Right? A Uganda gorilla safaris permit per person goes for $ 700 in 2024. Accommodation ranges from 150 to 900 depending on where you choose to stay. Roughly a simple 3 day safari to Bwindi should cost about $ 1200 per person, that should be the cheapest. Other destinations such as Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park could cost about $ 1000 for budget safari travelers. If you are to travel with other people, the price is incredibly reduced. If they are 2 of u, its possible to save over $ 300 on a 3 day trip.
- Average Cost of Safari in Uganda is US$ 200 per person per day.
- Permit to see the gorillas of Uganda costs US $ 700 per person per day.
- Chimpanzee tracking permit costs $200 (Kibale National Park)
- Park entrance fees is US$40 ( Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo and Kidepo)
- Cost of golden monkeys permit in Uganda is US $ 60 per person per hour.
- A Luxury safari lodge is $ 300 per night
- Budget or cheap Safari accommodation is $ 100 per night.
- You can hire a car to take you to the parks at $100 to $200 per day.
- Trekking Mount Elgon (National Park) costs $ 90 per day.
- Boat cruise on Queen Elizabeth National Park costs $ 30 per shift.
- Rhino Visits at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary costs US$50 per person.
Best Safari Itineraries
A 3 day safari to see the gorillas would be sufficient for those with little time. A week in Uganda is enough to cover the best 6 National parks but cannot cover all the attractions in the designated National parks and reserves.. A 4 day safari normally combine one that one traveler destination. A safari can be tailor made to cover your interests such as game drives, mountain gorillas, Rwenzori trekking, water rafting, watching birds, boat cruise and other adventures.
UGANDA SAFARI COSTS 2024
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Gorilla permit | $700 per person |
| Chimp permit | $200 per person |
| Park entrance fee | $40 per park |
| Safari vehicle rental | $100-200 per day |
| Budget lodge | $100 – $150 per night |
| Mid-range lodge | $150 – $250 per night |
| Luxury lodge | $300+ per night |
| Camping fees | $15 – $20 per person per night |
| Game drive | $30 – $50 per person |
| Cultural village visit | $15 per person |
| Nature walk | $30 per person |
| Whitewater rafting | $125 per person |
| Boat cruise | $30 per person |
| Fishing trip | $100 per person |
| Domestic flights | $150 – $300 one-way |
| Visa | $50 per person |
| Meals | $20 – $50 per person per day |
| Guide fees | $20 – $30 per group per day |
| Airport transfers | $50 – $100 per vehicle |
UGANDA SAFARI ACTIVITIES TABLE
| Activity | Key Locations | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla NP | Guided hike to view endangered mountain gorillas |
| Chimpanzee tracking | Kibale Forest NP, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest | Follow chimps through forest, view behaviors |
| Wildlife drives | Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls NP, Kidepo Valley NP | Game viewing by vehicle |
| Boat cruises | Murchison Falls NP, Kazinga Channel | Relaxing boat rides to view wildlife |
| Bird watching | Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Lake Mburo NP, Semuliki NP, Lake Bunyonyi | Spot diverse bird species |
| Hiking | Rwenzori Mountains NP, Mt. Elgon NP | Challenge yourself on mountain hikes |
| Nature walks | Kibale Forest NP, Queen Elizabeth NP | Walk through the forest and plains |
| Cultural visits | Buhoma, Bigodi, Igongo | Interact with local artisans and learn traditions |
| Hot springs | Semuliki National Park | Relax in natural hot springs |
| Fishing | Murchison Falls NP, Lake Victoria | Land large Nile perch and tilapia |
| White water rafting | River Nile near Jinja | Ride rapids on the longest river in Africa |
LIST OF BEST ANIMALS TO SEE ON UGANDA SAFARI
- The Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga National Park.
- Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- The African Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park
- Zebras in Lake Mburo National Park.
- Golden Monkeys of Mgahinga National Park
- Rothschild Giraffe in Murchison Falls National Park
- Cape Buffalo in Kidepo Valley National Park
- Rhinos @ Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Hippos i the banks of river nile / Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Uganda Kob found in Queen Elizabeth National Park & Murchison Falls
- Leopard in Kidepo Valley National Park
What is the Weather like in Uganda ?
Uganda is located at the equator. The conducive weather is another reason why the country is among the must visit destinations on the African continent. It experiences a temperate climate which makes it possible to enjoy the various safari activities all year round such as game drives, birds watching and gorilla tracking. Be sure to take the right safari clothing suitable for an African safari, be it safaris in Tanzania , Kenya holidays or other East Africa holidays.
WHAT MAKES UGANDA DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER TRAVELLER DESTINATION?
Uganda – unique unlike any other country in Africa hidden to many is symbolic ; Uganda boasts of the most impressive scenic Wonders – the significant River Nile, the very powerful waterfall – the Murchison Falls, the highest Mountain Range the Mt. Rwenzori – the Mountains of the Moon, the Virunga Volcanoes, the most wonderful in all of Africa with Lake Bunyonyi plus Lake Mutanda. The boat cruise at Kazinga channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park gives you a chance to see variety of wild animals along the shores. Most visitors love the tropical beach Islands, the rare Mountain Gorillas, impressive wildlife Chimpanzees – this is the true representation of African wilderness all compacted into a tiny nation.
LIST OF WHAT TO PACK FOR A UGANDAN SAFARI
- Travel Documents: Passport, insurance, flight tickets, covid test docs, yellow fever vaccines, cash, safari itinerary. Uganda gorilla permit issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- Safari Clothes: The best clothing for safari is Khaki (light brown and Olive). Other safari wear include Jumper, water proof jacket, adjustable sleeves, long flowly skirts and gloves.
- Safari Shoes: Light weight hiking shoes and jungle boots to track mountain gorillas. Include flip-flops or sandals.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen cream, moisturizers and glasses.
- Adventure Gadgets: iphone or mobile phone, camera, memory card and headlamp.
- Toiletries: wipes, tampons for women and teeth accessories.
- Medical Kit: Hand sanitizer, protective masks, Bandage, antiseptic, anti-diarrhea, painkillers and bug repellent.
- Donations: Be sure to find needy communities especially children.Think of what to carry.
HOW TO GET TO UGANDA
Flights to Uganda
Most prominent airlines fly to Entebbe International Airport. These include Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Delta, KLM and Turkish Airlines. Covid 19 guidelines include sanitation at its peak, wearing of masks is mandatory and middle seats remain empty during flights.
As you plan your travel to Uganda, note that most airlines have an allowance of 20kgs. Think about what you carry into and out of Uganda, its important to leave room for souvenirs. Most of the mentioned items are actually found in supermarkets in Kampala where you can go for a pre-trip shopping.
GETTING AROUND UGANDA
- If you have a pre booked trip, you will be in a safari vehicle provides by your tour operator or safari company. You will have your local guide with you all the time since this will be a private tour. Most private journeys whether both luxury or budget are encouraged when it comes to an African safari.
- Taxi is the commonest way of getting around Kampala and other areas. It accommodates 14 people but during the restrictions, it takes less than a half number. Cost per day is about $ 5 to cross from one district to another.
- Boda boda is a motorcycle spread all over the country. We encourage you to use Safe boda as they provide helmets. Cost per day is about US $ 10
- Special Hire Taxis are not very pocket friendly. A full day could easily cost you US$ 80
- Buses are available. Great if you are moving to places far by 200km from your location such as Fort portal, Kasese, Mbale, Kisoro, Masinde enroute Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and wildlife parks in Eastern Uganda, Southern Uganda and northern Uganda.
- Air Travel. Aero link takes you to different national parks for luxury wildlife safaris. Consult your tour operator for prices.
- Water transport is used to visit Ssese Islands and chimpanzee trekking in Ngamba.
23 THINGS TO DO ON A SAFARI IN UGANDA
| Activity | Description | Where | When | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Trekking | Trek through the forest to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat for 1 hour | Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Mgahinga Gorilla NP | Year-round, best in dry season Jun-Feb | $700 permit |
| Chimpanzee Trekking | Trek through the forest to find and observe chimpanzees for 1 hour | Kibale NP, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest | Year-round | $200 Kibale, $40 Budongo, $50 Kyambura |
| Game Drives | Morning and evening game drives in open safari vehicles to view wildlife | Murchison Falls NP, Kidepo Valley NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Lake Mburo NP | Year-round, best in dry season | Included in park fees |
| Nile Boat Cruise | 3-hour boat cruise along the Nile River to the bottom of Murchison Falls | Murchison Falls NP | Year-round | $36 |
| Top of Murchison Falls | Hike to the top of Murchison Falls to see the waterfall up close | Murchison Falls NP | Year-round | $15 |
| Kazinga Channel Cruise | 2-hour boat cruise along the channel to view hippos, birds, and other wildlife | Queen Elizabeth NP | Year-round | $36 |
| Tree Climbing Lions | Game drive through Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP to hopefully see lions lounging in trees | Queen Elizabeth NP | Year-round | Included in park fees |
| Rhino Tracking | Guided trek on foot to track white rhinos in a sanctuary breeding program | Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Year-round | $50 |
| Birding | Guided birdwatching walks and tours throughout Uganda’s 10 national parks | Various parks | Year-round | Included in park fees |
| Kidepo Valley NP | 12+ hour drive to remote Kidepo Valley in northeast Uganda | Kidepo Valley NP | June-March dry season | N/A |
| Lake Mburo Walk | Guided morning walk through the savanna and wetlands | Lake Mburo NP | Year-round | $15 |
| Horseback Riding | 2-hour horseback riding safari through the savanna | Lake Mburo NP | Year-round | ~$100 |
| Canoe Lake Bunyonyi | Paddle by canoe on the peaceful Lake Bunyonyi with 29 islands | Lake Bunyonyi | Year-round | $30 |
| Rwenzori Trekking | Multi-day hike through Rwenzori Mountains along varied trails | Rwenzori Mountains NP | June-Oct dry seasons | Guided hikes from ~$600 |
| Mgahinga Hiking | Day hikes to the peaks of the Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga | Mgahinga Gorilla NP | Year-round | $80 |
| Sipi Falls Hike | Day hike to the beautiful Sipi Falls in eastern Uganda | Mount Elgon area | Year-round | N/A |
| Sempaya Hot Springs | Guided hike to the Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki NP | Semuliki NP | Year-round | N/A |
| Source of the Nile | Visit where the Nile River leaves Lake Victoria in Jinja | Jinja | Year-round | N/A |
| Bungee Jumping | Experience bungee jumping over the Nile River | Jinja | Year-round | ~$115 |
| Cultural Visit | Guided tours to experience Ugandan music, dance, crafts, lifestyle | Various areas | Year-round | Varies |
| Equator Crossing | Visit the equator line and do experiments at equator sites | Kayabwe, Kasese | Year-round | N/A |
| Shoebill Viewing | Guided canoe tour of Mabamba Swamp wetlands to see shoebills | Mabamba Swamp | Year-round | ~$75 |
| Ssese Islands | Relax on the beaches of the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria | Ssese Islands | Year-round | N/A |
| Kampala City Tour | Guided tour of Uganda’s capital city Kampala | Kampala | Year-round | ~$70 |
POPULAR UGANDA SAFARI PACKAGES
3 DAY UGANDA GORILLA TOUR
Mountain gorilla safaris to Bwindi. You will spend 3 days in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Trek into pristine rainforest to see endangered mountain gorillas. Meeting a silverback is one of the most personal animal encounters. The 3 day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is ideal for people seeking adventure and a taste of both wildlife and beauty.
3 DAYS MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK UGANDA SAFARI
You will have time to see all that the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park has to offer—including a safari that will let you view all of the park’s big 4 species. Visiting the Murchison Falls national park with a 3-day itinerary gives visitors the finest opportunities to view some of the sought-after big cats like as lions and leopards.
3 DAYS VISIT KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Visit one of the best safari destinations that feature the primates. Go for chimpanzee trekking, chimpanzee habituation, birding tours, walking safaris,
4 DAYS GORILLA TREKKING UGANDA
This trip includes 4 days of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park. Only in Uganda can you go so close to gorillas in their natural environment. Reading reviews, this is one of the top things to do in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
The forest park is home to approximately half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in South Western Uganda, near the DRC. Gorilla hiking in Uganda involves a high altitude hike.
Prepare to get fit tested.
Spend an hour studying and photographing these calm giants. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is unquestionably rewarding. After the Batwa pygmies were expelled from the forest, Gorilla trekking became the primary tourist attraction in 1993. Park rangers and guides lead gorilla treks.
4 DAYS MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Golden monkey trek, see the mountain gorillas and more.
Some rare things to do on your Uganda tour include sport fishing on the Nile, horseback safaris, community walks, visiting the habituated chimpanzees.
5 DAYS UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI
Gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National park combined with Lake Bunyonyi birding trips.
6 DAYS UGANDA TOURS
Rhino tracking in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a boat trip on the Victoria Nile to Murchison Falls, chimp tracking in Kibale National Park, and wildlife watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including visits to the Buhoma town and Igongo Cultural Village.
7 DAYS UGANDA GORILLA TREKKING TOURS & WILDLIFE
Visit the best Uganda game reserves including Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth and more for wildlife viewing. The 7 Day Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari Uganda allows you to see the Big Five of Africa in addition to other exciting activities that exemplify excellence.
Mountain gorillas are the finest adrenaline action of wildlife experiences.
A 7-day monkey and wildlife tour in Uganda is a fantastic way to learn about primates.
12 DAYS AFRICAN SAFARI TO UGANDA & RWANDA
On this Uganda safari, you will go for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, visit Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. The Murchison Falls on the Nile, the world’s most powerful waterfall, will be visited. In Murchison Falls National Park, you will see a variety of wildlife.
From here, you may see chimpanzees in the world’s primate capital, Kibale Forest National Park. This park is home to 13 primates species, including chimpanzees, which number 5000 in the region, the largest number in East Africa. After your travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla tracking is the most rewarding wildlife experience in Africa.
15 DAYS EAST AFRICA SAFARI
Visit the best Uganda game reserves and parks including Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Masai Mara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Nyerere National Park and Tarangire National Park.
ABOVE AND BEYOND UGANDA
When you analyze traffic, Make tourists who come to Uganda often go to other East African destinations for safaris and tours. Notably, Rwanda safaris are prefer to double mountain gorilla trek in 2 different East African safari countries, i.e Uganda and Rwanda. Other tourists combine their Ugandan safari with visits to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Congo. For more detailed information about the country and wildlife, please contact us.
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