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East Africa safari destination
Uganda Safaris
Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the mighty Nile and savannah parks full of wildlife. Plan a Uganda safari with a local East African team.
Location
East Africa
Known as
The Pearl of Africa
Ideal trip
5 to 10 days
Best time
Jun to Aug, Dec to Feb
Famous for
Mountain gorillas
The Pearl of Africa
Uganda lies at the heart of East Africa, between Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and the Congo. It packs rainforests, volcanoes, savannah, crater lakes and the source of the Nile into a country smaller than many of its neighbours, which is why it has long been called the Pearl of Africa.
Most travellers come for the mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects around half of the world’s remaining population, and spending an hour with a gorilla family in the forest is one of the most moving wildlife experiences anywhere. Uganda is also the best place in East Africa to track chimpanzees, and it has classic savannah parks with lions, elephants and huge herds of antelope.
A Uganda safari combines easily with Kenya. Many travellers start with the Maasai Mara or Amboseli and then fly to Entebbe for gorilla trekking. Our 3 day gorilla tracking experience and 5 day gorilla and wildlife safari are the most popular ways to visit.
Why a Uganda safari belongs on your East Africa trip
Six reasons Uganda is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari countries.
Mountain gorillas
Trek into the forest to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family.
Chimpanzee tracking
Follow chimps through Kibale Forest, home to many primate species.
The source of the Nile
Raft, kayak or cruise where the world’s longest river begins.
Savannah safaris
Lions, elephants, buffalo and giraffe in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
Dramatic landscapes
Volcanoes, crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Easy to combine
A short flight from Nairobi, perfect after a Kenya safari.
When to visit Uganda
Uganda can be visited all year. The drier months make forest trails easier for gorilla and chimp trekking.
June to August
Main dry season
Firmer forest trails and good savannah game viewing. The busiest time for gorilla permits.
- Book permits early
December to February
Short dry season
Warm, dry weather and good trekking conditions.
- Popular season
March to May
Long rains
Lush forests and fewer visitors. Trails can be slippery.
- Quietest months
September to November
Short rains
Green landscapes, good birding and more permit availability.
- Good availability
Top destinations in Uganda
From rainforest to savannah, these are the places most travellers include on a Uganda safari.
- Gorilla trekking
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Ancient rainforest that protects around half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
- Southwest Uganda
- 1 to 2 nights
- Savannah safari
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Savannah, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel, with tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.
- Western Uganda
- 2 nights
- Waterfalls and wildlife
Murchison Falls National Park
The Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge before flowing into Lake Albert.
- Northwest Uganda
- 2 nights
- Adventure
Jinja and the source of the Nile
The adventure capital of Uganda, known for white water rafting on the Nile.
- Eastern Uganda
- 1 to 2 nights
Things to do on a Uganda safari
Uganda mixes primate trekking, classic game drives and adventure.
Gorilla trekking
Hike through Bwindi with expert trackers and spend an unforgettable hour with a gorilla family.
Primate encounters
Look for chimpanzees, colobus and other monkeys in the forests of western Uganda.
Kampala city tour
Explore Uganda’s busy capital, its markets and its history.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Cruise past hippos, buffalo and elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Nile white water rafting
Tackle rapids on the Nile near Jinja with experienced guides.
Planning your Uganda safari
Practical details to help you plan permits, travel and timing.
Getting to Uganda
- By air: fly into Entebbe International Airport, about 40 km from Kampala. Flights from Nairobi take around an hour.
- To Bwindi: a long drive of 8 to 10 hours from Entebbe, or a domestic flight to a nearby airstrip.
- From Kenya: many travellers combine a Kenya safari with a short Uganda extension.
Gorilla permits
- Book early: permits are limited each day and sell out months ahead in peak season.
- Issued by: the Uganda Wildlife Authority sets permit prices and rules.
- Age limit: trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
Good to know
- Health: a yellow fever certificate is required, and Uganda is a malaria area.
- Fitness: treks can take several hours on steep, muddy trails, so prepare with regular walking.
- Visas: the East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.
Uganda safari packages
Gorilla tracking and wildlife safaris in Uganda, which can be combined with a Kenya safari.
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Kampala, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Kampala, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Uganda safari questions
Answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Still unsure? Send us your question and our team will reply.
Where can you see mountain gorillas in Uganda?
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both in southwest Uganda.
How fit do you need to be for gorilla trekking?
A reasonable level of fitness is needed. Treks can last from one to several hours on steep, muddy trails, and porters are available to help.
How many days do you need for a Uganda safari?
Three days is enough for gorilla trekking from Entebbe. Five to ten days lets you add chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls.
When is the best time for gorilla trekking?
June to August and December to February are the driest months, with easier trails. Gorillas can be visited all year.
Do I need to book gorilla permits in advance?
Yes. Permits are limited and often sell out months ahead, so we recommend booking as early as possible.
Can I combine Uganda with a Kenya safari?
Yes. Uganda is a short flight from Nairobi, so many travellers combine gorilla trekking with the Maasai Mara or other Kenyan parks.
Start planning your Uganda safari
Tell us your dates and interests, and our team will arrange gorilla permits, transport and lodges for your Uganda safari.
