Uganda is simply incredible. It is a relatively small nation right in the centre of Africa, sitting at the meeting point of the continent’s eastern, western, northern and southern regions. That position is exactly why it is so immensely diverse.
Uganda
This beautiful country is home to the legendary ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and source of the Nile River, tropical rainforests, vast savannas, swamplands, rich culture, outstanding birdlife, the big 5 of African animals and so much more. If you had to choose only 1 African nation to visit and wanted to experience as much as possible within that time, it would be hard to beat what Uganda can provide.
With that being said, Uganda neighbours Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda, which makes it the perfect country to combine with any of these on any East African safari. Visitors from all over the world are attracted by Uganda’s incredible primate diversity and tracking experiences. The main tourist attraction is the mountain gorillas and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone is home to half of the world’s population. Observing these incredible primates, or Uganda’s wild chimpanzees is the perfect addition to a classic safari in Kenya or Tanzania and this ranks very highly on our top recommendations!
For us, there are 2 distinct ways in which Uganda is visited:
- The first and most common is in combination with another safari destination. These visitors typically spend between 1 to 7 nights in Uganda with viewing primates being the main focus.
- The second and less-known way to visit Uganda, is to spend upwards of 7 nights and to experience the incredible diversity between its National Parks. This works particularly well because travel in Uganda can be particularly affordable for extended visits. If you are on a budget and want to maximize the bang for your buck, then this is a great way to do that.
Tip: Currently tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda is less than half the price per trek than it is in neighbouring Rwanda. This has increased tourism massively in Uganda for budget-conscious travellers.
Some Uganda inspiration for you :
Fast Facts
- Uganda has a population of roughly 43 million people that are comprised of more than 50 tribes.
- English is Uganda’s national language which makes international travel a breeze.
- Uganda is home to about half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
- The Ugandan Shilling is the local currency.
- Yellow Fever vaccinations are compulsory in order for visitors to gain entry to Uganda.
- Visas are necessary for most tourists travelling to Uganda and may be obtained online prior to arrival.
Why we like it:
- We love the incredibly warm and friendly people.
- Uganda’s biodiversity is mind-blowing, particularly for primates and birds.
- The great diversity of experiences from white water rafting to cultural experiences.
- Uganda offers year-round safari tourism as it has fairly consistent temperatures.
- Uganda is home to chimpanzees and mountain gorillas!
- Uganda is great for budget travellers.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzee permits are separate from gorilla permits and considerably cheaper. Kibale Forest National Park is the premier chimpanzee destination at USD 250 per person per trek, and it has the highest primate density in East Africa. Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park is USD 100, and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls is USD 130.
There are multiple forests in Uganda where you can track wild chimpanzees, and some are more affordable than others, so why not track more than one family of these incredible primates on your next trip? We build chimpanzee trekking into most Uganda itineraries alongside gorillas.
Uganda Safari FAQs
A 7-night mid-range Uganda safari typically starts around USD 4,500 per person, excluding international flights. Gorilla permits at USD 800 per trek are the single biggest line item, so the number of treks you book drives the total more than anything else. Longer trips work out cheaper per night because park fees and internal flights are spread across more days.
USD 800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents. That covers one hour with a habituated gorilla family, plus the park rangers and trackers who accompany the trek. It is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and reviewed periodically. Foreign residents pay USD 700 and East African citizens pay UGX 300,000.
The dry seasons, December to February and June to August, give you firmer forest trails and less rain. Gorilla permits cannot be moved if it rains on your day, so the drier months reduce that risk. That said, gorilla trekking runs year-round and the forest is at its most beautiful in the wetter months.
Uganda is roughly half the price at USD 800 versus USD 1,500, and Bwindi holds about half the world’s mountain gorillas. Rwanda offers shorter drives from Kigali and a more polished lodge scene. Uganda wins on value and on the wider safari, because you can add chimpanzees, savanna parks and the source of the Nile to the same trip.
Yes, and it is one of the best combinations in Africa. Uganda sits directly between them, so a classic Kenya or Tanzania safari pairs naturally with a gorilla or chimpanzee trek. Most travellers add 3 to 5 nights in Uganda to a longer East African itinerary, flying into Entebbe and out of Nairobi or Kilimanjaro.
Reasonably fit. Treks can run 2 to 6 hours through steep, wet forest at altitude, and Bwindi sits between 1,160 and 2,600 metres. Porters are available and worth every dollar. Anyone showing signs of a cold or flu will be turned away at the trailhead, and the minimum age is 15.
Most nationalities need a visa, and you can apply online through the Uganda e-Visa portal before you travel. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory for entry. We send every client a full pre-departure pack covering visas, vaccinations and what to pack.
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