Uganda

Why Uganda?    Mountain Gorillas.  Chimpanzees.  Birding.  Shoe Bills.  Big 5.

Here is a selection of our Uganda Safaris & Extensions.
Of course, there are lots of options & permutations... so contact us to tailor-make a safari just for you.

Why a Uganda Safari?

Mountain Gorillas - trek to see critically endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

 

Chimpanzees - chimp trek at Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge.

 

Big 5 & Birding - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino. Birders' paradise: over 1,100 species, including shoe bills.

 

Murchison Falls National Park - excellent wildlife watching, & the magnificent Falls.

 

Queen Elizabeth National Park - varied landscapes, high biodiversity, varied wildlife.

 

Diversity - Lake Victoria, Nile River, Jinja, Rwenzori Mountains, Crater Lakes.

 

Voted Best Travel Destination - National Geographic Traveler, 2013.

Uganda Primate Safari 

Highlights:  Mountain Gorillas.  Chimpanzees.   Monkeys.  Birds.  Batwa Tribe.
Is this for me? For the safari-goer who wants to focus on Uganda's primates.

 

Uganda Safari Highlights
  Day    Location
  1  

Entebbe - Transfer to hotel.

 

  2-4  

Kibale Forest, chimpanzees: Trek to see chimpanzees. Spend an hour, or a whole day with them. Kibale has the highest density of primates in Africa, with 13 species present.

Bigodi Wetland, birding: Over 200 species of birds. 8 species of primates.

 

  5-7  

Bwindi Forest, Mountain Gorilas: Trek to see critically endangered Mountain Gorillas; only 750 remain in the wild.

 

  8   Entebbe - Transfer to Kampala / Entebbe
   

Uganda Safari Itinerary
   Day   Activities  
  1   Transfer airport to hotel. Relax & prepare for the coming days of adventure.  
 
  2   Drive to Kibale Forest National Park (approx 5-6h), a lush tropical forest, with Africa's highest density of primates. Lunch en-route. (B L D)  
 
  3   Morning trek in Kibale forest to see chimpanzees, and spend up to an hour with them. Kibale Forest is home to 13 species of primates, including L'Hoest's money, red colobus & chimpanzees. 
In the afternoon. (B L D)
 
 
  4  

Today enjoy a walk at Bigodi Wetlands, which is home to several species of primates & over 200 species of birds, including the blue breasted king fisher, papyrus genolek & great blue turaco.
OPTIONS:
Another morning chimpanzee walk, with max 1 hour with them. Or, spend a whole day with a chimpanzee family on the 'Chimpanzee Habituation Experience' (available only in low season; March-May, November).
Final option is to take a tour around the beautiful Crater Lakes region. (B L D)

 
 
  5   Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (approx 7h).  Bwindi Forest is home to critically endangered mountain gorillas. (B L D)  
 
  6   Gorilla trekking today - get up close & personal with majestic & critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. You'll trek through the forest for a hour or more, and once you find the gorillas, spend up to an hour with them. (B L D)  
 
  7   Today's highlight: the 'Batwa Experience': walk into the forest to visit with the elders of the local Batwa pygmy hunter-gatherer tribe that was displaced when Bwindi National Park was created.
OPTION: a forest trek, or another day of gorilla trekking. (B L D)
 
 
  8   Fly back to Kampala/Entebbe this morning.
Catch your international flight back home, or continue with one of our other adventures. (B). (B)
 
 
Uganda Safari Photos
Luxury Uganda Primate Safari from only $7,585*
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $8,768 to $13,000+
*Price includes 1x gorilla trek permit (currently US$ 600 pp for 2023/24)

 

Uganda Classic Safari 

Highlights:  Big 5. Murchison Falls. Mountain Gorillas. Chimpanzees. Shoe Bill.
Is this for me? For the safari-goer who wants to see it all: Africa's famous wildlife as well as primates.

Uganda Classic Safari Highlights
   Day    Location
  1   Entebbe: Tranfer to hotel
  2   Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: track & see white rhinos in this private sanctuary.
  3   Murchison Falls: powerful, magnificent Murchison Falls, & excellent wildlife viewing.
  4-5  

Kibale Forest: Trek to see chimpanzees. Spend an hour, or a whole day with them. Kibale Forest has the highest density of primates in Africa.

Bigodi Wetland, birding: over 200 species of birds & 8 species of primates.

 
  67   Queen Elizabeth National Park: wildlife watching game drives. Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel. Nature walks in Kyambura Gorge.
 
  8910   Bwindi Forest, Mountain Gorilas: trek to see critically endangered Mountain Gorillas; only 750 remaining in the wild.
  1112   Lake Mburo National Park or Lake Entebbe: Beautiful lake, birding, and chance to see zebra, impalas, even long-horned ankole cattle! Mburo or Entebbe
 

Uganda Classic Safari Itinerary
   Day   Activities  
  1  
Transfer airport to hotel. Relax & prepare for the coming days of adventure.  

 
 
  2   Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (approx 3h), where you will track & see white rhinos up close. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park (approx 2-3h). (B L D)  
 
  3   Morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Wildlife includes: lion, leopard, elephant, baboons, antelope, warthog. Afternoon boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls, which is excellent for wildlife watching; hippo, elephant, buffalo, and birding. (B L D)  
 
  4   Drive to Kibale Forest National Park (approx 5-6h), a lush tropical forest, with Africa's highest density of primates. Lunch en-route. (B L D)  
 
  5   Morning trek in Kibale forest to see chimpanzees, and spend up to an hour with them. Kibale Forest is home to 13 species of primates, including L'Hoest's money, red colobus & chimpanzees. 
In the afternoon, enjoy a walk at Bigodi Wetlands, which is home to over 200 species of birds, including the blue breasted king fisher, papyrus genolek & great blue turaco. 
OPTION: spend a whole day with a chimpanzee family on the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (available only in low season; March-May, November). (B L D)
 
 
  6   Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (3-4h), a park with high biodiversity & of varied landscapes; from wetlands & lush forest to classic African savannah. Afternoon game drive or boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. (B L D)  
 
  7   Today explore Queen Elizabeth National Park via a morning game drive. African wildlife here includes elephant, lion, hippo, waterbuck, Ugandan kob (antelope), and lots more. Afternoon boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, or game drive. (B L D)  
 
  8   Drive through the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (road conditions permitting), famous for tree-climbing lions. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (approx 7h). (B L D)  
 
  9   Gorilla trekking today - get up close & personal with majestic & critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. Spend up to an hour with them. (B L D)  
 
  10   Today's highlight: the 'Batwa Experience': walk into the forest to visit with the elders of the local Batwa pygmy hunter-gatherer tribe that was displaced when Bwindi National Park was created.
OPTION: a forest trek, or another day of gorilla trekking. (B L D)
 
 
  11   Drive to Lake Mburo National Park (approx 6-7h). Enjoy beautiful views, & the option for an afternoon boat safari or game drive.
OPTION: Fly back & overnight in Entebbe tonight, to avoid the long drive from Bwindi back to Entebbe (approx 11h). You can then visit Mabamba Swamp tomorrow morning to try your luck at seeing a Shoe bill.   (B L D)
 
 
  12   Morning drive back to Kampala/ Entebbe (approx 4h). Time permitting, visit Mabamba Swamp & go out on a boat to try your luck at seeing a Shoe bill; Mabamba Swamp in Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to see shoe bills. 
Later transfer to the international airport for your flight back home, or continue with one of our other adventures. (B)
 
 
Uganda Safari Photos
Luxury Uganda Classic Safari from only $9,985*
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $10,995 to $14,000+
*Price includes 1x gorilla trek permit (currently US$ 600 pp for 2023/24)

 

Extend your Safari
Explore different parks or regions, focus on particular species, relax by the beach, go scuba diving, discover local culture... it's your choice.
Below are some ideas. Contact us for specific recommendations just for you.
  Kidepo Valley National Park - min 3 nights
Want to see Uganda's most remote national park & meet the Karamajong people?
Kidepo Valley National Park is the most remote, and one of the most beautiful national parks in Uganda. The savannah here is classic East African style, reminiscent of that in Kenya & Tanzania. The wildlife viewing is outstanding, with predators such as lion, leopard, hyena, and herbivores including buffalo, zebra & giraffe. Classic savannah species seen nowhere else in Uganda can be see here: cheetah, ostrich, kori bustards, secretary birds.
You also have the chance to visit a Karamojong village - a cattle herding tribe whose members still wear traditional dress, similar to the Maasai, & live traditional lives.
Incl. accommodation, game drives, all park & conservancy fees, transfers, accommodation, most meals.
From US$ 3,499 pp for 3 nights.
   
  Zanzibar, Tanzania - min 2 nights
Want to visit famous Zanzibar Island, off the Tanzanian coast?
From white sand beaches on the north & east coasts, to World Heritage listed Stone Town & Red Colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest. 
Zanzibar is a large island, taking 2 hours to drive north to south, and an hour across. So, we recommend staying in the area that interests you most. There is an ever increasing range of accommodation options on this resort island.
Incl. flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast.
From US$ 1,990 pp for 2 nights.
   
 

Masai Mara, Kenya - min 3 nights
Want to visit famous Masai Mara & see the Great Migration?
The open grass plains of the Masai Mara is wildlife viewing at its best.
The Masai Mara is famous for the spectacular river crossings of wildebeest during their Great Migration into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti.  This supports large numbers of predators, including lion prides, hyenas, and of course Nile crocodiles.  It's also a great place to see cheetahs hunting on the Plains.

See our Kenya Safaris page for more options for a Kenya Safari. 

Incl. internal flights from Nairobi, accommodation, game drives, all park & conservancy fees, transfers, accommodation, most meals.

From US$ 2,975 pp for 3 nights.

   
 
   
Prices

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The short answer;  It depends....

The long answer:  The world's best wildlife destinations are often expensive because of strict government controls, high park fees & complex logistics.  Amongst other things, it also depends on accommodation quality, location & exclusivity; what type of vehicles are used; whether you're flying around a lot; and how many days you spend in-country. 

 

Whatever your budget, we will recommend the best possible adventure to suit you.

 

  Primate Safari   
  Luxury from:  US$ 7,585
  More Luxury from: US$ 8,768
 
  Classic Safari  
  Luxury from:  US$ 9,985
  More Luxury from: US$ 10,995
 
  Extensions  
  Luxury from:  US$ 1,990
  More Luxury from: US$ 2,370
  Seasonal Pricing  
 
J F M A M J J A S O N D
 
 
  Season   Low   High   Peak  
 
    Seasons shown here are based on accommodation pricing, which is based on holiday seasons.  For wildlife seasons & the best time to go, see our "Seasons" tab.    
     

Prices based on 2 people travelling, sharing a room.
*Uganda Primate Safari & Classic Uganda Safari prices include 1x gorilla trek permit (currently US$ 600pp), and 1x chimpanzee trek permit (not Chimpanzee Habituation Experience).

 

Choose your own Private Safari or a Small Group - contact us for your tailor-made adventure!

 

No hidden costs - Guaranteed!  
We include everything possible to make your adventure as easy as possible.

Accommodation & responsible travel

We are strongly committed to the principles of responsible travel, and therefore recommend accommodations that are trying to do the right thing - by the environment, their staff & local communities, and their guests!  Environmental initiatives include using renewable energy such as solar power, using low-impact structures, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible.  They support their local communities by providing employment as well as educational, medical, and other support; some even include profit-share arrangements. Many have, or support, anti-poaching units to de-snare and protect the wilderness areas within which they operate.

 

So what's the difference between a luxury vacation and an even more luxurious or exclusive one?

       
  Luxury   More Luxury & Exclusivity
  High quality lodges &/or tented camps,
which tend to be on the simpler side.
Food is of a good standard, often presented 
as a self-serve buffet.
Driving safaris may be in private minivans.
  Upmarket lodges or camps, sometimes on a
house drinks & extra activity inclusive basis.
Usually in the best locations for wildlife viewing.
High standards of Guiding, food & service.
Driving safaris will be in private 4x4 vehicles.
       
  Accommodation featured:   Accommodation featured: 
  Cassia Lodge, Kampala
Boma Guest house, Entebbe 
Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls 
Primate Lodge, Kibale
Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP 
Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Queen Elizabeth NP 
Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Forest 
Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Forest 
Mantana Tented Camp, Lake Mburo  
  Le Petit Village, Kampala
Emin Pasha, Kampala 
Serena Kampala Hotel 
Chobe Safari Lodge Uganda, Murchison Falls 
Kyaninga Lodge, Kibale/ Fort Portal 
Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP 
Katara Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP 
Volcanoes Bwindi Safari Lodge 
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge 
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Forest
Mihingo Lodge, Lake Mburo 
Semliki Safari Lodge, Semliki Wildlife Reserve 
Apoka Safari Lodge, Kidepo Valley NP 
       

We clearly explain what's included & what's not:

 

Inclusions: All your accommodation, most meals, wildlife viewing activities in quality safari vehicle with qualified Driver/Guide, all internal flights, all airport transfers, all park & conservation fees, including 1x chimpanzee trek permit (not chimpanzee habituation experience), and 1 gorilla trek permit.

 

All government taxes, fuel surcharges, Park & Conservancy entrance fees are included and correct as at date of quote. However they are subject to government & local authority imposed changes, often without notice (!) and therefore beyond our control. We will always endeavour to minimise their impact and inform you if a supplement is required.

 

Exclusions: International airfares to & from your chosen destination. Visa fees, personal & travel insurance, excursions not specified, drinks unless specified, laundry, telephone or internet costs, gratuities, and all other personal expenses. Some airports now charge safety fees, which are payable directly at each airport upon departure.  Check your Uganda visa requirements here: http://www.immigration.go.ug

 

Additional things to consider: Busy times of the year normally have a supplement added by the accommodation providers - Easter, Xmas & New Year holidays.  These will be included in our costs - so no surprises when you get there!

Seasons

Q:  When is the best time to go to Uganda?    
A:  It depends on what you want to see & experience

It may sound like a cliché to say that there is no bad time to go, however, it really is true - we know, we're there at all times of the year!  There is always something happening; animals don't disappear because it's raining, although they do disperse into different areas and they do often give birth at specific times or in specific locations to take advantage of the new grazing.    

 

So if you're constrained to travelling at a particular time, don't worry: we'll recommend the best places & parks - and the best locations within the the parks - to visit at that time.   

 

If you have specific interests - such as going on a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience - then you do need to travel at the right time of year, AND to the right area.

 

Guide to the safari seasons & the best time to go to Uganda

 

  Late December - February
Summer season, with warm days & cool nights.
Relatively low rainfall period.
Excellent time to visit any part of Uganda.
Especially good for seeing buffalo & other wildlife concentrations in Kidepo Valley.
Excellent time for gorilla & chimpanzee trekking. 
   
  March - May
Months with highest rainfall, peaking in April.
Clouds tend to build up throughout the day, with afternoon rain & thunderstorms.
Vegetation is lush & green.
Excellent time for birding & lots of antelope births.
Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking can be hard work in the wet, muddy conditions. 
An excellent time for photography as the air is crisp & clear (as long as it's not raining!).
   
  June - September
Excellent time to visit, with relatively low rainfall, especially in July.
Better chance of dry weather during your gorilla trek & chimpanzee trek (although it is still a tropical rainforest!). 
Day time temperatures are comfortable, getting warmer towards the end of the period.
   
  October - early December
Short rainy season, but usually far less than March - May.
Vegetation turns lush & green once more.
Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking can be harder with more chance of wetter, muddier conditions.
Excellent time for birding, with Eurasian bird species arriving. 
An excellent time for photography as the air is crisp & clear. 
   

 

Whatever time of year you choose to travel, rest assured that when you choose to travel with us, we will advise you of the best safari locations, safari seasons and safari dates for your particular interests.

 

How can we help you?