Uganda Safari

Striking at the right time can make all the difference between ‘Ow’ and ‘Wow’ on your trip to Uganda. A lot is determined by whether the weather plays on your side. So, stay ‘clock wise’ and block your calendars at the right time to tip the odds in your favor. Although there is no escape from rainfall throughout the year, the relatively dry season between June to August and December to February is the ideal time window that you're looking out for. The popular favorite season lies between June to September. With clear skies to invite you, steer clear of harm's way and make the most of your adventure.

The wet season, which falls between the months of March to May and September to November , comes with a fair share of 'if’s’ and 'but’s’. Although it is easier on your pockets to travel during this low season, stay warned of slippery trails, tricky treks and untraversable roads. However, it is the perfect time to grab some appealing discounts on gorilla tracking permits to squeeze together a budget friendly adventure. Luckily for you, the animals are not migratory and hence, you’re sightings aren’t going to be highly compromised.Crossed by the equator, Uganda’s average temperature is a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius.

Citizens of most countries require a Visa to enter Uganda. This can be easily obtained on arrival at the country’s international airports (Entebbe International Airport). It is essential that you have a clean and recent US dollar bills to pay for the Visa. Bills that are damaged with tears and holes, or bills dated prior to 2006, may be rejected by customs. Have all your travel documents and confirmations at hand, this will keep the process smooth and quick.

You have the option to choose a “Single Entry Visa” which costs about 50 USD and is valid for a period of 90 days. If you have plans of visiting Kenya and Rwanda, you can opt for the “East African Tourist Visa”. This will cost about 100 USD and give you multiple entry access to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for a period of 90 days.

Vaccinations - All travellers visiting The Republic of Uganda must have a valid Yellow Fever Immunization card before their arrival. In case you have skipped getting this immunization, you will have to take it at the airport.

The table below sums it all up for you -

Wondering how to get to the wonder of Uganda? Entebbe International airport is the prime airport of the country. Other domestic airports that facilitate scheduled passenger service on commercial flights are the Arua airport, the Gulu airport and the Moyo airport.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Gazetted as the Queen Elizabeth National Park after the Queen’s visit in 1954, it was previously comprised of isolated game reserves created around the two lakes - George and Edward. Using the 40-kilometre long natural Kazinga channel that connects both lakes, the area was made into a national park that consisted of the most diverse animal population within Uganda. The Queen Elizabeth National Park now houses over 90 species of mammals, the highest in Uganda. It also is home to 10 species of primates and over 600 species of birds. It also stands as the most diverse areas for bird watching in all of Uganda. It is home to some rare species of primates like the colobus monkey and the L'hoest's monkey. It is also one of the very few places in the world where you can find tree-climbing lions! You can also find Chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, while the Equator also crosses through the national park. Not only this, there are land and water safaris to offer to tourists at the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Clearly, a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park is filled with myriad experiences and would equate to one of those unmatched moments in life.

Lake Mburo National Park

Situated conveniently off the highway that connects Entebbe and Kampala to Western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is a must-visit wetland ecosystem brimming with flora and fauna. With several lakes and water bodies in the entire area, it forms a much-needed wetland that attracts a host of wildlife from the nearing area. At 260 square kilometres, it also stands as the smallest savannah national park existing in Uganda. With everything from game drives to various safaris on road, this national park is the ideal place for a one or two-day safari. Originally gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area and had a topsy-turvy history of poaching and hunting until it was re-gazetted in 1986. The bounds of the national park consist of five lakes with a total of 13 other lakes in the area. This forms an extensive 50-kilometre long wetland ecosystem that house more than 300 species of birds along with antelopes and land mammals. The lakes are scattered in between vast expanses of woodland and offer a completely unique experience to everyone who visits it.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

While the generic idea of a safari in Africa would comprise of an endless plain with dry grass, big predators stalking oblivious prey and a heart warming sunset to cap it off, there is quite a lot more to offer in this continent. You might not even believe what you are in store for when you step a little high up into the rolling forests of Uganda, where one of the most majestic and endangered species of primates resides - Mountain Gorillas. Not only this, it is completely different from anything you would’ve seen in your life. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of those national parks that is one of a kind. An 8-hour drive from Entebbe will bring you to the rolling hills in Southern Uganda where the Bwindi national park is located. It is in the vicinity of several other national parks with a similar terrain of mountains and deep valleys with lush vegetation like the Mgahinga National Park as well as the Virunga National Park. However, the Bwindi National Park is the most famous, the most diverse and the largest of its kind in Uganda. The gorilla tracking experience an adventure unique to Uganda only.

Murchison Falls National Park

Enthusiasts from across the globe gravitate to this enchanting game park with the captivating Murchison falls having stirred the wanderlust in them. Being at the heart of the park and unquestionably its claim to fame,Murchison falls is sure to fall on the bucket lists of many travel connoisseurs. Lose yourself as you watch the dauntless white Nile explode through a narrow gorge from an outlet of the Lake Victoria and collapse into a mystifying wall of mist, blushing with the hues of the rainbow and drenching you with awe. The vigorous, rock grinding drop is surely a jaw dropping sight. Fall in love with these falls as its splendour encloses upon you and renders you speechless. Embrace the unmistakable heartthrob of the landscape and let it calm your qualms with it's mere intensity. Close your eyes and listen to the gurgling of the Nile, with the subtle hissing of its wildlife in the background. The drive to the National park is about 320 Kms and takes about 6 hours to reach from Entebbe. The wait is totally worth it once you see how mesmerizing the falls are. Claim the enticing odds of meeting four out of the big five, which includes lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. Murchison Falls National Park is brimming with as many as 76 species of mammals and over 450 species of birds. Be it in the winds, the waters or on land, this national park hosts a surprise anywhere you look.

Kibale National Park

Situated near the city of Fort Portal in Southern Uganda, the Kibale National Park is one of the most sought after locations when it comes to Chimpanzee tracking for tourists as well as Chimpanzee conservation and rehabilitation. With the national park comprising of areas in altitudes 1100 to 1600 metres, the Kibale National Park houses 13 species of primates in approximately 750 square kilometres of land area. It takes approximately 6 hours to cover the 330 kilometre distance from Entebbe to the south-eastern border of Uganda; people often fly to Kasese and drive north from there too. The national park and adjacent game reserve are located in the middle of the lush and rich forest belt of eastern Africa containing areas of lowlands as well as montane forests. While the national park is known for its chimp tracking, there are quite a few other species of rare primates that belong here. The red colobus monkey as well as the L’Hoest’s monkey are a couple such species that can be found in the lush forests of the Kibale national park. Not only is Kibale known for the largest population of the red colobus monkey, there are other birds and mammals that are found there. Native birds like the dusky crimsonwing and the blue headed sunbird can also be found at the Kibale national park. Having understood that wide variety of animals that call the Kibale National Park home, it is apt to delve into those animals that have made Kibale famous - our closest relative, the Chimpanzee.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Located in the Nakasongola district in the Kafu river basin, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stands as a flag bearer for the cooperative effort to conserve the Rhinoceros. A collaborative effort between the Rhino Uganda Fund, the Uganda Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ziwa Ranchers Limited, the sanctuary aims to establish a safe environment where the Rhinoceros can breed and flourish. Unlike many safaris in Africa, the Ziwa sanctuary is a walking safari. At approximately 7000 hectares of land, the Rhinos have ample area to flourish and co-exist. It forms one of the most densely populated rhino areas in the world. In fact, a guided nature walk around the sanctuary makes for fantastic viewings of animals as well as plants. Animals such as Bushbuck, grey Duiker, Oribi, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Hartebeest, black and white Colobus, and various reptiles such as large monitor lizards and butterflies can be found all around the sanctuary, but requires an expert to spot them at different areas and at different times of the day. A visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also goes a long way in contributing to maintain and elevate the practices performed to conserve the rhino that were very close to extinction just a few years ago. Our acts of support for these animals will go a long way in the long-term future of their species.

Lake Bunyonyi

Unbeknownst to many, this is nature’s treasure trove tucked to safety in South-west Uganda, just south of Kabale ideal for people from all schools of life as it offers a potpourri of activities. Lake Bunyonyi is a quaint place with ethereal beauty dotted with 29 islands in varied sizes and unique shapes amidst the plush green of the surrounding hills. While a lot can be done to in Lake Bunyonyi, let’s delve deep to get an insight about this place. Located between the two districts of Kisoro and Kabare and close to the border of Rwanda, it is a freshwater lake with the reputation as the second deepest lake of Africa. With the depths varying between 144ft to 2952ft, swimming in this lake is truly an unmatched experience as you surrender yourself to depths of water.

Jinja - The Adventure Capital Of Africa

Whether you’re a thrill seeker, an adventure enthusiast, an adrenaline chaser or an unstoppable extremist, Jinja is one of the wildest of havens for the rebel in you to revel in. Unwind over the winding Nile and emerge white-faced from your white water rafting expeditions, take your leap of faith and plunge into the Nile on a life transforming Bungee jump, treat yourself to a trot along the banks of the Nile and traverse through hills, valleys, forests, plantations and other astounding sections of the river banks on an exciting horseback safari. Besides hosting a bountiful of lip-smacking thrills for the adventure hungry, Jinja is also brimming with some of the best social spots and a happening nightlife for you to unwind in, after chasing your hot pursuit of adrenaline rushes. Spend a long day by the long river and then wash down your fatigue with a fulfilling bottle of beer and see it through to its bottom. Some popular favorites of the late hour are the Bourbon, Spot6, Babez, the 2 Friends bar and a myriad of other clubs and pubs. Stay rest assured that your leisure does not take a backseat at Jinja. Head back home with a head full of awesome and awe inspiring memories from the most thrill infused and scenic lands of Africa.

Mountain gorilla encounters are intimate moments shared between the gorillas and no more than eight tourists at a time. The best countries to see these iconic primates are Uganda and Rwanda, where you can have the gorilla trekking excursion of your dreams. We’ve taken a look at trekking tours in both countries to determine which makes for the most unforgettable adventure.

Uganda gorilla trekking tours are based in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The very name of this remote wilderness conjures up images of steep hillsides cloaked in dense rainforest, where the verdant undergrowth is dimmed in the shadow of the afromontane canopy and the haunting, rattling cry of the colobus monkey can be heard echoing between the trees. A hike through this rugged 33,000-hectare environment can last anywhere from 45 minutes to a full day, depending on where the gorillas have chosen to rest and forage for their food. Uganda gorilla trekking requires a permit, which costs approximately 600 USD for the 2018-2019 season. This makes trekking much cheaper here than in Rwanda. Treks here also tend to be longer, owing to the steepness and wildness of the landscape, so you get more time out in the bush when you visit Uganda. More than half of the world’s mountain gorillas are in the country, too, so you’ll find them more easily here.

Another gorilla habitat lies on the slopes of the Virungas: Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This timeless tract of rainforest is dominated by cloud-topped volcanic cones and is famous as the home base of gorilla researcher Dian Fossey. Just like a gorilla trek in Uganda, you’ll be able to get quite close to habituated animals here. However, Rwanda has recently increased its trekking permit cost to 1500 USD, making a trek here much more expensive than the Uganda gorilla trekking price. There are also fewer gorillas here than in Uganda, although the sparser vegetation in the park can make for good photographic opportunities. Volcanoes National Park is also easy to access; the reserve lies only two hours by road from the capital city of Kigali.

Uganda and Rwanda both offer world-class gorilla treks, with comparable accommodation suiting a wide range of tastes. But since visiting Bwindi is both more affordable and pairs so well with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls, we’re particularly fond of gorilla trekking in Uganda. You can even combine a trek with a community visit to explore Uganda’s unique Batwa cultural heritage. We also happen to specialize in tours to this vibrant country, so we’re especially confident that you’ll have an incredible journey when you allow us to put together your Uganda gorilla trek.

The official local currency in The Republic of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling. However, US dollars are accepted almost everywhere and are even the preferred currency for transactions over 100USD. Just as in the case of obtaining your visa, currency bills that are dated post 2006 in an undamaged condition are recommended.

Visa and Mastercard facilities are in their infancy and will only be available at high-end stores and hotels. Expect for the commission to be added to your bill. You can also use Visa and Mastercard in many ATMs. However, Ugandan ATMs only dispense Ugandan shillings and $300 equals a wad that barely fits in your pocket. It’s also possible to purchase US dollars with a credit card, but expect a fee of 4 to 5%.

With misty mountain ranges, green volcanoes, dense river banks, open Savannah grasslands, winding rivers, disarming waterfalls, pristine lakes, chilling glaciers, promenades, parks and impenetrable rainforests woven into its design, Uganda is truly a lot in a little. When compared with the rest of the African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda paints the magnificence of the continent with a unique shade of its own. The country is more of a quiet and calm destination that puts your pieces at peace. Being a happy go lucky location detached from boisterous crowds and masses gives it an edge over the rest, for passionate, soul searching expeditions. Like the country itself, the people of Uganda are warm and more receptive in comparison. Also, Uganda is slightly easier on your purse strings when mapped against other travel destinations in Africa.

While it offers game drives and promises of big five sightings, it also lets you chase the wild trail, track chimps and gorillas in pristine valleys, soak in the dense rainforests bathed in the hues of a splendid tropical sun and remain mystified by the mist.

Locations like the Lake Bunyonyi and the Murchison falls have rendered many travel connoisseurs speechless. This little country seems to hold a soul stirring surprise around every corner. Set out for Uganda and let the soaring mountains heal everything sore. Unwind by a still lake that instills a sense of completeness in you and watch all your inhibitions melt away as you lose yourself to the soothing beauty of this endearing land.

Packing the right gear for your Uganda gorilla trek or safari can make all the difference between the perfect holiday and a trip full of discomfort and disappointment. Make sure to get your packing list ready in advance so you can enjoy the country’s incredible wildlife without forgetting anything critical.

Grab your best camera to capture the unforgettable experiences of your once-in-a-lifetime Uganda safari. We recommend a high-quality DSLR or bridge camera. Don’t forget extra batteries and any necessary plug adapters to keep your camera charged. Another thing to keep in mind is that most internal flights within Uganda have a luggage limit of 15 kilograms, or about 33 pounds. If you pack too much gear and go over this weight limit, you may encounter inconvenient delays or extra charges at the airport. Going on safari or gorilla trekking in Uganda will get you very close to the wildlife, so you may be able to leave your heaviest telephoto lenses at home. Uganda boasts more than 1,000 unique bird species, and you can easily rack up a count of several hundred during a single day in places like Queen Elizabeth National Park.

You should also give some serious thought to the clothes you’ll be bringing. You might be tempted to wear shorts in the heat of equatorial Africa, but long pants provide better protection against the rays of the sun and biting or stinging insects. Lightweight clothes that dry easily and don’t take up a lot of room in your luggage are the best choice. Don’t wear any camouflage clothing, as it’s reserved for military and police in Uganda. You should also avoid dark colors like blue and black, as they tend to attract tsetse flies in thick bush habitat. And if you’ll be joining a Uganda gorilla trekking tour, waterproof hiking boots and a light rain jacket will be especially useful. Finally, don’t pack too many clothes. Chances are that your lodge or tented camp will have inexpensive laundry services available, so three or four bush-appropriate outfits will easily get you through a week on safari.

There are a few other essentials you’ll want to bring along. Pack a flashlight or headlamp for navigating the grounds of your safari camp at night. Bring an extra copy of your passport, along with duplicate photos, in case anything happens to the original. A travel-sized medical kit can also be added to your regular toiletry items, but don’t place either inside a plastic bag when you pack. Uganda’s president recently banned plastic bags in the country; it’s unclear whether this will affect tourists, but it’s better to avoid the potential hassle of having to dispose of them in the airport.

Visitors to Uganda will be pleased to learn that this is one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa. Most travelers enjoy going on safari or gorilla trekking in Uganda with no incidents whatsoever. But there are a few simple precautions that you should take in order to ensure that your vacation goes as smoothly as possible.

Violent crime in Uganda is relatively rare, especially compared with some Western countries like the United States. This is due in part to Uganda’s strict gun control laws. Another factor is police presence; when you visit bigger Ugandan cities like Entebbe or Kampala, you’ll discover that banks, supermarkets, and many hotels have an armed security guard to keep an eye on things. Still, crime does occur. We don’t recommend exploring the cities at night, especially if you are unaccompanied by locals. Most tourists spend their time in Uganda gorilla trekking or going on safari, though, where the issue of crime is unlikely to present any problem.

Before heading off into the bush, make sure to exchange your money at the airport or hotel. Financial fraud schemes occasionally target tourists, and ATMs can be electronically compromised. Conducting your exchange at these safe locations will also ensure that you receive the correct exchange rate. Ugandan shillings are the official currency, although US dollars are considered an unofficial currency and are sometimes preferred when booking tourist activities in the country. Uganda is a cash-based society, and credit cards are not widely accepted. Whichever currency you’re carrying, avoid keeping an excessive amount in your wallet when you’re out and about. Consider wearing a money belt under your clothes or leaving valuables securely locked at your lodge in order to keep the bulk of your funds inaccessible to pickpockets and safe from being accidentally misplaced.

Many travelers wonder about the safety of being around potentially dangerous animals when booking their Uganda gorilla trekking tour or safari. But the reality is that most animals will not be interested in you. While you’re in a safari vehicle like a Land Cruiser, your guide will determine how closely to approach the wildlife and will be able to judge the safety of the situation. When you’re tracking gorillas on foot in reserves like the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, don’t attempt to interact with the animals—and follow your guide’s instructions at all times. While any animal can be unpredictable, your guides are expertly trained to read their behavior and respond accordingly.

If you do run into any trouble during your Uganda gorilla trek or safari, make sure to notify your tour operator. Consider buying a SIM card for your mobile phone in order to have convenient telephone and internet access almost anywhere in the country. These inexpensive cards can be purchased, registered, and installed at the Entebbe International Airport, where most visitors will first arrive. Having telephone service will allow you to contact your tour operator, as well as local emergency services, if you find yourself in need of assistance.

Group joining tours allow travelers to join an existing group who are doing the same tour on the same dates. These tours in Uganda are primarily focused on solo travelers, couples and small groups who are traveling on a tight budget. The number of clients in a group joining tour is 4-6 people from diverse backgrounds. All the resources such as the vehicle, guide, driver, schedule, and add-ons will be shared by the entire group and offers very little room for flexibility/changes.

For customers traveling with family, elderly or professional wildlife photographers we highly recommend a private tour, as it would give you a great degree of flexibility, privacy and an overall personalized and delightful experience.

Before you go ahead and make your choice of tour, read this to get a good insight into what suits you best.

Is Uganda suitable for families and single travelers?

Almost any type of traveler will find a lot to love about Uganda. Our trips are appropriate for both families and single travelers. However, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has stipulated that gorilla trekking tours are limited to participants aged 15 years and older.

How long should I plan to be in Uganda ?

Uganda has an astonishing breadth of environments connected by reliable infrastructure, which makes it easy to travel all over the country. We recommend allowing several days to combine a traditional safari experience with an exciting gorilla or chimpanzee trek. When traveling overland, you should also factor in extra time to account for road construction or other delays. Our customized tours range from three days to 11 days in length.

What is the weather like in Uganda?

Uganda is an equatorial country, which means that weather patterns are remarkably consistent throughout the year. You can expect temperatures from 26 - 28° C(78 - 82° F) in most parts of the country. However,you may experience colder weather during a Uganda gorilla trekking tour, as a result of the higher altitude in places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rainfall is also more pronounced in Uganda’ s mountains, so you should pack some waterproof gear for your trek.

What languages are spoken in Uganda ?

With more than forty spoken languages, Uganda is a country of incredible cultural diversity. However, English and Swahili are the country’ s official languages, so you’ ll be able to easily understand locals and make yourself understood— especially in the tourism industry. Learning a few simple words in Swahili is also a fun way to generate goodwill and connect with Ugandans, enriching your cultural experience while you are there.

What kind of food will I find in Uganda ?

Depending on where you stay, your dining options may range from upscale cuisine to simple meals. When possible, we recommend trying some local dishes. Matoke is a delicious type of banana that’s often served in a spicy curry. Another traditional dish is ugali, which is a Ugandan spin on a corn meal recipe that’s popular across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. Ugandans tend to drink tea at least twice per day, so make sure to try some of their brews spiced with ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon.

How much money should I carry and spend in Uganda?

With prearranged safari activities, you may not need to carry much cash. But it’ s a good idea to bring along some small - denomination notes.This will allow you to shop for souvenirs or incidentals in places where credit cards may not be accepted. If you’ re carrying American currency, make sure your bills were issued after 2006— though it’ s a good idea to have some Ugandan shillings on hand too.

How does tipping work in Uganda ?

While many of your meals and activities will be booked in advance, you may wish to show your gratuity when dining at a restaurant. A 5-10% tip is generally considered reasonable. An additional tip of $5-10 USD per day is also recommended for your guide or driver during safari or trekking activities. Tipping up to $5 USD for your hotel or lodge staff will also show your appreciation for their work. Please remember that tipping is not compulsory, but you should feel free to reward exceptional service.