​Uganda Safari Guide – Costs, Lodges, Tours & Travel Tips

Planning for Uganda safaris soon? Uganda is a very lovely country and one of the destinations in Africa that many travel blogs will recommend. This Uganda safaris review gives you all the reasons, facts, and information to help you from the planning stage to your last moments on a safari in Uganda.

There is a good reason why Uganda is called ‘The Pearl of Africa’—and it deserves this title. Want to know why? Winston Churchill made it clear in his 1908 book called My African Journey, where he talked about his experiences in different African countries.

Out of all the countries he visited, Uganda stood out so much that he wrote the following in his book:

“For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life – bird, insect, reptile, beast – for vast scale – Uganda is truly ‘the Pearl of Africa’,” Sir Winston Churchill wrote.

Every year, thousands of tourists from different countries visit Uganda for safaris and leave great reviews on sites like TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings. But these good experiences do not come by chance—they depend a lot on how well you plan your safari, the tour operator you choose, and other details.

I wish you the best experience in Uganda. That is why I wrote this simple and helpful Uganda safaris review—to guide you and give you the knowledge you need before booking a safari in Uganda.

How much does a Uganda safari cost?

The cost depends on the activities you want to do, the type of lodges you choose, and how many days you want to spend. Gorilla safaris cost more than wildlife safaris because gorilla permits alone cost $600 in both high and low seasons. Wildlife safaris do not need permits, so they are usually cheaper.

Accommodation also affects the price. Uganda has budget, mid-range, and luxury lodges. Prices range from about $35 to $1000 per person per night. So, if you choose cheaper lodges, your safari will cost less.

Also, the more days you spend on safari, the more money you will spend. So short safaris cost less, and long safaris cost more.

The cheapest safaris are usually wildlife trips to Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, or Queen Elizabeth National Park using budget lodges. These safaris include costs for the vehicle, fuel, accommodation, guide, park entry fees, and operator fee.

You can also save money by traveling in a group. Group travel allows you to share the cost of transport, fuel, and accommodation. For example, a safari that costs $5000 could be booked for $2000–$2500 per person when traveling in a group of 8.

This is why many people join group safaris. So the final safari cost depends on your activities, accommodation, and number of days.

Choosing a Uganda Safari Company

Uganda has over 500 tour operators, but not all will give you a good safari. Some are experienced, and some are not. Some are registered with tourism associations, and others are not. A few are not real companies at all.

So how do you know which operator is right? How can you tell if they are experienced and trustworthy? This can be hard, but sites like TripAdvisor, Safari Bookings, and the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) can help you make a good choice.

Tips for choosing a good tour operator:

• Confirm that they are listed in the Uganda Tourism Board membership directory.
• Check with Uganda Wildlife Authority or Uganda Tourism Board to make sure they are fully registered.
• Read past reviews from real clients on TripAdvisor or Safari Bookings.
• Be careful with new or unknown companies unless you can confirm they are genuine.

Some foreign companies also offer Uganda safaris, but it is better to choose a company based in Uganda with a physical office in the country.

If you like a package from a company with no reviews, do not be quick to cancel them. Some new companies are started by experienced safari guides and tour consultants. Ask AUTO or the Uganda Tourism Board for help confirming their details.

In the end, choose a company that:

• Is registered with Uganda Tourism Board
• Has many good reviews from past travelers
• Is based in Uganda and operates legally
• Has real experience organizing safaris

This way, you are more likely to enjoy a safe, smooth, and unforgettable Uganda safari.

What do you need to go on a Uganda safari tour

You need some requirements before you can go on a Uganda safari. Some of them include: a Uganda visa, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, original copies of your travel passport, your return air ticket, and more.

About visas, forget the misconception that Uganda visas are hard to get. This is not true. You will get your visa easily if you meet all the requirements.

Since Uganda is prone to yellow fever, you must get vaccinated at least 10 days before entering the country. This helps protect you from infection.

The level of malaria is also high, so you need to carry or take malaria prophylaxis to prevent getting sick during your trip.

These are some of the most important requirements. Other basic needs include some petty cash and a deposit made to book your safari.

How to book affordable flight tickets to Uganda

Many airline companies operate through Entebbe International Airport. Some of them are KLM, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airways, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airways, South African Airways, EgyptAir, British Airways, and RwandAir.

The price of flight tickets depends on the class you are flying in, but they usually don’t cost too much. Use flight booking websites to compare and book affordable flights to Uganda.

When to go on a Uganda safari holiday

Even though Uganda is an all-year destination, you should plan your safari for the best season. I wrote an article earlier about the best time to visit Uganda for a safari or holiday. You may want to read it for more detailed reasons.

In short, you should plan your safari for the dry months of the year (June to August and December to February). During the dry season, wildlife is easier to see because animals do not hide like they do in the rainy season.

Also, the roads in the parks are not very good and often become muddy in the rainy season, which may cause vehicles to get stuck. I recommend you choose a 4×4 safari vehicle because they move better even in bad conditions.

The dry season might be ideal for many travelers, but how about the wet season? If you love adventure, you may enjoy a safari in a month with mixed weather. You can do different activities in different conditions. For example, you may enjoy trekking mountain gorillas on a dry day, and wildlife viewing on a cold day with a warm drink in your hand.

Even though many blogs say the dry season is the perfect time, I believe the perfect time is what works best for you. If you get a holiday or work break and want to spend it in Uganda, then that’s a good time too. However, if you want to see many animals and gorillas, the dry months are best.

How to securely make payments for your safari

About payments: One common mistake many clients make is sending deposits to personal bank accounts. Only do this if you fully trust the tour operator. Otherwise, you may fall into the hands of a fraudster or an unregistered company.

A company must first be registered before opening a company bank account. So, making payments to a company account gives you some proof that the company is officially registered.

Be cautious. The Uganda tour industry relies mostly on inquiries from websites, which anyone can create, even fraudsters. Uganda has over 500 tour operators, but only about 150 are registered with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). Be extra careful, especially when sending money.

So how can you make safe payments for your safari? The most trusted method is through a direct wire transfer (EFT – Electronic Funds Transfer) to the company’s account.

Some tour companies also accept credit card payments using point-of-sale machines, Pesapal, or Direct Pay Online. These are registered platforms that help you pay securely by card, with a small fee per transaction. These platforms work only with registered companies and often ask for business registration before allowing them to use their services.

However, Pesapal may sometimes fail to process your card even if your details are correct. POS machines work better in such cases. I haven’t used Direct Pay Online myself, but I’ve heard many good reviews about it.

Can I pay for a Uganda safari using PayPal?

PayPal does not fully support Uganda. Ugandan PayPal accounts cannot receive money, and are only limited to making payments and purchases.

However, this does not mean PayPal is completely out of the question. Some safari companies have opened PayPal accounts in Kenya, which allow them to receive money and then transfer it to Uganda.

If your operator asks you to use PayPal, first confirm that the account is verified. Note that unverified PayPal accounts have a limit of $999 per month.

PayPal is used by only a few tour operators in Uganda. Since the national ID system was introduced in 2015, we hope PayPal will soon allow Ugandans to receive funds too. This is because it is now harder to create fake accounts.

Where to go on a safari to Uganda

There are many places you can go to in Uganda, but not all of them are often visited or may not give you the best safari experience.

The destinations you choose for your safari greatly affect your enjoyment, so you should always ask your safari operator to include the most interesting places in your itinerary. Below are some of the destinations you can visit, with the most interesting marked with an asterisk (*).

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park*: Bwindi is the most visited national park in Uganda, and almost 95% of all safari trips include it. Uganda has half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and Bwindi is the best place to see them. Other activities include the Batwa experience and nature walks, though most people visit for gorilla trekking. Bwindi has different regions, which gives visitors several tracking options.
• Murchison Falls National Park*: Murchison Falls is probably the best place for wildlife viewing in Uganda. It is the biggest park in Uganda and the only one that has all the Big Five animals (elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards). The most exciting spot is the Devil’s Cauldron, where water squeezes through a narrow gorge and falls into a pool. This park also has chimpanzees, making it easy to combine wildlife viewing with chimp trekking.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park*: Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth is the second-best place for wildlife safaris. It is well known for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. All launch trips on the Kazinga Channel start from this park. It has around 98 species of mammals and more than 600 bird species. Chimpanzees can also be found in the Kyambura Game Reserve nearby.
• Kidepo Valley National Park*: Kidepo is the most remote park in Uganda. It is found in the far northeast. CNN ranked it the third-best national park in Africa in 2013. It has a lot of wildlife that is hard to find elsewhere in Uganda. Kidepo borders Kenya’s Masai Mara, so animals like cheetahs sometimes cross over. The park is not visited often because of the distance, but it is worth it for a real wildlife experience.
• Mount Elgon National Park: Located in eastern Uganda, Mount Elgon is one of the least visited parks. It is best known for mountain hiking and Sipi Falls. The park has small paths instead of clear roads. There have been rumors that its park status might be removed due to low income. But for travelers who love hiking, Mount Elgon is a great challenge.
• Semuliki Valley National Park: Located in Bundibugyo District, Semuliki was made a national park in 1993. It lies in the Semliki Valley and is close to the Ituri Forest. It gives you a taste of central Africa without leaving Uganda. Activities include birding, wildlife viewing, nature walks, Sempaya Hot Springs, and the Batwa Trail.
• Lake Mburo National Park: This is Uganda’s smallest savannah park. It is close to the road between western Uganda and Kampala. It is the only park with impalas and has many zebras. Other activities include birding, boat rides, nature walks, horseback riding, and quad biking.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: This is the only other park in Uganda besides Bwindi where you can see mountain gorillas. It is also home to golden monkeys. The gorilla population here is small, and the gorillas often cross into Rwanda or Congo. If you have already visited Bwindi, you may try Mgahinga for a different experience. Other activities include the Batwa Trail.
• Kibale Forest National Park*: Kibale has the highest number of chimpanzees in Uganda and is the best place for chimp trekking. It also offers forest walks, birding, and other nature activities. Kibale is one of the most beautiful national parks in Uganda.
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park*: This is the best park for mountaineering. Climbing Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley is a big physical challenge. The climb takes 10–14 days depending on your fitness level. The oldest person to complete the climb was 78 years old, so it is possible if you are prepared.
• Lake Bunyonyi: Lake Bunyonyi is a peaceful place to relax. It is located between Kisoro and Kabale, near Rwanda. The lake has 29 islands and is believed to be one of the deepest lakes in the world. The main activities here are birding, boat rides, and relaxation. Many tourists come here after gorilla trekking to rest.
• Itanda Falls: Formerly called Bujagali Falls, Itanda Falls is in Jinja and is good for day trips. Activities include bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and quad biking. It is only 2 hours from Kampala by road. Many visitors choose to stay the night because of the great food and good accommodation nearby.

Uganda Safari Activities – Top Things to Do in Uganda

There are many safari activities to do in Uganda, but because the country is mostly known for its large number of mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking is the most common activity in Uganda.

Over 70% of safaris in Uganda include gorilla trekking, which means most itineraries have Bwindi Impenetrable National Park included. This also makes Bwindi one of the most visited parks in Uganda.

So what are the most common safari activities in Uganda?

• Equator Visit: This is one of the most common activities in Uganda because all trips to western Uganda pass by the equator. Most clients stop here for the experience. The equator is the line that divides the earth into the northern and southern hemispheres. You can take pictures while standing in both parts of the world. The temperature around this line is also interesting to feel. This stop usually takes less than 2 hours and is often used for lunch or a short rest.
• Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Uganda. Uganda is one of the few countries where mountain gorillas live. In fact, Uganda has more than half of the mountain gorillas in the world. You can trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Wildlife Viewing: Wildlife viewing in Uganda is exciting and can be done in over half of the national parks. The best parks for wildlife viewing are Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley. These safaris are more affordable and can cost as low as $200 depending on group size. You can also try hot air ballooning to add more fun to your trip.
• Chimpanzee Trekking: Chimpanzee trekking is another great activity. It is best when done together with gorilla trekking. Places to see chimpanzees include Kibale Forest, Ngamba Island, Kyambura Gorge, Murchison Falls, Budongo Forest, and Kalinzu Forest. The most visited ones are Kibale, Ngamba, and Queen Elizabeth. A permit costs $150 in peak season and $90 in low season.
• Launch Trips / Boat Trips: These are also called launch cruises and are mostly done in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Bunyonyi. These boat rides offer great views and a chance to see wildlife near water.
• Birding: Uganda is home to many bird species. You can do birding in places like Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Semuliki. Bird watching is very enjoyable for those who love it.
• Golden Monkey Trekking: The best place for golden monkey trekking is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A few of them also live in Bwindi. A permit costs $100, not including park entry fees.
• Nature / Community Walks / Cultural Visits: These are relaxing walks done after long drives. You can do them when you arrive at your lodge or in the afternoon after game drives. They are also a cheap way to learn about Uganda’s culture. Some tribes to visit include the Batwa in Bwindi and Mgahinga, and the Karamojong and Acholi in Kidepo.
• Batwa Trail / Experience: This trail takes you to visit the Batwa Pygmies in Bwindi or Mgahinga. They still live a simple life in the forests and depend on hunting. The Batwa experience costs $30–$50 while the full-day trail in Mgahinga costs $100.
• White Water Rafting: This is a fun adventure in Jinja at Itanda Falls on the River Nile. It is exciting and not easy to forget.
• Bungee Jumping: Also done in Jinja, this activity is only for the brave. The rope is safe, and people finish the jump in one piece. You can do this together with rafting in one or two days.
• Quad Biking / Horseback Riding: These are done in Jinja and Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Mburo is better because you can see wildlife while riding.
• City Tours: City tours are best for the last days of your safari. You can visit places in Kampala and Jinja such as monuments, cultural centers, religious places, botanical gardens, or nightlife spots.
• Mountaineering / Mountain Hiking: Mountain climbing is hard and needs good fitness. Some people stop halfway, but if you are determined, you can reach the peak. The most popular hike is to Margherita Peak on Mt. Rwenzori, which takes about 10 days. Another mountain worth hiking is Mt. Elgon in eastern Uganda.
• Sipi Falls Hike: Sipi Falls is found in Kapchorwa near Mt. Elgon. These are three waterfalls that form one of Uganda’s most beautiful natural sights. The hike involves walking and sometimes driving between different points.

These are some of the best and most popular safari activities in Uganda. Most of them are not expensive except for gorilla trekking. Try to do as many as you can while on your safari.