Are you planning a safari to Uganda? If you are, then this guide is for you. Many tourists spend a lot of time looking for information on how to organize a safari in Uganda, and some end up reading outdated information. I thought I could help by creating this step-by-step guide for booking a safari in Uganda. I also plan to keep updating it so that the information stays correct.
If you care about financial security or want a good experience, you need to do proper research, especially about the Uganda safari company you want to use. If you are the kind of person who likes to research before making a deposit, this guide is here to help. I have listed the most important steps to follow when booking your Uganda safari.
1. Make a Search
If no one recommended a safari operator to you, and you are not using a travel agent, go to Google and search for the kind of safari you want in Uganda. Include the number of days and the activity in your search. For example:
affordable 3 days Uganda gorilla safari
You can change the words a bit, but make sure your main keywords are there. Some common keywords are: Uganda safaris, Uganda gorilla tours, Uganda gorilla trekking, etc.
2. Choose Ten Safari Operators
From the search results, pick ten safari operators and look at their packages. Choose only real local operators, not international booking sites. That way, you can ask questions directly and avoid middlemen. Check the website for the company address and compare it with what you find on Google Maps. Try to deal with companies verified on Google.
3. Send Inquiries
Once you’re sure the operators are real, send an inquiry to each of them. Most websites have booking forms. Use them and give enough details to avoid back-and-forth emails. Important details to include are:
- Your name and email
- Nationality
- Number of people
- Number of days
- Destination (Uganda or other)
- Budget
- Type of accommodation (budget, mid-range, luxury)
- Activities you want
This will help the operator send you a clear and useful itinerary.
4. Compare Packages & Prices
Be very careful with the kind of itinerary you receive. Some packages have too much driving and few activities. For example, a 10-day safari with 6 days of driving and only 4 days of activities is not good.
Also, look at the order of places in the itinerary. For example, it makes more sense to visit Murchison Falls before Bwindi, not after. Watch out for these small things.
Check the prices too. If most operators give you a quote between $2000 and $3000, and one sends $900 and another $3500, you should ask questions. Choose the ones in the common range.
5. Compare Accommodation and Activities
At this point, you should compare the lodges in each package. Use TripAdvisor to search for each lodge and read reviews. See if the lodge is worth the price. Sometimes good operators include luxury lodges at discounted rates in mid-range packages.
Also, look at the activities included. Even simple activities like a nature walk or boat cruise can make your trip better. Check if you are getting good value for your money.
6. Compare TripAdvisor or Safaribookings Reviews
By now you should have 3–4 operators left. Visit TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings to check company reviews. Remove any companies with many bad reviews, especially if the reviews mention financial problems. A few bad reviews are okay, but too many should be a red flag.
7. Check for AUTO Membership (Optional)
Only about 200 companies in Uganda are registered with AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators). Booking with an AUTO member helps you feel more secure with your payments. AUTO has strict rules.
Companies that break them lose their membership. This means you can trust AUTO members more.
8. Compare Prices & Consultant Help
If you still have more than one operator left, compare their prices again. Think about how helpful each consultant has been. Who gave you the best help? Who answered your questions clearly? Who has been friendly and responsive?
Sometimes it’s better to choose a slightly more expensive operator if they have been more helpful. You are not just paying for the trip, but also for the support and guidance.
9. Make a Decision
This step is simple. Choose one operator. Do not wait too long or try to keep all options open forever. If you followed all the steps above, you will be left with a good operator.
Just decide. If you still have two or three, make your final choice now. Don’t overthink.
10. Make Your Payment
This is the final step. Most tour companies ask for a deposit of 30% to 70%. Some may ask for full payment, though this is rare. The deposit is used to buy permits and book accommodation. You can pay the rest before arrival or when you arrive.
Always send payments to a company bank account, not a personal account. You can also use Pesapal or Paypal (only if the operator is verified and registered). If you wire money to a bank account, it may take 4–5 working days to arrive. Always send the confirmation receipt of your transfer.
Also Read: How to Make Safe and Secure Payments for your Uganda Safari
What next?
Book your flight. Buy your air tickets in advance and wait for your travel date. Booking a safari in Uganda is not hard if you follow these steps. I know the guide is long, but I made it to help you avoid mistakes and deal only with reliable, experienced, and registered companies. If you follow these steps, you will book with someone who gives you good service and financial security.
You can also check out my list of Uganda tour and travel companies.
Book your Uganda tours with these recommended Uganda tour companies for a well planned safari. Use the Voucher: UTBlog for up to 25% Discounts on Trips.
