Uganda Safaris

As for the documentation you need for your holiday in Uganda, keep in mind entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Uganda embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.

-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.

– Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don’t need a visa is available.

– Visas must be obtained in advance. The easiest place to apply is the official online visa-application portal, but you can also do it through your local Ugandan embassy or high commission. Visas on arrival are no longer issued at any port of entry.

– Tourist visas are available for Uganda only, or for East Africa (which covers entry to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) for the same cost.

– All visitors traveling to Uganda must have a valid yellow-fever certificate, which will be required as part of a visa application and may also be checked at the port of entry.

-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local Uganda embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:

Australia     –   www.smartraveller.gov.au

Canada     –   travel.gc.ca

EU Member States     –   ec.europa.eu

Ireland     –   www.ireland.ie

New Zealand     –   www.safetravel.govt.nz

United Kingdom     –   www.gov.uk

United States     –   travel.state.gov

The cost of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 2025/2026 cost US$800 per person for foreign non-residents, and US$700 per person for foreign residents, US$500 per person for Africans and US$82 per person for East African citizens.

 “The permit fee for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is currently US$800 for visitors from outside of Africa. Although this might seem expensive, it is better compared to the US$1,500 permit fee in Rwanda, which is currently the only other country where these gentle giants can be tracked. Both destinations offer a similar experience where you can spend one hour with a gorilla troop after you have reached their location. The group size is limited to eight people.

The activity offered in Bwindi only is the gorilla habituation experience. This involves visiting a gorilla group that is still in the process of getting used to tourist visits. The activity is limited to four tourists per group, and you can stay with the gorillas for up to four hours (as opposed to the usual one hour). Keep in mind viewing is less easy as these gorillas prefer to keep their distance since they aren’t yet fully habituated. The price for this special activity is US$1,500.”

About medicine for your safari trip to Uganda, we recommend anti-malarial medication no matter what time of year you plan on visiting Uganda for safari. Kindly consult with your doctor at home for advice on the right choice of prophylaxis for your body well in advance of your departure date. Additionally, if you live in a yellow fever region or plan to travel through a region where it is endemic during your stay, you will need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate. It’s best to seek advice from a specialist travel doctor when planning your East Africa trip.

The best places to stay on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda include;

1. Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
2. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
3. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
4. Mount Gahinga Lodge
5. Kibale Forest Camp
6. Turaco Treetops Lodge
7. Ndali Lodge
8. Ishasha Wilderness Camp
9. Kyambura Gorge Lodge
10. Mutanda Lake Resort
11. Lemala Wildwaters Lodge

Uganda’s scenery more than captivating. From jaw-dropping from lush, green forests, to snow-capped mountains, crater lakes and savannah grasslands Uganda is a true safari gem.

More on where to stay on a Uganda safari and the type of accommodations to expect the following are our recommendations.

Most Uganda safari parks now offer a selection of accommodations options ranging from budget to luxury. Because the gorilla trekking parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga are located at high altitude areas, expect cold and wet climate. Most accommodations in this area are luxury level types with warm cottages with log fires.

These luxury Uganda safari lodges and camps are also a popular option in the grassland game parks. That said, there are budget-friendly options available for the budget traveler.

Listed below are some of the best places to visit in Uganda; these destinations also sums up as the top Uganda national parks to explore while on your safari. They include the following;

1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; go gorilla trekking, encounter the rare mountain gorillas in natural habitat, explore the rich flora and fauna, enjoy a bird watching excursion of over 350 species and sleep at a luxury lodge.
2. Murchison Falls National Park; go on exciting game viewing drives, experience river cruises & birding excursions, witness the powerful Murchison Falls of the River Nile dramatically squeeze through a narrow gorge, go on exciting boat tours on the Nile River, as you watch the crocodiles and hippos up-close.
3. Queen Elizabeth National Park; enjoy birding trips, wildlife game viewing, chimps trekking & game drives to see the lions, elephants, and buffalos, explore the volcanic craters and serene lakes.
4. Kibale Forest National Park; good with primate trekking tours, encounter birdlife, explore the lush rainforests on picturesque trails through misty forest & canopies.
5. Lake Mburo National Park; offers game viewing & birding trips.
6. Kampala; start off with capital city, where all Uganda safaris starts, visit the Gaddafi mosque minaret for stunning city vistas, visit the busy owino market shopping center, take a boat ride on Lake Victoria and spend time at the Uganda museum, which showcases the nation’s past.
7. Jinja and the Upper Nile; good adventures, thrilling white-water rafting as well as kayaking, bungee jumping and quad biking.
8. Kidepo Valley National Park; experience a good wildlife viewing.

With mountain gorilla trekking on top of the list for every first time traveler booking Uganda safari tours, take note that Uganda can be visited at any time of the year.

Given that this is tropical country with lots of rainfall. During its two dry seasons: between December and February, and between June and August, conditions are fairly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Whereas in April, May are considered one of Uganda’s wet seasons.

The cost of gorilla trekking permits is currently US$1,500 per person in Rwanda and US$800 per person in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for foreign non-residents, US$700 per person for foreign residents, US$500 per person for Africans and US$82 per person for East African citizens. Keep in mind, all these are (subject to change).

Let’s face it, Uganda is popular for its mountain gorilla tours and most people visiting Uganda will include a gorilla trekking experience in their itinerary.

On the other hand, if we go further, Uganda’s top attractions include; Queen Elizabeth National Park which offers a variety of activities such as chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, boat trip on Kazinga Channe, tree-climbing lions on the Ishasha Plains. Whereas Murchison Falls National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing, as well you can enjoy a boat trip on the Nile River to the famous Murchison Falls. This is also a birdwatching hotspot with sightings of the special-looking shoebill which is common in this area.

In addition, when you travel to Kidepo Valley National Park, the park is home to many species including the cheetahs, and as for the primate-lovers, a visit to Kibale National Park offers the most reliable chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda.

The length of Uganda safari packages on average ranges between four (4) days to six (6) days. Experts recommend tracking the gorillas twice, as the first time is often overwhelming and guests don’t take it all in. After the gorilla experience, visitors usually fly back to Entebbe to continue their safari elsewhere or to head out onto the other Ugandan safari circuit visiting Kibale National Park, or Queen Elizabeth National Park, and later Murchison Falls. Therefore depending on your safari desires, these vacation packages to Uganda completely vary in terms of travelers safari budget, and the types of experiences you want to undertake.

Yes, you can take photos and videos during a gorilla trek. However, it’s important to follow and respect instructions provided by your mountain gorilla guides. However, keep in mind that flash photography is usually not allowed, as it can shock or annoy the gorillas. For travelers participating on our gorilla trekking photography tours, a full briefing will be issued with the do’s and don’ts while on this gorilla photo safari.

The best places on where to go on a gorilla photo safari include the following listed destinations;

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda: Home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers dense forests and mist-cloaked hillsides—perfect for moody gorilla photography on your Uganda safari.
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda: Snag epic shots of the gorillas with the Virunga volcanoes in the distance in this park. It’s smaller than Bwindi but no less dramatic in its scenery.
3. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda: This Rwanda safari park was made famous by legendary primatologist Dian Fossey. It is often considered an easier trekking experience due to less dense vegetation.

These impenetrable rainforests of East Africa, especially those in Uganda and Rwanda, are the best locations for gorilla trekking photo safaris. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a respectful distance while on the trek, and follow the instructions given by your guides.

While each of the mentioned mountain gorilla destinations offering exceptional chimpanzee photographic opportunities, Bwindi in Uganda is often considered the best choice for serious wildlife photographers.

Generally, the day temperatures in Uganda are generally warm so pack plenty of lightweight clothing. In addition, it is necessary to wear proper safari clothing and gear to ensure your comfort and safety when chimpanzee trekking in the rainforests. That being said, below are some recommendations of what to wear during your gorilla trekking tours:

-The Footwear: Like mountain trekking, go for the sturdy, waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction. The rainforest terrain can be not level, muddy, and even slippery, so pack reliable footwear for a comfortable trek. Another tip about the shoes, try walking with them at home before your trip and see if they are comfortable to avoid getting blisters after the trip.

-The Rain Gear: Due to the unpredictable nature of rainforests, it’s highly advisable to bring with you a lightweight raincoat or waterproof jacket. This will protect you from unexpected showers, keeping you dry during the trek.

-The Clothing’s: Pack long trousers and long-sleeved tops, long socks to wear over your trousers as protection against ants, and thorny vegetation and insects. Pick lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow fast and easy movement – they are also quick drying.

-Your Gloves: The thick gloves, can be helpful for grabbing onto the branches for stability as you trek. They also offer protection against sharp plants.

-A Hat: Bring with you a safari hat – this helps protect you from the sun, as well as rain showers that may occur.

– Extras – The Mountains tend to be cold so pack a warm fleece in your day pack, along with sunscreen and insect repellent are advised.

Talking about safety while on gorilla trekking tours, by now you should know that gorilla trekking adventures involves safaris deep into wilderness rainforest, these tours are usually safe and well-regulated in the company of armed wildlife rangers and a professional mountain gorilla guide walking with you. As long as you follow what you are told to do and the strict rules provided, you will have no problems with on your safari, both humans and gorillas.