Discover the wonders of Uganda with Tranquil Safaris. Our Uganda safaris are carefully selected to give you a unique experience in the pearl of Africa. We provide special safaris that allow you to enjoy wildlife in peace. We arrange gorilla safaris, wildlife holidays, Mountain trekking, white water rafting and so much more. We also provide tailor made safaris.
Our Best Selling Uganda Safari Packages
How To Experience Uganda
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a magical journey through misty forests to meet gentle giant gorillas in their natural home.
Birding in Uganda
Uganda is a bird watcher's paradise. Vibrant feathers, melodic chirps fill lush jungles and open savannas. See rare species like shoebill.
Uganda Walking Safaris
Explore Uganda on foot with skilled guides leading quiet treks through savanna & forest. Get close to animals without vehicle noise
Uganda Cultural Tours
cultural tours in Uganda. Visit the African villages, the traditional sites, local herbalists and the Batwa pygmies.
Holistic Wellness Tours Uganda
Disconnect to reconnect on a wellness safari. Rejuvenate mind, body, spirit while glimpsing wildlife. Stay in serene lodges!
Uganda Food Experiences
Taste Uganda through its flavorful cuisine, traditional dishes like matooke, luwombo, learn spice blends, cooking over firewood.
Uganda Family Safaris
Wildlife game drives and nature activities tailored for kids' interests with comfortable, family-friendly lodges and amenities.
Uganda Honeymoon Safaris
Romantic wilderness escapes, luxury lodges, private game drives. Share intimate moments amidst Uganda's breathtaking beauty.
Uganda Beach Holidays
Relax on Uganda's peaceful lake beaches. Swim, sunbathe, and unwind by the water. Enjoy fresh fish, serene views.
Uganda Luxury Safaris
Uganda luxury safaris blend comfort with adventure. Stay in plush lodges, witness wildlife, enjoy personalized service.
Uganda Budget Safaris
Uganda budget safaris bring adventure without high costs. Camp under stars, spot wildlife, enjoy nature with friendly guides.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
This is done in Kibale forest, Kyambura gorge, Ngamba Island, Semuliki valley, Budongo forest and Kalinzu forest, most people recommend Kibale to be the best for this experience,
Mountain Climbing in Uganda
Visit Rwenzori Mountain National Park and Mount Elgon National Park.
Uganda Spiritual Tours
Uganda Spiritual Tours, visit Namugongo Shrine, Bahai Temple, Gaddafi Mosque and so much more.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda
Visit Mgahinga National Park and track the golden monkeys of Uganda.
Flying Safaris Uganda
Fly above the National parks and witness wildlife on a typical Ugandan safari.
Photography Safaris in Uganda
Capture the wonders of Uganda, from the mountain gorillas in Bwindi to the mighty Murchison Falls and more.
Where to Go in Uganda
Of course, there are very many places to visit while on a safari to Uganda, but we have listed some of the popular destinations with the different activities that can be done there. The destinations are mainly national parks which are found in almost every region of the country, and each national park stands out with its unique features and experiences.
For those interested in Gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks are the destinations to visit, they are located in the southwestern region of the country. In order to trek the mountain gorillas, trekkers need a trekking permit which costs $700 for foreign non-resident tourists. With the permit, there is an opportunity to spend at least an hour with the gorillas and also receive a certificate which shows that you trekked. You can check out our packages for Gorilla trekking experiences. Around these parks are communities with the indigenous Batwa people who have an amazing culture, their culture is thrilling.
For more primates, especially the Chimpanzees, tourists visit Kibale Forest National Park. This park is found in the western region providing the best chimpanzee tracking experiences plus other primates like the baboons, black and white colobus monkeys among others. A permit to enable you track chimpanzees costs $200 per person. Also note that there are other places where you can track chimpanzees and they include; the Semuliki Valley, Budongo forest, Ngamba Island, Kalinzu forest and Kyambura gorge.
From Kibale Forest, tourists can easily access other neighboring destinations like the Crater lakes, Rwenzori Mountains, the Bigodi wetland, Semuliki National park (the birder’s haven) and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth is famous for its big numbers of wildlife including the tree climbing lions found in Ishasha sector. A boat cruise through this park on the Kazinga channel is also an added experience. From this park, one can easily connect to Bwindi and then to Lake Bunyonyi.
Is it your desire to simply relax after many days of travel around Uganda? Or you want to take your team for team building experiences? Lake Bunyonyi is the destination to visit. Lake Bunyonyi is Uganda’s deepest lake, with various islands. It is a very spectacular destination known for its tranquility and nice lodges. The activities that can be done on and near the lake are canoeing, cultural tours, birding, and community biking among others.
Tourists with an interest for Game viewing and sightseeing can choose Murchison Falls National Park. It being the biggest park in the country also means it has a lot to offer. That statement is true because the park has big numbers of wildlife species such as the Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, warthogs, elephants, hartebeests, antelopes, lions, giraffes and leopards as well as several bird species. The park also hosts a very strong water fall which makes its way through the 7m wide hole and plunges at 43m before it continues with its course with the Victoria Nile.
Murchison water falls are very spectacular and thrilling, tourists take a boat cruise along the Nile to the bottom of these falls, they watch them fall beautifully and also opt to hike for about 45 minutes and get to the top of the waterfalls, to have both experiences of the top and the bottom. Other tourists who can’t hike, opt for a drive with their tour guide directly to the top to see the eye catching falls. Other activities to do in Murchison falls are Sport fishing, hot air balloon safaris, nature walks, private cruises and game drives.
A visit to Murchison is usually not counted complete without a stop for Rhino tracking at the Rhino sanctuary called Ziwa especially for the tourists coming from Kampala. The sanctuary is not located far from the park, it is approximately 3hours and a half journey time between these two destinations.
For more wildlife viewing and cultural experiences; Kidepo Valley National Park is the destination for you. The park lies a bit far from Kampala which is about 10 hours while driving on the road but what it has to offer is very remarkable. Many say that it offers the true savannah experience, since it is situated in the North eastern part of the country which is mainly dry throughout the year, hence making it easy for wildlife viewing, since the grass is short and the land is flat for easy game viewing.
Wildlife species that can be seen in Kidepo include the spotted hyenas, jackals, lions, zebras, cheetahs, buffaloes, elephants, bush pigs, oribis and leopards. Activities done in Kidepo include; nature walks, game drives, bird watching and cultural tours. Kidepo also has over 470 species of birds hence is also a good place for birding, the birds that can easily be spotted include, the ostriches, red and yellow barbets, dark chanting goshawks, little bee-eaters and kori bustards.
Other destinations include; Mount Elgon, Mount Rwenzori, Sipi water falls, Semuliki National Park, Sese Islands, Ngamba Island, Lake Mburo National Park, other amazing cultural and historical sites found in districts like Entebbe, Jinja, Fort Portal, Mbale and other areas.
Most Visited Uganda Safari Destinations
FAQs About Uganda Safaris
When is the best time to visit Uganda?
Is Uganda Good For Safari?
Uganda is an excellent destination for safaris due to several factors:
1. Incredible wildlife diversity - Uganda has over half of the world's mountain gorilla population, which is why most tourists visit. You can also find chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and many other primates here and savannah parks are perfect for classic big game viewing with lions, leopards, elephants and more.
2. Remarkable birding - With over 1000 bird species in a tiny country, Uganda is considered one of the best destinations in Africa for bird watchers.
3. Stunning landscapes - The country has diverse and scenic landscapes including rainforests, savannas, wetlands and volcanic craters etc . Murchison Falls on the Nile River is a must see.
4. Fewer crowds – Unlike other destinations in East Africa like Kenya and Tanzania that receive over 2 million tourists each year , Uganda receives less than 1 million visitors annually . This gives you an opportunity to have a more exclusive experience with nature .
5. Unique experiences – In addition to tracking gorillas and chimps , there are so many unique activities that you can enjoy while on your safari including boat cruises along Kazinga Channel , hiking through lush forests e.t.c
6. Cultural interactions – Most of the safaris offer opportunities where clients get to interact with local communities and learn about their cultures and traditions.
Though it’s important to note that wildlife densities are lower than some high profile African destinations like Serengeti or Masai Mara , what makes up for this is the fact that you can do so much here within a short period of time due to its small size . Clients who have been on safari in other countries will tell you that when it comes to variety , Uganda wins hands down .
What are the most popular national parks in Uganda?
1. Murchison Falls National Park - The biggest park in Uganda that’s known for classic big game viewing of lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, antelopes and the famous Murchison Falls where the Nile plunges through a narrow gorge.
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park - Praised for its diverse landscapes from savannah to wetlands and the unique Kazinga Channel offering boat safaris to view hippos, elephants and more at the water's edge.
3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - A top destination for gorilla trekking safaris in the ancient rainforests with other primates like chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
4. Kibale National Park - Considered one of the best places for chimpanzee tracking due to its high density of chimps. Also offers opportunities to see other primates and diverse bird life.
The others like Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, Mgahinga Gorilla and Rwenzori Mountains Parks are also noteworthy but these four seem to be consistently highlighted as Uganda's most popular by multiple sources for overall safari experiences.
What is the Average Cost of a Safari in Uganda?
The price of a Ugandan safari varies depending on the level of accommodation and activities. In my quick search, I found the average cost per person, per day to be between $150 all the way to $1000+. Here’s a breakdown by experience:
Budget Safari Cost: $150 - $350 per person per day
What's included: Basic accommodation (camping or budget lodges), transportation, guides, park fees
What's not included: Gorilla trekking permits
Mid-Range Safari Cost: $300 - $550 per person per day
What's included: Comfortable lodges/tented camps, transportation, guides, park fees
What may or may not be included: Gorilla trekking permits ($800 per permit)
Luxury Safari Cost: $600 - $1000+ per person per day
What's included: Upscale lodges/tented camps, private guides/vehicles, all park fees
Typically includes gorilla trekking permits ($800 per permit)
As you can tell from above pricing options which had different experiences and luxuries involved. There is no telling how much money will need to be spent on your individual desires but here are things that impact the cost...
1. Gorilla Trekking Permits – This is a biggie at $800/person for foreign non-residents.
2. Accommodation Level – Luxury lodges range from around $300-$2500+/night and budget options go for around 80-185/night.
3. Group Size – The larger the group size can help with sharing costs like transportation which means lower overall cost.
4. Safari Duration – Longer safaris tend to have lower costs vs shorter ones because of course less days means more concentrated attention from staff.
5. Parks Visited – It goes without saying that some parks are just more expensive than others so keep that in mind.
6. Transportation – If you’re planning on flying between parks then just know it's more expensive than land transportation.
Uganda is a little bit more affordable than its neighbors but like mentioned before the gorilla trekking experience does add up quite a bit. A 3-4 day gorilla trek could start around $3000 per person and 7-10 day safaris can range from $5000 to over $10,000 per person for luxury accommodations and services.
What are the best Uganda safari activities?
Gorilla Trekking – This is considered the “premier” activity, where you take a guided hike through a rainforest like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to spend an hour observing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzee Trekking – Another iconic experience is trekking to see chimpanzees, our closest genetic relatives, in places like Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge.
Wildlife Safari Game Drives – Uganda offers classic savannah game drives to view lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, antelopes and more in parks like Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth.
Boat Safaris – Taking powerboat or canoe cruises along rivers or channels like the Kazinga Channel to view hippos, elephants and other animals from the water.
Birding – With over 1,000 species recorded so far, Uganda is one of Africa’s top birding destinations with hotspots like Bwindi and Mabamba Swamp for the iconic shoebill stork.
Cultural Experience – Many safaris include visiting local communities, traditional villages and experiencing cultural dances/performances.
Other activities include nature walks or hikes (like the Virunga Volcanoes), adventure sports like whitewater rafting, quad biking and bungee jumping in areas like Jinja.
So even though gorilla and chimpanzee treks are major highlights for many travelers visiting Uganda — these can be combined into three-week trips — there is an incredibly diverse range of safari activities across its varied landscapes and national parks.
What Wildlife Animals will You see in Uganda?
On a safari in Uganda, you’ll see so many animals! Including:
The Big Five:
Lions—look for them in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley.
Leopards—you’re especially likely to encounter these at night on drives in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo
Elephants—forest or savannah varieties occur in many parks like Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth.
Cape Buffaloes—are common in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo.
Rhinoceros can only be seen at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary after having been reintroduced
And Other Key Animals:
Rothschild's Giraffes are found in Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley
Hippos are all over the rivers/lakes of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth
Nile Crocodiles have their highest concentrations along the Nile River in Murchison Falls
29 other Antelope species include the Uganda Kob and Bushbuck
Chimpanzees are especially famous for chimp trekking at Kibale Forest
Mountain Gorillas can be trekked for at Bwindi and Mgahinga parks (with about half the global population)
Birding is also incredible. The country has over 1,000 bird species. Along with Shoebill Stork which is usually found in marshes like Mabamba.
How Do You Book A Safari in Uganda?
How Do you apply for a travel visa to Uganda?
Is Uganda A Friendly Destination?
Uganda is widely viewed as a welcoming country, people are friendly and chatty. People seem particularly open to cultural exchanges during safaris and the country’s cultural heritage is praised. But here are a few things to keep in mind:
Safety: Precaution is advised from tourists due to crimes, terrorism threats, and harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws passed in 2023.
- LGBTQ+ visitors risk prosecution and persecution.
Cultural norms: Public displays of affection are frowned upon due to social conservatism. Additionally, interracial couples may receive additional attention or be called “muzungu” (foreigner) — though not necessarily in a derogatory way.
Disrespecting local customs should be avoided at all costs.
While the general population is described as hospitable hosts, safety remains a concern in certain areas that require vigilance. As long as travelers exercise reasonable caution, Uganda's friendly nature can likely shine through during a safari experience.
