Uganda Safari Tours

Our Uganda safari tours start from $2,250 per person (Uganda Big 5 Positive Impact Safari, 7 days) and go up to $24,210 per person (Kikooko Luxury, 16 days). The price depends on group size, length, accommodation level and whether gorilla permits are included. The comparison table on this page shows each itinerary's price and the group size it is based on.

It depends on what you want to see. A 7-day trip covers the main wildlife parks. Add two to three days for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking and you are at 9 to 10 days. Most guests who want the classic loop of primates, savannah wildlife and the Nile choose 14 to 15 days, and our longest itineraries run to 22 days.

In 12 of our 20 Uganda itineraries the gorilla permit or tracking is listed as included. The table above shows which. Where it is not included we can add it, though permits are limited, so book early. The Uganda Wildlife Authority sets the price. A gorilla permit is $800 per person for foreign non-residents, with a lower rate in April, May and November. UWA revises its tariff from time to time, so we confirm the current rate whenever we quote.

Gorilla trekking involves hiking on steep, muddy forest slopes for 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the gorilla family is that day. The average trek is 2–4 hours. A reasonable level of fitness is required — you should be able to walk on uneven terrain for several hours. Porters are available at all trailheads and are strongly recommended. Minimum age is 15. No maximum age — we've guided guests in their 70s successfully.

Yes — and it is one of the most significant wildlife encounters on the planet. The permit fee directly funds UWA ranger salaries, anti-poaching patrols, and community revenue-sharing. Without it, the gorilla population would not have recovered from under 250 individuals to over 1,000. The experience itself — one hour face-to-face with a habituated gorilla family — is consistently described by guests as the highlight of their lives. The low-season permit (April, May, November) is $600.

Yes — this is one of East Africa's most popular combinations. Fly into Entebbe, spend 5–7 days in Uganda (Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth), then fly to Kilimanjaro for Tanzania. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda on a single multiple-entry permit. Tanzania requires a separate e-visa ($50).

Bwindi has four sectors: Buhoma (north, most accessible from Kibale), Ruhija (east, best for birding, harder terrain), Rushaga and Nkuringo (south, most families, best availability). Rushaga has the most habituated families — best choice if availability is your priority. Buhoma is the original sector with a well-established tourism community. We select sectors based on your fitness level and current permit availability.

Gorilla trekking essentials: long-sleeved shirt and trousers (neutral colours), sturdy hiking boots, thin gloves, lightweight rain jacket, day pack, garden gloves. For savannah parks: neutral clothing, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, binoculars, layers for cold mornings. Year-round necessities: yellow fever certificate (mandatory for entry), antimalarial medication, DEET insect repellent, power bank. No flash photography near gorillas.