Uganda Safaris 2026 — The Pearl of Africa

Uganda is one of Africa’s most extraordinary and most underrated safari destinations. Known as the Pearl of Africa — a name coined by Winston Churchill in 1907 and still perfectly fitting today — Uganda packs more wildlife diversity into its borders than almost any other country on the continent.

Mountain gorillas. Chimpanzees. Tree-climbing lions. Shoebill storks. The source of the Nile. The snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. The most biodiverse forests in East Africa. Uganda has all of this — and receives a fraction of the visitors that Kenya and Tanzania do — meaning more exclusive encounters fewer crowds and a rawer more authentic Africa than you find in the most heavily touristed safari destinations.

A Uganda safari with Go Safaris Africa — your local East Africa safari specialists — connects you with the very best of the Pearl of Africa. Whether you are planning a gorilla trekking adventure a chimpanzee safari a classic game drive circuit or the ultimate combined Uganda and Rwanda primate journey we design every Uganda itinerary around your specific interests and budget.

Uganda at a Glance

Uganda’s Top Safari Destinations

1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — The Greatest Gorilla Destination on Earth

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to nearly half of the world’s entire mountain gorilla population — approximately 459 individuals across 50+ gorilla groups. With 19 habituated gorilla families open to tourism Bwindi has more gorilla trekking options and better permit availability than Rwanda — and at $800 per permit it is $700 cheaper per person.

Bwindi is divided into four distinct trekking sectors — Buhoma Ruhija Nkuringo and Rushaga — each with different terrain different gorilla families different accommodation options and a completely different character. The forest itself is ancient dense and extraordinarily beautiful — one of Africa’s oldest ecosystems.

Bwindi also offers the unique Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga sector — spending a full day (up to 4 hours) with a gorilla family still being introduced to human presence. At $1,500 for a maximum of 4 people this is the most intimate gorilla encounter available anywhere in the world.

Key information:

• Gorilla permit: $800 per person
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: $1,500 per person (4 hours — Rushaga only)
• 4 trekking sectors — Buhoma Ruhija Nkuringo Rushaga
• UNESCO World Heritage Site

👉 Complete Bwindi Impenetrable Forest guide 👉 Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda comparison 👉 Gorilla trekking cost guide

2. Kibale Forest National Park — The Primate Capital of the World

Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda is home to approximately 1,500 chimpanzees — the highest density of any forest in East Africa — making it the undisputed best destination for chimpanzee trekking on the African continent.

Beyond chimpanzees Kibale supports 13 primate species — the highest primate diversity of any East African forest — as well as extraordinary birding with 375+ species including 6 Albertine Rift endemics.

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary adjacent to Kibale is one of Uganda’s finest community conservation success stories — a guided walk through papyrus swamp revealing 8 primate species and 200+ birds with all fees going directly to the local community.

Key information:

• Chimpanzee permit: $200 per person
• Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX): $250 per person (full day)
• 13 primate species — most in East Africa
• Bigodi Wetland community walk: approximately $10

👉 Complete chimpanzee trekking Kibale Forest guide

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park — Tree-Climbing Lions and Kazinga Channel

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited national park and one of East Africa’s most biodiverse wildlife destinations — covering 1,978 km² of savanna woodland wetlands and the shores of Lakes Edward and George.

The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions — one of only two places in East Africa (alongside Ishasha) where lions habitually climb and rest in trees — and for the extraordinary Kazinga Channel boat safari which offers some of the most accessible hippo and crocodile encounters anywhere in Africa.

What to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park:

• 🦁 Game drives — lions leopards elephants buffalos Uganda kob topis waterbuck
• 🚤 Kazinga Channel boat safari — hippo pods of 50–100 animals at extraordinary close range
• 🦅 Birding — 600+ species — one of Africa’s finest birding national parks
• 🦁 Ishasha tree-climbing lions — southern sector — unique and extraordinary
• 🥾 Maramagambo Forest walks — chimpanzees and forest birds in the park’s forest zone
• 🌅 Crater lakes drive — dramatic volcanic crater lakes in the park’s northern areas

Best lodges: Mweya Safari Lodge · Elephant Plains Lodge · Ishasha Wilderness Camp · Kyambura Gorge Lodge

4. Murchison Falls National Park — Uganda’s Greatest Waterfall

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park — 3,840 km² of savanna woodland and the Nile River corridor in northwestern Uganda. The park’s centrepiece is Murchison Falls itself — where the entire Nile River is forced through a 7-metre gorge creating the world’s most powerful waterfall — a deafening roaring cascade that has to be seen to be believed.

What to do in Murchison Falls:

• 💧 Murchison Falls — hike to the top of the falls for the most dramatic views
• 🚤 Nile River boat safari — cruise to the base of the falls past hippos crocodiles and elephants
• 🦒 Game drives — giraffes lions leopards elephants buffalos hartebeest oribi
• 🐦 Shoebill stork — the Nile delta area of Murchison is one of Uganda’s best shoebill locations
• 🎣 Nile fishing — Nile perch and tigerfish in the river
• 🥾 Rhino tracking at Ziwa — en route to Murchison the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers Uganda’s only rhino encounter

Best lodges: Paraa Safari Lodge · Chobe Safari Lodge · Baker’s Lodge · Nile Safari Lodge

5. Rwenzori Mountains National Park — Mountains of the Moon

The Rwenzori Mountains — the legendary Mountains of the Moon that form the border between Uganda and DRC — are one of Africa’s most extraordinary and least-visited mountain ranges. With snow-capped peaks rising to 5,109 metres (Mount Stanley — Africa’s third highest mountain) the Rwenzori offer one of the continent’s most challenging and rewarding multi-day mountain treks.

The Rwenzori Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site contains extraordinary Afroalpine vegetation — giant lobelias heathers and groundsels that create an otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else in Africa. The mountain trek takes 7–12 days depending on the route chosen and requires good physical fitness and cold weather gear.

For non-trekkers the lower forest zones of the Rwenzori offer excellent birding — including 19 Albertine Rift endemic species — and beautiful day hikes without the commitment of the full summit route.

6. Lake Mburo National Park — Uganda’s Most Accessible Park

Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s most accessible national park — just 3 hours by road from Kampala — making it the perfect addition to any Uganda itinerary for travellers with limited time or those arriving or departing through Entebbe.

Lake Mburo is compact beautiful and home to wildlife species not found in Uganda’s other parks:

• Impalas — Uganda’s only national park with impalas — large herds throughout
• Zebras — abundant and relaxed
• Topis — beautiful reddish-brown antelope
• Elands — Africa’s largest antelope — commonly seen
• Hippos — large pods in Lake Mburo
• Leopards — present but elusive
• African fish eagles — abundant on the lake
• Boat safaris — excellent lake boat trips past hippos and waterbirds

Lake Mburo also offers horse riding safaris — one of the few Uganda parks where this is available — a completely different and wonderful way to experience the savanna.

Best lodges: Mantis Mihingo Lodge · Rwakobo Rock · Arcadia Cottages

7. Lake Bunyonyi — Uganda’s Most Beautiful Lake

Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda is one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Africa — and one of the best rest and relaxation destinations on any Uganda safari itinerary.

Sitting at 1,962 metres above sea level in a deep valley surrounded by terraced hills Lake Bunyonyi — whose name means “place of many little birds” — is dotted with 29 small islands and fringed with fishing villages and community tourism facilities.

Lake Bunyonyi is safe for swimming (free of bilharzia and hippos in the main areas) making it one of the few places in Uganda where you can genuinely relax in the water. After the intense adventure of gorilla trekking in Bwindi most travellers immediately wish they had booked more nights here.

Activities at Lake Bunyonyi:

• 🚣 Kayaking — paddle through the extraordinary lake scenery
• 🏊 Swimming — safe and beautiful
• ⛵ Island boat trips — explore the 29 islands
• 🦜 Birding — 200+ species
• 🏘️ Village walks — community tourism experiences

Best lodges: Arcadia Cottages · Byoona Amagara · Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort

8. Kidepo Valley National Park — Uganda’s Wild North

Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda’s remote northeastern corner is one of Africa’s most wild and least visited national parks — and for many serious safari travellers one of the finest.

The vast open savanna of Kidepo — surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides creating a dramatic bowl-shaped landscape — supports wildlife populations that include species not found elsewhere in Uganda: cheetahs striped hyenas and caracals alongside large elephant herds lions buffalos zebras giraffes and the extraordinary Rothschild giraffe subspecies.

Kidepo requires a domestic flight from Entebbe (approximately 1.5 hours) — the remoteness is part of the appeal. Visitor numbers are very low making every Kidepo safari feel genuinely exclusive.

Best lodge: Apoka Safari Lodge — the only full-service luxury lodge in the park

9. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — Uganda’s Only Rhinos

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary near Nakasongola in central Uganda is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos — the critically endangered southern white rhino has been reintroduced here in a carefully managed breeding programme with the eventual goal of reintroducing rhinos to Uganda’s national parks.

Rhino tracking on foot with armed rangers in Ziwa is a genuinely thrilling wildlife experience — following rhinos through the savanna on foot at very close range. Ziwa is most commonly visited en route to Murchison Falls National Park — a perfect break on the long road from Kampala.

10. Entebbe — Uganda’s Gateway City

Entebbe sits on a peninsula jutting into Lake Victoria — Africa’s largest lake — just 40 km from Kampala and home to Uganda’s main international airport. Most Uganda safaris begin and end in Entebbe.

With a few hours in Entebbe on arrival or departure:

• Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) — excellent wildlife centre on Lake Victoria shores with chimpanzees lions rhinos giraffes and 300+ bird species. $20 entry.
• Entebbe Botanical Gardens — historic gardens on the lake shore used as a Tarzan filming location. Excellent birding.
• Lake Victoria boat trips — sunset boat trips on Africa’s largest lake
• Entebbe town — pleasant lakeshore town with good restaurants and cafés

Uganda Safari Itineraries

5-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe → Kampala Day 2: Fly or drive to Bwindi → afternoon forest walk Day 3: Gorilla trekking — Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Day 4: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi → relaxation Day 5: Return Entebbe → depart

From: $2,200 per person (budget) · $3,500 per person (mid-range)

10-Day Uganda Complete Safari

The ultimate Uganda itinerary covering gorillas chimps game drives and lakes.

👉 Complete 10-day Uganda safari itinerary — full day-by-day guide with costs

Combined Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Cross the border at Cyanika or Katuna for the ultimate East Africa primate experience — gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda plus chimpanzees in Kibale.

👉 Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda guide 👉 Contact Go Safaris Africa for a combined itinerary

Uganda Safari Costs

Total Uganda safari costs:

• 5-day budget gorilla safari: from $2,200 per person
• 10-day complete Uganda safari: from $3,355 per person

👉 Complete gorilla trekking cost breakdown

Essential Uganda Safari Reading

Everything you need to plan your perfect Uganda safari:

🦍 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest complete guide 🐒 Chimpanzee trekking Kibale Forest guide 🗺️ 10-day Uganda safari itinerary 🦍 Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda comparison 💰 Gorilla trekking cost guide 2026 🎒 What to pack for gorilla trekking ✅ Is gorilla trekking worth it? 💍 Honeymoon safari East Africa 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family safari Rwanda with teenagers 👤 Solo gorilla trekking Rwanda guide

Why Book Your Uganda Safari with Go Safaris Africa

Go Safaris Africa is a Kigali-based East Africa safari specialist with deep expertise in Uganda safari planning. We operate Uganda gorilla treks chimpanzee safaris and complete Uganda wildlife circuits every month — and we combine Uganda seamlessly with Rwanda for the ultimate East Africa primate adventure.

When you book your Uganda safari with us:

• ✅ Uganda gorilla permits secured — we book $800 permits months in advance
• ✅ Bwindi sector expertise — we advise the best sector for your fitness and interests
• ✅ Complete Uganda logistics — domestic flights transport accommodation permits all handled
• ✅ Combined Rwanda itineraries — seamless cross-border gorilla safari planning
• ✅ Expert local guides — our Uganda guides know every park track and trail
• ✅ 24/7 support — available before and throughout your entire Uganda safari
• ✅ Transparent pricing — no hidden fees clear inclusions

📞 Call or WhatsApp: +250 788 365 595 📧 info@gosafarisafrica.com 🌐 www.gosafarisafrica.com

Plan your Uganda safari today →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Uganda located? Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa bordered by Kenya to the east South Sudan to the north DRC to the west Rwanda to the southwest and Tanzania to the south. Despite being landlocked Uganda contains large parts of two of Africa’s Great Lakes — Victoria and Albert.

Why is Uganda called the Pearl of Africa? Winston Churchill coined the phrase after visiting Uganda in 1907 — overwhelmed by the country’s extraordinary biodiversity dramatic landscapes and friendly people. The name remains perfectly accurate today.

What is Uganda most famous for? Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is Uganda’s most famous wildlife experience. Uganda is also renowned for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park Murchison Falls — the world’s most powerful waterfall — and extraordinary birding throughout the country.

How much is a Uganda gorilla permit in 2026? A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $800 USD per person — issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This is $700 cheaper than Rwanda’s $1,500 permit for the same one-hour gorilla encounter. Read our complete gorilla trekking cost guide for the full breakdown.

What is the best time to visit Uganda? June–September and December–February are the best months — dry trails comfortable temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing across all parks. Uganda can be visited year-round — gorillas and chimpanzees are present every day. Read our best time guide — Uganda’s seasons follow identical patterns to Rwanda.

Is Uganda safe for tourists? Yes — Uganda is a stable and welcoming country with a well-established tourism industry. All national parks have excellent ranger presence and professional management. Go Safaris Africa monitors security conditions continuously and our team is based in the region.

What is the best sector of Bwindi for gorilla trekking? Buhoma for first-timers and accessibility. Rushaga for the most gorilla family options and best permit availability. Nkuringo for dramatic Virunga volcano views. Ruhija for adventurous trekkers and birdwatchers. Read our complete Bwindi guide for detailed sector information.

Can I combine Uganda with Rwanda gorilla trekking? Absolutely — this is one of our most popular safari combinations. The border crossing at Cyanika connects Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park area with Uganda’s Bwindi sector in just 30 minutes. Read our gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda guide for full cross-border itinerary details.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Uganda? Yes — Uganda mandates a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all visitors. Antimalarial medication is also strongly recommended. Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.

Go Safaris Africa — Kigali-based safari experts specialising in gorilla trekking and tailor-made East Africa adventures. 📍 Prince House Second Floor Office #5 Kigali Rwanda 📞 +250 788 365 595 | 🌐 www.gosafarisafrica.com

Plan your Uganda safari with us →