Uganda Tours – Gorilla & Chimp Safari Packages

As you plan for your Uganda tours, read through the guide below to learn more about Uganda. You will have a clear picture of what you want to do and the destinations that you’d like to visit.

Top Reasons to Visit Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to over half of the mountain gorillas in the world.

With four gorilla trekking sectors and over 20 mountain gorilla families, Bwindi is the best place to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest

Known as the primate capital of the world, no other rain-forest has more primates than Kibale Forest.

While it is hard to trek with chimps in other places, the chimps in Kibale are used to people, so you will easily get close to them.

Big Five game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth

Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest conservation area in Uganda, while Queen Elizabeth is Uganda’s most visited national park. These two parks are among the best places to see wildlife in East Africa.

Four of the Big Five animals live in Murchison Falls National Park, and the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has the fifth.

Boat safaris on Kazinga Channel and River Nile

Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel are very good. The 32-kilometre-long channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, which are both part of the African Great Lakes.

The channel is a main attraction in Queen Elizabeth National Park and this is where boat safaris are done.

The Nile is the longest river in the world. Its source is in Jinja and it flows through Sudan and Egypt before entering the Red Sea.

Taking a boat safari on the River Nile in the afternoon is one of the most common things to do in Jinja City.

Cultural experiences with local communities

Uganda has over 56 tribes and is a good place to enjoy local community experiences. Some of the most visited tribes are the Batwa and Karamojong people.

The Batwa pygmies live in south-western Uganda, while the Karamojong people stay in the north-eastern region. You can book real cultural tours to see these tribes and learn about their ways of life.

Best Time to Visit Uganda

Chimpanzees can be seen at any time of the year in their natural homes during a Uganda safari. However, the best time to visit Uganda for chimpanzee trekking is usually during the dry season.

When planning a chimpanzee trekking tour, mark these two dry seasons on your calendar: June, July, August to September, and December, January to February.

These months have better weather and fewer rains. Most chimpanzee areas stay dry, which makes it easier to walk and see the chimpanzees.

However, chimpanzee trekking is not limited to the dry season only. Visitors also trek during the wet or rainy season, which is also called the low season.

There are two rainy seasons: March to May and October to November. The main challenge during these months is that the paths become slippery and muddy because of the heavy rains.

This makes trekking a bit more difficult and slower because hikers walk more carefully.

Most Popular Uganda Tour Packages

Below are some of the most popular Uganda tour packages.

• 3-day gorilla trekking tour: This is one of the most popular Uganda tour packages to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The first and last days are for travel, and the second day is for the gorilla trekking activity.
• 5-day wildlife safari and chimp tracking: This package combines wildlife viewing and chimpanzee trekking, which are two of the most common Uganda tour activities. Usual combinations include Murchison Falls–Kibale, Queen Elizabeth–Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth–Kyambura/Kalinzu. The best chimp trekking is in Kibale National Park.
• 7-day Uganda adventure tour: 7-day Uganda tour packages usually include up to three national parks, with gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, nature walks, and cultural visits.
• 10–15-day Uganda safari: 10–15-day Uganda tour packages often include up to five national parks with many activities. If you want to visit Uganda once and explore a lot, this is the best choice.

Top National Parks to Visit

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Impenetrable yet penetrable; Bwindi National Park has gained fame in recent years and has become one of the main safari destinations, joining the list of the most visited in the country.

This park is found in the remote areas of the southwestern part of Uganda, on the foothills of the large Virunga Chain Mountains. In it, we meet again with our close and rare relatives — the shy mountain gorillas, found only on the African continent. Activities include gorilla trekking, birding, and the Batwa cultural encounter.

This park has four sectors where half of the world’s gorilla population lives. These include the Nkuringo, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Rushaga sector.

Kibale National Park

Home to over 13 different primate species, with chimpanzees being the main ones, Kibale Forest is an important place for every tourist to Uganda.

It is located in the western part of Uganda and offers chimp tracking, birding, forest walks, and cultural encounters.

Murchison Falls National Park

Sprawling through Buliisa, Nwoya, and Masindi districts in northwestern Uganda, this is by far the finest and most-visited park in the country.

It is the largest and oldest game reserve, home to four of Africa’s Big Five — lions, leopards, rhinos, Cape buffaloes, and elephants.

It also has birds such as the well-known shoebill stork, primates, and different types of vegetation.

However, the most famous attraction here is the powerful Murchison Falls, the strongest waterfall in the world.

A boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, a hike to the top of the falls, and game drives are the main activities.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This is the most visited national park, located in the southwestern part of Uganda. Its name was changed from Kazinga Channel National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park after a visit by Queen Elizabeth II from England.

On its 1,978 square kilometers of land, many mammals, birds, primates, and plants live.

Three parts of the park you should not miss are Kazinga Channel, known for its many hippos and crocodiles seen during a boat cruise; the Ishasha Sector, famous for tree-climbing lions; and Kyambura Gorge, where you can see chimpanzees.

You can reach this park by air or road from either Kigali, Rwanda or Kampala.

Lake Mburo National Park

This is the nearest national park to the country’s capital city, Kampala — just a 3 to 4-hour drive through a very scenic route. Its landscape and many animals, mostly antelopes and birds, keep visitors interested from the start to the end of the adventure.

The main attractions of the park are the Burchell’s zebras and impalas, the largest in the antelope family. Some of the activities offered in this park are game drives, horse rides, birding expeditions, nature walks, and boat cruises.

Kidepo Valley National Park

The true African wilderness, in the northern region of Uganda, is the most isolated yet home to many wildlife species. These include birds like the ostrich, cats such as lions and leopards, grazers like buffaloes, and many more. Its landscape is good for photography, videography, and sightseeing, among other things.

A tour to this park takes you face to face with the Karamojong people — an ethnic group that has kept their culture of nomadic pastoralism and often spends the day naked or half-naked because of the high temperatures.

Uganda Tour Costs & What’s Included

Knowing how much a Uganda tour costs and what you get for the price is very important when planning your trip. This helps you understand how much you will spend in total, including flights.

Many things affect the cost of a Uganda tour. These include the places you want to visit, the total number of days for your trip, the type of accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury), and the activities you plan to do.

On average, a budget tour will cost between $150 to $250 per person per day, while a mid-range tour costs between $250 to $400 per day. Luxury tours are more expensive because of the level of service. They can cost from $500 to over $1,500 per person per day, depending on the type of accommodation you choose.

Gorilla trekking is the most expensive activity in Uganda and also one of the most expensive in Africa. A gorilla permit costs $800 per person in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks. A gorilla habituation permit costs $1,500 each. Chimpanzee trekking is cheaper, with permits ranging from $100 to $300 depending on the location.

Most tour packages include transport, guide fees, park entry fees, accommodation, and meals. Other activities often included in the Uganda tour cost are boat safaris, game drives, nature walks, and community visits. Airport transfers are usually arranged by the tour company or your first-night hotel if you are staying in Entebbe.

International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, drinks, tips, and personal expenses like laundry or souvenirs are not included in most tour prices. However, for luxury trips, some of these may be included.

We advise you to carefully check what is included and not included in your tour package before booking. Most Uganda tour companies provide these details so you can know if there will be extra costs.

Uganda is one of the safari countries in Africa that offers good value for money. Whether you are on a small budget or want a luxury trip, you will find a Uganda tour package that fits your needs.

Most Popular Uganda Tour Questions & Answers

Below are some of the most popular Uganda tour questions and answers that you may need as you plan your tour to Uganda.

• Is it safe to travel to Uganda? Many tourists visit Uganda every year to explore national parks and enjoy the culture. Uganda is generally a safe and welcoming country. The government has made efforts to improve security for visitors. Like any place, there are possible safety risks, so you should plan well, stay careful, and be aware of your surroundings.
• Is a visa required to enter Uganda? Yes, most visitors need a visa to enter Uganda. Tourists from places like the US and Europe must apply online and get a visa approval letter before traveling. Some countries can get a visa on arrival.
• Which vaccinations are needed to visit Uganda? All visitors over one year old must have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. It is also a good idea to get vaccinated for hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus/diphtheria, and hepatitis B. Depending on your travel plans, you might also need vaccines for cholera, rabies, and meningitis.
• What is the minimum age to trek gorillas and chimpanzees? To go gorilla trekking in Uganda, you must be at least 15 years old. This rule helps protect both the people and the gorillas.
• What is the best time for a safari in Uganda? The best time to go on a safari is during the dry seasons: June to August and December to February. The weather is better, and it’s easier to see wildlife.
• Which animals can I see during a safari in Uganda? You can see lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, giraffes, zebras, and different antelopes. You may also see animals like hyenas, cheetahs, and golden monkeys.
• What is the ideal number of days for a safari in Uganda? You can enjoy a safari in as little as three days, but one week or more is better for a full experience. A short trip may focus on one park, while a longer trip allows you to visit more places and do more activities.
• Can I see mountain gorillas in Uganda? Yes, you can see mountain gorillas in Uganda. Over half of the world’s gorillas live here. You can trek to see them in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Where can I trek chimpanzees in Uganda? Kibale National Park is the best place to see chimpanzees. Other places include Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, and Budongo Forest.
• What should I pack for a tour of Uganda? Wear light, dull-colored clothes like long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against sun and insects. Bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and strong walking shoes. Also pack layers, a rain jacket, and insect repellent.
• Is it safe to drink tap water in Uganda? Uganda has many fresh water sources. Tap water is not recommended for drinking unless it is boiled. Tour companies usually provide bottled water for visitors.
• Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Uganda? Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is needed for all visitors over one year old. Some airlines also ask to see it before you leave the country.
• What is the currency used in Uganda? The currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling. US dollars are also accepted in most tourist areas. It’s good to carry both.
• Can I use a credit card in Uganda? Yes, credit cards are accepted in many big hotels, restaurants, and shops, especially in tourist areas. But some smaller places only take cash, so carry some with you.
• Are the roads in Uganda safe to drive on? Uganda’s main roads are paved and in fair condition. However, watch out for potholes and speed bumps. Driving speed is usually under 80 km/h.
• Can I take my kids on a safari in Uganda? Yes, children can go on a safari in Uganda. Many parks welcome families and have places and activities suitable for kids.
• Which languages are spoken in Uganda? Uganda has four main language groups: Bantu, Nilotic, Central Sudanic, and Kuliak. English is the official language, but many people also speak Luganda and Swahili.
• Is English widely spoken in Uganda? Yes, many people in Uganda speak English, especially in cities and schools. It is used in government and business.
• Does gorilla trekking require a guide? Yes, a guide is required. They know the area and the gorillas, help you through the hike, and make sure everyone is safe.
• Can I combine a tour of Uganda with safaris in Rwanda or Kenya? Yes, you can combine trips to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Many travelers do this to explore different animals and places.
• What should I wear on a Uganda safari? Wear light, neutral-colored clothes like khaki or green. Long sleeves and pants help protect from sun and bugs. Comfortable shoes are important, especially for walking.
• Is tipping customary? Tipping is not required but is appreciated. It is a nice way to thank guides and other staff for their service.
• What type of accommodation is available on a safari in Uganda? You can choose from fancy lodges, simple camps, or eco-lodges. Some examples include Kyaninga Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
• Do lodges in Uganda have electricity and Wi-Fi? Many lodges offer electricity and Wi-Fi, but it may not always be reliable. Remote places might use solar power or generators, and the internet may be slow.
• Are Ugandan safaris good for senior citizens? Yes, older visitors can enjoy safaris in Uganda with good planning. Some activities like gorilla trekking need a bit of fitness, but many tours can be adjusted.
• What is the cost of a safari in Uganda? Prices vary. A budget 3-day safari may cost $600 to $800. A mid-range 6- to 8-day safari may cost $1500 to $2500. High-end trips with flights and permits cost more.
• Can I take a private or group tour in Uganda? Yes, both private and group tours are available. Group tours are cheaper and more social. Private tours offer more personal service.
• What kind of food is served during a safari in Uganda? You will get a mix of local and international food. Common dishes include Rolex (chapati with egg), Luwombo (meat in banana leaves), and Matoke (mashed green bananas). You may also find foods with Asian or Indian flavors.
• How can I book a tour to Uganda? You can book through an online tour operator or a local one. Choose a trusted company with good reviews. Confirm your itinerary, pay a deposit, and get your travel papers and vaccines.