Uganda Safaris & Tours – Gorilla Tours & Wildlife Safari Cost

Why Visit Uganda

There are many reasons to visit Uganda, from being one of the safest and friendliest countries in the world to its unique landscapes, wildlife and bird species, as well as its rich biodiversity and ethnic groups.

Some of the reasons why you should visit Uganda are outlined below.

One of the key reasons to visit Uganda is to trek mountain gorillas. Uganda has the highest population of mountain gorillas out of the only three countries that harbor these great apes.

Although gorilla trekking permits in Congo are cheaper, the security situation in the country can sometimes be unpredictable.

On the other hand, Rwanda’s gorilla permits are very costly, leaving many travelers with Uganda as their best option.

Chimpanzees are another reason to visit Uganda. You can engage in chimpanzee trekking or chimpanzee habituation while in the country.

In addition to chimps, Uganda boasts various primate species that are not commonly found in other East African countries like Kenya and Tanzania.

Uganda Safari Parks

Uganda is a landlocked country located in East Africa, often known as the “Pearl of Africa” for its beauty and uniqueness! The country comprises 12 national reserves and 10 national parks, which are listed below:

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s third-largest national park. It’s not often visited by tourists due to its remote location in the Karamoja region.

Nevertheless, Kidepo Valley is one of Africa’s best national parks, offering a true wilderness experience.

You can enjoy game drives, nature walks, visits to the hot springs, hikes up Mount Morungole, and cultural encounters with the IK people or the nomadic Karamojong explorers.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and one of the most visited national parks in Uganda.

The park is situated in the northwestern part of the country and is home to the world’s strongest waterfalls and the world’s longest river.

Murchison Falls National Park offers a variety of activities, including game drives, hot air balloon safaris, boat cruises on the Nile, hiking the waterfalls, cultural encounters, bird watching, and much more.

Kibale National Park

Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda, is renowned as the best place for seeing chimpanzees and 13 other species of primates.

Chimpanzee tracking at the park can be done in the morning or afternoon. While chimpanzee tracking is the most common activity, the park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 370 species of birds recorded.

Tourists intending to track chimpanzees should book their permits in advance, especially during peak season.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the northwestern part of Uganda. The park is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, with 15 gorilla families available for daily visits.

Gorilla trekking is the main activity, and tourists should book their permits in advance and bring appropriate trekking gear.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and is another national park where gorilla trekking can be done.

Apart from trekking mountain gorillas, tourists can also track golden monkeys while in Mgahinga.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited national park in Uganda and is located in the western part of the country.

The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth is famous for its tree-climbing lions, found only here and in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is one of the least visited national parks in Uganda, boasting 53 mammalian species and 441 recorded bird species.

It was first gazetted as a reserve in 1932 and established as a national park in 1993.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest Savannah national park in Uganda and the nearest park to the city.

While at Lake Mburo, you can enjoy game viewing, boat cruises, bird watching, guided nature walks, and more.

Rwenzori Mountain National Park

Rwenzori National Park is home to the great Rwenzori Mountain, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.”

It is located on the border of Uganda and Congo. The most common activity is climbing Mount Rwenzori, though it requires one to be an experienced mountaineer.

Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is located in the eastern part of Uganda. The park is dominated by Mount Elgon, which is believed to have been Africa’s highest mountain, though millennia of erosion are believed to have reduced its height.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking can only be done in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which hosts half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas.

For gorilla trekking to occur, wild mountain gorilla families must be habituated.

This process is conducted by a group of four rangers and researchers who begin the habituation process over several months.

Once the process is completed and tested, the families are opened up for trekking.

Tourists can also join researchers in this habituation process for a fee slightly higher than that of regular gorilla trekking.

There are over 18 habituated mountain gorilla families in Uganda, and each family can be visited by only eight tourists per day.

Trekking usually begins early in the morning at the park headquarters, following a briefing.

A ranger will then lead you into the wilderness to search for the gorilla family assigned for trekking.

Tourist groups are sometimes allocated based on their physical capabilities.

For instance, older travelers may be assigned to a nearby gorilla family that is easier to trek.

Once tourists find the family, they are allowed to spend one hour observing and taking photos.

Tourists intending to do gorilla trekking must book their permits in advance—at least three months before arriving in the country, especially during the peak season when demand is high.

The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February, when weather conditions are favorable.

When to Visit Uganda

Uganda can be visited all year round, although some months are better than others. The best time for wildlife viewing and mountain climbing is during the dry season from June to September and December to February.

During these months, the vegetation in the parks is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife.

Additionally, the gorilla trekking trails are in good condition, and roads leading to some national parks are more accessible.

The best time for birding is from November to April when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present in the parks.

The wet season can inconvenience visitors, although some prefer it due to the parks being less crowded during this time.

Frequently Asked Uganda Safari Questions

Below are 30 most popular frequently asked Uganda safari questions and their respective answers:

1. Why is Uganda known as the “Pearl of Africa”? Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa” because of its beauty, uniqueness, diverse landscapes, wildlife, bird species, and rich biodiversity.
2. What makes Uganda one of the safest and friendliest countries to visit? Uganda is often considered safe and friendly due to its welcoming people, peaceful atmosphere, and stability in comparison to other regions.
3. What are the key reasons to visit Uganda for a safari? The key reasons include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, diverse wildlife, unique landscapes, and its rich cultural heritage.
4. Why is gorilla trekking in Uganda so popular? Uganda has the highest population of mountain gorillas, making it a prime destination for gorilla trekking.
5. How does Uganda compare with Congo and Rwanda for gorilla trekking? Uganda offers a more affordable and stable option compared to Rwanda’s high costs and Congo’s sometimes unpredictable security.
6. Where can I see chimpanzees in Uganda? Chimpanzees can be seen in Kibale National Park through chimpanzee trekking or habituation experiences. You can also see them in Ngamba Island, Kalinzu Forest, Maramagambo Forest, Bugoma Forest, and Budongo Forest.
7. What other primate species can be found in Uganda besides chimpanzees and gorillas? Uganda has various other primate species that are not commonly found in other East African countries like Kenya and Tanzania.
8. How many national parks and reserves are there in Uganda? Uganda has 12 national reserves and 10 national parks.
9. What makes Kidepo Valley National Park a unique safari destination? Kidepo Valley offers a remote, wilderness experience with activities such as game drives, nature walks, and cultural encounters.
10. Why is Kidepo Valley National Park not frequently visited by tourists? Its remote location in the Karamoja region makes it less accessible and less frequently visited by tourists.
11. What activities can be done in Kidepo Valley National Park? Activities include game drives, nature walks, hot springs visits, Mount Morungole hikes, and cultural encounters with the IK people and Karamojong explorers.
12. What are the main attractions of Murchison Falls National Park? Murchison Falls National Park is known for the world’s strongest waterfalls and the longest river, the Nile.
13. How can I explore the world’s strongest waterfalls in Murchison Falls National Park? Visitors can take boat cruises, hike to the falls, or view them from the park’s game drives.
14. What activities are offered in Murchison Falls National Park besides game drives? Other activities include hot air balloon safaris, boat cruises on the Nile, hiking, cultural encounters, and bird watching.
15. What makes Kibale National Park the best place for chimpanzee tracking? Kibale National Park is renowned for its high concentration of chimpanzees and 13 other primate species.
16. When is the best time for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park? Chimpanzee tracking can be done in the morning or afternoon, but permits should be booked in advance, especially during peak season.
17. What bird species can be spotted in Kibale National Park? Kibale National Park is home to over 370 species of birds.
18. Why is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park famous for gorilla trekking? Bwindi is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, making it a premier gorilla trekking destination.
19. How many mountain gorilla families can be visited in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park? Bwindi has 15 habituated gorilla families available for daily visits.
20. What should tourists prepare for before going gorilla trekking in Uganda? Tourists should book their permits in advance and come with appropriate trekking gear.
21. What other activities are available in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park besides gorilla trekking? Tourists can also track golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
22. What makes Queen Elizabeth National Park the most visited park in Uganda? Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife, including the tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector.
23. Where can I see the famous tree-climbing lions in Uganda? Tree-climbing lions can be seen in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
24. What wildlife species can be found in Semuliki National Park? Semuliki National Park is home to 53 mammalian species and 441 bird species.
25. What is unique about Lake Mburo National Park? Lake Mburo is the smallest Savannah park in Uganda and is the closest park to the capital city, Kampala.
26. What activities can be enjoyed in Lake Mburo National Park?
    Activities include game viewing, boat cruises, bird watching, and guided nature walks.
27. What is the significance of Rwenzori Mountain National Park in Uganda? Rwenzori Mountain National Park is home to the famous Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.”
28. What is required to climb Mount Rwenzori in Rwenzori National Park? Climbing Mount Rwenzori requires one to be an experienced mountaineer.
29. How has erosion impacted Mount Elgon in Mount Elgon National Park? Erosion is believed to have reduced the height of Mount Elgon, which was once considered Africa’s highest mountain.
30. When is the best time of year to visit Uganda for wildlife viewing and mountain climbing? The best time for wildlife viewing and mountain climbing is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February, when the vegetation is less dense and trails are in good condition.