Uganda
The Pearl of Africa
Uganda is the beating heart of East Africa, where misty mountain forests harbor rare gorillas, vast savannahs teem with wildlife, and the mighty Nile creates spectacular waterfalls that echo through ancient valleys. From tracking endangered mountain gorillas in misty forests to witnessing the raw power of Murchison Falls, Uganda offers journeys that balance adventure with meaning, luxury with authenticity.
National Parks
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking through ancient, biodiverse rainforest.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Africa's most diverse ecosystem — tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel boat cruises, and over 600 bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park
The world's most powerful waterfall, boat safaris, and savannah game drives.
Kibale National Park
Uganda's premier chimpanzee tracking destination, with 12 other primate species in the forest.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Golden monkey trekking and a smaller, quieter gorilla trekking alternative to Bwindi, set among the Virunga volcanoes.
Lake Mburo National Park
The closest savannah park to Entebbe — zebra, impala, and boat safaris, ideal for shorter or time-constrained itineraries.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Remote, dramatic semi-arid wilderness in Uganda's far northeast — one of Africa's most under-visited parks.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The "Mountains of the Moon" — multi-day trekking through Africa's third-highest peak range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mount Elgon National Park
An extinct volcano with one of the world's largest calderas, caves, and the multi-tier Sipi Falls.
Semuliki National Park
Lowland tropical rainforest, hot springs, and some of Uganda's best birding, on the Congo border.
Animal Encounters
- • Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- • Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and Kyambura Gorge
- • Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga
- • Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
- • Shoebill stork sightings
Unique Activities
- • White water rafting on the Nile River
- • Community and Batwa trail visits
- • Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and Lake Victoria
- • Rwenzori mountain trekking
Permits & Pricing
Permit prices and regulations change — the figures above reflect our most recent confirmation and are always re-verified before we issue a quote.
Permits
Gorilla & chimpanzee tracking permits (Bwindi, Mgahinga & Kibale)
See the official Uganda Wildlife Authority rate table below for current and upcoming pricing. Since March 2026, all permits must be booked through a licensed Ugandan tour operator, with full payment due at time of booking (the 7-day reservation hold has been suspended) — we handle this end-to-end for our partners.
Best Time to Visit
June–September and December–February are the driest months, making trails firmer for trekking. April, May, and November are wetter but bring lower permit costs and fewer crowds.
Getting There
Entebbe International Airport is our primary hub. Bwindi is roughly 8–9 hours by road from Entebbe, or about an hour by internal flight to the Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips — we coordinate whichever fits your clients' itinerary and budget.
Uganda Wildlife Authority: Low Season Rates
Applies during April, May, and November. In effect now (introduced by UWA circular dated 26 February 2026).
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Tracking | $600 | $500 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking | $200 | $150 |
Revised Standard Tariff
Takes effect 1 January 2027.
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident | Resident of Africa | EAC Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Tracking | $800 | $700 | $500 | UGX 300,000 |
| Gorilla Habituation | $1,800 | $1,600 | $1,000 | UGX 750,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale) | $300 | $200 | $100 | UGX 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee Habituation | $400 | $300 | $250 | UGX 250,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kyambura) | $200 | $150 | $100 | UGX 50,000 |
| Rhino Tracking, Ajai — Adult | $20 | $15 | $10 | UGX 10,000 |
| Rhino Tracking, Ajai — Child | $5 | $5 | $3 | UGX 2,500 |
| Experiential Lion Tracking | $500 | $300 | $300 | UGX 250,000 |
| Golden Cat Tracking (Kibale, 5 days) | $350 | $350 | $350 | UGX 350,000 |
| Guided Walk: Rushaga–Nyabaremura | $80 | $50 | $50 | UGX 50,000 |
| Guided Walk: Buhoma–Nkuringo | $100 | $50 | $50 | UGX 50,000 |
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Trip Planning FAQ
How many days should we plan for a Uganda itinerary?
A gorilla trekking trip paired with one savannah park runs comfortably in 5–6 days — see our sample MICE itineraries on the Resources page for a condensed, group-friendly example. A fuller circuit covering Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls typically needs 8–10 days.
How far in advance do we need to book gorilla or chimpanzee permits?
As early as possible. Since March 2026, all permits require full payment at time of booking with no reservation hold, and high-season dates (June–September, December–February) sell out months ahead. We recommend confirming permits 3–6 months out.
Can Uganda be combined with Rwanda or Tanzania?
Yes. Uganda pairs naturally with Rwanda via the short overland connection near Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, and with Tanzania via regional flights. Talk to us about a combined itinerary and we'll sequence the logistics.
What fitness level does gorilla or chimpanzee trekking require?
Treks involve 2–6 hours of hiking on uneven, sometimes steep forest terrain. Moderate fitness is recommended, and porters are available to carry gear and assist less mobile clients.