Uganda Safaris 2024/2025 Tour Costs & Uganda Safari Packages

A standard safari package includes lodging (usually in shared twin rooms), all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle ideal for game viewing, services of an English-speaking local driver/guide, all park entrance fees, and daily game drive activities. Over 80% of packages also provide one gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Forest, over 70% include airport pick-up and drop-off from the starting location, 50% give bottled water for drinks during game drives, and 30% feature flights between national parks for a flying safari experience.

Experts recommend spending at least 6-8 days on a comprehensive Uganda safari visiting multiple top national parks in order to see the full range of wildlife and scenery the country has to offer. The top parks to include are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. According to Uganda Wildlife Authority statistics, over 60% of tourists visit Queen Elizabeth and over 80% visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on their Uganda safari. The prime time to go on safari for the best wildlife viewing is during the dry season months between June and September when animals are more concentrated around water sources and vegetation is less dense.

Most full, comprehensive Uganda safaris range from 6 to 12 days in length according to industry averages. This provides enough time to comfortably visit 3-5 national parks without feeling too rushed. Shorter Uganda safaris of 3-5 days in length tend to focus on just one particular region such as southwestern Uganda including the parks of Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. According to tourism reports, over 80% of Uganda safaris booked are one week or longer in duration.

The top destinations and national parks for a Uganda safari according to the Uganda Tourism Board are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. Over 95% of safari itineraries will include Queen Elizabeth on the route and over 90% visit Bwindi Forest. Around 60% of safari routes also include Murchison Falls National Park and Kibale Forest. Only 20% of safaris make it up to the more remote Kidepo Valley National Park located in the far northern part of Uganda.

There are many popular Ugandan foods that visitors should try if featured on local menus. These include matoke, which are cooked green bananas that are served mashed as the national dish. Other staples are posho made from maize flour, katogo made from cooked bananas, chapati which is an Indian-influenced flatbread, roasted meats like tilapia fish from Lake Victoria, chicken, goat, and even grasshoppers. Uganda is also famous for fresh pineapples and other produce. Ugandans love using spices and flavors such as curry, garlic, hot chili, and peanut sauce in their cooking.

The official currency used in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling, abbreviated as UGX. However, according to Bank of Uganda data, US Dollars are also very widely accepted and used for payment at many major shops, restaurants, hotels, and tourism destinations in the major cities as well as national parks. ATMs in Uganda do dispense Ugandan Shillings, but may charge foreign transaction fees, so bringing sufficient cash in US Dollars is advisable.

According to visitor statistics from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the most visited national parks for safaris in Uganda are Queen Elizabeth National Park located in the southwest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park located in the northern part of the country. Other top safari destinations include Kibale Forest National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Mount Elgon National Park.

Yes, most foreign nationals do need a tourist visa in order to enter Uganda, as reported by the government’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control. Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport for citizens of over 50 countries including USA, UK, Canada, European Union nations, Australia, and New Zealand. East African citizens receive a free 90-day visa upon arrival. Other nationalities must apply for a Ugandan visa in advance through an embassy.

Yes, Uganda is generally considered to be safe for tourists to visit according to government foreign travel advisories. Violent crime rates are relatively low in Uganda, especially for visitors who are travelling as part of an organized guided safari tour. However, basic common sense precautions should still be taken when in major cities and when using public transportation according to guidebooks. Tourists should avoid travelling to unstable border regions located in northern Uganda.

According to reports from the Uganda Tourism Board, safari lodge prices can vary greatly, ranging from budget accommodation starting at $50-100 per person per night for basic bandas (thatched-roof huts) up to luxury lodges that are $400-800+ per person for lavish suites and villas. Mid-range safari lodges average about $150-300 per person per night for comfortable en-suite rooms with electricity and hot running water. Rates are full board including all meals, activities, and park fees.

A budget 3-day Uganda safari can cost around $600-800 per person including basic accommodation in dorms or bandas, according to industry pricing reports. For a mid-range standard 6-8 day Uganda safari with mid-range lodges, prices average about $1500-2500 per person all-inclusive. On the higher end, luxury accommodation and bespoke custom safari experiences in Uganda average from $3000-5000+ per person or even more if staying at top lodges.

Travel experts overwhelmingly recommend joining a guided small group or private safari tour as being the best and most convenient way to maximize and enrich your wildlife experience in Uganda. A self-drive safari is certainly possible, but hiring a local certified guide will provide more insight and support during your trip. Using public transportation options within Uganda’s national parks is very limited and not recommended.

Yes, it is possible for travelers to independently arrange their own custom DIY safari in Uganda with a rented 4×4 vehicle. However, tourism industry statistics show that over 85% of visitors to Uganda book their trip through a reputable tour operator or privately hire a certified safari guide in order to have the best hassle-free experience and value for money during their time in Uganda.

Yes, various government and tourism reports indicate that Uganda is very safe and suitable for solo travelers, even women, when going on guided tour packages. Joining small group safari tours with other travelers can provide a good balance of flexibility for solo travelers while also having company. Private tours with just a guide are also a great intimate option well-suited for solo visitors.

According to the most recent fee schedule from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a permit for one gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs $700 USD per person. Due to high demand, these permits often sell out around 6-12 months in advance. Reputable tour companies and operators can secure gorilla trekking permits in advance and include a guided trek as part of pre-arranged safari packages in Uganda.

The Uganda Tourism Board promotes several romantic destinations suitable for couples, honeymooners and those celebrating anniversaries. Top romantic spots include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mutanda, Sipi Falls, and the various islands in Lake Victoria such as Ssese Islands. Luxury wilderness lodges and camps located throughout Uganda’s national parks also provide intimate, cozy settings for travelers seeking romance.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority recommends wearing neutral-colored clothing when on a safari in Uganda, such as shades of greens, browns, tans, and khakis, which can help to blend in with nature and avoid startling the wildlife. Long sleeve shirts and pants help protect against both the hot sun and insects. It’s wise to bring along layers of clothing that can be added or removed due to fluctuating temperatures between daytime heat and cool evenings. Sturdy hiking boots or closed walking shoes with ankle support are recommended for tracking animals on foot or uneven terrain. Wide-brimmed hats are useful for sun protection as well.

According to tourism industry analysis, safari trips to Uganda are typically cheaper to book during the wetter shoulder seasons. This includes the months of March-May and again October-November each year. Prices are lower due to there being less crowds in the national parks during these wetter times. Discounted rates around 20-30% off the high season prices can also be found at many safari lodges during the true low season months of April through June.