Uganda Safaris | Best Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safari Holidays in Uganda 2025-2030

Uganda Safaris – The Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Adventures

Top Uganda Safaris Experiences

Uganda, famously known as the “Pearl of Africa”, offers some of the most unique safari experiences on the continent. From trekking endangered mountain gorillas in misty rainforests to cruising the Nile below the world’s most powerful waterfall, every corner of Uganda promises unforgettable encounters with nature and culture. Here are the top Uganda safaris experiences that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable & Mgahinga National Parks

Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s crown jewel safari experience and one of the top wildlife encounters in the world. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through dense rainforest with expert rangers leads you to a habituated gorilla family, where you spend a magical one hour watching them feed, play, and interact.

For those looking for a more exclusive experience, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also offers gorilla trekking with fewer tourists, and the chance to combine the trek with golden monkey tracking in the Virunga Mountains.

Insider Tip: Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 (2025 rates) and sell out fast. Book at least 6 months in advance.

Murchison Falls Safari – Big Five & Nile River Adventure

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest park, famous for the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow 7m gorge before plunging 43m with thunderous force. A safari here combines classic game drives with the chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino at Ziwa Sanctuary).

A highlight is the Nile boat cruise, where hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless bird species line the riverbanks. The park’s vast savannah is also perfect for spotting giraffes, hartebeests, oribi, and predators on the hunt.

Why Visit? Nowhere else in Africa combines such dramatic scenery with diverse wildlife and river safaris in one destination.

Queen Elizabeth National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions & Kazinga Channel Cruise

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and diverse safari destination. Stretching from the Rwenzori Mountains to Lake Edward, it offers an incredible variety of landscapes and wildlife. The park is world-famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector – a rare behavior where lions rest high on fig trees.

Another highlight is the Kazinga Channel boat safari, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. Here, you’ll see one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos, elephants drinking along the shores, crocodiles basking, and hundreds of bird species.

Best For: Travelers who want a mix of game drives, boat safaris, birdwatching, and iconic lion sightings.

Kidepo Valley National Park – Africa’s Best-Kept Safari Secret

Remote, wild, and untouched — Kidepo Valley National Park is often called Africa’s best-kept secret. Located in the far northeast, near the borders of South Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo offers sweeping savannahs framed by rugged mountains. Because it receives few visitors, it provides one of the most authentic wilderness safari experiences in Africa.

The park is home to over 75 mammal species, including cheetahs, ostriches, and large herds of buffalo that can number up to 4,000 strong. It’s also one of the best places to experience cultural encounters with the Karamojong and Ik communities.

Why Go? If you want to experience Uganda’s wild side without crowds, Kidepo is a must.

Lake Bunyonyi – Scenic Safari Retreat

After days of gorilla trekking or wildlife safaris, Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect place to relax. Often called the “Switzerland of Africa,” this stunning lake is dotted with 29 islands and surrounded by terraced hills. It’s one of the safest lakes in Africa for swimming (no hippos or crocodiles), and activities include canoe rides, island hopping, birdwatching, and cultural visits.

Many travelers choose to unwind here for a night or two after their gorilla safari, enjoying peaceful sunsets and cool highland breezes.

Best Combo: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi + relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi = the ultimate safari balance.

Uganda Safaris – Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safaris

Discounted Uganda Safaris

Short Uganda Gorilla Tours (1–3 Days)

• 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) – from $1,000 pp
• 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – from $1,705 pp
• 3 Days Luxury Flying Gorilla Safari in Uganda (via Kihihi Airstrip) – from $2,585 pp

Mid-Range Uganda Safaris (4–5 Days)

• 4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari – Budget Option – from $1,900 pp
• 4 Days Uganda Chimpanzee & Gorilla Safari – Kibale & Bwindi – from $2,250 pp
• 4 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda for Backpackers – from $1,898 pp
• 4 Days Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari (Game Drives + Boat Cruise) – from $1,410 pp
• 5 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Lake Mburo Wildlife Safari – from $2,600 pp
• 5 Days Family Uganda Safaris with Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi Retreat – from $2,350 pp
• 5 Days Murchison Falls & Gorilla Safari Uganda – from $2,275 pp
• 5 Days Uganda Safaris with Gorillas & Wildlife Safari – Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth NP – from $2,300 pp
• 5 Days Gorilla Trekking & Lake Mburo Safari – from $2,265 pp
• 5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari – from $2,486 pp
• 5 Days Gorilla Habituation Experience (4 Hours with Gorillas) & Chimpanzee Tracking – from $3,350 pp

Extended Uganda Safaris (6–8 Days)

6 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari – Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth & Kibale – from $2,850 pp

• 6 Days Double Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi (Two Treks Guaranteed) – from $3,350 pp
• 7 Days Uganda Safari – Gorillas, Chimps & Murchison Falls National Park – from $3,110 pp
• 7 Days Uganda Adventure – Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzees & Rwenzori Hike – from $3,150 pp
• 8 Days Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari with Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo – from $3,500 pp
• 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari – Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Birding Highlights – from $3,066 pp

Grand Uganda Safaris (10+ Days)

• 10 Days Uganda Safari – Gorillas, Chimps & Classic Wildlife Parks – from $4,110 pp
• 10 Days Uganda Safari – Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi & Lake Bunyonyi – from $3,942 pp
• 12 Days Uganda Safari – All National Parks & Cultural Encounters – Request Quote
• 13 Days Uganda Adventure – Mount Rwenzori Trek & Gorilla Safari – Request Quote
• 21 Days Uganda & East Africa Safari – Gorillas, Wildlife & Zanzibar Extension – Request Quote
• 22 Days Uganda Birding & Wildlife Safari – The Ultimate Nature Expedition – Request Quote

Types of Uganda Safaris

When planning any of Uganda Safaris, travelers often ask: Which type of safari is best for me? The answer depends on your budget, travel style, and interests. Below, we break down the main types of Uganda safaris packages to help you choose the right one — whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly adventure, a midrange wildlife holiday, or a luxury fly-in gorilla trek.

Budget Uganda Safaris

Budget Uganda safaris are designed for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s wildlife and primates without overspending. These safaris typically include:

• Affordable accommodation in budget lodges, guesthouses, or safari camps.
• Overland transport in 4×4 safari vehicles.
• Shared group options to lower costs.
• Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and game drives at the lowest possible rates.

Popular choice: 3 Days Budget Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – ideal for backpackers and solo travelers.

Midrange Uganda Safaris

Midrange Uganda safaris offer a balance between comfort and affordability. You stay in well-rated safari lodges with en-suite rooms, enjoy professional guiding, and still travel mostly overland.

• Comfortable lodges and tented camps with scenic views.
• Private or small-group game drives.
• Options to combine gorilla trekking, chimpanzees, and savanna safaris.

Example: 5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari – blending gorilla trekking in Bwindi with game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Luxury Uganda Safaris

For those who want the very best, luxury Uganda safaris deliver an exclusive experience. Think flying into national parks instead of long drives, staying at high-end lodges with infinity pools, fine dining, and personalized service.

• Fly-in safaris using domestic flights to Bwindi or Kidepo.
• Luxury lodges such as Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Apoka Safari Lodge, or Paraa Safari Lodge.
• Private game drives, sundowner cruises, and curated cultural encounters.

Signature trip: 10 Days Full Uganda Safaris – Gorillas, Chimps & Murchison Falls.

Group & Family Safaris

Uganda is also a perfect destination for groups, families, and multi-generational travel. Group safaris allow cost-sharing, while family tours are tailored to kids and seniors.

• Custom itineraries with family-friendly lodges.
• Shorter drives and add-ons like Lake Bunyonyi relaxation after trekking.
• Discounts for groups of 4–8 people.

Recommended: 5 Days Family Gorilla Safari & Lake Bunyonyi – perfect for kids and first-time visitors.

Fly-in vs Overland Safaris in Uganda

One of the biggest decisions when booking your Uganda safari is choosing fly-in or overland travel.

• Overland Safaris: Travel by road in a 4×4 safari vehicle, enjoy scenic landscapes, village visits, and photo stops along the way. Best for budget and midrange safaris.
• Fly-in Safaris: Use domestic flights to reach parks like Bwindi, Kidepo, or Murchison Falls quickly. Perfect for luxury travelers who want to save time and maximize wildlife viewing.

Tip: Many travelers combine both — fly into Bwindi for gorilla trekking, then drive back through Queen Elizabeth NP for game drives.

Why Choose Uganda for a Safari?

When travelers think of an African safari, destinations like Kenya or Tanzania often come to mind. Yet, Uganda — the Pearl of Africa — remains one of the continent’s most rewarding and authentic safari destinations. Here’s why your next adventure should be a Uganda safari with Nextgen Safaris:

Home of the Endangered Mountain Gorillas

Uganda is one of only three countries in the world where you can see wild mountain gorillas. With Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda protects more than half of the world’s remaining gorilla population.

• Trekking through the misty forests of Bwindi to come face-to-face with a silverback gorilla is ranked among the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on earth.
• Uganda also offers gorilla habituation experiences — where you spend four hours with semi-habituated gorillas, something not offered in Rwanda or Congo.

If gorilla trekking is on your bucket list, Uganda is the most rewarding and affordable place to do it.

Classic Big Five Safaris

Beyond gorillas, Uganda is a full safari destination with thriving populations of the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino (at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary).

• Murchison Falls National Park offers spectacular game drives along the Nile Delta, with frequent sightings of lions, elephants, giraffes, and even the elusive leopard.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and large herds of buffalo and antelope.
• Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most untouched wildernesses, is home to massive buffalo herds and prides of lions roaming the vast savannah.

In Uganda, you can combine gorilla trekking with Big Five game drives in a single itinerary — a truly unique African safari experience.

The Mighty Nile & Spectacular Cruises

Uganda is blessed with the River Nile, the world’s longest river, which originates from Lake Victoria in Jinja. Safari-goers can enjoy:

• Boat cruises on the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, where hippos, crocodiles, and elephants gather along the riverbanks.
• Witnessing the world’s most powerful waterfall, Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces itself through a narrow gorge with thunderous power.
• Adventure seekers can also try white-water rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping at the Nile’s source.

Birding Paradise of Africa

With over 1,070 bird species, Uganda is a birder’s dream. From the rare shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp to colorful endemics in Bwindi and Semuliki, Uganda offers some of the best birdwatching in Africa.

• Migratory and endemic species make it possible to see more birds in one country than anywhere else on the continent.
• Specialized birding safaris with Nextgen Safaris are designed for both passionate ornithologists and casual bird lovers.

Stunning Landscapes & Adventure Opportunities

Uganda’s landscapes are as diverse as its wildlife:

• The snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains (“Mountains of the Moon”) offer world-class trekking.
• The rolling hills of Kigezi Highlands and serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi provide the perfect post-safari retreat.
• Vast savannah plains, crater lakes, tropical rainforests, and river valleys create endless opportunities for photographers and explorers.

Few African destinations offer such variety — from jungle gorilla trekking to classic savannah safaris to mountain hikes and lake retreats — all in one trip.

Uganda: A Prime Bucket List Destination at the Best Value

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Uganda is value for money. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $800, compared to Rwanda’s $1,500 — making Uganda the most affordable gorilla trekking destination without compromising on quality.

• Uganda offers a mix of budget, midrange, and luxury safari lodges, making it accessible to all types of travelers.
• Fewer crowds than neighboring safari destinations mean a more intimate, authentic safari experience.

Practical Safari Information – Uganda Travel FAQs

Planning a safari in Uganda often comes with many questions. At Nextgen Safaris, we believe that the more informed you are, the better your safari experience will be. Here are the most frequently asked questions, answered by our team of safari experts.

How much does a safari in Uganda cost?

The cost of a safari in Uganda depends on the type of safari package you choose, the number of days, and whether you prefer budget, midrange, or luxury lodges.

• Budget Uganda safaris start from around $1,000–$1,500 per person for a 3-day trip.
• Midrange safaris average $1,800–$3,000 for 4–6 days.
• Luxury fly-in safaris with exclusive lodges range from $3,500–$8,000+ depending on the itinerary.

With Nextgen Safaris, you can customize your trip to fit your budget while ensuring comfort, expert guiding, and seamless logistics.

When is the best time to visit Uganda for safari?

https://nextgensafaris.com/gorilla-trekking-and-queen-elizabeth-safari/Uganda is a year-round safari destination, but the best time for wildlife and gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons (June–August and December–February). Trails are easier to hike, and wildlife is concentrated around waterholes, making game viewing excellent.

However, green season safaris (March–May & September–November) are also rewarding with lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower lodge rates.

At Nextgen Safaris, we help you plan based on your travel dates, ensuring you make the most of every season.

Do I need a visa for Uganda?

Yes, most international travelers need a visa to enter Uganda. The Uganda Tourist Visa costs $50 and can be applied for online in advance. If you’re combining your safari with Rwanda or Kenya, consider the East African Tourist Visa at $100, which allows multiple entries across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Nextgen Safaris provides visa guidance and pre-arrival support, so your travel paperwork is stress-free.

How safe is Uganda for tourists?

Uganda is one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. Ugandans are known for their warmth and hospitality, and most safari destinations are remote, secure, and focused on tourism.

At Nextgen Safaris, your safety is our priority:

• We use professional drivers and guides trained in safety protocols.
• Our safari vehicles are fully equipped and insured.
• We offer 24/7 local support during your entire trip.

Travel with us and enjoy a worry-free safari experience.

What to pack for a safari in Uganda?

Packing smart ensures you’re comfortable throughout your safari. Essentials include:

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors for game drives).
• Sturdy hiking boots for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
• A waterproof jacket (weather in Uganda can be unpredictable).
• A good camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, and reusable water bottle.
• Your valid passport, visa, and yellow fever vaccination card.

Every Nextgen Safaris client receives a personalized packing checklist, tailored to their safari activities.