Known as the "Pearl of Africa", Uganda is a compact and biodiverse country offering a unique blend of rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife-rich savannahs. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to golden monkey sightings in Mgahinga and the dramatic beauty of Sipi Falls, Uganda delivers a safari experience unlike any other in East Africa. With ten national parks, it’s home to half the world’s mountain gorillas, along with chimpanzees, elephants, lions (including tree-climbing lions), leopards, and hippos.
While tourism infrastructure is still developing, Uganda offers authentic, off-the-beaten-track adventures with fewer crowds. The country’s welcoming people, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural stories make it a truly rewarding destination for travellers seeking wildlife, culture, and natural beauty in one unforgettable journey.
Uganda offers a complete safari holiday experience in one country, combining gorilla trekking, savannah game, and chimpanzee tracking in just 7–10 days. With warm hospitality and rich cultural encounters, it’s an ideal destination for a diverse and immersive African adventure.
Spend your time in Uganda immersing yourself in a true primate focussed safari, staying in the best accommodations on offer. Begin with your chimpanzee tracking experience before heading to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
With only a short time to get away, this is the perfect trip which you will always remember. Fly inyo Entebbe and straight onto Bwindi Impenetrable National Park so you can start tracking the gorillas the next day.
NWS originally started as World Primate Safaris back in 2005; when it comes to primates, we are the experts with a long history of sending clients on transformative gorilla tracking expeditions. Our team of destination specialists have extensive experience tracking gorillas, and thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the gorillas and what constitutes a top-class gorilla tracking safari, we are recognised as one of the leading authorities in gorilla tourism, awarded by both Travel+Leisure and Conde Nast for our expertise in this area. Our exclusive safaris dig a little deeper than the norm. We can include scenic helicopter transfers offering a remarkable bird’s-eye view of this endangered habitat. Working closely with conservationists, we can offer the chance to join habituation safaris and more. Limited to just two gorilla families in the southern part of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can enjoy the rare opportunity to spend a full day in the company of conservationists and researchers.
Standards vary in Uganda from smaller intimate lodges to luxury eco-lodges, as tourism is relatively new in Uganda and the accommodation range is more limited than some other African destinations, with many of the lodges being located near or in the heart of the National Parks to offer close proximity and ease of access to wildlife. Read more about where to stay in Uganda.
The best time to visit Uganda depends on the wildlife you'd like to see as the climate is good all year round. Average temperatures in Uganda are around 21.5°C or 71°F, dropping to a minimum of 12°C or 54°F at night time, with altitude also affecting this. Being on the equator, rainfall ranges between 1,000 and 2,000 millimetres each year, but depending on time of year these can be short bursts which give rise to clearer skies.
Whilst gorilla tracking is possible year-round, some of our favourite times are the fringe seasons when the parks are slightly quieter and it is out of the school holidays. Equally for photography, it is better to try and focus on the overcast days when sunlight is not so intense and glare is reduced, otherwise you end up with big fluffy shiny blobs as your photos!
For a 6-day safari in Uganda, we recommend a starting price of £6,000 per person. This will generally include gorilla permits, accommodation and private guides. If you are looking to stay in some of Uganda’s most iconic and best loved lodges, you’ll need to increase the budget to £20,000 per person including private helicopter transfers, multiple gorilla permits and private guides.
Supporting nearly half of the world’s estimated 820 mountain gorilla population, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated along the Great Rift Valley. As the name suggests, it is an area of almost impassibly dense rainforest spread over a network of valleys and ridges, carving a silhouette of undulating peaks into the skyline. Dating back over 25,000 years, this is one of Africa’s oldest and most captivating parklands; its bamboo and swamp forests provide the ideal environment for the gorilla population that call it home.
On the shores of the River Nile and huge Lake Victoria, Jinja is Uganda’s fourth largest town, having once been the capital city. Its tropical atmosphere and lush vegetation are big attractions, but the main highlight is undisputedly the River Nile. Thought to be the home of the source of the Nile, the world’s largest river spanning Egypt Sudan and Uganda, it holds major spiritual significance for the local people and offers some thrilling grade 5 rapids for us visitors.
Primates are where we started over 15 years ago. Specialising in primate safaris worldwide we were the sole global specialists in this field. While we've come a long way since, now covering 42 destinations around the globe, encounters with our primate relatives remain close to our hearts.
This trip was a 10/10 experience! It was well organised and I really loved the gorilla treks which I am glad to have done two of.
This was a 10/10 trip! The accommodation was the best ever, an amazing lodge! We were really well supported by all involved in our trip and we never had any issues.
We had an excellent trip! Everything was well organized, with great destinations and fantastic lodging.
David worked hard to organize the trip so that it flowed smoothly for me and I had some amazing opportunities to photograph wildlife.
It was very good and thorough. Thanks for setting up a wonderful trip David! The food on this trip, especially at the Kicheche camps, was soooo wonderful. It was a really great trip and we had many, many highlights. It was really amazing and we definitely want to come back and see this beautiful place called Africa again someday!
The best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking is June to September and December to February, when trails are drier and more accessible. These months offer ideal conditions for photography and forest hikes.
Gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi hosts several habituated families, while Mgahinga offers smaller groups and fewer visitors.
Trekking can be moderately challenging due to steep terrain and humidity. Hikes range from 1–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, and porters are available to carry gear.
Uganda is home to lions, elephants, hippos, chimpanzees, and over 1,000 bird species. National parks like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kibale Forest complement gorilla encounters with classic safaris. Discover more Uganda wildlife.
Gorilla trekking is very safe. Groups are led by armed rangers and expert guides, and strict viewing rules protect both visitors and gorillas. Uganda has a strong track record in park safety.
You must purchase a gorilla trekking permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Each permit allows one hour with a habituated group and must be booked in advance, as numbers are limited.
Yes. Many travellers combine gorilla trekking with Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, or a Nile River visit near Murchison Falls for a varied adventure.
Uganda’s gorilla tourism directly funds conservation and local communities. A portion of every trekking permit supports forest protection and community development projects near the parks.
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, rain gear, gloves, and insect repellent. Lightweight layers and gaiters protect against mud and stinging nettles.
Most travellers fly into Entebbe International Airport, then take a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro near Bwindi, or drive 8–10 hours via scenic routes through western Uganda.
Tailor-Made Safaris
Our safaris in Uganda are built around your interests — whether that’s tracking mountain gorillas, seeking tree-climbing lions, or cruising the Kazinga Channel. We work with hand-picked guides and lodges to create seamless itineraries that balance adventure, comfort, and conservation.
Wealth of Experience
With decades of experience operating gorilla and chimpanzee trekking expeditions, we know Uganda’s forests intimately. From the misty slopes of Bwindi to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, our expert team and trusted local partners ensure you’re in the right place at the right time for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Conservation Minded
We only work with ethical operators who share our commitment to protecting Uganda’s endangered species and wild landscapes. By supporting community-led conservation and staying in eco-conscious camps, your journey helps preserve the country’s natural heritage for generations to come.
