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Uganda Safari Holidays

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.

The Uganda Safari Experience

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.

Gorilla Trekking – Track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
Savannah Game Viewing – Spot the Big Five and tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls.
Chimpanzee Tracking – Explore primate-rich forests like Kibale and Kyambura Gorge.
Boat Safaris – Cruise the Kazinga Channel for hippos, crocs, and birdlife.

Uganda Safari Holidays

UGA St Uganda Queen Elisabeth National Park Chimpanzee Shutterstock D C Z

Uganda Luxury Safari

Spend your time in Uganda immersing yourself in a true primate focussed safari, staying inthe best accomodations on offer. Begin with your chimpanzee tracking experience before heading to the famoun Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. As the name suggests, it is an area of dense rainforest spread over a network of valleys and ridges, carving a silhouette of undulating peaks into the skyline, making it the perfect home to the mountain gorilla population who reside here. Experience 2 trackings here before moving on to Mgahinga National Park where you can track once again. Mgahinga and its landscapes are amongst the most scenic and enchanting. Protecting an imposing cluster of nine volcanoes that straddle the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda within the Virunga Conservation Area. Here you will also go in search of the cheeky golden monkeys.

From $23,000 per person

UGA Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Park Far Horizons Joan Namulwya

Uganda Short Fly-In Safari

Make lasting memories on a short trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with 2 full gorilla tracks, and time to explore or relax at your lodge.

From $8,000 per person

View All Uganda Safari Holidays

St Uganda Kibale Chimpanzee Shutterstock Kim Paffen

Talk to a Uganda Specialist Today

Why NWS for your Uganda Safari?

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.

Where to stay in Uganda?

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.

When to go?

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!

How Much Does Uganda Cost?

For a 6-day safari in Uganda, we recommend a starting price of $7,500 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 $25,000 per person including private helicopter transfers, multiple gorilla permits and private guides.

Download our Gorilla Trekking Guide

Discover the top gorilla tracking experiences, when to go, best accommodation and more.

Where To Stay

Wildlife

UGA St Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Mountain Gorilla Shutterstock Cheryl Ramalho

Uganda Travel Inspo

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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.

Jinja and the Source of the Nile

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.

Gorillas

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.

Uganda Safari Highlights

Client Reviews

africa-uganda-leslie-russum
Attention to detail, expertise and affordability. Our guide, Abdu, was the best guide I've ever had -- courteous, knowledgeable, very safe driver, etc. He's definitely respected by the guides and rangers which I think contributed to us getting the closer gorilla groups.
—Leslie Russum, Uganda, August 2025
5 out of 5
africa-uganga-thomas-gillespie
All and all, a great trip. Well planned and coordinated with the habituation permit that didn't seem to be offered by anyone else!
—Thomas Gillespie, Uganda, October 2025
5 out of 5
africa-uganda-kurt-budke
We had an excellent trip! Everything was well organized, with great destinations and fantastic lodging.
—Kurt Budke who travelled on Uganda: Chimpanzee & Gorilla Tracking Safari
5 out of 5
africa-uganda-marianne-attoun
David worked hard to organize the trip so that it flowed smoothly for me and I had some amazing opportunities to photograph wildlife.
—Marianne Attoun who travelled on Uganda 10 Day Highlights Small Group & Madagascar Rainforests & Lemurs Safari
5 out of 5
africa-uganda-chelsea-woelkers
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!
—Chelsea Woelkers who travelled on tailor-made Uganda and Kenya Safari
5 out of 5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking?

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.

Where can I see mountain gorillas in Uganda?

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.

How difficult is gorilla trekking in Uganda?

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.

What other wildlife can I see in Uganda besides gorillas?

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.

How safe is gorilla trekking in Uganda?

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.

What permits are required for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

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.

Can I combine gorilla trekking with other safaris in Uganda?

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.

How does Uganda promote conservation and community tourism?

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.

What should I pack for a gorilla trek in Uganda?

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.

How do I get to Uganda’s gorilla parks?

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.

Why Natural World Safaris for your Uganda Safari

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.