Touring Uganda - Tour to Uganda Trips, Uganda Tours

Uganda tours and tour to Uganda trips have you explore the Pearl of Africa one of the most rewarding safari destinations on the African continent. An authentic Uganda tour offers the best African wildlife safaris, nature, amazing history, beautiful scenery viewing, and unique communities.

Mountain Gorilla trekking is one of the African safari highlights when it comes to Uganda tours as it harbors almost half of the surviving Mountain Gorillas in the world. You can also meet the giant apes in Rwanda though better experiences are in Uganda.

Basically, Gorillas are within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also home to Golden Monkeys.

Primate safaris are rewarding in Kibale Forest Park as it has the highest number of primates including nocturnal creatures like Galagos and Bush babies.

Wildlife safaris are amazing in Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park as they are great spots for game drives.

Some of the amazing animals to spot in the game parks of Uganda are Lions, Elephants, Buffalo, Giraffes, Leopards, Zebras, Hyenas, Uganda Kob, Hippos, etc.

Birding and cultural encounters are also rewarding during Uganda vacations. You can also go to Jinja the adventure capital of East Africa to experience the best fueling adventures like white water rafting on the source of the Nile.

Uganda trips offer the best unforgettable experiences and active holidays.

Your itinerary can be tailor-made to suit your travel plans to other countries like Kenya and Tanzania.

Types of Uganda Tours/Major Tours in Uganda Categories

Bird Watching on a Uganda tour.

Below are the major categories of safaris to experience when you visit Uganda;

Uganda Gorilla trekking Safaris

Uganda Gorilla trekking safaris are one of the major highlights of a tour in Uganda and it is one of the reasons why tourists visit Uganda. They are best enjoyed in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park to meet Gorillas.

The experiences you get during these safaris are amazing. You can as well enjoy Gorilla trekking safaris in Virunga Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Volcanoes Park of Rwanda.

Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience Safaris

This involves the slow introduction and study of how the endangered Mountain Gorillas live in the presence of humans so that they don’t turn violent. This experience was introduced by Uganda Wildlife Authority in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The experience takes 4 hours, unlike the usual Mountain Gorilla trekking which is one hour with the Gorillas.

Chimpanzee Safaris

Chimpanzee safaris offer the best amazing Chimpanzee trekking experiences to travelers coming to visit Uganda in East Africa. These safaris are best enjoyed in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park within Budongo Forest.

Ngamba Island Sanctuary is also a natural habitat for Chimpanzees on Lake Victoria and you can see a community of these apes.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safaris

This is another experience not to miss on a Uganda tour. Chimpanzee habituation involves the slow introduction of wild Chimps to recognize the presence of humans so that they don’t turn violent.

It is best experienced in Kibale Forest National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.

Wildlife Safaris

Wildlife safaris in Uganda are as good as those in Kenya and Tanzania. You can enjoy game viewing with up-close views during wildlife safaris in the parks and reserves.

It is also the best way to see the Big Five animals – Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, and Buffalo.

Wildlife safaris are superb in Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park, especially during game drives.

Birding Safaris

When it comes to birding safaris, then Uganda should be on every traveler’s bucket list as it has over 1063 bird species that you can see in their natural habitat on a day trip. This makes Uganda one of the best birding destinations in the world.

It also has 24 Albertine Rift Endemics as these are found within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Semuliki National Park.

Below are major birding sites in Uganda;

Queen Elizabeth National Park with over 600 bird species
Murchison Falls National Park has 556 species of birds
Semuliki National Park has 441 bird species including the Common Congo Basin endemics
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 350 bird species.
Kibale Forest National Park with 375 species
Budongo Forest has over 350 species of birds
Lake Mburo National Park has over 351 species
Mgahinga National Park has 180 bird species though it is well known for Uganda Gorilla tracking.
Mabamba Bay Wetland has amazing water birds including the Shoebill.
River Nile in Jinja has over 60 bird species

Cultural Encounters

If you want to experience the culture of Uganda, then cultural encounters are the best way to enjoy this. During these encounters, you can engage in traditional local music dance, and drama.

You can enjoy cultural encounters around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kidepo Valley National Park and Mgahinga Park when you meet the Batwa and Karamojongs similar to the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania.

Also, cultural encounters are enjoyed around Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.

Mountain Climbing and Hiking Safaris in Uganda

These are rewarding when you hike the Rwenzori Mountains which are snowcapped, Mountain Elgon, and Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Park on the border of Rwanda and Congo, and Mountain Morungule in Kidepo Park.

There are so many other mountains where you can enjoy mountain hiking safaris.

Fishing Safaris in Uganda

Fishing safaris are amazing, rewarding, and recreational as you get to catch one of your favorite fish species.

Fishing trips are enjoyed in Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Ssesse Islands, and on the Nile River.

Boat Cruise Trips

Boat trip safaris are amazing during travel Africa journeys as they give better opportunities of seeing animals and birds both in water and along the shores.

You can enjoy a boat cruise trip on Lake Victoria, Murchison Falls National Park, River Nile in Jinja the longest river, Lake Bunyonyi, Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.

Uganda Adventure Safaris and Tours

This is one of the best ways to enjoy your travel Africa safaris in this country. You get to engage in Uganda Gorilla tracking to search for Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park.

Also, you can explore Uganda when you go for Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, and visit the significant cities and towns in this country off the beaten path.

Below are some of the best adventure safaris to enjoy;

Game drives
White water rafting in Jinja on the source of River Nile
Abseiling at Sipi Falls
Bungee Jumping at the Nile River
Horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park
Tubing at the Nile River
Zip lining in Jinja and Lake Bunyonyi
Kayaking at the Nile River
Quad biking and cycling

Attractions/Things to See in Uganda

While on your private tour, there are a lot of things to see when you visit Uganda but most of them are within the national parks and game reserves. The major attractions are Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Other places to find these amazing attractions are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi.

Below are the major attractions or things to see in Uganda.

Uganda’s animals include primates, herbivores, and carnivores. You can find Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga which are the best places to enjoy Uganda Gorilla tracking. Also, you see the big cats and other big game.

Birds are the other major attraction as this country has over 1063 bird species. Some of the birds are not seen anywhere else in East Africa.

Mountains like the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda, Mountain Elgon on the Kenyan border, and Virunga Mountains on the border of Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda.

Lakes and rivers to visit like Lake Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi, River Nile, Lake Mburo, etc. These make the Pearl of Africa unique.

People and Cultures including the Batwa, Karamojong, and the IK

Places to Visit and Tour in Uganda

When on your Uganda tour, there are many destinations to visit though the best are the national parks of Uganda.

There are 10 national parks to visit when on your trip to this beautiful country.

These include.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is dubbed a “Medley of Wonders”, for the wondrous birds and animals that it protects. It is located in western Uganda, and it is famous for having tree climbing Lions.

Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 95 animal species and over 600 bird species.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The endangered Mountain Gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and you see them in their natural habitat during Mountain Gorilla trekking.

This experience is better here because Bwindi Impenetrable National Park holds half of the surviving Mountain Gorillas in the world with over 459 Gorillas.

Murchison Falls National Park

It is the oldest and largest park in the country situated in the Northwest. Murchison Falls National Park has over 144 animal species and 556 bird species. The best way to explore this park is during a game drive, nature walks, and boat cruises.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Park is situated in western Uganda, and it is well known as the primate capital of Africa. It offers the best Chimpanzee trekking experience and other primate safaris in the country.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is of the best parks in the Pearl of Africa with an amazing scenery almost as beautiful as that of Lake Bunyonyi. This park borders South Sudan, and it is home to over 70 animal species and over 400 bird species.

Kidepo’s wilderness competes with that of Masai Mara of Kenya and Serengeti of Tanzania as it is one of the best in the world. There is a wildlife corridor and animals migrate from South Sudan to this park.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is located in Western Uganda, and it is home to 68 animal species and over 350 species of birds.

This park offers wildlife viewing while on walking safaris, game drive, boat cruises, and horseback riding.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

This park is another destination for Uganda Gorilla trekking since it has Gorillas. Mgahinga Park is also fond of having Golden Monkeys as they are only found here in the country.

Tourists who want to visit this park can engage in Uganda Gorilla trekking to Gorillas, birding, and hiking.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site having snowcapped Mountain peaks. Tourists can always hike to the top of these peaks for adventure experiences. On top of that, you can find over 60 animal species and over 200 bird species.

Mountain Elgon National Park

It is located in Eastern Uganda near the border of Kenya. There are over 300 species of birds and many amazing animals. It is ideal for hiking adventures.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki is mostly a birding spot as it has Congo Biome species, and it is an extension of the great Congo Ituri Forest.

Other destinations are.

Game reserves like Pian Upe, Katonga, Kabwoya, Bugungu, Karuma, Kigezi, etc.
Sanctuaries like Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Bigodi Wetland, and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Waterbodies like Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Albert, Victoria, and the Nile the longest river
Cities and towns like Kampala, Fort Portal, Jinja, etc.
Cultural centers.

Best Things to Do in Uganda – Uganda Safari Activities

If you are planning to visit Uganda, there are several safari activities that this country can offer, and these include.

Uganda Gorilla trekking is best in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park and you be with the Gorillas for one hour during this guided tour when you visit Uganda.

Chimpanzee trekking best in Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bird watching is best in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi.

Game Drives are good in the savannah parks and reserves, and they are the best for encountering wildlife. You can experience game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park with the help of a tour guide.

Boat cruises are good for relaxing and seeing aquatic animals and birds and you can enjoy these during your guided tour in this country at Lake Bunyonyi, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park when you visit Uganda.

Other things to do include.

Cultural encounters
Mountain climbing
Nature walks

Where to Stay During a Uganda Tour

You will find accommodation facilities in national parks, cities, towns, reserves, and various other places ranging from budget to midrange, and luxury to suit your travel budget.

Luxury Safari Lodges

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Baker’s Lodge
Primate Lodge

Midrange Safari Lodges

Kidepo savannah Lodge
Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Buffalo Lodge
Ichumbi Safari Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Budget Safari Lodges

Simba Safari Camp
Buhoma Community Rest Camp near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Kibale Guest House
Red Chill Rest Camp

What to Wear on a Uganda Safari

Below is what to wear on a Uganda trip.

Light long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Light shoes
A hat or hat
Sunglasses

What to Pack for a Safari to Uganda?

Below is what to pack for a trip to Uganda.

A good camera with extra batteries is ideal when meeting Gorillas.
Binoculars
Backpack
Insect repellent
Sunscreen

Best Tour Operators to Use When You Visit Uganda

There are the best tour operators to use if planning your Uganda trip and some are reviewed by recent travelers who have visited Uganda before. Below are the best operators.

Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
Wild Gorilla Safaris

Best Uganda Travel Packages/Popular Tour to Uganda Trips

These travel Africa packages to Uganda feature amazing attractions and safari activities and they are organized by the best tour operators.

Below are the best travel packages to Uganda.

2 Days Murchison Safari Uganda Trip

2 Days Chimpanzee Trek in Uganda

3 Days Murchison Safari Uganda

3 Days Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda Kibale Forest National Park

4 Days Chimpanzee Trek and Wildlife Safari Uganda

5 Days Uganda Primates Safari –Uganda Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Chimpanzee Tracking In Kibale Forest National Park

5 Days Uganda Safari –Chimpanzee Tracking and Wildlife Viewing

7 Days Safari in Uganda –Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari –Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo Park & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

9 Days Uganda Tour – Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth Park & Kibale Forest National Park

10 Days Best of Uganda Vacation – Uganda Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to meet Gorillas and Wildlife viewing.

12 Days Uganda Vacation

14 Days Safari in Uganda

15 Days Uganda trip Vacation

16 Days Uganda Trip

18 Days Uganda Safari

Best Time to Travel to Uganda

The best time to travel to Uganda is in the dry season as it is great for wildlife viewing. During the dry season, the trails are dry and easy to access.

It is also a good time for Uganda Gorilla trekking to search for the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on Safari in Uganda?

The best time of the year to go on adventure journeys in Uganda is the dry season. It is also the best time to visit the country since wildlife viewing is amazing during this time of the year.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Uganda? | Which Month Is Best for Uganda?

The best month to visit Uganda is from June to August and from December to February. This is also the dry season or peak season of the country and wildlife viewing is amazing as it is easy to access the national parks.

From March to May, these are challenging months to visit Uganda as they are wet months. However, tourists can meet the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during Mountain Gorilla trekking all year round.

They can as well visit Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National Park all year round.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Uganda?

Expect to spend around $105 per day. On average you can spend around $28 on meals, $20 on local transport, and accommodation at $95 per day.

Eastern African Community single tourists visa

The Eastern African community single visa is good for travelers planning to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Usually, this visa is valid for 90 days and it costs $100.

When and Where to Buy Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Permits During Uganda Vacations?

Tourists can book Chimpanzee trekking and Mountain Gorilla trekking permits from safari companies or from Uganda Wildlife Authority. These permits need to be purchased on time to avoid any disappointments.

How Much Do Excursions Cost in Uganda in 2023?

The cost deeply depends on the group size on the trip but expect to spend from around $80 and beyond per day per person.

How Many Days Do You Need in Uganda? | How Many Days Should I Spend in Uganda?

The minimum should be 3 days as it is possible to do Uganda Gorilla trekking to see Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

If you add on the number of days in the country, you can be able to engage in Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park and enjoy wildlife trips within Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo, Murchison, and Mburo Park.

How Much is 10 days Uganda safari?

A 10 days trip will cost about $3000 to $5000 per person depending on whether a tourist chooses budget, midrange, or luxury travel and you be with a tour guide.

Is Uganda or Rwanda better for Gorilla Trekking?

Yes, Uganda is better than Rwanda for Gorilla trekking. This is because Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga of Uganda have more Gorilla families than Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park.

Also, the Gorilla permits in Rwanda are more expensive as they cost $1500 whereas they go for $700 in Uganda.

How Much Does a Safari in Uganda Cost? | How Much Does It Cost to Go on Safari in Uganda?

Expect to pay around $200 to $300 per person and per day and this price is highly determined by the safari type, activities, and the group size of people on the tour. You can inquire with the tour operator for the best prices.

What Is the Best Way to Travel Around Uganda?

The best way to travel around this country is by using road transport as it is cheap. There are also scheduled or chartered flights from Entebbe Airport to other parts of the country, especially the rural areas.

What Is Beautiful About Uganda?

Unique attractions like wildlife, primates like Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga and Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, breathtaking scenery, various bird species, and warm welcoming culture are all beautiful aspects of Uganda.

Also, the Big Five animals in the savannah parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Is Uganda Tourist Friendly?

Yes, the country of Uganda is tourist friendly. You can get more information concerning travel tips from a Uganda travel blog.

Can US Citizens Travel to Uganda?

Yes, US citizens can travel to Uganda if they acquire their entry visa.

Is It Safe to Travel to Uganda Currently?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Uganda as the Ugandan government has assured the safety of tourists. You get to know about the current situation in Uganda from the travel tips from a Uganda travel blog.

What Does a US Citizen Need to Travel to Uganda?

He/she needs an entry visa and a vaccination certificate for yellow fever.

Does Uganda Require Yellow Fever Vaccination?

Yes, Uganda requires a yellow fever vaccination for you to be granted access to the country. You show the certificate to officials when you arrive at the airport.

Can I Drink Tap Water in Uganda?

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Tap water is not treated well in this country and may cause you sickness. For the safety of your health, drink bottled water.

What is the Internet Access Like in Uganda?

Internet access in this country is growing more rapidly in urban areas than in rural areas. This is because the network coverage is limited in the rural areas.

What Should I Know Before Traveling to Uganda? | What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Uganda?

When you are traveling to this country, you need to know about the entry, exit, and visa requirements. You also need to know about travel tips concerning security, health care, laws, safety, and local travel.

All this information can be got from a Uganda travel blog.

What Is the Food Like in Uganda?

The food in this country is amazing as tourists can try out the organic local food like matoke, cassava, potatoes, beans, etc. Continental dishes can also be got in this country like steaks, pasta, and even Indian and Mexican food.

How Expensive Is It to Travel in Uganda?

The cost to travel to this country depends on the style of travel but expect to pay from $90 and beyond per day per person.

Things to Do and Places to Visit and Tour in Uganda

On your travel trip to this country, you can enjoy Uganda Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see the Gorillas, track Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, animal viewing in the best parks in the world like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison, and Lake Mburo NP.

Still in this country, you enjoy rafting, cultural encounters, adventure at Lake Bunyonyi, and hiking Mountain Elgon in Eastern Uganda and the Rwenzori Mountains.

Why Would Someone Travel to Uganda?

These are some of the reasons why someone should travel to Uganda.

The endangered Mountain Gorillas live in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Park in Uganda
This country has 10 national parks and 12 game reserves.
It has the source of the Nile – the longest river in Africa.
This country is a crowd-free destination making it great for an African vacation.
You can find the Big Five in this country.
Uganda offers the best adventure safaris off the beaten path.
This country has the biggest lake on the African continent – Lake Victoria

In summary, Uganda trips take you to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to track Mountain Gorillas, Kibale Forest National Park to track Chimpanzees, wildlife viewing off the beaten path during game drives in the savannah parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park home to the tree climbing Lions.

Also on your Uganda safari, you can enjoy cultural encounters, birding, and many adventure activities.

For The Best Uganda Trips, Please Inquire