A Detailed Guide To Planning a Uganda Safari Trip Itinerary

A Honest Guide on How to Plan Your Next Uganda Safari Vacation

Have you ever imagined what it feels like walking with the mountain gorillas in the heart of the African rainforest? Home to half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, the white rhinos, variety of rare bird species, rare tree-climbing lions and landscapes so stunning, Uganda offers an unforgettable wildlife safari experience that is quite different from a traditional safari. Because of the so many places to visit and so many different companies offering different routes, different experiences and different levels of comfort, choosing best Uganda safari itinerary can be overwhelming especially for first time safari goers.

But don’t stress, we are here to help! We are going to share what we think are the most important tips and recommendations for planning and putting together your Ugandan safari itinerary based on the experience we have acquired from crafting Uganda safari itineraries for our past guests and given the fact that we are locals. Our goal is to provide you with everything you need to know to plan your Uganda Safari Itinerary, including cost, how to find the perfect tour operator and more-so that you can get the safari of a lifetime!

By the time you finish reading this write-up we hope that you will have a better idea of where to go in Uganda and what to do, when to go and how to move around among other things.

For starters and from experience, we think that an ideal Uganda safari Itinerary should range from 10 Days to 14 Days (2 Weeks). In 14 Days, you will be able to experience gorilla and chimpanzee trekking at a comfortable pace as well as several savannah game drives to see the Big Five and highlights like tree-climbing lions. You will also be able to enjoy Uganda’s natural wonders such as Murchison Falls, Lake Bunyonyi or Kazinga Channel, Shoebill and the White Rhino. On the other hand, In 10 days, you will be able to experience the gorillas, chimps, the Big five, Lake Bunyonyi, Kazinga Channel and the Rhinos but on a slightly tighter schedule.

We recommend 8 Days in Uganda as a minimum if you want to do both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking as well as traditional safaris to see the Big Five and if you are just interested in primate encounters, you can fit gorilla and chimpanzee tracking into a 5-day trip or 6 days trip to be comfortable. And if time is really tight and you want to focus on gorilla tracking or Chimps alone or even one savannah park alone, this can even be done in only 3 days. You can also do gorilla trekking alone in 2 days if you starting and ending your trip from Kigali City, Kabale or Kisoro town.

A Detailed Guide To Planning a Uganda Safari Trip Itinerary — Baby and Mother Gorillas in Bwindi-Uganda

Best Uganda Safari Places You Can Include on your Uganda Safari Itinerary

The best places that you can include on your Uganda Safari itinerary include the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park home to Mountain Gorillas, Murchison Falls National Park which is home to the world’s most powerful Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park which is home to tree climbing lions, Kibale Forest National Park home to Chimpanzees, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park an ultimate hiking destination, Mount Elgon National Park and Semuliki National Park among other national parks and game reserves. Read more about things to do in Uganda

Average Cost of a Uganda Safari Tour

The Average cost of a Uganda Safari tour is not fixed as such and it entirely depends on the Uganda Safari tour locations one chooses, the type of accommodation one prefers between budget, mid-range and luxury, the number of days one intends to spend on safari, the number of persons traveling on the trip and the mode of transportation among other factors. On average the cost of a Uganda safari vacation starts from as low as 300USD for a single traveler. Read More about Uganda safari Cost

Gorilla trekking permit Price in Uganda

According to Uganda Wildlife Authority, a gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD800 Per Person for a foreigners and USD700 Per Person for foreign residents during the high season months of December, January February and March and then June, July, August, September and October. During the low season Months of April, May and November the gorilla permit costs USD600 Per Person for foreigners and USD500 Per Person for foreign residents.

A gorilla habituation permit costs USD1800

What is the difference between normal gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation?

The major differences between ordinary gorilla Trekking and Gorilla habituation experience are the cost of the Trekking permit and time spent with the Gorillas. An ordinary Gorilla Trekking Permit costs 800USD for Foreigners and 700USD for foreign residents while a gorilla habituation experience permit costs 1800USD for Foreigners and 1700USD for Foreign Residents. In relation to the time spent with the gorillas, an ordinary gorilla trek lasts for 2 to 6 hours and visitors are allowed to spend only 1 Hour face-to-face in the presence of a habituated gorilla group While a Gorilla habituation experience lasts a whole full day with a guarantee of 4 hours stay with the gorillas.

Why Go on Safari in Uganda?

Uganda is endowed with variety of incredible wildlife and it stands out as a world-class safari destination where you are bound to have many unforgettable wildlife experiences. The country is regarded as one of the best places in Africa to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat and is also home to most of the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo all roaming wild and free. Read more about the things to do on safari Uganda

How to get to Uganda

International flights land in Entebbe the former capital of Uganda and major airlines including Uganda Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airline, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways all fly here, with connections via Europe, Asia and the Middle East. (Make sure you pack these long-haul flight essentials to make the trip more comfortable.)

Best time to visit Uganda

The best time to travel to Uganda is during the dry seasons that run from December to February and then from June to August. Around this time, you will find the weather most suitable for wildlife viewing in Uganda. June to August is regarded as the peak travel season which attracts more tourists hence we highly recommend that you book your accommodation and gorilla permits well in advance to avoid missing out or unnecessary inconveniences!

The wet season that runs from around March to May is regarded as a low season and it attracts few tourists compared to the high season. This leads to more lodges offering discounted accommodation.

Please note that Uganda can be visited for safari all year around though there a lot of rains during the low season making travel in the different National park somehow challenging.

What to pack for A Uganda Safari Tour

It’s important to come well prepared for the incredible experience of a Uganda Safari and below is our recommended packing list:

Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
Waterproof jackets and trousers
Long-sleeved shirts
Lightweight woolen socks
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Toiletries such as sun cream, insect repellent, after-sun, bite relief cream and lip balm
Garden gloves
A small backpack to carry your water, lunch, extra clothes, binoculars and camera
Camera with extra lenses and batteries
Binoculars
Snacks for extra energy
A reusable water bottle to limit waste
Multi-way travel adaptor.

How to Book your Uganda Safari Tour or How to get around Uganda

There are a few options for getting around when you visit Uganda and this can be independently either using public transport or self driving with a guided private tour but without a doubt, we think the most popular and easiest way to go on safari in Uganda is to book your trip with a local tour operator. Local operators take care of every trip detail including securing your accommodation to arranging permits/activities and transport/transfers while providing invaluable insights into recent wildlife movements and the best viewing spots. Please note that doing everything independently is ok and cost saving but can be overwhelming and makes you make unnecessary mistakes especially in the travel itinerary.

Engabi Tours and Travel is a local tour operator that will plan your Uganda safari tour by arranging everything for you including the itinerary, transport, accommodation, gorilla permits and other activities, internal flights and a private guide among other trip requirements. We are a tested Uganda Safari Company based in Uganda and licensed by Uganda Tourism Board with sales offices in Rwanda and Tanzania and we are highly recommended by our past clients on TripAdvisor. We are available to serve you and get back to you promptly! if you really can’t wait for the Safari journey to begin, chat with us right now on WhatsApp at +256 757 341 593

CONTACT US for a Uganda Safari Itinerary and Quote or for information and Inspiration.

A sample 14 Days Uganda Safari itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will meet and greet with Engabi tours and travel representative who will welcome you to the pearl of Africa and transfer you to your lodge in Entebbe for overnight.

Accommodation Options: Entebbe Forest Lodge, Hotel No.5, Hemingway’s Hotel (Luxury), Papyrus Guest, 2 Friends Beach Hotel, K Hotel Entebbe, Protea Hotel (Mid-range), Sun Set Hotel Entebbe (Budget)

Day 2: Half Day Shoebill Watching at Mabamba Swamp

Today you will enjoy your breakfast and thereafter head out for a shoebill watching excursion at Mabamba swamp. You will return to the lodge later in the afternoon.

Day 3: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Rhino Tracking

Today, you will transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary arriving in time for check-in, lunch and later an afternoon Rhino Tracking Experience on foot.

Accommodation Options: Ziwa Rhino Family Chaletts

Day 4: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park

After breakfast, you will transfer to Murchison Falls national Park. On arrival at the park you will have an en-route game drive as you transfer to your lodge which is located inside the park arriving in time for lunch. Later you will head out for an evening game drive returning to the lodge by 6:00Pm for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options: Nile Safari Lodge, Papa’s Camp (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge, Paara Safari Lodge, Hemingway’s Tented Camp (Mid-range), Ikorom Safari lodge, Nkundwa safari Lodge (Budget)

Day 5: Full Day in Murchison Falls National Park (Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise)

At 06:30am after a cup of coffee, you will start the game drive with your guide to explore wildlife of Murchison falls including herds of elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, lion, giraffes, hyena, topi. You will then return to the lodge on time for full breakfast and later lunch. After lunch you will head to Paara to enjoy a 3 hours boat cruise on the River Nile, the world’s longest river which boasts of high concentration of hippos, Nile crocodiles and a variety of water birds such as giant kingfishers and fish eagles.

Day 6: Morning Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park and Then Transfer to Kibale forest National Park

Today after breakfast you will go out for a morning game drive and thereafter you will proceed to Kibale Forest National Park arriving in the afternoon in time for check-in to your accommodation and later dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options: Kibale Lodge, Mirima Kibale Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury), Tabebuia safari Lodge, Chimpnest lodge Kibale, Turacco treetops Lodge (Mid-range), Bweza Kibale Lodge(Budget)

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

After your morning breakfast, your tour driver will lead you to Kanyanchu park headquarters for briefing from the senior park ranger. At 8:00 am you will join the rest of other trackers and transfer to the starting point which is 2 Km away from the park headquarters. Most often chimpanzee tracking goes for 3 to 4 hours.

While in the forest you may interface with primates including, Chimpanzees, the red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest monkey, baboons, white and black Colobus monkeys, grey checked mangabey, red Colobus, blue monkeys and pottos. Other animals include forest elephants unique from the common type, giant forest hogs and a striking tree species. Later you will embark on a nature walk in Bigodi wetland sanctuary, an eco-tourism destination managed by local people. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Accommodation Options: Kibale Lodge, Mirima Kibale Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury), Tabebuia safari Lodge, Chimpnest lodge Kibale, Turacco treetops Lodge (Mid-range), Bweza Kibale Lodge (Budget)

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Afternoon Game Drive in Kasenyi Sector

After the trekking, you will have lunch at the lodge and then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park arriving in time for check-in and later an evening game drive in search of the big 5 including lions, buffalo, elephant and many more including hippos and leopard.

Accommodation Options: The River Station Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Luxury), Aardvark Safari Lodge, Acacia Wilderness Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge (Mid-range) , Enganzi Safari Lodge (Budget)

Day 9: Full Day in Queen Elizabeth national park (Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise).

Today you will go for an early morning game drive where you will be able spot different animals including elephants, buffaloes and lions among others. You will return for lunch in the afternoon and thereafter head out for a boat cruise on Kazinga channel which boasts over 5000 hippos. The boat cruise provides a sight of Nile crocodiles, elephants, and water birds. After the boat cruise you will head to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options: The River Station Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Luxury), Aardvark Safari Lodge, Acacia Wilderness Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge (Mid-range) , Enganzi Safari Lodge (Budget)

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park with Sana Gorilla Rafting activity on the way.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Bwindi forest National park arriving in time for check in at your Lodge. Renowned as home to half of world’s mountains gorillas, Bwindi is famous gorilla tracking destination. derived from the Rukiga word, “Bwindi” means a dark place, Bwindi rainforest has remained untouched since the last ice age 250, 000 million years ago. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options: A&K Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Luxury), Four Gorillas Lodge, Kwetu Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge (Mid-range), Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge (Budget)

Day 11: Gorilla trekking Experience

You will get up so early in the morning for breakfast and thereafter your driver will drive you to the Park head offices with your packed lunch. On reaching there by 7:30am you will be briefed about what to do and not to do while trekking after which you will be led by the ranger guides through the mist jungle. Trekking usually takes between to 8 hours or even a full day due to the location of gorillas. When you see them, it will be a great and fun time as you watch them and only 1 hour is permitted to watch them. Also ensure you carry enough water with you, hats, sun glasses, rain coats, and non-flash cameras.

Later return to the lodge and in the afternoon, you may go for a walk in the communities or visit the pigmies or the Women’s crafts center. Dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Afternoon Game Drive and Later a night Game Drive

After Breakfast, you will transfer to Lake Mburo National Park arriving in time for lunch and later an afternoon game drive. A game drive in Lake Mburo will guarantee you to see herds of buffalos, zebras, impalas, giraffes, birds and so much more without driving so much. Return to the lodge for early dinner and a later a night game drive

Accommodation Options: Mihingo Safari Lodge (Luxury), Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Mid-range), Hyena Hill Lodge (Budget)

Day 13: Morning Walking Safari and Afternoon Horse Riding Safari

After breakfast, you will be met by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide who will take you through briefing and then for a safari walk on foot. This activity is suitable for those who would like to stretch their legs and view wildlife on foot.

You will get an opportunity to see what you could have seen on any game drive except that this time around you will do it on foot. In the afternoon you will return to the park for a horse-riding safari retiring back to the lodge later in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options: Mihingo Safari Lodge (Luxury), Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Mid-range), Hyena Hill Lodge (Budget)

Day 14: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport and Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe arriving in the evening in time for you flight check-in and departure marking the end of the trip.

Accommodation Options: N/a

More Uganda Itinerary Ideas To Inspire You:

3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour which makes it possible to watch Mountain Gorillas with in the shortest time possible. It can start in Kigali/Kabale/Kisoro (highly recommended) or from Entebbe/Kampala

5-Day Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking Tour in Uganda which covers both gorillas and Chimps trekking in Bwindi and Kibale National Parks respectively within a short time.

7–Day Uganda Safari Itinerary which covers Queen Elizabeth National Parks (wildlife), Kibale (Chimpanzees) and Bwindi National Park (gorillas) for a fast-paced primate and wildlife experience

7 Days Double Gorilla Trekking in Both Uganda and Rwanda that features 2 ordinary in Rwanda and Uganda, 1 Gorilla Habituation in Uganda and Golden Monkey Tracking

8–Day Uganda Safari Itinerary which covers Queen Elizabeth National Parks (wildlife), Kibale (Chimpanzees) and Bwindi National Park (gorillas) for a fast-paced primate and wildlife experience

12-Day Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari Itinerary which features Wildlife game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks, Walking Safari in Lake Mburo National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, Golden Monkey Tracking, Rhino Tracking and gorilla trekking.

Other travelers choose to combine a Uganda safari tour with Great Wildebeest Migration and Big 5 Safaris in Tanzania and Serengeti or even Zanzibar Beach and Kilimanjaro Mountain. Below are some the popular Itineraries that combine Uganda safari activities with a great wildebeest Migration in Serengeti or a general Tanzania safari:

8-Day Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Trekking Tour which covers Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and big 5 Safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti Central. It can be adjusted to include great migration Mara River Crossing in North Serengeti by adding a flight option.

11-Day Gorilla Trekking and Wildebeest Migration Safari which features Mara river crossing wildebeest migration experience, big 5 safari in Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Serengeti and Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

12-Day Great Migration and Tanzania Safari Tour

14-Day Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Through Rwanda which can also be adjusted to include gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

16-Day Gorilla Trekking, Serengeti Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation

20 Days Gorilla Trekking, Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari and Kilimanjaro Mountain Hike that features gorilla viewing in Bwindi, Chimps Trekking, 7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Hike and safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Central Serengeti.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Travel

Is Uganda safe to visit for solo travelers?

Uganda is a safe and friendly destination for solo travelers. People are respected in the country, and due to the strong security forces and lack of civil unrest, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a place to travel alone. In general, you are unlikely to experience any form of harassment while in Uganda – our guests have always felt very safe on their solo visit.

Is English widely spoken in Uganda?

English is the official language of Uganda. There are also more than 40 additional languages and dialects spoken throughout the country.

Is one week in Uganda enough?

Yes, 1 week in Uganda can be enough. You can visit some of the most popular attractions like gorilla trekking, a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel or explore some of Uganda’s most beautiful national parks. BUT you will want to come back to see more the reason we recommend 14 Days!

What animals can I expect to see on safari in Uganda?

Uganda is home to some of Africa’s most iconic animals, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and hippos. You’ll also find giraffes, zebras, monkeys, chimps and antelopes in the country’s national parks and game reserves. Uganda is also home to plenty of bird species.

Uganda visa requirements

Uganda has a very easy online system for obtaining a tourist visa. Visit their website and apply; it costs US$50. You’ll need a copy of a passport photo, a return ticket and proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Print out the letter and bring it with you for immigration to finalize on arrival, along with your passport photo and vaccination records.

If you’re also visiting Rwanda on your trip, consider applying for an East Africa Tourist visa which costs US$100. Just make sure that you apply for this visa via the country that you’re visiting first on your trip.

You cannot obtain a Uganda visa on arrival without prior approval, so make sure you plan in advance.

Health and vaccinations

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will need proof of yellow fever vaccination at immigration and its also required when obtaining visa for Uganda.

Uganda has some malaria areas, so ask your doctor whether you need to take medication. Full disclosure: I did not take any malaria medication on my trip to East Africa. But I lived in a malaria-risk country for four years, so I’m very aware of the risks and took steps to prevent bites during my time in Uganda. Pack plenty of repellent, sleep under mosquito nets (all hotels and lodges provide these) and cover up in the evening.

Uganda has some malaria areas, so ask your doctor whether you need to take medication and always take steps to prevent bites during your time in Uganda. Pack plenty of repellent, sleep under mosquito nets (all hotels and lodges provide these) and cover up in the evening.

Always purchase travel insurance to ensure that all is ok in case of issues while on your Uganda trip

Please note that you should always pack a good first-aid kit with any medications that you might need during your travel. For example you may pack pain-relief medication, medication for tummy troubles, antiseptic cream, antibiotics and Band-Aids among others.

Our Final thoughts on how to plan a Uganda Itinerary

Uganda is a special country and a must-visit if you’re planning a trip to East Africa. The country is not as touristy as other East African countries but there’s still so much wildlife, natural wonders and warm hospitality to experience.

Uganda Travel General Information and Entry Requirements:

All visitors to Uganda must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements you are advised to contact your nearest Uganda Embassy or Consulate.

Uganda Language:

English, Luganda and Kiswahili

Voltage:

In Uganda the standard voltage is 220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs.

Currency:

The main currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shilling and foreign currencies such as US Dollar, UK Pound and the Euro are widely accepted. Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency.

Clothing:

Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

Baggage:

Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

Water:

You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

Dietary Requirements:

For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure the Hotel is notified prior to travel

Gratuities:

As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:

The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day

Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

Photography:

Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.