Safari destination
Uganda
The Impenetrable Forest and its gorillas.
The Pearl of Africa, where mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi meets tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.
Uganda
Gorillas in the Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest shelters more of the world's remaining mountain gorillas than anywhere else on earth, tracked on foot through proper high-canopy jungle. Uganda wraps that headline in the continent's richest primate country: chimpanzees in Kibale, golden monkeys in the Virungas, and the Nile forced through a seven-metre gap at Murchison Falls.
Against Rwanda's ultra-luxury polish, Uganda is the wilder, more adventurous telling of the same story, with permits at a meaningfully lower price and treks that earn the encounter. Not the cheap option; the intrepid one. Read Mel's first-hand account of trekking Bwindi.
- How do Uganda's gorilla permits compare with Rwanda's?
- Meaningfully cheaper than Rwanda's US $1,500, which is a large part of Uganda's appeal, with the same one precious hour with a habituated family. Permit prices are set by the wildlife authority and revised periodically, so your safari specialist confirms the current rate and secures permits at booking; they still sell out in the dry seasons.
- Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking?
- Uganda for wilder, longer treks, a lower permit price and the bigger primate circuit around it; Rwanda for the shortest access, the strictest conservation-led exclusivity and the ultra-luxury lodges. Neither is a budget trip. If you want the encounter wrapped in adventure, choose Bwindi; if you want it wrapped in polish, choose Volcanoes.
- How tough is the Bwindi trek?
- Honest jungle walking: steep, humid and often muddy, anywhere from one to six hours depending on where your gorilla family slept. You need reasonable fitness rather than heroics, and a porter, inexpensive and community-employing, makes a genuine difference.
- When is the best time to visit Uganda?
- The drier windows of June to August and December to February are the most comfortable for trekking. Uganda straddles the equator, so expect green forest and possible showers in any month; the gorillas are there year-round.
- What else should I see beyond the gorillas?
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, tree-climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the boat approach to Murchison Falls on the Nile. Ten days covers gorillas plus two of the three without rushing.
- Is Uganda safe for travellers?
- The tourism circuit in the south and west, Entebbe, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi, is long-established, with experienced operators, lodges and internal flights. Our safari specialists brief every guest on current conditions and route the trip accordingly.
Tailor-made safaris
Safaris in Uganda.
Most requested · 3 days · Uganda
3-Day All Inclusive Fly-in Gorilla Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge overlooking the forest
- Light-aircraft flights between Entebbe and Kisoro across Uganda's highlands
- Community walk and coffee farm visit in the Virunga foothills
- Guided gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with rangers and trackers
From
$4,970
per person, complete package
≈ $9,945 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 4 days · Uganda
4 Day Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Safari
Most meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 1 night in Entebbe, then 2 nights at Mahogany Springs Lodge in Bwindi
- Light-aircraft flight from Entebbe to Kisoro over Uganda's highlands
- Gorilla trekking permit and guided trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- One hour observing mountain gorillas at 10 metres
From
$3,655
per person, complete package
≈ $7,310 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 4 days · Uganda
4-Day Gorilla Safari Experience
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 1 night at Protea Hotel in Entebbe on arrival
- 2 nights at Mahogany Springs Lodge in Buhoma, Bwindi
- Gorilla permit included for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Trek 2-8 hours to spend an hour with a mountain gorilla family
From
$3,340
per person, complete package
≈ $6,680 for two · international flights excluded
6 days · Uganda
6-Day Uganda Primate Safari Adventure
Most meals · All activities · All transfers
- 2 nights at Turaco Treetops in Kibale, 1 night at Engagi Lodge in Bwindi
- Half-day chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Nature walk through community-run Bigodi Swamp
- Gorilla trekking with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi
From
$3,455
per person, complete package
≈ $6,910 for two · international flights excluded
9 days · Kenya · Uganda
9-Day Wild Encounters: Kenya’s Big Five & Uganda’s Gentle Giants
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Mara Sopa Lodge with game drives across the Maasai Mara
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha and walking safari on Crescent Island
- 2 nights at Amboseli Sopa Lodge with elephant herds beneath Mt. Kilimanjaro
- 2 nights at 5-star Gorilla Leisure Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
From
$6,535
per person, complete package
≈ $13,075 for two · international flights excluded
No safaris matching these criteria.
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Brochure
East Africa Guide
East Africa in signature pairings, like elephants beneath Mount Kenya: the Serengeti and Masai Mara, gorilla trekking and Zanzibar.
Where to stay
Lodges in Uganda.
8 lodges
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AffordableBuhoma Lodge
Buhoma Lodge offers a cozy retreat with breathtaking views of the forest, home to the rare Mountain Gorilla. As one of only two lodges inside the park, it is conveniently located a short walk from the gorilla tracking starting point and other Buhoma activities.
From $535 per person · night
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PremiumBwindi Lodge
Bwindi Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge nestled on the edge of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offering front-row views of one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders. Renowned for its exceptional gorilla tracking experiences, the lodge combines comfort with conservation. Eight stylish bandas, each with forest-facing views, provide an immersive jungle experience, while personalized service and thoughtful design add a touch of luxury. Guests can enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine, unwind at the Forest Spa, and explore rich biodiversity through nature walks and cultural encounters. Bwindi Lodge is the perfect retreat for adventure, tranquility, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences.
From $630 per person · night
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LuxErebero Hills
Erebero Hills will serve as the perfect sanctuary for exploring the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and as the habitat for over half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
From $2,000 per person · night
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PremiumKibale Lodge
Kibale Lodge is perched on a ridge, offering breathtaking vistas of the Rwenzori Mountains to the west and the Queen Elizabeth plains along with the Kazinga Channel to the south.
From $630 per person · night
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AffordableMahogany Springs Lodge
Mahogany Springs will be closed for the entire month of April 2026. Reopening May 4th 2026. Mahogany Springs Lodge, set in the heart of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is renowned for offering an exceptional gorilla trekking experience.
From $420 per person · night
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PremiumNkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge sits at 7,090 feet on Nteko Ridge, looking out over the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Volcanoes. The owner-run, carbon-neutral eco-lodge is a base for mountain gorilla trekking, Batwa forest trails and golden monkey tracking, with 13 stone-built cottages, suites and family villas across a forested ridge.
From $630 per person · night
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UltraProtea Hotel Entebbe
Protea Hotel Entebbe, situated in Entebbe, Uganda, near the shores of Lake Victoria and a short 2km drive to Entebbe International Airport.
From $2,600 per person · night
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Premium Live availabilitySanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
Gorilla Forest Lodge, located in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offers an exceptional blend of luxury and wilderness. With just ten spacious, elevated tents featuring stone-walled bathrooms and forest views, it provides comfort amid nature. Guests enjoy delicious local and international cuisine in elegant communal or private settings. The camp’s prime location offers unmatched access to gorilla trekking, along with guided forest walks, birding, and cultural visits to the Batwa community. Designed with sustainability in mind, Gorilla Forest Camp delivers an intimate, immersive experience for travelers seeking adventure and conservation-focused luxury in one of Africa’s richest ecosystems.
From $1,300 per person · night
Rates per person sharing, per night.
January
Short dry: good forest footing
Best time to visit
The Bwindi year.
The Impenetrable Forest is rainforest in every month; the dry windows just soften the adjective.
Uganda
Your guide to Uganda.
When
The best time to go on safari in Uganda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it easier to spot wildlife. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to navigate the terrain.
Where
Uganda is a great destination for a safari. Popular safari destinations in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.
Photos from our guests
A traveller's view.
Every photo below was taken by a guest of ours on a recent trip to Uganda. No stock imagery, no marketing shots. What they saw, on their cameras.
Imagery
Uganda, in pictures.
Recent travellers
Word from people who have just been to Uganda.
Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Uganda, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.
"I was privileged to have been able to experience a wonderful trip through Uganda. It definitely was a lifetime-best travel experience. There are simply too many highlights to list here, but these included several spectacular top-notch game park drives, interesting cultural experiences, great overnight stays, and many more (*including, of course, the gorillas…"
"Mel du Toit has the patience of a saint and answered every one of my many questions with detailed information. I felt confident in her expertise and she has assured me that I could count on her being available during every stage of my journey in Uganda. Thanks, Mel!"
Speak to a safari specialist
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