Our Uganda safaris and tours takes you to see wild mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, plus a variety of other Uganda wildlife in 10 national parks. From gorilla trekking tours to a safari game drive to see the Big 5 or cultural encounters we got you covered. Are you a group of friends planning a safari in Uganda or a solo traveler seeking to fulfill your personal experiences? How about a couple or a family affair, we tailor all our Uganda safaris/Uganda tours to suit your interests and budget.
Short Uganda Safaris Tours
Perfect for anyone craving a bit of excitement but struggling to make time for an epic trip, our short Uganda safaris and tours mean that in just a long weekend you could be trekking with wild primates of Uganda or enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Nile River.
Tulambule Uganda safaris short tours are also perfect if you want to travel with friends, family or a group of fellow enthusiasts, and we’re able to create a tailor-made adventure just for you.
Long Uganda safari Tours
Our long Uganda Safaris tour packages are thoughtfully designed for those who want to spend more time on holiday in Uganda. These tours explore the top Uganda safari destinations and offers amazing experiences. Book one of our long Uganda safaris today, and let us take care of the details while you focus on creating lasting memories amidst the wonders of Uganda’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes.
Adventure Uganda Tours
We offer several great adventure tours in Uganda. On our Uganda adventure safaris, you can enjoy cycling, hiking & mountaineering, horse riding, quad biking, zip-lining, bungee jumping, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, camping, cultural tours, and more. Our Uganda adventure tours offer you the chance to choose the destination, activities, and duration in keeping with your interests, time and budget.
Birding Safari Tours in Uganda
Our birding safaris in Uganda appeals to all those who dream of seeing the iconic Shoebills, over 20 exciting endemic birds of the “Albertine Rift”, savannah animals, chimpanzees, monkeys, and, of course, the majestic mountain gorillas of Bwindi. We customize short and long birding tours in Uganda at affordable rates. We tailor our birding trips in Uganda for all types of travelers; group tours, solo, and family birders. Our tailor-made birding Uganda tours are guided by a team of trained Uganda bird guides.
Luxury Uganda Safaris
Looking for Luxury safaris tours in Uganda? We have put together some of the best luxury Uganda safaris, itineraries, and holiday packages to give you some inspiration. All of our Uganda trips can be tailored to suit you. Our goal is to create the ideal luxury safari for you and with our friendly and expert Uganda safaris specialists, we are confident we will.
Uganda Budget Safaris
We offer a great range of affordable budget safari tours in Uganda. On these Uganda budget tours, you can off the beaten track and see the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park, track wild chimpanzees on foot in Kibale Forest or even embark on a gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi Forest.
Combined Uganda Safaris Packages | East African Safaris
Our safaris and tour are not limited to Uganda; we also offer many safaris to other top African countries. Logistically, neighbouring countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda are easily combined with your Uganda safari adventure. Meaning, you can enjoy big game viewing or Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara or Serengeti before trekking through the rainforests of Bwindi to see the mountain gorillas. You can even go for a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Where To Go In Uganda | Best Uganda Safaris Destinations
Uganda safari destinations include large savannah game reserves, mountainous rainforest, lowland rainforest jungles, enchanting lakes and wetlands. In combination, these make for one of the biggest safari experiences in Africa. Below are some of the best places to visit in Uganda.
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Of the top Uganda safari destinations, the mountainous, forested Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is right up there as the best place to visit in Uganda for gorilla treks.
This Uganda Gorilla Park was declared a Natural World Heritage site by UNESCO thanks to its incredibly diverse ecosystem and large number of endangered species that call it home. Its fern-rich, vine-covered canopies shelters more than half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas, plus unbelievable number of monkeys, butterflies and birds.
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is situated in the Virunga Conservation Area on the border with Rwanda and DR Congo. The park occupies the partly forested slopes of three extinct volcanoes whose forest covered slopes host rare golden monkeys and endangered mountain gorillas. There are few visitors here, but those who make the effort to visit this park are rewarded with a glimpse into the very heart of a country.
3. Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale National Park – the home of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda – is famous for its primate diversity. 13 primate species live in this vast forest including Vervet monkeys, Blue monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Red colobus, Black-and-white colobus, Baboons and mangabeys.
But for most visitors, Kibale Forest’s main attraction is the population of over 1500 wild chimpanzees. Visiting our closest relative in Kibale is a truly thrilling bucket-list experience.
4. Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is most alluring safari destination for game viewing in Uganda. Other attractions include the world’s most powerful waterfall for which the park is named and the wildly tropical stretch of River Nile that divides the park in 2 sections as it flows toward Lake Albert.
In terms of wildlife viewing, a Uganda safari itinerary that combines Murchison Falls with the nearby Budongo Forest and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers you with a good chance of seeing all the Big 5 as well as chimps and shoebills in the course of one short trip.
5. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular destination for wildlife safaris in Uganda. This is partly due to its closeness y to the gorilla trekking forests of the southwest as well as its status as one of most biodiverse protected areas in East Africa.
Here you’ll find extensive freshwater lakes, crater lakes, swathes of equatorial rainforest and tracts of rolling savannah nestled below the snowcapped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. 4 of the Big 5 are present and the bird checklist of over 600 species is the most of any national park in East Africa.
6. Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is one of the most surprising national parks in Uganda. Often visited on short Uganda safaris or dropped into a Uganda safaris itinerary to break the long drive from the gorilla trekking forests of the southwest, it has a tendency to over-deliver.
The park is located in the highly scenic western Uganda along the Kampala – Mbarara highway, only 3-hour drive from Kampala making it the nearest park from the capital.
7. Kidepo Valley National Park
Situated in the Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda, Kidepo National Park is perhaps the most remote East African safari destination. Set below a range of craggy peaks bordering South Sudan, this underrated Uganda safaris park offers exceptional wildlife viewing, including four of the Big 5, with large herds of buffalo especially prominent.
Very few travelers make it up to this forgotten corner of Uganda, but it’s as affordable to visit as the country’s other top safari destinations and boasts a more untrammeled wilderness feel than any of them.
Best Things To Do in Uganda | Safaris Activities In Uganda
From outstanding safari and wildlife experiences, immense lakes, snow-capped mountains to thrilling adventure activities, Uganda truly has everything for a complete African holiday. And with so much so choice where do you start? Here are some of our favourite things to do in Uganda:
1. Uganda Gorilla Safaris
Making it to the top of every list of the best Uganda travel experiences, Uganda gorilla safaris are a chance to see one the rarest animals on the planet. Uganda and its neighbour Rwanda are tasked with the huge responsibility of conserving the world’s last remaining Mountain Gorillas.
The conservation of these highly endangered apes is funded in no small part through the gorilla trekking fees charged for this once in a life time adventure.
2. Chimpanzee trekking safaris
Uganda is home to over 5000 wild chimpanzees. The chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda offer you a chance to spend time with chimps – our closest genetic ancestors.
It is one of those bucket safari list items that you should not miss out on your Uganda safari holiday. The best places for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda include Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve near Murchison Falls.
3. Game Drive safaris in Uganda
While Uganda is famous for its primate treks, the country is also a fantastic game viewing destination on game drives. Game drives are the quintessential African savannah safari experiences.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park are the country’s premier destination for classic game viewing. Here, you can encounter lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, hippo, crocodile, cheetahs, and a variety of antelope species, to name a few. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best place in Africa to the rare lions that climb trees.
4. Boat Cruise Tours In Uganda
Uganda offers the best safari boat cruises in East Africa. Boat safaris in Uganda offer a whole new perspective and often allows you to get a lot closer to the wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, elephants and buffalos than in a vehicle or on foot.
Boat trips are offered in Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park. The range of boats varies from accommodating a few people to large groups. Boat tours in Uganda perfect for families, honeymooners, and friends.
5. Hiking Uganda Tours
Uganda features diverse landscapes that offers a great variety of scenic hiking trails. There is hiking trails for beginners (read our guide on the best day hikes in Uganda) to advanced hikers in the most beautiful areas. Here, you can find picturesque waterfalls, volcanic mountains, snow-capped mountains, freshwater lakes, crater lakes, forests, savannah, gorges, valleys, and swamps.
6. Cycling Tours In Uganda
Uganda is a great destination when it comes to cycling adventure safaris. In fact, the Uganda Cycling Trail was mentioned in CNN Travel best destinations to visit in 2023 article!
With its varied landscapes, which can be both flat and hilly, Uganda has something to offer for every cyclist. Being environmentally sustainable and healthy, cycling tours in Uganda forms a perfect alternative to the typical car-based tourism safari itineraries.
7. Interactive Local Community Experiences
We offer a selection of well-established & responsible community-based tourism experiences that allow genuine interaction with local communities. Uganda’s rich culture is represented by over 50 tribes, offering a variety in language and dialects, food, dressing, music, dances, customs and beliefs.
8. Support Wildlife Conservation
There are several responsibly developed wildlife conservation initiatives in Uganda that you can participate in or contribute to. These wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife education centers, initiatives that reduce human-wildlife conflicts, and wildlife habituation programs.
- You can visit orphaned chimpanzees at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary
- Track wild rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Participate in Gorilla habituation Experiences and much more.
9. White-water Rafting Adventures In Uganda
The Nile River in Jinja is a world-class white-water rafting destination with many grade IV and V rapids to navigate. The thrill of drifting through the ferocious of the Nile rapids on a 25-km journey is unmatched. From first-timers to experienced rafters, there are suitable half-day to full-day cruises to challenge and excite you on the wild rapids of the Nile.
10. Bird watching Uganda Trips
Few countries in the world offer birding opportunities quite as magical as the feast served by Uganda. Birding tours in Uganda provide a chance to rack up fantastic sightings. Over 1090 bird species have been recorded in the country, which accounts for around 50% of all Africa’s bird species and 11% of all bird species in the world.
FAQs About Uganda Safaris
1. Is it safe to travel to Uganda?
Uganda is generally safe to visit and for tourism. It is a politically stable country with securely operated borders. However, Uganda is no different to the rest of the world. If you plan to spend time in a city, take precautions as you would in your home country. Petty theft is common in cities, but physical attacks on tourists are extremely rare.
2. Why Visit Uganda | What Are The Top Attractions?
Many visit Uganda to catch sight of the mystical, mountain gorillas living in the dense rainforest jungles. Uganda’s tourist attractions don’t stop there. The hippo-filled rivers and channels, abundant birdlife, wild chimpanzees, serene freshwater and crater lakes and villages filled with friendly locals consistently capture the attention, imagination and hearts of travellers worldwide.
3. Does Uganda have good safari?
Yes, Uganda have good safari. Nestled with in the heart of the Great lakes region in the Equatorial Africa, Uganda is a landlocked country characterized by endless verdant hills, expansive valleys, mountain peaks, and a scattering of giant shimmering lakes and rivers.
Roughly the size of the United Kingdom, Uganda is home to over 50 tribes and dozens of regional language that form a rich cultural tapestry of over 44 million people.
Undoubtedly, what makes Uganda good for safari is its outstanding variety of wildlife. Game viewing in savannah game parks may not be as overwhelming as in Kenya and Tanzania, but this small beautiful country is proudly home to a good variety of animals. Most tourists to the country will track mountain gorillas – a critically endangered species of gentle giants that needs our protection.
4. Is it better to see gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?
Both countries offer stunning adventures and access to fantastic gorilla trekking experiences. However, some key differences exist. Most notably gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda are substantially more expensive at US$ 1500 per person as opposed to US$ 700 in Uganda.
In addition to price, Uganda is home to more than 50% of the world’s gorilla population. This larger gorilla population makes securing a gorilla permit easier, as more permits are issued per day. This makes Uganda a good option for spontaneous types or those with less runway before departing for their trip. Where Rwanda has an advantage for some is its easier accessibility and connectivity.
The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits a 3-hour drive from the capital Kigali. So those who are looking for a brief stopover to go gorilla trekking may find this convenient. However, for those travellers with time and seeking a more complete holistic itinerary, Uganda offer a richer, more varied range of sites, landscapes, and activities.
5. What is the cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda?
The cheapest ways to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is by;
- Booking in budget safari accommodation
- Visiting Gorillas during low season
- Taking a short gorilla safari
- Joining a group tour
6. Are you guaranteed to see gorillas in Uganda?
We often asked if you are guaranteed to see mountain gorillas on a trek. The gorillas are completely wild and are free to room as they choose so a 100% guarantee cannot be given. However, the likelihood of sighting gorillas is very high, as they are tracked carefully on daily basis by the park rangers. At Tulambule, we are yet to experience or hear from any of our clients who did not see the gorillas.
7. What to pack for a safari in Uganda?
- While Uganda has no strict dress code, women travellers are advised to dress conservatively.
- Comfortable, casual clothes are best.
- Muted colours and neutral tones such as beige, khaki and green are recommended for game viewing and primate trekking.
- Bright colours like red, yellow, purple and white are not advisable on safari.
Check out our complete guide to what to pack for a safari in Uganda.
8. Do you need a visa to visit Uganda?
A Uganda visa is required by most nationalities. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your departure date. Passports should have a minimum of 2–4 clean pages for visa and entry/exit stamp. You can also apply for the East African Tourism Visa (Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) online by credit card.
9. How much does a safari in Uganda cost?
Budget safari in Uganda cost from $150 per person per day, mid-range from $300 per person per day, and top-end luxury safaris start at around $600 per person per day.
- Check out our guide about Uganda safari prices or contact us for a tailored quote.
10. How many days on safari is enough?
Uganda safaris length varies depending on your interests, budget, specific parks, and desired activities. Typical duration ranges from 1 day to around 2 weeks. Gorilla trekking a major highlight – requires at least 3 days. Uganda has 10 parks, most of which offering different wildlife experiences and landscapes.
11. How much does it cost to see gorillas in Uganda?
A Uganda gorilla trekking permit currently costs US$700. While this might seem expensive, it is a bargain when compared to the US$1,500 permit fee for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, which is currently the only other country where these gentle giants can be safely tracked.
A new activity, offered in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park only, is the Gorilla Habituation Experience. One semi-habituated family can be tracked by a limited group of 4 visitors every day, which can stay for 4 hours. The price for this special experience is US$1,500.
12. What are the best months for safari in Uganda?
The dry season months are the best months for safari in Uganda. This is when there is less vegetation to hinder your view wildlife, when animals are more likely to congregate near water sources. It is also when the trails are less muddy and slippery for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. The prime months for game-viewing and primate trekking tend to be from June to early September.
13. What is the closest safari to Kampala Uganda?
While in Kampala city, Lake Mburo is the nearest national park you can visit for a 1 day, two day or 3 day safari. This park is also a perfect place for short weekend breaks. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to drive from Kampala to Lake Mburo. Along the way you will stop at the equator and also the Mpabire drum makers.