Home » Uganda Tours, Best Uganda Tour Packages 2023-24
Uganda Tours, Best Uganda Tour Packages 2023-24
Touring Uganda on a Uganda tour is a memorable experience to the Pearl of Africa that allows you to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the African continent. While on tours to Uganda trips, expect the best African wildlife safaris, especially in the rich savannah destinations, amazing communityUganda tours and cultural encounters, and captivating scenery viewing.
Traveling to Uganda will unveil a country blessed with beautiful nature, extensive and dense misty forests, beautiful snow-capped mountains, amazing lakes, and spreading savannahs, thus vindicating the destination as the true Pearl of Africa. The land is decorated with 1000 shades of green that portray its natural scenery.
If Mountain Gorilla trekking is part of your top priorities on your African trips, then Uganda is the best destination to visit. This thrilling safari activity also occurs in Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park, although Uganda provides the best experiences.
The renowned endangered Mountain Gorillas live in the highlands of dense tropical rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla NP.
Visit Kibale Forest National Park on your Uganda tour experiences to also enjoy the rare, but amazing adventure of Chimpanzee tracking and habituation.
Experience other primates in Uganda that include the 24 monkey species for example the endangered Golden Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Black and White Colobus monkeys, and Galagos among others.
Touring Uganda on a Uganda tour is a memorable experience to the Pearl of Africa that allows you to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the African continent. While on tours to Uganda trips, expect the best African wildlife safaris, especially in the rich savannah destinations, amazing communityUganda tours and cultural encounters, and captivating scenery viewing.
Traveling to Uganda will unveil a country blessed with beautiful nature, extensive and dense misty forests, beautiful snow-capped mountains, amazing lakes, and spreading savannahs, thus vindicating the destination as the true Pearl of Africa. The land is decorated with 1000 shades of green that portray its natural scenery.
If Mountain Gorilla trekking is part of your top priorities on your African trips, then Uganda is the best destination to visit. This thrilling safari activity also occurs in Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park, although Uganda provides the best experiences.
The renowned endangered Mountain Gorillas live in the highlands of dense tropical rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla NP.
Visit Kibale Forest National Park on your Uganda tour experiences to also enjoy the rare, but amazing adventure of Chimpanzee tracking and habituation.
Experience other primates in Uganda that include the 24 monkey species for example the endangered Golden Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Black and White Colobus monkeys, and Galagos among others.
Other Things to Experience in Uganda
For wildlife safaris, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park offer the best experiences, especially on game drives on the sprawling savannah plains.
Uganda’s national parks covered with the wide spreading savannah plains protect different wildlife species such as Elephants, Lions, Buffalo, Leopards, Giraffes, Zebras, Uganda Kobs, Hyenas, and Hippos, to mention but a few.
Birding likewise attracts tourists on various trips because the biodiverse country is home to over 1090 bird species with the most sought-after elusive and prehistoric-looking Shoebill found in marshy wetlands.
Uganda has over 45 tribes, making it a very rich destination for cultural encounters. Meet the indigenous and authentic tribes such as the Karamojong, IK, and Batwa Pygmies.
Uganda trips will also lead you to visit Jinja, known as the capital of East Africa, where you will explore River Nile, the longest river in the world for adventurous expeditions such as white-water rafting, Kayaking, and Bungee jumping.
The country is thus a notable destination for safari enthusiasts to immerse themselves in active wild adventures during their vacation holidays.
Visit Uganda today for exhilarating experiences and adventures to remember for a lifetime.
Types of Uganda Tours/Major Categories of Uganda Tour Adventures
This country boasts various safari types as discussed below;
Uganda Gorilla Safaris
Uganda Gorilla safaris are the main highlights of Uganda trips thus the major reason for many travelers who visit Uganda. As you visit Uganda to view these Gorillas, you will watch them in their only two habitats, which are the Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga Gorilla NP.
The Gorillas have a 98% DNA similarity with humans, thus making them one of your close relatives. Encountering them will be a lifetime experience as you will get to discover many of their human-like behaviors.
Apart from Uganda’s Gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga, you can also enjoy the experience in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience Safaris
The Uganda Gorilla habituation experience uncovers an ideal way to study and behavioral patterns of the humble giants and understand how these endangered Mountain Gorillas live.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority introduced the activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to make the primates used to human presence. In the adventure, you spend 4 hours with these primates contrary to the Mountain Gorilla trekking experience that takes one hour.
Gorilla habituation experiences only occur in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while you visit Uganda.
Chimpanzee Safaris
Chimpanzee safaris provide the best Chimpanzee trekking adventures to tourists in East Africa because this country harbors the highest number of these primates with habituated Chimpanzees to track in the rainforests and the wild and others that you can easily spot in the zoos.
Chimpanzee safari trips are best experienced in Kibale National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
Likewise, view a large number of these primates in their natural habitat at Ngamba Island Sanctuary which mostly rescues and protects orphaned Chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safaris
The Chimpanzee habituation experience provides memorable trips that travelers on a Uganda tour trip should not miss. On these trips, wild Chimpanzees get used to human presence so they do not turn violent.
You will have this full-day experience with a large group of wild Chimps, which is different from the 1-hour experience of Chimpanzee trekking.
The Chimpanzee habituation experience occurs in Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
Wildlife Safaris
Uganda is a unique destination with various wildlife many of which are also found in Kenya and Tanzania. The country which is at the equator along Lake Victoria shores on the northern shore is great for watching wildlife including the big five in parks and reserves.
Expect the thrilling sites of Elephants, Zebras, Kobs, Hippos, large Forest Hogs, Buffalos, Sitatungas, and various bird species.
However, you can also watch them while on boat cruises and nature walks.
Birding Safaris
Uganda ranks among the best birding destinations in the whole world. There are over 1090 bird species in their natural habitat on a day trip.
Additionally, the country harbors 24 of the Albertine rift endemics majorly spread in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Semuliki NP, and Kibale Forest National Park.
Below are major birding spots in the country;
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with over 350 bird species with all 24 Albertine Rift Endemics.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has more than 600 bird species, the highest checklist in East Africa.
Murchison Falls National Park protects 556 species of birds with easier spots for viewing the Shoebill.
Kibale Forest National Park protects about 375 species and the neighboring Bigodi wetland swamp has 138 species.
Semuliki NP has over 441 bird species with the Common Congo Basin endemics.
Lake Mburo National Park has over 351 species.
Mgahinga NP, although famous for Uganda’s Gorilla trekking, is home to 180 bird species.
Mabamba Bay Wetland is a celebrated spot to view the Shoebill stork.
River Nile in Jinja protects over 60 bird species.
Cultural Encounters
Cultural trips mostly lead you to rural country destinations to encounter indigenous cultures, norms, and ways. On the trips, you will enjoy cultural music, dance, drama, and folktales.
Experience the Batwa culture around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park which are both homes to Gorillas. Alternatively, visit the nomadic pastoralists of northeastern Uganda, that is, the Karamojongs and IK tribes in Kidepo Valley National Park whose ways resemble those of the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania.
Cultural encounters are also great around Lake Bunyonyi, Murchison Falls National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Mountain Climbing and Hiking Safaris in Uganda
Other than the famous Uganda Gorilla trekking and wildlife experiences, visit Uganda, for amazing Mountain climbing adventures to the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains.
Else, you can either climb Mountain Elgon, the 3 Virunga Volcanoes that border Rwanda or Mountain Morungule in Kidepo NP.
Fishing Safaris in Uganda
This is a great activity off the beaten path, but very thrilling as get to catch some of the biggest fish species in the country’s fresh waters. Among others, they include Tilapia, Catfish, Nile Perch, Mudfish, and Rainbow Trout Fish.
Fishing safaris occur in Murchison Falls National Park, Nile River in Jinja, Lake Victoria, Lake Mburo National Park, and Ssesse Islands.
Boat Cruise Trips
This is a great way for tourists who travel to Africa to view aquatic wildlife like Crocodiles and hippos, especially on the water shores.
This thrilling adventure is common in Murchison Falls National Park to the bottom of the waterfalls, Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Victoria, the River Nile source in Jinja, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi.
Uganda Adventure Safaris and Tours
Adventure experiences are one of the activities that are off the beaten path. Tourists who travel Africa in Uganda will experience these adventures in national parks, game reserves, and other destinations.
Through adventure holidays, experience Uganda Gorilla trekking by meeting Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga NP.
For more adventures, go for Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park or visit the amazing cities and towns of the country.
Experience more adventure safaris through the following activities;
Game drives in the Savannah parks
Bungee jumping at the Nile River
White water rafting in Jinja on the source of the Nile River
Tubing and Kayaking at the Nile River
Horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park
Zip lining in Jinja and Lake Bunyonyi
Quad biking and cycling
Abseiling at Sipi Falls
Tourism Attractions to See in Uganda
There are various things to see when you visit Uganda on your private tour. Most tourist attractions are in the national parks and game reserves like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park famous for Gorillas, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi.
Some of the famous tourist attractions/things to see are;
Wild animals; for example Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park, best for Uganda Gorilla trekking adventures plus the big five and the big game in the savannah destinations.
Birds; which are over 1090 species counting the Shoebill are best to spot in Murchison Falls National Park of all East African destinations.
Mountains; for example Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda, Mountain Elgon on the Kenya border, and the Virunga Mountains on the Ugandan border with DR Congo, and Rwanda.
Lake and Rivers; For example, Lake Victoria the largest freshwater lake in the African continent, Lake Bunyonyi Africa’s second deepest lake, River Nile the longest river in the world and Lake Mburo among others.
Places to Visit During Uganda Tours
Uganda boasts various places to visit as you travel Africa with the national parks being the most famous destinations.
The country has 10 national parks with unique aspects and they include the following.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Found in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for tree climbing Lions. It also has over 95 mammal species 4 of the Big Five animals plus over 600 bird species.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best destination for Mountain Gorilla trekking as you will easily see endangered Mountain Gorillas live in their natural habitat.
This is because the park boasts almost half (about 459) of the surviving Mountain Gorillas in the world (about 1063).
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is also found in western Uganda northwards of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It is dubbed the “primate capital of the world” as it harbors 13 primate species and is the best Ugandan destination for Chimpanzee trekking.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest, oldest, and among the best savannah parks in the country harboring over 144 mammal species and 556 bird species that you can see on a game drive, boat cruises, and nature walks.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda is the smallest savannah park in the country.
It has about 68 mammal species and 350 bird species including the highest number of Impalas, Zebras, and Leopards.
Wildlife viewing in the park is best done through game drives, walking safaris, boat trips, and horseback riding.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is famous for its snowcapped peaks especially Margherita which is the highest.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects 60 mammal species and over 200 bird species.
It serves as the best destination for mountain hiking trips.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Mgahinga Gorilla NP is among the only two Mountain Gorilla trekking destinations, the other being Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is also the only Ugandan destination to spot the endangered Golden Monkeys.
Apart from Gorilla trekking, discover more than 180 bird species and other animals.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is an amazing wildlife and scenery destination to only compare with Lake Bunyonyi. Its wilderness ranks among the best in the world, competing with Maasai Mara and Serengeti of Kenya and Tanzania respectfully.
Lying on the South Sudan border, the park has over 70 mammal species and more than 400 bird species. Migratory birds and animals from South Sudan come to this park.
Mountain Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park lies in Eastern Uganda on the border of Kenya with over 300 species of birds.
It is a great destination for mountain climbing trips, but wildlife adventures are also possible as you will see Elephants, various Monkey species, and Buffaloes, especially on walking expeditions.
Semuliki Park
Semuliki NP is famous for birding as it has Congo Biome species in its great Congo Ituri Forest extension. Likewise, meet various wildlife for example wild Chimpanzees and different Monkey species in the forests.
Below are other places to visit on Uganda safaris;
Wildlife reserves; for example Pian Upe, Kyambura, Katonga, Karuma, Kabwoya, Bugungu, and Kigezi, etc.
Sanctuaries; including Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary among others.
Waterbodies; For example the Nile, which is the world’s longest River, Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Albert, among others.
Things to do in Uganda during a Uganda Tour – Uganda Safari Activities
The country is a haven for various activities and below are some of what you can do when you visit Uganda;
Uganda Gorilla trekking; This top guided tour highlight occurs in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park allowing you to spend one hour with the Gorillas when you visit Uganda.
Chimpanzee trekking; The primate adventure is best in Kibale Forest National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Bird watching in Uganda; is best done in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi, etc.
Uganda Wildlife Safaris/Game Drive expeditions; are best in savannah parks and reserves to view amazing wildlife. With the help of your tour guide, encounter this adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.
Boat cruises; are great for viewing aquatic animals on a guided tour at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi while you visit Uganda.
Accommodation Where to Stay During a Uganda Tour
Accommodations in Uganda range from luxury to midrange, and budget with comfortable facilities and food.
Below are among the best of some of these lodges in different parks;
On a trip, the clothes below can help you enjoy a comfortable experience;
Light long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Light sturdy shoes
A hat or cape
Sunglasses
What to Pack for a Safari to Uganda?
Likewise, carry the following for an amazing trip to Uganda;
A good camera with extra batteries
Binoculars
Insect repellent
Backpack
Sunscreen
Best Uganda Travel Packages/Popular Tour to Uganda Trips
As you travel Africa, choose from the best packages to Uganda, featuring amazing attractions and safari activities.
Below are some of the best tour packages;
2 Days Murchison Safari Uganda Tour
2 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Trip in Uganda
3 Days Murchison Safari Uganda Tour
3 Days Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda Kibale Forest National Park
4 Days Chimpanzee Trekking and Wildlife Safari Uganda Tour
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 Luxury Fishing Safari
7 Days Safari in Uganda –Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari –Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo Park & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
9 Days Nile Perch Fishing Safari in Uganda
9 Days Uganda Vacation
10 Days Best of Uganda Safari
12 Days Uganda Vacation
14 Days Safari in Uganda
15 Days Uganda trip Vacation
16 Days Uganda Trip
18 Days Uganda Safari
What is the Best Time to Travel to Uganda? | What is the Best Time of Year to Go on Safari in Uganda?
The dry season is the best time to travel to Uganda as game viewing will be easier. This season makes games more enjoyable as the trails are dry and easily accessible.
Likewise, Uganda Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park are also less challenging.
What is the Best Month to Visit Uganda? | Which Month is Best for Uganda?
The dry months of December to February and June to August are the best to visit Uganda because they offer great game-viewing experiences.
These months are in the dry season thus the peak season in the country, especially in the parks.
The wet seasons of March, April, and May are challenging for adventures as trails can be muddy and, thus slippery.
Nonetheless, Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is good all year. However, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and Queen Elizabeth National Park are usually cold at night due to their high altitudes.
How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Uganda?
It is based on different expenses like accommodation, activities, length of stay, etc. Travelers who have visited Uganda spend about $105 per day with an average expenditure of $28 on meals, accommodation at $95, and $20 on local transport each day.
Eastern African Community Single Tourists Visa
This Eastern African community visa is good for those planning to travel to Kenya and Rwanda including Uganda. This visa costs $100 and it is valid for 90 days.
When and Where to Buy Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Permits During Uganda Vacations?
Book Chimpanzee trekking and Mountain Gorilla trekking permits with the help of your travel agency/company or else buy them directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is best to book them in advance for easy planning.
If booking with a company choose one that is a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO).
How Much do Excursions Cost In Uganda in 2023?
Excursion costs depend on the activities you plan to undertake and it will go for about $80 and above.
How Many Days do You Need in Uganda? | How Many Days Should I Spend in Uganda?
5 days and above are favorable for Uganda Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, and a wildlife trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison NP, Kidepo NP, Lake Mburo Park.
How Much is 10 days Uganda Safari?
A 10-day trip is between $3200 to $4000 per person. Midrange trips cost between $3,900 to $4,300 per person, and luxury holidays cost about $4,500 per person including the services of a travel guide.
Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking?
Uganda is a better choice than Rwanda for Gorilla trekking. Rwanda Gorilla permits cost $1500 while Uganda Gorilla permits cost $700 in Uganda.
Additionally, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga have more Gorilla families than Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP.
How Much Does a Safari in Uganda Cost? | How Much Does it Cost to Go on Tour Uganda?
The cost for each person ranges between $200 to $300 depending on different factors like game drives, park entrances, meals, mode of transport, and the group size.
Inquire with your tour operators for the best costs.
What is the Best Way to Travel Around Uganda?
Road transport is the best way to travel to Uganda because it is cheap and easier to use for long distances. The transport means include buses, minibusses (matatu), taxis, and boda bodas which are safer when you have a helmet.
You can access taxis for transfers from or to Entebbe Airport and also use scheduled and chartered domestic flights.
What is Beautiful About Uganda?
Uganda, the Pearl of Africa boasts green vegetation, beautiful hills, tropical rainforests, mountains, water bodies, etc. Explore Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga NP and Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.
Also, discover the Big Five animals in the savannah destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Is Uganda Tourist Friendly?
Yes, the country is very tourist-friendly with welcoming people. It is best to learn more travel tips from a Uganda travel blog.
Can US Citizens Travel to Uganda?
US citizens can travel to Uganda if they have a passport, visa, or Yellow Fever Card.
Is it Safe to Travel to Uganda Currently?
It is currently safe to travel to Uganda as the country has no terrorism cases, no disease outbreaks, and no demonstrations and riots that would threaten your safety. Get travel tips from a Uganda travel blog and discover this magical place.
What Does a US Citizen Need to Travel to Uganda?
A US citizen will need an entry visa, vaccination certificate for Yellow fever, and passport to travel to Uganda.
Can I Drink Tap Water in Uganda?
Tap water is not safe for drinking in the country as you may get sick so always stick to bottled water.
What is the Internet Access Like in Uganda?
Internet access in the country is growing rapidly and it is better in urban areas than in rural areas as network coverage may be limited in rural areas.
What Should I Know Before Traveling to Uganda? | What do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Uganda?
Ensure that you know about the entry, exit, visa requirements, safety travel tips, health care, national laws, and emergency call numbers. An enlightening Uganda travel blog can give you all this information.
What is the Food Like in Uganda?
The food in the country is organic with lots of local delicacies like Matooke (cooked bananas), potatoes, cassava, beans, tomatoes, ground peanuts, and stewed meat.
You will also find Indian food and Western dishes in some restaurants in the country like steaks, fish, pasta, and pastry.
How Expensive is it to Travel in Uganda?
Traveling in Uganda is not expensive as costs to the country will majorly depend on the class of services.
Travel costs will highly depend on your travel style but the average cost is about $90 each day.
Things to Do and Places to Visit and Tour in Uganda
On your trip, trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and track Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.
Likewise, view animals in Kidepo, one of the world’s best parks, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison NP, and Lake Mburo NP.
Add on the adventurous rafting in Jinja, indigenous cultural encounters, Lake Bunyonyi island exploration, Rwenzori Mountains, and Mountain Elgon hikes.
Why Would Someone Travel to Uganda?
Some various outstanding attractions and activities would make someone explore the country and some of them include the following;
The country protects almost half of the surviving Mountain Gorillas in the world with about 459 Gorillas within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and others in Mgahinga.
The country has the source of the Nile.
There are all Big Five animals (Rhinos, Lions, Elephants, Leopards, and Buffaloes) in the country.
The crowd-free destinations make it a favorable place for African vacations.
There are 10 national parks and 12 game reserves protected by the Ugandan government and rich with animals.
This country provides the best adventure safaris to travelers off the beaten path.
Does Uganda Require Yellow Fever Vaccination?
Yes, you need to present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate at the airport and all borders upon your arrival in the country.
A tour to Uganda trip is thus great for creating lasting memories through trekking Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tracking Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, and searching for tree climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Additionally, adventures like birding and cultural encounters are also great on your trip.
Inquire and book your safaris today for amazing Uganda safaris trips.
