Best Uganda Safari Tours in 2026 — Gorillas, Chimps & Big Game
Uganda is Africa's primate capital and one of the continent's most underrated safari destinations. Half the world's mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and a single week can deliver gorillas, chimpanzees, the Big Four (no rhinos in the wild, but plenty in Ziwa Sanctuary), and the source of the Nile.
Our four picks from Safari.com cover everything from a 4-day gorilla express to a 12-day grand tour. All include gorilla permits (currently $800), 4×4 with English-speaking guide, and full board accommodation.
Top 4 Uganda safari tours
We hand-picked these Uganda safari itineraries from Safari.com — Africa's leading safari operator (World Travel Awards 2024 & 2025, Trustpilot 4.9/5, 58,000+ travellers since 2006). Book directly with their team and we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
June–September and December–February are the two dry seasons — best for gorilla trekking (less muddy trails) and game viewing in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
The rainy months (March–May, October–November) are cheaper and the forests are spectacular, but treks are tougher. Bring waterproof boots.
What to pack
Waterproof hiking boots (broken in!) — gorilla trails can be steep and muddy.
Long sleeves and trousers (against nettles and biting flies).
Gardening gloves — surprisingly useful for grabbing vegetation on steep climbs.
Rain jacket year-round; Bwindi is a rainforest.
Surgical mask (required during gorilla viewing) — bring a few.
Camera with 70–200mm lens (anything longer is hard to use in dense forest).
A single gorilla permit is $800 (rising to $1,000 in 2026 for some lodges). Chimp permits are $250. Both should be booked 3–6 months ahead — permits sell out.
Stay connected on your Uganda safari
Skip airport SIM queues. Activate a Safari eSIM before you fly and get instant 4G/LTE data on arrival — perfect for sharing photos from the bush.
Both are very safe. Uganda is cheaper ($800 permit vs $1,500) and offers more variety (chimps, big game, the Nile). Rwanda is faster (2-hour drive vs 8 hours) and more polished. Uganda for adventure travellers; Rwanda for time-constrained luxury.
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
Moderately fit. Treks last 2–8 hours at altitudes of 2,000–2,500m on steep, often muddy terrain. Porters ($15–$20) are available and highly recommended — they also support local communities.
Can children do gorilla trekking?
Minimum age is 15. Younger kids can still enjoy Queen Elizabeth NP game drives, chimp tracking from a hide, and the Ziwa rhino walk.
How do I get to Uganda for a safari?
Fly into Entebbe (EBB) — direct flights from Brussels, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, and several African hubs. Your safari operator handles all in-country transfers.
Do I need vaccinations for Uganda?
Yellow fever is required (certificate needed on arrival). Recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis. Confirm with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before you fly.
Safari.com is Africa's leading safari company (World Travel Awards 2024 & 2025). We earn a small affiliate commission on bookings — at no extra cost to you.