Uganda Safari: Bwindi Gorillas & Murchison Falls

Uganda is a landlocked East African country bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A Uganda safari is best known for gorilla trekking, since Uganda is home to nearly half the world's remaining mountain gorillas, alongside chimpanzee tracking and classic savannah wildlife.

Uganda is a well-established and generally safe destination for a Uganda safari, with tourism infrastructure built around its national parks. As with any destination, follow standard precautions, stay with your guide in remote areas, and check current government travel advisories before booking Uganda safari tours.

Yes. US citizens need a visa to enter Uganda, applied for online in advance as an eVisa through Uganda's immigration portal. Requirements and fees can change, so confirm current details and apply with enough lead time before your Uganda safari.

The dry seasons, June to September and December to February, are the best time for a Uganda safari, offering easier hiking conditions for gorilla trekking and stronger game viewing. Wetter months bring lush scenery and fewer crowds, and Uganda safari tours run year-round.

A Uganda safari can range from a few days focused on gorilla trekking to 10 days or more combining gorillas, chimpanzees, and savannah wildlife. Most Uganda Safari Tours are planned around the parks and experiences you want to include.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the main destination for gorilla trekking, while Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls are popular for classic wildlife viewing. Kibale is known for chimpanzee tracking, and Lake Mburo offers zebras, antelope, hippos, and birdlife.

Yes, you can see lions, elephants, buffalo and leopards on a Uganda safari, while rhinos can be added through a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Wildlife sightings vary by park, season, and conditions.
 

Yes. Uganda Safari Tours can combine classic game drives with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, making it possible to experience several types of wildlife in one trip. 

Gorilla trekking can range from moderate to strenuous because trails pass through dense forest and uneven or steep terrain. Trek duration varies depending on where the gorilla family is located, so a reasonable level of fitness and suitable hiking gear are recommended.

A standard gorilla trekking permit costs around $800 for foreign non-residents, covering one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Uganda also offers discounted low-season rates in April, May and November. Rates are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and can change, so confirm current pricing when booking Uganda safari tours.

Yes. Uganda safari tours can combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge, letting travelers experience two great ape species on one trip without significant extra travel time.

Wear long trousers and long sleeves in neutral colors to protect against vegetation and stinging nettles, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, and gardening gloves for gripping plants on steep sections. A rain jacket, hat and insect repellent round out the essentials for gorilla trekking on a Uganda safari.

Park regulations require staying at least 7 to 10 meters from mountain gorillas, though they may approach closer on their own. Visitors must keep voices low, avoid sudden movements, and follow ranger instructions at all times during the one-hour viewing period on a Uganda safari.

No. Flash photography is not allowed during gorilla trekking, as it can startle or stress the gorillas. Bring a camera suited to low-light rainforest conditions, and check settings before your trek so you're not adjusting them while observing the gorillas.

Yes. Uganda safari tours can be combined with Tanzania, pairing Uganda's gorilla trekking with Tanzania's Serengeti plains and classic savannah game drives. Memphis Tours offers a multi-country Uganda and Tanzania itinerary connecting both experiences in a single trip.

A Uganda safari with Memphis Tours includes private transfers, handpicked accommodation and an English-speaking driver-guide with a private vehicle throughout your trip. Our specialists confirm exact inclusions when you book.

Yes. Every Uganda safari with Memphis Tours is a private, customized tour. Our specialists adjust routes, lodges, park selection and pacing, whether that means adding chimpanzee tracking, extending time at Murchison Falls, or combining Uganda safari tours with Tanzania or Rwanda.