Apart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s other national parks are renowned for their exceptional wildlife experiences. Visitors can enjoy game drives and see a wide variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and many species of birds. Uganda therefore offers a unique combination of gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

What i wish i knew before visiting Uganda for safari ?

Uganda Luxury Safari: 2026 Guide to Costs, National parks & Where to Stay

Plan your best sfari in Uganda 2026-2027

Is Uganda Safe for Safari 2026\2027

Uganda Gorilla Tracking Packages

What is the most common National Park in Uganda ?

Uganda and Rwanda  Itineraries

Recommended itineraries and how to book them.

6 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Culture

2 Days Mount Bisoke & Gorilla Trek

4 Days Rwanda Primates Safari

5 Days Fly In Gorilla Safari

Below is a table of popular safari accommodations in Uganda’s major national parks. The lodges are grouped into Luxury, Mid-range, and Budget options.  

Introduction

Africa is famous throughout the world for its spectacular wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable safari experiences. Among the many African countries that offer safaris, Tanzania and Uganda stand out for different reasons. Both countries provide opportunities to see wild animals in their natural habitats, experience African cultures, and enjoy breathtaking scenery. However, a Tanzania safari and a Uganda safari are quite different in terms of wildlife, landscapes, activities, costs, accommodation, and the type of experience they offer.

Tanzania is one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa. It is particularly well known for the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Great Migration, and large concentrations of lions, elephants, zebras, and other plains animals. Uganda, on the other hand, is often called the “Pearl of Africa” because of its diverse landscapes, forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and rich wildlife. Uganda is especially famous for mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and combining primate experiences with traditional savannah safaris.

Although both countries offer excellent safaris, the best choice depends on what a traveller wants to see and do.

  Wildlife Experience

One of the biggest differences between Tanzania and Uganda is the type and concentration of wildlife visitors are likely to encounter.

Tanzania

Tanzania is particularly strong in traditional African savannah wildlife. Its famous national parks contain very large populations of animals. The Serengeti is home to enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras, as well as lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and many antelope species.

Tanzania is also one of the best places in Africa to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every year, millions of wildebeest, together with large numbers of zebras and other animals, move through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. This makes Tanzania an especially attractive destination for travellers whose main goal is to see large herds and dramatic predator-prey interactions.

The Ngorongoro Crater is another major attraction. The crater provides a relatively concentrated wildlife area where visitors can see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, flamingos, and other species.

Uganda

Uganda also has excellent savannah wildlife, but its greatest advantage is the combination of savannah animals and primates.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, visitors can see elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, Uganda kob, warthogs, and many bird species. The park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

Murchison Falls National Park offers excellent opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and many other species. A boat trip along the Victoria Nile is an additional highlight.

However, Uganda’s most internationally famous wildlife experience is mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is home to a significant proportion of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Uganda is also an excellent destination for chimpanzee trekking, particularly in Kibale National Park.

Therefore, Tanzania is generally stronger for large-scale savannah wildlife and the Great Migration, while Uganda is particularly strong for gorillas, chimpanzees, and a combination of primates and savannah wildlife.

2. Landscape and Scenery

The landscapes of the two countries are also very different.

Tanzania’s Landscape

Tanzania is famous for vast open plains and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The Serengeti has enormous grasslands that stretch toward the horizon. These open landscapes make it possible to see animals from a considerable distance.

The Ngorongoro Crater provides spectacular views from the crater rim, while Mount Kilimanjaro offers another iconic Tanzanian landscape.

Tanzania therefore provides the classic image many people have of an African safari: open grasslands, acacia trees, large herds of animals, and predators moving across the plains.

Uganda’s Landscape

Uganda has much more varied scenery. The country contains forests, savannahs, mountains, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and rolling green hills.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is characterized by dense tropical forest and steep terrain. Gorilla trekking here can be physically demanding because visitors walk through thick vegetation and mountainous terrain.

Queen Elizabeth National Park combines savannah with lakes and the famous Kazinga Channel. Murchison Falls has the Nile River and one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls.

Uganda therefore offers a more varied and greener landscape, while Tanzania is particularly famous for its vast, open savannah scenery.

3. Gorilla Trekking and Primate Experiences

This is perhaps the most important difference between the two destinations.

Tanzania is not primarily known for gorilla trekking. Uganda, however, is one of the world’s leading destinations for mountain gorilla tourism.

A gorilla trek involves travelling into the forest with trained guides and trackers to find a habituated gorilla family. Once the group is located, visitors can spend a regulated period observing the gorillas.

The experience is completely different from a traditional vehicle safari. Instead of sitting in a safari vehicle and watching animals on open plains, travellers walk through a forest and encounter gorillas at close range.

Uganda is also particularly well known for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. This makes Uganda highly attractive to travellers who want a primate-focused safari.

Tanzania is generally the better choice for travellers whose priority is the classic Big Five and large herds, whereas Uganda is especially attractive to travellers who want gorillas and chimpanzees in addition to traditional safari animals.

4. The Big Five

The term Big Five traditionally refers to the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

Tanzania

Tanzania is one of Africa’s strongest Big Five destinations. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro areas provide particularly good opportunities to see several of these species.

The Ngorongoro ecosystem is especially famous for its concentration of wildlife, while the Serengeti provides excellent opportunities for predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Uganda

Uganda also has four of the traditional Big Five in several areas, with rhinoceros conservation and viewing available at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and other conservation initiatives.

Uganda can therefore provide a Big Five experience, but it is generally not marketed primarily around the Big Five in the same way as Tanzania or some other East African safari destinations.

5. The Great Migration

Another major difference is the Great Migration.

Tanzania is one of the principal countries involved in the annual wildebeest migration. The Serengeti is a major stage of this enormous natural movement.

During different periods of the year, travellers may have opportunities to see huge herds moving across the plains, predators following them, and dramatic river crossings depending on the season and location.

Uganda does not have an equivalent wildlife spectacle on the scale of the Serengeti’s Great Migration.

Therefore, if the Great Migration is a major reason for your trip, Tanzania is the stronger choice.

6. Safari Activities

Activities in Tanzania

A typical Tanzanian safari may include:

• Game drives
• Hot-air balloon safaris
• Cultural visits
• Walking experiences in selected areas
• Bird watching
• Visiting the Ngorongoro Crater
• Experiencing the Great Migration
• Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
• Beach holidays in Zanzibar

The combination of safari and beach holiday is particularly popular. A traveller can spend several days watching wildlife in northern Tanzania and then relax on the beaches of Zanzibar.

Activities in Uganda

Uganda offers a broader mixture of adventure and wildlife activities, including:

• Gorilla trekking
• Chimpanzee trekking
• Game drives
• Boat safaris
• Bird watching
• Nature walks
• Cultural experiences
• Hiking
• Mountain climbing
• White-water rafting
• Visiting waterfalls
• Fishing in selected areas

This makes Uganda particularly suitable for travellers who want an active and diverse adventure holiday rather than only traditional game drives.

7. Cost of a Safari

The cost of a safari depends heavily on accommodation, season, transport, number of travellers, and activities.

Tanzania can be relatively expensive, particularly in the most popular safari areas and during peak seasons. Luxury lodges, private vehicles, park fees, and high-demand destinations can make a Tanzanian safari costly.

Uganda can sometimes offer better value for travellers looking for a combination of wildlife, culture, and adventure. However, gorilla trekking is a special case: the gorilla permit is a significant part of the cost of a Ugandan trip.

Therefore, Uganda is not necessarily always cheaper than Tanzania. The final cost depends on the itinerary. A Uganda trip that includes gorilla trekking can still be expensive, while a simple Ugandan wildlife safari may be more affordable.

8. Accessibility and Tourism Infrastructure

Tanzania has a highly developed safari tourism industry, particularly in the northern safari circuit. There are many safari companies, lodges, camps, guides, and established routes.

The northern circuit commonly includes destinations such as Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti.

Uganda’s tourism infrastructure has also developed considerably, but some safari routes involve longer road journeys and more challenging terrain. Gorilla trekking destinations such as Bwindi can require significant travel time.

This means Tanzania can be easier for someone looking for a straightforward classic safari itinerary, while Uganda may appeal more to adventurous travellers who do not mind longer transfers.

9. Accommodation

Both countries offer accommodation ranging from budget campsites to luxury lodges.

Tanzania

Tanzania has an extensive selection of:

• Luxury safari lodges
• Tented camps
• Mobile camps
• Mid-range lodges
• Budget campsites

Many properties are located close to major wildlife areas, allowing travellers to spend more time inside or near the parks.

Uganda

Uganda also has luxury lodges, mid-range accommodation, campsites, and forest lodges. Some of the most memorable accommodation experiences are found near gorilla and chimpanzee trekking areas.

Ugandan lodges can provide spectacular views of forests, mountains, lakes, and savannah landscapes.

10. Culture and Local Communities

Both countries provide opportunities to learn about local cultures.

Tanzania is home to many ethnic communities, including the Maasai, who are particularly well known in the northern safari regions. Cultural visits can provide insight into traditional lifestyles, clothing, music, dance, and pastoral traditions.

Uganda has a very diverse population with many ethnic groups and languages. Cultural experiences can include village visits, traditional dances, food, crafts, and community tourism projects.

Uganda’s cultural experiences can be particularly attractive because they can easily be combined with wildlife and primate tourism.

11. Bird Watching

Uganda has a particularly strong reputation among bird watchers. Its combination of forests, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and savannah creates habitats for a very large variety of bird species.

Tanzania is also excellent for bird watching, particularly around its lakes, wetlands, forests, and savannah ecosystems.

However, Uganda’s combination of tropical forests and diverse habitats makes it especially attractive to serious bird enthusiasts.

12. Safari Vehicles and Game Drives

Tanzania’s open plains are ideal for traditional game drives. Visitors can often see animals from relatively long distances because vegetation is not as dense as in Uganda’s forests.

In Uganda, game drives are also excellent in parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. However, Uganda’s safari experience can involve a greater mixture of game drives, boat trips, forest walks, and trekking.

Thus, Tanzania is particularly suited to people who want a classic vehicle-based safari, while Uganda is better suited to people who want a multi-activity safari adventure.

13. Overall Atmosphere

A Tanzania safari can feel grand and spectacular. The huge plains, large animal populations, famous parks, and Great Migration create a sense of scale that is difficult to match.

Uganda can feel more intimate, diverse, and adventurous. A single itinerary can combine forests, gorillas, chimpanzees, savannah wildlife, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and cultural experiences.

In simple terms:

Tanzania gives you the classic African safari experience on a very large scale.

Uganda gives you a more varied African adventure, particularly famous for gorillas and chimpanzees.

Comparison Table

Which Safari Is Better?

There is no single answer to which country has the “better” safari because the two destinations offer different experiences.

Choose Tanzania if:

You should strongly consider Tanzania if you want:

1. The Great Migration.
2. Huge herds of wildebeest and zebras.
3. Excellent opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants.
4. The classic African savannah experience.
5. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
6. A luxury safari experience.
7. A safari combined with a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
8. A first-time African safari focused mainly on wildlife and game drives.

Choose Uganda if:

Uganda may be the better choice if you want:

1. Mountain gorilla trekking.
2. Chimpanzee trekking.
3. A combination of primates and traditional safari animals.
4. Beautiful green landscapes, forests and mountains.
5. Boat safaris.
6. Excellent bird watching.
7. Hiking and adventure activities.
8. A less conventional safari experience with more variety.

Conclusion

Tanzania and Uganda are both outstanding safari destinations, but they appeal to different types of travellers.

Tanzania is the stronger destination for the traditional African safari. Its vast Serengeti plains, enormous wildlife populations, Ngorongoro Crater, and Great Migration make it one of the world’s most famous safari destinations. It is particularly suitable for travellers whose main objective is to see large numbers of wild animals in open savannah landscapes.

Uganda offers a more diverse and adventurous safari experience. Its greatest strengths are mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, beautiful forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, and excellent savannah parks. Uganda allows travellers to combine several different types of experiences within one trip.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the traveller’s priorities. If the dream is to watch thousands of wildebeest crossing the Serengeti or to experience a classic Big Five safari, Tanzania is likely the better choice. If the dream is to stand in a rainforest observing mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, enjoy boat safaris, and then go on game drives, Uganda is likely the better choice.

For a traveller who has enough time and budget, visiting both Tanzania and Uganda can provide an exceptional East African experience because the two countries complement each other rather than simply compete with each other.

Uganda Chimp trekking is always (valid for 24 hours) cost $40 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents, and UGX 20,000 for East African citizens per adult. Children pay lower rates, and chimpanzee tracking permits ($200–$250) usually include park entry. You can check exact details via the Uganda Wildlife Authority

Uganda is one of the best destinations in Africa for chimpanzee trekking, with Kibale National Park being the country’s most famous destination for this exciting primate experience. Chimpanzee trekking gives visitors an opportunity to enter the rainforest with experienced guides and search for habituated chimpanzee communities in their natural environment.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Cost in Uganda

As of July 2026, the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s revised tariff lists the standard chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale National Park at:

Foreign non-residents: USD 300 per person

Foreign residents: USD 200 per person

Rest of Africa: USD 100 per person

East African citizens: UGX 180,000 per person

These rates apply to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.

These rates apply to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.

The permit is an important part of the chimpanzee trekking experience because it gives visitors authorization to participate in the activity and contributes to wildlife conservation and the management of the national park.

What Does the Permit Include?

The chimpanzee tracking fee at Kibale includes the guided tracking experience and, under the UWA tariff structure, the relevant park entrance fee for the day. However, the permit does not normally cover accommodation, transportation to Kibale, meals, or other safari expenses.

Therefore, travelers should budget separately for their safari vehicle, driver-guide, accommodation, meals and other activities.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

For visitors who want to spend considerably more time with chimpanzees, Uganda also offers a chimpanzee habituation experience. This is different from ordinary trekking because visitors can spend several hours observing the chimpanzees as they become accustomed to human presence.

Under the revised tariff, the habituation experience costs:

Foreign non-residents: USD 400

Foreign residents: USD 300

Rest of Africa: USD 250

East African citizens: UGX 250,000

Why Book Your Chimpanzee Permit Early?

Chimpanzee trekking is a popular activity, especially during the high tourist seasons. It is therefore advisable to reserve your permit in advance, particularly if you are travelling as a group or have fixed travel dates.

Booking early also allows you to organize your accommodation, transportation and other activities around the confirmed trekking date.

Where to see the chimps in Uganda’s?

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is the most famous destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and is widely regarded as one of the best places in East Africa to see chimpanzees. Uganda Wildlife Authority notes that Kibale is home to around 1,500 chimpanzees. Visitors can participate in both ordinary chimpanzee tracking and the chimpanzee habituation experience.

During trekking, visitors walk through the beautiful tropical forest with trained guides while searching for habituated chimpanzee communities. In addition to chimpanzees, the forest is home to several other primates, birds, butterflies and forest animals. This makes Kibale an excellent destination for travelers interested in primates and nature.

Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest is another important place to see chimpanzees in Uganda. It is located within the greater Murchison Falls landscape, making it possible for visitors to combine chimpanzee tracking with a traditional wildlife safari.

The Budongo Conservation Field Station reports that the forest is home to approximately 600–700 chimpanzees. Several chimpanzee communities have been studied and habituated, while Kaniyo-Pabidi is one of the areas recommended for visitors.

A visit to Budongo is particularly attractive because tourists can combine chimpanzee trekking with a safari in Murchison Falls National Park, where they can also look for elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos and many species of birds.

Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge is located in Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The gorge contains a forested valley where visitors can trek in search of chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is a wonderful addition to a Queen Elizabeth safari because tourists can combine primate viewing with game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Chimpanzee sightings can be less predictable than in Kibale, but the beautiful gorge and forest make the experience worthwhile.

Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest is located near Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. It is another destination where visitors can participate in chimpanzee trekking.

The forest is rich in biodiversity and contains chimpanzees as well as many other species of monkeys, birds and butterflies. Its location makes it convenient for travelers who are already visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park and want to add a chimpanzee experience to their safari.

For travelers who are staying around Entebbe or Kampala, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides a different opportunity to see chimpanzees. Unlike trekking in the wild, Ngamba Island is a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees.

Visitors can travel by boat across Lake Victoria to the island and observe the chimpanzees while learning about their conservation, rescue and rehabilitation. Uganda’s 2026 State of Wildlife Resources report records 54 chimpanzees under ex-situ management at Ngamba Island.

Uganda has successfully contained and defeated the recent Ebola outbreak that affected the country following cases linked to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Through the swift response of the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Health, healthcare workers, and support from international partners, the outbreak was brought under control.

Today, Uganda is safe and ready to welcome visitors from around the world. Travelers can once again enjoy the country’s breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality with confidence.

Some of Uganda’s top tourist destinations include:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Kibale National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Government of Uganda officially announced that the Ebola outbreak had been successfully contained. You can read the official statement from the Uganda Media Centre here:
https://mediacentre.go.ug/press-room/uganda-has-defeated-ebola-again-now-lift-negative-advisories-7fen

The World Health Organization (WHO), together with Uganda’s Ministry of Health, also confirmed that the outbreak had ended and that no further Ebola cases had been reported. More information is available from the WHO Disease Outbreak News:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON613

Although the United States has maintained a Level 4 travel advisory for Uganda, travelers are encouraged to review the specific reasons for any travel advisory and consult the latest guidance from their own country’s foreign affairs or travel authority before making travel plans. Travel advisories vary from one country to another and may be based on different factors, not solely disease outbreaks.

Uganda remains one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations, offering unforgettable experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, birdwatching, cultural encounters, adventure activities, and beautiful scenery. Tourism services, national parks, hotels, and tour operators continue to operate normally while maintaining high standards of health and safety.

We warmly invite visitors from around the world to experience the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is open, safe, and ready to welcome you for an unforgettable adventure.

Visit Uganda in 2026 – Discover the Pearl of Africa!

The cost of a luxury safari typically scales based on the length of the trip, how much you fly internally between parks, and the exclusivity of the lodges.

What these luxury prices typically include:

Logistics: Internal “fly-in” light aircraft flights between remote bush airstrips.

Privacy: Private 4×4 safari vehicles and highly experienced senior guides.

All-Inclusive Comfort: Gourmet meals, premium drinks, daily laundry service, and all national park or private concession entry fees.

What makes a Uganda luxury safari different

Uganda  has all types of markets the mid ,budget and Luxury. That’s not an accident, it’s policy.

In the early 1950s, the Uganda government chose to pursue all types of market tourism in Uganda.

The Three Major Luxury Accommodations in Uganda

Barkers Lodge

Katara Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari lodge

Its capital city is Kampala, and it is known for wildlife, mountain gorillas, national parks, and being home to a large portion of Lake Victoria.

By air: Most international travelers fly into Entebbe International Airport, located near Kampala. From neighbouring countries: You can enter by road from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

When is the best time to visit Uganda?

June to August — Excellent wildlife viewing, drier roads and trails. December to February — Another dry period with good conditions for game drives and gorilla trekking

The rainy seasons (March–May and September–November) can offer lower prices and fewer tourists, but roads may be muddy and trekking can be more challenging.

If you’re planning a trip, July and January are often considered among the very best months for a Ugandan safari.

For how long do you stay in Uganda from the safari ?

For most travelers, 8–10 days is the sweet spot. It gives enough time to experience Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture without feeling rushed.You can stay in Uganda for 3 days,4 days and 6 days

What to pack for Uganda Safari?

• Clothing
• Lightweight, breathable shirts (long-sleeved are useful for sun and insects)
• Lightweight trousers or safari pants
• A light fleece or jacket for early morning game drives
• Rain jacket or waterproof shell
• Comfortable hiking socks
• Hat with a brim
• Sleepwear and casual clothes for lodges

Must See Wild animals in Uganda

• Gorillas
• Lions
• Leopard
• Chimpanzee

Serengeti National park 

SERENGENTI  SAFARI -9 DAYS TANZANIA SAFARI

Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

Day 1: Arusha
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and assisted by our Airport representative, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha.  Overnight at Mountain Village Lodge. B.B

Day 2: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your morning scheduled flight to Serengeti National Park, undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. Pick up from the airstrip and proceed to your camp. Afternoon game drive until sunset.Dinner and Overnight at Kisura Serengeti Camp. B.L.D B.L.D

Day 3: Serengeti National Park
All day spent in the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Dinner and Overnight at Kisura Serengeti Camp. B.L.D
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
All day spent in the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Dinner and Overnight at Kisura Serengeti Camp. B.L.D

Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, drive to Ngorongoro Crater and do a game-viewing en-route. Your 2-night stay is at the opulent Crater Lodge, right on the rim.

We have 2 game drives planned for you. The first one takes place after early lunch. We descend onto the crater floor to observe the high-octane wildlife drama that can unfold in a game area with the highest density of wildlife anywhere. We return to a hot bath, warm fire and sherry at dusk. Dinner and Overnight at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. B.L.D

Day 6: Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Early morning, we descend again onto the crater floor to capture the wildlife encounters in a different light. Later we return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon you may enjoy optional extra activities.  Dinner and Overnight at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. B.L.D

Day 7: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, we drive to the luxurious Swala Camp located in a remote part of Tarangire Park.

Swala’s waterhole and exclusivity and Tarangire’s beauty and colours provide a grand finale to this marvelous safari program. Afternoon game drive and return to the Camp for Dinner and Overnight at Swala Camp. B.L.D

Day 8: Tarangire National Park
Whole day in Tarangire with morning and afternoon game drives.Dinner and Overnight at Swala Camp. B.L.D

Day 9: Depart
After breakfast, drive to Arusha where a dayroom has been reserved for you at KIA Lodge. In the evening transfer to the airport for your homeward bound flight.

3 DAYS QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK 

climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National park

Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari

This tour takes you to Queen Elizabeth National park the” Melody of wonders” and Uganda’s most popular destination. Set against the jagged Mountains of the Moon, the Ruwenzori’s has a diverse ecosystem such sprawling Savannah, crater lakes, etc. make it ideal for classic big game. The park holds 10 primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 bird species.

Day 1: Kampala –Queen Elizabeth (7hrs)

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for Its tree- climbing lions with a stopover at the Equator. Proceed through volcanic formations of the Western Rift Valley towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The descent reveals a stunning panorama of Lakes George and Edward amidst game-filled plains. In the evening, enjoy a game-drive, before retiring at your preferred lodge. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge. B.L.D

Day 2: Game and Boat Cruise- Queen Elizabeth.

Depart for an early morning game drive and later return to the lodge for breakfast.  Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse eco-system of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters. The Park is a home to lion, leopard, and giant forest hog, Cape buffalo, elephants, De fassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Topi and bushbuck. The park has also retained its reputation as an ornithologists’ delight with more than 600 species of bird found here. The afternoon boat-cruise offers an excellent platform for photography and game viewing. The birdlife is colorful and abundant. Enjoy a sundowner while admiring the view before dinner. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge. B.L.D

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth- Kampala (7hrs)

Being your last day at the Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can either choose to go for an early morning balloon trip which is usually very outstanding way of seeing the Savannah plains and the wildlife after which you come back down for a beautiful champagne breakfast alternatively you could opt for an early morning chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura gorge before being transferred to Kampala.

End of Tour!

Uganda is one of the best destinations in Africa for chimpanzee trekking and wildlife adventures. The country is blessed with thick tropical forests, beautiful national parks, and a large population of chimpanzees. chimpanzee experience  in Uganda gives tourists an opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Chimpanzees are the closest relatives to human beings, sharing almost 98% of human DNA. They are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and ability to use tools. In Uganda, chimpanzees can be found in several forests and national parks such as Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Among these destinations, Kibale National Park is the most famous because it has the highest number of chimpanzees in the country.

The chimpanzee trekking experience usually begins early in the morning with a briefing from park guides and rangers. Visitors are informed about the rules and safety measures to follow while in the forest. After the briefing, tourists enter the forest in small groups accompanied by experienced guides who help track the chimpanzees through sounds, footprints, and movement in the trees.

Walking through the forest is an exciting adventure. Tourists enjoy the fresh air, beautiful trees, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife species. As visitors move deeper into the forest, they may hear loud panting calls and screams from the chimpanzees. Finally seeing the chimpanzees jumping from one tree branch to another is a memorable moment. Some chimpanzees are seen feeding, grooming each other, playing, or taking care of their young ones.

One of the most interesting parts of the chimpanzee experience is observing their human-like behavior. Chimpanzees communicate through sounds, facial expressions, and gestures. They live in communities led by dominant males and cooperate while searching for food. Watching them interact teaches visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and the close relationship between humans and primates.

Uganda also offers a special activity known as chimpanzee habituation. This experience allows tourists to spend more hours with chimpanzees as researchers help them become comfortable around human beings. Chimpanzee habituation is mostly carried out in Kibale National Park and provides a deeper understanding of chimpanzee behavior and conservation work.

Chimpanzee tourism is important to Uganda because it contributes to the economy through tourism revenue. It creates employment opportunities for guides, hotel workers, drivers, and local communities. The money collected from permits also supports conservation programs that protect forests and wildlife from destruction.

However, chimpanzees face several challenges such as deforestation, poaching, and diseases. Human activities continue to reduce their natural habitats. Therefore, both the government and conservation organizations work hard to protect these endangered animals and educate communities about the importance of conservation.

What Gorilla Tracking Packages Include

A standard gorilla tracking package typically includes several essential components. The most important is the gorilla trekking permit, which allows visitors to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family. In Uganda, tracking is mainly done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both known for their rich biodiversity.

Packages also include accommodation, which ranges from budget lodges to luxury safari camps. Transportation is usually provided in the form of 4×4 safari vehicles, ensuring safe travel through rough terrain. Additionally, professional guides and park rangers accompany tourists during the trek, offering safety and valuable information about gorillas and the forest ecosystem.

Types of Gorilla Tracking Packages

Gorilla tracking packages vary depending on duration, budget, and traveler preferences. Short packages, such as 2–3 day trips, are ideal for visitors with limited time and often focus only on the trekking experience. Longer packages, lasting 5–10 days, may combine gorilla tracking with other activities like wildlife safaris, cultural visits, and bird watching.

Budget packages provide basic accommodation and shared transport, making them affordable for many travelers. Mid-range packages offer more comfort, while luxury packages include high-end lodges, private transport, and personalized services.

Cost of Gorilla Tracking Packages

The cost of gorilla tracking packages depends on several factors, including the country, accommodation level, and duration of the trip. Gorilla permits are the most expensive part of the package. For example, permits in Uganda are generally more affordable compared to Rwanda, making Uganda a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Luxury packages can cost several thousand dollars, while budget options may be significantly cheaper. Despite the cost, many tourists consider the experience worthwhile due to its uniqueness and conservation value.

3 days Rwanda Gorilla Tracking

4 day gorilla trek Uganda

8 days Gorilla Mist Rwanda

Best Time for Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking can be done throughout the year, but the best time is during the dry seasons when trails are less slippery and easier to navigate. In Uganda, these periods usually fall between June to September and December to February.

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek.

3 Days Affordable Rwanda Gorilla Trek