Everything You Need to Know
Before Coming to Uganda
Planning a trip to the Pearl of Africa? Our Uganda safari frequently asked questions guide covers everything you need to know before you go—from safety and costs to food, transportation, and the best time to visit.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a digital nomad, this is the most comprehensive resource to help you prepare for your unforgettable Ugandan adventure.
Planning & Booking
Booking a Uganda safari is less about the safari vehicle and more about the permits. The single most important component is your gorilla permit. We recommend securing this permit at least six months to a year in advance, particularly for peak season travel.
There are only a limited number of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda issued each day, and they sell out far ahead of time. Waiting until the last minute is a gamble that almost never pays off.
Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Uganda. The process is straightforward and can be completed online through the official government portal. You will need a valid passport, a recent photo, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to apply.
For those visiting multiple countries, the East Africa Tourist Visa is a viable option for a single-entry visa to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. For a more detailed breakdown, consult our East African tourist visa guide.
The cost of a safari varies widely. The biggest determinant is the gorilla permit, currently priced at $800 per person. Beyond that, a safari is a package of expenses: accommodation, transportation, park fees, and activities.
A realistic budget for a mid-range safari is between $400-$700 per person per day. Luxury options can exceed $1,000 per day. For a more granular view, read our guide on Tips on How to Make Your Ugandan Safari More Affordable.
A transparent quote should list all inclusions and exclusions clearly. Be skeptical of a quote that seems too good to be true. Standard exclusions are international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and tips.
A reliable operator's quote will break down the cost of permits, park fees, lodging, and vehicle use. If you see an all-inclusive price without a detailed breakdown, question it. The best practice is to ask for a line-item explanation.
Our standard policy requires a non-refundable deposit—typically 30% of the total cost—to secure permits and lodge bookings. The remaining balance is due at a later, agreed-upon date.
We accept various payment methods, but some may incur a processing fee. We provide clear, itemized invoices to ensure you know exactly what you are paying for.
While not a legal requirement for entry, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all our safaris. This is not a negotiable point. Your policy must cover trip cancellation, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
The cost of a medical evacuation from a remote national park is substantial, and a basic policy will not cover it. We do not provide travel insurance; it is a personal responsibility to choose a policy that suits your needs.
No, the price of our safaris does not include international airfare. You are responsible for booking your own flights to and from Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
We provide all airport transfers as part of your package, but the cost of the flights themselves is separate.
The ideal time to visit depends entirely on your priorities.
- The dry seasons from December to February and June to August are peak times. Game viewing is excellent, and gorilla trekking trails are less muddy.
- The green seasons—March to May and September to November—offer a different kind of beauty. The landscape is lush, migratory birds are abundant, and lodge prices are often lower.
If you prioritize photography and solitude over a standard wildlife spectacle, the green season is a strong contender. For a month-by-month analysis, see our Best Time to Visit Africa Wildlife guide.
A typical Uganda safari is a week to ten days long. This duration allows for a combination of gorilla trekking with other activities. Shorter trips are possible, but for a true sense of the country’s diversity—from the savannah of Murchison Falls to the rainforest of Bwindi—a longer stay is necessary.
Many travelers combine a primate safari with a few days of game drives. We can customize an itinerary from The Best One Day Safaris in Uganda to a multi-week expedition.
Safety & Health
Uganda is safe for tourists. This question is often loaded with media-driven fear and sensationalism. The truth is that while no country is risk-free, Uganda is a stable and welcoming nation.
Petty crime exists in urban areas, but violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. We advise against night travel in cities and recommend using a trusted guide or taxi.
The reality on the ground is far different from what you might read in an embassy advisory.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all visitors entering Uganda. Your doctor may also recommend typhoid, hepatitis A, and routine immunizations.
We advise consulting a travel health clinic well in advance of your departure for a personalized health plan.
Yes, malaria is present in Uganda. It is a serious risk that should not be taken lightly.
The best approach is a combination of prevention strategies. This includes taking a prescribed anti-malaria medication, using insect repellent with DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants in the evening, and sleeping under a mosquito net.
All quality lodges provide nets. Prevention is better than treatment.
Uganda is politically stable, but like any country, it has its social complexities. It’s important to acknowledge these realities without letting them paralyze your travel plans.
The political situation rarely affects tourists. When it comes to social issues, a respectful and open-minded approach goes a long way. Be aware of local customs, especially concerning dress and public behavior.
A deeper dive into these topics is available in our post, 5 Key Things to Know About Uganda’s Indigenous Communities.
Safety precautions for gorilla trekking are focused on the well-being of the gorillas, and by extension, your own. You will trek with armed rangers and an experienced guide.
Rules include maintaining a 7-meter distance from the gorillas, not using flash photography, and not eating or drinking near them.
These are not arbitrary rules; they are critical for preventing the spread of diseases from humans to these endangered animals.
No, it is not. The tap water is not potable. You should only drink bottled or filtered water provided by your safari operator or lodge.
Lodges often provide bottled water for free, and some have filtered water stations.
Uganda is a very safe and welcoming destination for solo female travelers. Ugandans are generally helpful and respectful. The key is to exercise the same common sense you would in any unfamiliar country.
Book with a reputable tour operator, listen to your guide, and avoid walking alone at night in cities. Modest dress is recommended in rural areas out of respect for local culture.
Gorilla Trekking
The most common way to book a Gorilla trekking in Uganda permit is through a registered tour operator.
While it is possible to book directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a reputable operator simplifies the process, securing the permit on your behalf and managing the complex logistics.
This is the single most critical step in your trip, and it requires meticulous planning.
A permit for gorilla trekking costs $800 USD per person. It's a significant expense that often shocks people, but it's important to understand where the money goes.
The fees are not simply a tourism charge; they are a direct investment in the conservation of an endangered species.
A portion of the fee funds anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and community development projects that give local populations a financial stake in conservation.
To understand this in more depth, see our piece on Why Gorilla Permits Are So Expensive.
The minimum age is 15 years old. This is not an arbitrary number. The UWA enforces this rule because trekking can be physically demanding, and the terrain is often challenging.
More critically, it ensures that participants are mature enough to follow the strict rules in the presence of the gorillas.
A sudden noise or movement from a child could provoke an unpredictable response from a gorilla.
A gorilla permit is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you miss your allocated trekking day due to a flight delay, illness, or any other reason, the permit is forfeited.
There are no exceptions.
This underscores why a safari itinerary with built-in buffer days and a reliable operator is essential.
For more information on this, refer to our article on What Happens If You Miss Your Gorilla Trekking Safari?.
Gorilla trekking is a genuine hike, not a gentle walk. The terrain is often steep, muddy, and covered in thick forest. Treks can last anywhere from two to eight hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located.
A good level of cardiovascular fitness is required. You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be prepared for a strenuous day.
Porters are available for hire to carry your bags, which directly supports the local community and makes your trek more manageable.
You will need sturdy, broken-in waterproof hiking boots. The rainforest is wet, and the trails are slippery.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect against insects and stinging nettles.
A lightweight, waterproof jacket is also essential. Other useful items include a hat, gloves to grab onto thorny vines, and insect repellent.
For a complete list, see our What to pack for gorilla trekking guide.
The rules are paramount for the gorillas' safety.
- You must maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters from the gorillas.
- You are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour with them.
- Flash photography is strictly forbidden.
- If you are ill, you will not be allowed to trek. These rules exist because mountain gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases.
These regulations are not a bureaucratic inconvenience; they are the foundation of a successful conservation program. For a full list, read our Gorilla trekking rules.
The trek itself can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. This includes the hike to and from the gorilla family. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend exactly one hour with them, a time limit that is strictly enforced.
Standard gorilla trekking is a one-hour experience with a fully habituated gorilla family.
Gorilla Habituation vs Standard Trekking – How to Choose is a more intensive, four-hour experience with a semi-habituated family.
It is a more in-depth encounter that gives you a greater insight into the behavior of the gorillas, but it is also more expensive and only available in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Mountain gorillas are not inherently aggressive towards humans. They are gentle, shy creatures. Habituation, the process by which they become accustomed to a human presence, has made them tolerant.
A silverback's charge is almost always a bluff, a warning to back off.
Your guide will teach you what to do if this happens. The threat is not the gorillas, but the potential to transmit disease to them.
The simple rule is: do not run. This is crucial. Running away will trigger their predatory instincts.
Instead, you should crouch low, avoid direct eye contact, and wait for the guide to intervene. A charge is a test, a display of dominance to remind you that you are a guest in their home.
Following your guide's instructions is your best protection.
This is the most important question. Gorilla trekking is ethical when it is done responsibly. The revenue from the permits directly funds the conservation efforts that protect the gorillas from poachers and habitat loss.
Without this funding, the mountain gorilla population would likely not have recovered from the brink of extinction. The practice provides a powerful economic incentive for local communities to protect the animals.
You can also review our guide on responsible travel in Uganda for more insights.
Accommodations & Experience
Uganda offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget, from rustic, authentic tented camps to world-class luxury lodges with all the amenities. The quality is consistently high, and hospitality is a point of pride.
For a list of specific lodging options, please refer to our national park pages for Bwindi National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and others.
The food quality is excellent. Lodges typically serve a mix of international and local cuisine. Think fresh produce, grilled meats, fish, and rich curries.
Most lodges can accommodate a range of dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, provided you give advance notice.
Expect limited and intermittent power and Wi-Fi. Most lodges run on generators or solar power, and they may turn off at night.
The Wi-Fi is often slow, available only in common areas, and is unreliable. A safari is an opportunity to disconnect. Embrace it.
A safari day starts early. You'll be awake before dawn for an early morning game drive when the animals are most active. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast, followed by a period of relaxation during the hottest part of the day.
The afternoon is reserved for a second game drive or an activity like one of best boat cruises in Uganda, ending with a sundowner and dinner around a fire.
Uganda has an incredible diversity of wildlife beyond just gorillas. You can expect to see elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, chimpanzees, and a variety of antelope. The country is also a birdwatcher's paradise.
For a comprehensive look at the range of species, see our guide on antelopes in Uganda and where to see them or Primates in Uganda Beyond Gorillas and Chimps.
The "Big Five" refers to the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. These animals were historically the most difficult to hunt on foot. Today, the term is a marketing cliché, but it still has a place in the conversation.
In Uganda, you can see four of the five on a standard safari. The rhino is only found at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a private conservation facility that is a worthwhile stop on the way to Murchison Falls.
For more on this, check out our piece on what are the big five and where to find them in East Africa.
Logistics & Practicalities
The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US Dollars are widely accepted in the tourism sector, but they should be new, post-2006 bills with no tears or markings.
Cash is king in Uganda, especially outside of major cities. We recommend bringing a combination of small and large USD bills for tipping and other expenses.
Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some luxury lodges, but this is not guaranteed and often incurs a surcharge.
ATMs are available in cities like Kampala and Entebbe, but can sometimes be unreliable or empty. It is best to plan on using cash for most of your purchases.
English is the official language and is widely spoken in the tourism industry. Luganda is spoken in the central region, and Swahili is an important regional language. Your safari guide will be fluent in English.
There are two primary ways to travel on a Uganda safari: by road or by air.
The most common is a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide. This is the standard for a quality safari, and for good reason. The driver-guide is not just a driver; they are your primary source of knowledge, a translator, and a problem-solver.
Traveling this way provides an intimate view of the country, allowing you to witness the changing landscapes and everyday life up close. Self-Drive Safaris in Uganda are possible but require a high degree of confidence and experience with the country’s road conditions.
For those with limited time or who prefer to avoid long drives, a fly-in safari is an excellent option. Flying between destinations can cut travel time from over ten hours to just over one, particularly to remote destinations like Bwindi and Kidepo.
The journey itself provides a unique aerial perspective of Uganda's stunning terrain—a patchwork of forests, wetlands, and mountains. A fly-in safari is best for shorter, more focused itineraries.
The primary drawback is cost; it is a significantly more expensive option. For a more detailed breakdown of these choices, see our Uganda fly-in safaris page.
Tipping is not mandatory but is highly appreciated. It is a direct way to recognize excellent service and is an important supplement to the low wages many people in the service industry earn.
A good rule of thumb is to tip your guide at the end of the trip, usually between $10–$20 USD per person per day. For porters and lodge staff, a small cash tip at the end of the activity is appropriate.
Pack for comfort and practicality. Focus on layers of neutral-colored clothing. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a good insect repellent are essential.
You will also need sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. For a complete guide, see our Africa Safari Packing List That Works for East Africa.
This is a single visa that allows you to travel to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. It costs $100 USD and is valid for 90 days. You must apply online through the official government portal of your first point of entry.
It simplifies multi-country trips. For more information, refer to our East Africa Travel Guide for Combining Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Uganda is an excellent destination for families, but there are age restrictions on certain activities. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15.
However, there are many other family-friendly activities, including game drives, boat cruises, and cultural visits. You can also explore options like Ziplining in Mabira Forest or visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
We can design a custom itinerary that caters to all age groups.
In major cities like Kampala, the internet is reliable. On safari, however, it is a different story. Many lodges have intermittent or slow Wi-Fi, which can be seen as a feature, not a bug.
Your trip is meant to be a chance to disconnect. If you need to stay connected, a local SIM card can provide some mobile data coverage, but don’t count on a strong signal in remote national parks.
