Experience the best of Africa with Uganda Safari Tours. At Masai Mara Holidays (Ltd), we specialize in organizing adventure safaris throughout Uganda and East Africa. Our Uganda Safaris are unparalleled, with priority given to our visitors’ interests, time frame, and budget. From the abundant wildlife that roams freely in different national parks and jungle reserves to the world-class hotels, hospitable people, good climate, and unmatched beauty, Uganda is truly a tourist paradise. No matter how popular the parks and reserves are, there is never a crowd to be found.
Popular Uganda Safari Tours
Discover the best Uganda safaris with Masai Mara Holidays (Ltd), we are a local based tour company in East Africa organizing adventure safaris throughout Uganda and the larger Eastern Africa. We take pride in crafting unmatched Uganda Safaris holidays, Kenya Safaris, Tanzania Safaris, and Rwanda safaris with priority given to our visitor’s interests, time frame, and budget backed up with the best travel tips and advice from our knowledgeable travel experts.
Uganda Safari Highlights
Uganda is often referred to as the “pearl of Africa,” and it’s not hard to see why. It offers some of Africa’s best geographical and natural beauty. Uganda Safaris provide an opportunity to discover the abundant wildlife that roams freely in the different National Parks and Jungle reserves. Unlike other popular parks, Uganda’s safaris offer visitors an authentic African game experience that is not overcrowded.
Uganda Safaris and Adventure Tours
At Masai Mara Holidays, we provide visitors with a chance to explore the best Uganda safari tours. These tours are unique and take visitors to some of Africa’s most impressive destinations. With Uganda’s unique geographical location where eastern, northern, western, and southern ranges merge, a visit to Uganda provides a chance to view over 1,000 bird species, including some of the rarest like the Albertine Rift Valley endemics.
Mountain Gorillas
One of Uganda’s greatest international attractions is the mountain gorillas. Uganda Gorilla safaris offer a life-changing experience, providing tourists with the opportunity to be up close and personal with these magnificent, peaceful apes. Uganda has half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world that roam freely in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. Gorilla trekking is so popular that we suggest booking your safari 6 months to a year in advance, as permits are limited.
Chimpanzee Trekking
In addition to the mountain gorillas, Uganda is also known as the prime destination for primate safaris in the world, especially for chimpanzee trekking. Kibale National Park offers the best opportunity for chimpanzee trekking within the region. Uganda wildlife tours to Kibale also provide excellent birding and cultural experiences. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda can also be done in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which offers a wild Uganda Safari for visitors.
Adventure
Uganda adventure safaris encompass hiking, white water rafting and trekking. Uganda offers the Rwenzori mountains, located in southwestern Uganda, and Mount Elgon in the East, which are excellent hike options for visitors. The Rwanda Mountains, also known as “mountains of the moon,” offer one of the most challenging hikes in Africa, and the opportunity for genuine climbing if you attempt one of the peaks. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also allows visitors to walk up the three volcanoes.
Game Viewing
Uganda tours offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities to catch a glimpse of the big five and other distinct wildlife species like elephants, lions (including the rare tree-climbing lions), leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, impalas, topis, warthogs, birds, hippos, crocodiles, and many more. Game drives provide the best options to view this various game either in the morning or afternoon. A boat cruise is also perfect for clear views over hippos, crocodiles, and many waterbird species. The best places for the best Uganda safaris wildlife viewing opportunities include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Birding
Uganda Safari vacations provide some of the world’s best-birding opportunities, with over 1041 bird species. Uganda’s unique geographical location placed where eastern, northern, western, and southern ranges merge, allows visitors to view the 24 Albertine Rift Valley endemics. Uganda is the richest country for birds in Africa, with over 1,000 species in an area the size of Great Britain. A wealth of hornbills, turacos, barbets, sunbirds, kingfishers, weavers, and storks are present, as well as the bizarre and much sought-after shoebill.
Uganda Best Time for Safari
Uganda trips are favorable all year round with temperatures in the country averaging 26°C during the day and 15°C at night. The best time for a Uganda safari tour is during the dry season when the rains are less, grass is shorter, and photography is clearer. The high peak season and hottest months are January and February and June to September. However, Uganda safari holidays in the wet season are also possible, albeit slower, and visitors may not enjoy outdoor activities as much due to the rains.
Uganda Safari Destinations
Uganda’s tremendous diversity of wildlife is due to its unique geographical location at the junction of the East African savannahs, West African rainforests, and the semi-arid Saharan zone
Popular Uganda safari destinations include the following:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – famous for gorilla trekking and bird watching.
- Kibale National Park – famous for chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, and cultural experiences.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park – famous for game drives, boat cruises, and chimpanzee trekking.
- Murchison Falls National Park – famous for game drives, boat cruises, and wildlife spotting.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park- famous for mountain gorilla trekking and hiking.
Plan Your Uganda Safari with Masai Mara Holidays At Masai Mara Holidays, we specialize in creating tailor-made Uganda safaris and adventure tours that meet our clients’ unique interests and specifications. Whether you want to go gorilla trekking, game viewing, birding, or embark on a thrilling adventure, we have got you covered. Our experienced and knowledgeable travel experts will guide you through the trip planning process to ensure you have the best Uganda safari experience. Contact us today, and let’s plan your dream Uganda safari tour.
How to book a Uganda Safari Holiday?
Booking a holiday to Uganda involves a few steps starting with getting in touch with a reputable safari operator in Uganda. Most companies will have a number of tailored Uganda safari packages which you are open to choose from.
Do you prefer arranging your own agenda? A reliable Uganda tour operator should be able to accommodate your plans and wishes to come up with a safari package that should meet your preferences.
Upon finding a Uganda safari that meets your interests at an agreed price with an Uganda safari company, you will be required to make a deposit of this price to confirm your Uganda safari booking. This deposit lies anywhere between 30% to 60% depending on how much your safari operator will require to make initial booking payments for your safari.
Expect to make the final deposit for your Uganda safari tour in less than a month to your travel date. This will conclude your final booking process. From this point, you can then prepare for your safari to Uganda.
Preparing for a Uganda Safari Tour
Preparing for your Uganda tour is something that you should do in less than 3 months from your arrival date for safari. The preparation stage includes; booking your international flight to Uganda (Fly to Entebbe International Airport), applying for your Visa, checking for your yellow fever vaccinations and packing for your safari
Applying for your Uganda Visa
First, and most importantly is applying for your Visa to Uganda, this can easily be done online through application. If you will be visiting Uganda alone, the single entry tourist Visa is what you will require. For visitors seeking to visit Uganda with extended trips to either Kenya or Rwanda, applying for The East African Visa will grant you entry to all the 3 countries.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
It is important to note that all visitors to Uganda are required to be vaccinated against yellow fever with proof of vaccination. You will be required to presented a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. This certificate is considered valid from 8 day from your vaccination and remains valid to upto 10 years from the time of your vaccination.
What to Pack for a Uganda Safari?
There isn’t anything special required for your safari in Uganda apart from the few basics to include the following;
Sundries
Passport (with printed visas)
Covid 19 Vaccination Certificate
Yellow Fever Certificate
Air tickets/vouchers
Money pouch Credit cards
Cellphone and Charger plus a Power bank
Sunglasses/guard Spare prescription glasses/contacts
Copy of prescription(s)
Eyeglass case
Small flashlight (torch) and extra batteries
Binoculars
Sewing kit Small scissors
Tissues (travel packs)
Handiwipes (individual)
Anti-bacterial soap
Pens
Deck of cards
Reading materials
Clothes
For safari wear, you should consider khaki earth tones (these neutral colors repel heat and so a good job disguising any patches of African dust and dirt) Keep away from the bright color options (black and blue too) they do attract Tsetse flies. In terms of fabric, light and breathable material makes life a lot more comfortable.
Sandals or lightweight shoes
Water proof hiking shoes (not white for trekking and walking safaris)
Wide-brimmed hat and a cap
Windbreaker Sweater or fleece
Rain Jacket
2–3 pr. Safari pants with one that is water proof for gorilla trek
Hand Gloves for gorilla trek
2–3 pr. Safari shorts
5 pr. safari/sports socks
3 short-sleeve safari shirts
3 long-sleeve safari shirts
Swimsuit/cover-up
1 pr. casual slacks or skirt 1 or 2 blouses
Belts
Is Uganda good for safaris?
Uganda safaris are an excellent choice if you looking for an ultimate safari experience (the big five) with lesser tourist traffic. Uganda as a country is Africa summed with almost all the best that the continent has to offer. Uganda safaris and tours take you home to one of the highest number of apes in the world.
The endangered mountain gorillas are found here among other lucky two countries(Rwanda and DRC) in the world, chimpanzees are also tracked here and do exist in huge numbers. Rwenzori Mountains that form Africa’s highest existing mountain ranges welcome adventure lovers, Africa’s largest fresh water lake, Lake Victoria, that is also exists with a fair share in Uganda.
In addition to Africa’s best attractions, Uganda is also home to the source of might River Nile, Africa’s longest river and with over 1041 recorded bird species, this makes Uganda one of Africa’s best birding destinations.
How much does a Uganda Safari cost?
The cost of a Uganda safari tour varies with the type of safari you are looking for; types of Uganda safaris range from budget, midrange to luxury safaris accommodated in tented camps and lodges.
The price for a safari holiday to Uganda as offered by your tour operator or agent covers for accommodation, park entrance and permits, transport, meals and game activities.
Accommodation Safari Lodges and Tented Camps in Uganda
Accommodation for your safari in Uganda will range from budget, midrange and luxury lodges and tented camps. For a safari accommodated in budget lodges and tented camps, the cost lies anywhere below USD 60 per person sharing room for a night on a full board basis. If you will be traveling alone, expect to pay single room supplement.
Midrange lodges and tented camps in Uganda cost anywhere between USD 100 to USD 150 per person sharing room for a night on a full board basis. Similarly, if you will be traveling alone, expect to pay single room supplement.
Uganda Safaris and tours accommodated in luxury lodges and tented camps are the most expensive trips. Lodges and tented camps in Uganda offer a high-end price ranging above USD 250 per person sharing room for a night on a full board basis. If you will be traveling alone, expect to pay single room supplement.
Park Entrance and Permits
Park entrances to Uganda safari parks are your tickets to guarantee you entry to the parks and game activities. Permits are applicable for gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey trekking in Uganda.
The park entrance fee to National parks in Uganda lies anywhere between USD 40 to USD 45 per person charged per 24 hours in the park. A gorilla permit costs USD 700 per person, whereas a permit for the gorilla habituation experience costs USD 1,500 per person.
A Chimpanzee trekking permit costs USD 150 per person for tracking the apes in Kibale National Park. A cheaper option is to trek the chimps in Kyambura in Queen Elizabeth National Park at a lower cost of USD 100 per person. The permit to track golden monkeys in Uganda found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs USD 200 per person.
It is important to note that due to high demand for permits, booking in advance of 3 month or more to your trekking date is advised. This is to ensure availability. Unlike the permits, park entrances is paid on arrival and doesn’t require any advance booking.
Transportation and Game Drives
The average cost for transportation and game drives per day lies anywhere between USD 150 to USD 350 per day depending on the season and type of vehicle. This cost covers for the vehicle hire, driver/guide and fuel. To cut down this cost, group sharing is recommended as these a 4×4 safari vehicles that accommodate a capacity of 4 to 7 occupants.
Generally, we advise that you deal with a tour operator in Uganda to get best out of your cost for a Uganda safari tour. A Uganda safari Company will offer you an all-inclusive quote for your trip to also handle the entire booking process for you at a cost lower than what you would spend if you decided to book on your own.
Is Uganda safe for a safari tour?
Uganda as a country has enjoyed almost 3 decades of a peaceful reign led by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Visitors to Uganda have less to worry about than they have to do in other countries which makes the country safe for a safari tour to all corners of the country. In addition to the peace, the people of Uganda are well known for their extreme hospitality and love for welcoming visitors to their beautiful country.
What is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda look like?
Uganda is arguably the prime destination for mountain gorilla trekking in the world. The highest number (almost half of the worlds population) of mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda.
The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is magical offering you one hour to interact with the gentle apes in the mountainous forest home. Uganda gorilla safaris start at the park headquarters by 7:00 where you are briefed on the etiquette to later head into the thick jungles of Bwindi.
The chances of seeing the gorillas are almost guaranteed as the ranger keep track of their whereabouts on a daily basis. But as the terrain in Bwindi is mountainous, getting to the gorillas can be challenging and can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, however, this trail adventure is worth it.
What does Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda look like?
Chimpanzee tracking is a very popular activity on Uganda safaris, the chimps in Uganda are popularly tracked in Kibale National Park. Other destinations to track the apes include Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo Forest in Murchison falls National Park. The highest number of them being in Kibale Forest National Park makes it the most tracked destination featured in many Uganda safari tour itineraries.
The chimpanzee experience offers you a one-hour observatory interaction experience with these apes. Unlike the gorillas that a way too gentle, the chimps are more lively and playful with makes them more interesting to watch as they put on a show swinging through trees, fighting or mating.
What wildlife can I see on my Uganda safari?
There is a sheer diversity of wildlife in the various National Parks in Uganda, but with a whopping 500 species of mammals, the country has an amazing diversity. The big five list can be completed with a visit to the wildlife Parks and an extended trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for the rhinos. Uganda is also home to the remaining mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees can also be tracked here in their natural habitat. With a wide variety of over 1000 bird species, this makes Uganda one the best birding destinations for bird lovers
How much do you tip in Uganda?
Tipping in Uganda is not expected but wages are not so good as compared to your home country standards, therefore a tip will be well appreciated. A good tip in Uganda varies; for a driver or safari guide USD 15 per day, at a restaurant USD 1 is good whereas on safari, tipping the rangers or activity leaders USD 10 is a good tip