Uganda Safari Cost (How much is a safari to Uganda?) – Complete Guide to Uganda Safari Price

Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is a captivating safari destination – popular for its endangered mountain gorillas and stunning natural beauty. Often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is a vibrant country with breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich wildlife that are a must-see on an African holiday safari tour. Despite being a remarkable holiday destination in Africa, a Uganda Safari Cost or Uganda Safari Price is an inevitable question when planning a safari. Most travelers usually wonder about the Uganda Safari Cost and frequently ask questions like; How much does it cost to go on a Uganda Safari? How much should I budget for a Uganda Safari? Is Uganda expensive for safaris? among other questions.

This complete guide about Uganda Safari Cost is designed to give you a glimpse of the prices of safaris in Uganda. This comprehensive guide will take you through all the factors that influence the final cost of your Uganda Safari and all the other necessary costs involved when planning a Safari to Uganda. This guide is meant to answer questions like how much does it cost to go on safari in Uganda? How much should I budget for a Uganda Safari? Among others. So let’s delve into the details together!

How much does a Uganda Safari cost? – How much does it cost to go on a Uganda Safari?

Unlike other popular safari destinations like; Tanzania, Kenya, or Zambia where you can fly directly into the national park or reserve, most Uganda itineraries combine both driving and flying with a wealth of safari activities. Most Safari destinations in Uganda lack well-developed Airstrips thus making ground transfers on customized safari vehicles popular on most Uganda safari itineraries.

Since a Uganda Safari is different from the rest of African safaris, you may wonder ‘‘How much does a Uganda Safari cost? Or what is the Uganda Safari Cost’’ There is no single fixed price for a Uganda Safari Holiday since the final cost of a safari is determined by several factors thus making the safari price of Uganda different for each traveler. Several factors like the duration of the safari, activities included, and the type of package all determine the final price of your Uganda Safari. Below is the complete breakdown of the various costs involved when planning a Uganda Safari;

How much is a safari to Uganda? (Uganda Safari Prices) – Uganda Safari Cost

What is the Uganda Safari Cost?/How much is a safari to Uganda? As of 2024, a Uganda gorilla safari permit per person goes for $ 800 for foreign nonresidents (international visitors), $ 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African Nationals. Safari accommodation prices in Uganda range from 150 to 900 depending on where you choose to stay.

If you are looking forward to exploring Uganda on a simple 3-day safari to Bwindi budget for about $ 1200 per person, that should be the cheapest. If you are looking forward to exploring other destinations such as Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park on your Uganda safari holiday, prepare a budget of about $ 1000 per person for each destination for those traveling on budget.

Item	Price
Gorilla Permit	$ 800 per person per day
Chimpanzee tracking permit	$200 per person (Kibale National Park)
Park entrance fees	$45 per person (Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo, and Kidepo)
Golden Monkey permit	$ 60 per person per hour
Accommodation	A Luxury safari lodge is $ 300 per person/night Budget or cheap Safari accommodation is $ 150 per person/night.
Transport	You can hire a car to take you to the parks at $100 to $200 per day.
Boat Cruise	$30 per shift/person
Rhino tracking	$50 per person

The average cost of a Uganda Safari – How much is a safari to Uganda on average?

Uganda offers a wide range of safari budgets depending on what you are interested in seeing during your safari. On average, a Uganda Safari costs anywhere from $150 – $600+ per person/day. The average cost of accommodation varies depending on the level of comfort. For a low-budget accommodation, the average cost is $100 – $200 per person. Mid-range costs anywhere between $200 – $300, and the luxury accommodation costs from $300 and above per person/night.

Factors that influence the final cost of a Uganda Safari – What determines the final Uganda Safari Cost

Travel season

Although safaris to Uganda can be conducted all year round, different seasons of the year come with different benefits. The peak season for safaris in Uganda is usually the long dry season that runs from June to October – deemed the best time to visit Uganda for Safaris. The short dry season between December and February is also good for safaris in Uganda.

Although the peak season is generally the most exciting time to go for safaris in Uganda; Uganda Safari Prices generally go high during these months since there are many visitors in the country. The accommodation facilities usually raise their rates making the final price of a Uganda safari high.

Permits are difficult to acquire during this time and in most cases if you are planning to visit during this time of the year, we recommend booking your permits and all others including accommodation well in advance to avoid missing out on the final dates. If you are looking for more lucrative rates, then consider visiting during the low season (March to May and November) when the country receives a few visitors. Lodges and various safari camps also tend to lower their rates during this season.

Activities included in your bucket list

Safaris to Uganda offer a variety of exciting and adventurous safari activities including; gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, game drives, bird watching, nature walks, cultural tours, and golden monkey trekking among others. While compiling the final Uganda Safari Cost, the more safari activities on your bucket list, the higher the cost of your Uganda Safari.

Some safari activities are however less expensive than others, thus the choice of activities will also determine the final cost of your Safari in Uganda. Activities like mountain gorilla trekking are the most expensive since a single gorilla permit costs $800 per person/trek.

Choice of accommodation

Uganda offers a wide range of accommodation options located all over the country and top safari destination. Safari accommodation in Uganda Ranges from high-end luxury to low-budget accommodation. Different accommodation facilities charge different fees. High-budget accommodation in Uganda can cost anywhere between $300 – $600+ per person/night. A mid-range accommodation costs anywhere between $200 – $ 300 per person/night. A low-budget accommodation in Uganda costs anywhere between $100 – $200. Depending on level of comfort you crave during your safaris and the budget range, you can choose any type of accommodation during your safari tour in Uganda.

Travelers who choose high-end luxury facilities will pay more on their safari tour than those who choose low-budget and mid-range facilities. The accommodation type greatly influences the final cost of your Uganda Safari Cost.

Number of travelers

The higher the number of travelers, the lower the final cost of your Uganda Safari Cost and vice versa. When planning a Uganda safari holiday as a group, the total cost is shared among the individual traveler, thus low prices per person. If you are looking forward to visiting Uganda alone, you will pay all the costs involved in the safari alone.

The final Uganda Safari Cost/ Uganda safari price is likely to be high when you travel as an individual compared to that of travelers who travel in groups.

Duration of the safari

When planning a safari holiday to Uganda, the duration of your safari is crucial since it greatly influences the amount of your final safari price. The longer the duration of your safari, the higher the cost of your safari. Travelers who wish to explore Uganda for more days are likely to pay more for their safari compared to those who visit the country on a short tour.

Uganda Safari Price by Destination – Uganda Safari Cost for each destination

Uganda’s most popular safari destinations are the National Parks which are located all over the country. The Western part of Uganda hosts the largest number of National parks including Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Semuliki National Park and Mount Rwenzori National Park. All these National Parks teem with a variety of exciting safari activities that guarantee excellent safari experiences. Different activities are charged differently and here is a complete guide for you;

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most popular and largest protected areas in Uganda, renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and plethora of wildlife. The National Park covers a total land area of about 3,893 square kilometers featuring breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and dramatic Murchison Falls where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and cascades down in a thundering rush.

This National Park is excellent for wildlife viewing, birding, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, and boat cruise safaris among others. Murchison Falls is popular for its diverse wildlife including; lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and various antelope species that roam the various habitats within the park. For an opportunity to witness all the African Big Five animals, safaris here are usually combined with a visit to the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you track the endangered rhinoceros. Are you planning a safari to Murchison Falls National Park but wondering how mucH it might cost? On average, a safari to Murchison Falls National Park may cost about US$ 300 per person/day. A simple three days Murchison Falls National Park safari may cost between US$ 600 – US$ 1000. Here is a guide to different activities and their prices in Murchison Falls National Park;

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park and their prices

	FNR (US$)	FR (US$)	EAC (UGX)
Park entrance	45	35	25,000
Game drive (Day)	25	20	25,000
Game drive (night)	40	35	40,000
Self-game drive (Exclusive of a ranger guide fee)	10	10	10,000
Boat cruise to the bottom of the falls	30	25	30,000
White water Rafting	50	50	50,000
Bird watching and Nature walks	25	20	20,000
Cycling	30	25	30,000
Hiking top of the falls	15	10	10,000
Sport fishing	50	50	N/A

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park and their prices

	FNR (US$)	FR (US$)	EAC (UGX)
Park entrance	40	30	20,000
Game drive (day)	25	20	25,000
Self Game drive (Without ranger guide fees)	10	10	10,000
Boat trip	30	25	30,000
Bird watching and Nature walks	25	20	20,000
Hippo Census	100	80	100,000
Mongoose	30	25	100,000
Lion tracking (exclusive of community fees and vehicle fees)	200	150	200,000
Chimpanzee trekking (Kyambura Gorge)	100	80	50,000
Cycling	30	25	30,000
Sport fishing	20	15	20,000

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest protected area in Uganda – popular for its remarkable diversity. This National Park is home to 95 different mammal species, 600 different bird species, and various types of plants. Queen Elizabeth National Park is popular for its remarkable wildlife including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes, chimpanzees, baboons, and various antelope species. If you are a wildlife lover, Queen Elizabeth National Park should surely be on your list of must visit destinations in Uganda.

This National Park is a hot spot for wildlife safaris especially for those who wish to catch sight of the unique tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wide range of exciting safari activities that you can do during your safari holiday tour in Africa. However, when planning your Uganda Safari, you might wonder how much you should budget for a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park? On average, a wildlife sightseeing safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park costs about US$ 300 per person/day. for those looking forward to spending more than one day in queen Elizabeth National Park, your safari costs is likely to even get higher since you will and other expenses including accommodation. Here is a complete guide to different activities and their prices in Queen Elizabeth National Park;

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Renowned for its remarkable population of the endangered mountain gorilla population, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a remarkable safari destination in Uganda. This National Park is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, established in 1991 with a purpose of protecting the last population of mountain gorillas that inhabited the region. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the primary destination for mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. What is the Uganda Safari Cost for visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? on average, a simple three days gorilla trekking safari to bwindi can cost anywhere between US$ 1600 – USD$ 2000.

Beyond gorillas, Bwindi also offers several other exciting safari activities that you can indulge in during your visit here. The Uganda Safari Cost for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is higher than that of other safari park in Uganda. Here is a comprehensive guide to Bwindi Safari price;

Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and their prices

	FNR (US$)	FR (US$)	EAC (UGX)
Gorilla trekking (inclusive of ranger fees, park entrance, and all government applicable taxes)	800	700	300,000
Gorilla Habituation	1,500	1,000	750,000
Bird watching and nature walks	40	30	30,000
Guided walk (Rushaga – Nyabaremura)	60	50	50,000
Long Walk (Buhoma – Nkuringo)	60	50	50,000
Long walk on Rushaga hill	40	20	10,000
Buhoma walk	40	20	10,000
Batwa Forest Experience	40	40	40,000

Note: Tourists from the rest of Africa pay US$ 500 for gorilla trekking and US$ 1000 for gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and their prices

	FNR (US$)	FR (US$)	EAC (UGX)
Gorilla trekking	800	700	300,000
Gorge Walk	30	15	15,000
Guided long walk (Rushaga – Nyabaremura)	60	50	50,000
Golden Monkey Tracking	60	50	40,000
Golden Monkey Habituation experience	100	80	100,000
Mgahinga Platform viewing experience	10	10	10,000
Bird watching and nature walks	40	30	30,000

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Prices for safaris to Mgahinga

Nested in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the smallest national Parks in Uganda – a hidden gem renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, especially the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Mgahinga is located within the larger Virunga Conservation Area which spans across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. How much is the cost of a safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda? On average a simple 3 days safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs about US$ 1600 – US$ 2000 per person/day inclusive of a gorilla permit and all other activities. For those planning to spend more than one day on a safari in Mgahinga, the choice of your accommodation will have a great impact on the final cost of your safari. Accommodation in Mgahinga ranges from low-budget safari lodges to high-end luxury facilities.

Unlike Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which inhabits over 19 habituated gorilla families, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to only one habituated mountain gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi Gorilla family. Mgahinga is also known as a place where silver meets gold because of the presence of both mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys. The Uganda Safari Cost for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is just like that of Bwindi however, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park does not offer a gorilla habituation experience. Here is all you need to know about the Uganda safari prices for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park;

Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in the far northeastern part of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is a popular destination for wildlife viewing safaris in Uganda. This National Park spans an area of about 1,442 square Kilometers teeming with abundant wildlife all year round. Kidepo Valley National Park boasts stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife and a unique culture all which make safaris here memorable. How much should i budget for a safari to Kidepo? on average, a safari to Kidepo Valley National Park can cost anywhere between US$ 200 – US$ 300 per person/day.

There are a number of safari activities available at Kidepo Valley National Park that will keep you excited during your Uganda safari holiday tour.

Activities in Kidepo Valley National Park and their prices – How much should i budget for a safari to Kidepo?

	FNR (US$)	FR (US$)	EAC (UGX)
Park entrance	40	30	20,000
Game drive (day) per person	20	15	20,000
Game drive (night) per person	30	20	50,000
Bird watching and Nature walks	25	20	20,000
Self Game drive (Exclusive of the ranger fees or private guide)	10	10	10,000
Kidepo Lonyili Summit hike	50	40	50,000
Hiking Lomej	40	30	30,000

Activities at Kibale National Park and their prices – How much does a safari to Kibale National Park cost?

	FNR (US$)	FR (US$)	EAC (UGX)
Park Entrance	40	30	20,00
Chimpanzee trekking	250	200	180,000
Chimpanzee Habituation	300	250	250,000
Guided Nature walks for children	5	5	10,000
Children scout adventures	10	10	20,000

Note: Travelers in a group of more than 20 people are entitled to a 20% discount on entrance fees on a given day.

For absolute chimpanzee experiences in Uganda and Africa at large, visit Uganda’s Kibale National Park – a captivating destination that offers unique opportunities to experience one of Africa’s most extraordinary primates in their natural habitat.

Book your safari to Kibale National Park with Acacia Safaris Limited and experience unbeatable chimpanzee trekking experiences on your dream African safari holiday tour. Let us help you customize your adventure today.

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is located in the western part of Uganda, a renowned destination for primate tracking safari. Kibale National Park is the best for chimpanzee tracking in Africa. This National Park also teems with other rich biodiversities that inhabit its diverse ecosystems including tropical rainforests, wetlands, and grasslands. The National Park is a hot spot for primate adventure in Uganda, ‘‘Primate capital of the world’’ with up to 13 different primate species found within the dense jungles of Kibale National Park.

There are various exciting safari activities offered at Kibale National Park and each activity costs different from the rest. The popular activity at Kibale National Park is however chimpanzee trekking.

Lake Mburo National Park – How much does a safari to Uganda’s Lake Mburo National Park cost?

Spanning about 260 square kilometers, Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest yet charming safari park located in the Nyabushozi County in the Kiruhura district in western Uganda. Lake Mburo National Park was first gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area and later upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. This National Park is a popular destination for wildlife safaris in Uganda. Lake Mburo National Park is the only place where you can see zebras in Uganda. It is conveniently located near the highway that connects to Kampala and the western safari circuit of Uganda. How much does a safari to Uganda’s Lake Mburo National Park cost? On average, a safari to Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda can cost about US$ 200 per person/day.

Lake Mburo National Park is underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks which date back more than 500 million years. This National Park is home to 350 bird species as well as various wildlife species including; zebras, impalas, elands, buffalos, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi, and reedbuck among others. Lake Mburo offers various safari activities to visitors including game drives, horse riding, boat safaris, and nature walks among others. All these activities are charged differently during safaris; here is a complete guide to Uganda Safari prices to Lake Mburo National Park,

Activities in Lake Mburo National Park and their prices

	FNR (US$)	FR (US$)	EAC (UGX)
Park entrance	40	30	20,000
Game drive (day)	20	15	20,000
Game drive (night)	30	15	50,000
Self-Game drive (exclusive of ranger fee or private guide fees)	10	10	10,000
Bird watching and nature walks	25	20	20,000
Boat rides	30	25	30,000
Cycling	30	25	30,000

Giude;

FNR – Foreign non-residents (International Visitors)

FR – Foreign Residents (Foreigner living in Uganda)

EAC – East African Community (Including Ugandan nationals)

UGX – Uganda Shillings

Tour Categories in Uganda (Tour tiers in Uganda) – Different Uganda Safari Budgets

On top of its rich tapestry of experiences ranging from breathtaking wildlife safari to stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures, Uganda also offers different tour tiers to suit every kind of Traveler. There are different types of tour categories in Uganda, ranging from low-budget Uganda safaris to high-end luxury safaris. Each tour tier in Uganda comes with its own level of comfort and treatment that will ensure you have the best experience while in Uganda. Here is a complete guide to different tour categories in Uganda;

Budget Safaris in Uganda (Budget tiers)

Are you looking forward to exploring Uganda without breaking the bank? Budget safari tours in Uganda are ideal for adventurous travelers seeking to explore Uganda’s natural wonders without breaking the bank. These budget Safaris in Uganda often feature shared accommodations and ground transfers on customized 4*4 safari vehicles or public means. Although Uganda is one of the most underrated safari destinations in Africa, safaris to Uganda are rewarding with excellent wildlife sightings. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an excellent wildlife experience that allows you to meet the giant gorillas in their natural habitat. Budget safaris in Uganda come with basic accommodation (Budget lodges or campsites) with basic amenities and comfortable settings. The budget package also comes with simple meal plans with local cuisines also included.

How much does a budget safari in Uganda cost? On average, a budget safari can cost anywhere between US$ 100 to US$ 150 per person/day. A simple 3 – 7 days budget safari in Uganda can cost anywhere between US$1000 – US$ 3500 depending on the itinerary and inclusions. There is no worry about the experience, be it gorilla trekking or any other top safari experience in Uganda, you will experience each part of it during your Uganda budget safari.