Cost of a 10-day Safari to Uganda

Uganda Budget Safaris – Luxury Safaris through Uganda

10 days Uganda Safari cost. Taking a Safari through Uganda is one of the best decisions anyone interested in experiencing the country should take. It allows one to have a true African experience from a single destination, Uganda. The Safari involves trekking the Mountain Gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla trekking is a must-do and one of the most exciting activities while on a safari through Uganda. It involves a hike and trekking through the thick impenetrable vegetation of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park until you have the opportunity to look directly into the eyes of the mountain gorillas.

For this exciting safari activity, we encourage visitors to carry their cameras and at times be on standby to take lifetime moments with the mountain gorillas with the Guidance of the game rangers.

What is the cost of a 10-day trip to Uganda?

A 110-day safari through Uganda can cost anything between 5500 dollars to 3200 dollars per person. This is, however, dependent on several factors. Cost of a 10 days Safari to Uganda

The price of safari packages through Uganda differs depending on several factors that significantly impact the overall safari cost. These factors are the basis of how safaris are divided into the categories of budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury.

Private tours are often more expensive than shared ones. Some travelers might wish to think about a fly-in safari on a 10-day journey, although fly-in safaris are relatively more costly than road safaris. Visitors should also note that low-season costs can also be advantageous, and even if it may rain more during this time, the countryside is most beautiful.

Highlights of a 10-day Safari through Uganda.

Discover the famous Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, home to more than half of the remaining population of Mountain gorillas.

Primates Trekking. Look into the eyes of a mountain gorilla, Trek the Ugandan jungles to see chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, golden monkeys, and many other primates.

Wildlife safaris to Uganda’s Savanah National Parks, including Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.

Rhino tracking at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

A visit to Murchison Falls National Park.

Private tour guide in English and other languages

Transport in a travel Van Customized for safaris.

Accommodation selected to fit your expectations.

An All-inclusive safari including lodging, entrance fees, meals, and transport

Guided walks with professional and knowledgeable guides

Unique accommodation, including safari lodges and tented camps in various parks.

Cultural encounters with some of Uganda’s unique societies

What is included in the Cost of a 10-day trip through Uganda

The Cost of your 10-day Safari Includes Gorilla permits, Chimpanzee Permits, an Experienced English-speaking guide, Park entrance fees, Cultural Encounters, Luxury lodge accommodation, Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bottled water, and Government taxes.

Tour exclusions

Visa fees, laundry services & alcoholic drinks, International/domestic flights, and Tips to the driver guides, waiters, and porters.

Must do tourist activity on a 10-day safari through Uganda | 10 days Uganda Safari cost 

Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity for a 10-day Uganda safari. Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Game. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best place in Uganda to track mountain gorillas. The park protects 40% of the world’s mountain gorilla population and has an incredible 350 species of birds.

Accommodation offered on a 10-day Uganda safari?

After a long day surveying the incredible landscape and Uganda wildlife, guests can look forward to the best safari accommodation Uganda offers. The accommodation here is excellent, with numerous options from tented camps and luxury lodges to camping grounds.

From camping in the bush with amenities to mid-range and luxury lodges, there’s something for everyone here. There are various accommodation options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including Gorilla Heights Lodge.

Most luxury lodges also offer a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bathrobes, slippers, and a shower. There is also a kitchen in some of the units equipped with a microwave, an oven, and a stovetop.

Chameleon Hill Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a luxury lodge built overlooking Lake Mutanda. The lodge has a beautiful compound with great views of the three volcanoes and a superb spot for those who have come for gorilla trekking, bird watching, golden monkey tracking, or canoeing on Lake Mutanda.

What is the best time to go on a 10-day safari to Uganda?

The best time to go on a 10-day gorilla trek in Uganda is during its two dry seasons: between December and February, and between June and August, when conditions are particularly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and other wildlife animals.

Planning a Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas in Rwanda and Uganda

Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas. One of the most amazing African holiday experiences is spending Christmas with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda.

Giving the mountain gorillas good news for Christmas is a unique experience. Christmas is a time to celebrate and make memories that will last till next year. In order to remember each other of this event, you can go gorilla trekking on Christmas with family or friends.

The holiday season is Christmas. Booking gorilla permits for Rwanda, Uganda, or both during this season is great because vacation demand is at its highest.

Obtaining gorilla permits is a necessity for organizing a Christmas gorilla trekking expedition in Rwanda or Uganda. You must comprehend the meaning of a gorilla permit and the need to obtain one before planning a gorilla safari.

What is the permit for gorillas? – Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas

A gorilla permit is a card or document that serves as a one-hour admission ticket for gorilla trekking once you’ve found the mountain gorillas. Even though an hour might not seem like much, it is worth going to view mountain gorillas in the wild as opposed to those housed in captivity. You have to find a family of habituated mountain gorillas in the wild in this seek-and-find game.

How much do gorilla permits cost during the Christmas season? – Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for foreign visitors, $500 for foreign citizens, and $300 for inhabitants of East Africa.

Foreign nonresidents must pay $800 per person for a Uganda gorilla permit, while foreign residents must pay $700, and East African residents must pay 300,000 shs.

What does the price of a gorilla permit include and exclude?

The following is covered by the gorilla permit fee:

Park admission costs.
Costs for ranger guides.
Safety when trekking for gorillas.
Assistance from the local community.
Support for conservation.
A certificate for finishing the gorilla trek.
The mountain gorillas for an hour.
Tips, snacks for the gorilla hike, a packed lunch, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of the gorilla ticket.

To arrange a gorilla safari package for Rwanda or Uganda, get in touch with katland Safaris. Wherever feasible, we offer free, pertinent advice and customize your Africa Safari itinerary to meet your needs.

When Is the Best Time To Reserve A Rwandan Or Ugandan Christmas Gorilla Permit?

It’s a great idea to get your gorilla permit ahead of time for Christmas. Booking your gorilla permit is possible at least six months to a year prior to Christmas Day, which falls on December 25 of each year.

By the final quarter of the year, both accommodations and gorilla permits for the holiday season are completely booked.

Keep in mind that gorilla trekking is only available to kids who are at least 15 years old if you are taking a family vacation over the Christmas break. A youngster under this age may find the misty Virunga jungle and its terrain uncomfortable. A child under the age of fifteen may find it difficult to follow the gorilla trekking safari restrictions.

Reserve lodging for use on the Christmas gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda.
The lodging you intend to utilize on the gorilla safari is the next step after obtaining the gorilla permit. This is because there are fewer lodging options available when Christmas or the holiday season approaches due to increased demand.

You must be aware of the region in which your gorilla permit is reserved, if it is in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Your gorilla permit can be reserved in four different locations of Bwindi Forest: the Buhoma area, the Ruhija area, the Rushaga area, and the Nkuringo area.

Since the roads linking the various regions are somewhat distant and subject to local weather conditions, it is advisable to spend the night closer to the areas where your gorilla permit is reserved. To be permitted to go gorilla trekking, you must arrive early for the briefing.

Those who engage in gorilla trekking more than once are required to attend the briefing on each gorilla trekking day. You must be informed about what to expect on each journey because mountain gorillas are not all the same and have mood swings.

Gorilla trekking safari accommodations are categorized as luxury, mid-range, and budget.

Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Silverback Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Clouds Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Trekker’s Tavern, Chameleons Lodge, and other accommodations in the impenetrable national park of Bwindi

Accommodations in Mgahinga National Park include Mutanda Lake Resort, Majambere Iwachu, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle, Gahinga Lodge, and Community Camp.

Accommodations in Volcanoes National Park include the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Hotel Mill Collines, Hotel La Palme, Hotel Muhavura, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Kinigi Guest House.

Where to go on a Christmas gorilla trip

In Uganda
Uganda’s most notable mountain gorilla habitat is Bwindi’s inaccessible national park, which spans roughly 327 square kilometers. At the moment, 18 gorilla families are completely acclimated and available for booking by the general public. In the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, two gorilla families are available for gorilla habituation experiences.Planning a Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas in Rwanda and Uganda

Only 152 gorilla permits are made available for public booking each day, and demand is highest during the festive season, so you must reserve your Uganda gorilla permits in advance.

Other nine primate species, such as chimpanzees, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s, potato, and others, can also be found in the Bwindi forest.

More than 350 bird species, including endemics of the Albertine Rift, can be found in the Bwindi forest.

Park Mgahinga National

There is currently only one gorilla family, the Nyakagezi, in Mgahinga National Park, which is renowned for its breathtakingly wild landscape. It was difficult to reserve gorilla permits in advance since the Nyakagezi gorilla family used to stray into Rwanda.

Mgahinga gorilla permits can be reserved in advance, subject to availability, as this gorilla family has been residing in Uganda for a considerable amount of time.

The park is home to a variety of other primates, such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, golden monkeys, black and white colobus, and blue monkeys.

With ornithologists confirming approximately 115 bird species, including Albertine endemics, as park inhabitants, the Mgahinga forest’s bird list continues to grow.

In the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda

The only place in Rwanda where mountain gorillas may be seen is Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the country’s northwest. In Rwanda, there are just 15 gorilla families that are officially accessible for gorilla trekking.

Other primates found in this park include olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, golden and blue monkeys, and more.

Volcanoes National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including endemics of the Albertine Rift.

How Can I Reserve a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda or Uganda for Christmas?

Gorilla permits must be reserved at least six months to a year in advance for the holiday season. This is because they sell out quickly—even before the year’s last quarter—due to strong global demand.

You must choose whether you want to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda when you reserve a gorilla permit for Christmas.

Determine how many other individuals you want to go gorilla trekking with and how many times you can go gorilla trekking on different days.

Our safari adviser looks for availability from the Rwanda Development Board permit list or the Uganda Wildlife Authority when you inquire about gorilla trekking during the Christmas season. One of the authorized businesses with access to this list is katland Safaris.

We urge customers to buy their gorilla permits as soon as availability is confirmed because they sell out quickly. Although gorilla trekking permits are purchased on a first-come, first-served basis, no gorilla permits are reserved without payment.

Reserve transportation to gorilla trekking locations.
By road

Road transportation is available to Uganda’s gorilla trekking locations via routes such as:

To the Impenetrable National Park of Bwindi

Travel from Kampala to Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Kihihi, and Buhoma

Nkuringo to Kabale to Kampala

Kabale, Kampala, Kanungu, and Buhoma

National Park Queen Elizabeth to Kihihi to Buhoma

To the National Park of Mgahinga

Kabale, Kisoro, Ntebeko, Kampala

To the National Park of Volcanoes

Musaze to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali

By Air

Uganda offers daily domestic flights to Kihihi or Kisoro from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip.

Charter flights to Kihihi or Kisoro are offered from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.

Charter flights to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are offered from Kigali airport.

To what extent is the Gorilla Trekking Adventure challenging?

Know that the terrain of this region is rough, with elevations resembling plateaus or ridges covered in tangled foliage, whether you choose to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. You must trek because mountain gorillas occasionally eat from the slopes. When it rains, the path may become slick and wet due to the waterlogging, resulting in marshy conditions. The thick canopy of the forest reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground.

Safari boots that can endure such conditions are necessary because the route might occasionally become damp due to flooding caused by the thick network of rivers.

Trekking to the locations where the mountain gorillas might be spending the day or relaxing requires a certain level of fitness.

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost in Rwanda or Uganda Around Christmas?

Luxury, mid-range, and budget packages are used to package gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda. The price of gorilla permits is the same for both Rwanda and Uganda, regardless of whether you want to embark on a gorilla tour.

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person per trek, whereas in Uganda it costs $800 per person every trek.

The following elements are taken into account while determining the price of the gorilla safari packages:

When scheduling a gorilla safari over the holiday season, service companies charge exorbitant fees because of the high demand.

The volume of Christmastime gorilla trekking travelers

The cost of the gorilla safari decreases with the number of participants. You bear the full cost of the safari if you are traveling alone.

Other pursuits in addition to gorilla trekking

The cost of a safari package rises when additional activities like game drives, chimpanzee trekking, birding, fishing, and others are included.

Which country in Rwanda and Uganda offers the finest gorilla trekking over Christmas?
The experience of encountering mountain gorillas is remarkable, whether you are gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. Some visitors claim that you are able to forget about whatever hardships you may have had in getting ready for this Christmas vacation.

The distinction between Rwanda and Uganda as the top destinations for gorilla trekking over the Christmas season can be highlighted with

The price of a gorilla permit
A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500, whereas one in Uganda costs $800 per person.

The number of families that go gorilla trekking
There are two gorilla habituation experience families and 19 gorilla trekking families in Uganda.

Activities that can be added to gorilla trekking
There are further optional activities available in Uganda, such as wildlife drives, chimpanzee hiking, white water rafting, and visiting the Nile River. Game drives, chimpanzee trekking, and visits to genocide memorials are among the few extra activities available in Rwanda to combine with gorilla trekking.

The duration of the travel from the airport to the locations for gorilla trekking
While it takes roughly eight to nine hours to drive from Entebbe airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, it takes three hours to go from Kigali airport to Volcanoes National Park.

Things to Bring to the Gorilla Trekking Safari: Packing List for Christmas

A wide-brimmed safari hat to shield your hair from the raindrops that fall from the trees.
Binoculars for an excellent view of birds and animals with fur.
Apply sunscreen on your skin to prevent sunburns, and while traveling to the gorilla trekking locations.
If you need to give your possessions to a porter, pack them in a backpack. It also needs to be waterproof.
Packing several long-sleeved shirts and convertible pants would be ideal. Clothing should be packed in dirt-friendly colors, such as Khaki. Having more clothing to change into after gorilla trekking would be ideal.
A raincoat to protect yourself in the event of unexpected downpours while in the forest.
Steer clear of vivid hues like black, blue, and white since they can draw stinging insects that could cause injury to your body.
Gorilla trekking snacks are necessary because breakfast is eaten too early to last the whole journey.
A camera to capture memories of your Christmas vacation in Africa, whether it’s in Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
If you require an in-person transaction, some hard cash to convert into local currency.
If one battery falls low, there is a backup fully charged battery.
Use insect repellent since stinging insects in the woods can cause skin damage.
A first aid kit should be kept on hand in case you have a recognized ailment or require immediate medical attention.
Toiletries, in case they are not provided by the lodge. Since certain skins are quite sensitive, you must feel at ease with them.
Energy nibbles to munch on during pack activities, like as game drives.

Uganda Visa fees are back to USD50 from USD100.

The government of Uganda and the ministry of Internal Affairs would like to notify everyone planning a trip to Uganda that the cost of a Ugandan visa has returned to USD50 from USD100, as it had been for the previous year.

Last year, Katland Safaris broke the initial news about this, and it has already happened. This change is effective as of July 22, 2016, and notification has been sent to all Ugandan border crossings and entrance points.

The rationale for the return of Uganda visa costs from $100 to $50

Uganda’s visa costs have been reduced from $100 to $50 in part to support the travel industry, which generates the majority of the nation’s foreign currency earnings.

Uganda Visa fees are back to USD50 from USD100.

This occurs concurrently with the introduction of online visa applications by the Ugandan government. Those planning trips to Uganda should get in touch with their tour providers for the necessary information.

The Ugandan tourist community has applauded the decision to change the price of a Ugandan visa from USD100 to USD50, as it would somewhat lower the cost for individuals who are interested in traveling to Uganda.

Despite Uganda’s abundance of tourist attractions, which include the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park, the magnificent mountains of the Rwenzori, the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and a variety of cultural experiences, it has long been seen as a costly travel destination.

Restoring the visa fee to USD $50 is also seen as a positive step as the nation attempts to invest in a sector that has been neglected for a very long time while consistently earning the most foreign cash. The funding for promoting Uganda as a travel destination tripled last year, along with the introduction of an autonomous Ministry of Tourism.

Feel free to get in touch with Katland Safaris, which is based in Entebbe, Uganda, for additional details about online visa booking and modifications of visa costs.

2024 November Gorilla Safari discounts

Tourism Forum discusses tourism issues in Uganda – Uganda safaris and Tours.

Uganda tourist Association had a tourist conference today at Hotel Africa to go over the state of travel, opportunities, issues, and future direction for Uganda. Completely attended by government and business sector prayers, various topics were addressed for the good of the industry.

Tourism Forum

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism gave a key note speech and then proceeded to discuss tourism data most particularly about trends and changes in visitor numbers to Uganda. He also examined the visitor count in national parks and the trends in those numbers.

It was observed in his presentation that compared to past years, the number of foreign non-residents visiting Uganda has dropped. He listed the reasons for this as spanning from last year when an Ebola epidemic occurred in west Africa, terror warnings, Marburg outbreaks, global economic crisis, Uganda being labelled as an expensive travel destination.

Tourism Forum discusses tourism issues in Uganda - Uganda safaris and Tours.

Emphasizing that their main responsibility is to preserve and interact with the private sector engaged in presenting Uganda as a tourism destination, the director of Tourism business and development also gave figures of visitor inflow in Uganda National park. She said that the Uganda Wildlife Authority has verified that her rates for 2016 would remain the same and that only few alterations will be made.

Using this chance, he launched cheap gorilla permits for the months of April, May, and November 2016-17. For international non-residents is 800. Uganda Wildlife Authority has decided to schedule a third chimpanzee trekking session whereby visitors can walk chimps at 8am, 11am and 2pm in order to maximize on the profits.

Following their research, it was found that tourists mostly visit Kibale National park during high season compared to low seasons. More room will therefore be sought to accommodate more visitors trekking chimpanzees during peak season.

During low seasons of April, May, and November in Kibale National Park, Uganda’s wildlife Authority will also provide cheap chimpanzee permits for only $200, thereby allowing all those eager to trek chimpanzees in low season to save $200.

The director of the tourist industry pointed out that Uganda Wildlife Authority encounters difficulties even as all these are being implemented and would not stop in their cause. He urged all stakeholders to check their prices most notably during low season to make Uganda a reasonably priced travel destination.

The Executive Director of Uganda Tourism Board observed at the same session that their budget had been raised by 11 billion and that much of the money they had drawn from UNDP was for training and product development. He therefore urged every member of the commercial sector present to use this opportunity and get training on improved tourist sales techniques.

He also told them that the cost of tourism will be down and Uganda was going to engage PR agencies in USA to advertise the country as a travel destination. As the global market heals from hiatus, he urged members to embrace domestic tourism. He underlined the need of regional clusters in promoting tourism and urged all industries to cooperate to create it.

He also urged the business sector to create a lobby team to interact with government so that it may realize that tourism ranks first among foreign currency earners in the nation. He also told members that important travel routes to be developed had been planned by Uganda Tourism Board in concert with Uganda National Road Authority.

This forum addressed several problems, and members decided that this should be a monthly gathering for all tourism stakeholders to discuss topics relevant to the industry. The head of Uganda Tourism Association reassured attendees that input would be anticipated as a report will be developed and delivered to government after every three months.

Be the first to know about more details on tourism challenges in Uganda discussed by the Tourism Forum. Consult Katland Safaris for specifics.

Uganda Visa Fees increase – Getting a Uganda tourist visa.

To try to enhance their income correction, the Ugandan government is considering raising the visa charge from USD 50 to USD 100. Even while politicians regard this as a certain method to boost tax income and foreign currency influx, it will really have a number of unintended consequences, as listed below.

Because of this, tourists will have to shell out more money to visit Uganda than other east African nations. Tourists looking to save money on their journey could consider visiting Rwanda instead of Uganda, since the two countries offer almost identical unique tourist attractions but Rwanda’s visa costs USD60. If Uganda chooses to raise its visa costs from USD 50 to USD 100, it would also cause the East African visa to rise in price. This was part of a larger proposal to create a single, $100 visa that travelers could use to visit several East African nations.

Those with a vested interest in Uganda’s tourism industry are expressing grave worry and arguing that the country should do more to attract visitors by doing away with or significantly reducing visa costs. Since visitors spend much more money in Uganda than the government receives in visa fees, this would lead to a rise in foreign currency inflow, although a more indirect one.

Uganda Visa Fees increase - Getting a Uganda tourist visa.

With the implementation of VAT and other obstacles like Ebola and terror warnings, the tourist industry has already taken a hit. Now, if the government decides to raise visa costs, it will raise questions about their vision for tourism growth.

The country should consider promoting tourism as a means to earn more foreign currency instead of considering increases in visa fees. It is home to over 400 mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, as well as the world’s longest river, Mount Rwenzori, and numerous other tourist attractions like chimpanzees and golden monkeys.

Katland Safaris will keep you informed of any changes so that you may continue to enjoy our excursions at a reasonable price. Please get in touch with us if you need any help getting ready, whether it’s recommendations for tours or guidance. Professional tour operators like us provide trips to Rwanda and Uganda, and our advisers will get back to you quickly so you can make the best choice.

10 Things To Consider Before Booking A Uganda Safari In 2024-2025.

Ten things should influence your 2024–25 Uganda safari. Choose an activity for your 2024–2025 Uganda safari. Uganda’s most popular pastime is gorilla safaris. Mgahinga and Bwindi provide gorilla hiking and habitat.

Uganda is one of the remaining unspoiled safari destinations with distinctive scenery, making it a natural gem. Uganda offers birding, water sports, cultural, chimpanzee, and other safaris. Choose your Uganda safari destinations and activities.

Uganda safari resorts are popular June–September and December–January, so book early. Ugandan safari spots are usually near hotels.

Uganda safaris need considerable preparation. Drive or fly; Entebbe and Kajjansi airfields provide daily domestic flights to most upcountry Uganda safari destinations.

Before entering Uganda, get a visa. Getting one at immigration may take awhile, especially if your Uganda safari begins on arrival.

Uganda safari outfit should reflect your bravery. Ugandan gorilla and chimpanzee safaris need the correct gear. More activities must be permitted to fully enjoy the event.

Uganda, the gem of Africa, provides safaris without a shoreline. Katland Safaris, with over 10 years of experience, can help. Our safari experts can help you find the finest safari activities and answer your Uganda travel questions.

Preparing for Uganda Safari 2024-2025 Booking

Choose Uganda Safari Activities
Gorilla tours, hiking, and habituation are top Uganda safari activities. Tourists gorilla trekking spend an hour with habituated gorillas. Maximum eight tourists per mountain gorilla hiking family per day. Gorilla Habituation Adventure Safaris takes guests to a semi-habituated gorilla family for four hours under the supervision of researchers and habituators.

Gorilla permits should be obtained in advance, particularly in peak months like June, July, August, September, December, and January. Uganda issues 8 gorilla habituation licenses and 168 hiking permits everyday. The shortest Uganda gorilla safari is three days.

Uganda safaris include Game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, and Kidepo Valley national parks. Ugandan chimpanzee safaris visit Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kalinzu Forest, and others to see the closest human relatives.

Uganda contains around 1,000 bird species, making it a top African birding destination. Uganda has uncommon shoe bills of Handsome Francolin, Shelley and Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Turaco, and others. IUCN red-listed birds are in Uganda. Uganda’s birding hotspots include Mabamba marsh, Lutembe Beach, Mpanga forest reserve, Mabira woodland, Bwindi forest, Kibale forest, and others.

Uganda offers launch safaris in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, Nile sports fishing, white river rafting, Jinja Nile source visits, and other water activities.

Wonderful cultural experience in multicultural Uganda. Uganda accepts many ethnicities, yet its traditions are distinct. You might research Ugandan tribes and traditions. Kabaka, Omukama, Kyabazinga, and others rule Buganda, Bunyoro, Busoga, and others.

Choose Uganda safari lodging.

Most Uganda safari destinations include lodging. These are budget, mid-range, luxury hotels. Uganda gorilla safaris revolve around lodging.

Consider where you booked your Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla safari lodging permit. The rough topography makes Bwindi Impenetrable National Park difficult to explore.

10 Things To Consider Before Booking A Uganda Safari In 2024-2025.

Spend overnight near game regions since wildlife excursions are greatest in the morning and afternoon. Later in the day, game drives may have fewer.

Transportation to Uganda safari spots
Road transport

Uganda safaris are largely road trips. Upcountry roads need a sturdy 4×4 and a competent driving guide for a nice safari. Several Uganda safari drivers must know the different ways.

The driver guide must be aware of filthy roads to prevent abandoning you on the wayside if the car fails to go. Ugandan roads are muddy and difficult. Get ready for an African massage.

Katland Safaris‘ well-maintained fleet of safari vehicles and skilled driver guides acquainted with African roads are checked before every trip.

Uganda safaris via air

Ugandan domestic flights to Bugungu or Pakuba airstrips and northern Uganda safari destinations such Murchison Falls National Park, Kasese, Mweya, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, and Semuliki Valley operate from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. Kisoro airstrikes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga, Lake Bunyonyi, etc.

Upcountry residents buy Ugandan flights, thus tickets are scarce.

Charter flights from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip must be arranged in advance for permission.

Uganda Visa Preapproval

If Uganda requires a visa, apply early. Immigration takes time, particularly if your Uganda safari begins on arrival. Visas Ugandan visas cost $50 each.

If your safari begins in Tanzania, Kenya, or Rwanda, get an East Africa visa. One visa covers two East African nations without reapplication.

Select Uganda safari gear.

Bring less luggage on your Uganda safari. Uganda safaris with minimum baggage leave room in the car and at the hotel. Uganda safaris need kit like:

Gorilla trekking requires safari boots, a long-sleeved shirt and pants, insect repellent, garden gloves, a safari heart, and other gear.

Bug repellent and brown or khaki attire are good for Ugandan wildlife drives. Avoid blue, white, and black, which attract safari caps, tsetse flies, etc.

Most Uganda safari places are too cool in the morning and afternoon; bring blankets. Also check the Uganda safari weather prediction.

Tell kids about Uganda safaris.

Tell your kids about Uganda and safaris. Uganda has tropical weather with intense sunlight and heavy rain during the rainy seasons. You should only go gorilla safaris at 15. Trekking into the woods for gorilla safaris might be difficult. Gorilla safaris take patience to find mountain gorillas. This jungle has animals, so let the kids experience the game safari with an open mind.

Uganda safaris let you meet Africa Safaris offers affordable, midrange, and luxury safaris. Choose the best Uganda safari plan within your budget. Uganda safaris vary.

Upon inquiry, our safari consultant provides safari details. Your desired activities, Uganda safari duration, number of people, safari package, and more are important to us. You may choose the gorilla trekking area, hotel, and other details for your Uganda visit. These records show time availability.

Consider this while visiting Uganda.

June, July, August, September, December, and January are Uganda’s peak tourism months, although demand limits trip options.

Limited chimpanzee, gorilla, and golden monkey safari permits must be purchased early. Last-minute peak season availability is unusual.

Safaris are less popular in Uganda’s low tourist seasons—March, April, May, and November. Plan a Uganda safari this season if money is tight.

Easter, Christmas, and New Year safaris are popular, so book early.

Your Uganda safari aims to

Why you booked the Uganda safari. Tell them you’re on a honeymoon trip to Uganda for special treatment. You may like to take a Uganda safari. Give notice to ensure safari logistics are arranged.

Uganda safari booking in advance
Uganda safaris should be scheduled three months in advance to prevent disappointment. prioritize Uganda safaris’ facilities.

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Which land borders are used to cross from Rwanda to Uganda for gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda: When hiking for gorillas in Uganda, which land borders do you utilize to pass from Rwanda? Just three African countries—Ugandan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—offer gorilla trekking, a popular tourist activity. The Kyanika/Cyanika and Katuna/Gatuna border stations allow for frequent border crossings between Rwanda and Uganda.

The Cyanika border is just as busy as the Gatuna frontier when it comes to Uganda and Rwanda’s land borders. Cyanika provides the quickest route to Mgahinga from Kigali, in contrast to Gatuna, which requires two hours of driving from Kigali and an extra hour to reach Bwindi.

Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga takes 9–10 hours by automobile, therefore crossing the border is one of the fastest and easiest ways to go gorilla trekking from Rwanda to Uganda. Traffic and the 40km/hr speed limit may make driving from Kigali to Bwindi take more than three hours. Driving 60km/h in urban areas. Border crossings let you explore two countries with many tourist attractions and economical gorilla trekking.

Gatuna border | Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda

The constantly developing Katuna or Gatuna border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda has imported and exported many items. Rwanda’s main export-import hub is open 24/7. In 1996, the Belgians in Rwanda demarched the boundary between Uganda and Rwanda, making Katuna the last stretch of Ugandan soil before entering Rwanda. The Gatuna border and surrounding region were under Belgian authority in Rwanda and a key escape route for Rwandans to Uganda.

The Katuna border is 500 kilometers from Kampala. Katuna has a heterogeneous population of Rwandese, Ugandans, Burundians, and Congolese. All bulk imports and exports are processed at the border, therefore these firms gather there for business.

When traveling from Kigali to Uganda to gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks, many visitors stop at the Katuna border. Many facilities provide currency exchange near the Katuna border. U.S. dollars, Euros, Rwandan francs, and Ugandan shillings are accepted. However, counterfeit cash is common at the border, so be careful.

Gatuna border attractions for visitors

The Katuna border has helped Rwanda and Uganda, which offer more than gorilla trekking in the Virunga, develop tourism. Gorilla trekking is common at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park near Gatuna. Hikers can visit Lake Bunyonyi and Mount Muhabura, dormant mountains.

The border between Gatuna and Katuna overnight.
The Gatuna Border Post has basic, mid-range, and luxury accommodations. Katuna has various hotels, including Lake Bunyonyi View Hotel, Hawk’s Eye Lodge, Itambire Island Seeds of Hope, Katuna Inn, Kigezi Garden Inn, Jowillis Hotel, Albertine Tourist Resort, Heras Country Hotel, and others.

Kyanika-Cyanika border

Rwandan gorilla trekkers usually cross the Cyanika border into Uganda. Although less busy than the Gatuna border station, it’s nonetheless a vital entrance gateway for residents and travelers. The Kyanika border connects businesses and visitors visiting the DRC or Rwanda for gorilla treks.

The Kyanika border is in Rwanda’s Burera and Uganda’s Kisoro. Its proximity to Lake Bunyonyi, Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park makes it an attractive Rwanda-Uganda border crossing site. Kyanika also promoted Rwandan and Ugandan tourism. It’s best for southern Bwindi visitors.

Which land borders are used to cross from Rwanda to Uganda for gorilla trekking?

After leaving Kigali International Airport, travelers may visit Kyanika for a gorilla walk in Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ugandan tourists may easily enter Rwanda. Avoid traffic and reach the Kyanika border within an hour of Volcanoes National Park, particularly during peak hours.

Attractions near Kyanika border

The plethora of noteworthy places around the Kyanika border makes it more appealing despite its short length. This includes:

Volcanoes National Park, near Musanze in northwest Rwanda, attracts tourists eager to view the endangered mountain gorillas. The National Park contains the five Virunga Volcano Mountains—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura. The endangered golden monkey population and other bird species live here.

At Cyanika Central Market, tourists may get all they need before continuing their vacation. The market sells refreshments, personal products, and souvenirs.

The famed Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located near Kisoro, 14 kilometers from Kyanika. Mgahinga, Uganda’s smallest national park, is situated in Virunga. A gorilla family, golden monkeys, various primates, and birds live here. Mgahinga has several attractions, including the Batwa trail and neighboring communities.

Small Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda attracts migratory and resident birds. Due to its breathtaking beauty and 29 small islands in 2478 km of water, Lake Bunyonyi is one of Uganda’s most popular tourist sites.

Getting to Kyanika

Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi, Rwanda, are 80 kilometers from the border station, whereas Kigali is 150 kilometers and Kisoro town is 11 kilometers. Kyanika is accessible via public and private transport. If you are visiting Rwanda and booked via a Ugandan tour operator, they must organize a safari vehicle to transfer you to Uganda. The paperwork for car registration, taxes, and other procedures makes crossing Rwanda-Uganda difficult.

Many bus companies connect Rwanda with Uganda. Buses from Kigali to Naybugogo stage take you to Musanze. Matatus or taxis from Musanze take 30 minutes to the Kyanika border. To travel by bus from Kampala to Goma and the Kyanika border, you must book with Trinity Bus Express or Jaguar Coaches.

Uganda’s Kampala to Kyanika border drive takes 9–10 hours. Gateway and Horizon buses operate. Flying enthusiasts may charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.

Accommodation near the Kyanika border

Kisoro has basic, mid-range, and luxury hotels near Kyanika. Tourists looking to unwind near the border might try these attractions.

The Lake Mutanda-area Nkuringo Safari Lodge is 14 kilometers from Kisoro. The camp provides three meals a day with international and local delicacies and has tent sites with private facilities and toilets.

This four-room hotel on the Kisoro-Kyanika road has a 24-hour front desk, private bathrooms and showers, cable TV, free WIFI, microwaves, parking, and BBQ grills.

One of Kisoro’s best hotels, it offers individual rooms, free parking, gardens to relax in, a restaurant providing local and international cuisine, WIFI, and more.

The Golden Monkey Guesthouse in Kisoro is 22 minutes from Mgahinga National Park. A well-stocked bar, three daily meals with local and international cuisines, free parking, WIFI, and 16 rooms with private bathrooms and toilets are hotel features.

Is the Rwanda-Uganda border crossing slow or fast?

Crossing the Kyanika border is easy with proper documentation. A $100 East African Visa simplifies the procedure. Rwanda’s early border crossing to Bwindi is quicker when fewer visitors pass, so you won’t wait long.

Rwandans need a $50 visa to enter Uganda. Only East Africans and residents with specific work permissions may cross the border for free using their national ID cards. Your passport stamp will come quickly, and you may pay online or at the border. All payment methods are accepted. You will require a multiple-entry visa for Rwanda at the airport since you will return to Rwanda that day.

What would be the timing to return to Kigali after gorilla trekking in Uganda?
It normally takes all day, but you’ll be back in Kigali by 5:00 pm, give or take an hour. This includes crossing the border into Uganda, trekking with the gorillas, spending an hour with them, and more. Credit cards are seldom accepted at the border, so carry US money. Your visa may be issued there.

Can I enter Rwanda from Uganda safely?

Border crossings between Rwanda and Uganda are safe due to their cordial trade and political connections. The free passage of persons and products between Rwanda and Uganda is facilitated. Uganda and Rwanda are great holiday destinations due to their decade-long peace. Remember that tourism is both countries’ main source of foreign cash.

To conclude, a Uganda-Rwanda gorilla trekking safari is a great way to experience two nations. Safe and economical transportation. The Katuna–Gatuna and Kyanika–Cyanika borders enable tourists to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.

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