Private African safaris in Uganda
Luxury Uganda Safaris
Mountain gorillas in Bwindi, chimpanzees in Kibale, tree-climbing lions and the Nile at Murchison Falls, planned around you by our team.
Why Uganda with Nova
Uganda, Planned Around You
A luxury Uganda safari brings together primates and classic savannah in one journey. About half of the world’s mountain gorillas live in Uganda, mostly in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Kibale is one of the best places in Africa to see chimpanzees.
Between the forests are lakes, volcanoes and open parks. Queen Elizabeth has the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and boat trips on the Kazinga Channel, Murchison Falls is where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, and Kidepo Valley in the far north is one of the wildest parks in East Africa.
We design each journey from scratch, choosing the right lodges and pace and arranging gorilla and chimpanzee permits early. Southern Bwindi is a few hours by road from Kigali, so Uganda pairs naturally with Rwanda, and our team arranges the flights, light aircraft, guides and lodges, staying in touch from your first enquiry until you are home.
Our promise
“Luxury travel, focused on eco-tourism and protecting Africa’s wildest regions and animals.”
Gorilla permit fees help fund the protection of Uganda’s forests and the communities around them. We favour lodges that work with local people and support conservation in the areas you visit.
Where we go
Uganda’s Safari Regions
Uganda is far more than one famous forest. These are the areas we plan journeys around, often three or four in one trip.
Mountain gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of steep, forested hills, home to many habituated gorilla families. Its four trekking areas, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo, each have their own lodges.
Gorillas and golden monkeys
Mgahinga
Uganda’s share of the Virunga volcanoes, a small park with one gorilla family, golden monkeys and volcano hikes.
Chimpanzees
Kibale Forest
A rainforest with a large chimpanzee population and many other primates. Track chimpanzees in the morning, or spend a full day with researchers on a habituation experience.
Tree-climbing lions
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Savannah, crater lakes and the Ishasha sector, where lions often rest in fig trees. Boat trips on the Kazinga Channel pass hippos, buffalo and elephants.
The Nile
Murchison Falls
Uganda’s largest park, where the Nile pours through a narrow gorge. Game drives north of the river and a boat trip to the foot of the falls.
Remote and wild
Kidepo Valley
A remote park in the far northeast, reached by light aircraft, with open valleys, big herds of buffalo and very few visitors.
Zebras on foot
Lake Mburo
A small park between Entebbe and Bwindi, with zebras and eland, and walking and horseback safaris.
The Mountains of the Moon
The Rwenzori Mountains
Snow-capped peaks on the border with Congo, with guided hikes from a few hours to several days.
Over the border
Rwanda
Kigali, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe are a short flight or drive away.
When to go
Uganda Month by Month
Uganda sits on the equator, so it is warm all year. The seasons are about rain, and the forests can be wet in any month.
| Months | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| January to February | A drier season, with warm days and easier trails. | Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, game drives |
| March to May | The long rains, with green forests and muddy trails. | Quieter lodges, birdlife and easier permit availability |
| June to September | The main dry season, with firmer trails and good game viewing. | Gorilla trekking, savannah parks and summer holidays |
| October to November | The short rains, often as afternoon showers. | Green landscapes and fewer visitors |
| December | Drier weather returns before the holidays. | Festive season journeys |
Gorillas and chimpanzees can be visited all year. Permits for the dry months and holidays sell out first, so we suggest planning several months ahead. Good rain gear is useful in any month.
Getting there
Getting to Uganda
Entebbe International Airport, near Kampala, is the gateway. Many journeys to southern Bwindi also start in Kigali, about four to five hours away by road.
From Europe
KLM flies from Amsterdam, Brussels Airlines from Brussels, Turkish Airlines from Istanbul and Uganda Airlines from London, some with a stop on the way to Entebbe.
From the USA and Canada
There are no nonstop flights. Most travellers connect through Europe, Istanbul, Doha, Dubai or Addis Ababa.
From the Gulf
Emirates and flydubai fly from Dubai and Qatar Airways from Doha to Entebbe in about five to six hours.
Around Uganda
Distances by road are long, so we often use scheduled light aircraft from Entebbe to airstrips near Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo. Luggage allowances on these flights are limited, and we confirm them before you travel.
Flight times are approximate and routes change, including seasonal and regional changes, so we confirm the current options when we plan your journey.
Experiences
Ways to Experience Uganda
Every journey is built around what matters to you. These are some of the things our guests ask for most.
Gorilla trekking
An Hour with the Gorillas
Trek with expert trackers to a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Porters can carry your bag and help on steep ground.
Kibale
Chimpanzee Tracking
Follow a chimpanzee community through the forest, or join researchers for a longer habituation experience.
Savannah parks
Lions and Leopards
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, with lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo.
Forest lodges
Evenings by the Fire
Return from a day in the forest to a warm suite, a fireplace and dinner looking over the hills.
Honeymoons
Time for Two
Quiet lodges, private dinners and lakeside days, with Zanzibar or Kenya to finish.
Families
Travel Together
Gorilla trekking is for ages 15 and over, so we plan boat trips, game drives and walks for younger travellers.
Sample journey
Nine Nights: Entebbe, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi
A starting point only. We change the regions, lodges and pace to suit you, and can add Murchison Falls, Rwanda or Kenya if you wish.
Day 1
Arrive in Entebbe
You are met at the airport and taken to a hotel on Lake Victoria. If you are combining with Rwanda, we can plan the journey to start or end in Kigali.
Days 1 to 2
Entebbe
A night by the lake to rest after the journey, with time for the botanical gardens or a boat trip.
Days 2 to 5
Kibale Forest
Fly or drive to Kibale for three nights, with chimpanzee tracking, a swamp walk for birds and primates, and the crater lakes.
Days 5 to 7
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Two nights of game drives and a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, then south to Ishasha to look for lions in the fig trees.
Days 7 to 10
Bwindi and home
Three nights near Bwindi with a gorilla trek, then fly back to Entebbe for your flight home.
Good to know
Uganda Safari FAQs
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
At the time of writing, US, Canadian, UK and EU passport holders need a tourist visa, applied for online before travel. Most GCC passport holders also need one. If you are also visiting Rwanda or Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers all three on one visa.
What counts is the passport you travel on, not where you live. Rules and fees change, so please check the current requirements before you travel.
When is the best time for a Uganda safari?
June to September and December to February are the drier months and the most popular for gorilla trekking and game drives. Gorillas and chimpanzees can be seen all year, and the wetter months are greener and quieter.
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
You need moderate fitness. Bwindi is steep, and treks can take from one hour to most of the day. Porters and walking sticks are available, and the park staff try to match groups to the walk. We help you prepare and choose the right trekking area.
Do I need malaria tablets or vaccinations?
Uganda is a malaria area, so speak to a doctor or travel clinic about prevention before you travel. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda, so check this well before your trip.
How much does a luxury Uganda safari cost?
The gorilla permit is one of the largest single costs, along with the lodges and how many light aircraft flights you take. Uganda can offer good value compared with some other gorilla journeys. Tell us your budget and we will show you the best way to use it.
Is Uganda good for a family safari?
Yes, with planning. Gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15 and chimpanzee tracking usually 12, but younger children can enjoy game drives, boat trips and nature walks. We choose lodges and activities that suit your family.
Combine Uganda with
More of East Africa
Start planning
Let’s Design Your Uganda Safari
Tell us when you would like to travel, who is coming and what you hope to see, and we will design a Uganda safari around you. Our team works across Dubai, the United States and South Africa, planning journeys for travellers from around the world.
Prefer email? info@novasafaris.com