Uganda beyond gorillas: chimps, shoebills and savannah
Most visitors fly in for one hour with the gorillas and fly straight out again, missing a country many seasoned travellers consider East Africa's best-kept secret.
Uganda Safari · Uganda gorilla trekking · Uganda safari holidays
You don't have to leave Uganda as soon as your gorilla trek is over. Uganda is most often treated as a quick add-on trip for gorilla trekking, with travellers flying in, spending an hour with a habituated family, and flying out again soon after. That approach overlooks a country that offers genuine savannah game viewing, dense primate populations and one of the continent's most dramatic rivers.
Here is what else Uganda has to offer, and how to fit it into a longer trip.
Uganda's main regions compared
| Region | Signature experience | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Kibale Forest | Chimpanzee trekking | 1-2 nights |
| Murchison Falls | Boat safari and savannah drives | 2-3 nights |
| Bwindi | Mountain gorilla trekking | 2 nights |
Highlights
- Kibale Forest and its chimpanzees
- Murchison Falls and the Nile
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Linking it all into one circuit
01
Kibale Forest and its chimpanzees
Kibale protects one of the densest primate populations anywhere in Africa, and chimpanzee trekking here has a strong success rate. The forest walks themselves, filled with birdlife, monkeys and towering fig trees, are rewarding well beyond just the chimp encounter.
02
Murchison Falls and the Nile
The Nile squeezes through a gap only a few metres wide before dropping dramatically into a wide pool below, and the surrounding park pairs classic savannah game drives with boat safaris up to the base of the falls, taking in elephant, giraffe and shoebill storks along the way.
03
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Known for tree-climbing lions in its Ishasha sector and the Kazinga Channel boat safari, which brings you close to large concentrations of hippo, buffalo and elephant along the banks, making it one of the strongest water-based wildlife experiences in the region.
04
Linking it all into one circuit
A common route runs from Entebbe through Kibale and Queen Elizabeth before finishing at Bwindi, with Murchison Falls added for travellers with more time. Around ten to twelve days covers the full circuit comfortably, ending with the gorillas as the natural high point of the trip.
Dos
- Book permits well ahead of your travel dates
- Hire a porter — it supports the local community
- Wear long sleeves, gloves and sturdy waterproof boots
- Keep the 7-metre distance from the gorillas
- Carry a rain jacket, water and snacks
Don'ts
- Don't trek if you have a cold or flu
- Don't use flash photography
- Don't eat or drink near the gorillas
- Don't stare directly into a silverback's eyes
- Don't exceed the one-hour visit
What's usually included
- Gorilla trekking permit (when booked with us)
- Ranger and tracker guides on the trek
- Lodge near the park
- Private vehicle and driver-guide
- Meals as listed
- Airport transfers
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Published fees to plan around
Sources checked 7 October 2026 · US dollars · fees only, not full safari prices
| Fee | Published amount | Who and when |
|---|---|---|
| Rwanda · standard gorilla permit | US$1,500 | Per foreign visitor, per trek. Resident and promotional eligibility differs; accommodation, transfers and porter hire are separate.Rwanda Development Board booking portal |
| Uganda · low-season gorilla permit | US$600 | Foreign non-resident, April, May or November. UWA announcement dated 26 February 2026; these discounted permits cannot be rescheduled.Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff announcement |
| Uganda · standard gorilla permit from 2027 | US$800 | Foreign non-resident, per trek. The cited revised tariff takes effect 1 January 2027; confirm the applicable rate for earlier travel.Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff announcement |
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed to see Uganda properly?
Roughly seven to ten days covers the main circuit including gorillas, while four or five days suffice if gorilla trekking is the only goal.
Is chimp trekking comparable to gorilla trekking?
They're different experiences rather than one being lesser; chimps tend to be more active and vocal, making the encounters feel more energetic, and many travellers choose to do both.
When is the best time to visit Uganda?
June to September and December to February are generally the driest periods, though Uganda's forest regions remain rewarding throughout the year.
