Uganda Safari Costs

Affectionately known as ‘The Pearl of Africa', Uganda is a veritable paradise combining the best of lush vegetation, wonderful wildlife, and vibrant colours. Lauded for its gorilla trekking, a safari in Uganda combines the best of an unforgettable African safari and a chance to walk amongst forest giants and other primates. The best time to visit Uganda for trekking is March to May and September to December, a good thing to keep in mind when planning.

Fortunately, 20% of Uganda's land has been dedicated to wildlife reserves, ensuring it remains largely untouched. It's also home to some premier wildlife destinations, including Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls. Discover the country's exceptional rainforests on gorilla treks through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. There's also a chance to see golden monkeys while exploring the Virunga Mountains. Uncover this East Africa's gem's secrets with some of our top Uganda tours and safaris or perhaps even combined with another destination.

Uganda Safaris: What Are Your Options?

As a fairly compact country, the best places to visit in Uganda are not too difficult to reach, nor take too long to get to. From the main city and capital, Kampala, the international airport is just a 35km drive. Fortunately, a few of its top attractions combine easily due to their proximity, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Forest. There are a few options for your Ugandan safari, we break down a few below:

• Fly-in Safaris & Transfers: Many of Uganda's top destinations are accessible by fly-in charters. However, these are typically quite expensive, which is why most opt for road transfers via mini bus or 4×4 vehicles. Due to road conditions, 4×4 transport is often the preferred method.
• Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is undoubtedly the best place in Uganda for gorilla trekking and provides travellers with unforgettable experiences each year. Naturalist guides and trackers lead the way through the forest for the chance to observe gorillas and other primates in their natural habitat. Time of year, group size, and a few other factors can impact the cost of a trek.
• Classic Safaris: A Ugandan safari is a quintessential experience, venture into Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks for big game viewing and great bird sightings. In addition to game drives, boat cruises are fantastic for a different perspective – though these are typically an additional cost.

How Much Does a Uganda Safari Cost?

A Uganda safari typically ranges from $770 to $1,980 per person per night based on double occupancy, depending on the level of luxury, season, and whether it includes fly-in transfers or gorilla trekking permits. Entry-level options start around $770, while mid-range safaris cost between $1,100 and $1,160. Luxury and 5-star safaris can reach up to $1,980 per night. Accommodation is generally more modest than in Kenya or Tanzania but still offers excellent comfort and access to top wildlife areas like Bwindi Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Uganda Safari Tour Costs

As with any holiday, what you choose to do, and where you go will impact the general cost of your safari. The below table breaks down costs for Uganda safaris calculated per person per night sharing in both low and high season:

Entry Level Drive / Fly In		Mid Range Drive / Fly In		Luxury Drive / Fly In		5 Star Option
Low	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
$770 pps*	$830 pps*	$1,100 pps*	$1,160 pps*	$1,540 pps*	$1,870 pps*	$1,650 pps*	$1,980 pps*

* Please note: all the costs are guidelines only and an average for per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season, including the necessary permits, conservancy and park fees required.
They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities. Note that conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change. Peak or High Season generally runs over Christmas and New Year, and from about July to October.

Uganda Accommodation Costs

As there are two wildlife hotspots in the country, Uganda accommodation options fall mainly to the south and west, allowing easier access to its top spots. While the offerings are not typically as opulent as its safari counterparts, such as Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda still has ample options from comfortable camps to luxury lodges. Proximity to the ‘action', level of comfort, and included activities will all impact associated cost, as well as the time of year.

Uganda Accommodation Prices

4-Star Comfort		4-Star Luxury		5-Star Luxury
Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
$310 pps*	$360 pps*	$880 pps*	$1,430 pps*	$1,100 pps*	$1,870 pps*

* Please note: all the costs are guidelines only and an average for per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season. They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities. Note that conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change. Peak or High Season generally runs over Christmas and New Year, and from about July to October.

How the Time of Year affects the Cost of a Uganda Safari

The cost of a Uganda safari varies with the seasons, which are closely tied to rainfall patterns. Peak season falls during the dry months of December to February and June to August, when trekking conditions are ideal and wildlife is easier to spot—especially around water sources at the end of each dry period. These months typically come with higher prices due to increased demand. The shoulder and low seasons, particularly March to May and September to November, are more cost-effective, offering reduced rates and fewer crowds. However, these wetter months can make gorilla trekking more challenging due to muddy trails and unpredictable weather.

Additional Costs

It's important to note that ‘all-inclusive' may not be as comprehensive as you first expect. In Africa, and on safaris, that can mean a range of things and it's always worth clarifying what is not included. One of the first things to do is consult our blog on visa free African countries for US citizens as that may tick off one of the boxes regarding associated costs already. What possible additional costs could you come across? Have a look at our list below:

• International flights / getting to the country – as a rule of thumb, consider this excluded.
• Getting from place to place – internal transfers may be included with some accommodations, however, some others may be at your own cost. Helicopter transfers will likely be at an additional cost.
• Vaccinations – certain destinations, including Uganda, require vaccinations prior to arrival. These are excluded and you will need to contact your healthcare professional to ensure the requirements are met.
• Tipping is always optional but highly recommended. It's always worth carrying cash during your travels as it's the easiest way to go about this. Consult our tipping guide for more information.
• Personal and travel insurance.
• Additional activities – anything over and above the included activity offerings at an accommodation, which typically extends to hot air balloon safaris and helicopter flips or sometimes even cultural excursions.
• The exchange rate – international card payments will likely incur a small fee for paying in a different currency. Uganda's national currency is the Ugandan Shilling but other currencies, such as the US dollar, is also sometimes accepted. While cards are commonplace, it's best to carry cash for local curio shops and activities.

Should you wish to plan your next great adventure with the help and guidance of one of our Africa Safari Experts, they will be able to advise you on all of the above and ensure each of your transfers is organised ahead of time and occurs as seamlessly as possible – just remember, in travelling, anything can happen and sometimes delays are unavoidable.

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