Uganda safari from the USA · Gorilla trekking · Africa safari vacations
Picture this: you're standing in a misty rainforest, about 30 feet from a 400-pound silverback, and he's looking right at you. That's a Uganda gorilla trek. It's the moment most Americans tell us they'll never forget, and it's only one chapter. Track wild chimpanzees at dawn, cruise beneath Murchison Falls, and watch lions on an open savannah, all on one private Uganda safari planned by a locally based Ugandan company.
Why a Uganda safari
Most people picture Africa as a long line of jeeps on the plains. Uganda is something else: the "Pearl of Africa," as Winston Churchill reportedly called it. Here you can hike into the forest to meet mountain gorillas, spend a morning with chimpanzees in Kibale, then watch elephants and lions from your own private safari vehicle. Roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas live in Bwindi and the neighboring Virunga volcanoes, which makes Uganda gorilla trekking one of the rarest wildlife experiences on the planet.
It's also easy to love. English is the official language, the welcome is famously warm, and the scenery changes every day: rainforest, savannah, waterfalls, crater lakes and the Nile. You travel privately with your own driver guide, so the pace is yours, not a tour bus's. Whether you're searching for a luxury Uganda safari, a first African safari or a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek, this is where it comes together.
A morning you will remember
Your guide hands you a walking stick and a smile. You hike for a couple of hours through mist and vines, boots sinking into mud, until the trackers stop, point and whisper. About 30 feet ahead, a silverback is calmly chewing leaves. A baby is rolling down a bank. Nobody in your group says a word.
You get one hour with the family. It passes in what feels like five minutes. Ask any traveler who has done it, and it's the first story they tell. It's also why we protect every permit, every lodge night and every transfer around that single hour, and why we never promise a permit until it's confirmed.
Moments you came for
Here is what a Uganda safari can look like once you're on the ground. Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed. But the places are real, and the odds are in your favor.
THE FOREST
Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family. It is quiet, humbling and unlike anything else on Earth.
THE CANOPY
Kibale Forest is home to thirteen primate species. Chimp tracking is loud, fast and endlessly entertaining, with screams echoing overhead.
THE NILE
Drift past hippos and crocodiles toward the base of the falls, then drive the savannah above for elephants, giraffes and lions.
THE SAVANNAH
Cruise the Kazinga Channel, where elephants and buffalo come to drink, and ask us about the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector.
ON FOOT
Track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, close enough to hear them breathing, with a ranger beside you the whole way.
THE LAKE
After the trek, slip into a dugout canoe on a lake ringed by terraced hills. This is the exhale your legs have been waiting for.
Uganda safari packages
Whether you have one week or three, there's a Uganda gorilla trekking package built for you. Every itinerary is a starting point that we shorten, stretch or rebuild around your dates, fitness and budget. Prices are in US dollars per person sharing, from our published Uganda price list. Use the currency selector at the top for a GBP guide.
Short on time? Meet the gorillas in under a week.
Entebbe, Lake Bunyonyi, Rushaga, Entebbe
Per person sharing. Permits and park fees included. International flights not included. Customizable.
Two great apes. One unforgettable week.
Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi
Per person sharing. Permits and park fees included. International flights not included. Customizable.
Our best-balanced Uganda safari: waterfalls, wildlife and gorillas.
Ziwa, Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Bunyonyi
Per person sharing. Permits and park fees included. International flights not included. Customizable.
From the source of the Nile to wild, remote Kidepo.
Jinja, Sipi Falls, Kidepo, Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi
Per person sharing. Permits and park fees included. International flights not included. Customizable.
The grand finale: every park, two gorilla treks, no rushing.
Jinja, Kidepo, Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Mgahinga, Bunyonyi
Per person sharing. Permits and park fees included. International flights not included. Customizable.
Honeymoon safari, family vacation, birding trip, photography safari or a Rwanda gorilla extension: tell us your dream and we'll build it. Premium private itineraries are quoted on request.
Request a Custom ItineraryBrowse all 14 packages on our Uganda tour packages page.
USD prices come from our published Uganda price list and are starting points for two travelers sharing. GBP figures are a guide converted at roughly £0.75 per US$1 and rounded. Prices change with season, lodge and group size. Gorilla permit availability is confirmed at quotation, never assumed. Your written quote confirms the final price.
Uganda safari cost in USD
Americans searching "Uganda safari cost" usually want a straight answer, so here it is. Our private Uganda safaris start at $2,385 per person for the 5-day Gorilla Express at the budget level, rise through midrange and luxury, and reach $22,694 per person for the 21-day Uganda Complete at the luxury level. Those are starting prices for two travelers sharing, and the permit is included in each package.
Your length of stay, the comfort level you choose, the season, the number of travelers and whether you add a second gorilla trek or fly-in transfers. Gorilla permits are a significant part of any gorilla trekking package, and we state the fee in your quote.
The permit named in your itinerary, park fees, a private 4x4 with an English-speaking driver guide, lodges for your tier and ground transfers. See the full list below.
International flights to Entebbe, the Uganda e-visa fee, travel and medical evacuation insurance, tips and personal spending. We say so up front, so there are no surprises later.
What is included
A day-by-day itinerary and a written quote in USD come with every enquiry. As a guide, this is how our Uganda safari packages are built. Your quote is the final word.
Signature Uganda experiences
Uganda gorilla trekking gets the headlines, but the real magic is everything around it. These are the experiences we build every African safari itinerary around.
Bwindi and Mgahinga. One permit gives you up to an hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family. Treks last from under an hour to most of a day, depending on where the family spent the night.
Kibale Forest is home to thirteen primate species. Chimps are noisy, quick and endlessly entertaining, which makes this a favorite with families.
Lions, elephants, buffalo and leopards across Queen Elizabeth, Murchison and Kidepo, plus rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa. Ask us about current sightings.
The source of the Nile at Jinja and a river safari beneath Murchison Falls, where hippos and crocodiles line the banks.
More than a thousand bird species recorded in Uganda, including the prehistoric-looking shoebill near Mabamba Swamp. A dream trip for any birder.
Batwa forest walks, Karamojong village visits and Lake Bunyonyi canoe trips that put money directly in local hands.
Private vehicles and flexible timing give you the golden-hour light and the patience wildlife photography demands, with no shuffling for position.
Permits and community visits support conservation and local livelihoods in the places you travel through, so your vacation does some good.
Forest lodges above the canopy, riverside suites and fly-in options that save a day on the road.
Who it's for
English-speaking guides, a private vehicle and a team handling every detail make Uganda an easy first African safari.
Forest lodges, riverside suites and sunset canoe rides make a romantic safari honeymoon you won't find in the crowds.
Chimp tracking, canoe trips and wildlife drives suit active families. Minimum age rules apply for some activities, so tell us the kids' ages.
Flexible pacing, private vehicles and some of Africa's most photogenic wildlife, from gorillas to shoebills.
Why book locally
When you book a Uganda safari through a big overseas brand, your trip often gets passed along to someone else on the ground. With us, the people planning your trip are the people running it.
Our operations team is based in Uganda, with a Managing Director in the UK. You deal with the people who actually run your trip.
Budget, midrange and luxury, with premium private options on request. Nothing is off a shelf.
Private 4x4 with a driver guide, permits, lodges and transfers handled for you, with no middle layers and no handoffs.
A written quote in USD that states what's included, with permits and park fees named, so you can compare with confidence.
Message us on WhatsApp before and during your trip, and a real person on our team replies.
Permits and community visits support conservation and local livelihoods, so more of your money stays in Uganda.
Best time to visit Uganda
You can trek gorillas in Uganda all year, but the season shapes your trip. The dry months, June to September and December to February, bring firmer trails and easier game viewing, and they're the most popular. The green months, March to May and October to November, are quieter and lush, with fewer travelers.
Gorilla permits are limited, and dry-month dates sell out first. For peak months, we recommend booking 6 to 9 months ahead. For the rest of the year, at least 3 months.
Uganda vs Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania
American travelers often compare these destinations. Uganda is our home, and we'll give you an honest answer, including when another country is the better fit for your goals. We can also combine Uganda with a Rwanda gorilla extension.
| Uganda | Rwanda | Kenya | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Known for | Gorillas, chimps, the Nile, varied big game | Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park | Masai Mara and classic savannah | Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| Gorilla trekking | Bwindi and Mgahinga, several sectors | Volcanoes National Park | Not available | Not available |
| Chimp tracking | Kibale and more | Limited options | Not typical | Western Tanzania, remote |
| Style | Lush, varied, private, and good value across midrange and luxury | Compact and polished | Wide open plains and migration | Vast plains, migration |
| Best combined | Gorillas, chimps and Big Five in one trip | A short gorilla add-on to Uganda | Pair with Uganda for forest plus plains | Pair with Uganda for forest plus plains |
Flight planning from the USA
Travelers from the USA generally need connecting international flights to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about a 45-minute drive from Kampala. Depending on your departure city, the journey usually routes through one or more major international hubs. Routes, airlines, schedules and fares change often, so we don't list or quote them here.
International flight costs are separate from our safari prices unless a written quote says otherwise. We focus on ground arrangements, and we're happy to review options with you or your travel agent and to arrange your airport meet-and-greet and first night.
Pro tip: send us your preferred dates before you buy flights. Gorilla permits for dry months sell out early, and the permit date is what your whole trip is built around.
Travel Confidence Center
Nobody likes surprises at the airport. This is general information only, not medical or legal advice. Requirements change, so always confirm with the official sources below before you book flights or travel.
Check that your passport is valid for your travel dates and has enough blank pages. Renew well ahead if needed. US State Department passport information.
Visitors generally apply online for a Uganda e-visa before traveling. Apply well ahead and confirm the current rules. Official Uganda e-visa portal.
Check the current yellow fever vaccination certificate requirement for Uganda and carry your physical certificate if required. See the CDC Uganda travel page.
Talk to a travel clinic or your doctor well ahead about vaccines and malaria prevention. Start with the CDC travelers' health guidance.
You travel with a private driver guide. Read the current US State Department Uganda travel advisory and consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before you go.
Take travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trekking. Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. Your pre-departure pack includes tipping guidance and a full packing list.
Safari comfort levels
Every comfort level includes the same permits, private vehicle and driver guide. What changes is where you sleep and how much polish you want. All options are subject to actual operational availability, confirmed in your written quote.
Simple, comfortable lodges and camps. A smart way to put more of your budget toward the experiences. Starting prices are on each safari above.
Well-located lodges and tented camps with good service and views. Our most popular choice for first-time Uganda travelers.
Forest lodges, riverside suites and refined service, with fly-in options available where they save time.
A fully bespoke private safari with exclusive arrangements. Priced on request, to your dates and wishes.
Booking journey
Booking an African safari from the USA shouldn't feel like a leap of faith. Here's exactly what happens, and what you pay when.
Traveler reviews
We only publish real reviews from travelers who have given us permission. Authorized reviews from American travelers will appear here. To hear from past guests before you book, ask us and we'll share what we can.
Good to know
Most tourist areas are visited without incident, and you travel with a private driver guide. Read the current US State Department travel advisory before booking, and talk to us about any concerns.
Permit fees are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and can change. Every package price includes the permit named in the itinerary, and your quote states the current fee. Our 5-day Gorilla Express starts from $2,385 per person sharing at the budget level, with midrange and luxury options above.
Five days covers one gorilla trek. Ten to fourteen days combines gorillas, chimps and big game comfortably. Twenty-one days lets you see the whole country at a gentle pace.
Permits and park fees named in the itinerary, a private 4x4 with a driver guide, accommodation for your chosen tier and ground transfers. International flights, visa fees, insurance and tips are separate. See the inclusions and exclusions above, and your written quote for the details.
Permits are limited and sell out, especially in dry months. We apply for them for you once your dates are set. We never assume availability: it is confirmed at quotation, and a 30 percent deposit secures your booking and permits.
You can trek year-round. The dry months (June to September, December to February) bring firmer trails and easier game viewing, while the green months (March to May, October to November) are quieter and lush. Book 6 to 9 months ahead for dry months.
Treks range from under an hour to most of a day on steep, muddy forest trails. A reasonable level of fitness helps, and porters and walking sticks are available. Tell us about your fitness and we'll plan accordingly. The Uganda Wildlife Authority sets minimum age rules for trekking, currently 15 for gorillas, so please mention children's ages when you enquire.
Both offer extraordinary encounters. Uganda has more sectors to choose from, plus chimps and big game in the same trip. Rwanda is compact and polished. Permit rates differ by country and change over time, so ask us for a current comparison, or combine both.
Lightweight layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, gloves for gorilla treks and insect repellent. A full list comes with your pre-departure pack.
Check your passport validity, the Uganda e-visa and the current yellow fever certificate requirement, and talk to a travel clinic about other vaccines and malaria prevention. Use the official links in the Travel Confidence Center above.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We include current guidance by role in your pre-departure pack so you can plan before you travel.
We focus on ground arrangements and can review flight options with you or your travel agent. Send us your dates first so permits can be held.
Six to nine months for peak months, and at least three months for the rest. A 30 percent deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due 60 days before arrival.
Enquiry
No payment and no obligation. Your enquiry goes straight to our bookings team, and we reply with a personalized itinerary and quote in USD.
The gorillas aren't going anywhere, but dry-season permits sell out. Send us your month, group size and the experience you dream about. We check permit availability and reply with a clear quote in US dollars.
Uganda and WhatsApp: +256 792 770 034 · UK and WhatsApp: +44 7826 805254
Bookings: bookings@wanderandwonderug.com · General: info@wanderandwonderug.com
Uganda safari from the USA · Gorilla trekking · Africa safari vacations
Picture this: you're standing in a misty rainforest, about 30 feet from a 400-pound silverback, and he's looking right at you. That's a Uganda gorilla trek. It's the moment most Americans tell us they'll never forget, and it's only one chapter. Track wild chimpanzees at dawn, cruise beneath Murchison Falls, and watch lions on an open savannah, all on one private Uganda safari planned by a locally based Ugandan company.
Why a Uganda safari
Most people picture Africa as a long line of jeeps on the plains. Uganda is something else: the "Pearl of Africa," as Winston Churchill reportedly called it. Here you can hike into the forest to meet mountain gorillas, spend a morning with chimpanzees in Kibale, then watch elephants and lions from your own private safari vehicle. Roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas live in Bwindi and the neighboring Virunga volcanoes, which makes Uganda gorilla trekking one of the rarest wildlife experiences on the planet.
It's also easy to love. English is the official language, the welcome is famously warm, and the scenery changes every day: rainforest, savannah, waterfalls, crater lakes and the Nile. You travel privately with your own driver guide, so the pace is yours, not a tour bus's. Whether you're searching for a luxury Uganda safari, a first African safari or a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek, this is where it comes together.
A morning you will remember
Your guide hands you a walking stick and a smile. You hike for a couple of hours through mist and vines, boots sinking into mud, until the trackers stop, point and whisper. About 30 feet ahead, a silverback is calmly chewing leaves. A baby is rolling down a bank. Nobody in your group says a word.
You get one hour with the family. It passes in what feels like five minutes. Ask any traveler who has done it, and it's the first story they tell. It's also why we protect every permit, every lodge night and every transfer around that single hour, and why we never promise a permit until it's confirmed.
Moments you came for
Here is what a Uganda safari can look like once you're on the ground. Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed. But the places are real, and the odds are in your favor.
THE FOREST
Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family. It is quiet, humbling and unlike anything else on Earth.
THE CANOPY
Kibale Forest is home to thirteen primate species. Chimp tracking is loud, fast and endlessly entertaining, with screams echoing overhead.
THE NILE
Drift past hippos and crocodiles toward the base of the falls, then drive the savannah above for elephants, giraffes and lions.
THE SAVANNAH
Cruise the Kazinga Channel, where elephants and buffalo come to drink, and ask us about the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector.
ON FOOT
Track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, close enough to hear them breathing, with a ranger beside you the whole way.
THE LAKE
After the trek, slip into a dugout canoe on a lake ringed by terraced hills. This is the exhale your legs have been waiting for.
Uganda safari packages
Whether you have one week or three, there's a Uganda gorilla trekking package built for you. Every itinerary is a starting point that we shorten, stretch or rebuild around your dates, fitness and budget. Prices are in US dollars per person sharing, from our published Uganda price list. Use the currency selector at the top for a GBP guide.
Short on time? Meet the gorillas in under a week.
Entebbe, Lake Bunyonyi, Rushaga, Entebbe
Per person sharing. Permits and park fees included. International flights not included. Customizable.
Two great apes. One unforgettable week.
Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi
Per person sharing. Permits and park fees included. International flights not included. Customizable.
Our best-balanced Uganda safari: waterfalls, wildlife and gorillas.
Ziwa, Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Bunyonyi
Per person sharing. Permits and park fees included. International flights not included. Customizable.
From the source of the Nile to wild, remote Kidepo.
Jinja, Sipi Falls, Kidepo, Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi
Per person sharing. Permits and park fees included. International flights not included. Customizable.
The grand finale: every park, two gorilla treks, no rushing.
Jinja, Kidepo, Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Mgahinga, Bunyonyi
Per person sharing. Permits and park fees included. International flights not included. Customizable.
Honeymoon safari, family vacation, birding trip, photography safari or a Rwanda gorilla extension: tell us your dream and we'll build it. Premium private itineraries are quoted on request.
Request a Custom ItineraryBrowse all 14 packages on our Uganda tour packages page.
USD prices come from our published Uganda price list and are starting points for two travelers sharing. GBP figures are a guide converted at roughly £0.75 per US$1 and rounded. Prices change with season, lodge and group size. Gorilla permit availability is confirmed at quotation, never assumed. Your written quote confirms the final price.
Uganda safari cost in USD
Americans searching "Uganda safari cost" usually want a straight answer, so here it is. Our private Uganda safaris start at $2,385 per person for the 5-day Gorilla Express at the budget level, rise through midrange and luxury, and reach $22,694 per person for the 21-day Uganda Complete at the luxury level. Those are starting prices for two travelers sharing, and the permit is included in each package.
Your length of stay, the comfort level you choose, the season, the number of travelers and whether you add a second gorilla trek or fly-in transfers. Gorilla permits are a significant part of any gorilla trekking package, and we state the fee in your quote.
The permit named in your itinerary, park fees, a private 4x4 with an English-speaking driver guide, lodges for your tier and ground transfers. See the full list below.
International flights to Entebbe, the Uganda e-visa fee, travel and medical evacuation insurance, tips and personal spending. We say so up front, so there are no surprises later.
What is included
A day-by-day itinerary and a written quote in USD come with every enquiry. As a guide, this is how our Uganda safari packages are built. Your quote is the final word.
Signature Uganda experiences
Uganda gorilla trekking gets the headlines, but the real magic is everything around it. These are the experiences we build every African safari itinerary around.
Bwindi and Mgahinga. One permit gives you up to an hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family. Treks last from under an hour to most of a day, depending on where the family spent the night.
Kibale Forest is home to thirteen primate species. Chimps are noisy, quick and endlessly entertaining, which makes this a favorite with families.
Lions, elephants, buffalo and leopards across Queen Elizabeth, Murchison and Kidepo, plus rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa. Ask us about current sightings.
The source of the Nile at Jinja and a river safari beneath Murchison Falls, where hippos and crocodiles line the banks.
More than a thousand bird species recorded in Uganda, including the prehistoric-looking shoebill near Mabamba Swamp. A dream trip for any birder.
Batwa forest walks, Karamojong village visits and Lake Bunyonyi canoe trips that put money directly in local hands.
Private vehicles and flexible timing give you the golden-hour light and the patience wildlife photography demands, with no shuffling for position.
Permits and community visits support conservation and local livelihoods in the places you travel through, so your vacation does some good.
Forest lodges above the canopy, riverside suites and fly-in options that save a day on the road.
Who it's for
English-speaking guides, a private vehicle and a team handling every detail make Uganda an easy first African safari.
Forest lodges, riverside suites and sunset canoe rides make a romantic safari honeymoon you won't find in the crowds.
Chimp tracking, canoe trips and wildlife drives suit active families. Minimum age rules apply for some activities, so tell us the kids' ages.
Flexible pacing, private vehicles and some of Africa's most photogenic wildlife, from gorillas to shoebills.
Why book locally
When you book a Uganda safari through a big overseas brand, your trip often gets passed along to someone else on the ground. With us, the people planning your trip are the people running it.
Our operations team is based in Uganda, with a Managing Director in the UK. You deal with the people who actually run your trip.
Budget, midrange and luxury, with premium private options on request. Nothing is off a shelf.
Private 4x4 with a driver guide, permits, lodges and transfers handled for you, with no middle layers and no handoffs.
A written quote in USD that states what's included, with permits and park fees named, so you can compare with confidence.
Message us on WhatsApp before and during your trip, and a real person on our team replies.
Permits and community visits support conservation and local livelihoods, so more of your money stays in Uganda.
Best time to visit Uganda
You can trek gorillas in Uganda all year, but the season shapes your trip. The dry months, June to September and December to February, bring firmer trails and easier game viewing, and they're the most popular. The green months, March to May and October to November, are quieter and lush, with fewer travelers.
Gorilla permits are limited, and dry-month dates sell out first. For peak months, we recommend booking 6 to 9 months ahead. For the rest of the year, at least 3 months.
Uganda vs Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania
American travelers often compare these destinations. Uganda is our home, and we'll give you an honest answer, including when another country is the better fit for your goals. We can also combine Uganda with a Rwanda gorilla extension.
| Uganda | Rwanda | Kenya | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Known for | Gorillas, chimps, the Nile, varied big game | Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park | Masai Mara and classic savannah | Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| Gorilla trekking | Bwindi and Mgahinga, several sectors | Volcanoes National Park | Not available | Not available |
| Chimp tracking | Kibale and more | Limited options | Not typical | Western Tanzania, remote |
| Style | Lush, varied, private, and good value across midrange and luxury | Compact and polished | Wide open plains and migration | Vast plains, migration |
| Best combined | Gorillas, chimps and Big Five in one trip | A short gorilla add-on to Uganda | Pair with Uganda for forest plus plains | Pair with Uganda for forest plus plains |
Flight planning from the USA
Travelers from the USA generally need connecting international flights to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about a 45-minute drive from Kampala. Depending on your departure city, the journey usually routes through one or more major international hubs. Routes, airlines, schedules and fares change often, so we don't list or quote them here.
International flight costs are separate from our safari prices unless a written quote says otherwise. We focus on ground arrangements, and we're happy to review options with you or your travel agent and to arrange your airport meet-and-greet and first night.
Pro tip: send us your preferred dates before you buy flights. Gorilla permits for dry months sell out early, and the permit date is what your whole trip is built around.
Travel Confidence Center
Nobody likes surprises at the airport. This is general information only, not medical or legal advice. Requirements change, so always confirm with the official sources below before you book flights or travel.
Check that your passport is valid for your travel dates and has enough blank pages. Renew well ahead if needed. US State Department passport information.
Visitors generally apply online for a Uganda e-visa before traveling. Apply well ahead and confirm the current rules. Official Uganda e-visa portal.
Check the current yellow fever vaccination certificate requirement for Uganda and carry your physical certificate if required. See the CDC Uganda travel page.
Talk to a travel clinic or your doctor well ahead about vaccines and malaria prevention. Start with the CDC travelers' health guidance.
You travel with a private driver guide. Read the current US State Department Uganda travel advisory and consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before you go.
Take travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trekking. Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. Your pre-departure pack includes tipping guidance and a full packing list.
Safari comfort levels
Every comfort level includes the same permits, private vehicle and driver guide. What changes is where you sleep and how much polish you want. All options are subject to actual operational availability, confirmed in your written quote.
Simple, comfortable lodges and camps. A smart way to put more of your budget toward the experiences. Starting prices are on each safari above.
Well-located lodges and tented camps with good service and views. Our most popular choice for first-time Uganda travelers.
Forest lodges, riverside suites and refined service, with fly-in options available where they save time.
A fully bespoke private safari with exclusive arrangements. Priced on request, to your dates and wishes.
Booking journey
Booking an African safari from the USA shouldn't feel like a leap of faith. Here's exactly what happens, and what you pay when.
Traveler reviews
We only publish real reviews from travelers who have given us permission. Authorized reviews from American travelers will appear here. To hear from past guests before you book, ask us and we'll share what we can.
Good to know
Most tourist areas are visited without incident, and you travel with a private driver guide. Read the current US State Department travel advisory before booking, and talk to us about any concerns.
Permit fees are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and can change. Every package price includes the permit named in the itinerary, and your quote states the current fee. Our 5-day Gorilla Express starts from $2,385 per person sharing at the budget level, with midrange and luxury options above.
Five days covers one gorilla trek. Ten to fourteen days combines gorillas, chimps and big game comfortably. Twenty-one days lets you see the whole country at a gentle pace.
Permits and park fees named in the itinerary, a private 4x4 with a driver guide, accommodation for your chosen tier and ground transfers. International flights, visa fees, insurance and tips are separate. See the inclusions and exclusions above, and your written quote for the details.
Permits are limited and sell out, especially in dry months. We apply for them for you once your dates are set. We never assume availability: it is confirmed at quotation, and a 30 percent deposit secures your booking and permits.
You can trek year-round. The dry months (June to September, December to February) bring firmer trails and easier game viewing, while the green months (March to May, October to November) are quieter and lush. Book 6 to 9 months ahead for dry months.
Treks range from under an hour to most of a day on steep, muddy forest trails. A reasonable level of fitness helps, and porters and walking sticks are available. Tell us about your fitness and we'll plan accordingly. The Uganda Wildlife Authority sets minimum age rules for trekking, currently 15 for gorillas, so please mention children's ages when you enquire.
Both offer extraordinary encounters. Uganda has more sectors to choose from, plus chimps and big game in the same trip. Rwanda is compact and polished. Permit rates differ by country and change over time, so ask us for a current comparison, or combine both.
Lightweight layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, gloves for gorilla treks and insect repellent. A full list comes with your pre-departure pack.
Check your passport validity, the Uganda e-visa and the current yellow fever certificate requirement, and talk to a travel clinic about other vaccines and malaria prevention. Use the official links in the Travel Confidence Center above.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We include current guidance by role in your pre-departure pack so you can plan before you travel.
We focus on ground arrangements and can review flight options with you or your travel agent. Send us your dates first so permits can be held.
Six to nine months for peak months, and at least three months for the rest. A 30 percent deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due 60 days before arrival.
Enquiry
No payment and no obligation. Your enquiry goes straight to our bookings team, and we reply with a personalized itinerary and quote in USD.
The gorillas aren't going anywhere, but dry-season permits sell out. Send us your month, group size and the experience you dream about. We check permit availability and reply with a clear quote in US dollars.
Uganda and WhatsApp: +256 792 770 034 · UK and WhatsApp: +44 7826 805254
Bookings: bookings@wanderandwonderug.com · General: info@wanderandwonderug.com