by Canine Safaris Ltd, 3 min read
Two safaris with the same number of days can have very different prices. The difference usually comes down to a handful of building blocks. We do not publish fixed prices in this article because they depend on dates, group size and the season, but we can show you how a price is made so you can read any quote with confidence.
The main parts of a price
- Park entry and activity fees, set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and different for each visitor category
- Permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, which are the biggest single cost on a primate trip
- Accommodation, from camps and guesthouses to mid-range and luxury lodges
- Vehicle, fuel and a professional driver-guide
- Meals, drinks and extras such as boat trips or cultural visits
- Transfers, including any flights and airport pickups
Permits and park fees
Gorilla permits and chimpanzee permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (opens in a new tab) in US dollars and revised periodically, so always check the current tariff. Park entry is charged per day, and activities such as boat cruises and guided walks have their own fees. When a package looks very cheap, check whether park fees are inside the price.
Why residents and visitors pay differently
Many fees have separate rates for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens. If you live in East Africa, tell us when you ask for a quote so we can price you correctly. Our page for Ugandan and East African residents explains how we plan resident trips.
Accommodation changes the total most
Lodging is the variable you control. A budget camp, a mid-range lodge and a luxury lodge can differ several times over for the same night, and the setting matters as much as the label. In Queen Elizabeth National Park a lodge on the Kazinga Channel will cost more than a guesthouse outside the gate, but it saves driving time and adds sunrise views.
Transport and the driver-guide
A safari vehicle with good clearance, fuel, insurance and a trained driver-guide make up a daily cost that is shared by the group, which is why group size affects the per-person price. Long drives add fuel and driver days, so a well-sequenced route saves money. Our guide on getting from Entebbe to Mbarara shows how to avoid backtracking.
What is usually not included
International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, laundry and personal items are normally extra. See our guide to money and tipping for what to carry, and our visa guide for entry costs.
Where you can save
Shorter trips, mid-range lodges, sharing a vehicle with a larger group and travelling in the quieter months all reduce the total. Start with a clear budget and let us build the plan around it. A well-planned Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth trip delivers a great deal of wildlife for much less than a gorilla trip.
Questions to ask before you compare quotes
- Are park entry and activity fees included, and which ones?
- Is the accommodation named, and is breakfast, lunch and dinner included?
- Is the vehicle shared or private, and how many seats per guest?
- Is the operator licensed? The Uganda Tourism Board (opens in a new tab) lists licensed tour companies
- What is the cancellation policy, and how are permits handled if dates change?
A simple way to set your budget
- Start with your must-do, such as a gorilla trek, because permits are the largest fixed cost
- Choose the number of days and the number of parks, because each extra stop adds fees and driving
- Pick a lodging level, since accommodation is the part you control most
- Decide between a private and a shared vehicle
- Add a buffer for tips, drinks and extras
What to do next
Share your dates, group size and budget on the plan your trip page and we will come back with a plan and a price. For a closer look at how a quote is put together, read how a Uganda safari quote gets built.
Places in this post
Frequently asked questions
Why are gorilla trips so much more expensive than other safaris?
Because the permit is a major cost. Permits are limited, priced in US dollars by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and charged per person. Everything else on the trip is similar to other safaris.
Do park fees change?
Yes. UWA publishes tariffs for fixed periods and revises them from time to time. Always confirm the current figures before you commit.
Can I get a lower price as an East African resident?
Many fees have resident rates. Tell us your residency and we will price accordingly.
How can I make a safari cheaper without losing the highlights?
Choose mid-range lodges, travel in the quieter months, share a vehicle and keep the route compact. Starting in Mbarara instead of Kampala also saves driving time.
Sources and further reading
- costs
- budget
- permits
- planning
- park fees
