Uganda safari FAQs

We are a tour operator based in Mbarara, in south-western Uganda, on the road between Kampala and the western parks. Find our phone numbers and message form on the contact page.

International visitors, Ugandans and other East African residents, and organisations planning team-building days, retreats and group trips. See our pages for local tourists and corporate and group tours.

Use the plan your trip form, send a message on WhatsApp or call us. Tell us your dates, group size and interests and we will reply with a plan and a price. Read how a quote gets built to see what we need.

For gorilla trekking, as soon as your dates are fixed, because permits are limited each day. For other safaris, a few months ahead gives the best choice of lodges, especially from June to August and December to February.

Mbarara is the gateway to the west. Lake Mburo is under an hour away, and the roads to Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi start here, which saves hours of driving. See our guide to things to do in Mbarara.

Yes. Our packages are starting points, and we adjust days, pace and accommodation to your group. Browse the safari packages and tell us what you would like to change.

Many park fees have separate rates for foreign visitors, foreign residents and East African citizens. Tell us where you live when you ask for a quote and we will price your trip accordingly.

It depends on the package, so each quote lists what is included. Typical parts are accommodation, a vehicle and driver-guide, park fees and activities. Our safari cost breakdown explains how a price is built and what to ask.

Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (opens in a new tab) and need booking early. Tell us your dates and we will check availability and include the trek in your quote. See our 3 day Bwindi gorilla trek.

Share your flight details when you enquire and we will price the transfer from Entebbe and the route onward. Our guide to getting from Entebbe to Mbarara explains the options.

Two to three days covers one park such as Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth. A week allows a western circuit with gorillas, as in our 7 day western Uganda itinerary.

If time is short, start with Lake Mburo for walks, drives and a boat trip, then add Queen Elizabeth. Choose Bwindi when you can give gorillas two or three days.

Wildlife can be seen all year. The drier months, roughly December to February and June to August, make roads and trails easier, and the wetter months are greener and quieter. See our seasons guide.

Gorillas are trekked all year. Drier months give firmer trails but busier permits, and wetter months give a lush forest and fewer visitors. Read our gorilla timing guide.

A moderate level of fitness is enough, and porters are available. The walk can be under an hour or most of a day over steep, muddy ground. Read what a trekking day is really like.

Fifteen for gorilla trekking, and sixteen for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (opens in a new tab). See our guide to a Uganda safari with children.

Gorillas are rarer and calmer, and chimpanzees are livelier and cheaper to see. Many guests do both. Read our comparison of gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking.

Most visitors apply online for an eVisa before they travel. Use the official portal (opens in a new tab) only, and read our visa and entry guide.

Recent official advice says the certificate is no longer mandatory for entry, but health agencies still recommend the vaccine, and rules can change. Check the official portal before you travel and see our visa and entry guide.

The CDC (opens in a new tab) recommends prescription anti-malarial medicine for Uganda. Talk to a travel clinic several weeks before you leave.

Safari travel is well established, and sensible habits go a long way. Read the official advice for your country and our Uganda safety guide.

Neutral clothing, sturdy shoes, a warm layer, a rain jacket, sun protection, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera. Our packing list adds a gorilla trek kit.

Carry some Ugandan shillings for small purchases, and expect to tip guides, drivers, porters and lodge staff. See our money and tipping guide.

Signal is good in towns and patchy in parks. A local SIM registered with your passport helps, and offline maps are useful. See our connectivity guide.

Yes, with a plan built around their ages. Lake Mburo, boat cruises and farm visits suit most ages. Read our guide to a Uganda safari with children.

Yes, at Lake Mburo, where guided walks with an armed ranger are a regular activity. See our nature walk guide and our 2 day Lake Mburo safari.

Visit an Ankole cattle farm, try local food and add a Lake Mburo walk or boat trip. See our Mbarara and Ankole cultural day tour.

Yes, from team-building days in Jinja to retreats at Lake Mburo. See corporate and group tours and our guide to team building safaris in Jinja.

Yes. Uganda has well over a thousand bird species, and our 6 day Uganda birding safari is a good start. Read our birdwatching guide.