Plan Your
Uganda Safaris & Gorilla Trekking Tours
At Elephant whispers, we offer the best tour and wild safari experience in Uganda. Talk to us today to plan your next adventure at the most affordable rates.
Elephant Whispers Safaris | Your Local Experts for Uganda Safaris & Tours
Uganda offers a memorable trip to the heart of Africa. We organize trips that let you explore dense forests, large open savannas, and deep lakes. Our focus is on providing simple, reliable, and personalized trips for every visitor. We are based right here in Kampala capital city of Uganda. Our local team knows the country better than anyone else. This local knowledge ensures your travel is smooth and enriching. We specialize in arranging trips that focus on rare primates and large mammals. Whether you want to see mountain gorillas or track chimpanzees, we handle all the details. We also ensure you see the country’s natural beauty and meet its friendly people. Start your trip planning with us today
Uganda Safari Packages
3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari
3 Days Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari
3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Tour
3 Days Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Safari
Wildlife & Safari Experiences in Uganda
At Elephant Whisper’s Safaris, we have always had a passion for adventure travel and the travel industry in general. A person’s experience of visiting a new country, a different culture or a new environment – whether that is a mountain range or a misty jungle – may not be as good as the one one has when visiting a familiar one. The feeling just can’t be beaten. In addition to our top safari experiences , we also offer chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and gorilla trekking in Bwindi, savanna game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP, boat cruises on Kazinga channel, bird watching in Mabamba bay and mountain climbing in East Africa’s peaks, among others, that allow you to experience breathtaking scenery and encounters with wildlife.
Uganda offers both classic savannah safaris and primate tracking in one destination. You can track rhinos, watch lions on open plains, cruise the Nile, and trek mountain gorillas within the same trip. The main wildlife safari parks are Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest park. It is known for strong Big Five sightings, especially elephants, buffalo, lions, and giraffes. A boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls is one of the most requested activities. Morning game drives along the northern circuit offer consistent wildlife viewing. Queen Elizabeth National Park is popular for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel. The channel supports large hippo groups and dense birdlife. It is also one of the easiest parks to combine with gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Kidepo Valley National Park is more remote but offers wide savannah landscapes and large buffalo herds. It receives fewer visitors, which means lower vehicle traffic during game drives. Uganda Safari Cost: A 3-day Uganda safari to Murchison Falls typically ranges from 790 to 1,200 USD per person, depending on lodge level and group size. Mid-range trips average around 950 USD per person. Luxury options exceed 1,500 USD per person. Longer 5 to 8 day safaris that combine multiple parks increase cost due to fuel, park fees, and accommodation. Gorilla trekking permits are priced separately and cost 800 USD per person in Uganda. Best Time for a Uganda Safari: Wildlife safaris operate year-round. The dry seasons, June to September and December to February, offer easier road conditions and shorter grass for wildlife spotting. The wet seasons bring greener scenery and fewer travelers. Wildlife is still visible, but some roads may be slower to navigate. Road vs Flying SafarisMost safaris start in Entebbe or Kampala. Road transfers to Murchison Falls take about five to six hours. Queen Elizabeth takes roughly six to seven hours by road. Scheduled domestic flights reduce travel time and are often used for Kidepo or luxury itineraries. What Makes Uganda Different? Uganda stands out because wildlife safaris can be combined with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Few safari destinations allow travelers to see the Big Five and mountain gorillas in one country without crossing borders. Uganda safaris focus on depth rather than mass tourism. Parks are less crowded than those in Kenya or Tanzania, which allows longer viewing time at sightings. For travelers searching for Uganda safari tours, wildlife safaris in Uganda offer a mix of river cruises, savannah game drives, primate tracking, and multi-park itineraries within one compact route
Top National Parks for Uganda Safaris
Uganda has ten national parks, each offering distinct safari experiences. Bwindi and Mgahinga are known for gorilla trekking. Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls support game drives and boat trips. Kibale is popular for chimpanzee tracking. Kidepo offers remote savannah landscapes and strong predator sightings. Lake Mburo suits short safaris near Kampala. These parks form the core of Uganda safari travel
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
Lake Mburo National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Mount Elgon National Park
Bwindi Forest National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mount Rwenzori National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both parks protect endangered mountain gorillas in their natural forest habitat. Trekking is done in small groups and led by trained park rangers. The hike can take two to six hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. A gorilla permit is required. In Uganda, the current permit fee is lower than in Rwanda, which makes it a strong option for travelers comparing prices. Once a group is located, visitors spend one hour observing the gorillas at close range. This is a regulated conservation activity and not a zoo encounter. Gorilla trekking is also available in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda offers shorter drive times from Kigali, while Congo permits are usually the lowest priced when open to tourism. Uganda stands out for the number of habituated gorilla families and the variety of trekking sectors in Bwindi. Travelers often compare Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking based on cost, access, and terrain before deciding. Permit availability, sector choice, and lodge location all affect the final experience.
Safari Lodges & Accommodation in Uganda
Uganda safari accommodation ranges from budget lodges to high-end tented camps inside national parks. Luxury safari lodges in Uganda offer private cottages, en-suite bathrooms, solar power, and strong views over rivers or savannah plains. Most are located near Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls National Park. Nightly rates usually start from 300 USD per person and rise based on the season. Mid-range safari lodges provide private rooms, hot showers, and full-board meals. These options balance comfort and cost, with prices often between 120 and 250 USD per person per night. Budget safari accommodation includes guesthouses, basic safari camps, and small lodges near park gates. Rooms are simple but clean. Rates can start from 40 to 100 USD per night. In gorilla trekking areas such as Bwindi and Mgahinga, accommodation location matters. Lodges are grouped by trekking sector, which reduces transfer time on tracking day. Most safari packages include accommodation, meals, and park access. The final cost depends on lodge level, season, and group size. Choosing the right lodge affects comfort, drive time, and overall safari experience.
Why Travel With Elephant Whispers Safaris(FAQ)
1. What is the best time to go on a safari in Uganda?
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons: June to August and December to February. During these months, trails for gorilla trekking are drier and easier to navigate, and wildlife viewing in savannah parks is excellent as animals gather around water sources. However, Uganda is a year-round destination with lush scenery even in rainy seasons.
2. What are the top destinations I can visit with you?
We organize trips to all of Uganda’s major highlights. Top destinations include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Kibale Forest for chimpanzees, and Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks for classic Big 5 wildlife safaris. We also offer combined tours extending into Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
3. What types of accommodation do you offer?
We cater to all budgets, offering Luxury (5-star lodges), Mid-range, and Budget (rustic camps/guesthouses) options. All accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and location. Whether you want a high-end lodge with a view or a clean, affordable base for adventure, we tailor the choice to your preference and budget.
4. How do I book a safari with Elephant Whispers Safaris?
Booking is simple. Contact us via email or phone to discuss your interests. Once we agree on an itinerary, we require a 70% deposit to secure your booking, specifically to purchase permits and reserve lodging. The remaining 100% balance is due 3 weeks before your arrival.
5. What is included in the safari price?
Our quotes are comprehensive. They typically include ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, a knowledgeable English-speaking driver/guide, all park entry fees, accommodation, meals, and bottled water while on the road. We aim for transparency so you know exactly what your package covers before you travel.
6. What is NOT included in the price?
You will need to budget for international flights, Uganda visas, travel insurance, tips for guides/staff, and personal items (laundry, souvenirs, alcohol). Optional activities not listed in your itinerary are also extra. We clearly stipulate these exclusions so you aren’t hit with surprise costs later.
7. Do you offer private or group tours?
We specialize in private, customized tours for couples, families, and small groups, ensuring flexibility and personalized attention. However, we also organize small group tours for those looking to share costs. Tell us your preference, and we will arrange the vehicle and itinerary to suit your travel style.
8. What kind of vehicles do you use?
We use reliable 4×4 safari vehicles, such as Safari Vans or Land Cruisers, designed to handle Uganda’s rugged terrain. All vehicles are well-maintained and feature pop-up roofs for excellent game viewing and photography. Your comfort and safety on the road are our top priorities.
9. What happens if I need to cancel my trip? Will I get a refund?
We understand plans change. If you cancel more than 50 days before departure, you receive a full refund. Cancellations between 49-35 days incur a 25% charge, 34-25 days a 50% charge, and 24-15 days a 75% charge. Cancellations within 14 days of arrival are non-refundable.
10. Are Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits refundable?
Generally, no. Once we purchase permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), they are non-refundable. However, if you cannot travel, we will try our best to resell your permits to other clients. If successful, a refund may be possible, but this is not guaranteed. We strongly advise booking permits months in advance.
11. Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Yes, Uganda is generally very safe for tourists. We take your safety seriously; our guides are experienced, and we avoid any areas with security concerns. We also recommend you take normal precautions: avoid walking alone at night in cities and keep valuables secure. We are happy to answer specific security questions you might have.
12. Do I need travel insurance? Yes, absolutely.
Elephant Whispers Safaris does not provide liability insurance. You must arrange your own comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, injury, theft, and trip cancellation. This is mandatory for your peace of mind and protection, especially for active tours involving trekking or mountaineering.
13. What health precautions should I take (Malaria/Yellow Fever)?
A Yellow Fever vaccination card is mandatory for entry into Uganda. Malaria is also present, so we strongly recommend taking anti-malarial medication and using insect repellent. Please consult your doctor before traveling. We also encourage carrying a personal first-aid kit for minor ailments.
14. What if I have a medical emergency during the safari?
Your safety is paramount. In case of a medical emergency, your guide will assist you in reaching the nearest medical facility. For serious incidents, your travel insurance should cover medical evacuation. We require you to have insurance that covers medical care to ensure you get the best treatment quickly without financial stress.
15. Can I drink the tap water in Uganda?
No, we advise against drinking tap water. To prevent waterborne illnesses, we provide bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle throughout your trip. Most lodges also provide safe drinking water or bottled water in rooms. Stick to sealed bottles to stay healthy and hydrated.
16. I have dietary restrictions/allergies. Can you accommodate them?
Yes, we can. Please inform us of any allergies (e.g., peanuts, gluten, dairy) or dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan) at the time of booking. We communicate this to all lodges and camps in advance to ensure your meals are safe and enjoyable.
17. Traveling with children: Is it difficult or unsafe?
Uganda is family-friendly! Children are welcome. Kids under 4 travel free, and those 5 to 15 years often have discounted rates. Note that the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15. For younger kids, we can arrange alternative activities or child-minding while adults trek. We require a consent letter for minors traveling with one parent.
18. What happens if I lose my luggage?
While we take every care, Elephant Whispers Safaris is not liable for lost or damaged baggage. We recommend traveling with soft bags (max 15 to 20kg) that are easier to stow. Ensure your travel insurance covers baggage loss. Keep valuables like cameras and passports in your carry-on or a daypack with you at all times.
19. Are the roads in Uganda bad? Will the drive be uncomfortable?
Some roads, especially near national parks, can be rough and dusty. We use sturdy 4×4 vehicles to manage this, but travel times can be longer than expected. If you suffer from motion sickness, please carry medication. We also plan breaks to stretch your legs and make the journey comfortable.
20. Why should I trust Elephant Whispers Safaris with my money?
We are a locally registered and reputable tour operator dedicated to truthful service. We have clear physical offices in Kampala and transparent booking terms. We rely on our reputation for future business, so we work hard to ensure you get exactly what you paid for. Check our reviews or contact us directly to build confidence before booking.
