10 Easy Steps to Plan a Uganda Safari. Uganda is rapidly becoming a top safari destination, attracting an increasing number of travelers eager to experience its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife. If you’re considering Uganda for your next adventure, you’ll need a well-thought-out plan to ensure a smooth and memorable trip to this incredible gorilla trekking haven.

Often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda captivates visitors with its stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant cultures. From the towering Elgon Mountains in the east to the vast waters of Lake Victoria, and the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, the country boasts some of Africa’s most lush and picturesque landscapes.

Uganda is blessed with abundant rainfall, year-round sunshine, and a variety of habitats, making it an ecological paradise. It is home to majestic mountain gorillas, vast savannahs, rolling highlands, winding rivers, and shimmering lakes. The country features remarkable national parks, expansive tea, coffee, and banana plantations, as well as lively towns and villages filled with friendly people and rich history.

For first-time visitors, a Ugandan safari is a must, offering thrilling experiences like gorilla trekking in Bwindi, wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Even those who have explored Uganda before find themselves eager to return, drawn by its natural wonders and unmatched adventures.

Plan Your Uganda Safari in 10 Simple Steps

Follow these ten easy steps to turn your dream African safari in Uganda into reality:

1. Choose Your Destination – Select the national parks and attractions you want to visit.
2. Pick the Best Travel Dates – Decide when to go based on weather, wildlife viewing, and personal preference.
3. Book Your Safari Activities & Accommodation – Reserve gorilla trekking permits, game drives, lodges, and other experiences in advance.
4. Arrange Your Flights – Secure your international and domestic flights to and within Uganda.
5. Get Travel Insurance – Protect yourself against unexpected medical issues, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
6. Check Visa Requirements – Apply for a Uganda visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa as needed.
7. Prepare Travel Health Essentials – Get vaccinations, malaria medication, and pack necessary first-aid supplies.
8. Gather Your Travel Gear – Pack appropriate clothing, footwear, binoculars, cameras, and other essentials.
9. Plan Your Finances – Organize your budget, exchange currency, and understand payment options in Uganda.
10. Learn About Your Destination – Read up on Ugandan culture, wildlife, safety tips, and local customs to enhance your experience.

1. Decide Where to Go

Uganda is a country blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural richness, making it a premier destination for travelers. With 10 National Parks, 4 Wildlife Reserves, and numerous towns, cultural villages, and communities, deciding where to visit can feel overwhelming. The key is to first determine the type of vacation you want and the experiences that intrigue you the most.

If you’re seeking a classic safari experience, consider visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls National Park. Both parks are home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffaloes, as well as stunning landscapes such as Murchison Falls, where the Nile River cascades dramatically over a cliff.

For those interested in immersing themselves in ancient cultures, Karamoja in the northern part of the country or Kidepo Valley in the northeast will offer authentic cultural encounters. These areas are home to the semi-nomadic Karimojong people, whose traditions and way of life have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

If you’re drawn to the wild and unspoiled nature of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an absolute must. Known as the home of the endangered mountain gorillas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers one of the world’s most iconic wildlife experiences—gorilla trekking. Alternatively, Kibale Forest, renowned for its chimpanzee trekking, offers a unique opportunity to meet our closest living relatives in their natural habitat.

For avid birdwatchers, Uganda is a paradise. Entebbe, near Lake Victoria, and the western conservation areas are top birding destinations. From the rare shoebill stork to over 1,000 species of birds, Uganda’s diverse ecosystems provide rich opportunities for bird enthusiasts.

If you crave city life and a blend of cultural experiences, Kampala, the bustling capital, or the historic town of Jinja—home to the source of the Nile—will give you a taste of urban adventure, local markets, nightlife, and a dynamic atmosphere that never sleeps.

If you’re traveling with young children, consider malaria prevention options, as Uganda is located in a malaria-prone zone, particularly in lowland areas. While it’s possible to visit Uganda with children, precautions should be taken to minimize risks of malaria, especially in areas with high mosquito activity.

2. Decide When to Go

Once you’ve selected your destination, the next step is to determine the best time to visit Uganda. The country experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Most travelers prefer the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February, as it offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing and trekking.

During the dry months, the rainforests in Bwindi are easier to navigate, and the trails are less slippery, making gorilla trekking a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Additionally, wildlife viewing in the savannah reserves is easier during this time as animals tend to congregate around waterholes, making them more visible. The clear skies, abundant sunshine, and reduced vegetation enhance photography opportunities as the landscapes are more open, and animals are easier to spot.

The dry season is also ideal for boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, where you can enjoy close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

However, while the dry season is typically the most popular time to visit, you may want to consider the rainy season (March to May and October to November) if you prefer fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates. Though rain is more frequent, the lush landscapes are at their most vibrant during this period. Wildlife is still abundant, and many travelers enjoy the peace and solitude that comes with visiting during the off-peak season.

When planning your visit, take into account work schedules, school holidays, or personal preferences, as these may influence your travel dates. The best time for your Uganda safari is ultimately the one that aligns with your schedule and desired experiences.

3. Book Your Tour Activities and Accommodation

At this stage, you’ll need to decide whether you prefer to travel independently or with the assistance of a tour guide. You’ll also need to decide if you want to plan the trip yourself or hire a tour operator to handle the logistics of your journey.

For most international travelers, opting for an all-inclusive guided safari is the easiest and most convenient choice. With this option, your tour operator takes care of everything—accommodation, meals, transport, activities, and guides. All you need to do is pay the operator, and they will coordinate and manage your entire trip, ensuring you are chauffeured from one destination to the next.

If you choose to plan everything yourself, especially if you’re coming from abroad, you’ll likely still need to arrange transport and permits through a specialized safari company, as navigating local logistics and acquiring necessary permits can be challenging for those unfamiliar with Uganda.

However, if you’re a local resident with knowledge of the area and languages, planning a self-drive safari could be a viable option. Parks like Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park are accessible for self-drivers, making them ideal for independent travelers.

For a reliable local operator, I recommend Nkuringo Safaris, which has been running expeditions in Uganda since 2007. They own award-winning eco-lodges, including Papyrus Guesthouse near Entebbe International Airport and the charming Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Both are great bases for gorilla trekking adventures.

To ensure a smooth experience, it’s wise to contact your preferred tour operator at least four to twelve months in advance, especially if you’re looking to secure a gorilla permit, which has limited availability each day.

4. Book Your Flights

Flights to Uganda can be pricey, and because only a few airlines operate routes to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), it’s important to book your flight well in advance to secure the best deals. If you have air miles, check if your airline partners with one that flies to Entebbe. If not, use comparison tools like Skyscanner.com to find the lowest fares.

When booking, be sure to inform your local tour operator about your international flight details. This will help them coordinate airport transfers or arrange for your first-night hotel to pick you up from the airport.

5. Buy Travel Insurance

By this point, you’ll have invested significant funds into your trip—flights, tours, and accommodation. At this stage, it’s crucial to protect your investment with travel insurance.

Travel insurance is especially important for trips to Africa, where flight cancellations are not uncommon, and you want to be prepared for unexpected situations, including medical emergencies. Your insurance should cover trip cancellations, medical expenses, loss of valuables, baggage theft, and more. If you’re traveling to remote areas, make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation.

6. Check Your Visa Requirements

A few months before departure, check with the nearest consulate or embassy to confirm whether you need a visa for Uganda. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, not your country of residence. Since Uganda’s visa policies can change, it’s always best to check with official government sources rather than relying on outdated travel websites.

Most travelers to Uganda for tourism need a visa, which can be easily obtained online through the Uganda Immigration website at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Uganda offers both single-entry visas, valid for three months, and multiple-entry visas, valid for up to six months. Visit the Uganda Immigration website for more information on visa types and application procedures.

7. Organize Your Travel Medication

Two months before your departure, it’s important to visit a travel clinic to get any recommended vaccinations for your trip to Uganda. Key vaccinations may include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies. Uganda’s immigration authorities also require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, and malaria is prevalent in many regions of the country.

Consult your doctor about the best anti-malaria medications, as different ones can have varying side effects. For pregnant women, it’s essential to be aware that the Zika virus is present in some areas.

8. Purchase Your Travel Gear

One of the exciting parts of planning your safari in Uganda is getting all your gear ready. You’ll need a variety of items, from mosquito repellents to binoculars and sturdy hiking shoes.

Prepare for diverse weather conditions. Even during the dry season, nights in Uganda’s southwestern highlands can be chilly, while the daytime weather can switch from tropical rain to intense sunshine.

Consider investing in a good camera to capture your memories, expanding your smartphone’s storage for photos, or even purchasing a scrapbook and extra pens to jot down your experiences.

A first aid kit is another essential. Ensure it includes any personal medications you may need, along with basic items to treat minor injuries or discomforts.

9. Manage Your Money

Start planning how to handle your finances a few weeks before traveling to Uganda. Carrying large sums of cash isn’t safe, and while ATMs are available, they’re not always around every corner. Avoid traveler’s checks as they’re not widely accepted.

Your best bet is to withdraw cash from ATMs upon arrival using your debit or credit card. Be mindful that ATMs might give out large bills, so you’ll want to visit a Forex Bureau to exchange some cash into smaller notes and Uganda Shillings (UGX), which are useful for tipping and small purchases.

Most safari camps and lodges in Uganda accept credit/debit cards, but it’s best to confirm this with your tour operator beforehand. For security, split your cash into different places, and ensure your card has a Visa or MasterCard logo.

Before traveling, notify your bank that you’ll be using your card abroad to avoid any issues with fraud protection.

10. Learn About Your Destination

Researching Uganda before your trip can heighten your excitement and deepen your understanding of the country’s rich culture and history.

Consider reading travel guides like Destination Uganda Traveler or Bradt Travel Guides for useful tips and insights into things you might not have considered.

A phrasebook is a great investment, especially if you want to interact with locals in their own language. Learning a few words in Swahili or Luganda, Uganda’s most widely spoken languages, can help you connect with people and make your experience more rewarding.