Can i book a Uganda Safari Now. You’ve seen the photos of mountain gorillas in misty forests, lions resting in fig trees and elephants along the Kazinga Channel, and you’re ready to go. The big question is: “Can I book a Uganda safari now?”

The short answer is yes. Licensed tour operators in Uganda are taking bookings for the months ahead, including the busy December to February season and all of 2027. National parks are open, and gorilla and chimpanzee permits are being issued every day.

But “now” also means knowing what’s changed recently. In 2026, Uganda dealt with an Ebola outbreak that was declared over in July, some governments still have strict travel advisories in place, and entry requirements were updated in October. In this guide, the team at Kenlink Tours, a Uganda Tourism Board-licensed operator running safaris since 2010, explains honestly what you need to know before booking: the best seasons ahead, current entry rules and travel advice, how to book, prices and how to protect your plans with flexible terms.

The Short Answer

• Yes, you can book a Uganda safari now, for travel in the coming weeks, months or next year.
• Book three to six months ahead for gorilla trekking, and earlier for June to September and December to February, when permits sell out.
• Check your own government’s latest travel advice before you book and again before you travel, as advice levels differ between countries and can change.
• Buy travel insurance that covers your trip and is valid under your government’s advice.
• Ask about flexible terms, such as date changes, so your plans are protected if circumstances change.

Is Now a Good Time to Book a Uganda Safari?

Uganda is a year-round safari destination. Gorillas and chimpanzees don’t migrate, and the equatorial climate stays mild all year. What changes with the seasons is rainfall, trail conditions, crowds and permit availability. Here’s what the coming months look like, and when to book for each.

Travel Period	Season	What to Expect	When to Book
Late October to November 2026	Short rains	Afternoon showers, lush scenery, fewer visitors; November may qualify for low-season permit discounts	Now; good short-notice availability
December 2026 to February 2027	Dry season	Firmer trails, excellent game viewing, peak festive demand	As soon as possible; permits sell out fast
March to May 2027	Long rains	Wetter trails, green landscapes, quieter parks; April and May may qualify for low-season permit discounts	2 to 4 months ahead
June to September 2027	Long dry season	The most popular months, with ideal trekking and wildlife conditions	6 to 12 months ahead
October to November 2027	Short rains	Similar to late 2026, with good availability	3 to 6 months ahead

Booking for the Festive Season

Christmas, New Year and the following weeks are among the busiest times for gorilla trekking. If you want to trek between mid-December and early January, book now. Each habituated gorilla family can be visited by only eight people a day, so popular sectors fill quickly. Being flexible about your sector, choosing weekdays or considering Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can improve your chances.

Booking for 2027

If you’re planning ahead for 2027, especially for June to September, now is an excellent time to book. Early booking gives you the widest choice of gorilla sectors, the best lodges and time to plan flights and insurance carefully. It’s also worth noting that the Uganda Wildlife Authority has announced tariff changes from January 2027, so ask your operator to confirm the exact permit price for your dates.

Is the Green Season Worth It?

The wetter months of March to May and October to November are often overlooked, but they have real advantages: fewer visitors, lush scenery, outstanding birding, better short-notice availability and, under UWA’s announced low-season pricing, cheaper gorilla permits in April, May and November. Showers usually come in the afternoon, and treks rarely get cancelled. Bird lovers may enjoy our 7-Day Birdwatching Safari in Uganda during these months. Learn more about the country on our Uganda destination guide.

Entry Requirements for Uganda Right Now

Before you book, check that you can meet Uganda’s current entry rules:

• Passport: valid for at least six months from your date of entry, with blank pages.
• Visa: most visitors need a visa, applied for online before travel through Uganda’s official e-visa portal. If you’re also visiting Kenya or Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers all three countries. Check the requirements for your nationality.
• Yellow fever certificate: in October 2026, Uganda’s immigration authorities confirmed that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is no longer a mandatory condition of entry, and the UK government updated its Uganda travel advice on 8 October 2026 to reflect this. However, yellow fever is still present in Uganda, and health authorities continue to recommend vaccination for travelers, so speak to a travel health professional.
• Travel insurance: strongly recommended, including medical evacuation cover.

Current Travel Advice and the 2026 Ebola Outbreak

We believe you should have the full picture before booking, so here’s an honest summary of the situation in 2026:

• Uganda’s Ebola outbreak has been declared over. Uganda confirmed its first cases in mid-May 2026, linked to travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths, and the Ministry of Health declared the end of the outbreak on 28 July 2026.
• The outbreak in neighbouring DR Congo is continuing, which is why some governments are still cautious about the region.
• Travel advice differs by country. For example, the United States issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Uganda in June 2026, citing crime, health, terrorism and unrest, and Canada advises avoiding non-essential travel to Uganda, updated in September 2026. Other governments’ advice may be different.

What this means for you: before you book, read your own government’s current travel advice for Uganda and check how it affects your travel insurance. Some insurers won’t cover trips to destinations where your government advises against travel. If your advice is currently restrictive, you can still plan and book for a later date with flexible terms, then confirm closer to departure.

How Safari Operators Keep Travelers Safe

Reputable operators take safety seriously. At Kenlink Tours, we:

• Monitor official health and security updates from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and foreign governments
• Plan routes on well-travelled roads and avoid driving after dark
• Use experienced driver-guides who stay with you throughout the safari
• Follow park health protocols, including rules that keep sick visitors away from gorillas and chimpanzees, which can catch human illnesses
• Stay in contact with lodges and park staff for up-to-date local information

If conditions change before your trip, we’ll contact you to discuss options, such as changing dates or adjusting your route.

How to Book a Uganda Safari Now, Step by Step

Booking a Uganda safari is quick and can be done entirely online:

1. Check your travel advice and insurance. Read your government’s current advice for Uganda and confirm your insurer will cover the trip.
2. Contact a licensed operator. Under the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s permit purchase guidelines, international tourists must buy gorilla and chimpanzee permits through a tour operator licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board. You can check any company on the UTB list of licensed operators.
3. Share your plans. Tell the operator your dates, group size, budget, lodge preference and what you’d like to see: gorillas, chimps, Big Game, culture or birding.
4. Receive your itinerary and quote. The operator checks permit availability and sends a tailored itinerary, usually within 24 hours.
5. Ask about the terms. Check the payment schedule, cancellation policy and options for changing dates.
6. Confirm and pay. Send passport details for permits and pay the deposit and permit costs through official company channels.
7. Receive your confirmation. You’ll get copies of your permits, your final itinerary and pre-departure information.

How Fast Can I Book and Travel?

If permits and lodges are available, a safari can be confirmed within a day or two of your enquiry. For travel in the next few weeks, the quieter months of late October and November usually offer good availability. For December to February and June to September, earlier booking is essential.

For very short notice, consider a compact trip, such as a fly-in gorilla tour from Entebbe or a short trip from Kigali, Rwanda, where Bwindi’s southern sectors are only about four to five hours away. Pick and Transfer Safaris specializes in this route with its gorilla safaris from Kigali.

Booking With Flexibility in Mind

In a year when travel advice has changed more than usual, flexibility is worth asking about:

• Date changes: ask whether lodges and transport can be moved if you need to postpone.
• Permit rules: gorilla permits are tied to a specific date and name, and refunds are set by UWA’s booking terms; discounted low-season permits are reported to be non-reschedulable.
• Payment schedule: paying a deposit first and the balance closer to travel limits your exposure.
• Insurance: choose a policy with good cancellation cover.

A good operator will explain exactly what can and can’t be changed before you pay.

Uganda Safaris You Can Book Now

Whatever your interests and time frame, there’s a Uganda safari to suit you. Here are popular options you can book today.

Short Gorilla Safaris

Perfect for a focused trip:

• 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari from Entebbe or Kampala
• 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali
• Pick and Transfer Safaris’ 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

Learn more about the gorilla parks on the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park guides.

Gorillas Combined With Wildlife and Chimpanzees

The most popular way to experience Uganda:

• 5-Day Wildlife and Gorilla Safari, adding Queen Elizabeth National Park
• 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour in Uganda, adding chimp tracking in Kibale
• 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari, the complete southwestern circuit
• Pick and Transfer Safaris’ 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari and 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife

Wildlife and Chimpanzee Safaris Without Gorillas

Ideal for families with younger children or travelers on a tighter budget:

• 3-Day Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Kibale Forest
• 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari, with game drives and the Kazinga Channel cruise
• Pick and Transfer Safaris’ 3 Days Safari to Murchison Falls and 4 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari

Read more on the Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest National Park guides.

Longer Safaris and Multi-Country Trips

For a deeper adventure:

• 10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari Itinerary, including Murchison Falls
• 20-Day Wildlife and Nature Experience in Uganda
• 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Combining Safari
• 14-Day East Africa Safari: Uganda Gorillas and Serengeti Wildlife

Budget and Shared Departures

Traveling solo or watching your budget? Our group tours and scheduled departure safaris run on set dates and share transport costs between travelers. Confident drivers can also explore independently with our 4×4 car hire service.

Uganda Safari Prices Right Now

Permits are usually the biggest single cost of a Uganda safari. Under the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s published conservation tariff, standard rates for foreign non-residents are:

Activity	Foreign Non-Resident Price
Gorilla trekking permit	US$800
Gorilla Habituation Experience	US$1,500
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale	US$250
Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale	US$300

Foreign residents, Rest of Africa visitors and East African citizens pay lower rates.

Upcoming Price Changes to Know About

UWA has announced tariff changes taking effect from January 2027. Widely reported details include discounted low-season gorilla permits in April, May and November (US$600 for foreign non-residents instead of US$800) and an increase in the Gorilla Habituation Experience to US$1,800. Because official tariffs can be revised, always ask your operator to confirm the exact rate for your travel dates before you pay.

Beyond permits, your total cost depends on trip length, accommodation level, group size and whether you drive or fly between parks. For an exact quote, contact Kenlink Tours.

How Payment Works

• Permits are usually paid in full first, because operators must pay UWA to secure them.
• A deposit secures lodges and transport, with the balance due closer to departure.
• Payment methods include bank transfer and card payments through secure gateways. Kenlink Tours accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and PayPal through a secure online portal.
• Always get an invoice and receipt, and pay only into official company accounts.

Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Now

• Not checking current travel advice and insurance cover before paying.
• Relying on outdated information. Entry rules changed in October 2026, and permit rules changed in 2024, so check recent sources.
• Leaving festive-season bookings too late. December to February permits go fast.
• Booking flights before permits. Secure your gorilla permit first, then book flights around it.
• Ignoring the terms. Understand deposits, cancellations and date-change options before you commit.
• Using unlicensed agents. Check the Uganda Tourism Board register before paying anyone.
• Forgetting age limits. Gorilla trekkers must be at least 15, and chimp trekkers in Kibale generally at least 12.

Why Book Your Uganda Safari Now With Kenlink Tours

Since 2010, Kenlink Tours has organized safaris across Uganda, Rwanda and East Africa. When you book with us, you get:

• A UTB-licensed operator with direct access to UWA’s permit system
• Honest, up-to-date advice on seasons, entry rules and travel conditions
• Fast replies, usually within 24 hours, with real-time permit availability
• Clear terms, explained before you pay, including deposits and date-change options
• Our own fleet of 4×4 safari vehicles and experienced driver-guides
• Secure payments and invoices for every transaction
• Community impact: part of our profits supports the Kigezi Foundation, which cares for orphaned children in southwestern Uganda

Read more on our About Us page. Travelers starting in Rwanda can also learn about our sister company on the Pick and Transfer Safaris About Us page or compare their 7 Days Uganda Safari one-week tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Uganda safari now for this year?

Yes. Operators are taking bookings for late 2026, with good availability in late October and November. December to February is busy, so book as soon as possible for the festive season.

Is Uganda open to tourists right now?

Yes. Uganda’s national parks are open, and gorilla and chimpanzee permits are being issued. Uganda declared its 2026 Ebola outbreak over on 28 July 2026. However, some governments still advise against travel, so check your own government’s advice and your insurance before booking.

Do I still need a yellow fever certificate for Uganda?

As of October 2026, Uganda’s immigration authorities have confirmed it’s no longer a mandatory entry requirement. Vaccination is still recommended for travelers, so speak to a travel health professional.

How far ahead should I book a gorilla safari?

Three to six months ahead is ideal, and six to twelve months ahead for June to September 2027.

Will gorilla permit prices change in 2027?

UWA has announced tariff changes from January 2027, including reported low-season discounts for April, May and November and a higher Gorilla Habituation Experience price. Ask your operator to confirm the exact rate for your dates.

Can I change my dates after booking?

It depends on the permit and lodge terms. Gorilla permits are tied to a specific date, and some discounted permits can’t be rescheduled. Ask your operator to explain the options in writing before you pay.

Yes, You Can Book a Uganda Safari Now

Uganda is open for safari bookings, with gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and classic game drives available for the months ahead and throughout 2027. The best approach is to choose your season, check your government’s travel advice and your insurance, book early for peak months and work with a licensed operator who explains the terms clearly.

Do that, and you’ll be well prepared for one of the most rewarding wildlife journeys on earth.

Ready to start planning? Contact Kenlink Tours today with your dates and interests, and our team will reply within 24 hours with permit availability, honest advice and a free, tailor-made itinerary.