Tour In Pearl of Africa for Game drive and Gorilla Trek. A tour in the Pearl of Africa for game drives and gorilla trekking brings together the two greatest wildlife experiences in East Africa in one seamless safari. You track lions, elephants and buffalo across open savannah, cruise past hippos and crocodiles, and then hike into ancient rainforest to spend a life-changing hour with endangered mountain gorillas.

Uganda earned its nickname, the Pearl of Africa, for its astonishing beauty and variety. Few countries pack so much into such a compact area: snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, crater lakes, the source of the Nile, vast savannahs and some of the world’s richest rainforests.

At Kenlink Tours, we have guided travellers across Uganda since 2010. In this complete guide, we explain where to go for the best game drives, where to trek gorillas, which itineraries work best, the ideal time to travel, what it costs and how to prepare. Whether this is your first safari or your tenth, you will find everything you need to plan the perfect Uganda wildlife adventure.

Why Uganda Is Called the Pearl of Africa

Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa because of its extraordinary natural beauty, fertile landscapes and wildlife diversity. The phrase was popularized by Winston Churchill, who described the country this way in his 1908 book My African Journey after travelling through it.

More than a century later, the name still fits. Uganda lies where the East African savannah meets the West African rainforest, creating an unusual mix of habitats. That is why one country can host tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, shoebill storks and over 1,000 bird species. Learn more on our Uganda destination page.

Why Combine Game Drives and Gorilla Trekking?

Combining game drives with a gorilla trek gives you the best of both worlds: the classic African safari and a rare, intimate primate encounter.

• Two different worlds in one trip. Open plains full of big game contrast beautifully with the misty, mysterious forest where gorillas live.
• Convenient geography. Queen Elizabeth National Park lies on the natural route to Bwindi, so you can add a gorilla trek to a wildlife safari without long detours.
• Excellent value. Uganda gorilla permits cost USD 800 for foreign non-residents, compared with USD 1,500 in Rwanda, leaving more of your budget for extra safari days.
• Fewer crowds. Uganda’s parks are quieter than many famous safari destinations, so game drives often feel exclusive.
• Something for everyone. Travellers who love photography, birding, adventure or culture all find plenty to enjoy.

The result is a safari that feels varied, balanced and deeply memorable. Many travellers say the contrast between watching lions at dawn and sitting with gorillas a few days later is what makes Uganda unforgettable.

Best National Parks for Game Drives in Uganda

Uganda’s savannah parks offer rewarding game drives with fewer vehicles than many safari destinations. These are the top choices to pair with a gorilla trek.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited savannah park and the most natural partner for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The Kasenyi plains are excellent for lions, Uganda kob, buffalo and elephants, while the remote Ishasha sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, linking Lake George and Lake Edward, offers some of Africa’s densest hippo populations. Explore our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari or the 3 Days Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest park. North of the Nile, the grassy plains of Buligi host Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and many antelopes. A launch cruise takes you upriver to the base of the falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, while the delta cruise is a top spot for the rare shoebill. Try the 3 Days Safari to Murchison Falls.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo is Uganda’s closest savannah park to Kampala and a convenient stop on the way to Bwindi. It is the best place in Uganda to see zebras and elands, and it offers boat trips, walking safaris and horseback rides.

Kidepo Valley National Park

In the far northeast, Kidepo Valley is wild, remote and breathtakingly scenic. Game drives reveal large buffalo herds, lions, elephants, and species rare elsewhere in Uganda, such as cheetahs and ostriches. Most visitors fly in on scheduled or charter flights.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

On the road to Murchison, Ziwa lets you track white rhinos on foot. It is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild and completes the Big Five.

Where to Trek Gorillas in the Pearl of Africa

Uganda has two parks for mountain gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga. Together they protect more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of all mountain gorillas. Its steep, mist-covered forest is the classic gorilla trekking setting. Bwindi has four trekking sectors:

Sector	Location	Why choose it
Buhoma	North	The original sector, with easy access from Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha area
Ruhija	East	Higher altitude, excellent birding and quieter trails
Rushaga	South	The most gorilla families, best permit availability and the habituation experience
Nkuringo	South-west	Dramatic views of the Virunga volcanoes and steeper hikes

We choose your sector based on permit availability, your route and your fitness. Our 3 Days Best of Uganda Gorilla Safari is a great short option.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes near the Rwanda and Congo borders. It has fewer habituated families, but treks feel exclusive, and you can also track rare golden monkeys or hike volcanoes. It pairs well with the 4-Day Rwanda-Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking tour.

Gorilla Trekking vs Gorilla Habituation

A standard trek gives you one hour with a fully habituated family. In Bwindi’s Rushaga sector, the gorilla habituation experience lets small groups spend up to four hours with a family still getting used to humans, alongside researchers and trackers. It costs more but offers a deeper, more immersive encounter.

Add Chimpanzees Too

Many game drive and gorilla tours also include chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of the world. See our 3-Day Chimpanzee Tracking Safari.

Wildlife You Can See on a Uganda Game Drive and Gorilla Tour

A well-planned Uganda safari can deliver all of the Big Five, the mountain gorilla, chimpanzees and hundreds of bird species. Here is what to look out for.

The Big Five in Uganda

Animal	Where to see it
Lion	Queen Elizabeth (Kasenyi and Ishasha), Murchison Falls, Kidepo
Leopard	Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo
Elephant	Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo
Buffalo	Most savannah parks, especially Kidepo and Queen Elizabeth
Rhino	Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, tracked on foot

Primates

Uganda is one of Africa’s best primate destinations. Beyond mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, you can see chimpanzees in Kibale and Budongo, golden monkeys in Mgahinga, and black-and-white colobus, red-tailed and L’Hoest’s monkeys in many forests.

Other Highlights

• Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, one of only a few places where lions regularly rest in trees
• Rothschild’s giraffes in Murchison Falls and Kidepo
• Hippos and crocodiles on the Kazinga Channel and the Nile
• Uganda kob, the national antelope, in large herds
• Zebras and elands in Lake Mburo
• Cheetahs and ostriches in Kidepo Valley

Birds

Uganda has recorded over 1,000 bird species, making it one of Africa’s top birding countries. The prehistoric-looking shoebill, the great blue turaco and the crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird, are all highlights. Bird lovers can extend their trip with the 18 Days Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari.

Realistic Expectations

Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed. However, Uganda’s parks offer excellent odds, especially with an experienced guide who knows animal movements and stays in touch with other guides and rangers. Gorilla trekking success rates are very high, because trackers locate the families each morning before visitors set off.

Best Game Drive and Gorilla Trek Tour Packages in Uganda

The right tour length depends on how many parks you want to visit and how relaxed you want the pace to be. These packages combine game drives and gorilla trekking in proven, well-balanced routes.

Length	Parks covered	Best for	Suggested tour
4 days	Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo and Bwindi	Short trips with one game park	4 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari
5 days	Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi	First-time safari travellers	5-Day Wildlife and Gorilla Safari
7 days	Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi	The classic Uganda week	7 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
7 days	Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi	An alternative one-week route	7 Days Uganda Safari – One Week Tour
8 days	Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and culture	A relaxed pace with chimps	8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari
10 days	Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi	The full Uganda circuit	10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari
14 days	All major parks plus extras	Travellers wanting depth	14-Day Uganda Primates and Safari Adventure

Uganda and Rwanda Big Five Combinations

To add Rwanda’s Akagera savannah and Volcanoes National Park, consider our 9 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla and Big Five Safari or the 15-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate and Big-Five Safari Adventure.

Grand Expeditions

For the ultimate journey through the Pearl of Africa, our 25-Day Wildlife, Primate Uganda tour covers almost every major park, from Murchison’s waterfalls to Kidepo’s remote valleys.

Every package is private and fully customisable. We can add extra nights, upgrade lodges, include domestic flights or adjust the route to match your interests.

Sample 8-Day Pearl of Africa Itinerary: Game Drives and Gorilla Trek

This sample itinerary shows how game drives, a boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking fit together in one smooth route. It starts and ends in Entebbe.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Your Kenlink guide meets you at Entebbe International Airport and transfers you to a lakeside hotel on Lake Victoria. Relax after your flight and enjoy a briefing on the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Drive to Kibale Forest

Travel west through tea plantations and rolling hills to Kibale Forest National Park, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days. Overnight at a lodge near the crater lakes.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland

Track chimpanzees in Kibale in the morning, then walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in the afternoon to spot monkeys and colourful birds.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the equator. Enjoy an afternoon game drive on the Kasenyi plains as the light turns golden.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Head out at dawn when lions and leopards are most active. In the afternoon, take a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, watching hippos, elephants, buffalo and crocodiles at the water’s edge.

Day 6: Ishasha and Drive to Bwindi

Drive through the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions, then continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking

After a ranger briefing, trek into the forest to find your assigned gorilla family. Spend one unforgettable hour watching them feed, play and interact, then return to your lodge to celebrate. In the afternoon, an optional community walk introduces local culture.

Day 8: Return to Entebbe

Drive back to Entebbe, or take a scheduled domestic flight from an airstrip near Bwindi to save time, connecting to your international flight home.

Want more time? Add Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation, or Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary at the start for the full Big Five. Explore the 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife itinerary for a longer version.

Types of Game Drives and Safari Activities in Uganda

A great Uganda safari mixes different ways of viewing wildlife. Each one reveals animals and landscapes from a new angle.

Morning Game Drives

Early morning is the best time for game viewing. Predators such as lions and leopards are still active after the night, the air is cool, and the soft light is perfect for photography. Most morning drives leave around sunrise and last three to four hours.

Afternoon and Evening Game Drives

As the heat eases in the late afternoon, animals become active again. Evening drives often end with a spectacular African sunset over the savannah.

Night Game Drives

In some parks, including Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth, guided night drives may be available. With spotlights, you may see nocturnal animals such as hyenas, bush babies and, with luck, leopards on the hunt. Availability varies, so we confirm options when planning your route.

Boat Cruises

Boat safaris are a Uganda speciality. The Kazinga Channel cruise in Queen Elizabeth and the Nile cruises in Murchison Falls bring you remarkably close to hippos, crocodiles, elephants and water birds.

Walking Safaris and Nature Walks

In Lake Mburo and parts of other parks, guided walks let you experience the bush on foot, learning about tracks, plants and smaller creatures.

Tips for Better Game Drives

• Choose a private 4×4 with a pop-up roof for 360-degree views.
• Bring binoculars for each traveller.
• Wear neutral colours and keep voices low near animals.
• Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe.
• Be patient. Some of the best sightings come after waiting quietly at a waterhole.
• Tell your guide what you most want to see so they can plan the best routes.

Our car hire fleet includes safari-ready 4×4 vehicles suited to Uganda’s park roads, whether you travel with a Kenlink guide or on a self-drive safari.

Gorilla Trekking Tips and Rules for Your Uganda Tour

Gorilla trekking is physically demanding but deeply rewarding. A little preparation and respect for the rules make the experience safe and unforgettable.

How Fit Do You Need to Be?

You should be comfortable walking for several hours on steep, muddy and uneven ground at altitude. Treks can take anywhere from one hour to six hours or more, depending on where the gorillas are that day. Regular walking or hiking in the weeks before your trip helps a lot.

Hire a Porter

Local porters carry your daypack and give you a hand on steep slopes for around USD 15 to 20. Hiring one makes the trek easier and supports families living around the parks.

Key Gorilla Trekking Rules

1. The minimum age is 15 years.
2. A maximum of eight visitors may visit each gorilla family per day.
3. Time with the gorillas is limited to one hour.
4. Keep a distance of about seven metres.
5. Do not trek if you have a cold, flu or any contagious illness.
6. You may be asked to wear a face mask near the gorillas.
7. No flash photography, eating or smoking near the gorillas.
8. Speak softly and avoid sudden movements.
9. If a gorilla charges, crouch down, look away and follow your ranger.

What to Wear on Trek Day

Wear long trousers tucked into socks, a long-sleeved shirt, waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves and a rain jacket. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water, snacks and insect repellent.

Photography Tips

Turn off your flash before reaching the gorillas. A higher ISO and a fast lens work best in the dim forest. Spend part of your hour simply watching without a camera, as it passes quickly.

Choose Your Tour Wisely

Some travellers prefer to start the gorilla section from Kigali, Rwanda, which is closer to southern Bwindi and Mgahinga. See our 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali or the 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali.

Best Time for Game Drives and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The best time for a combined game drive and gorilla tour is during Uganda’s two dry seasons, June to September and December to February. Still, Uganda offers rewarding safaris all year round.

Dry Seasons: Best for Both Activities

In the dry months, vegetation thins and animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison especially productive. Gorilla trails are firmer and less slippery, and roads between parks are easier. Demand is high, so book permits and lodges three to six months ahead.

Wet Seasons: Green, Quiet and Good Value

From March to May and in October and November, rain usually falls in afternoon showers. The landscape turns lush and green, newborn animals appear, and migratory birds arrive. Parks are quieter, lodge rates may be lower, and UWA has reported discounted gorilla permits in April, May and November. Expect muddier trails and allow extra time on roads.

Month-by-Month Overview

Months	Season	Game drives	Gorilla trekking
December to February	Short dry season	Excellent	Very good
March to May	Long rains	Good, lush scenery	Challenging but quiet
June to September	Long dry season	Excellent	Best conditions
October to November	Short rains	Good	Moderate, quieter parks

Weather Tips

Uganda sits on the equator, so temperatures stay fairly steady year-round. Savannah parks are warm to hot by day, while Bwindi and Mgahinga at high altitude can be cool and damp, especially in the early morning. Pack layers and a rain jacket whatever month you travel.

How Much Does a Game Drive and Gorilla Trek Tour in Uganda Cost?

The cost of a Uganda game drive and gorilla tour depends on trip length, group size, lodge level and the permits you include. The gorilla permit is usually the largest single expense.

Main Permits and Activity Fees

Fee (per person, foreign non-resident)	Typical rate
Gorilla trekking permit	USD 800 (reported USD 600 in April, May, November)
Gorilla habituation experience, Rushaga	USD 1,500 to 1,800
Chimpanzee tracking, Kibale	USD 250
Rwanda gorilla permit, for comparison	USD 1,500

Park entry fees, boat cruises and other activities are added depending on your route. Fees follow the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff and can change, so we confirm current rates when you book.

Typical Package Inclusions

A Kenlink game drive and gorilla tour usually includes:

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and fuel
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Accommodation and most meals
• Gorilla permit and other planned activity fees
• Park entrance fees and game drives
• Boat cruise where included
• Airport transfers and bottled water

Usually Not Included

International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, drinks, porter fees and optional extras.

What Affects the Price Most?

• Accommodation level: budget, mid-range or luxury lodges make the biggest difference after permits.
• Group size: sharing a vehicle and guide lowers the cost per person.
• Season: low-season permits and lodge rates can save money.
• Domestic flights: they save time but add cost.

Saving Money

Travel in the low season, choose mid-range lodges, or join a scheduled group departure. Explore our scheduled departure safaris and group tours. Booking and payment details are in our terms and conditions.

Where to Stay on a Uganda Game Drive and Gorilla Tour

Uganda offers accommodation for every budget, from simple eco-lodges to luxury safari camps. The right lodges add comfort, convenience and unforgettable views to your tour.

Savannah Lodges and Tented Camps

In Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, lodges and tented camps overlook the plains, river channels or the Nile. Staying inside or near the park lets you start game drives at sunrise and watch wildlife from your veranda. Some camps sit in unfenced areas where hippos and elephants pass by at night, an exciting part of the experience.

Forest Lodges near Bwindi and Mgahinga

Near the gorilla parks, lodges perch on hillsides above the rainforest or the Virunga volcanoes. Choose a lodge close to the trailhead of your permit sector to avoid an early, long drive on trek day. Cosy fireplaces and hot showers are especially welcome after a muddy trek.

Lakeside Retreats

Crater lake lodges near Kibale and island or shoreline cottages on Lake Bunyonyi make relaxing stops between active days.

Accommodation Levels

Level	What to expect	Best for
Budget	Clean, simple rooms, good meals, friendly service	Travellers keeping costs low
Mid-range	Comfortable en-suite rooms, great locations, good food	Most safari travellers
Luxury	Spacious suites, fine dining, exceptional service and views	Honeymooners and special occasions

Kenlink’s Own Lodge

Our own lodge, Honeybee Safari Camp, offers a warm and relaxing base on selected itineraries. Ask us about including it on your route.

Tips for Choosing Lodges

Stay two nights in key parks to avoid rushing, match your Bwindi lodge to your permit sector, and mix in one or two special lodges for highlights. Our team has personally visited the properties we recommend, so we can advise on the best rooms and locations.

Getting to Uganda and Travelling Between Parks

Most travellers fly into Entebbe International Airport, near Kampala, while others start in Kigali, Rwanda. Your starting point shapes the best route.

Starting in Entebbe

Entebbe is ideal for a full Uganda circuit that includes Murchison Falls, Kibale and Queen Elizabeth before the gorillas. Drives to the southwest are long, often eight to ten hours to Bwindi, so itineraries usually break the journey with stops at Lake Mburo, Kibale or Queen Elizabeth.

Starting in Kigali

Kigali is much closer to Bwindi’s southern sectors and Mgahinga. Many travellers fly into Kigali, cross into Uganda for gorillas and game drives in Queen Elizabeth, and return to Kigali. Our 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda and 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali follow this route. For a very short visit, see the one day Uganda gorilla safari starting from Kigali.

Combining Uganda and Rwanda

The East Africa Tourist Visa, at USD 100 per person, allows multiple entries to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for 90 days, making cross-border tours easy. Add Rwanda’s savannah with our 3-Day Akagera Game Drive Safari, or explore the 7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Adventure.

Domestic Flights

Scheduled and charter flights connect Entebbe with airstrips near Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo. Flying in one direction and driving the other is a popular way to save time while still enjoying the scenery.

Road Travel

Most tours use private 4×4 safari vehicles, which handle park tracks and rural roads comfortably. Driving through villages, tea estates and mountains is part of the Pearl of Africa experience, and your guide shares stories along the way.

Visas and Health

Most visitors need a Uganda visa applied for online before travel. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Speak to a travel clinic about malaria prevention well before departure.

What to Pack for Game Drives and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

A combined tour means packing for both hot savannah days and cool, wet forest treks. Keep luggage light and use soft-sided bags, especially if you take domestic flights.

For Game Drives

• Neutral-coloured clothing in khaki, green or beige
• Light shirts and trousers or shorts for warm days
• A warm layer for early morning drives in open vehicles
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Binoculars, ideally one pair per person
• A scarf or buff to keep dust off your face

For Gorilla Trekking

• Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt
• Gardening gloves
• Long socks to tuck trousers into
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Small waterproof daypack

Essentials

• Passport, visa and yellow fever certificate
• Insect repellent and high-factor sunscreen
• Antimalarials and personal medication
• Reusable water bottle
• Small first-aid kit and hand sanitiser
• Some US dollars in small, newer notes for tips and porters

Camera Gear

• Camera with a zoom lens, ideally 100–400mm for game drives
• Spare batteries and memory cards
• Power bank and universal adapter (Uganda uses UK-style three-pin plugs)
• Dry bag or rain cover for the forest

What to Leave at Home

Avoid dark blue and black clothing, which can attract tsetse flies in some areas, and bright white, which shows dust quickly. Leave valuable jewellery at home.

Packing Tip

Wear your hiking boots on the plane if luggage space is tight. They are the one item you cannot easily replace in Uganda, and breaking them in properly is essential for a comfortable gorilla trek.

Why Book Your Pearl of Africa Safari with Kenlink Tours

A combined game drive and gorilla tour involves permits, park fees, lodges, vehicles and long distances. Kenlink Tours brings it all together with local expertise and personal care.

Local Experts Since 2010

We have crafted safaris across Uganda and East Africa since 2010. Our team is on the road year-round, personally checking routes, parks and lodges, so our recommendations come from first-hand experience. Read our story on our About Us page.

Licensed and Trusted

Kenlink Tours is a licensed Ugandan tour operator and a member of recognised tourism associations. We secure official gorilla and chimpanzee permits on your behalf and handle all park bookings.

Private, Tailor-Made Itineraries

Every tour is private and built around you. Whether you want more game drives, an extra primate trek, a relaxing lake stop or domestic flights, we design the route that fits your interests and budget.

Expert Driver-Guides

Our guides are passionate, knowledgeable and skilled at finding wildlife. They know when to wait patiently at a sighting, how to position the vehicle for photos, and how to keep you comfortable on long drives.

Reliable Safari Vehicles

We use well-maintained 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs, ideal for game viewing and Uganda’s varied roads.

Responsible Tourism

We support community and conservation projects, including the Kigezi Foundation, so your safari benefits the people and wildlife of Uganda.

Easy, Responsive Planning

Share your travel dates and wishes through our contact page, and a travel expert will respond within 24 hours with a tailored itinerary and quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Game Drive and Gorilla Tours in Uganda

Why is Uganda called the Pearl of Africa?

Winston Churchill popularised the name in 1908 after travelling through the country, impressed by its beauty, fertile land and wildlife. Its mix of savannah, rainforest, lakes and mountains still justifies the title.

How many days do I need for game drives and gorilla trekking?

Five days is the minimum for one game park and a gorilla trek. Seven to ten days lets you add chimpanzees, a boat cruise and more parks at a relaxed pace.

Can I see the Big Five in Uganda?

Yes. Lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo live in parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, while white rhinos can be tracked on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Which park is best to combine with gorilla trekking?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most convenient, as it lies on the route to Bwindi and offers excellent game drives, tree-climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel cruise.

How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?

A standard gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, with reported discounts in April, May and November. Permits must be booked through a licensed operator.

Is gorilla trekking difficult?

It can be challenging. Treks last from one to six hours or more on steep, muddy terrain at altitude. Reasonable fitness and a porter make it manageable for most travellers.

What is the best time for a Uganda safari?

June to September and December to February are best for both game drives and gorilla trekking. The wet seasons offer greener scenery, fewer visitors and lower prices.

Can I start my tour in Kigali instead of Entebbe?

Yes. Kigali is closer to Uganda’s southern gorilla parks, making it ideal for shorter tours that combine gorillas with Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Are Uganda safaris safe?

Uganda’s main safari circuits are well established and widely visited. Travelling with a licensed operator and professional guide adds peace of mind. Check current travel advice before travelling.

Do I need a visa for Uganda?

Most visitors need a visa applied for online before travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya with multiple entries.

Start Your Tour in the Pearl of Africa

A tour in the Pearl of Africa for game drives and gorilla trekking is one of the most complete wildlife journeys on the continent. In a single trip, you can watch lions lounging in fig trees, cruise past hundreds of hippos, track chimpanzees through the forest and finally sit in silent awe as a mountain gorilla family goes about its day.

Uganda’s blend of savannah and rainforest, its welcoming people and its excellent value make it a destination that stays with you long after you return home. Many travellers say it was the most meaningful safari of their lives.

If you would like to compare more options, explore the 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari for a primate-focused trip, or our 18-Day Adventure – Uganda for a deep exploration of the country. You can browse all our tours on the Kenlink Tours homepage.

Gorilla permits and popular lodges sell out early, especially in the dry seasons, so start planning now. Tell us your dates, interests and travel style, and we will create a private Pearl of Africa safari made just for you.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Contact Kenlink Tours to plan your game drive and gorilla trek tour or call +256 789 210 067.