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Lush green rainforest canopy of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Vurara SafarisDestinationsUganda
East Africa

Uganda

Gorillas and chimps at better value

5 parks and reserves5 trip options

Uganda offers gorillas at half the permit cost of Rwanda. Bwindi is more remote but the experience is equally profound. Chimps in Kibale are excellent. Queen Elizabeth adds savannah options.

Highlights

Bwindi Impenetrable ForestKibale ForestQueen Elizabeth NPMurchison Falls

Parks & Reserves

5 areas
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Gorilla trekking

Mountain gorillasAncient rainforest
Kibale chimpanzees

Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzee tracking

Chimpanzees13 primate species
Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Classic Uganda safari

Tree-climbing lionsKazinga Channel
Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls National Park

Dramatic landscapes

Powerful waterfallNile boat cruise
Mgahinga volcanoes

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Less crowded gorilla experience

GorillasGolden monkeys
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Wildlife Sighting Probabilities

Estimated chances of seeing key species based on operator feedback

These are estimated probabilities based on typical multi-day visits. Actual sightings depend on season, weather, time spent in the park, and luck. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Data source: Operator feedback aggregation · Updated 2025-01

African ElephantBig 5
20%Uncommon

Forest elephant, occasionally seen

Mountain Gorilla
98%Almost certain

Habituated groups, permit required

Chimpanzee
30%Possible

Present but gorilla trekking focus

Kibale National Park

Data source: Operator feedback aggregation · Updated 2025-01

African ElephantBig 5
35%Possible

Forest elephant, occasionally seen

Chimpanzee
95%Almost certain

Best chimp tracking in Africa

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Data source: Operator feedback aggregation · Updated 2025-01

Cape BuffaloBig 5
90%Almost certain

Large herds

African ElephantBig 5
85%Very likely

Common

LionBig 5
75%Very likely

Including tree-climbing lions in Ishasha

LeopardBig 5
45%Possible

Present in Ishasha sector

Hippopotamus
95%Almost certain

Kazinga Channel

Is Uganda right for you?

Best for

  • +Primate enthusiasts on budget
  • +Chimp and gorilla combos
  • +Adventure travelers
  • +Longer itineraries

Consider alternatives if

  • -Time-limited travelers
  • -Those wanting polished infrastructure
  • -Purely savannah focus

What you gain

  • • Gorilla permits half the Rwanda cost
  • • Can see chimps and gorillas
  • • More diverse itineraries possible

What you trade

  • • Longer drives than Rwanda
  • • Infrastructure less developed
  • • Bwindi access can be challenging

Ready to plan your Uganda safari?

Tell us what matters most to you

Start planning

Planning essentials

When to go

Peak: June to September, December to February
Shoulder: October-November, March
Green: April-May (heavy rains)
Primates available year-round

Practical info

Gateway: Entebbe (EBB)
Visa: Yes, e-visa available
Malaria: High throughout
Cost: ModerateGorilla permits $700/person

Explore Uganda

Trip shapes
View all
Safari game drive
Trip ShapeLuxury

Rwanda Gorilla Trek

Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

4–6 days$5,000–$8,000/pp
African wildlife
Trip ShapeMid-range

Uganda Primate Safari

Gorillas, chimps, and savannah wildlife

8–12 days$5,000–$9,000/pp
Day-by-day itineraries
View all
River crossing
Day-by-Day

Rwanda Gorilla Trek

Mountain gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes

4–6 days$5,000–$8,000/pp
Crater landscape
Day-by-Day

Uganda Primate Safari

Gorillas, chimps, and savannah wildlife

8–12 days$5,000–$9,000/pp
Wildlife viewing
Day-by-Day

Uganda & Rwanda Primate Expedition

The definitive primate safari combining both countries for gorillas and chimpanzees

10–14 days$8,000–$14k/pp