HOW MUCH IS WILDLIFE VIEWING IN UGANDA
OVERVIEW
Explore Uganda’s captivating Gorilla with permits priced at $800 per person as of 2025. Accommodation options vary from $150 to $900, offering choices to suit every budget. Expect a starting cost of approximately $1200 per person, representing an affordable option for adventurers seeking an unforgettable experience.
Starting a safari adventure in Uganda offers an unforgettable journey through Africa’s untamed wilderness. From majestic elephants to elusive big cats, Uganda’s diverse landscapes promise a wildlife experience like no other. But for safari enthusiasts, one question looms large: “How much does it cost to go on safari in Uganda?” Let’s explore the factors influencing safari costs in Uganda.
Depending on the activity, park, and type of guest, Ugandan wildlife viewing prices vary greatly.
This is a summary:
Costs of a general safari:
Average Daily Cost: The average cost of a safari in Uganda is about $200 per person per day.
Budget Safaris: Safaris that cost less than $300 per person per day may include fewer activities and more basic lodging.
Mid-Range Safaris: These safaris, which cost about $425 per person per day, provide a greater variety of activities and more comfortable accommodations.
Luxury Safaris: Expensive safaris that include private transportation and opulent lodging can be up to $700 per person per day.
Particular Activity Expenses:
Gorilla Tracking: Permits for gorilla tracking can cost $800 per person for non-resident foreigners, $700 for residents of other countries, and $300,000 for citizens of East Africa.
Chimpanzee Tracking: Kibale National Park requires a $250 permit to track chimpanzees.
Park Entrance Fees: Foreign non-residents usually pay about $40 for park entrance fees.
Game Drives: Each person may have to pay between $30 and $40 for a game drive.
Boat Cruises: In Queen Elizabeth National Park, a boat cruise can run you about $30 per shift.
Golden Monkey Permits: The cost of a permit to observe golden monkeys is $60 per person per hour.
Other Activities: There are fees associated with other activities such as hiking Mount Elgon, seeing rhinos, and going to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center.
Factors Influencing Prices:
Travel Agency: The cost structures of various tour agencies may differ.
Accommodations: Prices for lodging can vary from low-cost lodges (around $100 per night) to high-end lodges (more than $300 per night).
Transportation: Daily rental car prices range from $100 to $200.
Air tickets, visas, travel insurance, and vaccination cards are examples of additional costs.
Uganda Safari packages:
Uganda provides a variety of safari programs, ranging from an opulent VIP adventure to an affordable group excursion. Typically, rates include lodging, meals, park admission, transportation, and game drive guides.
Uganda Safari Duration:
A number of elements, including lodging, transportation, park admission fees, and activities included in the schedule, can have a substantial impact on the cost of a safari in Uganda. Here is a broad summary of how the price may change depending on how long the safari is:
The price range for a two- to three-day Uganda short safari is $500 to $1500 per person.
usually consists of lodging in inexpensive to mid-range lodges or tented camps, as well as trips to one or two national parks or animal reserves.
There aren't many activities, but there are still chances for game drives, a boat safari, or a nature walk.
Mid-Length Safari in Uganda (4-6 days): $1200 to $3000 per person.
enables trips to several national parks or reserves, offering a more thorough experience of wildlife observation.
Tented campgrounds and mid-range resorts are typically used for lodging.
Game drives, boat safaris, nature walks, and cultural encounters were among the many activities offered.
Extended Safari: Seven or more days
Prices range from $2500 to over $6000 per person.
provides a thorough examination of numerous national parks, reserves, and other sites.
Tented camps and lodges ranging from mid-range to luxury accommodations are frequently offered.
permits a variety of activities, such as many game drives, boat safaris, tracking chimpanzees, trekking for gorillas (if applicable), birdwatching, cultural visits, and more.
Weekend trips and other shorter safaris are less expensive than week-long expeditions.
Options for Lodging: Uganda offers a range of lodging options, from opulent resorts to rustic bush camps. Your decision has a big impact on safari expenses.
Budget Accommodations: Single occupancy rooms or tents at budget accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, and modest campsites can cost anything from $10 to $40 per night.
Mid-Range Lodging: Standard rooms or tents at mid-range lodges, tented camps, and guesthouses usually cost between $50 and $150 a night.
Luxury Accommodation: Especially in popular safari regions or national parks, luxury lodges, safari camps, and resorts can charge anything from $200 to more than $1000 per night for an upscale suite or tent.
Exclusive and Boutique Accommodations: These lodging options provide distinctive experiences and individualized attention. Rates range widely, but typically start at $300 per night and go up to several thousand dollars.
Uganda Safari Transportation: The total cost includes flights, transfers, and ground transportation. Choose overland travel or domestic flights, each of which has expenses.
Gorilla permits and Uganda Safari Park admission costs differ depending on the park and activity. Activities like game drives and gorilla trekking affect costs.
Extra Activities: To improve your safari experience, Uganda provides nature hikes, boat safaris, and cultural trips. Keep in mind that these could cost more.
Seasonal Pricing: Depending on the time of year, safari prices vary. Prices may be higher during peak seasons with favorable weather and lots of wildlife sightings.
Tour Operator and Booking: For affordable rates, select from regional operators or internet resources. There may be extra fees for bespoke excursions or custom itineraries.
The cost of gorilla tracking permits at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park has been revised by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the new prices are:
For international non-residents, USD 800
For international residents, USD 700
East African Citizens: 300,000 Ugandan Shillings
The following permission fees apply to gorilla habituation events in the Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla Forest:
For international non-residents, USD 1500
For international residents, $1,000 USD
750,000 Ugandan Shillings for Citizens of East Africa
Gorilla habituation provides a longer four-hour interaction with these amazing animals than standard gorilla trekking, which lasts an hour.
Other Uganda Safari Activities:
In addition to game drives and wildlife sightings, Uganda provides a wide range of other experiences and activities, including nature walks, boat safaris, and excursions to cultural villages. Even if these activities make your safari more enjoyable, they could cost more.
Seasonal Variations in Uganda Safari Prices:
The cost of a safari in Uganda varies according to the season. While off-peak seasons provide more affordable options for lodging and tours, peak seasons, which offer the best weather and animal encounters, usually have higher prices.
Uganda Safari Booking Influence:
The tour operator and booking method you select will affect the price of your safari. Although direct reservations with regional operators or reliable internet resources frequently offer affordable prices, choosing bespoke packages or custom itineraries may incur additional costs.