Cost of a One-Week Uganda Safari

Cost of a One-Week Uganda Safari

Wondering about the cost of a one-week safari in Uganda to see gorillas, game, and chimpanzees? A 7-day Uganda gorilla, game, and chimpanzee safari offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing the best of Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty. This safari, often referred to as the Uganda primate and game safari, takes you through stunning locations including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the costs, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect without any hidden fees.

Overview of Safari Costs

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

One of the most thrilling highlights of your 7-day safari is the gorilla trekking experience. This involves hiking through the lush forests to observe a habituated family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Experienced trackers venture into the forest early each morning to locate these majestic creatures, using natural sounds and signs to guide them. Once they find the gorillas, they communicate with park headquarters, allowing your guides to lead you through the forest after a safety briefing. With a 99% chance of spotting the gorillas, you can choose to trek from various regions, including Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga, or Ruhija, depending on permit availability.

Gorilla Permit Costs

Gorilla permits are essential for your trek and vary based on the type of experience you choose:

• Gorilla Trekking Permits:
  • Non-Foreign Residents: $800 per person
  • East African Residents: $700 per person
  • East African Citizens: UGX 300,000
• Gorilla Habituation Permits (allows for a four-hour visit):
  • Non-Foreign Residents: $1,500 per person
  • East African Residents: $1,000 per person
  • East African Citizens: UGX 750,000

These prices include entrance fees to Bwindi, guiding services, and contribute to conservation efforts, as Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Located close to Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park is another highlight of your safari. Here, you’ll pay $40 per day for park entrance fees. Game drives are a fantastic way to see Uganda’s diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species.

• Day Game Drives: $40 per person
• Night Game Drives: $40 per person
• Lion Tracking Experiences: Starting from $50 per vehicle

Our knowledgeable guides will help you spot wildlife while navigating the park at a leisurely pace.

Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Another must-do activity is the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This scenic cruise provides a chance to see herds of elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes, as well as large groups of hippos and crocodiles lounging on the shores. The channel is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, attracting numerous migratory species.

• Public Launch Cruise: $33 per person
• Private Boat Cruise: Prices vary based on your preferences

Summary of Costs

A one-week Uganda safari to see gorillas, game, and chimpanzees encompasses various elements, including:

• Gorilla trekking permits
• Game drive and park entrance fees
• Boat cruise costs
• Transportation, accommodation, and service fees

This all-inclusive approach ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience without any unexpected costs. For a personalized quote and to explore available packages, feel free to reach out to us!

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking is an exhilarating activity you won’t want to miss on your 7-day Uganda safari, which includes gorilla tracking, game viewing, and chimpanzee experiences. This unique adventure allows you to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, and they are fascinating creatures to watch. Kibale National Park, known as the “Primate Capital” of Uganda, boasts the highest population of chimpanzees in the country.

Your trek begins with a briefing at the park headquarters, where you’ll learn the do’s and don’ts for a safe and enjoyable experience. Afterward, you’ll set off into the forest with guides and park rangers who prioritize your safety while tracking the chimps. It’s essential to secure a chimpanzee trekking permit, which allows you one hour to view and interact with the chimpanzees once you find them. There are three trekking sessions available throughout the day:

• Morning Session: Starts at 8:00 AM
• Mid-Morning Session: Begins at 12:00 PM
• Afternoon Session: Starts at 2:00 PM

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Costs

Chimpanzee trekking permits are crucial for your safari planning. These permits can be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and include entrance fees and guiding services. As per the 2021-2022 UWA Tariff, the costs are as follows:

• Non-Foreign Residents: $250 per person
• Foreign Residents: $200 per person
• East African Citizens: UGX 180,000 per person

Make sure to secure your permits in advance, especially during the high season, as they can sell out quickly.

Transportation Costs for Your Safari

The cost of transportation during your 7-day Uganda safari varies based on your chosen mode of travel, fuel prices, driver-guide allowances, and vehicle hire.

Flights

For a quick and convenient option, consider flying to Kibale National Park, Bwindi, or Queen Elizabeth National Park. Daily flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to Kasese Airstrip, Kihihi, or Kisoro Airstrip take about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with prices starting around $273 per adult one way.

Road Trips

Alternatively, a road trip offers a scenic route to Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi. Expect approximately:

• 5 hours from Entebbe/Kampala to Kibale National Park
• 8-9 hours from Kampala to Bwindi
• 4-5 hours from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth
• 2-3 hours from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth

Though the drives may seem lengthy, they provide opportunities for stops to explore the beautiful Ugandan landscape. We use comfortable 4×4 vehicles for our safaris, with rates starting from $70 per day for safari vans and $150-$250 per day for Land Cruisers, depending on the vehicle type. Fuel for the round trip can range around $400.

Accommodation Costs for Your Safari

Selecting the right accommodation is key to enhancing your safari experience. In Bwindi, we recommend staying in the sector where you will trek, making it easy to access the park headquarters. Accommodation options range from budget to luxury, typically costing:

• Budget: $70-$100 per person per night
• Mid-range and Luxury: $250-$800 per person per night

Here are some options based on the sector:

• Rushaga: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge
• Buhoma: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp
• Ruhija: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, and lodges around Lake Bunyonyi or Kabale town

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can choose from luxury lodges like Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, and Mweya Safari Lodge, or budget options such as Twin Lakes Lodge and Elephant Hab.

Kibale Forest National Park also offers various accommodation choices, from luxury lodges like Ndali Lodge and Kyaninga Lodge to mid-range options like Primate Lodge and Turaco Tree Tops. For budget-conscious travelers, Chimpanzee Forest Guest House and Isunga Lodge are great options. Additionally, Fort Portal town, close to Kibale, offers more hotel choices.

Why Book Your One-Week Uganda Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in crafting incredible primate and safari experiences in Uganda and beyond, including Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and DR Congo. With over a decade of experience, our passionate and dedicated team combines youthful energy with seasoned expertise to ensure your safari is unforgettable.

When you reach out to us, you’ll receive prompt and reliable information within five minutes. We are proud to be highly rated on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings, reflecting our commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences. Contact us today to learn more about the cost of your one-week Uganda safari and let us help you create your dream adventure!