Many travelers compare Kenya and Uganda when planning a safari. Kenya is world-famous for the Great Migration, which takes place in the Masai Mara between July and October. Uganda, however, offers something different. It is the only place where you can combine classic game drives with gorilla trekking. While Kenya may have larger herds, Uganda provides a quieter, more personal safari. For those who want to see both savannah wildlife and primates in one trip, Uganda is the better choice.
How Many Days Is Ideal for a Safari?
The number of days you need for a safari in Uganda depends on how much you want to see. A short safari of 3 to 5 days can take you to Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls. However, if you want to experience gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game drives, at least 7 to 10 days is recommended. A longer safari allows you to explore more parks at a relaxed pace and enjoy the beauty of Uganda without rushing.
How Much Does It Cost to Go on Safari in Uganda?
Safari prices in Uganda vary depending on the type of trip. Budget safaris can cost around $200 per person per day, while luxury options may cost over $800 per person per day. The biggest expense for many travelers is the gorilla trekking permit, which costs $700. This permit allows you to spend one magical hour with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. Overall, Uganda offers good value compared to some neighboring safari destinations.
How Far in Advance Do I Need to Book an African Safari?
Booking a safari early is very important, especially in Uganda. Gorilla permits are limited, and during the peak months of June to September, they sell out quickly. It is best to book your safari at least six months in advance. For popular lodges and national parks, early booking also guarantees better choices of accommodation. Planning early ensures you do not miss out on the highlights of your dream safari.
What Is the Best Month in Uganda?
Uganda is a year-round destination, but the best months are during the dry seasons. June to September and December to February are the most popular. During these times, the weather is sunny, the grass is shorter, and animals gather near rivers and waterholes. This makes wildlife viewing easier and more rewarding. The dry months are also the best time for gorilla trekking because the forest trails are less muddy and easier to hike.
Which Is the Best Safari in Kenya or Tanzania?
Travelers often compare safaris in Kenya and Tanzania to those in Uganda. Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti are famous for the Great Migration, while Uganda offers gorilla trekking and more intimate wildlife experiences. If you want to see endless plains filled with wildebeest, Kenya and Tanzania are unmatched. But if your dream is to track gorillas and experience diverse landscapes, Uganda’s safaris are the most unique.
Which Is the Most Famous Safari in Kenya?
In Kenya, the most famous safari is the Masai Mara. This park is world-renowned for its annual wildebeest migration, where over a million animals cross from Tanzania into Kenya. It is a dramatic spectacle filled with predators and prey. However, for travelers seeking something different, Uganda offers experiences that cannot be found in the Mara, such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and tree-climbing lions.
What Time of Year Is the Cheapest for Safari?
The cheapest time to go on safari in Uganda is during the rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November. During these months, many lodges lower their prices, and tour companies offer discounts. While the rains may make some roads muddy and game drives more challenging, this is a great option for budget travelers. Birdwatchers especially enjoy the wet season because migratory birds arrive, making Uganda a birding paradise.
When to See Gorillas in Uganda?
The highlight of many safaris in Uganda is gorilla trekking. The best time to see gorillas is during the dry seasons, when the forest is less muddy, and the trek is easier. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, and some travelers enjoy visiting in the rainy season because there are fewer tourists. No matter when you go, the experience of standing face-to-face with a silverback gorilla is unforgettable.
What Is the Best Month to Go on Safari in Kenya?
For travelers who also want to combine Uganda with Kenya, it is good to know the best month for safari in Kenya. July to October is the top time because of the Great Migration. Large herds of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, followed by lions, crocodiles, and other predators. This creates one of the greatest wildlife shows on Earth.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Go to Uganda?
Uganda is best visited during the dry months of June to September and December to February. These months are perfect for game drives, gorilla trekking, and outdoor adventures. The weather is warm but comfortable, and the scenery is beautiful. For travelers who want cheaper trips and amazing birding, the rainy months are also a good choice.
What Is the Big 5 in Uganda Safari?
Uganda is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. In parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, you can see lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. To complete the Big Five, a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is included in many safaris. This makes Uganda a complete safari destination, offering both classic savannah wildlife and rare primates like gorillas.
Conclusion
The best months for safari in Uganda are the dry seasons of June to September and December to February. These periods provide the most reliable game viewing, comfortable conditions, and excellent gorilla trekking. However, the wet seasons also have their charm, especially for bird lovers and budget travelers. Whether you want to see the Big Five, track gorillas, or explore Uganda’s diverse landscapes, there is a perfect time for every traveler. Booking early ensures you get the best lodges and permits for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Pearl of Africa.