January 27, 2026

Uganda Safari Cost: Complete Budget Breakdown for 2026

Uganda is one of Africa’s most accessible and biodiverse safari destinations: mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, chimpanzees in Kibale, classic savanna wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, rich wetlands and extraordinary birdlife, and less-visited northern reserves such as Kidepo.

That variety means “how much will a Uganda safari cost?” has many answers — it depends on length, lodges, domestic flights or road travel, whether you include gorilla permits, and how private or group your trip is.

Quick overview

Must-know headline numbers (as of 27 Jan 2026):

Gorilla trekking permit: US$800 per person per trek (foreign non-resident rate). [1]
Park entrance fees (typical Category A parks e.g., Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth): US$40 per adult per day (foreign non-resident) — different parks/categories vary. [1]
Uganda tourist visa (single entry): US$50 standard tourist e-visa (fees and multi-entry options vary). [2]
Yellow fever vaccination certificate: required on entry; vaccination and ICVP certificate required by Uganda and advised by CDC/WHO. [3][4]
Average tourist spend (national average, latest Tourism Satellite Account): used to frame midrange budgets — see UBOS/UTSA data. [5]

1 — How prices are set in Uganda (why government tariffs matter)

Uganda’s protected-area and activity pricing is centrally set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in its published conservation tariff. The UWA tariff (current 2024–2026 tariff document) fixes the official prices for park entrance fees, gorilla and chimp permits, vehicle and boat entry fees, and many activity levies. Because UWA sets these fees centrally, they are stable and should be budgeted exactly as stated in the tariff when planning — e.g., gorilla permit, park entry, and boat launch fees are government rates. [1]

Implications:

Tour companies package these fees, but the government portion is non-negotiable and usually non-refundable. [1]
Lodge and transport prices (private sector) fluctuate by season, occupancy and service level — but government fees are the baseline large line items. [1]

(Reference for all tariff numbers in the next sections: UWA Conservation Tariff 2024–2026.) [1]

2 — Entry, paperwork, and health costs (baseline administrative items)

Visas

Standard single-entry tourist e-visa fee: US$50 (Government of Uganda e-Visa/Permit system). Multiple-entry and East African tourist visas cost more. Budget for visa processing fees and bank charges; some embassies or agents add handling charges. [2]

International travel health requirements

Yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP): proof of yellow-fever vaccination is required by Uganda on arrival for most travellers (WHO/CDC guidance). Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. [3][4]
Expect to budget US$0–$100+ for the vaccine depending on your country (many national health services provide it free or low cost; private travel clinics charge more). Costs vary by country and clinic — check local travel clinic rates. [3][4]

Other preventive items

Routine/recommended vaccines (hepatitis A/B, typhoid, rabies if relevant) and antimalarial prophylaxis — costs vary widely by country and regimen. CDC lists recommended vaccinations; factor US$50–US$400 depending on coverage and insurance. [3]

Travel insurance & medevac

Strongly recommended — a short medical evacuation (air ambulance) can cost US$20,000–$100,000+ without insurance. Typical comprehensive travel insurance for a 2-week Africa trip runs US$40–US$200 depending on coverages (medical, evacuation, cancellation). Factor this in as essential. (Local embassy advice and WHO/CDC recommend appropriate coverage.) [3][4]

Budget line (administrative & health per person): US$120–US$700 depending on vaccine choices and insurance level (low end: basic visa + yellow fever + minimal insurance; high end: multiple vaccines + higher insurance). Always confirm costs locally before travel. [2][3][4]

3 — Park fees and activity permits (exact government charges)

This is where authoritative government numbers matter — UWA tariff lists exact fees that go directly toward conservation and community shares.

Key UWA rates (foreign non-resident (FNR) column — the usual tourist charge): [1]

Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi & Mgahinga): US$800 per person (each permit covers one trek/day; habituation experiences cost more). [1]
Gorilla habituation experience: US$1,500 (special program). [1]
Park entrance (Category A parks such as Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo): US$40 per adult per day. (Other parks are slightly lower; Category B ~US$35; Category C lower still.) [1]
Kibale chimpanzee tracking: US$250 per person. [1]
Boat (launch) fees (e.g., Murchison Falls Nile launch): boats up to 15 seats US$100 per day; larger launches higher; parking and vehicle entry fees are additional. [1]
Vehicle entrance fees (per 24 hours): saloon cars US$40, tour 4×4 US$150 (foreign registered vehicle rates appear in tariff). [1]

Why this matters for budgeting

A gorilla permit alone (US$800) can represent >20% of the total per-person cost on a typical 7–10 day trip — it’s a fixed, unavoidable government cost if gorilla trekking is on the itinerary. [1]
Boat launches and vehicle entry fees add predictable additional amounts for parks with Nile boat safaris (Murchison) or boat game viewing (Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth). [1]

4 — Transport inside Uganda: options and realistic costs

International flights to Entebbe (EBB)

International return fares vary widely by origin, season and routing. For budgeting purposes: from Europe expect US$600–1,200 return (economy) depending on origin and sales; from North America US$900–1,800 return; these are indicative and vary with carriers and sales. Check your market’s typical fares. (Flight price volatility is high; use airline/OTA pricing tools for current quotes.)

(Authoritative sourcing: global airline market and OTA price snapshots — note: internal domestic operator pricing given below.)

Domestic flights to parks (time-saving but costly)

Scheduled domestic carriers such as AeroLink Uganda operate regular routes from Entebbe to park airstrips (e.g., Kisoro [Bwindi], Kihihi, Chobe/Murchison area). [7]
Typical one-way fares to gorilla-area airstrips (AeroLink, sample fares observed) are US$250–$400 one-way per person depending on route and season; fares fluctuate and depend on seat class and advance booking. [7][8]

How domestic flights affect budgets

Domestic flights eliminate long drives (which can be 6–12 hours) and allow shorter itineraries, but they add several hundred dollars per person per flight leg. For two internal flights (Entebbe→Kisoro and Kisoro→Entebbe) budget US$500–900 pp. [7][8]

Private vehicle + driver/guide (the most common overland option)

Driver/guide daily fee: typical market rate around US$35–50 per day (driver’s daily allowance; often covers accommodation/food costs for the driver). [13][11]
4×4 vehicle hire (with driver) per day: depends on vehicle type — expect US$70–160 per vehicle per day for a 4×4 Land Cruiser / minivan with pop-top (price varies by vehicle size, fuel not included); some local providers advertise lower starting prices (~US$40–70) for smaller SUVs or long-term discounts. [13][14]
Fuel: significant extra cost — fuel consumption in remote driving (4×4) can be US$50–120 per day depending on distances and fuel prices.

Self-drive is available but not recommended for first-time visitors due to road conditions and navigation; self-drive 4×4 rentals may start around US$40–90 per day, but insurance and cross-border fees may apply. [13][14]

Budget line (internal transport per person):

Road + driver-share model: if two people share one vehicle hire (US$120/day vehicle + US$40 driver + fuel split), per person per day transport could be US$35–80.
Domestic flights model: add US$250–400 per domestic leg per person. [7][13][14]

(Representative operators and market prices cited from AeroLink and Ugandan 4×4 hire providers; domestic fares and vehicle rates fluctuate by season and fleet.) [7][13]

5 — Accommodation & food: ranges and realistic daily budgets

Accommodation is the second biggest cost driver after international flights (or gorilla permits if included). Uganda has everything from basic guesthouses to high-end tented lodges.

Quick nightly price bands (per person, double occupancy basis unless stated):

Budget (guesthouses / basic lodges / campsites): US$25–80 per person per night (dorms, basic en suite rooms, community-run bandas). [5][12]
Midrange (comfortable lodges, safari tents, 3-4★): US$120–300 per person per night (full board common). [5][13]
Luxury (high-end lodges & private tented camps near parks): US$350–800+ per person per night (all-inclusive packages available; include meals, transfers, some activities). [12][13]

What’s included

Many lodges price on a full board or all-inclusive basis (meals + some activities). Compare whether park fees, transfers, and activities (boat safari, community walks) are included — these can otherwise add substantially to the daily outlay. [12]

Average nightly planning number

For a comfortable midrange safari budget, plan US$180–260 per person per night (includes room + full board + selected activities) as a working figure. That lines up with national average spending and operator midrange pricing. [5][12]

6 — Activities (beyond permits): typical costs

Gorilla trek: US$800 per permit (UWA) — usually the largest single one-day cost. [1]
Chimp tracking (Kibale): US$250 per person (UWA tariff). [1]
Boat launches / Nile launch (Murchison): operator/park fees (launch hire) are US$100+ for small launches (UWA tariff). [1]
Game drives, community walks, batwa cultural trails, boat safaris, special experiences: many have government or standard rates in UWA tariff or set by park concessions; expect US$20–150 per person for many guided activities, plus transport. [1]

Note: UWA tariff often includes guide fee and community contribution for some activities (gorilla permit includes guide fee and community development contribution). Check the tariff entry for inclusions. [1]

7 — Tipping, porters and community fees (often overlooked)

Gorilla trek porter (optional): UWA suggests porter rates listed in the tariff (e.g., porter UGX 40,000 ~ ~US$10–12) — porters are helpful for steep trails and locally employed; tipping is customary. [1]
Local guides & lodge staff tips: budget US$5–15 per day for lodge staff per traveler depending on service; driver/guide tip US$10–20/day is typical. [1]
Community levies and donations: some community tourism experiences include a community fee; these are usually modest but meaningful locally — UWA tariff notes community contribution included in many permits. [1]

8 — Example full budgets for itineraries — per person in US$

A. Budget 10-day Uganda wildlife & gorilla group trip (shared vehicle; basic lodges/camps) — conservative saver plan

Gorilla permit (1 trek): US$800 [1]
Park entrance & activity fees (aggregate 10 days): US$40/day × 6 days (major parks) + variable lower days → estimate US$260 [1]
Accommodation & meals (10 nights budget guesthouse / camping average): US$45 per person/night × 10 = US$450 [5][12]
Transport (shared vehicle + fuel + driver split): US$40 per person/day × 10 = US$400 [13][14]
Chimp permit or additional activities: optional US$250 if included (Kibale) — let’s assume one chimp track = US$250 [1]
Internal domestic flights: not used in this budget (roads used)
Visa, vaccination, travel insurance, visas & admin: approx US$150 [2][3]
Tips, porters, misc: US$120
Budget trip total (10 days, incl chimp): ≈ US$2,430 per person
Budget trip total (10 days, without chimp): ≈ US$2,180 per person

Notes: Removing the gorilla trek cuts a large chunk — gorilla tourism shapes Uganda budgets.

B. Mid-range 10-day Uganda classic safari & gorilla (mix road + 1 domestic flight; midrange lodges)

Gorilla permit: US$800 [1]
Park entrance & activity fees: US$300 (mix of Category A days + boat launch in Murchison) [1]
Accommodation & meals (midrange lodges): US$210/night × 9 = US$1,890 (note: some lodges have single supplements; many midrange rates are per person sharing and include meals). [5][12]
Transport: Mix of one domestic flight (Entebbe→Kisoro→Entebbe) US$600 total and private vehicle hire for other days — estimate US$350 transport ground share + domestic US$600 = US$950 [7][8][13]
Chimp tracking or other paid activities: US$250 (optional) [1]
Visa, vaccinations, insurance: US$220 [2][3]
Tips/porters/misc: US$170
Midrange total (10 days, with one domestic flight): ≈ US$4,380 per person

Notes: Midrange itineraries often include some transfers or domestic flights to save time; lodge meal plans and included activities markedly affect the total.

C. Luxury 10-day private tailored safari (private vehicle, internal flights, high-end lodges & gorilla)

Gorilla permit: US$800 [1]
Park entrance & activity fees: US$350 (includes private launches, special guided experiences) [1]
Accommodation & meals (luxury lodges): US$550/night × 9 = US$4,950 (high-end lodges commonly price all-inclusive packages). [12][13]
Transport: Two domestic flights + private driver & vehicle for remaining days: domestic flights US$800–1,000; vehicle & fuel per person share US$600 — total US$1,600 [7][8][13]
Extras (private guiding, special experiences, conservation donations, photography fees): US$300–600
Visa, vaccinations, premium insurance (with medevac): US$300 [2][3]
Tips & porterage: US$250
Luxury total (10 days): ≈ US$8,050–8,350 per person

Notes: Luxury packages can climb higher depending on private-charter flights, exclusive lodge buy-outs, or specialized experiences (gunless photographic guides, private gorilla habituation experiences which are priced higher). UWA lists habituation experience at US$1,500. [1]

9 — How gorilla permits change the math (and why they are the single biggest pricing pivot)

The gorilla permit at US$800 (foreign non-resident standard) is a fixed government cost per person per trek and cannot be avoided if you plan to see habituated mountain gorillas. It is also strictly limited in supply (daily permit slots) so early booking is essential. [1]

Impacts on budgets

For shorter trips (5–7 days) a single gorilla permit can be >30% of the trip cost for midrange travellers. [1]
If you choose habituation experience (longer, costlier), UWA tariff shows US$1,500 per person. [1]
If seeing gorillas is your priority, expect the gorilla permit to dominate the allocation and arrange the rest of the trip around it — sometimes people travel to Uganda specifically for a single gorilla permit. [1]

10 — Practical ways to reduce cost without sacrificing experience

Travel in shoulder months: fewer tourists, better availability for midrange lodges, and often lower package rates — but watch road conditions in long rains. [5]
Share vehicle & guide costs: splitting a 4×4 and driver among 3–4 people dramatically reduces the per-person transport cost. [13]
Pick road over domestic flights: if you have time, roads are slower but cheaper (saves US$300–900 in domestic flight legs). [7][13]
Book gorilla permits early then shop for land-only deals: once you hold a permit, certain lodges/ground operators may offer discounts for land packages around that fixed date. [1]
Mix lodge levels: combine a luxury gorilla lodge night with midrange stays elsewhere to get comfort during key experiences without paying luxury for the whole trip. [12]
Use local guide organizations & community tourism experiences — these can be less expensive and positively support local livelihoods (UWA and UTB promote community benefits). [1][6]

11 — Payment methods, currency & tipping conventions

Currency & payments: UWA and many parks publish fees in USD and UGX (Uganda shillings). Many lodges and tour operators accept US dollars and card payments; in very remote areas cash (USD or UGX) may be required. UWA tariff notes multiple payment channels (including mobile money). [1]
Tipping: customary; drivers and guides typically expect US$10–20/day per traveler; lodge staff pools for tipping are normal. Budget US$10–20/day for tips on a midrange safari. [1]
Receipts: insist on official receipts for permits and park fees — these are evidence of conservation contributions. [1]

12 — Timing & booking advice (how far in advance, seasonal notes)

Gorilla permits: book 6–12 months in advance for dry-season peak dates (June–September and December–February) — permits are limited. [1]
Domestic flights: book early if you need specific flight times (AeroLink seats are limited on some routes). [7]
Lodges: midrange and luxury lodges can fill months out during peak season — early booking often gets better package pricing. [12]
Shoulder season advantage: March/April and October/November can have lower prices but variable road conditions. [5]

13 — Hidden & commonly forgotten costs

Park-to-park transfer costs (fuel + driver allowances may be added by concession carriers). [13]
Single-room supplements for solo travelers (+30–100% in some lodges). [12]
Conservation donation items or park-specific levies (sometimes recovery fees) beyond listed tariffs — check package inclusions. [1]
Equipment hire: binoculars, sleeping bag, or camera sticks if not owned. [12]
PCR tests or COVID-related travel requirements — check current entry rules (these changed frequently in recent years). [2][3]

14 — Responsible spending: conservation, community and value for money

A high proportion of park fees and permit revenues are used for conservation and community development (UWA tariff explicitly includes community contributions for gorilla permits and selected activities). When you buy an official permit or enter a park you are directly funding protection and local projects; this is a major reason UWA maintains tight control over tariffs and permit numbers. [1]
The Uganda Tourism Board and Ministry encourage dispersal of tourism year-round to spread benefits and reduce pressure during peaks — consider shoulder months to maximize community benefit while avoiding crowding. [6][15]

15 — Sample 7-day cost comparison (compact format)

ComponentBudget (per person)Midrange (per person)Luxury (per person)Gorilla permit (1)800800800Park fees & activities180240300Accommodation (6 nights)2701,2603,300Internal transport (ground)210420900Domestic flights (if used)06001,000Visa + vaccinations + insurance120220300Tips & misc70120200Total (7 days)US$1,650US$3,660US$6,800–7,000

(These table totals are illustrative based on UWA tariffs, UBOS averages and market price samples. Your itinerary choices shift the numbers.) [1][5][7][13]

16 — Booking checklist & timeline (practical step-by-step)

9–12 months before travel

Decide dates and reserve gorilla permits (most important). [1]
Book international flights (best savings).

6–9 months

Book lodges and domestic flights (if using AeroLink or charters). [7]
Start required vaccinations (yellow fever 10+ days before travel). [3]

2–3 months

Finalize packing list, purchase travel insurance, reconfirm permits and arrival transfers. [2][3]

At booking time

Confirm what is included (park fees, transfers, meals, activities). Get an itemized invoice to avoid double charging. [1][12]

17 — Frequently asked questions

Q1 — How much should I budget per day in Uganda for a midrange safari?
A: Plan US$180–260 per person per night as a practical midrange daily budget (includes lodging, meals, park fees and some activities) though gorilla permits are extra. [5][12]

Q2 — Are gorilla permits refundable if I cancel?
A: Gorilla permits are issued by UWA and cancellation/ refund policies are strict — typically non-refundable unless special circumstances are accepted. Book with flexible travel insurance. [1]

Q3 — Can I get a gorilla permit on arrival?
A: No — permits are limited and must be reserved in advance through UWA or authorized agents. [1]

Q4 — Is Uganda expensive compared with neighbouring countries?
A: For gorilla trekking, Uganda’s permit is less than Rwanda’s high-end permit, but overall trip costs depend on lodge choices and transport. Uganda offers strong midrange value vs. high-end Rwanda packages. UWA gorilla permit = US$800 vs. Rwanda’s higher permit price (check Rwanda authority for current rates). [1]

Q5 — Should I add domestic flights or drive?
A: If time is limited, domestic flights (AeroLink) shorten travel times but add US$250–400 per leg. Driving is cheaper but long. Choose based on time, budget and tolerance for road travel. [7][8]

Q6 — Is tipping expected?
A: Yes — guide/driver tips and lodge staff pools are customary; budget US$10–20/day for guides and US$5–10/day for lodge staff. [1]

Q7 — What are biggest surprises in final bills?
A: Single supplements, additional activity fees (not always included), domestic flight taxes, and optional conservation donations. Always get an itemized quote. [12][1]

Q8 — How much is a chimpanzee permit?
A: US$250 for Kibale chimpanzee tracking (UWA tariff). [1]

Q9 — Is travel insurance essential?
A: Yes. Uganda’s remote locations and the cost of medical evacuation make comprehensive travel insurance with medevac essential. [3]

Q10 — Do children pay full gorilla permit rates?
A: UWA sets children and EAC resident concessions — check tariff; some concessions exist for East African citizens and children under certain ages. [1]

Q11 — Are prices fixed for 2026?
A: UWA tariffs are set for periods (e.g., July 2024–June 2026) but can change with new government tariffs — always verify the current tariff when booking. [1]

Q12 — How much cash should I carry?
A: Carry some USD and UGX for tips, small purchases, and remote areas; many lodges accept cards, but mobile money and cash are important in the field. UWA accepts multiple payment modes including mobile money. [1]

18 — References

Uganda Wildlife Authority — Conservation Tariff (July 2024 – June 2026) (UWA official tariff PDF). (PDF)
https://ugandawildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/UWA-Conservation-Tariff-July-2024-June-2026.pdf
Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Affairs (Government of Uganda) — Tourist visa (single entry) (official visa fees and application info).
https://www.immigration.go.ug/services/tourist-visa
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Uganda: Traveler’s Health & Yellow fever guidance (country page; vaccination & entry requirements).
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/uganda
World Health Organization (WHO) — Uganda yellow fever vaccination and immunization updates (news and guidance).
https://www.who.int/news/item/30-05-2025-uganda-achieves-92-coverage-in-accelerated-yellow-fever-vaccination-campaign
Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) — Uganda Tourism Satellite Account Report / Tourism statistics (UTSA & visitor expenditure data). (PDF)
https://www.ubos.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/03_2023Final_Uganda_Tourism_Satellite_Account_Report_Full_Version_2023_Web.pdf
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) — Tourism statistics & economic analysis (official national tourism data & sustainable tourism materials).
https://utb.go.ug/statistics/
AeroLink Uganda (official domestic carrier) — routes and schedules for domestic park airstrips.
https://www.aerolinkuganda.com/
Skyscanner / snapshot pricing for AeroLink domestic sectors (example market fares; indicative only).
https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/ebb/kxo/entebbe-to-kisoro.html
Uganda Tourism (Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities) — Sector updates and statistics (official ministry tourism posts & recovery data).
https://tourism.go.ug/statistics
Uganda Tourism Satellite Account (summary/publication page — UBOS) — tourism economic impact and average visitor spend insights. (PDF)
https://www.ubos.org/uganda-tourism-satellite-account-report-2025/
U.S. Department of State — Uganda Travel Advisory (includes vaccination/entry notes).
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Uganda.html
Representative Ugandan operator market pricing — Acacia Safari (example midrange/lodge price ranges and per-day guidance) (used for market range illustration).
https://acaciasafari.co.ug/uganda-safari-cost-how-much-is-a-safari-to-uganda/
Representative Uganda car hire & driver-guide market pages (example ranges for 4×4 hire and driver costs).
https://www.4x4carhirekampala.com/car-rentals/
Representative self-drive & 4×4 hire supplier pricing (market examples for vehicle hire ranges).
https://www.4x4selfdriveuganda.com/
Tourism.go.ug — Uganda tourism sector recovery & earnings (official ministry post noting tourism earnings and arrivals).
https://tourism.go.ug/single-post/uganda-s-tourism-sector-hits-record-high-of-us-1-28-billion-in-2024

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