Uganda Safari 2027-2028. Uganda has long been one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets, and the next two years are a good time to go. Mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees in the forest, and the Nile thundering through a rock gap are all within a few days’ drive of each other. Football fans also have a reason to visit, since Uganda co-hosts the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Kenya and Tanzania.
This guide covers what’s new, what to see, what it costs, when to go, and how to plan a safari for 2027 and 2028.
Why Plan a Uganda Safari for 2027-2028?
More attention on Uganda. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will bring extra visitors and flights. The tournament is scheduled to start on June 19, 2027. Uganda’s two main venues are Namboole Stadium near Kampala and Hoima City Stadium. Sources give slightly different final dates (July 17 or 18), so confirm before booking. flashscore
Possible visa relief. The government has committed to waiving visa fees for visitors from one month before kick-off to one month after the final. Entry rules can change, so check the latest requirements with the Ugandan immigration authorities before you travel. ghanaiantimes
Stable gorilla permit prices. Under the tariff covering July 2026 to June 2028, a Uganda gorilla permit stays at US $800, with a US $600 rate in the low months of April, May and November. That makes planning easier for both years. sailadventuresafarisdmc
Variety in one trip. Forest, savanna, wetlands, mountains, and a major river are all in a compact area, and parks remain far less crowded than the big-name safari destinations.
The Big Experiences
Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi and Mgahinga
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. You hike with rangers and trackers to a habituated family and spend one hour with them. Mgahinga, near the Rwandan and Congolese borders, offers another option and also has golden monkeys.
Good to know:
- Minimum age is 15.
- Treks can last from an hour to most of a day.
- Stay about 7 metres away from the gorillas, and stay home if you’re ill.
- Hire a porter. It helps you and supports local families.
Permit costs (check before booking):
- Standard trekking permit: US $800 for foreign non-residents, with a US $600 low-season rate in April, May and November, according to operators citing the UWA tariff.
- Gorilla habituation experience (longer time with a group, Rushaga sector of Bwindi): listed at $1,800 for foreign non-residents, and several operators say that price applies from January 1, 2027. Because sources differ on timing, confirm with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or your operator. yourugandantourguide
For comparison, Rwanda’s standard gorilla permit is US $1,500, so Uganda is the better-value gorilla destination.
Chimpanzee Tracking: Kibale Forest
Kibale is one of Africa’s top primate areas, with very reliable chimp sightings. Expect hooting, drumming, and fast movement through the trees. The longer habituation experience gives you more time with the group.
Game Drives and Boat Safaris
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Lions, elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
- Murchison Falls National Park: Giraffes, elephants, lions, and a boat trip to the base of the falls.
- Kidepo Valley National Park: Remote, scenic, and wild, with cheetahs, ostriches, and big buffalo herds.
- Lake Mburo National Park: Zebras, impalas, walking safaris, horseback rides, and night drives, close to Kampala.
Special Encounters
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Track southern white rhinos on foot.
- Mabamba Swamp: Canoe out for a chance to see the shoebill stork.
- Jinja: White-water rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping at the source of the Nile, if you want some adventure between wildlife stops.
Best Time to Visit 2027-2028
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Long dry season | June to September | Best trekking and game viewing, highest demand, AFCON crowds in June and July 2027 |
| Short dry season | December to February | Good conditions, festive-season demand |
| Wet seasons | March to May, October to November | Green scenery, fewer visitors, better value, muddier trails |
Smart timing tips:
- If you want the best price on gorilla permits, travel in April, May or November, when the discounted rate applies.
- If you’re coming for AFCON in June and July 2027, book accommodation, transport, and permits very early, since demand will be high.
- For a quieter trip with good weather, aim for January and February or early September.
Sample Itineraries – Uganda Safari 2027-2028
5-Day Gorilla and Savanna Safari
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Entebbe, drive toward Queen Elizabeth |
| 2 | Game drive and Kazinga Channel cruise |
| 3 | Ishasha tree-climbing lions, travel to Bwindi |
| 4 | Gorilla trekking |
| 5 | Return to Entebbe or Kampala |
8-Day Classic Uganda
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Entebbe, optional Mabamba Swamp trip |
| 2 | Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, drive to Murchison Falls |
| 3 | Game drive and boat trip to the falls |
| 4 | Travel to Kibale |
| 5 | Chimpanzee tracking, continue to Queen Elizabeth |
| 6 | Game drive and Kazinga cruise |
| 7 | Gorilla trekking in Bwindi |
| 8 | Return and depart |
10-Day AFCON and Wildlife Combo (June-July 2027)
Plan match days around Namboole or Hoima, then use the quieter days for Murchison Falls, which is close to the Hoima area, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Book everything well in advance and keep plans flexible, since match schedules and traffic can affect travel times.
12-Day Grand Tour
Add Kidepo Valley or Lake Bunyonyi to the 8-day route for remote wilderness or a restful lake stay.
Budget Planning – Uganda Safari 2027-2028
Costs vary a lot depending on style, so here are the main factors rather than fixed totals:
- Permits and park fees. Gorilla permits are the biggest single cost. Chimp tracking, game drives, and boat trips add up too.
- Accommodation. Options range from budget lodges and campsites to luxury eco-lodges.
- Transport. A 4×4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide is the usual choice, and costs are shared across the group.
- Season. Peak periods like June to September, December, and AFCON dates cost more. April, May and November are usually cheaper.
- Trip length. Longer routes mean more driving, fuel, and nights of accommodation.
Ways to save:
- Travel in the low season.
- Go as a group to share vehicle costs.
- Combine fewer parks with more time in each.
- Book early for better lodge availability and rates.
Always get a written quote that lists exactly what’s included.
What to Pack – Uganda Safari 2027-2028
- Waterproof jacket and quick-dry layers
- Sturdy hiking boots, broken in before you travel
- Gardening gloves for gorilla treks
- Neutral-coloured clothing for game drives
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries
- A warm layer for early mornings and highlands
- Reusable water bottle and a small daypack
- Any personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
Practical Tips for 2027-2028
- Book early. Gorilla permits, good lodges, and vehicles sell out well ahead, especially around AFCON and the dry seasons.
- Check official sources. Permit prices, park fees, visa rules, and vaccination requirements can change, so confirm with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, immigration authorities, and your operator.
- See a travel clinic. Ask about yellow fever vaccination and malaria prevention.
- Use a licensed local operator. They handle permits, logistics, and guides, and know what’s really happening on the ground.
- Allow enough time. Distances look short on a map but roads can be slow. Don’t pack too much in.
- Buy travel insurance that covers medical care and cancellations.
- Tip your guides, trackers, and porters. It’s customary and appreciated.
Travelling Responsibly
Your visit helps fund conservation. Permit and park fees support anti-poaching work, and a share goes to communities near the parks. You can add to that impact by choosing locally owned lodges, hiring local guides, buying crafts directly from artisans, avoiding single-use plastic, and following ranger instructions around wildlife.
Final Thoughts – Uganda Safari 2027-2028
Lavish Safaris Uganda. A safari in Uganda over the next two years offers a rare mix: stable gorilla permit prices, excitement around a major football tournament, and wildlife experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Whether you come for gorillas, lions, chimps, or the Nile, plan early, stay flexible, and let the country surprise you.
