Uganda Safaris: The Pearl of Africa
Lush, green and astonishingly diverse, Uganda is where half the world's mountain gorillas live alongside chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and the most powerful waterfall on the Nile. It is the beating heart of a Jabel journey.
Why visit Uganda
Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda squeezes an astonishing variety of landscapes and wildlife into a green, friendly and compact country. It is the only place where you can track mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the morning and watch lions, elephants and hippos on the savanna by afternoon.
Straddling the Equator, Uganda is the source of the Nile, home to half the world's remaining mountain gorillas, and one of the finest birding destinations on the planet with over 1,000 species. For travellers who want depth and adventure over crowds, it is unmatched.
Where the wild lives
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
An ancient UNESCO rainforest sheltering roughly half the world's mountain gorillas, plus 350+ bird species.
Kibale Forest
The primate capital of East Africa, famed for habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primate species.
Queen Elizabeth NP
Savanna, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel, home to tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
Murchison Falls NP
Uganda's largest park, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge above game-rich plains.
Top experiences in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking
Spend a protected hour with a mountain gorilla family in Uganda or Rwanda.
Chimpanzee & Primate Tracking
Track chimpanzees, golden monkeys and a dozen other primates in ancient forests.
Big Five Safaris
Track lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino across legendary parks.
.jpg)
Cultural Encounters
Meet the Maasai, the Batwa and the communities who make these lands home.
Best time to visit
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Jun - Sep | Long dry season. Best trails for trekking and prime game viewing. Peak season. |
| Dec - Feb | Short dry season. Excellent conditions, slightly quieter than mid-year. |
| Mar - May, Oct - Nov | Green/wet season. Lush scenery, fewer visitors, lower rates; trails can be muddy. |
Getting there & around
Most journeys begin at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) near Kampala. Parks are reached by private 4x4 with your guide, or by light-aircraft flights to airstrips for those short on time. Borders with Rwanda and Kenya make multi-country trips easy.
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps to a handful of world-class luxury properties on the edge of Bwindi and the savanna parks. Jabel matches lodging to your style and budget.
Uganda safaris
Bwindi Gorilla Express
The classic short escape to meet Uganda's mountain gorillas, deep in the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth
Uganda's premier savannah circuit, pairing the thunder of Murchison Falls with the game-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth.
Gorillas, Chimps & Golden Monkeys
The ultimate East African primate adventure: three great-ape and forest-primate encounters across two countries.
Uganda safari FAQs
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Yes. Uganda is a welcoming, stable safari destination with a long track record in tourism. Your Jabel guide is with you throughout, and parks are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person and should be booked months in advance, especially for peak season. We secure it as part of your trip.
How many days do I need?
A focused gorilla trip can be done in 3 days. To combine gorillas, chimps and savanna wildlife, allow 7 to 10 days.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
June to September and December to February are driest and best for trekking, but Uganda is a year-round destination and the green season offers lush scenery and better value.
Uganda in pictures
Let's design your Uganda safari
Tell us what's calling you and we will craft the journey around your dates and dreams.