How Much Does a Uganda Safari Cost in 2026
Many people want to see the wild animals of East Africa. One big question always comes up first. How much will it cost? I spend every day working with travelers and local teams. I see how prices change in the parks. In 2026, the costs are different from than they were a few years ago. You need to know these new numbers before you book. This page gives you the real facts about Uganda safari prices. I will not use sales talk. You will get the exact fees for permits, cars, and rooms. This helps you plan a trip that fits your bank account.
Breaking Down the Daily Safari Cost
Your daily spending depends on how you like to travel. We divide travel into three main levels. These are budget, mid-range, and luxury levels.
Budget travelers should plan for $250 to $300 per day. This price covers a simple room, a shared van, and basic meals. It also includes the daily park entry fees.
Mid-range travelers usually spend between $400 and $600 per day. This is the most common choice. You get a comfortable lodge with a private bathroom. You also get a better vehicle with more space.
Luxury travelers can expect to pay $800 to $1,500 per day. These trips use top-end lodges and private bush flights. The service is very high, and the groups are small.
Keep in mind that these daily rates do not include your airfare to the country. They also do not include the cost of special permits for primates.
The Cost of Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits in 2026
Primate permits are often the biggest single expense on your list. The Uganda Wildlife Authority
(UWA) sets these prices. The current rates stay the same through June 2026. A gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi or Mgahinga costs $800 for foreign visitors. If you live in Uganda or East Africa, the price is 300,000 shillings. This permit allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family. If you want more time, you can choose the habituation experience. This costs $1,500 per person. It allows you to stay with the gorillas for four hours. Only four people can do this each day in specific areas. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park has also changed. In 2026, a chimp permit costs $250 for foreign visitors. For those who want the full-day experience, the habituation permit is $300. These permits sell out fast. You should book them at least six months before you arrive. If you wait too long, you might have to change your dates.
National Park Entrance Fees for 2026
Every time you enter a park, you must pay a daily fee. This money goes toward protecting the animals and the land. UWA divides the parks into categories. Most major parks like Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth cost $40 per day. This is for foreign visitors who do not live in East Africa. If you stay inside the park at a lodge, you pay for every 24 hours you are there. Children pay less. For foreign kids, the price is usually $20 per day. Local citizens pay about 25,000 shillings per day. You must also pay for your vehicle to enter. A small tour car costs about $30 per trip. Larger 4×4 vehicles cost $150 per entry. These fees are important to remember if you are driving yourself.
Transport Costs: Driving vs. Flying
Getting around the country takes time. The roads can be bumpy and slow. You have two main choices 
for transport. Most people rent a 4×4 vehicle with a driver. A safari land cruiser costs about $200 per day. This includes the driver but not the fuel. A safari van is cheaper at $100 per day. Fuel prices in 2026 are around $1.50 per liter. A standard 10-day trip might cover 1,500 kilometers. This means you will spend a few hundred dollars on diesel alone. The second choice is to fly between the parks. Airlines like AeroLink and Bar Aviation offer these flights. A one-way flight from Entebbe to Bwindi costs about $350. Flying saves you a full day of driving. It is much more comfortable. However, it adds a lot to your total price. If you are on a budget, driving is the better way to go.
Accommodation Prices Across Uganda
Where you sleep will change your total budget more than anything else. Uganda has many types of lodges and camps.
Budget lodges cost between $80 and $150 per night. These are clean and safe but simple. They often
use solar power and have limited internet. Many are located just outside the park gates to save money.
Mid-range lodges cost $200 to $400 per night. These lodges are often very beautiful. They have great views and good food. Most have swimming pools and constant power. These are the best value for your money.
Luxury lodges start at $600 and can go over $2,000 per night. These places are very private. They offer gourmet meals and top-shelf drinks. They are often located inside the best parts of the national parks.
Uganda vs. Rwanda: Why the Price Difference Matters
Many travelers compare Uganda with Rwanda. Both countries have mountain gorillas. However, the prices are very different. In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs $1,500. In Uganda, it is $800. This means a couple can save $1,400 by choosing Uganda. That saving can pay for several extra days of safari. Lodging in Rwanda also tends to be more expensive. Rwanda focuses on very high-end travel. Uganda has more options for middle-income travelers. If you want to see more for less money, Uganda is the clear winner.
Hidden Costs and Tipping Guidelines
When you plan your budget, do not forget the small things. These extras can add up over a two-week trip. First, think about the visa. Most visitors need an e-visa, which costs $50. You must apply for this online before you fly. Tipping is also part of the culture. It is not a rule, but it is expected for good service. For your main safari guide, $15 to $20 per day is a good rate. This is usually given at the end of the trip. At the lodges, you will see a tip box. It is common to put $10 per day in the box. This money is shared among the cooks, cleaners, and guards. If you go gorilla trekking, you might want a porter. A porter carries your bag and helps you on the steep hills. They cost $20 per trek. This is a great way to support the local community directly.
How Group Size and Season Affect Your Price
The number of people in your group changes the price per person. If you travel alone, you pay for the whole car and drive yourself. A group of four people can share the cost of the vehicle and fuel. This
makes the trip much cheaper for everyone. Most safari cars hold up to six people comfortably. The time of year also matters. High season is from June to August and December to February. During these months, lodges are full, and prices stay high. In the low season, which is April, May, and November, some lodges offer discounts. You can sometimes save 20 percent on your room. However, it rains more during these months. This can make the roads harder to drive.
Saving Money Without Losing Quality
You do not have to spend a fortune to have a great trip. There are smart ways to lower your costs. Try to travel with friends or family. Sharing a vehicle is the fastest way to save money. Stay in lodges just outside the national parks. These places pay lower taxes and can offer better rates. The drive into the park only takes ten extra minutes. Choose a safari van instead of a Land Cruiser. Vans are cheaper to rent and use less fuel. They still have a pop-up roof for seeing animals. Limit the number of domestic flights you take. Driving gives you a chance to see the small towns and local life. It takes longer, but it saves hundreds of dollars
Planning Your 2026 Travel Budget
Start by picking your “must-see” items. If gorillas are your top goal, set aside $800 first. Then decide how many days you want to spend on the road.
I suggest booking your trip at least six to eight months early. This is the only way to get the best lodges at the best prices. It also ensures you get your trekking permits for the dates you want.
Always carry some cash in US dollars. Make sure the bills are printed after 2013. Local shops and markets will prefer Uganda shillings. You can exchange money at the airport or in large towns.
Frequently Asked Questions about Uganda Safari Prices
Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?
The high price helps protect the gorillas. Only a few people can visit them each day. The money pays for forest guards and doctors for the animals. It also helps the people living near the park so they do not have to hunt for food.
Can I do a safari in Uganda for under $200 a day?
It is very hard, but possible if you use public buses and stay in hostels. However, you will still have to pay the $40 park entry fee and the cost of a rental car for game drives. Most people find that $250 is the real minimum.
Is food included in the safari price?
Most lodges provide all three meals in their daily rate. This is called full board. If you stay in a hotel in a town, they might only provide breakfast. Always check your booking to see what meals are included.
Should I pay for my safari in dollars or shillings?
Most tour companies and lodges list their prices in US dollars. It is best to pay them in dollars to avoid losing money on exchange rates. For small things like drinks or snacks, use the local Uganda shilling
Do I need to pay for a guide inside the parks?
If you have your own driver, they act as your guide. If you are driving yourself, you can hire a park ranger for $20 to $25. They know where the lions and leopards are hiding. It is usually worth the extra cost.
What is the single supplement fee?
If you travel alone, lodges charge a “single supplement.” This is because the room price is based on two people sharing. This fee is usually 20 to 30 percent of the nightly rate. Some lodges waive this fee during the rainy season.
Are there extra costs for photography?
Standard photography for your own use is free. If you are a professional making a film, you must pay a special fee to UWA. This can be quite high and requires a permit weeks in advance.
Is travel insurance included in the price?
No, you must buy your own travel insurance. Make sure it covers medical emergencies and flight changes. Some safari activities are in remote areas, so good coverage is a smart move
Final Thoughts
I have seen many people try to save money by cutting corners. Sometimes it works. Other times it leads to a bad experience. The best way to save is to plan with a group and stay in mid-range lodges.
Uganda offers a very high quality of nature for the price. Compared to other countries, your dollar goes much further here. You get to see things that exist nowhere else on earth.
If you have more questions about prices, reach out to a local team. We live here and see the changes every day. We can help you find a price that works for your life.
