Here is How to Plan Your African Dream Safari
Practical Advice and Tips that help you to Plan the Perfect African Safari in Uganda
How to Plan the Perfect African Safari: A Step-by-Step Guide\; Going on an African safari is a dream for many travelers. Whether it’s your first safari or you’re looking to enhance your previous experiences, careful planning is essential. Here’s practical advice on planning the perfect African safari, providing a step-by-step guide to create an unforgettable holiday that suits your preferences.
An African safari differs greatly from visiting cities in Europe, the UK, or the US. Instead of bustling urban centers like New York or London, safaris immerse you in the wild. Your focus will shift from cathedrals and museums to the incredible wildlife, primates, and exotic birds that thrive in their natural habitats.
Unlike well-paved roads in other parts of the world, the paths in the African wilderness resemble ancient trails. Here, you’ll be surrounded by untamed nature and have the chance to encounter wild animals, including colorful birds and playful primates.
Planning your safari is the exciting discovery phase of your journey. The word “safari” comes from Swahili, meaning “journey,” for many, it becomes a journey of both adventure and self-discovery.
To plan effectively, consider these key points: decide where you want to go, how long you’ll stay, what to pack, and set a suitable budget. We’re here to guide you on where to start and how to meticulously plan your perfect African safari experience.
Following this comprehensive step-by-step guide will prepare you for an adventure that showcases Africa’s magnificent wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Let the planning begin!
Plan the perfect African Safari-A Step-by-Step Guide to Safari Planning.
1. Decide which African country to visit on your Safari:
Why Uganda Should Be Your Top Choice for an African Safari: Uganda is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable African safari. Often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” it offers a unique combination of the Big Five and incredible opportunities to encounter gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitats.
Imagine the thrill of tracking mountain gorillas and witnessing the largest populations of chimpanzees in East Africa. This experience goes beyond mere observation; it allows you to connect profoundly with nature. In addition to primates, Uganda also provides extraordinary chances to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses.
One of Uganda’s most significant advantages is the opportunity to trek the majestic mountain gorillas and the ever-active chimpanzees. You can explore spectacular landscapes in other popular safari hotspots without the crowds. Whether hiking through the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or sailing on the majestic Nile River, every moment will leave you in awe.
Choose Uganda for a memorable safari filled with lasting memories. The warm hospitality of the local people, combined with breathtaking scenery, creates a captivating atmosphere. Discover why Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa—don’t miss the adventure of a lifetime!
2. Decide what Season to go on Safari in Uganda:
When planning the perfect African safari for you, you have to choose the ideal season for your safari in Uganda.
With its Rwenzori Mountains and beautiful Great Lakes like Lake Albert and Lake Victoria, Uganda offers a temperate climate and enjoyable weather year-round. When planning your safari, it’s essential to consider the distinct high (dry) and low (rainy) seasons.
Dry Season (High Season):
The dry season lasts from December to February and from June to September. During this time, rainfall is minimal, and wildlife congregates around limited water sources, enhancing game viewing opportunities—including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). However, temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius in savannah parks.
Rainy Season (Low Season):
The rainy season transforms the landscape into lush greenery from March to May and October to November. Although temperatures are cooler and fewer tourists, wildlife sightings can be more challenging as animals are dispersed due to abundant water. Road conditions may also worsen. Yet, this season offers a quieter experience and lower accommodation rates.
Both seasons have their unique advantages. The dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing, while the rainy season provides a picturesque environment and potential cost savings. Regardless of your choice, Uganda’s natural beauty and incredible safari experiences will leave a lasting impression.
3. What do you want to see and do on your African Safari?
Here are some of the Things to do and See – Activities that can be part of your Safari in Uganda
- Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Mgahinga Gorilla Park – Gorilla Habituation Experience – 4 hours with a Gorilla Family – 4 permits only
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth Park, Semliki Park. The best park for Chimpanzee Trekking is in Kibale Forest, where 12 other primates reside.
- Nocturnal walk in Kibale Rainforest: An out-of-the-ordinary experience where you encounter the rainforest creatures of the night.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: The Golden Monkey is a beautiful, endangered monkey. They live in the Bamboo Forest of the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
- Savannah Wildlife: Kidepo Valley Park, Murchison Falls Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Semliki Park, Kabwoya and Pan Upe Wildlife Reserves, Lake Mburo Park.
- Hiking – Climbing: Mgahinga Gorilla Park Volcanoes, Bwindi Impenetrable in and near Queen Elizabeth Forest, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, including the Foothills, Mount Elgon, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo Park, Semliki Park, Kibale Forest.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations in Uganda: Uganda without the Crowds
- Authentic Africa: You can still find it in Uganda, in places like Kidepo Valley Park, Africa, as it was 50 years ago.
- Nile Adrenaline Pumping Adventures in Jinja: White Water Rafting, Kayaking, mild to wild.
- Birding: Uganda is the best destination for birders in Africa.
- Cultural Encounters in Uganda include Time with the Batwa, Karimojong, and Ik Peoples.
- Relax and Chill out: At the end of the Safari, spend a couple of days on the Tropical Sandy Beach Ssese Islands. Bulago Island’s Pineapple Beach resort is the perfect spot.
4. How many Days will I need for my African Safari?
The number of days depends on the activities that you choose. A 3-day Gorilla Trekking Safari is like dipping your toes into a swimming pool and calling it swimming. Ten days or longer allows you to immerse yourself in Safari Life and offers various activities and places.
Below are some examples of safaris for you to consider. All safaris are changeable to your liking.
- 3-Day Gorilla Trekking or Habituation Safari: The minimum Time for a Gorilla Trekking or Habitat Experience Safari is three days.
- 5-DAy Gorilla Wildlife Safari: The Safari includes Gorilla Trekking and wildlife, including the Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha.
- 5 Day Gorilla – Chimpanzee Trekking Safari: Trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest.
- 8-Day Gorilla Trekking – Hiking – Dugout Canoeing – Volcano Climbing Safari: Trek Gorillas in the Buhoma region of Bwindi Forest. Hike through the forest to the southern area. There you trek gorillas again. Hike to Lake Mutanda. Climb a Volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
- 8-Day Gorilla Trekking – Wildlife – Chimpanzee Trekking Safari: Gorilla Trekking or Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- 12-Day Gorilla—Chimpanzee Wildlife Safari: This safari includes Gorilla and chimpanzee Trekking, Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Falls Park, and Rhino Trekking.
- 14-Day Gorilla—Chimpanzee Wildlife—White Water Rafting on the Nile: The Safari includes Gorilla—chimpanzee Trekking, Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Falls Park, Rhino Trekking, and Jinja on the Nile with White Water Rafting.
- 20-Day Gorilla—Chimpanzee—Wildlife Safari —Jinja on the Nile—Mount Elgon-Sipi Falls—and the remote Kidepo Valley Park: This Safari covers most of Uganda.
The above-suggested Safari types gave you the days to incorporate various activities into your Safari.
5. Decide on a Budget for your Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Planning the perfect African Safari begins with Setting a budget, which can be challenging, especially if you haven’t had the benefit of abundance in life. To fully enjoy your African experience while staying within your budget, it’s essential to determine the amount you are willing to spend on the safari itself. Flight costs to and from Uganda are not included in the safari price, so you must factor those into your overall trip expenses. Flight fares can vary significantly based on your departure location and travel dates.
The cost of your safari will depend on your chosen activities and the type of lodges and hotels you want to stay in. Based on our experience as a tour operator, we recommend opting for mid-range or luxury lodges and hotels for a more satisfying and meaningful African safari experience. nce.
Your Safari Cost comes down to the Following Factors:
- The type of accommodation that you will use is a quality midrange or luxury lodge.
- The level of service you would like: Luxury and Exclusive Lodges offer the best assistance with highly trained and competent staff. Exclusive Lodges will provide world-class service, including a private butler and house cleaner.
- Quality of Meal: Luxury and exclusive will serve restaurant-style meals. Some exclusive Lodges have their kitchen staff trained by renowned international chefs at exclusive Lodges. The meal rate will exceed that of some restaurants in Kampala. Midrange serves tasty and sumptuous meals. Many meals will be European, Asian, and African fusion meals. Dietary needs can be met, including Halal, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free. Certified Kosher meals are impossible; however, kosher-friendly meals can be readily served.
- The quality of the Safari Tour: You want a full-service safari with an experienced driver-guide.
- You choose the activities: Gorilla Trekking Permits cost $750, Chimpanzee Permits cost $200, and Hot Air Balloon Rides cost $380—just three activities that will increase the cost of your Safari.
Other Safari-related expenses:
- Tips and Gratuities on Safari: See our tipping page for more information.
- Drinks such as Sodas and Alcoholic Beverages: Some excluded beverages include non-premium alcoholic beverages for their guests. At most lodges, you incur a bill for sodas and Beer, Wine, and Spirits.
- Activities not included in the Itinerary: At rare times, safari-goers may consist of an action not previously included in the Safari.
- Souvenirs-Gifts: These are not included in the price of the Safari.
- International Airfares, Visas, medical insurance, and comprehensive travel insurance.
- Vaccinations: These are not included in the Safari Price.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking is less than half the price of what it is in Rwanda:
Uganda is the premier primate destination in East Africa. It has more Mountain Gorillas than any other East African Union country and more permits, all without compromising on the Gorilla Trek. Additionally, lodging is lower in price than in Rwanda. This has led to the excellent gorilla Trekker Migration to safe and affordable Uganda.
6. Go on your Safari with a Local for the best African Safari Experience:
When planning an African Safari, Visitors to Uganda often have misconceptions about the country, and what they think they know can be misleading. Planning a safari without understanding the lay of the land can be challenging. You must consider factors like distances, drive times, road conditions, vehicles, lodges, hotels, and choosing a driver. That’s why you might be looking for a convenient, one-stop planning experience—so why not book your safari with us?
We know Uganda well; we live and work here, and organizing safaris is our specialty. When you go on safari with us, you’ll be accompanied by a local driver-guide with insights you can’t find through online research.
When you choose a private safari with a local tour operator, you become the focus of their attention. Even valuable background information from guides like Bradt’s Guide to Uganda may not provide the depth of knowledge we offer.
For a genuinely enriching African safari experience, partnering with a local tour operator is key. We provide competitive pricing and extensive knowledge, and you’ll find that your driver-guide will navigate without needing a GPS device.
7. What should I pack for My trip to Uganda?
What you need to pack for your trip to Uganda depends on why you visit the Country. If you are coming on Business, we suggest you dress more formally for a convention—Ugandans like to dress smart, especially in the capital city of Kampala.
If you are coming for a safari, what you pack will depend on the type of safari you will be on.
Check with your airline regarding luggage limitations from your country. North Americans will have more generous luggage limitations than Europeans.
- Packing for a Safari: This page covers general safaris and gives you a packing list you can download.
- Gorilla Trekking Safari: Gorilla Trekking requires different clothing and gear, as does a Savannah Park Safari.
- Fly-In Safari: On a Flying Safari, you are restricted to 15 kg of luggage. You can have more luggage, but there is an excess charge.
As you can see, coming for a Safari requires different packing than coming as a volunteer or business visitor. Every visitor to Uganda should plan to spend a few days in the African Wild, even on a mini safari.
8. Booking your African Dream Safari: You will need an accredited Tour Operator
It is best to plan your African Safari with an accredited and experienced tour operator such as Kabiza Wilderness Safaris for Your Ugandan Safari!**
When planning a safari in Uganda, it’s essential to have an expert who knows the country thoroughly and can eliminate the chaos and confusion often associated with travel. Kabiza Wilderness Safaris has been dedicated to creating memorable “Hakuna Matata” (No Worries) gorilla, chimpanzee, and wildlife safaris for over a decade. We live and work in Uganda, specializing in this beautiful country and its stunning neighbor, Rwanda.
We offer value-added mid-range and luxury safaris, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than worrying about accommodations. Share your ideas with us, and we will craft a unique safari that perfectly fits your vision.
In a sea of sameness, Kabiza Wilderness Safaris stands out as a refreshing change among tour operators in Africa, particularly in Uganda.
As an accredited Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) member and licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (License
UTB/TT/82445), we adhere to the highest national tourism standards. Our commitment to providing a stress-free and enjoyable experience shines through our motto, “Hakuna Matata.”
Our luxury safaris feature high-end accommodations and personalized service, offering unforgettable experiences such as gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, and cultural tours. Our mid-range safaris provide affordable options for those seeking comfort on a budget without compromising quality. Most importantly, only licensed Uganda Tourism Board tour operators can access the permits needed for gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey treks or habituation experiences.
Kabiza Wilderness Safaris has a proven track record of delivering high-quality safari experiences, making us a reliable choice. Since 2008, we have dedicated ourselves to crafting and implementing memorable safaris, focusing solely on Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Our local expertise ensures that you will be guided by an experienced driver who knows Uganda intimately—no GPS is needed. Discover the true essence of Uganda with us, where Ugandan hospitality meets American-style customer service.
Contact us today, and let us introduce you to a country unlike any other. Experience the magic of Uganda with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris!
Planning your African Safari in Uganda – Plan with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris Today~
