Guided Attractions in Uganda: Cruises and Treks

October 31, 2026

Advisory as of October 2026. The US State Department rates Uganda Level 4, Do Not Travel, after an increase in May 2026 linked to an Ebola outbreak that was declared over in Uganda in late August 2026; crime, terrorism and unrest are also cited. The UK FCDO does not advise against travel to the country as a whole but says terrorists are very likely to attempt attacks, including in national parks. The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 criminalises same-sex sexual activity. Read the FCDO regional risks page and the US listing before buying a tour.

Before You Book

Attractions in Uganda are mostly run by park rangers, and several need a permit or reservation made ahead of time. Gate payments go through cards or mobile money. Coaches cannot reach Bwindi, Mgahinga or the game tracks, so tours use 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs. All prices below are approximate, so ask your operator for current rates.

Cruises

Trip	Where	Length	Price
Kazinga Channel launch	Mweya, Queen Elizabeth NP	about 2 hours	about USD 30
Murchison launch to the falls	Paraa	roughly 2 to 3 hours	about USD 30
Murchison delta cruise	Paraa area	varies	quoted around USD 55
Top of the Falls hike	Murchison	about an hour or less	about USD 15

The Kazinga trip comes with a security note. In October 2023, terrorists killed two tourists and their driver in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Choose a well-established operator and do not self-drive in the dark. At Murchison, the Nile forces itself through a gap of about 7 metres.

Primates and Rhinos

A gorilla trek begins with a ranger briefing at the trailhead. Timing varies widely, from about 30 minutes to 5 or more hours of walking. The permit is about USD 800 for foreign non-residents, with a 15-year minimum age, and a reduced rate of about USD 600 in April, May and November. Park staff with weapons accompany groups near the Congo border.

At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola, you walk with an armed ranger to find southern white rhinos. Travel time from Kampala is about three hours each way.

Mabamba Bay

Shoebills live in the swamp at Mabamba Bay, and visitors reach them by canoe with a licensed guide, since self-guided paddling is not permitted. The drive is about an hour from Entebbe or 1.5 to 2 hours from Kampala. Day packages typically cost USD 80 to 200.

Ngamba Island

The Chimpanzee Trust runs the sanctuary, about 23 km south-east of Entebbe. Reserve at chimpanzeetrust.org . A speedboat takes about 45 minutes and a motorised canoe about 90, with departures at 09:00 and 12:45. Chimpanzee feedings run at 07:30, 11:00, 14:30 and 18:30, and there are about 50 chimpanzees on the island.

Kampala

The Uganda Museum in Kitante is shut for renovation, in place since August 2024, so you cannot tour it now. The Kasubi Tombs are open again after reconstruction. Namugongo, where 45 Christian converts were executed between 1885 and 1887, is a solemn pilgrimage site and is best visited with respect.

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