Uganda Travel Guide 2028
The Uganda Travel Guide 2028 is a forward-looking reference for visitors planning safaris in the year ahead — covering park fees, permit costs, routing, seasons and the practical realities of travelling to Murchison Falls and beyond.
Uganda’s tourism sector earned 1.64 million arrivals and roughly US$1.62 billion in earnings after 1.37 million international arrivals and US$1.28 billion in tourism earnings. Infrastructure improvements continue on the Masindi–Paraa corridor and at Entebbe International Airport. Use this guide as your 2028 planning baseline.
Uganda in 2028: What to Expect
Wildlife tourism remains the primary draw — 42,960 gorilla permits sold in 2025 in 2025 with availability expanding as habituated families grow. National park visits exceeded 467,000 in 2025.
Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth together account for over 59% of park entries. Murchison alone: 150,831 park visitors in 2025 (32.3% of all Uganda national park entries).
Domestic aviation continues linking Entebbe to Pakuba, Kihihi, Kasese and Kidepo — critical for time-pressed 2028 itineraries.
Fees and Permits (Monitor UWA for 2028 Tariffs)
Current UWA tariff runs through June 2026: Murchison entry US$45 per person per 24 hours (foreign non-resident adults), Queen Elizabeth US$40 per person per 24 hours, gorilla US$800 (foreign non-residents, UWA tariff through June 2026), chimp Kibale about US$250, launch about US$30 upstream to the falls.
Expect new tariff publication before July 2026. Budget 5–15% contingency for 2028 permit and entry fee increases.
Top Destinations for 2028
Murchison Falls NP: Nile, Buligi savannah, shoebill delta, Budongo. Road roughly 6–7 hours by road via Masindi and Kichumbanyobo gate or fly to Pakuba.
Bwindi / Mgahinga: Gorilla trekking. Minimum three nights near trailhead.
Queen Elizabeth NP: Ishasha lions, Kazinga Channel. Natural bridge between north and southwest.
Kibale, Kidepo, Lake Mburo, Rwenzori: Extend depth for repeat visitors.
2028 Seasonal Calendar
Jan–Feb: Dry, hot — excellent game, holiday premiums. Mar–May: Long rains — green, quiet, 4×4 essential. Jun–Sep: Peak dry — book early. Oct–Nov: Short rains. Dec: Holiday peak.
Murchison boat cruises operate daily year-round. Falls volume peaks during and after rains.
Entry and Health
E-visa Uganda e-visa US$50 for single entry at visas.immigration.go.ug. Yellow fever certificate required. Malaria prophylaxis for all parks.
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the main gateway. Allow recovery night before driving north.
2028 Planning Tools
2028 safari packages · Ultimate Uganda Safari Guide · planning toolkit · park selector.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I start planning 2028?
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12–18 months ahead for peak season with gorillas. 6 months for savannah-only.
- Will 2028 be crowded?
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Peak weeks fill lodges but parks are vast. Murchison’s 3,840 km² absorbs visitors better than compact reserves.
- Best first park in 2028?
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Murchison Falls — variety, scale, manageable from Entebbe.
Additional Planning Notes
Uganda’s tourism growth — 1.64 million arrivals and roughly US$1.62 billion in earnings — reflects rising demand for primate and savannah experiences. Murchison Falls received 150,831 park visitors in 2025 (32.3% of all Uganda national park entries), confirming its position as the country’s most visited national park. Entry costs US$45 per person per 24 hours (foreign non-resident adults) under the current UWA conservation tariff valid through June 2026.
When building any itinerary, sequence matters: arrive Entebbe, recover one night, then drive north (roughly 6–7 hours by road via Masindi and Kichumbanyobo gate) or fly to Pakuba airstrip in about one hour. Schedule Buligi game drives at dawn on the northern bank. Afternoon launch cruises to the falls (about US$30 upstream to the falls) catch warm light on the gorge.
If shoebill is a priority, reserve a delta boat separately from the upstream cruise. The Nile delta near Lake Albert holds one of Africa’s most reliable shoebill populations — grey, prehistoric, standing over a metre tall in the papyrus.
Gorilla permits at US$800 (foreign non-residents, UWA tariff through June 2026) require date-specific booking — 42,960 gorilla permits sold in 2025. Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale (about US$250) or Budongo (about US$130) adds primate depth without the gorilla price tag.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (US$50 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary) on the Kampala–Gulu highway between Nakasongola and Masindi completes the Big Five with Murchison savannah species. Foot tracking with rangers lasts 1–2 hours.
Queen Elizabeth National Park (US$40 per person per 24 hours) bridges north and southwest circuits. Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel hippo cruise are highlights on 8+ day itineraries.
Additional Planning Notes
When building any itinerary, sequence matters: arrive Entebbe, recover one night, then drive north (roughly 6–7 hours by road via Masindi and Kichumbanyobo gate) or fly to Pakuba airstrip in about one hour. Schedule Buligi game drives at dawn on the northern bank. Afternoon launch cruises to the falls (about US$30 upstream to the falls) catch warm light on the gorge.
If shoebill is a priority, reserve a delta boat separately from the upstream cruise. The Nile delta near Lake Albert holds one of Africa’s most reliable shoebill populations — grey, prehistoric, standing over a metre tall in the papyrus.
Additional Planning Notes
If shoebill is a priority, reserve a delta boat separately from the upstream cruise. The Nile delta near Lake Albert holds one of Africa’s most reliable shoebill populations — grey, prehistoric, standing over a metre tall in the papyrus.
Plan Your Safari
Browse our Murchison Falls safari packages or request a custom Uganda safari built around your dates, budget and must-see list. We handle permits, lodges and road or fly-in logistics so you arrive at Kichumbanyobo or Pakuba ready to explore.