Do you offer custom safari itineraries?

Yes — every itinerary we write is built from scratch for your group. No copy-paste packages. You tell us your dates, group size, budget, and goals, and we design a bespoke safari with real line-item costs. Use our contact form or WhatsApp to start planning.

The Rift Valley Explorer — East Africa Safaris & DMC

Q: How much does gorilla tracking in Uganda cost?

Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla tracking permits cost $800 per person (2026 rate). Our 5-day Mountain Gorilla Explorer package starts from $2,345 per person for groups of 6+, including the permit, transport in a private Land Cruiser, accommodation, and all meals.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Uganda. You can apply online in advance at visas.immigration.go.ug. East African Community citizens (Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan) do not need a visa. A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry.

Q: What is the best time of year for a Uganda safari?

Uganda is a year-round safari destination. The best months for dry conditions and wildlife visibility are June–September and December–February. Gorilla tracking is possible throughout the year, but trails are easier in the dry season. Birdwatching is exceptional during the wet months (March–May, October–November).

Q: What vehicles do you use?

We maintain our own private fleet including Toyota Land Cruiser GX 4x4s (with pop-up roof hatches for game viewing, onboard refrigerators, and charging ports), minivans, and a coaster for larger groups. We do not hire third-party vehicles.

Explore East Africa

Where Do You
Want to Go?

All 18 Trips →

Uganda

Bwindi

4 trips

Uganda

Murchison Falls

3 trips

Uganda

Queen Elizabeth

3 trips

Uganda

Kidepo Valley

2 trips

Kenya

Masai Mara

3 trips

Rwanda

Volcanoes NP

2 trips

Hand-Picked for 2026

Our Most Popular Trips

See All 18 →

5 Days Uganda ★ 4.9

The Mountain Gorilla Explorer

Gorilla trekking permit, Bwindi
Batwa Cultural Trail experience
Gorilla Leisure Lodge / Trackers Safari Lodge (FB)
Toyota Land Cruiser, all meals

5 Days Uganda ★ 4.8

The Murchison Falls Explorer

Game drives + Nile boat cruise
Rhino tracking, Ziwa Sanctuary
Sambiya River Lodge / Entikko Safari Lodge (FB)
Hike to the top of the falls

7 Days Uganda ★ 5.0

Gorilla & Tree-Climbing Lions

Gorilla trekking, Bwindi + Batwa Trail
Tree-climbing lions, Ishasha sector
Acacia Mweya / Buffalo Safari Lodge (FB)
Lion tracking game drive, QENP

4 Days Uganda ★ 4.7

Queen Elizabeth Big 5 Safari

Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Game drives, Kasenyi Plains
Chimp tracking, Kyambura Gorge
Buffalo, elephant & lion sightings

6 Days Kenya ★ 4.9

Masai Mara Migration Safari

Great Wildebeest Migration
Maasai village cultural visit
Hot air balloon (optional)
Big Five game drives

3 Days Uganda ★ 4.8

Kibale Chimpanzee Trek

Chimp tracking, Kibale Forest
Bigodi Wetlands birding walk
Fort Portal crater lakes
Optional chimp habituation

Find Your Adventure

What Kind of Explorer Are You?

From heart-pounding gorilla encounters to lazy Nile sunsets, find trips built around what moves you.

🦍 Gorilla Tracking 🐒 Chimp Trekking 🦁 Game Drives 🚤 Boat Cruises 🐦 Birding 🌍 Cultural Tours

Why Travel With Us

Built Different.
Safari Certified.

As one of East Africa's leading Destination Management Companies (DMC), we design journeys that are as unique as the people on them.

🚙

Own Fleet, No Middlemen

We maintain full ownership of our fleet, including Land Cruisers, minivans, and a coaster. No hired vehicles, no commission brokers, just a direct relationship between you and the road. Vehicles are equipped with charging ports and onboard refrigerators (in Land Cruisers) for added convenience.

📋

Built From Scratch for You

Every itinerary is written fresh for your group: your dates, your budget, your goals. No copy-paste packages. Real quotes with real line-item costs.

🎖️

Professional, Certified Guides

Our guides are professionally trained and certified by the Uganda Tourism Board, ensuring high standards of knowledge, safety, and guest experience across all journeys.

🌿

Local, Certified, Sustainable

Uganda Tourism Board certified. AUTO member. We pay fair wages, use community lodges where possible, and leave the bush better than we found it.

📱

24/7 Support, Wherever You Are

We pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive 24/7, regardless of your location. We communicate across WhatsApp, email, and phone, accommodating different regional preferences. No call centres, no hold music, no timezone complications. Just direct access to our team whenever you need us.

Responsible Travel

Our Commitment to
Sustainability

We are committed to responsible travel practices that minimise environmental impact and support local ecosystems.

♻️

Reducing Plastic Waste

All our trips promote the use of reusable water bottles on board, significantly reducing single-use plastic consumption across every journey.

🌱

Riverbank Restoration

We have partnered with the Kenneth Kakuru Earth Reboot Initiative to support the restoration of riverbanks in Kasese, specifically along River Rwembya and River Nyamugasani.

🌳

Tree Planting Programme

Through this partnership, we have planted over 100 trees and provided logistical support to ongoing conservation efforts in the region.

The People Behind the Journey

Meet the Explorers

We are a women-led team of passionate explorers, guides, and hospitality professionals based in Kampala. When you travel with TRVE, you are not dealing with a faceless agency. You are connecting with real people who love East Africa as much as you will.

👩‍💼

Belinda Katumba

Founder & CEO

Belinda founded The Rift Valley Explorer with a vision to showcase East Africa through authentic, people-first experiences. She personally oversees every custom itinerary and remains the heart of the operation.

🧭

Michael Wamani

Senior Guide & Field Operations

Michael is one of our most experienced guides, known by name by many of the gorilla families in Bwindi. His deep knowledge of the field ensures every guest gets the most from their safari.

🗺️

Robert Ahenda

Itinerary Planning & Operations

Robert brings meticulous attention to detail to every itinerary and cost plan, ensuring seamless logistics so that every trip runs exactly as promised.

Staff photos coming soon. In the meantime, say hello on WhatsApp or email.

Explorer Reviews

4.7 Star Rating on Google

Rated by real travellers on Google. Here is what some of them had to say.

★★★★★

"Amazing experience! We really enjoyed ourselves. Would love to travel with The Rift Valley Explorer again!"

D

Desire Namazzi

Uganda · Google Review

★★★★★

"With Rift Valley Explorer we had a very nice safari with great impressions. We saw many animals at close quarters. We built up a friendly and very personal relationship with the drivers Michael and Safina in a very short time."

M

Matthias Hahn

Germany · Google Review

★★★★★

"Unforgettable experience with The Rift Valley Explorer! From booking my flights and accommodation to exploring hidden gems, they handled everything perfectly. Highly professional and attentive."

S

Shana Oweka

Uganda · Google Review

Read All 40 Google Reviews ★ 4.7

Common Questions

Safari FAQs

Everything you need to know before you book. More questions? Just ask us on WhatsApp.

How much does gorilla tracking in Uganda cost?

Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla tracking permits cost $800 per person (2026 rate). Our 5-day Mountain Gorilla Explorer package starts from $2,345 per person for groups of 6+, including the permit, private Land Cruiser, accommodation, and all meals.

Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?

Most nationalities require a visa, available online at visas.immigration.go.ug. EAC citizens (Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania) do not need a visa. A valid Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory for all visitors.

What is the best time of year for a Uganda safari?

Uganda is a year-round destination. The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best wildlife visibility and easier gorilla trails. Birdwatching peaks in the wet months (March–May, October–November). Gorilla tracking is rewarding all year.

Do you build custom itineraries?

Yes — every itinerary is built from scratch for your group. No copy-paste packages. You tell us your dates, group size, budget, and interests, and we design a bespoke safari with real line-item costs, no obligation.

What vehicles do you use?

We own our entire fleet — Toyota Land Cruiser GX 4×4s with pop-up roof hatches, onboard refrigerators, and USB charging ports. For larger groups we also operate minivans and a coaster. No hired vehicles, no commission agents.

Can you help with flights and accommodation?

Yes. As a licensed DMC we can assist with internal flights, airport transfers, hotel bookings, and full ground handling. International flights are typically arranged by clients directly, but we advise on the best routes and connection times from your country.

Have Another Question? Ask Us →

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