By Hillary, local guide and wildlife photographer | Hillary Uganda Trips
Every month, someone writes to us with the same nervous question: “I want to come to Uganda on my own. Is that a crazy idea?”
It isn’t. Solo travelers are some of my favorite guests. They notice more, talk to more people and tend to leave with the kind of stories that group travelers miss. But I also understand the worry. Uganda is a long way from home, the logistics can feel complicated, and nobody wants to be stuck alone at a border post or a muddy trailhead with no plan.
That’s exactly why I do things the way I do. When you travel solo with Hillary Uganda Trips, a local professional organizes your whole trip and travels with you. That’s me, or a guide from my own team whom I’ve trained and trust. You travel alone in the sense that you’re not part of a couple or group, but you’re never on your own. In this guide, I explain how solo travel in Uganda really works: safety, costs, the best itineraries, what to pack, and how to get the most from a trip for one.
Solo Travel in Uganda at a Glance
- Is it good for solo travelers? Yes, especially with a local guide, because logistics, permits and transport are handled for you
- Best for: First-time Africa travelers, wildlife lovers, photographers, nature seekers and anyone who wants to travel at their own pace
- Best months: June to September and December to February (dry seasons)
- Ideal length: 7 to 12 days
- Travel style: Private guide (Hillary or a trusted team guide), or small shared departures
- Key savings tip: Share a vehicle with other travelers on selected days to reduce costs
- Booking tip: Reserve gorilla permits 4 to 6 months ahead, because permits are issued per person
Why Travel Solo in Uganda?
You Set the Pace
Want to stay an extra hour with the chimps? Skip a game drive to read on a lake terrace? Change your plans because the weather turned? Solo travel gives you all of that freedom, and with a private guide, you don’t have to compromise with anyone.
You Meet People
Ugandans are famously friendly, and traveling alone makes you more approachable. You’ll end up chatting with villagers, rangers, boatmen and other travelers, often in ways couples and groups don’t.
You Notice More
On my photographic trips, solo guests are often the ones who spot the kingfisher on the papyrus or the tiny detail in the bamboo, because they’re not busy talking. Quiet is a gift in a place like Uganda.
The Wildlife Doesn’t Care Who You’re With
A gorilla family looks just as magnificent whether you arrive with ten friends or on your own. Solo travelers join a trekking group of up to eight people, so you’ll meet fellow travelers on the trail while still having your own personal guide beside you.
Is Uganda Safe for Solo Travelers?
It’s the question I’m asked most, so I’ll answer it honestly.
Uganda is generally warm and welcoming to visitors, and most solo travelers have trouble-free trips. But like anywhere, it pays to take sensible precautions, especially when you’re alone. The best precaution is to travel with someone who knows the country, and that’s the main reason I personally accompany my solo guests.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
- Travel with a trusted local guide. A professional who organizes your transport, lodges and activities removes most of the risks that affect solo travelers, such as unreliable taxis, unclear directions and last-minute problems.
- Avoid driving at night. Roads can be unpredictable after dark. We plan travel for daylight hours.
- Keep valuables discreet. Carry only what you need, and keep your passport and spare cash in a hotel safe or a hidden pouch.
- Share your itinerary. Send your plans to a friend or family member, and check in regularly.
- Be careful with boda bodas. Motorcycle taxis are common but risky. We arrange safer transport.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, leave. Your guide can help.
- Keep your phone charged and connected. Buy a local SIM card on arrival, and carry a power bank.
- Know local laws and customs. Read your government’s current travel advice before you go, and ask us anything you’re unsure about.
For wider guidance, read our guide to essential Uganda travel safety tips for 2026.
Solo Female Travelers
Many of my guests are women traveling alone, and they often tell me they felt more comfortable than they expected. Still, here’s practical advice:
- Dress modestly in towns and villages, especially away from tourist lodges
- Expect curious attention, and a friendly but firm response usually works
- Choose lodges with good reviews and secure rooms
- Avoid walking alone at night, even short distances
- Tell us your preferences, and we’ll choose accommodation and plans to match
Having a trusted guide with you removes most of the awkwardness, and that’s a big part of why solo women book with us.
How a Solo Trip with Hillary Works
Here’s what “a local professional organizes the trip and is with you” actually means in practice.
1. We Plan It Together
You tell us your dates, interests, budget and worries. I design a route that fits you personally, not a one-size-fits-all package.
2. We Handle Everything
Permits, transport, lodges, park fees, transfers and activity bookings are all arranged by us before you arrive. You don’t need to figure out bus timetables, haggle for taxis or chase confirmations.
3. We Meet You at the Airport
You land at Entebbe, and a friendly face is waiting with a sign. For many solo travelers, that moment alone removes half the stress.
4. Hillary or a Trusted Guide Is with You
I travel with you, or a guide from my own team who I’ve trained and trust does. You always have a local professional beside you: driving, explaining, translating, photographing if you like and quietly stepping back when you want space.
5. You Have Support Throughout
If something changes, whether it’s weather, health or mood, we adapt. Your guide is also your point of contact, and our team is reachable on WhatsApp.
You can learn more about me.
Planning a solo trip? Email Hillary; The Photographic Leader at hillary@hillaryugandatrips.com and tell me what you’d love to do.
Best Things to Do in Uganda as a Solo Traveler
1. Trek Mountain Gorillas
This is the big one. You’ll join a small group of up to eight people, each with their own permit, and spend one hour with a gorilla family. It’s an easy way to meet other travelers, while your personal guide stays close. A permit costs about US$800 per person at the time of writing, so confirm the current price before booking.
Read our guide to the Kigali to Uganda gorilla trekking route and our 4 days gorillas and golden monkeys safari.
2. Track Chimpanzees
Chimp tracking is lively, fun and great for solo travelers, with small groups and plenty of conversation on the trail. See our chimpanzee trekking in Uganda guide and Kibale National Park complete guide.
3. Slow Down at Lake Bunyonyi
If you want a place to rest, read, swim and think, it’s Lake Bunyonyi. It’s my home, and I love showing it to solo guests. Paddle a dugout canoe, watch the birds and walk through the villages with me. Read our Lake Bunyonyi travel guide and the best things to do in Kabale. Our guided boat trip for island exploration and bird watching trip at Lake Bunyonyi are perfect for one.
4. Go on a Big Game Safari
Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth offer classic game drives and boat cruises. Sharing a vehicle with other guests on selected days can reduce costs. See our Murchison Falls safari guide, our Queen Elizabeth National Park safari guide and our Kazinga Channel guide.
5. Take a Photography Trip
If you love photography, a solo trip is ideal, because you can stop whenever the light is right. Join a photographic guide service with me, and read our guide to Uganda photo safaris with a local professional.
6. Cycle, Hike and Meet People
Try our mountain biking tour in Lake Bunyonyi and Kisoro, a village walk or a visit to the Batwa community. See our Batwa cultural experience at Lake Bunyonyi and community support projects.
7. Visit Mgahinga for Golden Monkeys and Volcanoes
A quieter corner of Uganda, with golden monkeys, volcano hikes and Batwa culture. Read our Mgahinga Gorilla National Park guide and golden monkey trekking guide.
Sample Solo Itineraries
Every trip can be tailored to you. These are starting points.
5-Day Solo Gorilla Escape
Fast and focused: transfer toward the southwest, gorilla trekking, then a night at Lake Bunyonyi to recover. Hillary or a team guide is with you throughout. Our 5 days gorillas and Queen Elizabeth safari is a good model.
7-Day Solo Primates and Lakes
Gorillas, golden monkeys and Lake Bunyonyi, with time for village walks, birding and long evenings.
10-Day Solo Uganda Highlights
Murchison Falls for the Nile and big game, Kibale for chimps, Queen Elizabeth for the boat cruise, Bwindi for gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi to finish.
14-Day Complete Solo Adventure
The full Uganda experience, including the shoebill at Mabamba Swamp. See our 14 days best of Uganda safari with Mabamba Swamp tour and our ultimate 16 days Uganda wildlife safari.
Browse every option on our day tours and safaris page.
How Much Does a Solo Trip to Uganda Cost?
Be aware that solo travelers usually pay more per person than couples or groups, because you carry the whole cost of a vehicle and a room. Here’s how the main costs break down:
- Gorilla permit: About US$800 per person at the time of writing, and the same whether you travel alone or not
- Accommodation: You may pay a single supplement for a private room, though many lodges charge standard rates for singles in the low season
- Transport: A private 4×4 with a guide costs the same for one person or four, so your share is higher when you travel alone
- Park fees and activities: Charged per person
- Guide: Included in our private trips, with Hillary or a team guide with you
Ways to Keep Solo Costs Down
- Share a vehicle on selected days. We can sometimes match you with other travelers for game drives or transfers.
- Travel in low season. April, May and November often have lower lodge rates.
- Choose a focused route. Fewer parks mean less driving and lower costs.
- Mix accommodation styles. Choose a nice lodge for one or two nights and simpler stays for the rest.
- Book early. Early bookings secure permits and better rates.
We give itemized quotes for solo travelers, with no hidden costs. Ask us for a free, no-obligation quote, or see current tour pricing on our day tours and safaris page.
Best Time for a Solo Trip to Uganda
Dry Seasons: June to September and December to February
These months offer the clearest skies, drier trails and easier travel. They’re also the busiest, so book early. They’re great for meeting other travelers.
Wet Seasons: March to May and October to November
The parks are quieter, greener and cheaper. Trails are muddier, and showers are common, but solo travelers often love the peace and the savings.
For a full breakdown, read our best time to visit Uganda guide.
Entry, Health and Practical Tips
- Visa: Most visitors need an e-visa before travel. Read our Uganda visa and travel requirements guide.
- Vaccinations: See a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go, and ask about yellow fever and malaria prevention.
- Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for solo travelers, including medical and evacuation cover.
- Money: Carry some US dollars and Ugandan shillings. ATMs are common in towns.
- SIM and data: Buy a local SIM at Entebbe Airport or in town for staying connected.
- Power: Uganda uses 240V and UK-style three-pin plugs, so bring an adapter and a power bank.
- Drones: Drone use is restricted and may need permission, so ask us before you pack one.
What to Pack for a Solo Trip
- Passport, printed visa, insurance documents and emergency contacts
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing and a warm layer for highlands
- Waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots
- Gardening gloves for gorilla and chimp treks
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries
- Power adapter and power bank
- A book, journal or music for quiet evenings
- Reusable water bottle and a small daypack
Tips for Enjoying Solo Travel
- Talk to people. Ask questions, accept invitations to chat and join group meals when you feel like it.
- Build in rest days. Solo travel can be tiring, so plan quiet time at the lake.
- Keep a journal. It’s a lovely way to process what you see.
- Don’t over-schedule. The best moments are often unplanned.
- Ask your guide anything. I’m happy to explain customs, food, history or politics, and to take photos of you if you’d like a picture with the gorillas.
- Say yes to small things. A cup of tea, a village greeting, a short walk. These are the moments you’ll remember.
Why Book a Solo Trip with Hillary Uganda Trips
We’re based in Kabale, in the heart of Uganda’s gorilla and lake country, so you’re booking with people who live here. When you plan with us, you get:
- Hillary, a local professional, organizes your trip and is with you. You’re never left to figure things out alone. See more about me and my team.
- A trip built around you. Your pace, your budget, your interests.
- Safe, reliable logistics. Trusted drivers, vetted lodges and daylight travel.
- Photography-friendly travel. Led by Hillary, the Photographic Leader, with timing and stops built around the best light.
- Giving back. A portion of every tour supports local families.
- Fast, friendly support. Quick replies on WhatsApp and email before and during your trip.
Have questions first? Check our FAQ page or contact us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel in Uganda
Is Uganda safe for solo travelers?
Uganda is generally welcoming, and most solo travelers have trouble-free trips. Sensible precautions help, especially avoiding night driving and traveling with a trusted local guide who arranges transport and accommodation.
Is Uganda safe for solo female travelers?
Many women travel here alone and feel comfortable, especially on guided trips. Dress modestly, avoid walking alone at night and choose reputable lodges. A local guide makes a big difference.
Can I do gorilla trekking alone?
Yes. Permits are issued per person, and you join a small group of up to eight trekkers with your own guide. You won’t be alone on the trail, and you’ll likely meet interesting people.
Will I pay more as a solo traveler?
Usually, yes, because you carry the full cost of a vehicle and sometimes a single-room supplement. Sharing vehicles on some days and traveling in the low season can help reduce costs.
Will someone be with me for the whole trip?
On our private solo trips, yes. Hillary or a trusted guide from our team organizes your trip and travels with you from airport pickup to departure.
How many days do I need for a solo trip?
We recommend 7 to 12 days. That gives you time for gorillas, a wildlife park and a few relaxed days at a lake without rushing.
Can I join a group instead?
Sometimes. We can match solo travelers with others on selected dates, which lowers costs. Tell us what you prefer, and we’ll check what’s available.
What is the best time for solo travel in Uganda?
June to September and December to February are best because of drier weather and easier trekking. The rainy months are quieter and cheaper, so they suit budget-minded solo travelers.
Final Thoughts: Travel Solo, Never Alone
Solo travel in Uganda is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country. You have the freedom to follow your curiosity, the space to notice small things and, with the right local guide, the support to handle everything else. Come in the dry season, bring a good camera and an open mind, and let me take care of the details.
Ready to Plan Your Solo Trip?
Tell us your dates, interests and any worries, and I’ll create a trip that fits you perfectly, organized by a local professional who’ll be with you the whole way. No pressure, just honest advice from someone who calls Uganda home.
WhatsApp us: +256726436969 Call: +256704189185 Email Hillary; The Photographic Leader: hillary@hillaryugandatrips.com
Get a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
