Uganda Ebola Outbreak Over 2026: Is Uganda Safe for Gorilla Trekking and East Africa Safaris?

Last Updated: 31 July 2026  |  Reviewed by Camptrek Safaris Travel Team

If you’ve been holding off on booking your dream trip to East Africa, here is the update you’ve been waiting for.

On 28th July 2026, Uganda’s Ministry of Health officially declared the end of the 2026 Ebola outbreak, confirming that the country is Ebola-free following the successful completion of the required monitoring period with no new cases detected.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirms the end of the 2026 Ebola outbreak.

At Camptrek Safaris, we’ve followed this story closely from day one, and we’re glad to share the news plainly: gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, alongside Kenya and Tanzania safari experiences, continue welcoming travellers.

What Happened During the Outbreak

The 2026 outbreak was linked to imported cases from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Health authorities identified the source, reconstructed every transmission chain, and monitored all identified contacts for 21 days without a single additional infection — the evidence base that allowed Uganda to officially declare the outbreak over.

Rapid detection, contact tracing and surveillance were central to bringing the outbreak under control.

What This Means for Safari and Gorilla Trekking Travel

Uganda has resumed normal tourism operations, while Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and the wider East African safari circuit have continued welcoming travellers throughout this period without interruption.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are open and operating normally:

• Gorilla trekking permits are being processed as usual.
• Trails, ranger stations and trekking routes are fully operational.
• Experienced guides are ready to lead treks to habituated gorilla families.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — trails and permits are fully operational for the 2026 season.

The Rest of East Africa’s Safari Circuit

Throughout the outbreak response, tourism across the wider region continued as normal:

• Kenya — Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and Tsavo remain fully open.
• Tanzania — Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Zanzibar continue operating normally.
• Rwanda — Volcanoes National Park and gorilla trekking experiences continue as usual.

With Uganda now cleared, travellers can once again plan a complete East African itinerary that combines gorilla trekking with the Great Migration, the Big Five, and beach time on the coast.

Habituated gorilla families in Mgahinga are once again welcoming visitors.

For Travellers From the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia

Most of our guests travel from North America, Europe and Australia, so here’s what this means for you specifically. International travellers can continue planning East Africa holidays with the same standard preparation as before:

• Valid passport and visa documentation
• Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation cover
• Recommended vaccinations, per your home country’s travel health guidance
• Checking your government’s current travel advisory before departure (e.g., US CDC and State Department, UK FCDO, Canada Travel Advisories)

No blanket quarantine applies to travellers visiting standard safari and gorilla trekking destinations. Any additional screening measures, where applied, have generally involved routine health declarations and temperature checks at airports — not disruptions to travel plans.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirms the country is open for tourism, business and investment.

Popular Trips Combining Gorilla Trekking and Safari

Now is an excellent time to plan (or resume planning) a multi-country East Africa journey. Some of our most popular combinations include:

• Luxury Rwanda Gorilla Trekking + Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Beach Holiday — gorillas in the morning mist, followed by the Big Five and a beach finale.
• Luxury Migration Safari: Masai Mara & Serengeti — for travellers who want to add Uganda’s gorillas onto a classic Great Migration itinerary.
• Gorilla Trekking Safaris — our full range of Uganda and Rwanda trekking packages.
• Big Five Safaris — pair your gorilla trek with classic Big Five game viewing in Kenya or Tanzania.

Explore our full Uganda destination guide or browse all safari tour packages to start planning.

Camptrek Safaris — ready to welcome you back to Uganda’s forests and East Africa’s safari circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions