Safaris in Uganda rank among the top and finest East African safaris! We organize Ugandan tours to the most captivating tourist destinations, providing unforgettable African safari experiences.
Uganda, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ earned this title from Winston Churchill in his book “My African Journey” in 1908, owing to its natural beauty. Consequently, it has become one of the world’s must-visit destinations!
Travelers embarking on Uganda trips are treated to breathtaking scenery, a favorable climate, and a plethora of other stunning attractions. Key destinations include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.
Internationally, Uganda is renowned as the premier destination for spotting endangered mountain gorillas in Africa, with approximately 50% of the estimated 1,063 global population.
The primary Uganda gorilla trekking tours take place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1994. However, gorilla tracking is also possible in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Kibale Forest National Park offers the ultimate Uganda chimpanzee tours in Africa. Out of the over 5,000 chimpanzees in Uganda, the majority reside in Kibale National Park.
Uganda isn’t solely a rich primate destination in Africa; it also offers an array of other safari tours. Commonly, Uganda wildlife safari trips are widely enjoyed in the four savannah national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.
Furthermore, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary provides an incredible opportunity to track the only rhinos remaining in the wild in Uganda. This wildlife adventure offers visitors a wealth of game-viewing experiences, including sightings of the Big Five and other fascinating animal species.
Uganda is also home to over 1,090 bird species, encompassing approximately 50% of African birds and 11% of the world’s avian population. The best bird-watching Uganda tours occur in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Notable birds to spot on Uganda birding tours include the Shoebill, Grauer’s Broadbill, African Fish Eagles, and Green-Breasted Pitta. Uganda offers a myriad of other captivating tours, such as bungee jumping, kayaking, whitewater rafting on the Nile, and hiking the famous Mount Rwenzori. Ugandan trips are currently safe and can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
The safari destinations boast eco-friendly accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable holiday experience. Continue reading to discover more about safaris in Uganda.
Types of Safaris in Uganda | Categories of African Safari in Uganda Vacations
Below, we discuss various incredible types of Uganda safari adventures.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours | Uganda Gorilla Safari Trips
Gorilla trekking safaris are the most renowned type of Uganda safari, occurring in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This endangered primate group is only found in the Virunga National Parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda holds the highest number, with Bwindi National Park alone protecting almost 45% of their estimated total, which is 1,063.
For your gorilla trekking safari to Uganda adventures, it’s advisable to wear long-sleeved clothing and sturdy shoes. The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry months of June–August and December–February, when the trekking trails are drier, making navigation easier. You can arrange a gorilla safari as part of a group tour or opt for a private tour in Uganda.
How Much Is A Gorilla Safari In Uganda?
The cost of Uganda gorilla trekking tours, whether in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, varies depending on several factors, including:
- The number of days on the Gorilla trip
- Choice of accommodation for your Uganda gorilla safari
- The season of your Uganda gorilla safari holiday
- Whether it is a group tour or a private solo tour,
- Whether you are using a tour operator or not,
However, depending on any or all of the above factors, you may spend between $1,500 on a budget safari and $5,000 on a luxury tour.
Is Gorilla Trekking Worth The Money?
Yes, gorilla trekking in Uganda is worth the investment for several reasons. Uganda is home to over 20 gorilla families, protecting almost 45% of the estimated global population of mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking contributes to the conservation of the natural habitat for mountain gorillas, as they cannot survive in captivity.
By participating in gorilla trekking activities, you also contribute to supporting local communities that provide gorilla trekking services, including rangers, guides, drivers, porters, cooks, and many others.
The funds raised from gorilla trekking experiences also aid other vulnerable local communities, such as the Batwa Pygmies.
Therefore, gorilla trekking in Uganda is not only a remarkable wildlife encounter but also an opportunity to make a positive impact on conservation and local communities.
Wildlife Viewing Safaris in Uganda | Wildlife Safaris to Uganda
All 10 national parks in Uganda, managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, are beautiful wildlife safari destinations in Uganda. However, major wildlife safaris in Uganda take place in the four savannah parks and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. You can primarily explore these wild animals through game drives, boat cruises, or nature walks.
The major and most sought-after wildlife species to encounter during your Uganda wildlife safaris & tours include lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, and various antelope species, such as the Uganda Kobs.
The top safari destinations for wildlife encounters include:
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts more than 96 mammal species, including unique species like tree-climbing lions in Uganda, and an array of wildlife. The park is also home to over 600 bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park: Murchison Falls National Park is among the best places for spotting mammals, with about 144 mammal species. The park also hosts approximately 556 bird species.
Kidepo Valley National Park: Kidepo National Park in Northern Uganda is considered a true African wilderness, boasting about 77 mammal species and being the only place where you can see Cheetahs!
Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda: Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savannah park in Uganda, is home to about 68 mammal species and has the highest leopard concentration per square kilometer in the whole of East Africa. It’s also the only Ugandan national park where you can see the impala antelopes.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only destination in Uganda where you can track and see rhinos in the wild! You can visit the sanctuary either on a group tour or a private tour.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Habituation involves spending extended hours with primate groups so that they become accustomed to the presence of humans. The gorilla tracking experience is quite similar to trekking, but with habituation, you spend 4 hours. It’s an adventure where you move with other trackers, researchers, scientists, and rangers in the misty jungle.
This unique experience provides you with an excellent opportunity to learn about the fascinating behaviors of the primates as you track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The Gorilla tracking experience currently takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, specifically with the Bikingi Gorilla family in the Rushaga sector. It’s best enjoyed during the dry season.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Tours in Uganda Kibale National Park
The chimpanzee trekking experience is another incredible adventure that involves spending a half or full day with a chimpanzee group in the company of researchers, doctors, rangers ensuring safety, and other trackers.
This experience provides you with a chance to learn about the various behaviors of these primates. Additionally, you can also enjoy this amazing adventure in Budongo Forest, a beautiful tropical forest adjacent to Murchison Falls National Park, which is home to about 600–700 chimpanzee species.
Uganda Adventure Safaris | Adventure Safaris to Uganda
Adventurous travelers to Uganda can partake in several adventure activities, such as:
Mountain hiking: The most renowned mountain hiking destination is Rwenzori Mountains National Park, but others include the Virunga ranges in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Mount Elgon in Mount Elgon National Park, found in Eastern Uganda.
- Ziplining tours in Uganda: are best experienced in Mabira Forest and Lake Bunyonyi.
- White water rafting on the River Nile in Jinja, including Itanda Falls.
- Bungee jumping in the Nile.
- Horseback riding tours in Lake Mburo National Park and Jinja along the Nile River.
- Mountain biking (cycling tours) in Uganda is mainly done in the Mpanga tea estate in Fort Portal.
Other amazing adventure activities to do in Uganda include:
- Quad biking in Jinja, Eastern Uganda.
- Kayaking on the River Nile.
- Horseback safaris in Lake Mburo National Park.
- Jet boating along the Nile River, the longest river in the world, spans 6,650 kilometers.
- Tubing on the Nile.
- Hot air balloon safari experience in Murchison Falls National Park.
Kampala City Tour: Kampala Day Tour
Kampala is a vibrant city teeming with various activities, diverse cultures, and rich history. A day trip allows you to explore destinations such as:
The markets, like Owino Market,.
- Taxi park tour.
- Kasubi Royal tomb, a former burial ground for Buganda Kings.
- Kabaka’s Lake is the largest man-made lake in Uganda.
- Gadaffi Mosque, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, a significant religious site in Uganda.
Kampala City tours are usually scheduled for the first or last day of Uganda safari tours and are best enjoyed during the dry season, when the roads are dry and passable.
Agro Tours in Uganda | Agro Safaris in Uganda
Uganda is also an ideal destination for agro-tours. With 80% of the country’s population relying on agriculture, you can enjoy guided agro-tours in both small-scale and large-scale farms in some famous destinations. For example, you will have the opportunity to explore:
- Coffee farms around Queen Elizabeth National Park and those on the Mount Elgon foothills.
- Banana plantations in western Uganda, particularly in the Mbarara district.
- Tea plantations like Mpanga Tea Estates are in Kabarole district, near Kibale National Park.
- Cattle farms, especially those near Lake Mburo National Park.
To experience these incredible tours, we can organize either private tours or group expeditions for you.
Top Tourist Attractions in Uganda: What to See in Uganda on a Safari
Uganda is one of the top destinations in Africa, with amazing tourist attractions. The major ones include the following:
Primates of Uganda
Uganda is home to various primate species, with the most notable ones being the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden Monkeys. Other primate species found in the country include Olive Baboons, Black-And-White Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Red-Tailed Monkeys, and Bush Babies, among others.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale Forest National Park are the best destinations for primate safaris in the country, with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park being famous for mountain gorillas and Kibale Forest National Park being the best place to track chimpanzees.
Game Animals in Uganda
Uganda boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including the famous “big five” species, found in top wildlife destinations such as:
Here is a list of some of the most sought-after and common animals to see on your Uganda tour: Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, Zebras, Hippos, Giraffes, Nile Crocodiles, and Antelope species, such as Elands, Uganda Kobs, Hartebeests, Bushbucks, and more.
Beautiful Birds in Uganda
Uganda is a rich birding destination, boasting over 1,090 bird species, including forest birds, water birds, migratory bird species, and Albertine Rift endemics, among others. Some of the most sought-after birds in Uganda include: the Shoebill, Great-blue Turaco, Yellow-throated Bee-eaters, African Fish Eagles, Green-breasted Pitta, Grey-crowned Cranes, Double-toothed Barbets, and the Handsome Francolin.
The best birding destinations in Uganda include:
Other Amazing Attractions in to See on a Safari to Uganda
Uganda offers a wide range of other attractions, including:
- Scenic mountains, including the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon in Mount Elgon National Park.
- Beautiful lakes like Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, and Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa.
- Beautiful islands, such as the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria and Lake Bunyonyi, which boast around 29 dazzling islands.
- Lush tropical rainforests like Mabira Forest, Budongo Forest, and Kibale Forest National Park.
- Beautiful rivers like the Nile, which has its source in Lake Victoria.
- Rich cultures, including the Batwa (Pygmies) around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, as well as the Karamojong and IK people of northeastern Uganda.
- The stunning waterfalls at Murchison Falls National Park.
Best Places to Visit in Uganda | Destinations in Uganda to Visit
Below are the major destinations to visit on your Uganda tour:
National Parks in Uganda to Safari
Uganda boasts 10 national parks, most of which are located in Western Uganda and encompass savannah parks, mountainous areas, and rainforests. Some of the parks to visit in Uganda include:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This famous mountain gorilla destination often pairs well with a visit to Lake Bunyonyi.
- Murchison Falls National Park is known for its powerful waterfalls, formed by the Nile River.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park is a renowned destination for Ugandan wildlife-watching safari tours.
- Kibale Forest National Park is famous for primate safaris, especially chimpanzee safaris.
- Lake Mburo National Park is ideal for morning walking tours.
- Mgahinga National Park is popular for tracking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
