Uganda safaris

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is unique destination because it offers a mixture of the vast savannahs of East Africa and the lush jungles of Central Africa. This means you can see savannah wildlife like lions in the morning and trek gorillas through rainforests the next day. Uganda is blessed with a tropical climate which makes it suitable for year-round travel.

Selected Uganda Safari Itineraries and Tours

What you can do and see on a Uganda safari:

Breathtaking Primate Encounters

Uganda is the primate capital of the world, housing more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas and over 12 other primate species including chimpanzees and golden monkeys.

• Gorilla Trekking: This is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The park has over 20 habituated gorilla families that are visited everyday by trekkers. There are 4 gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi which makes it easy for visitors to see these giant endangered primates. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an alternative to Bwindi with one habituated gorilla family. The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is strenuous but life-changing as you hike to spend the magical hour with a habituated gorilla family.
• Chimpanzee Trekking: Kibale Forest National Park has the highest density of primates in Africa with over 12 species with chimpanzees being the most dominant in the park. You’ll hear their “pant-hoots” echoing through the canopy before you see them.
• Golden Monkey Tracking: These are found only in the bamboo forests of Mgahinga Gorilla national park. These playful, orange-coated monkeys are a faster-paced alternative to the larger apes. However, many primate enthusiasts usually combine gorilla trekking, golden monkey and chimpanzees tracking for a complete primate experience in Uganda.

Classic Savannah Wildlife Viewing

For traditional game viewing, Uganda’s parks offer high animal density without the massive crowds of the Serengeti. Many visitors combine classic Uganda game drives are with primate experiences especially gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking.

• Murchison Falls National Park: Home to the world’s most powerful waterfall. The park is home to the “Big Four” (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo). You will also take a boat safari to the base of the falls to see massive hippos and crocodiles as well as a variety of waterbirds.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Famous for the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, which offers some of the best birdwatching and hippo-spotting in Africa. Encounter hundreds of other species in the park including a variety of antelopes.
• Kidepo Valley National Park: Often called Africa’s “hidden gem,” and one of the most national parks in the world. This remote park in the northeast offers rugged landscapes and rare species like cheetahs and ostriches that aren’t found elsewhere in Uganda.
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: The only place in Uganda to see rhinos. You can actually track them on foot with a ranger. The Sanctuary is en-route Murchison Falls national park which with rhino tracking offering an opportunity to see all the “Big Five” in Uganda.

Adventure & Hiking

• The Source of the Nile (Jinja): Popularly known as the adventure capital of East Africa. Enjoy Grade V white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or take a sunset cruise where the Nile begins its 4,000-mile journey towards the Mediterranean.
• Rwenzori Mountains (“Mountains of the Moon”): For serious hikers, these snow-capped peaks offer a surreal, multi-day trekking experience through giant lobelias and glaciers.
• Sipi Falls: Located on the slopes of Mt. Elgon, these three stunning waterfalls are perfect for “abseiling” (rappelling), coffee and cultural tours.
• Lake Bunyonyi: A deep, emerald-green lake dotted with 29 islands. It’s the perfect place to relax after a gorilla trek—plus, it’s one of the few lakes in Africa safe for swimming (no hippos, crocs, or bilharzia).

Cultural Immersions

• The Batwa Experience: Meet the “Keepers of the Forest,” the indigenous people who lived in Bwindi for millennia. They share their ancient hunting techniques and medicinal plant knowledge. A visit to the Batwa also contributes to conservation efforts and community development.
• Karamojong Community: In the north, visit traditional manyattas (homesteads) to learn about the pastoralist lifestyle of this proud warrior culture. The IK are also a close community to the Karamojong and usually visited for more cultural immersion.
• Kampala City Tour: Explore the vibrant capital, from the Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO site) to the bustling Owino Market and the grand Gaddafi National Mosque. The vibrant Kampala nightlife is ever thrilling and worthy to checkout.

Best Time to Go for a Uganda Safari

For gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing, the dry season of June to September and December to February is the most ideal. At this time, forest trails are less muddy making it easier to see the gorillas while animals in savannah parks congregate around water sources for easy viewing.