A Uganda Safaris and Tours offers a wide range of wildlife experiences within a small region, from chimpanzee and gorilla trekking to river safaris and game drives. Beyond the wildlife, Uganda’s landscapes are simply spectacular, from impossibly green mountains to magnificent crater lakes and waterfalls. Uganda is a highly regarded safari destination, often praised for its unique wildlife encounters and diverse landscapes. It’s particularly known for its gorilla trekking experiences and the opportunity to see the Big Five, among other wildlife. While not the largest safari destination in East Africa, Uganda offers a more varied and rewarding safari experience.
Uganda Safaris and Tours 2026 / 2027 / 2028 / 2029 / 2030
Gorilla Trekking: One of the main attractions in Uganda is the chance to trek through the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and requires a permit due to the limited number of visitors allowed. Uganda is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, offering unparalleled opportunities for close encounters with these magnificent primates.
Wildlife Parks: Uganda is home to several national parks, including Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is known for its diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, and a variety of birds. Murchison Falls National Park is popular for its spectacular waterfalls and opportunities for boat safaris on the Nile River. Beyond gorillas, Uganda boasts a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), as well as chimpanzees and numerous other species.
Scenic Landscapes: The landscapes range from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the vast savannahs of the national parks and tropical rainforests. Lake Bunyonyi, known for its beautiful islands, offers a tranquil setting for relaxation and exploration. Cultural Experience: Engaging with local communities, such as the Batwa pygmies or the Bakiga people, provides insight into Uganda’s rich cultural tapestry. Many tours offer opportunities to learn about local traditions, crafts, and music.
Bird Watching: Uganda is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with over 1,000 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork and various colorful species found in the wetlands and forests. Adventure Activities: Beyond wildlife viewing, Uganda offers adventure activities such as white-water rafting on the Nile, hiking to the summit of the Rwenzori Mountains, and cycling tours through rural areas.
Best Places for Safari in Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Gorilla Trekking and Birding Experience. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Trekking. Queen Elizabeth National Park: Classic savannah safari, boat rides, tree-climbing lions. Murchison Falls National Park: Nile River cruises, Murchison Falls (where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge). Lake Mburo National Park: famous for: abundant zebras and impalas. elands, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles. Including Night game drives, walking safaris, and horseback safaris. Kibale Forest National Park: Chimpanzee trekking and other primates. Rwenzori Mountains National Park: From snow-capped mountains (Rwenzori) to open savannahs, crater lakes, and dense forests. Kidepo Valley National Park: Remote, wild, and often considered Uganda’s best-kept secret for classic big-game safaris.
Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February are the best months for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking (dry seasons). However, Uganda is a year-round destination because it sits near the equator and has a relatively stable climate.
Why Uganda Safaris are Special: Gorilla trekking is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Primate diversity: Chimpanzees, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, and more. Scenic variety: From snow-capped mountains (Rwenzori) to open savannahs, crater lakes, and dense forests. Fewer crowds: Many parks are less busy than those in Kenya or Tanzania. Cultural interactions: Uganda offers meaningful cultural tourism, including visits to Batwa pygmy communities.
Uganda National Parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Mount Elgon National Park: Murchison Falls National Park: Queen Elizabeth National Park: Rwenzori Mountains National Park: Semliki National Park
Uganda Wildlife Reserves: Ajai Wildlife Reserve: Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve: Bugungu Wildlife Reserve: East Madi Wildlife Reserve: Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve: Karuma Wildlife Reserve: Katonga Wildlife Reserve: Kigezi Wildlife Reserve: Kyambura Wildlife Reserve: Lomunga Wildlife Reserve: Matheniko Wildlife Reserve: Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve: Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve
Uganda Wildlife Sanctuaries: Entebbe Wildlife Sanctuary: Jinja Wildlife Sanctuary: Kazinga Wildlife Sanctuary: Malawa Wildlife Sanctuary: Mount Kei Wildlife Sanctuary: Ntoroko-Kanara Wildlife Sanctuary: Nyaburogo Wildlife Sanctuary: Otze Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
Community Wildlife Management Area: Amudant Community Wildlife Management Area: Iriri Community Wildlife Management Area: Kaiso Tonya Community Wildlife Management Area: Karenga Community Wildlife Management Area: Rwengara Community Wildlife Management Area
