Uganda Safari, Best Safari in Uganda Safaris & Tours Places 2023/2024

Safaris in Uganda/Uganda vacation trips are among the most thrilling adventures worth undertaking on your African safari. Uganda safari holidays are truly incredible due to their amazing gorillas, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, as well as the rich cultural Uganda tours that they always offer. Dabbed as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda holds the rare beauty of the African Wilderness!

This picturesque country holds numerous amazing endangered species including gorillas and chimps. As seen on most of the Uganda trips, Uganda holds almost 50% of Mountain gorillas on Erath in its Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hence gorilla trekking in Uganda forms one the best African safari experiences on top of wildlife watching. Thus, it’s the best place for Uganda gorilla trekking trips.

Boasting over 345 mammal species,Uganda offers one of the best wildlife safari tours in Africa for amazing wildlife watching. Most of these are spotted in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, & Kidepo Valley National Park, etc.

For bird lovers on Uganda trips, expect a remarkable encounter! Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Kibale Forest National Park offers the best birding experience. Furthermore, on your Uganda trip, expect to encounter numerous wonderful plant species and picturesque landforms that offer jaw-dropping views.

This is especially true when you visit Kibale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, & Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Other memorable attractions you’ll encounter during your Uganda holiday safari include mountains, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Victoria, River Nile world’s longest river), lush green forests, and so much more!

Therefore, on your Uganda trip, expect to have a memorable safari encounter. Whether interested in a private tour or a group safari, Uganda safaris tours welcome you!

As you plan to undertake a private tour or a group African safari experience in Uganda, you should book through reliable tour operators.

Major Uganda Safari Destinations for a Private Safari to Uganda or Group Uganda Tours

1. Safaris in Uganda take you to National parks, for example, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- the best area for Uganda gorilla trekking tours. It’s an ideal site to encounter gorillas in the wild (natural setting), Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kideo National Park etc.

2. Games reserves such as Pian Upe, Matheniko, and Kyambura Game Reserves, etc.

Scenic Sanctuaries, for example, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary ideal as you visit Kibale Park. It’s ideal for a walking tour.

3. Vibrant cities, for example, Kampala city, and its best explored on a guided tour (Kampala day trip). We can arrange for a private tour in Kampala.

4. Fascinating cultural and historical sites, for example, Kasubi Tombs. This thrilling heritage site can be explored on a guided tour during the Kampala day trip, a private tour is possible.

5. Wonderful religious sites counting Namugongo Martyrs Shrine. A private tour can be arranged at this site.

6. Beautiful lakes in Uganda for example, Lake Victoria in central Uganda, & Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi is usually visited after a Uganda gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Please note that: Although there are many tour operators to organize your Uganda trip, you should book through reliable tour operators such as Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd.

For a memorable experience, this company will help to guide you to numerous amazing tourist places and also provide you with relevant travel advice to Uganda. Tour operators will also advise you on the important travel documents to carry and safety precautions to follow on your trip.

Best Time to Visit Uganda For Safari

All year round, you can undertake Uganda trips! However, dry months June to early September and December to February offer the best safari experience. In these months, wild animals are easily spotted!

Even in the rainy season, (March to May and October to November) you can travel to Uganda. In Uganda, it can rain in the morning and shine brightly in the afternoon! Uganda parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park are best visited in dry months.

Top Uganda Attractions | Uganda Tourist Attractions – Things to See in Uganda on Safari?

There are several amazing attractions in Uganda however, the most popular include:

1. Incredible game animals in Uganda counting the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, & Rhino), etc.

Fascinating primates in Uganda such as gorillas, chimps, golden Monkeys, etc.

2. Beautiful birds in Uganda such as the Shoebill, Great Blue Turaco, and African fish Eagles, etc.

Lovely physical features (landforms) for example, the snowcapped peaks of Mount Rwenzori.

Amazing unique people and cultures of Uganda e.g. The Batwa (Pygmy) People.

3. Legendary rivers counting River Nile. The mighty River Nile is the longest river in the world (6,650km long).

4. Lush green forests, for example, Budongo Forest & Kalinzu Forest ideal sites for primate safaris.

Scenic lakes such as Lake Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi, etc.

5. Thrilling cultural sites, for example, Kasubi Tombs in Kampala. Others include the Uganda Museum, & Mengo Palace often visited on a guided tour during a Kampala day trip.

6. Several beautiful falls, for example, Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda.

Popular Types of Safaris in Uganda

Below are the different types of safari adventures in Uganda:

1. Gorilla Safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

2. Wildlife Safari Tours in Uganda in top wildlife parks

3. Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris allows you to encounter chimpanzees in their natural setting environment.

4. Birding Safaris for example, when you visit Kibale National Park, & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, etc.

5. Photographic Safaris

6. Community Cultural Tours in Uganda for Amazing Cultural Encounters for example at

7. Uganda City Tours for example, the Kampala city tour – usually a day trip!

8. Uganda adventure safaris. E.g. Mountain climbing, bungee jumping into River Nile (the longest river in the world), Ziplining, etc.

9. Agro tourism | Uganda Agricultural Safaris

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris | Gorilla Uganda Tours Uganda

Gorilla tours in Uganda mainly take place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park however, also possible in Mgahinga National Park. Gorilla tracking is the topmost highlight of most safari holidays in Uganda!

It allows you to encounter the gentle giants “the endangered Mountain gorillas” in their natural habitat.

Where to have Uganda gorilla trekking safari trips?

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Situated in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best safari destination to track Mountain gorillas in Africa. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park holds almost half of the Mountain gorillas on Earth! There are over 20 habituated Mountain gorilla families in the tropical rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This fascinating population makes it the best place for Uganda gorilla trekking tours.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another safari destination for Uganda gorilla trekking safari adventures. This picturesque park holds one habituated Mountain gorilla family (Nyakagezi Mountain Gorilla Family), famous for its fascinating high silverback number. Uganda gorilla trekking tours in Mgahinga National Park can be done while from Rwanda! Note that, a camera, hiking boots, rain jacket as well as insect repellents are so ideal during your gorilla trekking adventure.

Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda

Here is the price for a gorilla trekking permit in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

• Non-Foreign residents: USD 700
• Foreign residents: USD 600 and,
• East African Citizens: UGX 250,000

If interested in spending more time with gorillas, you can opt for a Mountain Gorilla habituation experience (costs USD 1500). Gorilla Habituation Experience is only possible in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Chimpanzee Safaris in Uganda | Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Trips

Are there Chimps in Uganda? Yes, Uganda holds over 5000 chimpanzees found in national parks, Uganda game reserves, as well as sanctuaries.

Chimpanzee trekking tours offer you a golden opportunity to encounter chimps in their natural habitat. This safari experience is so memorable!

Where can I see Chimpanzees in Uganda?

The prominent areas for chimpanzee safaris in Uganda include:

• Visit Kibale National Park- the best area for African safari chimpanzee trekking tours. This park is found on the edge of the rift valley floor.
• Kalinzu Forest- another ideal site for Uganda primate safaris
• Budongo forest near Murchison Falls National Park
• Kyambura Gorge in national park Queen Elizabeth. It’s about a 2-3 hour drive from Fort Portal town.

How long is Chimpanzee Trekking?

Normally, most Uganda chimp trekking tours for instance, in Kibale National Park take about 2-5 hours! And this usually depends on the movement of these amazing close cousins of man.

How much is Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park?

The fee for Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is:

• USD 200 for foreign non-residents
• USD 150 for foreign residents and,
• UGX 150,000 for citizens of East Africa

Note that travelers interested in spending more time with chimps should opt for the Chimpanzee habituation experience. For instance, the Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is USD 250. It’s also possible in Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls National Park at USD 230.

Uganda Wildlife Safaris

Wildlife safaris in Uganda allow you to encounter most of the incredible wild animals in Uganda in their thrilling habitats. Among these include Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants, Buffalos, Giraffes, Zebras, etc. Normally, wildlife tours in Uganda are done in a safari vehicle but, walking safaris are also possible. Game viewing tours in Uganda are best done in national parks, Uganda game reserves as well as sanctuaries.

Most wildlife of Uganda is best spotted in:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park as well as,
• Lake Mburo National Park

Primates counting gorillas and Chimpanzees are best spotted in; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park, respectively.

Where Can I See the Big 5 in Uganda?

The big five animals of Uganda include Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, as well as Rhinos.

On your Uganda wildlife tours:

Rhinos in Uganda can only be spotted in:

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary during Rhino tracking on foot- a thrilling wild adventure trip worth undertaking! Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place to spot wild Rhinos in Uganda.

Lions in Uganda are best spotted in:

• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park as well as,
• Kidepo Valley National Park in Northern Uganda

Among the above national parks, you can only spot tree climbing Lions in National Park Queen Elizabeth. The other East African destinations to find tree climbing Lions include Lake Manyara as well as Serengeti Park in Tanzania.

Leopards in Uganda are best spotted in:

• Lake Mburo National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park- It’s situated about 2 hours drive from Fort Portal town.
• Murchison Falls National Park, and,
• Kidepo Valley National Park in northern Uganda.

Elephants in Uganda are common in:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park, close to Fort Portal town
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park, and,
• Semuliki NP

Forest Elephants have been spotted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park as well as Mount Elgon National Park in Eastern Uganda.

Cape Buffaloes in Uganda can be found in:

• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kidepo National Park, and,
• Semuliki NP

Where Can I See Wildlife In Uganda Africa?

While on your wild adventure Uganda trip, expect to encounter various wildlife in every safari destination you’ll visit!

However, note that all the wildlife of Uganda is most spotted in national parks, Uganda game reserves, as well as sanctuaries.

Best Time To Go On A Wildlife Safari In Uganda?

The best time to undertake a wildlife safari in Uganda is during the dry season around December to February and June to early September.

In this season, tracks for game drives are drier and game animals can easily be spotted around water holes quenching their thirst.

Note that, wild adventure trips in Uganda are possible all year round!

Birding Safaris in Uganda

Uganda ranks top among the best birding destinations in Africa! It is home to over 1090 bird species counting most birds of Africa.

While on Uganda bird-watching tours, you’ll encounter forest birds, wading birds, savannah, migratory, and Albertine endemic birds as well as Congo biome species in Semilki National Park.

Note that, birding is a hobby! It involves viewing birds in their natural habitat.

Best Bird watching places in Uganda – Where to watch Birds in Uganda?

Below are the best birding destinations in Uganda:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- It’s one of the best tropical rainforests for African birding trips.
2. Kibale Forest National Park near Fort Portal town
3. Murchison Falls National Park, usually birds are spotted along the Nile river banks during a boat cruise.
4. Queen Elizabeth National Park, much spotted on a boat trip on Kazinga Channel.
5. Lake Mburo National Park, among Uganda’s national parks, it’s the best area to spot the African Finfoot.
6. Semuliki National Park
7. Kidepo Valley National Park
8. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary- While in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary you can have a chance to spot the Shoebill.
9. Mgahinga National Park and,
10. Mabamba Swamp, etc.

Best Time To Go Birding – What Time Of Day Are Birds Most Active?

All year-round, birding Uganda trips are possible! But, as experts, we recommend birding in the dry season. Birds rarely move out of their nestling during rainy times!

Migratory birds in Uganda are spotted from November to April.

Tips For Bird Watching – What Do You Need For Bird Watching?

Below are the key tips to flow during your birding safari in Uganda.

• Only carry what you need. This helps to avoid unnecessary weight while on a birding adventure. Ideally, you should only move with a camera, binoculars, a birding guidebook, and insect repellents.
• Don’t make noise while on a birding trail- This scares birds.
• Never leave a birding trail, you might get lost in the jungle.
• At least move with a birding guide book, we recommend A Guide to Birds of East Africa.
• Always put on eco-friendly clothes.
• Put on comfortable hiking boots.
• A sunhat, insect repents, and a rain jacket is so crucial

Why Should You Go Bird Watching In Uganda?

Among the East African destinations for birding trips, Uganda is truly exceptional! Some birders refer to it as “Africa’s Birding Capital”.

Here are the reasons why you should undertake Uganda birding trips:

• Uganda holds an incredible bird population totaling over 1090 bird species. This is almost 50% of birds in Africa and 11% of birds in the entire world.
• In Africa, Uganda is the best place to spot the rare Shoebill.
• Also, this country holds the best place to spot the African Green Broadbill.
• Furthermore, Uganda is the best area to spot the elusive Green Breasted Pitta in Africa. It’s best spotted in Kibale Forest National Park.
• This country holds several birding sites. These include national parks, game reserves, Ramsar sites as well as sanctuaries.