Uganda
The world’s largest gorilla population and the source of the river Nile
Uganda is regarded as the most beautiful nation in the world, which is backed by a wide range of natural touristic features such as vegetation, mountains, lakes, rivers, and animals, as well as a rich culture and traditional way of life. Uganda has 53.9% of the uncommon mountain.
The world’s largest gorilla population and the source of the river Nile, the world’s longest river, Lake Victoria is located here. The nation is also endowed with one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain ranges (the Rwenzori Mountains). Uganda is home to around 11% of the world’s bird life species, as well as a range of animal species, including the famed African big five, which include the African elephant, Lions, Leopards, Cape Buffalos, and Rhinos. Visit one of Uganda’s ten national parks, each of which is distinctive in its own way. Mount Elgon National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Semiliki National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park are among the parks. A number of game reserves around the country help to support these parks. Our staff is ready to design a safari in Uganda for you. Book your Wildlife Safari and Uganda gorilla trekking, Birding safari, Uganda Cultural Safari, or climbing with us.
Top Ugandan Safaris
Safaris in Uganda are particularly well-liked because to the extraordinary biodiversity of the nation. Winston Churchill referred to Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” due to its stunning natural surroundings and varied plant and animal life. Because of her proximity to the equator, Uganda has a climate that supports the ecology wonderfully, which makes tours there thrilling. A Uganda Wildlife Safari usually involves cultural experiences in addition to the weather. Over 30 tribes make up Uganda’s varied culture, and they are all welcome to visitors. Since Uganda’s independence, the tourist sector has faced challenges. The Joseph Kony-led uprising in Northern Uganda caused a drop in the number of travelers taking safaris in particular regions of the nation.
The country has experienced a return to peace, and an increasing number of tourists are choosing to go on safari in Uganda. Despite being a landlocked country, Uganda is endowed with a number of national parks, mountains, lakes, and rivers that are home to numerous bird, animal, and plant species. Uganda is one of the top tourist destinations since it is home to the most critically endangered Mountain Gorillas in the world. The largest population of chimpanzees in East Africa may be found in Uganda, which is home to more than simply gorillas. While on a safari in Uganda, visitors may easily see the big five (elephants, lions, hippopotamuses, buffaloes, and leopards). On a wildlife tour, Uganda is the finest site to see lions that climb trees.
The main activities while on a safari in Uganda are:
Gorilla tracking tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest, Kibale and Mgahinga.
Kampala City Tour involving Cultural and religious tours to the Ndere centre, Uganda museum, Kasubi tombs and the Uganda Martyrs shrine Namugongo.
Nature walks and landscape viewing.
Spotting the big five – Elephants, rhinoceros, Leopard, Lion and buffalo.
Fishing in the great Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Edward, Lake Mburo, Lake Kyoga, Lake Kwania, Lake Bunyoyi, Lake Bisina and the River Nile in Jinja. The main species of fish caught are Nile perch, Tilapia, mud and lung fish.
Bird watching (over 1035 species).
Swimming and rafting in the various crater lakes, rivers and beaches.
Climbing Mountain Elgon and Hiking the Rwenzori mountains.
Quad Biking.
Bungee jumping over the Nile.
Cultural and heritage tours
These activities can be done in the following national parks, reserves and spots: –
Murchison falls National park
Uganda Wildlife Safaris – Places to visit while on a Uganda tour
The largest conservation area in Uganda is Murchison Falls National Park, which is situated in Northwestern Uganda (Masindi District). The park is named after one of its main features, The Murchison Falls, and is situated in a region with a total size of about 3,800 km2. The Murchison Falls are created as the Nile River plunges 42 meters in a thunderous roar after passing through a small canyon. The park has changed throughout the years as a result of historical insecurity in the nation and unrestrained poaching. But because to more recent conservation initiatives, the park has rebounded.
The waterfall may be a top attraction but the park is teeming with wildlife. The park Uganda has the largest population of the now endangered Rothschild Giraffes in East Africa – numbering over 1000. Visitors on a Uganda Wildlife tour should expect a memorable cruise up and down the river Nile to see elephants, lions, giraffes, Nile crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes and birds feeding along the river banks. The Budongo forest in the park is famous for chimpanzee trekking as you can see in our 4 days Murchison falls safari package. The park is also famous for white water rafting at the Karuma falls – A collection of rapids just before the Murchison falls.
Queen Elizabeth National Park:
The 2,056 square kilometer Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda is close to the DR Congo border. The Uganda Kob and the tree-climbing lions in Ishasha make it the most popular park in Uganda. The park is a favorite among tourists for Uganda wildlife safaris because of its abundance of plants, animals, and birds. The park is home to more than 500 different bird species, including the Kingfisher, flamingos, eagles, and storks. The park is also home to the critically endangered Shoebill Stork. Numerous tree species, craters, savanna grasslands, wetlands, lakes, and other volcanic phenomena may be found in the park.
When doing a Uganda wildlife tour, a 3-day safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park offers the best opportunity to see the Big 5. The park is home to a number of antelope species as well as buffalo, hippos, baboons, and elephants. Nile crocodiles may be seen in Lake Edward and Lake George, while Kazinga Channel offers opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing, as well as chimpanzee tracking. The greatest time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park if you’re doing a trip of Uganda is when it’s dry out.
Kidepo Valley National Park:
The magnificent Kidepo Valley National Park spans around 1,440 km2 and is situated in the far north-east of Uganda. Due to its isolation, the park sees less tourists on a Uganda trip, but it is unrivaled in terms of variety and sheer quantity of flora and animals. In many respects, this undiscovered treasure is a wonderful wildlife safaris representation of how Africa was before increasing human intrusion. According to CNN Travel, it is one of the top three parks in Africa.
Beautiful mountains and untamed Savannah may be found at Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park. Wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, oryx, buffalo, and hippopotamuses may all be seen in Uganda when on a safari. In addition, the park is home to over 220 different bird species, elephants, ostriches, baboons, and bush babies. The Kananorok hot springs are also visible in the park’s northern region. The Karamajong and the Ik people, who live at the top of Morungole Mountain, coexist with the wildlife in this area. When going on a safari at Kidepo National Park, tourists doing a Uganda wildlife trip should be prepared for a particular surprise.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated next to the Virunga National Park in the south-western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bwindi has been dubbed the Switzerland of Africa due to its beautiful scenery and ecological richness; it is listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Half of the mountain gorillas left in the world are found in Bwindi National Park’s breathtakingly gorgeous and verdant woods. Only Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo include the remaining items. Mountain gorilla tracking is regarded as one of the top three things to do when in Africa especially on a safari in Uganda. Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that cannot be compared to anything else if you want to view the critically endangered gorillas. In addition to offering gorilla tours, Bwindi is also a haven for Colobus monkeys and a haven for birders. Bee-eaters, chap-in flycatchers, black-billed turacos, and African green broadbills are a few of the bird species. During the wet season, when all resident and migratory birds assemble to gorge themselves on the copious amounts of forest fruits and insects, is the greatest time to go bird watching while on a trip in Uganda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Uganda’s southwest region, Mgahinga, is well-known for its gorilla tourism. A component of gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is stopping by the park’s sole habituated mountain gorilla family. Golden monkeys can only be found in Mgahinga, Uganda. One would have to fly to Rwanda to view further golden monkey populations. The park is home to more than just gorillas and monkeys. Jackals, forest elephants, buffalo, leopards, and several other species of antelope live in the park. On a Uganda safari, visitors may also go cave searching on the Batwa trail in addition to trekking one of the park’s three volcanoes (Mount Sabinyo, Mt. Muhavura, or Mount Gahinga).
Kibale Forest National Park:
The park borders Queen Elizabeth National Park and is located close to the Rwenzori Mountains. The forest is well known for being the greatest area in East Africa to monitor chimpanzees. Although chimpanzees may be seen in other regions of Uganda and Africa, the sheer quantity of animals (around 1500) in Kibale forest ensures that you will have a close encounter when on a safari in Uganda. It is possible to combine nature hikes and a trip to the Bigodi swamp with chimpanzee trekking in the Kibale forest. In addition to chimpanzees, the park is home to 13 other species of monkeys, including red colobus, L’Hoest’s, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The park is home to giant forest pigs, antelopes, and more than 100 different kinds of butterflies. parts of Uganda’s Kibale National Park are covered with marshes and grasslands and is a good location for birding – Over 290 species.
Lake Mburo National Park:
The smallest but easiest to reach park in Uganda is Lake Mburo, located in Kampala. The largest of the park’s 12 aquatic features is Lake Mburo. Zebras may be seen at Uganda’s Lake Mburo National Park. With over 300 species gathered around the lake and its marshy beaches, the park is a birder’s delight. The huge woods benefits from the park’s lack of elephants. Animals including antelopes, buffaloes, leopards, jackals, and hyenas are abundant in the park’s Savannah grass. The greatest time to go on a safari during the dry season is when the animals congregate around Lake Mburo to drink. Our 3-Day Lake Mburo Wildlife Tour & Safari Package could be of interest to you.
Mount Elgon National Park:
The park is located in the Mbale district in the country’s eastern region and is where Kenya and Uganda meet. The main draw of the park is Mount Elgon. The mountain’s 42 km2 crater is part of an extinct volcano. The Wagagai peak, along with the hot springs and other attractions that make Mount Elgon National Park so alluring, is a favorite among hikers. Natural woods, shrubs, gorges, canyons, caverns, and waterfalls may be found all over the mountain slopes. Along with primates including Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vevert monkeys, the park is also home to several bird species. A trip to this park is essential as part of a Ugandan safari.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
Along the route to the Murchison Falls National Park, this is a rhino reserve. The sanctuary’s goal is to safeguard the nation’s rhinos and eventually replenish the bigger parks. In several of Uganda’s parks, rhinos have fallen victim to poaching for their precious horns. The sanctuary provides rhinos with a secure environment to breed by helping to safeguard them from poachers and human interference with Uganda’s wildlife. Visitors to the park may engage with the park’s more than 60 rangers and guards, observe rhinos up close, and learn more about the project and rhinos by talking to conservationists. When planning Uganda safaris to the Murchison Falls national park, the majority of tour operators include a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.
In addition to rhinos, rangers can aid in spotting hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and monkeys. The sanctuary is a terrific location to unwind, go on nature hikes, and go canoeing while observing over 240 different bird species.
Uganda tour – Other Tourism destinations
Lake Bunyonyi:
The 29 islands that make up Lake Bunyonyi make it the most picturesque lake in Uganda, according to many people. The cities of Kabale and Kisoro are close to the lake, which is situated close to the Rwandan border. Despite being one of the deepest in Africa, the lake is unique for its breathtaking natural beauty, which draws both tourists on Uganda tours and residents to the area. It provides wonderful places for couples to unwind and watch the day go by while making plans for their next adventure while on a safari in Uganda. The Batwa Pygmies’ traditional dances may also be seen, or you can travel between islands by boat and observe the many island communities, schools, and settlements. Visitors love stopping by the lake on their route to search for mountain gorillas since it is near to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. More information is available in our 3 Days Lake Bunyonyi Safari package.
The source of the Nile:
A two-day excursion to Jinja, where the Nile originates, should be included as part of any safari in Uganda. The River Nile, one of the world’s three longest lakes, flows through a number of nations after leaving Uganda, including Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Jinja is a former industrial town that is tiny, peaceful, and generally well-planned. It also has stunning surroundings. You may take a trip to the Bujagali Falls or take a boat down the Nile while looking out for a number of sizable crocodiles. Additionally, there are places to camp, go fishing, go rafting or kayaking, or do the now-famous bungee leap on the Nile River.
Ssese Islands:
A group of 84 beautiful islands known as the Ssese Islands may be found in Lake Victoria. The island’s peaceful sandy beaches are a favorite holiday destination for locals and tourists on Uganda Wildlife tours. The boat ride from Entebbe to the islands takes three hours, or 45 minutes from Bukakata. You will travel by ferry across the picturesque Lake Victoria and fishing communities on the way to Entebbe. In Kalangala town is Bugala, the biggest island. Bulago and Bukasa, which both offer outstanding white sand beaches, are additional islands in Uganda worth seeing when on a safari. The islands’ two primary industries are fishing and tourism. On a tour of the Ssese Islands, tourists will have the chance to see a variety of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, and other animals.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre:
The Ugandan government established the Entebbe-based facility with the goals of promoting education and animal protection. The center recently underwent renovations and has expanded significantly in recent years. Animal, bird, and reptile diversity and population have grown. The Entebbe Zoo is a great spot for those traveling to Uganda for brief seminars and conferences to see the country’s rich flora and wildlife.
The Rwenzori Mountains:
Although Uganda is endowed with several mountains, the Rwenzori range stands out. Tourists adore ascending the snow-capped Margherita summit, which is located near the boundary of Uganda and the DR Congo. Numerous bird and butterfly species, monkeys, forest pigs, and other animals live in the lush woods that cover the mountain sides. A stop by these stunning mountains on a safari in Uganda will reward nature enthusiasts with breathtaking views.
Sipi Falls:
The Sipi Falls are among Uganda’s most beautiful waterfalls. One of Uganda’s most popular waterfalls is the Sipi Falls, which are situated at the base of Mount Elgon. There are three levels, the highest level drawing the majority of visitors.